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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
2.5 stars
"The Sister" was a highly entertaining read and I found it to be quite addictive, too. Nevertheless, I can't really rate it any higher - in my opinion, the plot (and twist) was so predictable and I don't understand how Grace could have been so blind, naive and trusting. Her whole (back)story was a bit too dramatic for my liking and what started as a really compelling story went way over the top pretty soon. I can't shake the impression that the author tried a bit too hard to get as much drama as possible into a single book and in the end, it just felt forced to me. I still enjoyed myself reading "The Sister" and I would recommend picking it up, if you're looking for a really fast-paced mystery.
"The Sister" was a highly entertaining read and I found it to be quite addictive, too. Nevertheless, I can't really rate it any higher - in my opinion, the plot (and twist) was so predictable and I don't understand how Grace could have been so blind, naive and trusting. Her whole (back)story was a bit too dramatic for my liking and what started as a really compelling story went way over the top pretty soon. I can't shake the impression that the author tried a bit too hard to get as much drama as possible into a single book and in the end, it just felt forced to me. I still enjoyed myself reading "The Sister" and I would recommend picking it up, if you're looking for a really fast-paced mystery.
Wow ! Wow! What an absolutely fantastic psychological thriller. I honestly found it difficult to put this book down. This book had me gripped right from the first chapter. It was full of intrigue and suspense. I found it amazing that this was the authors debut novel as it was so good and felt to me like the author had written others before this one, I really can't wait for Ms Jensens next book,
My thanks to the publisher Bookouture via netgalley for the arc in return for ah honest review,
My thanks to the publisher Bookouture via netgalley for the arc in return for ah honest review,
For a first book by an author, I have to day it was ok but I could not stand Grace and her constant self pity... At least, she redeemed herself at the end. One think I don’t get is the fact that the locks were not changed after the home « invasion »; that’s the first thing I would do and I am not half as paranoid as Grace.
This story hooked me right from the beginning. I immediately wanted to continue reading to find out what happened and why. This isn’t a thriller trying to figure out who the bad guy is. I think it is fairly obvious to the reader who is responsible for all the terrible things happening to Grace in this case. Grace is oblivious though. There was always a question of “why” in the back of my mind. That is what propels this story forward.
What blew me away was finding out that this is Jensen’s debut. I hope she is working on something else because I’ll be sure to read it.
Also, I felt a little silly with the huge clue the author gave me right from the start that I apparently ignored. It goes on sale this summer on Kindle for only 99 cents. Pick it up.
A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected advanced review copy. I received this title in exchange for an honest review.
What blew me away was finding out that this is Jensen’s debut. I hope she is working on something else because I’ll be sure to read it.
Also, I felt a little silly with the huge clue the author gave me right from the start that I apparently ignored. It goes on sale this summer on Kindle for only 99 cents. Pick it up.
A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected advanced review copy. I received this title in exchange for an honest review.
Another day, another fabulous book by @fabricating_fiction
These books make me feel uneasy but in a good way. I try to predict the endings but never get them right. This is gripping and unputdownable. I am a huge fan of Louise’s- she has a talent for pulling me into the story. I’m gutted that I only have The Gift and the Family left to read
These books make me feel uneasy but in a good way. I try to predict the endings but never get them right. This is gripping and unputdownable. I am a huge fan of Louise’s- she has a talent for pulling me into the story. I’m gutted that I only have The Gift and the Family left to read
Since Grace's childhood best friend, Charlie, has died, life has been a struggle for Grace. It's been affecting her relationship with her boyfriend, Dan, and with Charlie's Mum, Lexie. Unable to move on, Grace is determined to fulfill Charlie's wish to find the father who abandoned her and to find out what exactly Charlie was referring to when she said she had done something terrible and was sorry.
First of all, I was thoroughly impressed by the writing. Absolutely brilliant for a debut novel. It had a great sense of menace that was building up progressively. The story moves along at a steady pace as little bits of information are revealed in chapters of 'Then' and 'Now'. As these tended to end on mini-cliffhangers, I was easily persuaded by the lure of 'just one more'. But it was also slightly frustrating, as I would just get into the flow of what happened 'Then' and - Bam! - I was hurled forward to 'Now' again.
Grace managed to redeem herself by the end of the book, but up till then, there were lots of moments where I just wanted to shake her out of her naïveté and tell her to open her eyes and face reality. And who on earth would invite somebody they've only just met to move in?
I was pleasantly surprised by some of the revelations as I had been sure I had it all figured out. Definitely a very intriguing story line that was nicely executed. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Many thanks to Bookouture for my ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I was thoroughly impressed by the writing. Absolutely brilliant for a debut novel. It had a great sense of menace that was building up progressively. The story moves along at a steady pace as little bits of information are revealed in chapters of 'Then' and 'Now'. As these tended to end on mini-cliffhangers, I was easily persuaded by the lure of 'just one more'. But it was also slightly frustrating, as I would just get into the flow of what happened 'Then' and - Bam! - I was hurled forward to 'Now' again.
Grace managed to redeem herself by the end of the book, but up till then, there were lots of moments where I just wanted to shake her out of her naïveté and tell her to open her eyes and face reality. And who on earth would invite somebody they've only just met to move in?
I was pleasantly surprised by some of the revelations as I had been sure I had it all figured out. Definitely a very intriguing story line that was nicely executed. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Many thanks to Bookouture for my ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with. Free ecopy of this book in exchange for a free and honest review!*
Overall this was a good thriller. And I can see why so many of the other reviewers loved it.
I personally thought that it a had a few things that didn't work for me. For one the start was relatively slow, I didn't like the constant "hinting" that Grace did something as a child to her parents, I didn't really enjoy the "now and then" writing aspect of the story. I also felt like the author cramped a LOT of stuff into on book! We have the very naive main girl, the death of the best friend, mysterious parts for both of them, bullying, destroyed relationships, siblings coming out of hiding, kidnapping, psychos... It's just... It's a lot in one book, especially considering that the actually book and the momentum of all that I just listed really gets started after 30% or so of the book.
I also didn't appreciate the ending since that just felt very "happy ending let's wrap it all up in a nice little bow" kind of thing
That sounds as if I didn't enjoy the book.
I did.
The writing was good, the overall plot was okay even if I would have enjoyed the book more if there weren't so many different plot points juggled at the same time.
I will defiantly look out for the next book of this author and give that a read, to see if that book fits my personal reading style better then this one has.
BUT I do think it is a solid thriller and if you love a thriller with many different plot points and because of that many different turns give this a try!
Overall this was a good thriller. And I can see why so many of the other reviewers loved it.
I personally thought that it a had a few things that didn't work for me. For one the start was relatively slow, I didn't like the constant "hinting" that Grace did something as a child to her parents, I didn't really enjoy the "now and then" writing aspect of the story. I also felt like the author cramped a LOT of stuff into on book! We have the very naive main girl, the death of the best friend, mysterious parts for both of them, bullying, destroyed relationships, siblings coming out of hiding, kidnapping, psychos... It's just... It's a lot in one book, especially considering that the actually book and the momentum of all that I just listed really gets started after 30% or so of the book.
I also didn't appreciate the ending
That sounds as if I didn't enjoy the book.
I did.
The writing was good, the overall plot was okay even if I would have enjoyed the book more if there weren't so many different plot points juggled at the same time.
I will defiantly look out for the next book of this author and give that a read, to see if that book fits my personal reading style better then this one has.
BUT I do think it is a solid thriller and if you love a thriller with many different plot points and because of that many different turns give this a try!
This book was SUPER at being average.
It drew me in quickly with a hook line of a envelope holding a secret in a box that had been burried by two best friends. "I did something terrible Grace" was written on the lip. I thought it must be something bad, hopefully something really original and riveting or creepy. But no... basically the character was keeping a very yawn worthy secret for her mum.
I thought the writing was actually pretty good and it wasn't predictable at all but the reveal just wasn't very satisfying. It felt like a bit of a domestic thriller that fans of Adele Parks might like.
If you read this book, expect to be engulfed right away but about ten chapters in don't be surprised when your attention fades and the characters are less and less interesting. The way Louise writes makes you want to read on, even though nothing much is happening. I never thought, I want to DNF this book but I'm grateful I can move on to my next one.
It drew me in quickly with a hook line of a envelope holding a secret in a box that had been burried by two best friends. "I did something terrible Grace" was written on the lip. I thought it must be something bad, hopefully something really original and riveting or creepy. But no... basically the character was keeping a very yawn worthy secret for her mum.
I thought the writing was actually pretty good and it wasn't predictable at all but the reveal just wasn't very satisfying. It felt like a bit of a domestic thriller that fans of Adele Parks might like.
If you read this book, expect to be engulfed right away but about ten chapters in don't be surprised when your attention fades and the characters are less and less interesting. The way Louise writes makes you want to read on, even though nothing much is happening. I never thought, I want to DNF this book but I'm grateful I can move on to my next one.
This review was originally published on my blog https://chocolatenwafflesblog.wordpress.com/2016/05/12/book-review-the-sister-louise-jensen/#more-5718
This book is a perfect example of love at fist sight. But the best part is the story is as good as the cover leads you to believe.
The cinematic vibe of the book drew me in from the start. Grace, the main character, is walking through the woods, looking for something. The same way you turn the TV on in the middle of a movie, you don’t understand what is going on. Someone is dead. A box in buried somewhere. As you make your way through the first chapters, you get to know Grace a little better. Grief-stricken and riddled with guilt, she is struggling to put her life together after the death of her best friend Charlie. Trying to find a meaning to Charlie’s last words, Grace digs up an old memory box that brings her to try and fulfill Charlie’s wish to find her father. When she meets a young lady claiming to be Charlie’s sister, Grace believes it is her chance for a new beginning, and welcomes Anna into her life, and into her home. But soon, strange things start to happen; Grace realizes she is being followed; her boyfriend Dan is acting cold towards their guest. What if Anna is not what she seems to be? Could Grace have unearthed more than just a box filled with memories?
The air is clouded with cigarette smoke and secrets.
The stunning writing style makes it difficult to believe this is a debut novel. Places and emotions are depicted spot on. Louise Jensen plays with appearances, and her readers’ nerves as she puts her main character in the middle of twists and turns that would leave anyone distraught. Grace is a multi-layered character who learns a lot about herself throughout the story and I was glad to witness her fight her way through the lies and the guilt surrounding her. I really enjoyed getting to know her as a child and teenager during the ‘Then’ periods and as the 25-year-old devastated Grace in the ‘Now’ chapters. The first person narrative fits perfectly to the story and only heightens the different emotions you experience as the narrative progresses. There is room for every character to evolve through Grace’s eyes, and they all play their part.
We all have different sides, I think. The things we share. The things we keep hidden.
The good, the bad.
The truth, the lies.
Grace and Charlie’s deep bond is obviously the thread tying together the two timelines the story is split it. Traveling back and forth between the past and the present, every chapter offers hints, raises questions and reveals answers. Once you are on the ride, there is no stopping as you witness Grace question everything and everyone she knows. As I neared the last chapters, I was sure I had it all figured out, only to be greatly surprised when proved me wrong. What started as a slow-burner thriller quickly escalated into a terrific page-turner. The whole book is a roller coaster filled with the right amount of action, suspense, and tension to keep you reading long after bedtime.
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel and I can’t wait to read more from Louise Jensen. I was very excited to see two new novels mentioned on her website and due for release in 2017. Until then, I can only urge you to get a copy of The Sister.
This book is a perfect example of love at fist sight. But the best part is the story is as good as the cover leads you to believe.
The cinematic vibe of the book drew me in from the start. Grace, the main character, is walking through the woods, looking for something. The same way you turn the TV on in the middle of a movie, you don’t understand what is going on. Someone is dead. A box in buried somewhere. As you make your way through the first chapters, you get to know Grace a little better. Grief-stricken and riddled with guilt, she is struggling to put her life together after the death of her best friend Charlie. Trying to find a meaning to Charlie’s last words, Grace digs up an old memory box that brings her to try and fulfill Charlie’s wish to find her father. When she meets a young lady claiming to be Charlie’s sister, Grace believes it is her chance for a new beginning, and welcomes Anna into her life, and into her home. But soon, strange things start to happen; Grace realizes she is being followed; her boyfriend Dan is acting cold towards their guest. What if Anna is not what she seems to be? Could Grace have unearthed more than just a box filled with memories?
The air is clouded with cigarette smoke and secrets.
The stunning writing style makes it difficult to believe this is a debut novel. Places and emotions are depicted spot on. Louise Jensen plays with appearances, and her readers’ nerves as she puts her main character in the middle of twists and turns that would leave anyone distraught. Grace is a multi-layered character who learns a lot about herself throughout the story and I was glad to witness her fight her way through the lies and the guilt surrounding her. I really enjoyed getting to know her as a child and teenager during the ‘Then’ periods and as the 25-year-old devastated Grace in the ‘Now’ chapters. The first person narrative fits perfectly to the story and only heightens the different emotions you experience as the narrative progresses. There is room for every character to evolve through Grace’s eyes, and they all play their part.
We all have different sides, I think. The things we share. The things we keep hidden.
The good, the bad.
The truth, the lies.
Grace and Charlie’s deep bond is obviously the thread tying together the two timelines the story is split it. Traveling back and forth between the past and the present, every chapter offers hints, raises questions and reveals answers. Once you are on the ride, there is no stopping as you witness Grace question everything and everyone she knows. As I neared the last chapters, I was sure I had it all figured out, only to be greatly surprised when proved me wrong. What started as a slow-burner thriller quickly escalated into a terrific page-turner. The whole book is a roller coaster filled with the right amount of action, suspense, and tension to keep you reading long after bedtime.
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel and I can’t wait to read more from Louise Jensen. I was very excited to see two new novels mentioned on her website and due for release in 2017. Until then, I can only urge you to get a copy of The Sister.
Slow and you can really tell what’s going to happen. A bit mad at the end. If you like this book then you should read “the woman at the window” and the “the breakdown”.