The Silent Sister by Diane ChamberlainMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - 1 day
Publisher - St. Martin's Press
Pages - 352
Source - NetGalley
Blurb From Goodreads
In The Silent Sister, Riley MacPherson has spent her entire life believing that her older sister Lisa committed suicide as a teenager. Now, over twenty years later, her father has passed away and she's in New Bern, North Carolina cleaning out his house when she finds evidence to the contrary. Lisa is alive. Alive and living under a new identity. But why exactly was she on the run all those years ago, and what secrets are being kept now? As Riley works to uncover the truth, her discoveries will put into question everything she thought she knew about her family. Riley must decide what the past means for her present, and what she will do with her newfound reality, in this engrossing mystery from international bestselling author Diane Chamberlain.
My Review
Riley MacPherson is our main character, her father has passed away and she is going to get his affairs in order. Riley soon discovers her family have secrets, especially her dad. Always believing Lisa, her sister, had committed suicide she is shocked to discover this isn't the case and not only did her father know, others did too. Riley is intent on uncovering the truth, she needs her family, at any cost!
I have always loved reading Diane Chamberlain books and recommend her often to people looking for a new, for them, author. I couldn't with all honestly start them here. The start of the book has the Chamberlain pull and I found it hard to put down. However as the tale deepens and mysteries unravel, I found myself often with more questions than those answered. I found it hard to believe some of the characters actions, choices and behavior. It is still an engaging story, I did want to know what happened to the characters and reading the flip between Lisa and Riley, past and present was quite good to give you a good grasp of what happened.
I felt the ending came suddenly, it was over just too quickly for me. Like a good author does I was left wanting more, yet this never sits well with me. I wanted closure on the other characters although some people do enjoy coming to their own conclusions. It just didn't feel like a Chamberlain book for me, it still was a good read but being left with so many questions and having to suspend reality for one or two things it did bring the overall enjoyment down for me. Thanks so much to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This title is out to buy from October 2014, some people loved it so check it out for yourself.
The premise of this one sounds fascinating. Too bad it does not live up to its promise. I find that a story like I presume this to be, involving mystery, suspense, characters making difficult decisions,etc. must have a plausible plot and characters who act realistically. Otherwise the book falls apart for me.
ReplyDeleteAn author I really must read more of. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on what sounds like a book I must keep a look out for.
ReplyDeleteLike Brian, I think the premise of this one sounds fascinating and it's no wonder you wanted to read this one. I would too based on the description. I'm sorry you didn't like it better. Suspension of disbelief can be so important in novels like this and, generally, I am good (as I'm sure you are) at maintaining that. Unfortunately, sometimes an author stretches credibility too much even for us. It sounds like the author is one to check out though--just, as you said, maybe not with this book.
ReplyDeleteThis does sound good and I am a fan of Diane Chamberlain's. I don't like sudden endings either though.
ReplyDeleteOh that is too bad about this book, I am a huge fan do Diane Chamberlain! Thanks for the review!
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