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The Perfect Sister
One woman's search for her missing sister on the sandy white beaches of the Hamptons uncovers a wealth of secrets worth killing for—a sultry and sumptuous psychological suspense from USA Today bestselling author Stephanie DeCarolis.
Alex Walker has always looked up to her perfect older sister. Maddie has succeeded in all the ways Alex has not: she escaped their hometown and seems to have put the memories of their unstable childhood behind her. But despite the different paths their lives have taken, the two sisters made a pact to spend one week together every summer. It was a promise they’d never broken. . . Until now.
When Maddie suddenly cancels her annual trip home, Alex begins to worry. But when she stops returning her calls altogether, Alex is certain something is wrong. Relying on the only clues Maddie left behind, Alex follows her sister's footsteps to the Hamptons, where she meets the Blackwell family—the last people to have seen Maddie alive before she vanished into thin air. The Blackwells seem to have it all: wealth, beauty, and a beach-side mansion on a private stretch of Hamptons real estate. It's a world unlike any Alex has ever known, but she quickly discovers that looks can be deceiving, and a life of luxury always comes at a cost.
Alex Walker has always looked up to her perfect older sister. Maddie has succeeded in all the ways Alex has not: she escaped their hometown and seems to have put the memories of their unstable childhood behind her. But despite the different paths their lives have taken, the two sisters made a pact to spend one week together every summer. It was a promise they’d never broken. . . Until now.
When Maddie suddenly cancels her annual trip home, Alex begins to worry. But when she stops returning her calls altogether, Alex is certain something is wrong. Relying on the only clues Maddie left behind, Alex follows her sister's footsteps to the Hamptons, where she meets the Blackwell family—the last people to have seen Maddie alive before she vanished into thin air. The Blackwells seem to have it all: wealth, beauty, and a beach-side mansion on a private stretch of Hamptons real estate. It's a world unlike any Alex has ever known, but she quickly discovers that looks can be deceiving, and a life of luxury always comes at a cost.
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2024
112 people are currently reading
19956 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie DeCarolis
4 books431 followersStephanie is the USA Today best selling author of The Guilty Husband and Deadly Little Lies. A graduate of Binghamton University and St. John's University School of Law, she currently lives in New York with her husband, their two daughters, and their very spoiled cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 498 reviews
July 16, 2024
Maddie and Alex are as close as two sisters can be.
Their father left them when they were young, and their Mother has recently passed away, so when Maddie suddenly cancels plans to celebrate Alex’s birthday with her, Alex BEGINS to worry.
And, then, when Maddie’s phone starts to repeatedly go straight to Voicemail, Alex becomes CERTAIN that something is wrong.
Alex follows her sister's footsteps to the seaside resort known as “The Hamptons”. Soon after arriving, she meets the Blackwell family, who offered Maddie a place to stay in their pool house.
But despite the beauty of Blackwell Manor, Alex senses malevolence in the air. The family claims that Maddie left voluntarily with plans to return to her life in New York City, but Alex isn’t buying their story.
Patriarch James, Matriarch Katherine, and their two children, Theo and Lily, all seem to be hiding what they know.
And, ANY of them might be behind Maddie’s disappearance.
They will offer up their pool house to Alex as well-Keep your friends close and your enemies closer?
As Alex follows the clues that local law enforcement seems keen to ignore, she will put herself in harm’s way, stopping at nothing to find her sister.…
The story unfolds from MULTIPLE POV’s with a few mystery chapters that take place from “The Wharf”.
I DID want to find out what happened to Maddie, but despite my curiosity I DIDN’T find this to be an “edge of your seat” type of thriller.
The pace was slowed by the background information from the sister’s childhood, and the present day narrative went in a direction I didn’t care for, making the story lose plausibility.
Maddie’s reason for choosing to go to The Hamptons was lost in the noise, and Alex’s relationship with Ben felt underdeveloped. I would have liked to have more focus on these two plot points.
Still, I rated the author’s debut novel, “The Guilty Husband” 5 stars, so although THIS story wasn’t a favorite, I will be eager to read what she pens next.
The Guilty Husband: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Now available
Thank You to Bantam for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, I have offered a candid review.
Their father left them when they were young, and their Mother has recently passed away, so when Maddie suddenly cancels plans to celebrate Alex’s birthday with her, Alex BEGINS to worry.
And, then, when Maddie’s phone starts to repeatedly go straight to Voicemail, Alex becomes CERTAIN that something is wrong.
Alex follows her sister's footsteps to the seaside resort known as “The Hamptons”. Soon after arriving, she meets the Blackwell family, who offered Maddie a place to stay in their pool house.
But despite the beauty of Blackwell Manor, Alex senses malevolence in the air. The family claims that Maddie left voluntarily with plans to return to her life in New York City, but Alex isn’t buying their story.
Patriarch James, Matriarch Katherine, and their two children, Theo and Lily, all seem to be hiding what they know.
And, ANY of them might be behind Maddie’s disappearance.
They will offer up their pool house to Alex as well-Keep your friends close and your enemies closer?
As Alex follows the clues that local law enforcement seems keen to ignore, she will put herself in harm’s way, stopping at nothing to find her sister.…
The story unfolds from MULTIPLE POV’s with a few mystery chapters that take place from “The Wharf”.
I DID want to find out what happened to Maddie, but despite my curiosity I DIDN’T find this to be an “edge of your seat” type of thriller.
The pace was slowed by the background information from the sister’s childhood, and the present day narrative went in a direction I didn’t care for, making the story lose plausibility.
Maddie’s reason for choosing to go to The Hamptons was lost in the noise, and Alex’s relationship with Ben felt underdeveloped. I would have liked to have more focus on these two plot points.
Still, I rated the author’s debut novel, “The Guilty Husband” 5 stars, so although THIS story wasn’t a favorite, I will be eager to read what she pens next.
The Guilty Husband: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Now available
Thank You to Bantam for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, I have offered a candid review.
May 19, 2024
Let’s just say that I am one of those people who wants to read a book based on the cover alone (I mean the cover for this book is stunning). Unfortunately, for this book the cover was way better than the story. I had super high hopes for this book, but it was very underwhelming. The story dragged on, and the writing felt very juvenile (maybe if I was in my 20’s or 30’s, I would have appreciated it more).
In this story, we have Alex who goes searching for her missing sister Maddie in the Hampton’s. Maddie’s last known residence was at the Blackwell’s mansion, where she resided in their pool house. No one in the Blackwell family has heard from Maddie in days, and Alex knows that she would never miss her birthday. Therefore, Alex goes on a mission of her own questioning and following anyone who may have had contact with Maddie.
This book is told in alternating chapters of Alex, Maddie (before), Lily, Katherine, Theo, James, and The Wharf (but why?!). This story had way too many eye-roll moments for me, and was super far-fetched. I’m not sure if it was longer than necessary or if I just couldn’t wait for it to be over? Anyways, I can’t say that I would recommend this book as it wasn’t one of my favorites. However, in reading the Acknowledgments at the end it seems there are film rights for this book- so maybe I just don’t know what I’m talking about.
(2.5 stars)
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine, and the author for an ARC of this book. Publication date: July 16, 2024.
In this story, we have Alex who goes searching for her missing sister Maddie in the Hampton’s. Maddie’s last known residence was at the Blackwell’s mansion, where she resided in their pool house. No one in the Blackwell family has heard from Maddie in days, and Alex knows that she would never miss her birthday. Therefore, Alex goes on a mission of her own questioning and following anyone who may have had contact with Maddie.
This book is told in alternating chapters of Alex, Maddie (before), Lily, Katherine, Theo, James, and The Wharf (but why?!). This story had way too many eye-roll moments for me, and was super far-fetched. I’m not sure if it was longer than necessary or if I just couldn’t wait for it to be over? Anyways, I can’t say that I would recommend this book as it wasn’t one of my favorites. However, in reading the Acknowledgments at the end it seems there are film rights for this book- so maybe I just don’t know what I’m talking about.
(2.5 stars)
Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine, and the author for an ARC of this book. Publication date: July 16, 2024.
July 17, 2024
Sisters before misters! What would you do for your sister? Alex Walker drops everything and scours the Hamptons for her missing sister Madison (Maddie). All she has to go on is a photo of Maddie outside The Lobster Shack wearing the restaurant logo. Alex begins her search there and is soon visiting Blackwell Manor. DeCarolis uses multiple narrators to tell us the story of the search and what happened before. Included are Alex, Maddie (Before thread), and all the Blackwell family members. From the beginning we know the Blackwells know more than they are letting on. As we follow Alex on her search we will discover a web of deceit and lies going back decades.
While I enjoyed the many ways the sister theme was played out, I was not a fan of the debauchery that peppered the plot and events get a bit convoluted and OTT as we near the final chapters. The ending was, however, a much better outcome than I expected. Quite the page-turner.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. Happy Publication Week!
While I enjoyed the many ways the sister theme was played out, I was not a fan of the debauchery that peppered the plot and events get a bit convoluted and OTT as we near the final chapters. The ending was, however, a much better outcome than I expected. Quite the page-turner.
Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review. Happy Publication Week!
July 21, 2024
One of the many beach-reads I have enjoyed this summer. The pristine beaches at The Hamptons appears too good to be true and so do the people. What are they hiding? Told through multiple POVs, we get a glimpse of the wealthy, beautiful and elusive residents. Looks can be deceiving!
One of the families, known as the Blackwells, offers their pool house to Maddie to live in. When her sister Alex tries to connect with her, her phone calls go unanswered. Maddie and Alex meet once a year in the Hamptons to celebrate Alex's birthday. She would never miss it unless...
They grew up with an unstable childhood, so their connection is important to both of them.
When Alex travels to the Blackwell Mansion, she is invited to stay in their pool house while she searches for her sister.
This psychological suspense is held together with the hunt for Maddie, and with Alex getting too close to the reason she is missing. It is a slow burn, but it is rich in the complex landscape and charming town.
Thank you NetGalley and Bantam Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
One of the families, known as the Blackwells, offers their pool house to Maddie to live in. When her sister Alex tries to connect with her, her phone calls go unanswered. Maddie and Alex meet once a year in the Hamptons to celebrate Alex's birthday. She would never miss it unless...
They grew up with an unstable childhood, so their connection is important to both of them.
When Alex travels to the Blackwell Mansion, she is invited to stay in their pool house while she searches for her sister.
This psychological suspense is held together with the hunt for Maddie, and with Alex getting too close to the reason she is missing. It is a slow burn, but it is rich in the complex landscape and charming town.
Thank you NetGalley and Bantam Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 30, 2024
This is a story about a girl who goes searching for her missing sister and ends up staying in the guest house of the family her sister had been staying with while she searches for her.
I did enjoy the mystery of figuring out what happened to her sister. There was so much going on and so many people that were acting suspicious. In fact, it felt like all of the characters had a dark side. There were definitely some twists that I did not see coming.
This story involves so many points of views and I think that is one of the reasons I struggled to fully connect to the story. I think there is more suspense when we only get one person’s point of view and then maybe get other points of view later to explain what happened. It just felt like there was too much filler and not enough suspense.
Overall, I think this was a good story, but it didn’t have the ‘edge of my seat’ suspense I was expecting.
Thank you to Random House Publishing and Netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
I did enjoy the mystery of figuring out what happened to her sister. There was so much going on and so many people that were acting suspicious. In fact, it felt like all of the characters had a dark side. There were definitely some twists that I did not see coming.
This story involves so many points of views and I think that is one of the reasons I struggled to fully connect to the story. I think there is more suspense when we only get one person’s point of view and then maybe get other points of view later to explain what happened. It just felt like there was too much filler and not enough suspense.
Overall, I think this was a good story, but it didn’t have the ‘edge of my seat’ suspense I was expecting.
Thank you to Random House Publishing and Netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2024
Alex goes to the Hamptons to search for her missing sister Maddie. She was staying at the Blackwells mansion when she went missing. Things seem amiss among the Blackwells. The dad acts like a creepy perv and the daughter seems a little off her rocker.
This was a great read and the first one I’ve read by this author. The characters were very interesting and the book was hard to put down.
Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this ARC that will be released July 16, 2024!
This was a great read and the first one I’ve read by this author. The characters were very interesting and the book was hard to put down.
Thanks NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this ARC that will be released July 16, 2024!
July 30, 2025
could have punched a wall with how insufferable and one dimensional each of these characters were
July 21, 2024
Maddie and Alex never had a perfect life - in fact, it was far from perfect.
It continued to not be perfect after their mother died. The sisters had an argument and went their separate ways, but Maddie would never miss Alex's birthday no matter what. Alex knew something was wrong.
Alex made a trip to the Hamptons to the house Maddie was staying in, but when she arrived she wasn't there.
The family who allowed her to stay in the guest house was very surprised when they saw her. They thought it was Maddie.
Maddie stayed at the house while she looked for her sister, but something wasn't right?
What will happen?
Will Alex find her sister?
Will Alex be comfortable there?
Will Alex be safe there?
Had Maddie been safe there?
And where was Maddie?
A tense, skillfully crafted story that started out slowly but is well worth continuing for the unexpected twists that will have your jaw dropping. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
It continued to not be perfect after their mother died. The sisters had an argument and went their separate ways, but Maddie would never miss Alex's birthday no matter what. Alex knew something was wrong.
Alex made a trip to the Hamptons to the house Maddie was staying in, but when she arrived she wasn't there.
The family who allowed her to stay in the guest house was very surprised when they saw her. They thought it was Maddie.
Maddie stayed at the house while she looked for her sister, but something wasn't right?
What will happen?
Will Alex find her sister?
Will Alex be comfortable there?
Will Alex be safe there?
Had Maddie been safe there?
And where was Maddie?
A tense, skillfully crafted story that started out slowly but is well worth continuing for the unexpected twists that will have your jaw dropping. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 1, 2024
A decent read, but not one I’d add to any of my recs lists.
I found the past chapters to be rather boring, and found myself skimming a lot of these just to get through them. Unfortunately the present chapters didn’t make up for this, and overall gave the book a very slow feel.
The premise was good, but the execution didn’t fully hook me.
Thank you for the publisher for the gifted ARC
I found the past chapters to be rather boring, and found myself skimming a lot of these just to get through them. Unfortunately the present chapters didn’t make up for this, and overall gave the book a very slow feel.
The premise was good, but the execution didn’t fully hook me.
Thank you for the publisher for the gifted ARC
December 8, 2024
Alex and Maddie Walker, sisters only a year apart, were once inseparable. However, as they grew older, a chasm began to widen between them. Despite this, they had made a pact to spend at least a week of the summer together every year. This summer, Maddie unexpectedly canceled their plans. Then, Alex couldn’t reach her at all, so she embarked on a journey to a luxurious community in the Hamptons, determined to find her sister.
Alex knew that Maddie was drifting away, especially after they shared a tragic and life-changing event. She found herself at the opulent home of the Blackwell family, where Maddie had supposedly been staying. Everyone she spoke to assured her that Maddie had left. As Alex delved deeper into the mystery, she began to uncover clues that only added to the intrigue and suspense.
The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, including Maddie’s, Alex’s, and members of the Blackwell family. While the Blackwells appeared to have it all, Alex sensed a darkness lurking beneath their seemingly perfect facade. As the story shifts between perspectives, it truly takes shape, revealing a captivating and engaging narrative that I devoured in one sitting.
Many thanks to Bantam and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Alex knew that Maddie was drifting away, especially after they shared a tragic and life-changing event. She found herself at the opulent home of the Blackwell family, where Maddie had supposedly been staying. Everyone she spoke to assured her that Maddie had left. As Alex delved deeper into the mystery, she began to uncover clues that only added to the intrigue and suspense.
The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, including Maddie’s, Alex’s, and members of the Blackwell family. While the Blackwells appeared to have it all, Alex sensed a darkness lurking beneath their seemingly perfect facade. As the story shifts between perspectives, it truly takes shape, revealing a captivating and engaging narrative that I devoured in one sitting.
Many thanks to Bantam and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
May 19, 2024
The Perfect Sister is a mystery/thriller set in the Hamptons. It starts with Alex who is desperate to find her older sister. She had a falling out with her sister, Maddie, after their mom died. Alex travels to the Hamptons after she can't get a hold of her sister to find out what is going on. Alex connects with Lily, the daughter of a wealthy family, and finds out that her sister had been staying with them. As Alex digs deeper the mystery slowly starts to unravel, however there is so much more to the story than she ever imagined.
This was a good book with a solid plot and twist at the end. What I really enjoyed was that the novel was told in multiple viewpoints. It was great to see into the minds of all of the main characters to see what their motivations might be. A great summer novel filled with thrilling moments and mystery!
This was a good book with a solid plot and twist at the end. What I really enjoyed was that the novel was told in multiple viewpoints. It was great to see into the minds of all of the main characters to see what their motivations might be. A great summer novel filled with thrilling moments and mystery!
July 16, 2024
This book has no shortage of questionable characters that could have done something to Maddie and will keep you guessing right until the end. Just when you think you have it figured out, the author gives you more information that will make you change your mind. I was completely drawn into this story and had to keep reading to find out what happened. The fact that this book takes place in the Hamptons is an added bonus and I can definitely see this storyline playing out in a rich, vacation, summer type environment. I loved that the author gave us several different POV's and I think it really adds to the story. I will say that this book isn't super unique and I have read similar books before but still really enjoyed this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam and Stephanie DeCarolis for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 7/16/24
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam and Stephanie DeCarolis for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 7/16/24
May 13, 2024
The Perfect Sister was the first book I've read from Stephanie DeCarolis and I immediately went and purchased her backlist - set amongst the world of the uber rich in the Hamptons, where nothing is exactly as it seems, this story had me wondering what was going to happen next from start to finish and there were tons of unpredictable moments - something I relish as an avid thriller reader.
4.5 stars!
Thank you to Random House for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars!
Thank you to Random House for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
May 8, 2024
Sisters Alex and Maddie never had an easy life, but at least they had each other. After a rift following their single mother’s death, Maddie supposedly returned to her life as a medical student in New York City. When Alex doesn’t hear from her sister, she goes in search of her in the Hamptons where Maddie had a summer job only to find that she is missing. Prior to her disappearance, Maddie was living in the pool house of a wealthy, but dysfunctional family, the Blackwells. As Alex tries to unravel the mystery, secrets about Maddie and the Blackwells are revealed and danger lurks everywhere.
I had a mixed reaction to this book. Told from different timelines and multiple, POVs, there were red herrings and twists that many might not see coming. But, I think I am tired of reading about wealthy people behaving badly. I tried to read it quickly because I couldn’t wait to get away from these twisted people. I thought the story went on a bit too long, but the last part of the book as things started to come together redeemed it for me.
Those who like thrillers with unseemly characters who will keep you guessing will enjoy this read.
Thanks to #netgalley and @randomhouse #ballantinebooks for the DRC.
I had a mixed reaction to this book. Told from different timelines and multiple, POVs, there were red herrings and twists that many might not see coming. But, I think I am tired of reading about wealthy people behaving badly. I tried to read it quickly because I couldn’t wait to get away from these twisted people. I thought the story went on a bit too long, but the last part of the book as things started to come together redeemed it for me.
Those who like thrillers with unseemly characters who will keep you guessing will enjoy this read.
Thanks to #netgalley and @randomhouse #ballantinebooks for the DRC.
March 10, 2024
This is a really good book that I finished over a few hours. It centers on Alex, who goes to the Hamptons in search of her sister Maddie, who uncharacteristically stops answering calls and texts. Once there, she is drawn into the world of the rich family with whom Maddie was staying. Told primarily from Alex’s point of view with some chapters from Maddie before the disappearance as well as other members of the family, the author weaves together a suspenseful mystery where everyone is hiding secrets.
Alex and Maddie are both likable characters and their dynamic feels very authentic. I enjoyed the flashbacks to their childhood that helped me understand their relationship. There were some really good twists in the book, most that I didn’t see coming; all made sense and the loose ends were tied up well. I liked the ending of the book and thought it all came together well. I also am always fascinated by books that take place in the Hamptons, for some reason.
Overall, this was an engaging and suspenseful read and I really enjoyed it. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Alex and Maddie are both likable characters and their dynamic feels very authentic. I enjoyed the flashbacks to their childhood that helped me understand their relationship. There were some really good twists in the book, most that I didn’t see coming; all made sense and the loose ends were tied up well. I liked the ending of the book and thought it all came together well. I also am always fascinated by books that take place in the Hamptons, for some reason.
Overall, this was an engaging and suspenseful read and I really enjoyed it. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2024
This story takes place in the Hamptons …so you know there is rich people drama involved!! Alex is looking for her missing sister Maddie. Alex knows Maddie was living living in the pool house at the estate of James Blackwell’s’ . James was the last person to see Maddie alive..or was he?
This story involves multiple POV’s but it was easy to stay connected to the characters and the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of trying to figure out what happened to Alex’s sister Maddie, the story was solid and here were some great twists that caught me by surprise. The biggest one towards the end and I was caught off guard. The ending was suspenseful & compelling.
This is the first book I've read from this author, I would really like to explore more of her other books because I did enjoy her writing style.
This story involves multiple POV’s but it was easy to stay connected to the characters and the storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery of trying to figure out what happened to Alex’s sister Maddie, the story was solid and here were some great twists that caught me by surprise. The biggest one towards the end and I was caught off guard. The ending was suspenseful & compelling.
This is the first book I've read from this author, I would really like to explore more of her other books because I did enjoy her writing style.
February 3, 2025
Very good book with a lot of secrets, and a lot of twists and turns.
May 15, 2024
4 stars!
This book focuses on Alex, who is determined to find her sister after she hasn’t heard from her in a few days. She follows her to the Hamptons and re-lives all the steps her sister took just days prior.
A fast paced read, honestly I could have read in just one or two sittings if I didn’t have so much going on this weekend. The author had a great writing style, and makes me want to check out her other books. The only thing I didn’t love was the constant back and forth flashbacks, sometimes I would get confused if we were in the past or present because it happened so often.
Read if you love:
-dual timeline
-multiple POV
-unbreakable sister bond
-family secrets
-search for missing person
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Random House for my eARC!
This book focuses on Alex, who is determined to find her sister after she hasn’t heard from her in a few days. She follows her to the Hamptons and re-lives all the steps her sister took just days prior.
A fast paced read, honestly I could have read in just one or two sittings if I didn’t have so much going on this weekend. The author had a great writing style, and makes me want to check out her other books. The only thing I didn’t love was the constant back and forth flashbacks, sometimes I would get confused if we were in the past or present because it happened so often.
Read if you love:
-dual timeline
-multiple POV
-unbreakable sister bond
-family secrets
-search for missing person
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Random House for my eARC!
December 12, 2024
3.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
The Perfect Sister is a captivating mystery thriller that dives into the complex relationship between two sisters and their tumultuous past. When one of them goes missing, the story unfolds with twists, turns, and dual POVs that kept me turning pages.
I enjoyed the engaging writing and the well-drawn character portrayals. However, the storyline felt a bit predictable to me, which tempered my overall excitement.
This was my first read by this author, and I’m intrigued enough to explore more of her work.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #ThePerfectSister, Stephanie DeCarolis and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC. All opinions are my own and freely expressed.
The Perfect Sister is a captivating mystery thriller that dives into the complex relationship between two sisters and their tumultuous past. When one of them goes missing, the story unfolds with twists, turns, and dual POVs that kept me turning pages.
I enjoyed the engaging writing and the well-drawn character portrayals. However, the storyline felt a bit predictable to me, which tempered my overall excitement.
This was my first read by this author, and I’m intrigued enough to explore more of her work.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #ThePerfectSister, Stephanie DeCarolis and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC. All opinions are my own and freely expressed.
June 23, 2024
Lies… deception… murder… pack your bags and head to the Hamptons in this thrilling beach read!
Desperate to find out what happened to her missing sister, Alex takes off to the last place her sister was seen, which just so happens to be Blackwell Manor, home to the richest, most influential man in the Hamptons - James Blackwell. The Blackwell family is dysfunctional and clearly hiding behind deep, dark secrets. Underneath the cloud of lies, will Alex find her sister…… alive?
From the very beginning, this story completely sucks you in! Normally, multiple POV thrillers can get confusing, but the writing of this book made it extremely easy to follow. You’re constantly guessing who you can trust among this cast of sketchy Blackwells. While I did guess a couple big twists, the insane roller coaster ride this book takes you on requires some suspension of belief - but you’ll never see the ending coming! The second half of this book was so insanely intense that it was a struggle to put down.
This is one of the most bingeable thrillers of the year!
4.5 ⭐️ happily rounded up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Desperate to find out what happened to her missing sister, Alex takes off to the last place her sister was seen, which just so happens to be Blackwell Manor, home to the richest, most influential man in the Hamptons - James Blackwell. The Blackwell family is dysfunctional and clearly hiding behind deep, dark secrets. Underneath the cloud of lies, will Alex find her sister…… alive?
From the very beginning, this story completely sucks you in! Normally, multiple POV thrillers can get confusing, but the writing of this book made it extremely easy to follow. You’re constantly guessing who you can trust among this cast of sketchy Blackwells. While I did guess a couple big twists, the insane roller coaster ride this book takes you on requires some suspension of belief - but you’ll never see the ending coming! The second half of this book was so insanely intense that it was a struggle to put down.
This is one of the most bingeable thrillers of the year!
4.5 ⭐️ happily rounded up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 16, 2024
The Perfect Sister
By: Stephanie DeCarolis
Pub date: July 16, 2024
Publisher: Bantam
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alex and Maddie Walker were close growing up. When Maddie left home she promised Alex she would never forget her birthday, so when she does not hear from her she knows something is wrong.
Alex starts searching for answers as she goes to the Hamptons to meet up with the Blackwell family who were part of Maddie’s world.
This novel had me go through every emotion as Alex’s journey. Will she find out what happened to Maddie?
Family secrets, twists, and so much more. I will be reading more by this author.
Thank you Bantam books & Netgalley for this gifted copy.
By: Stephanie DeCarolis
Pub date: July 16, 2024
Publisher: Bantam
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Alex and Maddie Walker were close growing up. When Maddie left home she promised Alex she would never forget her birthday, so when she does not hear from her she knows something is wrong.
Alex starts searching for answers as she goes to the Hamptons to meet up with the Blackwell family who were part of Maddie’s world.
This novel had me go through every emotion as Alex’s journey. Will she find out what happened to Maddie?
Family secrets, twists, and so much more. I will be reading more by this author.
Thank you Bantam books & Netgalley for this gifted copy.
November 13, 2024
The Perfect Sister was a 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 beach read. I was hooked pretty early on because of the alternating POVs from each character. The pacing really picks up toward the end and there were plenty of salacious family secrets and jaw dropping moments!
December 20, 2024
The premise of this book sounded so good. I had such high hopes.
Alex goes out to the Hamptons in search of her sister. Her sister, Maddie, befriended a rich family and ends up staying with them.The story is told in multiple POV’s. However, this book fell so flat for me. It was so hard to get through. The book felt too long. The different things so outlandish but also you could totally see them coming. Was not a favorite for me.
The one good thing about it was the cover of the book. It’s a great cover and I definitely thought the book would have been better.
Alex goes out to the Hamptons in search of her sister. Her sister, Maddie, befriended a rich family and ends up staying with them.The story is told in multiple POV’s. However, this book fell so flat for me. It was so hard to get through. The book felt too long. The different things so outlandish but also you could totally see them coming. Was not a favorite for me.
The one good thing about it was the cover of the book. It’s a great cover and I definitely thought the book would have been better.
April 25, 2024
Thank you, Netgalley, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book takes place in the Hamptons, so you know wealth will be involved! The story is about Alex, who is searching for her missing sister who disappeared for no apparent reason.
This book takes place primarily at the home of the Blackwell's who are quite wealthy and powerful within the community, so you already know there's going to be something shady going down. This was also the last known place where Alex's sister, Maddie, was last seen.
While this is a psychological thriller, this didn't appear to be your normal brainwashing or mind-games type of story. This was more about everyone hiding secrets and trying to figure out who's the true villan.
This story is mostly told from Alex's POV, but will eventually be told from the POV of all involved. While I find this confusing, it actually helped this storyline and also kept me on the edge of my seat because when I thought one character might be darker than another, the POV from the next character really kept me intrigued. The story was slow for me in the beginning, but once I hit about 20%...I had to finish the book in one night! I will say I had 3 gasps throughout the entire book! Quick read, easy to follow, great story with a non-predictable ending.
This is the first book I've read from this author, and she set the bar high! I've ordered a new book of hers and I'm sure it'll be just as good as this one.
#netgalley #theperfectsister
This book takes place in the Hamptons, so you know wealth will be involved! The story is about Alex, who is searching for her missing sister who disappeared for no apparent reason.
This book takes place primarily at the home of the Blackwell's who are quite wealthy and powerful within the community, so you already know there's going to be something shady going down. This was also the last known place where Alex's sister, Maddie, was last seen.
While this is a psychological thriller, this didn't appear to be your normal brainwashing or mind-games type of story. This was more about everyone hiding secrets and trying to figure out who's the true villan.
This story is mostly told from Alex's POV, but will eventually be told from the POV of all involved. While I find this confusing, it actually helped this storyline and also kept me on the edge of my seat because when I thought one character might be darker than another, the POV from the next character really kept me intrigued. The story was slow for me in the beginning, but once I hit about 20%...I had to finish the book in one night! I will say I had 3 gasps throughout the entire book! Quick read, easy to follow, great story with a non-predictable ending.
This is the first book I've read from this author, and she set the bar high! I've ordered a new book of hers and I'm sure it'll be just as good as this one.
#netgalley #theperfectsister
April 8, 2024
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Wow! This was an awesome, fast-paced, page turning thriller. The story really gets started when we realize Alex's sister, Maddie, is missing. Once Alex figures out the last place her sister was living, she goes to the house to question the family and ends up getting a free place to stay herself while she continues looking for her sister. We get to read from several different POVs and while I normally don't care for that (it can get confusing!), I think it worked great in this book. It definitely helped with the suspense and keeping you guessing at who might be responsible for Maddie's disappearance. There were a few twists that I definitely did not see coming, and I love it when that happens! This was my first book by this author, but it will not be the last. Absolutely recommend this thriller that will keep you guessing til the last page!
Wow! This was an awesome, fast-paced, page turning thriller. The story really gets started when we realize Alex's sister, Maddie, is missing. Once Alex figures out the last place her sister was living, she goes to the house to question the family and ends up getting a free place to stay herself while she continues looking for her sister. We get to read from several different POVs and while I normally don't care for that (it can get confusing!), I think it worked great in this book. It definitely helped with the suspense and keeping you guessing at who might be responsible for Maddie's disappearance. There were a few twists that I definitely did not see coming, and I love it when that happens! This was my first book by this author, but it will not be the last. Absolutely recommend this thriller that will keep you guessing til the last page!
April 25, 2024
Oh my freaking goodness!!! I’ve loved each of Stephanie DeCarolis’ books but this one blew the others away! I’m declaring this one of the best books of the year! It grabbed me from the first page and I could not put it down until the very last page! Alternating chapters between several characters, all written in first person perspective, which is my favorite, and they were super easy to keep straight and follow along! So many WTF moments that had my jaw dragging on the ground the whole time! 87 billion stars from me!
July 11, 2024
The perfect summer thriller… I could not put this book down! This story was dark, addicting and filled with secrets and lies. I loved the alternating chapters with rotating perspectives, making my mind race with new theories and suspicions. Being a local Long Islander, I loved the Hamptons setting and summer vibes. There were some great twists that caught me by surprise and the ending was suspenseful and exciting! Highly recommend you add to your summer TBR list!
July 17, 2024
So many layers!!! Every time something was revealed I thought I knew where this was going only to be shaken up with the next revelation. This book was incredibly well developed as were each and every character. The storyline had me second guessing my second guesses and I never got it right.
Multi POV
Safe - not a romance
Triggers
Multi POV
Safe - not a romance
Triggers
June 6, 2024
Genre: Family Drama/Mystery & Thriller
Publisher: Random House
Pub. Date: July 16, 2024
2 & 1/2 stars
Though the story has many twists, it is relatively straightforward. The tale is way too over-the-top to be considered credible, but then again, not many thrillers are believable. We follow Alex as she searches for her lost sister, Maddie, in the Hamptons. Maddie’s last known residence was at the Blackwell mansion, where she lived in their pool house. No one in the Blackwell family has heard from Maddie in days. So Alex embarks on her journey to interview and track down everyone who may have had contact with Maddie. It turns into a rollercoaster ride. I find it interesting that the story never felt as fast-paced as it should have been. If you are looking for a beach read, this is a good book for you. Otherwise, I’d stay clear of this one unless you do not mind an eye-rolling plot.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list…
https://books6259.wordpress.com/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/review…
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr…
https://www.amazon.com/
Publisher: Random House
Pub. Date: July 16, 2024
2 & 1/2 stars
Though the story has many twists, it is relatively straightforward. The tale is way too over-the-top to be considered credible, but then again, not many thrillers are believable. We follow Alex as she searches for her lost sister, Maddie, in the Hamptons. Maddie’s last known residence was at the Blackwell mansion, where she lived in their pool house. No one in the Blackwell family has heard from Maddie in days. So Alex embarks on her journey to interview and track down everyone who may have had contact with Maddie. It turns into a rollercoaster ride. I find it interesting that the story never felt as fast-paced as it should have been. If you are looking for a beach read, this is a good book for you. Otherwise, I’d stay clear of this one unless you do not mind an eye-rolling plot.
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.
Find all my book reviews at:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list…
https://books6259.wordpress.com/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/review…
https://www.facebook.com/martie.neesr…
https://www.amazon.com/
June 22, 2024
When I first read the synopsis of this one it sounded like a perfect summer thriller and it totally was! The Hamptons setting, the glitz and glam of the Blackwell family and the missing sister? Yep that all screams summer to me. I enjoyed the back and forth between Maddie in the past and Alex in the present as she basically retraces her sister’s footsteps in order to find her. It was fast paced as Alex realizes nothing is as it seems with anything about the life Alex was living in the Hamptons and there were quite a few twists that took me by surprise. The suspense aspect was solid, I was right there with Alex wanting to know what happened to Maddie and the big reveal made sense with no unnecessary twists just for the sake of them. Overall a solid mystery that kept me on my toes.
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