Little Sister

May 14, 2018
British author Ashdown makes her U.S. debut with a harrowing tale of sibling rivalry. After 16 years of separation, Emily, who’s lived a life of privilege on the Isle of Wight, reunites with her year-younger sister, well-traveled bohemian Jess. Emily invites Jess to live with her as a nanny to her stepdaughter and her toddler daughter, Daisy. All is idyllic for a few months until New Year’s Eve, when Jess is found unconscious and Daisy goes missing. The previously estranged sisters begin to doubt each other as lies and deception replace love and trust. As days stretch into weeks with no sign of Daisy, Emily sinks into despair, and Jess tries to keep the peace. Yet continuous pressure and suspicion—from the police and the press—soon take their toll; each member of the family acts out, and long-buried secrets emerge. Ashdown’s use of Emily and Jess as alternate narrators raises the tension as readers must decide which sister to believe. This is a dark, unrelenting, psychological thrill ride. Agent: Kate Shaw, Viney Shaw Agency (U.K.).