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Sister, Psychopath
When they were children, Megan Copeland adored her younger sister Chloe.
Now she can hardly bear to be in the same room as her.
Megan believes Chloe to be a psychopath. After all, her sister’s a textbook case: cold, cruel and lacking in empathy. Chloe loves to taunt Megan at every opportunity, as well as manipulating their mentally ill mother, Tilly, a woman blind to Chloe’s sociopathic nature.
Chloe currently has her eye on James Matthews, Tilly’s employer. Except it’s not James Chloe wants, but his wealth. Moreover, she has every intention of getting her hands on it, and soon.
James, however, is preoccupied with his own conflicts. Both his marriages have been failures. Now Megan’s former lover, Toby Turner, is causing him to question everything in his life.
When Tilly, under Chloe’s malignant influence, becomes dangerously unstable, the consequences turn ugly for everyone. Megan’s world falls apart, allowing long-buried secrets to rise to the surface. Her sister’s out of control, it seems, and there’s little Megan can do about it. Until she realises Chloe is targeting Toby Turner next, and planning to step well beyond the rules...
A study of sibling rivalry and dysfunctional relationships, Sister Psychopath tells the story of one woman’s struggle to survive the damage inflicted by her sociopathic sister.
Now she can hardly bear to be in the same room as her.
Megan believes Chloe to be a psychopath. After all, her sister’s a textbook case: cold, cruel and lacking in empathy. Chloe loves to taunt Megan at every opportunity, as well as manipulating their mentally ill mother, Tilly, a woman blind to Chloe’s sociopathic nature.
Chloe currently has her eye on James Matthews, Tilly’s employer. Except it’s not James Chloe wants, but his wealth. Moreover, she has every intention of getting her hands on it, and soon.
James, however, is preoccupied with his own conflicts. Both his marriages have been failures. Now Megan’s former lover, Toby Turner, is causing him to question everything in his life.
When Tilly, under Chloe’s malignant influence, becomes dangerously unstable, the consequences turn ugly for everyone. Megan’s world falls apart, allowing long-buried secrets to rise to the surface. Her sister’s out of control, it seems, and there’s little Megan can do about it. Until she realises Chloe is targeting Toby Turner next, and planning to step well beyond the rules...
A study of sibling rivalry and dysfunctional relationships, Sister Psychopath tells the story of one woman’s struggle to survive the damage inflicted by her sociopathic sister.
345 pages, ebook
First published May 21, 2013
295 people are currently reading
781 people want to read
About the author
Maggie James
13 books292 followersMaggie James is a British author who lives near Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She writes psychological suspense novels.
Before turning her hand to writing, Maggie worked mainly as an accountant, with a diversion into practising as a nutritional therapist. Diet and health remain high on her list of interests, along with travel. Accountancy does not, but then it never did. The urge to pack a bag and go off travelling is always lurking in the background! When not writing, going to the gym, practising yoga or travelling, Maggie can be found seeking new four-legged friends to pet; animals are a lifelong love!
Before turning her hand to writing, Maggie worked mainly as an accountant, with a diversion into practising as a nutritional therapist. Diet and health remain high on her list of interests, along with travel. Accountancy does not, but then it never did. The urge to pack a bag and go off travelling is always lurking in the background! When not writing, going to the gym, practising yoga or travelling, Maggie can be found seeking new four-legged friends to pet; animals are a lifelong love!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
February 16, 2016
3.5 stars
Be warned- this book is dripping with major delusion and dysfunction! There are also a lot of plot lines that are completely far-fetched and questionably believable. But with all that said, if you allow yourself to embrace the crazy, you are going to really enjoy this book... It's one messed up, shake your head, feel better about your life experience!!
The story is told through the voices of 5 characters:
1) Megan: blends into the crowd, never causes a fuss, steady-eddy, reliable Megan. Sister to Chloe, daughter to Tilly.
2) Chloe: bombshell beauty, narcissist, manipulative and mean spirited. Uses and then discards. Sister to Megan, daughter to Tilly.
3) Tilly: Mother of Megan and Chloe, just turned 50 and hanging tenuously to her life with the help of meds to ward off Schizophrenia and bi-polar depression.
4) Toby: Good friend and past one night stand of Megan, past boyfriend of Chloe. Big time player going through a bit of an identity crisis.
5) James: Tilly's boss. 50, handsome, rich and married. Fighting an identity crisis of his own that he's been fighting most all of his life.
What happens between these 5 is nothing short of a Lifetime movie on steroids. Obsession, jealousy, betrayal, lies, manipulation and sexual promiscuity. You have to read it to believe it!
While I did have some issues with the writing style (The aforementioned unrealistic elements and there were some chapters that were repetitive) I was also extremely impressed with how the author was able to weave the lives of these 5 people so intricately. She also has a wonderful way of introducing a twist or big reveal....she just hits you upside the head with it! I'm looking forward to reading more from this author as its wildly apparent she knows how to weave a twisted tale.
My thanks to Booklover Catlady Publicity for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Be warned- this book is dripping with major delusion and dysfunction! There are also a lot of plot lines that are completely far-fetched and questionably believable. But with all that said, if you allow yourself to embrace the crazy, you are going to really enjoy this book... It's one messed up, shake your head, feel better about your life experience!!
The story is told through the voices of 5 characters:
1) Megan: blends into the crowd, never causes a fuss, steady-eddy, reliable Megan. Sister to Chloe, daughter to Tilly.
2) Chloe: bombshell beauty, narcissist, manipulative and mean spirited. Uses and then discards. Sister to Megan, daughter to Tilly.
3) Tilly: Mother of Megan and Chloe, just turned 50 and hanging tenuously to her life with the help of meds to ward off Schizophrenia and bi-polar depression.
4) Toby: Good friend and past one night stand of Megan, past boyfriend of Chloe. Big time player going through a bit of an identity crisis.
5) James: Tilly's boss. 50, handsome, rich and married. Fighting an identity crisis of his own that he's been fighting most all of his life.
What happens between these 5 is nothing short of a Lifetime movie on steroids. Obsession, jealousy, betrayal, lies, manipulation and sexual promiscuity. You have to read it to believe it!
While I did have some issues with the writing style (The aforementioned unrealistic elements and there were some chapters that were repetitive) I was also extremely impressed with how the author was able to weave the lives of these 5 people so intricately. She also has a wonderful way of introducing a twist or big reveal....she just hits you upside the head with it! I'm looking forward to reading more from this author as its wildly apparent she knows how to weave a twisted tale.
My thanks to Booklover Catlady Publicity for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2015
I would like to thank Ms. Maggie James and Maxine of Booklover Catlady Publicity for gifting me an ARC of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review.
Wow, what a ride! For being only the author’s second novel, this book is very well done. In a tiny nutshell it is about the intricate interactions amongst a couple of sisters Chloe and Megan, their mom Tilly, and a couple of guys named James (my favorite) and Toby. Be warned that this tale contains a boatload of dark drama, nasty deception, and downright mean-spiritedness. And the psychological pathology we see is a psychiatrist’s dream!
Ms. James’ writing impresses me in several ways. The character development, especially of the two sisters and James, is superb. The author rotates the POV of four characters by chapters, which provides good knowledge of who is thinking what and why about each situation. Furthermore, Ms. James sets up the storyline in such a way that all the main characters are intricately interwoven, leading to a multitude of plot possibilities. You just know something really dreadful is going to happen, but what? And by whom? And who will the victim(s) be? Anybody’s guess! I read this book with a clever book buddy, and we had all sorts of theories regarding the answers to these questions. And we were wrong, dead wrong. Just the way we like it.
I also appreciate the way Ms. James nonchalantly lays out clues here and there. It was a good thing I was taking notes so I could keep track of any passages that seemed to holding clues. They are there if you are a good enough detective to follow them. Another terrific technique in the author’s bag of tricks is her penchant for tossing bombshells right in the middle of a chapter with no warning whatsoever. Talk about sneak attacks. These delighted me.
The only criticism I have is that there is a lot of repetition going on as each character’s “side of the story” is explored. Also some might object to the length of time it took for the setup, but frankly, I enjoyed reading about every one of these characters. And boy, was the investment in the setup worth it in the end.
A couple of nonspoiler observations about the end. I thought the story was wrapping up at around the 70% mark, but there was still 30% to go, and go it did. At 90% I wondered how Ms. James was going to fill in the last 10% and that turned out to be the best part of the book. For you fans of nonabrupt endings, this one’s for you. Ms. James tied up every little loose end in a jaw-dropping slow leisurely wrapup.
Kudos, Ms. James! Despite this being only your second book, you are already a pro and have stepped up onto my favorite authors’ perch along with a few select others. I plan to read your other 3 novels and have one of them and your novella on my Kindle ready to go. I highly recommend Sister, Psychopath to all readers who love dark psychological thrillers and character-driven novels.
Oh, and one last warning—keep an eye out for those psychopaths out there.
Wow, what a ride! For being only the author’s second novel, this book is very well done. In a tiny nutshell it is about the intricate interactions amongst a couple of sisters Chloe and Megan, their mom Tilly, and a couple of guys named James (my favorite) and Toby. Be warned that this tale contains a boatload of dark drama, nasty deception, and downright mean-spiritedness. And the psychological pathology we see is a psychiatrist’s dream!
Ms. James’ writing impresses me in several ways. The character development, especially of the two sisters and James, is superb. The author rotates the POV of four characters by chapters, which provides good knowledge of who is thinking what and why about each situation. Furthermore, Ms. James sets up the storyline in such a way that all the main characters are intricately interwoven, leading to a multitude of plot possibilities. You just know something really dreadful is going to happen, but what? And by whom? And who will the victim(s) be? Anybody’s guess! I read this book with a clever book buddy, and we had all sorts of theories regarding the answers to these questions. And we were wrong, dead wrong. Just the way we like it.
I also appreciate the way Ms. James nonchalantly lays out clues here and there. It was a good thing I was taking notes so I could keep track of any passages that seemed to holding clues. They are there if you are a good enough detective to follow them. Another terrific technique in the author’s bag of tricks is her penchant for tossing bombshells right in the middle of a chapter with no warning whatsoever. Talk about sneak attacks. These delighted me.
The only criticism I have is that there is a lot of repetition going on as each character’s “side of the story” is explored. Also some might object to the length of time it took for the setup, but frankly, I enjoyed reading about every one of these characters. And boy, was the investment in the setup worth it in the end.
A couple of nonspoiler observations about the end. I thought the story was wrapping up at around the 70% mark, but there was still 30% to go, and go it did. At 90% I wondered how Ms. James was going to fill in the last 10% and that turned out to be the best part of the book. For you fans of nonabrupt endings, this one’s for you. Ms. James tied up every little loose end in a jaw-dropping slow leisurely wrapup.
Kudos, Ms. James! Despite this being only your second book, you are already a pro and have stepped up onto my favorite authors’ perch along with a few select others. I plan to read your other 3 novels and have one of them and your novella on my Kindle ready to go. I highly recommend Sister, Psychopath to all readers who love dark psychological thrillers and character-driven novels.
Oh, and one last warning—keep an eye out for those psychopaths out there.
September 25, 2015
I was looking forward to getting to read this book for several reasons.
1. I like the author
2. I have read one of her other books and enjoyed it.
3. She lives near me and its based around places and my hometown which I am familiar with.
4. It has a great blurb which took my attention.
I wasn't wrong on any of these counts.
For you who follow my reviews will know that I do write honest and as tactfully as I can when something just wasn't 'there' just something that was missing for me personally.
The "only" thing was that it was so slow in the beginning.
Once it captured my attention I was a 'green' for 'go' and just stayed with this book last night until I finished it.
Megan and Chloe were half sisters. When they were small Megan adored Chloe however, that changed, that changed drastically as they grew up.
Chloe made some really horrible remarks to Megan which I would have slapped her for. I thought Megan was very calm in some aspects towards her sister.
There is a man involved in this tale. Its a good weave.
James Matthews is a wealthy businessman. Megan and Chloe's mother works for him and has an infatuation for James. Whilst Chloe also is wanted to reel him into her wicked web.........gold digger!
Their Mother has a psychiatric illness which makes her act, shall we say...not sensible at times.
James is married.
James likes Tucker.
Megan is close to Tucker.
Chloe wants James.
Their mother wants James.
There are wicked sociopathic inroads in this story that lead us to how dangerous Chloe is. There are family dysfunctional epics, there are sister rivalry, there are conflicting love interests, there are questionable sexuality issues and acceptance.
But there is Chloe and she is one mad chick, she is one deranged female that has a lot going on.
When you get to about 1/2 way through this story you will not be able to stop thinking about it, you will need to sit with this until you see the conclusion.
Its a superbly well thought out plot that yes, it did start off slow for me, but that was OK in the end because it reached its climax. And the climax was breathtakingly good.
My thanks to the author and the authors publicist for allowing me the honor to read and review this book.
August 6, 2015
First there's Tilly, the mom, just a hair's breadth from being schizophrenic. Her two daughters Chloe and Megan. Although the oldest, Megan has always been manipulated and demeaned by her younger sister .... the mom's favorite child. Chloe will do anything to get what she wants, when she wants, and no one had better get in her way. She is the classic vindictive witch.
Mom and Chloe both have their eyes on James, Mom's boss, although for different reasons. Unfortunately for them, after two failed marriages, he is having a mid-life crisis and questioning his entire life. Toby, Megan's long time friend, much to her sorrow, is also is watching James.
When Chloe becomes dangerously unstable because of James' lack of interest in her, everyone around her starts feeling the consequences.
There is never a dull moment in this book. Secrets and lies are exposed one right after the other... each one seemingly worse than the last. The characters are finely drawn. The tension starts on page 1 and is relentless until the very last page. And what an ending it is!
It's a very engaging story, but not what I would consider a mystery/thriller in the traditional sense. This is Megan's story .... how to survive all the damage inflicted by Chloe, her sociopathic sister.
Many thanks to the author and her publicist for making this available to read in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Mom and Chloe both have their eyes on James, Mom's boss, although for different reasons. Unfortunately for them, after two failed marriages, he is having a mid-life crisis and questioning his entire life. Toby, Megan's long time friend, much to her sorrow, is also is watching James.
When Chloe becomes dangerously unstable because of James' lack of interest in her, everyone around her starts feeling the consequences.
There is never a dull moment in this book. Secrets and lies are exposed one right after the other... each one seemingly worse than the last. The characters are finely drawn. The tension starts on page 1 and is relentless until the very last page. And what an ending it is!
It's a very engaging story, but not what I would consider a mystery/thriller in the traditional sense. This is Megan's story .... how to survive all the damage inflicted by Chloe, her sociopathic sister.
Many thanks to the author and her publicist for making this available to read in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
October 5, 2017
Megan is someone I couldn’t help but feel sorry for. She is very much cast in a shadow from her sister Chloe’s presence. Even though you know their mother loves them both, Tilly seems to favour Chloe, whether this is because she’s the youngest or as she is very controlling, to start with it’s hard to tell.
Chloe I took an instant dislike to. She is very selfish and she will stop at nothing to get what she wants. She isn’t interested in peoples feelings and doesn’t mind stepping on anyone who gets in her way. There is definitely no wonder why Megan is wary of her as well as dislikes her.
It’s hard to say to much about this story with out going into the relationships between the characters of which I think would spoil it somewhat for people who haven’t yet had the chance to read it. It is one that definitely the less you know about it before hand, the better!
Sister, Psychopath is a tense read that will mess with your head. Gripped from the off, this was a page turner that I couldn’t put down. A must read for fans of psychological thrillers.
Chloe I took an instant dislike to. She is very selfish and she will stop at nothing to get what she wants. She isn’t interested in peoples feelings and doesn’t mind stepping on anyone who gets in her way. There is definitely no wonder why Megan is wary of her as well as dislikes her.
It’s hard to say to much about this story with out going into the relationships between the characters of which I think would spoil it somewhat for people who haven’t yet had the chance to read it. It is one that definitely the less you know about it before hand, the better!
Sister, Psychopath is a tense read that will mess with your head. Gripped from the off, this was a page turner that I couldn’t put down. A must read for fans of psychological thrillers.
November 10, 2015
Rating 4 Stars
I have to say, I really enjoyed this book!
I came across Maggie James and Sister Psychopath some six months ago while browsing Goodreads. The blurb pulled me in immediately so I went in search of a copy. At the time an Ebook wasn't available in Amazon nor was the hard copy available in the States. I was so disappointed! Then recently, my goodreads friend Maxine had this book on offer to read an review for her publicity company. I was so excited. Overall, this one did not disappoint.
Sister Psychopath is the story of 5 people who lives are irrevocably enmeshed. The five include sisters Chloe and Meghan, their mother Tilly, and two men Toby (friend of Meghan, ex-boyfriend of Chloe), and James (Tilly's Boss).
Each chapter is told through the eyes of one of these 5 characters. Some may find the writing somewhat repetitive, as two characters may discuss the same series of events, but I loved this style of writing. I love when an author allows you to see the same event through the eyes of more than one character.
The drama that unfolds between the five is afternoon Soap Opera material!! Days of our Lives comes to mind immediately (a Soap Opera in the U.S.)
I found myself picking this book up at every opportunity. It isn't filled with cliff hangers at the end of each chapter or a lot of heart stopping moments but nonetheless, I couldn't get enough of the drama unfolding before my eyes!
James has a way of sneaking in a shocking event when you least expect it. Giving you that "Wham!!" feeling, forcing me to reread the revealing sentence a few times to make sure I was getting it right.
As you can see I enjoyed this book a lot. I would definitely recommend this to readers of thriller and suspense novels (Or anyone who likes a good soap opera or a primetime Lifetime Movie)
Much Thanks to Booklover Catlady Publicity and Maggie James for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
I have to say, I really enjoyed this book!
I came across Maggie James and Sister Psychopath some six months ago while browsing Goodreads. The blurb pulled me in immediately so I went in search of a copy. At the time an Ebook wasn't available in Amazon nor was the hard copy available in the States. I was so disappointed! Then recently, my goodreads friend Maxine had this book on offer to read an review for her publicity company. I was so excited. Overall, this one did not disappoint.
Sister Psychopath is the story of 5 people who lives are irrevocably enmeshed. The five include sisters Chloe and Meghan, their mother Tilly, and two men Toby (friend of Meghan, ex-boyfriend of Chloe), and James (Tilly's Boss).
Each chapter is told through the eyes of one of these 5 characters. Some may find the writing somewhat repetitive, as two characters may discuss the same series of events, but I loved this style of writing. I love when an author allows you to see the same event through the eyes of more than one character.
The drama that unfolds between the five is afternoon Soap Opera material!! Days of our Lives comes to mind immediately (a Soap Opera in the U.S.)
I found myself picking this book up at every opportunity. It isn't filled with cliff hangers at the end of each chapter or a lot of heart stopping moments but nonetheless, I couldn't get enough of the drama unfolding before my eyes!
James has a way of sneaking in a shocking event when you least expect it. Giving you that "Wham!!" feeling, forcing me to reread the revealing sentence a few times to make sure I was getting it right.
As you can see I enjoyed this book a lot. I would definitely recommend this to readers of thriller and suspense novels (Or anyone who likes a good soap opera or a primetime Lifetime Movie)
Much Thanks to Booklover Catlady Publicity and Maggie James for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
March 23, 2016
When they were children Megan Copeland adored her younger sister Chloe now she cannot stand her even being in the same room is hard.
Megan believes Chloe is a psychopath she has all the traits she is cruel & always taunts Megan their Mother Tilly believes Chloe is the be all & end all & treats Chloe as her favourite. Tilly is a schizophrenic when Tilly becomes under Chloe's Evil ways becomes dangerously unstable .
The consequences turn for everyone Megan's world turns upside down allowing secrets to rise to the surface.
I must say i wasn't that impressed with this book i found the characters so full of themselves & totally out of control too dysfunctional.
Megan believes Chloe is a psychopath she has all the traits she is cruel & always taunts Megan their Mother Tilly believes Chloe is the be all & end all & treats Chloe as her favourite. Tilly is a schizophrenic when Tilly becomes under Chloe's Evil ways becomes dangerously unstable .
The consequences turn for everyone Megan's world turns upside down allowing secrets to rise to the surface.
I must say i wasn't that impressed with this book i found the characters so full of themselves & totally out of control too dysfunctional.
October 3, 2017
Sometimes you read a book and it doesn’t quite hit the mark but then you read it again for whatever reason and love it. That was the case with Sister Psychopath although Maggie has re-edited it so maybe that is why. Whatever the reason I am very glad I have had the opportunity to re-read this book.
The story is a case of sibling rivalry with a very big twist. Megan is a very loveable and compassionate character who develops well through the course of the book. She has had a rough journey through life. Her mother is mentally unstable and Megan ignores the abuse she receives from her sister as she visits regularly to make sure her mother is okay. Chloe is the complete opposite of Megan. Her character also develops gradually into a nasty manipulative piece of work.
There are a lot of different aspects to this book, infatuation, romance, jealousy. It covers many issues associated with Mental Health.
If I had been asked several years ago how realistic I thought Chloe was I would have said that no one person could be that bad. Unfortunately I now know that evil people really do exist and the Chloe's of this world plough their way through peoples lives leaving havoc and devastation in their wake not unlike a hurricane.
The book moves along at a steady pace I was pretty sure I knew the outcome but at some point while I was reading something changed and the book turned into a roller coaster ride full of twists and turns with a complete shocker at the end. It was a riveting, thought provoking read and well worth the 5 stars.
The story is a case of sibling rivalry with a very big twist. Megan is a very loveable and compassionate character who develops well through the course of the book. She has had a rough journey through life. Her mother is mentally unstable and Megan ignores the abuse she receives from her sister as she visits regularly to make sure her mother is okay. Chloe is the complete opposite of Megan. Her character also develops gradually into a nasty manipulative piece of work.
There are a lot of different aspects to this book, infatuation, romance, jealousy. It covers many issues associated with Mental Health.
If I had been asked several years ago how realistic I thought Chloe was I would have said that no one person could be that bad. Unfortunately I now know that evil people really do exist and the Chloe's of this world plough their way through peoples lives leaving havoc and devastation in their wake not unlike a hurricane.
The book moves along at a steady pace I was pretty sure I knew the outcome but at some point while I was reading something changed and the book turned into a roller coaster ride full of twists and turns with a complete shocker at the end. It was a riveting, thought provoking read and well worth the 5 stars.
dnf
June 18, 2020Audio...2.5 Stars
Story...dnf @ 76%
Story...dnf @ 76%
February 22, 2016
Wow! Talk about a psychological thriller! There is a great deal to keep up with in this book with all the twists and turns, but vivid characters and the wonderful way the story is woven together makes it easy. Every time I thought I knew what was going on or about to happen, I was wrong! This was a delightful read and I thoroughly recommend it!
October 2, 2022
Thought it was a bit slow to start of with but the story got better a mother and daughter who are psychopath her other daughter having to live with it.didn't expect the ending enjoyed this book worth reading good story.
September 20, 2015
I was given this book by Maxine at Booklover Catlady Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
I had to say I was torn in terms of my rating of this book. I was stuck between a 3⭐️ and a 4⭐️ review rating and had to “sleep on it” before posting my review. So I came to a happy medium with my 3.5 ⭐️ rating as I enjoyed the book, thought it was a good read….but it just fell short of a four star read in my opinion.
Although the book is filled with various characters there are 5 main characters that stand out: Megan, Chloe, Tilly, Toby and James. Each of these characters were well developed and certainly play a pivotal role in the plot of this story.
What I liked about this book was the perspectives each chapter took in telling the story. It was not just the one character, but instead…the views of those named above represented a bit of the story and it was introduced so that it ran very smoothly rather than chopping and changing so you lose the plot all together. I also thought the characters were brilliantly formulated. You learn a lot about the key players without boring you to death.
What I was not so keen on was the predictability. I pretty much knew what was going to happen when “twists” appeared. There was nothing too shocking and that disappointed me somewhat as the title and synopsis of this book was great — maybe I was just expecting too much.
Regardless, this is a good book and a good read so I would encourage readers to take the chance and check it out. After all, this review is only my opinion!
I will, however, be checking out what other books Maggie James has written as despite not being hooked to the point I could not put this book down…I still had to keep reading and that says something!!
I had to say I was torn in terms of my rating of this book. I was stuck between a 3⭐️ and a 4⭐️ review rating and had to “sleep on it” before posting my review. So I came to a happy medium with my 3.5 ⭐️ rating as I enjoyed the book, thought it was a good read….but it just fell short of a four star read in my opinion.
Although the book is filled with various characters there are 5 main characters that stand out: Megan, Chloe, Tilly, Toby and James. Each of these characters were well developed and certainly play a pivotal role in the plot of this story.
What I liked about this book was the perspectives each chapter took in telling the story. It was not just the one character, but instead…the views of those named above represented a bit of the story and it was introduced so that it ran very smoothly rather than chopping and changing so you lose the plot all together. I also thought the characters were brilliantly formulated. You learn a lot about the key players without boring you to death.
What I was not so keen on was the predictability. I pretty much knew what was going to happen when “twists” appeared. There was nothing too shocking and that disappointed me somewhat as the title and synopsis of this book was great — maybe I was just expecting too much.
Regardless, this is a good book and a good read so I would encourage readers to take the chance and check it out. After all, this review is only my opinion!
I will, however, be checking out what other books Maggie James has written as despite not being hooked to the point I could not put this book down…I still had to keep reading and that says something!!
August 12, 2024
4 stars audio
4 nice twist that I figured out before the end stars story.
I am all about revenge but for some reason this revenge was not sweet for me.
4 nice twist that I figured out before the end stars story.
I am all about revenge but for some reason this revenge was not sweet for me.
August 22, 2015
Chloe is a self-absorbed, vain young woman who sets her sights on things and people she can’t have. Her family all have problems that Chloe can exploit and manipulate to try and get what she wants.
I enjoyed the story and the great mix of characters and the plot kept me guessing throughout. The author does a fantastic job of creating personalities that a reader can really be interested in and wonder how they got to where they are. In this case Chloe and her narcissism are dark and twisted and I’m glad I don’t know anyone like her in real life – at least I hope I don’t!
Great psychological suspense from Maggie James. A recommended read.
I enjoyed the story and the great mix of characters and the plot kept me guessing throughout. The author does a fantastic job of creating personalities that a reader can really be interested in and wonder how they got to where they are. In this case Chloe and her narcissism are dark and twisted and I’m glad I don’t know anyone like her in real life – at least I hope I don’t!
Great psychological suspense from Maggie James. A recommended read.
Read
September 15, 2015I was so excited to read this book after reading Ms. James 2 others books but I just couldn't finish this one.
Chloe annoyed right from the beginning. She's self centered, sex crazed adult but acts like a teenager. All she wanted to do was bed a man do that she could use there money to buy things. She refused to get a job. But her mother is part of the problem by always drinking.
I really wanted to like this book but between the immature character of Chloe and all the book talked about was sex or had sexual innuendos. It was just not my cup of tea.
I received this book for an honest review.
Chloe annoyed right from the beginning. She's self centered, sex crazed adult but acts like a teenager. All she wanted to do was bed a man do that she could use there money to buy things. She refused to get a job. But her mother is part of the problem by always drinking.
I really wanted to like this book but between the immature character of Chloe and all the book talked about was sex or had sexual innuendos. It was just not my cup of tea.
I received this book for an honest review.
September 13, 2015
First off, I have to get this out quickly. Chloe is one crazy ass bitch. She is vindictive, overbearing, degrading to her older sister Megan (who is a little touched in the head too) and just one of those girls that you would love to grab by the neck and shake the daylights out of her. But what do you expect when their mother Tilly is two short of a six pack?
Chloe becomes interested in her mothers boss James and when he shows no interest in her, all hell breaks loose and everyone around her pays dearly.
I have never read about such a crazy family in my life. Sure all family’s have secrets, have their moments, but nothing compared to these women.
What a good read!
Chloe becomes interested in her mothers boss James and when he shows no interest in her, all hell breaks loose and everyone around her pays dearly.
I have never read about such a crazy family in my life. Sure all family’s have secrets, have their moments, but nothing compared to these women.
What a good read!
October 3, 2017
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I have been a big fan of Maggie’s books for some time now and they are always well written good psychological thriller and this one, Sister, Psychopath is no exception – I do love a good sociopath in my books!
For those that have read a previous version of the book, this one has been re-edited so it might be worth getting your hands on this new version as Maggie has made quite a lot of changes (for the better!). For me, this book was a gritty and intense read and the characters work so well together in this book, plenty of twists and turns and an unexpected ending too – 4 stars from me!!
I have been a big fan of Maggie’s books for some time now and they are always well written good psychological thriller and this one, Sister, Psychopath is no exception – I do love a good sociopath in my books!
For those that have read a previous version of the book, this one has been re-edited so it might be worth getting your hands on this new version as Maggie has made quite a lot of changes (for the better!). For me, this book was a gritty and intense read and the characters work so well together in this book, plenty of twists and turns and an unexpected ending too – 4 stars from me!!
October 3, 2017
3.5 stars - After reading ‘The Second Captive’ earlier this year, also by James, I jumped at the chance to read this novel, it’s been republished by Bloodhound Books, who have fast become a reliable publisher for good crime fiction novels.
If there were ever a book synonymous with its title, it’s this one! Yes, there is sister and she is, by my judgement, definitely a psychopath! Sister, Psychopath is a whirlwind of a read, you can fly through it in one sitting, as I did. Events move at a fast pace, the chapters are short and have that ‘one more chapter’ feeling, as you wonder what psychotic thing will happen next.
If you’ve ever hated being an only child, read this book, it’ll make you thankful to be an only child. The relationship between Megan and her sister, Chloe, is ghastly – Chloe just oozes malice. The entire read you’re wondering when Chloe will take things too far, one too many sour remarks, how long before she pushes someone over the edge!? Because it’s not just Megan and their mother, Tily, who fall prey to Chloe, it’s everyone she comes into contact with.
Now, I don’t want to sell a book solely on its plot twist, but here, it is totally necessary, because it was so good! I had several scenarios in my head and I was almost anticipating writing my review, stating I knew something like this was coming. But no, my predictions were nowhere near what happened.
Interestingly, I didn’t feel drawn to any of the characters in this book but because events moved at such a fast pace, it didn’t much matter. I’m not a monster, I did feel for Megan for having a sister like Chloe and was saddened by Chloe’s manipulation of their mother, Tily. However, there was no one character I felt a deep connection with.
My only niggle with this book was the detail that was lost through the rapid pace of the novel; at certain times, I would have liked to have paused, zoned in a bit on Chloe’s thoughts. I believe there were some real moments to throw in some psychological thrills that would chill the reader. A few missed moments that could have pulled the reader into the darkness, maybe.
However, this rapid pace did build up a picture of the characters, seeing so many ‘situations’ allowed the reader to get to know the nature of the characters. And the ending was so good, it went a long way towards making up for my above minor complaint.
If you enjoy fast-paced novels centred on siblings and don’t mind not delving deep into the psyche of the characters, then give Sister, Psychopath a read.
*My thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book*
If there were ever a book synonymous with its title, it’s this one! Yes, there is sister and she is, by my judgement, definitely a psychopath! Sister, Psychopath is a whirlwind of a read, you can fly through it in one sitting, as I did. Events move at a fast pace, the chapters are short and have that ‘one more chapter’ feeling, as you wonder what psychotic thing will happen next.
If you’ve ever hated being an only child, read this book, it’ll make you thankful to be an only child. The relationship between Megan and her sister, Chloe, is ghastly – Chloe just oozes malice. The entire read you’re wondering when Chloe will take things too far, one too many sour remarks, how long before she pushes someone over the edge!? Because it’s not just Megan and their mother, Tily, who fall prey to Chloe, it’s everyone she comes into contact with.
Now, I don’t want to sell a book solely on its plot twist, but here, it is totally necessary, because it was so good! I had several scenarios in my head and I was almost anticipating writing my review, stating I knew something like this was coming. But no, my predictions were nowhere near what happened.
Interestingly, I didn’t feel drawn to any of the characters in this book but because events moved at such a fast pace, it didn’t much matter. I’m not a monster, I did feel for Megan for having a sister like Chloe and was saddened by Chloe’s manipulation of their mother, Tily. However, there was no one character I felt a deep connection with.
My only niggle with this book was the detail that was lost through the rapid pace of the novel; at certain times, I would have liked to have paused, zoned in a bit on Chloe’s thoughts. I believe there were some real moments to throw in some psychological thrills that would chill the reader. A few missed moments that could have pulled the reader into the darkness, maybe.
However, this rapid pace did build up a picture of the characters, seeing so many ‘situations’ allowed the reader to get to know the nature of the characters. And the ending was so good, it went a long way towards making up for my above minor complaint.
If you enjoy fast-paced novels centred on siblings and don’t mind not delving deep into the psyche of the characters, then give Sister, Psychopath a read.
*My thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book*
August 17, 2015
It is always bad to start a book with too high expectations. I had just finished "The Second Captive" by Maggie James and was enthusiastic (I warmly recommend it!), so I thought it'd be a good idea to read another of her books.
No doubt this book is very well written and composed and I probably would have loved it if I'd read it at another time (after some average books). It just doesn't reach the level of the above mentioned.
Who's the sociopath in this story? There're more than one. All the characters have mental health issus in one way or the other.
Chloe, the supposed sociopath, is as self-centered and cruel as can be, their mother is bi-polar and schizophrenic, James is unable to express emotions, his wife has depression and agoraphobia, Toby is highly promiscuitive, and Megan is highly manipulative. Megan has suffered a lot and is now seeking revenge.
The relations between them, described from changing POVs, are complicated and interesting, but I couldn't really relate to any of the characters. I couldn't feel them or care for them. I felt like observing them from a distance.
I want to thank the author and her publicist Maxine for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
No doubt this book is very well written and composed and I probably would have loved it if I'd read it at another time (after some average books). It just doesn't reach the level of the above mentioned.
Who's the sociopath in this story? There're more than one. All the characters have mental health issus in one way or the other.
Chloe, the supposed sociopath, is as self-centered and cruel as can be, their mother is bi-polar and schizophrenic, James is unable to express emotions, his wife has depression and agoraphobia, Toby is highly promiscuitive, and Megan is highly manipulative. Megan has suffered a lot and is now seeking revenge.
The relations between them, described from changing POVs, are complicated and interesting, but I couldn't really relate to any of the characters. I couldn't feel them or care for them. I felt like observing them from a distance.
I want to thank the author and her publicist Maxine for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 10, 2017
I was given a copy of this book to review by booklover catlady
WOW, what a read, what a bunch, am so pleased I was not born into this family!
A great read from start to finish, loved the style of writing...
A bit insensuous at times, or it seemed, with who was sleeping with whom!
Again wow!
The premise of the story was good, and it did have a bit of nature versus nurture.
Great read, and would read more by Maggie James
an extremely easy read, but complex with the relationship between the family members Megan, Chloe and there mum. I don't want to give anything away, but we meet up with Megan on an unfortunately unhappy anniversary, and life spirals out of control between the relationships of friends and relatives.
With a whole bunch of thoughts creeping in and a who done it feel,
A frantically brilliant read, which I thoroughly enjoyed from the safety of being a reader
WOW, what a read, what a bunch, am so pleased I was not born into this family!
A great read from start to finish, loved the style of writing...
A bit insensuous at times, or it seemed, with who was sleeping with whom!
Again wow!
The premise of the story was good, and it did have a bit of nature versus nurture.
Great read, and would read more by Maggie James
an extremely easy read, but complex with the relationship between the family members Megan, Chloe and there mum. I don't want to give anything away, but we meet up with Megan on an unfortunately unhappy anniversary, and life spirals out of control between the relationships of friends and relatives.
With a whole bunch of thoughts creeping in and a who done it feel,
A frantically brilliant read, which I thoroughly enjoyed from the safety of being a reader
August 15, 2015
WOW!!! These ladies are just plain CRAZY. Sister Psychopath is a very fitting title for this book. The sisters Copeland are an odd duo. Tilly, their mother has some mental issues. Luckily for her, she lives with the tamer of the two sisters, Maggie. Chloe seems to be the crazier of the two sisters and has inherited her mother's mental illness. She is mean, to everyone, including her own mother.
Chloe is out to destroy just about everyone. No one is off limits. This includes people that both her mother and sister5 are interested in or even family friends. Maggie realizes that Chloe is getting out of control and needs to put a stop to Chloe's destructive behavior.
There are many surprises, twists, and turns that keep you guessing in this book. Many mind games are played.
Very well written and great characters.
Chloe is out to destroy just about everyone. No one is off limits. This includes people that both her mother and sister5 are interested in or even family friends. Maggie realizes that Chloe is getting out of control and needs to put a stop to Chloe's destructive behavior.
There are many surprises, twists, and turns that keep you guessing in this book. Many mind games are played.
Very well written and great characters.
October 4, 2017
This is the story of a disfunctional family, a mother with a history of mental illness. One daughter, Megan who believes her sister responsible for the death of her child, the other daughter, Chloe, is self obsessed, vindictive and indeed capable of anything that will get her what she wants.
Unfortunately what or who Chloe wants always belong to someone else and things take a dangerous turn for all concerned.
The plot explains the complicated web of relationships between the characters but I felt it was rather laboured and the twist at the end was no surprise.
All in all not a bad read but not one of my favourites.
Unfortunately what or who Chloe wants always belong to someone else and things take a dangerous turn for all concerned.
The plot explains the complicated web of relationships between the characters but I felt it was rather laboured and the twist at the end was no surprise.
All in all not a bad read but not one of my favourites.
June 12, 2017
Slow...
I'm glad this was not the first book from this author that I read; I'm not sure I would have read more! (And her others are definitely fantastic!) This one was just very slow, not nearly as gripping as her others. The ending was great, but overall the book was fairly boring. It just didn't connect together....and entirely too many gay situations, too many love triangles- shoot, octagon!
I'm glad this was not the first book from this author that I read; I'm not sure I would have read more! (And her others are definitely fantastic!) This one was just very slow, not nearly as gripping as her others. The ending was great, but overall the book was fairly boring. It just didn't connect together....and entirely too many gay situations, too many love triangles- shoot, octagon!
August 7, 2018
I couldn’t finish this book. I’ve read two other books from this author and found them dragged out and hard to stay into. But my biggest peeve is the CONSTANT use of the term “what with” through out every one of the books I have read so far. Perhaps the author needs a thesaurus to find some new terms as the repetitive term drives me bonkers and I couldn’t even force myself to keep reading. Over 40 times this stupid phrase was used. I’m done with this author.
August 13, 2015
To be completely honest if I wasn't reading this for a review I doubt I would have finished. Billed as story of a dysfunctional family and psychological thriller I think it could have been so much better.
It's an ok read but I have read better in the genre. A grudging 2 stars.
It's an ok read but I have read better in the genre. A grudging 2 stars.
September 15, 2024
Ridiculous.
November 18, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
This book was way better than I anticipated with a surprising twist. The plot is far fetched so you have to put that aside while reading
This book was way better than I anticipated with a surprising twist. The plot is far fetched so you have to put that aside while reading
July 31, 2013
Imagine what the siblings in 'Whatever Happened To Baby Jane' might have been like in their younger days - joined by family ties but hating each other vehemently in a vicious sibling rivalry. Maggie James' second novel, 'Sister, Psychopath' is a tale of two sisters: Megan and Chloe, half-sisters and as alike as chalk and cheese, or should that be id and ego?
The story is set in the author's home city of Bristol and Bristolians will spot the many references to localities (I was amused to find Browns restaurant renamed as Greens). However, the writer is less concerned with the urban setting of her novel than with the characters that inhabit its lonely suburbs. This is a dialogue-based, character-driven story, a mix of first person (for the sisters) and third person (for other characters) narratives in which the six central characters interact.
The book has an interesting structure, after the opening chapter has introduced five of the main characters as they meet socially in a bar. Each subsequent chapter has two of these characters meeting up, so that the story progresses through a series of rendezvous and couplings. It soon becomes apparent that in every encounter one person is invariably trying to use the other for their own purposes. Everyone, it seems, is scheming and has an ulterior motive for their actions as they plot to fulfil their desires.
The object of their desires is mature, fit and handsome James, trapped in a sham marriage to his wheelchair-bound wife Charlotte. James is a ticking time-bomb of sexual frustration and pent-up emotions just waiting to explode. He is target of a three-pronged attack: from predatory, gold-digging, teenager Chloe; from Chloe's self-deluded, mentally disturbed mother Tilly (mad as a box of frogs), fixated on her fantasies of domestic bliss with him; and the philandering Toby, ex-partner of Megan and Chloe, ready to take a walk on the wild side after exhausting his supply of available women.
Charlotte is clearly the stumbling block here, the obstacle preventing each one of them getting to the object of their desires. Devoted, loyal James is never going to leave Charlotte, so the reader expects someone somehow to remove her from the scene. What happens is quite extraordinary, a leap into madness, and just when you think you know what to expect, the author confounds your expectations.
Reading this book is a bit like people-watching. These are not necessarily people you would want to spend much time with, but we become fascinated by their foibles and failings, and want to follow where their machinations may take them. The author's characters are constantly driven by their appetites, whether for food or sex. They are the self-obsessed inhabitants of Middle Britain, self-analysing and navel-gazing, and absorbed in their own anxieties and feelings.
Again, as in her first novel 'His Kidnapper's Shoes', there is a dark side to human nature that the author likes to explore: her characters all have something to hide, a guilty secret that will come out in time. James and Charlotte hide their knowledge of the reason why she ended up crippled from a car crash; Megan keeps a teenage secret only her mother and younger sister Chloe know about; and Tilly unwisely confides in Chloe what she knows about James' distant past.
It is seeking the revelation of these dark secrets that keeps the reader interested, and drives the narrative forward. With each revelation we are taken into a new realm of possibilities, and there are several dramatic surprises as the story twists and turns on its way to a conclusion worthy of Roald Dahl's 'Tales of the Unexpected'. It appears that nothing and nobody are quite what they seem to be, and our assumptions are challenged by an ending that turns everything on its head. Written in clear, sharp prose that does not spare the reader's blushes, 'Sister, Psychopath' is a page-turner that will keep you interested through to the final paragraph.
February 15, 2015
4.5 stars
Psychopath : a person with a psychopathic personality, which manifests as amoral and antisocial behavior, lack of ability to love or establish meaningful personal relationships, extreme egocentricity, failure to learn from experience, etc. " Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary "
Lies, deceit, secrets, and ulterior motives - this novel is chock full of them. Just when you think you've figured it out, something new and unexpected comes to light. Talk about twists and turns. This is a well-written and developed story that's character-driven (all dialogue), with each chapter written and alternating from the POV of one of the six individuals at the heart of the story: Tilly, Meagan, Chloe, James, Toby, and Charlotte. This is not a story about true love. It's about hatred, jealousy, and cruelty of the worst kind. The author does not hold back when it comes to each character, what they say, what they feel, and what they think, all of which made each character come across so honest and real. (I hope this makes sense.) In my opinion, this is what makes this novel stand out from so many others. This is a definite must-read. It does start off a little slow, but quickly picks up. I was so caught up in the story I didn't stop until I got to the very end.
This is the first novel I've read by this author, and it won't be my last.
FYI: Though each chapter is from the POV of one of the characters, the chapters are not clearly marked to indicate which one. It takes reading the first couple of sentences (or first paragraph) to figure it out (half-star lost for this). Regardless, don't let this hinder your decision whether to read it or not.
Psychopath : a person with a psychopathic personality, which manifests as amoral and antisocial behavior, lack of ability to love or establish meaningful personal relationships, extreme egocentricity, failure to learn from experience, etc. " Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary "
Lies, deceit, secrets, and ulterior motives - this novel is chock full of them. Just when you think you've figured it out, something new and unexpected comes to light. Talk about twists and turns. This is a well-written and developed story that's character-driven (all dialogue), with each chapter written and alternating from the POV of one of the six individuals at the heart of the story: Tilly, Meagan, Chloe, James, Toby, and Charlotte. This is not a story about true love. It's about hatred, jealousy, and cruelty of the worst kind. The author does not hold back when it comes to each character, what they say, what they feel, and what they think, all of which made each character come across so honest and real. (I hope this makes sense.) In my opinion, this is what makes this novel stand out from so many others. This is a definite must-read. It does start off a little slow, but quickly picks up. I was so caught up in the story I didn't stop until I got to the very end.
This is the first novel I've read by this author, and it won't be my last.
FYI: Though each chapter is from the POV of one of the characters, the chapters are not clearly marked to indicate which one. It takes reading the first couple of sentences (or first paragraph) to figure it out (half-star lost for this). Regardless, don't let this hinder your decision whether to read it or not.
June 1, 2019
My rating 5 out of 5 stars
Sometimes you read a book and it doesn’t quite hit the mark but then you read it again for whatever reason and love it. That was the case with Sister Psychopath although Maggie has re-edited it so maybe that is why. Whatever the reason I am very glad I have had the opportunity to re-read this book.
The story is a case of sibling rivalry with a very big twist. Megan is a very loveable and compassionate character who develops well through the course of the book. She has had a rough journey through life. Her mother is mentally unstable and Megan ignores the abuse she receives from her sister as she visits regularly to make sure her mother is okay. Chloe is the complete opposite of Megan. Her character also develops gradually into a nasty manipulative piece of work.
There are a lot of different aspects to this book, infatuation, romance, jealousy. It covers many issues associated with Mental Health.
If I had been asked several years ago how realistic I thought Chloe was I would have said that no one person could be that bad. Unfortunately I now know that evil people really do exist and the Chloe's of this world plough their way through peoples lives leaving havoc and devastation in their wake not unlike a hurricane.
The book moves along at a steady pace I was pretty sure I knew the outcome but at some point while I was reading something changed and the book turned into a roller coaster ride full of twists and turns with a complete shocker at the end. It was a riveting, thought provoking read and well worth the 5 stars.
Sometimes you read a book and it doesn’t quite hit the mark but then you read it again for whatever reason and love it. That was the case with Sister Psychopath although Maggie has re-edited it so maybe that is why. Whatever the reason I am very glad I have had the opportunity to re-read this book.
The story is a case of sibling rivalry with a very big twist. Megan is a very loveable and compassionate character who develops well through the course of the book. She has had a rough journey through life. Her mother is mentally unstable and Megan ignores the abuse she receives from her sister as she visits regularly to make sure her mother is okay. Chloe is the complete opposite of Megan. Her character also develops gradually into a nasty manipulative piece of work.
There are a lot of different aspects to this book, infatuation, romance, jealousy. It covers many issues associated with Mental Health.
If I had been asked several years ago how realistic I thought Chloe was I would have said that no one person could be that bad. Unfortunately I now know that evil people really do exist and the Chloe's of this world plough their way through peoples lives leaving havoc and devastation in their wake not unlike a hurricane.
The book moves along at a steady pace I was pretty sure I knew the outcome but at some point while I was reading something changed and the book turned into a roller coaster ride full of twists and turns with a complete shocker at the end. It was a riveting, thought provoking read and well worth the 5 stars.
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