Sisters

Pack your suitcase! You’ll be off for a whirlwind trip of the Mediterranean with Michelle Frances’s upcoming thrilling domestic noir release titled “Sisters”. I loved reliving vacation memories with the girls as they left the sun-soaked island of Elba in their rear-view mirror, drove through the Camargue with its wild white horses, pink flamingos and salt marshes, through the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne and across the Spanish border, ending up at the dramatic sea cliffs of Vixia Herbeira. I loved the author’s writing style; I easily became emotionally attached to the antagonist and the storyline was believable, fast-moving, full of twists and turns, lots of red herrings and it kept me guessing until the last page…and longer!

As close as they appear now, it wasn’t always this way. Abby and Ellie grew up hating each other; the sibling rivalry was painful as was the toxic family relationship. Abby, three years older than her sister, was jealous of the relationship her younger and extremely beautiful sister, Ellie, had with their mother. From a little child, Ellie had always been ill and it took time and attention away from Abby. Channelling her resentment into her job in her twenties and thirties, Abby managed to retire early at 36 due to careful planning. Eager to mend the sibling relationship, Abby invites her sister to meet her new husband and spend time with her at their gorgeous island home with sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Tuscan coast. From the moment Ellie arrives until the last page you’ll be on a page-flipping quest to uncover the terrible secrets they want to keep buried. You won’t know who to trust. Your heart will be pounding and you’ll be desperate for answers. The author cleverly reveals just enough information at a time, causing readers to suspect one thing only to quickly convince them otherwise on the next page. As the drama escalates, you’ll embark on a Thelma and Louise style road trip as you attempt to untangle years of deceit. Can the sisters put their past behind them and learn to trust each other again? Is blood really thicker than water? You’ll have to wait until January 5th, 2021 for this psychological thriller. Mark it on your calendar. It’s worth the wait. Trust me.

Thank you to Michelle Frances, Pan Macmillan, and Netgalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sharp and engaging thriller! I like the author's writing as well! I would recommend it for a fun summer thriller!

Sisters was a surprisingly twisty tale of sibling rivalry which had its roots in the past of a mother with many secrets of her own. This book surprised me many times. I had no idea where the storyline was going and I found myself second guessing my opinion a lot. I didn’t guess the ending either which for me is rare. It’s not my favourite Michelle Frances book but it was definitely a page turner and I’d recommend it.

Sisters by Michelle Frances is another page-turner from an author whose writing virtually propels me through a narrative at high speed. I was immediately engrossed in this compelling tale of sibling rivalry and familial tensions and secrets, and could not wait to see how it would all unfold. Set mainly in the exotic Mediterranean, this is your next addictive and thoroughly escapist read. 4.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read an ARC.

Some of us are lucky enough to have siblings which we love. We appreciate the bond that’s been created since we first were introduced and we are able to share happy memories. But this isn’t always the case. For some, the bond is dysfunctional and comes with hurt and betrayal. The latter is the case when we are introduced to Abby and Ellie.

Abby is the older of the two sisters. She has been an extremely hard-working and goal-oriented woman who has recently retired from her job as a business analyst. She is also a newlywed and living with Matteo on the Italian island of Elba. Ellie, on the other hand, has spent much of her childhood ill with mysterious, undiagnosed symptoms. She missed much of her younger school days and has always felt she had to catch up and never could. Her motto is to seize the day and worry about tomorrow later - a philosophy which has her deep into financial debt. Abby resents Ellie for being the more beautiful of the two women, and for always being their mother Susanna’s favourite. Ellie is jealous of Abby’s rich lifestyle and gorgeous new husband.

Abby invites Ellie to her home for a visit and to give Ellie a holiday. Abby also wants to share a secret with Ellie about her childhood. Before she has a chance to do so, Susanna arrives unexpectedly making it difficult for Abby to speak with Ellie privately. Then, an accident occurs which has Abby and Ellie fleeing the island for a road trip with only each other to trust and rely upon.

I was entertained by this book and found I was engaged throughout. The characters have been well developed and for the most part likeable. The theme of this book to me reflects the importance of experiences during our childhood years in shaping the adults we become. The book also highlights the importance of resolving conflict before relationships become irreparable. I appreciated reading about the adventure of this road trip and the insight that the sisters gleamed of themselves and each other during this time. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys General Fiction and/or Mysteries & Thrillers.

Thanks to Netgalley and Publishers Group Canada/ PanMacMillan for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.

Great read! Had me unsure right until the end! Enjoyed the complexity of the relationship between sisters.