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Her Sister's Secrets
An anonymous letter summons Emilia Farrow to Siesta Key. An oceanfront house has been rented there for her, its closet stocked with designer clothes in her size. The mysterious correspondent promises that if she comes, she will find out what really happened to her sister Violet. Her death wasn't an accident. Immersing herself in a world of wealth and privilege, Emilia has nightmares about the Wainwright mansion next door. Her mother used to work there years ago. Recently, her sister also worked for the Wainwrights. Just looking at the house makes Emilia feel as if she can’t breathe. Her strongest memory of the place is her mother packing up her and her sister and fleeing in the hours before dawn. What happened all those years ago? Was Violet murdered? Who killed her? And who rented this house for Emilia?
- GenresMystery
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2018
188 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
V.J. Chambers
104 books462 followersV. J. Chambers writes about being inexplicably attracted to the dangerously alluring. Her works span mundane settings and fantastic ones. She writes about serial killers, cult leaders, werewolves, witches, for-hire assassins, zombies, space pirates, and regular everyday people.
She lives in Shepherdstown, WV, with her boyfriend Aaron and their cat Isis.
She lives in Shepherdstown, WV, with her boyfriend Aaron and their cat Isis.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 15, 2018
Entertaining, read it all in one day on a long car ride.
July 28, 2019
3.5 stars. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy. All opinions are my own.
As the title suggest, this is a novel of secrets . . . and secrets and more secrets. The story centers on the three children of the Napier family, which is headed by a retired police officer. When Scarlett — the favored, supposed “perfect” child — is killed in a car accident, the other family members start to become unglued as they each try to deal with their new sudden reality and to adjust to life without Scarlett. Although the police are certain that Scarlett purposefully caused the crash, Molly thinks otherwise. After her brother-in-law Nate makes a comment that gets Molly to suspect that Scarlett may not have been the perfect daughter everyone thought she was, Molly begins delving into investigating what really happened to Scarlett and what she was hiding. Molly’s investigation leads to her discovery of secrets, lies and deception that have long engulfed her family, including affairs, drugs and even police corruption. The more she learns, the more Molly struggles with keeping all these secrets hidden or risk losing her reality and what means the most to her: her family.
Although I found the novel a bit difficult to get into, I enjoyed it. Much goes on in the storyline, which seemed to stretch the imagination too far from time to time. Additionally, some of the dialogue, especially in the last third or so of the novel, seemed overly melodramatic, and I thought portions of the ending came out of nowhere. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book. It was a pleasant read, which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller.
As the title suggest, this is a novel of secrets . . . and secrets and more secrets. The story centers on the three children of the Napier family, which is headed by a retired police officer. When Scarlett — the favored, supposed “perfect” child — is killed in a car accident, the other family members start to become unglued as they each try to deal with their new sudden reality and to adjust to life without Scarlett. Although the police are certain that Scarlett purposefully caused the crash, Molly thinks otherwise. After her brother-in-law Nate makes a comment that gets Molly to suspect that Scarlett may not have been the perfect daughter everyone thought she was, Molly begins delving into investigating what really happened to Scarlett and what she was hiding. Molly’s investigation leads to her discovery of secrets, lies and deception that have long engulfed her family, including affairs, drugs and even police corruption. The more she learns, the more Molly struggles with keeping all these secrets hidden or risk losing her reality and what means the most to her: her family.
Although I found the novel a bit difficult to get into, I enjoyed it. Much goes on in the storyline, which seemed to stretch the imagination too far from time to time. Additionally, some of the dialogue, especially in the last third or so of the novel, seemed overly melodramatic, and I thought portions of the ending came out of nowhere. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book. It was a pleasant read, which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller.
May 9, 2018
Emilia distraught over her estranged sister’s recent death receives a letter with information that maybe the death wasn’t accidental drowning but murder.
Emilia puts her life as a food blogger on hold while she immerses herself in her sisters world of mixing with the rich and famous of Florida as an event planner. The sender of the letter sets her up in an exclusive beach rental with everything she will need to fit into her sisters world, fine clothes and jewelry. She trusts no one. Is it the rich boy from the house next door where her mother was a cook and her and her sister grew up playing with until something tragic happened and they moved away or the handsome stranger she meets on her private section of beach that she is drawn to or is it the jilted ex girlfriend?
The killer isn’t revealed until the last chapter and I admit to never suspected the culprit.
I gave it 3 stars because the errors were so glaring that it interrupted the flow of the story. You immerse yourself into the scene and then a sentence is so jumbled or missing words that you need to go back and re read it for it to make sense. The author needs a better editor, the story it’s self is pretty good.
Emilia puts her life as a food blogger on hold while she immerses herself in her sisters world of mixing with the rich and famous of Florida as an event planner. The sender of the letter sets her up in an exclusive beach rental with everything she will need to fit into her sisters world, fine clothes and jewelry. She trusts no one. Is it the rich boy from the house next door where her mother was a cook and her and her sister grew up playing with until something tragic happened and they moved away or the handsome stranger she meets on her private section of beach that she is drawn to or is it the jilted ex girlfriend?
The killer isn’t revealed until the last chapter and I admit to never suspected the culprit.
I gave it 3 stars because the errors were so glaring that it interrupted the flow of the story. You immerse yourself into the scene and then a sentence is so jumbled or missing words that you need to go back and re read it for it to make sense. The author needs a better editor, the story it’s self is pretty good.
March 14, 2018
Her Sister’s Many Secrets
Emilia Farrow’s deceased sister Violet had many secrets, as do most of the wealthy families people for whom Violet planned elegant parties.
The big mystery is: Who sent Emilia a letter saying Violet’s death was not an accidental drowning but a murder? Who had Violet’s DNA tested to prove that their deceased mother had an affair with a wealthy man? This mysterious person rents a beach house for Emilia, buys designer clothes and jewelry, stocks the beach house with food and wine, and then arranges Emilia’s entry into the wealthy enclave of Siesta Key. The mysterious benefactor’s identity or motive(s) are not known, but Emilia goes to Siesta Key . . . alone.
There are other threads to follow and twists aplenty, plus interesting but often unlikable characters, and enough red herrings to satisfy a mystery aficionado.
I was a bit miffed that the big clue was revealed at the 81% mark, but otherwise it’s a superb mystery.
Emilia Farrow’s deceased sister Violet had many secrets, as do most of the wealthy families people for whom Violet planned elegant parties.
The big mystery is: Who sent Emilia a letter saying Violet’s death was not an accidental drowning but a murder? Who had Violet’s DNA tested to prove that their deceased mother had an affair with a wealthy man? This mysterious person rents a beach house for Emilia, buys designer clothes and jewelry, stocks the beach house with food and wine, and then arranges Emilia’s entry into the wealthy enclave of Siesta Key. The mysterious benefactor’s identity or motive(s) are not known, but Emilia goes to Siesta Key . . . alone.
There are other threads to follow and twists aplenty, plus interesting but often unlikable characters, and enough red herrings to satisfy a mystery aficionado.
I was a bit miffed that the big clue was revealed at the 81% mark, but otherwise it’s a superb mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2018
Decent read
I had a hard time getting through this book because I didn't like the main character. At all..This is the first book I've ever read that I can remember reading that I didn't find a way to at least tolerate her. That's the only reason I didn't give 5 stars. Good story and yes I will read another book by this author because I really like her writing style and storylines.
I had a hard time getting through this book because I didn't like the main character. At all..This is the first book I've ever read that I can remember reading that I didn't find a way to at least tolerate her. That's the only reason I didn't give 5 stars. Good story and yes I will read another book by this author because I really like her writing style and storylines.
August 10, 2018
Would have given it five stars as it is a very good storyline, plot and characters, except for the usual problem - GRAMMATICAL ERRORS - i.e. "I felt as if I being sucked into..." and ...had been attached the hip". And that was just in the beginning of the book. I won't mention anymore, as I am not going to proofread the book for V.J. Chambers, something that should have been done before publication. Wake up if you want to leave your mark on the world!!!
March 25, 2020
When Emilia receives a letter inviting her to stay at a beach house to investigate whether her sister's drowning is accidental the ties to her childhood are unmistakable. Will she ever find out if her sister was murdered and can she get by the memories that were locked away for years?
Not a bad read but gets a bit redundant at times with some dark subject that might be upsetting to sensitive readers.
Not a bad read but gets a bit redundant at times with some dark subject that might be upsetting to sensitive readers.
December 9, 2021
This was pretty good but a bit out there. It’s plot and writing, I feel, would appeal to a younger audience. The decisions, made by Emilia, weren’t those of a mature adult either. Who would trust someone that set you up in that situation? If it feels to good to be true and all… And would you go alone?? And the social media influencers - gah! This story was entertaining and I finished it so it kept me interested but I think a young adult label would make this fly off the shelf.
March 19, 2018
A surprise who dun it
A great read and it certainly keeps you guessing all the way through. I read so many thrillers and who dun its, that I can normally guess the ending, but in this case I really didn't have a clue and was surprised by who the murderer turned out to be. Another well written book by Val and highly recommended.
A great read and it certainly keeps you guessing all the way through. I read so many thrillers and who dun its, that I can normally guess the ending, but in this case I really didn't have a clue and was surprised by who the murderer turned out to be. Another well written book by Val and highly recommended.
July 20, 2018
Twists and Turns
A great read about a young woman who lost her sister and the mysterious events that sent her back to her childhood experiences and the search for her sister's killer.
With suspects galore and the help of a mysterious benefactor Emilia eventually tracks down the killer in a surprise twist at the ending.
A great read about a young woman who lost her sister and the mysterious events that sent her back to her childhood experiences and the search for her sister's killer.
With suspects galore and the help of a mysterious benefactor Emilia eventually tracks down the killer in a surprise twist at the ending.
March 19, 2018
Slow moving
In searching for her sister's murderer, Emilia discovers secrets of her past, finds several suspects, and nearly drowns. She enters the world her sister lived in, only to realize her own world is more to her liking. Not as much action as I like!
In searching for her sister's murderer, Emilia discovers secrets of her past, finds several suspects, and nearly drowns. She enters the world her sister lived in, only to realize her own world is more to her liking. Not as much action as I like!
March 21, 2018
Too simplistic
I need to say this book is definitely written for a young teen. The whole plot, the characters and the wording is simple and straight forward, which in my point of view would be a prefect tween type of story.
I need to say this book is definitely written for a young teen. The whole plot, the characters and the wording is simple and straight forward, which in my point of view would be a prefect tween type of story.
March 22, 2018
Very good psychological mystery that improved as I read on. Lots of suspects, and lots of drama in their pasts. I enjoyed it a bunch. (It was on sale at $0.99 when I purchased it, but it may have gone up. I would buy it at a higher price without reservation!)
March 25, 2018
Worth the read
When I first started reading this book I thought it was going to be one of those poor girl enters rich man's world to solve a mystery but end up getting the rich guy. It was fast, funny, down to earth, realistic with a great cast of characters. Total surprise.
When I first started reading this book I thought it was going to be one of those poor girl enters rich man's world to solve a mystery but end up getting the rich guy. It was fast, funny, down to earth, realistic with a great cast of characters. Total surprise.
May 8, 2025
Talented author!
I read 5 of her books in 3 days. The story lines were diverse and intriguing, and the characters were likeable and sympathetic. Can't wait to start another. Thank you, Ms. Chambers, for hours of mystery, thrills & entertainment.
I read 5 of her books in 3 days. The story lines were diverse and intriguing, and the characters were likeable and sympathetic. Can't wait to start another. Thank you, Ms. Chambers, for hours of mystery, thrills & entertainment.
March 15, 2018
My opinion.
I chose this rating because I couldn't put this book down once I started it.I needed to see who the killing I was wrong.
I chose this rating because I couldn't put this book down once I started it.I needed to see who the killing I was wrong.
March 19, 2018
Good read!
A good mystery but some humor along the way as well.
Keeps you guessing until the very end! Nice read for a rainy afternoon.
A good mystery but some humor along the way as well.
Keeps you guessing until the very end! Nice read for a rainy afternoon.
May 6, 2018
Fair to muddle
Poorly written! Too many angles ! Good plot just not enough to keep it spinning! Wonders a bit leaving one wondering what you just read!
Poorly written! Too many angles ! Good plot just not enough to keep it spinning! Wonders a bit leaving one wondering what you just read!
March 22, 2018
Good read
Good read, suspenseful. Wont want to.out it down once you start reading this book. I look forward to more books from this author
Good read, suspenseful. Wont want to.out it down once you start reading this book. I look forward to more books from this author
March 28, 2018
Great book
I enjoyed reading this book kept you wondering right to the end.Well with reading couldn't put it down once I had started.
I enjoyed reading this book kept you wondering right to the end.Well with reading couldn't put it down once I had started.
March 28, 2018
Good story of a sister's persistence in trying to find out if her sister really drowned or if she was murdered. I particularly liked the fact that I didn't figure out the ending.
March 30, 2018
Very good.
Interesting characters and storyline. It was easy to get into it right away. I will definitely read more by this author.
Interesting characters and storyline. It was easy to get into it right away. I will definitely read more by this author.
April 9, 2018
Kindle.
Mysterious and action packed!
I liked all the twists and turns and I actually didn't figure this out until the big reveal at the end! That doesn't happen often anymore!
Mysterious and action packed!
I liked all the twists and turns and I actually didn't figure this out until the big reveal at the end! That doesn't happen often anymore!
Read
June 24, 2019Good book. Kept your interest.
June 11, 2020
3.5/5 A compelling mystery, if slightly unbelievable at times.
April 22, 2018
loved this book, kept me on my toes, did not expect who did it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews