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Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Perfect Sister in Books

Feb 2, 2020

The Perfect Sister

Sheryl Browne | 2020 | Mystery, Thriller

6.0

(1 Ratings)

Book Rating

‏I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

In the Perfect Sister, Claire receives a text message that reads ‘You don’t know me, but I’m your sister’ Reading that and the rest description my interest was piqued.

When I read The Second Wife by Sheryl Browne I could not put it down. It was a roller coaster of emotions to read. I was watching for her next book to be announced. When I saw, The Perfect Sister, I immediately requested to review it. It was originally titled The Family Secret. Both titles work well for the book.

The book felt much longer than its 326 pages. I put it down several times because I did not connect with the characters and was not surprised as the secrets were revealed. I kept yelling at the main character as if I was watching a movie.

The writing style is the same I enjoyed from The Second Wife but I did not like the characters and their actions.

Based on the description, I expected The Perfect Sister to read a thriller with secrets. It was not. It was more of a family drama than a thriller. When thinking of it as a family drama, I would say it is worth reading.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 2/2/20.

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ClareR (5916 KP) rated The Animals at Lockwood Manor in Books

Apr 3, 2020

The Animals at Lockwood Manor

Jane Healey | 2020 | LGBTQ+, Romance

10.0

(2 Ratings)

Book Rating

The Animals at Lockwood Manor is a creepy, gothic tale, set during World War Two. Hetty Cartwright is unusual, in that she has been put in charge of the Natural History Museums mammal collection, and the task of removing it from London to Lockwood Manor. She is expected to keep the collection safe, and to keep it in good condition. She is well aware that she only holds the post because the men who would have had the post have all gone to war. Hetty knows that the role will be challenging, but she hasn’t counted on Lord Lockwood, who is bullish, overbearing and opinionated. His daughter, Lucy, is another matter. She seems to be completely controlled by him, and is constantly reminded about her delicate mental health by her father. Hetty feels drawn to Lucy, and tries to help her with her anxiety and her grief at the loss of her mother and grandmother.

This is no fast-moving thriller, but it is creepy, haunting (in fact, is Lockwood Manor haunted?) with a malevolent undercurrent. It’s like the Manor itself is alive. It’s also a story of secrets: family secrets and secret love.

This was a pleasure to read; it’s richly descriptive language described the house, people and the time in history beautifully. If you enjoy a creepy, slow burner, you’ll love this book. I did.