Little Sister

No one knows you better than a sister—your dreams, your fears, your mistakes, and all your secrets.
 
It was just that way when Jess and her older sister, Emily, were children. Born barely a year apart, they were deeply entwined, complementing each other in their differences. When Jess felt awkward and shy, Emily, the consummate big sister, was happy to take the lead.
 
After a long estrangement, they’ve become close again. Jess moves into the comfortable Isle of Wight home Emily shares with her husband, step-daughter, and toddler. Any misgivings about the past are swept away and forgotten.
 
And then, on New Year’s Eve, little Daisy disappears while in Jess’s care.
 
Jess is in shock, unable to remember what happened. Emily, traumatized, watches helplessly as her life unravels. But as the search intensifies and the police detective’s questions grow more pointed, a different picture emerges. Behind the image of a seemingly happy family there are devastating deceptions and long-ago choices that can never be unmade. And underlying everything is the story of what really happened to drive Emily and Jess apart years ago . . .

Isabel Ashdown was born in London and grew up on the south coast of England. Her writing career was launched with her award-winning debut Glasshopper, and she now writes full-time, walks daily, and volunteers for the charity Pets as Therapy. She has a Masters degree in Creative Writing and was recently appointed Royal Literary Fund Fellow at the University of Chichester. Isabel lives in Sussex with her carpenter husband and their two children. Follow Isabel on Twitter @IsabelAshdown, or visit her website at isabelashdown.com.