“The Missing Sister” by Lucinda Riley

I enjoyed the first six novels in this series, but found this final saga just too drawn out. At 800 pages it was awkward to hold while lying in bed, which is where I do most of my relaxing reading.

The thoroughly researched story of the fight for Irish independence and women’s role in it is engaging, and the author keeps up the suspense, but I found the end disappointing. It’s clearly left ready for the next (final?) instalment. However, after such a marathon read a bit more resolution was called for. I understand the author died in June this year, but she left detailed notes of the continuing story, which will be completed by her son Harry, and is planned to be published in the northern spring of 2023.

This novel has been the top selling book in Aotearoa this year, and must certainly have provided an escape for many during lockdown and Covid uncertainty. I wonder how many others were disappointed with the ending?

This sister still remains a mystery
that’s buried deep in Irish history