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Sisters of Misery #2
The Lost Sister
Sisters are born, not chosen. . .
Maddie Crane is grappling with the disappearance of Cordelia LeClaire, and trying to escape the grasp of The Sisters of Misery--an insidious clique of the school's most powerful girls, whose pranks have set off a chain of horrific events, and who have Maddie in their sights-
Beware the sister betrayed. . .
Now in a prestigious boarding school far away from her mysterious hometown of Hawthorne, Massachusetts, Maddie feels free from danger. But when an unmarked envelope arrives at her dorm containing a single ominous tarot card, Maddie realizes with terror that some secrets won't stay buried. Knowing she must return to Hawthorne--a town still scarred by the evil of the Salem witch trials--Maddie prepares to face the fears of her past. . .and the wrath of the sister she wronged.
Praise for Megan Kelley Hall and Sisters of Mercy
"An exciting, dangerous, and mysterious world! Megan Kelley Hall has crafted a story that'll keep you guessing until the last page."--Richelle Mead, author of the Vampire Academy series
"One of the very best things in life is discovering an author you want to read more of. Sisters of Misery makes me want to read a whole lot more of Megan Kelley Hall."--Ellen Hopkins, author of Crank and Impulse
"Hall will leave readers eager to know what happens next."--Publishers Weekly
310 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
7 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Megan Kelley Hall
4 books164 followersMegan Kelley Hall's first YA novels SISTERS OF MISERY and THE LOST SISTER were published by Kensington in August 2008 and 2009. Both books were recently re-released into mass market and optioned for film by Hollywood director, Allison Anders.
Hall is co-editor of an anthology about bullying for HarperCollins Publishers entitled DEAR BULLY: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories (HarperTeen, Sept. 2011).
Hall has written for a variety of publications, including Elle, Glamour, Boston Magazine, Parenting, American Baby, Working Mother, as well as an essay about her recent open heart surgery in former CNN anchor Daryn Kagan's anthology, WHAT'S POSSIBLE! (Meredith, 2008). Hall contributed a chapter in Ellen Hopkins' anthology, Flirtin' With The Monster. (Benbella, 2008).
Hall is partner and co-founder of Kelley & Hall Book Publicity. For more information about Kelley & Hall's services, contact jocelyn (at) kelleyandhall.com.
Hall is co-editor of an anthology about bullying for HarperCollins Publishers entitled DEAR BULLY: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories (HarperTeen, Sept. 2011).
Hall has written for a variety of publications, including Elle, Glamour, Boston Magazine, Parenting, American Baby, Working Mother, as well as an essay about her recent open heart surgery in former CNN anchor Daryn Kagan's anthology, WHAT'S POSSIBLE! (Meredith, 2008). Hall contributed a chapter in Ellen Hopkins' anthology, Flirtin' With The Monster. (Benbella, 2008).
Hall is partner and co-founder of Kelley & Hall Book Publicity. For more information about Kelley & Hall's services, contact jocelyn (at) kelleyandhall.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 11, 2012
Reviewed by Amber Gibson for TeensReadToo.com
THE LOST SISTER is Megan Kelley Hall's equally enthralling follow-up to SISTERS OF MISERY. Hall loses no momentum, picking up the Gothic thriller a year after the terrible events that happened to Cordelia on Misery Island.
One year removed from her near-death experience courtesy of Hawthorne's Sisters of Misery, Cordelia is in Maine, hunting down Malcolm Crane, her estranged father whom she holds responsible for all of the tragedies that have befallen the women in her family.
Maddie is away at boarding school, trying to put Hawthorne and the guilt she harbors regarding Cordelia's disappearance in the past. When she receives news that her mother has cancer, she knows that she must return to Hawthorne and care for her sick mother. A warning in the form of a spooky tarot card does nothing to quell Maddie's fears about returning to her hometown and facing her demons.
Shortly after her return, Maddie's world is once again turned upside down and the events that she has tried so hard to forget come rushing back.
When one of the Sisters of Misery is killed at a party thrown by the Endicotts' to gain public support for their hotel, Hawthorne begins turning on its own. Finn and Reed, both suspects in Cordelia's disappearance, are once again arrested, this time for suspected murder. Only Cordelia's sudden return to Hawthorne and testimony that neither man had anything to do with her disappearance frees them.
The Endicotts' plans to erect a new hotel, The Endicott, where the Ravenswood asylum stands, is unexpectedly halted due to a freak fire burning down all of the new buildings. Some suspect the spirits of the witches that were condemned so long ago, while others point to arson.
The curse upon Hawthorne is very real. A fire. A murder. A kidnapping. If Maddie and Cordelia are to survive this deadly turn of events, they will have to use their mysterious abilities and they will have to trust each other as sisters. Someone, or something, is after them, and Maddie and Cordelia have only each other.
Hall will have your heart racing and you will not be able to put this book down. With historical allusions to the New England witch trials and a touch of the paranormal, THE LOST SISTER is a thriller in a league of its own.
THE LOST SISTER is Megan Kelley Hall's equally enthralling follow-up to SISTERS OF MISERY. Hall loses no momentum, picking up the Gothic thriller a year after the terrible events that happened to Cordelia on Misery Island.
One year removed from her near-death experience courtesy of Hawthorne's Sisters of Misery, Cordelia is in Maine, hunting down Malcolm Crane, her estranged father whom she holds responsible for all of the tragedies that have befallen the women in her family.
Maddie is away at boarding school, trying to put Hawthorne and the guilt she harbors regarding Cordelia's disappearance in the past. When she receives news that her mother has cancer, she knows that she must return to Hawthorne and care for her sick mother. A warning in the form of a spooky tarot card does nothing to quell Maddie's fears about returning to her hometown and facing her demons.
Shortly after her return, Maddie's world is once again turned upside down and the events that she has tried so hard to forget come rushing back.
When one of the Sisters of Misery is killed at a party thrown by the Endicotts' to gain public support for their hotel, Hawthorne begins turning on its own. Finn and Reed, both suspects in Cordelia's disappearance, are once again arrested, this time for suspected murder. Only Cordelia's sudden return to Hawthorne and testimony that neither man had anything to do with her disappearance frees them.
The Endicotts' plans to erect a new hotel, The Endicott, where the Ravenswood asylum stands, is unexpectedly halted due to a freak fire burning down all of the new buildings. Some suspect the spirits of the witches that were condemned so long ago, while others point to arson.
The curse upon Hawthorne is very real. A fire. A murder. A kidnapping. If Maddie and Cordelia are to survive this deadly turn of events, they will have to use their mysterious abilities and they will have to trust each other as sisters. Someone, or something, is after them, and Maddie and Cordelia have only each other.
Hall will have your heart racing and you will not be able to put this book down. With historical allusions to the New England witch trials and a touch of the paranormal, THE LOST SISTER is a thriller in a league of its own.
November 2, 2024
Had me fooled til the end. Wish there was a book number 3
March 20, 2019
thought this was a stand-alone, oops probably would have enjoyed more if I read the first book lol
February 13, 2020
Mystery/suspense based on tarot cards, ghosts, Salem witch trial history. Not my kind of fiction.
November 2, 2024
Such a great sequel to the 1st book!!
August 8, 2009
Ever since the disappearance of her half-sister Cordelia, Maddie Crane has been wracked with guilt and plagued by nightmares of that fateful night that forced Cordelia to flee. Even when she transfers to a boarding school in Maine, far from her hometown in Hawthorne, Massachusetts, Maddie can’t escapt from the blame she’s pinned on herself. Although Maddie will take the guild any day over facing the demons she’s left at home, she knows she can’t hide forever, especially after receiving news of her mother’s cancer—and the tarot card for Death from an unknown sender. And so she returns to Hawthorne, to a home torn apart by her sister’s disappearance, to a town scarred by dangerous memories and filled with sinister secrets. Maddie realizes that it’s time to start cleaning up the whole mess, but what she doesn’t know is that this mess may have moved beyond her control and into the hands of someone—or something—far more cruel.
The Lost Sister is the sequel to Sisters of Misery we’ve all been looking for, but while it does address many of the questions its prequel left unanswered, the novel was not quite as spectacular as I thought it’d be. Let me make this clear, The Lost Sister is without a doubt a thrilling story filled with danger, the scandal of recently uncovered secrets, and the mystical wonder of witchcraft and extrasensory perception. But as enthralling as the story is, I often felt the characters were mere puppets of the plot instead of people within a story. Maddie and a select few other characters do experience some growth, but none of these characters ever felt quite real to me. In all actuality, the spirit sightings and other unexplainable events were more believable than the characters. This is because although Hall does a fantastic job of making this novel’s plot exciting and unpredictable, she didn’t dedicate the same care to developing her characters. I didn’t know them and could hardly relate to them most of the time. This doesn’t make the story bad; in fact, I found this story quite enjoyable. But I did find it a little odd that there were so many loose ends left untied by this novel’s finish even though the story just felt like it was over. The Lost Sister could’ve been greater had it been refined better, but it is still a good read and a page turner.
Fans of Hall’s debut Sisters of Misery will not want to miss its sequel The Lost Sister. Hall’s writing is sure to be enjoyed by fans of Swoon by Nina Malkin, Distant Waves by Suzanne Weyn, Blue is for Nightmares by Laurie Faria Stolarz, and Revealers by Amanda Marrone.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
The Lost Sister is the sequel to Sisters of Misery we’ve all been looking for, but while it does address many of the questions its prequel left unanswered, the novel was not quite as spectacular as I thought it’d be. Let me make this clear, The Lost Sister is without a doubt a thrilling story filled with danger, the scandal of recently uncovered secrets, and the mystical wonder of witchcraft and extrasensory perception. But as enthralling as the story is, I often felt the characters were mere puppets of the plot instead of people within a story. Maddie and a select few other characters do experience some growth, but none of these characters ever felt quite real to me. In all actuality, the spirit sightings and other unexplainable events were more believable than the characters. This is because although Hall does a fantastic job of making this novel’s plot exciting and unpredictable, she didn’t dedicate the same care to developing her characters. I didn’t know them and could hardly relate to them most of the time. This doesn’t make the story bad; in fact, I found this story quite enjoyable. But I did find it a little odd that there were so many loose ends left untied by this novel’s finish even though the story just felt like it was over. The Lost Sister could’ve been greater had it been refined better, but it is still a good read and a page turner.
Fans of Hall’s debut Sisters of Misery will not want to miss its sequel The Lost Sister. Hall’s writing is sure to be enjoyed by fans of Swoon by Nina Malkin, Distant Waves by Suzanne Weyn, Blue is for Nightmares by Laurie Faria Stolarz, and Revealers by Amanda Marrone.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
October 12, 2009
Awhile back I read and enjoyed Sisters of Misery by Megan Kelley Hall (clink on the title to read my review). When I heard that the sequel had come out...well, I had to pick it up so I instantly requested it from the library. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to my expectations but here are some of my thoughts.
Warning: This review MAY have spoilers. There is just no way to get around it because the reader needs to read Sisters of Misery before they should give this one a try. The Lost Sister picks up where the previous book left off and shows the reader what Maddie has been up to since going away to school and leaving her hometown (and bad memories) behind. Maddie is still searching for Cordelia and trying to figure out what happened to her after that horrible night on the island. The book is written in multiple viewpoints which allows the reader to begin to see things from Cordelia's experiences to where she is and what she is planning on doing. But mysterious forces are still at work which will draw both of the girls deep into danger once again.
I'm going to split this review into two parts: what worked for me and what didn't. One of my favorite things about this book were reading about the different meanings of the tarot cards beginning at each chapter. It was really interesting and made me want to learn more. I'm glad that we finally find out what happened to Cordelia as the 1st book left me curious and wanting more. It was also nice to see a stronger Maddie, one that stood up for herself and made better decisions. I was able to relate to her even more in this book which was a positive thing.
Not everything worked for me in this book and one of the main problems that I had was the jumping around in narration. It wasn't always clear who was talking at times and it interrupted the flow of the story more often than not. And this bothered me as I think that the flow of the story is an important aspect to me enjoying it as a reader. I also had a hard time getting into the storyline and it wasn't until the end that I found myself really wanting to find out what was going to happen. The ending itself was pulled off nicely as it did keep me reading but all in all, I had a very easy time putting this book down.
I'll still be looking for more books by this author even if this wasn't my favorite book.
Warning: This review MAY have spoilers. There is just no way to get around it because the reader needs to read Sisters of Misery before they should give this one a try. The Lost Sister picks up where the previous book left off and shows the reader what Maddie has been up to since going away to school and leaving her hometown (and bad memories) behind. Maddie is still searching for Cordelia and trying to figure out what happened to her after that horrible night on the island. The book is written in multiple viewpoints which allows the reader to begin to see things from Cordelia's experiences to where she is and what she is planning on doing. But mysterious forces are still at work which will draw both of the girls deep into danger once again.
I'm going to split this review into two parts: what worked for me and what didn't. One of my favorite things about this book were reading about the different meanings of the tarot cards beginning at each chapter. It was really interesting and made me want to learn more. I'm glad that we finally find out what happened to Cordelia as the 1st book left me curious and wanting more. It was also nice to see a stronger Maddie, one that stood up for herself and made better decisions. I was able to relate to her even more in this book which was a positive thing.
Not everything worked for me in this book and one of the main problems that I had was the jumping around in narration. It wasn't always clear who was talking at times and it interrupted the flow of the story more often than not. And this bothered me as I think that the flow of the story is an important aspect to me enjoying it as a reader. I also had a hard time getting into the storyline and it wasn't until the end that I found myself really wanting to find out what was going to happen. The ending itself was pulled off nicely as it did keep me reading but all in all, I had a very easy time putting this book down.
I'll still be looking for more books by this author even if this wasn't my favorite book.
August 8, 2009
Like Sisters of Misery, The Lost Sister was an equally riveting tale albeit one that left a bit of some holes behind.
The Lost Sister began with the retelling of some scenes through Cordelia’s eyes. The readers gets a first class ticket into her mind as she thinks back to the Sisters of Misery trial, her struggle afterwards, her life she’s been hiding for the past year or so. Fans of Sisters of Misery will have this opportunity to refresh their memories and give sympathy to Cordelia. This sequel was more action packed, more magical, and more drama filled as we get closure.
Maddie grows through the year she’s been away at boarding school from mousy and to someone who might have a spine. But she comes back to Hawthorne when her mother is diagnosed with cancer.
Again each character is exquisitely done. Again the plotline is diabolical with a hint of disgust to the villains. The plot moves like a snake, twisting this way and that, each time never giving the chance for the reader to suspect the true culprit. I should have seen it coming but alas I was too enraptured by the actual story to make assumption.
The emotions were palpable as the sisters share grief and guilt for the past. Reunions are teary eyed and the answer…deadly. It involves blood, yes it does.
However I would like to know what happened to certain characters in the end. For example Reed. He was a suspect for a murder and the town drunk. There are these little nags in the back of my mind when I put this book done. A lot of it seems to revolve around magic though.
Overall: A nice ending especially since it ended with a bit of a humorist touch.
The Lost Sister began with the retelling of some scenes through Cordelia’s eyes. The readers gets a first class ticket into her mind as she thinks back to the Sisters of Misery trial, her struggle afterwards, her life she’s been hiding for the past year or so. Fans of Sisters of Misery will have this opportunity to refresh their memories and give sympathy to Cordelia. This sequel was more action packed, more magical, and more drama filled as we get closure.
Maddie grows through the year she’s been away at boarding school from mousy and to someone who might have a spine. But she comes back to Hawthorne when her mother is diagnosed with cancer.
Again each character is exquisitely done. Again the plotline is diabolical with a hint of disgust to the villains. The plot moves like a snake, twisting this way and that, each time never giving the chance for the reader to suspect the true culprit. I should have seen it coming but alas I was too enraptured by the actual story to make assumption.
The emotions were palpable as the sisters share grief and guilt for the past. Reunions are teary eyed and the answer…deadly. It involves blood, yes it does.
However I would like to know what happened to certain characters in the end. For example Reed. He was a suspect for a murder and the town drunk. There are these little nags in the back of my mind when I put this book done. A lot of it seems to revolve around magic though.
Overall: A nice ending especially since it ended with a bit of a humorist touch.
August 16, 2009
The Lost Sister continues after the horrific incident that took place on Halloween night leaving one girl to disappear and never be seen from again. The Sisters of Misery were involved.
Maddie Crane has finally escaped The Sisters of Misery and Hawthorne, Massachusetts to attend an exclusive boarding school in Maine. Unfortunately, someone has found Maddie, when she receives a tarot card that represents death. Maddie can’t forgive herself for what happened to her sister, Cordelia. Maybe that is why she won’t stop looking for her till she finds her.
Maddie returns home to care for her mother. Maddie better watch herself as The Sisters of Misery will do anything to bring down anyone who opposes them.
I liked seeing The Sisters of Misery, Maddie and the rest of the characters again. Though I have to admit that I loved Sisters of Misery just a little better. Only because it was darker. It was great that Maddie grew more and stood up for herself against Kate. She really put Kate in her place towards the end of the story. One thing that The Lost Sister story did that I enjoyed is that it filled in the pieces of the past to explain how all the characters got to where they are today. I hope to see Maddie, Cordelia and the rest of The Sisters of Misery again. Megan Kelley Hall has clemented her name as an author to watch out for!
Maddie Crane has finally escaped The Sisters of Misery and Hawthorne, Massachusetts to attend an exclusive boarding school in Maine. Unfortunately, someone has found Maddie, when she receives a tarot card that represents death. Maddie can’t forgive herself for what happened to her sister, Cordelia. Maybe that is why she won’t stop looking for her till she finds her.
Maddie returns home to care for her mother. Maddie better watch herself as The Sisters of Misery will do anything to bring down anyone who opposes them.
I liked seeing The Sisters of Misery, Maddie and the rest of the characters again. Though I have to admit that I loved Sisters of Misery just a little better. Only because it was darker. It was great that Maddie grew more and stood up for herself against Kate. She really put Kate in her place towards the end of the story. One thing that The Lost Sister story did that I enjoyed is that it filled in the pieces of the past to explain how all the characters got to where they are today. I hope to see Maddie, Cordelia and the rest of The Sisters of Misery again. Megan Kelley Hall has clemented her name as an author to watch out for!
March 2, 2010
This follow-up to Megan Kelley Hall's Sisters of Misery did not disappoint. The Lost Sister picks up more than a year after Cordelia LeClaire's disappearance. Cordelia has run away to Maine to confront the biological father she never knew. Meanwhile, Maddie Crane is attending boarding school, a welcome escape from the town of Hawthorne. When the key players in the story start recieving ominous death tarot cards in the mail, all the clues lead back to Hawthorne, the last place Maddie and Cordelia ever wanted to return.
This novel had the kind of shivery suspense that keeps the reader up late, desperate to find out what happens! The plotting is perfect and the tension is there lurking in the pages. Maddie is still the determined heroine readers came to love in the first book. As she tries to solve the mystery surrounding the tarot cards and Cordelia's disappearance, the list of suspects grows and the supernatural is awakened. All the suspense builds up to create an explosive climax. In short, Megan Kelley Hall has done it again by creating a truly well-written book that leaves her readers begging for more.
This novel had the kind of shivery suspense that keeps the reader up late, desperate to find out what happens! The plotting is perfect and the tension is there lurking in the pages. Maddie is still the determined heroine readers came to love in the first book. As she tries to solve the mystery surrounding the tarot cards and Cordelia's disappearance, the list of suspects grows and the supernatural is awakened. All the suspense builds up to create an explosive climax. In short, Megan Kelley Hall has done it again by creating a truly well-written book that leaves her readers begging for more.
October 22, 2011
This was a good book. This is the sequel to Sisters of Misery. This book picks up where it left off at the end of Sisters of Misery. Cordelia has disappeared and we find out what happens to her while she is gone. Maddie is still picking up the pieces of the puzzle that happened on that night that Cordelia had disappeared.
Nothing is at it seems in this book. It has twists and turns that I didn't imagine that would happen in this book.
If you enjoyed Sisters of Misery you will also like The Lost Sister.
Nothing is at it seems in this book. It has twists and turns that I didn't imagine that would happen in this book.
If you enjoyed Sisters of Misery you will also like The Lost Sister.
August 4, 2009
Maddie is trying to escape the terror that has been thrust upon her. The Sisters of Misery, a group of horrific girls from Hawthorne, have tormented the town, and Maddie, until she has no choice but to leave and go to a private school. Yet a mysterious tarot card pulls her back into the town to set things straight.
This wonderful YA book really keeps you turning the pages 'till the end.
This wonderful YA book really keeps you turning the pages 'till the end.
May 1, 2010
yay part #2 of Misery Island. It will have you guessing and in the end its not who you expect.
August 25, 2010
This book was a wonderful sequel to the sisters of misery because it gave you some hope and hapiness.
September 15, 2010
4.5 stars
Beginning was slow but the last half of the book was AWESOME. I love the ending! Maddie and Luke! Cordelia and Finn! So cute. :)
Beginning was slow but the last half of the book was AWESOME. I love the ending! Maddie and Luke! Cordelia and Finn! So cute. :)
Want to read
January 22, 2012logan, online libary, does not have
August 7, 2012
i thought the first book was better. i was in suspense with this book until about half way through when things fell into place a little too easily.
December 13, 2013
i really enjoyed this book. i hadn't realized it was a 2nd in a series
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews