First of all, I would like to thank Atria Books, NetGalley, and Megan Collins for providing me with a copy of Thicker Than Water in exchange for an honest review.

When I first started reading Thicker Than Water, I couldn’t help but feel like this book was giving off major Dead To Me vibes due to there being two main female characters, Julia and Sienna, who are connected to each other and share a special bond, while also having a murder mystery plot with comedic banter at times between the two characters. This book was definitely one of your classic domestic thrillers/who dunnit murder mystery stories, while also dealing with heavy topics and subject matters, and navigating fragile and complicated relationships between all of our main characters. What I loved most about this book and the storyline was the whole idea of what a sister would do to defend her brother’s innocence in a crime and dig up evidence to exonerate him, while her sister in law, and somebody who she shares such an intense bond with, is convincing herself that her husband might just be guilty of the crime as the evidence & deceptions stacks up against him. I felt that’s what really drove this story together and made me want to keep reading to see what would happen next.

Unfortunately, the only cons that I had with this book, and what eventually lead me to giving it a 3 star rating was that I wasn’t too happy with how the book ended and was slightly disappointed with the reveal at the end. Plus I didn’t like how suddenly the book ended where we could have at least gotten an epilouge of sorts to wrap up the story and given us an ending of where our main characters lives were after this crime changed them. However, I did really enjoy reading this book with all of the crazy plot twists/turns & cliffhangers at the end of mostly every chapter, and I would definitely pick up another book by this author in the future.

Link to my Goodreads review is copied in this review and down below:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5409244641

Thicker than Water is a fantastic, fast, action packed thriller! I could not put this down. Based around two sister-in-laws and their husband/brother, and someone has killed his boss 😳
This book keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end, with a little humor and feel good story lines thrown in.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this early release in exchange for my honest review. I truly enjoyed it.

Pub date: 11 July 2023

This is primarily a story about friendship, family, and our ability to forgive, heal, and trust again. There were some interesting plot lines with the murder investigation, and a few good twists. Sometimes it felt like reading transcripts from someone’s therapy sessions, and there were a few side lines that seemed slightly irrelevant, but overall a pretty good read.

💕You might like this book if:
🔹 you like stories that focus on friendship bonds and how they evolve under strained circumstances
🔹 you like sorting through information on a case and trying to deciding what is relevant

This read more like a character drive domestic drama then a mystery or thriller. Told in alternating POV, sister-in-laws are trying to find out what really happened one night and learn they might not know each other or their brother/husband as well as they thought. I have read several of Megan Collins other books, and they keep my attention and are entertaining reads but don't usually end up being books I recommend rearranging your TBR for and Thicker Than Water was no exception in either case.
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Thank you NetGalley and Atria for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Julia, Sienna, and Jason are all connected in so many ways. When one of them becomes a suspect in a horrific crime, they learn that there are so many secrets between them. This was very suspenseful, with an ending that surprised me.

Thank you to Atria Books for the ARC!

Julia and Sienna Larkin are sisters-in-law; Julia is married to Sienna’s brother Jason. The women own their own business and have the best of friends since Jason first introduced the years ago. Jason has been working hard for a promotion at work, so when his boss is found brutally murdered, everyone around him is shocked. A few days, Julia gets a phone call that her husband has been in an accident that has left him in a coma. What makes matters even worse is that the police think Jason had something to do with his boss’ murder. With Jason unable to speak to the crime, Julia and Sienna must work to clear his name, even if it brings up things that are uncomfortable.

First and foremost, the real star of this story is Julia and Sienna’s friendship; every one of us should be lucky enough to have such a best friend! Told from dual points of view, the chapters alternate between Julia and Sienna’s perspectives, giving readers a glance at their respective relationships with Jason, and their relationship with each other. They are forced to confront things about each other and Jason that are difficult and painful, as well as reexamine themselves. All of the main characters were SO well developed, multi-layered and relatable. I found myself suspicious of pretty much each of them at different points in the story, and when the killer was revealed my jaw dropped. Wonderfully executed domestic suspense thriller; the first I read from this author but it won’t be the last!

“Thicker Than Water” releases July 11th! This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of Thicker Than Water {partner}

Genre: Domestic Drama
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 7.11.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5

“Anyone can do the right thing once. It’s the bad things they do that define them.”

Thicker Than Water presents itself as more of a domestic drama than a thriller or suspense, which is always an issue for me as I usually pick up these types of books with the expectation of a thrill and then end up disappointed. The story has some disturbing elements, but none stand out enough to land them in the thriller/suspense/mystery category.

The book is told from the alternating perspectives of two sisters-in-law, Sienna and Julia. I didn’t find either character to be likable, but out of the two, I would say Julia is my favorite. Her character showed quite a bit of character growth early on, which resulted in me connecting with her character and finding something to like. Sienna was too quick to anger, meddle and overreact - not to mention that the romance between her and another character felt out of place and teetered on frustrating (back and forth, back and forth).

I wouldn’t suggest starting Thicker Than Water thinking it will be a page-turner; it is more of a slow-burn story with its moments. While I did want to know what had happened, I was particularly intrigued by the story (it left me bored on several occasions). Then when I finally did find out the truth behind what occurred, I wasn’t completely blown away.

✌🏼 Alternating POV
👯‍♀️ Sister-in-laws looking for the truth
🗣️ Character-driven
👌🏼 Character development
🙅🏽‍♀️ Not a thriller

While Thick Than Water wasn’t the best, I did enjoy reading it and looking forward to reading more from Megan Collins. If you want to add one of her backlisted titles to your reading list, I highly recommend reading Behind the Red Door.

Jason, Julia's husband and Sienna's brother, was in an accident and is now in a coma. When this happens, the police finds evidence in his car making him into the main suspect in his boss's death days before. Could it be they never knew Jason well and he is really a murderer?

Although I'm not sure why the author wanted to emphasize it so much, I liked the dynamic, the bond built between Julia and Sienna, even though it's crumbling down even before the book starts. This is a curious story and it kept me turning pages. Jason looks like a boring man and then he could suddenly be a murderer, and one that was very cruel. A nightmare when you're part of the family.

It was also interesting how Julia and Sienna end up taking different approaches coming from the same point—this isn't the Jason they know. Julia starts wondering whether she really knows her husband, while Sienna will get any lead that could incriminate her brother and find a loophole of doubt, even when it's not reasonable. It made sense for Sienna to act with such blind trust (even if they didn't already have a past that made Jason be her hero), but I didn't believe the reasons for Julia to distrust Jason so quickly, even if he hasn't always been so perfect to her as she has to his sister.

This was just the first thing I frowned upon. As we advance in the development of the story, the mystery becomes less interesting. I even imagined what had happened much before half the book but couldn't believe the police could be so stupid. This will be my only spoiler, but it was. Incredibly stupid. The conclusion was lukewarm, and the explanation wasn't convincing either.

This is a good book for some time, but it doesn't sustain. It's not a rhythm problem, so you'll probably continue to turning pages as you were in the beginning. It'll keep you interested. But it won't pay off, unfortunately. The ending isn't the terrible kind, don't worry. That's why I recommend to those wanting a nice mystery to spend your time, keeping in mind the explanation will probably be exactly the one you imagine or maybe even more simple than that. Well, it could have been much more, but I had a good time.


Honest review based on an ARC provided by Netgalley. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

What if your sister-in-law was also your BFF and business partner? Probably totally fine until your husband is accused of murdering his boss in a gruesome fashion and your sister-in-law thinks he's innocent, but you're not so sure...
Oh and your husband is in a medically induced coma so he can't set the record straight.

That's the premise for Thicker Than Water (which btw is a dumb title, but whatever, I digress). It's a fast paced popcorn thriller with some typical tropes, but it's a fun time. The end drove me a little batty though because it was a little too convenient and probably not plausible, but maybe that's just me.

If you want a book that's like a CSI TV episode but a little fluffy because you don't want to think too hard then this is the book!

3.5 rounded up

Thank you NetGalley, Atria books and Megan Collins for my eARC!

I read THE FAMILY PLOT by Collins and knew I had to read her next book! I love her writing style!

THICKER THAN WATER is a domestic thriller revolving around the Larkin family. Julia and Sienna are sisters-in-law who are also best friends and business partner. Jason, Sienna’s brother and Julia’s husband, is up for a promotion at work. All are surprises when Jason’s boss ends up murdered with his lips sewn shut. A few days later, Jason ends up in a horrific car accident and is in a coma. Did he know anything?

I love the family dynamic in this thriller. Julia and Sienna’s friendship was so fun to read about. I enjoyed how the story unfolded but it became more of a suspense than a thriller in my eyes. Since Jason is in a coma, he of course, cannot tell the police or his family what happened. All in all, this was an enjoyable read.

Megan Collins comes through with another twisted thriller!
If we’re lucky, we all have that one friend that is almost telepathic to your moods, the one who, with a glance, can send you roaring with laughter, and is always there for you no matter what. But what happens when your brother or husband is accused of murder?
Julia and her sister-in-law Sienna are best friends and business partners, balancing each other’s quirks and work abilities. Sienna is Jason’s sister and their bond is made even closer since the tragic death of their parents years earlier. Julia is his wife and mother of their teen son Jason. They’re all a tight knit unit until one night, when the police arrive to tell them that Jason has been in a car accident and is in the hospital.
As if that news isn’t devastating enough, he’s also the main subject in his bosses murder!!!
With the women having opposing opinions on Jason’s guilt or innocence, their friendship will be put to the rest. Is he a murderer or is he being set up?
The answers will change both women’s feelings toward Jason and no one will be the same when the truth is revealed!
Like in The Family Plot, I thought the ending was a little messed up, but I enjoyed the book and will always look forward to the next Megan Collins book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for this eArc in exchange for my honest opinion

I was really excited about this thriller (coming out 07/11) because I was quite captivated by Collins’ dark thriller “The Family Plot” last year. Unfortunately, this one was a big let down. 😬

Julia and her husband Jason are baffled when his boss is found brutally murdered with his lips sewn shut. A few days later, Jason is in a car accident and placed into a medically induced coma. He is the lead suspect in the grotesque murder, unable to provide answers to Julia and the police. Sienna (Jason’s sister) believes him to be innocent while Julia has her doubts - because he hasn’t been honest with her lately. The women’s friendship is put to the test as the pair tries to uncover the truth.

I liked the alternating chapters of Sienna and Julia’s POVs, but found them both dim witted. So much of the middle of this book was repetitive for me, while the ending was wrapped up very quickly and unrealistically. What a bummer!

✨Trigger Warnings: Death, Murder, Infidelity, Sexual Assault

Megan Collin's "Thicker Than Water" was such a good book! I loved the idea of sister-in-laws turned best friends. Although their friendship is strong, will it survive a murder that threatens their family? Where does their loyalty stand?
If you love clever twists and turns, do yourself a favor and read this thriller.

Sisters-in-law Julia and Sienna have a great relationship, that is, until someone close to both of them is injured and simultaneously accused of a horrendous crime!
Was this just a setup, or does the person they view as pretty much perfect have secrets of his own?
Hopefully these friends/family members can hold onto the relationships they have before they really do lose everything!
I am so happy I got an ARC of this ebook to review through NetGalley. I enjoyed this book a lot and believe you should give it a try as well!

This is the kind of book that will do well with book clubs. It will be an excuse for women to complain about their partners and their inlaws.

Two sisters-in-law are as close as best friends can be. When the man that connects the two is in a near-fatal accident resulting in a coma, the two women work together to clear his name because right before the accident, his boss is brutally murdered. The friendship is tested for the first time and loyalties are questioned.

It was....okay. A little slow on the start, but quickly picked up.

Enjoyable, but it's not something I would read again.

The queen of family dramas, Megan Collins, returns following The Family Plot with her latest gripping psychological suspense, THICKER THAN WATER—A family bond is tested when a husband/brother is suspected of murder, leaving the two sisters-in-law to seek answers.

A favorite author, I have read all her books; no one does complex family relationships better than Megan Collins! Two sisters-in-law are connected to a man suspected of murder and in a coma. Is he guilty or innocent? Everyone is keeping secrets in this gripping domestic suspense. How far will they go to protect those they love?

Julia is married to Jason with a young son Aiden. Sienna is Jason's sister. She and Julia are BFFs and business partners.

Jason's parents were killed in an automobile accident, and he inherited the family home where he and Julia reside. She is not wild about the wallpaper and decor.

The two women have different personalities. Julia is mind-mannered, trustworthy, and patient. Sienna is impulsive, quick to anger, and fiery.

Jason's boss, Gavin, is murdered.
Jason is in an automobile accident and a coma.
Jason is the prime suspect in Gavin's murder.
Now the sisters-in-law must join forces to prove this innocence.

A brutal odd murder. Someone stabs him, smothers him, and sews his lips shut. Why?

Julie and Sienna are keeping secrets from one another. Even though they pretend they bare all. Jason withdrew $10K from their joint account. They were saving for a second honeymoon since they did not have a first one—so Julia is unsure about Jason's innocence.

Sienna is currently dating her ex-boyfriend, Wyatt, who cheated on her, but she has not told Julia. She thinks her brother can do no wrong.

As the two try to investigate on their own, the bonds become unraveled between the two women. They find themselves on opposing sides. Who can be trusted? Which one has a better take on Jason?

We do not know much about Jason except he has a savior complex. He always wants to save those in need to the point of obsession. We hear about him through the voices of Julia and Sienna in alternating chapters.

Who killed Gavin? Is Jason innocent, and how is he connected?

THICKER THAN WATER is intriguing and mysterious! An emotionally-charged, complex, multi-layered twisty psychological thriller that will keep you reading into the wee hours of the morning—an exploration of trust, family, friendship, and betrayal.

A character-driven domestic suspense, the author is a pro at writing family dramas and exploring the lines between family members, loyalty, and friendships. If you have not read her books, I highly recommend them!

For fans of All That Is Mine I Carry with Me (William Landay) and A Good Family (Matt Goldman).

Stay tuned for my July #AuthorElevatorSeries with Megan, where we go behind the scenes of THICKER THAN WATER and this multi-talented author!

In the meantime, check out my two previous interviews with Megan
THE FAMILY PLOT
BEHIND THE RED DOOR

Thanks to #AtriaBooks via #NetGalley for a gifted ARC for review purposes.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: July 11, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars
July 2023 Must-Read Books

I love a family drama.

Julia and Sienna are sister in laws, best friends and business partners brought together by Jason (Julia’s husband and Siennas brother)
When Jason’s boss gets BRUTALLY murdered and Jason has an accident and is in a coma the police are looking at him as the murderer.

I really enjoyed this. It wasn’t the most unpredictable but loved watching it unfold. I liked the characters and the pacing it was slow burn in a great way.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an eARC.

Thicker than Water is a novel that follows the potential murderer of Gavin Reed. Gavin was found suffocated, stabbed, and his mouth sewn shut in his own backyard. The man that is implicated for this murder is Jason. The novel is told from two different perspectives. Sienna, Jason’s sister, and Julia, Jason’s wife.

Jason is in a car wreck, which leaves him in a medically induced coma. As Jason is being implicated for the murder, he is unable to speak for himself. This leaves his wife and sister to try to put together the pieces. His wife grows more and more suspicious of the man that she thought he knew, while his sister continuously is convinced of his innocence. Sienna even goes far enough to start investigates the murder herself, since she believes the police are not following all leads. Conveniently, she has in to the department through her ex boyfriend, Wyatt.

Lies are told, alibis are questioned, but eventually the truth comes out. (For the sake of the review, I won’t give any spoilers 😉). This leaves the family trying to build back their relationships and to strengthen the trust they lost.

All in all, I found most of the characters likable, but the ending wasn’t very surprising to me in any sense. We all know it’s never the guy that is the suspect. I found Aiden’s, Jason’s son, behavior to be a little suspect. He knew too much of what was going on for a kid to me. I also HATED the constant reference to the stupid rooster wallpaper. 😂 That wallpaper was probably referenced at least five times throughout the entire story, along with Sienna’s mother’s saying to never trust a man.

Speaking of Sienna, I don’t think that her dealing with Clive should have really played that much into the story. I understand that it gave Jason some kind of motive for his actions, but I don’t think that it was a very convincing motive.

Overall, this book was okay. It was fast paced, but also wasn’t anything that was incredibly shocking or unlike anything I’ve read before. If you want a quick murder mystery, I’d say this is the book for you. If you want a mind twisting thriller, this isn’t it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Another great read from Megan Collins! I was invested in the story of each character! I was guessing throughput and did figure out some twists. Overall, a great quick read!

This is the 1st book I have read by Megan Collins but it won't be the last. Thicker than Water is a very suspenseful, mystery that has many twists and turns and deals with family and drama. Julia and Sienna Larkin are sisters-in-law, connected by Julia's husband and Sienna's brother, Jason. More than that, the two have been devoted best friends since Jason introduced them. Julia’s husband, Jason, was in car car accident and is put in an induced coma. Julia and Sienna are shocked when his boss was found murdered and the police list Jason as the prime suspect. Julia and Sienna are bound and determined to clear his name. They learn more about Jason that neither of them knew. This is a very captivating story that is an absolute must read. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.