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Once Two Sisters
Perfect for fans of Alafair Burke and Megan Collins, Sarah Warburton's debut novel that explores the dangerous bond between sisters.
When her sister goes missing, Zoe assumes it's just another one of her estranged sibling's stunts--but the danger is all too real.
Zoe Hallett and her sister, Ava, are the precocious offspring of two pioneering scientists, but the sisters have been estranged for years. When Zoe reads a news story about Ava's mysterious disappearance, she assumes it's just another of her sister's twisted fictions, designed to blame Zoe and destroy the peaceful life she's created with her husband and beautiful stepdaughter in Houston. But Zoe's email is hacked to send threatening messages to Ava--and a more sinister picture begins to emerge.
Zoe returns to her home state of Virginia to prove her innocence to the authorities, to her parents, and to Glenn, her ex-boyfriend and current brother-in-law. For the first time, Zoe begins to believe Ava is in grave danger, and when Glenn catches her searching for clues in Ava's home, she looks guiltier than ever--but maybe Glenn is not all he seems.
The clues Zoe finds point to a bizarre link between Ava's disappearance and her mother's "research". Is there a secret someone is trying to protect? And would someone be willing to kill to protect it? As her sister's life hangs in the balance, Zoe draws on hidden reserves of strength and hope to save the sister she never thought she loved.
When her sister goes missing, Zoe assumes it's just another one of her estranged sibling's stunts--but the danger is all too real.
Zoe Hallett and her sister, Ava, are the precocious offspring of two pioneering scientists, but the sisters have been estranged for years. When Zoe reads a news story about Ava's mysterious disappearance, she assumes it's just another of her sister's twisted fictions, designed to blame Zoe and destroy the peaceful life she's created with her husband and beautiful stepdaughter in Houston. But Zoe's email is hacked to send threatening messages to Ava--and a more sinister picture begins to emerge.
Zoe returns to her home state of Virginia to prove her innocence to the authorities, to her parents, and to Glenn, her ex-boyfriend and current brother-in-law. For the first time, Zoe begins to believe Ava is in grave danger, and when Glenn catches her searching for clues in Ava's home, she looks guiltier than ever--but maybe Glenn is not all he seems.
The clues Zoe finds point to a bizarre link between Ava's disappearance and her mother's "research". Is there a secret someone is trying to protect? And would someone be willing to kill to protect it? As her sister's life hangs in the balance, Zoe draws on hidden reserves of strength and hope to save the sister she never thought she loved.
Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2020
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402 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Warburton
2 books105 followersSarah Warburton is the oldest of four sisters, raised in Virginia, and an avid reader and knitter. After earning a B. A. in Latin from the College of William and Mary, an M.A. in Classics from the University of Georgia and another from Brown University, she studied at the University of New Mexico with Sharon Oard Warner and Julie Shigekuni, at the Taos Writer’s Workshop with Pam Houston, and in Houston with Justin Cronin. She spent ten years as a writer (and eventually lead editor) for UpClose Magazine. Her short story, “Margaret’s Magnolia,” appeared in the Southern Arts Journal; she won first place in a WOW! Women on Writing Flash Fiction Contest; and her Pushcart prize nominated story “Survival English” appeared in Oyster River Page. Now she lives with her family--husband, son, daughter, and hound dog--in the mountains of Southwestern Virginia. For a "basically happy person" I write very bleak prose. Her first novel, ONCE TWO SISTERS, will be published in 2020 by Crooked Lane Books.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 70 reviews
November 20, 2020
This was one of the best of this genre I've read in 2020.
Sarah Warburton is an author that I will read further, that's for sure. This is her first published of length and she sure knows what she knows. In this genre, that's rare. Like hen's teeth. She knows language forms and she knows psychology of analysis.
It's also nearly the opposite quality and flow composite of most in this genre too. Not in the two character switching but in the slower start and build to depth qualities. Usually in moderns of this ilk there is a bang, bang, bang spectacular hook at the very first and an "explaining" drab middle and then two or three twist "events" at the end. This was NOT that rhythm at all. Here it was so, so with lots of animosity "talk/think" for the first dozens of pages. Rather banal/ insipid- 3 stars of interest (4 stars form) but like SO many other twin based works. (I have read 3 in a row- and that was not at all planned; this one is absolutely the only one worth the time the reads took.)
Not to get long- but this one I'll add a few quotes/ paraphrase. This author is one of those few wise ones. She knows real life women, nurture, marriage states, and especially exes. No social warrior- just a human female with more than the particular cunning, logic, impulses, and love/affection proclivities. One who appreciates her desire and skill to nurture, as well. Good intent but with times of scattered brain judgments for priorities. Pulled in two or three directions. A real modern female.
And there are quips made by both Ava and Zoe that are heart of the bull's eye. Or ones where we all might say- oh yeah, that's it all right. Regardless that their story is not common or run of the mill- their attachments are. And I loved the Felicia, Bethany etc. mix done as it was. None of the Big Little Lies types of subterfuge.
Other reviews seem to diss the plot to some degree. I thought it was cutting and out of the ordinary enough to hold far, far more interest into the middle and ending of the book than 90% others in this genre. Especially with today's mores! Would you choose to suffer yourself rather than have your most loved ones suffer? And what does "suffering" mean in this era too? Is it physical or is it more mental?
The parents treatments were not "wire coat hanger". Warburton is wise- and takes observable acts and not words. Always what she observes and not just what she "hears" as evidence. She is exactly the kind of friend I myself like the most. I could easily dish or chat with her. Lacking any pretension and superiority. She doesn't need to do a preach and teach, she just IS.
Enjoy. There are oodles of great lines. Some of them coming from a 4 year old too. Authentic ones.
Places in the middle and toward the end were 5 star. Especially with Zoe working to establish escape, capture etc. with her long ago ex husband, just the two of them. Knowledge can be power.
People in important jobs who fail to call home and work, losing track of time. (Lots of professions I can think of too.) The following quote is so apt when one says "I can understand why other people might be worried."
And Zoe thinks:
"People who aren't deep thinkers or high achievers. People who are not special. People like me."
Another time or two there are phrases that just blow the page away. Like the one where Zoe notes that they are picking their teeth with her civil rights.
4.5 stars. It left you with an ending too. Houston looks fine.
Sarah Warburton is an author that I will read further, that's for sure. This is her first published of length and she sure knows what she knows. In this genre, that's rare. Like hen's teeth. She knows language forms and she knows psychology of analysis.
It's also nearly the opposite quality and flow composite of most in this genre too. Not in the two character switching but in the slower start and build to depth qualities. Usually in moderns of this ilk there is a bang, bang, bang spectacular hook at the very first and an "explaining" drab middle and then two or three twist "events" at the end. This was NOT that rhythm at all. Here it was so, so with lots of animosity "talk/think" for the first dozens of pages. Rather banal/ insipid- 3 stars of interest (4 stars form) but like SO many other twin based works. (I have read 3 in a row- and that was not at all planned; this one is absolutely the only one worth the time the reads took.)
Not to get long- but this one I'll add a few quotes/ paraphrase. This author is one of those few wise ones. She knows real life women, nurture, marriage states, and especially exes. No social warrior- just a human female with more than the particular cunning, logic, impulses, and love/affection proclivities. One who appreciates her desire and skill to nurture, as well. Good intent but with times of scattered brain judgments for priorities. Pulled in two or three directions. A real modern female.
And there are quips made by both Ava and Zoe that are heart of the bull's eye. Or ones where we all might say- oh yeah, that's it all right. Regardless that their story is not common or run of the mill- their attachments are. And I loved the Felicia, Bethany etc. mix done as it was. None of the Big Little Lies types of subterfuge.
Other reviews seem to diss the plot to some degree. I thought it was cutting and out of the ordinary enough to hold far, far more interest into the middle and ending of the book than 90% others in this genre. Especially with today's mores! Would you choose to suffer yourself rather than have your most loved ones suffer? And what does "suffering" mean in this era too? Is it physical or is it more mental?
The parents treatments were not "wire coat hanger". Warburton is wise- and takes observable acts and not words. Always what she observes and not just what she "hears" as evidence. She is exactly the kind of friend I myself like the most. I could easily dish or chat with her. Lacking any pretension and superiority. She doesn't need to do a preach and teach, she just IS.
Enjoy. There are oodles of great lines. Some of them coming from a 4 year old too. Authentic ones.
Places in the middle and toward the end were 5 star. Especially with Zoe working to establish escape, capture etc. with her long ago ex husband, just the two of them. Knowledge can be power.
People in important jobs who fail to call home and work, losing track of time. (Lots of professions I can think of too.) The following quote is so apt when one says "I can understand why other people might be worried."
And Zoe thinks:
"People who aren't deep thinkers or high achievers. People who are not special. People like me."
Another time or two there are phrases that just blow the page away. Like the one where Zoe notes that they are picking their teeth with her civil rights.
4.5 stars. It left you with an ending too. Houston looks fine.
September 8, 2020
Zoe and Ava are sisters ..... who haven't seen or talked to each other in several years. Zoe claims that Ava .. an author of some distinction... ruined her childhood. There was also the boyfriend that dated one, then dated the other, until the first one wanted him back.
While watching the news, Zoe (who changed her name to Lizzie) discovers that her sister Ava has gone missing. At first it's thought this to be a publicity stunt as she has a new book coming out. But then Zoe's email is hacked and severl vicious emails were sent to Ava.. threatening letters.
What's more troubling is that Zoe is now going to have to tell her husband and young step-daughter the truth about her life.... that she has a sister ... that her parents are not dead ... that her childhood was not the idyllic life she had portrayed.
Zoe has no choice other than to return to her hometown .... she must prove her innocence in having any part of her sister's disappearance.
So begins an odyssey that tackles the menacing bond between sisters. The love/hate relationship is characterized by ambivalent feelings of love and hate felt by each of the sisters. As Zoe investigates and looks for her sister, she finds another bizarre link within the family.
But if this isn't a publicity stunt ... where is Ava?
This is a well written debut novel that, full of twists and turns guaranteed to keep the reader riveted to the pages. Told mostly by Zoe, it's like looking through a window and being unable or unwilling to close your eyes, as she remembers what it was like as a child.
Many thanks to the author / Crooked Lane Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and review voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
While watching the news, Zoe (who changed her name to Lizzie) discovers that her sister Ava has gone missing. At first it's thought this to be a publicity stunt as she has a new book coming out. But then Zoe's email is hacked and severl vicious emails were sent to Ava.. threatening letters.
What's more troubling is that Zoe is now going to have to tell her husband and young step-daughter the truth about her life.... that she has a sister ... that her parents are not dead ... that her childhood was not the idyllic life she had portrayed.
Zoe has no choice other than to return to her hometown .... she must prove her innocence in having any part of her sister's disappearance.
So begins an odyssey that tackles the menacing bond between sisters. The love/hate relationship is characterized by ambivalent feelings of love and hate felt by each of the sisters. As Zoe investigates and looks for her sister, she finds another bizarre link within the family.
But if this isn't a publicity stunt ... where is Ava?
This is a well written debut novel that, full of twists and turns guaranteed to keep the reader riveted to the pages. Told mostly by Zoe, it's like looking through a window and being unable or unwilling to close your eyes, as she remembers what it was like as a child.
Many thanks to the author / Crooked Lane Books / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and review voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
August 5, 2020
This was overall okay, but definitely flatter than you'd think it is by reading the blurb.
I found the whole plot quite original, but the lack of important/shocking twists weights on the entire story in a negative way and makes it almost boring at times.
I liked the whole Ava/Zoe and Zoe/Felicia relationships, though, and
Oh and I also think the part that focuses on the whole sisterly dynamic and identity crusis is more interesting than the thriller one.
Would have worked better as a domestic drama in my opinion. Not sure I'll give this author another chance, I wasn't really that impressed.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a review
ACTUAL RATINGS 2,5/5
I found the whole plot quite original, but the lack of important/shocking twists weights on the entire story in a negative way and makes it almost boring at times.
I liked the whole Ava/Zoe and Zoe/Felicia relationships, though, and
Oh and I also think the part that focuses on the whole sisterly dynamic and identity crusis is more interesting than the thriller one.
Would have worked better as a domestic drama in my opinion. Not sure I'll give this author another chance, I wasn't really that impressed.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a review
ACTUAL RATINGS 2,5/5
December 24, 2020
Quite a different read this was, more action than psychological where every page was a ride. Two estranged sisters where one went missing and the other was blamed based on some emails sent.
My first book by author Sarah Warburton, I liked the beginning where Ava was missing and Zoe was blamed. The story was fast paced. The two sisters had not spoken to each other for 3years so that made me curious about their past. And of course, there was one common man who was one’s ex and the other’s present. Add to that other complicated issues of the past.
The parents were cold as a fish, not that I have touched any, but they added to the overall frustration in the ambiance of the book. The author sure made it tough for Zoe to find clues about her sister. The story gathered momentum more in the last 30% when Zoe took active interest.
My curiosity ebbed and flowed as some parts were more interesting than the rest. But I did have to admit the plot line and the motive of the disappearance was quite a different one. Not read anything like that in a long time. I had the opportunity to listen to the audio version, and I found that the narrator made the story more entertaining with her nuances, and I could listen at a higher speed of 1.8
Overall, I would say an interesting read. Could be checked out if the book was out on a sale.
My first book by author Sarah Warburton, I liked the beginning where Ava was missing and Zoe was blamed. The story was fast paced. The two sisters had not spoken to each other for 3years so that made me curious about their past. And of course, there was one common man who was one’s ex and the other’s present. Add to that other complicated issues of the past.
The parents were cold as a fish, not that I have touched any, but they added to the overall frustration in the ambiance of the book. The author sure made it tough for Zoe to find clues about her sister. The story gathered momentum more in the last 30% when Zoe took active interest.
My curiosity ebbed and flowed as some parts were more interesting than the rest. But I did have to admit the plot line and the motive of the disappearance was quite a different one. Not read anything like that in a long time. I had the opportunity to listen to the audio version, and I found that the narrator made the story more entertaining with her nuances, and I could listen at a higher speed of 1.8
Overall, I would say an interesting read. Could be checked out if the book was out on a sale.
April 28, 2021
Beckett hoists himself to his feet, just a shadow beside me. "Did you hear them talking about Nancy and Walter? Is this about a ransom?"
"I don't know. I think it's more than that." I've been unfair to Beckett. He was paying attention, not just zoning out. But he processes everything verbally, and I wish he'd be quiet so I could think.
No such luck. "Because you're a big-deal writer? Just pay them. You must have plenty of money. I'm not worth a ransom, not on my salary. Nobody pays to read literature."
Familiar irritation flares inside me. He means I've got money only because I'm a sellout, pandering to the masses--that's his favorite excuse for failure, believing he's unappreciated and artistically better than me. It still stings a little, as though my pursuit of my dreams cost us our marriage. [...]
"They don't want my money." You idiot. Even if they do, paying it won't set us free. They've already shown us too much to let us go. I can't believe he hasn't picked up on that, but then, he's historically terrible at noticing anything outside his own head. Beckett is solipsism on two legs.
Whatever their end game, it's not as simple as bind, torture, kill--no, this is something less personal, more scientific.
~~Ava, a bestselling author of thrillers, is reported missing. I pictured the house she shares with her husband, in the north-eastern D.C. suburbs being on a street in a neighborhood very similar to this one. It's hard to picture foul play happening in this setting.
Meet Lizzie. She's step-mother to a sweet four year old named Emma, and happily married to Andrew (whose first wife died in childbirth). They are building a happy, suburban life together outside Houston, Texas. Except Lizzie is her court-changed legal name. She used to be named Zoe. And she has a sister and parents in the outskirts of D.C. who have carefully been edited out of her life. Before she finally got tired of her sister, Ava, writing her into every best-selling novel. Sometimes she was the villain, sometimes the detective, sometimes the victim--but she always felt like her personal life was eviscerated and made public for the whole world to read about. It didn't help that their parents are both psychologists who viewed the sisters' relationship with the cool detachment of a clinician.
So Zoe has remade herself as Lizzie. And she finally has a warm, loving, "normal" family. But then her sister is on the evening news. And not in an interview for her next big novel. She's been reported missing. Then there's a picture of Zoe/Lizzie, and all her carefully buried past is on full display on the TV screen for Andrew--who suddenly doesn't feel like he knows his wife at all. Then an e-mail account that Zoe hasn't used in years is hacked, and hate-filled e-mails are sent to Ava. Suddenly she's a suspect.
As she flies to northern Virginia, her mind swirls with questions. Why is she being framed? Who would care enough to find her under a pseudonym and drag her back into her family drama? Speaking of drama, is Ava really missing. At first Zoe is convinced that her sister is pulling a publicity stunt, highlighting the plot of her upcoming novel. But as the days go by and the plot thickens, Zoe starts to wonder if Ava is really in danger. As she starts to uncover troubling and dark research, she starts to remember the older sister who helped her with homework, read her bedtime stories, and comforted her when her parents were too distracted with work to do so themselves. Can she rekindle her relationship with Zoe...and maybe rediscover enough of herself to salvage her marriage with Andrew in the process? She has to find Ava first though. Who can be counted on to help? Read this exciting thriller based on strained family relationships to find out!!
My two cents: Warburton has given readers an exciting psychological thriller, that also packs several edge of the seat, action scenes. Plan on staying up past your bedtime a few nights! The story arc was well done, and the plot sped up in the latter 1/3 of the book in a way that kept me engaged and turning the pages. I really liked the relationships that were developed between Lizzie, her step-daughter, her sister, and her good friend, Felicia. I did feel like the prose was simplistic at times, and parts of the plot were far-fetched. Overall, given a rating of 3 stars. Recommended as a library check-out, or a book sale win. You could do far worse in this genre.
Further reading: A thorough Wikipedia article on SERE, or "Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape", a military training topic discussed extensively in Warburton's novel. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surviva...
"I don't know. I think it's more than that." I've been unfair to Beckett. He was paying attention, not just zoning out. But he processes everything verbally, and I wish he'd be quiet so I could think.
No such luck. "Because you're a big-deal writer? Just pay them. You must have plenty of money. I'm not worth a ransom, not on my salary. Nobody pays to read literature."
Familiar irritation flares inside me. He means I've got money only because I'm a sellout, pandering to the masses--that's his favorite excuse for failure, believing he's unappreciated and artistically better than me. It still stings a little, as though my pursuit of my dreams cost us our marriage. [...]
"They don't want my money." You idiot. Even if they do, paying it won't set us free. They've already shown us too much to let us go. I can't believe he hasn't picked up on that, but then, he's historically terrible at noticing anything outside his own head. Beckett is solipsism on two legs.
Whatever their end game, it's not as simple as bind, torture, kill--no, this is something less personal, more scientific.
~~Ava, a bestselling author of thrillers, is reported missing. I pictured the house she shares with her husband, in the north-eastern D.C. suburbs being on a street in a neighborhood very similar to this one. It's hard to picture foul play happening in this setting.
Meet Lizzie. She's step-mother to a sweet four year old named Emma, and happily married to Andrew (whose first wife died in childbirth). They are building a happy, suburban life together outside Houston, Texas. Except Lizzie is her court-changed legal name. She used to be named Zoe. And she has a sister and parents in the outskirts of D.C. who have carefully been edited out of her life. Before she finally got tired of her sister, Ava, writing her into every best-selling novel. Sometimes she was the villain, sometimes the detective, sometimes the victim--but she always felt like her personal life was eviscerated and made public for the whole world to read about. It didn't help that their parents are both psychologists who viewed the sisters' relationship with the cool detachment of a clinician.
So Zoe has remade herself as Lizzie. And she finally has a warm, loving, "normal" family. But then her sister is on the evening news. And not in an interview for her next big novel. She's been reported missing. Then there's a picture of Zoe/Lizzie, and all her carefully buried past is on full display on the TV screen for Andrew--who suddenly doesn't feel like he knows his wife at all. Then an e-mail account that Zoe hasn't used in years is hacked, and hate-filled e-mails are sent to Ava. Suddenly she's a suspect.
As she flies to northern Virginia, her mind swirls with questions. Why is she being framed? Who would care enough to find her under a pseudonym and drag her back into her family drama? Speaking of drama, is Ava really missing. At first Zoe is convinced that her sister is pulling a publicity stunt, highlighting the plot of her upcoming novel. But as the days go by and the plot thickens, Zoe starts to wonder if Ava is really in danger. As she starts to uncover troubling and dark research, she starts to remember the older sister who helped her with homework, read her bedtime stories, and comforted her when her parents were too distracted with work to do so themselves. Can she rekindle her relationship with Zoe...and maybe rediscover enough of herself to salvage her marriage with Andrew in the process? She has to find Ava first though. Who can be counted on to help? Read this exciting thriller based on strained family relationships to find out!!
My two cents: Warburton has given readers an exciting psychological thriller, that also packs several edge of the seat, action scenes. Plan on staying up past your bedtime a few nights! The story arc was well done, and the plot sped up in the latter 1/3 of the book in a way that kept me engaged and turning the pages. I really liked the relationships that were developed between Lizzie, her step-daughter, her sister, and her good friend, Felicia. I did feel like the prose was simplistic at times, and parts of the plot were far-fetched. Overall, given a rating of 3 stars. Recommended as a library check-out, or a book sale win. You could do far worse in this genre.
Further reading: A thorough Wikipedia article on SERE, or "Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape", a military training topic discussed extensively in Warburton's novel. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surviva...
September 1, 2024
Easy to follow, the two sisters are estranged and hate each other more than life itself, until one of them is in danger from an outside source. Then the fight is on to save the sister in danger.
This was a quick and easy to follow read. I enjoyed it despite it was written in first person.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
This was a quick and easy to follow read. I enjoyed it despite it was written in first person.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
March 14, 2021
Once two sisters were born to a pair of clinical psychologists whose life’s work was figuring out how to help the US government most effectively extract information from prisoners. Torture, not to put too fine a point on it. The parents kept their work separate from their home lives, but it takes a certain kind of person to do this work… and it’s a not a person who makes a good parent. This is a story about the children who grew up with people who shouldn’t be parents, about Ava and Zoe who had to try to figure out on their own how to be decent human beings with a conscience.
We start the story in Zoe’s POV, where she is living with her husband and stepdaughter in Texas under a new name after having fled her old life… because Ava made it an absolute misery. I have to say Ava came off a terrible person as well - what kind of person writes her younger sister, still in school, into a novel as a villain, and barely disguises her identity? And then Ava compounded the offence by repeatedly using details of Zoe’s life in her novels, always as characteristics of antagonists. Frankly, it’s no wonder Zoe wanted to get back at Ava; having a relationship with a man Ava had dumped was perfectly understandable… and then Ava snatched him back, devastating Zoe yet again. Then Ava goes missing, and Zoe knows she’s going to be blamed even though she was in another state, because someone’s obviously trying to frame her.
The relationship between Zoe and Ava is so twisted; we got quite a few chapters in Ava’s POV too and while I felt sorry for her as she was kidnapped and taken into a terrible situation, I still never understood her; what drove her to write her sister into her books as an antagonist? To stalk Zoe’s life and fictionalize it for money? I’m not on good terms with my own sisters, but that’s just beyond the pale, and I was astounded when the resolution of the book saw the two coming to a tentative sort of truce.
There are some shocking reveals here, but not really any twists; everything is laid out and logical, a progression through the story, but something felt weirdly disconnected to me. I think it was because the villain actually had a problem with their parents and the sisters were really tangential to that story, just the victims of it. I enjoyed the story, but I’d have liked the two stories better integrated together, and I’d have really liked a better understanding of why Ava betrayed Zoe’s trust so completely and repeatedly. Four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
We start the story in Zoe’s POV, where she is living with her husband and stepdaughter in Texas under a new name after having fled her old life… because Ava made it an absolute misery. I have to say Ava came off a terrible person as well - what kind of person writes her younger sister, still in school, into a novel as a villain, and barely disguises her identity? And then Ava compounded the offence by repeatedly using details of Zoe’s life in her novels, always as characteristics of antagonists. Frankly, it’s no wonder Zoe wanted to get back at Ava; having a relationship with a man Ava had dumped was perfectly understandable… and then Ava snatched him back, devastating Zoe yet again. Then Ava goes missing, and Zoe knows she’s going to be blamed even though she was in another state, because someone’s obviously trying to frame her.
The relationship between Zoe and Ava is so twisted; we got quite a few chapters in Ava’s POV too and while I felt sorry for her as she was kidnapped and taken into a terrible situation, I still never understood her; what drove her to write her sister into her books as an antagonist? To stalk Zoe’s life and fictionalize it for money? I’m not on good terms with my own sisters, but that’s just beyond the pale, and I was astounded when the resolution of the book saw the two coming to a tentative sort of truce.
There are some shocking reveals here, but not really any twists; everything is laid out and logical, a progression through the story, but something felt weirdly disconnected to me. I think it was because the villain actually had a problem with their parents and the sisters were really tangential to that story, just the victims of it. I enjoyed the story, but I’d have liked the two stories better integrated together, and I’d have really liked a better understanding of why Ava betrayed Zoe’s trust so completely and repeatedly. Four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
July 1, 2020
Once Two Sisters is a spell binding read. I couldn't read fast enough to see who was behind the acts. Zoe comes from a fractured family. Her parents were emotionally distant and detached. She was once close to her sister, Ava, but her sister makes a living off using Zoe in her books. Then Ava disappears. Zoe's new identity and life are blown and she's blamed for Ava's disappearance. Zoe has to clear her name, find her sister, and reclaim her life. The plot is sinister and sick, yet simple. I enjoyed this book and thought the ending was good. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advance read in exchange for my honest review.
April 6, 2020
Fast paced and thrilling.
I'm a big fan of thrillers and I really enjoyed this one!
It definitely had it flaws but as it's a debut novel I'm not getting much into that.
The twists and turns kept me on my toes and I was engrossed in the story, not even slightly bored by it.
I'm definitely looking forward to read more by this author!
I'm a big fan of thrillers and I really enjoyed this one!
It definitely had it flaws but as it's a debut novel I'm not getting much into that.
The twists and turns kept me on my toes and I was engrossed in the story, not even slightly bored by it.
I'm definitely looking forward to read more by this author!
September 9, 2020
One of my new fav mystery/thrillers.
June 20, 2020
Zoe’s been living a new life away from her family after changing her name to Lizzie. She refuses to let their toxicity spoil her new family. But when she hears her sister Ava has gone missing, and she’s the prime suspect, she must fly back East to clear her name, and find her sister. Even estrangement can’t break the bonds of sisterhood that formed in their cold home.
This was a fairly fast-paced read that was told in alternating timelines. I liked the fact Warburton used known government experiments to weave her story. It made it much more interesting to me. The thing that’s holding me from giving it five stars is how rushed the last chapter before the epilogue was. I felt it glossed over some issues and would have liked to see it expanded. But overall, this was a fun storyline to read. Thank you, Crooked Lane Books, for sending this along.
This was a fairly fast-paced read that was told in alternating timelines. I liked the fact Warburton used known government experiments to weave her story. It made it much more interesting to me. The thing that’s holding me from giving it five stars is how rushed the last chapter before the epilogue was. I felt it glossed over some issues and would have liked to see it expanded. But overall, this was a fun storyline to read. Thank you, Crooked Lane Books, for sending this along.
November 11, 2020
3.5 stars
I honestly don’t even know how to review this book without spoilers because there’s so much going on here that can’t be discussed with revealing details.
The story talks about Teo sister that don’t have a “good” relationship because one turns out to be the bad sister and one is the good sister that has to run away and change her life completely after so many years of suffering all the injustices from her sister.
The parents play a big part here as they aren’t the normal kind of couple due to their job and the sisters are left more or less to find their own way into this life.
Nothing to suspenseful or twisted, quite predictable in many moments but a good story overall.
I honestly don’t even know how to review this book without spoilers because there’s so much going on here that can’t be discussed with revealing details.
The story talks about Teo sister that don’t have a “good” relationship because one turns out to be the bad sister and one is the good sister that has to run away and change her life completely after so many years of suffering all the injustices from her sister.
The parents play a big part here as they aren’t the normal kind of couple due to their job and the sisters are left more or less to find their own way into this life.
Nothing to suspenseful or twisted, quite predictable in many moments but a good story overall.
September 20, 2020
A good thriller, I enjoyed the characters interaction and the story. My first read by this author and I will more than likely look to read more.
July 19, 2021
Unfortunately, this was a DNF. May come back to it at a later date. :(
March 5, 2024
2.5 stars…not a fan of the whole “missile silo”/torture plot points. I definitely enjoyed the author’s other book (You Can Never Tell) more than this one.
July 31, 2024
A fairly messed up family keeps secrets and terrorizes each other to the point that they are no longer on speaking terms. Some pretty far fetched things take place and the reader must be willing to suspend their disbelief in order to successfully enjoy this one. The villain is outlandish which is a choice considering the family definitely hated each other enough to do this to each other without outsider influence.
July 21, 2020
Wow, wow, wow, another Gripping thriller I found to be completely unputdownable! It wad absolutely well written, especially for a DEBUT (which I wouldn’t have known just by reading). Very fast paced, thrilling, chilling, tons of twists and turns; and of course shocks! I think that the writer did an amazing job with the entire story, characters, and really did keep me in suspense for most of the book, or until she wanted me to be in the know! I highly, highly recommend ti my fellow thrill seekers, as I promise what you crave is sure to be found within these pages! Don’t delay, preorder today, but clear the schedule!
Will make sure to buzz up on platforms and use low Amazon reviewer number on release date!
Will make sure to buzz up on platforms and use low Amazon reviewer number on release date!
September 10, 2021
I borrowed this novel from my public library…the front cover & many recommendations were appealing. I preferred the first half of ‘Once Two Sisters’…how the family relationships, particularly between the 2 sisters, fell apart. The dialogue between the characters was well written; interesting and relatable. The 2nd half is when the “thriller” storyline begins & I was disappointed that “a unique and fast paced thriller, with an utterly shocking twist” (a front cover recommendation) fell flat for me. It read like 2 separate stories with a lack of meaningful connection between the 2 parts. Also the ending seemed rushed and unsatisfying. However my enjoyment of the first half encourages me to give Sarah Warburton’s future novels another go…I think this was her debut?
January 11, 2026
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC of "Once Two Sisters" by Sarah Warburton!
"Once Two Sisters" shows the story of Ava and Zoe, two sisters unable to understand each other due to their indifferent scientist parents. Ava becomes a famous writer as an adult and as Zoe sees herself reflected in the stories her anger towards her sister build, until she snaps. Zoe disappears and creates a new life with a new name. Years later, Ava is missing. Zoe returns home to prove her own innocence and ends up working to solve the case. The deeper she digs though, the more connections Zoe sees to her parent's canceled research project. Who really took Ava? And why?
I really enjoyed this thriller. Ava and Zoe are polar opposites, which makes the dynamic that much more interesting. Zoe, the younger sister, feels like a more accessible character, wearing her emotions on her sleeve, but there's more to Ava than meets the eye. Both sisters have great character development throughout the book which makes you want to keep reading.
The other interesting aspect is the research their parents were doing and how it changed their relationships with their children. They were focusing on the best way to force enemies to reveal information through torture or psychological torture. The experiments use a masked family member to simulate danger to someone close to the person being interrogated in order to gain information. The experiment argues that people give up more information when they "see" a family member being tortured. To see how this research changed Ava and Zoe's parents gives great introspect to the family dynamic.
Overall, I gave this book 4 stars. It had a quick pace with interesting characters and always had a reason for the reader to feel on edge. Definitely a thriller must-read.
"Once Two Sisters" shows the story of Ava and Zoe, two sisters unable to understand each other due to their indifferent scientist parents. Ava becomes a famous writer as an adult and as Zoe sees herself reflected in the stories her anger towards her sister build, until she snaps. Zoe disappears and creates a new life with a new name. Years later, Ava is missing. Zoe returns home to prove her own innocence and ends up working to solve the case. The deeper she digs though, the more connections Zoe sees to her parent's canceled research project. Who really took Ava? And why?
I really enjoyed this thriller. Ava and Zoe are polar opposites, which makes the dynamic that much more interesting. Zoe, the younger sister, feels like a more accessible character, wearing her emotions on her sleeve, but there's more to Ava than meets the eye. Both sisters have great character development throughout the book which makes you want to keep reading.
The other interesting aspect is the research their parents were doing and how it changed their relationships with their children. They were focusing on the best way to force enemies to reveal information through torture or psychological torture. The experiments use a masked family member to simulate danger to someone close to the person being interrogated in order to gain information. The experiment argues that people give up more information when they "see" a family member being tortured. To see how this research changed Ava and Zoe's parents gives great introspect to the family dynamic.
Overall, I gave this book 4 stars. It had a quick pace with interesting characters and always had a reason for the reader to feel on edge. Definitely a thriller must-read.
May 29, 2023
Two sisters - one is missing, and the other searches for answers. Fast-paced and twisty thriller.
May 31, 2020
Zoe Hallet has been hiding in plain plain sight for years. Her parents were cold, detached, and work obsessed while big sister, Ava, once her sole confidant, became a bestselling novelist by turning Zoe into the, only lightly disguised, main antagonist in her books and movie spinoffs. When everything she'd done had become fodder for Ava's vivid imagination Zoe fled, finally ending up in Texas, married with a young daughter and a life too perfect to even imagine.
The good things don't look as if they're going to last though, at least where Zoe is concerned, and when Ava disappears and she becomes a suspect Zoe faces losing everything because of the person she hates most. Determined to stop that happening and against her better judgement, she returns home because until Ava comes back her new life, husband and child are lost to her too.
I enjoyed this book and was amazed by the fact it was Sarah Warburton's first full length novel. My only problem is it is a little wordy in places when descriptive passages seemed to take over and although I read every word I could have skipped some sections without missing anything vital.
This is a dual pov novel, the main protagonists, Ava and Zoe, were likeable and, along with their families, were realistically drawn and worked well. Although a thriller, to me at least, that part of it was easier to work out ahead of time than the relationship aspects which caught and held my attention throughout; I wanted them to succeed.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys standalone thrillers of a high quality from a new author who is definitely one to follow.
The good things don't look as if they're going to last though, at least where Zoe is concerned, and when Ava disappears and she becomes a suspect Zoe faces losing everything because of the person she hates most. Determined to stop that happening and against her better judgement, she returns home because until Ava comes back her new life, husband and child are lost to her too.
I enjoyed this book and was amazed by the fact it was Sarah Warburton's first full length novel. My only problem is it is a little wordy in places when descriptive passages seemed to take over and although I read every word I could have skipped some sections without missing anything vital.
This is a dual pov novel, the main protagonists, Ava and Zoe, were likeable and, along with their families, were realistically drawn and worked well. Although a thriller, to me at least, that part of it was easier to work out ahead of time than the relationship aspects which caught and held my attention throughout; I wanted them to succeed.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys standalone thrillers of a high quality from a new author who is definitely one to follow.
November 8, 2020
Unique premise in domestic suspense novel.
'Once Two Sisters' by Sarah Warburton is a well-written domestic suspense novel. I really enjoyed this novel with a unique premise. There are some thriller components as well as suspense and mystery.
The sisters, Lizzie (aka Zoe) and Ava Hallett, were once close but over the years became estranged. Ava became a bestselling author of multiple mystery and suspense novels; her books having been turned into successful films. Three years prior, Zoe left her home state of Virginia for a new life in Houston, Texas, changed her name and eventually married a widower, Andrew McPhee, with a cute toddler. The reason? Because Ava used Zoe's life decisions as fodder for her murder mysteries. The novel is told from 2 POVs, the main being Zoe's.
Zoe hasn't heard from Ava or her cold, clinical psychiatrist parents in three years, when suddenly she saw the news on TV that her sister had gone missing. Though Zoe suspects that Ava has staged her own disappearance to gain publicity, or more likely, notoriety, she decides for the first time to let her mask slip to her husband. Zoe needs to find out what happened to Ava. In the midst of the mistrust her revelation has generated in her husband, Zoe returns to Virginia.
So, the reader follows the twists and turns as Zoe navigates her strained relationship with her parents and brother-in-law, Glenn Melcher. 'Once Two Sisters' is an original novel that follows an interesting premise based on psychology, research, political secrets and conspiracies. I recommend the book and Sarah Warburton as an author to watch.
This review also appears in
'Once Two Sisters' by Sarah Warburton is a well-written domestic suspense novel. I really enjoyed this novel with a unique premise. There are some thriller components as well as suspense and mystery.
The sisters, Lizzie (aka Zoe) and Ava Hallett, were once close but over the years became estranged. Ava became a bestselling author of multiple mystery and suspense novels; her books having been turned into successful films. Three years prior, Zoe left her home state of Virginia for a new life in Houston, Texas, changed her name and eventually married a widower, Andrew McPhee, with a cute toddler. The reason? Because Ava used Zoe's life decisions as fodder for her murder mysteries. The novel is told from 2 POVs, the main being Zoe's.
Zoe hasn't heard from Ava or her cold, clinical psychiatrist parents in three years, when suddenly she saw the news on TV that her sister had gone missing. Though Zoe suspects that Ava has staged her own disappearance to gain publicity, or more likely, notoriety, she decides for the first time to let her mask slip to her husband. Zoe needs to find out what happened to Ava. In the midst of the mistrust her revelation has generated in her husband, Zoe returns to Virginia.
So, the reader follows the twists and turns as Zoe navigates her strained relationship with her parents and brother-in-law, Glenn Melcher. 'Once Two Sisters' is an original novel that follows an interesting premise based on psychology, research, political secrets and conspiracies. I recommend the book and Sarah Warburton as an author to watch.
This review also appears in
August 26, 2025
This was a pretty good book without being anything spectacular or something to write home about.
The characters and their dynamics with other characters were all pretty unique and interesting. I have never read another set of parents described in the same clinical, detached way as these parents. And the sister’s relationship to each other was baffling, I guess Zoe says it best when she says the two have NO relationship.
There is a blurb on the front cover that says this book has an utterly shocking twist. Unless this is a pun for a favorite tool the villain uses, I don’t find it accurate. That being said, I didn’t hate that there was no big plot twist. It was a different format and different formula from what is so commonly used in this genre, but that doesn’t make it bad. There was still a satisfying climax and resolution.
*spoilers ahead*
Personally, I prefer mysteries where the reader can actually guess the villain and motive prior to the reveal, and this is not the case here at all. I suppose this book isn’t even really considered a mystery but rather a thriller, because the villain isn’t someone you meet in the story outside of being the villain, so there isn’t much mystery solving. So it’s personal preference, but I would have enjoyed meeting the villain outside of the kidnapping/torture scenes and be given a chance to guess it was her behind it all.
The characters and their dynamics with other characters were all pretty unique and interesting. I have never read another set of parents described in the same clinical, detached way as these parents. And the sister’s relationship to each other was baffling, I guess Zoe says it best when she says the two have NO relationship.
There is a blurb on the front cover that says this book has an utterly shocking twist. Unless this is a pun for a favorite tool the villain uses, I don’t find it accurate. That being said, I didn’t hate that there was no big plot twist. It was a different format and different formula from what is so commonly used in this genre, but that doesn’t make it bad. There was still a satisfying climax and resolution.
*spoilers ahead*
Personally, I prefer mysteries where the reader can actually guess the villain and motive prior to the reveal, and this is not the case here at all. I suppose this book isn’t even really considered a mystery but rather a thriller, because the villain isn’t someone you meet in the story outside of being the villain, so there isn’t much mystery solving. So it’s personal preference, but I would have enjoyed meeting the villain outside of the kidnapping/torture scenes and be given a chance to guess it was her behind it all.
December 31, 2020
Zoe has run away from her life, after losing out on the title of favored child to her sister Ava, a best selling novelist, who constantly put Zoe’s life in her books. Zoe has now become Lizzie and is a happy relationship with her husband Andrew, while raising her stepdaughter Emma. Then Zoe’s past comes back to bite her in the worst way, when Ava goes missing and Zoe, now Lizzie, is being framed for her sister’s possible murder. When Lizzie returns back to Virginia to answer questions, she’s under clouds of suspicion. Meanwhile Ava’s truly been kidnapped, along with her first husband and must fight to survive. Will these two sisters rescue each other or will this already tense bond be shattered for good? This was a crazy good story. I was actually super hooked, especially because the characters were similar in the way they dealt with things. I also really liked the direction that Ava’s kidnapping took-it was a really unique angle and it brought that family tension into play as well. This was a good thriller, one that kept me on my toes, trying to put together all the pieces. It’s definitely a psychological thriller, playing on a specific form of psychology that I haven’t spent a lot of time on but this book definitely inspires me to do so!
May 5, 2020
Ava and Zoe are sisters. One is a New York times best selling author. Zoe has run off, left her self serving sister and dysfunctional parents behind. She's changed her name to Elizabeth, Lizzie for short. She's married to a wonderful man and has a four year old stepdaughter that she loves with all her heart.
Whenever she thinks of her sister she feels anger and maybe a little hate. Their parents are psychiatrists. They were so immersed in their work that there was not any time for the sisters. Everything was a study and they felt emotions were waisted.
Growing up in that kind of environment is the reason Zoe left. She wanted a normal life.
When Ava turns up missing the proverbial poo hits the fan. All the newspapers and news stations are carrying the story. Zoe has been outed. Everyone she now knows have learned how big a liar she is about her family and her past.
On the verge of losing her marriage she knows the only way to be absolved of her lies is to find the sister she despises.
Great storyline, strong characters! Titillating read!!
Whenever she thinks of her sister she feels anger and maybe a little hate. Their parents are psychiatrists. They were so immersed in their work that there was not any time for the sisters. Everything was a study and they felt emotions were waisted.
Growing up in that kind of environment is the reason Zoe left. She wanted a normal life.
When Ava turns up missing the proverbial poo hits the fan. All the newspapers and news stations are carrying the story. Zoe has been outed. Everyone she now knows have learned how big a liar she is about her family and her past.
On the verge of losing her marriage she knows the only way to be absolved of her lies is to find the sister she despises.
Great storyline, strong characters! Titillating read!!
September 15, 2021
Wanting a fresh start away from her family Zoe changed her name to Lizzie and is living in Texas. Lizzie is married to a wonderful widow named Andrew and is helping raise his young daughter Emma. Lizzie has never revealed her past not wanting to bring her families Toxic drama around her new family, she decides to keep them hidden. Lizzies sister Ava is a famous author and she puts Lizzies life as her main character and reveals all her personal secrets. Their parents are cold and work obsessed psychologists. One morning it’s breaking news Lizzies sister is missing and with their difficult past Lizzie is the main suspect and it looks like she’s being framed. With her secret out Lizzies marriage is in shambles and she flies to Virginia to try to clear her name.
Meanwhile in alternating chapters it’s revealed that Ava is truly kidnapped and with her first husband. They are fighting to survive from a twisted kidnapper that all lead back to Ava and Lizzies family.
I really enjoyed this book I loved the twists and everyone being a suspect! Four stars!!
Meanwhile in alternating chapters it’s revealed that Ava is truly kidnapped and with her first husband. They are fighting to survive from a twisted kidnapper that all lead back to Ava and Lizzies family.
I really enjoyed this book I loved the twists and everyone being a suspect! Four stars!!
September 26, 2020
Rating: 3.5⭐⭐⭐!!!!!!!!!
Once Two Sisters is full of family drama mixed in with a little mystery and thrills. What do you do when you have been raised by parents who show no emotion and then you feel betrayed by your sister?
Talk about a family dysfunction!! I felt bad for Ava and Zoe and their childhood. I enjoyed the weirdness and mystery behind the parents, especially the mother. This story is for those looking for a mystery with drama with a little bit of science added. Pick up this book for a quick read.
Book: Once Two Sisters (Release Date: September 8, 2020)
Author: Sarah Warburton
Genre: Suspense, Thriller, Mystery
Thank you to @NetGalley @CrookedLaneBooks and Sarah Warburton for an advanced copy of @OnceTwoSisters
#OnceTwoSisters #CrookedLaneBooks #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #AmazonReads #childrensfiction #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic
Once Two Sisters is full of family drama mixed in with a little mystery and thrills. What do you do when you have been raised by parents who show no emotion and then you feel betrayed by your sister?
Talk about a family dysfunction!! I felt bad for Ava and Zoe and their childhood. I enjoyed the weirdness and mystery behind the parents, especially the mother. This story is for those looking for a mystery with drama with a little bit of science added. Pick up this book for a quick read.
Book: Once Two Sisters (Release Date: September 8, 2020)
Author: Sarah Warburton
Genre: Suspense, Thriller, Mystery
Thank you to @NetGalley @CrookedLaneBooks and Sarah Warburton for an advanced copy of @OnceTwoSisters
#OnceTwoSisters #CrookedLaneBooks #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #AmazonReads #childrensfiction #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic
November 4, 2020
Lizzy has been hiding from her sister for three years. Running across the country to Texas, she has a new name and a new life. While her sister, Ava, is living her life like nothing has happened.
Now Ava is missing, and Lizzy is the suspect. To clear her name she must go home to her old life and face the demons of her family.
Once Two Sisters is a fast moving thriller that twists in a direction you won't see coming. I figured it would be another book about sibling rivalry, and was shocked by the strange twist it takes. Yes the sisters hate eachother, but with good reason. After Ava goes missing, and Lizzy goes home, you find that their upbringing was odd. Strange things happened behind closed doors that lead to the current events. I never saw it coming.
The book is a quick read and well written. The sister storyline was perfect, and the ending fit the twist.
Now Ava is missing, and Lizzy is the suspect. To clear her name she must go home to her old life and face the demons of her family.
Once Two Sisters is a fast moving thriller that twists in a direction you won't see coming. I figured it would be another book about sibling rivalry, and was shocked by the strange twist it takes. Yes the sisters hate eachother, but with good reason. After Ava goes missing, and Lizzy goes home, you find that their upbringing was odd. Strange things happened behind closed doors that lead to the current events. I never saw it coming.
The book is a quick read and well written. The sister storyline was perfect, and the ending fit the twist.
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