A Sister's Promise

by James Caine

They found my body in a wooded area near my home.

When my sister, Sarah, returns to our small town, she’s determined to find out who killed me. It’s not easy though when everyone in Pinewood Springs has their secrets.

The one who ended my life is lurking, watching her every move, and will stop at nothing to protect themselves from being revealed. As she untangles the lies and deceit around her, Sarah gets closer to the truth, and to grave danger.

But all I can do is watch.

My sister vowed to find my murderer.
Now I must find a way to keep her alive.

Psychological thriller fans of Freida McFadden and Noelle West Ihli’s Ask for Andrea will enjoy this fast-paced thriller that will have you turning the pages all night long.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery, Ebooks, Amazon, Audiobook

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2024

Reviews

[Nina (ninjasbooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending really touched me, but other than that I found it repetitive at times and I didn’t find the chase after micky’s murder very interesting

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Caine once again delivers an original, gripping thriller I couldn't put down. I loved the multiple POVs, and how the plot drew me in immediately. This thriller provides all ‘the feels.’ There were moments when I was completely shocked and moments that brought tears to my eyes. The story is emotional, intense, and compelling. Thank you to the author for my advanced copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

[Jayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Brrrrr.

This author goes hot and cold with me.

This book left me cold.

WHY?
1) The publisher's blurb was inaccurate.

This was a ghost story and not a thriller.

2) The book's pacing was slow and the repetitious text was plentiful.

3) The narrators identifying themselves as "Brother" and "Sister" were annoying. I would have preferred proper names.

4) I easily guessed who killed the sister's brother.

I listened to the audiobook read by Megan Tusing and Steve Quinn.

Both narrators gave superb performances.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens and Twisted Thriller Books for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of A Sister's Promise by James Caine. Sorry to say, but I am an outlier on this one. I have read several James Caine books and I have always enjoyed them. This one slipped down to 3 stars for me. It was an enjoyable mystery, but the writing left something to be desired this time. It was a very quick read. Most people have loved this book, so take my review with a grain of salt!

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

[Heather Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much love for this new book, by James Caine! A Sisters Promise is about Sarah coming back home after her twin, Mickey is murdered. In her search for who killed her brother, Sarah has been targeted and threatened to leave town. She knows Mickey was into some bad things but he didn’t deserve to die. Will she find the answers she is looking for? Will she make it out alive? I highly recommend this book!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Caine has range!

I wasn't sure about the ghost element when I first started but I love this author and I have a twin brother so I had to read it. This is unlike his other books. It's a mystery but also a ghost story, with wit and a lot of heart. This was absolutely beautiful and it brought tears to my eyes, both happy and sad. James Caine is so talented.

[Mickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah and Mickey are twins. Sarah moved to Toronto for university, and Mickey stayed behind to look after their mother as she died from cancer. After she dies, Mickey turns to drugs and slowly destroys his life, losing the people who care about him most. When Sarah gets the news that Mickey has been murdered, she travels to their hometown, determined to find out who and why.

First off, let me just say that seeing all the talk of someone named Mickey being murdered was kinda weird. Its not often I find my name in a book, but it would be nice if next time I come across it, they have a nice happy life (wishful thinking given the books I read, I guess).
Anyhoo, this was yet another amazing book from James Caine. From start to finish, it was just brilliant, filled with twists and turns. There were some heartwarming moments in there, too, especially at the end. I spent the last 10% of the book sobbing my head off. It had me all up in my feelings, thinking about the people I've lost and hoping that they had watched over me and were now at peace.
If you read this one, keep the tissues ready, because I guarantee you'll need them.

[Donna Mallery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is both heartwarming and thrilling! At one point, I had a tear in my eye! This book is about a sister’s promise to find out who murdered her brother. How she does this makes this book unique and magical! I loved it!

[Barbara Behring · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable mystery about a sister looking for her brothers killer. James Caine is a good writer and his characters are well developed. The story kept me interested.

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

[Zizi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The worst part about being dead is not knowing how you died. I’m not in pain. I don't get hungry or tired. The worst part of me, my addiction, is no longer a factor anymore. I feel so clear in my mind. I feel like myself again.”

Once I read that I knew this was going to be a good one!

[ChristinaStanton76 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a page turner! Mickey and Sarah are twins who share a bond. Mickey is murdered and Sarah comes back home to try and solve the murder of her twin brother. Mickey follows her down a dangerous path while she tries to solve his murder. So many in that town have secrets and everyone could be a suspect. This had me guessing til the end in true James Caine fashion! Loved it!

5/5 ⭐️

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. The characters and the story line were well thought out and kept my interest until the very end. It had a few spots of humor (Mickey) and the mystery of who killed him kept me guessing.

Thanks for the free digital copy. This is my honest and unsolicited review.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sisters Promise by James Cain is a book about twins Sarah and Mickey and a bond that even death cannot sever. In the book Sarah is across the country going to college while her twin Mickey stayed back living in their moms home doing drugs and just spiraling out of control. When her stepfather John calls to tell her Mickey is missing Sarah is quickly packing to rush home before she leaves she finds out they have found Mickey and the news isn’t good because Mickey is dead. What she arrives home it seems no one cares about her brother is murder and despite the detective wanting to help there’s only so much they can do with the evidence they are given so Sarah takes it upon herself to find the evidence alone. Unfortunately for Sarah soon after arriving home she is followed threatened and even runs into her ex boyfriend Drew who is now the local mortician. Throughout the book we get two POVs one of Sarah and one is her dead brother Mickey and before you think that sounds silly James Cain has done a great job making it feel authentic and Mickey also add some comic relief to a very serious story. I was kind of shocked to see who the killer was but the author has done a great job making you second-guess your first instinct because I certainly went from oh they must’ve done it to oh no they did it and that always makes for a great great read. I really enjoyed this book and I believe any thriller fan would as well.#ReviewTeam, #JamesCain, #ASistersPromise,

[Gina 🥰 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. And the ending? Phenomenal.

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sister’s Promise made me reflect on life and death as well as what’s important in life. It’s raw, heartfelt and heartwrenching.

I enjoyed the alternate chapters from the brother and sister’s point of view, and their voices and characters.

I especially liked Melanie. I myself have physical and visual disabilities but I do know people with intellectual disabilities in real life, and the way she was portrayed is both realistic, sensitive and respectful which I am glad about. I enjoy raising awareness of all disabilities and A Sister’s Promise raises awareness of intellectual disabilities well.

James Caine writes great thrillers and this is not my first by him. I’ve enjoyed others too and I’d like there to be many more from him in the future.

Thanks to James Caine.

4 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: "A Sister's Promise" by James Caine

James Caine’s "A Sister's Promise" is a compelling psychological thriller that deftly intertwines mystery, suspense, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. The novel opens with an unsettling premise: the narrator, a murdered sister, watches from beyond as her sister, Sarah, returns to their small town of Pinewood Springs with a singular mission—to uncover the truth behind her death. This unique narrative perspective adds a haunting layer to the story, drawing readers in from the very beginning.

Caine skillfully crafts a sense of foreboding as Sarah navigates the complexities of a town riddled with secrets. The tension mounts as she interacts with a cast of characters, each harboring their own hidden agendas and motives. The small-town setting serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama, amplifying the claustrophobic atmosphere where trust is a rare commodity.

Sarah's determination to solve her sister’s murder is both inspiring and fraught with peril. As she unravels the tangled web of lies, Caine expertly escalates the stakes, revealing the dangers that lurk just beneath the surface. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Sarah gets closer to uncovering the truth—and the killer’s attention shifts to her.

The interplay between the living and the dead adds an emotional depth to the narrative, making readers feel the weight of the sisterly bond that drives Sarah's quest. Caine’s ability to evoke empathy for both sisters is impressive, enhancing the overall tension as the stakes grow ever higher. The author skillfully maintains a balance between the suspenseful plot and the emotional stakes, ensuring that readers are invested in both the mystery and the characters’ journeys.

Caine’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the eerie atmosphere of Pinewood Springs while also delving into the complexities of grief and betrayal. The plot twists are expertly timed, keeping readers guessing until the very end, and the final revelations are both shocking and satisfying.

"A Sister's Promise" is a fast-paced, gripping thriller that will resonate with fans of psychological suspense. Caine has crafted a story that not only entertains but also explores the lengths one will go to for love and justice. If you’re looking for a page-turner that combines heart-pounding suspense with rich emotional undertones, this book is a must-read. Prepare for a sleepless night as you race through the pages to uncover the truth!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

When your brother is murdered, you have to figure out who did it. Or at least Sarah does when her brother, Mickey, is killed. Sarah’s search for Mickey’s murderer takes her back to her childhood home. Here she gets to know the brother she has lost and spends time with her stepfather’s new family, all while being followed by her brother’s ghost.

This was different from all the other Caine books I’ve read. The supernatural element was different, but not bad. It felt natural; however, the book does switch perspectives and I didn’t love that. Each chapter is labeled “brother” or “sister.” Why not their names? While the different perspectives added a layer to the story, it was confusing at times. I became distracted and felt like I didn’t get close to either character the way I would have liked.

I’m always going to read a book by James Caine and I like that he is exploring different story-telling methods.

I received an ARC copy of this novel and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Myrthe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 stars

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

As much as I loved the storyline. It didn’t quite work for me. I loved the multiple povs and the characters. However there was much in the beginning and less in the middle of the book. The detail in the book was good but it felt a bit long for me, we went back and forth and we got all the drama in the end. I wished it all happened a bit earlier so that it would keep me more entertained, as it was difficult for me to keep my focus this time. However the ending got me once again, I couldn’t have predicted this and I liked this plottwist.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

With many thanks as always to James Caine for this free arc and I am leaving this unbiased review voluntarily

This was a complete change in direction from James Caine and it takes a brave author to shake up their usual winning formula. I loved the concept of this and it had a wonderful supernatural feel that was executed really well. The pace is rapid and I devoured this in one sitting such was the addiction. The twist at the end was genius and one I didn’t see coming. Great characters in Sarah and Mickey and told from their points of view gave the book a lovely flow. This has to be my favourite James Caine book to date.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great read so I’m not even sure why I didn’t feel comfortable giving it a higher rating. I would recommend it. But, I feel the style of writing could have been more concise but also descriptive. A lot of time was spent emphasizing the friends were bad, feeling you’re with someone unseen, you’re too stubborn to give up, and no one can see/hear you. I think more time could have been spent building more suspense. However, I did enjoy the amateur sleuth finding potential clues. I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Kath Deans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc of this book. I really enjoyed its fast pace and twists - who can she trust? An ever growing list forms in your head as you read on. The concept of the deceased not knowing his killer adds to the drama, with his incites on who not to trust among his friends.
I really enjoyed this book (eventually staying up till 3am to finish it because I just couldn’t stop).
Definitely an author I will be investigating further.

[Sandra Roonzani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

Not to give away any clues the story did have a lot of different guesses who it could be and my instincts were correct!

[Haylie Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! One of the best ones I’ve read this year. There was not a boring spot, making this an easy and quick read.

[Meekilovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was okay, not my favorite By this author.

[Courtney Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was very good. Didn’t exactly thought that was going to work out this way. It was a great book over all. If you like thriller/mystery books, then its a book for you

[Tina Varga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say this was a sad story! It still fed the thrill seeker in me as I was guessing until the final reveal! If you like to be entertained, then what are you waiting for???

[Kelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told from the perspectives of Sarah and the spirit of her murdered twin brother, Mickey, A Sister’s Promise is a fast-paced thriller that keeps you guessing. I read this one in an afternoon and have really been enjoying Caine’s books lately.

Mickey’s perspective not only provides some comic relief, but also makes it easy to feel his frustration, fear, remorse, and the unbreakable bond between him and Sarah. As for Sarah, her determination to find out who murdered her brother jumps off of the pages. She doesn’t care what happens to her and continues to investigate, even when it starts to turn dangerous; all she cares about is keeping the promise she made to her brother. It was heartbreaking to see both of them struggle with trying to find out who murdered Mickey and why, while grappling with their own inner guilt.

The care that Sarah and Mickey had for one another was clearly captured, along with the silly nuances of the brother-sister bond, like being mad at your sibling for the stupid choices they made or making fun of how they act around their crush. I myself have 3 little brothers and a stepsister that’s the same age as me, so it was really easy to put myself in the shoes of the siblings, especially Sarah.

While I haven’t been in the exact same position as Sarah (thankfully!), it was kind of eerie how similar some aspects of our lives were, such as moving away for college while dealing with a sick mother, losing a mother in our mid-twenties, having a determined and investigative nature that can sometimes lead to trouble, and the bond I have with my siblings. I have no doubt in my mind I would go to the absolute ends of the world to find out who murdered my sibling, even if it led me down a dangerous road, and I’m sure many people with siblings feel the same way.

In true James Caine fashion, he drops little nuggets throughout that keep you guessing about who the murderer, or murderers, are. Several characters have a strong motive and even though you may guess at some point who the killer is, other suspects remain in your mind and it’s not truly confirmed until the end of the book.

Overall, this is another excellent James Caine book! It has a well-developed plot and offers a fresh take on an investigative thriller with Mickey’s POV in the afterlife. While there are some emotional parts, it was really well-balanced with heartwarming or funny parts thanks to some of Mickey’s comments and Melanie’s (the real star of the book, let’s be real) appearances.

Thank you to James Caine and BookSirens for this advanced reader copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joan]

Review of eBook

Sarah Roland finds slowly awakens to find herself in the trunk of a car. And now she has all the answers. But this isn’t at all what she’d expected to discover.

Sarah had returned to Pinewood Springs when her twin brother, Mickey, was murdered. Relentless in her efforts to uncover the truth about Mickey’s murder, she didn’t realize the danger she faced.

But who is watching Sarah? And what will happen when she closes in on the murderer?

=========

Told from both Sarah’s and Mickey’s points of view, the unfolding narrative is compelling and filled with unexpected twists and turns. Replete with grief, family drama, emotion, and mystery, the author keeps the reader guessing as Sarah stubbornly searches for answers. Well-defined, believable characters, a strong sense of place, and a clever use of “haunting” by the murdered brother all work together to keep readers engaged in the telling of this intriguing tale.

Short chapters keep the story moving along at an appropriate pace; Mickey’s self-deprecation provides some needed humor to offset the grimness of the murder and the resulting hunt for the murderer. In addition, the author establishes a connection between Sarah and Mickey that speaks to the unique bond between twins, strengthening the story and keeping those pages turning as fast as possible. The result is a story that is emotional, suspenseful, and, at the same time, heart-wrenching.

Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers will find much to appreciate in this unputdownable book that reaches a denouement many will not see coming.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Monica Mil-Homens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opinião: Um Thriller doméstico com bastante drama familiar que não desilude. Através de múltiplos pontos de vista, conhecemos a estória de dois irmãos gémeos que infelizmente foram separados por um destino muito cruel. Sarah e Mickey sempre tiveram uma ligação muito próxima até Sarah ter tido para Toronto estudar e Mickey ter ficado para trás com a mãe de ambos em estado terminal. Mickey não aguentou tudo o que aconteceu e infelizmente acabou por se perder no mundo das drogas, acabando mesmo por perder a vida. Estive o livro todo a criar teorias de quem poderia ter morto Mickey sendo que ele tinha bastantes pessoas que não gostavam muito dele, mas nada me preparou para quem efetivamente o fez. É uma estória de luto, de ligação fraterna além da morte e acima de tudo de uma irmã que só quer descobrir quem lhe matou o irmão gémeo. Gostei muito da forma como a estória é conduzida e as personagens são interessantes e o ponto de vista do Mickey dá um gostinho especial à narrativa. Adorei a “irmã” emprestada deles. Que menina mais querida!

ENG Review: A domestic thriller with plenty of family drama that doesn't disappoint. Through multiple POV, we learn the story of two twin brothers who were unfortunately separated by a very cruel fate. Sarah and Mickey always had a very close bond until Sarah went to Toronto to study and Mickey stayed behind with their terminally ill mother. Mickey couldn't handle everything that happened and unfortunately he ended up getting lost to the world of drugs, even ending up losing his life. I spent the entire book creating theories about who could have killed Mickey since he had a lot of people who didn't like him very much, but nothing prepared me for who actually did it. It's a story of mourning, of fraternal bonding beyond death and above all a story of a sister who just wants to find out who killed her twin brother. I really liked the way the story is conducted and the characters are interesting and Mickey's POV gives a special flavor to the narrative. I loved their borrowed “sister.” What a sweet girl!
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