The Good Sister

A Twisty, Dark Psychological Thriller That Will Have You Gripped

By: Jess Ryder

Narrated by: Annette Chown

Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's Summary

There are two sides to every secret.

When her beloved father dies, Josie is devastated to uncover a secret life he has led with another family: another house, another woman, and a half sister, Valentina.

Born in the same week, in the same hospital, they look so physically alike they could be mistaken for twins. But the similarities end there....

Josie is sweet and reserved, a counsellor with the perfect boyfriend and the perfect life. Valentina is damaged and reckless, and she always gets what she wants.

But what she wants is Josie's life, and she'll stop at nothing until she has it.

A tense, pause-resisting story that will keep you listening into the night. Perfect for fans of Louise Jensen, Claire Douglas, and Sue Fortin.

©2017 Jess Ryder (P)2017 Bookouture

Entertaining, suspenseful despite some holes

Twisty indeed is a good one-word descriptor for this psychological thriller designed for a maximum mind-bending ride. Sensible Josie loses her beloved father, only to accidentally gain a sister- a half-sister, that is, named Valentina, who it turns out is just as much in the dark as Josie. Valentina and Josie, it turns out, look strikingly similar and were born just days apart from each other in the same hospital! Their whole lives, Dad Jerry had been raising two families, unbeknownst to Josie and her mother; Valentina's mother is the 'other woman' so she was aware of her second class status, but had tried to protect Valentina from that. Unfortunately, Valentina's life has not gone smoothly, and she struggles with the after effects of childhood depression and anxiety and difficult experiences in therapy, and when we meet her in the present day, she is barely hanging on, depending on her now-dead father's financial support to keep her fed and with a working cell phone. Josie and Valentina soon realize that they are quite alone in a world where no one has ever been truthful with them, and they must cope with the fact that their father kept this huge secret- but what other secrets are hiding in the wings waiting to come out?
As the plot unfolds, we see how the sisters are drawn closer while they try to navigate how to handle the situation. However, we see that it's actually Josie who must cope- does she tell her fragile mother what was going on? How does she manage her boyfriend's and her uncle's insistence that she stay away from Valentina? And this Josie feels pulled in many different directions- loyalty to her sister who she sees as vulnerable, versus duty toward her family. Meanwhile, some serious negative energy is casting its line about, seeing how far it can pull Josie and Valentina under.
The first 3/4 of the book kept me reading, but I was waiting for something big to happen. I could feel the tension creeping in like tendrils of morning glory wanting to take over certain characters' lives, and the suspense was building- but then, I finally got what I really wanted in the last 1/4 of the book and that's when it became a knockout. I was hooked til the end. I only wish some of my lingering questions were answered. I feel like some of the questions and mysteries raised early on in the story were either never answered at all, or were only hinted at later in a vague way that left too little information for the reader to try and guess what actually happened in the character's past, especially Valentina, whose past should have been delved into much more deeply to shed light on what made her tick as an adult. Despite these gaps and a few threads left loose, this book still satisfies, and the overall listening experience- great narration!- warrants 4 stars and a recommendation that readers pick up "The Good Sister!"

really really really good

I started this book and wasn't sure I would finish it because it did start slow. but I continued to read and was really happy thast I did the surprise ending was just that I didn't see it coming. I loved this book

Oh my....

This book was one of the best books I’ve read this year due to the twists. The book dragged a bit in parts, and it was difficult to tell which character was speaking but after a while you figured it out. I figured out one twist- but DEFINITELY did NOT see the other twists coming!!!! My goodness that was some creative writing! Lifetime needs to turn this into a movie lol! Loved it!!! Excellent book, would definitely recommend!

Very dramatic, a couple of intense twists!

Where does The Good Sister rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really enjoyed this book, the characters had depth. The story moved along and kept me wanting to listen!

What does Annette Chown bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I loved her narration, however, I wish there had been more of a difference between Josie and Valentina. Sometimes it was difficult to tell which one was speaking.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I liked when Josie and Valentina first meet - I can imagine their shock and confusion!

Can be confusing

It might be better if each chapter let the listener know who was speaking. Two characters of the same age needed to be identified.
Good story hit kit a tad confusing (characters) at times

Ending left so many open questions. DISAPPOINTING

Thought I would take a chance on a British Novel. Was very disappointed. The story was decent, but it left so much unanswered like why did Dr. Banister do what she did? What about the relationship between Sophie and Josie? Why was Josie so passive? I don't think I would even listen to anything else by this author if she is going to leave so much unanswered.

Good Premise, but didn’t come through

The storyline was good and it had a lot of potential, but there was too much of some things and not nearly enough of others – it was pretty easy to figure out but even that was a letdown. It just could have been much more.

WOWWWWW yes must read

This is an edge of the seat, taking me through all of the emotions from love to hate and irritation all throughout the book. I wanted to choke out the characters. Couldn’t believe what was happening! Listened in one work day lol

Fair

I think my expectations were too high as this is the second Jess Ryder book I bought. It didn’t keep my attention until the end- seemed a bit too long.

I don’t understand all the positive reviews

I can’t believe I even finished this book but kept thinking it would get better.

The main character is without a doubt the most clueless character in any book I have read for quite some time. And I read several books every week.

The main character was so maddeningly clueless and kept repeating the same mistakes. Her sister wasn’t convincing. I couldn’t find anyone in the book that was remotely likable.

Very disappointed in this book.

Twists and turns, fabulous read

I really loved this story, captures the imagination of how you would feel if you found out things weren't as you always knew in your family. Totally recommend this as a great read.

More Jess! Please!

A brilliant naration of a gripping story. Annette brings the characters to life superbly. Magnificent.

Different from the rest (no spoilers)

I loved this book. I listen to thrillers pretty much exclusively, and sometimes find them so formulaic that it feels as though once you’ve read one, you’ve read them all. But this made a refreshing change! It’s well written, with the Viking heritage that links Josie and Valentina providing an undercurrent to the entire book, tying everything together. Although I was able to guess a few of the twists and revelations, there was so much to keep you on your toes that I defy anybody to not find a few surprises in the text towards the end!

I didn’t find it edge-of-your-seat, heart racingly thrilling, but rather quietly intriguing. And yet I found that the result was the same, I was barely able to stop listening, I just HAD to know what happened next!

As other reviews have said, it can be a little confusing to know who is narrating each chapter, but this is intentional and vital to the story. Stick with it, all will be revealed!

If you want a book that will stick with you after you’ve finished reading, and which doesn’t just blur into all the others, I’d recommend this one. Enjoy!

Kept me hooked

This is the second book from this author and I'm going to find another straight away. Love the pace, the twists and the narration. Enjoyed the we whole experience.

Disappointing, no substance

Where to start! I have to say I was incredibly disappointed with this story. It was silly, had no substance and most of the characters were just flaky. Josie had no backbone and Valentina was just plain awful and very whiney. The repeated Viking references in every chapter was so annoying and tedious and at about the mid point, I was so bored by it I was going to give up. But I had spent a much valued credit on it so was determined to continue to the bitter end. Please don’t waste your credit on this ridiculous tale.

Good sting in the tail

loved it and the ending was a surprise would never have seen that coming

gripping

Great book. Great twists and surprises along the way. Keeps your interest piqued. Highly reccomend this book.

Another must read

Another brilliant thought provoking novel!
Amazing research on the Vikings, so very interesting.
Thankyou Jess Ryder

Excellent

I have now listened to all 3 Jess Ryder books and have loved every one

The Good Sister

Really really enjoyed this book from beginning til about 80% into it. Ending a little disappointing, hence 4 stars but well worth a good listen. Very fast exciting pace.