Member Reviews

Val’s sister commits suicide in a swanky hotel, or does she? The cops believe suicide, Val doesn’t believe her sister could do that.
This is a case of who-dun-it or is it? What happened to Val’s sister? Val teams up with a former detective, Terry, and they investigate.
Not only that, there is another twist. We get flash backs from Bridget in 1921 in this same hotel. How are these all connected?

This was a good one! I love listening to audiobooks and these narrators were awesome! I loved how the story progressed and all came together. It definitely kept me guessing until the very end.
I’m hoping for Val and Terry to team up in the future! *wink wink*

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This was great. I loved the jump between Bridget and Val, though Val worked my nerves a bit. Bridget deserved better but ultimately, I liked the ending.

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Val was not giving up and not giving into the story of how her sister lost her life. She found herself a retired detective that would help her solve this mystery! I’ve never listened to a book so hard and so quick. Every time I’d think ok, I’m going to bed.. WRONG, you cannot stop and you will not stop until you have completed this book! Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for my honest feedback!

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Thank you Netgalley and K L Murphy for the audio ARC of Her Sisters Death.

I really liked listening to this audio. The narrators, Rachel Fulginiti, Kate Rudd, Curt Bonnem were distinctive in the perspectives they were telling from which brought the characters to life. All 3 of them had good pace and kept me engaged in the story.

The narrative is written from 3 perspectives. Two in the present, Val who finds out her sister died at the Franklin Hotel and Terry, who's a retired detective. These two very different characters bump into each other at the library and embark on a journey to uncover the mystery surrounding the death of Vals sister.

The other narrative that takes part in this story is Bridgett, a lady in 1921 who is due to be wed to a gentleman in the very same hotel. The Franklin.

It's interesting to see how these 2 story start to entwine and finally meet with the little twist at the end. Both narratives are very well thought out and it's interesting ( and infuriating! ) how women were treated in the early twentieth century. It has a very subtle supernatural undertone and combined with the mystery/thriller element, it was a very enjoyable listen.

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Book Title: My Sister’s Death
Author: K.L. Murphy
Narrated by Rachel Fulginiti, Kate Rudd, Curt Bonnem
Publisher: CamCat Books Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks
Genre: Mystery/Thriller, Historical Fiction
Pub Date was: December 13, 2022
My Rating: 4.3 Stars!
Pages 352

When her sister Sylvia is found dead in the 5-Star Franklin Hotel in Baltimore, Val Ritter a crime investigative reporter for the Baltimorean Daily newspaper cannot believe it.
The Police find an empty pill bottle and therefore rule her death a suicide but Val knows that cannot be true.
As a reporter Val loves research and while in the library she is annoyed with a man who is making too much noise with the newspaper he is reading; she tells him it is supposed to be quiet in the library. . Needless to say, Val is the annoying one ~ she knows she is being rude but has no filter and things come out of mouth that shouldn’t. (Later in the story he describes her as having a ‘prickly’ personality.)
Val finds out that the noisy man is really very nice and turns out helping her with her sister’s case. Terry Martin is a retired detective and has his own agenda regarding the Franklin. He tells Val that the Franklin Hotel has a dark history as other deaths as well as strange things have occurred there, He tells Val about a mild manner man who nearly killed his wife by beating her as he thought she was a monster who was after him. .
,
There is an additional storyline that takes place back in 1921 when Bridgett Wallace stayed in the Franklin Hotel on her honeymoon actually in the same room where Sylvia was found dead.
Bridgett is so sweet but her new husband is older and controlling. Since they are staying at Franklin I immediately feared the worst. However my worst fear wasn’t nearly as disturbing as what really happened.
The book is told in Present Day as well as Bridgett’s story in 1921.
It was curious as to how two stories were actually connected.
Narrators Rachel Fulginiti, Kate Rudd, Curt Bonnem did a good job performing Val, Terry and Bridget. The story is told from the POV of these three main characters,
I went in to this story without any special expectation. I was so delighted how good it was.

I am now hoping the nice Retired Detective and the Prickly Journalist team up again!
If so, I am ready for it!

Want to thank NetGalley and CamCat Books Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date was December 13, 2022.

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When her sister is found dead in a Baltimore hotel room, apparently a suicide, reporter Val Ritter teams up with Terry Martin, a retired detective, to try and prove that her sister didn't kill herself.

Along with Val and Terry's investigation into her sister's death, we are also privy to a parallel story in 1921 some of which takes place in the same hotel room and features a young woman who has just married an older gentleman. These are good characters and the story is engrossing especially as we try to determine what the one story has to do with the other. Even though the book ventured into what I consider "woo woo" territory towards the end, it was a really good story and well presented. I listened to the audiobook and liked the narrators, especially the female voices.

Thanks to CamCat Books via Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Really enjoyed this Audio book , Val's sister is found dead in a hotel room , All signs show suicide but Val is not convinced , Some really good twists and turns as the story unfolds

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The parallel time lines worked really well for thr story and allowed it to build in tempo. However I did feel it was a bit drawn out in some chapters as though filling space that wasn't needed. The relationship between the main characters was a good one. Overall a good story with a twist of an ending but just a bit to drawn out

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WOW! Why are more people not talking about this one? How did this get swept under the rug?!

This book has two timelines and three pov's, which all work together much better than I expected them to. While some of the plot twists are easy to guess, it's still a great read.
My only disappointment is that it ended way too soon! Everything tied up in the epilogue in an epic "tell don't show" sprint. I really wish Murphy had fleshed out the ending with more care like throughout the rest of the story.

Thank you to netgalley for this copy!

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This was my first K.L Murphy book, and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook! The narrative unfolds through two distinct timelines: one set in the 1920s and the other in the present day.

In the 1920s storyline, the central character is on the verge of marrying a wealthy man who appears to treat her well. Despite his care, she harbors a persistent suspicion that something is amiss. In the present-day narrative, the protagonist learns about her sister's unexpected suicide at a hotel. Given her sister's character, the suicide appears highly suspicious, leading the protagonist to suspect foul play.

As the plot progresses, the two storylines intertwine, converging at the same enigmatic hotel. The narrators, with their clear and engaging delivery, seamlessly complemented the storyline.

My biggest issue is the weak connection between the two storylines. I feel like the story of her sister’s death would have been a great standalone story.

Overall, an engaging mystery with dual POVs, dual timelines, and the audiobook has dual narrators helping to make the experience even more immersive.

Thank you Netgalley and CamCat for my ALC.

Content warning: Domestic Violence, Suicide

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This book kept the twists going. After the death of her sister Val can’t believe that her sister would end her life. So she begins to investigate for herself. Fast paced and enjoyable

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First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, K.L. Murphy, Independent Book Publisher’s Association (IBPA), Members’ Audiobooks, and CamCat Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

New to the world of K.L. Murphy, I eagerly grabbed this audiobook to see what it was all about. A mystery straddling two time periods and an intense story to boot kept me listening long into the evening, as I sought to uncover the truth. When a reporter’s sister turns up dead in a Baltimore hotel, things take a significant turn. Was it murder or might it have been suicide? As Val Ritter tries to use her resources to uncover the truth, she comes upon a mystery in the hotel that is close to a century old. All this, in a jam-packed pice that will have the reader rushing to get answers.

After learning that her sister has been found in a Baltimore hotel room, Val Ritter is on edge and highly concerned. A reporter by trade, Val is always one to ask questions and probe for meaningful answers. However, an empty pill bottle by the side of the bed leave the police all but sure that this was suicide. Val cannot fathom that and pulls on the expertise of a retired detective to hep her fully investigate.

Digging into what happened can be helpful, but there are times when the truth that emerges is something best left in the box. Such is the case here, as talk of affairs and secret-keeping flood the investigation. There was also a similar case in the hotel’s confines back in 1921, when a woman faced some of the same pressure’s as the current victim. Ready to wed, it should have been a time of bliss. Instead, a body and questions that the police could not answer.

As Val races against the clock to find the truth, she must also come to terms with the hideous events in 1921 and how they could not only relate to her sister’s death, but a family mystery that has never been discussed. In a gripping story, K.L. Murphy takes the reader on a journey like no other and keeps the twists plentiful.

While I do enjoy discovering new authors, I am never sure what to expect. Some pack a punch with their writing while others push things along without any real spar. K.L. Murphy impressed me with a great narrative base, on which she added strong characters and a decent plot. The mystery blooms into two stories, leaving the reader to follow them both and understand what is at stake. Murphy handled the back and forth well, developing a great cast and plot twists that kept the reader eager to learn more. Rushing to ensure the truth makes sense to all, Murphy layers her parallel storylines wonderfully and keeps the reader guessing until it all fall into place, allowing the reader that lightbulb moment. A great piece and I will be sure to return for more.

Kudos, Madam Murphy, for a great first impression.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, K.L. Murphy, Independent Book Publisher’s Association (IBPA), Members’ Audiobooks, and CamCat Publishing for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

New to the world of K.L. Murphy, I eagerly grabbed this audiobook to see what it was all about. A mystery straddling two time periods and an intense story to boot kept me listening long into the evening, as I sought to uncover the truth. When a reporter’s sister turns up dead in a Baltimore hotel, things take a significant turn. Was it murder or might it have been suicide? As Val Ritter tries to use her resources to uncover the truth, she comes upon a mystery in the hotel that is close to a century old. All this, in a jam-packed pice that will have the reader rushing to get answers.

After learning that her sister has been found in a Baltimore hotel room, Val Ritter is on edge and highly concerned. A reporter by trade, Val is always one to ask questions and probe for meaningful answers. However, an empty pill bottle by the side of the bed leave the police all but sure that this was suicide. Val cannot fathom that and pulls on the expertise of a retired detective to hep her fully investigate.

Digging into what happened can be helpful, but there are times when the truth that emerges is something best left in the box. Such is the case here, as talk of affairs and secret-keeping flood the investigation. There was also a similar case in the hotel’s confines back in 1921, when a woman faced some of the same pressure’s as the current victim. Ready to wed, it should have been a time of bliss. Instead, a body and questions that the police could not answer.

As Val races against the clock to find the truth, she must also come to terms with the hideous events in 1921 and how they could not only relate to her sister’s death, but a family mystery that has never been discussed. In a gripping story, K.L. Murphy takes the reader on a journey like no other and keeps the twists plentiful.

While I do enjoy discovering new authors, I am never sure what to expect. Some pack a punch with their writing while others push things along without any real spar. K.L. Murphy impressed me with a great narrative base, on which she added strong characters and a decent plot. The mystery blooms into two stories, leaving the reader to follow them both and understand what is at stake. Murphy handled the back and forth well, developing a great cast and plot twists that kept the reader eager to learn more. Rushing to ensure the truth makes sense to all, Murphy layers her parallel storylines wonderfully and keeps the reader guessing until it all fall into place, allowing the reader that lightbulb moment. A great piece and I will be sure to return for more.

Kudos, Madam Murphy, for a great first impression.

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Her Sister's Death
by K. L. Murphy
Narrated by Rachel Fulginiti, Kate Rudd, Curt Bonnem
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of "Her Sister's Death" by K. L. Murphy. This book is not just a thriller; it's a masterful blend of intrigue and historical depth, narrated to perfection by Rachel Fulginiti, Kate Rudd, and Curt Bonnem.

From the outset, the story grabs you, weaving a tale that is as complex as it is captivating. The characters are the true highlight – they are meticulously crafted, each escaping the trap of cliché to become genuinely compelling figures in their own right. Their development is one of the book’s strongest suits, lending a sense of authenticity and relatability that elevates the narrative.

The historical backdrop of the story adds a rich layer, creating a tapestry of past and present that intertwines seamlessly. It kept me guessing, drawing me deeper into the mystery with every chapter. The connection between the historical elements and the main plot is artfully revealed, maintaining a perfect balance that keeps the pages turning.

The pacing of "Her Sister's Death" is exceptional. It strikes an ideal balance, moving swiftly enough to keep the adrenaline pumping, yet allowing enough space for the characters and the story to breathe and develop fully.

The narration by Fulginiti, Rudd, and Bonnem deserves special mention. Their delivery is flawless, adding depth and dimension to the characters and the story. They have a remarkable ability to convey emotion and tension, which greatly enhances the overall experience of the book.

In conclusion, "Her Sister's Death" is a triumph in the thriller genre. It’s a book that not only entertains but also immerses you in a story that is both historically rich and emotionally engaging. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a book that is a true page-turner, yet thoughtful and well-constructed. K. L. Murphy has delivered a novel that is sure to resonate with readers long after the final page is turned.

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Val Ritter's sister died in a swank hotel, and she's not convinced that the assumption of suicide fits with her belief that her sister was happy and flourishing in her new life as a single mother. Val teams up with Terry, a former police officer, to quietly investigate and find the truth about her sister's death.

I kind of liked this book? I found Val, the protagonist, very acerbic and petulant. I really, REALLY disliked her, and yes, I know she was grieving, but yikes. The fact that Terry keeps helping Val after the way she treats him is the real mystery here. Every character seemed to be an extreme version of themself: the bad guys were EVIL, the good people were incredibly sweet, naïve, and GOOD. Not much nuance. The supernatural aspect seemed tossed in, and the time/narrator shift seemed unnecessary.

The elements of an interesting story were there, but the execution was off, unfortunately.

I received a free audiobook copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

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I really enjoyed this audiobook.. It was easy to separate the three view points, and while both the past and present stories were good on their own, it was interesting to watch them come together. I will admit the twist was predictable, and I got a little impatient waiting for it to click into place, so for a short time, it did start to drag on a bit. Overall, though, the story kept my attention, and it was very easy to care for the characters throughout.

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Loved the dual timelines and couldn’t wait to see if/how they tied together (besides location). The paranormal part felt a little strange, but ultimately worked. Characters in both stories were interesting, and kept me want to keep listening to see how both ended.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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Really enjoyed this story and was a bit surprised by the slightly maybe paranormal ending. It was able to somewhat figure out the ending but I was between the woman on the video visiting her sister being Dani or her therapist. Especially when Val was at their house and was talking about the files. I DID correctly assume her sister was dating Wyatt again though which was fun. Solid book for sure!! I also liked all the narrators which is very uncommon for me.

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Everyone’s a suspect and it’s a twisty path to the answers that you are bound to enjoy!

Tragedy strikes the Val Ritter in an unimaginable and unexpected way. But being the crime reporter she is, she will not let the death of her sister be written off as another suicide at the famed Franklin hotel in Baltimore. A happenstance run in with a former detective at the library (a rude intro on Val’s part if you ask me but we’ll chalk it up to the grief) leads Val down the path of playing detective to find out what really happened to her sister.

First I’ll start with I really enjoyed the narrators and LOVED that there were 3 voices for the 3 different main characters. It would have been better if there was some crossover when conversations happened but other than that it was *chefs kiss*.

I felt like I was watching this play out as a show. I was pulled in early on and was so wrong in my #1 suspect 🤣. An audible gasp came out when we find out what really happened.

I liked Val most of the time. Sometimes she was overly rude to me and others just so zoned it she missed really important info that should have been easy for a crime reporter to pick up on. But again… the grief.

Terry is that dude! I really really liked him and was so happy when his full story was shared. This is one part that I guessed right about.

I also really enjoyed the past and present views. I was confused on the purpose for a bit and when the 1921 part came to an end I was wondering with what now!? But the epilogue brought it together!!

Overall… this was a fantastic little mystery, a GREAT audiobook, and was all wrapped up nicely. I’ve already recommended it to others to read when it’s available. I know I’ll be rereading.

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!WARNING! - MENTION OF SUICIDE AND SELF INJURY!

I love this book! Thank you Netgallery for the copy ☺️.

The book follows Val Ritters, a journalist specialising in reporting about crime. Her world is flipped upside down, when her sister is found dead in a hotel room. The police roll it out to be a Suicide, However Val knows there is more to the story.

The book is quite fast paced, it kept me hooked throughout, and I listened to most of the book in one sitting as I couldn't wait to see what actually happened. The narrators helped immerse me into the story, especially with the multiple changes in perspectives. Overall, it had a satisfying ending and had most of what I look for in a thriller. Highly recommend! - review on Goodreads ☺️

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Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
This book was really 2 stories that were based out of the same hotel, but different time periods. I had a hard time connecting how those stories worked together, the end it all comes together, but as I was reading was confused how they went together. Overall this story was faced paced, kept little twists and turns as you read that kept me bouncing between several suspects. The ending could have tied up a few more “loose ends” that I wonder about, but tied things together nicely otherwise. I enjoyed this and would recommend!

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