Sisters

by Michelle Francis

Sisters is an unsettling story of sibling rivalry for fans of TM Logan, by the number one bestselling author of The Girlfriend, Michelle Frances.

'I tore through the pages. This high-speed chase of a novel is a perfect summer read' - Louise Candlish, author of Our House .

'Michelle Frances manages to bring fresh energy to this age-old theme of sibling rivalry and family secrets . . . The finale doesn't disappoint' - Daily Mail

Is blood really thicker than water?

Abby and Ellie were never close as children. Now in their thirties, they each harbour deep-rooted resentment for the other – Abby for her sister's looks and her status as their mother's favourite. Ellie meanwhile is envious of Abby's perfect husband and picturesque home, a villa on the sun-soaked Italian island of Elba.

When Abby invites Ellie to stay, both sisters see the break as a chance to relax and put aside their differences. But with their mother Susanna there too, all the simmering tensions of the past quickly rise to the surface. And Ellie suspects that Abby and their mother are keeping a dangerous secret . . .

But after a shocking act, the sisters have only each other to rely on. Vulnerable and scared, trusting each other will be the biggest risk of all . . .

'Toxic family relationships, sultry European settings and an intricate plot which leaves you never knowing who to trust - an ideal read for the beach' - Catherine Cooper, author of The Chalet

'Terrific . . . Twisted, fraught with suspense, a proper summer page-turner' - Jo Spain, author of The Confession.

413 pages, Paperback

Published July 16, 2024

Reviews

[Andrea Pole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sisters by Michelle Frances is another page-turner from an author whose writing virtually propels me through a narrative at high speed. I was immediately engrossed in this compelling tale of sibling rivalry and familial tensions and secrets, and could not wait to see how it would all unfold. Set mainly in the exotic Mediterranean, this is your next addictive and thoroughly escapist read. 4.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pack your suitcase! You’ll be off for a whirlwind trip of the Mediterranean with Michelle Frances’s upcoming thrilling domestic noir release titled “Sisters”. I loved reliving vacation memories with the girls as they left the sun-soaked island of Elba in their rear-view mirror, drove through the Camargue with its wild white horses, pink flamingos and salt marshes, through the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne and across the Spanish border, ending up at the dramatic sea cliffs of Vixia Herbeira. I loved the author’s writing style; I easily became emotionally attached to the antagonist and the storyline was believable, fast-moving, full of twists and turns, lots of red herrings and it kept me guessing until the last page…and longer!

As close as they appear now, it wasn’t always this way. Abby and Ellie grew up hating each other; the sibling rivalry was painful as was the toxic family relationship. Abby, three years older than her sister, was jealous of the relationship her younger and extremely beautiful sister, Ellie, had with their mother. From a little child, Ellie had always been ill and it took time and attention away from Abby. Channelling her resentment into her job in her twenties and thirties, Abby managed to retire early at 36 due to careful planning. Eager to mend the sibling relationship, Abby invites her sister to meet her new husband and spend time with her at their gorgeous island home with sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Tuscan coast. From the moment Ellie arrives until the last page you’ll be on a page-flipping quest to uncover the terrible secrets they want to keep buried. You won’t know who to trust. Your heart will be pounding and you’ll be desperate for answers. The author cleverly reveals just enough information at a time, causing readers to suspect one thing only to quickly convince them otherwise on the next page. As the drama escalates, you’ll embark on a Thelma and Louise style road trip as you attempt to untangle years of deceit. Can the sisters put their past behind them and learn to trust each other again? Is blood really thicker than water? You’ll have to wait until January 5th, 2021 for this psychological thriller. Mark it on your calendar. It’s worth the wait. Trust me.

[Miss R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This gripping novel about the complex dynamics of sibling rivalry is pure adrenaline. Fast-paced and devilishly clever, Michelle Frances breathes new life into a sometimes stale and formulaic genre. What's more, I absolutely loved every page of this meticulous, yet twisty tale. 'Sisters' is a page-turner of the most literal variety; so much so that my compulsion to reach the denouement was equally matched by a rather schizoid desire for an infinite dose of Frances' masterful storytelling. But all good things come to an end - even in the land of make-believe. The story, essentially a transformative tale of sibling rivalry, is conveyed with the authenticity of an astute observer of the human condition. This is no small-feat, given the rather overwhelming temptation to resort to cliches and entrenched literary tropes. This easy resort to the tried-and-tested is not the stock-in-trade of the imaginative Frances, however, making this a rare treat of some of the most masterful storytelling I have read in recent years. What's more, there are plenty of twists and turns that seemingly resistant to the guessing games of connoisseurs of crime fiction. This book is a true jewel in the crown of psychological thrillers. I loved it.

[Sam Burrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is blood really thicker than water?
Abby and Ellie were never close as children. Now in their thirties, they each harbour deep-rooted resentment for the other - Abby for her sister's looks and her status as their mother's favourite. Ellie meanwhile is envious of Abby's perfect husband and picturesque home, a villa on the sun-soaked Italian island of Elba. Unfortunately Susanna their Mother arrives -its almost as though she doesn't want her daughters to talk and sort their differences out.......
The sisters are complete opposites and their past is littered with jealousy and resentments caused mainly by their relationship with their Susanna.
A secret is revealed and leads to a shocking series of events. I honestly didn't know what to believe and i really enjoyed Michelles' style of storytelling. A great Summer beach read.
Thank you to Netgalley, Pan Macmillan and Michelle Frances for the opportunity to read this advance copy of Sisters. I will now buy Michelles other books. Love it when a new author comes into my world.

[Hermione · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has beach/holiday read written all over it and it's very light. You'll zip through it quickly, like a lot of domestic thrillers. The problem is that the whole thing is really unlikely and unrealistic. The characters are all really annoying. I guessed the entire plot at the end of chapter 3. Everything that happens is so unbelievable and contrived. And the author didn't seem to do basic research into how police do their jobs and what life is like in Italy, etc. The book also really down on the woman who is responsible with her money and has worked hard her whole life. It's the stereo type that women who have successful careers or are fiscally responsible are selfish, miserable or have no lives. Shes urged to live a little ie, get into debt. It drove me nuts that she was manipulated into feeling guilty all the time for her money that she worked for. If she was a male character, we would have been urged to admire her. I think this book is one to maybe give a miss.

[Gemma Deary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book about a very dark family secret. Abbie and Ellie are sisters, they have never got along and Ellie was the obvious favourite child growing up, now they are adults and Abbie invites Ellie to stay at her home abroad but when an accident happens things spiral out of control and the two sisters have no choice but to become close. A tense thriller that had me second guessing everything.

[Elizabeth Emily Browne · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all a big thank you to Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book to read and review.

I loved the twists and turns in this one. I also loved that you didn’t know who to believe as everyone’s stories contradicted the other.

This was a really quick and easy read and has gotten me back into my love of thrillers.

I enjoyed the character dynamic in this one and loved the two sisters.

[Tina J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take the beautiful Italian backdrop of Elba. Two sisters who have always resented each other. A mother who favoured one daughter over the other and is now threatening to reveal a dark secret. Throw into this mix a Thelma and Louise type road trip and what you are getting is a knife edge twisted thriller that will keep you guessing right until the last page.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Lee-Anne Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powered through this one as it was written so well. It wasn’t too much of a mystery in the end but it did keep you sufficiently questioning yourself throughout! I am so glad I picked this one up in the library - it was on the new book trolley so I got to be the first one to read it too! Definitely going to check out her other books as a result!

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think I’d enjoy this book, I read the first few pages and nearly stopped but decided to continue. Boy, am I glad I did. I couldn’t put it down. It was absolutely gripping. The story line was not what I was expecting. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.

[Ranjana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t really think much of this book especially compared to her others. The characters were not that believable and the plot kept on veering and throwing suspicion back and forth between two characters in an annoying way.

[Rhian Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good parts and others slow. There were
Occasions I nearly gave up on this book - it was a slow read.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me guessing right till three pages before the end !!

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book by this author and I couldn’t put it down. Really enjoyed it and would recommend.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

[Lisa Wosik · Rating 3 out of 5]

In all honesty this book was a little bit silly and the plot was so ridiculously far fetched. However it was a good escapist story with quite a few twists and turns.

[Jenny Littlewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book despite the reviews. Quirky and intriguing although slightly unrealistic at times. Good plot and good finish. Recommend.

[Marybeth Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very annoying characters. I finished the book but didn't care for it much.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Keeps you guessing right through to the very end and so compelling.

[Dagmar Gura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me guessing every few chapters in :D! Still guessing

[Lesley B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It kept my interest right to the end.