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Riley MacPherson #1
The Silent Sister
In The Silent Sister, Riley MacPherson has spent her entire life believing that her older sister Lisa committed suicide as a teenager. Now, over twenty years later, her father has passed away and she's in New Bern, North Carolina cleaning out his house when she finds evidence to the contrary. Lisa is alive. Alive and living under a new identity. But why exactly was she on the run all those years ago, and what secrets are being kept now? As Riley works to uncover the truth, her discoveries will put into question everything she thought she knew about her family. Riley must decide what the past means for her present, and what she will do with her newfound reality, in this engrossing New York Times bestselling mystery from Diane Chamberlain.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2014
4990 people are currently reading
66823 people want to read
About the author
Diane Chamberlain
80 books15.1k followersDiane Chamberlain is the New York Times, USA Today and (London) Sunday Times best-selling author of 28 novels. The daughter of a school principal who supplied her with a new book almost daily, Diane quickly learned the emotional power of story. Although she wrote many small “books” as a child, she didn’t seriously turn to writing fiction until her early thirties when she was waiting for a delayed doctor’s appointment with nothing more than a pad, a pen, and an idea. She was instantly hooked.
Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.
More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole
Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.
More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,180 reviews
June 7, 2017
Audiobook..... ( gotta love the library Overdrive... keeps improving too)
Easy Listening..... easy to follow ....engaging ... not earth-shattering fantastic....
but I enjoyed turning in to this station. The narrator's voice was 'very pleasant' - and held my attention. I was a happy camper!!!
I guess I'd call this mystery-light! Lisa, a musical prodigy on the violin, age 16, is assumed dead..... having committed suicide many years ago.....after having committed murder, and before her court date.
So... rather than a 'whodunit' mystery, it's more a 'whydunit' mystery. The reader is always wondering 'why' .... why did Lisa kill herself? Or did she? They never found her body. Why or why not?
What I enjoyed was the comfortable easy tone --- my emotions were never TOO HIGH or TOO LOW.... or TOO CRITICAL.
I was peacefully happy enough being 'read to'.....while soaking in the pool, walking, cooking, or resting in the sauna. Every time I listened to this audiobook-- it felt like I had a little friend with me 'chatting-away'. ...., telling me a story! Duh! lol I WAS being told a story. Everything was breezy engaging-- nice brain teaser relaxer....( both). Let's face it.... it's a different type of listening to then "Truman" or "The "Destiny of the Republic". I still have a LONG way to go with Truman -- but one more long walk - and I'm almost done with "Destiny of the Republic"... One part was soooo exciting - I scream to the trees and cheered! -
But back to Diane Chamberlain's novel....
Riley & Danny ( brother and sister), are two characters you will get to know well. They are very different--- but ( for me)---I never spent 'any' time judging either one of them. I simply was 'engaged' in knowing WHO THEY WERE - WHY THEY WERE THE WAY THEY WERE.
I'm sure credit belongs to author Diane Chamberlain--but I have a hunch I might not have like this book is much 'without' the audiobook. Everything about the woman's voice blended beautifully with my extremely busy tasks ... haha while audio-enjoying!!!
I plan to try another 'written' book by Diane Chamberlain. I had only read one: a huge surprise-- to win "Necessary Lies", as a Goodreads give-a-way years go .... and the book blew my mind it was so great. I learned a lot & loved it.
My next Chamberlain book "The Midwife's Confession" .... comes recommended to me by KAS. I happen to have a paper copy in the house. So....I'll test out Chamberlain again. KAS says it's one of the authors best books!
This one... 4 stars for pure engaging story. Kept me interested!
Easy Listening..... easy to follow ....engaging ... not earth-shattering fantastic....
but I enjoyed turning in to this station. The narrator's voice was 'very pleasant' - and held my attention. I was a happy camper!!!
I guess I'd call this mystery-light! Lisa, a musical prodigy on the violin, age 16, is assumed dead..... having committed suicide many years ago.....after having committed murder, and before her court date.
So... rather than a 'whodunit' mystery, it's more a 'whydunit' mystery. The reader is always wondering 'why' .... why did Lisa kill herself? Or did she? They never found her body. Why or why not?
What I enjoyed was the comfortable easy tone --- my emotions were never TOO HIGH or TOO LOW.... or TOO CRITICAL.
I was peacefully happy enough being 'read to'.....while soaking in the pool, walking, cooking, or resting in the sauna. Every time I listened to this audiobook-- it felt like I had a little friend with me 'chatting-away'. ...., telling me a story! Duh! lol I WAS being told a story. Everything was breezy engaging-- nice brain teaser relaxer....( both). Let's face it.... it's a different type of listening to then "Truman" or "The "Destiny of the Republic". I still have a LONG way to go with Truman -- but one more long walk - and I'm almost done with "Destiny of the Republic"... One part was soooo exciting - I scream to the trees and cheered! -
But back to Diane Chamberlain's novel....
Riley & Danny ( brother and sister), are two characters you will get to know well. They are very different--- but ( for me)---I never spent 'any' time judging either one of them. I simply was 'engaged' in knowing WHO THEY WERE - WHY THEY WERE THE WAY THEY WERE.
I'm sure credit belongs to author Diane Chamberlain--but I have a hunch I might not have like this book is much 'without' the audiobook. Everything about the woman's voice blended beautifully with my extremely busy tasks ... haha while audio-enjoying!!!
I plan to try another 'written' book by Diane Chamberlain. I had only read one: a huge surprise-- to win "Necessary Lies", as a Goodreads give-a-way years go .... and the book blew my mind it was so great. I learned a lot & loved it.
My next Chamberlain book "The Midwife's Confession" .... comes recommended to me by KAS. I happen to have a paper copy in the house. So....I'll test out Chamberlain again. KAS says it's one of the authors best books!
This one... 4 stars for pure engaging story. Kept me interested!
March 10, 2017
This sister can stay silent no longer: I LOVED THIS BOOK!
I was THRILLED to receive this book from Goodreads, and here is my honest review:
This was a fantastic book! How is it that I never knew about this author? I'm so glad that I won this book, because who knows how much longer I would have gone without having Diane Chamberlain on my radar? One more day would have been too long. So goodreads, I thank you.
I don't want to give away any of the plot. I will tell you this: there is a sister. She is silent. Why? That's what I'm not telling you. But Riley is going to find out. She also has a brother. He might as well be called The Silent Brother. You'll see why. And there are other people and they all have seeeeeeeecrets.
There are lots of twists. My best estimate is a twist every 35 pages. This book is so much fun, and impossible to put down. And sooooo well-written. This wins the Lisa-prize for 2014 Most Addictive Read of the Year. Congratulations, Diane! 5 STARS!!!!
I was THRILLED to receive this book from Goodreads, and here is my honest review:
This was a fantastic book! How is it that I never knew about this author? I'm so glad that I won this book, because who knows how much longer I would have gone without having Diane Chamberlain on my radar? One more day would have been too long. So goodreads, I thank you.
I don't want to give away any of the plot. I will tell you this: there is a sister. She is silent. Why? That's what I'm not telling you. But Riley is going to find out. She also has a brother. He might as well be called The Silent Brother. You'll see why. And there are other people and they all have seeeeeeeecrets.
There are lots of twists. My best estimate is a twist every 35 pages. This book is so much fun, and impossible to put down. And sooooo well-written. This wins the Lisa-prize for 2014 Most Addictive Read of the Year. Congratulations, Diane! 5 STARS!!!!
August 15, 2018
This is the type of book that is enjoyable even when you have an idea what is going to happen. You feel invested enough in the story to actually watch it play out even if it is predictable.
Riley MacPherson's father has recently passed and she returns to her childhood home to sort through his belongings. It's up to her to get everything in order because her sister committed suicide when Riley was a toddler, her mother died years ago and her brother Danny won't be much help because he has his own set of problems. While going through her father's stuff she comes across things that indicate that her sister Lisa might actually be alive. But if she didn't commit suicide where is she and why did she leave?
Poor Riley. Talk about some family drama. I think this makes a really good fiction read as opposed to just a straight mystery. The family dynamics are so interesting and it's fascinating to see how certain events affected each family member and how they interacted with one another. I really enjoyed watching it all unfold even if nothing was super surprising. My only criticism is I didn't really care for some of the dialogue in the last 50 pages. There were a few lines that were cheesy and sounded like they belonged more on a bad soap opera.
Definitely recommend if you enjoy books with complex characters and enjoy family dramas.
Riley MacPherson's father has recently passed and she returns to her childhood home to sort through his belongings. It's up to her to get everything in order because her sister committed suicide when Riley was a toddler, her mother died years ago and her brother Danny won't be much help because he has his own set of problems. While going through her father's stuff she comes across things that indicate that her sister Lisa might actually be alive. But if she didn't commit suicide where is she and why did she leave?
Poor Riley. Talk about some family drama. I think this makes a really good fiction read as opposed to just a straight mystery. The family dynamics are so interesting and it's fascinating to see how certain events affected each family member and how they interacted with one another. I really enjoyed watching it all unfold even if nothing was super surprising. My only criticism is I didn't really care for some of the dialogue in the last 50 pages. There were a few lines that were cheesy and sounded like they belonged more on a bad soap opera.
Definitely recommend if you enjoy books with complex characters and enjoy family dramas.
July 21, 2023
Diane Chamberlain has written many terrific novels and she hits a home run with The Silent Sister! Highly recommend!
Riley MacPherson discovers several family secrets after her parents pass away. As she tries to unravel the secrets, it creates additional complications.
This page-turning thriller kept me captivated throughout the entire plot. I listened to it on audiobook and the narration was fantastic!
Highly recommend!
Riley MacPherson discovers several family secrets after her parents pass away. As she tries to unravel the secrets, it creates additional complications.
This page-turning thriller kept me captivated throughout the entire plot. I listened to it on audiobook and the narration was fantastic!
Highly recommend!
August 3, 2016
3-3.5 stars!!
99% of the books I read are strictly romance but sometimes I need a mystery/thriller/suspense to spice things up a bit and The Silent Sister seemed like a good choice. Overall, I was left somewhat underwhelmed, but I had a blast unraveling this intricately-woven mystery!
Riley’s father has passed away and she returns to her childhood home to settle his affairs and the house. She doesn’t expect to uncover a boatload of family secrets, including the one that reveals the truth about her older sister Lisa: she’s still alive.
My feelings for this book are really divided – on one hand I truly enjoyed the mystery element and the story was riveting and engrossing, but on the other hand, some events that take place are so predictable and/or far-fetched I had trouble identifying with the narrative as a whole. I would say the general mystery part I guessed from the very beginning (YAY ME!) but nevertheless, I liked how the author revealed it with a few side twists.
As for characters, unfortunately I never connected with them enough to be invested in anyone. My favorite by far is Lisa and she’s probably the character the author develops the most. In the beginning I really sympathized for her and what she had to go through.
But once the whole mystery part was over, I really disliked the way the author portrayed the characters and the events that followed after: they were ludicrous, the reactions didn’t appropriately match the situations, and the reasoning was baffling. Even if I could suspend disbelief (which I can’t by the way) the last 25% of the book and the super big reveal about Riley and Lisa smacked a huge WTF on my face. That couldn’t have been more rushed. Plus, the end of the book left me with more questions than answers, like
Long story short, I loved putting the pieces of the puzzle together but anything that happened afterwards lost my interest, as stated above. Though not my favorite from this author, I’m still a huge fan of hers because she wrote one of my favorite women’s fiction stories - The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes. My recommendation for The Silent Sister is pretty flimsy but not for The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes! If you want a truly stunning women’s fiction novel with political intrigue, romance, mystery, and suspense, give that book a shot! It’s one of my favorites.
ARC provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
99% of the books I read are strictly romance but sometimes I need a mystery/thriller/suspense to spice things up a bit and The Silent Sister seemed like a good choice. Overall, I was left somewhat underwhelmed, but I had a blast unraveling this intricately-woven mystery!
Riley’s father has passed away and she returns to her childhood home to settle his affairs and the house. She doesn’t expect to uncover a boatload of family secrets, including the one that reveals the truth about her older sister Lisa: she’s still alive.
My feelings for this book are really divided – on one hand I truly enjoyed the mystery element and the story was riveting and engrossing, but on the other hand, some events that take place are so predictable and/or far-fetched I had trouble identifying with the narrative as a whole. I would say the general mystery part I guessed from the very beginning (YAY ME!) but nevertheless, I liked how the author revealed it with a few side twists.
As for characters, unfortunately I never connected with them enough to be invested in anyone. My favorite by far is Lisa and she’s probably the character the author develops the most. In the beginning I really sympathized for her and what she had to go through.
But once the whole mystery part was over, I really disliked the way the author portrayed the characters and the events that followed after: they were ludicrous, the reactions didn’t appropriately match the situations, and the reasoning was baffling. Even if I could suspend disbelief (which I can’t by the way) the last 25% of the book and the super big reveal about Riley and Lisa smacked a huge WTF on my face. That couldn’t have been more rushed. Plus, the end of the book left me with more questions than answers, like
Long story short, I loved putting the pieces of the puzzle together but anything that happened afterwards lost my interest, as stated above. Though not my favorite from this author, I’m still a huge fan of hers because she wrote one of my favorite women’s fiction stories - The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes. My recommendation for The Silent Sister is pretty flimsy but not for The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes! If you want a truly stunning women’s fiction novel with political intrigue, romance, mystery, and suspense, give that book a shot! It’s one of my favorites.
ARC provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2014
Imagine everything you've been told about you, your family, and your long lost sister are all lies? Well, in Diane Chamberlain's The Silent Sister Riley MacPherson finds that the stories she's been told of her sister, believed to have committed suicide as a teenager, just may in fact be alive. How's that for a huge family secret?
Riley is trying to clean out her father's home when a series of events lead her to believe that she may in fact want to investigate her past. At the age of 25, all the people she could ask were long gone. Her mother died when she was young, her father recently deceased, and Danny, her brother, are all unable to answer the questions she desperately needs answering. That is until Riley delves a little deeper into the mystery that is her family.
I've never read any other books by Diane Chamberlain and I'm not sure what I expected, but this novel reads like chick-lit. That is fine and dandy if that's what you're in the mood for, but I definitely wasn't which is unfortunate because The Silent Sister is actually gripping from the beginning. We are introduced to Riley, a social worker, who based her whole career choice as a social worker on a sister she hasn't known since she was two years old. She's even patient with her brother Danny who suffers from some form of PTSD after having been wounded in Iraq.
There are a few things I found wrong with this book which makes it impossible for me to give it more than 2-stars. And sadly, it's not because of the writing which is not bad at all. It's simply so darn predictable this novel. From beginning to end it is predictable. The characters, even Riley, are paper thin, and I almost felt like one storyline (with the crazy RV park couple) was too neatly tossed away and sewn up. I mean... it can't be that easy to get out of a contract is it?
Anyway, The Silent Sister may not have been a great read for me, I certainly wouldn't say it's not worth a gander especially if women's literature is your thing. It's usually my thing, but I expected more of a mystery-type thriller with a hint of chick-lit instead of the other way around. Overall, I would definitely read more by this author.
Copy provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley
Riley is trying to clean out her father's home when a series of events lead her to believe that she may in fact want to investigate her past. At the age of 25, all the people she could ask were long gone. Her mother died when she was young, her father recently deceased, and Danny, her brother, are all unable to answer the questions she desperately needs answering. That is until Riley delves a little deeper into the mystery that is her family.
I've never read any other books by Diane Chamberlain and I'm not sure what I expected, but this novel reads like chick-lit. That is fine and dandy if that's what you're in the mood for, but I definitely wasn't which is unfortunate because The Silent Sister is actually gripping from the beginning. We are introduced to Riley, a social worker, who based her whole career choice as a social worker on a sister she hasn't known since she was two years old. She's even patient with her brother Danny who suffers from some form of PTSD after having been wounded in Iraq.
There are a few things I found wrong with this book which makes it impossible for me to give it more than 2-stars. And sadly, it's not because of the writing which is not bad at all. It's simply so darn predictable this novel. From beginning to end it is predictable. The characters, even Riley, are paper thin, and I almost felt like one storyline (with the crazy RV park couple) was too neatly tossed away and sewn up. I mean... it can't be that easy to get out of a contract is it?
Anyway, The Silent Sister may not have been a great read for me, I certainly wouldn't say it's not worth a gander especially if women's literature is your thing. It's usually my thing, but I expected more of a mystery-type thriller with a hint of chick-lit instead of the other way around. Overall, I would definitely read more by this author.
Copy provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley
December 21, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat and some parts were def. predictable but I still enjoyed the journey it took to get there. The ending was rushed and the majority of the secrets and etc spilled out in the last 50 pages which wasn't enough time for me. I would recommend this to anyone who's looking for a good mystery to read.
February 11, 2023
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain.
It’s easy reading, engaging and suspenseful . I enjoy this author I when I’ve read a good few non fiction books on the trot and want sometime easy but with a good story and I have to say Diane Chamberlain novels rarely disappoint for me.
What if everything you believed turned out to be a lie. Riley McPherson returns to her childhood home after her father’s passing. While clearing out the house for sale, she finds a box of memorabilia that will change her life forever and while she wants to move forward she can only do so by unravelling the mysterious past of her family.
Family Secrets make for wonderful stories and I really enjoy novels where family secrets are at the centre of the story. Good characterization and an easy to follow plot which had plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested. There were a couple of instances in the novel that I questioned and was doubtful about how they could have occurred but overall I enjoyed the read and could recommend it to readers who want an easy and engaging read.
I listened to this on on audio and really enjoyed the experience.
I enjoyed The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain.
It’s easy reading, engaging and suspenseful . I enjoy this author I when I’ve read a good few non fiction books on the trot and want sometime easy but with a good story and I have to say Diane Chamberlain novels rarely disappoint for me.
What if everything you believed turned out to be a lie. Riley McPherson returns to her childhood home after her father’s passing. While clearing out the house for sale, she finds a box of memorabilia that will change her life forever and while she wants to move forward she can only do so by unravelling the mysterious past of her family.
Family Secrets make for wonderful stories and I really enjoy novels where family secrets are at the centre of the story. Good characterization and an easy to follow plot which had plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested. There were a couple of instances in the novel that I questioned and was doubtful about how they could have occurred but overall I enjoyed the read and could recommend it to readers who want an easy and engaging read.
I listened to this on on audio and really enjoyed the experience.
January 8, 2021
*Mild spoilers ahead*
Riley goes back home after her father's death to clear out his house. While there, she gets sucked into the secret past of their family. She discovers that her sister Lisa did not commit suicide as her parents told her, but had escaped a murder trial with the help of their father. The story starts off with a lot of suspense and interest but fizzles out in the middle. The end is a disaster, leaving practically every question unresolved.
Lisa's story could have been intriguing, but I found the woman really stupid and annoying. Her story was watered down and everything came too easy for her. After running away, she slept all alone for one night on the beach and one night in a seedy motel, but was whisked away to a fairy tale cottage by a do-gooder immediately afterwards. Her terror should have communicated itself to the reader, but there was none of it, because good samaritans at every step.
Another thing that the author hurried on was the relationship between Celia and Lisa. A couple of meetings and they are in a relationship? The reader never gets the sense of how their relationship develops. Living a lie while building a relationship is incredibly taxing, but there was none of that in the book.
Lisa was also incredibly stupid. The one thing her father had told her was not to touch a violin ever again because her music would be easily recognisable. And the first thing she does is to buy a violin and start playing it. She even joins a band! How stupid can you get? Is this the way you repay a father who risked prison time to help you escape?
I also found the completely uncomplicated love of Lisa towards Riley a tad unbelievable. She was raped and had a child from that incident, and it's all okay because BABY! She was a child herself! How about some conflict of feelings and some tough decisions on how she handled the problems caused by such a situation? And what kind of parents would not try and investigate about the situation when their child is pregnant? I would suspect abuse the first thing, especially since she vehemently denied it was her boyfriend's child. Why didn't these people? I think this part was handled terribly.
The various plots did not tie up well at all. Jeannie and her daughter showed up all creepy and pushy, but it all turned out to be absolutely nothing. Tom and Verniece Kyle were desperate enough to do anything to get the campsite in their name, but in the end, they just faded out of the picture. Danny faded out at the end as well, in spite of him opposing Riley throughout the book.
The end was pretty mediocre. Lisa and Riley meet up and live happily ever after. Really? What about the crime Lisa committed? What about people who could still recognise her? What about exposing a paedophile like Steven Davis, which could even be easily proved? What about ethics? Doesn't anyone have a responsibility to expose Davis, whom the world thinks of as an innocent music teacher brutally murdered by a crazy teenager? Like, anyone at ALL?
Riley goes back home after her father's death to clear out his house. While there, she gets sucked into the secret past of their family. She discovers that her sister Lisa did not commit suicide as her parents told her, but had escaped a murder trial with the help of their father. The story starts off with a lot of suspense and interest but fizzles out in the middle. The end is a disaster, leaving practically every question unresolved.
Lisa's story could have been intriguing, but I found the woman really stupid and annoying. Her story was watered down and everything came too easy for her. After running away, she slept all alone for one night on the beach and one night in a seedy motel, but was whisked away to a fairy tale cottage by a do-gooder immediately afterwards. Her terror should have communicated itself to the reader, but there was none of it, because good samaritans at every step.
Another thing that the author hurried on was the relationship between Celia and Lisa. A couple of meetings and they are in a relationship? The reader never gets the sense of how their relationship develops. Living a lie while building a relationship is incredibly taxing, but there was none of that in the book.
Lisa was also incredibly stupid. The one thing her father had told her was not to touch a violin ever again because her music would be easily recognisable. And the first thing she does is to buy a violin and start playing it. She even joins a band! How stupid can you get? Is this the way you repay a father who risked prison time to help you escape?
I also found the completely uncomplicated love of Lisa towards Riley a tad unbelievable. She was raped and had a child from that incident, and it's all okay because BABY! She was a child herself! How about some conflict of feelings and some tough decisions on how she handled the problems caused by such a situation? And what kind of parents would not try and investigate about the situation when their child is pregnant? I would suspect abuse the first thing, especially since she vehemently denied it was her boyfriend's child. Why didn't these people? I think this part was handled terribly.
The various plots did not tie up well at all. Jeannie and her daughter showed up all creepy and pushy, but it all turned out to be absolutely nothing. Tom and Verniece Kyle were desperate enough to do anything to get the campsite in their name, but in the end, they just faded out of the picture. Danny faded out at the end as well, in spite of him opposing Riley throughout the book.
The end was pretty mediocre. Lisa and Riley meet up and live happily ever after. Really? What about the crime Lisa committed? What about people who could still recognise her? What about exposing a paedophile like Steven Davis, which could even be easily proved? What about ethics? Doesn't anyone have a responsibility to expose Davis, whom the world thinks of as an innocent music teacher brutally murdered by a crazy teenager? Like, anyone at ALL?
February 26, 2015
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I have read all of Diane Chamberlain's books and was anxiously awaiting this one. I was not disappointed. I read it in a very short time which is unusual lately. However, this book kept me interested. I am excited for her next book!
I really enjoyed this book. I have read all of Diane Chamberlain's books and was anxiously awaiting this one. I was not disappointed. I read it in a very short time which is unusual lately. However, this book kept me interested. I am excited for her next book!
September 27, 2015
This is the second book of this author that I finished and once again I am emotionally invested in the deftly plotted, immensely readable, and masterfully executed saga of a family in crisis.
Perhaps the title could have been The Violin named Violet. Mmm...yes, a bit too much, but really, this violin in this tale had this mysterious story to tell: "Hi, my name is Violet, Violet MacPherson, the only member of this family, apart from Lisa who committed suicide at the age of sixteen, who knows what really happened and it is not what you think! Yes,there was ice on the river, and a murder, and then silence.....until now! So hear me out, this is my story, Riley MacPherson. Danny, you need to know as well, whether you like it or not. Come. Let's talk about your dad, your mom and Lisa."
Heartbreaking and shocking. Endearing and passionate. Possible and impossible. It's all elements in the narrative covering the lives of three people surviving a fatal event in their lives. All the characters in the book were simultaneously bad and good. It is called being human. And all of them can be forgiven.
I LOVED this book. Recommended in UPPER CASE to those who enjoy family dramas with a mysterious twist. The plot is a prime example of an irrational common sense that I would gladly subscribe to. And this is where I get off and leave you wondering. Read the official blurb if you want to know more. What a pity that it blows the cover of the drama ;-)
Diane Chamberlaine is definitely becoming one of my favorite authors for those relaxing, entertaining, dramatic community and family sagas.
Perhaps the title could have been The Violin named Violet. Mmm...yes, a bit too much, but really, this violin in this tale had this mysterious story to tell: "Hi, my name is Violet, Violet MacPherson, the only member of this family, apart from Lisa who committed suicide at the age of sixteen, who knows what really happened and it is not what you think! Yes,there was ice on the river, and a murder, and then silence.....until now! So hear me out, this is my story, Riley MacPherson. Danny, you need to know as well, whether you like it or not. Come. Let's talk about your dad, your mom and Lisa."
Heartbreaking and shocking. Endearing and passionate. Possible and impossible. It's all elements in the narrative covering the lives of three people surviving a fatal event in their lives. All the characters in the book were simultaneously bad and good. It is called being human. And all of them can be forgiven.
I LOVED this book. Recommended in UPPER CASE to those who enjoy family dramas with a mysterious twist. The plot is a prime example of an irrational common sense that I would gladly subscribe to. And this is where I get off and leave you wondering. Read the official blurb if you want to know more. What a pity that it blows the cover of the drama ;-)
Diane Chamberlaine is definitely becoming one of my favorite authors for those relaxing, entertaining, dramatic community and family sagas.
December 6, 2020
“No matter how many people care about you, she thought, if you can't be open with them about who you truly are, you're still alone.”
― Diane Chamberlain, The Silent Sister
This book was one that I had not heard of. A friend gave it to me. She thought it would be my kind of book and it was.
This is not a thriller in the conventional sense. It is about a girl Riley who lives in North Carolina. She had a sister who committed suicide at an early age and that facy has always haunted her. Until one day she discovers that sister never did in fact commit suicide. It was a story her family made up for her. This sister, Lisa, is very much alive.
So..the mystery is WHY. Why would Riley's family go to so much trouble to concoct a lie and convince everyone their daughter was dead? And what really happened to her?
I enjoyed this book greatly. The characters were written very realistically and the book was compulsively readable. I really liked Riley and her brother. I read this very quickly.
I also liked the different POVS. That does not always work but it worked here greatly and it made getting to know the characters easier. I appreciated that we get Lisa's POV as well.
SPOILERS:
As much as I liked the book..and I liked it greatly..I did not give it a five because I could not understand why anyone would do this in the first place. I assumed..maybe wrongly..that Lisa would have been found innocent. I did think concocting the plan was a very complicated and risky way to go. And even if one were to go that way, why not at least tell her siblings? I did have a few issues with the plot.
But it is still a great read. All the characters are sympathetic and have their own reasons and rationales for doing what they do. And at the end of the day, this is a very poignant and well written book.
― Diane Chamberlain, The Silent Sister
This book was one that I had not heard of. A friend gave it to me. She thought it would be my kind of book and it was.
This is not a thriller in the conventional sense. It is about a girl Riley who lives in North Carolina. She had a sister who committed suicide at an early age and that facy has always haunted her. Until one day she discovers that sister never did in fact commit suicide. It was a story her family made up for her. This sister, Lisa, is very much alive.
So..the mystery is WHY. Why would Riley's family go to so much trouble to concoct a lie and convince everyone their daughter was dead? And what really happened to her?
I enjoyed this book greatly. The characters were written very realistically and the book was compulsively readable. I really liked Riley and her brother. I read this very quickly.
I also liked the different POVS. That does not always work but it worked here greatly and it made getting to know the characters easier. I appreciated that we get Lisa's POV as well.
SPOILERS:
As much as I liked the book..and I liked it greatly..I did not give it a five because I could not understand why anyone would do this in the first place. I assumed..maybe wrongly..that Lisa would have been found innocent. I did think concocting the plan was a very complicated and risky way to go. And even if one were to go that way, why not at least tell her siblings? I did have a few issues with the plot.
But it is still a great read. All the characters are sympathetic and have their own reasons and rationales for doing what they do. And at the end of the day, this is a very poignant and well written book.
April 17, 2015
I was lucky enough to win an ARC of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I want to thank St. Martin's Press for the gift.
This novel was a real pleasant surprise for me. I usually read thrillers, but I entered the Giveaway contest for this book as the plot looked interesting. It wasn't long before I was pulled into the story and was totally engrossed thereafter. I read the book in 4 days which is really fast for me. I will not re-summarize the plot, only to say that the author does an excellent job in depicting the potentially devastating consequences when family members are not honest with each other.
Ms. Chamberlain is a talented writer, and the prose flowed nicely, especially with the short chapters. I liked the way the POV switched often between Riley and Jade; this was never confusing as the chapters were well-labelled. This technique resulted in excellent character development of the two protagonists. I really felt myself getting involved in their plights and really caring what would happen to them. There was also quite a bit of time shifting, but again the reader was well-informed of the changes. I loved all the twists and turns. The two huge twists in the last third of the book really took me by surprise--kudos to Ms. Chamberlain for fooling me!
The only negative in my opinion was the relatively abrupt ending. I wanted to know much more about the lives of Riley and Jade subsequent to the last chapter than the epilogue provided. This dropped my score from 5.0 to 4.5, but the book is closer to 5.0 than 4.0; thus, a 5 star rating from me.
I had never read any of Ms. Chamberlain's books before this one, but based on how much I enjoyed A Silent Sister, I definitely plan to read more. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who has an interest in women's fiction.
This novel was a real pleasant surprise for me. I usually read thrillers, but I entered the Giveaway contest for this book as the plot looked interesting. It wasn't long before I was pulled into the story and was totally engrossed thereafter. I read the book in 4 days which is really fast for me. I will not re-summarize the plot, only to say that the author does an excellent job in depicting the potentially devastating consequences when family members are not honest with each other.
Ms. Chamberlain is a talented writer, and the prose flowed nicely, especially with the short chapters. I liked the way the POV switched often between Riley and Jade; this was never confusing as the chapters were well-labelled. This technique resulted in excellent character development of the two protagonists. I really felt myself getting involved in their plights and really caring what would happen to them. There was also quite a bit of time shifting, but again the reader was well-informed of the changes. I loved all the twists and turns. The two huge twists in the last third of the book really took me by surprise--kudos to Ms. Chamberlain for fooling me!
The only negative in my opinion was the relatively abrupt ending. I wanted to know much more about the lives of Riley and Jade subsequent to the last chapter than the epilogue provided. This dropped my score from 5.0 to 4.5, but the book is closer to 5.0 than 4.0; thus, a 5 star rating from me.
I had never read any of Ms. Chamberlain's books before this one, but based on how much I enjoyed A Silent Sister, I definitely plan to read more. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who has an interest in women's fiction.
February 13, 2016
What an amazing book. I really enjoyed this book. I will definitely be looking into more books from this author.
September 5, 2021
Wow, this book was an amazing combination of family drama and mystery that kept the twists and turns coming with every chapter. 25-year-old Riley returns home after her father's death to settle his estate and starts finding pieces of his life that just don't fit in. She always knew that she had a much older sister who killed herself when she was a baby, but as neighbors let pieces of information slip, and Riley uncovers clues within the house, she discovers that may not be what happened at all, and in fact, her sister may still be alive.'
I loved the secondary characters in this, particualrly all the neighbors and Riley's brother Danny. A very twisted situation, but an impossible to put down story and I completely loved. Will be checking out more of this author's books.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
I loved the secondary characters in this, particualrly all the neighbors and Riley's brother Danny. A very twisted situation, but an impossible to put down story and I completely loved. Will be checking out more of this author's books.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
January 9, 2015
Every time I finish a Diane Chamberlain book, I'm reminded why she is at the top of my favorite authors list!! Her stories always have characters I love and care about, and the plot twists are amazing. When I'm reading her novels, I cruise through them, turning pages and finishing chapters faster than I normally do because I have to know what happens next to those characters I adore. This makes for a great read you'll love to curl up with!
October 15, 2014
2.5 When Riley returns home to clear out her Father's house after his death, she finds everything she believed about her family was wrong.
A story about secrets and the detrimental effect on a family. This is not one of my favorites of Chamberlain novels. Although at times the story was interesting I felt the plot was uneven. At times over dramatic and the dialogue forced and stilted. Usually this author does a good job writing women's fiction, aptly straddling the line between wringing excess emotion out of the reader and providing an interesting and quality plot. This plot and especially the ending seemed implausible.
That said I will still read her next novel, because one mishap in my book, does not mean I will not giver her another chance. I have loved many of her books in the past.
ARC from Netgalley.
A story about secrets and the detrimental effect on a family. This is not one of my favorites of Chamberlain novels. Although at times the story was interesting I felt the plot was uneven. At times over dramatic and the dialogue forced and stilted. Usually this author does a good job writing women's fiction, aptly straddling the line between wringing excess emotion out of the reader and providing an interesting and quality plot. This plot and especially the ending seemed implausible.
That said I will still read her next novel, because one mishap in my book, does not mean I will not giver her another chance. I have loved many of her books in the past.
ARC from Netgalley.
September 21, 2020
Another addictive book that I couldn't put down. I know some reviewers have said this was predictable and to a certain extent I agree but I think with this author in particular it's not about guessing the big plot twists and final conclusion, it's more about how all the small pieces fit together and the character development.
November 18, 2014
*Spoiler Alert!
This book was touted as a mystery, and while it did have some mystery to it, it wasn't quite up to what it was made out to be. I did enjoy the characters. I did want to get to the end and find out what happened. However, there were some very irritating aspects to this book. It seemed very contradictory, first Riley wants everything out of her father's house and when she is pushed into doing that, she hates every aspect of what the ppl she hired are doing, namely going through years of her father's collections to get ready for sale. She didn't seem like she could make up her mind. And I know she was grieving and that is probably the whole point, but it seemed for her to take forever for her to kick those two obnoxious people out of her house! And I really hated the impression that the author gave of the character Jeannie, because at first she seems totally creepy and I thought for sure that Riley was going to be ripped off, but no, she turns out to be a central character and very important to the story. I couldn't, however, get rid of that first impression of her being somehow not criminal or nefarious, so it was really hard to like her. Even when she turned out okay. Also, the couple from the RV park just kind of dropped off the face of the earth. And I know with the kind of character that man was, that there was NO way he would have ever let that go. But we never find out...
I also had predicted the ending way before she ever FINALLY got there. And I was like, yep, knew it. Probably could have skipped a bunch of chapters and just read the end. Also! Why make the brother so gung ho to hang their sister and so self righteous and then he just is like, ok, i'll drop it. Yeah, I don't buy it. Very unrealistic and way too hunky dory of an ending. There is no way it would work out like that.
This book was touted as a mystery, and while it did have some mystery to it, it wasn't quite up to what it was made out to be. I did enjoy the characters. I did want to get to the end and find out what happened. However, there were some very irritating aspects to this book. It seemed very contradictory, first Riley wants everything out of her father's house and when she is pushed into doing that, she hates every aspect of what the ppl she hired are doing, namely going through years of her father's collections to get ready for sale. She didn't seem like she could make up her mind. And I know she was grieving and that is probably the whole point, but it seemed for her to take forever for her to kick those two obnoxious people out of her house! And I really hated the impression that the author gave of the character Jeannie, because at first she seems totally creepy and I thought for sure that Riley was going to be ripped off, but no, she turns out to be a central character and very important to the story. I couldn't, however, get rid of that first impression of her being somehow not criminal or nefarious, so it was really hard to like her. Even when she turned out okay. Also, the couple from the RV park just kind of dropped off the face of the earth. And I know with the kind of character that man was, that there was NO way he would have ever let that go. But we never find out...
I also had predicted the ending way before she ever FINALLY got there. And I was like, yep, knew it. Probably could have skipped a bunch of chapters and just read the end. Also! Why make the brother so gung ho to hang their sister and so self righteous and then he just is like, ok, i'll drop it. Yeah, I don't buy it. Very unrealistic and way too hunky dory of an ending. There is no way it would work out like that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2014
The Silent Sister is a standalone novel written by author Diane Chamberlain. This novel features two parallel storylines: one that reveals a past family drama and one that shows how the present-day family is dealing with slow discoveries related to it. While reading this type of writing style, I usually have a favorite storyline, and “the past” was my favorite in this one. But with both, I was caught up in the intrigue, the mystery, even some light suspense, and I experienced a great amount of emotion on behalf of the characters. I was so eager to soak up every little detail. Once the storylines intersected, even more was revealed and the novel built up for a perfect climactic ending...the only thing was the ending was far less than climactic. The truths that were revealed were unfortunately very predictable in my opinion, and with so many possible scenarios available for the ending, I couldn't help but be somewhat disappointed with the author's decision. The Silent Sister is by no means a bad book. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel (the audio is excellent!) and I had a hard time putting it down, but a more dramatic ending could have made this a very memorable, 5-star experience for me. Regardless, I am going with 4 stars (although I considered 3) because I really did like it. I just didn't love it...especially the ending!
Here are some of the possible endings that floated through my brain in the final chapters:
My favorite quote:
“No matter how many people care about you, she thought, if you can't be open with them about who you truly are, you're still alone.”
Here are some of the possible endings that floated through my brain in the final chapters:
My favorite quote:
“No matter how many people care about you, she thought, if you can't be open with them about who you truly are, you're still alone.”
January 1, 2019
3.5 stars
Riley MacPherson returns to New Bern, NC to handle her father’s estate and ends up uncovering long buried family secrets. Everything she thought she knew was wrong. Her sister might not have committed suicide, but may still be alive.
This one took a while to grab my attention. It’s initially a slow burn. This is a steady, not a fast paced book. Chamberlain throws out hints on a regular basis. Chapters are alternated between past and present. And yes, I could see things coming from miles away but that didn’t really dampen my appreciation for how it plays out.
The characters develop well over time. What were the parents thinking to deny or hide so much? You really feel for Riley’s brother, Danny.
I can’t say this book fascinated me, but it kept my interest.
June 9, 2015
...has a lot going on for 350 pages, most of which is detail masquerading as substance. Let's explore.
The core of the novel is promising: Riley (our protagonist) is cleaning out the home of her late father and 'discovers evidence' that her sister, who everyone thinks committed suicide, might be alive. She embarks on a journey to discover her family's past.
That tidy little nugget of synopsis is stretched to a degree of agonizing attenuation over the course of the novel. The reader is forced to wade through a swamp of meaningless information - the father collected pipes, the brother likes to hunt, the suspicious girlfriend has a daughter who is recovering from a drug problem. If any of this information ever became in any way relevant to the plot or narrative, it would be redeemable. Instead, the book is nothing more than a drunk and companionless Aunt, who insists upon reporting on the affairs of all of her friends and colleagues - none of whom you will ever meet or care about in the slightest.
Do not be fooled into thinking that these characters contain multitudes - or, indeed, that they contain even a single multitude between the lot of them. False character development litters the novel like a trapdoor in the back of a hall closet: you peer at it, wondering where it might lead, but when you lift the latch, all you see are pipes and dust.
More at http://readspoilers.blogspot.com/2015...
The core of the novel is promising: Riley (our protagonist) is cleaning out the home of her late father and 'discovers evidence' that her sister, who everyone thinks committed suicide, might be alive. She embarks on a journey to discover her family's past.
That tidy little nugget of synopsis is stretched to a degree of agonizing attenuation over the course of the novel. The reader is forced to wade through a swamp of meaningless information - the father collected pipes, the brother likes to hunt, the suspicious girlfriend has a daughter who is recovering from a drug problem. If any of this information ever became in any way relevant to the plot or narrative, it would be redeemable. Instead, the book is nothing more than a drunk and companionless Aunt, who insists upon reporting on the affairs of all of her friends and colleagues - none of whom you will ever meet or care about in the slightest.
Do not be fooled into thinking that these characters contain multitudes - or, indeed, that they contain even a single multitude between the lot of them. False character development litters the novel like a trapdoor in the back of a hall closet: you peer at it, wondering where it might lead, but when you lift the latch, all you see are pipes and dust.
More at http://readspoilers.blogspot.com/2015...
May 18, 2020
"زمان تسکین دهنده نیست. شاید دیگر هر روز اشک از چشمانت سرازیر نشود؛ اما درد همچنان باقیست"( خواهر خاموش-دایان چمبرلین)
June 21, 2016
The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain is a 2014 St. Martin’s Press publication.
I have enjoyed every book I’ve read by Diane Chamberlain, but this is one of those I missed along the way. I recently saw Buzzfeed’s list of the top most suspenseful books and this one was pretty far up on the list. So, I immediately went in search of a copy. (Once more my Overdrive library account proves invaluable!)
Years ago, Lisa, a young musical prodigy with a bright future ahead of her, disappeared and is presumed dead, a victim of suicide. Her body was never found…
When Riley’s father dies suddenly, she becomes the executor of his will because her older brother, Danny, is a war veteran with a host of issues. As she deals with the terms of her father’s will and prepares to go through his personal papers and possessions in order to sell his place, she unearths a torrent of old family secrets, including the shocking truth surrounding her older sister’s alleged suicide. When someone hints at the possibility her sister could still be alive, Riley becomes nearly obsessed with the notion of finding her, but if Lisa is still alive, and Riley manages to locate her, she could be putting her a very precarious position.
This story was very complex and emotional, and except for a few too many strokes of luck and some implausible circumstances, and a couple of occasions where the story lost a little momentum, the book was near perfect. I don’t know if I felt the level of suspense the book is supposed to trigger, but I did find it to be a top notch mystery and a very compelling family drama, that left me contemplating all that happened and believing that, yes, punishment and justice does come in all forms, even though I still felt a little conflicted by how everything played out.
The characters are human, flawed, mysterious, vulnerable and weak in many ways, filled with pain, regret, anger, and sadness, but also full of love and hope. I can’t say I understood Danny’s intense anger, especially after he finally knows the whole truth, and his volatile nature is the only reason I was left with any residual feelings of unease. Riley is perhaps a little too naïve, too easily manipulated, and sheltered which came back to bite her on a few occasions, but I really did like her.
The secondary characters were well drawn, all doing their part to create the desired atmosphere and help weave this sordid tale of lies and secrets.
I was totally immersed in the story, and am glad I took a time out from my review schedule to fit this one in.
4 stars
I have enjoyed every book I’ve read by Diane Chamberlain, but this is one of those I missed along the way. I recently saw Buzzfeed’s list of the top most suspenseful books and this one was pretty far up on the list. So, I immediately went in search of a copy. (Once more my Overdrive library account proves invaluable!)
Years ago, Lisa, a young musical prodigy with a bright future ahead of her, disappeared and is presumed dead, a victim of suicide. Her body was never found…
When Riley’s father dies suddenly, she becomes the executor of his will because her older brother, Danny, is a war veteran with a host of issues. As she deals with the terms of her father’s will and prepares to go through his personal papers and possessions in order to sell his place, she unearths a torrent of old family secrets, including the shocking truth surrounding her older sister’s alleged suicide. When someone hints at the possibility her sister could still be alive, Riley becomes nearly obsessed with the notion of finding her, but if Lisa is still alive, and Riley manages to locate her, she could be putting her a very precarious position.
This story was very complex and emotional, and except for a few too many strokes of luck and some implausible circumstances, and a couple of occasions where the story lost a little momentum, the book was near perfect. I don’t know if I felt the level of suspense the book is supposed to trigger, but I did find it to be a top notch mystery and a very compelling family drama, that left me contemplating all that happened and believing that, yes, punishment and justice does come in all forms, even though I still felt a little conflicted by how everything played out.
The characters are human, flawed, mysterious, vulnerable and weak in many ways, filled with pain, regret, anger, and sadness, but also full of love and hope. I can’t say I understood Danny’s intense anger, especially after he finally knows the whole truth, and his volatile nature is the only reason I was left with any residual feelings of unease. Riley is perhaps a little too naïve, too easily manipulated, and sheltered which came back to bite her on a few occasions, but I really did like her.
The secondary characters were well drawn, all doing their part to create the desired atmosphere and help weave this sordid tale of lies and secrets.
I was totally immersed in the story, and am glad I took a time out from my review schedule to fit this one in.
4 stars
February 7, 2017
Perhaps not my favorite Chamberlain, but another solid and enjoyable read by who I think is one of today's better story tellers. I am always able to connect with most of her characters, as they are "real" people. In this case Riley could be anyone I know....until her father dies and she comes to discover that her life is full of secrets and lies.
Chamberlain tells this story through two voices. The present voice is Riley as she tries to discover if anything she grew up believing is true. The back story comes in the narrative of Lisa/Jade as she slowly fills in the pieces of the puzzle for the reader while Riley is fitting the puzzle together as well. Two narrators and two time frames don't always work, but Chamberlain moves from one to the other with ease and never misses a beat.
A few of the family secrets were easy for me to figure out, but then I had the benefit of hearing Lisa's story before Riley did. I though, along with Riley had trouble figuring out quite who to trust and believe. Chamberlain gives the reader a wonderful story of a young woman who's life is all made up of lies, is nothing that she has been led to believe and we struggle along with her as it all comes tumbling down.
A quick and enjoyable read that keeps Chamberlain at the top of my list for "go to authors".
Chamberlain tells this story through two voices. The present voice is Riley as she tries to discover if anything she grew up believing is true. The back story comes in the narrative of Lisa/Jade as she slowly fills in the pieces of the puzzle for the reader while Riley is fitting the puzzle together as well. Two narrators and two time frames don't always work, but Chamberlain moves from one to the other with ease and never misses a beat.
A few of the family secrets were easy for me to figure out, but then I had the benefit of hearing Lisa's story before Riley did. I though, along with Riley had trouble figuring out quite who to trust and believe. Chamberlain gives the reader a wonderful story of a young woman who's life is all made up of lies, is nothing that she has been led to believe and we struggle along with her as it all comes tumbling down.
A quick and enjoyable read that keeps Chamberlain at the top of my list for "go to authors".
October 15, 2016
When Riley MacPherson returns home to New Bern, North Carolina following her father's death, she discovers information among his belongings that unveils a lifetime of secrets.
I found this to be an interesting story with an underlying message about the cost of withholding secrets from family for their sake. The toll it took on Riley's self perception and her damaged brother, Danny, was immeasurable. I thought it was an apt illustration of good intentions gone awry.
I liked the story though I figured out the mysteries pretty early and easily. While I didn't love the book, it still kept my interest throughout. Also, the narrator delivered a really good performance for quite the cast of characters. I highly recommend the audio format.
I found this to be an interesting story with an underlying message about the cost of withholding secrets from family for their sake. The toll it took on Riley's self perception and her damaged brother, Danny, was immeasurable. I thought it was an apt illustration of good intentions gone awry.
I liked the story though I figured out the mysteries pretty early and easily. While I didn't love the book, it still kept my interest throughout. Also, the narrator delivered a really good performance for quite the cast of characters. I highly recommend the audio format.
June 12, 2017
Tenho gostado de todos os livros que tenho lido desta autora. Pelas reviravoltas que as histórias dão, pela riqueza das suas personagens. E este não foi excepção. Apenas achei o final cor de rosa demais, depois de tudo o que aconteceu, mas tal não me impediu de ter gostado muito deste livro. Recomendo sem duvida
July 10, 2015
After the death of her father, Riley MacPherson returns to her childhood home. While clearing out her father’s possessions she finds out more than she bargained for about her father and also the sister who she barely remembers. Lisa was 17 when newspapers reported her death and Riley 2 so it is hardly surprising Riley doesn’t remember her, especially when there seems to be so much mystery surrounding Lisa’s apparent suicide. But could there be more to the story? There certainly is. Some families are good at covering up the truth and Riley’s family had certainly done that. Riley’s brother Danny is suffering from post traumatic stress that is not all to do with his tours in Iraq. He wants nothing to do with the family home or the past and certainly doesn’t want to talk about Lisa, who he blames for the problems in his family.
This story sucked me in as others of Diane Chamberlain’s have done. Once I started I had to keep reading even though I had a fair idea I had figured out the family secrets. I was happy to be proved right.
I liked the character of Riley but found Danny hard to get a handle on and I wasn’t completely convinced by the way it left the end with Danny. Some of the characters are very unlikable but are necessary to the story while others are lovable and just as necessary to the plot. Others seem to be one thing and then end up being different as you learn more about them. This was an absorbing read, although once again I could have done without the use of the f word.
This story sucked me in as others of Diane Chamberlain’s have done. Once I started I had to keep reading even though I had a fair idea I had figured out the family secrets. I was happy to be proved right.
I liked the character of Riley but found Danny hard to get a handle on and I wasn’t completely convinced by the way it left the end with Danny. Some of the characters are very unlikable but are necessary to the story while others are lovable and just as necessary to the plot. Others seem to be one thing and then end up being different as you learn more about them. This was an absorbing read, although once again I could have done without the use of the f word.
February 11, 2015
Initial reaction: Um, holy crud. This was good. I'm trying to decide on a final rating between 4 and 4.5 stars, but as per usual, Chamberlain really immersed me into the plight of the characters and overarching story. I couldn't put this book down, and I"m really glad I had the chance to read it as a galley.
Full review:
"The Silent Sister" was yet another book of Diane Chamberlain's that engaged me from beginning to end. By that I mean it kept me guessing for events for a good part of the narrative. One thing to keep in mind with this book is that not everything is as it seems, and if Riley's family is any indication, there are many secrets running under the surface - painful ones that refuse to be acknowledged until she starts chipping away at unanswered questions and places in the past. Yet the question becomes just how much can Riley chip away at before everything she knows caves in around her.
The story starts at a common point of grief. 25-year old Riley's father has died, her brother is a ball of unsettled anger towards a family that taught him to deny reality at a young age (and became even more substantial after his tours in the military). Riley is left to pick up the pieces and try to move on with her life as she tries to pack away her childhood home. Yet Riley uncovers findings in her father's home and settling his estate that lead her to questions about the sister she never knew - one who reportedly committed suicide in the midst of being on trial for murder. Yet some revelations suggest that there was more to Lisa's suicide than authorities thought to uncover.
I liked the focus of detail and characterization between the multiple POVs in this novel. Riley writes from first person while Lisa/Jade's accounts are in third. This is a good example as to how dual narration can work really well, since Riley starts at a point of grief and dealing with her father's estate has her in contact with multiple parties - each of whom holds a complex piece of her past - one which she isn't sure she could face the collective truth for. Riley/Jade has her own harrowing experiences to follow, and they work well for creating sympathy for a character whose actions seem problematic, if not cause for concern.
The two women are very different in personality, but intricately tied with one another and with their own respective flaws. I thought the first two thirds of the book were excellent, taking me along for the journey into the relationships and mystery surrounding their separation and how this all came to pass. I liked especially how Chamberlain managed to portray certain facts that were unknown by each of the characters and used that to heighten the tension for when certain revelations were handed down as the story progressed.
The last third of the book seemed a little rushed, but still had an emotional coming to terms for the characters and resolution to each of the promises made by the narrative since the beginning of the work. Like Chamberlain's other works, I enjoyed the focus on the character interactions, being drawn into their situations and emotions, and following the mystery that built with the respective tensions overall. Well worth the time spent.
Overall score: 4/5 stars.
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from St. Martin's Press.
Full review:
"The Silent Sister" was yet another book of Diane Chamberlain's that engaged me from beginning to end. By that I mean it kept me guessing for events for a good part of the narrative. One thing to keep in mind with this book is that not everything is as it seems, and if Riley's family is any indication, there are many secrets running under the surface - painful ones that refuse to be acknowledged until she starts chipping away at unanswered questions and places in the past. Yet the question becomes just how much can Riley chip away at before everything she knows caves in around her.
The story starts at a common point of grief. 25-year old Riley's father has died, her brother is a ball of unsettled anger towards a family that taught him to deny reality at a young age (and became even more substantial after his tours in the military). Riley is left to pick up the pieces and try to move on with her life as she tries to pack away her childhood home. Yet Riley uncovers findings in her father's home and settling his estate that lead her to questions about the sister she never knew - one who reportedly committed suicide in the midst of being on trial for murder. Yet some revelations suggest that there was more to Lisa's suicide than authorities thought to uncover.
I liked the focus of detail and characterization between the multiple POVs in this novel. Riley writes from first person while Lisa/Jade's accounts are in third. This is a good example as to how dual narration can work really well, since Riley starts at a point of grief and dealing with her father's estate has her in contact with multiple parties - each of whom holds a complex piece of her past - one which she isn't sure she could face the collective truth for. Riley/Jade has her own harrowing experiences to follow, and they work well for creating sympathy for a character whose actions seem problematic, if not cause for concern.
The two women are very different in personality, but intricately tied with one another and with their own respective flaws. I thought the first two thirds of the book were excellent, taking me along for the journey into the relationships and mystery surrounding their separation and how this all came to pass. I liked especially how Chamberlain managed to portray certain facts that were unknown by each of the characters and used that to heighten the tension for when certain revelations were handed down as the story progressed.
The last third of the book seemed a little rushed, but still had an emotional coming to terms for the characters and resolution to each of the promises made by the narrative since the beginning of the work. Like Chamberlain's other works, I enjoyed the focus on the character interactions, being drawn into their situations and emotions, and following the mystery that built with the respective tensions overall. Well worth the time spent.
Overall score: 4/5 stars.
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from St. Martin's Press.
November 27, 2014
Three children...and then there were two. All was hush, hush about how that happened, and Riley didn't find out why until after both her parents had passed away.
As Riley was cleaning out her parents' home, talking to different neighbors, and talking to folks her father had left things to in his will, she had her share of surprises and shocking revelations.
THE SILENT SISTER has twists that keep you turning the pages as you learn of secrets that had been kept for years and secrets that only a few folks knew about. How could anyone keep a secret like that? How could anyone live his/her entire life worrying that the secret might accidentally be revealed?
The characters were well developed, but a lot of them were unlikeable. Riley was a likeable character because she had to deal with everything, and she was the character that had to deal with these secrets alone. Danny, her brother, was not likeable at all. He was too unpredictable. Riley's parents were not active characters and to me not likeable, but they, especially her father, carried the storyline and its suspense.
I always enjoy Ms. Chamberlain's books, and this was no exception. THE SILENT SISTER is an intriguing read with a perfect title and a storyline filled with riveting incidents that were divulged.
The secrets, the betrayal, and the ending are superb. Don't miss reading THE SILENT SISTER. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
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