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The Night Sister
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Horror (2015)From the New York Times bestselling author Jennifer McMahon ( The Winter People ) comes an atmospheric, gripping, and suspenseful tale that probes the bond between sisters and the peril of keeping secrets.
The Tower Motel was once a thriving attraction of rural Vermont. Today it lies in disrepair, alive only in the memories of the three women—Amy, Piper, and Piper’s kid sister, Margot—who played there as children. They loved exploring the abandoned rooms … until the day their innocent games uncovered something dark and twisted that ruined their friendship forever.
Now, Amy stands accused of committing a horrific crime, and the only hint to her motives is a hasty message that forces Piper and Margot to revisit the motel’s past, and the fate of two sisters who lived there in its heyday. Sylvie Slater had dreams of running off to Hollywood and becoming Alfred Hitchcock’s leading lady, while her little sister, Rose, was content with their simple life. Each believed the other to be something truly monstrous, but only one knows the secret that will haunt the generations to come.
The Tower Motel was once a thriving attraction of rural Vermont. Today it lies in disrepair, alive only in the memories of the three women—Amy, Piper, and Piper’s kid sister, Margot—who played there as children. They loved exploring the abandoned rooms … until the day their innocent games uncovered something dark and twisted that ruined their friendship forever.
Now, Amy stands accused of committing a horrific crime, and the only hint to her motives is a hasty message that forces Piper and Margot to revisit the motel’s past, and the fate of two sisters who lived there in its heyday. Sylvie Slater had dreams of running off to Hollywood and becoming Alfred Hitchcock’s leading lady, while her little sister, Rose, was content with their simple life. Each believed the other to be something truly monstrous, but only one knows the secret that will haunt the generations to come.
369 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2015
912 people are currently reading
38630 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer McMahon
20 books11.4k followers I'm the author of nine suspense novels, including Promise Not to Telll, The Winter People, and my newest, The Drowning Kind. I live in central Vermont with my partner and daughter, in an old Victorian that some neighbors call The Addams Family house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,099 reviews
February 20, 2017
I like horror that isn't gross- It's my favorite. It takes me back to the 70's. A time when suspense meant something...a decade when horror meant building and building on layers of suspense...but not always to a blood bath conclusion. Horror can mean suspense... without gore. And this is one of those instances.
The Tower Motel-
Vermont 1950s...
Sylvie and her younger sister Rose- are sisters as different as they can be- The beautiful and blonde Sylvie- that writes letters to Alfred Hitchcock, and dreams of stardom. And the dark, jealous and mysterious Rose. They are sisters that have grown up at The Tower Motel- a motel their father built.
One day- their grandmother tells them a story that will change their lives. A German fable- that will pit the sisters against one another- and change the course of their lives and the lives of the women that come after them.
Amy, Margot, and Piper...Vermont- 1980s...
After a brutal murder Margot and Piper are going to have to band together to figure out the mystery of The Tower Motel...room 29...and a story that just doesn't seem possible.
THE NIGHT SISTER- Horror the way it should be. Suspenseful...subtle..and creepy...but not gross.
Just the way I like it.
The Tower Motel-
Vermont 1950s...
Sylvie and her younger sister Rose- are sisters as different as they can be- The beautiful and blonde Sylvie- that writes letters to Alfred Hitchcock, and dreams of stardom. And the dark, jealous and mysterious Rose. They are sisters that have grown up at The Tower Motel- a motel their father built.
One day- their grandmother tells them a story that will change their lives. A German fable- that will pit the sisters against one another- and change the course of their lives and the lives of the women that come after them.
Amy, Margot, and Piper...Vermont- 1980s...
After a brutal murder Margot and Piper are going to have to band together to figure out the mystery of The Tower Motel...room 29...and a story that just doesn't seem possible.
THE NIGHT SISTER- Horror the way it should be. Suspenseful...subtle..and creepy...but not gross.
Just the way I like it.
July 11, 2021
I love thus author; I love the way she writes horror. The opening of this book is intense and terrifying! And I love the way we jump back and forth in time, it makes for a perfectly paced book. I also really enjoyed these characters and thought they were so fleshed out and felt real. I’d still recommend The Winter People and The Drowning Kind over this one, but I really enjoyed this story!
Reading vlog where I read it: https://youtu.be/yrJOxTbNPd4
Reading vlog where I read it: https://youtu.be/yrJOxTbNPd4
September 14, 2020
It starts out with a crime...what appears to be a murder suicide, but it's not a crime novel.
It is a mystery involving a crumbling old hotel, The Tower Motel, 28 rooms, Vacancy.
And, an old photograph which gives a clue to the mystery...29 rooms.
I liked the premise and the fact that it was VERY atmospheric-which I LOVE!
But, I didn’t know that it fell into the horror genre, when I picked it up, and I wasn’t expecting that ending!!
Still, though not my favorite genre, worthy of 4 stars!
It is a mystery involving a crumbling old hotel, The Tower Motel, 28 rooms, Vacancy.
And, an old photograph which gives a clue to the mystery...29 rooms.
I liked the premise and the fact that it was VERY atmospheric-which I LOVE!
But, I didn’t know that it fell into the horror genre, when I picked it up, and I wasn’t expecting that ending!!
Still, though not my favorite genre, worthy of 4 stars!
January 27, 2022
The Tower Hotel in rural London, Vermont, once a thriving business, has fallen in disrepair. Here we find three kids Amy, Piper, and Piper's kid sister, Margot exploring its grounds and all the secrets the hotel keeps. Amy, the original owner's granddaughter, discovers a hidden suitcase of her Aunt Silvie, who supposedly ran off long ago. Through subtle clues and searching, they undercover a ghastly secret that ends the three girls friendship.
Now adults, Amy and almost her entirely family are found dead, seemingly by Amy's hand. Her daughter Lou is the sole survivor of the massacre. As Piper and Margot investigate, they are transported back to that day when their friendship ended. Piper will discover a family secret that is monstrous and deadly.
Well, this was not what I expected out of a McMahon book. Pretty good book I must say. I figured out a few twists ahead of time, but I was okay with it.
Now adults, Amy and almost her entirely family are found dead, seemingly by Amy's hand. Her daughter Lou is the sole survivor of the massacre. As Piper and Margot investigate, they are transported back to that day when their friendship ended. Piper will discover a family secret that is monstrous and deadly.
Well, this was not what I expected out of a McMahon book. Pretty good book I must say. I figured out a few twists ahead of time, but I was okay with it.
July 3, 2015
3.5 Sometimes things are not as they appear, and in McMahon's books this is usually the case.
Two sisters, one sister and an uncle go missing. Years later three friends find a big secret, a secret that end their friendship.
Takes place in an old hotel, one built with a tower. Starts off rather innocent and slow, than before you know it you are absorbed in the story and the characters.
Strange, creepy, unbelievable all the things usually associated with this author's novels. The things that go bump in the night can sometimes be real. Another amazing read, good escapism.
ARC from publisher.
Two sisters, one sister and an uncle go missing. Years later three friends find a big secret, a secret that end their friendship.
Takes place in an old hotel, one built with a tower. Starts off rather innocent and slow, than before you know it you are absorbed in the story and the characters.
Strange, creepy, unbelievable all the things usually associated with this author's novels. The things that go bump in the night can sometimes be real. Another amazing read, good escapism.
ARC from publisher.
September 13, 2015
3.5 Stars
There be monsters here and Room 29 at the decrepit crooked Tower Motel is where all the deepest darkest secrets are hiding, wanting to come out at night.
While not particularly scary, The Night Sister was atmospherically creepy and a markedly good mystery early on and at the finish line with some pretty cool clues in the form of letters to Alfred Hitchcock along the way. Enjoyed it.
January 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ The Night Sister by Jennifer McMahon was an eerie and atmospheric read, though I wasn’t completely wrapped up in the story. I really like this author, and while I enjoyed this one, it felt more like I was reading with a bit of intrigue rather than being fully immersed. On the bright side, I knocked another one off my physical shelf!
The story opens with quite the bang, and then the questions start: What exactly happened to Amy and her family? And is it connected to Amy’s mother, Rose, and her sister, Sylvie? Those questions definitely kept me curious, and McMahon does a great job of weaving in suspenseful and creepy moments. The mystery surrounding Room 29 and the monsters at the Tower Motel was compelling, and the letters to Alfred Hitchcock added a cool, creative touch that I really enjoyed. I’m a sucker for little extras like that in books—they always add something fun and unexpected to the story.
The story is told through multiple perspectives and shifts back and forth in time, which built suspense but also made it hard to fully settle into the characters or the momentum of the plot. This time, I found myself enjoying certain time periods and perspectives more than others, which made some parts stand out but others feel slower in comparison.
McMahon is great at creating a spooky atmosphere, and while this one had its creepy moments, it wasn’t quite as haunting as I expected it to be.
Still, it was an interesting story with some chilling twists and a good mystery early on and at the end. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t one that completely grabbed me.
The story opens with quite the bang, and then the questions start: What exactly happened to Amy and her family? And is it connected to Amy’s mother, Rose, and her sister, Sylvie? Those questions definitely kept me curious, and McMahon does a great job of weaving in suspenseful and creepy moments. The mystery surrounding Room 29 and the monsters at the Tower Motel was compelling, and the letters to Alfred Hitchcock added a cool, creative touch that I really enjoyed. I’m a sucker for little extras like that in books—they always add something fun and unexpected to the story.
The story is told through multiple perspectives and shifts back and forth in time, which built suspense but also made it hard to fully settle into the characters or the momentum of the plot. This time, I found myself enjoying certain time periods and perspectives more than others, which made some parts stand out but others feel slower in comparison.
McMahon is great at creating a spooky atmosphere, and while this one had its creepy moments, it wasn’t quite as haunting as I expected it to be.
Still, it was an interesting story with some chilling twists and a good mystery early on and at the end. I enjoyed it, but it wasn’t one that completely grabbed me.
February 16, 2016
Dang, I didn't realize this was a supernatural thriller - it's not really my jam. I'm more of a whodunnit gal myself. That being said, if you go into this with that knowledge, it is a great book. Jennifer McMahon can scare me like no other.
December 4, 2015
This started out in a very promising way, but at the end I felt . . . underwhelmed. I can't explain it; the suspense built up nicely over the course of the plot, and the author juggled the three storylines competently. The story starts in 2013 in London, Vermont, with Amy and Piper as adults, then switches to Rose (Amy's mother) as a young girl, then to Amy and Piper as young teenagers. The story progresses evenly with these three viewpoints, and the tension steadily mounts. I can't really go into it too much without spoiling, but the action centers around the small motel that is run by Rose's parents. It boasts a Tower of London and animal shows to draw travelers to their establishment. There are noticeable similarities to Hitchcock's Psycho, including Rose's sister, Sylvie's series of letters addressed to the famous director. There is something unusual happening at the motel, something that is just . . . off. Rose's suspicions grow, fueled by tales from her grandmother, and the strangeness and secrets transverse the generations until all is revealed at the end.
I'm not sure why I was unimpressed with the ending. The author was true to the story and did not "cheat" with sudden additions, or try to pull a switcheroo. Maybe I was just expecting more intense horror. Anyway, it's a good thriller, even if the horror is on the lite side. It definitely kept my attention all the way through. That's worth something!
I'm not sure why I was unimpressed with the ending. The author was true to the story and did not "cheat" with sudden additions, or try to pull a switcheroo. Maybe I was just expecting more intense horror. Anyway, it's a good thriller, even if the horror is on the lite side. It definitely kept my attention all the way through. That's worth something!
November 1, 2015
You want a spooky October read before the month ends? Well, look no further. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. Quickly! There isn't much time left!
Jennifer McMahon’s writing reminded me a lot of Kate Morton. Story-telling at its finest and a story that covers 3 generations of a family and their life at the Tower Motel.
The story opens with a brutal murder. A woman named Amy, it appears has murdered her husband and children in their sleep. Amy’s childhood best friend, Piper gets a phone call from her little sister, Margot, informing her she needs to come home, come back to where it all started. They know what the cryptic message left by Amy means…but what will they choose to do with this information as the investigation comes to a close?
The narrative is broken into different perspectives and swaps back and forth between the different generations. You keep getting little pieces of information that you are quite sure what to do with. You think that you might just have things figured out.
But do you really?
Is everything as it seems?
This book made me break out in goosebumps on several occasions. And I will tell you that once I started it, I could not put it down. The story sucks you in and you’ll be done with it before you know it.
I wish i could tell you more about this book but I just can’t. It was just too much fun to read. I’d hate to take that from you.
5 Spooktacular Stars
Jennifer McMahon’s writing reminded me a lot of Kate Morton. Story-telling at its finest and a story that covers 3 generations of a family and their life at the Tower Motel.
The story opens with a brutal murder. A woman named Amy, it appears has murdered her husband and children in their sleep. Amy’s childhood best friend, Piper gets a phone call from her little sister, Margot, informing her she needs to come home, come back to where it all started. They know what the cryptic message left by Amy means…but what will they choose to do with this information as the investigation comes to a close?
The narrative is broken into different perspectives and swaps back and forth between the different generations. You keep getting little pieces of information that you are quite sure what to do with. You think that you might just have things figured out.
But do you really?
Is everything as it seems?
This book made me break out in goosebumps on several occasions. And I will tell you that once I started it, I could not put it down. The story sucks you in and you’ll be done with it before you know it.
I wish i could tell you more about this book but I just can’t. It was just too much fun to read. I’d hate to take that from you.
5 Spooktacular Stars
March 30, 2016
Suspenseful and entertaining "thriller-lite" story about a dark family secret that spans several generations and is told by alternating narrators. You'll probably figure it out before the end, but it will keep you turning the pages. If you read and enjoyed McMahon's "The Winter People," you'll probably like this. A 3.5 for me.
March 31, 2016
This is the same author who wrote The Winter People, another book that creeped me out and left me wanting more. I think I have a new favorite author.
In my opinion, this book is perfect for the fall/Halloween. It does take a little bit of effort to pay attention to the timeframe of the chapters, as this story takes place in three different time periods. However, I felt it flowed very nicely and I liked how it was broken up this way, to preserve the mystery.
A creepy hotel. Creepy people. Family members with secrets. A monster? .... maybe?????..... and lots of "WTF is happening????" as I read this. So so good!
In my opinion, this book is perfect for the fall/Halloween. It does take a little bit of effort to pay attention to the timeframe of the chapters, as this story takes place in three different time periods. However, I felt it flowed very nicely and I liked how it was broken up this way, to preserve the mystery.
A creepy hotel. Creepy people. Family members with secrets. A monster? .... maybe?????..... and lots of "WTF is happening????" as I read this. So so good!
March 21, 2017
You've got secrets, lies, mysteries and ghosts too? This was a GREAT book!!! I am definitely glad I was reading it during the day. I wish I could say the best parts of this book without spoiling it for you. This is like nothing I've ever read before. And while, I'm getting a little tired of that genre, this book has just the right amount. There is absolutely no way you could figure this one out. It's a one of a kind. Especially since you don't see the different genre being mixed up in this at all. It was definitely a nice surprise from your ordinary thrillers.
I, without a doubt, highly recommend this book. I'm definitely sure it will be on my top 12 for 2015!!!
Thanks Doubleday and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
I, without a doubt, highly recommend this book. I'm definitely sure it will be on my top 12 for 2015!!!
Thanks Doubleday and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2019
I read The Winter People a few months ago and loved it. Unfortunately, I feel the opposite about The Night Sister. It was very underwhelming... I kept waiting (and waiting) for something to happen. It didn't. And the twist at the end was just blah. None of the characters were great, the switching between the 3 timelines wasn't great, the whole story overall wasn't great. Definitely disappointed.
I 100 percent think Jennifer McMahon is a great writer, I just hope the rest of her books are more Winter People and less Night Sister.
I 100 percent think Jennifer McMahon is a great writer, I just hope the rest of her books are more Winter People and less Night Sister.
January 1, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
I honestly almost can't believe I gave this book a 5 ⭐️ when I've only given her other books a 4 ⭐️ so far. But I did it because it really deserves it.
This is another one of those books that shouldn't be read while you are home alone or at night, but I stayed up very late to finish it, it was that good.
This book is best compared to The Winter People as opposed to her other books I've read. It is a paranormal thriller/mystery so don't go into this book expecting logical explanations for things. Definitely the most chilly book of hers I've read so far. And just a little creepy to say the least. This is definitely my favorite so far.
I honestly almost can't believe I gave this book a 5 ⭐️ when I've only given her other books a 4 ⭐️ so far. But I did it because it really deserves it.
This is another one of those books that shouldn't be read while you are home alone or at night, but I stayed up very late to finish it, it was that good.
This book is best compared to The Winter People as opposed to her other books I've read. It is a paranormal thriller/mystery so don't go into this book expecting logical explanations for things. Definitely the most chilly book of hers I've read so far. And just a little creepy to say the least. This is definitely my favorite so far.
June 28, 2015
I'm really surprised to see all the five star reviews of this book. While it kept my attention, that's really all it did.
My problem with The Night Sister is that it played the same old tricks and jumps. The scares weren't all that scary. The subsequent crimes, brushed over. What about the other murders? Who cares. I sure didn't and that's not good.
For characters, McMahon drags out the same tired tropes. The weak and pregnant woman. The tough and beautiful woman. The disbelieving lawman. She works to bring these tropes to life with a bit of backstory, and the moodiness of an aging motel, but I just wasn't sold.
McMahon tries to supercharge a weak plot by making it in to something else entirely. I couldn't buy into it. The dialogue felt forced and sanitized for the general public. The supernatural elements come too late to fully accept. I found myself reediting the novel, adding realistic dialog, and backing off of the supernatural.
My problem with The Night Sister is that it played the same old tricks and jumps. The scares weren't all that scary. The subsequent crimes, brushed over. What about the other murders? Who cares. I sure didn't and that's not good.
For characters, McMahon drags out the same tired tropes. The weak and pregnant woman. The tough and beautiful woman. The disbelieving lawman. She works to bring these tropes to life with a bit of backstory, and the moodiness of an aging motel, but I just wasn't sold.
McMahon tries to supercharge a weak plot by making it in to something else entirely. I couldn't buy into it. The dialogue felt forced and sanitized for the general public. The supernatural elements come too late to fully accept. I found myself reediting the novel, adding realistic dialog, and backing off of the supernatural.
February 18, 2020
The Night Sister has 3 different story lines in it. The plot goes back & forth between them and ties everything in a bloody bow at the end.
Story A (1950's) is of Rose and her beautiful sister Silvie. Everyone just loves Silvie so much and Rose if often not even noticed. The family owns and runs a motel. One summer, Grandma comes to visit. She's German and spends time telling the girls fairy tales. Rose begins to think Silvie isn't human, that she is a creature from one of Grandma's stories. Then Silvie disappears without a trace.
Story B (1980's) is about Rose's daughter, Amy and her 2 friends Piper and her little sister Margo. Amy is living with Grandma Charlotte (Silvie and Rose's mother). Rose is in and out of rehab. The girls begin looking into Silvie's disappearance. What they find destroys their friendship and changes everything.
Story C (2013) is about Piper and Margo. Tragedy has struck and the girls are in denial. Margo, pregnant and on bed rest, convinces Piper to investigate. The secrets of what they found that summer comes back to haunt them. The mystery is finally revealed and OMG! i did not see that coming.
This may sound confusing but Jennifer McMahon weaves everything together so beautifully. I was never confused over the story lines. The only thing that threw me off was Piper and Margo's relationship to Amy but they are just friends, not blood related. This is the 2nd thing I've read/listened to by this author and i definitely want more! I listened to the audio book which is read by Cassandra Campbell. She did an amazing job and i hope she reads more from this author. And lastly, i'd like to thank my library for having this one in. Libraries are important guys!
Story A (1950's) is of Rose and her beautiful sister Silvie. Everyone just loves Silvie so much and Rose if often not even noticed. The family owns and runs a motel. One summer, Grandma comes to visit. She's German and spends time telling the girls fairy tales. Rose begins to think Silvie isn't human, that she is a creature from one of Grandma's stories. Then Silvie disappears without a trace.
Story B (1980's) is about Rose's daughter, Amy and her 2 friends Piper and her little sister Margo. Amy is living with Grandma Charlotte (Silvie and Rose's mother). Rose is in and out of rehab. The girls begin looking into Silvie's disappearance. What they find destroys their friendship and changes everything.
Story C (2013) is about Piper and Margo. Tragedy has struck and the girls are in denial. Margo, pregnant and on bed rest, convinces Piper to investigate. The secrets of what they found that summer comes back to haunt them. The mystery is finally revealed and OMG! i did not see that coming.
This may sound confusing but Jennifer McMahon weaves everything together so beautifully. I was never confused over the story lines. The only thing that threw me off was Piper and Margo's relationship to Amy but they are just friends, not blood related. This is the 2nd thing I've read/listened to by this author and i definitely want more! I listened to the audio book which is read by Cassandra Campbell. She did an amazing job and i hope she reads more from this author. And lastly, i'd like to thank my library for having this one in. Libraries are important guys!
October 23, 2016
Not as "spooky" as I had hoped, but Mc Mahon is a great storyteller. I didn't think it was as eerie as Winter People, but overall, an enjoyable read. 3.75 stars
December 4, 2024
The eerie read I needed!
August 19, 2017
2.5 stars. This is the third book I'm reading by this author, and although I enjoyed it, it definitely was not in the same league as Don't breathe a word or even The winter people. This is because The Night Sister falls into the fantasy genre, whereas Don't breathe a word was a little bit more unclear as to where it fits in. I did however liked the setting, as well as the flashbacks to their youth, and I read this while on holiday, which was a perfect fit.
The Story: Once a thriving attraction in rural Vermont, the Tower Motel now stands in disrepair, alive only in the memories of Amy, Piper, and Piper’s kid sister, Margot. The three played there as girls, until the day that their games uncovered something dark and twisted in the motel’s past, something that ruined their friendship forever.
The Story: Once a thriving attraction in rural Vermont, the Tower Motel now stands in disrepair, alive only in the memories of Amy, Piper, and Piper’s kid sister, Margot. The three played there as girls, until the day that their games uncovered something dark and twisted in the motel’s past, something that ruined their friendship forever.
August 15, 2016
4.5 stars.
THE NIGHT SISTER, by Jennifer McMahon was so much more than I was expecting it to be. I had read nearly 75% in one sitting, the suspense and smooth writing style pulling me in completely.
In the 1950's, the Tower Motel was home to two sisters, Sylvie and Rose. After Sylvie supposedly left for Hollywood to make her fortune on the big screen, life there was never the same. In the 80's, a beautiful, willful girl named Amy lives there with her Grandmother. Her best friend, Piper, and Piper's younger sister, Margot, her constant companions. The day they discover something awful about Amy's family's past, their friendship is severed--each going their own way into adulthood.
Called back by an unexpected message from her sister, Piper finds herself going back to the town she grew up in. Having heard that Amy allegedly killed herself and entire family, leaving behind only a note on an old photograph that she knew Piper and Margo ONLY would be able to understand.
The author alternates between three time frames: The present, the 80's when the girl's were friends, and the 50's when Sylvie and Rose grew up. I loved this tactic, as it rapidly changed the scene, and never allowed for me to get "tired" of one set of characters' particular story. What starts out as a mystery, soon morph's into so much more! At heart, it is still a mystery thriller, but with elements of the supernatural, horror, and a love story that centers on several characters--all in different ways. There is no "easy" explanation here, and every chapter/section is worth reading. This book was simply spellbinding and effortless in its ability to keep me reading long after I should have stopped for the night.
Highly recommended!
THE NIGHT SISTER, by Jennifer McMahon was so much more than I was expecting it to be. I had read nearly 75% in one sitting, the suspense and smooth writing style pulling me in completely.
In the 1950's, the Tower Motel was home to two sisters, Sylvie and Rose. After Sylvie supposedly left for Hollywood to make her fortune on the big screen, life there was never the same. In the 80's, a beautiful, willful girl named Amy lives there with her Grandmother. Her best friend, Piper, and Piper's younger sister, Margot, her constant companions. The day they discover something awful about Amy's family's past, their friendship is severed--each going their own way into adulthood.
Called back by an unexpected message from her sister, Piper finds herself going back to the town she grew up in. Having heard that Amy allegedly killed herself and entire family, leaving behind only a note on an old photograph that she knew Piper and Margo ONLY would be able to understand.
The author alternates between three time frames: The present, the 80's when the girl's were friends, and the 50's when Sylvie and Rose grew up. I loved this tactic, as it rapidly changed the scene, and never allowed for me to get "tired" of one set of characters' particular story. What starts out as a mystery, soon morph's into so much more! At heart, it is still a mystery thriller, but with elements of the supernatural, horror, and a love story that centers on several characters--all in different ways. There is no "easy" explanation here, and every chapter/section is worth reading. This book was simply spellbinding and effortless in its ability to keep me reading long after I should have stopped for the night.
Highly recommended!
October 18, 2019
This one has some rather interesting plotting, almost like it's a call-out to a family saga, an 80's horror by way of the sixties, and above all, a homage to Hitchcock.
In other words, it's a firm suspense with mostly off-scene nods to carnage. It's all about the build-up, the plethora of details that might lead us in all kinds of interesting directions, and the character-building.
We have three different times to explore. A mystery that develops during the 50's, where the homage to Hitchcock blooms nicely in a once-cool motel turned dilapidated tourist trap well off the main highway. The two teenage girls have their thing. It gets dark. And then there's the whole thing about one running off, never to be heard from again.
And then there's the late 80's, where the children in the family find something rather scary.
And then there's 2013 when a gruesome murder of one of these adult children starts a friend of the family upon her own little investigation.
The plot is actually rather awesome. I felt the suspense, enjoyed the focus, loved the way so many details got their new reveals on the page.
No spoilers, but I definitely had a good time with this. It's not a gross-out book. It doesn't try to outdo anyone on the market. It does, however, focus on the things that matter. It's a great yarn. :)
In other words, it's a firm suspense with mostly off-scene nods to carnage. It's all about the build-up, the plethora of details that might lead us in all kinds of interesting directions, and the character-building.
We have three different times to explore. A mystery that develops during the 50's, where the homage to Hitchcock blooms nicely in a once-cool motel turned dilapidated tourist trap well off the main highway. The two teenage girls have their thing. It gets dark. And then there's the whole thing about one running off, never to be heard from again.
And then there's the late 80's, where the children in the family find something rather scary.
And then there's 2013 when a gruesome murder of one of these adult children starts a friend of the family upon her own little investigation.
The plot is actually rather awesome. I felt the suspense, enjoyed the focus, loved the way so many details got their new reveals on the page.
No spoilers, but I definitely had a good time with this. It's not a gross-out book. It doesn't try to outdo anyone on the market. It does, however, focus on the things that matter. It's a great yarn. :)
August 21, 2015
3.5 good story, not very scarey...I enjoyed her novel The Winter People much more
October 15, 2019
I was conflicted about how to rate The Night Sister, and to be honest, I'm still not happy with the 3 stars that I've settled on.
Writing: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★
Twist/Mystery: ★
Jennifer McMahon is a beautiful writer. Her style hooks you, and it's easy to get lost in her lyrical Grimm's fairy tale version of Vermont. I loved her descriptions, her dialogue, and her ethereal manner in describing the spooky elements. However, The Night Sister failed to follow through with its engaging and spectacular first half.
The first half of the book was atmospheric. I couldn't stop reading, and the parallel timelines of Rose and Sophie (1960s), Young Piper and Young Jason (1989), and Piper and Jason (2013) were fascinating as they unwrapped the set-up for the creepy motel/horror landscape that unfolded.
However...the ending did not live up to the build. It was quite easy to guess the reveal by the 75% mark, and I found it to be an unremarkable explanation for the wonderfully creepy overtones that drew the reader into the plot. For me, it was a classic case of shining light on the bogeyman in the closet...just to realize that he was actually an ominously-shaped sweater.
Recommended for those who enjoy beautiful writing and spooky overtones, but do not necessarily need a surprising, creepier ending.
Writing: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★
Plot: ★★★
Twist/Mystery: ★
Jennifer McMahon is a beautiful writer. Her style hooks you, and it's easy to get lost in her lyrical Grimm's fairy tale version of Vermont. I loved her descriptions, her dialogue, and her ethereal manner in describing the spooky elements. However, The Night Sister failed to follow through with its engaging and spectacular first half.
The first half of the book was atmospheric. I couldn't stop reading, and the parallel timelines of Rose and Sophie (1960s), Young Piper and Young Jason (1989), and Piper and Jason (2013) were fascinating as they unwrapped the set-up for the creepy motel/horror landscape that unfolded.
However...the ending did not live up to the build. It was quite easy to guess the reveal by the 75% mark, and I found it to be an unremarkable explanation for the wonderfully creepy overtones that drew the reader into the plot. For me, it was a classic case of shining light on the bogeyman in the closet...just to realize that he was actually an ominously-shaped sweater.
Recommended for those who enjoy beautiful writing and spooky overtones, but do not necessarily need a surprising, creepier ending.
December 25, 2017
My best surprise read of 2017! My first book by the author was “The Winter People” and I found that an OK read, but not without problems and not terribly exciting. So I’ve had this one on the tbr for quite some time, but never got around to it. The mid-ratings and reviews on Goodreads did not spur me on either. When I finally picked it up, I kind of think those readers read something else. Not to reveal to much, I’m going to limit myself to saying that it’s a story told from multiple viewpoints and across a big time span (the story is told in 1955, 1989 and 2013). Sound confusing? It really isn’t as McMahon executes it brilliantly and really lets us get to know the characters as one result of it. It’s a mystery-thriller-horror and with an ending I thought worked really well (but I’m sure I would have been skeptical had someone told me about it). Quite a feat - as is the whole book! Very recommended.
June 19, 2015
"Sometimes all you need is to hide away in bed and lose yourself in the thrill of a truly scary book. The Night Sister, I assure you, is the perfect book to immerse yourself in. I raced through the book at breakneck speed, desperate to unravel the decades-long mystery that Jennifer McMahon so expertly crafts.
The book opens from the point of view of Amy, a lifelong inhabitant of the Tower Motel and a woman preparing to kill herself and her family. What pushed her to this desperate extreme? She leaves only one clue: an old family portrait with the words “29 Rooms” written across the bottom. The novel bounces back and forth between the points of view of various Tower Motel inhabitants and across decades to weave a deeply addicting tale.
Equal parts family drama, touching portrait of female relationships, and creepy horror mystery, The Night Sister is a book that will keep you on your toes and engage you in the chase to discover the secrets of the 29th room."
- Sarah Engelmann, Doubleday Marketing Department
The book opens from the point of view of Amy, a lifelong inhabitant of the Tower Motel and a woman preparing to kill herself and her family. What pushed her to this desperate extreme? She leaves only one clue: an old family portrait with the words “29 Rooms” written across the bottom. The novel bounces back and forth between the points of view of various Tower Motel inhabitants and across decades to weave a deeply addicting tale.
Equal parts family drama, touching portrait of female relationships, and creepy horror mystery, The Night Sister is a book that will keep you on your toes and engage you in the chase to discover the secrets of the 29th room."
- Sarah Engelmann, Doubleday Marketing Department
December 4, 2019
I was looking for a spooky read and this was perfect! This does cover 3 different timelines but does it in a way that is easy to follow.
July 14, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
"London, Vermont: the ideal place for those monster hunters you see on TV to go and take a good look around..."
Jennifer McMahon is officialy a new favorite author; I read three books: all of them five stars! She's very skilled at writing what seem to be typical murder/crime thrillers and turn them into horror-like stories with "very real" supernatural twists. Of course, you need to suspend disbelief and go along for the ride. She's obsessed with: Vermont and multiple timelines. This time we follow three different timelines, so you'd better pay attention while reading or put some tags or write notes. Present timeline (2013): the story starts with Amy, who lives with her family at her grandparents' old Tower Motel that's been closed since the early 70's. One night, Amy goes nuts, shoots her husband and her son and then kills herself. Her young daughter, Lou, survives the masacre. Police officer Jason, one of the first to get to the crime scene finds Lou, and also finds an old photo of Amy's mom and aunt with a writing on it: "29 rooms". Jason tells his wife, Margot, all this and Margo inmediately calls her sister, Piper, who lives in California. Margot sounds very upset so Piper takes the first flight to London, Vermont. Margot is pretty sure the message Amy left on the photo is for her and her sister connected with some dark secret the girls shared back in 1989. First past timeline (1955-1961): it follows Amy's mom, Rose and her older sister Sylvie, who also live in the same Tower motel that is open in this timeline. Sylvie dreams of going to Hollywood to become the star in Alfred Hitchcock's movies and keeps writing and sending him letters to Paramount studios without reply. Rose and Sylvie's father built the Tower Motel with a replica of the Tower of London in honor of his British wife, Charlotte, whom he met while in London, England during WWII. When Charlotte's mother comes to visit, she fills Rose's head with stories about shape-shifters and monsters. Rose starts imagining things and having nightmares, so Charlotte kicks her mother out of their lives forever. Rose keeps telling her mom that Sylvie disappears during the night but no one believes her. In 1961, shortly after turning 18, Sylvie runs away from home and never comes back. Rose feels guilty, she turns into a drunk and her daughter, Amy, is raised by her grandma Charlotte. Second past timeline (1989): we follow Amy, Piper, Margot and Jason when they were children during the summer of '89. This is where most secrets and twists are revealed: what is the 29th room that supposedly does not exit? what happened to Sylvie? and Rose? and Uncle Fenton? These girls start digging and find some dark shit. Read it and find out. It's super fast paced, I read almost all of it in one day. I would not say it is scary, but it's got a few eerie scenes. Jennifer McMahon books should be adapted into movies. If only she were as popular as Mr. King.
"London, Vermont: the ideal place for those monster hunters you see on TV to go and take a good look around..."
Jennifer McMahon is officialy a new favorite author; I read three books: all of them five stars! She's very skilled at writing what seem to be typical murder/crime thrillers and turn them into horror-like stories with "very real" supernatural twists. Of course, you need to suspend disbelief and go along for the ride. She's obsessed with: Vermont and multiple timelines. This time we follow three different timelines, so you'd better pay attention while reading or put some tags or write notes. Present timeline (2013): the story starts with Amy, who lives with her family at her grandparents' old Tower Motel that's been closed since the early 70's. One night, Amy goes nuts, shoots her husband and her son and then kills herself. Her young daughter, Lou, survives the masacre. Police officer Jason, one of the first to get to the crime scene finds Lou, and also finds an old photo of Amy's mom and aunt with a writing on it: "29 rooms". Jason tells his wife, Margot, all this and Margo inmediately calls her sister, Piper, who lives in California. Margot sounds very upset so Piper takes the first flight to London, Vermont. Margot is pretty sure the message Amy left on the photo is for her and her sister connected with some dark secret the girls shared back in 1989. First past timeline (1955-1961): it follows Amy's mom, Rose and her older sister Sylvie, who also live in the same Tower motel that is open in this timeline. Sylvie dreams of going to Hollywood to become the star in Alfred Hitchcock's movies and keeps writing and sending him letters to Paramount studios without reply. Rose and Sylvie's father built the Tower Motel with a replica of the Tower of London in honor of his British wife, Charlotte, whom he met while in London, England during WWII. When Charlotte's mother comes to visit, she fills Rose's head with stories about shape-shifters and monsters. Rose starts imagining things and having nightmares, so Charlotte kicks her mother out of their lives forever. Rose keeps telling her mom that Sylvie disappears during the night but no one believes her. In 1961, shortly after turning 18, Sylvie runs away from home and never comes back. Rose feels guilty, she turns into a drunk and her daughter, Amy, is raised by her grandma Charlotte. Second past timeline (1989): we follow Amy, Piper, Margot and Jason when they were children during the summer of '89. This is where most secrets and twists are revealed: what is the 29th room that supposedly does not exit? what happened to Sylvie? and Rose? and Uncle Fenton? These girls start digging and find some dark shit. Read it and find out. It's super fast paced, I read almost all of it in one day. I would not say it is scary, but it's got a few eerie scenes. Jennifer McMahon books should be adapted into movies. If only she were as popular as Mr. King.
July 21, 2015
REVIEW: THE NIGHT SISTER by Jennifer McMahon
Jennifer McMahon is a must-read author for me, and proves herself once again in this electrifying novel in which she juggles contemporary present, plus not one but two different but essential past eras. Even more, she interweaves themes not usually unearthed in mainstream novels--and makes those themes utterly believable. THE NIGHT SISTER is most definitely a must-read and reread.
Jennifer McMahon is a must-read author for me, and proves herself once again in this electrifying novel in which she juggles contemporary present, plus not one but two different but essential past eras. Even more, she interweaves themes not usually unearthed in mainstream novels--and makes those themes utterly believable. THE NIGHT SISTER is most definitely a must-read and reread.
July 16, 2019
Alright, this was great. I think I could see some of this coming, but some of it had me fooled. I love the mystery element mixed in with the supernatural in her books.
This one went from different viewpoints and different times to give you a complete picture that began to add up. Sometimes that method works, and other times it does not. Here it did and I didn’t find myself getting confused about what time I was in or forget whose point of view I was reading at all. The characters were so established as their own voice and personality that; this method absolutely worked out perfect.
I can’t wait to go on and read more of her books. She is a favorite now. There seems to be an element of the sublime that I just love. It is hard for me to put these books down because I get wrapped up in them.
It’s best to go in not knowing a thing !
This one went from different viewpoints and different times to give you a complete picture that began to add up. Sometimes that method works, and other times it does not. Here it did and I didn’t find myself getting confused about what time I was in or forget whose point of view I was reading at all. The characters were so established as their own voice and personality that; this method absolutely worked out perfect.
I can’t wait to go on and read more of her books. She is a favorite now. There seems to be an element of the sublime that I just love. It is hard for me to put these books down because I get wrapped up in them.
It’s best to go in not knowing a thing !
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