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Kelly and Kennedy #1
Brothers & Sisters
What lengths would you go to protect the ones you love?
When the complex web of dark family secrets begins to gradually unravel, Tim and his sister Rose are consumed by trying to protect their 46-year-old secret, a secret that was never meant to be told.
Faced with an impossible dilemma, they must decide whether to tell the truth or face the consequences.
One thing's for sure, nothing remains buried forever...
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2017
360 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Adele O'Neill
3 books11 followersHaving lived and worked in the UK and Dublin since college, Adele now lives in her home town in Co. Wicklow with her husband and two teenage daughters. She writes overlooking the Irish Sea and is an active member of the Wexford Literary Festival committee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 3, 2019
Another book from my past pile. It’s been quite a while since this was released. This is book 1 in a series.
A lots been written about this book already.
I found this totally engrossing, it shows the limits and depths some will go to for love.
Truly captivating.
My thanks to Aria on Net galley for my copy
A lots been written about this book already.
I found this totally engrossing, it shows the limits and depths some will go to for love.
Truly captivating.
My thanks to Aria on Net galley for my copy
May 30, 2017
Brothers and Sisters by Adele O'Neill was a story about family secrets, loyalty and abuse and the siblings efforts to keep their past hidden. I found this book hard to read because of the subject matter.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2019
Rating: 4 STARS
2017; Aria
When I started to read this novel, I was expecting a standard mystery novel, but realized a few chapters in it was more of a drama. I was pleasantly surprised as I continued to read this novel that the drama and mystery elements worked in great balance. The novel opens up with a body being found on a farm. We meet the detectives assigned to the case, and the family that resides on the estate. Then we find out that the body has been there for decades so the previous owners may have ties and knowledge of the identity. I figured out some of the mystery but there was more to the story and I really enjoyed the storytelling and felt satisfied with the ending. I am not sure if this could be turned into a series with the two detectives as leads, but I am looking forward to the next O'Neill novel!
***I received an eARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
2017; Aria
When I started to read this novel, I was expecting a standard mystery novel, but realized a few chapters in it was more of a drama. I was pleasantly surprised as I continued to read this novel that the drama and mystery elements worked in great balance. The novel opens up with a body being found on a farm. We meet the detectives assigned to the case, and the family that resides on the estate. Then we find out that the body has been there for decades so the previous owners may have ties and knowledge of the identity. I figured out some of the mystery but there was more to the story and I really enjoyed the storytelling and felt satisfied with the ending. I am not sure if this could be turned into a series with the two detectives as leads, but I am looking forward to the next O'Neill novel!
***I received an eARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
August 27, 2017
Tenth book of my holiday reads.
This is so much more than a crime book. The relationship between Tim and Rose, brother and sister, was so heart warming. Not having the greatest parents in the world, Tim has always looked out for his younger sister and that bond has only gotten stronger over the years.
The story is more one of suspense than thrilling but due to Tim and Rose's story I was well and truly hooked. The only thing that slightly let it down was the relationship between the 2 detectives. As nice as it was to see a blossoming romance between both, I think it got in the way of the case and how real detectives would behave.
Overall a great read.
This is so much more than a crime book. The relationship between Tim and Rose, brother and sister, was so heart warming. Not having the greatest parents in the world, Tim has always looked out for his younger sister and that bond has only gotten stronger over the years.
The story is more one of suspense than thrilling but due to Tim and Rose's story I was well and truly hooked. The only thing that slightly let it down was the relationship between the 2 detectives. As nice as it was to see a blossoming romance between both, I think it got in the way of the case and how real detectives would behave.
Overall a great read.
July 23, 2017
Brothers and Sisters
Brothers and Sisters tells the story of Timothy and his sister Rose. Members of the Fitzpatrick family, they have not returned to their family estate for more than forty years. Why, and what secrets lay buried at their childhood home?
This is a tough book to read in places, but it really developed into a great page turner. It's one of those, 'I'll just read a little bit more...and a little bit more...' and before you know it, you've finished the book and are exhausted from how emotionally invested you have become! Brothers and Sisters is a truly dramatic tale of a dark family full of secrets, of their loyalty and of how far they will go to protect the ones they love.
I highly recommend this gripping debut novel; it's full of twists and turns that will leave you dizzy and guessing till the end, 5* from purplebookstand!.
Brothers and Sisters tells the story of Timothy and his sister Rose. Members of the Fitzpatrick family, they have not returned to their family estate for more than forty years. Why, and what secrets lay buried at their childhood home?
This is a tough book to read in places, but it really developed into a great page turner. It's one of those, 'I'll just read a little bit more...and a little bit more...' and before you know it, you've finished the book and are exhausted from how emotionally invested you have become! Brothers and Sisters is a truly dramatic tale of a dark family full of secrets, of their loyalty and of how far they will go to protect the ones they love.
I highly recommend this gripping debut novel; it's full of twists and turns that will leave you dizzy and guessing till the end, 5* from purplebookstand!.
August 5, 2017
A gripping crime novel with bags of character and heart ♥
Brothers and Sisters is an excellent mystery/ crime novel set between current times and the 1970's. The story kicks off when a body is discovered on Fitzpatrick Estate, former property of siblings Rose and Timothy Fitzpatrick.
I loved the dual timeline, telling Rose's story.
There are some heartbreaking scenes in this book and some hard topics, but all are handled with sensitivity and compassion.
The highlight of this book is definitely the characters. The investigators of the case, Louise Kennedy and Tony Kelly are a force to be reckoned with. They're strong characters, but flawed, just like real people. At times, their story added light and humour to the book.
The fierce love and devotion between Timothy and Rose is the same that I feel for my own siblings, and this raw powerful emotion was beautifully detailed. As the bittersweet tale unfolded, I found myself rooting for them.
I loved this book and Adele's style of writing, I eagerly await her next novel! My Stepmother said it was the best book she's read this year and she adored it too (she doesn't know how to post a review unfortunately :))
Brothers and Sisters is an excellent mystery/ crime novel set between current times and the 1970's. The story kicks off when a body is discovered on Fitzpatrick Estate, former property of siblings Rose and Timothy Fitzpatrick.
I loved the dual timeline, telling Rose's story.
There are some heartbreaking scenes in this book and some hard topics, but all are handled with sensitivity and compassion.
The highlight of this book is definitely the characters. The investigators of the case, Louise Kennedy and Tony Kelly are a force to be reckoned with. They're strong characters, but flawed, just like real people. At times, their story added light and humour to the book.
The fierce love and devotion between Timothy and Rose is the same that I feel for my own siblings, and this raw powerful emotion was beautifully detailed. As the bittersweet tale unfolded, I found myself rooting for them.
I loved this book and Adele's style of writing, I eagerly await her next novel! My Stepmother said it was the best book she's read this year and she adored it too (she doesn't know how to post a review unfortunately :))
July 23, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
Geezus! Nothing like entering the book world with a debut novel like ‘Brothers & Sisters’, is there? A family with a devastating back story. A murder. A dead body. A murder investigation. Enough family secrets to secure a lifetime spot on Jeremy Kyle. It’s safe to say that this debut author hasn’t written the novel by halves – just look at what the book contains!
So much information crammed into such a relatively short space, ‘Brothers & Sisters’ is the type of novel which requires the reader to be focused, especially as the storyline switches between 1970 and 2016, concentration is vital where this book is concerned. Usually books like that confuse me. Thankfully I was able to work out what type of storyline I was dealing with, long before I could get confused.
I have to say, this book contains such a devastating topic which made me feel sick to my stomach. I found it incredibly, incredibly difficult to read due to reasons which aren’t suitable for this review. I understand that the author needed to create an authentic vibe for the overall plot, I just felt that that situation in particular was written in such a black and white manner, thus lowering the sensitivity level of the topic in question. In my eyes, it was too vivid and extremely hard to switch off from.
As for the murder investigation, I enjoyed getting involved in the nitty-gritty parts of that! Perhaps that portion of the story could have been extended to give the readers more of a feel to the murder instead of the family history. That said, the investigation on its own kept my entertained. Simple, yet effective.
‘Brothers and Sisters’ kept me on my toes, enabling my heart to jump into my mouth due to its chilling, shocking, and stomach churning timeline of events. Looking at the shell of the novel; I was entertained to a certain degree, as well as being kept guessing about the conclusion, therefore making the overall premise of the novel a promising read.
However, the horrific subject matter within the storyline was too much to swallow, and extremely difficult to read. For me, those parts of the book made me realise that this book wasn’t my cup of tea, yet Adele O’Neill shows such promise in regards to her writing.
Looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
Thanks Aria.
Geezus! Nothing like entering the book world with a debut novel like ‘Brothers & Sisters’, is there? A family with a devastating back story. A murder. A dead body. A murder investigation. Enough family secrets to secure a lifetime spot on Jeremy Kyle. It’s safe to say that this debut author hasn’t written the novel by halves – just look at what the book contains!
So much information crammed into such a relatively short space, ‘Brothers & Sisters’ is the type of novel which requires the reader to be focused, especially as the storyline switches between 1970 and 2016, concentration is vital where this book is concerned. Usually books like that confuse me. Thankfully I was able to work out what type of storyline I was dealing with, long before I could get confused.
I have to say, this book contains such a devastating topic which made me feel sick to my stomach. I found it incredibly, incredibly difficult to read due to reasons which aren’t suitable for this review. I understand that the author needed to create an authentic vibe for the overall plot, I just felt that that situation in particular was written in such a black and white manner, thus lowering the sensitivity level of the topic in question. In my eyes, it was too vivid and extremely hard to switch off from.
As for the murder investigation, I enjoyed getting involved in the nitty-gritty parts of that! Perhaps that portion of the story could have been extended to give the readers more of a feel to the murder instead of the family history. That said, the investigation on its own kept my entertained. Simple, yet effective.
‘Brothers and Sisters’ kept me on my toes, enabling my heart to jump into my mouth due to its chilling, shocking, and stomach churning timeline of events. Looking at the shell of the novel; I was entertained to a certain degree, as well as being kept guessing about the conclusion, therefore making the overall premise of the novel a promising read.
However, the horrific subject matter within the storyline was too much to swallow, and extremely difficult to read. For me, those parts of the book made me realise that this book wasn’t my cup of tea, yet Adele O’Neill shows such promise in regards to her writing.
Looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.
Thanks Aria.
March 15, 2022
Brother's and sister’s by Adele O'Neill.
What lengths would you go to protect the ones you love?
When the complex web of dark family secrets begins to gradually unravel, Tim and his sister Rose are consumed by trying to protect their 46-year-old secret, a secret that was never meant to be told.
Faced with an impossible dilemma, they must decide whether to tell the truth or face the consequences.
One thing's for sure, nothing remains buried forever...
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the story and characters. Read in 2 days. 4*.
What lengths would you go to protect the ones you love?
When the complex web of dark family secrets begins to gradually unravel, Tim and his sister Rose are consumed by trying to protect their 46-year-old secret, a secret that was never meant to be told.
Faced with an impossible dilemma, they must decide whether to tell the truth or face the consequences.
One thing's for sure, nothing remains buried forever...
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the story and characters. Read in 2 days. 4*.
July 3, 2017
A tale of sibling loyalty set between 1970 and present day Ireland. A murder investigation uncovers hidden family secrets and how the love of brother and sister prevails against all odds. A gripping read with great twists and plots and tragic family circumstances. I cried at some parts and I laughed at the dry wit of some of the characters. If you want to get lost in a book I highly recommend brothers and sisters.
September 19, 2017
'Nothing remains buried forever…
What would you do to protect the ones you love?’
Described as a novel that tells a ‘gripping, highly emotive story of love, survival, dark family secrets and sibling loyalty, Brothers & Sisters is a novel that deals with some harrowing topics but also some very poignant ones.
Read on for my full thoughts….
Fitzpatrick Estate in Co. Kilkenny, Ireland is the setting for this debut novel from Adele O’ Neill.
Just acquired by Michael and Marie McGrath, they have plans to develop the grounds for agri-tourism, but in order to do this they need to carry out some work on the land. It is during this time that work has to be halted, due to the discovery of human remains.
Michael McGrath grew up in the adjoining farm and has been renting the Fitzpatrick land for a number of years. He always aspired to purchase the land but it remained under the ownership of Timothy and Rose Fitzpatrick until recently.
Timothy and Rose Fitzpatrick are brother and sister. They moved away from Kilkenny many, many years previously. Now in their sixties, the discovery of this body draws them back to a time they hoped never to have to relive.
Brothers & Sisters is a dual-line story. As a reader we are taken on a harrowing journey back to 1970. Timothy and Rose live in a house where fear is the daily norm. Their father terrifies them both and their mother is lost in a world where she sees everything through a fog of alcohol.
‘I make sure to leave the kitchen spotless. My father doesn’t like to come home to an untidy kitchen. I learnt this the hard way and only a fool doesn’t learn from their mistakes…Apparently it’s all for my own good..Tim says that he is angry because he can’t understand why our mother has ended up so useless and, in his own warped way is making sure, with his fists and his belt, that we don’t go the same way.’
Each day Timothy and Rose face new horrors and they vow that they will soon leave Fitzpatrick Estate, never to return. Now, with the discovery of a body on the land, Rose and Timothy realise that the past always has a way of resurfacing and they soon find themselves caught up in the nightmare again.
On identification of the body, the case comes under the control of Detective Tony Kelly and Detective Louise Kennedy. It soon becomes clear that this is a murder case as they begin to unravel the cause of death.
With a request from Kelly, Timothy returns to Kilkenny with his partner Robert. His trepidation and fear is palpable off the pages as he crosses the boundary of the estate. Memories come flooding back as he meets the new owners. Timothy is a very hard character for the detectives to fathom. He’s quite reserved with his answers and appears quite uncomfortable with the questions been asked. Timothy is very protective of Rose, who is now widowed and living in Dublin.
As the case begins to pick up, Detectives Kelly and Kennedy find themselves unearthing information that was buried deep in the past. Their own relationship is well portrayed by Adele O’ Neill in parallel with the main storyline, as they become closer over long hours and disturbing discoveries.
Brothers & Sisters is a novel that deals with topics that some readers may find very distressing. These scenes creep up on you in the opening chapters so I just feel it necessary to point this out.
The story of Timothy and Rose is so heartbreaking. They were born into a house of horrors. Children have an expectation to be loved and cared for, an expectation of safety but for Timothy and Rose, this was not the case. Growing up in their household in Ireland in the 1970’s was a horrendous experience that left it’s marks on both for the remainder of their lives.
With secrets covered up and a past hidden behind a veil of normality, Brothers & Sisters brings the reader on a heartbreaking journey. As the truth is slowly revealed and as a murder case is brought to a close, we witness the hurt and the pain caused by past wrongdoings.
Adele O’ Neill has written some very poignant scenes in this novel that brought tears to my eyes as her descriptions were so real and so moving.
Brothers & Sisters is much more than a murder mystery. It is a look at human frailty and the impact of events that overshadowed the lives of two people whose very essence was destroyed in the one place they thought they would be safe….home.
What would you do to protect the ones you love?’
Described as a novel that tells a ‘gripping, highly emotive story of love, survival, dark family secrets and sibling loyalty, Brothers & Sisters is a novel that deals with some harrowing topics but also some very poignant ones.
Read on for my full thoughts….
Fitzpatrick Estate in Co. Kilkenny, Ireland is the setting for this debut novel from Adele O’ Neill.
Just acquired by Michael and Marie McGrath, they have plans to develop the grounds for agri-tourism, but in order to do this they need to carry out some work on the land. It is during this time that work has to be halted, due to the discovery of human remains.
Michael McGrath grew up in the adjoining farm and has been renting the Fitzpatrick land for a number of years. He always aspired to purchase the land but it remained under the ownership of Timothy and Rose Fitzpatrick until recently.
Timothy and Rose Fitzpatrick are brother and sister. They moved away from Kilkenny many, many years previously. Now in their sixties, the discovery of this body draws them back to a time they hoped never to have to relive.
Brothers & Sisters is a dual-line story. As a reader we are taken on a harrowing journey back to 1970. Timothy and Rose live in a house where fear is the daily norm. Their father terrifies them both and their mother is lost in a world where she sees everything through a fog of alcohol.
‘I make sure to leave the kitchen spotless. My father doesn’t like to come home to an untidy kitchen. I learnt this the hard way and only a fool doesn’t learn from their mistakes…Apparently it’s all for my own good..Tim says that he is angry because he can’t understand why our mother has ended up so useless and, in his own warped way is making sure, with his fists and his belt, that we don’t go the same way.’
Each day Timothy and Rose face new horrors and they vow that they will soon leave Fitzpatrick Estate, never to return. Now, with the discovery of a body on the land, Rose and Timothy realise that the past always has a way of resurfacing and they soon find themselves caught up in the nightmare again.
On identification of the body, the case comes under the control of Detective Tony Kelly and Detective Louise Kennedy. It soon becomes clear that this is a murder case as they begin to unravel the cause of death.
With a request from Kelly, Timothy returns to Kilkenny with his partner Robert. His trepidation and fear is palpable off the pages as he crosses the boundary of the estate. Memories come flooding back as he meets the new owners. Timothy is a very hard character for the detectives to fathom. He’s quite reserved with his answers and appears quite uncomfortable with the questions been asked. Timothy is very protective of Rose, who is now widowed and living in Dublin.
As the case begins to pick up, Detectives Kelly and Kennedy find themselves unearthing information that was buried deep in the past. Their own relationship is well portrayed by Adele O’ Neill in parallel with the main storyline, as they become closer over long hours and disturbing discoveries.
Brothers & Sisters is a novel that deals with topics that some readers may find very distressing. These scenes creep up on you in the opening chapters so I just feel it necessary to point this out.
The story of Timothy and Rose is so heartbreaking. They were born into a house of horrors. Children have an expectation to be loved and cared for, an expectation of safety but for Timothy and Rose, this was not the case. Growing up in their household in Ireland in the 1970’s was a horrendous experience that left it’s marks on both for the remainder of their lives.
With secrets covered up and a past hidden behind a veil of normality, Brothers & Sisters brings the reader on a heartbreaking journey. As the truth is slowly revealed and as a murder case is brought to a close, we witness the hurt and the pain caused by past wrongdoings.
Adele O’ Neill has written some very poignant scenes in this novel that brought tears to my eyes as her descriptions were so real and so moving.
Brothers & Sisters is much more than a murder mystery. It is a look at human frailty and the impact of events that overshadowed the lives of two people whose very essence was destroyed in the one place they thought they would be safe….home.
May 11, 2017
I got this from NetGalley. Tim and Rose, a brother and sister in their 60s, sell their family estate which neither of them had visited in 40+ years. Soon after it is sold, a body, dead for the same amount of time, is found, and they get drawn into the investigation. The story focuses on both the investigating officers and Tim and Rose in 2016 and also flips back and forth to 1970, when they were teenagers. The story was pretty good overall. This was less a murder investigation story than a look at the lives of the characters and how the present dragged up the issues of the past. The ending was a little sappy in an "everything is perfect" way, but I did enjoy the book. The main issue I had with it was the punctuation. There were unnecessary commas, commas in place of periods. It could definitely stand to be edited again. 3 stars.
October 16, 2017
In this story we follow Rose, and Tim Fitzpatrick during 1970 and 2016, during the times it is 1970 we learn about their childhood, their abusive father, drunk of a mother, and rapist uncle.
You learn about the harsh childhood Rose and Tim had to endure, and the how future is bleak for both, one is facing neurological disorder, the other potentially facing murder charges.
Their father owned the Fitzpatrick farm in Ireland, which the men tended too, while the woman were to take care of the house and them. Except the children's mother locked herself away in her room for years- drinking, and taking pills to ease the pain of her depression. You eventually find out why and you be the judge on how you feel when a mother cannot save herself or her children. Every night Rose' is to bring dinner down to the cottage where her Uncle Patrick lives, she hates going there especially now that she is maturing into a woman. He has been making remarks towards her and she has been warned by her brother Tim to never be alone with him. One night when she is forced to take him dinner, he makes her wait for the plate and when he finishes eating doesn't let her leave but instead rapes her. When her brother finds out he is seeing red with rage, and wants to go and kill his uncle. Rose' stops him that night, but little does she know he sneaks out and follows him to the bar where he beats the crap out of him and warns him to leave and never come back...
2016- The new owners of the farm Michael and Marie McGrath are working on restoring the place, they are working in the fields and dig up a body in the ditch...
Once the body is ID' it is confirmed that it is the missing man from 46 years ago (1970) of a Patrick Fitzpatrick. Now the detectives are working hard trying to figure out who in the family had killed him and why. The only two surviving family members that they are aware of are Rose,and Tim. Neither will ever tell what truly happened that night.
An amazing story of Brother & Sister and the lengths one goes to protect those they love... This book had it all murder, suspense, heartbreak, love... a book for anyone !
August 15, 2017
Book blurb...
Nothing remains buried forever... What would you do to protect the ones you love?
A gripping, highly emotive story of love, survival, dark family secrets and sibling loyalty. Perfect for the fans of Kathryn Hughes and Dorothy Koomson.
When human remains are found on Fitzpatrick Estate, Detective Kelly is drawn deep into the complex web of Fitzpatrick family secrets as Timothy and his sister Rose, now in their sixties, are catapulted into the centre of the investigation.
When the pathology report identifies the remains as that of their uncle, Patrick Fitzpatrick, missing from Fitzpatrick Estate since 1970, they scramble to protect their past.
What would you do to protect the ones you love?
My thoughts…
This story, Brothers and Sisters, moved me beyond description. It was powerful, well written, and a book I could barely put down.
I was so engaged with the main characters, Rose and her brother, Tim, that I felt every ordeal they endured. The author’s telling of some unsavoury elements was so cleverly handled that I knew exactly what was happening and how the brother and sister felt about their early lives without the need for shock factor. Brilliant! Totally captivating. Tissues required.
This story's secrets and lies are bound in a bubble of love that endures the decades. Forty-six years, in fact.
This book should be moved to the top of your to-be-read pile.
Review also published on my blog http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
Nothing remains buried forever... What would you do to protect the ones you love?
A gripping, highly emotive story of love, survival, dark family secrets and sibling loyalty. Perfect for the fans of Kathryn Hughes and Dorothy Koomson.
When human remains are found on Fitzpatrick Estate, Detective Kelly is drawn deep into the complex web of Fitzpatrick family secrets as Timothy and his sister Rose, now in their sixties, are catapulted into the centre of the investigation.
When the pathology report identifies the remains as that of their uncle, Patrick Fitzpatrick, missing from Fitzpatrick Estate since 1970, they scramble to protect their past.
What would you do to protect the ones you love?
My thoughts…
This story, Brothers and Sisters, moved me beyond description. It was powerful, well written, and a book I could barely put down.
I was so engaged with the main characters, Rose and her brother, Tim, that I felt every ordeal they endured. The author’s telling of some unsavoury elements was so cleverly handled that I knew exactly what was happening and how the brother and sister felt about their early lives without the need for shock factor. Brilliant! Totally captivating. Tissues required.
This story's secrets and lies are bound in a bubble of love that endures the decades. Forty-six years, in fact.
This book should be moved to the top of your to-be-read pile.
Review also published on my blog http://www.readroundoz.wordpress.com
May 11, 2017
3 and 1 / 2 stars
This book goes back and forth between present day and 1970. It tells of the youths of Rose and Tim Fitzpatrick and the circumstances of their leaving “The House” and moving away.
When a body is found and the Fitzpatrick’s are called back to the house, memories best forgotten surface. Neither Rose nor Tim has any happy memories of the place. When the body turns out to be Patrick Fitzpatrick who disappeared in 1970, we learn that the past becomes a precious secret to protect. Patrick was physically, sexually and mentally abusive to the youngsters while their mother was emotionally unavailable. Tim does his best to protect Rose from the abuse, but in the long run, it is a losing battle.
Detective Kelly is heading up the investigation. I must admit that as a reader, I did not like Kelly very much. He comes off as too competitive and somewhat of a slob. He does learn, however, that the Fitzpatrick family has many secrets to hide.
As he investigates further, Rose and Tim become frantic.
This is a fairly well written and plotted book although the first few pages are disgusting – at least to me they were. The suspense is at a good level and when Kelly finally gets there in the end, it is a good story.
I want to thank Netgalley and Aria for forwarding to me a copy of this novel for me to read.
This book goes back and forth between present day and 1970. It tells of the youths of Rose and Tim Fitzpatrick and the circumstances of their leaving “The House” and moving away.
When a body is found and the Fitzpatrick’s are called back to the house, memories best forgotten surface. Neither Rose nor Tim has any happy memories of the place. When the body turns out to be Patrick Fitzpatrick who disappeared in 1970, we learn that the past becomes a precious secret to protect. Patrick was physically, sexually and mentally abusive to the youngsters while their mother was emotionally unavailable. Tim does his best to protect Rose from the abuse, but in the long run, it is a losing battle.
Detective Kelly is heading up the investigation. I must admit that as a reader, I did not like Kelly very much. He comes off as too competitive and somewhat of a slob. He does learn, however, that the Fitzpatrick family has many secrets to hide.
As he investigates further, Rose and Tim become frantic.
This is a fairly well written and plotted book although the first few pages are disgusting – at least to me they were. The suspense is at a good level and when Kelly finally gets there in the end, it is a good story.
I want to thank Netgalley and Aria for forwarding to me a copy of this novel for me to read.
January 17, 2018
4* review for Brothers and Sisters by Adele O'Neill. The question "What would you do to protect the ones you love?" is on the front cover and instantly drew me in.
However, this is more than a crime book, it is about a dysfunctional family and the close relationship between Tim and Rose, brother and sister. As a result of not having the greatest parents in the world, Tim has always looked out for his younger sister Rose and would do anything to protect her from harm. The characters are so well written that you instantly sympathise and empathise with them and can feel their connection through the wriiting and that hatred they have for their abusive, lazy, drunken parents and uncle living on the farm in the 1970's.
The story alternates between 2016 when a body is discovered on the farm which appears to be a murder that happened 46 years ago and the present day where Rose and Tim have moved away, moved on and never speak of their time on the farm. When the identity of the body is revealed and the Detectives start digging deeper into their lives back then, they are faced with an impossible dilemma; they must decide whether to tell the truth or keep their vow of secrecy.
The subject matter may be difficult for some to read, but i felt it was a story worth telling and done so in a very realistic and honest way and I appreciated Adele tackling it so delicately.
However, this is more than a crime book, it is about a dysfunctional family and the close relationship between Tim and Rose, brother and sister. As a result of not having the greatest parents in the world, Tim has always looked out for his younger sister Rose and would do anything to protect her from harm. The characters are so well written that you instantly sympathise and empathise with them and can feel their connection through the wriiting and that hatred they have for their abusive, lazy, drunken parents and uncle living on the farm in the 1970's.
The story alternates between 2016 when a body is discovered on the farm which appears to be a murder that happened 46 years ago and the present day where Rose and Tim have moved away, moved on and never speak of their time on the farm. When the identity of the body is revealed and the Detectives start digging deeper into their lives back then, they are faced with an impossible dilemma; they must decide whether to tell the truth or keep their vow of secrecy.
The subject matter may be difficult for some to read, but i felt it was a story worth telling and done so in a very realistic and honest way and I appreciated Adele tackling it so delicately.
July 6, 2017
Adele O’Neill could develop the characters of Detectives Tony Kelly and Louise Kennedy into further novels. Their characters unfold in such a way that this is only the beginning. The only thing that put me off Tony Kelly was the description of how he needed a shower after an all-nighter following the discovery of a more than 40-year-old body in a bog in Ireland.
The story of how this body ended up in a bog is riveting as bits are added piece by piece throughout the book, ending up like a pot of delightful Irish stew with lots of character.
Naturally, Kelly and Kennedy seek out the brother and sister who lived on the farm where the body was found in 2016. However when they were teenagers, the Fitzpatrick siblings Tim and Rose had left the farm 40 years previously. They had a secret that they hoped would stay buried forever.
It is not Kelly and Kennedy who discover the truth though. The body had to be buried and it was because of the funeral that long hidden secrets saw the light of day.
Adele O’Neill managed to add ingredients of crime, detectives, the media, romance and families into a book that is riveting, heartwarming, compassionate and exciting. Highly recommended to read.
Bonnie K
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
The story of how this body ended up in a bog is riveting as bits are added piece by piece throughout the book, ending up like a pot of delightful Irish stew with lots of character.
Naturally, Kelly and Kennedy seek out the brother and sister who lived on the farm where the body was found in 2016. However when they were teenagers, the Fitzpatrick siblings Tim and Rose had left the farm 40 years previously. They had a secret that they hoped would stay buried forever.
It is not Kelly and Kennedy who discover the truth though. The body had to be buried and it was because of the funeral that long hidden secrets saw the light of day.
Adele O’Neill managed to add ingredients of crime, detectives, the media, romance and families into a book that is riveting, heartwarming, compassionate and exciting. Highly recommended to read.
Bonnie K
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
July 18, 2017
This book wasn’t what I expected from the synopsis but after a few pages I found myself enjoying it.
We are transported back and forth between 1970 and 2016 as we are introduced to siblings Rosie and Tim Fitzpatrick and learn what happened when they moved away. The horrific secret that they hoped would never see the light of day.
Brother and sister pair didn’t have the easiest of childhoods growing up on the farm with their mother and Patrick. Their mother isn’t emotionally stable and Patrick was physically and sexually abusive to them. Tim did his best to keep him away from Rosie, but he just couldn’t manage it.
Neither of them wanted to go back to ‘The House’, but as a 40-year-old body has been dug up they have no option. When they go back to what is now know as ‘The Fitzpatrick Estate’ we meet one of my favourite characters the enchanting Eve who looks out for the ‘fairies under the squeaky step’.
Detectives Tony Kelly and Louise Kelly who are supposed to be investigating but seem to be letting other things get in the way. I couldn’t seem to warm to either of them I’m afraid.
You will need a strong stomach for some of the more graphic parts of the story as it makes heart-wrenching reading.
Read for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Aria
We are transported back and forth between 1970 and 2016 as we are introduced to siblings Rosie and Tim Fitzpatrick and learn what happened when they moved away. The horrific secret that they hoped would never see the light of day.
Brother and sister pair didn’t have the easiest of childhoods growing up on the farm with their mother and Patrick. Their mother isn’t emotionally stable and Patrick was physically and sexually abusive to them. Tim did his best to keep him away from Rosie, but he just couldn’t manage it.
Neither of them wanted to go back to ‘The House’, but as a 40-year-old body has been dug up they have no option. When they go back to what is now know as ‘The Fitzpatrick Estate’ we meet one of my favourite characters the enchanting Eve who looks out for the ‘fairies under the squeaky step’.
Detectives Tony Kelly and Louise Kelly who are supposed to be investigating but seem to be letting other things get in the way. I couldn’t seem to warm to either of them I’m afraid.
You will need a strong stomach for some of the more graphic parts of the story as it makes heart-wrenching reading.
Read for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Aria
July 20, 2017
How far will a family go to keep dark secrets? Is blood thicker than water? Why did two people sell their farm for half of its value? Why have they never returned to the farm since they left it as teenagers? How did their uncle die?
I really enjoyed this book. I was expecting it to be more of a crime read, especially as it opened with Detective Kelly but it kind of became moreso women's fiction as the story developed. That isn't a criticism, it was done well and is certainly a compelling read, it was just unexpected. Some of the story has quite gory aspects that some readers might find upsetting so don't think this is a light "women's fiction" read.
It was refreshing to have two detectives form a relationship in the first book of a series (hoping they form part of a series) as many crime books often have a "will they, won't they?" going on for quite a few books. I was a tad surprised by Louise's attraction for Kelly as the initial description of his unwashed appearance didn't sound like he would do anything for any woman but he certainly became a likeable character.
There are lots of twists and turns within the storyline and I read it quite quickly as I really wanted to know what happened. An excellent debut novel.
I really enjoyed this book. I was expecting it to be more of a crime read, especially as it opened with Detective Kelly but it kind of became moreso women's fiction as the story developed. That isn't a criticism, it was done well and is certainly a compelling read, it was just unexpected. Some of the story has quite gory aspects that some readers might find upsetting so don't think this is a light "women's fiction" read.
It was refreshing to have two detectives form a relationship in the first book of a series (hoping they form part of a series) as many crime books often have a "will they, won't they?" going on for quite a few books. I was a tad surprised by Louise's attraction for Kelly as the initial description of his unwashed appearance didn't sound like he would do anything for any woman but he certainly became a likeable character.
There are lots of twists and turns within the storyline and I read it quite quickly as I really wanted to know what happened. An excellent debut novel.
October 2, 2017
What an incredible mystery/ crime novel flitting between current times and the 1970's. The discovery of a body on the Fitzpatrick Estate, which we soon learn was the former home of siblings Rose and Timothy Fitzpatrick, who wish to have no connection to the place, and Tim who is definitely the main suspect in the crime!.
Difficult in some places, but sensitive and well balanced, not drawn out, and not overly communicated, the characters are all likeable and relatable, and you are willing the story to go in a certain direction from the off.
The relationships between these connected, strong characters, are heart warming and intriguing.
The evident long standing love and devotion between Timothy and Rose, Tim and his partner, Rose and her daughter, are all overwhelming.
I loved this book and the style of writing, and cant wait to read more by her!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers, a great book!!
Difficult in some places, but sensitive and well balanced, not drawn out, and not overly communicated, the characters are all likeable and relatable, and you are willing the story to go in a certain direction from the off.
The relationships between these connected, strong characters, are heart warming and intriguing.
The evident long standing love and devotion between Timothy and Rose, Tim and his partner, Rose and her daughter, are all overwhelming.
I loved this book and the style of writing, and cant wait to read more by her!
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers, a great book!!
July 4, 2018
WOW! I absolutely loved this book from start to finish! I came by it when reading Jessica Jalvri's "When I Wake Up" as a book she had listed as wanting to read and thought it sounded interesting. It's just the type of book I love. Psychological, mysterious, full of secrets whilst being fed a little at a time as we try to put the pieces together ourselves. I pieced most of it together myself, but the final twist that came was something I never saw coming.
I started this book and read it in two and a bit sittings. I couldn't put it down. It's one of those books I have to read into the night despite the late hour and how early I may have to get up the next morning. It was enthralling to say the least. You wanted to be a part of the story and to feel it. But on the whole, it was a sad story, and I found myself crying near the end. But I guarantee that you won't want to put this book down!
I started this book and read it in two and a bit sittings. I couldn't put it down. It's one of those books I have to read into the night despite the late hour and how early I may have to get up the next morning. It was enthralling to say the least. You wanted to be a part of the story and to feel it. But on the whole, it was a sad story, and I found myself crying near the end. But I guarantee that you won't want to put this book down!
June 23, 2017
I was not a huge fan of this book. I thought it would be more of a murder mystery. However, it seemed to be more of a backstory about a family and their terrible past. While certain parts of this story were really interesting, others fell flat and it became a very dry read.
This story goes back and forth between 1970 and 2016. There are some really deep and depressing aspects of this story. Keep that in mind if you choose to read, this story can trigger emotions due to the nature of the story. There is a lot of abuse that involves children, which is hard to stomach.
Unfortunately I was unable to finish this read. It was not my cup of tea.
This story goes back and forth between 1970 and 2016. There are some really deep and depressing aspects of this story. Keep that in mind if you choose to read, this story can trigger emotions due to the nature of the story. There is a lot of abuse that involves children, which is hard to stomach.
Unfortunately I was unable to finish this read. It was not my cup of tea.
August 13, 2017
What can I say about this book! It has left me emotionally drained, it was so riveting. It is a family drama, but with the addition of crime, romance, secrets, all which are gradually revealed. I don't think that I have ever found a book that has had me in tears so much that my husband wondered what was wrong. It is a book full of twists and turns and I didn't want it to end. A brilliant debut novel from Adele O'Neill and I can't wait for her next one. Thanks to Net Galley and the,publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 6, 2017
Like real life
I don't usually go for books like this but from the moment I read it's descriptive theme sorry can't remember the real word oh might be sypnosis or not. The family characters you could visually picture them as in people in your own life and for me that's a bit of magic. Its just a fantastic read the one where you don't want it to end so you try and keep away from it. Alas I had to give in it's unputdownable my word that not a lot of authors get looking forward to reading some of the other ones smashing one for Xmas magdg
I don't usually go for books like this but from the moment I read it's descriptive theme sorry can't remember the real word oh might be sypnosis or not. The family characters you could visually picture them as in people in your own life and for me that's a bit of magic. Its just a fantastic read the one where you don't want it to end so you try and keep away from it. Alas I had to give in it's unputdownable my word that not a lot of authors get looking forward to reading some of the other ones smashing one for Xmas magdg
September 6, 2017
Truly remarkable
I would not normally choose a book of this type as I am an avid horror fan and a big Stephen King constant reader. This book is a truly remarkable read an excellent story with some very interesting characters, especially Rose and Lizzie. The twist in the plot and the added interest of the two detectives makes for a truly embracing story. Thank you Adele O'Neill for a great read.
I would not normally choose a book of this type as I am an avid horror fan and a big Stephen King constant reader. This book is a truly remarkable read an excellent story with some very interesting characters, especially Rose and Lizzie. The twist in the plot and the added interest of the two detectives makes for a truly embracing story. Thank you Adele O'Neill for a great read.
June 18, 2017
Due to the subject matter, this was a hard book to read, but a good read. It was How far will a family go to keep secrets? In this book, very far. What stuck out to me was how when the abuse was going on, the mom was in another wor.ld. Lots of twists and turns, definitely worth reading. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.
August 7, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. It was so emotional. The way Adele wrote this I felt like I was there with the characters feeling their pain. The love that Tim and Rose had for each other was so nice. Even once they had grown up and were away from the terrible traumas of their childhood their bond never wavered. I will be recommending this book to all my book loving friends.
February 23, 2019
Really enjoyed this read, incredibly easy to follow, a page turner and all the characters felt complete. I could imagine them all and loved the relationship's between the brother and sister and the brother and his partner. Bawled crying at the end, so it obviously was written well enough to evoke emotion in the reader.
June 21, 2017
A well written book with a difficult subject matter. The plot was well developed and there was good characterisation. More a story of family love than a murder mystery but a good read. Thank you Net Galley for my copy.
August 25, 2017
Heart breaking and heartwarming
A story about the bond between brothers and sisters and how they support each other. Tears will flow as the story moves between heart warming and heart breaking parts of their lives.
A story about the bond between brothers and sisters and how they support each other. Tears will flow as the story moves between heart warming and heart breaking parts of their lives.
September 11, 2017
A brilliant writer. Will look forward to reading more from Adele O'Neil.
WOW what a journey. Absolutely loved this book. It really was gripping and very hard to put down. Looking forward to reading more from Adele O'Neil. A fabulous writer and story teller. Thank you.
WOW what a journey. Absolutely loved this book. It really was gripping and very hard to put down. Looking forward to reading more from Adele O'Neil. A fabulous writer and story teller. Thank you.
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