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Dear Sister
What if everything she thought she knew was a lie?
Schoolteacher Rachel will do anything to protect her younger sister, Laura. So when their long-lost father shows up out of the blue and makes a shocking accusation against Laura’s husband, Rachel is thrown into turmoil.
As undeniable evidence surfaces, Rachel discovers everything she thought she knew was wrong. Has her sister’s entire life been a lie? And how did her young niece get the bruises she is hiding? And who keeps calling her in the middle of the night?
As their father works his way into their lives, Rachel finds her ordered world slipping away. Already reeling from the breakup of her own marriage, she doesn’t know who to trust – her father or her sister.
One of them is lying, hiding a terrible secret.
Can Rachel discover the truth before it is too late?
Dear Sister is a gripping psychological thriller with a mind-blowing twist that will leave readers turning pages long into the night. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, K.L Slater and Ruth Heald.
Schoolteacher Rachel will do anything to protect her younger sister, Laura. So when their long-lost father shows up out of the blue and makes a shocking accusation against Laura’s husband, Rachel is thrown into turmoil.
As undeniable evidence surfaces, Rachel discovers everything she thought she knew was wrong. Has her sister’s entire life been a lie? And how did her young niece get the bruises she is hiding? And who keeps calling her in the middle of the night?
As their father works his way into their lives, Rachel finds her ordered world slipping away. Already reeling from the breakup of her own marriage, she doesn’t know who to trust – her father or her sister.
One of them is lying, hiding a terrible secret.
Can Rachel discover the truth before it is too late?
Dear Sister is a gripping psychological thriller with a mind-blowing twist that will leave readers turning pages long into the night. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, K.L Slater and Ruth Heald.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2021
613 people are currently reading
777 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Harrow
15 books139 followersRuth Harrow is known for her gripping psychological thrillers. Born and raised in England, Ruth discovered her passion for writing in 2018. Her debut novel, In Her Footsteps, swiftly became a bestseller, marking the beginning of her journey in the genre. She continues to captivate readers with her jaw-dropping twists. For exclusive updates on her latest releases, visit RuthHarrow.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
January 30, 2025
Included in my Audible membership, thankfully.
October 9, 2021
It has been a while since I read a good psychological thriller and thought maybe this one would fill the void, but it fell flat for me. The narrative is racy and chapters small, and to the author's credit one starts suspecting everyone by the middle of the story. But, that said and done, a lot of it was cliche, overdone in places and that took away the reading pleasure, plus after mid section, it became kind of apparent where it was going.
December 19, 2024
Very reminiscent of Daniel Hurst’s work.
Far from the most original plot line, and a bit predictable. I usually hate a mental health trope, however, it’s the most I’ve enjoyed a domestic/psychological thriller for a while - hence the high rating.
Narrated brilliantly.
Currently included with audible 🎧
Far from the most original plot line, and a bit predictable. I usually hate a mental health trope, however, it’s the most I’ve enjoyed a domestic/psychological thriller for a while - hence the high rating.
Narrated brilliantly.
Currently included with audible 🎧
April 15, 2024
3/3.5
This was a domestic thriller about two sisters who live next to each other. They grew up in foster care and have immeshed lives. Their biological dad shows up and causes friction between the two. I thought there’d be more of a surprise twist at the end, but I wasn’t surprised by any of it.
This was a domestic thriller about two sisters who live next to each other. They grew up in foster care and have immeshed lives. Their biological dad shows up and causes friction between the two. I thought there’d be more of a surprise twist at the end, but I wasn’t surprised by any of it.
February 19, 2022
I loved the book! It had many twists and turns and kept me engaged! All of the characters except Amy were messed up in their own ways which made the book interesting. A great read though and don't want to give it away, but definitely recommend it!
October 19, 2025
Ruth Harrow's Dear Sister is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that grips from the very first page. When a mysterious father resurfaces with shocking accusations against Laura's husband, schoolteacher Rachel finds her carefully ordered world unraveling.
Harrow expertly weaves mounting tension through unexplained phone calls, hidden bruises, and escalating secrets, keeping readers perpetually uncertain of whom to trust. The novel's greatest strength lies in its unreliable narration and expertly planted red herrings that challenge our assumptions at every turn.
With a mind-bending twist that recontextualizes everything preceding it, this page-turner delivers genuine shock without sacrificing character depth. A compelling read for psychological thriller enthusiasts.
Harrow expertly weaves mounting tension through unexplained phone calls, hidden bruises, and escalating secrets, keeping readers perpetually uncertain of whom to trust. The novel's greatest strength lies in its unreliable narration and expertly planted red herrings that challenge our assumptions at every turn.
With a mind-bending twist that recontextualizes everything preceding it, this page-turner delivers genuine shock without sacrificing character depth. A compelling read for psychological thriller enthusiasts.
March 14, 2022
Dear Sister is full of tantalizing leads that make the reader wonder who is hiding something and who are really the persons they say they are.
Sisters Rachel and Laura are neighbors; Laura, with her husband Ash and their daughter Amy, live a life of secrets that little Amy has "promised not to tell." When Laura makes contact after many years with the father that abandoned her and Rachel to life of foster homes and instability, Rachel is instantly suspicious and wants nothing to do with him. But is her father really the man she thinks he is? Did her long deceased mother tell her the truth about the brutal man who now seems to want nothing but affection and forgiveness from his daughters? And when he makes an accusation against Laura's husband, can she believe him? Someone isn't being truthful, and any decision to trust the wrong person can end up hurting or even putting in danger those she loves.
An absorbing psychological thriller, Dear Sister ended on an intriguing and clever note, The only thing that led me to give this 3 stars rather than 4 is the too convenient arrival of a character at a fortuitous moment. However, the story kept me interested as I tried to figure out who could be trusted.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Sisters Rachel and Laura are neighbors; Laura, with her husband Ash and their daughter Amy, live a life of secrets that little Amy has "promised not to tell." When Laura makes contact after many years with the father that abandoned her and Rachel to life of foster homes and instability, Rachel is instantly suspicious and wants nothing to do with him. But is her father really the man she thinks he is? Did her long deceased mother tell her the truth about the brutal man who now seems to want nothing but affection and forgiveness from his daughters? And when he makes an accusation against Laura's husband, can she believe him? Someone isn't being truthful, and any decision to trust the wrong person can end up hurting or even putting in danger those she loves.
An absorbing psychological thriller, Dear Sister ended on an intriguing and clever note, The only thing that led me to give this 3 stars rather than 4 is the too convenient arrival of a character at a fortuitous moment. However, the story kept me interested as I tried to figure out who could be trusted.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2021
Not brilliant but, yes, absorbing-----and the good, psychologically more sound characters win out. Keep reading right until the end and try not to keep guessing who is right, who wrong and dangerous. The plot is indeed character-driven. She is an interesting writer who definitely thinks in and out of the box. The reader should have that imaginative mind-set and ability as well.
October 2, 2021
I've never read this author before and it was advertised as a psychological thriller, but it was more like a family drama.
I can't say I liked any of the characters. The father being the least.
Some of the decisions they made were questionable. I understand their childhood was not good with their mother dying and their father running off. They ended up in foster care.
Now the father is back.
It has a nice pace to it and the writing style isn't bad. This could probably have a sequel but I'm not sure I'd read it. I will however, check out other books by this author.
I can't say I liked any of the characters. The father being the least.
Some of the decisions they made were questionable. I understand their childhood was not good with their mother dying and their father running off. They ended up in foster care.
Now the father is back.
It has a nice pace to it and the writing style isn't bad. This could probably have a sequel but I'm not sure I'd read it. I will however, check out other books by this author.
June 8, 2022
Probably 3.5. Fast paced story told from the point of view of two sisters was tense, but you knew where it was going. Easy read and a few nice red herrings.
April 13, 2024
Overall good read, kept me interested and wanting more. One of the main characters kept making me incredibly frustrated with her “woe is me the world is against me” facade. Very annoying 😭
April 23, 2024
DNF … boring
September 24, 2021
This book was a very quick read, I finished it in a day, and I really enjoyed it. There were lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing right until the end. I liked the short chapters and the dual narrative, although I didn't enjoy from the perspective of Laura as she just wasn't a nice person. On the whole a decent wee thriller, definitely worth a read.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Inkubator Books and Ruth Harrow for the copy of this book. All views are my own.*
*Thanks to NetGalley, Inkubator Books and Ruth Harrow for the copy of this book. All views are my own.*
August 27, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the eARC.
I found this a difficult book to review,I liked it but didn't much like any of the characters. I didn't trust the father who came back into the sister's lives and of the two sisters, Rachel was more sympathetic to me than her younger sister Laura , but both irritated me with their silliness. And one of them I considered quite evil, probably because of her childhood. Halfway through things turn topsy -turvy, making me read way past my bedtime.
So, as much as I sound negative, I did enjoy the read and enjoyed the tension it provoked in me.
I think a lot of people will like this book.
I found this a difficult book to review,I liked it but didn't much like any of the characters. I didn't trust the father who came back into the sister's lives and of the two sisters, Rachel was more sympathetic to me than her younger sister Laura , but both irritated me with their silliness. And one of them I considered quite evil, probably because of her childhood. Halfway through things turn topsy -turvy, making me read way past my bedtime.
So, as much as I sound negative, I did enjoy the read and enjoyed the tension it provoked in me.
I think a lot of people will like this book.
September 12, 2021
Laura and Rachel didn't have the easiest childhood. They spent most of their childhood in separate foster homes due to the absence of their father and the death of their mother. Years later, Laura springs one of the most shocking surprises ever. Not only has she found their father, but she has made arrangements for them all to reunite. This doesn't sit well with Rachel as she remembers distant memories of stories her mother told her of how her father really was. Reluctantly, she agrees to appease her sister and meet with her father. Though things seem to be off to a rocky start with Rachel, Laura is beyond smitten with how well her relationship with her father is blossoming. Determined to rectify their relationships, their father confides in Rachel about his suspicions with Laura's marriage, but also with Laura about their mother's mental illness and how Rachel seems to be following the same path. With a line of promises to his daughters and showering them with endless gifts in hopes to make up for lost time and earn their trust, things are starting to look promising, but is it enough to build the trust back in his daughter's after all these years? With a string of unfortunate events plaguing the family, they decide to escape for a family holiday, but what they anticipated as being the best holiday ever ends up bringing a turn of events that will change their lives forever.
Thank you Netgalley, Inkubator Books and Ruth Harrow for the amazing opportunity to read and review this book. This book grabbed me right from the start. There were so many twists in this book and I loved every moment of it. It was easy to follow and when I actually had a good chunk of time, I burned through it fast. This was my first read by Ruth Harrow and it definitely won't be the last. I recommend this book and rate it ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Thank you Netgalley, Inkubator Books and Ruth Harrow for the amazing opportunity to read and review this book. This book grabbed me right from the start. There were so many twists in this book and I loved every moment of it. It was easy to follow and when I actually had a good chunk of time, I burned through it fast. This was my first read by Ruth Harrow and it definitely won't be the last. I recommend this book and rate it ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
October 5, 2021
Where was the thrill?
I hate to say this was the slowest paced book I've ever had the displeasure of reading. I kept pushing myself to stay with it, surely the action and mystery will kick in soon. It never did. It was a boring play by play of 2 sisters and their daily life. The chapters alternated betwixt each sister's point of view. They aren't happy, they aren't the slightest bit interesting and I never felt invested in their stories.
It was a thin plot, flat characters, and just too long and drawn out.
Lauren is a married mom of a little girl. Rachel is the single sister, fresh off a breakup who yearns for a family like her sister Lauren has. They were both thrown into foster care as children after their mother died. The book gives hints of a terribly troubled adolescent life for both. But the author never delves deep enough for us to empathize with our two main characters. Lauren finds their long lost father and becomes quickly attached. Rachel wants nothing to do with their father. Strange occurrences keep happening to Rachel. Is she in danger? Who the he'll knows. Once again the author didn't create enough drama and build up for us to find out. Is the father as good as he appears to be? He wants to make up for lost years and declares his love for them.
There was no real exciting climax to be had.
Things kind of got interesting on the Last. Two. Pages! Wth? But really it just left me more confused on why everything happened and how.
Such a boring read.
I hate to say this was the slowest paced book I've ever had the displeasure of reading. I kept pushing myself to stay with it, surely the action and mystery will kick in soon. It never did. It was a boring play by play of 2 sisters and their daily life. The chapters alternated betwixt each sister's point of view. They aren't happy, they aren't the slightest bit interesting and I never felt invested in their stories.
It was a thin plot, flat characters, and just too long and drawn out.
Lauren is a married mom of a little girl. Rachel is the single sister, fresh off a breakup who yearns for a family like her sister Lauren has. They were both thrown into foster care as children after their mother died. The book gives hints of a terribly troubled adolescent life for both. But the author never delves deep enough for us to empathize with our two main characters. Lauren finds their long lost father and becomes quickly attached. Rachel wants nothing to do with their father. Strange occurrences keep happening to Rachel. Is she in danger? Who the he'll knows. Once again the author didn't create enough drama and build up for us to find out. Is the father as good as he appears to be? He wants to make up for lost years and declares his love for them.
There was no real exciting climax to be had.
Things kind of got interesting on the Last. Two. Pages! Wth? But really it just left me more confused on why everything happened and how.
Such a boring read.
October 18, 2021
This wasn't my favorite read as it felt like everything, even the synopsis, is trying to make this a question of which one is the "bad" one? When from the start I was like why not both? Or all three? None of them were very sympathetic, though I did think Rachel was the only "good" one of the bunch.
I also did not like the writing style as it didn't feel true. I didn't really believe most of the characters as...they didn't feel real. Part of that is the author trying to make us think one thing is happening so that it can be a big twist later, but most of the time I would think okay either the author is really terrible at writing x, because this character or that character is not believable as x, or that is not what is happening. Either way I didn't love it. The very best part of the book was the last chapter when we see who the characters really are in the end. I would have enjoyed this so much more if we saw that from the beginning instead of trying to make us think otherwise so it is a big twist as that didn't work for me at all. With different writing it could have worked, but instead the whole story came off as unbelievable and so it wasn't a surprise.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.
I also did not like the writing style as it didn't feel true. I didn't really believe most of the characters as...they didn't feel real. Part of that is the author trying to make us think one thing is happening so that it can be a big twist later, but most of the time I would think okay either the author is really terrible at writing x, because this character or that character is not believable as x, or that is not what is happening. Either way I didn't love it. The very best part of the book was the last chapter when we see who the characters really are in the end. I would have enjoyed this so much more if we saw that from the beginning instead of trying to make us think otherwise so it is a big twist as that didn't work for me at all. With different writing it could have worked, but instead the whole story came off as unbelievable and so it wasn't a surprise.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2024
All the characters walk about in pity for themselves. They’re all whiny and annoying, except Amy (the little girl) and the cat. I love how the blurb says the dad just shows up. No, Laura, the younger sister, finds him on social media and invites him into their lives. Just thrilled to open her life up to this deadbeat!
Rachel, the older sister, isn’t happy about it at all. Laura’s husband isn’t thrilled either, but Laura is happy and that’s all that matters. Nothing is her fault, and she actually says, “why me.”
It goes back and forth from Rachel’s POV to Laura’s POV. They grew up in foster care, but the story starts when they’re adults. Rachel is a teacher. She isn’t married and doesn’t have children. She and Laura live across the street from each other, but Laura is married and has a child.
It’s not a great book, and it doesn’t have any real twists. I was hoping for one, but it didn’t happen. Nothing really happens. On the other hand, I’ve read worse.
Rachel, the older sister, isn’t happy about it at all. Laura’s husband isn’t thrilled either, but Laura is happy and that’s all that matters. Nothing is her fault, and she actually says, “why me.”
It goes back and forth from Rachel’s POV to Laura’s POV. They grew up in foster care, but the story starts when they’re adults. Rachel is a teacher. She isn’t married and doesn’t have children. She and Laura live across the street from each other, but Laura is married and has a child.
It’s not a great book, and it doesn’t have any real twists. I was hoping for one, but it didn’t happen. Nothing really happens. On the other hand, I’ve read worse.
November 11, 2023
Initially felt like this was quite a good pace and had some intrigue to it. Then it all went a bit hollywood at the barn, everything just felt really cobbled together and a lot of the storylines that were started were never really resolved. Why did they end up in foster care, why did laura want to slash her sister's tyres, and what was with the Laura being the abuser, where was that even going? Just felt a lot of half arsed coming togethers, and the character of Laura came across as spoilt and really grated on me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2022
It was okay I guess. The back cover reads.."a gripping psychological thriller with a mind blowing twist". It was not super thrilling. I was kind of bored. I think I saw the "twist" coming a mile away...and it wasn't mind-blowing at all. I like books that leave me saying.. what the hell? ....this didn't do it for me.
March 11, 2023
This book was so tedious to finish.
I didn’t really care for any of the characters - especially not Laura.
The first half introduced an interesting concept, but the second half was just…dull. And the more the story dragged on, the more dislikable the characters became.
The mystery was disappointing. I mean, loan sharks? That’s all?
I’m honestly disappointed that I finished this book.
I didn’t really care for any of the characters - especially not Laura.
The first half introduced an interesting concept, but the second half was just…dull. And the more the story dragged on, the more dislikable the characters became.
The mystery was disappointing. I mean, loan sharks? That’s all?
I’m honestly disappointed that I finished this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2023
This book needs some serious editing, the plot didn’t make sense half the time and the most annoying thing was that the plot lost days or got confused with days. Worst of all one of the characters was terrible and neither characters asked their father the most important question of all that probably would have saved the whole story. Do not recommend this book.
July 20, 2024
2/5 honestly maybe even 1.5/5 stars
The story was very predictable and the two FMC’s were INSUFFERABLE ! Like absolutely not the book I was hoping for…
I finished it because I’m stubborn about reaching my Goodreads goals this year
The story was very predictable and the two FMC’s were INSUFFERABLE ! Like absolutely not the book I was hoping for…
I finished it because I’m stubborn about reaching my Goodreads goals this year
December 26, 2024
2.75 stars. Meh. It was an okay book, but I was bored through 70% of it and called the twist at the end. Also how stupid can two people be, OBVIOUSLY your long l ost dad who popped up outta no where is up to no good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2024
Stupid plot. Stupid book. Should’ve given up way earlier. Couldn’t stand Laura’s character, bloody numpty problematic brat.
August 31, 2021
**** SPOILERS****
I selected this ARC from NetGalley. I hadn't read any of Ruth Harrow's works before. I did however upon seeing her ARC look into reviews of some of her works. Others had some pretty high remarks so I went in head first with enthusiasm.
Dear Sister centers around two sisters, Rachel and Laura. The pair have had a rocky path through life. Having lost their mother in the mists of their childhood and their father being MIA during said time, the girls were put into foster care. Here the two were separated and had very different experiences. Defying the odds they kept in touch. Rachel having succeeded in keeping their sisterly bond alive into adulthood regardless of their circumstances.
This book though it does develop the sister's back stories, is set in their adulthood. Rachel has beaten the odds, overcome her past, and made quite a nice life for herself. That was until her own pride, jealousy, and ambitions cloud her judgement. Rachel is a secondary teacher and has been recently promoted due to the head of her department going on maternity leave. She has quite the shoes to fill. However, Rachel struggling to pick up the pieces of her life after her long term boyfriend and colleague, Paul, drops her like a bad habit. You see Rachel has a tendency to push too far and cross unspoken boundaries once she sets her mind to wanting something. In the spring she found herself trying to trap Paul into family life even after he voices that he isn't ready. Paul is a good guy but he has ambitions of his own and Rachel crosses the line ultimately pushing him to drastic measures... BREAK UP. As the book starts Rachel is starting back to school in the fall. Her life still in shambles when she is reminded of the new responsibilities she is to take on this school year whilst still facing Paul every day at work. YIKES... Yes, this story goes there.
Laura, on the other hand, is married to Ash. She works as a maid and her husband a life guard. To put it nicely "They struggle." Laura likes to keep up appearances. She buys nothing but the best for Amy, their daughter. She even goes without at times wearing worn, old clothing. She likes to keep up the façade of a perfect marriage in front of others. It's no wonder everyone thinks they have the perfect marriage. Ash comes off as overly protective of his daughter and even controlling of his wife at times. AND WITH EVERY RIGHT.. I'll let you into that.
The sisters are close being the only biological family either of them are still in contact with, but one day Laura decides to reach out to dear ole long lost dad. Blessing or mistake? Where has he been all this time? and Why hasn't he even tried to reconnect before? Laura is eager to move past the past, but Rachel is leery. What are Peter's intentions? Lets just say their worlds go topsy-turvy, lives start to unravel and secrets come to light, but not all of them.
This novella flows well enough. It is not a genre I typically read a lot of. However, there is plenty of excitement. There were times I wanted to just yell at the both of the main characters for being absolutely ridiculous! LIKE GET A CLUE! It was a quick and easy read. I found myself being propelled along. I had a pretty chill weekend and was able to complete this book from one afternoon to the next. It is told from two perspectives at once. I didn't mind that as Ms. Harrow did a very good job of flowing between the two sisters. Keeping the reader guess who exactly is the heroine, the victim, the villian... who knows? You find yourself second guessing and changing your ideas of what exactly is going on. I'd have gladly given this book another star, however, there were some pretty easy to spot errors, some wording choices, and even missing words or typos. Not a lot. Just enough to where I get flowing along, then all of a sudden HAULTED... suck finding myself re-reading to figure out what exactly was trying to be said...
Anyways, good read and I would definitely recommend.
I selected this ARC from NetGalley. I hadn't read any of Ruth Harrow's works before. I did however upon seeing her ARC look into reviews of some of her works. Others had some pretty high remarks so I went in head first with enthusiasm.
Dear Sister centers around two sisters, Rachel and Laura. The pair have had a rocky path through life. Having lost their mother in the mists of their childhood and their father being MIA during said time, the girls were put into foster care. Here the two were separated and had very different experiences. Defying the odds they kept in touch. Rachel having succeeded in keeping their sisterly bond alive into adulthood regardless of their circumstances.
This book though it does develop the sister's back stories, is set in their adulthood. Rachel has beaten the odds, overcome her past, and made quite a nice life for herself. That was until her own pride, jealousy, and ambitions cloud her judgement. Rachel is a secondary teacher and has been recently promoted due to the head of her department going on maternity leave. She has quite the shoes to fill. However, Rachel struggling to pick up the pieces of her life after her long term boyfriend and colleague, Paul, drops her like a bad habit. You see Rachel has a tendency to push too far and cross unspoken boundaries once she sets her mind to wanting something. In the spring she found herself trying to trap Paul into family life even after he voices that he isn't ready. Paul is a good guy but he has ambitions of his own and Rachel crosses the line ultimately pushing him to drastic measures... BREAK UP. As the book starts Rachel is starting back to school in the fall. Her life still in shambles when she is reminded of the new responsibilities she is to take on this school year whilst still facing Paul every day at work. YIKES... Yes, this story goes there.
Laura, on the other hand, is married to Ash. She works as a maid and her husband a life guard. To put it nicely "They struggle." Laura likes to keep up appearances. She buys nothing but the best for Amy, their daughter. She even goes without at times wearing worn, old clothing. She likes to keep up the façade of a perfect marriage in front of others. It's no wonder everyone thinks they have the perfect marriage. Ash comes off as overly protective of his daughter and even controlling of his wife at times. AND WITH EVERY RIGHT.. I'll let you into that.
The sisters are close being the only biological family either of them are still in contact with, but one day Laura decides to reach out to dear ole long lost dad. Blessing or mistake? Where has he been all this time? and Why hasn't he even tried to reconnect before? Laura is eager to move past the past, but Rachel is leery. What are Peter's intentions? Lets just say their worlds go topsy-turvy, lives start to unravel and secrets come to light, but not all of them.
This novella flows well enough. It is not a genre I typically read a lot of. However, there is plenty of excitement. There were times I wanted to just yell at the both of the main characters for being absolutely ridiculous! LIKE GET A CLUE! It was a quick and easy read. I found myself being propelled along. I had a pretty chill weekend and was able to complete this book from one afternoon to the next. It is told from two perspectives at once. I didn't mind that as Ms. Harrow did a very good job of flowing between the two sisters. Keeping the reader guess who exactly is the heroine, the victim, the villian... who knows? You find yourself second guessing and changing your ideas of what exactly is going on. I'd have gladly given this book another star, however, there were some pretty easy to spot errors, some wording choices, and even missing words or typos. Not a lot. Just enough to where I get flowing along, then all of a sudden HAULTED... suck finding myself re-reading to figure out what exactly was trying to be said...
Anyways, good read and I would definitely recommend.
September 23, 2021
This is a tale of two sisters who were separated by the foster system after their mother died and their father abandoned them. Rachel is a history teacher in a local secondary school, whilst her younger sister Laura works as a cleaner in a low paid job, changing her jobs frequently, not liking to stay anywhere for long. Laura is married and has a young daughter Amy, who has just started school. Rachel was going out with another teacher at the school where she worked, Paul, and had been for quite a while, until it all ended just before the summer break. She took it really badly and even her sister had to try and get her to pull her socks up and get back to normal. Laura has a surprise for Rachel one day and invites her to dinner. She has been communicating with the father who abandoned them all those years ago, over social media, and has invited him over for dinner, so Rachel can reconnect with him! The only problem is that this is totally unwelcome for Rachel, as she was much older when their mother died and can remember a lot of what her mum told her about her father and how he treated her! This all throws her into turmoil and she doesn’t handle it well, not wanting anything to do with her father and her sister wanting to include him in both of their lives.
Rachel also has more issues at work, with her ex seemingly enamoured by the pretty new blonde teacher and more responsibility as she is given a form class and the role of temporary head of the history department, as the current one is about to go on maternity leave. She has worries about a young girl in her class being abused again, but also notices large bruises, from an adult hand, on her young niece’s arm. Her father makes a shocking revelation about Laura’s husband and Rachel doesn’t know what to believe. She doesn’t trust her father to start, but he manages to keep worming his way into both of their lives, telling them all about his lavish property portfolio and buying lots of gifts for Amy and even Laura. The story is told in turns by each sister and is a slow burn and quite tedious to read at times, especially in the first half I found. You never quite know who is telling the truth and who is lying and the story comes to a dangerous finale as all the secrets are laid out on the table, placing lives in peril. Only the ending redeemed in in part for me, thus three stars. The book is overly long for what it is and doesn’t move with much pace in the first half or more, leaving me almost giving up. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Rachel also has more issues at work, with her ex seemingly enamoured by the pretty new blonde teacher and more responsibility as she is given a form class and the role of temporary head of the history department, as the current one is about to go on maternity leave. She has worries about a young girl in her class being abused again, but also notices large bruises, from an adult hand, on her young niece’s arm. Her father makes a shocking revelation about Laura’s husband and Rachel doesn’t know what to believe. She doesn’t trust her father to start, but he manages to keep worming his way into both of their lives, telling them all about his lavish property portfolio and buying lots of gifts for Amy and even Laura. The story is told in turns by each sister and is a slow burn and quite tedious to read at times, especially in the first half I found. You never quite know who is telling the truth and who is lying and the story comes to a dangerous finale as all the secrets are laid out on the table, placing lives in peril. Only the ending redeemed in in part for me, thus three stars. The book is overly long for what it is and doesn’t move with much pace in the first half or more, leaving me almost giving up. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
September 17, 2021
Dear Sister is an entertaining suspense novel about family, relationships and, ultimately, the sanctity of sisterhood.
The story alternates between sisters Laura and Rachel, who spent years drifting between foster homes separately after their mother died and their father left them. Despite this, they always managed to maintain a connection and now live just a few doors down from each other. Their lives couldn't be more different, though. And when their father comes back into their lives, things begin to get very difficult between them. Or perhaps there was always more of a divide than they realised?
I really liked how the book alternates between the viewpoints of both sisters. No two people experience things exactly the same way. This device created a lot of tension for the reader, giving insight into two very different perspectives.
Rachel has lost the love of her life and finds herself with much more responsibility in her job as a schoolteacher. Through all this, the surprise appearance of her father is the last thing she needs. Laura, on the other hand, wants the perfect family life and will do anything to get it. Her father, she believes, is exactly the savior she needed. As you can probably guess, things don't turn out exactly as planned. And there's plenty of other drama along the way!
I didn't find the twists mind blowing. I saw most things coming, but not in a bad way. There was a gradual build up of reactions, details and scenarios that created a far more eerie story than just some big shock at the end. It was more realistic and meant that the reader has an understanding of why things turned out the way they did.
Dear Sister was an engaging, quick read ‒ a layered thriller, with plenty of suspense. It's clear that Ruth Harrow is adept at spinning a harrowing tale. The only negative for me was that I found some of the dialogue a bit jarring as people don't typically use words like "whilst" or "whom" when they are chatting.
Thank you NetGalley, Inkubator Books and Ruth Harrow for the opportunity to read this book that I might not have found otherwise. I'd like to find out what happens next. It was well set up for a sequel, so I guess time will tell.
The story alternates between sisters Laura and Rachel, who spent years drifting between foster homes separately after their mother died and their father left them. Despite this, they always managed to maintain a connection and now live just a few doors down from each other. Their lives couldn't be more different, though. And when their father comes back into their lives, things begin to get very difficult between them. Or perhaps there was always more of a divide than they realised?
I really liked how the book alternates between the viewpoints of both sisters. No two people experience things exactly the same way. This device created a lot of tension for the reader, giving insight into two very different perspectives.
Rachel has lost the love of her life and finds herself with much more responsibility in her job as a schoolteacher. Through all this, the surprise appearance of her father is the last thing she needs. Laura, on the other hand, wants the perfect family life and will do anything to get it. Her father, she believes, is exactly the savior she needed. As you can probably guess, things don't turn out exactly as planned. And there's plenty of other drama along the way!
I didn't find the twists mind blowing. I saw most things coming, but not in a bad way. There was a gradual build up of reactions, details and scenarios that created a far more eerie story than just some big shock at the end. It was more realistic and meant that the reader has an understanding of why things turned out the way they did.
Dear Sister was an engaging, quick read ‒ a layered thriller, with plenty of suspense. It's clear that Ruth Harrow is adept at spinning a harrowing tale. The only negative for me was that I found some of the dialogue a bit jarring as people don't typically use words like "whilst" or "whom" when they are chatting.
Thank you NetGalley, Inkubator Books and Ruth Harrow for the opportunity to read this book that I might not have found otherwise. I'd like to find out what happens next. It was well set up for a sequel, so I guess time will tell.
August 5, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Dear Sister by Ruth Harrow is a domestic thriller about sisterhood. The story revolves around sisters, Rachel and Lucy, and is told in alternating chapters from their perspectives. When Laura initiates contact with their long-lost father, Rachel is skeptical. The two sisters have been basically alone for most of their lives, and she's satisfied with that. But her father enters their lives, secrets are unearthed that will bring the sisters' lives crashing down!
Here is a terrifying excerpt from the Prologue:
"My breath comes in ragged, painful bursts. My pursuer can't be far behind me. Somewhere in the darkness, they are drawing closer. My legs are weak from the lack of oxygen, and I collapse against the base of a tree and struggle for air.
I know I can't stumble much further. No one will come back here for me now.
It's too late."
Overall, Dear Sister is a domestic thriller with an exciting second half! During the first half, I felt that nothing exciting had happened. We get chapters alternating between Rachel and Lauren's perspectives, but they're going through their everyday lives. I get that some plots need time to set up, but I felt like I was reading a family drama more than a thriller. But then, in the second half, there are explosive reveals and action scenes. I am giving 4 stars for the second half alone. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of thrillers in general, you can check out this book, which is available now!
Dear Sister by Ruth Harrow is a domestic thriller about sisterhood. The story revolves around sisters, Rachel and Lucy, and is told in alternating chapters from their perspectives. When Laura initiates contact with their long-lost father, Rachel is skeptical. The two sisters have been basically alone for most of their lives, and she's satisfied with that. But her father enters their lives, secrets are unearthed that will bring the sisters' lives crashing down!
Here is a terrifying excerpt from the Prologue:
"My breath comes in ragged, painful bursts. My pursuer can't be far behind me. Somewhere in the darkness, they are drawing closer. My legs are weak from the lack of oxygen, and I collapse against the base of a tree and struggle for air.
I know I can't stumble much further. No one will come back here for me now.
It's too late."
Overall, Dear Sister is a domestic thriller with an exciting second half! During the first half, I felt that nothing exciting had happened. We get chapters alternating between Rachel and Lauren's perspectives, but they're going through their everyday lives. I get that some plots need time to set up, but I felt like I was reading a family drama more than a thriller. But then, in the second half, there are explosive reveals and action scenes. I am giving 4 stars for the second half alone. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of thrillers in general, you can check out this book, which is available now!
January 11, 2026
Disappointment sat alongside curiosity for most of this listen, which made the experience a bit uneven. The premise had emotional weight and leaned into themes of grief, family bonds, and unresolved trauma, all of which carried real potential. The tone stayed restrained and introspective, sometimes to its benefit, but at other times it felt like it was holding back when it needed to push further. The story hinted at depth without always fully committing to it.
The pacing was where things faltered most for me. Certain sections lingered too long on internal reflection, while moments that could have carried more tension passed quickly. Character development was serviceable but not especially layered, and while the emotional stakes were clear, I struggled to feel fully immersed in them. Dialogue felt natural enough, but it rarely elevated the scenes or added new insight into the relationships at the centre of the story.
What ultimately held this back was the gap between intention and execution. It delivered a quiet, reflective story, but it did not quite deliver the emotional payoff it seemed to promise. I appreciated what it was trying to explore and there were moments that worked, especially in concept, but the impact remained muted. This felt like a book that would resonate more with the right reader than the right moment for me, making it an okay listen rather than a memorable one.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
The pacing was where things faltered most for me. Certain sections lingered too long on internal reflection, while moments that could have carried more tension passed quickly. Character development was serviceable but not especially layered, and while the emotional stakes were clear, I struggled to feel fully immersed in them. Dialogue felt natural enough, but it rarely elevated the scenes or added new insight into the relationships at the centre of the story.
What ultimately held this back was the gap between intention and execution. It delivered a quiet, reflective story, but it did not quite deliver the emotional payoff it seemed to promise. I appreciated what it was trying to explore and there were moments that worked, especially in concept, but the impact remained muted. This felt like a book that would resonate more with the right reader than the right moment for me, making it an okay listen rather than a memorable one.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
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