“Listen to Your Sister” was a rollercoaster story that’s one part weird, two parts horror. Through the first half of the book there wasn’t much that I would classify as horror and I was a little confused about what I was getting into, but the second of the book was packed full of WTF moments that wrapped everything up into a horror-themed present.

The characters’ growth and ability to self-reflect are some of the central themes that kept me going to see what happened next. The plot twist of The Nightmare was weird and well executed, absolutely not was I was expecting. We even get some good, gory descriptions and moments tossed in.

Solid 3.5/5 ⭐️

This book had an intriguing premise, but it wasn't really what I was expecting, and I just may not be the right audience for this story. The sibling dynamics were heartfelt and relatable, and the author captured the weight of responsibility and sacrifice beautifully. However, the mix of family drama and surreal horror didn’t fully resonate with me. That said, readers who enjoy emotional stories with a supernatural twist might find it more engaging.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an eARC of Listen to Your Sister prior to publication.

Loved it! I was up reading all night. I recommend this book. I can only say how good it is as I do not want to spoil it for others.

Calla Williams, at the young age of 25 p, finds herself with the challenging task of raising her younger brothers, Jaimie and Dre, after their mother leaves them. Complicating this is p, her being haunted by recurring nightmares in which she witnesses her brothers deaths.

Due to a run of bizarre incidents in which mysterious women save Calla's brothers from imminent danger, the siblings decide to leave their home, taking refuge in a secluded cabin/shack. Unfortunately, Calla's nightmares become more intense, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural. There seems to be a terrifying force threatening their lives.

This novel of horror is intense and the mysterious force driving the story is very clever and powerful.
Even though I didn’t always understand the whys and how’s of the plot, the writing was so grippingly intense, I stuck with it. Warning the beginning is slow, then picks up and races to the ending.

If you're a reader looking for something intensely scary and weird, Listen To Your Sister, should fit the bill.

i could have finished this book last night, but I had to stop because it was super late and it was scaring the fu … uh, crap out of me. I actually did a marathon read of the remainder this morning so that I wouldn't have to read it past bedtime again. So, yeah, I guess that's pretty high praise for a debut horror novel? And I'm not one who usually gets super freaked out over what I read, either.

absolutely terrifying, I loved it. WILL RECOMMEND!

When I read that this book is for fans of Jordan Peele’s films and The Other Black Girl, I was like sign me up!
I enjoyed the creepiness and the family dynamics for the majority of this book. Then the flow became weird and by the time I finished, I felt like I had just woken up from a fever dream. This one left me with a “what in the world did I just read” feeling, but all in a good way. You will just have to pick up your very own copy and give it go!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of Listen to Your Sister by Neena Viel.

What a debut! Listen to Your Sister tells the story of complicated sibling dynamics in the context of true horror. Our characters are trying to help each other grow up while still growing up themselves and it's incredibly moving. They all just want to care for one another, although each is left needing and wanting more than is being given to them.

In the beginning, I was OBSESSED with this. I loved the premise and the beginning stayed true to this. Calla's relationship with Dre & Jamie was raw and honest. Calla's struggles as a sister-turned-guardian were palpable and she seemed to be a relatable character. I enjoyed learning about the history of the family and the trauma of what happened with their parents. This started out as a story of tough love and the turmoil associated with being black in America; stereotypes, injustice, police brutality, etc. In the middle, this story took a strange turn when the trio reached the cabin in the woods in order to protect Jamie from the law. This is when the true horror began but I'm not sure if I was a fan. Once we entered Calla's "nightmare", I was a tad lost. Some of the events made sense but others left me confused and I honestly see the vision of what the author was attempting to do but in my opinion, it was not executed properly. The parts of this book that reminded me of Jordan Peele's "Us" were my favorite. I did not love this one but I did like it. I would definitely give this author read more of her work in the future.

Calla has been taking care of her teenage brother Jamie ever since their mother was deemed unfit. She keeps him out of the system but always feels like she’s treading water. He’s always getting into trouble, and their middle brother, Dre, isn’t the help he promised Calla he’d be. When things go very wring, the trio flew to a cabin in the woods and straight into a nightmare, literally.

This book has some great things to say about the burden of caretaking and the things people have to give up, keeping black boys alive, and family trauma, particularly black family trauma. It was really unique and different with a strong voice and some wicked horror. Definitely recommend.

Neena Viel’s Listen to Your Sister is a thoughtful and deeply resonant read that explores the complexities of family dynamics, sisterhood, and personal growth. With raw honesty and a sharp yet compassionate voice, Viel weaves a story that feels both familiar and fresh, drawing readers into a world where relationships are messy but love remains at the core.

The strength of this book lies in how Viel captures the nuances of sibling relationships—the push and pull, the tensions that simmer, and the unspoken bonds that tether us to family, no matter what. The characters feel real and flawed, which makes their struggles and triumphs hit home. Viel doesn’t shy away from portraying emotional vulnerability, and that’s what makes the book stand out.

One of the most compelling parts is how the author balances humor with heartache, making the story relatable while delivering deeper truths about loyalty, forgiveness, and understanding. Viel’s writing style is accessible but powerful, and the pacing keeps you hooked without overwhelming the reader.

While there are moments where the story dips into familiar territory, the sincerity in Viel’s storytelling keeps it from feeling cliché. Readers looking for a heartfelt, character-driven narrative will find Listen to Your Sister both engaging and thought-provoking.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Mystery Thriller + Horror

Calla Williams, who is 25 years old, is left with the difficult task of raising her younger brothers, Jaimie and Dre, after their mother leaves them. She is haunted by recurring nightmares in which she watches her brothers die, helpless to stop it.

Following a series of bizarre incidents in which mysterious women save Calla's brothers from imminent danger, the siblings escape their home and seek refuge in a secluded cabin. There, Calla's nightmares grow more intense, and the distinction between reality and the supernatural starts to fade as they confront a terrifying force that endangers their lives.

I asked NetGalley for this advanced reader copy because the cover and premise looked interesting. Having family drama, supernatural themes, and horror all together makes for an interesting story. The story possesses a uniquely atmospheric and strange quality.

The horror elements are intensely gripping, and the mysterious force driving the plot is quite powerful. It is true that there were times when I had difficulty comprehending the storyline, but this did not lessen the enjoyment I got from reading it.

I believe the main drawback of the story is its pacing. The first half is notably slower than the second half, which accelerates rapidly, making it feel like you're racing alongside the unfolding events due to their swift progression.

If you're seeking something delightfully scary and strange, try this book; you may find it quite enjoyable.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

5 star review!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Neena Viel for an opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I don't want to give away anything but I think this book is best read with an open mind and a pen, highlighter, and tabs! This is a mash up book. **5-Star Review for *Listen to Your Sister* by Neena Viel**

*Listen to Your Sister* by Neena Viel is an absolute gem of a book! From the very first chapter, I was hooked, and I couldn’t put it down until I had turned the last page. This novel is a heartfelt exploration of family, sisterhood, and the complex dynamics that bind us together and pull us apart.

The story centers on two sisters who are forced to confront their past and reconnect after years of estrangement. The emotional depth of their relationship is beautifully depicted, with the author masterfully capturing both the tension and tenderness that can exist between siblings. The way Viel dives into the personal struggles and triumphs of each sister makes them feel incredibly real and relatable. I found myself rooting for them, feeling their pain, and celebrating their small victories along the way.

What makes this book stand out is its raw and honest portrayal of family relationships, particularly the unspoken issues and unresolved feelings that often linger beneath the surface. The pacing is spot on, with just the right amount of tension to keep you invested in their journey of reconciliation. I loved the depth of the characters, their growth throughout the story, and the sense of hope that comes with understanding and forgiveness.

*Listen to Your Sister* is a deeply moving and beautifully written novel that resonates long after you’ve finished reading it. If you enjoy stories about complex family dynamics, personal growth, and the power of sisterhood, this is a must-read. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an emotional and uplifting story.

This will be in my reread list.

Listen to Your Sister by Neena Viel is a twisty, often horrifying tale of three siblings and how their deep love and need to protect each other has affected every aspect of their lives.
Interspersed with a dry wit, this story is disturbing at its core, and keeps you anxiously turning the pages to figure out just what is happening. Well written and full of suspense, this book is sure to make you look at your familial relationships in a new light.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC of #ListentoYourSister.

I struggled with this one.

The language was offensive and didn't add to the story which was hard to read.


NetGalley/ St. Martin's Press February 04, 2025

*4.5 stars*

Listen To Your Sister is a creepy & heartfelt read perfect for fans of Jordan Peele and social commentary horror! If you’re a fan of sibling relationships in your horror books, you have to read this one; it is so good, and I’m shocked it’s a debut.

The Williams siblings are struggling. Calla is the new guardian to her 16 year old brother Jamie, and middle sibling Dre is drifting through life and not helping either of them. Calla is also privately fighting graphic nightmares that seem to be slowly taking over her life. When things spiral out of control, the siblings retreat to a cabin deep in the woods to try to figure out how to move forward in life & with each other. But Calla’s nightmares follow them, and soon they are fighting a battle not just for their relationships, but for their very lives.

I think this one is best to go into with as few spoilers as possible, so I won’t say much about the story; but this new release should definitely be on your radar for February if you are a horror fan! I would recommend this book to fans of Jordan Peele and Grady Hendrix, as well as readers who enjoy speculative horror, sibling relationships, multiple POV, and social commentary in their fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for the arc; all thoughts & opinions stated in the review are my own.

Hold onto your reading glasses – Neena Viel's Listen to Your Sister is one wild ride that's part horror show, part family drama, and completely impossible to put down! Imagine taking the most dysfunctional family road trip imaginable and then dropping them into a nightmare realm where reality bends like a funhouse mirror.

Meet Calla Williams, a 25-year-old guardian who's basically juggling the impossible: keeping her teenage brothers Jamie and Dre from completely imploding while battling her own mind-bending nightmares. When a protest goes sideways, the siblings escape to a secluded cabin that turns out to be anything but a peaceful retreat. Spoiler alert: those creepy dreams? They're about to get very, very real.

Viel has this incredible knack for making horror feel intensely personal. The sibling dynamic is so spot-on it'll make you laugh, cringe, and maybe call your own siblings just to check they're okay. Calla's sardonic wit cuts through the mounting dread like a flashlight in the darkness, ensuring the book never becomes too heavy, even when things get seriously weird.

It's not just a horror novel – it's a story about family, survival, and those invisible threads that keep us connected even when everything else is falling apart. The way Viel blends supernatural terror with laugh-out-loud moments is nothing short of magic. One minute you're on the edge of your seat, the next you're chuckling at a perfectly timed sibling burn.

Listen to Your Sister is the kind of debut that makes you sit up and take notice. It's fresh, it's fearless, and it absolutely refuses to play by the usual horror rulebook. Viel has created a story that's as much about the monsters inside our heads as the ones lurking in the shadows.

If you're looking for a horror novel that'll make you feel, think, and occasionally snort with laughter, this is your book. Just maybe keep the lights on while reading – just in case.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for sharing this brililant debut's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I think its a good book to go into not knowing exactly what to expect. There is a cabin the woods but the more is more social horror than traditional creepy house/remote area horror. Calla’s Nightmare world is scary and well-built. I would not want to be a 25 year old guardian of a sibling! I really enjoyed the sibling dynamics aspect--I had been worried they'd be shallow in a horror novel but they weren't

Achingly beautiful and the realest. This book was fantastic and it brought me everything a book lover could want from a book. I can’t wait to read more from this author. And I can’t wait to read this again.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Feb. 4, 2025
“Listen to Your Sister” is the debut novel by author Neena Viel. An older sister, raising her younger brothers, plagued by Nightmares that come to life in positive, and very negative ways, is the terrifying, spine-tingling premise of Viel’s horror novel.
Calla Williams is twenty-five years old, trying to raise her teenage brother, Jamie, with the help of her middle brother, Dre. Jamie’s behaviour gets more and more reckless and Calla is at her wits end. Desperate to get her family back under control, she takes both her brothers to a remote Air BnB in the woods, hoping to avoid the trouble back home. But the seclusion brings her nightmares even more to the surface and soon Calla and her brothers are running from a very different type of trouble- a sinister, death-seeking kind – and the only way out is together.
“Sister” is the kind of horror novel fans of Stephen King or Grady Hendrix will devour. Socially relevant, with substantial and emotional themes that are hiding underneath a dark universe of trauma, where Nightmares haunt the waking hours, Viel has touched a crucial nerve and delivered a novel that will reach a whole new generation of readers.
The story is narrated by all three Williams siblings, although Calla is the star (in more ways than one). Readers learn about the siblings’ dysfunctional upbringing slowly, as is it revealed thought the separate experiences of Calla, Dre and Jamie. Calla’s Nightmare world is creative, horrifying and delectably haunting, and the familiarity of the creatures who take up that world make quite an impact, in Calla’s world as well as the readers’. Calla is the kind of character that readers will form an immediate connection with, and the broken but honest love between her and her brothers is heart-warming.
Horror fans must not miss this killer debut from Neena Viel. “Listen to Your Sister” came out of nowhere, scared and shocked, and left me in a euphoric daze. I never know what to expect when I read a debut novel but I try to tamper my expectations, especially from the horror genre (my all-time favourite). I can honestly say that I was beyond impressed with Viel, and she has made one heck of an entrance into the literary world. I can’t wait to read what she writes next.

Thank you netgalley and the publishers for this ARC.

If you are looking for a book with a great plot and character development, this is it. I enjoyed the pacing of the story and never felt bored. I finished it quickly too because the way the author constructed the chapters you want to know what is going on with the characters.

The ending was perfect and wraps everything up nicely. I can’t wait to read more by the author in the future.