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The Perfect Sister
Once inseparable, years of resentment and jealousy have driven Alice and Holly apart. But, though they barely speak these days, Alice knows her sister is hiding something.
When she hears that discovery at a soon-to-be-demolished apartment building has led police to re-open an 'accidental death' case, Alice thinks nothing of it. Until someone knocks at her door, with questions about Holly...
Alice doesn't believe her sister is capable of involvement in anything so sinister. But when she tries to contact Holly, she can't be reached...
Forced to dig through the past in order to uncover the truth, Alice also starts to uncover years of Holly's secrets - and to doubt her innocence. And as the evidence mounts up, she has a choice to make: does she want to help her sister clear her name, even if Alice will end up paying the price?
When she hears that discovery at a soon-to-be-demolished apartment building has led police to re-open an 'accidental death' case, Alice thinks nothing of it. Until someone knocks at her door, with questions about Holly...
Alice doesn't believe her sister is capable of involvement in anything so sinister. But when she tries to contact Holly, she can't be reached...
Forced to dig through the past in order to uncover the truth, Alice also starts to uncover years of Holly's secrets - and to doubt her innocence. And as the evidence mounts up, she has a choice to make: does she want to help her sister clear her name, even if Alice will end up paying the price?
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2020
17 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
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June 12, 2021
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Slowly does it, climb that hill at a steady pace until you get part way, slow a little to gather your second wind then fly right to the end.
What am I on about!
Well this is the pace I got from this plot.
Slow and steady and eased me into who was who and what was what.
The steady reveals of the secrets that are kept and the understanding I got about the personality of each sister. I liked it!
This was set in Ireland and read in the Irish accent which gave good sounding quality of voice to everything I thought.
It then slowed a little in pace. It allowed me to gather my thoughts about the events that were unfolding then boom, it took up a pace that cheered me on and me eager to know what was going on.
Just before the twist though I got it. I had an inkling. Not 100% sure I was right but it didn’t distract from my needing a conclusion.
I give this 3.75.
I enjoyed it, I’d recommend it, for sure I’d say pick this book up.
The ending although was quite a reveal didn’t surprise me.
So my thrill had gone by then.
The body of the story the author had a great plan and worked it all out beautifully.
I’m an avid reader of thrillers but if this was my first thriller I’d have surely been blown away, so don’t let my thoughts stop you from picking this book up.
I’d say to anyone, the audio book was good, very good yet The pace of the narrator needed some pitch.
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Slowly does it, climb that hill at a steady pace until you get part way, slow a little to gather your second wind then fly right to the end.
What am I on about!
Well this is the pace I got from this plot.
Slow and steady and eased me into who was who and what was what.
The steady reveals of the secrets that are kept and the understanding I got about the personality of each sister. I liked it!
This was set in Ireland and read in the Irish accent which gave good sounding quality of voice to everything I thought.
It then slowed a little in pace. It allowed me to gather my thoughts about the events that were unfolding then boom, it took up a pace that cheered me on and me eager to know what was going on.
Just before the twist though I got it. I had an inkling. Not 100% sure I was right but it didn’t distract from my needing a conclusion.
I give this 3.75.
I enjoyed it, I’d recommend it, for sure I’d say pick this book up.
The ending although was quite a reveal didn’t surprise me.
So my thrill had gone by then.
The body of the story the author had a great plan and worked it all out beautifully.
I’m an avid reader of thrillers but if this was my first thriller I’d have surely been blown away, so don’t let my thoughts stop you from picking this book up.
I’d say to anyone, the audio book was good, very good yet The pace of the narrator needed some pitch.
September 1, 2020
Alice and Holly were once close sisters that shared a life together. As envy and secrets bulid, they become strangers. Alice wonders what happened to the little sister she once protected. Is Holly still the loving sister she once knew, or has she grown into someone mysterious with covert actions? Alice's search for the truth and Holly's desire for peace become entangled in this story of family bonds and betrayal. How well do we really know the ones closest to us? This is a slow burn mystery that explores family connections and unconditional trust. Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Books for my ARC.
July 30, 2022
1.5 STARS
(Apologies to Emily, who gifted me this book! - But I'm not sure you'd read it?)
This was so boring, I'm sorry. It got half a star for the little twist at the end that I didn't guess. But overall, having a thriller that never gets thrilling is very dull. There is a review on the blurb that describes this book as "high voltage" and having "intrigue and suspense". This was very, very low voltage, and I cannot identify a single element of suspense.
(Apologies to Emily, who gifted me this book! - But I'm not sure you'd read it?)
This was so boring, I'm sorry. It got half a star for the little twist at the end that I didn't guess. But overall, having a thriller that never gets thrilling is very dull. There is a review on the blurb that describes this book as "high voltage" and having "intrigue and suspense". This was very, very low voltage, and I cannot identify a single element of suspense.
December 30, 2020
A slow-burn story that explored the relationship between two sisters, Holly and Alice when one of them had disappeared. There were many characters whose lives were interlinked. The mystery factor came in midway through the story. The pace picked up slightly when the investigation started. Overall, it was a good read, could have been better.
July 21, 2024
4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book and it was a great, easy read. Definitely figured out a lot of the plot points and thought some of the secondary character development was a bit rushed at the end, but it had some solid twists and surprises and the writing was engaging.
August 21, 2020
Set in Dublin, this book is the story of two sisters . It explores their relationships both in the present and past. Holly is married and now living inthe countryside, after having financial problems in the recession, her sister Alice is living in the family home with her daughter while going through a divorce. Information about the book suggests that they do not see much of each other because of years of resentment and jealousy . As a reader, I did not feel that the relationships were well enough described to able to come to that conclusion.
After the death of the girls'mother, Alice takes care of her younger sister. She meets a man and moves in with him fairly soon because he is her soulmate . Little discussion takes place between the sisters about this. Alice then changes her image and attracts a man and within a short time is pregnant and married. Later, thinking that he has married her under false pretences . Would that really happen ? seems a bit unlikely to me, but I suppose it is possible. I thought that the relationships could have been better developed in the book, descisions seem to be made for very superficial reasons and their are communication problems, both between the sisters and with their partners. A cousin is mentioned, but her character does not add anything to the story (other than being a babysitter) Alice's workmates at the library are not really brought into the story in a meaningful way either. I am not really sure who the perfect sister is supposed to be !
A fellow student of Holly is found dead, seemingly an accident though new information emerges which warrents further investigation. Holly and her husband obviously know something because they do a disappearing act, though the possible reasons for that are not very clear . Explanations are convoluted and paint both sisters as gullible, too easy to jump to conclusions about others and too dependent on their men without too much explanation about why they would be like that. The death is quite believable but the description of the plot which built up through the book was finished off within a very short section of the book which has left me with an unsatisfactory feeling about what happened.
All in all, not a bad book but with more rounded characterization and a different approach to communication , it could be so much better.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review . Certainly a book to give you something to think about
After the death of the girls'mother, Alice takes care of her younger sister. She meets a man and moves in with him fairly soon because he is her soulmate . Little discussion takes place between the sisters about this. Alice then changes her image and attracts a man and within a short time is pregnant and married. Later, thinking that he has married her under false pretences . Would that really happen ? seems a bit unlikely to me, but I suppose it is possible. I thought that the relationships could have been better developed in the book, descisions seem to be made for very superficial reasons and their are communication problems, both between the sisters and with their partners. A cousin is mentioned, but her character does not add anything to the story (other than being a babysitter) Alice's workmates at the library are not really brought into the story in a meaningful way either. I am not really sure who the perfect sister is supposed to be !
A fellow student of Holly is found dead, seemingly an accident though new information emerges which warrents further investigation. Holly and her husband obviously know something because they do a disappearing act, though the possible reasons for that are not very clear . Explanations are convoluted and paint both sisters as gullible, too easy to jump to conclusions about others and too dependent on their men without too much explanation about why they would be like that. The death is quite believable but the description of the plot which built up through the book was finished off within a very short section of the book which has left me with an unsatisfactory feeling about what happened.
All in all, not a bad book but with more rounded characterization and a different approach to communication , it could be so much better.
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review . Certainly a book to give you something to think about
August 14, 2020
Holly and Alice should be closer than most sisters, having gone through a family bereavement together. However, though they barely speak, Alice knows her little sister is hiding something – but even she, wise to Holly’s antics – couldn’t predict the train of events after a soon-to-be demolished apartment block leads to the police reopening a case. Holly is a lot of things but Alice has no reason to doubt her. Except, Holly can’t be reached, Alice’s ex husband is more on hand than usual and who is the man who’s taken a shine to her? As the sisters have their own troubles, they’ve no idea that the past, for them both, will come hurtling into their present.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2021
Loved the narration of this book.
The story was a slow burn to start with but then got really engrossed. So enjoyed the family dynamics and the unfolding.
Not going to go into the plot as that will just spoil it and done so much better by the publishers.
Fully do recommend this audio version.
I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own
The story was a slow burn to start with but then got really engrossed. So enjoyed the family dynamics and the unfolding.
Not going to go into the plot as that will just spoil it and done so much better by the publishers.
Fully do recommend this audio version.
I was given an advance copy by the publishers and netgalley but the review is entirely my own
January 5, 2023
I feel like this book had a really good set up/good plot with good characters and their backgrounds, but apart from the last 10 pages, the ending was a bit of a disappointment :(
September 21, 2020
This is the story of 2 sisters. Alice and Holly. Alice has spent her whole life watching over Holly, and when it seems that Holly might have gotten herself into some trouble Alice is left trying to peace together events from the past. It seems that alot of things are connected Alice and Damien, Damien and Jay, Jay and Holly, Holly and Luke. How all of these people are connected is a bit of a puzzle that we slowly learn about through this story.
I thought the book was well written, and while I did like Alice and Damien,and was interested in what was happening between them. I had a hard time connecting to the characters.especially Holly and luke, even though they were a big part of the story I found myself not really interested in them at all. Also the story moved too slow for me to stay completley engaged in what was going on.
I loved that it takes place in Ireland, Ive alway wanted to visit there. Also I liked the different timelines and perspectives for Alice and Holly. Seeing how the past has affected the present.
I do think other people would really enjoy this book, and I would read other things by this author. This book just wasn't for me.
Thank you to netgally and the publisher for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thought the book was well written, and while I did like Alice and Damien,and was interested in what was happening between them. I had a hard time connecting to the characters.especially Holly and luke, even though they were a big part of the story I found myself not really interested in them at all. Also the story moved too slow for me to stay completley engaged in what was going on.
I loved that it takes place in Ireland, Ive alway wanted to visit there. Also I liked the different timelines and perspectives for Alice and Holly. Seeing how the past has affected the present.
I do think other people would really enjoy this book, and I would read other things by this author. This book just wasn't for me.
Thank you to netgally and the publisher for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 24, 2021
The perfect sister by Zoe Miller🎧
Thank you Netgalley, Zoe Miller and W.F.Howes Ltd for the audiobook.
This is my second audiobook experience and it was not all that good. The narrator's accent and intonation didn't suit me. So, I felt like this book dragged on forever. Plus the book was also a slow burn thriller, making it all the more tedious to listen to. But finally after a long time, I finished it.
The perfect sister was about 2 sisters, Holly and Alice. While Holly was charming and sauve, Alice was mature and calm. Alice always felt that she was boring compared to Holly. While Holly was jealous at every turn that Alice achieved something in her life. Their lives were ultimately intertwined.
The mystery element comes half way through the book and by that time, the plot has lost steam. At this point, Holly and her husband Luke have lost their money. Their living a simple life. Alice has divorced her rich, lawyer husband. There is a new man, Damien who tried to befriend Alice.
Holly's past catches up with her and in turn affects Alice as well. Will they all survive the past? Read to find out.
The ending was predictable but by that point. Overall, it was a one time read.
Thank you Netgalley, Zoe Miller and W.F.Howes Ltd for the audiobook.
This is my second audiobook experience and it was not all that good. The narrator's accent and intonation didn't suit me. So, I felt like this book dragged on forever. Plus the book was also a slow burn thriller, making it all the more tedious to listen to. But finally after a long time, I finished it.
The perfect sister was about 2 sisters, Holly and Alice. While Holly was charming and sauve, Alice was mature and calm. Alice always felt that she was boring compared to Holly. While Holly was jealous at every turn that Alice achieved something in her life. Their lives were ultimately intertwined.
The mystery element comes half way through the book and by that time, the plot has lost steam. At this point, Holly and her husband Luke have lost their money. Their living a simple life. Alice has divorced her rich, lawyer husband. There is a new man, Damien who tried to befriend Alice.
Holly's past catches up with her and in turn affects Alice as well. Will they all survive the past? Read to find out.
The ending was predictable but by that point. Overall, it was a one time read.
June 11, 2024
Not the most thrilling of thrillers. I found this slow and repetitive to the point of being boring. The two main characters, Alice and Holly weren’t particularly likeable either. I read this on holiday otherwise I would have probably given up on it.
May 16, 2024
This book is slowwww. Doesn't pick up until half way in.
November 1, 2023
It may have started a little slow however once the story got going the pace improved. It was worth getting through the slower part for the action.
Holly and Alice are far from perfect sisters making them all the more real. They grow on you. So does Ronan hopefully he keeps up his improved self. Damien at first I was thinking maybe undercover police it was even more complex. I could not take to Luke he was very controlling in my eyes. It proved in the end to what extent he had done.
Worth persisting with as it gets better. Rounded up 3.5 to 4
Holly and Alice are far from perfect sisters making them all the more real. They grow on you. So does Ronan hopefully he keeps up his improved self. Damien at first I was thinking maybe undercover police it was even more complex. I could not take to Luke he was very controlling in my eyes. It proved in the end to what extent he had done.
Worth persisting with as it gets better. Rounded up 3.5 to 4
December 6, 2022
I'm not sure where to begin with this book. I wanted to give up so many times.
The blurb is very mysterious. There are so many questions in the blurb and it draws you in. However the book itself does not keep you interested.
You need the main characters Alice and Holly and to me they are not very likable. They are two very co-dependent people. They co-depend on each other for years and then on other people. I know a lot of this is blamed on the fact the father walked out and to me I just don't see it as a good enough reason why a 6 year old takes on the other parent role. And I don't see how it is then a good enough reason why grown up Holly is a whiney princess who hates being told no.
There is a recession in the timeline of this story. One sister is completely unaffected by it while the other one is struggling but won't accept it.
So because Holly won't behave like an adult and cut her spending so she sulks. Literally sulks like a child. Her sister gets pregnant. So Holly stops taking her pills without telling her husband so she can have a baby too because she is jealous (even though she can't afford it). And also she has a way of finding herself in relationships where she gets taken care off and is seen as incapable of looking after herself.
As well as these two adults who can't function as healthy adults you have the mystery guy Jay. He is also an unlikable character. It never seems to occur to the author that is behaviour is a serious issue and is not once treated that way. It was just laughed off and classed as annoying.
The story itself seemed a good concept but the ending was predictable.
The blurb is very mysterious. There are so many questions in the blurb and it draws you in. However the book itself does not keep you interested.
You need the main characters Alice and Holly and to me they are not very likable. They are two very co-dependent people. They co-depend on each other for years and then on other people. I know a lot of this is blamed on the fact the father walked out and to me I just don't see it as a good enough reason why a 6 year old takes on the other parent role. And I don't see how it is then a good enough reason why grown up Holly is a whiney princess who hates being told no.
There is a recession in the timeline of this story. One sister is completely unaffected by it while the other one is struggling but won't accept it.
So because Holly won't behave like an adult and cut her spending so she sulks. Literally sulks like a child. Her sister gets pregnant. So Holly stops taking her pills without telling her husband so she can have a baby too because she is jealous (even though she can't afford it). And also she has a way of finding herself in relationships where she gets taken care off and is seen as incapable of looking after herself.
As well as these two adults who can't function as healthy adults you have the mystery guy Jay. He is also an unlikable character. It never seems to occur to the author that is behaviour is a serious issue and is not once treated that way. It was just laughed off and classed as annoying.
The story itself seemed a good concept but the ending was predictable.
October 12, 2020
🌟🌟.5
This is a story of two sisters Alice and Holly. It was told from both past and present of them. Alice always taking care of Holly since she was a kid and after their mother passsed away. Both of them got their own problems and their relationship kinda drift apart. I hate Holly!!! I mean how the fuck she don't care bout her sister's feeling and flirted with her brother in law, Ronan like what the hell are you doing? But then both of them suck anyway!!!
I don't feel sorry for any of them. Both of them are unlikeable and I have a hard time connecting to both characters.
The thriller part and the ending is not that fun and exciting.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for The Perfect Sister ARC!
This is a story of two sisters Alice and Holly. It was told from both past and present of them. Alice always taking care of Holly since she was a kid and after their mother passsed away. Both of them got their own problems and their relationship kinda drift apart. I hate Holly!!! I mean how the fuck she don't care bout her sister's feeling and flirted with her brother in law, Ronan like what the hell are you doing? But then both of them suck anyway!!!
I don't feel sorry for any of them. Both of them are unlikeable and I have a hard time connecting to both characters.
The thriller part and the ending is not that fun and exciting.
Thank you Netgalley, publisher and author for The Perfect Sister ARC!
October 11, 2020
Years earlier something happened that caused a rift between sisters Holly and Alice. Holly has a secret from the past that has made her isolate from Alice for years, and Alice never understood what happened between them. Now something happens that causes Holly to disappear and Alice to question everything she knew about her sister. I really didn't enjoy this much. I didn't like any of the characters, any of the decisions they made. The ending wasn't a real surprise. Two stars.
October 14, 2021
An ok read though I felt it took until half way through to get going. It was only in the second half of the book that the storyline came to life. I found the sisters rather unlike able too as Holly was completely spoilt and Alice was walked all over by her which I found to be annoying! I also found it far fetched in places which ruined it a bit for me
Thanks to NetGalley and Hatchette Books Ireland for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to NetGalley and Hatchette Books Ireland for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 2, 2021
The Perfect Sister tells a story of just that, the perfect sister. The bond between two sister’s, that always manages to bring them back together. This story is intriguing and filled with unexpected twists that you would not expect.
I found myself enjoying the story looking forward to the next chance I would get to listen to the audiobook. The author tells a gripping story that keeps you guessing, and eager for more. Unfortunately, I battled with the narrator. Having messed around with a bit of voice-over work myself, I could not help but pick up on every little glitch throughout this recording. I got the impression that the recording had not been edited. I would have to recommend a copy of the book instead of the audiobook in this case. The author did a great job.
Alice has spent her entire life putting Holy first, always looking after her no matter what is happening in her own. Having drifted apart, the two sister’s are no longer in close contact, but still, Alice will always put Holy first.
Alice meets Damien, a good looking man who she decides to take a chance on after her disastrous marriage. When she discovers that he is related to an old friend of her sister’s that suffered an accidental death she is quick to put her guard up. When Holy’s old apartment building is demolished and the police discover new evidence causing them to re-open the investigation into Damien’s cousin's death, Damien speaks to Alice and suggests that Holy might have been involved. Alice refuses to believe her sister guilty of any wrongdoing.
Will Holy come between Alice and Damien? Is Holy guilty? All Alice knows for sure is that her sister has not been completely honest with her and she is determined to find the truth, no matter what.
This story is full of surprises. I found I could not wait to get back to the audio despite my disliking of the narration. I have to suggest the book instead of the audio. For once, the audio did not do the book justice.
Alice is a selfless character and at times I found myself annoyed at her habit of putting Holy first. The author created a remarkable big sister and by the time I reached the end of the story I wished I had a sister like Alice. She was brilliant – there is no other word for it.
Loved the story! The author managed to keep me curious from start to finish.
This book offers a lot more than just mystery, it’s a deeply moving story that will be enjoyed by woman’s fiction and romance fans – it’s not a Mills and Boon story – so if you are into that kind of hardcore romance – don’t reach for this…..
I will recommend the book, unfortunately, I would advise avoiding the audiobook version. I did not enjoy the audio, sadly.
I found myself enjoying the story looking forward to the next chance I would get to listen to the audiobook. The author tells a gripping story that keeps you guessing, and eager for more. Unfortunately, I battled with the narrator. Having messed around with a bit of voice-over work myself, I could not help but pick up on every little glitch throughout this recording. I got the impression that the recording had not been edited. I would have to recommend a copy of the book instead of the audiobook in this case. The author did a great job.
Alice has spent her entire life putting Holy first, always looking after her no matter what is happening in her own. Having drifted apart, the two sister’s are no longer in close contact, but still, Alice will always put Holy first.
Alice meets Damien, a good looking man who she decides to take a chance on after her disastrous marriage. When she discovers that he is related to an old friend of her sister’s that suffered an accidental death she is quick to put her guard up. When Holy’s old apartment building is demolished and the police discover new evidence causing them to re-open the investigation into Damien’s cousin's death, Damien speaks to Alice and suggests that Holy might have been involved. Alice refuses to believe her sister guilty of any wrongdoing.
Will Holy come between Alice and Damien? Is Holy guilty? All Alice knows for sure is that her sister has not been completely honest with her and she is determined to find the truth, no matter what.
This story is full of surprises. I found I could not wait to get back to the audio despite my disliking of the narration. I have to suggest the book instead of the audio. For once, the audio did not do the book justice.
Alice is a selfless character and at times I found myself annoyed at her habit of putting Holy first. The author created a remarkable big sister and by the time I reached the end of the story I wished I had a sister like Alice. She was brilliant – there is no other word for it.
Loved the story! The author managed to keep me curious from start to finish.
This book offers a lot more than just mystery, it’s a deeply moving story that will be enjoyed by woman’s fiction and romance fans – it’s not a Mills and Boon story – so if you are into that kind of hardcore romance – don’t reach for this…..
I will recommend the book, unfortunately, I would advise avoiding the audiobook version. I did not enjoy the audio, sadly.
August 9, 2022
"Blood Is Thicker Than Water - But Secrets Are Stronger Than Bond"
💜💜💜
Alice and Holly were always close - but after years of jealousy and competition they slowly grew further away from each other. When a body is found at a local apartment demolition, Holly is panicked, worried that her past may come back to haunt her. Alice tries to bring back the closeness between her and Holly but new partners and old grudges prove that re-uniting is harder than they could imagine.
The Perfect Sister unfortunately isn't the perfect narrative. Neither of the characters were very compelling - both of them quite average within their intertwined storylines, even when they should have been full of gusto and excitement. It was a struggle to get through the first part of the book, nothing really happened - just lots of backstory and build up, which made it really drag. It only really ramps up halfway through the narrative and by then it had already lost quite a lot of the interest that had been there previously. The final portion of the book however, was full of intrigue, and Zoe Miller managed to grasp back some of the suspense to end the story with a bang. It was interesting how the narrative dipped in and out of the past - handled well and made clear which timeline was currently running in each chapter. Although the ending wasn't too hard to predict, even when you did work it out, it didn't ruin the remainder of the story, it instead helped to ramp up the tension while you were waiting to get to the end. There was no pretence, and some tough subject matters were broached, but it was handled delicately and not glorified just for the sake of drama.
I received this copy as an audiobook, which I do think impacted my experience of the narrative slightly. The narrator (Clare McKenna) threw me off a bit as she isn't a natural storyteller. There were no differing accents and at multiple points, strange intonations - putting emphasis on the wrong words, which overall made it quite a hard book to get through. I would recommend this - but as a standalone read, rather than as an audiobook.
Thanks to NetGalley and W.F. Howes Ltd for my advanced reader copy! 💕
💜💜💜
Alice and Holly were always close - but after years of jealousy and competition they slowly grew further away from each other. When a body is found at a local apartment demolition, Holly is panicked, worried that her past may come back to haunt her. Alice tries to bring back the closeness between her and Holly but new partners and old grudges prove that re-uniting is harder than they could imagine.
The Perfect Sister unfortunately isn't the perfect narrative. Neither of the characters were very compelling - both of them quite average within their intertwined storylines, even when they should have been full of gusto and excitement. It was a struggle to get through the first part of the book, nothing really happened - just lots of backstory and build up, which made it really drag. It only really ramps up halfway through the narrative and by then it had already lost quite a lot of the interest that had been there previously. The final portion of the book however, was full of intrigue, and Zoe Miller managed to grasp back some of the suspense to end the story with a bang. It was interesting how the narrative dipped in and out of the past - handled well and made clear which timeline was currently running in each chapter. Although the ending wasn't too hard to predict, even when you did work it out, it didn't ruin the remainder of the story, it instead helped to ramp up the tension while you were waiting to get to the end. There was no pretence, and some tough subject matters were broached, but it was handled delicately and not glorified just for the sake of drama.
I received this copy as an audiobook, which I do think impacted my experience of the narrative slightly. The narrator (Clare McKenna) threw me off a bit as she isn't a natural storyteller. There were no differing accents and at multiple points, strange intonations - putting emphasis on the wrong words, which overall made it quite a hard book to get through. I would recommend this - but as a standalone read, rather than as an audiobook.
Thanks to NetGalley and W.F. Howes Ltd for my advanced reader copy! 💕
September 28, 2020
Sisters, Zoe and Alice, haven't really seen eachother since Zoes sudden move seven years ago. Alice has made attempts, but Zoe seems too busy living the perfect life to even pick up the phone.
But Zoes life is far from perfect. She is running from her past, with secrets she can't confide in Alice. One mistake, seven years ago, changed her life.
The Perfect Sister is a slow burn thriller. Alice and Zoe's relationship is the main focus throughout the beginning of the story. Though it wasnt gripping you immediately for a thriller, it would be important later when their relationship suddenly changes. I think it was important to do the extra character development for both sisters, to show how different their lives really are.
The thriller part of the story reveals itself mid book. Things start to get really good. The pace picks up as an investigation starts and reveals secrets. The writer did an awesome job with the timeline and buildup, as well as leaving tidbits to pick up for the mystery.
Zoe Miller is a new writer to me. I am glad she is on my radar now and look forward to reading her next book.
But Zoes life is far from perfect. She is running from her past, with secrets she can't confide in Alice. One mistake, seven years ago, changed her life.
The Perfect Sister is a slow burn thriller. Alice and Zoe's relationship is the main focus throughout the beginning of the story. Though it wasnt gripping you immediately for a thriller, it would be important later when their relationship suddenly changes. I think it was important to do the extra character development for both sisters, to show how different their lives really are.
The thriller part of the story reveals itself mid book. Things start to get really good. The pace picks up as an investigation starts and reveals secrets. The writer did an awesome job with the timeline and buildup, as well as leaving tidbits to pick up for the mystery.
Zoe Miller is a new writer to me. I am glad she is on my radar now and look forward to reading her next book.
May 22, 2021
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an audio arc of this book, all opinions expressed here are my own.
The Perfect Sister by Zoë Miller is the first book I have read by this author.
Alice and Holly are sisters who used to be close, but seven years ago they drifted apart. Seven years ago Alice got married and had her daughter. Seven years ago Holly moved to the countryside, the middle of nowhere. Seven years ago a college classmate of Holly’s died. But how?
Set between the past and present this book seemed more a family drama than thriller. The relationships between the characters seemed clunky. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. Luke and Ronan in particular were rather unlikable. The storyline was interesting, if a little predictable.
Unfortunately I wasn’t a fan of the narrator. While her voice and accent were lovely, she didn’t really distinguish between characters or have much range to the narration. The reading also sounded like there was an echo in the background.
Overall this was an okay three star read for me. I hope others will find it more enjoyable.
The Perfect Sister by Zoë Miller is the first book I have read by this author.
Alice and Holly are sisters who used to be close, but seven years ago they drifted apart. Seven years ago Alice got married and had her daughter. Seven years ago Holly moved to the countryside, the middle of nowhere. Seven years ago a college classmate of Holly’s died. But how?
Set between the past and present this book seemed more a family drama than thriller. The relationships between the characters seemed clunky. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. Luke and Ronan in particular were rather unlikable. The storyline was interesting, if a little predictable.
Unfortunately I wasn’t a fan of the narrator. While her voice and accent were lovely, she didn’t really distinguish between characters or have much range to the narration. The reading also sounded like there was an echo in the background.
Overall this was an okay three star read for me. I hope others will find it more enjoyable.
August 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this book - it was a page turner, for sure. Alice and Holly are two sisters, who were close while growing up, but they've drifted apart. When Holly marries the love of her life, Luke, she asks Alice for her share of their mother's inheritance, and Alice reluctantly turns it over. Over the course of a few years, Holly and Luke blow through it, going on fabulous vacations and buying Luke's pride and joy, a new Jeep. During this time, Alice separates from her husband and concentrates on raising their daughter and on her work at the local library. When a building Holly and Luke once lived in is demolished, and a secret involving Holly is exposed, both sisters are terrified. Over the course of the book, we learn their backstories and the secrets they both hold. There were a lot of characters in this book but they were mostly well-developed (if not likable). There were several times when I thought I knew what the outcome would be, but that changed a few times over the course of the book. Thank-you to Netgalley and to the publisher for the ARC of this book
September 8, 2020
Alice and Holly have been through a lot together – raised by a single mum after their dad leaves when Alice is young and before Holly is born, then through the heartbreak of their mum dying suddenly at a young age, yet there’s a distance between them now which Alice finds difficult to deal with. The story centres around an incident from Holly’s past which despite her new idyllic countryside lifestyle still haunts her. When buried secrets threaten to come to the surface and destroy Holly and those around her, Alice is determined to find out the truth and to stand by her sister, no matter what, as she has done throughout her life. This was an enjoyable, well written book, with a few unexpected twists and turns. I’d recommend this title to anyone who enjoys the mystery and thriller genre. Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books Ireland for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2020
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
I will be honest. This book was confusing. Nothing that we are supposed to “know” came from the story. The sisters were close at one point and now they are not. Then a murder takes place and Holly and her husband take off. Alice needs to find out why.
I really didn’t understand a lot of this book and why it was happening. I mean the family dynamic is really off. It is not like the sisters love or hate each other. They just are sisters and nothing more. Then there are a bunch of other characters that have nothing to do with the story.
The suspense was fine. I am not really sure with all the other confusion that I cared about the suspense but it was still there to read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I will be honest. This book was confusing. Nothing that we are supposed to “know” came from the story. The sisters were close at one point and now they are not. Then a murder takes place and Holly and her husband take off. Alice needs to find out why.
I really didn’t understand a lot of this book and why it was happening. I mean the family dynamic is really off. It is not like the sisters love or hate each other. They just are sisters and nothing more. Then there are a bunch of other characters that have nothing to do with the story.
The suspense was fine. I am not really sure with all the other confusion that I cared about the suspense but it was still there to read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2020
The Perfect Sister by Zoe Miller was a cracking read for me.
There is 6 years between Alice and Holly. They are very close but then their dad walks out on them and their mum and they gradually grow apart following years of resentment. Much later, Alice knows that her sister is keeping secrets, and then she gets a knock at her front door about a matter regarding Holly...
I found this book extremely intriguing and compelling although it was a little slow to get going. The pace soon picked up and I found myself ensconced in a page-turner! The reader gradually learns the sister's backstories and long-held secrets are exposed. I thought I had a pretty good idea of the story's outcome but I was still rewarded with surprises. 😁
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my own unbiased opinion.
There is 6 years between Alice and Holly. They are very close but then their dad walks out on them and their mum and they gradually grow apart following years of resentment. Much later, Alice knows that her sister is keeping secrets, and then she gets a knock at her front door about a matter regarding Holly...
I found this book extremely intriguing and compelling although it was a little slow to get going. The pace soon picked up and I found myself ensconced in a page-turner! The reader gradually learns the sister's backstories and long-held secrets are exposed. I thought I had a pretty good idea of the story's outcome but I was still rewarded with surprises. 😁
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my own unbiased opinion.
May 22, 2021
With the reopening of an accidental death case, Alice grapples with how well she knows her sister and if she believes that she's involved. The sisters rarely see each other and drifted apart after getting married. Now the past is coming back to bite someone.
The Perfect Sister showed a very real look at the interactions between two sisters. I found that the jealousy and pride that drove them to their own downfalls was supremely well done. This book felt believable to me. I did find it a little slow to get to the meat of it though. There was a lot of building for the characters backgrounds but in the end it helped with knowing people's motivations, so I'm not really mad at it.
I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Perfect Sister showed a very real look at the interactions between two sisters. I found that the jealousy and pride that drove them to their own downfalls was supremely well done. This book felt believable to me. I did find it a little slow to get to the meat of it though. There was a lot of building for the characters backgrounds but in the end it helped with knowing people's motivations, so I'm not really mad at it.
I received a copy of this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2021
Alice and Holly were once the closest of sisters but over the years time and circumstances have created a distance between them that Alice suspects is of Holly's doing. Alice is a separated mother of a daughter and has worked in the same place for years. Holly meets Luke and settles down in a fancy apartment in Dublin's docklands to live a typical Celtic tiger lifestyle. When the crash comes Holly and Luke must leave Dublin behind but when a discovery is made at their former home which is scheduled for demolition secrets come back to haunt Holly. Will Alice be able to help Holly clear her name, who is Damien who seems to turn up everywhere Alice goes - what does he really want and why is Alice's ex so interested in \Holly after all this time?
June 13, 2021
An easy enjoyable story.
Alice and Holly are sisters , the story explores their relationship and the fallout of an incident that happened years before.
The story is a slow burner , although the writing makes it easy to listen to and left me wanting to find out who was behind the previous event.
The relationship between the sisters is well defined and left me wanting to give Alice a nudge to get on with her life.
I liked the setting of Dublin and the narration with an Irish accent it completed the story.
An overall enjoyable read.
Thanks to NetGalley and W.F. Howes Ltd.
Alice and Holly are sisters , the story explores their relationship and the fallout of an incident that happened years before.
The story is a slow burner , although the writing makes it easy to listen to and left me wanting to find out who was behind the previous event.
The relationship between the sisters is well defined and left me wanting to give Alice a nudge to get on with her life.
I liked the setting of Dublin and the narration with an Irish accent it completed the story.
An overall enjoyable read.
Thanks to NetGalley and W.F. Howes Ltd.
June 18, 2021
Holly and Alice, once close sisters, have been driven apart by resentment and secrets. Secrets which are about to resurface and bring the protective wall that each sister has built around their lives crashing down. A great read/listen. I enjoyed seeing the story evolve from the perspective of both sisters. This is a really enjoyable book with it's fair share of twists and turns. I would recommend this book. Thank you to netgalley for giving me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook as a pre release.
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