Unfortunately I was unable to download this book before the archive date, so I'm not able to leave a review. I look forward to reading and reviewing books by this author in the future.

Great book! It had all the fears of growing up. Make a choice. Turn the page or close the book. Enter the darkness if you wish!

This book sounded really interesting at first, but it ended up being confusing. The point-of-view changes made it hard to follow, and I couldn’t connect with the characters. I felt lost a lot of the time, but kept reading because I wanted to see how it ended. Some parts were just strange. Overall, the story had potential, but the way it was written made it hard to enjoy.

"Forgotten Sisters" by Cynthia Pelayo is a haunting and beautifully crafted novel that explores the intricate dynamics of family, memory, and the enduring connections that persist even amidst adversity. Pelayo's narrative style is both lyrical and evocative, creating a rich emotional landscape that draws readers into the story.

The novel focuses on the themes of sisterhood and the impact of trauma on family relationships. It follows the lives of two sisters who have been separated due to a tragic event in their past. Pelayo skillfully portrays their journey toward reconnection and healing, navigating the complex emotions of grief, anger, and forgiveness. This makes the sisters' struggles both relatable and deeply moving.

Character development is a standout feature in "Forgotten Sisters." Pelayo creates multidimensional characters, each with their scars and vulnerabilities. The sisters, in particular, are depicted with sensitivity and nuance, allowing readers to empathize with their journeys and shared history. The dynamics between them are intricate, highlighting the love and tension that often coexist in sibling relationships.

Pelayo's writing is vivid and atmospheric, with a strong ability to evoke powerful imagery and emotions. The novel's pacing is well-balanced, blending moments of introspection with the tension of the sisters' reconnection. Flashbacks punctuate the narrative, revealing the traumatic events that shaped their lives and adding layers of depth to the story.

Themes of memory, trauma, and the search for identity are interwoven throughout the novel. Pelayo examines how the past can haunt us and how confronting it can lead to healing. The exploration of sisterhood serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds that can endure even the most challenging circumstances.

In conclusion, "Forgotten Sisters" is a compelling and emotionally resonant novel that showcases Cynthia Pelayo's storytelling talent. With its rich character development, poignant themes, and evocative prose, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in stories of family, resilience, and the power of love. Pelayo has crafted a narrative that not only captivates but also encourages readers to reflect on their relationships and how we can find strength in our connections with others. This novel is a touching exploration of the complexities of sisterhood and the journey toward healing and understanding.

Forgotten Sisters is an eclectic mix of genres that blends horror, fairy tale, police procedural, and a touch of fever dream into an experience that's as unusual as it is atmospheric. Set in Chicago, a city rich with history and character, the story makes good use of its setting, particularly the Ravenswood neighborhood, which added a local flavor to the plot. I was drawn into the city's darker past, learning about the SS Eastland disaster and the Union Stockyards—two stories I'd never encountered before, and which were fascinating to uncover through Anna’s podcast.

However, the book as a whole left me with mixed feelings. The chapters involving police detectives Kowalski and Rodriguez were among the most entertaining parts of the story. They were a great pair and offered a refreshing break from the more surreal elements of the book. Unfortunately, their investigation takes a backseat to the main plot, and I found myself wanting more of them. Their dynamic could easily carry a novel of its own.

Clover and Thistle, the dogs in the story, were undoubtedly my favorite part. Dogs always make everything better, and it was a relief to see them get a happy ending.

The rest of the book, which centers around sisters Anna and Jennie (and later, Anna's boyfriend Peter), was where things became difficult for me. The dialogue between the characters felt incredibly stilted, almost as if they were speaking in some sort of modern-day Shakespearean verse, which made it hard to connect with them. Jennie, in particular, felt disconnected from reality, her speech often becoming overly poetic and hard to follow. The romance between Anna and Peter didn’t ring true, largely because we don’t get to see much of the beginning of their relationship. Instead, Anna is simply obsessed with him, which doesn’t give the romance the depth it needed to feel authentic.

Plot-wise, very little happens in the story. There’s some investigating, a lot of philosophical musings from Jennie, a house that throws tantrums, and not much else. For a good chunk of the book, the story felt meandering and uneventful, and it wasn’t until the ending that the plot finally picked up, delivering a twist that, while surprising, didn’t quite land as strongly as I had hoped. While I guessed the identity of the killer early on, the final reveal still managed to have a bit of an unexpected turn. However, the twist felt diluted by the strange, disjointed tone that permeated the book.

All in all, Forgotten Sisters had its moments but ultimately wasn’t my cup of tea. If you enjoy books with a dreamlike quality, strange dialogue, and a sense of surrealism, this one may appeal to you. For me, it felt a bit too bogged down in its own oddities, leaving me with a story that, while interesting, didn’t fully capture my attention.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

Cynthia Pelayo’s Forgotten Sisters is a haunting, lyrical exploration of urban legends, familial bonds, and the lasting impact of trauma. The story unravels through a gripping narrative that bridges folklore with the harsh realities of contemporary life, creating a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the final page.

Pelayo masterfully weaves elements of Gothic horror and psychological suspense, drawing readers into a world where forgotten women and their stories demand to be heard. Her prose is both poetic and razor-sharp, ensuring every word carries weight. The themes of loss, sisterhood, and resilience resonate deeply, making this not just a ghost story but a tale of profound emotional depth.

Unfortunately, this was a DNF for me. I was not a fan of the writing style, it was much more dreamy and fairy tale-esque than I enjoy.

This one kept me on the edge of the seat and turning the pages. I recommend for a good autumn vibes read!

This was a fun, creepy read. In the beginning, I was getting some serious Shirley Jackson vibes, but I didn't guess what was really happening. Anna lives with her sister Jennie in what may or may not be a haunted house, and the two depend on each other's company every day. The thing that was most fun was how Chicago was its own character in the book, and Anna has a podcast that details the hauntings in the area. It felt a little repetitive, but that was also necessary to build up the spooky factor and leave me guessing. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

Two sisters, the waters of Chicago swallowing men and then spitting them out, and a spooky dripping house. One sister so lonely she speaks into a microphone for her Podcast and tell everyone about history and unsolved mysteries. The other sister is a mystery - she keeps disappearing into the night and speaking in riddles every time she's in the room.

There was definitely a spooky feel to this but I struggled to get pulled into it. I found the sisters odd - every time they chatted I wondered who would talk to each other like this. They felt like they both spoke in old-timey poems and odd thoughts. I struggled to pay attention and try to decipher what they were really trying to say. I found the little mermaid and other fairytales charming at first, but as the story went along, I felt frustrated trying to figure out how they tied in.

My favorite parts were the two detectives. I found their POV a nice break into reality and I liked how they felt the most realistic, even if they were a bit much. I wish I'd liked this one more but I don't think I ever connected enough to want to decipher it all. The audio did help with some of the chapter confusion others had, so I highly recommend enjoying it this way. The narrators were wonderful!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Forgotten Sister is a fairy tale with a mix of detective procedural mystery. Confusing at times which made me drift off and lose a bit of interest. I really enjoyed the parts of the detectives point of view and would have liked to read more about. Overall a very unique, dark, lingering story.
Thank you Thomas & Mercer, the author and Netgalley for an advanced copy of the book.

Wow! If you're into spooky, atmospheric ghost stories. then you will love Forgotten Sisters by Cynthia Pelayo. It's also full of 20th century history about Chicago. Namely the tragic sinking of the SS Eastland back in 1915. It took me a few chapters to get into this novel but once I did, I wanted to find out what happened. While it's not what most would call a "happy ending", it's perfect for this kind of novel.

Book Review: Forgotten Sisters by Cynthia Pelayo

Rating: 4 Stars

In Cynthia Pelayo's "Forgotten Sisters," readers are immersed in a haunting tale that seamlessly blends a city's dark history with elements of psychological suspense and eerie fairy-tale horrors. The story revolves around sisters Anna and Jennie, who are deeply connected to their family home on the Chicago River, despite the unsettling occurrences that plague the old bungalow.

As Anna delves into the world of podcasting to share ghostly tales of Chicago's past, she unknowingly attracts the attention of a mysterious male listener, leading her to explore a newfound world beyond her familiar surroundings. However, as their relationship blossoms, Jennie's apprehensions escalate as more sinister events unfold along the riverbank, prompting the involvement of two detectives seeking to unravel the mysteries lurking in the shadows.

Pelayo's narrative expertly weaves together elements of mystery, supernatural intrigue, and familial bonds, creating a gripping and atmospheric reading experience. While the novel may exhibit moments of repetition and a somewhat rushed conclusion, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. The author's modern interpretation of a gothic ghost story offers a fresh perspective that captivates readers from start to finish.

"Forgotten Sisters" is a unique and engrossing read that will appeal to fans of suspenseful narratives intertwined with elements of the supernatural. Pelayo's masterful storytelling keeps readers on edge, eagerly turning pages to uncover the chilling truths that lie beneath the surface of the sisters' lives. Despite its quirks, this novel stands out as a compelling addition to the genre, showcasing the author's talent for crafting eerie and unforgettable tales.

Overall, "Forgotten Sisters" is a four-star read that delivers a mesmerizing blend of history, suspense, and ghostly encounters, making it a must-read for those seeking a captivating and thought-provoking literary experience.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

A gorgeous blend of gritty, city crime and lush, lyrical folklore. A recipe that doesn't always work, but Pelayo blends the two in a way that feels unsettling, then ties them together in a rewarding ending. Pelayo has a gift for making Chicago feel both real and magical at the same time, and readers will see the city differently after reading this book.

Anna and Jennie live in a generational home that sits on the river bank. Young men have died in the river, supposedly from jumping from the nearby bridge. Police come knocking on the door. But the girls try to avoid answering. Anna runs a podcast devoted to the haunting of tragic events. Chicago has so many to choice from. One of her podcast followers manages to capture her attention and her heart. So many threads in the book. Each one has it's only interesting bits. The book is interesting with an ending well worth reading.

Cynthia Pelayo has crafted an eerie story of two sisters, the historic bungalow they live in by the Chicago River, and a series of unexplained drownings in the river.

Anna and Jennie have lived all their lives in the house their grandparents purchased in the early 1900s. The house is filled with strange sounds, pops, creaks, voices and the sound of dripping water.

Anna takes care of the house religiously, cleaning, shining, mopping and effecting small, careful home renovations, while her sister Jennie repairs record turntables and other older audio technology, when she's not wandering the house in melancholy and fear, dressed in dramatic, satin nightgowns. Or going for walks along the river by herself.

Anna also runs a podcast, telling stories of various haunted locations in the city. Through this, she gains the interest of a young man, Peter, who wants more than friendship from Anna.

Young men are going missing, and some have turned up, drowned in the Chicago River. Jennie grows frightened, and more young men go missing, till a pair of detectives show up at the sisters' door, looking for answers about the drowned.

The prose is gorgeous, with water featuring prominently throughout, whether as dripping sounds in the house, Jennie's wet footprints after her amblings, recurring descriptions of the river and what has floated or been dumped in it. Pelayo creates both dreamy and visceral scenes throughout this novel, while also slowly building a sense of suspense with Jennie's increasingly odd and angry behaviour.

I should mention that the pacing is on the slow side, with many scenes of Anna and Jennie going in circles about what the house means to them, or their grandmother's requirement that they live in the house, or Anna's loneliness and desire to leave but feeling obligated to stay to care for Jennie and her worsening mood, which is only exacerbated the closer Anna grows to Peter.

Pelayo also liberally sprinkles actual Chicago history throughout the novel. There is plenty of tragedy, and a clue to the present, haunting and haunted situation. I was not surprised by the reveal, and enjoyed the complexity and ambiguity of Anna's and Jennie's situation, as well as the constant unease I felt as I read.

This is an interesting story, where the atmosphere is terrifically realized, with its dark, lingering, quiet anxiety.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Haunted house, mermaids, ghosts, titanic, Chicago boat sinking… so much going on and all seemed rather confusing. It’s like the author couldn’t decide on what to write so she wrote about everything in 1 book. I will say I was so confused by what was happening that I kept reading because I needed to know how it ended

The elements of this book include gothic horror blended with fairy tale horror. It also blends a psychological tale, that kept me enthralled and guessing until the end. It also blends haunted history, crime story, the supernatural and personal and heartfelt relationships. One of the strong elements in this book is grief and the difficulty of loss.

The characters really come alive off the page and you care about them and they are just so real. The story is unique and unfolds with a lot of twists and turns. This book has the chills of true crime, blended with fairy tales and gothic hauntings and mystery. It is a gorgeously written dark tale that will stay with you long after you finish.

I'm not sure what to say about this book. It started out as a thriller/horror type book and I could figure out who was doing the killings early on, then it was really slow in the middle and hard to follow the story. It had about 4 chapters that really had nothing to do with the tory. Those chapters were more about the city of Chicago and it kind of loses the plot then it will switch up back to the original story. It also makes multiple references to the Titanic which is similar but not to this story. And once Anna does what she is supposed to do to stop the killings, the book just kind of ends.

Forgotten Sisters is hauntingly beautiful in all the best ways. It's like Pelayo took a pinch of ghost story, a dash of crime novel, and a sprinkle of dark fairy tale, and mixed it all together into this genre-bending masterpiece. Her writing is so hypnotic, it's like being put under a spell - you can practically feel the chill of the Chicago River seeping into your bones.
One thing I loved most about this book is how authentic it feels. Pelayo really knows Chicago, and it shines in this story. The city isn't just a backdrop; it's a living entity, with a dark history that Pelayo brings to life in a way that's both unsettling and captivating.
This is a slow-burn kind of horror that creeps up, letting the dread build until you're pulled under water. Forgotten Sisters is the kind of story that sticks with you long after you turn the last page, haunting your thoughts and making you question the bonds of sisterhood, the weight of grief, and what it truly means to be forgotten.