“Have You Seen My Sister?” by Kirsty McKay is one of those thrillers that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a psychological ride that mixes family secrets, loss, and a whole lot of tension. The central mystery is the main character’s missing sister, Gaia Gill. We follow Esme, her 16 year old younger sister, as she tries to uncover what happened while they’re on vacation in a New Hampshire ski resort. It’s a search for answers, but it quickly turns into a much deeper dive into family dynamics and trust.
Esme is a great protagonist, and is totally relatable in how she handles the confusion of it all. You’re right there with her as she’s piecing things together, and at the same time, questioning whether she can trust anyone—especially herself. Kirsty McKay does an awesome job of keeping the suspense high.
Even though I am not that emotional when it comes to books in general, I’ve got to say that I believe the emotional side of this book really hits home for some readers. The bond between Esme and Gaia is complex and messy in a way that felt really real. Sisters can be best friends, worst enemies, and everything in between, and this book captures that mix of love and rivalry so well. You can feel Esme’s determination to find her sister—it’s heartbreaking, but also super inspiring. She really shows how far someone will go for family.
That said, I did feel like some parts of the plot were a little predictable. I’m not saying I saw everything coming, but there were moments where I had a hunch about what might happen next. Still, even with the predictable bits, McKay knows how to keep you hooked to the book, and the emotional payoff at the end makes it all worth it. The last few chapters will have you feeling everything.
In the end, “Have You Seen My Sister?” is a really strong read for anyone who loves suspense, family dramas, or psychological mysteries with a lot of heart. The way McKay blends the mystery with emotional depth is what really makes this book stand out. If you’re into thrillers that get you thinking about trust, memory, and what we’re willing to do for the people we love, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
