My Sister's Downfall

by S.M. Thomas

A woman’s scream echoes through the night, a haunting cry that pierces the air as she plummets towards the unforgiving ground.
It’s a scene of chaos and confusion, as her sister desperately races towards her, her heart pounding in her chest. But it’s too late. Gravity has already claimed its victim.

The setting is a bustling city, filled with towering buildings and flashing lights. It's a place of both dreams and nightmares. Where anything can happen and anyone can be whoever, or whatever, they wish.

May and Isabella are both successful career women, with a strong sense of responsibility towards the other. But as the pieces of this tragic event begin to unravel, it becomes clear that both women have their secrets, ones they have been hiding from each other.

As their story unfolds, the lines between truth and lies, love and betrayal, become blurred. Who was the sister who fell? And what pushed her to the edge?

Genres: Thriller

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2024

About the author

SM Thomas (known in the real world as Steph) is a British author from Somerset who specialises in gripping psychological thrillers and suspense novels

Writing since she “could hold a pencil,” she’s known for crafting twisty, immersive worlds that keep readers on edge

When she’s not plotting her next page-turner, you may find her with her nose buried in a book, or dancing around her living room to Beyoncé

Her 'Paige Hanson' series builds an addictive arc of mystery and sacrifice, while her standalone thrillers like 'My Sister’s Downfall' and 'Long Weekend' stand out for their psychological depth and tense plotting.

Whether through government conspiracies, damaged relationships, or isolated settings, Steph brings a compelling blend of tension, heart, and unexpected turns.

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️

« Hope, I think to myself with a twisted sad smile… Will be the death of me. »

May just wants to protect her sister, even if she doesn’t know who she’s protecting her from.

Two sisters, truths and lies intertwine, trying to protect the other. A story of hidden secrets, paranoia, untrustworthy memories.
A mildly intriguing thriller that did keep me guessing for a bit, but ultimately felt too predictable.

I really couldn’t stand either sister — Isabella too unfeeling and egotistical, May a little one dimensional and without much personality otherwise (her only focus being her sister) — so I didn’t really care about the outcome, wasn’t shocked by the unsurprising twist.
I did however like the final twist, the poetic justice, karma being served.

I really enjoyed the writing style, so had the characters been more interesting and the plot a bit more surprising I think I would’ve had more fun with this one.

A nice read if you enjoy mild thrillers with some political intrigue, an easy to follow plot line and a couple of twists to keep you engaged throughout.

​Bonded together by blood and love, creating an ominous harmony for the witnesses around us.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Shauntelle (myglamorousreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I highly recommend this one! I was unsure what type of book I was getting myself into. I thought it would be more of a political thriller, but it was not! Don't let that keep you from reading this fast paced thriller.

May and Bella are sisters and have what they want people to think is a close and honest relationship, but there are definitely secrets they each have. There is manipulation, betrayal, and selfishness in this story. The plot develops from May and Bella's POVs and as the chapters alternate between the two, more and more secrets and twists are revealed. I had so many guesses on what was going to happen, but they were all wrong. The epilogue completely caught me off guard, but it was SOOO good!

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Sister’s Downfall is my first novel by SM Thomas and WHOA!! That was exhilarating!!!! The relationship between two sisters has you hanging off the edge of your seat the entire time. Full of Suspense with a side of thriller wondering what will happen next. Leaving you wanting answers. Talk about psychological thriller, this book is 100% that. I didn’t see that ending coming at all. Great job SM Thomas.
I most definitely recommend this novel.
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this copy.

[julia ☼ · Rating 5 out of 5]

i can't describe how much i loved this book i could not put it away! I read a lot of thriller and psychothriller books but i never read something like this. The author described the feelings of the characters in this book perfectly it was like i could see into their heads i really liked it. While you're reading this book you think that you know what happened and what the plot is but the ending was so unexpected i would have never thought about that. I really needed some minutes after i finishes this book to realise what i read right now, i loved it!

This is one one the greatest thrillers i have read so far and i would definetely recommened it to everyone who loves thriller, plottwists and the thoughts and feelings of mentally unstable people.

[Letsreadagoodbook · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you go into a book blind and it turns into you mad that the book is over!!! This was a super amazing read!!! This book was twisty!!

[Ramona Ziemele (grāmatu lāde) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ar šo autori man ir nu jau vairāk kā gadu ilga sadarbība, ka es esmu viena no viņas Beta lasītājām (šis ir viens no trim trilleriem, ko esmu lasījusi vēl pavisam neapstrādāta formātā), tāpēc šķiet tikai atbilstoši, ka darbus, kurus lasu Google dokumentos un kur vēl varbūt šis tas ir jāpieslīpē, es pēc tam izlasu arī kā gala formātu pēc izdošanas.

Man patika! Ja godīgi, lasot tagad otrreiz, patika labāk kā raw veidā pirms tam. Par spīti tam, ka galvenās varones nav tādas, kurām gribas pieķerties, tomēr ar interesi var sekot māsu ne pārāk veselīgajām attiecībām.
Jā, dialogi šur tur liekas tādi neveikli vai dažbrīd atkal pārāk pareizi un stīvi, bet, stāstam attīstoties, arī no šī stīvuma tiekam vaļā.
Joprojām esmu sajūsmā par epilogu, kas iedod stāstam superīgu atriebības garšu!

Iesaku kā vieglu un ātru trilleri pāris lietainiem vakariem.

P.S. Lasot grāmatu galaformātā, tik uzzināju, ka esmu pat nopelnījusi pieminēšanu pateicību sadaļā. 🤭

[Kah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words… and not for lack of interesting things to say but just because it feels like my brain stoped working. WHAT A BOOK! WHAT A PLOT! WHAT A TWIST! Honestly, while reading my mind was continuously coming up with possible answers and scenarios but non of them came even close with what actually happened and whose fault it was. I absolutely LOVED that for me! Being able to be surprised or shocked in a mystery/thriller book is one of the best feelings ever. Because it’s expected to try and solve the mystery so the brain comes up with a lot os possibilities. The characters were wonderful in a kind of concerning twisted way. Their actions and their reason for acting that way were explained so well that sometimes felt like I was part of the story… and that scared me a little in the best way. And if that wasn’t enough… THE VERY LAST PLOT TWIST? HELLO? I wasn’t expecting that at all and it was so shocking I spent the next five minutes just staring at nothing trying to process what I had read.

To those who love a good mystery/thriller book, with real characters and with mind blowing plot twists… this one is for all of you!

[Sharon Valler: Live Love Read Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

May and Isabella. Sisters who have the closest and most loving sibling relationship and also the most toxic.

Isabella is campaigning to become the leader of her party and it seems it’s a slam dunk - Isabella is the future Prime Minister.

Don’t be put off if politics aren’t your thing, they’re not mine, but this book totally is!

The story is mostly told by Isabella and May, and their characters as well as Andrew, Isabella’s campaign manager, and James, the police inspector who investigates the sinister notes Isabella is receiving, are so well written. The sinister undertone running all the way through the book had me on tenterhooks right until the end. The twist in the final chapter though, OMG!

An absolutely brilliant thriller!

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, SM Thomas and BooksGoSocial for an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always interesting to see the lengths someone will go to to meet their own needs. Also interesting to see what they tell themselves to make it all okay in their minds. It's frightening , diabolic, and sick.

The ending gave me great hope , and I couldn't help but scream a pent up release. Isabella was a true narcissist. She thought she knew what was best for everyone. A very compelling impactful story. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Gales Tales70 · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW!! This book grips you with tension from page one. The main FMC is not very likeable, self centred and devious and has a relationship with her sister that is very toxic, although Isabella would argue her love for May. There were so many plot twists throughout I thought it was all figured out until the last part of the book goes back in time and shocks you even more. Fantastic storyline, a must if you love psychological thrillers. Would love to read more from this author!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Monica UpstateBookB*tch · Rating 5 out of 5]

So let me start off by saying, political thrillers aren't normally my go-to, but My Sister's Downfall completely surprised me! Like, I’m talking majorly, OMG-I-can’t-put-this-down surprised. Usually, I find political stuff kind of snooze-worthy, but this one was anything but! The author totally skips over all the dull, stiff parts and goes straight for the drama—just the way I like it.

The back-and-forth between the two sisters? Loved it! So much tension, and their dynamic really added to the suspense. I kept reading so I could figure out which sister was the crazy one! There were enough characters to make the story good without being confusing. So many twists and turns kept me guessing the whole way through. Just when I thought I had it figured out—bam! A new twist. And don’t even get me started on the ending—it caught me off guard in the best way possible. This was a total page-turner that kept me hooked from start to finish. Highly recommend!

[LoveBooks2119 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great prologue! Each chapter told by alternate POVs gives clues as well as the individual’s perspective thus quickly leading the way to the surprising main event conclusion.
I found the dialogue a bit choppy and couldn’t connect with any of the shallow, chaotic, unlikeable characters though I did like the plot premise.
The last few chapters tied it all up and don’t miss the epilogue for the final twist!!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

At no point did I guess the ending or who was responsible. Not for lack of trying, but literally every answer I THOUGHT I knew, wrong. The story was so riveting and kept my attention. If you are a fan of thrillers and mysteries and books that will keep you up late because you JUST have to know what is happening next, I HIGHLY recommend.
Thank you NetGalley and authors for this ARC.

[Roxi Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book and felt that it was a good page turner although I did find it to be repetitive and got bogged down in parts. I was also a little bored by the political backstory.

I figured out the premise of the book pretty early on but the twist at the end was a satisfying way to wrap it up .

I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed our strictly my own.

[Valarie Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a hit! I will be reading more from this author. From the reviews, I was expecting something as thrilling and similar to 'Gone Girl', but in actuality, it was more intense than that. As I was reading, I couldn't decide if it was more like Shutter Island or Split; where the reader wasn't sure which reality was the true self. Great book written from 2 different 1st person narratives. I enjoyed the dynamic between the sisters and felt they truly loved one another. The author did a fabulous job conveying the love between the two, which simply added to the mystery. Kudos to the author for this one!

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out slow but soon picked up! It was definitely a psychological thriller! I feel like I need to see a shrink after reading this. It was absolutely crazy! Just when u think u have it figured out just know u don’t. The rollercoaster ride isn’t done yet! Then at the end when u r sad but think u figured it out! Uh No! There is one helluva large rollercoaster loop to go through. Everytime I thing I figured it out I was wrong! Ever been on an extremely long roller coaster ride? If yes then u r ready for this book! I’ve experienced ever emotion there is reading this book. The very end was disappointing ! There isn’t enough for another book so the author should have ended it with this book instead of leaving us hanging. If u like psychological thrillers then this is the book for u. If the final ending didn’t leave u hanging I would of given it 5 ⭐️

[Rae, shutupandbookup · Rating 5 out of 5]

". . .it's my job as her older sister - her only family - to make sure Isabella keeps her wits about her." - May


May has looked out for Isabella since the loss of their parents. Being a big sister but also a parental figure hoping to help Isabella in her drive to be the future Prime Minister! Isabella always knew she was meant to be in politics and has devoted her life to said dream. Watching out for her big sister as well. The two are very close and want nothing but the best for one another.



But when threatening notes begin making their way into Isabella's life the sisters may have to live under the same roof again. Being able to be near one another and keep each other safe. Only as threats increase and deadly cases that hold possible connections pop up things begin to unravel. Lines begin to blur, suspicions rise, mistrust increasing, and the question of which sister dies in the end. . .



"My sister is dead. My sister has died. And it is all my fault."



The above line is not a spoiler! It's literally from within the prologue that had me stating "yup, I'm going to read this thriller until the very end!" I love the author and how her work has improved with each book! Was excited to get to read another psychological thriller by her! I was hooked since the prologue and the first POV with May had me actually speechless!



Both sisters are very devoted to one another and the safety of the other. They've grown into fine women with stable careers, Isabella already knowing how her end goal in politics will look like. The future Prime Minister! But there's always a risk to one's life whilst pursing politics. So, when the first note comes, Isabella brushes it off. Until things start getting personal and too close to home.



What had me engaged with the story the most is how the perfect, picturesque bond between the sisters began to lose its luster. Unraveling truths and lies to see how the prologue even came about. Beginning to question which sister was in the right and which one is the innocent one. Having dual POVs to really dissect the inner workings and mechanics behind their sibling bond. I loved both of their characters for different reasons and how they were written!



This story is a thriller with deaths, the prologue really jumps into things! Understanding of politics and some of the nasty games that are played within the building walls. Reputations to keep up and the right appearances made. There's language spread throughout the book along with manipulation tactics. Some of the twists and conclusions may be triggering for some readers. Medical problems and a need for trips to a mental institution.



We do get a little bit of a romance; it isn't the main focus though. Sexual tension and attraction plus one of my favorite characters cockblocking as often as possible. Implied MF action or want of it, but it's closed door.



I was able to figure out a lot of the twists and my theories proved correct. The writing though! It kept me engaged and just wondering how this was all going to go down. The psychology involved as well had my interests piqued. I did get angry toward the end of the book until I read the epilogue which had me grinning like an idiot. Partly because I didn't see it coming. The book does end but there are some things that you can use your imagination for. Cannot wait for the next read!



Enjoy the psychological thriller with picture, perfect, loving sisters. . . Don't forget to give the author some stars!


shutupandbookup.com

[White Rabbit Reading Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunting tale of two sisters. The story starts with a heart pounding scene of one sister watching the other fall from a building surrounded by a crowd of on-lookers. You don’t know which sister was watching and which was falling, while the story unfolds, alternating chapters from each sisters point of view leading up to the fateful prologue scene.

I really enjoyed this book. Not only did it keep me guessing, but also surprised me more than once. The last third of the book was nothing short of phenomenal. It was a terrific view into the secrets kept within families, the denials we use to cope with out daily life, and the desperate attempt to create a sense of security and control in our paths, no matter what the cost.

There were times where I felt the story lulled a bit, but the writing style was engaging and felt effortless to read. There was a really creative use of repetition in certain moments of the story and the difference of views from two people experiencing the same thing.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that loves exploring family dynamics, mental health struggles, women who are willing to do anything to reach success, and some salacious family secrets that can turn deadly.

Thank you to AR Hurne Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this Advanced Reader Copy!

[BookishDramas · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thanks to the team for this ARC.

This is a story of sisters and their relationship with an exploration of the familial bonds, secrets, and the dark paths we sometimes tread. Sisters whose relationship is tested by jealousy, betrayal, and the weight of their past. The tension builds steadily, pulling readers into the sisters' world as they navigate love, loss, and the consequences of their choices. The themes of redemption and the search for identity resonates while prompting the reader to reflect on their own relationships.

My first book from the author, SM Thomas, provided me with an interesting story that she skillfully weaves with a narrative that delves deep into the complexities of sisterhood, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate emotional depth and psychological nuance.

It was the thriller portion which for me was a letdown with uneven pacing and a predictable story. Despite this the climax still delivers a satisfying payoff.

Overall, the author has crafted a poignant narrative that explores the fragile nature of family ties and the lengths one might go to protect or destroy them. If you enjoy emotionally charged stories with well-developed characters and a touch of suspense, this book is a must-read.

[Lee-Ann27.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. As the description of this book outlines, this book starts with...."A woman’s scream echoes through the night, a haunting cry that pierces the air as she plummets towards the unforgiving ground. It’s a scene of chaos and confusion, as her sister desperately races towards her, her heart pounding in her chest. But it’s too late. Gravity has already claimed its victim."

This description is what grasped by attention and held on tight and I am glad that I forgot how the book started because when this event took place in the book, I literally gasped out loud and thought WHAT. At first I was going to give this book 3 stars but the more I thought about it I decided to give it 4 stars as it was a very entertaining story back and forth between these sisters and how much they really don't know each other. I also enjoyed thinking I had this all figured out even when I thought I figured out the twist and then nope....definitely not what I saw coming. In the end I thought this was really well written and I definitely look forward to reading more by this author......but man is blood really thicker than water.....hmmmmm......enjoy!!!

[Carol Werner Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Sister's Downfall
by SM Thomas
Pub Date: Sep 17, 2024

My Sister's Downfall is an absolutely brilliant thriller! A great book written from 2 different 1st person narratives. It was so obvious the sister's truly loved each other, the author did such an excellent job portraying those feelings! It was a fast addicting read, I definitely recommend this book to anyone that is a fan of thrillers!

Synopsis: A woman’s scream echoes through the night, a haunting cry that pierces the air as she plummets towards the unforgiving ground. It’s a scene of chaos and confusion, as her sister desperately races towards her, her heart pounding in her chest. But it’s too late. Gravity has already claimed its victim.

Many thanks to #MySistersDownfall #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocial for providing me with an E-ARC of this book.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started to read My Sister’s Downfall I wasn’t even sure I would finish it. I had trouble getting into it and really didn’t like either of the female main characters, Isabella and May but as I continued to read it I was more invested.

Sisters who wanted everyone to believe they had a good relationship but they both have secrets, oh so many secrets. One looking out for the other, but are they really?
The story is told through two POV’s, Isabella and May’s. Throughout the book there is deception and betrayal, twists and turns. When you think you have it figured it, think again chances are you don’t.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you Book Sirens

[Karen Villanueva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! I literally finished this book in two hours! It was incredibly fast to read, addictive, and super entertaining🫢

I’m a fan of thrillers, and honestly, I saw the ending coming, haha, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it! It genuinely kept me entertained.🫡

I think it’s a great thriller to recommend if you’re just starting with the genre or if you like authors like Shari Lapena and Steve Cavanagh. It really gave me vibes of Steve Cavanagh’s *Fifty-Fifty* but with different twists.

Congratulations to the author! And thank you for sending me the ARC and trusting me to give my honest review👌🏻

[Nick Wilford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant thriller that kept me guessing throughout, My Sister's Downfall is full of intriguing twists and takes in topics such as mental illness and the thirst for power at all costs. Without wanting to say too much, the narrative focuses on two sisters whose relationship is dysfunctional to say the least, and those around them have a habit of dying. I enjoyed the circular structure of the book where we actually begin at the end and then work our way through the events that lead to that conclusion. With a British feel like The Girl on the Train, I'd recommend it to fans of taut, well-paced mysteries.

[Sarah Bloomfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.

I absolutely loved this book and found myself very reluctant to put it down! This story involves the lives of two sisters who only want what is best for each other, or do they?

My sisters downfall is an excellent, fast paced psychological thriller that will most certainly keep you on your toes with twists a plenty and an ending that will leave you slightly speechless, this book is an absolute must of you like this particular genre.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an invite to read the advanced copy of My Sister’s Downfall.

This was a satisfying read. Isabella was not a likeable character, but that doesn’t generally stop me enjoying a book. I felt May needed to be developed more, we didn’t hear enough of her back story. I liked her but how did she become so dependent on Isabella?

A decent twist at the end that I didn’t see coming, but I did have a niggle that there was something going on with James!

Overall, the second book I have read by this author was a decent read, and held my attention throughout.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I love the cover art very much. The white and black colors were cool.
I was enticed into reading this book to the very end by the opening scene. I think it was well done. I liked the sisters May and Isabella. It was an interesting narration alternating between the two women's point of view. The characters were able to really show their personalities this way.
I think that this story was an interesting thriller and I was able to spend a few days entertained.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.

[Hannelore Cheney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eARC.
Wow, I absolutely loved this, sooo good!
Once started, I couldn't put this book down. I don't want to go into details, because I might leak some details that will spoil the read for others.
The two sisters are very close, they love each other and just want what's best for their sibling ... or do they? Let's just say: read this book, you won't be sorry, it's terrific!

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella and May are sisters and this story is told most of the time from each of their points of view. The reader has to decide whether the younger, charming Bella and aspiring politician or the twice mentally hospitalized May has a) died and b ) what/who caused the death and c) which of the two is evil and finally d) will the baddie get his/her comeuppance.
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. An enjoyable read. 4 stars

[Debra Tunnicliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story of sisters May and Isabella and how controlling Isabella is over the years and the twists and turns keep you on your toes trying to work out who is responsible when May falls to her death was it a accident or murder?
Loved the chemistry between the sisters this is a real chilling thriller.
Would highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.