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Anna Koray #2
The Sister's Curse
There’s something in the water in Bayern County…
When mysterious drownings plague her small town, a detective haunted by her serial killer father must uncover whether revenge, ancient legends, or something darker lurks beneath the surface.
Lieutenant Anna Koray thought she'd finally found solid ground and escaped her past as the daughter of a notorious serial killer. A loving boyfriend, a loyal dog, a life that almost feels normal—except darkness has a way of seeping in. When she saves a boy from drowning, the strange marks on his body tell a disturbing something in the depths tried to drag him under.
Days later, another victim surfaces with identical marks and Anna's instincts scream that these are no accidents. Both victims are connected to the Kings of Warsaw Creek—men of the town's wealthiest and most influential families. And they have enemies.
Others whisper that there are witches in Bayern County, seeking revenge for a long-ago murder. Perhaps it's the work of Vivian Carson, the enigmatic bartender who’s rumored to cast hexes on those who wrong her. Or maybe it’s a secret coven who’s been leaving serpentine symbols and skulls behind at the scenes of the drownings.
But Anna's investigation reveals an even more sinister something is stirring in the water, and it wants the Kings to pay.
With time running out and more victims appearing, Anna must separate superstition from truth. But in Bayern County, where legends and curses run deep as the water itself, one wrong step could drag her into the depths—this time for good.
When mysterious drownings plague her small town, a detective haunted by her serial killer father must uncover whether revenge, ancient legends, or something darker lurks beneath the surface.
Lieutenant Anna Koray thought she'd finally found solid ground and escaped her past as the daughter of a notorious serial killer. A loving boyfriend, a loyal dog, a life that almost feels normal—except darkness has a way of seeping in. When she saves a boy from drowning, the strange marks on his body tell a disturbing something in the depths tried to drag him under.
Days later, another victim surfaces with identical marks and Anna's instincts scream that these are no accidents. Both victims are connected to the Kings of Warsaw Creek—men of the town's wealthiest and most influential families. And they have enemies.
Others whisper that there are witches in Bayern County, seeking revenge for a long-ago murder. Perhaps it's the work of Vivian Carson, the enigmatic bartender who’s rumored to cast hexes on those who wrong her. Or maybe it’s a secret coven who’s been leaving serpentine symbols and skulls behind at the scenes of the drownings.
But Anna's investigation reveals an even more sinister something is stirring in the water, and it wants the Kings to pay.
With time running out and more victims appearing, Anna must separate superstition from truth. But in Bayern County, where legends and curses run deep as the water itself, one wrong step could drag her into the depths—this time for good.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published October 21, 2025
38 people are currently reading
12956 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Solvinic
2 books107 followersNicola Solvinic has a master's degree in criminology and has worked in and around criminal justice for more than a decade. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and cats, where she is surrounded by a secret garden full of beehives.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
October 27, 2025
The Sister's Curse is a brilliantly rendered, chilling paranormal thriller that hooked this reader the moment I cracked open the cover, refusing to let go even after I read the final page. Author Nicola Solvinic seamlessly blends folklore, magical realism, procedural crime, Gothic horror and domestic drama in this mesmerizing follow up psychological thriller to last year's critically acclaimed The Hunter's Daughter in which readers were introduced to protagonist Lt. Anna Koray, the daughter of a serial killer. I'll admit to being skeptical that the author could deliver another masterpiece like the first book, but I'm delighted to say she delivered in spades, raising the bar to another level. Clear your schedule and settle into your favorite reading spot before starting this one because it'll grab and hold you to the volatile end.
Lt. Anna Koray has settled in Bayern County, where legends, myths, and curses thrive. While Anna's still haunted by dark memories and nightmares of her serial killer father's final days, she's moving toward the light with a man she loves and her loyal dog by her side. All's good until the day she jumps in a lake to save a young boy who's drowning only to find herself fighting against an evil force that's sucking her and the boy under the water. When they finally escape, Anna is shocked at the strange marks on the boy's body as well as on her own. What evil lurks beneath the dark, swirling water? Was this an accident or is something more sinister brewing here? Days later, another victim is pulled from another lake with the same strange marks, leaving Anna's warning bells sounding. Something or someone is killing people in Bayern County. As it turns out, all the victims have a connection to a group of influential, wealthy men known as the Kings of Warsaw Creek. The same group of men who were accused, but not convicted, of being involved in the unsolved disappearance of a young girl years ago in which the sister vowed revenge. As the story unfolds, Anna is reminded she needs to tread carefully while conducting her investigation or suffer the consequences. With each new revelation, she’s drawn deeper into the darkness suffering extended periods of paranoia and illusions when she can't distinguish reality from dreams. What's happening to her? Is her biggest fear coming true? Has she inherited her father's evil traits? Is she truly her father's daughter?
Small town secrets and rumors abound in The Sister's Curse, a haunting tale that explores the age-old themes of nature vs. nurture and the life-altering effects of childhood trauma. Anna is a strong yet emotionally fragile protagonist who remains tormented by a deep-seated fear of inheriting her father's genes and propensity for ritualistic killing despite her vow to protect not harm. Her emotional psyche is tenuous at best as she's also scarred by her mother's accusations and abandonment and by vague memories surfacing about her mother's shadowy activities during periods of time when her father wasn't home. The story alternates between the present and flashbacks to Anna's childhood relayed through Anna's point of view. The well-timed pace steadily increases as the violence and Anna's hallucinations accelerate throughout the story, propelling an alarming tone of malice. A well-developed support cast muddies the water with a sordid range of possible villains, challenging readers to sift through the clues to solve the case and mystery. The Hunter's Daughter explored Anna's relationship with her father; The Sister's Curse takes a deep dive into her relationship with her mother both of which contribute to Anna's fractured psyche.
The Sister's Curse is a hauntingly beautiful, evocative masterpiece of magical realism that takes a closer look at the long-lasting, potentially deadly results of childhood trauma and family abandonment in an age-old battle of good vs. evil and men vs. women. Highly atmospheric, the tension ladened story immerses readers in a mystic world where witches cast curses, the darker side of man rears its' ugly head, and enraged women seek vengeance. Steeped in legends, myths, folklore and the supernatural, Lillie's lyrical prose and vivid imagery catapult this story to the next level. Highly recommended for fans of mystical realism, paranormal mysteries, and dark thrillers.
A big thanks you to Berkley for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed are my own. This review was published first in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
Lt. Anna Koray has settled in Bayern County, where legends, myths, and curses thrive. While Anna's still haunted by dark memories and nightmares of her serial killer father's final days, she's moving toward the light with a man she loves and her loyal dog by her side. All's good until the day she jumps in a lake to save a young boy who's drowning only to find herself fighting against an evil force that's sucking her and the boy under the water. When they finally escape, Anna is shocked at the strange marks on the boy's body as well as on her own. What evil lurks beneath the dark, swirling water? Was this an accident or is something more sinister brewing here? Days later, another victim is pulled from another lake with the same strange marks, leaving Anna's warning bells sounding. Something or someone is killing people in Bayern County. As it turns out, all the victims have a connection to a group of influential, wealthy men known as the Kings of Warsaw Creek. The same group of men who were accused, but not convicted, of being involved in the unsolved disappearance of a young girl years ago in which the sister vowed revenge. As the story unfolds, Anna is reminded she needs to tread carefully while conducting her investigation or suffer the consequences. With each new revelation, she’s drawn deeper into the darkness suffering extended periods of paranoia and illusions when she can't distinguish reality from dreams. What's happening to her? Is her biggest fear coming true? Has she inherited her father's evil traits? Is she truly her father's daughter?
Small town secrets and rumors abound in The Sister's Curse, a haunting tale that explores the age-old themes of nature vs. nurture and the life-altering effects of childhood trauma. Anna is a strong yet emotionally fragile protagonist who remains tormented by a deep-seated fear of inheriting her father's genes and propensity for ritualistic killing despite her vow to protect not harm. Her emotional psyche is tenuous at best as she's also scarred by her mother's accusations and abandonment and by vague memories surfacing about her mother's shadowy activities during periods of time when her father wasn't home. The story alternates between the present and flashbacks to Anna's childhood relayed through Anna's point of view. The well-timed pace steadily increases as the violence and Anna's hallucinations accelerate throughout the story, propelling an alarming tone of malice. A well-developed support cast muddies the water with a sordid range of possible villains, challenging readers to sift through the clues to solve the case and mystery. The Hunter's Daughter explored Anna's relationship with her father; The Sister's Curse takes a deep dive into her relationship with her mother both of which contribute to Anna's fractured psyche.
The Sister's Curse is a hauntingly beautiful, evocative masterpiece of magical realism that takes a closer look at the long-lasting, potentially deadly results of childhood trauma and family abandonment in an age-old battle of good vs. evil and men vs. women. Highly atmospheric, the tension ladened story immerses readers in a mystic world where witches cast curses, the darker side of man rears its' ugly head, and enraged women seek vengeance. Steeped in legends, myths, folklore and the supernatural, Lillie's lyrical prose and vivid imagery catapult this story to the next level. Highly recommended for fans of mystical realism, paranormal mysteries, and dark thrillers.
A big thanks you to Berkley for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed are my own. This review was published first in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.
July 22, 2025
2.5 to 3 stars Thank you to BookBrowse for the chance to read and review this ARC. Publishes October 21, 2025
Immersed in supernatural events, a young police woman, Anna Koray, tries to unwind many mysteries. Both past and present problems plague her. Coming from a very dysfunctional family she finds current solace with her boyfriend Nick and her dog Gibby. However she is totally alone when the Rusalka takes over her body!
I did not realize this was the second book of a duology. I have not read book number one The Hunter's Daughter - which would probably have made a difference and brought me into the present in this book. I thought that the writing was good in this book, although it meandered quite a bit, and since I am really not much into mythology or curses or the mystic theme that this book follows - author 4 stars, book content 2 stars.
Immersed in supernatural events, a young police woman, Anna Koray, tries to unwind many mysteries. Both past and present problems plague her. Coming from a very dysfunctional family she finds current solace with her boyfriend Nick and her dog Gibby. However she is totally alone when the Rusalka takes over her body!
I did not realize this was the second book of a duology. I have not read book number one The Hunter's Daughter - which would probably have made a difference and brought me into the present in this book. I thought that the writing was good in this book, although it meandered quite a bit, and since I am really not much into mythology or curses or the mystic theme that this book follows - author 4 stars, book content 2 stars.
August 24, 2025
This is #2 in a supernatural mystery series involving Anna Korey, a cop whose father was a notorious serial killer. This installment involves a cold case and its potential connections to current violent crimes. The fact that the law enforcement community still doesn't know about Anna's dad adds a level of suspense, and the addition of Slavic folklore adds atmosphere and a lite horror element.
Just a really fun series. If Ms. Solvinic continues writing these books, I will keep reading them.
I read an early digital review copy that I received from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you so much, Berkley Publishing!
Just a really fun series. If Ms. Solvinic continues writing these books, I will keep reading them.
I read an early digital review copy that I received from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you so much, Berkley Publishing!
July 8, 2025
Thriller/horror meets Slavic Folklore. Exquisite.
The only downside is that I (like many I see) wasn't aware this was a sequel until afterwards. But that's ok, I'll look up book 1 later because I think it will be worth it.
Nicola Solvinic is an incredibly descriptive writer and it brought me right into the story.
Despite feeling like I've missed a bit of background this is a quick paced read packed full of suspense.
The only downside is that I (like many I see) wasn't aware this was a sequel until afterwards. But that's ok, I'll look up book 1 later because I think it will be worth it.
Nicola Solvinic is an incredibly descriptive writer and it brought me right into the story.
Despite feeling like I've missed a bit of background this is a quick paced read packed full of suspense.
October 27, 2025
I wish it had been a bit more clear on NetGalley that this was the second book in the series. While you can read it as a stand alone, there is a lot of information and context referred to that I would’ve known by reading the first book.
This supernatural mystery was intense, with water being integral to the plot. I loved the descriptions of the ponds, marshes, forests, and river. You felt like you were in the story as events and the body count amped up.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Berkley Publishing Group for a copy!
This supernatural mystery was intense, with water being integral to the plot. I loved the descriptions of the ponds, marshes, forests, and river. You felt like you were in the story as events and the body count amped up.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Berkley Publishing Group for a copy!
June 14, 2025
I enjoyed this faced paced horror. The elements of the supernatural were engrossing. The FMC was a mixture of morally grey and conflicted. The story was atmospheric and the descriptive writing style made the eeriness more prevalent. The plot was original and I felt the story was suspenseful.
I do suggest you read The Hunter's Daughter first, as that story contains important backstop for the FMC and her parents. There were things mentioned or alluded to that I felt, having not read the first book, took away from the story foundation.
I do suggest you read The Hunter's Daughter first, as that story contains important backstop for the FMC and her parents. There were things mentioned or alluded to that I felt, having not read the first book, took away from the story foundation.
October 23, 2025
The Hunter's Daughter was one of my top 10 of last year, so I was beyond thrilled to get to this one.
I really like being in Anna's head. She wants to be "good" so badly and it's quite a juxtaposition between her history and her job. This entry has several groups of characters, but it was easy to keep everything separated.
Plot wise, it was good. There are a good amount of moving parts, plus Anna is dealing with more memory flashbacks, so at times it did feel like a lot. There were a few things I didn't see coming and a wildly satisfying ending. It ends on an interesting note and I'm hoping there will be more books in the series.
Overall, Nicola has me forever. As long as she's writing, I'm reading.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I really like being in Anna's head. She wants to be "good" so badly and it's quite a juxtaposition between her history and her job. This entry has several groups of characters, but it was easy to keep everything separated.
Plot wise, it was good. There are a good amount of moving parts, plus Anna is dealing with more memory flashbacks, so at times it did feel like a lot. There were a few things I didn't see coming and a wildly satisfying ending. It ends on an interesting note and I'm hoping there will be more books in the series.
Overall, Nicola has me forever. As long as she's writing, I'm reading.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
July 30, 2025
I was so excited to get an ARC of this book by Nicola Solvinic and to find out that it was the second installment where we follow our MC, Lt. Anna Koray. I read The Hunter's Daughter earlier this year after hearing several people rave about it. I loved The Hunter's Daughter - top notch police procedural! So, diving back into Anna's world and tagging along with her on her next case was very exciting!
The Sister's Curse follows Anna as she investigates the cold case of a missing girl in Bayern County and the ties that some local 'kings' of the county might have to the case. That is really skimming the surface, but it is much more satisfying to take the time to let the story unravel as you read it. I love Solvinic's writing and the way she crafts her stories. She does an excellent job of weaving magical realism, folk tales, beautiful nature writing, and gritty suspense all together into a propulsive novel. In this book, we learn about a water spirit, but that is all I will say! I loved this book, and am eagerly awaiting the next book that Solvinic writes!
Thank you to Berkley and BookBrowse for the advanced copy!
The Sister's Curse follows Anna as she investigates the cold case of a missing girl in Bayern County and the ties that some local 'kings' of the county might have to the case. That is really skimming the surface, but it is much more satisfying to take the time to let the story unravel as you read it. I love Solvinic's writing and the way she crafts her stories. She does an excellent job of weaving magical realism, folk tales, beautiful nature writing, and gritty suspense all together into a propulsive novel. In this book, we learn about a water spirit, but that is all I will say! I loved this book, and am eagerly awaiting the next book that Solvinic writes!
Thank you to Berkley and BookBrowse for the advanced copy!
November 16, 2025
This is the second book in a series and I am glad that I went back to read the first book before I started this one. It definitely set the stage for the main character’s background and what brought her to this place in her life. I really enjoyed the police work in the story as well as the supernatural elements that brought everything together. Very suspenseful!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are strictly my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and all opinions expressed are strictly my own.
September 26, 2025
I both really enjoyed the beginning and felt weird about it. I really liked the main character and setting, but this book feels like it is encouraging one type of evil as preference to another. That weird, nonsense, witchy feminism against a church, when it was really a cult of horrid men hurting a couple women-- like, to be clear, there's a tone that is anti-church but the church group in this book is not a church, it's a cult, so it left me as the reader feeling icky about the categories being presented by the author. What is she trying to say? What are we supposed to take from this book? It also felt like murder was treated rather flippantly. Mention of abortion. The witchcraft details were flimsy and left a bad taste in my mouth.
Some aspects of the writing are really beautiful, and then it would feel juvenile in the next paragraph. Redundant, telling rather than showing.
#gifted arc from Berkeley and Netgalley
Some aspects of the writing are really beautiful, and then it would feel juvenile in the next paragraph. Redundant, telling rather than showing.
#gifted arc from Berkeley and Netgalley
November 30, 2025
Thank you to my partner PRH Audio for the gifted audiobook! This. Book. Was. So. Good. It’s witchy. It’s murdery. It’s mysterious. it’s basically a thriller, but with witches. Once I started this I couldn’t stop until I finished! I really enjoyed the main character and learning about her background. There are some really terrible people in this story and I’ve got to say, paybacks a witch! I absolutely loved the audiobook narrator. Once I switched to the audiobook version, I was completely enamored by her voice and the way she told the story. This is the second book in the series and I’m absolutely going to read the first one now!
December 14, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Sister's Curse.
I wasn't a fan of the first book but I did like the premise of the sequel.
I'm a sucker for revenge tales and the narrative explores family trauma, the supernatural, and vengeance, which made for a more compelling read.
** Minor supernatural spoilers ahead **
When Anna is pulled into a case of mysterious drownings, she discovers her family's dark history is central to the murders.
Once again, she needs to confront the sins of her past and confront long simmering resentment for her mom and dad.
Anna is portrayed as a deeply flawed yet relatable protagonist who is trying to change her life and be better than her parents.
But I've never warmed up to her and I still haven't.
She's judgmental and whiny, which is interesting considering her upbringing and unconventional childhood.
She still has serious daddy issues, not that I blame her.
Her internal struggles with her father's legacy is supposed to make her complex, but at the same time she's never going to get over it.
Do we ever get over the trauma our parents cause us?
Nope.
The supernatural elements are stronger in the sequel as Anna interacts with Rusalka and begins to acceept her true nature, the dark traits bestowed upon her by her parents.
The subplot about female empowerment and women finding strength with each other resonated with me.
I was offended when Anna pegged Viv was crazy for cursing the men who had harmed Dana, even though Anne is no stranger to the supernatural.
Then when Anna discovers how Viv is involved with the teenagers from the church, she's almost dismissive about Viv and the woman's personal beliefs, ironic considering Anna's background.
Belief is sometimes all you need; maybe that's how curses work.
My favorite parts are the procedural aspects of the narrative though I still struggle to balance the supernatural with the fact-based parts of the story.
I found the urban legend of the Rusalka interesting though I felt the bad mens' beliefs in the supernatural was random.
There's descriptions of gore and violence which some readers may find triggering.
I liked the supporting characters, Anna's long suffering boyfriend, Monica and the Chief, who always has Anna's back.
I guessed whodunnit easily and the supernatural elements adds a suspenseful edge to the narrative, making readers struggle between belief and rationality like Anna does.
Maybe I'll warm up to Anna in the third book.
I wasn't a fan of the first book but I did like the premise of the sequel.
I'm a sucker for revenge tales and the narrative explores family trauma, the supernatural, and vengeance, which made for a more compelling read.
** Minor supernatural spoilers ahead **
When Anna is pulled into a case of mysterious drownings, she discovers her family's dark history is central to the murders.
Once again, she needs to confront the sins of her past and confront long simmering resentment for her mom and dad.
Anna is portrayed as a deeply flawed yet relatable protagonist who is trying to change her life and be better than her parents.
But I've never warmed up to her and I still haven't.
She's judgmental and whiny, which is interesting considering her upbringing and unconventional childhood.
She still has serious daddy issues, not that I blame her.
Her internal struggles with her father's legacy is supposed to make her complex, but at the same time she's never going to get over it.
Do we ever get over the trauma our parents cause us?
Nope.
The supernatural elements are stronger in the sequel as Anna interacts with Rusalka and begins to acceept her true nature, the dark traits bestowed upon her by her parents.
The subplot about female empowerment and women finding strength with each other resonated with me.
I was offended when Anna pegged Viv was crazy for cursing the men who had harmed Dana, even though Anne is no stranger to the supernatural.
Then when Anna discovers how Viv is involved with the teenagers from the church, she's almost dismissive about Viv and the woman's personal beliefs, ironic considering Anna's background.
Belief is sometimes all you need; maybe that's how curses work.
My favorite parts are the procedural aspects of the narrative though I still struggle to balance the supernatural with the fact-based parts of the story.
I found the urban legend of the Rusalka interesting though I felt the bad mens' beliefs in the supernatural was random.
There's descriptions of gore and violence which some readers may find triggering.
I liked the supporting characters, Anna's long suffering boyfriend, Monica and the Chief, who always has Anna's back.
I guessed whodunnit easily and the supernatural elements adds a suspenseful edge to the narrative, making readers struggle between belief and rationality like Anna does.
Maybe I'll warm up to Anna in the third book.
October 29, 2025
Thank you @berkleypub for a gifted ARC!
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: The Sisters Curse
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Nicola Solvinic
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: October 21, 2025
3.5⭐️
🍁 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 🍁
This is the second book in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. It might be enjoyed more if you read the first book. I hadn’t going into this, but think the back ground of the main detective Anna would be nice to have read about more. The book fills in a lot of things still though!
This story was a mix of murder mystery and paranormal. The murder mystery and police procedural part I followed along with and enjoyed. The paranormal part was a little “out there” for me. It added to the story, but not in a way that I overly enjoyed.
The murder mystery part and Anna’s story was the part that kept me invested. She has a complicated family past, and she is a detective trying to solve strange murders happening that may be connected to an old unsolved murder. If the focus stayed completely on that I would have loved the story more!
There’s probably more to dig into Anna’s story and past moving forward with this series, and I think there will be people who enjoy this combination of mystery and paranormal!
🍁 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
🍂 Police Procedural
🍁 Paranormal Twists
🍂 Unsolved Murder
🍁 Superstitions
𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: The Sisters Curse
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Nicola Solvinic
𝗣𝘂𝗯 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: October 21, 2025
3.5⭐️
🍁 𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 🍁
This is the second book in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. It might be enjoyed more if you read the first book. I hadn’t going into this, but think the back ground of the main detective Anna would be nice to have read about more. The book fills in a lot of things still though!
This story was a mix of murder mystery and paranormal. The murder mystery and police procedural part I followed along with and enjoyed. The paranormal part was a little “out there” for me. It added to the story, but not in a way that I overly enjoyed.
The murder mystery part and Anna’s story was the part that kept me invested. She has a complicated family past, and she is a detective trying to solve strange murders happening that may be connected to an old unsolved murder. If the focus stayed completely on that I would have loved the story more!
There’s probably more to dig into Anna’s story and past moving forward with this series, and I think there will be people who enjoy this combination of mystery and paranormal!
🍁 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚:
🍂 Police Procedural
🍁 Paranormal Twists
🍂 Unsolved Murder
🍁 Superstitions
September 17, 2025
I was so excited to return to Bayern County with Ana Koray. I loved Nicola Solvinic’s first book, and this one felt like slipping back into a dark and familiar place. Ana is still very much herself, withdrawn and haunted by her past. If the first book carried the shadow of her father, this one digs into the memory of her mother. And the author tied those threads together so well.
The mystery here, like before, is layered with paranormal elements, which I really enjoy. The monsters in the water were creepy enough, but honestly, it was the darker side of the men in this story that chilled me more.
At times it feels like a novel of female rage, and I mean that in the best way. Women standing up, fighting back against sins done to them. I hurt for the girls, and I hurt for Ana too. Her traumatic childhood never really lets her go, and you feel that weight in every page.
But Ana is such a force. She’s fierce, tough, even when she breaks. That balance of strength and vulnerability is what makes her so compelling to me.
I paired this with the audiobook narrated by Samantha Desz, and I think that really added to the experience. Having a voice for Ana made the story even more immersive and brought out her strength and pain in such a vivid way.
This book has it all: mystery, horror, action, and so much heart. It might not be for everyone, but for readers who enjoy the Charlie Parker series by John Connolly, I think you’ll find something to love here.
Thanks to Berkley Pub and NetGalley for my review copy. All opinions are my own.
The mystery here, like before, is layered with paranormal elements, which I really enjoy. The monsters in the water were creepy enough, but honestly, it was the darker side of the men in this story that chilled me more.
At times it feels like a novel of female rage, and I mean that in the best way. Women standing up, fighting back against sins done to them. I hurt for the girls, and I hurt for Ana too. Her traumatic childhood never really lets her go, and you feel that weight in every page.
But Ana is such a force. She’s fierce, tough, even when she breaks. That balance of strength and vulnerability is what makes her so compelling to me.
I paired this with the audiobook narrated by Samantha Desz, and I think that really added to the experience. Having a voice for Ana made the story even more immersive and brought out her strength and pain in such a vivid way.
This book has it all: mystery, horror, action, and so much heart. It might not be for everyone, but for readers who enjoy the Charlie Parker series by John Connolly, I think you’ll find something to love here.
Thanks to Berkley Pub and NetGalley for my review copy. All opinions are my own.
October 24, 2025
4.5⭐️
The Sister’s Curse by Nicola Solvinic
.
When Anna responds to a call and pulls a young boy from a pond, something feels off and she chooses to dig deeper. The case takes her to a missing girl from 25 years earlier who was never found and presumed dead. It also gives her flashbacks to her childhood with her estranged mother.
.
I didn’t read the first book of Anna’s story (but now I REALLY want to) so this book CAN be read as a stand alone.
I really liked Anna, I love tough female characters who have a strong sense of justice. Anna gave me some slight Eve Dallas vibes so if you are a fan of the In Death series then this is definitely for you.
I loved Anna’s back story and am really excited to go back and read book one.
The plotline of this book hooked me really quick. I was drawn in to these mysterious drownings and what or who was causing them. The suspense was excellent. I wanted to know all the things. And Anna has a trustworthy dog at her side the majority ot the time, who doesn’t like that?! (Dog is a good boy who lives through the whole book)
.
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 I enjoyed this story so much and cannot wait to read The Hunger’s Daughter and then see what Nicola comes up with next.
The Sister’s Curse by Nicola Solvinic
.
When Anna responds to a call and pulls a young boy from a pond, something feels off and she chooses to dig deeper. The case takes her to a missing girl from 25 years earlier who was never found and presumed dead. It also gives her flashbacks to her childhood with her estranged mother.
.
I didn’t read the first book of Anna’s story (but now I REALLY want to) so this book CAN be read as a stand alone.
I really liked Anna, I love tough female characters who have a strong sense of justice. Anna gave me some slight Eve Dallas vibes so if you are a fan of the In Death series then this is definitely for you.
I loved Anna’s back story and am really excited to go back and read book one.
The plotline of this book hooked me really quick. I was drawn in to these mysterious drownings and what or who was causing them. The suspense was excellent. I wanted to know all the things. And Anna has a trustworthy dog at her side the majority ot the time, who doesn’t like that?! (Dog is a good boy who lives through the whole book)
.
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 I enjoyed this story so much and cannot wait to read The Hunger’s Daughter and then see what Nicola comes up with next.
July 1, 2025
I enjoyed this supernatural mystery. I like novels with strong female, problem solvers and Anna certainly fit that criterion. The novel deals with the 25 year anniversary of the disappearance of a young girl and the curse put on the men she was last seen with by the victim’s sister. Interspersed in that story is Anna’s memory of her mother’s miscarriage of her sister due to chemical spills in the water.
Events in the story are fast and furious, the glue that helps keep the story relatable are the other characters, especially Anna’s supervisor, Monica, and her kind and patient boyfriend Nick. Anna’s dog, Gibby is also a plus.
I did not read the prequel to this novel, it may have added to my enjoyment of it, but I was able to follow the story line and fill in the blanks in Anna’s life with the flashbacks the author provided.
I enjoyed this supernatural mystery and would recommend it to readers who like unique novels with interesting characters. Thanks to BookBrowse for providing me with this ARC.
Events in the story are fast and furious, the glue that helps keep the story relatable are the other characters, especially Anna’s supervisor, Monica, and her kind and patient boyfriend Nick. Anna’s dog, Gibby is also a plus.
I did not read the prequel to this novel, it may have added to my enjoyment of it, but I was able to follow the story line and fill in the blanks in Anna’s life with the flashbacks the author provided.
I enjoyed this supernatural mystery and would recommend it to readers who like unique novels with interesting characters. Thanks to BookBrowse for providing me with this ARC.
October 19, 2025
This book is the second in a series, and I was so excited to read it! Anna is an amazing character and I love her so much and everything about her. She was such a fun and strong fierce character. Her dog was a great sidekick and so fun to read about. I really enjoyed the paranormal elements of this book so much. They added an additional fun element that kept the story engaging for me. I also really enjoy the Slavic lore that was interwoven as well. This author does an amazing job immersing you in the story and having it feel so real (even when you wish it wasn’t). This was a fun and twisty thriller full of added surprises that I really enjoyed.
Thank you to @berkleypub @nicolasolvinic and @netgalley for the e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
Thank you to @berkleypub @nicolasolvinic and @netgalley for the e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
November 8, 2025
When I requested this book on NetGalley, I didn’t know it was the second in a series. I wish publishers would make this clear on book covers and in the descriptions. I probably would have enjoyed this story more had I read the prior book. I needed more context for the main character and some of the issues.
I liked the writing style.
The content tended to be too repetitive and drawn out.
The plot stretched plausibility. I know it’s a supernatural mystery, but I still need the story to be believable.
Overall, an enjoyable read that never fully hooked me.
*Thanks to Berkley Books for the free eARC, provided via NetGalley.*
I liked the writing style.
The content tended to be too repetitive and drawn out.
The plot stretched plausibility. I know it’s a supernatural mystery, but I still need the story to be believable.
Overall, an enjoyable read that never fully hooked me.
*Thanks to Berkley Books for the free eARC, provided via NetGalley.*
July 19, 2025
Very good! I received an advance copy via BookBrowse for review. I hadn't realized it was a sequel when I requested the novel. So I read The Hunter's Daughter first, which was very good. Reading The Sister's Curse was even better. The spirits of the forest and the water, the investigation of a 25 year old murder, and the life of Elena/Anna were are amazingly written. I look forward to reading more Nicola Solvinic novels.
October 15, 2025
3.75 stars, thank you berkley pub for the free copy!
Enjoyed this, just wish I had known it was a sequel!!
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMPdANWP/
Enjoyed this, just wish I had known it was a sequel!!
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTMPdANWP/
November 19, 2025
Menacing, unsettling, and intense!
In this gripping second instalment of the 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘒𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘺 series, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄, Solvinic brings us back to Bayern County, and into a small town where gossip and folklore fester, tempers simmer, and an investigation into a young boy’s drowning threatens to expose far more buried secrets than anyone ever anticipated.
The prose is dark and atmospheric. The characters, especially the scarred Lieutenant Anna Koray, are flawed, complex, and vulnerable. And the plot unfolds as a taut, suspenseful tale steeped in family turmoil, obsession, grief, malice, revenge, long-held secrets, violence, murder, and a sliver of the supernatural.
Overall, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐈��𝐓𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄 is a well-crafted, gritty, absorbing tale by Solvinic that is an eerie reminder that evil can often reside quietly among us, merely hidden behind masks of normality.
In this gripping second instalment of the 𝘈𝘯𝘯𝘢 𝘒𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘺 series, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄, Solvinic brings us back to Bayern County, and into a small town where gossip and folklore fester, tempers simmer, and an investigation into a young boy’s drowning threatens to expose far more buried secrets than anyone ever anticipated.
The prose is dark and atmospheric. The characters, especially the scarred Lieutenant Anna Koray, are flawed, complex, and vulnerable. And the plot unfolds as a taut, suspenseful tale steeped in family turmoil, obsession, grief, malice, revenge, long-held secrets, violence, murder, and a sliver of the supernatural.
Overall, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐈��𝐓𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄 is a well-crafted, gritty, absorbing tale by Solvinic that is an eerie reminder that evil can often reside quietly among us, merely hidden behind masks of normality.
June 4, 2025
The Sister’s Curse was a fast fun read. Paranormal mixed with mystery.
Thoughts:
I really wish they had advertised this as a sequel. When I requested this book I checked to see if it was and nothing was stated so I asked for it. Come to find out that it is indeed a sequel. You can read this without the first but you miss out of a lot of history and you get spoiled. The other part is that since this is a sequel the author assumes you already know the characters so you see a lack of description/location. I have no idea how old the main character is, what color hair she is or even skin tone. This goes for all the characters. Each person they actually describe is very surface level. You don’t get much more than that. Everyone is just kind of flat. Again a lot of this is because it was a sequel, which needs to be advertised better.
The plot is really good and makes up for the lack of background/character descriptions. Anna is a LT for the police department when she responds to a missing child call. She finds the child in the owners pond and rescues him, but as she’s pulling him up there is resistance. She gets him out of the water and find odd scratches on his ankles. More incidents like this continue and the Anna must determine the cause. Is it paranormal in nature? A spirit of revenge from a woman who was killed 25 years ago? Or is it a vengeance human? Anna plans to find out. There wasn’t a lot of twists, you could see a lot of what was happening but the whodunnit is still kind of a mystery. There was one large plot hole that bothered me (Anna was attacked several times and it was never revealed why.) The history interconnected with the past book and I really wish I had read it first to understand what happened. So before reading this check out The Hunter’s Daughter.
Characters: As I previously mentioned the physical description of characters was really missing. I’m assuming there was a lot more in the first book. But what we do get is an in depth look into Anna missing memories (that don’t correlate with her father.) Nick seems like a great character but he was very one dimensional. I felt nothing for or against him.
Overall: 3.25/3.5 I liked the story, I just wish it had more description and backstory for those who didn’t read or know that this was a sequel.
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the arc.
Thoughts:
I really wish they had advertised this as a sequel. When I requested this book I checked to see if it was and nothing was stated so I asked for it. Come to find out that it is indeed a sequel. You can read this without the first but you miss out of a lot of history and you get spoiled. The other part is that since this is a sequel the author assumes you already know the characters so you see a lack of description/location. I have no idea how old the main character is, what color hair she is or even skin tone. This goes for all the characters. Each person they actually describe is very surface level. You don’t get much more than that. Everyone is just kind of flat. Again a lot of this is because it was a sequel, which needs to be advertised better.
The plot is really good and makes up for the lack of background/character descriptions. Anna is a LT for the police department when she responds to a missing child call. She finds the child in the owners pond and rescues him, but as she’s pulling him up there is resistance. She gets him out of the water and find odd scratches on his ankles. More incidents like this continue and the Anna must determine the cause. Is it paranormal in nature? A spirit of revenge from a woman who was killed 25 years ago? Or is it a vengeance human? Anna plans to find out. There wasn’t a lot of twists, you could see a lot of what was happening but the whodunnit is still kind of a mystery. There was one large plot hole that bothered me (Anna was attacked several times and it was never revealed why.) The history interconnected with the past book and I really wish I had read it first to understand what happened. So before reading this check out The Hunter’s Daughter.
Characters: As I previously mentioned the physical description of characters was really missing. I’m assuming there was a lot more in the first book. But what we do get is an in depth look into Anna missing memories (that don’t correlate with her father.) Nick seems like a great character but he was very one dimensional. I felt nothing for or against him.
Overall: 3.25/3.5 I liked the story, I just wish it had more description and backstory for those who didn’t read or know that this was a sequel.
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the arc.
October 25, 2025
I somehow missed that The Sister’s Curse was the second in a series, so I didn’t have the same background on the characters I might have, but thankfully I was still able to enjoy this read. Full of atmospheric suspense and a bit of horror, it kept me engaged and guessing- and has me ready to go back and read the first book now as well.
Thank you Nicola Solvinic, Berkley, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you Nicola Solvinic, Berkley, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 22, 2025
🔮 The Sister’s Curse: A Chilling Dive into Hereditary Darkness and Small-Town Secrets -
Nicola Solvinic Weaves a Haunting Tale of Legacy, Trauma, and the Monsters We Inherit
📖 Book Description
In The Sister’s Curse (Berkley, 2025), Nicola Solvinic crafts a gripping psychological thriller that merges Gothic horror with procedural crime. Set in the eerie backdrop of Bayern County—where drownings blur the line between accident and ritual—the story follows Detective Anna Kovács, a woman tormented by the legacy of her serial killer father. As she investigates the drownings, she uncovers a web of local legends, familial curses, and a truth that forces her to confront whether evil is inherited or summoned. Solvinic’s debut is a masterclass in atmospheric tension, blending folklore with forensic detail.
🔍 Comprehensive Analysis
⚡ Structure & Flow
-Genre Fusion: A seamless blend of police procedural and supernatural horror, with a slow-burn reveal that mirrors Anna’s unraveling psyche.
-Pacing: Deliberately measured, echoing the suffocating weight of water and secrets. Flashbacks to Anna’s childhood are strategically placed like crime scene evidence.
-Themes: Explores nature vs. nurture, the commodification of trauma (“serial killer daughter” as a label), and the cyclical violence of small-town myths.
👥 Characters & Voice
-Anna Kovács: A fiercely intelligent but emotionally brittle protagonist. Her first-person narration is laced with dark humor and visceral dread (“I don’t believe in curses. But the water does.”).
-Supporting Cast: The drowned victims, townsfolk whispering about “the Sister’s Curse,” and -Anna’s estranged family—all serve as mirrors to her fractured identity.
-Antagonist: The real villain here is ambiguity—is the curse real, or is Anna’s bloodline the true poison?
✒️ Style
-Tone: Claustrophobic and lyrical, with descriptions of water as both cleansing and predatory.
-Literary Devices: Uses recurring water imagery (drowning, baptism, tears) to underscore themes of rebirth and suffocation.
🎯 Ideal Readers
-For: Fans of The Outsider (Stephen King), Sharp Objects (Gillian Flynn), or The Luminous Dead (Caitlin Starling). Lovers of unreliable narrators and morally gray detectives.
-Not For: Readers who dislike ambiguous endings or slow-building tension.
⭐ Star Breakdown (0-5)
Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — Bayern County feels like a character itself.
Character Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — Anna’s complexity shines, but some side characters lack development.
Plot Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) — A fresh twist on the “small-town secret” trope.
Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — The finale lingers like a nightmare.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — A standout debut that drowns you in its brilliance.
📢 Soundbytes
- Solvinic doesn’t just write horror—she makes you feel it in your lungs.
- A procedural where the real crime is being born into the wrong family.
- If True Detective met The Crucible in a foggy harbor… this is that story.
🙏 Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley (before they deactivated me) and Berkley for the ARC. This review reflects my honest assessment.
💡 Final Thought
The Sister’s Curse isn’t just about ghosts in the water—it’s about the ones we carry in our blood. Solvinic leaves you gasping for air.
I'd describe this book as:
Drowning in the Past: The Sister’s Curse Is the Thriller That Pulls You Under
Nicola Solvinic Weaves a Haunting Tale of Legacy, Trauma, and the Monsters We Inherit
📖 Book Description
In The Sister’s Curse (Berkley, 2025), Nicola Solvinic crafts a gripping psychological thriller that merges Gothic horror with procedural crime. Set in the eerie backdrop of Bayern County—where drownings blur the line between accident and ritual—the story follows Detective Anna Kovács, a woman tormented by the legacy of her serial killer father. As she investigates the drownings, she uncovers a web of local legends, familial curses, and a truth that forces her to confront whether evil is inherited or summoned. Solvinic’s debut is a masterclass in atmospheric tension, blending folklore with forensic detail.
🔍 Comprehensive Analysis
⚡ Structure & Flow
-Genre Fusion: A seamless blend of police procedural and supernatural horror, with a slow-burn reveal that mirrors Anna’s unraveling psyche.
-Pacing: Deliberately measured, echoing the suffocating weight of water and secrets. Flashbacks to Anna’s childhood are strategically placed like crime scene evidence.
-Themes: Explores nature vs. nurture, the commodification of trauma (“serial killer daughter” as a label), and the cyclical violence of small-town myths.
👥 Characters & Voice
-Anna Kovács: A fiercely intelligent but emotionally brittle protagonist. Her first-person narration is laced with dark humor and visceral dread (“I don’t believe in curses. But the water does.”).
-Supporting Cast: The drowned victims, townsfolk whispering about “the Sister’s Curse,” and -Anna’s estranged family—all serve as mirrors to her fractured identity.
-Antagonist: The real villain here is ambiguity—is the curse real, or is Anna’s bloodline the true poison?
✒️ Style
-Tone: Claustrophobic and lyrical, with descriptions of water as both cleansing and predatory.
-Literary Devices: Uses recurring water imagery (drowning, baptism, tears) to underscore themes of rebirth and suffocation.
🎯 Ideal Readers
-For: Fans of The Outsider (Stephen King), Sharp Objects (Gillian Flynn), or The Luminous Dead (Caitlin Starling). Lovers of unreliable narrators and morally gray detectives.
-Not For: Readers who dislike ambiguous endings or slow-building tension.
⭐ Star Breakdown (0-5)
Atmosphere: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) — Bayern County feels like a character itself.
Character Depth: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — Anna’s complexity shines, but some side characters lack development.
Plot Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5/5) — A fresh twist on the “small-town secret” trope.
Emotional Impact: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — The finale lingers like a nightmare.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) — A standout debut that drowns you in its brilliance.
📢 Soundbytes
- Solvinic doesn’t just write horror—she makes you feel it in your lungs.
- A procedural where the real crime is being born into the wrong family.
- If True Detective met The Crucible in a foggy harbor… this is that story.
🙏 Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley (before they deactivated me) and Berkley for the ARC. This review reflects my honest assessment.
💡 Final Thought
The Sister’s Curse isn’t just about ghosts in the water—it’s about the ones we carry in our blood. Solvinic leaves you gasping for air.
I'd describe this book as:
Drowning in the Past: The Sister’s Curse Is the Thriller That Pulls You Under
July 15, 2025
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of The Sister’s Curse, by Nicola Solvinic, from Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
Doing the same Book Report for The Hunter’s Daughter and The Sister’s Curse, both by Nicola Solvinic, even though I only obtained the latter as an ARC. (Got the other from a public library.)
I got about a quarter or a third of the way through The Sister’s Curse when it dawned on me that I was reading something that felt awfully sequel-y. But it was fast-paced and interesting enough to hold my attention, so I didn’t look up to see if this was a series until I’d finished enjoying it. To my credit, there was nothing in the write-up about it to clue me in for certain.
And, even on Goodreads, there’s nothing (as of this writing, July 2025) to indicate that the two books should be read in order, as part of what I hope will be a long-running series.
But, trust me, they should be. I think I would’ve enjoyed the second book more had I had all the context of the first.
If you’re not into things that get a little…..shall we say “woo-woo”?.....then you probably won’t enjoy either of these books. But I am, and can get myself more proper terrified in a shadowed forest or swamp than in any big city, so these books were right up my alley. Three stars trending upward for both.
DESCRIPTION
There’s something in the water in Bayern County…
When mysterious drownings plague her small town, a detective haunted by her serial killer father must uncover whether revenge, ancient legends, or something darker lurks beneath the surface.
Lieutenant Anna Koray thought she'd finally found solid ground and escaped her past as the daughter of a notorious serial killer. A loving boyfriend, a loyal dog, a life that almost feels normal—except darkness has a way of seeping in. When she saves a boy from drowning, the strange marks on his body tell a disturbing story: something in the depths tried to drag him under.
Days later, another victim surfaces with identical marks and Anna's instincts scream that these are no accidents. Both victims are connected to the Kings of Warsaw Creek—men of the town's wealthiest and most influential families. And they have enemies.
Others whisper that there are witches in Bayern County, seeking revenge for a long-ago murder. Perhaps it's the work of Vivian Carson, the enigmatic bartender who’s rumored to cast hexes on those who wrong her. Or maybe it’s a secret coven who’s been leaving serpentine symbols and skulls behind at the scenes of the drownings.
But Anna's investigation reveals an even more sinister truth: something is stirring in the water, and it wants the Kings to pay.
With time running out and more victims appearing, Anna must separate superstition from truth. But in Bayern County, where legends and curses run deep as the water itself, one wrong step could drag her into the depths—this time for good.
Received a complimentary copy of The Sister’s Curse, by Nicola Solvinic, from Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
Doing the same Book Report for The Hunter’s Daughter and The Sister’s Curse, both by Nicola Solvinic, even though I only obtained the latter as an ARC. (Got the other from a public library.)
I got about a quarter or a third of the way through The Sister’s Curse when it dawned on me that I was reading something that felt awfully sequel-y. But it was fast-paced and interesting enough to hold my attention, so I didn’t look up to see if this was a series until I’d finished enjoying it. To my credit, there was nothing in the write-up about it to clue me in for certain.
And, even on Goodreads, there’s nothing (as of this writing, July 2025) to indicate that the two books should be read in order, as part of what I hope will be a long-running series.
But, trust me, they should be. I think I would’ve enjoyed the second book more had I had all the context of the first.
If you’re not into things that get a little…..shall we say “woo-woo”?.....then you probably won’t enjoy either of these books. But I am, and can get myself more proper terrified in a shadowed forest or swamp than in any big city, so these books were right up my alley. Three stars trending upward for both.
DESCRIPTION
There’s something in the water in Bayern County…
When mysterious drownings plague her small town, a detective haunted by her serial killer father must uncover whether revenge, ancient legends, or something darker lurks beneath the surface.
Lieutenant Anna Koray thought she'd finally found solid ground and escaped her past as the daughter of a notorious serial killer. A loving boyfriend, a loyal dog, a life that almost feels normal—except darkness has a way of seeping in. When she saves a boy from drowning, the strange marks on his body tell a disturbing story: something in the depths tried to drag him under.
Days later, another victim surfaces with identical marks and Anna's instincts scream that these are no accidents. Both victims are connected to the Kings of Warsaw Creek—men of the town's wealthiest and most influential families. And they have enemies.
Others whisper that there are witches in Bayern County, seeking revenge for a long-ago murder. Perhaps it's the work of Vivian Carson, the enigmatic bartender who’s rumored to cast hexes on those who wrong her. Or maybe it’s a secret coven who’s been leaving serpentine symbols and skulls behind at the scenes of the drownings.
But Anna's investigation reveals an even more sinister truth: something is stirring in the water, and it wants the Kings to pay.
With time running out and more victims appearing, Anna must separate superstition from truth. But in Bayern County, where legends and curses run deep as the water itself, one wrong step could drag her into the depths—this time for good.
July 13, 2025
Something is in the water. Something wants revenge.
In small-town Bayern County, drowning victims are stacking up and none of it feels accidental. Lieutenant Anna Koray, daughter of a notorious serial killer, thought she’d outrun her past. Now she’s dragged into an investigation tangled with wealthy families, local legends, whispers of witches, and rumors of revenge. The deeper she digs, the more danger rises to the surface. The question is whether she’ll uncover the truth in time or get pulled under with it.
Spillin’ the Book Tea:
I liked this one a lot. I didn’t realize it was connected to another book until after I finished, and while it works as a standalone, I probably would have enjoyed the backstory a little more if I’d read that first. Even without it, I still found this book to be solidly entertaining.
What really pulled me in was the mix of thriller and horror, with that slow creeping dread that never lets up. Solvinic writes in a way that fully immerses you. The pacing is fast but not rushed, and the tension ramps up chapter by chapter. I felt like I could practically hear the water dripping and the whispers in the woods.
Anna is the kind of protagonist I like... strong, determined, a little haunted but not broken. Her problem-solving skills kept the plot moving and her bond with her dog Gibby gave the story a grounding warmth. Small detail, but Gibby deserves all the pets.
The slow-burn reveal really worked here. It’s part mystery, part local legend, with just enough horror elements to keep it unsettling without going over the top. I didn’t know who or what to trust until the very end, and honestly, I love when a book keeps me guessing like that.
Thanks to BookBrowse for the advanced copy.
The Vibes It Brings:
🐍 Family Secrets and Old Money
💧 Small Town with Big Superstitions
👩✈️ Strong Female Lead
🐕 Faithful Dog Companion
🪙 Power, Corruption, and Revenge
🩸 Generational Trauma Lurking
☠️ Folklore and Local Legends
⚖️ Justice is Personal
⏳ Slow Burn but Worth the Wait
TL;DR:
If you like your thrillers with a side of folklore and a protagonist who never quits, this one delivers. Fast-paced, atmospheric, and soaked in small-town secrets, The Sister’s Curse hooks you early and keeps the tension rising. Perfect for fans of slow-burn suspense with a supernatural edge. Bonus points for Gibby the dog.
In small-town Bayern County, drowning victims are stacking up and none of it feels accidental. Lieutenant Anna Koray, daughter of a notorious serial killer, thought she’d outrun her past. Now she’s dragged into an investigation tangled with wealthy families, local legends, whispers of witches, and rumors of revenge. The deeper she digs, the more danger rises to the surface. The question is whether she’ll uncover the truth in time or get pulled under with it.
Spillin’ the Book Tea:
I liked this one a lot. I didn’t realize it was connected to another book until after I finished, and while it works as a standalone, I probably would have enjoyed the backstory a little more if I’d read that first. Even without it, I still found this book to be solidly entertaining.
What really pulled me in was the mix of thriller and horror, with that slow creeping dread that never lets up. Solvinic writes in a way that fully immerses you. The pacing is fast but not rushed, and the tension ramps up chapter by chapter. I felt like I could practically hear the water dripping and the whispers in the woods.
Anna is the kind of protagonist I like... strong, determined, a little haunted but not broken. Her problem-solving skills kept the plot moving and her bond with her dog Gibby gave the story a grounding warmth. Small detail, but Gibby deserves all the pets.
The slow-burn reveal really worked here. It’s part mystery, part local legend, with just enough horror elements to keep it unsettling without going over the top. I didn’t know who or what to trust until the very end, and honestly, I love when a book keeps me guessing like that.
Thanks to BookBrowse for the advanced copy.
The Vibes It Brings:
🐍 Family Secrets and Old Money
💧 Small Town with Big Superstitions
👩✈️ Strong Female Lead
🐕 Faithful Dog Companion
🪙 Power, Corruption, and Revenge
🩸 Generational Trauma Lurking
☠️ Folklore and Local Legends
⚖️ Justice is Personal
⏳ Slow Burn but Worth the Wait
TL;DR:
If you like your thrillers with a side of folklore and a protagonist who never quits, this one delivers. Fast-paced, atmospheric, and soaked in small-town secrets, The Sister’s Curse hooks you early and keeps the tension rising. Perfect for fans of slow-burn suspense with a supernatural edge. Bonus points for Gibby the dog.
October 19, 2025
⭐ Rating: 4/5 ⭐
📝 Short Summary
Lieutenant Anna Koray, daughter of a serial killer, thinks she’s finally built a normal life until mysterious drownings with eerie markings drag her back into darkness. The victims are tied to a powerful small-town family, and whispers of witches, curses, and something lurking in the water begin to surface. As Anna investigates, she uncovers secrets that blur the line between folklore and reality.
💭 Full Review:
I absolutely loved the first book in this world, and this one delivered another dark, atmospheric ride! The Sister’s Curse mixes mystery, thriller, and supernatural folklore in a way that feels fresh and chilling. The pacing was fast and addictive, and I was hooked from the opening scene.
Anna is such a compelling protagonist complex, flawed, and still dealing with the trauma of being the daughter of a serial killer. The theme of nature vs. nurture was so strong in this story, and I loved how it explored whether we can truly escape where we come from. The small-town setting is full of secrets, power, and corruption, and it gave me major “everyone is hiding something” vibes.
What really made this book stand out was the Slavic folklore influence. It added a haunting, mythical layer to the story without taking away from the thriller elements. I LOVED the way supernatural and reality blurred together it kept me guessing whether the danger was human, otherworldly, or both.
There’s family secrets, trauma, revenge, curses, drowning, and eerie water imagery that made the atmosphere feel heavy and unsettling in the best way. It’s dark, emotional, and tense, but never slow. Perfect blend of crime thriller and folklore horror.
If you love small town mysteries with supernatural edges, morally grey characters, and family trauma, this one is for you.
🧠 Trigger Warnings:
Childhood trauma
Murder
Drowning
Parental abuse
Grief/PTSD
Violence
✅ Would I Recommend?
YES. A fast paced, haunting thriller with Slavic folklore and deep emotional layers. Fans of dark mysteries with a supernatural twist will eat this up.
🎭 Tropes / Genre Tags:
Family Secrets
Past Haunting the Present
Nature vs Nurture
Small Town Horrors
Supernatural Folklore
Fast-Paced Mystery/Thriller
Trauma & Healing
🙏 Thank You:
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
📝 Short Summary
Lieutenant Anna Koray, daughter of a serial killer, thinks she’s finally built a normal life until mysterious drownings with eerie markings drag her back into darkness. The victims are tied to a powerful small-town family, and whispers of witches, curses, and something lurking in the water begin to surface. As Anna investigates, she uncovers secrets that blur the line between folklore and reality.
💭 Full Review:
I absolutely loved the first book in this world, and this one delivered another dark, atmospheric ride! The Sister’s Curse mixes mystery, thriller, and supernatural folklore in a way that feels fresh and chilling. The pacing was fast and addictive, and I was hooked from the opening scene.
Anna is such a compelling protagonist complex, flawed, and still dealing with the trauma of being the daughter of a serial killer. The theme of nature vs. nurture was so strong in this story, and I loved how it explored whether we can truly escape where we come from. The small-town setting is full of secrets, power, and corruption, and it gave me major “everyone is hiding something” vibes.
What really made this book stand out was the Slavic folklore influence. It added a haunting, mythical layer to the story without taking away from the thriller elements. I LOVED the way supernatural and reality blurred together it kept me guessing whether the danger was human, otherworldly, or both.
There’s family secrets, trauma, revenge, curses, drowning, and eerie water imagery that made the atmosphere feel heavy and unsettling in the best way. It’s dark, emotional, and tense, but never slow. Perfect blend of crime thriller and folklore horror.
If you love small town mysteries with supernatural edges, morally grey characters, and family trauma, this one is for you.
🧠 Trigger Warnings:
Childhood trauma
Murder
Drowning
Parental abuse
Grief/PTSD
Violence
✅ Would I Recommend?
YES. A fast paced, haunting thriller with Slavic folklore and deep emotional layers. Fans of dark mysteries with a supernatural twist will eat this up.
🎭 Tropes / Genre Tags:
Family Secrets
Past Haunting the Present
Nature vs Nurture
Small Town Horrors
Supernatural Folklore
Fast-Paced Mystery/Thriller
Trauma & Healing
🙏 Thank You:
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 17, 2025
I received an ARC of this book.
I am definitely rounding up, because this book was a little bit disappointing for me. I read the first book in the series, and enjoyed it despite its flaws. I was looking forward to reading this one, hoping that some of the things I didn't like in the first one were due to being a debut author. But sadly, the issues I had with the first book were still evident in this one, perhaps to an even greater extent.
All that being said, this is ABSOLUTELY a sequel, and much of the character development, backstory, and setting are explored and explained in the first book. So if you haven't read that one first, you ABSOLUTELY should! And, honestly, those things were what made this book a bit lackluster to me. I needed a little more underpinning details and foundation. All of a sudden Anna has a witchy mom who showed her how to dowse for water and seek out poison? To me, the "witchy" vibes in this book were not as well done as the eldritch "creepy" vibes of the first book.
The plot was also just a bit slow. I knew exactly what was going on and who the "big twist" bad guy was from the get go. And it was too much of a slow burn for Anna to put the pieces together and get there. This leads to my other big issue with this book. The continual back-and-forth pages-long ruminations in Anna's head about what she should do, who the "bad guys" were, what the deal was with her mom, was Anna herself evil, did she deserve Nick, should she cross the line and do illegal things, etc., etc., etc., took much needed attention away from the pacing. She did this ad nauseam, and it got repetitive, boring, and pointless. It took me out of the action every time when she would start in inner monologue about her life and life choices. And yet things that she should be questioning, like the sudden appearance of a mythological Eastern European river monster, or the good old "Forest King," never seemed to truly surprise her or cause her to question what was going on.
I wanted to like this one better. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't as good as I was hoping it would be. I will definitely read another book in the series, with my fingers crossed that it will be better than this installment.
I am definitely rounding up, because this book was a little bit disappointing for me. I read the first book in the series, and enjoyed it despite its flaws. I was looking forward to reading this one, hoping that some of the things I didn't like in the first one were due to being a debut author. But sadly, the issues I had with the first book were still evident in this one, perhaps to an even greater extent.
All that being said, this is ABSOLUTELY a sequel, and much of the character development, backstory, and setting are explored and explained in the first book. So if you haven't read that one first, you ABSOLUTELY should! And, honestly, those things were what made this book a bit lackluster to me. I needed a little more underpinning details and foundation. All of a sudden Anna has a witchy mom who showed her how to dowse for water and seek out poison? To me, the "witchy" vibes in this book were not as well done as the eldritch "creepy" vibes of the first book.
The plot was also just a bit slow. I knew exactly what was going on and who the "big twist" bad guy was from the get go. And it was too much of a slow burn for Anna to put the pieces together and get there. This leads to my other big issue with this book. The continual back-and-forth pages-long ruminations in Anna's head about what she should do, who the "bad guys" were, what the deal was with her mom, was Anna herself evil, did she deserve Nick, should she cross the line and do illegal things, etc., etc., etc., took much needed attention away from the pacing. She did this ad nauseam, and it got repetitive, boring, and pointless. It took me out of the action every time when she would start in inner monologue about her life and life choices. And yet things that she should be questioning, like the sudden appearance of a mythological Eastern European river monster, or the good old "Forest King," never seemed to truly surprise her or cause her to question what was going on.
I wanted to like this one better. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't as good as I was hoping it would be. I will definitely read another book in the series, with my fingers crossed that it will be better than this installment.
August 26, 2025
SYNOPSIS
There’s something in the water in Bayern County…
When mysterious drownings plague her small town, a detective haunted by her serial killer father must uncover whether revenge, ancient legends, or something darker lurks beneath the surface.
Lieutenant Anna Koray thought she’d left her past behind, but when strange drownings begin in Bayern County, she’s forced to confront both old demons and new horrors.
Thoughts
The Sister’s Curse has an intriguing premise but struggles to deliver a cohesive story. The biggest issue is that multiple plotlines never merge into a single, compelling whole. The author repeatedly reminds us that Anna is the daughter of a serial killer, but this detail feels more like background noise than a meaningful driver of her choices.
The case begins strongly—Anna rescues a boy from drowning, pulling him from the grip of something that leaves strange scratches on his ankles. His babysitter, the daughter of a local pastor, has secrets of her own, but her subplot—while interesting—feels like one of many side stories that ultimately derail the central mystery. As more bizarre attacks happen, the reader is pulled further away from the main thread, and the novel starts to feel as if multiple half-formed ideas were crammed together rather than developed into fully realized, stand-alone stories.
The supernatural element, particularly the legend of the Rusalka, dominates much of the narrative, yet the book never fully commits to whether it’s real or psychological. Anna’s personal life—with boyfriend Nick and her dog Gibby—offers some grounding, but her relationships lack emotional depth. Even pivotal moments, like the Rusalka’s possession, land without impact, leaving Anna strangely detached.
Recommendation: 2.5 rounded up to 3 Stars
Final Verdict
Nicola Solvinic’s The Sister’s Curse is atmospheric and ambitious, but as a standalone it falls flat. While I’d recommend readers start with The Hunter’s Daughter for context, The Sister’s Curse didn’t make enough of an impression for me to do the same.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this ARC for an unbiased review. NetGalley #TheSistersCurse
Pub Date Oct 21 2025 | Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley
There’s something in the water in Bayern County…
When mysterious drownings plague her small town, a detective haunted by her serial killer father must uncover whether revenge, ancient legends, or something darker lurks beneath the surface.
Lieutenant Anna Koray thought she’d left her past behind, but when strange drownings begin in Bayern County, she’s forced to confront both old demons and new horrors.
Thoughts
The Sister’s Curse has an intriguing premise but struggles to deliver a cohesive story. The biggest issue is that multiple plotlines never merge into a single, compelling whole. The author repeatedly reminds us that Anna is the daughter of a serial killer, but this detail feels more like background noise than a meaningful driver of her choices.
The case begins strongly—Anna rescues a boy from drowning, pulling him from the grip of something that leaves strange scratches on his ankles. His babysitter, the daughter of a local pastor, has secrets of her own, but her subplot—while interesting—feels like one of many side stories that ultimately derail the central mystery. As more bizarre attacks happen, the reader is pulled further away from the main thread, and the novel starts to feel as if multiple half-formed ideas were crammed together rather than developed into fully realized, stand-alone stories.
The supernatural element, particularly the legend of the Rusalka, dominates much of the narrative, yet the book never fully commits to whether it’s real or psychological. Anna’s personal life—with boyfriend Nick and her dog Gibby—offers some grounding, but her relationships lack emotional depth. Even pivotal moments, like the Rusalka’s possession, land without impact, leaving Anna strangely detached.
Recommendation: 2.5 rounded up to 3 Stars
Final Verdict
Nicola Solvinic’s The Sister’s Curse is atmospheric and ambitious, but as a standalone it falls flat. While I’d recommend readers start with The Hunter’s Daughter for context, The Sister’s Curse didn’t make enough of an impression for me to do the same.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this ARC for an unbiased review. NetGalley #TheSistersCurse
Pub Date Oct 21 2025 | Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley
October 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing as well as the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
#NetGalley #BerkleyPublishing #TheSistersCurse #NicolaSolvinic #Horror #Fiction #BookReview
Title: The Sister’s Curse
Author: Nicola Solvinic
Format: eBook
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Publication Date: October 21, 2025
Themes: Witchcraft, police thriller, female empowerment, Slavic folklore
Trigger Warnings: Child death, child endangerment, witchcraft, spells/magic, drowning, fire, gaslighting, revenge, religious zealotry, religious persecution, misogyny, violence, gore, car accidents
I just now found out that this book was the second in a series. That explains a few things. That being said, it did well as a standalone. The female protagonist is a cop named Anna Koray who starts the story by saving a young boy from drowning. When trying to figure out what happened, she discovers a dark secret about the community in which she lives. Can she stop those responsible before it’s too late to save herself and her town?
There was a good story in here. The folklore of Baba Yaga and witchcraft were compelling. The supernatural elements were enjoyable. I didn’t realize that this was the second in a series until I was preparing to write this review. This may have been helpful to know because, as this novel worked as a standalone, it may have helped establish some of the characters. There were some references to the female protagonists’ past that would probably make more sense having read the first book. Nevertheless, this story was enjoyable. The writing was excellent and compulsively readable.
The characters were a little hard to care about. It may be because I haven’t read the first book but I felt very disconnected from most of them. The main character was fine but I struggled with wanting to smack her occasionally for making bad choices. I loved Gibby and would have loved to hear more about him. I really should read the first book.
All in all, this was a good book and I was able to follow it but I do feel that reading the first book would have helped to enhance the reading experience. I’m off to read the first book.
#NetGalley #BerkleyPublishing #TheSistersCurse #NicolaSolvinic #Horror #Fiction #BookReview
Title: The Sister’s Curse
Author: Nicola Solvinic
Format: eBook
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Publication Date: October 21, 2025
Themes: Witchcraft, police thriller, female empowerment, Slavic folklore
Trigger Warnings: Child death, child endangerment, witchcraft, spells/magic, drowning, fire, gaslighting, revenge, religious zealotry, religious persecution, misogyny, violence, gore, car accidents
I just now found out that this book was the second in a series. That explains a few things. That being said, it did well as a standalone. The female protagonist is a cop named Anna Koray who starts the story by saving a young boy from drowning. When trying to figure out what happened, she discovers a dark secret about the community in which she lives. Can she stop those responsible before it’s too late to save herself and her town?
There was a good story in here. The folklore of Baba Yaga and witchcraft were compelling. The supernatural elements were enjoyable. I didn’t realize that this was the second in a series until I was preparing to write this review. This may have been helpful to know because, as this novel worked as a standalone, it may have helped establish some of the characters. There were some references to the female protagonists’ past that would probably make more sense having read the first book. Nevertheless, this story was enjoyable. The writing was excellent and compulsively readable.
The characters were a little hard to care about. It may be because I haven’t read the first book but I felt very disconnected from most of them. The main character was fine but I struggled with wanting to smack her occasionally for making bad choices. I loved Gibby and would have loved to hear more about him. I really should read the first book.
All in all, this was a good book and I was able to follow it but I do feel that reading the first book would have helped to enhance the reading experience. I’m off to read the first book.
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