I’ll keep this brief — beautifully written, but not what I was expecting. I thought this would be more of a mystery or murder-mystery, but it’s moreso about first love, family, trauma, coming-of-age, and friendship. There was very little suspense, which is what I thought I was getting, but was still very well-written and captivating. Giving it 3 stars because I feel like the summary and quotes made it out to seem like something it wasn’t, and the ending became quite tongue-in-cheek predictable.

2.5 stars

Things Don't Break on Their Own by Sarah Easter Collins is less of a *thriller thriller* and more of a domestic thriller centering around a completely dysfunctional family. There were heavy themes of domestic and child abuse. The story moved extremely slowly and I found my interest and attention waning many times throughout. This story is told from a few different POVs and a couple different timelines and despite that, it still felt entirely too long.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I read this book back in December and honestly don’t remember what happened in the end. I gave it a 3 star rating on Goodreads.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

Things Don't Break on Their Own was well written with well developed characters, but was not the mystery or thriller I expected it to be. It was difficult to get into the book, but once I was about half way through, it was easier to read the rest. While mostly interesting, it felt like the plot was lacking.

Though some aspects required extra suspension-of-disbelief, this was thoughtfully and engagingly written - definitely a cut about other popular thrillers.

This book took me a minute to get into, but once I was into it I couldn't put it down. It's such a moving story, and there are so many layers to it. It's not what I was expecting, but in the best way possible. I highly recommend this. Thank you Crown and NetGalley for this ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for honest feedback

Two sisters, Willa and Laika, left home for school one morning. Only one returned.

In her bones, Willa believes Laika is still alive. Willa’s friend Robyn, her former schoolmate (and former lover), invites Willa to a dinner party decades later, where she meets someone who changes everything…

There is a lot in this story: a missing child, child abuse, spousal abuse, manipulation…a lot. Told in past and present timelines and from several points of view, you really get to know the characters in this book. This is an interesting story, both sad at times and triumphant at others, with a surprising and satisfying ending.

Thank you to Crown Publishing, NetGalley, and author Sarah Easter Collins for the complimentary advance copy! It was my pleasure to write this candid review.

Rounded up to 4 stars.

This book was interesting, and different from other thrillers I’ve read. I always appreciate that.
This was a good one, not a great one. But I would recommend.

This book was more of a journey and path of discovery versus mystery thriller. I think it really delved into the journey of sister hood and also the feelings that surround that. You could feel the emotions on the page and the guilt from the one who didnt disappear.

This book drew me in. I am glad that it had a hopeful and complete ending. The characters are well done.

I picked up this book several times and each time I just couldn’t get into it. It was like a chore so I didn’t finish it.

Thank you to Crown Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC in return for my honest opinion. The premise of this novel is interesting and intriguing, but it fell a bit flat for my taste. It is a story of Willa whose sister has disappeared one day when she gets home from school. Willa spends the next 25 years looking for her, sure that she is still alive, while people close to her assume Likka is dead.

The story jumps from different timelines and different characters telling their part. I found it confusing to follow along with the changings. In short, I think it could be a good mystery as it has a lot of great content.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy of this book. Book was fine, really good if you like the genre! I would read more from this author.

Not the most thrilling thriller I’ve ever read but a solid one nonetheless and I enjoyed myself. Also my first time reading this author so I’m interested to read more.

Things Don’t Break on Their Own by Sarah Easter Collins centers around a girl, Willa, whose sister disappeared 25 years ago. Throughout the story, there are different perspectives and multiple timelines to tell the story of Willa and those around her.

I found the premise interesting but at times the multiple perspectives and timelines was a bit confusing.

Riveting!! I really appreciated the dynamics and rich history between Willa and Robyn. Lots of characters to love and loathe-- and the storytelling kept me guessing at every turn.

Thanks to Crown Publishing & NetGalley for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a mystery/suspense novel for sure, but it has so much literary punch that I'd almost expect to find it mixed in with the non-genre fiction. Collins does a nice job of creating compelling characters who you root for and cry with. Laika is the little sister of Willa (good lord these names!) and has gone missing without a trace at 13. This, naturally, informs the rest of Willa's life, which we see through the lens of her good school friend, Robyn. Willa and Robyn also (sort of) fall in love while they are roommates at their boarding school, but it doesn't pan out due to Willa's fears of having feelings for a woman.

Willa is beloved by her father, but for some reason (never explained that I saw, maybe I missed it?), Laika is the heavily un-preferred child, at least by her father. Her mother doesn't really go to bat for her, but she is also an abused wife, which could explain it. The family is wealthy but everyone dances attendance on Daddy to make sure he is happy. thus ensuring no one else in the house is. All, that is, except Laika, who is willing to push back.

Some of the parts of this story strain credulity, and there are coincidences that just wouldn't wash IRL, but hey. I'm all for allowing fiction to transport me, and if a few coincidences here and there have to happen, so be it. There's nothing that will make you put down the book and stomp away in disgust. All in all, very well-written and readable.

3.5 stars Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this as an ARC.
Things Don't Break on Their Own by Sarah Easter Collins is a tense, suspenseful thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story revolves around Willa, whose life has been shaped by the mysterious disappearance of her sister twenty-five years ago. Everyone believes her sister is dead, but Willa is convinced her sister is still alive. The novel plays on the powerful, sometimes unbreakable bond between sisters, and Collins does a great job of building suspense as Willa uncovers long-buried secrets. The premise is intriguing, and the psychological tension is palpable throughout. However, the ending felt a bit far-fetched for me, making it harder to fully buy into the resolution. Still, despite its somewhat implausible conclusion, the book’s strong atmosphere and emotional depth make it a solid recommendation from me for anyone who enjoys a gripping mystery with a twist.

Willa and Laika are sisters who walk together every day to their private school. Only one day Willa leaves for school early and Laika never does. What happened to Laika and will the reader ever know or like the ending? - a page turner full of surprises. Recommended!