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christygsp's review against another edition
2.0
I’ve never read a cop that was so big of an absolute ass… characters that were so unlikeable… and a plot that was only okay.
It was pretty dark, twisted and emotionally heavy. The mystery would have been good if it hadn’t been surrounded by such frustrating thought processes and morally questionable/ outright horrible people.
It was pretty dark, twisted and emotionally heavy. The mystery would have been good if it hadn’t been surrounded by such frustrating thought processes and morally questionable/ outright horrible people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Death
Minor: Child abuse
kanejim57's review against another edition
5.0
Nothing would fit, she reminded herself. Not much in her past life would. And that was all right.
Laura McNeill’s second novel, Sister Dear, is a raw, gritty, and suspenseful story about unresolved pain, long held grief and resentment, guilt, shame, and… forgiveness.
Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia it tells the story of recently released convict Allie Marshall who has spent ten years in prison convicted of the murder of the high school football coach as she attempts to re-enter life and reestablish contact with her now teenage daughter Caroline who has been raised by her sister Emma. But it is not easy and Allie has to walk carefully to keep from returning to prison and serve her remaining time as she begins to try and prove her innocence. As she does so, she begins to find out the truth about what happened that night as the novel climaxes in a truth-revealing life and death scene.
Sister Dear (Thomas Nelson, 2016) is a well written and gripping novel with many twists and turns in the plot that will keep the reader guess up to the end. McNeill’s characters are credible and she does a wonderful job of exploring their inner fears and drives, especially Emma’s as the story unfolds. And she brought out the richness of the Georgia coastal landscape in ways which make me want to visit Brunswick someday! The emotional intensity ratchets up as you read and McNeill, I believe, is able to maintain that emotional intensity until the climatic conclusion of the novel.
I enjoyed Sister Dear very much and once I started to really read it, read it through in one sitting wanting to see how the story turns out. I gave it a 5 star rating on Goodreads.
Note: I received a galley copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review.
Laura McNeill’s second novel, Sister Dear, is a raw, gritty, and suspenseful story about unresolved pain, long held grief and resentment, guilt, shame, and… forgiveness.
Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia it tells the story of recently released convict Allie Marshall who has spent ten years in prison convicted of the murder of the high school football coach as she attempts to re-enter life and reestablish contact with her now teenage daughter Caroline who has been raised by her sister Emma. But it is not easy and Allie has to walk carefully to keep from returning to prison and serve her remaining time as she begins to try and prove her innocence. As she does so, she begins to find out the truth about what happened that night as the novel climaxes in a truth-revealing life and death scene.
Sister Dear (Thomas Nelson, 2016) is a well written and gripping novel with many twists and turns in the plot that will keep the reader guess up to the end. McNeill’s characters are credible and she does a wonderful job of exploring their inner fears and drives, especially Emma’s as the story unfolds. And she brought out the richness of the Georgia coastal landscape in ways which make me want to visit Brunswick someday! The emotional intensity ratchets up as you read and McNeill, I believe, is able to maintain that emotional intensity until the climatic conclusion of the novel.
I enjoyed Sister Dear very much and once I started to really read it, read it through in one sitting wanting to see how the story turns out. I gave it a 5 star rating on Goodreads.
Note: I received a galley copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review.
vandermeer's review against another edition
1.0
Brutal schlecht geschrieben, keiner der Protagonisten interessiert mich.
kanejim57's review against another edition
5.0
Nothing would fit, she reminded herself. Not much in her past life would. And that was all right.
Laura McNeill’s second novel, Sister Dear, is a raw, gritty, and suspenseful story about unresolved pain, long held grief and resentment, guilt, shame, and… forgiveness.
Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia it tells the story of recently released convict Allie Marshall who has spent ten years in prison convicted of the murder of the high school football coach as she attempts to re-enter life and reestablish contact with her now teenage daughter Caroline who has been raised by her sister Emma. But it is not easy and Allie has to walk carefully to keep from returning to prison and serve her remaining time as she begins to try and prove her innocence. As she does so, she begins to find out the truth about what happened that night as the novel climaxes in a truth-revealing life and death scene.
Sister Dear (Thomas Nelson, 2016) is a well written and gripping novel with many twists and turns in the plot that will keep the reader guess up to the end. McNeill’s characters are credible and she does a wonderful job of exploring their inner fears and drives, especially Emma’s as the story unfolds. And she brought out the richness of the Georgia coastal landscape in ways which make me want to visit Brunswick someday! The emotional intensity ratchets up as you read and McNeill, I believe, is able to maintain that emotional intensity until the climatic conclusion of the novel.
I enjoyed Sister Dear very much and once I started to really read it, read it through in one sitting wanting to see how the story turns out. I gave it a 5 star rating on Goodreads.
Note: I received a galley copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review.
Laura McNeill’s second novel, Sister Dear, is a raw, gritty, and suspenseful story about unresolved pain, long held grief and resentment, guilt, shame, and… forgiveness.
Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia it tells the story of recently released convict Allie Marshall who has spent ten years in prison convicted of the murder of the high school football coach as she attempts to re-enter life and reestablish contact with her now teenage daughter Caroline who has been raised by her sister Emma. But it is not easy and Allie has to walk carefully to keep from returning to prison and serve her remaining time as she begins to try and prove her innocence. As she does so, she begins to find out the truth about what happened that night as the novel climaxes in a truth-revealing life and death scene.
Sister Dear (Thomas Nelson, 2016) is a well written and gripping novel with many twists and turns in the plot that will keep the reader guess up to the end. McNeill’s characters are credible and she does a wonderful job of exploring their inner fears and drives, especially Emma’s as the story unfolds. And she brought out the richness of the Georgia coastal landscape in ways which make me want to visit Brunswick someday! The emotional intensity ratchets up as you read and McNeill, I believe, is able to maintain that emotional intensity until the climatic conclusion of the novel.
I enjoyed Sister Dear very much and once I started to really read it, read it through in one sitting wanting to see how the story turns out. I gave it a 5 star rating on Goodreads.
Note: I received a galley copy of this book from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review.
jolinsdell's review against another edition
5.0
I was given a free copy of this book from Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest review, and I'm so glad I was!
This book was a real page turner. I couldn't wait to find out what really happened "that night" and who did it.
I don't usually like books that hop back and forth in time but with this one it worked perfectly. I always knew where I was and never had that feeling of being confused about the who, what, and when.
Well written, good characters, good plot, a good dose of action and suspense... this book is a winner.
This book was a real page turner. I couldn't wait to find out what really happened "that night" and who did it.
I don't usually like books that hop back and forth in time but with this one it worked perfectly. I always knew where I was and never had that feeling of being confused about the who, what, and when.
Well written, good characters, good plot, a good dose of action and suspense... this book is a winner.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
A special thank you to Thomas Nelson--FICTION and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Top 50 Books of 2016!
Talented storyteller, Laura McNeill returns following her sensational debut, Center of Gravity, landing on my Top 50 Books of 2015 “Best Southern Domestic Psycho-Suspense" with a strong followup, SISTER DEAR, an edge of your seat (nail-biter), tension-filled, psychological suspense thriller Top Books of 2016.
From jealousy, greed, betrayal, family, revenge, murder, and highly charged topics of steroid use in high school sports-football; mixed with brilliant writing and clever plotting; A mind-blowing whodunit mystery!
As the book opens Allie Marshall is finally getting out of prison. She has been an inmate at Arrendale State Prison for a crime she did not commit. Someone murdered the high school football coach. Who set her up? She thinks it may have been the Sheriff; however, she needs proof.
She has lost her life, her promising medical career, her reputation, and her daughter. The judge had sentenced Allie to sixteen years. She had been granted an early release—ten years behind bars.
"An imprint made by an incident, mistake and tragedy. Evidence and lack of it." Appeals failed. She was innocent. The wrong place at the wrong time. And the killer still out there.
Caroline, her daughter was only five- years- old when Allie was convicted. Caroline is now a teen, living with her Aunt Emma, Allie's sister. She does not even know her. The joyous reunion she had imagined for years, did not happen.
Allie is returning to Brunswick, Georgia a small historic southeastern town on the coast, in South Georgia, near northeast Florida. Her father has sold his veterinary practice, from the stress of the trial (Allie worked there as a vet tech).
She had it all before prison, a college education, and an acceptance to medical school—she was leaving the following week. She was almost there- living her dream. From college honor societies and her charity work to her job—destroyed by one night long ago. She was the good girl, the responsible studious daughter.
Her sister, Emma was the one always in trouble. One night before leaving for school, she wanted to celebrate with her sister Emma. A quiet girls night in with movies, dinner, and some wine. Emma led a secretive life. Dangerous secrets. She had everyone fooled. One trip to the pharmacy had led Allie to go after her. The one night which changed Allie’s life. The wrong place, the wrong time—trying to rescue her sister.
Emma was the only one who came to see Allie when she was in prison. Was she really a supporter? She has been raising her daughter Caroline. She was the one constant in her life.
Allie, also lost Ben, the guy who wanted to marry her; however, with his political career, he even wanted to sacrifice—she could not allow this and broke it off. Her best friend Morgan was long gone. At first Lily, her mother, and Paul, her dad came to visit at the prison. Then their visits stopped as well as Caroline. Her prison sentence changed everyone and everything.
She had survived. Her mission is to get her daughter back, find a job, and try and find the real killer. She wants justice. She was free. She will go to the new veterinarian owners and get a job, doing anything. Hopefully, the new owners will give her a chance to start over.
Carolina was not speaking to her. Old friends ignored her, and her own parents were keeping a safe distance.
The author skillfully unravels the events leading up to the tragic murder, the past, and the present. Flashing back and forth from 2006-2016; through the years, we hear from perspectives: Allie, Emma, Caroline, and Sheriff Gaines. The secrets of a town.
Emma is overly protective of Caroline. She wants to adopt Caroline. She needs Allie gone.
Before prison, Allie was dating Ben. Living in a small town ruled by football, Allie discovered Coach Thomas was abusing the football players—one being Ben’s brother. There were many. Outrages, tempers, personality changes. Everyone turned a blind eye. The coach wanted to win and the use of drugs and steroids was suspected. He wanted to make a name for himself—wins, college football scholarships, and NFL recruits. He would use whatever tactics he could. Allie submitted an editorial about it ten years earlier. No one else was concerned or believed her.
When the coach was murdered and Allie was the first on the scene, she was quickly convicted, without a lot of evidence. Allie does not trust Sheriff Gaines. She needs proof. Coach Thomas’ family was in the pharmaceutical business. However, it is hard attaining proof, when she was being watched--her every move. Everyone was judging Allie, waiting for her to screw up so they could send her back to prison. A daughter and a town which wants nothing to do with her. Wrongly accused, and now having served her time--she is an outcast.
Caroline, a teen is losing all her friends at school since her mom has returned. She felt like her life was a Stephen King movie. Everywhere she went, tension built. It was the anticipation, the beats leading up to the moment when tragedy struck the main character. Things start happening to remind everyone of the murder. Everything attached to her is being attacked. From her boyfriend to her best friend—now gone from her life.
Interestingly, Sheriff Gaines' wife June, is in a nursing home where Caroline works part-time. Her mind is not right, after an accident, but she recalls things from the past. Mysteriously, she thinks Caroline is Emma.
There is also a boy Russell, working at the nursing home—his parents now own the local vet, and Allie’s new boss. He befriends Caroline. Natalie gives Allie a job. Between Natalie, Allie, Caroline, and Russell---will they figure out the pieces of the mystery before it is too late. What really happened that night? What kind of monster is Emma? What about Sheriff Gaines--how is he connected?
WOW, Emma is one sick character. On the exterior, Allie thinks she is the best sister, supportive and caring. However, she is her worst enemy. She is out to steal her daughter and ruin her life. She is manipulative, obsessive, and conniving to the tune of: A Fatal Attraction, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and the Boy Next Door. .
The suspense is chilling, mind-blowing—keeping you guessing as what went down. Until after the 50% -80% readers do not know what went down and how it all happened until the very end. Readers get bits and pieces, keeping you glued to the pages.
Loved, Loved!!! "Un-put-down-able" a read in one sitting. Twists and turns you do not see coming. Emma is pure evil—two faces. Ideal for the big screen---Predict, a New York Times Bestseller. Laura McNeill has written two back to back winners---quickly becoming one of my favorite psychological suspense authors.
The twists with Sheriff Gaines and June were brilliant—and wow, loved Natalie and Russell’s character. Heart-pounding intensity. Everything about this crime thriller was top-notch. You will root for Allie from page one to the end. From the excellent character development, the pacing, and the explosive ending.
A riveting Southern mystery! Dealing with highly charged topics of steroids, drugs, and abuse in the sports industry. Readers will be truly invested in the story, its characters, and the vivid settings. For fans of Mary Kubica --McNeill's lyrical writing shines -Tops on my list!
SISTER DEAR has all the ingredients I look for in an engaging psychological thriller – Highly Recommend!
On a personal note: Enjoyed familiar places, having lived in Buckhead and weekends in Dahlonega (North Georgia, Lake Lanier) as well as Southern coastal Brunswick and Jekyll Island. If you have ever lived in Atlanta, you know their obsession with football.
JDCMustReadBooks
Top 50 Books of 2016!
Talented storyteller, Laura McNeill returns following her sensational debut, Center of Gravity, landing on my Top 50 Books of 2015 “Best Southern Domestic Psycho-Suspense" with a strong followup, SISTER DEAR, an edge of your seat (nail-biter), tension-filled, psychological suspense thriller Top Books of 2016.
From jealousy, greed, betrayal, family, revenge, murder, and highly charged topics of steroid use in high school sports-football; mixed with brilliant writing and clever plotting; A mind-blowing whodunit mystery!
As the book opens Allie Marshall is finally getting out of prison. She has been an inmate at Arrendale State Prison for a crime she did not commit. Someone murdered the high school football coach. Who set her up? She thinks it may have been the Sheriff; however, she needs proof.
She has lost her life, her promising medical career, her reputation, and her daughter. The judge had sentenced Allie to sixteen years. She had been granted an early release—ten years behind bars.
"An imprint made by an incident, mistake and tragedy. Evidence and lack of it." Appeals failed. She was innocent. The wrong place at the wrong time. And the killer still out there.
Caroline, her daughter was only five- years- old when Allie was convicted. Caroline is now a teen, living with her Aunt Emma, Allie's sister. She does not even know her. The joyous reunion she had imagined for years, did not happen.
Allie is returning to Brunswick, Georgia a small historic southeastern town on the coast, in South Georgia, near northeast Florida. Her father has sold his veterinary practice, from the stress of the trial (Allie worked there as a vet tech).
She had it all before prison, a college education, and an acceptance to medical school—she was leaving the following week. She was almost there- living her dream. From college honor societies and her charity work to her job—destroyed by one night long ago. She was the good girl, the responsible studious daughter.
Her sister, Emma was the one always in trouble. One night before leaving for school, she wanted to celebrate with her sister Emma. A quiet girls night in with movies, dinner, and some wine. Emma led a secretive life. Dangerous secrets. She had everyone fooled. One trip to the pharmacy had led Allie to go after her. The one night which changed Allie’s life. The wrong place, the wrong time—trying to rescue her sister.
Emma was the only one who came to see Allie when she was in prison. Was she really a supporter? She has been raising her daughter Caroline. She was the one constant in her life.
Allie, also lost Ben, the guy who wanted to marry her; however, with his political career, he even wanted to sacrifice—she could not allow this and broke it off. Her best friend Morgan was long gone. At first Lily, her mother, and Paul, her dad came to visit at the prison. Then their visits stopped as well as Caroline. Her prison sentence changed everyone and everything.
She had survived. Her mission is to get her daughter back, find a job, and try and find the real killer. She wants justice. She was free. She will go to the new veterinarian owners and get a job, doing anything. Hopefully, the new owners will give her a chance to start over.
Carolina was not speaking to her. Old friends ignored her, and her own parents were keeping a safe distance.
The author skillfully unravels the events leading up to the tragic murder, the past, and the present. Flashing back and forth from 2006-2016; through the years, we hear from perspectives: Allie, Emma, Caroline, and Sheriff Gaines. The secrets of a town.
Emma is overly protective of Caroline. She wants to adopt Caroline. She needs Allie gone.
Before prison, Allie was dating Ben. Living in a small town ruled by football, Allie discovered Coach Thomas was abusing the football players—one being Ben’s brother. There were many. Outrages, tempers, personality changes. Everyone turned a blind eye. The coach wanted to win and the use of drugs and steroids was suspected. He wanted to make a name for himself—wins, college football scholarships, and NFL recruits. He would use whatever tactics he could. Allie submitted an editorial about it ten years earlier. No one else was concerned or believed her.
When the coach was murdered and Allie was the first on the scene, she was quickly convicted, without a lot of evidence. Allie does not trust Sheriff Gaines. She needs proof. Coach Thomas’ family was in the pharmaceutical business. However, it is hard attaining proof, when she was being watched--her every move. Everyone was judging Allie, waiting for her to screw up so they could send her back to prison. A daughter and a town which wants nothing to do with her. Wrongly accused, and now having served her time--she is an outcast.
Caroline, a teen is losing all her friends at school since her mom has returned. She felt like her life was a Stephen King movie. Everywhere she went, tension built. It was the anticipation, the beats leading up to the moment when tragedy struck the main character. Things start happening to remind everyone of the murder. Everything attached to her is being attacked. From her boyfriend to her best friend—now gone from her life.
Interestingly, Sheriff Gaines' wife June, is in a nursing home where Caroline works part-time. Her mind is not right, after an accident, but she recalls things from the past. Mysteriously, she thinks Caroline is Emma.
There is also a boy Russell, working at the nursing home—his parents now own the local vet, and Allie’s new boss. He befriends Caroline. Natalie gives Allie a job. Between Natalie, Allie, Caroline, and Russell---will they figure out the pieces of the mystery before it is too late. What really happened that night? What kind of monster is Emma? What about Sheriff Gaines--how is he connected?
WOW, Emma is one sick character. On the exterior, Allie thinks she is the best sister, supportive and caring. However, she is her worst enemy. She is out to steal her daughter and ruin her life. She is manipulative, obsessive, and conniving to the tune of: A Fatal Attraction, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and the Boy Next Door. .
The suspense is chilling, mind-blowing—keeping you guessing as what went down. Until after the 50% -80% readers do not know what went down and how it all happened until the very end. Readers get bits and pieces, keeping you glued to the pages.
Loved, Loved!!! "Un-put-down-able" a read in one sitting. Twists and turns you do not see coming. Emma is pure evil—two faces. Ideal for the big screen---Predict, a New York Times Bestseller. Laura McNeill has written two back to back winners---quickly becoming one of my favorite psychological suspense authors.
The twists with Sheriff Gaines and June were brilliant—and wow, loved Natalie and Russell’s character. Heart-pounding intensity. Everything about this crime thriller was top-notch. You will root for Allie from page one to the end. From the excellent character development, the pacing, and the explosive ending.
A riveting Southern mystery! Dealing with highly charged topics of steroids, drugs, and abuse in the sports industry. Readers will be truly invested in the story, its characters, and the vivid settings. For fans of Mary Kubica --McNeill's lyrical writing shines -Tops on my list!
SISTER DEAR has all the ingredients I look for in an engaging psychological thriller – Highly Recommend!
On a personal note: Enjoyed familiar places, having lived in Buckhead and weekends in Dahlonega (North Georgia, Lake Lanier) as well as Southern coastal Brunswick and Jekyll Island. If you have ever lived in Atlanta, you know their obsession with football.
JDCMustReadBooks
susanthebookbag's review against another edition
5.0
Laura has written another suspenseful, exciting, and touching novel. Sister Dear is full of great characters, some that you just love to hate. Allie is sent to prison for a murder she swears she didn't commit. When she is released, she comes home with a mission; to find out the truth and to put the man responsible behind bars.
She also wants to rekindle her relationship with her daughter, Caroline, who was five years old when she was sent to prison ten years ago. Will her teenage daughter even want her back in her life after all this time? And then there is Allie's younger sister, who took Caroline in and raised her as her own daughter. She has her own secrets and she is not at all happy about Allie's digging around in the past.
Sister Dear was a wonderful page turner, just like I knew it would be. The storyline felt like it was going to be predictable but then there were twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. And the suspense kept me reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this story to the very end!
She also wants to rekindle her relationship with her daughter, Caroline, who was five years old when she was sent to prison ten years ago. Will her teenage daughter even want her back in her life after all this time? And then there is Allie's younger sister, who took Caroline in and raised her as her own daughter. She has her own secrets and she is not at all happy about Allie's digging around in the past.
Sister Dear was a wonderful page turner, just like I knew it would be. The storyline felt like it was going to be predictable but then there were twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. And the suspense kept me reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this story to the very end!
kbranfield's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Sister Dear by Laura McNeill is an intriguing whodunit that has plenty of unexpected twists and turns.
Granted an early release after serving ten years for voluntary manslaughter of high school football coach Boyd Thomas, Allie Marshall is looking forward to two things: clearing her name and most important, getting to know her now fifteen year old daughter, Caroline. Neither task is easily accomplished nor is settling back into life in her small hometown but Allie bides her time while waiting for things to settle down. Hoping her younger sister, Emma, who has been caring for Caroline, will help smooth the way for the much anticipated reunion, Allie is confused by her sister’s sudden withdrawal and overall lack of support. When she begins looking into Boyd’s murder, she runs into interference from Sheriff Lee Gaines who warns her to leave the past alone. Convinced Sheriff Gaines is somehow involved in Thomas’s murder, Allie keeps searching for answers, but are some secrets better left buried?
Despite the unplanned pregnancy that slightly derailed her plans, when Allie is arrested for Thomas’s murder, she finally has her life in order. She has just been accepted to medical school, she is engaged to be married and five year old Caroline is thriving. However, Allie is greatly troubled by some of the changes in some of the high school football players’ behavior and her recent letter in the newspaper angered many of town’s residents. With the football team standing a good chance of winning the championship, no one wants to hear anything negative about the coach who turned the team around. Lacking irrefutable proof about her suspicions, Allie is accelerating her plans to leave town when she stumbles onto Boyd immediately after he is attacked and despite her assertions of innocence, she is quickly arrested, tried and convicted of his murder. Her time in prison does not break her and now older, wiser and more patient, Allie is more than ready to reclaim her life and her daughter but she has no intention of giving up on her plans to find the information that will exonerate her.
Emma is the only person who stood by Allie once she began serving her sentence. She willingly became her niece’s guardian and she is extremely protective of Caroline. While Emma initially appears concerned and supportive of Allie, it quickly becomes apparent that she will go to any lengths to maintain the life she has made for herself in Allie’s absence. She is quite manipulative, calculating and vindictive as she plots and schemes to hold onto Caroline’s affections. Emma’s motives for undermining Caroline and Allie’s relationship quickly become suspect as she reminisces about the months leading up to Boyd’s death.
Sheriff Gaines is nearing retirement and he has no intention of letting anything mar his spotless career. He is less than enthusiastic about Allie’s return and he makes no effort to hide his animosity towards her. Allie has never given up her theory that he was somehow involved in Boyd’s death and when Gaines pays her visit after her release, she grows more certain he is hiding something. Determined to uncover the truth, Allie ignores his threats and keeps digging for the truth but she is unprepared for the shocking secrets she is about to unearth.
Written from multiple points of view, Sister Dear by Laura McNeill is an interesting mystery that, while impossible to put down, falls a bit flat due to the rather obvious suspect, unsympathetic characters and a somewhat implausible plot. Despite these issues, the storyline is engaging and while the killer’s identity is very easy to predict, the motive for the crime remains unclear until the novel’s dramatic conclusion.
Sister Dear by Laura McNeill is an intriguing whodunit that has plenty of unexpected twists and turns.
Granted an early release after serving ten years for voluntary manslaughter of high school football coach Boyd Thomas, Allie Marshall is looking forward to two things: clearing her name and most important, getting to know her now fifteen year old daughter, Caroline. Neither task is easily accomplished nor is settling back into life in her small hometown but Allie bides her time while waiting for things to settle down. Hoping her younger sister, Emma, who has been caring for Caroline, will help smooth the way for the much anticipated reunion, Allie is confused by her sister’s sudden withdrawal and overall lack of support. When she begins looking into Boyd’s murder, she runs into interference from Sheriff Lee Gaines who warns her to leave the past alone. Convinced Sheriff Gaines is somehow involved in Thomas’s murder, Allie keeps searching for answers, but are some secrets better left buried?
Despite the unplanned pregnancy that slightly derailed her plans, when Allie is arrested for Thomas’s murder, she finally has her life in order. She has just been accepted to medical school, she is engaged to be married and five year old Caroline is thriving. However, Allie is greatly troubled by some of the changes in some of the high school football players’ behavior and her recent letter in the newspaper angered many of town’s residents. With the football team standing a good chance of winning the championship, no one wants to hear anything negative about the coach who turned the team around. Lacking irrefutable proof about her suspicions, Allie is accelerating her plans to leave town when she stumbles onto Boyd immediately after he is attacked and despite her assertions of innocence, she is quickly arrested, tried and convicted of his murder. Her time in prison does not break her and now older, wiser and more patient, Allie is more than ready to reclaim her life and her daughter but she has no intention of giving up on her plans to find the information that will exonerate her.
Emma is the only person who stood by Allie once she began serving her sentence. She willingly became her niece’s guardian and she is extremely protective of Caroline. While Emma initially appears concerned and supportive of Allie, it quickly becomes apparent that she will go to any lengths to maintain the life she has made for herself in Allie’s absence. She is quite manipulative, calculating and vindictive as she plots and schemes to hold onto Caroline’s affections. Emma’s motives for undermining Caroline and Allie’s relationship quickly become suspect as she reminisces about the months leading up to Boyd’s death.
Sheriff Gaines is nearing retirement and he has no intention of letting anything mar his spotless career. He is less than enthusiastic about Allie’s return and he makes no effort to hide his animosity towards her. Allie has never given up her theory that he was somehow involved in Boyd’s death and when Gaines pays her visit after her release, she grows more certain he is hiding something. Determined to uncover the truth, Allie ignores his threats and keeps digging for the truth but she is unprepared for the shocking secrets she is about to unearth.
Written from multiple points of view, Sister Dear by Laura McNeill is an interesting mystery that, while impossible to put down, falls a bit flat due to the rather obvious suspect, unsympathetic characters and a somewhat implausible plot. Despite these issues, the storyline is engaging and while the killer’s identity is very easy to predict, the motive for the crime remains unclear until the novel’s dramatic conclusion.
meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
Sister Dear by Laura McNeill is a book that captivates and intrigues as it weaves a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The shifting perspectives between different main characters as well as between the past and the present heightens the dramatic tension and allows for greater insight into the psychology of each character. As with all well-written psychological suspense, Sister Dear is less of a mystery and more of a chilling look into the twisted reality of a disturbed soul. Less time wondering who did it (although there were a couple of moments where I wondered exactly how deep this cover up extended) and more time watching for the thread that will cause it all to unravel.
Sister Dear is well-written, gripping, and entertaining. Though not overtly spiritual, there are some underlying themes that give me the satisfaction of redemption that I look for in every story. Particularly the healing power of forgiveness vs the pervasive destruction of bitterness. The elements of psychological suspense are riveting, and all the dynamics between the varied characters add extra depth to this aspect. While there is a hint of a romantic angle to the story, I would have loved to see this particular element developed further (which should come as no surprise to anyone).
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Reviewer’s Note: Though Thomas Nelson is a Christian publishing house, there are a couple of VERY minor uses of the word “hell” as profanities toward the end of the book. While unfortunate, it does fit with the drama of the moment and the characters’ backgrounds.
Sister Dear by Laura McNeill is a book that captivates and intrigues as it weaves a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The shifting perspectives between different main characters as well as between the past and the present heightens the dramatic tension and allows for greater insight into the psychology of each character. As with all well-written psychological suspense, Sister Dear is less of a mystery and more of a chilling look into the twisted reality of a disturbed soul. Less time wondering who did it (although there were a couple of moments where I wondered exactly how deep this cover up extended) and more time watching for the thread that will cause it all to unravel.
Sister Dear is well-written, gripping, and entertaining. Though not overtly spiritual, there are some underlying themes that give me the satisfaction of redemption that I look for in every story. Particularly the healing power of forgiveness vs the pervasive destruction of bitterness. The elements of psychological suspense are riveting, and all the dynamics between the varied characters add extra depth to this aspect. While there is a hint of a romantic angle to the story, I would have loved to see this particular element developed further (which should come as no surprise to anyone).
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
Reviewer’s Note: Though Thomas Nelson is a Christian publishing house, there are a couple of VERY minor uses of the word “hell” as profanities toward the end of the book. While unfortunate, it does fit with the drama of the moment and the characters’ backgrounds.