Review: The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz

Title: The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz
Publisher: MIRA
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

They called themselves “the lucky ones”

They were seven children either orphaned or abandoned by their parents and chosen by legendary philanthropist and brain surgeon Dr. Vincent Capello to live in The Dragon, his almost magical beach house on the Oregon Coast. Allison was the youngest of the lucky ones living an idyllic life with her newfound family…until the night she almost died, and was then whisked away from the house and her adopted family forever.

Now, thirteen years later, Allison receives a letter from Roland, Dr. Capello’s oldest son, warning her that their father is ill and in his final days. Allison determines she must go home again and confront the ghosts of her past. She’s determined to find out what really happened that fateful night — was it an accident or, as she’s always suspected, did one of her beloved family members try to kill her?

But digging into the past can reveal horrific truths, and when Allison pieces together the story of her life, she’ll learns the terrible secret at the heart of the family she once loved but never really knew.

Review:

The Lucky Ones by Tiffany Reisz is a very atmospheric mystery with a slight element of romance.

Now in her mid twenties, Allison Lamarque has not seen or heard from any foster family members since leaving neurosurgeon Vincent Capello’s home (dubbed The Dragon) thirteen years earlier. Just as her current relationship is ending, she receives a letter from her foster brother, Roland Capello, letting her know that Dr. Capello does not have long to live. Conflicted about whether or not to return to the sprawling home on the Oregon coast, Allison decides to make a quick visit before doing some traveling. Soon after arriving at mansion, Allison begins to remember some of the events that precipated her  hasty departure and although Dr. Capello fills in some of the blanks, she cannot help but wonder if he is being entirely truthful. But that brings up the question: what possible reason would he have for lying to her?

Allison has no living relatives so she is a bit adrift after her long term arrangement with her older lover ends.  She is nervous about returning to Oregon due to the circumstances of her leaving, but she decides it is time to face her past. Immediately reconnecting with her long ago crush, Roland, she remains uneasy about committing to staying longer than a few days. Despite her happy memories of  her time at The Dragon,  Allison becomes a little suspicious when she becomes aware that Dr. Capello is not being truthful with her. She also learns that her foster siblings, Thora and Deacon, have been less than honest with her as well. In the course of trying to unearth the truth, Allison is shocked to learn the fate of several other foster children who were also in Dr. Capello’s care. Unraveling the web of lies, the truth about her foster siblings shocks Allison to the core and she inadvertently puts herself in danger in the process.

The Lucky Ones by is a very riveting mystery  with a bit of a gothic feel to the storyline. The characters are quite fascinating  but also somewhat mysterious due to the many secrets they are keeping. Allison’s investigation into her long ago accident takes a very unexpected turn as she uncovers very appalling information.  The mystery aspect of the storyline is completely wrapped up but Tiffany Reisz leaves it up to readers to guess what comes next for one of the couples. All in all, an engrossing mystery that fans of the genre are going to love.