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Sister!
What do you do when you find out your twin sister is a stone-cold killer? Love her anyway!
Twentysomething detective Natalie McMasters comes face-to-face with the awesome power of money and privilege in her latest adventure. After she finds out that she has a twin sister who’s committed a heinous crime, her son Eduardo falls into the clutches of a perverted billionaire who plays with peoples lives for sport. Getting into his futuristic walled estate is a piece of cake, but getting out again is another matter entirely. While her friends and fam battle endless frustrations trying to convince the cops and the courts that Nattie and Eduardo are in deadly danger, she plays a risky game with a malignant narcissist, his venomous consort, and some unexpected houseguests, fighting for the souls of her sister and her son. How can she ever succeed against such impossible odds? The twisted ending packs a punch you won’t soon forget!
Sister! is the perfect read for fans of Karin Slaughter, Ruth Ware and Mary Kubica.
Twentysomething detective Natalie McMasters comes face-to-face with the awesome power of money and privilege in her latest adventure. After she finds out that she has a twin sister who’s committed a heinous crime, her son Eduardo falls into the clutches of a perverted billionaire who plays with peoples lives for sport. Getting into his futuristic walled estate is a piece of cake, but getting out again is another matter entirely. While her friends and fam battle endless frustrations trying to convince the cops and the courts that Nattie and Eduardo are in deadly danger, she plays a risky game with a malignant narcissist, his venomous consort, and some unexpected houseguests, fighting for the souls of her sister and her son. How can she ever succeed against such impossible odds? The twisted ending packs a punch you won’t soon forget!
Sister! is the perfect read for fans of Karin Slaughter, Ruth Ware and Mary Kubica.
- GenresMystery
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2022
8 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Thomas A. Burns Jr.
21 books107 followersAs a kid, Tom started reading mysteries with the Hardy Boys, Ken Holt and Rick Brant, and graduated to the classic stories by authors such as A. Conan Doyle, John Dickson Carr, Erle Stanley Gardner and Rex Stout to name a few. Tom has written fiction as a hobby all of his life, starting in marble-backed copybooks in grade school. He built a career as a writer, doing technical writing, science writing and editing for nearly thirty years in industry and government. Now that he's truly on his own as a freelance science writer and editor, he's excited to publish his own mystery series as well. Follow Tom on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/3MDetectiveA..., on Twitter @3Mdetective or email him at tom@3mdetectiveagency.com to get all the news about Nattie and 3M, as well as Tom's other writing projects.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 29, 2023
This is part of a series and I have not read the prior books, but I’m sold on anything involving twins so I gave it a shot. I was still able to figure out who was who and how it all fit together despite not having any background.
The story centers in Natalie trying to save her son from the clutches of a rich and sadistic pervert after he runs away from home. At the same time, she finds out some hidden secrets related to her own background that ends up being related to the main part of the story. There was lots of really weird sex in this book, not to mention that Natalie is married to both a man and a woman at the same time. Some of this could be a trigger for some people, though I am personally fascinated with the super weird. The book is more action thriller than my standard reading of psychological thrillers but it was a nice break from the norm for me.
Overall, this was a fast, action packed, and bizarre read but I enjoyed it. Might pick up another one from the series next time I want to mix it up. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story centers in Natalie trying to save her son from the clutches of a rich and sadistic pervert after he runs away from home. At the same time, she finds out some hidden secrets related to her own background that ends up being related to the main part of the story. There was lots of really weird sex in this book, not to mention that Natalie is married to both a man and a woman at the same time. Some of this could be a trigger for some people, though I am personally fascinated with the super weird. The book is more action thriller than my standard reading of psychological thrillers but it was a nice break from the norm for me.
Overall, this was a fast, action packed, and bizarre read but I enjoyed it. Might pick up another one from the series next time I want to mix it up. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2023
This is the fourth book that I have read from this series, and I can tell you the action and intrigue never stops. I personally love the character of Natalie McMasters and her willingness to be ballsy and brave no matter what plot twists the author throws her way. This time, there’s the discovery of a twin sister which can only mean trouble, and a rabbit hole for our MC to hurl herself into. You’ve got to be open minded and accept Natalie’s unconventional relationship and life choices to back her, but once you do, you feel for her every step of the way. There’s strong character and plot development from book to book in this series but newcomers will soon get to grips with what’s going on. A fast paced action thriller with a spunky female MC.
April 7, 2023
The Tale of the Evil Twin
You can tell I’m a big fan of the Natalie Mcmaster’s books because I still read them despite the fact they are written in the present tense, which I find incredibly hard to immerse in. But perhaps that distancing really is an advantage for me when up against the brutality of this series. The kind of brutality I generally take a lot of care to avoid in fiction.
For fans of the series, this book begins at a long-expected event - Natalie is finally graduating! Though probably most doubted it would really ever occur cos of all the bad stuff that keeps happening to her. But of course, that won’t go as expected. Before we know it she is being accused of committing a crime and from there things spiral.
All these books are tough to read. They are set in the heat of the nastiness that exists in our world. As always this book is about sexual exploitation and as always no punches are pulled in exploring that theme. But it is also exploring what is best and brilliant in the possibilities of relationships today and challenging the view of what makes a family.
If you are familiar with the series then this book will deliver on all you could want.
If you are not then I’d suggest you go back to the beginning and pick up the first book Stripper! and read through to this one. You will get a great deal more out of this book for making that journey and the journey is more than worth it for those who appreciate this kind of book.
I’d recommend this book (and the series) to those who are ok with having the dark side of human sexuality and its exploitation fully exposed, who enjoy high-octane adventure and who prefer a book where the good guys win out.
You can tell I’m a big fan of the Natalie Mcmaster’s books because I still read them despite the fact they are written in the present tense, which I find incredibly hard to immerse in. But perhaps that distancing really is an advantage for me when up against the brutality of this series. The kind of brutality I generally take a lot of care to avoid in fiction.
For fans of the series, this book begins at a long-expected event - Natalie is finally graduating! Though probably most doubted it would really ever occur cos of all the bad stuff that keeps happening to her. But of course, that won’t go as expected. Before we know it she is being accused of committing a crime and from there things spiral.
All these books are tough to read. They are set in the heat of the nastiness that exists in our world. As always this book is about sexual exploitation and as always no punches are pulled in exploring that theme. But it is also exploring what is best and brilliant in the possibilities of relationships today and challenging the view of what makes a family.
If you are familiar with the series then this book will deliver on all you could want.
If you are not then I’d suggest you go back to the beginning and pick up the first book Stripper! and read through to this one. You will get a great deal more out of this book for making that journey and the journey is more than worth it for those who appreciate this kind of book.
I’d recommend this book (and the series) to those who are ok with having the dark side of human sexuality and its exploitation fully exposed, who enjoy high-octane adventure and who prefer a book where the good guys win out.
December 3, 2022
I've read the previous six books in this series and found this one to have been the most emotionally difficult to read. However, to explain why this is so, I would have to give away too many spoilers. Thus, the conundrum here is how to get others to read this episode in the lives of Natalie McMasters, her wife Lupe Ibáñez, her husband Danny Merkel, and Lupe's biological son Eduardo… all of whom play key parts in the very different plot of SISTER!
There is a reason that all of the Natalie McMasters books have exclamatory titles. They are all contemporary stories that will have you turning pages and biting your nails long into the night.
In SISTER!, Burns takes a hard look at family relationships and parenting. The throuple dynamic adds a new layer to the traditional mom and dad way of child rearing. Here Thomas Burns looks at parenting through the nature versus nurture lens and throws the monkey wrenches science, money and narcissism into the mix. Just ask yourself, how does a twentysomething suddenly have a sister who looks enough like her to be a twin?
SISTER! is part mystery and part biology… or maybe more accurately, a combination of the two.
Like its predecessors, SISTER! may not be a book for everyone. The series explores relationships in the 21st century in a manner meant for an adult audience. You will also find texting abbreviations popular today. I will confess that I have had to google some of them to get beyond merely the gist of various passages. Looking them up means I've learned something new, and when I learn something new it is a good day indeed.
There is a reason that all of the Natalie McMasters books have exclamatory titles. They are all contemporary stories that will have you turning pages and biting your nails long into the night.
In SISTER!, Burns takes a hard look at family relationships and parenting. The throuple dynamic adds a new layer to the traditional mom and dad way of child rearing. Here Thomas Burns looks at parenting through the nature versus nurture lens and throws the monkey wrenches science, money and narcissism into the mix. Just ask yourself, how does a twentysomething suddenly have a sister who looks enough like her to be a twin?
SISTER! is part mystery and part biology… or maybe more accurately, a combination of the two.
Like its predecessors, SISTER! may not be a book for everyone. The series explores relationships in the 21st century in a manner meant for an adult audience. You will also find texting abbreviations popular today. I will confess that I have had to google some of them to get beyond merely the gist of various passages. Looking them up means I've learned something new, and when I learn something new it is a good day indeed.
January 21, 2023
Sister! Is the 7th in the Natalie McMaster’s Mystery series. This is my first book by this author and won’t be my last. In Sister! Twentysomething detective Natalie McMaster’s comes face-to-face with the awesome power of money and privilege. Her twin sister has committed a heinous crime. Her son, Eduardo falls in with a perverted billionaire who plays with people’s lives for sport.
This book is not my normal genre and may not be for all. Some aspects are difficult to read as it explores polygamous relationships and rape. This book is dark and full of one unexpected twist after another. I was engaged and the writing flows nicely. The scenes are vividly explained which made me uncomfortable at times. I will admit, I had to put this one down at time so I could get through it.
The characters are well written though thoroughly unlikeable. Their greed and psychopathology are vile thus it was difficult to empathize or identify with them. Having said that, they are perfectly written for this book and the story wouldn’t work without this level of narcissistic characters.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a dark, twisty tale with an unexpected twist at the end that will leave you blindsided.
This book is not my normal genre and may not be for all. Some aspects are difficult to read as it explores polygamous relationships and rape. This book is dark and full of one unexpected twist after another. I was engaged and the writing flows nicely. The scenes are vividly explained which made me uncomfortable at times. I will admit, I had to put this one down at time so I could get through it.
The characters are well written though thoroughly unlikeable. Their greed and psychopathology are vile thus it was difficult to empathize or identify with them. Having said that, they are perfectly written for this book and the story wouldn’t work without this level of narcissistic characters.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves a dark, twisty tale with an unexpected twist at the end that will leave you blindsided.
May 20, 2023
A thrilling ride if you can handle the racy speed bumps!
Sister is an edgy, fast-paced novel with enough intrigue to keep the reader repeatedly turning the pages. The plot has the main character Nattie getting arrested for murder during her college graduation ceremony, alerting her that she must have a twin sister. Released with a fail-safe alibi, she begins an investigation to determine who was her dead ringer in the surveillance video of the shooting. All this happens simultaneously with the disappearance of her stepson Eduardo, who first gets wrapped up with some shady characters who then sell him and his 10-year-old female classmate to even more depraved individuals. The edgiest parts come toward the middle of the book and include potential triggers such as rape, incest, and pedophilia. Although these scenes may be problematic for some and likely are used to shock and awe the reader, the author appropriately condemns these actions and does not glorify them in any way. Not having read other books in the series, I found this novel stood well on its own, and I was impressed with Burns’ artistry at quickly painting a picture of some very complex characters. The story also presents a thrilling ride with many twists and turns involving ex-military, cops, FBI agents, private investigators, and shifty characters from both sides of the tracks, with plenty of shootings, martial arts, escapes, and explosions to keep you on the edge of your seat. Yet, several things bothered me about this novel, starting with five F-bombs in the first scene from a character that didn’t live long enough to say much more. Perhaps I’m too much of a prude, but oddly, this annoyed me more than the later disturbing content. Other issues, like slipping back and forth between a first-person and an omniscient narrative from scene to scene, changing tenses multiple times within a paragraph, and including peripheral characters, like an ex-president and a prince from real-life rumors, also got under my skin. Also, some plot points were difficult to swallow, like causal incest and murder just to get in one’s good graces. Still, despite these annoyances, it was an exciting read that will appeal to those looking for lots and action, thrills, and mystery.
Sister is an edgy, fast-paced novel with enough intrigue to keep the reader repeatedly turning the pages. The plot has the main character Nattie getting arrested for murder during her college graduation ceremony, alerting her that she must have a twin sister. Released with a fail-safe alibi, she begins an investigation to determine who was her dead ringer in the surveillance video of the shooting. All this happens simultaneously with the disappearance of her stepson Eduardo, who first gets wrapped up with some shady characters who then sell him and his 10-year-old female classmate to even more depraved individuals. The edgiest parts come toward the middle of the book and include potential triggers such as rape, incest, and pedophilia. Although these scenes may be problematic for some and likely are used to shock and awe the reader, the author appropriately condemns these actions and does not glorify them in any way. Not having read other books in the series, I found this novel stood well on its own, and I was impressed with Burns’ artistry at quickly painting a picture of some very complex characters. The story also presents a thrilling ride with many twists and turns involving ex-military, cops, FBI agents, private investigators, and shifty characters from both sides of the tracks, with plenty of shootings, martial arts, escapes, and explosions to keep you on the edge of your seat. Yet, several things bothered me about this novel, starting with five F-bombs in the first scene from a character that didn’t live long enough to say much more. Perhaps I’m too much of a prude, but oddly, this annoyed me more than the later disturbing content. Other issues, like slipping back and forth between a first-person and an omniscient narrative from scene to scene, changing tenses multiple times within a paragraph, and including peripheral characters, like an ex-president and a prince from real-life rumors, also got under my skin. Also, some plot points were difficult to swallow, like causal incest and murder just to get in one’s good graces. Still, despite these annoyances, it was an exciting read that will appeal to those looking for lots and action, thrills, and mystery.
December 5, 2022
Thomas Burns brings Natalie McMasters back in a hair-raising tale of mistaken identity. Natalie is waiting for her name to be called at her college graduation ceremony when police sweep in and arrest her. Some who could be her twin was captured on security cameras robbing a convenience store and killing one person. Only through the assistance of a friend, who is in the FBI, vouchers for her alibi. But, Natalie being Natalie, can’t leave the investigation alone. She wants to know who this woman is and why she could be Natalie’s twin sister. A quick visit to her mother only clouds the issue. The woman could indeed by her twin. Natalie and her extended family are up against power and money as the clues unravel. The tension is absolute, and the ending stunning. You might want to sleep with the lights on for a night or two.
April 4, 2023
Twenty-something detective Natalie McMasters makes the shocking discovery that she has a twin sister…after she’s falsely accused of her sister’s brutal stickup of a convenience store. An FBI acquaintance helps Natalie out of the jam, but obviously her curiosity is piqued so Natalie undergoes her own investigation. What follows is certainly for adults only, and anyone with squeamish sensibilities likely should stay away. I personally find Natalie difficult to relate to, as she speaks/thinks like a zoomer social media manager who never quite grew up, making the adult nature of the novel even more unsettling. As a story, everything moves quickly, the main plot threads are resolved, and an epilogue teases the next installment. Fans of the previous mysteries will likely have fun.
December 8, 2022
Sister!, the latest installment by Thomas A. Burns packs a punch in the first chapter and the tension only increases from there. Natalie McMasters finds herself accused of a crime she didn’t commit. While working to prove her innocence, she learns of family secrets which will impact the rest of Nattie’s life. The tone of this book was eerie and unsettling, dealing with uncomfortable issues that are all too prevalent in our daily news cycle. But no matter how disturbing the subject matter, I could not stop reading. Burns paints a vivid picture of his characters and the dilemmas they face. One twist leads to another which culminates in an ending you won’t expect.
November 17, 2022
Natalie irks me to no end at times. She justifies her actions like a sociopath!! The ends justifies the means to her. You have to have a strong stomach read this. It's so dark and twisted that I had bile in my throat for most of the story. The perpetrators were beyond vile and greedy narccists and soulless people. I didn't know whether to be furious or just cry for the innocence and abuse. This gave me nightmares!! Are you kidding me , with that ending?? I should have expected that with this author, nothing is ever easy. Here we go again!!
December 11, 2022
Sister! without doubt, is the most thought provoking in the Natalie McMasters’ series so far, covering a wide range of issues more than often considered taboo. Thomas Burns, however, delivers his take on each matter with skill and absolute flair, carefully bringing each character to life and their challenges so many can relate to. This is not a book for a prude, not to mention the faint-hearted, but a deftly written action-packed plot with an underlying message. A super read, not to be taken at face value, and a real find for anyone willing to read between the lines. Highly recommended.
December 6, 2022
Natalie McMasters takes us on another roller coaster ride in this tale of mistaken identity. Natalie has a twin—a twin who’s a ruthless killer. What Natalie learns about herself and her newfound sister makes for a twisty and sordid tale. Thomas Burns creates complex characters who use money and privilege to behave in ways that will make you recoil in horror.
Some characters in Sister! may strike a familiar note. A reader may ask, “Haven’t I seen him/her on the news?”
Enjoy!
Some characters in Sister! may strike a familiar note. A reader may ask, “Haven’t I seen him/her on the news?”
Enjoy!
December 9, 2022
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
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 that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
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 that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 10, 2022
Fast, paced, and Uber Edgy, Sisters! joins the Natalie McMasters
series like Aaron Judge joining the New York Yankees: great promise
and over-delivery! This grand slam of a tale is the best in the
series, ripping themes from the front pages. Natalie runs head-on into
an evil conspiracy that chills her literally to her DNA, and must match
wits with an antagonist whose evil trumps one of the most notorious
and heinous villains of the 21st century. Only this one didn't commit
suicide...
series like Aaron Judge joining the New York Yankees: great promise
and over-delivery! This grand slam of a tale is the best in the
series, ripping themes from the front pages. Natalie runs head-on into
an evil conspiracy that chills her literally to her DNA, and must match
wits with an antagonist whose evil trumps one of the most notorious
and heinous villains of the 21st century. Only this one didn't commit
suicide...
February 9, 2023
I enjoyed this book and read it in two days. It was a well written book and kept my attention.
I enjoyed the style. The way the characters banter leapt of the pages. Colorful writing and colorful characters. They are all so multi faceted and interesting to read about.
A gripping story that caused me to become engrossed. Fabulous mystery and will keep you picking up clues along the way.
Another great installment in the Natalie McMasters Series!
I enjoyed the style. The way the characters banter leapt of the pages. Colorful writing and colorful characters. They are all so multi faceted and interesting to read about.
A gripping story that caused me to become engrossed. Fabulous mystery and will keep you picking up clues along the way.
Another great installment in the Natalie McMasters Series!
February 13, 2023
I love it when a book has me saying to my self “just one more chapter.” Sister! did just that, as have the previous Natalie McMasters books. It’s a combination of Natalie McMasters being a captivating character and Thomas A. Burns, Jr. being such a vivid and consuming story teller.
The incredibly descriptive writing style had me feeling like I was on the crime scene and a part of every dialogue. A great read!!
The incredibly descriptive writing style had me feeling like I was on the crime scene and a part of every dialogue. A great read!!
February 8, 2023
Finally! A heroine that has faults and flaws like most people. I love Natalie and I have read multiple of these books. She is such a great character to follow.
Well written and definitely kept me reading. This hooked me right from the start and didn't let up.
Very fast paced, with great wit and banter, a mystery that keeps you wondering.
Well written and definitely kept me reading. This hooked me right from the start and didn't let up.
Very fast paced, with great wit and banter, a mystery that keeps you wondering.
February 14, 2023
Another well written story with a clever plot with a surprise ending.
I like how it set out at a fast pace and gives us just enough breaks to catch our breath along the way. This story is constantly moving.
A brilliant book albeit a little disturbing on some fronts.
Yet another stunning read from this author. Highly recommended.
I like how it set out at a fast pace and gives us just enough breaks to catch our breath along the way. This story is constantly moving.
A brilliant book albeit a little disturbing on some fronts.
Yet another stunning read from this author. Highly recommended.
December 4, 2022
Whilst the writing on this is fairly good, some of the subject matter was uncomfortable and the lead characters attitudes and flaws make it difficult to empathize with them. It's worth noting that this contains the following possible triggers : Polygamous Relationships, Underage Sex & Rape.
December 7, 2022
Awesome once again. Natalie finds out that she has a twin. But not just any, a killer, totally unbelievable for a sister to comprehend. There’s more danger involved. Fast paced, impossible to not enjoy.
December 12, 2022
Natalie McMasters is back with another walk on the seedier, wild-side of life. This book has everything: family drama, unforeseen events with an unexpected twist at the end. A griping “what will happen next?!” page turner.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews