Member Reviews
Gill D, Media
An interesting and very different mystery come thriller. A family suffering from a death in there family, and a mother who workdays never forgive. A brother and sister reunited and murders , but who did it, and why. Thanks for opportunity to let me read this.book. I read loads of thrillers and always wonder how each thriller is different. The murders will. Continue this book would make a good tv series. |
In today’s world of social media and the desire to be famous and in the public eye, it is easy to judge Gina by her actions when she discovers the body of a young woman in an alleyway on her way home from a night out. For most people her actions are questionable, and an online campaign against her is raised. However nobody seems more fazed by events than Gina, and the more questions the police throw at her, the less sure she is of her reasons behind what she did that night. My suspicions about the people around Gina in both her personal and professional lives were immediately on high alert and I have to admit to almost being on the right track to the conclusion of the story quite early on, however I was only part way there. There are sufficient red herrings and dead ends over the course of the book to make me doubt myself – especially when Gina stumbles across a second victim only a short while after the first. My opinion of Gina at various points in the book swung from disgust, to questioning and even sympathy as she desperately tried to work out who would try and implicate her in the crimes – even making her question the loyalty of her family. I was lucky enough to read and review Elle Croft’s first novel The Guilty Wife back in January and in my opinion her writing has improved so much in this second book which makes things look even more promising for her future work. Definitely a writer to feature on my go-to reading list. Grab yourself a copy and see what you think. This review will be posted on my blog at www.sandiesbookshelves.blogspot.co.uk as part of the publisher's promotional tour. |
A lovely read! The book starts a bit slow but then quickly builds up speed. The story itself is gripping and full of twists and turns! |
Susan Anne B, Reviewer
Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. absolutely loved Elle. Croft's Guilty Wife so when I had the chance to read The Other Sister I jumped at the chance. I certainly was not disappointed. I spent the afternoon finishing this one, I had no idea how this one was going to end which is a good thing, it kept me guessing right til the end. It is twisted story that jumps between 1996 and present day for Gina and her family.. slowly piecing the story together for the reader |
Rob S, Reviewer
Great follow up to the Guilty Wife. Elle has such an engaging style to her writing, and the characters really pop off the page and into your head. Will definitely recommend to others and be on the look out for whatever she releases next. |
Graham R, Reviewer
The Other Sister is the second book by Elle Croft and although enjoyable i don't think it is as good as The Guilty Wife her first book.Gina is a PA for her boss Jacqueline at Channel Eight who dreams of one day being a reporter but Jacqueline refuses to give her a break,one night while walking home Gina stumbles upon a dead body and decides to broadcast live from the scene to Facebook.Her bosses are naturally delighted as their viewing figures increase and Gina is suddenly where she wants to be in her career,the story is told in parts by Gina her brother Ryan and the policeman assigned to the case Adam Adebayo with flashbacks also to Gina's childhood told by her mother Sharon.After another body is discovered again by Gina suspicion starts to fall on her and her boyfriend who is an illusionist ! The book for me just fails to hit the heights of Elle Croft's first book but is still a good read with a superb ending which explains everything that happened in Gina's and Ryan's lives previously.A good solid 4 star read and i look forward to Elle Croft's next book. |
Pauline S, Reviewer
From the first chapter I was gripped. Gina and Ryan are brother and sister who still feel the effects of the death of their little sister Cassie when they were young. Gina is now in a relationship with Julian, she is working as a PA for a television news company and desperate to be a presenter. On her way home from a night out she stumbles upon a murdered woman, and after calling for the police, she sees her chance to film it and broadcasts it live. She then starts to be harassed by the public and close friends for being so disrespectful. But when she then stumbles upon another body and does the same thing again the police are convinced it is not a coincidence and Gina is not as innocent as she seems. Meanwhile, Ryan is sure that he keeps seeing his dead sister Cassie and is having issues of his own to deal with. There are lots of twists and turns, the story flashes between 1996 and 2017-2018, and the method used in the murders is unusual although I did guess this just before the reveal. I read Elle Croft's previous book The Guilty Wife and absolutely loved it and for me The Other Sister was just as good. |
Unfortunately a DNF- I invested reading 15% of this and it didn't pull me in. The mystery is briefly hinted, I didn't find the plot original enough to join in and the characters are not built interesting. Sadly, I didn't enjoy this book. |
Sandra B, Reviewer
Really enjoyed this book. Great twist. Hard to put down. Thanks to the author and Netgalley for the ARC. |
Paromjit H, Reviewer
Elle Croft is turning out to be a great writer of dark and deliciously twisted psychological thrillers. I enjoyed reading her debut, The Guilty Wife, and this is a good one too, with what is becoming her trademark creation of deeply flawed characters. Gina Miller has left her job in local news to return to London to live and reconnect with her brother, Ryan, after a long estrangement after the death of her younger sister, Cassie. Gina lands a position as a PA at Channel 8, but she harbours dreams and ambitions of a presenting role, but her boss, director Jacqueline Davis, is less than helpful, barely acknowledging any of Gina's efforts. Late one night, whilst Gina is heading home, she comes across the dead body of a woman. She phones the emergency services, but in the meantime makes the fateful decision of reporting the murder online. This goes on to raise her public profile considerably and pleases her bosses no end. However, there are others who are not happy, including those on social media, questioning her motives and ethics as death threats follow. Gina is not prepared for the backlash as it leaves her reeling, feeling scared and vulnerable. The narrative is given from the perspectives of Gina, Ryan, her mother, Sharon in Florida and others, such as the lead investigator from the police. But when Gina stumbles across the dead body of another woman with a similar MO, she makes exactly the same decision to report on it. The police do not believe in coincidences as they focus their attention on Gina. Is Gina the target of a murderer? The tragic events surrounding the death of Gina's sister has the narrative going back and forth in time from 1996 to the present. In this tense and suspenseful story of intrigue, secrets and more, it is best to rely on nothing as we are hit by twist after twist. Who is behind these nightmarish scenarios? A gripping read that proves to be highly entertaining. Many thanks to Orion for an ARC. |
Wow. The Other Sister was twisty brilliant, a pleasure to read with surprises around every corner and some truly memorable characters. I love the way Elle Croft plots a book, nothing is a given and a bit like Fox Mulder you are probably better off if you trust no-one. The story fairly rocks along and it is a right proper page turner with an ending that might keep you up at night. Loved it. Go get it. Recommended |
Well, all I can say is thank the lord this book arrived via Kindle when it did! Having just read a total bummer of a thriller with more issues than a magazine, I was ready to get back on my horse and truly enjoy the thrill ride once more. Courtesy of Elle Croft, I was back into my reading stride quicker than you could say "Reading slump...what reading slump?". Gina Mills longs to be a newsreader but is currently working as a personal assistant (PA) to director of Channel Eight television, Jacqueline Davis. One night Gina is walking home and comes across a body. Going against her better judgement she decides to broadcast the discovery live on Facebook. This is swiftly followed by plenty of time in the limelight, and both good and bad attention comes from her fifteen minutes of fame. Trolls start to attack her moral compass due to the broadcast, and she received threats against her life. The police begin to look at her a little more closely after that. She then discovers another body, and starts to become concerned. Is someone specifically targeting her? Or is this merely conincidental? Having enjoyed Ms Croft's debut domestic thriller 'The Guilty Wife' I was apprehensive about this one, especially right after reading a book that made me want to leave the genre alone for the time being. I took the first tentative pages of 'The Other Sister' slowly but soon I was hurtling 100 miles per hour towards the conclusion, not realising how engrossed I had become. I simply cannot thank the author enough, I didn't think it was possible, but I loved this even more than her incredibly accomplished debut. This is an immersive, gripping and edge-of-your-seat ride, with perfect pace and a storyline that had me hooked very early on, albeit without knowing it. With so many done to death twists and surprises in this genre, Croft has some highly original about-turns that had my jaw on the floor, none moreso than the explosive conclusion! Make no mistake, this is a super-dark story, I find that the darker the story the more I love it, and this was no exception. I know that some people abandoned reading it as it was too dark and gritty for them so proceed with caution! The timeline jumps between 1996 and the present day and is told from a variety of different perspectives, namely Gina, Ryan, Gina's brother, and investigator Detective Adam Adebayo. There are also small interjections from Gina's mother, Sharon, throughout the book. The method of murder is one I haven't come across in all of my time reading crime fiction, which is quite a feat! I imagine that it could provide some great discussion should it be read by a book club. Each of the characters are meticulously developed, and as with a lot of thrillers most of them are deeply flawed individuals with no real redeeming features. The prose is effortlessly readable and flows beautifully chapter-to-chapter. The author appears adept at layering up her story and slowly unfurling it one step at a time - we receive just enough information to keep us immersed, but not enough that it is possible to guess the killer accurately. A refreshingly different take on the thriller which captivated me with its highly unique storyline. I cannot wait to see what is next for Elle Croft, whatever it is I know I will be making a big effort to grab a copy! Many thanks to Orion for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. |
I really enjoyed Elle Croft’s first book, but found her second, The Other Sister to be even better. It’s a great plot line and you are sucked in from the first page. It’s a face paced psychological thriller with plenty of twists and turns. It’s set between present day and the past and the different time frames all add to the suspense before a fabulous conclusion. I can highly recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author for the chance to review. |
Nadine H, Reviewer
Really enjoyed the start of this book but for me it went down hill a bit the second half. Also did not enjoy the ending such a promising start but the second half just did not enjoy reading as much. |
Sandra M, Reviewer
What a great book! The book is full of so many twists and turns with new information being gently fed in to the reader at the exact pace to keep the urge to discover who the killer really was and then why. Gina always wanted to be a newsreader and when she discovers a dead body on her way home from the pub one evening she goes into newsreader mode and films herself reporting the death. The story is very well developed alternating between the family situations in 1996 and the present day. It is centred around Gina and her brother Ryan when young living with their mother Sharon and later when Gina’s boyfriend Julian appears. A fast paced novel with a wonderful twisted ended. Thank you for letting me read this wonderful book. |
I absolutely loved Elle. Croft's Guilty Wife so when I had the chance to read The Other Sister I jumped at the chance. I certainly was not disappointed. I spent the afternoon finishing this one, I had no idea how this one was going to end which is a good thing, it kept me guessing right til the end. It is twisted story that jumps between 1996 and present day for Gina and her family.. slowly piecing the story together for the reader. Gina Mills is desperate to be a newsreader., but she is stuck being a PA at Channel 8. On her walk home from work one evening she comes across a body, a woman was been murdered. After calling the police she decides to report the murder live online... a decision that divides her friends, family and the nation. The threats start and she feels that her life is in danger. Is there a connection to her childhood? This is a book that will suck you in and leave you wanting more. Thanks to Orion Publishing and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased |
I love how there is a timeline, 1996 and 2017/18. Different people's angles of events. Gina, Adam, Sharon and Ryan are a favourite idea in a book for me too. It had me gripped and if I wasn't disturbed by holiday events i wouldn't have been unable to put it down. The method of the 2 murders of Michelle and Angela is completely different to anything I've read so this one is an eye opener for new ways of murder. You have to read it to discover how. |
Paula S, Reviewer
I really don’t know what to say, other than you must read this book !!!! A dark, twisty psychological thriller that will have you changing your mind many many times. It all begins with Gina, who despite wanting to be a journalist / reporter, is currently working as a PA at a news channel. Whilst on her way home she discovers a body. She immediately calls 999 but then makes the decision to do a live report from the scene, whilst waiting for the emergency services to arrive. Gina is thrown into the limelight and also draws the attention of the police. The story continues and as well as hearing from Gina we also have the story told by Ryan, Gina’s brother, and DC Adebayo, who is investigating the murder. We also start to get snippets of the past from Gina’s mother, Sharon, and discover a terrible event that happened in the past. Is this connected to the recent murder ? If so, how ? This is a very clever psychological thriller with a conclusion I did not see coming. A great twisty, dark story that will keep you guessing right to the end. Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book. |
Gina D, Reviewer
First of all, thanks to NetGalley and Elle Croft for the ARC for my Kindle and being am ambassador for Elle Croft. As much as I would have liked to enjoy this book,I did finish the book but it was just "too dark" for me. |
Many thanks to Elle Croft, Orion and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Other Sister in return for an honest review. The Other Sister was a fantastic read, compelling, dark and with twists I did not see coming. I read this book in one sitting and was captivated, especially the latter half of the book when the unique murder method is identified. At times I thought I knew where the book was going, but I was wrong, I would highly recommend this refreshingly different and thought provoking psychological fiction. Five Stars***** Gina, a journalist for a local paper returns to live in London. She has a long term partner, Julian, an entertainer. Whilst in London, she reunites with her brother Ryan, after not having contact for fifteen years. Her parents, who are also estranged, live in Florida and have left Ryan the family home. Ryan immediately offers her a room to live at this home and Gina gladly accepts, and the siblings go about rebuilding their relationship. Throughout the book we are led back to 1996 and the voice of Sharon, Ryan and Gina's Mum. It becomes apparent that a tragic event occurred leading to the death of their younger sister. Ryan has suddenly began having nightmares and also 'seeing' his sister whilst out and about, making him doubt himself and building fear. Further revelations from the past are revealed as we move throughout the book that begin to plant seeds of doubts about the children. Despite the concerns about Cassie, the other sister, Ryan is thrilled to be reunited with his remaining sister and uses his contacts to find Gina a PA role at a TV station. Gina has always wanted to be a presenter and sees this as a step on the ladder. Despite working hard and excelling in her role, all approaches about career progression are turned down by Gina's unfair and authoritarian boss. One evening, Gina happens to be walking down an alley, on her way home from work, and she finds the body of a female. Immediately dialling 999 she reports the crime, then whilst waiting for the police to attend, she live reports the discovery of the body, via her phone, direct to the channels twitter and Facebook accounts. The report goes viral with hundreds of thousands of views and Gina is propelled into a media spotlight, which includes being interviewed on the channels chat and news shows. Viewing figures soar, However Gina is subjected to a torrent of abuse on social media, with people questioning her personal morals for being so fast to film and post her report. They also feel that the victims dignity has been betrayed. Gina is unprepared for this and for the threats that follow. Devastated and frightened by the negative display of public opinion, Gina turns to Julian who flies home for the evening to comfort her. Unfortunately he has a show the next day and has to catch a return flight, Gina's one true friend has turned against her and she is beginning to question her own actions, despite being in the good books of her boss, When Gina finds a second body in similar circumstances she once again reports the incident via social media, However this unusual course of action and the fact that she has discovered a second body results in her being a serious suspect in the police investigation. Alibi's rule her out of the actual murder, but an accomplice role is not ruled out. Eventually and surprisingly, Ryan is arrested and charged with the murders, despite no memory of them. It is not until the police receive a letter from 'the puppeteer' that one detectives begins to feel that there is more to these crimes and he is not satisfied with the charges against Ryan, he feels that another person should also be held responsible. However, as a junior police detective his view is dismissed and Ryan is found guilty in a court of law. But who is the puppeteer? Is this case all it seems? Well, it certainly is not and the book excels from this point providing twists and turns both past and present. Brilliant, captivating and original. |








