Sisters Arcana: A Thriller

by Saleema Ishq

Can she trust the cards…or anyone?

Reclusive mathematician Aisha Wren has her life planned down to the minute. Her days are organized, predictable, and, above all, safe. But when a series of tarot cards accompanied by deeply personal messages arrive at her doorstep, her regimented life is thrown into chaos.

Unsettled by the invasion of her privacy, Aisha reluctantly reaches out to the only person who might know how to interpret the cards: her estranged sister and popular spiritual Instagram influencer, Lulu.

As the two sisters navigate their strained relationship and work to decode the tarot messages, a childhood tragedy resurfaces. But with the truth wrapped in secrets, Aisha doesn’t know who to count on — and something’s not adding up.

Mental health meets the esoteric world of tarot in Sisters Arcana, a psychological thriller that explores sisterhood, grief, and the path to self-trust.

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For fans of intense, character-driven suspense like Ruth Ware, Tana French, and Stacy Willingham, Sisters Arcana is a must-read that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last.

Genres: Thriller

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2024

About the author

Saleema Ishq writes pulse-racing thrillers inspired by her own deep fears.

Reviews

[Alishia Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

First & Foremost - thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If you’re in the mood for some reunited family, trauma, mystery, and tarot - this is the mood read for you. I loved the relationship between the “sissies” and the mental health representation for OCD. It was a fast paced read, finished in two small sessions. Could it have been a tiny bit more detailed? Absolutely. But it was still a perfect fall read.

[Andrew GottWorth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful read! It was so hard to put down. I kept wanting to read what happens next! It was also so lovely to read about OCD in a real way. I’m so thankful for it to be treated accurately and carefully.

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Sisters Arcana by Saleema Ishq is a horror novel about family, about mental health, and about revenge.

First, let me thank NetGalley, Fearless Phrases Publishing, and the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

  
My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Aisha Wren is agoraphobic, and then there is the OCD.  But she is safe as long as she follows her rules.  

Aisha is a mathematician.  Math has rules, and Aisha loves rules.  She is organized.  Her life is highly regimented, and she is okay.

The day she receives a tarot card in the mail...the hanged man, is the day when she realizes she must get in touch with her estranged sister Lulu.  She is a popular spiritual advisor on Instagram, and has many podcasts regarding the tarot.   Unexpectedly, Lulu insists on visiting, a phone call will not suffice.  But along with Lulu,  surprises continue to surface, and Aisha will soon have to confront her past, and step far outside her comfort zone.


My Opinions:
First, I hate when publishers compare a new author to the likes of Ruth Ware and Tana French.  That is so unfair to the author, who really can't compete with the well-known bestsellers.       

Going back and forth in different time-lines, we discovered what was happening now, and what happened in Aisha's childhood that had such an impact on her life today.

This book delves deep into both OCD and agoraphobia.  Apparently the author speaks from experience, and these illnesses were portrayed honestly, and with depth.  Another topic this book handled very well was family, and all the ups and downs of being sisters.  Secrets, trust, grief, and revenge all made an appearance in this book, and all were handled well.

I loved and felt empathy for Aisha.  She discovered she was much stronger than she thought.  Great character!

Just as I thought the book might come to an end, there was a major twist.  I loved it.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.

 

For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

 

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters Arcana is an unputdownable psychological thriller that had me hooked from the first page. The alternating timelines are so well done, it’s almost magical—capturing the same essence of a character as a child and then as an adult grappling with trauma. Aisha's story was hauntingly and emotionally real. Saleema Ishq's debut is so compelling, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. If you’re looking for a thriller that stays with you long after you’ve finished, this is it.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

i was given this book to read at the suggestion of a friend and i’m so glad i did. i grew up in new mexico and loved the setting of sisters and childhood friends running wild in the new mexican summer. the time jumps are balanced well in a way that builds suspense & most importantly, the author wrote the main character’s OCD in such an intentional and meaningful way. i loved all of the pieces slowly coming together, and definitely recommend reading the bonus chapter.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very relatable to someone like me with anxiety even though it's technically a thriller. Not only does our protagonist have to solve a mystery of sorts, but she has to go back into her past memories of childhood trauma and face her persistent anxiety and OCD while doing so. I felt so close to the protagonist whenever she mentioned anything to do with her anxiety like not being able to leave her house because I deal with the same thing, just not on that extreme of a level. The story really hit home with me, less of the thriller part and more of how the protagonist deals with every day life. Highly recommend for anyone who deals with anxiety and/or OCD because there are a few words of encouragement peppered throughout and a few eye opening statements too.

Thank you to Netgalley and Fearless Phrases Publishing for this eARC.

[Gina R. Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Saleema Ishq breaks the mold of the thriller genre in her debut novel, Sisters Arcana, with rich observations on mental health, grief, and sisterhood. I was immediately intrigued by the title and cover--I love tarot--but the character development was what really hooked me. Aisha is so well-rounded as a protagonist. Readers observe her transformation from a fiesty preteen to the woman she is now--struggling with OCD and living a very regimented lifestyle. Every chapter leaves you with a cliffhanger; Saleema has mastered the art of pacing and grabbing the reader's attention.
I'm so excited to see what Saleema will publish next. I've found a new auto-buy author!!!

[Shanna Jarrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining read addressing mental health issues and family problems in a thoughtful way. I felt the resolution of the mystery side-plot was somewhat anticlimactic and oddly plotted. A promising debut overall and I look forward to her next book.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the blurb for this book, it really got my attention and was intrigued with the involvement of tarot cards.The book cover also drew my attention 😍 I was actually kindly gifted an advanced e-copy of the book by the author and I was very grateful so thank you!

This was a very well written debut novel thriller and I really enjoyed reading this. Chapters were short so it made me go through the book pretty fast. It was gripping throughout the entire book and it had me thinking who in the world is constantly sending those anonymous tarot cards to Aisha! Not until the end, where I got to the plot twist and I gasped! Marie really gave off the creepy vibes.

I liked how the author has addressed a mental health condition of OCD for Aisha. It just shows the kind of trauma she had gone through in her childhood and as the mathematician she is, she counts numbers in order to calm herself down. I also loved how she managed to over come that obstacle in stepping out the house after so long! It’s the transition where it seemed she had gained the confidence.

If you fancy a psychological thriller that involves tarot cards, then I would highly recommend this

[Steph at Witch Wednesdays · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me just at the tarot cards, but I ended up fully enjoying the ride. The MC with anxiety and OCD is written so perfectly, the reader is really able to understand the struggles and it lends to the overall anxious feeling of the mystery thriller plot line.

We have dual timeline here, and the MC's childhood perspective is actually written so childlike, I was impressed. And it was great to be able to see the progression of that child and the trauma she went through to turn her into the anxious adult. Between the two timelines we're thrown a few red herrings that kept me guessing, but I think regular readers of the genre might have picked up the ending before I finally did.

The MC's sisters are insanely frustrating characters though, it was tough to connect with them and understand why the MC would bother to attempt relationships with them. It works for the story but in real life I'd want to tell her to run from toxic family.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time and recommend the read!

[Danielle Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

SISTERS ARCANA is an unputdownable thriller and a beautiful debut novel. Aisha—whose OCD has affected her life in innumerable ways—feels most comfortable and safe when her routine goes unchanged. But when envelopes containing tarot cards with cryptic messages begin showing up at her doorstep, her life and routine are upended, and she must dig into her past trauma to solve the mystery... before it's too late. Aisha is an incredibly nuanced protagonist, and author Saleema Ishq has painted an honest portrait of what the realities of OCD may look like for an individual. The topic is handled with real care, which I so appreciated. Ishq also writes about the complicated, unique relationships between sisters with real care. Twists, turns, and characters I truly cared for? SISTERS ARCANA is not to be missed.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although a little slow to start (I found the first couple of chapters very boring, but I'm glad I stuck with it), the story of Aisha struggling with anxiety and OCD after a traumatic event in her childhood, was very well thought through and written. I enjoyed the character building throughout the story, and I enjoyed all the happenings coming together. I did work out who the antagonist was about halfway through the book, but it was still surprising for me.

[Kara Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters Arcana was a fast-paced read that hooked me with its '90s nostalgia and the irresistible need to know more. It gave me that comforting yet unsettling feeling all readers truly love in a thriller. For those of us who have ever suffered from or loved anyone who has suffered mental health disorders, the themes in this novel hit close to home in a good way. I couldn't recommend this book more if you are looking for a very unique thriller read!

[Jamie Leggett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this easy read! I couldn’t guess the plot and there are a lot of twist! Definitely check out the extra chapter 😭😭

[Rosina · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was really entertaining.
the portrayal of OCD is really well done and severely appreciated, especially seeing a main character being fully and honestly represented with OCD. It is something I haven’t seen before and felt very thankful to read.
the mystery was really fun, with hidden mysteries within a hidden mystery. The back and forth between now and then was written well too and it was overall fun!

[Sjmaaranen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters Arcana is outside of my usual genre, but I absolutely loved it! It’s a genuine page-turner and paints an uncannily accurate picture of childhood in New Mexico. I also really appreciated the dive into OCD and the different ways it’s experienced. It made this a fun read that also expands one’s world view.

[Jamie Kempke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sisters Arcana is listed as a psychological thriller but is mostly based on the story of one sisters trauma. I would definitely not classify this as a psychological thriller, and unfortunately, it fell flat for me.

[P.M. Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED 🥰 this book! First, because it takes place in Albuquerque 🙌 (where I live) and it was great to read something that felt familiar to my senses. Second, the mental health representation was totally on point. Saleema used her own experience with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) to bring to light 💡 what it means to live with and navigate OCD. It was real, authentic, and beautiful. I enjoyed the relationship between the sisters and friends, and the plot kept me on the edge till the end! Highly recommended! Lastly, I have personally gotten to know Saleema (she’s a fellow ABQ indie author) and she is so kind, warm and supportive 💕❤️💕 I am truly thankful for our new friendship!

[Ayanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t really sure what to expect from a tarot themed thriller but it wasn’t what I had hoped it would be. 3.5/5

The tarot theme could’ve been more intriguing and less cliche and it bothered me that the main character was as hung up on some of the cards as she was since readings (and more so if you’re just looking at cards that were mysteriously left for you) are so open to interpretation and mean different things based on positioning and really just being sent tarot cards as a weird intimidation tactic felt really cheesy and not scary to me.

The ocd representation is always really good to see in books written by authors who understand it so Aisha’s struggles to cope with the death of her childhood friend resulting in a coping mechanism of multiplying in her head, a very serious case of agoraphobia, and having an incredibly well crafted daily schedule with ritual days felt very true for her experience!

I wish there was more detail in Kayla’s death but I understand why it was written the way that it was, I think that including the bonus chapter from Kayla’s perspective is brilliant and I cannot wait to read that in hopes of finding those extra details I was waiting for.

Overall it was an interesting read! The tarot scare tactic worked for the main character but was not my favorite thing to read and that’s okay! I do wish the chapter before the epilogue had a little more substance because of the motive and everything had been some huge grand reveal.

[Michalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters Arcana brought me down memory lane as a millennial who adored all the '90s references, mystical whimsy, and the sisterhood in this book will melt your heart! This book also opened my eyes to what it's like to live with OCD, which is something I never fully understood until now, because the main character, Aisha, has to navigate life with this condition while dealing with supernatural mysteries.

The author does an incredible job of weaving together thriller elements with deep emotional storytelling. The bond between the sisters feels authentic and powerful, and you can't help but root for them throughout their journey. What struck me most was how sensitively the OCD representation was handled; it never felt like a plot device but rather an integral part of Aisha's character that added depth and realism to the story.

The pacing kept me engaged from start to finish, and the supernatural elements were perfectly balanced with the psychological thriller aspects.

This is definitely a book that will stay with me, both for its thrilling plot and its meaningful representation of mental health. Highly recommend for anyone who loves character-driven thrillers with heart!

[Ania Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is a debut novel. It's so freaking good.

You say "tarot," and I'm already getting chills. Not Aisha - she's grounded in math and finds peace in multiplication tables. That's about where the peace ends. When she finds a red envelope stuck in her door, she finds herself drawn in all the questions she REALLY doesn't want to answer: who is sending these? Who is watching her? When can she just get back to her normal life?

I just loved this book - and I wouldn't say I'm normally a "thriller" reader. Ishq is such a talented writer. You'll find yourself rubbing the goosebumps on your arms while also wrapping your arms around the childhood you who remembers the 1990s life.

Usually, a book that goes back and forth between THEN and NOW can pause the reader's momentum and make it hard to get back into; not Sisters Arcana! Somehow, magically, Ishq marries the two timelines in a way that feels seamless, keeps the pages turning, and makes you go "Oh! Oh.. Ohhhh..."

Sign me up to read whatever Saleema Ishq writes.

[L McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find a cozy spot, curl up with a tasty beverage, make room on your lap for a four-legged pal, and prepare for reading this spectacular debut novel in ONE sitting. This fast-paced, immersive thriller follows a woman who finds herself faced with a choice to either maintain her safe coping constructs or push beyond them to find out who is leaving mysterious tarot cards on her doorstep. I felt instant empathy for the main character, Aisha--the author seamlessly pulled me into Aisha's mind with all of its intelligence and pain--which was further curated by the skillfully woven swaps between the NOW and THEN chapters. The author's reveals and final twist are shivery delights. Even if you don't normally read thrillers, Sisters Arcana is one of those books that transcends its genre. Kudos to the author for the sensitive and relatable coverage of a character struggling with her mental health. Everything about this book is sublime.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sisters Arcana by Saleema Ishq is a solid thriller that focuses on unresolved trauma and mental illness. It is a very quick and intriguing story about an agoraphobic who starts to receive strange messages in the form of tarot cards. These cards force her to come to terms with her past and with her declining mental health. I like the story and the characters but the mystery was really an after-thought. The story was mostly about Aisha learning to deal with her past trauma and less about a mystery to solve.

Thanks to NetGalley and Fearless Phrases Publishing for the advanced copy. The opinions are my own.

[Lili Raphaelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel packs a punch both in its exploration of intent versus impact in family dynamics and its excellent representation of agoraphobia and OCD. It’s a very ‘sensory’ read which I enjoyed immensely. Juxtaposed timelines are utilized to great effect, too - and that's not easy to pull off. This is not typically my genre, but I was drawn in by the cover and stayed for the storyline. There are several poignant moments across the board, and I would recommend this novel to anyone who loves reading about relationships between sisters and appreciates fast pacing. The cherry on the cake is the surprise at the end - but I won’t spoil that!

[Dita Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aisha’s journey from rigid control to unraveling secrets through cryptic tarot cards is both gripping and emotionally resonant. The strained but evolving relationship between Aisha and Lulu adds depth and heart, while the mystery keeps you guessing. With its unique mix of mental health themes, family dynamics, and esoteric intrigue, this book is a thought-provoking and suspenseful read that lingers long after the final page.

[Mica Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced and engaging read, I finished this in just a few days! I really enjoyed the sister's story and the author's attention to detail on the OCD and agoraphobia traits. This was a unique psychological thriller and I enjoyed the tarot cards that would surface, adding to the suspense of it all. I would find myself saying, I'm only going to read one more page, and then would get to the end of the chapter and want to keep going! Loved this book and look forward to more from Saleema Ishq.

[Hayley Anderton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun little read! I loved the concept and though I would’ve liked a more complex mystery, the star of the show with this book is the set of characters and the sisterly love they shared. There was a small cast and they all felt very developed. Aisha’s mental health was also a huge factor to the story and the OCD representation was very well written. A solid story and a quick read!

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The back and forth story of “then” and “now” kept me interested and there was a surprising twist towards the end which helped the resolution. I do feel like the ending was a little too sudden and could’ve offered more information. Either way, a good read especially if you know or live in New Mexico!

[nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book that follows a FMC diagnosed with OCD. I was thoroughly engaged with the story that follows a group of sisters with a dual timeline. There were parts that kept me on edge and Saleema did a great job of building suspense.
Well done!

[Tyler]

dnfed - past/present dual povs are not for me unfortunately :(