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The Other Sister
They seem like a lovely family. Until you meet Rosemary.
Iris is reeling from the loss of her beloved stepfather Sam. His death was apparently caused by an accidental drug overdose. But Iris knows Sam would never do drugs and she's convinced there was foul play. Why will nobody believe her?
And who is this mysterious Aunt Rosemary she keeps hearing about? Iris has never met her. But she knows that her mother Daisy and her Aunt Violet fell out with their sister Rosemary a long time ago.
Something dreadful happened at Abbey House, their mansion in the Cotswolds, but Iris has learned never to ask about it. Now, in the wake of Sam's death, Iris is more curious than ever. Could there be something rotten at the heart of her seemingly perfect family?
Iris sets out to uncover what happened all those years ago, and whether those events are somehow linked to Sam's untimely death. But the deeper she probes, the more shocking the secrets she uncovers. And someone is determined to stop her finding out anything more.
It looks like Rosemary is back.
The Other Sister is a wildly compelling tale of surprising twists and sinister secrets that fans of the psychological thriller genre will adore.
Iris is reeling from the loss of her beloved stepfather Sam. His death was apparently caused by an accidental drug overdose. But Iris knows Sam would never do drugs and she's convinced there was foul play. Why will nobody believe her?
And who is this mysterious Aunt Rosemary she keeps hearing about? Iris has never met her. But she knows that her mother Daisy and her Aunt Violet fell out with their sister Rosemary a long time ago.
Something dreadful happened at Abbey House, their mansion in the Cotswolds, but Iris has learned never to ask about it. Now, in the wake of Sam's death, Iris is more curious than ever. Could there be something rotten at the heart of her seemingly perfect family?
Iris sets out to uncover what happened all those years ago, and whether those events are somehow linked to Sam's untimely death. But the deeper she probes, the more shocking the secrets she uncovers. And someone is determined to stop her finding out anything more.
It looks like Rosemary is back.
The Other Sister is a wildly compelling tale of surprising twists and sinister secrets that fans of the psychological thriller genre will adore.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2023
413 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 25, 2025
3⭐
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ May 28, 2023
Publisher ~ Inkubator Books
Est Page Count ~ 364 (p+ 38 dated chapters +e)
POV ~ single 3rd & diary in the 1st
Featuring ~ dual timeline, references to suicide, murder, secrets
The book opens up with a man in a hotel room who is incapacitated and about to be killed. He's a well known, and loved, actor named, Sam. His death is ruled accidental suicide by drugs.
Iris is Sam's stepdaughter and she will stop at nothing to prove there is no way no how that Sam would ever take his own life, especially by the way of drugs since he lost his son decades prior from them. She made a bit too many crazy decisions, and I didn't really care for her.
We have some chapters from Daisy's Diary back in 1985, which tells the tale of the horrible childhood that Daisy and sisters, Violet & Rosemary, had at Abbey House. They were poor teenagers and doing what they had to do to survive without parental guidance. I liked the atmosphere of the mansion that gave off creepy vibes. But, it has dialogue...hmmm, is that weird to anyone else?
In the present, Daisy is a rich and beautiful actress, living a very different life than she did growing up. She and Violet are inseparable and live next door to each other with their adult children. There really aren't any characters to like or root for.
Overall, this was pretty slow moving for me. Not really a thriller as the tag like states. I was curious about what had really happened to Sam, which kept me reading, though. We're given one last twist at the end that I'm not sure how I feel about.
I do seem to be in the minority, so maybe you'll like this one better than I did.
Happy to ✔️ an old one off the NG list.
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ May 28, 2023
Publisher ~ Inkubator Books
Est Page Count ~ 364 (p+ 38 dated chapters +e)
POV ~ single 3rd & diary in the 1st
Featuring ~ dual timeline, references to suicide, murder, secrets
The book opens up with a man in a hotel room who is incapacitated and about to be killed. He's a well known, and loved, actor named, Sam. His death is ruled accidental suicide by drugs.
Iris is Sam's stepdaughter and she will stop at nothing to prove there is no way no how that Sam would ever take his own life, especially by the way of drugs since he lost his son decades prior from them. She made a bit too many crazy decisions, and I didn't really care for her.
We have some chapters from Daisy's Diary back in 1985, which tells the tale of the horrible childhood that Daisy and sisters, Violet & Rosemary, had at Abbey House. They were poor teenagers and doing what they had to do to survive without parental guidance. I liked the atmosphere of the mansion that gave off creepy vibes. But, it has dialogue...hmmm, is that weird to anyone else?
In the present, Daisy is a rich and beautiful actress, living a very different life than she did growing up. She and Violet are inseparable and live next door to each other with their adult children. There really aren't any characters to like or root for.
Overall, this was pretty slow moving for me. Not really a thriller as the tag like states. I was curious about what had really happened to Sam, which kept me reading, though. We're given one last twist at the end that I'm not sure how I feel about.
I do seem to be in the minority, so maybe you'll like this one better than I did.
Happy to ✔️ an old one off the NG list.
June 9, 2023
I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
The Other Sister is the second book by Jane Renshaw that I've had the pleasure of reading. If you love dysfunctional families and books that leave you guessing until the end, you don't want to miss this one.
Iris is convinced her stepfather didn't overdose on heroin - her evidence is that he was totally anti-drugs and against drug use altogether. She begins to investigate his death, which causes ripples, and she suddenly learns not everyone is happy with her delving into it. The more she uncovers, the more she links to her mother and her aunts past. The book delves between two timelines (the present and the past set in the 1980s). This book had a few twists and turns to keep you guessing, and I loved the end twist! I look forward to what the author creates next!!
The Other Sister is the second book by Jane Renshaw that I've had the pleasure of reading. If you love dysfunctional families and books that leave you guessing until the end, you don't want to miss this one.
Iris is convinced her stepfather didn't overdose on heroin - her evidence is that he was totally anti-drugs and against drug use altogether. She begins to investigate his death, which causes ripples, and she suddenly learns not everyone is happy with her delving into it. The more she uncovers, the more she links to her mother and her aunts past. The book delves between two timelines (the present and the past set in the 1980s). This book had a few twists and turns to keep you guessing, and I loved the end twist! I look forward to what the author creates next!!
June 18, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley, Inkubator Books and Jane Renshaw for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This author's writing style didn't work for me. I think the plot was there, but when I sit down and I read I want to be entertained. I want to feel passionate about the story and I want to relate to the characters but I didn't feel either. The writing style is overly complicated and drags the story unnecessarily. If this exact plot had been written straightforwardly, in a mysterious way, but with places and characters easy to imagine and half the details it had potential to be so much better. I felt sleepy throughout, almost like I was reading a mandatory book for school.
Just, ugh.
This author's writing style didn't work for me. I think the plot was there, but when I sit down and I read I want to be entertained. I want to feel passionate about the story and I want to relate to the characters but I didn't feel either. The writing style is overly complicated and drags the story unnecessarily. If this exact plot had been written straightforwardly, in a mysterious way, but with places and characters easy to imagine and half the details it had potential to be so much better. I felt sleepy throughout, almost like I was reading a mandatory book for school.
Just, ugh.
May 29, 2023
Although this book isn't my favorite by Jane Renshaw, it established the fact that she can't really write a bad story.
She is definitely one of my favorite authors in the genre.
.
Jumping into the book, the beginning wasn't really captivating. It lacked a smooth transition between present and past, and the characters felt detached from one another.
I think the author needed to better introduce Iris and the rest of the characters, so that we could get a better grasp of the connection between each character and the other.
Also, the prologue needed editing, it felt like reading fragments of different scenes, it was hard to envision what was happening.
.
Moving forward towards the middle, the book got significantly better. I would go as far as saying I couldn't put it down. Exposing each secret and reading the multiple layers of each character made for fantastic reading experience.
I loved the pacing, the writing could've been a tad bit clearer, but I wasn't really bothered about it.
.
Iris is a fantastic character to follow, she is a great narrator, and not a perfect sleuth, which I loved. She is smart, no denying this fact, but she isn't a seasoned detective, too.
Daisy, Violet and Rosemary were awesome characters to read about. Jane Renshaw is the master of writing mentally unstable characters.
.
The ending was a bit frustrating in the very last part, the final "twist", or let's call it: addition, was totally unnecessary. It just took from the closure I already had with the final 10%.
.
Overall, I immensely enjoyed it, and looking forward to the author's future work.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
She is definitely one of my favorite authors in the genre.
.
Jumping into the book, the beginning wasn't really captivating. It lacked a smooth transition between present and past, and the characters felt detached from one another.
I think the author needed to better introduce Iris and the rest of the characters, so that we could get a better grasp of the connection between each character and the other.
Also, the prologue needed editing, it felt like reading fragments of different scenes, it was hard to envision what was happening.
.
Moving forward towards the middle, the book got significantly better. I would go as far as saying I couldn't put it down. Exposing each secret and reading the multiple layers of each character made for fantastic reading experience.
I loved the pacing, the writing could've been a tad bit clearer, but I wasn't really bothered about it.
.
Iris is a fantastic character to follow, she is a great narrator, and not a perfect sleuth, which I loved. She is smart, no denying this fact, but she isn't a seasoned detective, too.
Daisy, Violet and Rosemary were awesome characters to read about. Jane Renshaw is the master of writing mentally unstable characters.
.
The ending was a bit frustrating in the very last part, the final "twist", or let's call it: addition, was totally unnecessary. It just took from the closure I already had with the final 10%.
.
Overall, I immensely enjoyed it, and looking forward to the author's future work.
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
May 30, 2023
When Iris lost her stepdad to a heroin overdose she knew it was murder because her stepdad hated drug users and would never do drugs but when Iris decides to look into his death not everyone is happy about it they eventually let her know. First car tries to run her off the road, then a guy threatens her with a knife and tells her to steer clear and to stop causing trouble The more her inquiry reveals the more she sees this must have something to do with her mother Daisy and aunt Violet‘s childhood. After Rosemary Daisy and Violet dad died they went to live in the country At Abby house and as the story goes on every other chapter is Daisy’s diary and to be honest I don’t know which POV was better irises are daisies diary but when they enter twine and the two stories finally come together it is such a shabang in a twisty OMG moment this is one of the best books I have ever read this is a thriller to top all thrillers I absolutely love this book and think Jane Wrenshall has totally outdone her self and all the people this is an awesome awesome read and one I highly recommend. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2023
This is the first book I've read by this author and I just know that I'll be reading more! This had everything the perfect psychological thriller should have. Loved it!
When Iris learns of her stepfather's death - thought to be suicide - she is convinced that this was something more sinister!
When we learn of family secrets from the past, Iris starts to dig deeper and discovers answers much worse than she thought and that someone does not want her around.
Once we got into the main story of this, I was literally in edge throughout.
We follow the story over two timelines, the present day with Iris and the past through her mum's diaries from 1985.
I love plots the unfold in this way as often, we are given just enough information to start to form ideas, but then we're shisked away to the present again, until the two parts come together.
This plot worked brilliantly and of course I made a few theories, and swapped at every twist - but I was still shocked at the final twist and conclusion. I love to be kept guessing!
A nicely paced read which builds up to begin with and then races ahead as the tension builds up coming to the shocking conclusion.
Really enjoyed this one and can't wait to see more by this author.
When Iris learns of her stepfather's death - thought to be suicide - she is convinced that this was something more sinister!
When we learn of family secrets from the past, Iris starts to dig deeper and discovers answers much worse than she thought and that someone does not want her around.
Once we got into the main story of this, I was literally in edge throughout.
We follow the story over two timelines, the present day with Iris and the past through her mum's diaries from 1985.
I love plots the unfold in this way as often, we are given just enough information to start to form ideas, but then we're shisked away to the present again, until the two parts come together.
This plot worked brilliantly and of course I made a few theories, and swapped at every twist - but I was still shocked at the final twist and conclusion. I love to be kept guessing!
A nicely paced read which builds up to begin with and then races ahead as the tension builds up coming to the shocking conclusion.
Really enjoyed this one and can't wait to see more by this author.
May 23, 2023
The Deeper she probes, the more shocking the secrets she uncovers.
The book is so compelling, intriguing and mysterious. The author has created such an intriguing and mysterious characters. Iris is reeling up from death of her stepfather caused by an accidental drug overdose. But his death has made her suspicious. Daisy and Sam has a good bond. Iris is trying to find out clues leading to his death but in the midst of that she finds out some shocking truths of Rosemary and dreadful things that happened at Abbey house. Her mom Daisy, Aunt Violet and Rosemary are harbouring sinister secrets.
The book scared me, it’s a psychological thriller with a shocking truth and sinister secrets. It’s like a tangled family mystery, suspicious death and secrets leading to all the answers and unsolved mysteries. The intricate mysteries kept me at edge and as I dwell deeper in the heart of family tangled mystery, the dark side of family has been revealed elaborating Rosemary’s character.
The book is so compelling, intriguing and mysterious. The author has created such an intriguing and mysterious characters. Iris is reeling up from death of her stepfather caused by an accidental drug overdose. But his death has made her suspicious. Daisy and Sam has a good bond. Iris is trying to find out clues leading to his death but in the midst of that she finds out some shocking truths of Rosemary and dreadful things that happened at Abbey house. Her mom Daisy, Aunt Violet and Rosemary are harbouring sinister secrets.
The book scared me, it’s a psychological thriller with a shocking truth and sinister secrets. It’s like a tangled family mystery, suspicious death and secrets leading to all the answers and unsolved mysteries. The intricate mysteries kept me at edge and as I dwell deeper in the heart of family tangled mystery, the dark side of family has been revealed elaborating Rosemary’s character.
August 31, 2023
this was SO so good. i was so gripped i managed to devour it within 24 hours - even bringing my kindle to work so i could read on my lunch break - i snatched every spare second to read this i could.
i got drawn into this book by the blurb zo sent out - a creepy mansion in the cotswolds with tons of buried family secrets? sign me up ••
there was probably even more secrets that were uncovered than i thought i was signing up for and that was a bloody good surprise. i love a good thriller that you literally can't put down - you NEED to know what happens next (a NEED not a want) and you stay up late reading it.
1000% recommend this to my fellow thriller fans! if you read it PLS DM ME i can't wait to hear your thoughts on all the drama •
i got drawn into this book by the blurb zo sent out - a creepy mansion in the cotswolds with tons of buried family secrets? sign me up ••
there was probably even more secrets that were uncovered than i thought i was signing up for and that was a bloody good surprise. i love a good thriller that you literally can't put down - you NEED to know what happens next (a NEED not a want) and you stay up late reading it.
1000% recommend this to my fellow thriller fans! if you read it PLS DM ME i can't wait to hear your thoughts on all the drama •
June 29, 2023
4 "my head is spinning delightfully" stars. This was a 4 star read for me for quite a while, then when the explanation came of what was going on, it bumped it back to a 3. It was a tad bit too complicated and convoluted for my tastes. But...that final twist was a punch to the sense and it became a 10 star read. I loved it and it was unexpected for me at least. My mouth literally did hang open and I spluttered about for a bit. I think domestic thriller fans will appreciate this one!!
June 29, 2023
A psychological thriller that gave me chills way after the book ended.
The story is about a family, the Pakenhams. When Daisy Pakenham's husband died, her daughter Iris is sure that it was a murder. Soon she sets out to find the truth behind the murder and realizes that her family's hidden secrets and her aunt, Rosemary is somehow connected to it all.
The story was full of suspense, way until the end. Even the revelation in the ending was totally unpredictable. Loved this book quite a lot and it is currently my favorite psychological thriller.
The story is about a family, the Pakenhams. When Daisy Pakenham's husband died, her daughter Iris is sure that it was a murder. Soon she sets out to find the truth behind the murder and realizes that her family's hidden secrets and her aunt, Rosemary is somehow connected to it all.
The story was full of suspense, way until the end. Even the revelation in the ending was totally unpredictable. Loved this book quite a lot and it is currently my favorite psychological thriller.
May 7, 2023
We have always lived in Abbey House…
This was weird. And odd. And wicked. Yet, this utterly marvellously, malevolently written horror story about a dysfunctional family made me laugh out loud as well!
I have not enjoyed reading a horror novel so much in ages.. I don't know if I can ever do some digging in the garden again without thinking of mum. And this morning as I walked down the stairs for a cuppa, I still had to chuckle at the scene where mum was slipping down the stairs ..
The story does bear some resemblance to one of my favourite writers. If I had the talent, I wish I could have written such stories. She may not have written my favourite book, but I have devoured her stories since childhood. This dark story has some typical characteristics of hers: a dysfunctional family, trauma, mental illness, violence, and isolation, (‘the sisters bonding and trying to face a cruel and nosey world that only seems to stick their noses in their business, despite their good intentions’) …. Then, of course, I am talking about the famous and dark Shirley Jackson vibe, that is ubiquitous in this horror story
Like a Merricat and Constance, the Parkenham sisters arm themselves against the evil outside world and increasingly retreat into their own little world, keeping nosey busy bodies at bay. After all, the others are only after the silverware, despite their fine words…
The Parkenhams are a strange lot. Sisters Daisy and Violet and their children are neighbours as well, having removed the fences between the two plots, creating one cosy 'happy place'.
The story line follows the neurotic Iris, the daughter of actress Daisy Parkenham, who 'fell on her head' as a child. She suffered from CP as a result, causing her to limp slightly; we follow her to see how she fits in with the 'others'. She is convinced her stepfather was murdered, and she sets out to find the truth, meeting the abnormal on the way. And strange it becomes…
The other story line is from Daisy’s diary from 1985. And as a reader, you can't help but shake your head. What drama! What a family! What chaos! OMG Is that really…
The family barely has food to eat, there is no electricity, and mother is not around. The sisters have to steal to get food. You can't help but feel sympathy and pity for the sisters, until…
Neighbours who try to help them ultimately turn out to be only after the silverware. This will eventually cost them dearly.
Daisy and Violet try to keep a cool head despite all the circumstances. When in panic, they call or write to sister Rosemary who usually knows a solution.
As entertainment, they recite entire sections from the books by Georgette Heyer.
Perhaps there is also something of malice in me, because I enjoyed reading the book beyond belief. And in addition, I laughed a lot. I think the book could also be filmed.
Fantastic horror story, exactly as a malevolent psychological novel should be: lots of dark humour, with hints towards Shirley Jackson's work. Read it in one go. I am already greatly looking forward to other books by her.
Highly recommended, a 5 star read for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was weird. And odd. And wicked. Yet, this utterly marvellously, malevolently written horror story about a dysfunctional family made me laugh out loud as well!
I have not enjoyed reading a horror novel so much in ages.. I don't know if I can ever do some digging in the garden again without thinking of mum. And this morning as I walked down the stairs for a cuppa, I still had to chuckle at the scene where mum was slipping down the stairs ..
The story does bear some resemblance to one of my favourite writers. If I had the talent, I wish I could have written such stories. She may not have written my favourite book, but I have devoured her stories since childhood. This dark story has some typical characteristics of hers: a dysfunctional family, trauma, mental illness, violence, and isolation, (‘the sisters bonding and trying to face a cruel and nosey world that only seems to stick their noses in their business, despite their good intentions’) …. Then, of course, I am talking about the famous and dark Shirley Jackson vibe, that is ubiquitous in this horror story
Like a Merricat and Constance, the Parkenham sisters arm themselves against the evil outside world and increasingly retreat into their own little world, keeping nosey busy bodies at bay. After all, the others are only after the silverware, despite their fine words…
The Parkenhams are a strange lot. Sisters Daisy and Violet and their children are neighbours as well, having removed the fences between the two plots, creating one cosy 'happy place'.
The story line follows the neurotic Iris, the daughter of actress Daisy Parkenham, who 'fell on her head' as a child. She suffered from CP as a result, causing her to limp slightly; we follow her to see how she fits in with the 'others'. She is convinced her stepfather was murdered, and she sets out to find the truth, meeting the abnormal on the way. And strange it becomes…
The other story line is from Daisy’s diary from 1985. And as a reader, you can't help but shake your head. What drama! What a family! What chaos! OMG Is that really…
The family barely has food to eat, there is no electricity, and mother is not around. The sisters have to steal to get food. You can't help but feel sympathy and pity for the sisters, until…
Neighbours who try to help them ultimately turn out to be only after the silverware. This will eventually cost them dearly.
Daisy and Violet try to keep a cool head despite all the circumstances. When in panic, they call or write to sister Rosemary who usually knows a solution.
As entertainment, they recite entire sections from the books by Georgette Heyer.
Perhaps there is also something of malice in me, because I enjoyed reading the book beyond belief. And in addition, I laughed a lot. I think the book could also be filmed.
Fantastic horror story, exactly as a malevolent psychological novel should be: lots of dark humour, with hints towards Shirley Jackson's work. Read it in one go. I am already greatly looking forward to other books by her.
Highly recommended, a 5 star read for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2023
THE OTHER SISTER By Jane Renshaw
Iris is reeling from the loss of her beloved stepfather Sam. His death was apparently caused by an accidental drug overdose. But Iris knows Sam would never do drugs and she's convinced there was foul play. Why will nobody believe her?
And who is this mysterious Aunt Rosemary she keeps hearing about? Iris has never met her. But she knows that her mother Daisy and her Aunt Violet fell out with their sister Rosemary a long time ago.
😊What i liked -
✔ Psychological Thriller/Mystery.
✔ I loved Iris's character but I was most intrigued by Daisy and Violet's character.
✔ I liked the diary entries to give a glimpse of the past.
✔ Though I kind of guessed a bit about the twist but I was still surprised by the end twist.
✔ I liked the Storyline, pace and the twists in this one.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ Something so minor that can be overlooked.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
🕵Psychological Thriller Lovers
📈My Rating : 4.5/5
Thank you, Jane Renshaw and Inkubator Books , for a copy.
Iris is reeling from the loss of her beloved stepfather Sam. His death was apparently caused by an accidental drug overdose. But Iris knows Sam would never do drugs and she's convinced there was foul play. Why will nobody believe her?
And who is this mysterious Aunt Rosemary she keeps hearing about? Iris has never met her. But she knows that her mother Daisy and her Aunt Violet fell out with their sister Rosemary a long time ago.
😊What i liked -
✔ Psychological Thriller/Mystery.
✔ I loved Iris's character but I was most intrigued by Daisy and Violet's character.
✔ I liked the diary entries to give a glimpse of the past.
✔ Though I kind of guessed a bit about the twist but I was still surprised by the end twist.
✔ I liked the Storyline, pace and the twists in this one.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ Something so minor that can be overlooked.
📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
🕵Psychological Thriller Lovers
📈My Rating : 4.5/5
Thank you, Jane Renshaw and Inkubator Books , for a copy.
May 31, 2023
A compelling book that I absolutely devoured, told in two different time periods.
Iris refuses to believe that her stepfather, Sam, took his own life. She starts to dig into what led him to the village where his wife and Iris’s Mum, Daisy, lived as a child. She soon realises that someone doesn’t want her to delve into the past and her life is in danger.
The three Packenham sisters had a dark and sinister childhood, which is documented in Daisy’s diary from 1985. She tells of how their dysfunctional family had to go to great lengths simply to survive. The younger siblings, Daisy and Violet often had to depend on teenage Rosemary to help them to get out of various situations.
As the past and present collide and Iris gets closer to the truth, the tension builds and then…. What a twist!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.
June 9, 2023
The story is told in two timelines, Iris in the present and the past through her mother's diaries she found from 1985.
Iris learns of Sam, her stepfather's death, but she knows it's not suicide, Sam would never of done that. But who would want to kill him. Iris wants to know more and starts to learn that her family have a lot of secrets that she didn't even know about. It's not until she's starts to look deeper into these secret that she finds things that she never expected to find or could be true. I have to say even though I thought I knew what was gong to happen, I was wrong. I'm not going to say to much, but its not what I thought the book was going to be like, it was a lot more and I loved it. Can't wait to read more
Iris learns of Sam, her stepfather's death, but she knows it's not suicide, Sam would never of done that. But who would want to kill him. Iris wants to know more and starts to learn that her family have a lot of secrets that she didn't even know about. It's not until she's starts to look deeper into these secret that she finds things that she never expected to find or could be true. I have to say even though I thought I knew what was gong to happen, I was wrong. I'm not going to say to much, but its not what I thought the book was going to be like, it was a lot more and I loved it. Can't wait to read more
May 29, 2023
This book was so gripping. It started of slow, but by about 20%, I was hooked. I thought it was about Iris finding out what happened to her stepfather, Sam. But the backstory from when Iris's mom, Daisy, and her Aunt Violet was younger was such a bonus to read through diary entries. This story has such a great plot, and even though I kept guessing about what was going to happen, I was still wrong. It took right to the end to find out. The characters were all so unique, and I really felt for Iris. Please read if you get the chance. It's 99p on Kindle right now. (29/05/23)
June 10, 2023
The Other Sister by Jane Renshaw.
Iris is reeling from the loss of her beloved stepfather, famous actor Sam Osbourne. She's convinced that his death was no accident, but rather a meticulously planned murder. Why will nobody believe her?
This was a good read. Little slow in places. I didn't see that twist coming. I'm not sure how I felt about the characters. Although I did like Iris. 4*.
Iris is reeling from the loss of her beloved stepfather, famous actor Sam Osbourne. She's convinced that his death was no accident, but rather a meticulously planned murder. Why will nobody believe her?
This was a good read. Little slow in places. I didn't see that twist coming. I'm not sure how I felt about the characters. Although I did like Iris. 4*.
May 12, 2023
A twisty, turns page turner. If you like domestic thrillers then this one is for you. Dark secrets will be revealed throughout. It is a little bit of a slow start but stick with it and it is very good.
June 20, 2023
They seem like a lovely family. Until you meet Rosemary.
Iris is reeling from the loss of her beloved stepfather Sam. His death was apparently caused by an accidental drug overdose. But Iris knows Sam would never do drugs and she's convinced there was foul play. Why will nobody believe her?
And who is this mysterious Aunt Rosemary she keeps hearing about? Iris has never met her. But she knows that her mother Daisy and her Aunt Violet fell out with their sister Rosemary a long time ago.
Something dreadful happened at Abbey House, their mansion in the Cotswolds, but Iris has learned never to ask about it. Now, in the wake of Sam's death, Iris is more curious than ever. Could there be something rotten at the heart of her seemingly perfect family?
Iris sets out to uncover what happened all those years ago, and whether those events are somehow linked to Sam's untimely death. But the deeper she probes, the more shocking the secrets she uncovers. And someone is determined to stop her finding out anything more.
It looks like Rosemary is back.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Iris is reeling from the loss of her beloved stepfather Sam. His death was apparently caused by an accidental drug overdose. But Iris knows Sam would never do drugs and she's convinced there was foul play. Why will nobody believe her?
And who is this mysterious Aunt Rosemary she keeps hearing about? Iris has never met her. But she knows that her mother Daisy and her Aunt Violet fell out with their sister Rosemary a long time ago.
Something dreadful happened at Abbey House, their mansion in the Cotswolds, but Iris has learned never to ask about it. Now, in the wake of Sam's death, Iris is more curious than ever. Could there be something rotten at the heart of her seemingly perfect family?
Iris sets out to uncover what happened all those years ago, and whether those events are somehow linked to Sam's untimely death. But the deeper she probes, the more shocking the secrets she uncovers. And someone is determined to stop her finding out anything more.
It looks like Rosemary is back.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 5, 2023
I didn't guess the ending
I can rate a book entirely based off my ability to guess or predict things along the way. The Other Sister will leave you constantly second guessing what you think is happening, which makes that a 5 star read for me. I was 50% correct on my guess and I'm hoping the author can't read my notes because I try to predict as I go to see of I'm right.
Iris, the daughter to the famous Daisy, finds herself caught in her family history in a way she never could have predicted. Iris is driven, head strong and confident which puts her into danger more times than she can count. Iris wants to know more about her mother and aunts upbringing but each page deeper into the history puts Iris more at risk.
I can rate a book entirely based off my ability to guess or predict things along the way. The Other Sister will leave you constantly second guessing what you think is happening, which makes that a 5 star read for me. I was 50% correct on my guess and I'm hoping the author can't read my notes because I try to predict as I go to see of I'm right.
Iris, the daughter to the famous Daisy, finds herself caught in her family history in a way she never could have predicted. Iris is driven, head strong and confident which puts her into danger more times than she can count. Iris wants to know more about her mother and aunts upbringing but each page deeper into the history puts Iris more at risk.
June 25, 2023
What a weird read! Weird in a good way, yes, but still so weird! There were so many things that make this book weird and unique! First, the language. It is not written in a simplistic and easy way – most entertaining reads about crazy people somehow tend to be written in a more or less simplistic way. This one is not the case. Me? I liked it. I absolutely enjoyed it. It was such a treat!
It was also creepily horrible, yet so gripping. The horrors of a dysfunctional family where everyone is crazy. Yay! Bring. It. On!
This is absolutely a next level horror thriller book. I really do not know how to describe it in any other way. If you love horror, this is IT. Also, this is one of those books where I would say “It’s horrible. Read it!” when recommending this to anyone.
It was also creepily horrible, yet so gripping. The horrors of a dysfunctional family where everyone is crazy. Yay! Bring. It. On!
This is absolutely a next level horror thriller book. I really do not know how to describe it in any other way. If you love horror, this is IT. Also, this is one of those books where I would say “It’s horrible. Read it!” when recommending this to anyone.
June 30, 2023
This was a difficult one to finish. The writing was odd, with way too much inner monologue and not enough dialogue. The characters seemed 2D, and the mc was unlikable as well as weak. The diary entries from the past were mildly interesting, but the twists were predictable. The Rosemary twist, disappointingly obvious after 50%. The twist right at the end ( last chapter) was mildly surprising, although I had mentally checked out of the story already.
1.8 stars due to this book having potential to be better. It would actually make a pretty good episode.
1.8 stars due to this book having potential to be better. It would actually make a pretty good episode.
August 10, 2023
This is my first book by Jane Renshaw and I'll definitely be checking out the others. I thought it had a bit of a slow start but about 25% in the story really starts to unfold and it becomes harder to stop reading. I enjoyed the way we discovered past events through the diary of a child, although at times I thought they made the 1980s feel like the 1880s and I felt old hahaha. Overall an enjoyable read and I did not guess the big twist which is always a big plus for me in a book.
January 31, 2024
Very good book, interesting characters. How plausible everything was is debatable, but it made for a good read. But, Spoiler here, the ending was disappointing. I like a story, where the reader has invested in the characters, to have a tidy ending, no loose ends, and preferably a happy ending! Hence four stars instead of five.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2024
This is a good book that keeps you going from the very beginning. The characters are wonderful with many different facets that show up at different times. A lot of different emotions were evoked during the read of this book. The plot was intriguing with its format. Then you have the sheer amount of twists that the author incorporated and with that ending… I want MORE!
June 11, 2023
OMG!!!!! Jane Renshaw has done it again. This book kept me guessing until the shocking last page. The twists and turns along with that mind blowing ending will keep you reading late into the night. A DEFINITE must read for anyone who is a fan of psychological suspense.
on-hold
June 23, 2023I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
August 2, 2023
Started off quite slow and found it a bit difficult to get in to, but around half way the pace really starts to pick up and i loved it ! My advice would be to just stick with it
August 26, 2023
I got through 30%. I can't perceive any kind of a storyline, I don't know who these people are nor do I care. It just seems the story is just aimless wandering. Boring.
January 2, 2025
10/10
I’m quite good at predicting what’s going to happen but each chapter had me shook!!! My heart rate was 85 at one point!
I’m quite good at predicting what’s going to happen but each chapter had me shook!!! My heart rate was 85 at one point!
June 12, 2023
Sam Osbourne, the famous actor and husband of Daisy, nee Packenham, the famous actress, has died from an accident. Iris, their daughter doesn’t think it’s an accident though, she’s convinced he was murdered but she can’t get anyone to believe her. So she takes it upon herself to start investigating and see what she can find out. Iris goes to the Evancott Hotel in Stow where Sam went to and she starts asking questions but she doesn’t get satisfactory answers. She took Theo with her next time and they walked out with the CCTV company website name, login details and password so they could watch the CCTV footage for the weekend that Sam was there.
Iris’ mum and sister used to live in a big mansion called Abbey House, set in the Cotswolds but she has learnt to never ask about it as something dreadful happened there. As she is in the area, she thinks she will look at it as it may be linked to why Sam was around that way. She finds an old ice house and is investigating it, when she is hit over the back of the head and pushed into the pit. She is rescued by three teenagers who called the police. Iris wakes up in hospital with Daisy by her bedside.
She is then lured to Abbey House by Susie’s mum as she tells her she will fill her in on what she wants to know so Iris agrees to meet her at the house when she can’t get her to come to the hotel. There are lights on downstairs and one light on upstairs. Iris goes to the intercom for the gates and presses it, the gates open. Iris drives up to the house. She sees Nathan Harris in the shadows so runs for the door which opens when she tries it. There is no one downstairs but she picks up a weapon, just in case, and goes up stairs where she can hear her mum’s voice. She reaches the top and goes into the room with the light on, there is a laptop playing a film of her mum. She has to get out so runs out of the room and trips down the stairs falling to the bottom. She then see’s what looks like Aunty Rosemary coming for her with a crowbar…..
Why does her Aunty want to attack her? Does she survive?
This was a good read with a ‘now’ and ‘then’ feel along with a diary aspect thrown in as well. It was written well and had very descriptive prose. This was a good psychological read and had a nice psychological feel with Rosemary painted as the bad woman of the trio.
Iris’ mum and sister used to live in a big mansion called Abbey House, set in the Cotswolds but she has learnt to never ask about it as something dreadful happened there. As she is in the area, she thinks she will look at it as it may be linked to why Sam was around that way. She finds an old ice house and is investigating it, when she is hit over the back of the head and pushed into the pit. She is rescued by three teenagers who called the police. Iris wakes up in hospital with Daisy by her bedside.
She is then lured to Abbey House by Susie’s mum as she tells her she will fill her in on what she wants to know so Iris agrees to meet her at the house when she can’t get her to come to the hotel. There are lights on downstairs and one light on upstairs. Iris goes to the intercom for the gates and presses it, the gates open. Iris drives up to the house. She sees Nathan Harris in the shadows so runs for the door which opens when she tries it. There is no one downstairs but she picks up a weapon, just in case, and goes up stairs where she can hear her mum’s voice. She reaches the top and goes into the room with the light on, there is a laptop playing a film of her mum. She has to get out so runs out of the room and trips down the stairs falling to the bottom. She then see’s what looks like Aunty Rosemary coming for her with a crowbar…..
Why does her Aunty want to attack her? Does she survive?
This was a good read with a ‘now’ and ‘then’ feel along with a diary aspect thrown in as well. It was written well and had very descriptive prose. This was a good psychological read and had a nice psychological feel with Rosemary painted as the bad woman of the trio.
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