This book started out a bit slow for me - about a third of the way in, I started wondering if this was all it was? A story about 2 sisters going about their very different lives? Then the story starts to change, Fern’s perspective starts to change, and you start to know something is not right…so I guess my though on this one is that it is good if you like a slow-burning psychological type of thriller. It isn’t quick, it isn’t full of twists and turns, but it is a decent book.

Listened to this on audio and it was an absolutely brilliant listen/read. I just whizzed through this 8 hour audiobook and finished it in one day - I just couldn't stop!

Writing, pacing, plot and character development was amazing and an unreliable narrator too. My favourite book so far this year! I loved how it started out almost like a family drama but then about halfway through the mystery rears it's head and the story just takes off like a runaway train. Crazy entertaining!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing a digital copy in return for an honest, unbiased review.

Quite an interesting story here---one that I enjoyed for about 85% of the book. However, like so many mysteries/ thrillers I read, I feel like the ending was way too abrupt, wrapping up a complex plot very quickly. This usually means there is a surprise (which I always hope for!), but it feels jarring like some jumping out at you in the dark with facts that were never hinted at rather than a slow realization or connection of dots that have been shared along the way. For me, that is not very satisfying, but others obviously don't mind, as these types of books are quite popular. Thank you NetGalley and publishers for providing a digital ARC for review.

Twin sisters, devoted to one another, hiding a big secret. The love and support that they had for one another was remarkable and as I read about their lives growing up, I understood why this had grown so deep. An event when the girls were 12, has their lips sealed but ties the girls even closer.

Growing up in a strict household, their mother expected perfection from them. She wanted her children to adore her and now, Fern is the only one who visits her mother in the care center. Why hasn’t Rose visited her mom in 16 years? These two girls were total opposites. Fern enjoys her job at the library. She’s the quiet twin who enjoys being alone and the simpler things in life. Rose on the other hand, is more outgoing and vocal. Rose has taken on the job of Fern’s protector, a role that she takes very seriously.

Fern meets a guy at the library who has taken an interest in her. She calls him Wally and like her, he’s quirky. I liked their relationship as it gets interesting, and I enjoyed their characters. Rose was married but I felt that she was more devoted to Fern than to her own husband, Fern discovers that Rose is having difficulties getting pregnant so without Rose’s knowledge, Fern decides she’s going to help her sister. How? Fern will get pregnant and give the baby to her sister. If only it were that easy, Fern. The novel speeds along as everything is moving now but what will happen to the girls and their relationship once the dust has all settled.
This was a page-turning, exciting book to read and I really enjoyed it. 5 stars

Hepworth is another hit or miss for me but this time, Fern’s character really sold it. Did it have the most surprising ending? No. But I did enjoy the path getting there. The relationship dynamics made this story interesting but I do wish there’d been a bit more of a punchy twist. It’s not the type of story you’d think about much after it ends, but it was still entertaining in the moment.

Sally Hepworth will be an auto buy author for me. Another fantastic thriller by Hepworth that brings familial trauma and drama into a very realistic world,

I have read other books by this author, and to be honest I didn’t even read the premise. I had liked her other books, so I blindly gave it a shot.

The first half of the book was not what I expected. I thought it would be more of a mystery, when instead, the story followed Fern, a young librarian with sensory issues.

Suddenly, the book did make a turn and there were twists I didn’t expect.

This was a great read!

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I’ve had this in my TBR pile for quite some time. I’m so glad I decided to read this as I needed something different than my normal genre. This is the first book I’ve read by Sally Hepworth and I enjoyed her storytelling.

There are many twists and turns along the way..although some were predictable..I really enjoyed this story.

Uncertain about the book's thriller element, and the notion of it being a mystery feels somewhat stretched.

Within the narrative, twin sisters Fern and Rose share a tumultuous upbringing in a dysfunctional household devoid of a paternal figure. Their mother's emotionally abusive behavior, marked by gaslighting and mind games, has left a lasting impact on them. The tale unfolds through the perspectives of both sisters, each offering their unique version of the events.

The book adopts an unconventional approach, with a central storyline intertwined with diary entries from Rose 🌹. Fern, along with her colleagues at the library and her friend Wally, adds an enjoyable dynamic to the narrative. Fern's struggle with sensory issues, including sensitivity to noises, smells, and lights, has made it challenging for her to connect with others, but her steadfast relationship with Rose remains a constant source of support.

While the story features these elements, it gives the impression of being somewhat disjointed, lacking a truly surprising plot. The conclusion appears evident, and it diverges from the author's previous works that may have resonated more with readers. In this case, the story fails to captivate, leaving the reader with a desire to move on from it, despite finishing it.

Couldn't really get into this one. Even half way through I just found it so forgettable. I didn't feel invested in what happened to any of the characters

Have you ever picked up a book because the reviews were outstanding? That's what this one was and I just didn't care for it. I don't know why this seems to happen with every book that everyone else raves about.

If I'm frank, I didn't think I could finish it and I only did so that I could see how it ended.

4 out of 5 stars



I would say that this is definitely more of a family drama with a thriller aspect but it really kept my interest. What I always enjoy about a Hepworth novel is that her characters are always so relatable. I find that even if the characters have made bad choices you still tend to root for them. I loved the sisterly relationship.

It was good but a little bit predictable. Overall I enjoyed the book and the authors writing kept me engagrd

4.5 stars. This is one of my favorite thrillers I’ve read in a while. I tore through it! I loved the development of Fern. I was rolling my eyes at the start of the book that she was a prickly person (not aware she was on the spectrum yet) who was working in a library- I thought this was going to further perpetuate the stereotype of librarians shushing and wanting to be left alone all day when they work a public services job. I was so wrong!!! It was so nice to see her new supervisor praise her for her work and how she relates to and serves her patrons.

Back to the plot. I really enjoyed how this was told both through Fern’s perspective and Rose’s journal entries. Keeps up the questioning of reality up until the end, and it was a satisfying ending. I also loved the development of “Wally”— the care that the author put into these sweet characters was very evident! Lastly, I loved the afterword where the author mentioned the idea for this book coming from a moment with her daughters where one of them bit the other because “she annoys me sometimes”— not in that moment, just sometimes! What a perfect depiction of sisters. This book definitely goes to the extreme with the jealousy/competitiveness, but sister relationship being the focal point made this book stand out among many other psychological thrillers for me.

Could not put this book down, kept me on the edge of my seat. Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Good Sister is a startling story that rocks you! How can two sisters be so alike yet different? Included are all the twists and turns you could imagine and ends with a twisted smile. Excellent!

Synopsis:

Fern Castle works at her local library and lives a simple life. She owes her sister Rose for always making sure she does everything the right way. She avoid crowds, bright lights and loud noises and lives a carefully structure life to avoid any disruptions to her routine. When Rose has fertility issues, Fern sees her chance to pay her sister back for everything. She just needs to find a father, simple. This mission will shake the foundations of her life and stir up dark secrets from the past.

Review:

I think every family has a black sheep - this book makes you wonder who that is in the Castle family. I loved the alternating perspectives - they're my fav, especially in thrillers because you get to know a bit more - which, to be honest, mostly ends up throwing me off more than anything. I did not see what was coming and couldn't put this book down, so many twists and turns!

Thank you St. Martin's Press for the eGalley!

Fern and Rose are twins. Will you be able to guess which one is the good sister? It seems like they have always looked out for each other, or Rose looks out for Fern. Rose is married and wants a baby, while Fern is happy to be a librarian. When Fern finds out that Rose is struggling to conceive, she decides she will have a baby for her twin sister. When Fern gets pregnant, things get interesting.

The story is told from Rose and Fern’s POV, as well as journal entries. They’ve always been there for each other, always looked out for each other. They are good sisters, but where do the boundaries lay?

Although this was a slow burn, I still enjoyed the story and wanted to know what would happen next. There were plot twists along the way to keep the reader interested and entertained. As we get to know the sisters, although twins, we learn that they have very different characters. This is a highly engaging family drama story that will keep you turning page after page until the very last twist.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my digital copy in exchange for a review. As always, my reviews are my own and unbiased opinions.

This story is wonderfully written. I love the way the author shares each sister's perspective of their lives. Character development is spot on. I highly recommend this book if you love a good suspense.

Once again, Sally Hepworth has created a deeply nuanced, expertly crafted novel. She dives into sibling relationships, friendships, and marriage. The author carefully delves into mental health and disorders, exploring the many faulty assumptions related to them. These characters are multifaceted and filled with unexpected actions and decisions. Brilliant, and enlightening! Highly recommend this book! #NetGalley