I really enjoyed Sally Hepworth's The Mother in Law. Sally Hepworth really knows how to craft a domestic thriller. I also really like sister stories and I found myself so interested in Fern and Rose's relationship. I knew pretty early on what was actually going on here but that did not make me want to stop reading and that says a lot about Sally Hepworth's abilities to keep me turning the pages. I really couldn't wait for the truth to be exposed. I won't say whether I was Team Fern or Team Rose because I don't want to spoil anything but I think you will agree with me very shortly into reading. Also, Fern works in a library, and what book lover doesn't wish to work around books all day! I highly recommend The Good Sister.

Sally Hepworth is my go-to for family drama stories and The Good Sister did not disappoint. You know it’s fantastic writing, and intriguing characters when the predictability of it doesn’t bother you in the slightest. Journal entries are a popular plot device in today’s suspense and while I don’t mind the use of them I think the predictability of the false entries is just something readers like I can see through. Still I loved the sisters and I was very curious to see how this would wrap up. I was left a very satisfied reader.

Fern and Rose are fraternal twins. Rose is unable to have a baby, so Fern decides she is going to have a baby for her sister. She secretly sets off to find a father and surprise Rose with this gift.

Things don’t quite work out as planned, drama unfolds, secrets arise....
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This is another case of a book that has been miscategorized as a Thriller. It’s Fiction/ Family Drama with a tiny bit of mystery and suspense.

Although it was different than what I was expecting, I still really enjoyed it. It’s kind of similar to Eleanor Oliphant. I don’t want to give to much away, but there are some fantastic and endearing characters.

Overall, it’s a great story and I would recommend- just don’t go in expecting a Thriller.

I loved every bit of Sally Hepworth's new novel, The Good Sister! This is my first book of hers, but I plan on going through her backlist because she sure can tell and sell a story. I immediately found myself drawn into this intriguing, thought-provoking tale of the complicated relationship between twin sisters and the secrets they try to keep hidden.

Fern is afflicted with a sensory processing disorder, which causes her to stick like glue to her daily routine, while also shying away from bright lights and loud sounds. It also affects the relationships she forms with others and the way she understands and processes the conversations she has with the people in her life. However, she loves her job at her local library, and she adores and depends on her twin sister Rose. Rose is "her person," as Fern puts it. Without Rose, where would Fern be? Rose helps Fern with decision-making, assists her in making sense of the world around her, and protects her from people who may seek to harm her.

Fern loves her sister so much that she would do anything to see her happy, which is why she sets out on a mission to help Rose have a much-wanted baby. But little do the twins know that this one good deed will spawn a series of events that neither of them saw coming. When long-buried secrets threaten to be exposed and the sisters find that they can't keep their past with their sociopathic mother hidden any longer, the consequences are vast and life-changing.

Firstly, I want to say that I absolutely LOVED Hepworth's character of Fern! Fern is fascinating and had me completely intrigued as I turned the pages of this compelling novel. I would read an entire series about her life if one existed. I enjoyed learning how she sees and processes the world, was captivated by her interactions with others, and connected with her on her innermost thought and feelings. In fact, this novel of suspense reads as a book of general fiction until the latter third of the book. I forgot that I was reading a thriller because so much of the composition was spent on exposing readers to Fern's world and making them feel deeply for her character. I am here to say that this writing strategy works! When the twists and turns started happening, I wanted to protect Fern just like her sister Rose, and hoped that everything would work out for her in the end.

Furthermore, as a librarian, I appreciated the work Hepworth put into describing Fern's career at her local library. Hepworth brought the sights and the sounds of the library to life, and did an excellent job of making me feel as if I was at work alongside Fern every day. I loved Fern's passion for her job, and enjoyed how her work as a librarian helped develop the plot of The Good Sister. Additionally, Hepworth's novel further built my love for libraries, and made me greater appreciate the role they play in their communities.

Lastly, Hepworth works flashbacks from the sisters' past in the form of diary entries into The Good Sister, which slowly reveals the secrets the twins have kept hidden for so long. This is where much of the suspense of the novel comes into play, and readers will have great fun deducing who is really guilty here. These parts of the novel are multi-layered and more information is revealed as the novel progresses, making the suspense aspects of this book a slow, but gratifying, burn.

If you enjoy audiobooks and have the opportunity to listen to The Good Sister, I highly recommend the audiobook production featuring Barrie Kreinik as narrator. I loved the work Kreinik did as Fern, and felt myself completely absorbed in her narration. Her rhythm and pace were perfect, and her voice was believable in the characters she portrays. Thank you to Libro.fm for a complimentary copy of this audiobook!

In all, The Good Sister is one of my favorite books of 2021, and definitely worth a read by anyone who enjoys vibrant, unforgettable characters and a unique, intriguing storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review!

I have read every single book this author has published so far. I have yet to be disappointed. Her stories always capture my attention and imagination. The Good Sister is no exception. While I would not consider this a 'thriller' per se, it has the plot twists of a good psychological thriller. It was a page turner that I would have devoured in a weekend if I was not so busy working. After months of worry and stress due to COVID I am actually finally busy again and feeling good enough to let my attention get carried away by a great book. This was a perfect novel to get me back into one of my favorite past times.

Most of the book feels like it is about Fern, but by the middle of the book and certain towards the end you soon understand how much of everything is about Rose. Then ending could almost be a beginning of another book about the two sisters but you don't feel left hanging like it is necessary. Whatever Sally Hepworth releases next it will be on the top of my reading list.

Another great read from author Sally Hepworth. Her books are easy to read. They catch your attention early and keep it throughout the book. Her characters are real. You can really involve yourself in the story as you see them in real life situations I highly recommend this book and her others for a journey away from the normal chick literature. Excellent once again..

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth was a fantastic thriller. I followed along while listening to this book on audio and really enjoyed the narrator. Sometimes I find that the narrators make or break it for me, but this narrator was great!

This story was told from 2 different point of views. Two sisters, Fern and Rose grow up with an abusive mom who is also an alcoholic. They are homeless and constantly moving around depending on whether their mom has a new guy in her life or actually has a job. Rose feels her mom favors Fern over her yet Rose feels it is her duty to take care of Fern. Fern is dependent on Rose in many ways. Rose takes advantage of her sister Fern, who clearly has some sensory issues - avoiding crowds, bright lights and loud noises. Their relationship is very complex and we see an in-depth view of it in the book.

Although I found this book to be a bit predictable, I still enjoyed it!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and libro.fm for the #gifted copy.

A sisterly bond is something that is nearly unbreakable. The closeness that is shared and the secrets that are kept between sisters can be endearing but very deadly. Complex relationships always come at a steep price.

Other reviews for this book are very misleading. I was lead to believe that this would be the mystery that would shock me and make me have trust issues with my own sisters. They were so wrong. Wrong enough to where it made me laugh. Nothing about this was unique but it kept me somewhat entertained while reading.

This wasn't the thrilling mystery that I was hoping it would be. It was a decent story but very predictable. Every little twist and every little turn I saw coming from a mile away. Most of the characters were very annoying and always acted like the damsel in distress. Fern kind of redeemed herself towards the end but not enough to save this from being an okay read.

The Good Sister didn't live up to my expectations. While this was okay, I can't see myself reading anything else by this author. I needed more evilness with this story and something that would make me super uneasy. It just didn't happen. But I'm pretty sure you all can guess what kind of sister I am.....

4.5 stars!

Rose and Fern are twin sisters. Rose is strong and determined. Fern is quirky, socially awkward and a literal thinker. Rose has always been Fern’s “protector” which started in childhood and has continued on into their adult years.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these unforgettable characters. The various relationship dynamics were a fascinating and stand-out aspect of this storyline for me. I especially loved, Fern. She is one of the most outstanding characters I’ve “met” in a long time!

There is so much to love about this book! The library setting (Fern works at a library). The unique and intriguing characters. The family dynamics. The smooth and engrossing writing. The changing perspectives. The witty and perfectly paced narratives.

I devoured this book without realizing how quickly I was reading. I couldn’t put it down and didn’t want it to end. The writing was exceptional and kept me engrossed and curious.

My one teeny tiny critique is that a few plot points near the end of the novel seemed implausible but my intense connection to the storyline and my investment in the characters outweighed that. I loved this author before I started this book and this novel made me even more of a fan. I highly recommend!

I requested a copy of "The Good Sister" having enjoyed Sally Hepworth's previous book "The Mother in Law." Both could be categorized to me more as family dramas than fast paced thriller, but if you are a fan of Sally's other books, I don't think you'll be disappointed in this one!

Without giving spoilers, I will say the first 25% of the book or so, I was turned off by the portrayal of one of the main characters living with a disability and her alleged involvement in a murder. If you read this book and feel that way too, I would recommend you finish it book to realize, as usual with thrillers, things are not always what they seem and there are several twists and turns.

Overall - bingeable, easy read! Thanks Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the chance to read/review early in exchange for an honest review.

I love when I get surprised by the twists! Sometimes I don't try too hard to predict them either because I want that shock. I definitely want to read The Mother-in-law and get more of Sally's writing. This is definitely a spin on the domestic suspense genre and I am so here for it.

🗣Do you remember how I couldn’t stop talking about His and Hers last summer??? Well, this is my new thriller I won’t shut up about!!

The Good Sister is exactly what you would want in a thriller. Unreliable, dark, and twisted. This was a true page-turner for me and I honestly couldn’t stop reading once I started. The characters are complex and the story keeps bringing you deeper and deeper until everything is revealed at the end. Woooowza. It’s gritty and gut-wrenching at times and Sally Hepworth’s best (IMO!). I was a ball of nerves from cover to cover.

The Good Sister is about twin sisters who are very much dependent on each other after living through a challenging childhood. I won’t say much more because I think going in blind is the way to go!

Rose and Fern. Fern and Rose. Twin sisters and so it goes......

It seems that it has always been the two of them looking out for each other...well, Rose looks out for Fern. Rose is a married woman who wants to have a baby while Fern will happily tell you that she is a librarian - a quirky printer avoiding librarian. She also wants to help her sister have her heart's desire and this is where things get interesting.

The novel is told from both Rose and Fern's viewpoints. We also gain insight through journal/diary entries. They have always been there for each other, looking out for each other and will do anything for each other, right? They are good sisters, aren't they? What would you do for your sister? Where do the boundaries lay?

Sally Hepworth has woven another juicy and interesting tale. Just when you think you know what is happening, she will stir the pot! Predictable? a tad, but oh, so enjoyable. This is a book where I am happy to throw predictable out the window because I like how the plot is unfolding. As we get to know each sister through her POV chapters, Hepworth shows us the personality and characteristics of the sisters, the dynamic of their relationship and perhaps sheds some light on who is the more reliable sister, or shall I say, "The Good Sister".

This was a quick read that entertained with it is devious, delightful and diabolical fun. An engaging family drama high on the drama. With family like this.... well.... you get the picture.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Other Sister was a well put together mystery/thriller. Throughout reading the book, I was trying to figure out Rose and Fern and how their relationship functioned as fraternal twins who are truly complete opposites. This book is heavily character driven and urges the reader to choose sides between the sisters, who is telling the truth and who is lying. I was definitely surprised how the story unfolded and I love that it took a turn I did not see coming. This was a solid 4.5 star read for me. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced read.

Wow, The Good Sister is the first twisty turny family drama/thriller of 2021 that has made me binge read long into the night. From the first page to the very end I was excited about what was to come. While her foreshadowing in some areas was a bit obvious, there were still a couple things I didn’t see coming. I loved how Rose’s perspective was purely from diary entries, while Ferns sections were first person and in current time. It made the story flow really well and never felt boring or drug on since it was jumping timelines. I also really appreciated how developed Ferns' character was and that she had some substance. So often in thrillers people get underdeveloped, but Sally Hepsworth did a good job of making it have a bit of substance. If you love a good family drama with a bit of creep factor, definitely put this one on your TBR for 2021.

Publish Day: April 13th 2021

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in Exchange for my honest review.

Wow. This was my first Sally Hepworth novel and it certainly won't be my last. The Good Sister was right up my alley in the way that I wanted to throw it against the wall because I was so frustrated and HAD to know what was happening next. I was constantly shaking my head and asking myself, "What just happened?" and "Did that really just happen?!". The dynamic between twin sisters Fern and Rose left me wondering who really was the "good sister" for a big chunk of the book and the twists DID NOT disappoint.

If you're looking for a new psychological thriller with twisted family dynamics, pick The Good Sister up.

Wow, this book was such a thrilling read! I loved how the perspectives of Fern and Rose were told in alternating chapters. The twists in the second half of the story really took me by surprise. I can't say enough good things about this book. Very well done!

Fern and Rose are twin sisters, who protect each other from the dangers of the world and from their sociopath mother. They keep each other's secrets and are as close as two sisters can be. Filled with thrills and twists, this novel is not to be missed!

This is a cleverly written story about two twin sisters in Melbourne. They had a tough childhood and ended up in foster care. Fern is special in many ways, and she's a librarian. She realizes her sister Rose can't get pregnant, so she decides to get pregnant and give the child to Rose.

The story is told from the point of view of the twins. Fern is living her straightforward, and simple life, visiting the girls' mother, and spending time with her twin. Rose is married, protecting her sister, and not visiting their mother. She has a diary with the family secrets. There is something fishy about the girls, and it's hard to pinpoint what is wrong, but you know everything is not what it seems to be.

I enjoy the innocence of this story. It is somehow so pure. It's an intriguing read. It is not a thriller that makes your head spin, but a laid back stroll through the lives of two sisters who share a dark secret, and they stand by each other, no matter what. Pure sibling love that nothing can break. Or is it?

I like how the story unfolds, and I shift my way of thinking. It's always a good idea to set a part of the book in a library (if you ask me), and I found this part of the story being unique. I also really like Fern's boyfriend. Such a creature of the world we live in today. I like that he is so down to earth, and the way he cares for Fern.

I hadn't read The Mother-in-Law so this novel, The Good Sister, was a pleasant surprise in introducing me to a new author. However, you can almost guess which twin is the "good" sister right away. Fern is WAY too likeable & Rose is just a little off. You can tell something isn't quite right there. Even w/ their mother. But the story is enjoyable and Fern was just a pleasure to get to know. No spoilers here but highly recommend this second effort from Sally Hepworth.

*Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the E-ARC of The Good Sister.*