Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Sisters Of Mercy

3.52 of 5 stars 3.52 · rating details · 172 ratings · 46 reviews

Sisters of Mercy by Caroline Overington is the haunting story of two sisters - one has vanished, the other is behind bars...

Snow Delaney was born a generation and a world away from her sister, Agnes.

Until recently, neither even knew of the other's existence. They came together only for the reading of their father's will - when Snow discovered, to her horror, that she was n...more

Paperback, 302 pages

Published November 1st 2012 by Random House

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 384)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Nov 13, 2012 Bree T rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: australian, aww2012, contemporary, crime, mystery

Snow Delaney was born a generation apart and half a world away from her older sister, Agnes. Until the death of Snow’s father, she never even knew that Agnes existed. Agnes was born in England, placed in an orphanage during the Second World War when her father was off fighting and when her parents came back for her at the end of the war, she had vanished. Agnes’ parents moved to Australia and many years later, along came Snow.

When Snow’s father dies, years after her mother, she discovers that sh...more Snow Delaney was born a generation apart and half a world away from her older sister, Agnes. Until the death of Snow’s father, she never even knew that Agnes existed. Agnes was born in England, placed in an orphanage during the Second World War when her father was off fighting and when her parents came back for her at the end of the war, she had vanished. Agnes’ parents moved to Australia and many years later, along came Snow.

When Snow’s father dies, years after her mother, she discovers that she is not the sole beneficiary of his estate like she assumed. And his estate amounts to much more than the old 3br house in Deer Park that Snow grew up in. It also includes some prime pieces of land down at Ocean Grove on the Bellarine Peninsula that’s going to be worth a tidy sum. Unfortunately for Snow, she can’t gain access to anything until she meets with her older sister and offers her half of the estate.

And now Agnes has gone missing, swallowed up in the red dust storm that blanketed the entire city of Sydney in September of 2009. Visiting from England, she was due to fly home the next day and because of the dust and cancelled flights, there was some delay before she was reported missing. Now Snow is in jail, not charged with murder, but believed of having committed it. Without a body, without evidence though, it looks like the case of Agnes might never be solved.

Incensed by what reporter Jack Fawcett has printed about Snow in the newspaper, she writes to him from her cell at Silverwater Correctional Facility. Jack writes back, questioning Snow on certain things and Snow keeps writing letters, telling her side of the story, the way things have been for her, rebutting Jack’s assumptions and statements. Is Snow just a victim or circumstances and a slack department who should’ve done better? Or is she truly a monster?

Sisters Of Mercy is Australian author Caroline Overington’s fourth fiction novel and once again Overington employs her trademark tactic of narrating the story from an older male character, slightly removed from the main story line. In this book we are getting the facts from reporter Jack Fawcett, who drew the short straw and was ordered off to a press conference by Rose Bay police station about the missing woman Agnes, from Britain. After striking up a friendship with Agnes’ daughter Ruby, he takes an interest in the case and does his own research. It is one of the pieces that he writes that raises Snow’s ire and she takes it upon herself to write to him and set him straight.

The story of Snow’s life seemed ideal on the surface but as she begins to pour her story out to Jack in letters, it becomes quite obvious that scratch the surface, and Snow’s life was one of neglect, but not in the usual way. She was fed and clothed but her mother was cold, distant, not particularly interested in having a child, or being active in Snow’s life. Her father seemed to only have eyes for her mother and it seemed that Snow had no real friends growing up, no one but one loser boyfriend after another, men who had a profound impact on her life and the choices she made. A deftly weaved tale of shades of grey leads the reader through Snow’s life as she falls from one job to the next, moves around and supports her boyfriend who puts most of what she makes through the pokies and on the punt.

Through Ruby we learn about Agnes and the life she had growing up, first in the orphanage and then sent out to Australia after the war to work for a family in a homestead in Western Australia. Like Snow had no idea of her existence, she had no idea that her parents had survived the war and had also ended up in Australia. She didn’t become aware of any of this until after her father died and she was tracked down by his lawyer.

I found myself utterly engrossed in this story – Snow was such an interesting character, so utterly without emotion, detached from everything, beaten down by working in a system that took young optimists, chewed them up and spat them out as jaded robots. She ended up a foster carer for handicapped children, giving parents respite care and often taking in children who had been abandoned to the care of the state by parents who just could not cope anymore. It sounds admirable, until you delve a little deeper into Snow’s house and methods and then all of a sudden you find yourself horrified. But how much of it was Snow’s fault? She exploited a system that was ripe for it, she was essentially, neglected again by those in charge and if she cut corners in order to be able to get things done, then who could blame her? If it wasn’t her, it’d be somebody else. Sisters Of Mercy exposes some flaws in the care system and lays bare the grim life that some children like the ones depicted in this story must surely face. So confident is Snow that her behaviour was nothing short of dutiful and professional that it’s chilling. And then it’s almost convincing before you pull yourself up sharply and go hang on this is not normal!

Another really addictive story from an author who has become an autobuy for me.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Nov 25, 2012 Monique Mulligan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Engrossing yet discomforting, Sisters of Mercy by Caroline Overington had me hooked from start to finish and offered a truly chilling character that rivals Annie Wilkes in Stephen King’s Misery.

Presented as the haunting story of two sisters, one who goes missing and the other who is behind bars, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s a simple whodunit/mystery. The tagline on the cover suggests as much: How can one woman simply disappear? Through brilliant characterisation, it soon becomes cle...more Engrossing yet discomforting, Sisters of Mercy by Caroline Overington had me hooked from start to finish and offered a truly chilling character that rivals Annie Wilkes in Stephen King’s Misery.

Presented as the haunting story of two sisters, one who goes missing and the other who is behind bars, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s a simple whodunit/mystery. The tagline on the cover suggests as much: How can one woman simply disappear? Through brilliant characterisation, it soon becomes clear that Sisters of Mercy is much more than that, rendering the tagline somewhat misleading.

Upon her father’s death, Snow Delaney finds out that she is not the sole beneficiary of her father’s unexpectedly generous estate – she has a much older sister, Agnes, who lives in England. With great reluctance, she follows through on her late father’s wishes to meet Agnes. When her sister disappears the next day, the same day Sydney was eerily blanketed in red dust, Snow is caught up in an investigation that ultimately leads to her imprisonment.

It’s just the kind of story the media loves and reporters are all over the story – including crime reporter Jack Fawcett. When he receives a letter from Snow telling him he’s got his facts wrong, he’s intrigued; perhaps he will be the one to uncover the truth about Agnes’s disappearance. So begins an unlikely and short-lived correspondence between the two, with Snow protesting her innocence and claiming she’s been unfairly judged; and Jack digging deeper to find the real truth.

In talking about her inspiration for the book, Overington (a journalist of more than 20 years) says she has met some women “who might be described as evil … who seem to care for nobody but themselves”. The character of Snow, she says, “stands for” these women. Snow is revealed, in part through Jack’s investigation, but more so by her own hand, to be a cold, narcissistic woman. Although she is a trained nurse who looks after severely disabled children, she lacks nurturing skills, empathy, compassion and mercy. Here’s a sample:

People say that I don’t seem to care that my sister went missing after coming all the way out to Australia to visit me, but think about it from my point of view. I didn’t want her to come out in the first place.

As a character, Snow is unsettling – it’s uncomfortable as a reader to be drawn into her warped mind. Any thought of being on her side (what if she’s been framed?), of thinking that maybe there is some horrific thing in her past that has shaped her, is quickly dismissed by the reader. Agnes, her long-lost sister is a complete contrast. Not that she appears much – her character does little more than act as a facilitator for Snow’s story. Jack also appears as a counter to Snow – both are engaged in telling stories and therefore both deal with truth as they know it. However, Jack’s character takes a back seat to Snow’s domineering character; the reader is left knowing little about him, other than what he reports. Is this clever manipulation on the part of the author – under-develop one character so your emotions are bound to be stimulated by the more dominant character?

Sisters of Mercy is a challenging and provocative read that has the potential to polarise readers with its controversial take on the effectiveness of the justice and welfare systems. Overington’s views on the lack of support for some people in our society – in this case, severely disabled children and their parents – are made clear in a way that she never could have in journalistic writing. Perhaps this book serves as an outlet for her frustrations? Regardless, Overington is a gifted writer with a true knack for storytelling – some say she is Australia’s answer to Jodi Picoult. I say she gives Picoult a run for her money. I recommend this book highly, in the knowledge that some will find Snow’s voice hard to hear, and look forward to reading more from Overington.

Trivia: The aptness of Snow’s name to her character is clear – both are cold. However, snow is often described as pure, which is what the name Agnes means (it also means chaste). So, consider this quote from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “Be thou as chaste as ice, as pure as snow, though shalt not escape calumny”. Calumny means a false or malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something. Tell me that’s not ironic.

Available from good bookstores and Random House. This copy was courtesy of Random House.(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 01, 2012 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-are, aussie-author, provided-by-publisher

"Some people might be wondering what exactly Snow hoped to gain by writing to me, bit I reckon it was pretty obvious: I'm a reporter, and she wanted to convince people that she's innocent of everything she's ever been accused of doing."

Snow Delaney begins a year long correspondence with journalist Jack Fawcett from her prison cell shortly after being convicted on multiple counts of child abuse. Incensed by what she perceives to be sensationalist reporting on her life in his newspaper feature, '...more
"Some people might be wondering what exactly Snow hoped to gain by writing to me, bit I reckon it was pretty obvious: I'm a reporter, and she wanted to convince people that she's innocent of everything she's ever been accused of doing."

Snow Delaney begins a year long correspondence with journalist Jack Fawcett from her prison cell shortly after being convicted on multiple counts of child abuse. Incensed by what she perceives to be sensationalist reporting on her life in his newspaper feature, 'The Secrets of Snow', she offers to tell Jack 'the facts', including the truth of what she knows about her missing sister, Agnes Moore.
Through Snow's letters and Jack's investigation into her claims, Sisters of Mercy reveals a complex web of lies, deceit, betrayal and the absence of mercy.

Initially it's tempting to sympathise with Snow who is imprisoned, alone and resolute in her claims of innocence. Snow is a very disconcerting character, she seems rather ordinary but slowly Overington reveals a deeply disturbed woman whose grasp on reality is warped by a distressing lack of humanity. As a trained nurse who is a foster mother and respite carer for severely disabled children she presents as a tirelessly selfless member of the community. The first hint of her true nature comes when Snow discovers the existence of an older sister, Agnes Moore, abandoned as a toddler in wartime England by her parents who were unmarried at the time.

Interestingly, Overington approaches the disappearance of Agnes from an oblique angle where the missing woman is a catalyst for Snow's story rather than the focus of the plot. It is a little disorientating to expect the novel to develop one way only for it to be twisted into something quite different. It may not appeal to everyone, but the approach is intriguing and revitalises a familiar trope.

What Jack surmises contrasts sharply with Snow's perceptions and emphasises the ambiguity of 'truth' in the absence of incontrovertible evidence. Jack's narrative serves as a witness of sorts to counter Snow's impassioned claims of innocence and champion her alleged victims.

Sisters of Mercy is a provocative novel by an accomplished storyteller. I found it to be discomforting yet engaging and I am happy to recommend it.

(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 03, 2013 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Even the first 10 pages were a relief from 'A Casual vacancy'!! Here's hoping!

Well I finished Sisters of Mercy, I couldn't put it down. I got so caught up with the characters and story, I was feeling sorry for Snow Delaney and wondering why she was in prison? Near the end I found out why!! Shocking and discomforting .. I'm hoping the ending letter was able to bring the closure that was needed (not wanting to spoil by going into names or detail)

I've just bought "Matilda is Missing" an earlier boo...more

like · see review

Nov 05, 2012 Elizabeth Lhuede rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: australian-author, crime

Snow, the central “character” of the Sisters of Mercy, is a trained nurse who finds herself in charge of a house full of handicapped children – or “handi-capable” as Overington’s PC characters are reported to say. So cold and detached from reality is Snow, she appears to have no conscience; more, she lacks the barest insight into the heinousness of her own behaviour. Her lack of empathy is psychopathic, and all the more chilling as she sees the people she houses, not as victims, but rather as a...more

like · see review

Apr 20, 2013 Simone rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: aww2013, great-aus-reads-2013

When journalist Jack Fawcett writes and article about Snow Delaney, little does he expect to receive a reply from her, let alone begin an ongoing correspondence. Jailed for a series of horrible crimes against the children she and her boyfriend "cared" for in their home, Snow refutes the charges against her and corrects some of the facts mentioned in Jack's articles. Although unorthodox Jack maintains the letter writing, hoping to also get to the bottom of the mysterious disappearance of Snow's s...more When journalist Jack Fawcett writes and article about Snow Delaney, little does he expect to receive a reply from her, let alone begin an ongoing correspondence. Jailed for a series of horrible crimes against the children she and her boyfriend "cared" for in their home, Snow refutes the charges against her and corrects some of the facts mentioned in Jack's articles. Although unorthodox Jack maintains the letter writing, hoping to also get to the bottom of the mysterious disappearance of Snow's sister Agnes. Born several years before and half a world away from Snow each is unaware of the others existence until the death of Snow's father. His lucrative estate cannot be claimed by Snow until she contacts her sister and offers her half. Agnes arrived in Australia, only to mysteriously go missing on the day of the huge dust storm that smothered Sydney in September 2009.

As is normal for Caroline Overington, the story is narrated through the eyes of a third party (in this case Jack). Although an unusual way to tell a story, it works very well and she manages to capture the voice of a middle aged male journalist extremely well.

Although it took quite some time to get to what the reader expects the main point of the story to be, the suspense in getting there was carefully crafted right from the beginning. You cannot help but be drawn into the very tangled web involving Snow's emotionally barren upbringing, her experience in the toxic mental health system and shocking abuse of the foster care system. Although cold and detached, you question whether Snow is truly evil or herself a victim of the "system", albeit a wily one.

Similarly the uncovering of the mystery involving Agnes also keeps you fully engaged as Jack traces her disappearance through conversations with her daughter and the hotel she left one morning and never returned to.

Overington writes in an engaging and easy to read style that kept me turning the pages right until the end. Like some other reviewers I too found the ambiguous ending frustrating after becoming so involved in the story. I wanted a definitive answer which I just didn't get. Beyond that, however, Sisters Of Mercy is a fantastic read, sad subject matter aside and I suspect a fairly accurate depiction of the DOCS system most of us don't have a clue about.(less)

like · see review

Jan 06, 2013 Kirsten rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was a pleasant surprise. I didn't know much about it until I started reading and it had me right from the beginning. The story is told from many viewpoints using letters and interviews which was a little hard at first but it just has a way of making you read more. The characters are developed throughout the book so while you may not like some of them you can understand how they were 'made' that way. There are a few twists that you don't see coming and I would highly recommend this book...more

like · see review

Feb 24, 2013 Helen McKenna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: aww2013, great-aussie-reads-2013

I have come to expect (and really enjoy) Caroline Overington's unique storytelling style and was definitely not disappointed with her latest novel Sisters of Mercy.

Snow Delaney has been jailed for a series of sickening crimes against the children entrusted in her care and after reading a newspaper article about her case she begins a correspondence with the journalist Jack Fawcett. Although unorthodox (and possibly unethical)he continues to stay in touch with Snow, hoping to also get to the botto...more I have come to expect (and really enjoy) Caroline Overington's unique storytelling style and was definitely not disappointed with her latest novel Sisters of Mercy.

Snow Delaney has been jailed for a series of sickening crimes against the children entrusted in her care and after reading a newspaper article about her case she begins a correspondence with the journalist Jack Fawcett. Although unorthodox (and possibly unethical)he continues to stay in touch with Snow, hoping to also get to the bottom of the mysterious disappearance of Snow's long lost sister Agnes. As it typical of Overington, it takes some time to get to the plot depicted on the blurb and the story is mainly told through the eyes of the third party (Jack).

The development of Snow's character is carefully crafted and I must admit I did initially feel quite sympathetic towards her as I read about her emotionally bereft upbringing and her early working life. Having trained as a nurse, she gets a rude shock when she takes a job at a mental hospital in Victoria. Initially full of hope and enthusiasm that she can change the lives of those in her care, she gradually becomes jaded as she realises just how the system works.

Equally important to the story is Jack's character and it is here (as always) that Overington shines. Her stories are all told mainly through the eyes of a middle aged man and she gets this voice amazingly right. From the language/dialogue to the personality traits and beyond, you can picture Jack to a T.

Sad subject matter aside (another common theme of Overington's books), the suspense in Sisters of Mercy was great, building as the story unravelled. I really liked how she used a true event (the huge Sydney dust storm of 2009) as the central point around which the story is told. It was on this day that Snow's sister Agnes disappeared from her hotel room, having come all the way from the UK to meet her previously unknown sibling.

As an Australian writer Caroline Overington manages to insert multiple one word references within her stories that immediately transport you to a time and place in our history and culture - brand names, expressions no longer in use, places etc. I love the fact this is done so seamlessly without feeling like you are being "told".

This is probably my favourite Caroline Overington book, my only criticism would be the ambiguous ending. I must admit I felt a bit ripped off having to draw my own conclusion. That aside, it was a fabulous (if not disturbing) read.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Feb 28, 2013 Hayley Waterhouse rated it 4 of 5 stars

I thought this book was great. Reading other reviews I was warned that this book doesn't tie up loose ends so was prepared for that (otherwise I too may have been disappointed). I still felt satisfied at the end of the book and I guess real life doesn't always finish neatly. A journalist provides commentary around a sequence of letters he receives from a woman (Snow) in gaol with whom he is corresponding. For me, the book's value lies in Snow's psyche. Reading the perception of the journalist (m...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 09, 2012 Brenda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-release, aussie-authors, borrowed-from-library

Snow Delaney had been sentenced to several years in prison for child abuse and horrific acts of neglect. She started writing to Jack Fawcett, a newspaper journalist, from prison, protesting her innocence, and telling Jack he had his ‘facts’ wrong in the articles he was reporting about her, and the case, and she would set him right.

So began a year long correspondence between Snow and Jack, with him doing a lot of research on the story, and her continuing to add information and detail about her li...more Snow Delaney had been sentenced to several years in prison for child abuse and horrific acts of neglect. She started writing to Jack Fawcett, a newspaper journalist, from prison, protesting her innocence, and telling Jack he had his ‘facts’ wrong in the articles he was reporting about her, and the case, and she would set him right.

So began a year long correspondence between Snow and Jack, with him doing a lot of research on the story, and her continuing to add information and detail about her life through her letters. In the midst of his research, he interviewed Ruby, who was the daughter of Agnes, Snow Delaney’s long lost sister. Snow knew nothing about Agnes, indeed, Agnes knew nothing about Snow…Agnes believed herself to be an orphan, deserted when a youngster in London, when her father went away to war, and her mother placed her in an orphanage to be cared for, always promising to return after the war to get her.

When Snow’s father died, and the will was read, it was discovered that Snow indeed had a sibling, Agnes, and they were to each receive 50% of the substantial estate…Agnes was delighted to find she had a sister, and determined to come to Australia to visit Snow. Snow was not so delighted, and was angry she had to give half her share of her fathers’ estate to a total stranger. When Agnes disappeared the day she was to catch the plane back to London, and Snow was subsequently sent to prison, Jack was the one person still trying to piece the facts together.

I found this story engaging, but bland. There didn’t seem to be a lot happening, with almost the complete story done with letters. It was interesting enough that I read to the finish, as I wanted to see the outcome, but I was disappointed in the lack of action, and of ‘things unfinished’. I was also disappointed to discover Overington had facts wrong in this book too, as she has in previous books of hers I have read. She said, among other things, that Robert Farquharson was convicted and sent to prison for murdering his three sons in a dam in Melbourne. It was actually a dam in Winchelsea, Victoria, which is just over 110 kms from Melbourne. Those facts (if she wants to put them into fiction) are not hard to get correct.

Overall, I would have to say the story had promise, but the execution left me feeling a little cheated.
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 29, 2012 Charley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Loved this book from start till the last page.. SPOILER!

I cannot stand books where there is no definitive answer at the end and this is the only reason this is not getting 5 stars. Concluding a book and still having not a single clue what happened to one of the central characters is a little ridiculous. In Overingtons other books the conclusion is always hinted at but here it was just laid out what a crap person Snow was... but that doesnt mean she killed anges. Im a little disappointed because...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 01, 2012 Kj rated it 3 of 5 stars

Three stars but I would've given it four if there wasn't a glaring factual error. Prisoners can not take personalitems into remand with them! And I'm confident that's not just the particular jail in this book. Caroline Overington writes well, I've enjoyed her three books but every single one has had an error like this and it gets in the way of me truly enjoying them. More attention to detail from the author AND the editing team would help.

1 like · like · see review

Mar 12, 2013 Leanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have now read all 4 of Caroline Overington's books. They are all contemporary Australian novels where the real to life characters are placed in the most incredible situations. Always page turners. This one was another perplexing situations & most of the plot revolves the main character's letters to a journalist while she is an inmate at Silverwater prison. Although I enjoyed this book, it was definitely my least favourite of hers, especially the ending. That is what I really call, "leaving...more

like · see review

May 25, 2013 Simone Camilleri rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the book, especially that it is based in Australia and that's where I'm from. But I like how it is written and he view of the journalist being the main personality in the book. Snow seems very cold and her character really bothered me, but then again jack seemed like he was really trying to help. So the characters a very well written.

like · see review

Mar 07, 2013 Laureen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery

Not 4 stars but more than three. I like Caroline Overington very much but I was so disappointed in the ending of this novel I couldn't give it the 4 star rating. Nor am I sure of the story development. Interesting topic but it didn't ring realistic to me. I do understand the purpose for the ending - it is just frustrating!

like · see review

Jan 29, 2013 Liz added it

To be honest, this book was a little horrifying. It seemed so bland, so unemotional, like a story written by a child who did not realise the impact of the story being unravelled. Of course, it is, sort of. The main character has zero empathy. The end left me cold. However, I couldn't put the book down! Work that out.

like · see review

Dec 18, 2012 Brady rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: crime, fiction

I expected a lot from this author, yet I was deeply disappointed. The style was off, language was juvenile, characterisation mediocre at best, and the story was just unbelievable at times. Just goes to show that you don't actually have to be a talented writer to get published, you just need friends in the industry.

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 18, 2012 Catherine added it

A very interesting story. Enjoyed the structure of the story, something a little different. Nice to have the settings so familiar, she used both Sydney and Melbourne to great effect. Also enjoyed her descriptions of the houses in the story. Could have been describing my own family abode. Oddly comforting.

1 like · like · see review

Mar 03, 2013 Kerri Jones rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am giving this 4 stars because I enjoyed the controversial material and the discussion it promotes rather than for it's writing. I enjoyed how it sashayed between a narrative and a letter by two different characters of the book but the while outcome cost this book 1star. Recommended but then I want to hear your thoughts.....

like · see review

Jan 05, 2013 Laura Burleigh rated it 1 of 5 stars

I’ve never felt so cheated by a book before in my life. Caroline Overington’s Sisters of Mercy promised crime, mystery and intrigue but it was none of that - the plot was boring in parts and I found the description of how the children were treated disgusting to say the least!

4 likes · like · see review

Jan 12, 2013 Michele Davis rated it 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed reading this, didn't want to put it down, found towards the end things got a bit disturbing . Was frustrated by the ending! Left me dangling! Loved ' I Just Came To Say Goodbye' much more realistic.

like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

An incredible, gripping page-turner from Caroline Overington again. I loved the settings in Melbourne and Sydney as Caroline has the ability to take you right there with her descriptions. Some highly emotive topics were covered and I would have given this book 5 stars except we will never know what actually happened to one of the main characters….very thought-provoking and a great read.

1 like · like · see review

Jan 13, 2013 Sandra Shergill rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was hard to put down - a real page-turner. Would be great for a bookclub discussion as there are unanswered questions and different ways of interpreting the spine-chilling events.

like · see review

Nov 18, 2012 Karen Crawford rated it 4 of 5 stars

Caroline Overington sticks to her familiar style here- written from different points of view, one being a journalist, lots of topics covered- it was a good read.

like · see review

Jan 03, 2013 Victoria Spicer-stuart rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Dec 26, 2012 Sara Bennett rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Very interesting book, and really I couldn't put it down. But being me, I like all the threads tied up neatly at the end and if you're expecting that, then you'll be disappointed.

like · see review

Jan 31, 2013 Lesley Clark rated it 3 of 5 stars

Good book took a but to get into the authors style..not quite sure that I'm happy with the ending.....but kept your interest

like · see review

Jan 19, 2013 Rebecca rated it 1 of 5 stars

I found this very lazy story telling. Lots of stereotypes and disappointing ending. Sensationalist child abuse storyline.

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 25, 2013 Culture Street rated it 4 of 5 stars

http://www.culturestreet.com.au/post/...

like · see review

Nov 18, 2012 Alex Field rated it 4 of 5 stars

http://www.culturestreet.com.au/post/...

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 12 13 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

Genres

Mystery > Crime

4 users

Mystery

2 users

See top shelves...

About Caroline Overington

Caroline Overington is an Australian author and journalist.

She has worked for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, and is is currently a staff writer for The Weekend Australian Magazine.

Caroline is a two-time winner of the Walkley Award for Investigative Journalism. She won her first Walkley for a series of articles about a literary fraud, and her second for a series about the AWB oil for food...more

More about Caroline Overington...

Books by Caroline Overington

Only In New York: How I Took Manhattan (With The Kids)

Kickback: Inside the Australian Wheat Board Scandal

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Sisters Of Mercy

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Sisters Of Mercy
avg rating	preview: Sisters Of Mercy Goodreads rating: 3.52 (172 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15985846-sisters-of-mercy?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1346717512l/15985846.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15985846-sisters-of-mercy?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Sisters Of Mercy by Caroline Overington[/url]

Sisters Of Mercy

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

Genres

About Caroline Overington

Books by Caroline Overington

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Sisters Of Mercy

new topic
Discuss This Book