Everything about this book and audiobook is absolutely astounding. While there are big picture parts that I saw coming, within that, Hepworth colored in.that picture in ways I never imagined.

Sally Hepworth has done a wonderful job writing a story about fraternal twin girls who are very different people. Rose is short, heavy and a take charge sort of person and Fern is tall and lanky and has symptoms that place her on the autistic spectrum. She is overly sensitive to sensory stimulation, has trouble with eye contact and thrives on routine. She also interprets phrases or words literally, often missing the idea in a comment.
Rose is wanting a child but isn’t able to become pregnant and implies that she would be happy for Fern to have a baby that Rose adopts. At first, Fern is considering doing this because she loves her sister and only sees the best in her. Then Fern meets “Wally”, Rocco, who appears to be homeless and they hit it off and Fern becomes pregnant. The dynamics between the sisters and their mother is fascinating.
This story is told from dual perspectives, current day Fern and from the diary written by Rose about past events.
I was impressed with the story and the ability of Hepworth to capture the features of someone with high functioning autism in a way that made her character very interesting.
There are twists and and turns in here while simultaneously diving into the family dynamics.
#TheGoodSister #NetGalley #StMartinsPress

Sally Hepworth is one of those authors that has the ability to snag the reader’s attention within pages of starting one of her books and doesn’t let you go until you’ve finished the book. She creates characters that have their own unique voice and personality. In this story she explores the complex and often codependent relationship between fraternal twins. The storyline is complex and full of twists. How far will one sister go to get what she wants and what will that mean for the other sister? This is another home run for Sally Hepworth!

A superb psychological thriller by author Sally Hepworth full of surprising twists and turns. This is the story of fraternal twins, Rose and Fern who have completely different perspectives of how they were raised and their life together. Fern is a librarian and has sensory overload issues and has trouble maintaining eye contact with others. She has developed tactics to manage these issues and is very successful in her job. However, an incident when she was a kid has convinced her she is not able to live successfully without the help of her twin. Rose, on the other hand, takes care of Fern completely arranging her life. When Fern meets a young man who, although he shares some of the same issues as Fern, begins to encourage her independence from Rose, the relationship between the sisters begins to change. Wonderful character development with a cleverly crafted plot that blends suspense and family drama.

Twin sisters Fern and Rose, growing up with a single mother, have always had an unbreakable connection. Fern, who struggles with social cues and has sensory processing disorder, relies on Rose’s lessons to navigate the world. A touch of their bracelets —one decorated with a fern, one a rose—communicates volumes without speaking.

As an adult, Fern, a librarian, depends on an orderly routine without which she becomes anxious and unpredictable. But Rose is always there to smooth the way, and to rescue Fern if things go off the rails. After all, Rose has always protected her.

When Rose is unable to conceive, Fern finally sees a way to show her how much she appreciates her. All she needs is a man. But there’s nothing like sex and a possible pregnancy to upend the status quo and to unearth painful memories. Each sister remembers the past quite differently, and their perceived experiences threaten the peaceful influence their responses to current events.

I loved this domestic thriller about the fraught relationship between sisters. The library setting and Fern’s commentary on services was perfect, and the secondary characters were delightful, particularly “Wally,” a van dweller. I also appreciated Carmel’s evolution from an apparently strict rule-follower to someone who challenged her assumptions. I also had a serious soul connection to one of the characters in the book which made me feel seen.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thrillers are always harder for me to review because I am so self conscious of revealing any spoilers. So here goes nothing.

First of all, Fern is the best heroine in a thriller that I have ever come across. I fell in love with her quirks, and I think all of her interactions were so endearing. Unfortunately this is all I can say about her without revealing anything.

I really loved how Hepworth created a thriller that made you care about the characters so much. She really developed a great background, and an entertaining rising action before the plot twist hits. I think often authors are so quick to throw twists at you, and develop the plot that the connection to the story is lost or weakened. I felt a deep attachment to the story and characters which made the twists way more jarring!

Overall if you like thrillers this book needs to be added to the top of your list. I will definitely be devouring the rest of Hepworth's novels as soon as possible.

“𝑺𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒐 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒚. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒕 𝑹𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑩𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒖𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑯𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆. 𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒊𝒕 𝒃𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒚. 𝑩𝒍𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌, 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒅𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕.”

I called Sally Hepworth’s last book “a steady slow burn until the very end;” I found The Good Sister to be more like a beach bonfire: a steady burn with some high flames (twists) and a bright burn. I really enjoyed this book!

From the outside, Fern and Rose are as close as twin sisters can be; they rely on each other through thick and thin, keeping one dark secret. As adults, Fern decides to be a surrogate for Rose; Fern embarks on this journey and expands her world, meeting a man named Wally, she realizes that not all is as it seems, and maybe Rose is keeping more than just one secret…

Though not a thriller and definitely more of a domestic drama, Hepworth built up tension so well between Rose and Fern. It was difficult to know which sister to trust; I love a good unreliable narrator. This book is definitely darker than The Mother-in-Law and heartbreaking at times. I loved Fern’s point of view, and the characters that rallied around her as she learned more of herself. Tightly paced and engaging written, with family drama galore between two sisters, The Good Sister burns bright until the very last page.

Fern and Rose are fraternal twin sisters. Fern has Sensory Processing Issues. She doesn't like to be touched, gets overwhelmed by loud noises/crowds, and is very literal in her thinking. Rose is her person. Rose has always been there for Fern as her protector/guider.

This was told from Fern's perspective and through Rose's journal entries. We get some family history through Rose's journal and current day happenings with Fern. Rose wants a baby and can't have one so Fern decides to get pregnant and give her baby to Rose.

But...things happen, feelings change, secrets come out.

I listened to this and I can't stress enough how wonderful the narrator is--especially with Fern. Her tone and inflection were so on point. I found myself chuckling quite a bit. I enjoyed the story, though it is somewhat predictable, but I know the audio definitely made it so much better.

Thank you to Libro.fm, NetGalley and St. Martins Press for my audio and digital copies in exchange for my honest review.

This book about twin sisters will rock you. Fern and Rose are completely different, but always there for each other. Even when bad things happen, the other is there to bail them out. The story is told from two points of view, Fern in the past, and Rose in the present. The characters are well developed and hook you from the beginning. This is a hard book to put down!

Loved this book! I’m having a book hangover. I don’t see how my my next read can top this one! This was my second Sally Hepworth book and it definitely will not be my last.

The story centers around Fern and Rose, fraternal twin sisters. Fern has sensory issues and Rose suffers from type 1 diabetes. For most of their lives, Rose has paved the way for Fern.
Throughout their growing up years Rose and their mother had a troubled relationship. Rose felt their mother favored Fern.

Once the girls are grown Rose is still helping with Fern and they see other several times a week. When Fern finds out something about Rose, she wants to help her and this action leads to a series of events that neither sister saw coming.

I’m not saying anymore because this book is best when you read it not knowing anything. But, rest assured, things are not as they seem.

I highly recommend this to readers who love mystery, thrillers and contemporary fiction. This is one of the few books that I will add to my favorites list this year.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy. I’m happy to give my honest review.

I read an advanced digital copy of this novel courtesy on the publisher through NetGalley. Review available on goodreads.

Twin sisters, Rose and Fern, have a close relationship and are devoted to each other. They are doing their best as adults in the aftermath of a difficult childhood with an abusive mother. Protective mama bear Rose often helps Fern navigate a world that she finds challenging due to her sensory-processing issues and poor social skills. When Fern learns of her sister’s fertility problems and strong desire to have a baby, she hatches a plan to repay Rose. How far is each sister willing to go to have a baby? Will one go too far? Who is the good sister?

The beginning of The Good Sister read more like women's fiction to me. The second half was a fascinating, twisted, and suspenseful tale. The story is told in dual perspective — Fern telling current events and Rose’s diary entries providing childhood flashbacks. Both are unreliable narrators, so the reader is left guessing about what is true. Which sister is a master manipulator and secret sociopath?

The evolution of the two sisters is compelling. One sister immediately stood out to me. I found myself cheering for her and hoping she wasn't the bad sister. I was pretty happy with the ending that ties up all of the loose ends. Both sisters get the future that they deserve!

The Good Sister is a must read for fans of domestic thrillers!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital copy to read and enjoy. This voluntary review reflects my honest, unbiased opinion.

I flew through this one today. The audio narration is top notch, the storytelling is intense and fast paced, and the characters are so well done! And it must be said that the representation of neurodiversity was done so well!

This was such a well crafted story that completely kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

Rose and Fern are fraternal twins. While they are very different, the two are incredibly close. Rose has always been there to help her neuro-diverse twin navigate through difficult situations.

This is told through three different narratives: Fern’s, Rose’s, and Rose’s diary entries. We learn about the childhood the girls share, with an unkind and neglectful mother... We see how Rose tells us she has ruined things in her own marriage due to her single minded desire to have a child, but how she and her husband are working through their issues. And we see how Fern uses her love for repetition to live a happy and healthy life on her own, being able to lean on the kindness and understandingstanding of her sister when she needs to.

But things aren’t always as they seem. And thanks to some perfectly unreliable narrators, we embark down the winding road to the truth in the face of their mother, their upbringing, the tragic death of a boy in their past and the web woven with lies, secrets and deceit.

This was, simply put, an amazing story. I couldn’t consume this book fast enough, while simultaneously wanting to savor each word. There were times when I was sure I knew where the story was going, only to realize I was wrong. What a great listening experience. I chose to listen to the audiobook and I am so glad I did because the narration with fantastic. Barrie Kreinik was a phenomenal narrator who lent unique voices to both Rose and Fern (among others).

This is a delicious twisty book about two sisters and hidden secrets. I love how Sally Hepworth writes these stories where you can never trust any of the characters until the very end. It is enjoyable to be reading and having to keep guessing who is good or evil. Another solid book from this author.

Rose and Fern are twin sisters who have seen each other through a lot. After their mother overdoses when they are twelve, all they have left is each other. Rose takes on a maternal role with Fern who seems to have some difficulty with communicating and sensory issues. When Fern meets a man named Wally and falls in love, Rose is very skeptical of his intentions. As Fern steps further away from her sister for the first time in her life, she starts to see Rose for who she really is (someone with ulterior motives…).

I read this in less than 24 hours, I could not put it down! OH FERN AND WALLY FOREVER. I just simply loved them. Fern’s bluntness made me laugh out loud and I loved reading about a character with sensory processing issues as I never have before. Wally was perfect for her and I was very satisfied with both of their character arcs. The setting in the library where Fern works was delightful, I could really see it and all of the patrons and staff who seemed like real people. This novel had the perfect amount of suspense and build-up to the action. It was a nice short and succinct length and I really enjoyed the ending. Highly recommend for a thriller lover!

This was my first Sally Hepworth and I’m happy to report that it was excellent! The premise follows twin sisters Fern and Rose who couldn’t be any more different. Fern is on the spectrum, highly routine-orientated, and works at a library. Because of this, Rose has the tendency to look out for her ever since they were kids. Feeling somewhat indebted to Rose, Fern decides to be a surrogate when she finds out that Rose is struggling to fall pregnant. Along the way, Fern also meets Wally and we see their relationship unfolds.

I’d been curious about this one and, what do you know, I ended up devouring it over one weekend! It’s a real page-turner of a thriller with twists that will keep you entertained. Hepworth managed to dive into the complexities of domestic relationships and trauma while still keeping the atmosphere light and suspenseful at the same time. I must say though that I managed to predict the ending but I feel like that’s entirely on me because my brain is just impossible to switch off when reading thrillers and always likes to anticipate the most outlandish spins.

I loved this story so much! It is easily one of my favorite mystery thrillers of 2021!

“The Good Sister” is the first book I read of the author and definitely won’t be the last one! The author spins the tale in a deliciously captivating manner that makes it hard to put down. Also, the storyline progresses between Rose’s diary entries (from the past) and Fern’s present storyline. My heart went out to Rose in the diary entries, particularly in how their mother treated her. Moreover, the diary entries give the story an extra edge because you hate the mother from reading it. But, you never know who is telling the truth as both the sisters have different perspectives on what happened.

Similarly, all the characters are charismatic and mysterious, and memorable. Fern is adorable! She is quirky, weird, direct, and you don’t know how she will respond to people. I loved her conversations with Wally/Rocco and Carmen. Moreover, the way she meets Wally is simply adorable, and you cannot help but love their friendship. Yet, you don’t know if Fern has a dark side and could snap at any minute. The author keeps you guessing as to who is telling the truth and who isn’t. The storyline is so gripping because it makes you understand how two sisters, growing up in the same environment, can have different viewpoints of life and how the situations shape them differently.

Overall, “The Good Sister” is a fantastic psychological thriller, and I highly recommend it is if you are in the mood for one.

Holy deceitful sisters Batman??!! What did I just read??!! This story is insane. And I mean that in a good way. Fern and Rose are sisters. The story alternates between their perspectives and versions of how life happened. We see a lot of this perspective in Rose's journals. Here is the best part of this book for me - you don't know who the 'good' sister is until the end. It's absolutely brilliant! The author could not have come up with a better title. I fell in love with Fern's character. Her quirkiness and her sensory issues make her an endearing character but also make for extreme confusion on figuring out this mystery. Rose is stiff, difficult and very unlikeable. Again making it confusing on if she is justified in her attitude or if she is the bad part of this equation. My mind kept flipping back and forth on who was doing what to whom, who could be trusted, who was telling the truth and ultimately who was the good sister. This story was suspenseful, entertaining, stock full of family drama and kept me up all night reading to find out what happens in the end!!! Great read!

My thanks to Sally Hepworth, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a great book! From page one, I was hooked. It's actually a fast read, if you are not to busy. I have been busy, so it took me a few days. I so enjoyed this book. I feel.in love with Fern and Wally! The best part is Fern is a librarian and half the book is set there.

Fern has sensory deprivation. I thought she was funny. I even laughed out loud a couple of times. Fern will do anything for her sister, Rose. But, Rose is not all that she appears to be.

Hepworth developed these characters superbly. I felt as if I knew them personally. She wrote in a way that transported me right into the book. As I said earlier, I was hooked from the beginning.

I highly recommend this book. I think any reader would enjoy it no matter their preferred genere. Do yourself a favor and add this book to your TBR list. I don't think you will regret it. It comes out April 13, 2021. Don't miss it.

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martins, and the author for the Kindle Version of this book.

Sally Hepworth is firmly on my "I will read anything this author writes"list so I did not even read the synopsis before starting this one. It did not disappoint! The Fern and Rose chapters were as different as night and day; I so enjoyed getting to know Fern. While I do not have any of the sensory issues Fern does I still found her very relatable. The whole story kept me wanting more. It's one of those books that you tell yourself "just one more chapter and then I'll get to xwz" and then before you know it you've read five more chapters! It was unputdownable!