I'd give the first 50% of this book 4 stars; it drew me in and was well written, but then it got weird and a bit confusing.

The book starts off with 2 sisters (Jennie and Anna) in an old house on the Chicago River. The sisters' parents died in an accident but its not explained right away. Jennie wants to control Anna and doesn't want her to live her life to the fullest. Anna has a podcast that investigates ghost stories in and around Chicago. A listener (Peter) emails Anna and he becomes a love interest. Jennie is not happy. While all this is going on, there are also men going missing and being found in the Chicago River. Solid domestic thriller setup.

Then it gets weird. There are 2 stories going on here.

The author ties in The Little Mermaid and its origins to sirens and water spirits. There is a woman named Ursula and it turns out that she is who has been dumping men into the Chicago River.

Concurrently, we learn that there were sisters who historically lived in this big house, named Jennie and Anna. They are different from the Jennie and Anna that currently live in the house. The original sisters died in a sunken boat. So, the author ties in the Titanic. It turns out that current Anna’s sister Jennie or Jay died in the accident with their parents. The old Jennie’s ghost is who has been living with the current Anna. Jennie’s ghost tries to drown Peter in the river. To release Jennie’s ghost, Anna needs to throw a book of Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales into the Chicago River. Anna can now go live happily ever after with Peter.

I enjoyed and followed the first half of the book, and then I got lost. For a fairy tale retelling, it missed the mark for me.

My oldest and I went to Chicago when they were six. It was Father's Day weekend. I've wanted to go to Chicago since I was a kid. I've been a Blackhawks fan since I was in Mites. If you don't know, I was seven or eight. I've been fascinated by it. By the lake, the river, and the sports teams.

We went to the Adler Planetarium. We stayed at the Hotel Lincoln, where I had a ghost experience and attended a Cubs game at Wrigley.

Cina knows Chicago. She knows what the air tastes like in the winter. How the river freezes, leaving chunks of ice floating through it in the winter. She brings this knowledge to every story about Chicago. Its presence drips from the prose in her books and stories.

She takes into her stories and their fairy tales the way no one can. She knows the city, the fairy tales she reconstructs and places them into the city's history.

We should all know the story of the Little Mermaid, either from Disney or Hans Christian Andersen, but it's Andersen's version she takes hold of in Forgotten Sisters.

It opens with two sisters. They've suffered a tragedy, but we don't know what it is early on.

The sister's link to a series of deaths in Chicago opens many things about the story. Cynthia takes hold of the narrative of death, intricately weaving a tale about grief, loss, and death. The death from long ago and the death of the sister's parents weave a tapestry rich with the history of Chicago, the ghosts who haunt the city, of which there are many, and take us on a journey of discovery with the main character.

Anyone whose lost a loved one knows this journey. We're angry about what happened. We wish we could have fixed it, but in the end, we find our way to dealing with it the best way we can.

We think about that person often. We remember the good times we had. We consider what we lost when they left and sit in these memories.

We are born in a world where loss is inevitable. Sometimes we see it coming. Other times, it strikes when we least expect it.

Cina is one of my favorite writers. She carries a story through to the end. She makes the connections. I found tears in my eyes when I finished this book.

I try not to give spoilers in my reviews. You should come into Forgotten Sisters blind. I didn't give much away. This has jumped to one of my favorite reads of the year. I can't wait for its release.

The first word that comes to mind when thinking about this book is stunning. The poetic way Cina writes just draws me in. I really, really liked this story and think this is my favorite of hers by far. The mystery of the house and the two sisters had me turning the pages so quickly. With the backdrop of beautiful Chicago and a satisfying ending, this is a must-read!

I’d been hearing what a remarkable writer Cynthia Pelayo is from folks whose opinion I implicitly trust, so when the opportunity arose to read an ARC of her newest, forthcoming novel, Forgotten Sisters, I jumped at the chance. I’m so glad I did.

Set in modern day Chicago, Forgotten Sisters expertly weaves together several story threads. The first is an exquisitely written meditation on grief, loss, and familial attachments concerning two sisters, Anna and Jennie. They live in the home they grew up in, the home of their grandmother and parents before them, a historic bungalow on the banks of the Chicago River. The house is a character in its own right, possibly haunted, and the sisters move through its rooms like ghosts themselves, consumed by tragedy, trapped within its walls. When Anna meets a young man, she receives a glimmer of hope that perhaps, just perhaps, there’s a life to be had away from her sister.

Otherwise, Anna’s only tie to the outside world is a podcast she hosts on the violent, tragic past that envelopes Chicago like a shroud. From the sordid, bloody history of the Chicago Stockyards, to the horrific catastrophe of the SS Eastland ship capsizing, Pelayo masterfully tells the story of a city steeped in death and disaster. Anna’s current fascination is with the alarming number of young, single men who are disappearing, only to wash up, drowned, in the many waterways the surround and course through the city. The family of Anna and Jennie has been intimately intertwined with those waterways, and the drowned men hit close to home.

Finally, Pelayo introduces us to two police detectives investigating those same drownings. With a storytelling style at once elegantly gothic, drenched in the supernatural, yet solidly grounded in historical accuracy, Pelayo weaves these threads together like a virtuoso, drawing the reader into her world. Forgotten Sisters is a gorgeously realized work of fiction.

Mark your calendars: Forgotten Sisters will be released on March 19, 2024, and is available for pre-order now.

When I read The Shoemaker’s Magician earlier this year, I thought that it definitely was one of my fave horror thrillers because it had everything I loved rolled into one novel – however, with Forgotten Sisters Pelayo taps into other things I absolutely love – The Little Mermaid, historical tragedies, and a mysterious killer on the loose. Some authors are linked to their location, such as Anne Rice with New Orleans, or Stephen King with Maine, and whenever I think of Pelayo and her writing I link her to Chicago – and love discovering and learning more about this city through her novels.

This novel is a modern retelling of The Little Mermaid but it’s also a ghost story of sorts (I don’t want to delve too much into detail because I think it’s important to find out on your own). But it’s also about the strength of sisterly love since the novel mostly focuses on the relationship between Anna and Jennie. The house they live in is next to a river, and soon both the house and river become important characters within the world of the novel as the people who inhabit it. A lot of this novel reads like a Gothic novel in regards to the two sisters spending most of their time indoors whilst being burdened by ghosts and odd noises. Young men have begun to go missing and show up dead in the river weeks and months later, sparking thoughts of a serial killer, although the police wish to not acknowledge that they may be dealing with one for fear of alarming the public.

A lot of the book is read like a poetic fever dream and works well in regards to its fairytale roots, so it never bothered me that the two sisters spoke like they were Dickensian characters (once you reach the end you’ll understand why). I know some may think that the love that blossomed between Anna and Peter was what some readers would call “insta-love” but really – I felt that it was possible for the two of them to fall for each other as quickly as they did when they had spent so much time exchanging emails prior (I’ve always been a sucker for long emails and letters between people I’m fond of and understand how a relationship can evolve from that rather quickly).

This novel was unique as it was an amalgamation of thriller, horror, crime, history, and fantasy all rolled into one unique story. I recommend this for those who lean towards Gothic atmospheres in their books and enjoy a slower-paced murder mystery.

*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Water is all around us, just as stories are. And, just as a story can either break or mend your heart — sometimes both — water can give life and it can take it away.

Anna lost her family to the water, to the river, and has been tethered ever since. 

What follows is an interweaving of family, of history, of grief, of loss, of love, of mystery, of fantasy, and of all that lies within and between. 

Forgotten Sisters is a fantastic tale, though I felt at times like something was missing. Lost, perhaps, to the river, which would be fitting, yes. Most fitting. Alas, the questions unanswered continue to flow. 

Though Forgotten Sisters might not be exactly the story for me, Pelayo is definitely another writer for me. The prose, here, is on fire, and I’ve got my sights set on her back catalog, all while keeping my periphery on what comes next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for this ARC.

Now…this book was something different. You take a bag, throw the genres Horror, Fantast/Fairy Tales, History, Mystery/ Crime and Romance in it and shake the bag, the outcome is this book. This is one of the most difficult reviews I had to write and it made me think about it. I love fairy tales, especially The Little Mermaid so I liked the references in the book. Oof, this is hard without giving spoilers lol. The story is about sisters Anna and Jennie who live in their bungalow near the Chicago River. Both Anna & Jennie are bound to their house because of a tragedy involving their parents. When bodies are found in the river, Detectives Kowalski and Rodriguez are investigating. Be ready for some great tension and suspense!!
I liked to learn about the dark history of Chicago. I'm a history fanatic, so the more the better. The dialogue reminded me of the time of Shakespeare. This wasn't an issue for me, but I can understand that for some readers this could be confusing or not really their thing. I'm a big fan of investigation and was hoping for a little more, but that was a tiny issue. The best thing in the book was the world-building. It felt like I was right there and it was written so very well. Some parts were a bit weird but intriguing at the same time. The writing style is unique and very refreshing. I truly liked this book, but I also feel that it will not be for everyone. I think that's why it's so hard to review this book.

This book isn't for everyone. I found it to be the perfect Halloween read, very atmospheric and spooky. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

"Forgotten Sisters" by Cynthia Pelayo is an enthralling novel of psychological suspense that seamlessly blends elements of horror, mystery, and family drama. Set against the backdrop of a historic bungalow on the Chicago River, this book offers a haunting and chilling exploration of a family's disturbing past and the supernatural forces that threaten their existence.

Sisters Anna and Jennie are the central characters, and their deeply entwined lives form the heart of the story. Living in a house that seems to be inhabited by restless spirits, they are unable to escape their family home, despite the eerie occurrences and tragic history that surround it. Anna, in an effort to connect with the outside world and stave off loneliness, hosts a podcast that recounts ghostly tales of Chicago's past. This narrative device adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, as it allows readers to immerse themselves in the city's haunted history.

The author excels in creating a palpable sense of unease and foreboding. The supernatural elements are expertly woven into the narrative, leaving readers with a sense of dread and anticipation. The eerie atmosphere, mysterious disappearances, and unexplained phenomena keep the tension high throughout the book.

The character development is strong, with Anna and Jennie's complex relationship at the forefront. Their bond is both heartwarming and unsettling, and the dynamics between them are portrayed with depth and authenticity. Anna's budding relationship with a male podcast listener adds a layer of complexity to the story, as it introduces the possibility of escape from their haunted existence.

The novel delves into themes of family, isolation, and the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural. It skillfully explores the psychological toll of living in a haunted house and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their secrets.

"Forgotten Sisters" is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that will captivate fans of horror and psychological suspense. Cynthia Pelayo's narrative prowess shines in this tale of family secrets, haunted history, and the eerie mysteries of the Chicago River. Readers will find themselves engrossed in the story from beginning to end, making it a must-read for those who enjoy spine-tingling mysteries with a supernatural twist.

This was a mix of paranormal, fantasy and crime. The entire read had an otherworldly, eerie feeling throughout and had me fascinated right off the bat. However, as the second half came along, it started feeling a bit disjointed. There was also a little too much history for my liking since I am not one to pick up a historical fiction. It was interesting, don't get me wrong, but the retelling of historical events could have been cut in half and been just as, if not more, interesting. The story and mystery itself was good although I did kind of already know who the killer was. The protagonist's boyfriend was just kind of there, and the bond between sisters was strong and heartfelt but then felt a bit contradictory as well towards the halfway point. All in all, I am giving this one a gratuitous three stars.

Thank you Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC.

A masterful blend of horror/crime fiction/ fairy tales. Great characterizations, and propulsive plot. This was super fun to read and atmopsheric.

This book spoke to me on so many levels. It has stayed with me long after reading it.

Horror? Check
Water? Check
Possible Haunting? Check
Cheeky Romance (with someone who believes the main character!!)? Bonus Check

And then...The Little Mermaid references. Not the Disney one (sorry, Ariel). Hans Christian Anderson's one. Possibly my favourite story growing up. I still have my well-worn childhood storybook which I still look at every now and again, in my 50s.

I don't want to give too much away, but this book held me from the first page. I couldn't put it down. The bond between sisters, as well as through generations, was palpable. I rooted and worried for both Anna and Jennie throughout.

Set in a bungalow along the river in Chicago, the house and it's surrounding area is so vividly described I could hear, see, feel, and smell it. I heard the incessant drip. I saw walls of the aging, defiant bungalow. I felt Anna's fear for her sanity, and for Jennie's safety. And I could smell the garden backing onto the river access.

Add in a police procedural type simultaneous storyline and a podcast, and I'm in my happy place as a reader!

Cynthia Pelayo weaves history, horror, love, and fear into a story which feels as much of an enduring classic as The Little Mermaid.

The story takes a fresh. Modern approach to combining two genres - mystery/crime and horror. I can see how it could appeal to readers in both genres.

A city’s haunted history and fairy-tale horrors converge for two women in an addictive novel of psychological suspense by a multiple Bram Stoker Award–nominated author.

Horrifying, twisty, well-done. Loved it.

Wow. What a wild ride. What began as me wanting to dip my toes into NetGalley by choosing the first “read now” book that sounded interesting enough turned into one of my favorite reads of 2023. I really had no idea what I was walking into.

The writing was absolutely phenominal, and I include the dialoge in that, which was definitely reminiscent of Shakespeare as one or two other reviewers mentioned, but I didn’t mind in the slightest. I really felt like the dialogue was unique and perfectly tailored to each character, all of whom were incredibly compelling.

The story itself was full of twists and turns that were wholly unexpected. The entire vibe was eerie, but fantastical at the same time. I thought this novel was especially interesting because it explored themes of loss and grief and the importance of history and rememberance. All this while telling stories of love from sisterly to familial to romantic and even obsessive. The embedded history of Chicago and the focus on the house and the river were especially impactful. The focus on fairy tales and the supernatural also put this book over the top for me.

If I had anything to nitpick at, it would be that some things were a little repetitive and that the story maybe got a little convoluted and harder to understand toward the end. That and the fact that this is still clearky a draft, as there were quite a few typos and punctuation errors that stood out. Nothing about the plot needs changing though. I’m quite happy with my decision to read this novel and I can’t wait for its release so other people can experience it too!

(I will be updating and adding a blog post later once I am able to gather my thoughts and write something a little more coherent)

EDIT: blog post is now linked; also, my apologies for this review, I typed it out with one finger on my ipad without autocorrect so it's a little rough around the edges

Forgotten Sisters takes a unique direction by incorporating horror, crime, and fairy tales together. The story follows sisters Anna and Jennie in their historic bungalow along the Chicago River. After their parents are killed in a tragic accident, the sisters are left alone, tethered together by their haunted past. Eldest sister Jennie is now a troubled recluse, spending days in her bedroom, only leaving the house for nightly walks. While Anna is reserved to care for her sister and the house. In her loneliness, Anna works on a podcast and recounts the ghostly tales of Chicago. At the same time, a series of disappearances casts unease over the town, raising questions about the mysteries of the river.

At the start of the book, I was inclined to give a rating of 4 or 5 because of the intriguing premise. However, as I reached the end I began to shift towards a 3. The story presents an abundance of new ideas and leaves room for the reader to uncover the mysteries, but I also found myself confused by the multitude of events happening. Is it a story about a haunted house? Or is it a story about a vengeful serial killer? The storylines eventually converge, but the journey to that point left me somewhat disoriented. Admittedly, I was most drawn to the police procedural aspect of the story and I was hoping for more of a focus on the investigation itself. I appreciate that the story challenged my expectations and offered a blend of intertwining themes, but ultimately I wasn't the right audience for this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the e-ARC.

One of the best books I’ve read all year. No seriously. I mean that. I loved this book. This may be my new fav author. Thank you.

Forgotten Sisters is a very different sort of book, kind of a horror novel and a fairy tale and a police procedural and a fever dream all rolled up into one.

Chicago is a city near and dear to my heart and Ravenswood is a great neighborhood, so the setting is fantastic. I'd never heard the stories of the SS Eastland or the Union Stockyards before, so I really enjoyed learning more about the city's dark history through Anna's podcast.

The chapters involving the two police detectives, Kowalski and Rodriguez, were also entertaining and I wish there had been more of them. They aren't really the main focus of the story, so you only glimpse bits and pieces of their investigation … which is too bad, because I would happily read a book that focused entirely on the two of them.

Oh, and Clover and Thistle were the best part of the book, because … dogs! And, in case you were wondering, they do survive.

The rest of the book, which revolves around sisters Anna and Jennie (and later, Anna's boyfriend Peter), is just … weird. None of them talk like normal people – the dialogue is stilted and they all speak as if they're giving some sort of modern day Shakespearean soliloquy, Jennie in particular. The romance between Anna and Peter doesn't seem at all authentic, perhaps because the book skips over most of the beginning of their relationship, but also because you never learn much about Peter other than that Anna's obsessed with him. And, really, other than at the very end, nothing really happens plotwise. The police investigate a bit, Jennie waxes poetic a whole bunch, the house throws temper tantrums when it doesn't get its way, and that's about it.

The ending did surprise me, though. I'd already guessed who the killer was, but I hadn't guessed *who* the killer was (which I realize makes no sense, but I'm trying to avoid spoilers). The ending actually would have been pretty good if it hadn't been bogged down by all the weirdness that permeates this book, but the twist gets kind of watered down by all of the … *gesticulates wildly* … rest of it.

Overall, this book had its interesting moments but it just wasn't really my thing. If you like your books to read like a Shakespearean fever dream, you'll probably love this one, but it was just kind of “meh” for me. 2.75 stars, rounded up.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.