Dive headfirst into a world where family secrets simmer beneath the surface, threatening to boil over and scald everything in their path. Jessica R. Patch's "The Other Sister" isn't just a story; it’s a compelling journey into the heart of a mystery that has been years in the making. From the first page, a palpable sense of tension grips you, a silent promise that things are not as they seem.

We are drawn into a tangled web of relationships, where loyalty is tested, and the past refuses to stay buried. There’s an undeniable pull to unravel the hidden truths, to piece together the fragments of a puzzle that has been deliberately scattered. Each revelation is like a shard of glass, sharp and unexpected, capable of cutting deep. The characters are not simple; they’re layered, each holding back a part of themselves, their own version of the story.

Patch expertly weaves a narrative that keeps you guessing, constantly shifting your suspicions and challenging your assumptions. You'll find yourself drawn into the suspense, caught in the undertow of what was and what is, desperate to uncover the truth that lies at the core. "The Other Sister" is a thrilling ride, a twisty, turning mystery that will keep you up late into the night, eager to know what secrets will finally be revealed. Prepare to be captivated, to be intrigued, and to be completely immersed in a world where the bonds of family are as strong as they are fragile, and the truth is more complicated—and more dangerous—than anyone could have imagined.

In The Other Sister, one young woman finds out she has a family, while the other is caught us in all sorts of intrigue that drive this story. The story is told with two timelines -- "Then", which is the story of a disturbed family, and "Now" where Charlotte tells the story. I don't want to say much more because I don't want to spoil, but best of all, the writing grabs the reader with plenty of innuendo and lots of head scratching as to what is really going on. There are just enough clues for the reader to figure some things out, but others are the product of the twisty plot this author has executed. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going on.

The first two thirds of the book could have been a brisker pace for me. By the time things started happening in the final third, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as the intricate relationships are revealed. Wow! I wasn't expecting some of those twists and turns, but I did suspect that final chapter all along, and that was very satisfying. A solid four stars.

ABSOLUTELY RIVETING! I couldn't stop turning the pages. This books has twists in its turns and I was just trying to stay along for the ride. I love the creative premise of found sisters and secrets, plus the added layer of friend groups and a whodunnit mystery. I didn't know if Charlotte would make it out of this alive. It felt realistic but also fantastical enough to keep me engaged. While I was hoping for stronger Christian themes since it's labeled Christian fiction, I did like the mention of faith at the end and the promise for more with the ending of the book. It left me wanting more for sure.

Squeeeeeee! This is easily Jessica R. Patch’s darkest thriller so far—definitely intense and not for the squeamish. But if you pick it up, good luck putting it down. The main character, Charlotte, is one of her most complex and compelling yet, and the plot twists are wild, even by Patch’s standards. Dark, smart, and totally gripping.

This is probably the most twisted story I've read, especially since thrillers are not my first genre of choice. Once I got started reading, I did not want to stop. I am a long-time reader of Jessica R Patch books and know she is a great writer, but this book still surpassed my expectations. She is adept at balancing the darkness with enough light to keep the darker side from being overwhelming and this book continues that balance.

The Other Sister has more twists and turns than a road map and even more surprises. I was completely knocked for a loop and did not see what was coming at the end. If you like shocking thrillers, this is the book to read.

The Other Sister is a web of lies, deceit, and sinister mind games, that will keep you guessing throughout the pages. Just as Charlotte, our main character, wasn't sure who she could trust, so too you'll struggle to know who's lying to whom...or more like who's not lying! Although the faith thread in this story is not overt, I appreciate how Jessica Patch tenderly weaves right and wrong, trust and deceit, going your own way verses leaning on He who controls all things, into this story. If you are a fan of psychology thrillers, The Other Sister does not disappoint!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wow! If you’re looking for a twisty, suspenseful, psychological mystery, this is it! Jessica Patch pulls out all the stops in this identical twin switching places thriller. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time & loved the unpredictable turns.

Struggling artist Charlotte Kane grew up in the foster care system. When she finds out her birth mother is dead, she discovers she has a twin sister she never knew about. As she researches her successful twin’s life, she makes a life changing decision when she contacts her.

Acelynn Benedict is a successful influencer who has the perfect life. She was adopted into a doting, wealthy Savannah, Georgia family & claims a handsome boyfriend, & rewarding career. When she learns of her twin sister, she drops everything to fly to Chicago to meet her. But, when tragedy strikes, Charlotte assumes Acelynn’s life & finds that underneath that perfect facade are dark secrets, untrustworthy friends, & a serial killer on the loose.

This book was intense! The narrative flips back & forth from the past to the present & there are so many hidden clues that once pieced together lead to a stunning conclusion. Told mainly from Charlotte’s POV, it’s hard to know what’s fact from fiction. She at times appears to be an unreliable narrator & finds herself in a web of lies with the constant threat of exposure as she pretends to be her sister. There’s a hint of romance that adds another twist to the story.

The mystery kept me quickly turning the pages as more & more pieces of the puzzle are revealed. The serial killer aspect added another layer to an already climactic story. The ending left me completely reeling! There’s also a light faith thread woven throughout the story.

Highly recommend to psychological thriller fans. While there are no on page, detailed descriptions, the subject matter & mentions of affairs would rate this a PG-13 for me. I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a review. All opinions are completely my own & provided voluntarily.

Completed: Mar. 26th

My review is a mixed bag so please bear with me. I will share what I enjoyed as well as that which I didn't care for.

This novel, in my personal opinion, is a psychological thriller. It is free of cursing and graphic scenes but not some other things. The cover is really well done and suits the story. The writing is strong and it's full of many twists and turns that are difficult to predict or guess. The premise is very intriguing and the title *definitely* fits.

One of my two favourite passages from the novel is, "Want is an open grave that needs to be constantly filled." I found that to be very profound and convicting. The other comes 3/4 of the way through when Charlotte has a deep revelation of her twin sister, Acelynn. I read it over several times, especially the line that read, "And you will always find what you want to see." How true is that of our world in general?!

The main character, Charlotte, is somewhat difficult to like. She's been through many tough times and has a lot of battle scars. She had a drug addict for a mom as well as some very harrowing foster placements. Her adult life is somewhat unknown but she has a lot of street smarts and experience that cause the reader to question her a little and feel somewhat detached. I found myself torn between feeling sorry for Charlotte and being totally exasperated with her. In many ways, I felt she seemed to be what is referred to as an "unreliable narrator." I wanted to scream, "LISTEN TO TILLIE!!!" However, it's hard for me to relate to someone who has had such tragedy and horror.

The same day the twins meet, something happens and Charlotte has to assume Acelynn's life. Even with her previous research and her knack for accents, the stretch to carry it off is gargantuan. She quickly learns that this life she had just envied is not at all what it appears. Everyone seems to have secrets and the lies are everywhere. Everything and everyone is shallow and most are mean and spiteful. The relationships are odd to say the least. On top of all of that, there is a serial killer on the loose.

There is a second storyline from someone else who is not identified. The book became very dark and very heavy. I can't really explain it except to say that I felt an unease that didn't sit well with me. While I know evil exists, an evil child is unsettling. I've read many psychological thrillers and high-octane suspense books but this was a new feeling for me.

The character of Christian Patrick gives a bit of a glimpse into a very different way of life through faith. Charlotte does sense something about him but she doesn't trust him until the end in the aftermath. He becomes a representative of justice and proof that there are good people out there who do the right thing. Her best friend, Tillie, represents true friendship and honesty. There is an act of redemption with Charlotte at the end, but we are given virtually no details. We couldn't really sit in that moment with the character because it was brief and vague.

A huge sticking point for me is close to the end of the book. A particularly sick topic comes up more than once that I didn't feel was needed. It didn't help the story. I actually felt that it took away from the book. It made me cringe and feel queasy, to be honest. Ironically the novel included the reference to VC Andrews,' Flowers in the Attic. (Like every other young teen, that was the book to read in the early 80s. Little did I know what I was in for back then. It didn't belong in a school library at all and this novel includes the same topic.). This book is for adults but I stand by my opinion that it was unnecessary. There is a lot of ugly in the world and I fully realize that, but I still wish it wasn't included.

Though I can appreciate twists and turns, I felt that aspect was a little excessive, as with the previous release. I liken it to enjoying a certain treat but then you have too much and it takes away a little of your appreciation for it.

The main twist of the book is really well done. This book will likely appeal to those who enjoy psychological thrillers but certain aspects may not appeal to some. The ending is quite the eye-popper!


*** My thanks to Love Inspired Trade and Net Galley for an advance digital copy. My honest review is voluntary and exclusively in my own words.

Jessica Patch never disappoints when it comes to fast-paced thrillers, and The Other Sister is no exception.

The story hooks you right away as Charlotte learns she has a twin — and that her own rough upbringing might not be the most tragic part of the story. Told through a dual timeline of “Then” and “Now,” Patch weaves in just enough clues to keep you guessing without giving anything away too soon.

It’s a wild, emotional ride full of twists, and I couldn't put it down. Perfect for fans of gripping, psychological suspense — especially if you enjoy series like Nancy Mehl’s profiler books.

Violence - we have a serial killer in present day, a daughter that might be trying to kill her mother and has killed others in the past
Drugs/Alcohol - widely throughout the book; but not promoting it. Addiction and keeping people medicated was a storyline,

The Other Sister by Jessica R Patch is a psychological thriller that had my head spinning, trying to keep up with all the mystery involved. Jessica had so many surprises, I was kept in the dark until the very end. I love the cover, but even that has a mystery connected to it.

Charlotte Kane wanted to live a different life. When she discovers she has an identical twin, she gets her chance. But, everyone has secrets and she walks a minefield, not knowing who she can believe. The deeper she gets involved in her sister’s life, the more dangerous it is.

As far as characters go, it’s hard to root for any of them, but they are fascinating.

If you think you can solve this puzzle, you might be in for a rude awakening. Every time I thought I had something figured out, Jessica would twist the plot in a new direction. The pacing kept the suspense level rising and me flipping pages.

This is my first Jessica R Patch novel, but now I have her on my radar.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com

Wow! Jessica Patch has outdone herself in this psychological thriller full of intrigue, suspense, and, at times, crazy. Once I started reading, I could not put down this novel. I was thoroughly engrossed and thoroughly clueless. I thought I had things figured out several times, but upon turning the pages, I was met with another twist, turn, or wall. I felt strongly about the characters in this book. Patch’s writing of each character evokes intense feelings whether like or dislike and many characters were easy to dislike. I don’t want to give away any of the plot because I want you gasping as I did at revelation after revelation.

Since this is an honest review, I will say that this book is not for everyone. It is darker than Patch’s other books. It is not as blatantly full of hope and redemption, but it IS there. Some of the situations in the book are just mind blowing. Does that mean I don’t recommend this book? Absolutely not. I found it a worthwhile and entertaining read. I was drawn completely into the story and needed to find out just what was going on. Even at 90% I still had questions about the outcome. Patch is a master at this type of thriller.

What I admire much about Jessica Patch’s writing is her ability to delve into the depraved minds of characters while keeping her books free of crude language and open door, graphic situations. She always includes a bit of light even if it’s just a sliver.

I highly recommend this book. Your mind will be tested and tried while the main character questions her sanity.

If you like psychological thrillers with plenty of hope and light infused throughout, you will no doubt enjoy The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch. Twins Charlotte and Acelynn grew up in very different worlds but as their story unravels, the similarities start to stack up. You can’t help but explore the idea of nature versus nurture and the power of faith and positive influences in one’s life. There are many twists and turns and then layers to those twists and turns! By the last quarter of the story the pace picks up intensely and there is pausing or putting it down. No one is really who they seem to be and the subtle storyteller in the background adds an extra dimension of disturbed. My brain was in overtime trying to figure out how all the pieces connected and once the dots are finally connected my mind was quite blown. I loved the thread of family of the heart and choice and the redemptive possibilities of second chances. Not quite sure where the epilogue leaves us…well played Jessica!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Charlotte grew up with an addict for a mom, foster care and doing a stent in prison. When she discovers she has a twin sister Acelynn, who is educated, refined and rich she reaches out to her. She becomes a little obsessed with her life until she meets her. Acelynn comes to Chicago and they have an instant connection.
When Charlotte goes to help her foster brother who is in trouble she witnesses his murder and having no one to help her she calls her sister. Acelynn is prepared to help and bring Charlotte back home with her but is shot and killed thinking she is Charlotte.
Charlotte goes to Savannah pretending to be Acelynn.

This book is packed full of secrets and lies. It definitely keeps you interested and engaged. Until the very end and that’s where the jaw drops and hits the floor. Very well done!!!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this copy!

This book deserves all the stars! Hands down, this is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. The Other Sister is the newest psychological thriller by Jessica Patch. She is in a league of her own when it comes to writing dark thrillers that shows readers the depravity of the world we live in. However, unlike most mainstream thriller writers, Jessica shows readers the darkness in order to show them the only hope we have is in the light of a faith found in Jesus. Some readers might want a more obvious faith element in this story, but I think it was appropriate the way she wrote it in order to have a more organic story.

Jessica Patch can write twists and turns that rival authors such as Mary Kubica, Riley Sager, Megan Miranda, etc. What I love is that she can write these stories that can keep readers on the edge of their seats and guessing until the end, but unlike a lot of mainstream authors she does it without the unnecessary language and open door content. I can’t wait for her next one!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

From the first moments of this story, I knew this wasn’t going to be your typical psychological thriller. The grit snares you in its grasp as the story unfolds, and, like an old box hidden deep within a closet, secrets come to life, and the truth is not what it seems.

Let me preface by saying this is by no means a squeaky clean read. There is a lot of adult subject matter, and though it is handled in a sensitive way, I’d be lying if I said that some parts will make your skin crawl, even though they’re not explicitly graphic. So, if you’re sensitive to adult content, this might not be the read for you. For me, I love stories like this. I know reading these types of stories makes some people uncomfortable, but I call it real. Not everyone’s life is squeaky clean, and not every ending is happily ever after.

In The Other Sister, fragmented and jagged puzzle pieces are slowly spliced together, creating a macabre image full of deceit, where nothing is as it seems. You really don’t know who to believe and which way is up with this novel. There are so many mind-bending revelations that when you think you’ve got it figured out, another nugget of truth is dropped that changes everything. Then you spend the rest of the time wondering if the truth is actually the truth! Talk about insanity!

How do you know who is telling the truth? Is everyone delusional? What is going on? The possibilities are deliciously endless, and I couldn’t pull myself away until the mind-blowing end. Finding out the truth in a mind-bending read is always my favorite part, and I had my suspicions, but I never would’ve guessed it went this deep, and it was those little sadistic twists that blew my mind.

I have always enjoyed Jessica Patch’s psychological thrillers, but after reading The Other Sister, she has shot to the top as one of my favorite authors. How she is able to pull you into this twisted tale while also keeping the characters engaging and believable is nothing short of masterful. Just wow...

An action packed and an unputdownable read.
Action, suspense and totally absorbing.
Characters I felt so connected to and a setting I don't want to escape from.

Who doesn’t love a good stolen identity twist—especially when twins are involved? The Other Sister by Jessica R. Patch takes that trope and cranks the suspense up to ten. From page one, this thriller had me hooked, constantly second-guessing every character and motive. Just when I thought I had it figured out, Patch hit me with another curveball that left me reeling.

The narration is spot-on—immersive, intense, and emotionally charged. But it’s the Petal chapters that really chilled me to the bone. Haunting and beautifully unsettling, they added a whole new layer of psychological depth and mystery.

Original, dark, and disturbingly clever, The Other Sister is a twisted rollercoaster of secrets, deception, and jaw-dropping reveals. You’ll be thinking about it long after the final page.

If you enjoy a captivating story that’ll leave you spellbound with its unexpected turns, this is definitely a read for you. The author masterfully weaves a tapestry of intrigue with each twist and turn, keeping you on the edge of your seat. It’s an absolute page-turner, thanks to the constant stream of new revelations.

The story revolves around the contrast between two twins, raised in vastly different worlds. One, born into wealth and power, dreams of a life beyond their privileged existence. The other, yearning for the same, grows up in a world of poverty and dreams of a life of luxury.

A pivotal moment in their lives changes everything, transforming them from having nothing to having everything—but at the cost of concealing their true identities and assuming the roles of their counterparts.

This book was an absolute delight to read.

I didn't think it was possible, but The Other Sister is even creepier than Jessica’s prior LI Trade novels—and I loved it! This felt more like a phycological thriller, which is my favorite genre if I’m not reading romance. The premise was fresh and unique. There were multiple surprises during the course of reading this novel and I enjoyed not being able to guess what was going to happen next. A must read!

Charlotte Kane longs for a new beginning—one far from the neglect, abuse, and poverty she’s always known. While going through her recently deceased mother’s possessions, Charlotte makes a shocking discovery. She has an identical twin who was given up for adoption.

Acelynn Benedict has everything Charlotte dreams of—family, wealth, and success. When tragedy strikes their first meeting, Charlotte takes on her twin’s identity, hoping to escape life. Instead, she finds that her sister’s perfect world is nothing more than a thin veneer, masking a darkness she never imagined.

Wow! Just WOW! Twisty and mind-bending, Jessica R. Patch’s The Other Sister delivers everything a psychological thriller should. Every time I thought the story couldn’t become any more convoluted, it did. And I mean this in the best possible way. Unreliable narrators and secrets galore ensure that the reader can’t trust anyone. The author kept me guessing until the end when the final gasp-out-loud reveals (yes, there’s more than one!) finally took place.

Under the pen of a less skilled author, the protagonist who has made bad choices, and makes many more throughout the novel could have become unlikeable, and yet Patch had me rooting for her the entire time. I wanted to see her succeed and turn her life around.

The story contains a hint of faith and a thread of redemption; however, neither is overt. This book is not a light, easy read. It explores the dark reality and trauma of abuse, mental illness, addiction, murder, etc. This book straddles the line between Christian fiction and general market. In many ways, it reads like the latter, but it stops short in that the characters’ depravities while made clear are not described in full detail on the page. I really appreciate this in a novel.

I read this book within 24 hours when I first received it, but then got buried under deadlines before writing the review. So last week, I reread it to have it fresh in my mind and once again zoomed right through it. Yes, it’s that good!

I wouldn’t recommend this story to readers wanting books that stay more within the traditional Christian fiction conventions. But I highly recommend The Other Sister to readers looking for psychological thrillers that tackle raw, gritty themes without gratuitous descriptions.