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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. It is set to be published in October 2020.
"The Stolen Sisters" by Louise Jensen is a gripping thriller that adds a few exra twists to the missing-child standard plot. Firstly, there's three missing children instead of just one--two twins and their older half-sister. Secondly, the story focuses on the aftermath of the abduction even more than on the abduction itself.
I totally enjoyed this fresh, original approach to the subject, and the fast-paced, action-packed pace of the narration.
The characters felt so human and flawed that I couldn't help empathizing with every single one of them.
There's some memorable, almost lyrical quotes interspersed in the story, such as "Blame is a game we pass between us like a parcel and the one left holding it has to peel off another layer of the lie. Nobody wants to be left holding the truth."
The only thing I didn't appreciate was the switching back and forth between first-person narration (in the chapters from Leah's point of view) and third-person narration (in the chapters from Carly's, George's and Marie's point of view). It felt a bit disorientating.
Overall, though, this was a highly enjoyable read, and I loved it from page 1 all the way to the touching ending.
"The Stolen Sisters" by Louise Jensen is a gripping thriller that adds a few exra twists to the missing-child standard plot. Firstly, there's three missing children instead of just one--two twins and their older half-sister. Secondly, the story focuses on the aftermath of the abduction even more than on the abduction itself.
I totally enjoyed this fresh, original approach to the subject, and the fast-paced, action-packed pace of the narration.
The characters felt so human and flawed that I couldn't help empathizing with every single one of them.
There's some memorable, almost lyrical quotes interspersed in the story, such as "Blame is a game we pass between us like a parcel and the one left holding it has to peel off another layer of the lie. Nobody wants to be left holding the truth."
The only thing I didn't appreciate was the switching back and forth between first-person narration (in the chapters from Leah's point of view) and third-person narration (in the chapters from Carly's, George's and Marie's point of view). It felt a bit disorientating.
Overall, though, this was a highly enjoyable read, and I loved it from page 1 all the way to the touching ending.
This is probably one of the worst books I’ve read. Stupid story. It was just not believable.
The Stolen Sisters was intriguing, suspenseful and somewhat shocking.
Three sisters experience the worst possible thing that sisters could experience together and it haunts them into adulthood. Nothing can fix the past and for these sisters, they can’t fix the present either, the past is still too fresh and secrets are being revealed.
When I read this novel, I read it with The Pigeonhole, which meant I could only read an installment a day, which meant I had to wait to read on. Believe me when I say this was nothing short of torture. I wanted to devour this book but sadly, I couldn’t.
The characterisation was fantastic. Three sisters, completely different all depicted well. The secondary characters were just as interesting and some were very unlikeable. The story unfolded beautifully leaving you suspended, wanting more. It even had tragedy. A book that encapsulated emotion after emotion after emotion. A very intense ride. A must read. I highly recommend it.
Three sisters experience the worst possible thing that sisters could experience together and it haunts them into adulthood. Nothing can fix the past and for these sisters, they can’t fix the present either, the past is still too fresh and secrets are being revealed.
When I read this novel, I read it with The Pigeonhole, which meant I could only read an installment a day, which meant I had to wait to read on. Believe me when I say this was nothing short of torture. I wanted to devour this book but sadly, I couldn’t.
The characterisation was fantastic. Three sisters, completely different all depicted well. The secondary characters were just as interesting and some were very unlikeable. The story unfolded beautifully leaving you suspended, wanting more. It even had tragedy. A book that encapsulated emotion after emotion after emotion. A very intense ride. A must read. I highly recommend it.
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
All of my reviews can be found at https://damppebbles.com/
I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Stolen Sisters but that has in no way influenced my review.
I am a HUGE Louise Jensen fan. I have read every single psychological thriller she has written, and will continue to do so because she is a master storyteller. I was really, REALLY looking forward to reading The Stolen Sisters and I was not disappointed. I loved this book. It gave me everything I was hoping for and so much more.
Carly, Marie and Leah Sinclair. Three sisters who went through hell twenty years ago when they were snatched from outside their home by two men and locked up in a dank and dilapidated room for days on end. Miraculously, the girls managed to escape, but that was only the beginning. Hell left their prison with them and followed them all the way home. Now, twenty years older, each of the sisters is bearing the brunt of those traumatic days as captives. Leah’s compulsions threaten to destroy her marriage and take her young son from her. Marie’s drinking problem has spiralled out of control, and Carly has never forgiven herself for not protecting her younger twin sisters enough and won’t let anyone get close to her. And let’s not forget the secrets. How much longer can the truth be kept hidden…?
The Stolen Sisters is an astonishingly good book and I savoured every moment I had with it. When I wasn’t reading this book, I was thinking about it. Pondering on the girls’ situation, trying to work out where the author was going to take the story (I failed at that, by the way) and generally relishing the author’s ability to tell a blimmin’ good story. It’s an absolutely cracking novel and if you love a family-driven psychological thriller, make sure you grab a copy. You won’t be disappointed.
The story is told from the past – we watch as the girls are taken from near their house at the tender ages of 13 and 8 – and the present day – where the reader witnesses the devastating long-term effects of the trauma suffered by the girls all those years ago. Leah’s compulsions, and how they impinge on her life, are eye-opening. The reader gets to see the gradual increase and deterioration of her condition as the anniversary looms. I found her anxiety and fear palpable. So cleverly written by the author. Out of all the characters in the book, we most closely follow Leah so I found myself warming to her more than the other two sisters. The majority of the chapters from the past are told from Carly’s point of view and my heart absolutely ached for her. Her disappointment in herself for not protecting her sisters enough and the mother role she took on whilst the girls were trapped, it almost broke me.
If you’ve read books by this author before you will be aware that she is a master at deceiving her reader (in the very best way possible). This is another wonderful example of why Jensen’s books are so incredibly popular. I had no idea where the story was going but when we got there, WOW! Dark and twisted – just how I like my books. I certainly didn’t see that one coming! I was gripped from start to finish. Even though it’s clear from the outset that the girls escape, the chapters set in the past still had me on the edge of my seat.
Would I recommend this book? I most definitely would, yes. I loved The Stolen Sisters. It’s the most enjoyable, absorbing and exciting psychological thriller I have read in a long time. I was 100% in the pages of this book living the story alongside the characters. A highly emotive read that is incredibly tense and the ultimate page-turner. Did I mention that I loved The Stolen Sisters? Oh well, worth mentioning again. I loved The Stolen Sisters! Louise Jensen is a superb writer. It was an absolute joy to read this book and I will savour the memory of it for a long time to come. Highly recommended.
I chose to read and review an eARC of The Stolen Sisters. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Stolen Sisters but that has in no way influenced my review.
I am a HUGE Louise Jensen fan. I have read every single psychological thriller she has written, and will continue to do so because she is a master storyteller. I was really, REALLY looking forward to reading The Stolen Sisters and I was not disappointed. I loved this book. It gave me everything I was hoping for and so much more.
Carly, Marie and Leah Sinclair. Three sisters who went through hell twenty years ago when they were snatched from outside their home by two men and locked up in a dank and dilapidated room for days on end. Miraculously, the girls managed to escape, but that was only the beginning. Hell left their prison with them and followed them all the way home. Now, twenty years older, each of the sisters is bearing the brunt of those traumatic days as captives. Leah’s compulsions threaten to destroy her marriage and take her young son from her. Marie’s drinking problem has spiralled out of control, and Carly has never forgiven herself for not protecting her younger twin sisters enough and won’t let anyone get close to her. And let’s not forget the secrets. How much longer can the truth be kept hidden…?
The Stolen Sisters is an astonishingly good book and I savoured every moment I had with it. When I wasn’t reading this book, I was thinking about it. Pondering on the girls’ situation, trying to work out where the author was going to take the story (I failed at that, by the way) and generally relishing the author’s ability to tell a blimmin’ good story. It’s an absolutely cracking novel and if you love a family-driven psychological thriller, make sure you grab a copy. You won’t be disappointed.
The story is told from the past – we watch as the girls are taken from near their house at the tender ages of 13 and 8 – and the present day – where the reader witnesses the devastating long-term effects of the trauma suffered by the girls all those years ago. Leah’s compulsions, and how they impinge on her life, are eye-opening. The reader gets to see the gradual increase and deterioration of her condition as the anniversary looms. I found her anxiety and fear palpable. So cleverly written by the author. Out of all the characters in the book, we most closely follow Leah so I found myself warming to her more than the other two sisters. The majority of the chapters from the past are told from Carly’s point of view and my heart absolutely ached for her. Her disappointment in herself for not protecting her sisters enough and the mother role she took on whilst the girls were trapped, it almost broke me.
If you’ve read books by this author before you will be aware that she is a master at deceiving her reader (in the very best way possible). This is another wonderful example of why Jensen’s books are so incredibly popular. I had no idea where the story was going but when we got there, WOW! Dark and twisted – just how I like my books. I certainly didn’t see that one coming! I was gripped from start to finish. Even though it’s clear from the outset that the girls escape, the chapters set in the past still had me on the edge of my seat.
Would I recommend this book? I most definitely would, yes. I loved The Stolen Sisters. It’s the most enjoyable, absorbing and exciting psychological thriller I have read in a long time. I was 100% in the pages of this book living the story alongside the characters. A highly emotive read that is incredibly tense and the ultimate page-turner. Did I mention that I loved The Stolen Sisters? Oh well, worth mentioning again. I loved The Stolen Sisters! Louise Jensen is a superb writer. It was an absolute joy to read this book and I will savour the memory of it for a long time to come. Highly recommended.
I chose to read and review an eARC of The Stolen Sisters. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
I stopped writing reviews a few years ago because I felt like I was writing the same three reviews over and over. With this book though, it so caught me by surprise that I am writing. I am writing to say how good it was, how much I enjoyed it, and most importantly, how unique it is. You may think the book is about a kidnapping, and you wouldn't be too wrong, but it is so much more than that. Sisters, trust, evil among us, love, sacrifice, duty... I could go on. I have never read anything from Louise Jensen before, but I will be devouring her books from now on.
Wow oh wow!!! This book has definitely given me all the feels. I am a huge fan of Louise's anyway and this book might actually be my new favourite. I was so excited to receive the E-arc of this book.
I have adored this one, the plot is completely unique and in true form with Louise's books, I have had absolutely no idea where this was going. I definitely could not predict this one.
I have loved the sisters, each of them dealing with the past in their own way. I have also enjoyed the flashbacks to the past. This has really enabled the reader to fully understand the situation they were in.
I have to say, I hated George from very early on. I feel he was as supportive as a chocolate teapot. However, he has added an edge to the story that made me feel for Leah even more.
Louise has a talent for pulling me into her books, her writing style paints a clear picture in your mind and keeps you completely hooked. This has been gripping and completely addictive. I am literally in awe of this amazing lady and this is another book which has completely blown me away.
I absolutely cannot say anything negative about this book. It is filled with mystery and suspense, the characters are fantastic plus Louise has created another masterpiece. My pre-order is in for the paperback version of this to add to my collection of novels by this absolutely amazing lady.
A definite five star read, I think this is deserving of so much more to show how truly wonderful this author and gem of a book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked this a lot! I picked it up from a thrift store and never heard of it or the author, but it was a win! I blew through this and was completely interested the whole time. I did feel some parts get a bit ridiculous and/or unnecessary so I don’t feel 5 stars is right, but I enjoyed it regardless and would try more from Louise Jensen.
The Stolen Sisters was a thriller that was easy to get lost in and difficult to put down. The Sinclair sisters were dynamic, multi-faceted women who we got to know as both children and traumatized adults. The story had my jaw on the floor and my heart in my stomach as I learned more about the kidnapping of the girls and the lasting impacts the event has had on them as adults. I felt every emotion possible during this read and thoroughly enjoyed both the story and the characters.