After taking in her estranged niece, a woman fears for her family’s lives in a domestic thriller by Reese’s Book Club pick author of The Last Mrs. Parrish.
Things have been different since Serena came to stay . . .
Ashley Bowers is shocked by the sudden death of her sister, whom she hasn’t seen or heard from in years. Grieving for the bond they once shared and wallowing in the knowledge that any chance of reconciliation is gone forever is one thing. Welcoming her sister’s thirteen-year-old daughter—a girl Ashley has never even met—into the home she shares with her husband and two children is another.
Ashley hopes Serena will blend in seamlessly with her family and their peaceful life in Maryland once they’ve both had a chance to process their loss. But as days become weeks, personalities clash and troubling incidents turn the Bowers residence into a whirlwind of accusation, denial, and fear.
It starts missing items, the dog inexplicably locked outside all night. But when the safety of her own children is threatened, Ashley starts to wonder if the tragedies in Serena’s past are unfortunate coincidences or something more sinister. Is Ashley’s orphaned niece simply acting out after the tragic passing of both her parents? Or is something far more dangerous going on under her own roof?
Dark secrets and unexpected twists will keep you guessing until the very end in My Sister’s Daughter, a captivating thriller that undoes puzzles of the past from New York Times–bestselling author Liv Constantine.
Liv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine. Lynne and Valerie are New York Times and international bestselling authors with over two million copies sold worldwide. Their books have been translated into 29 languages, are available in 34 countries, and are in development for both television and film. Their books have been praised by The Washington Post, USA Today, The Sunday Times, People Magazine, and Good Morning America, among many others. Their debut novel, THE LAST MRS. PARRISH, is a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection. Visit Liv at www.livconstantine.com
This novella was an enjoyable, entertaining read that can easily be read in one sitting. I always love and know that anything I read by these authors is going to be a hit!
Ashley Bowers has been estranged from her sister for 13 years. One day she gets a phone call that her sister, Courtney, has died, leaving her niece that she has never met an orphan. Ashley decides to bring her niece, Serena, home to live with her and the rest of her family.
Once Serena is settled in Ashley’s home, very strange and vindictive things start to happen. Personal property is destroyed, and the family dog is left outside all night. Are these happenings coincidence, or is Serena really sinister? And did Serena’s parents both really die by accident?
If you want to find out more about Serena and Ashley’s family, then I highly suggest reading this short story! This is a fast read that had a nice little twist at the end. :)
If you’re looking for a quick novella that will hold your attention look no further.
Ashley’s estranged sister has unexpectedly died leaving her orphaned daughter, Serena, in her care . Suddenly, Ashley‘s house is turned upside down as Serena and Ashley’s similarly aged daughter, Luna, are at each other’s throats. Malicious things start happening, but who is responsible? The best part of this book is it easily could have been done by anybody and the feeling of dread culminates as each thing becomes worse. I will admit the ending was definitely a bit of an eye roll BUT it did catch me off guard so that is certainly a plus.
It proved to be a quick and satisfying, albeit an eye rolling ending, novella.
some parts of it i was like mehhh this would never happen (breaking hipaa), but i mean dang, for the most part, i did not see the ending coming like zooweemama
Liv Constantine's latest psychological thriller, "My Sister's Daughter," delves deep into the complexities of family relationships, trust, and the haunting effects of past trauma. The story follows Ashley Bowers, who takes in her thirteen-year-old niece Serena following the tragic death of her estranged sister Courtney. What begins as an act of familial duty quickly spirals into a suspenseful narrative filled with mounting tension and disturbing events that threaten to tear Ashley's family apart.
The author skillfully weaves together multiple layers of deception, creating a narrative that keeps readers questioning everyone's motives until the very end. Constantine's signature style, evident in her previous works like "The Last Mrs. Parrish," shines through in this taut domestic thriller that examines the devastating impact of secrets and lies within a family unit.
Plot and Narrative Structure
The story unfolds primarily through Ashley's perspective, allowing readers to experience her growing paranoia and conflicting emotions as strange incidents begin occurring in her home. Constantine masterfully builds tension through a series of escalating events - from missing items and damaged possessions to more serious safety concerns involving Ashley's children.
The pacing is deliberate and effective, with each chapter adding new layers of complexity to the mystery. The author expertly plants seeds of doubt about various characters, leading readers to constantly shift their suspicions between Serena, Luna (Ashley's daughter), and even Ashley herself.
Character Development
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its nuanced character portrayals:
- Ashley: A complex protagonist whose desire to make amends for past family rifts conflicts with her protective maternal instincts - Serena: A remarkably well-drawn teenage character whose true nature remains enigmatic throughout most of the narrative - Elliott: Ashley's husband, whose evolving role in the story provides some of the most shocking revelations - Luna: A realistically portrayed pre-teen dealing with the upheaval of family dynamics Psychological Elements and Themes
Constantine demonstrates a keen understanding of family psychology and trauma, exploring themes such as:
- The lasting impact of childhood experiences - The complex dynamics between siblings and cousins - The devastating effects of gaslighting and manipulation - The lengths parents will go to protect their children - The nature of truth and perception in family relationships
Writing Style and Technical Execution
The author's prose is clean and efficient, serving the story without drawing attention to itself. The dialogue rings true, particularly in the interactions between the teenage characters. Constantine shows particular skill in maintaining suspense through careful revelation of information and strategic use of unreliable narration.
Critical Analysis
Strengths:
- Masterful plot construction with well-placed twists - Complex, believable character relationships - Effective build-up of tension and suspense - Strong exploration of family dynamics - Satisfying resolution that ties together multiple plot threads
Areas for Improvement:
- Some secondary characters could have been more fully developed - Certain plot points rely heavily on coincidence - A few scenes stretch credibility in service of the plot - The pacing occasionally slows in the middle section - Some readers might find the final revelations overwhelming
Impact and Resonance
What sets "My Sister's Daughter" apart from similar domestic thrillers is its deep exploration of family bonds and betrayal. The book raises thought-provoking questions about nature versus nurture, the impact of childhood trauma, and the sometimes devastating consequences of family secrets.
Final Verdict
"My Sister's Daughter" is a compelling psychological thriller that successfully combines elements of domestic noir with family drama. While not without its flaws, the novel's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, delivering a satisfying reading experience that will keep readers engaged until the final page.
A compelling novella by one of my favorite authors. After the death of her sister, Ashely takes in her niece Serena, and unsettling things begin to happen at home. Are these coincidences, or is Serena responsible for these disturbing acts? The plot seemed familiar, but the twist at the end was one I did not see coming!
4.5 ⭐️ | I love Liv Constantine and this one did not disappoint! The story follows Ashley, who receives a devastating phone call, informing her that her estranged sister is dead. Leaving behind a teenage daughter, Ashley is now faced with the task of raising her niece that she has never met. When Serena arrives, odd things begin to occur! Could Serena be up to no good, or are there far more sinister things going on? Highly recommend with a twist you won’t see coming.
As an avid thriller reader I enjoy all kinds of twisty tropes and themes but one I don’t always gravitate to is the “creepy kid” trope. It honestly kind of freaks me out haha! But this was a solid audiobook. Unreliable characters , shady family drama , “accidental” deaths you know the usual in a thriller. Very fast paced and a good palette cleanser if you’re looking for something easy to help toward your reading goal for the year!
After the sudden death of her sister a woman named Ashley takes in her thirteen year old niece who is now an orphan. As soon as Ashley’s niece comes aboard her house strange things start happening to Ashley’s children and everyone else around them. A sweet thirteen year old can’t be as sinister as she seems? Maybe it’s just a coincidence and she’s dealing with grief in her own way?
This book is one of those captivating reads that will keep you guessing about everything and everyone! I absolutely love this author, though I often find myself completely off track with my guesses. Regardless, I savor the experience each time I dive in.
Ashley Bowers is shocked by her sister's sudden death and the arrival of her niece, Serena, whom she has never met. As Serena settles into their Maryland home, unsettling incidents occur, raising concerns for Ashley's children's safety. Dark secrets and unexpected twists lead Ashley to question whether Serena's troubled past is more than mere coincidence, creating tension in their once-peaceful family life.
Ashley is a likable and relatable character who suddenly finds herself in a difficult situation. It’s not something we typically think about—taking care of someone else’s child—but accidents can happen, and life can change in an instant. Ashley does her best to make Serena feel like part of the family right from the start. The transition is not only tough on the entire family but on Serena as well. It’s hard to fathom how to cope with grief and such profound loss at such a young age. I can’t imagine what Serena is going through.
As the story unfolds, a series of peculiar events takes place, and I find myself suspicious of everyone involved. I appreciated how the author skillfully drops hints designed to mislead you. The author doesn't reveal the truth until the very end. So, buckle up and be patient; you’ll discover more as this short read progresses.
This book is perfect for anyone experiencing a reading slump and in need of a push to pick up a book again. If you love suspense and enjoy playing detective, this story is definitely for you, as the puzzle is not easily solved. I was completely taken by surprise by the ending and the main twist—I couldn't believe how clever it was! Were you able to come close with your guesses?
Not sure what to say... there were a lot of issues here... from how the mother is doubting her own daughter and puts all the trust in an absolute stranger...to the jumping around that no you are guilty, no you are guilty.... But the worse was the ending. Which is very typical for a lot of psychological thrillers (completely unbelievable, rushed, far-fetched, ridiculous) but just because it happens often doesn't mean it makes it any better.
Whoa. Such a short read, but full of shocking twists and secrets. I loved it.
This really gets your head in gear. The suspense and mystery were placed exactly where they needed to be. The characters were shady and suspicious—I even thought this was another case of unreliable narrators flipping the narrative. But yes, you’ll have to read it to find out.
Overall, I really liked this one. It packed a punch despite its length. Nice one, Liv!
Is MY SISTER’S DAUGHTER a bad seed? Did she kill her parents? Is she sabotaging her aunt’s family? Is she a victim of circumstance based on her mother’s instability? My opinion change with each new twist and turn and I ended up missing the most glaring clue.
The sisters Constantine have yet to disappoint me.
My gosh does the Liv Constantine duo know how to make my jaw DROP . They just master the ability of making amazing characters that make you rage inside! The twists were supreme . Loved this so much!!
This was a solid novella. For it being 112 pages, I found the “twist” to be relatively thrilling. There were some typos, which always takes away from the reading experience for me. I would still recommend if you enjoyed The Push by Ashley Audrain, or are looking for a super short, thrilling read!
My first time reading Liv Constantine and I wasn’t impressed by this short novella. Usually I love a creepy kid thriller but this one was entirely too predictable.
My Sister’s Keeper was a fast-paced and entertaining audiobook. I enjoyed Liv Constantine’s writing. I’m still not able to tell who is writing without reading the Author’s Note, but I enjoy stories by both of them. This team knows how to craft a suspenseful story that keeps you guessing.
While it leaned more toward suspense than a full-blown thriller, the plot held my attention the entire time. The use of unreliable narrators added a layer of mystery that kept me second-guessing everyone’s motives. I thought I had it all figured out, but I was completely wrong about the culprit. And the ending genuinely surprised me. My assumptions were all wrong.
Overall, this was a quick and engaging listen, perfect for anyone in the mood for a twisty, binge-worthy story.
Books and Authors mentioned: Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½⚽️💄
My thoughts:🔖Page 88 of 112 CHAPTER TWENTY - It's okay, I'm just waiting for the punchline, only stopping for my appointment.
What I don't like about Liv Constantine's novellas is you suspect but rarely know for sure if they are written by Lynne and Valerie together or Lynne solo until they tell you in the About the Author. I personally would prefer if it just said Lynne Constantine, I would still read it. The stories that Lynne writes have a different vibe than the ones she writes with her sister and I think it's confusing to fans as they won't know if Liv means 2 authors or 1 author. I think if I had known this was written by Lynne, although I suspected early on based on the vibe, my expectations would have been different. The story was OK, I guess one of the reveals in this story because of the hotel key everything that happened in the last few chapters I was surprised by but I didn't feel like the climax was that steep, this felt more like a suspense to me, but it did keep my attention from start to finish.
Recommend to others: Yes, this is a quick suspenseful read.
This is a review of the ebook and audiobook. The audiobook is performed by Suzanne Elise Freeman.
Wow. I enjoyed this thriller so much!
Ashley finds out that her sister has died. She brings her 13 year old niece to live with her family. But Serena and her 12 year old daughter Luna do not get along. Bad things start opening and Ashley tries to figure out which girl is responsible.
This is a novella. However it felt like a full length book. I was completely riveted and could not put this book down.
Suzanne Elise Freeman was very good as Ashley. I really enjoyed listening to her performance.
Overall the end was full of amazing reveals. I absolutely loved this novella!