REVIEW:

The initial publisher's description of The Good Sister used these adjectives: "spine tingling, creepy, utterly compelling and unpredictable," While my spine didn't tingle, I didn't get any creeps, and I found the story pretty predictable, I 100% was utterly compelled to keep the pages turning.

I'm also now compelled to go back and read the author's earlier novels, because it's obvious Sally Hepworth has a gift for storytelling and character development. The Good Sister is the story of fraternal twins, and clearly we're meant to discern which is the titular good one. The largest share of the chapters are dedicated to the perspective of Fern, a neurodivergent librarian who counts on her sister Rose for nearly everything... and would do anything for her. Rose in turn is dealing with marriage and fertility issues, as well as childhood scars, in her chapters told in the form of journal entries.

To say much more quickly falls into spoiler territory if you're looking to enjoy this book as a thriller. If you're content with a well-written, absorbing women's fiction novel, then you're in for a heart-warming ride with a truly unique character. That's right, one of the adjectives I'd use to describe this "thriller" is heart-warming. I'll also throw in unforgettable, as I believe I'll think back on one of these sisters often.

I'd like to thank Sally Hepworth and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review an advance copy via NetGalley.

PUBLISHER SYNOPSIS:

From the outside, everyone might think Fern and Rose are as close as twin sisters can be: Rose is the responsible one and Fern is the quirky one. But the sisters are devoted to one another and Rose has always been Fern's protector from the time they were small.

Fern needed protecting because their mother was a true sociopath who hid her true nature from the world, and only Rose could see it. Fern always saw the good in everyone. Years ago, Fern did something very, very bad. And Rose has never told a soul. When Fern decides to help her sister achieve her heart's desire of having a baby, Rose realizes with growing horror that Fern might make choices that can only have a terrible outcome. What Rose doesn't realize is that Fern is growing more and more aware of the secrets Rose, herself, is keeping. And that their mother might have the last word after all.