Wow. This was a truly spellbinding read. An intriguing tale packed with twists. I just could not put this book down. Wonderful. Thrilling. Do read this one.

Thank you to the publisher for my review copy. All opinions are my own.

Alright, let's unpack this title. I enjoyed it. Did I shout from the rooftops love it? Not really.

Having said that I will say this. I missed psychological thrillers. This one delivered all the twists and turns that it promises. In addition....it had a fantastic premise. Original. No crazy husbands to be found (insert dancing emoji).

Here are the high points for me :
Unreliable narrator
NYC as the setting...always a plus
Reading a thriller in October....delightful

Overall. It's a pleasant read. Pick it up. If it were me and I had it to do all over again. I would binge read in one day!

Thanks to #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. My first time reading Arianne Richmond and you can pretty much sign me up for her backlist now! I was hooked on this as soon as we Bradley fell for Sara. A twisty psychological thriller with some messed up people doing what they do best. Just when you think you have worked out who the most disturbed person is....I was caught completely unawares by the ending. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ #ariannerichmond #theguiltysister #tea_sipping_bookworm #litsy #thestorygraph #netgalley #amazonkindle #thriller #plottwist #bookqueen #bookstagram #amazonkindle

“Each person had their story, their past, their shame, and above all, their secrets. Secrets they kept tightly under wraps. I was no different. My secret owned me.”

Once again, this author’s book, its characters and settings, have got inside my head and made this book very difficult to put down. Sara and Bradley seem very different to each other, almost an opposites attract scenario. To begin with in their own way, ‘normal’ but the multiple narrative perspectives ensure that it becomes quite difficult to know who to trust. Is Sara in danger? Or is Bradley the one being played?

There are three distinct settings in the book too, all of which pull you in, and depending how you view them also seem quite normal. Firstly, Central Park, where Sara walks her beloved dog. Beautiful, vast, but also open to people from all walks of life, and surrounded by high buildings in a way that could feel quite oppressive.

Then you’ve Sara’s home. Simple, creative, cosy but in other ways it could be seen as chaotic, lonely, reflecting a little of what we see in Sara herself. Then Bradley’s pad is impressive and Sara is taken in by it. But it’s a little too perfect, clean and empty, so much so it almost feels eerie. And there’s some unexpected surprises inside too…

These characters and settings get inside your head, and it’s hard to get them out. I became quite viscerally pulled into the story and I became impatient to know the outcome, so I ended up devouring this one a little more quickly than I’d expected.

There is a huge twist which I didn’t see coming for a long time, but I knew with almost 20% left to go Arianne had to pull something else out of the bag to make this another five star read from her. Of course she did, and the ending was definitely unexpected and left me shocked and in some ways reeling. This is a book about the complex nature of families and the destructive nature of secrets. It is gripping, emotional and immersive. I highly recommend this book and author.

“That’s just the way it was the world over. Rich or poor, furious with one another or proud, you couldn’t escape family.”

I have always enjoyed this author's previous books. This latest work is another one of her must read if you are a big fan of mystery thrillers.

We are introduced to one of the main characters, Sara who has a handicapable dog. She meets Bradley who looks like the perfect guy: successful and handsome. There are a lot of layers to this pair both are secretive and mysterious, could it be that they lie a lot too?

I struggled to like Bradley because he seems too smooth and almost too perfect. Sara is emotionally detached with her own family especially her twin sister Cece.

Although I found the first quarter of the book a bit slow it piqued my interest. I persevered and was subsequently rewarded with a mind-blowing final chapter. I had an inkling about Sara's personality and her secrets but was not entirely sure.

I give credit to the author who made this book totally unpredictable. I sure didn't know what was coming and if you want to find out the big surprise then you better read this jack-in-the-box tale.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-ARC!

This book really threw me for a loop. The relationship between Sara and her identical twin Cecelia (Cece) was both interesting and confusing at times. It was hard to tell who was hiding more secrets and who was the "bad" twin. I loved Sara and Bradley's relationship because they both hid so many secrets from one another it was hard to believe either one of them at times. And I can't forget the relationship between Sara, Cece, and Bradley! All of these relationships really made the book. The ending -- I never in a million years saw that ending coming -- major, major twist! This book really had an American Psycho vibe that I absolutely loved. I can't wait to read more by Arianne Richmonde. Highly recommend The Guilty Sister-- it will not disappoint!!

I will post my review @thrillersandcoffee on IG.

“My sister is missing. And the police think I’m to blame.”

Sara is a mirror twin and has a secret. Her sister, Cecilia, is missing and it’s unclear what happened to her. The story unfolds with this mystery and we learn about Sara and CeCe’s relationship and upbringing. Sara lives in NYC with her dog Poppy where she meets the successful and charming Bradley in Central Park. With the varying POV throughout the book, we learn a little about Sara, Cecilia and Bradley. Something is off but we’re not sure what. There was tension and unease throughout the story and characters that we’re unsure about. Overall, it was a good read with some twists.

Thank you @NetGalley and @Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Here’s another read I picked from Netgalley. Not entirely sure how I feel about this one. This is a mixture of slow burn mystery thriller with a tinge of romance.

This story follows Sara Keller, a book cover illustrator living in New York. She has a twin, Cecelia who is in Thailand living her influencer life. Sara enjoys her quiet life with her dog, Poppy, who she loves very much! While walking Poppy in Central Park one day, she meets Bradley, who is a perfect gentleman but he seems too good to be true. Sara is wary of him and also fear that Cecelia is going to come back and ruin it all. They all have dark secrets they want to protect hide from each other but how does it all unravel? And exactly which sister is the guilty one?

So the unraveling begins, slowly reeling me in with its switching point of view between Sara, Bradley and Cecelia. I like how the characters are portrayed, each of them adding their own little clues to the story development and I got to know them better as the story progressed. Each character has a dark side. Sara is a very likeable character. She doesn’t worry about her appearance, loves her dog and her job and is nice to everyone but I just feel that there is something off about her. I also like the personality contrast between the two sisters and how Sara really feels about Cece. Bradley on the other hand, although charming, is actually sinister and possessive. And we all know that a relationship with secrets never tend to work out well.

The story was a little slow at times but overall I enjoyed the plot. The twist did surprise me but it wasn’t mind-blowing. I also wasn’t a hundred percent happy with how the story ended but it’s still worth reading for the beautiful New York setting and also for dog lovers cause Poppy is very very lovable!

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the arc.

Sara and Cece are identical twins, alike in every way except that Cece is an Instagram phenomenon seen as beautiful and Sara, well, Sara is currently focused on her dog with special needs.

Shortly after Sara meets the attractive, and wealthy, Bradley in the park, Cece goes missing. Why had she kept Cece a secret from him for so long?

What else is she hiding? And does Bradley have secrets of his own?

I particularly liked how this author was able to utilize both first and third person narratives but even more important is there was a twist I never saw coming!

I love when a book can surprise me and this one succeeded. I was hooked and am super eager to see what else Arianne Richmonde has to offer!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Very interesting read.
Lies, secrets and manipulation, the recipe for a great psychological thriller.
Revolving around two sisters and the not so up and up people they interact with.
This book had lots of intrigue. A little slow paced but it stills hold your interest.
My first read from this Author and I'll definitely check out her other books.
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and the Author, Arianne Richmonde for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I don't have much to say about this book, it's one of those books that I neither liked nor disliked; I actually felt I kept going because I had to rather than because I was interested. I felt the big secret was really obvious and predictable. I never particularly liked any of the characters, well apart from Poppy Delight. And the last twist; although I never saw the entirety of it coming, I did think there was something not quite right about that character (even thought at one point they might have been related to another character).

*Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Arianne Richmonde for the copy of this book. All views are my own.*

The Guilty Sister!

Two sisters and the charming, sophisticated Bradley… this thriller entangles you in a sexy mess of lies where someone ends up missing. The characters are refreshing and leave you longing for more. A finish in one night kinda read… 📖

Thank you @netgally and @bookiuture for this e-book. Ariadne Richmonde is fabulous! @arianne_richmonde

▪️Author: Ariadne Richmonde
▪️Publisher: Bookouture
▪️Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
▪️Release Date: October 19, 2021

“My sister is missing. And the police think I’m to blame.

Sara and her identical twin sister, Cecilia, are estranged. They grew up in Africa where their parents were doctors for Doctors Without Borders. Today, Sara lives in New York City and Cecelia lives in Thailand. Sara works from home as an illustrator for books. She has a dog named Poppy whose back legs require that she use a type of wheelchair to get around. They go for walks every day and she massages her legs in hopes that he will eventually regain the use of his legs. She loves Poppy!

Bradley is a man who enjoys his material successes and works hard for them. One day in Central Park, he sees Sara and Poppy walking together and is drawn to them. After a few tries, he finally meets her. Even though he is well dressed, she is leery of him and they just share walks and sometimes a coffee. Finally, she agrees to have dinner at his place and is amazed at the luxurious apartment he has just on 5th Avenue overlooking Central Park.

Sara is hiding a major secret that I saw through right off. The story is rather grim in part and her relationship with Bradley is tenuous at best. There are other strange characters that work together to give the reader a sense of unease that they read this book. There are some very scary times here that will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. For me, the saving grace is Poppy. What a love she is and the best part of the book.

Copy provided by the NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I have been fascinated by mirror twins since reading Her fearful symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger. Here the author takes twins that are mirror images in looks but their personalities couldn’t be more different. But what happens when a man comes between two young women who have only ever had each other?

The book starts with Sara being questioned by detectives over the disappearance of her sister Cecelia/Cece and then goes back and forth. Switching between first and third person with multiple narrators including neighbour Mrs Scott, Bradley and an unknown narrator known only as The Watcher. If this sounds confusing don’t worry as the author is an absolute pro and makes each voice so distinct it’s really easy to follow.

The main narrator is Sara, she is the essence of all that is pure and good. A creative soul living in New York and caring for a disabled dog. She is slow to trust and open up and has avoided any romantic connections but then she meets Bradley…,

When something seems too good to be true then it normally is. Bradley is good looking, exceedingly affluent and besotted with Sara. But appearances can be deceptive and deception is the absolute core of this book. Nobody is who they appear to be and this is one twisted, mind messing read that is so intriguing you have to know. Who is good? Who is bad? What really happened?

I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s last book but this is something else entirely. You might even think you have worked it out with little clues left along the way, but you haven’t. The characters are all so interesting that a psychologist would have an absolute field day with any one of them on their couch. This is a first-rate thriller and a master class on duplicity and trickery and one I would highly recommend.

I struggled with this. It was so slow and bogged down by so much unnecessary stuff. I'm A big fan of this author but this book needs some work to best get up yo par with her other phenomenal thrillers.

When Sara meets Bradley, she can't believe she's caught his attention. He's a ladies man - handsome, wears expensive clothes and has a beautiful apartment. She's a bit boring and spends most of her time with her disabled dog Poppy. She is slow to start something, afraid that he may seem too good to be true. Slowly she lets her guard down and brings him to his aunt and cousin's house to introduce him to her family. As soon as he sees the picture of a young Sara and her identical twin sister Cecilia, she knows her life is about to change and not for the best.

This is the first time reading this author's work and I thought this was an interesting read. Twins run in my family and I love reading books about them. Sara and Cece did not have the best relationship. They are opposites in every way. Where Cece is a social media influencer, flaunting her gorgeous body on beaches and exotic locations, Sara lives a quiet life in New York as a book cover designer. After figuring out the mystery early on there were still some surprises and twists I did not see coming. Overall a good read and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.

Let me start by saying that I like the title change. I thought the original title didn't fit with what was going on. This story was hard to get through though. The whole beginning of the story seemed slow and cringe-worthy. Halfway through I was just skimming the story so I could get to the end and be done with this book.

A great read that keeps you interested. Character driven. with twists and turns.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

★★★ 3.5 stars

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Arianne Richmonde's psychological thriller THE GUILTY SISTER (previously titled "One Happy Family" ).

I have to admit, I kept hearing strains of Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind (in New York)" as I was reading this book. It just gave me that vibe.

As I began THE GUILTY SISTER, my first by Arianne Richmonde, I was instantly drawn to Sara who like me her life revolved around her dog, Poppy. I have just recently lost my beloved staffy whom I affectionately nicknamed "Poppy" and even "popsicle" which one of the character, Mrs Scott, refers to little Poppy as. I am also familiar with the whole wheelchair dog thing having had a dog in the past whom I got a wheelchair for. Like Poppy, my girl who I've recently lost saved me too when I rescued her from the shelter, just as Poppy saved Sara and vice versa. Yes, I am a dog mum and proud of it! Just like Sara is. Poppy is her child just as my dogs are my children, though I only have one now. But I could relate to Sara in that sense...however, that was only the beginning.

Sara Keller loves her dog, Poppy, who she considers to be her saviour. She rescued Poppy when she was left for dead and caring for the little dog has given Sara's life purpose and meaning...and she knows she would give her life for Poppy. Having grown up in Africa, Sara now lives in New York and frequents Central Park on her daily walks with Poppy, who scoots along in her wheelchair. It's like a whole other world in Central Park and Sara loves to escape there with Poppy at her side in the fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps.

But little does Sara know that a stranger watches her. Every day he happens upon her daily walk in the hope of catching a glimpse of her, of working up the courage to speak to her. But to her, he remains unseen as she passes him by each time. Until one day...Sara sees Bradley sitting outside one of the Park's cafes and she asks him for a favour. Could he possibly hold onto her dog's leash while she nips in to grab a coffee, as they don't allow dogs in there? Of course, he'd be honoured. And from there, Bradley was determined to keep the conversation going as they walked together through the park and out onto the street. But Sara was hesitant. And despite his invitation for meeting up the next day in the park, she called out "that could work" as she left with Poppy down the street to her apartment.

But Sara didn't meet him. And neither did she call. But Bradley would not be dissuaded. There was something about Sara...

But Sara has a secret. A secret so deep and dark she doesn't want to risk someone as handsome and charismatic as Bradley finding out. And then what would he think of her? And then there was her sister, her twin sister Cece, who always seemed to destroy whatever happiness Sara had...and she couldn't risk that either. She knew that if she went out with Bradley he would naturally want to meet her twin and that couldn't happen.

But despite her reluctance, Bradley's persistence pays off and the two begin dating. His penthouse apartment on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park is a sprawling den of luxury. It even boasts a rooftop terrace with a garden, something of an oasis in an otherwise concrete jungle. And then there are the thousand dollar suits, exquisite watches and his success as a Wall Street tycoon...how could something this refined be interested in her, Sara, a graphic artist in a one bedroom apartment? But Sara doesn't realise that she isn't the only one with secrets. Just what is it about Bradley that she can't put her finger on? What is it that he is so intent on hiding?

Then one day Bradley discovers that Sara has an identical twin and he becomes equally obsessed with meeting Cece as he is with pursuing Sara. But Sarah refuses. The two have a tumultuous relationship and rarely speak. Still, Bradley can't resist the pull and seeks out her Instagram page and begs to meet up with her.

And so marks the beginning of the end as Sara and Bradley scramble to keep their secrets and lies from being uncovered.

THE GUILTY SISTER is a fast paced read with short snappy chapters to keep the pace moving. It alternates between Sara and Bradley's narrative with a chapter from an unknown "watcher" thrown in. Despite the unravelling narrative, it is hard to discern who is telling the truth and who is lying. There are a few twists thrown in, some of which I didn't see coming. The main one, I am kicking myself for NOT seeing it. I mean how could I not? It was so obvious. lol But then there are so many red herrings thrown in along the way, the author deftly hoodwinks her readers with expertise. The final twist was a shock. Nope not see that one either. Basically, everyone is hiding something in this book. They're all a bit crazy, in my opinion. Except for Poppy Delight. It made me miss my girl a little bit more and want to hug her again.

THE GUILTY SISTER is a twisted fast paced ride that will keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers with a real twist and a dark side.

I would like to thank #ArianneRichmonde, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGuiltySister in exchange for an honest review.

Sara and Cece have a contentious relationship, but Sara does love her sister. Although identical twins, their personalities could not be more different. However, when Cece goes missing Sara wonders if wishing Cece would disappear was her fault. When Sara's boyfriend Bradley finds Cece's social media account on Sara's phone, Sara knows she has some explaining to do.

Sara has been hiding a secret for years, but at least one person knows her secret. However, she is not the only one with secrets, secrets that are threatening to be revealed. Bradley's previous relationships apparently have a murky past. Of the two of them, things will eventually come to a head.

For now, Bradley does not intend on leaving Sara's difficult relationship with Cece alone. He found the pictures. Now he wants answers. Wants more, in fact. Will Bradley get more than he bargained for? What of Sara, will she be able to strike a balance with the things she has been hiding, especially after the police come knocking at her door?

Well, this story was one I did not expect. To say it was shocking would be a vast understatement. What crafty, intelligent writing Arianne Richmonde has displayed in this thrilling story of deception. Clues were dropped throughout this clever story, but I still never would have guessed the turn of events. Things played out in marvelous fashion. Very, very clever. Five stars to be sure!

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.