The Guilty Sister by Arianne Richmonde
Genre: Psychological thriller, Suspense
Read: 21st October 2021
Audible
Published: 19th October 2021
★★★ 4 stars
DESCRIPTION:
My sister is missing. And the police think I’m to blame.
We haven’t always seen eye to eye, but I do love my sister Cece. She’s confident and free-spirited in a way I never am. And while she’s living her life to the full and posting it all over social media, I’m having early nights in my tiny New York apartment.
I didn’t mean to keep her a secret from my boyfriend, Bradley. But when he found out about her and I caught him scrolling through her pictures online, I knew I had to act before she ruined my life once again.
When the police come knocking at my door, I instantly regret wishing Cece would leave my life for good.
I didn’t want her to vanish forever, did I?
If you enjoy gripping psychological thrillers like The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl and The Wife Between Us, you will love this totally addictive novel from a USA Today bestselling author.
MY REVIEW:
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Arianne Richmonde's psychological thriller THE GUILTY SISTER (previously titled "One Happy Family").
I have to admit, I kept hearing strains of Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind (in New York)" as I was reading this book. It just gave me that vibe.
As I began THE GUILTY SISTER, my first by Arianne Richmonde, I was instantly drawn to Sara who like me her life revolved around her dog, Poppy. I have just recently lost my beloved staffy whom I affectionately nicknamed "Poppy" and even "popsicle" which one of the character, Mrs Scott, refers to little Poppy as. I am also familiar with the whole wheelchair dog thing having had a dog in the past whom I got a wheelchair for. Like Poppy, my girl who I've recently lost saved me too when I rescued her from the shelter, just as Poppy saved Sara and vice versa. Yes, I am a dog mum and proud of it! Just like Sara is. Poppy is her child just as my dogs are my children, though I only have one now. But I could relate to Sara in that sense...however, that was only the beginning.
Sara Keller loves her dog, Poppy, who she considers to be her saviour. She rescued Poppy when she was left for dead and caring for the little dog has given Sara's life purpose and meaning...and she knows she would give her life for Poppy. Having grown up in Africa, Sara now lives in New York and frequents Central Park on her daily walks with Poppy, who scoots along in her wheelchair. It's like a whole other world in Central Park and Sara loves to escape there with Poppy at her side in the fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps.
But little does Sara know that a stranger watches her. Every day he happens upon her daily walk in the hope of catching a glimpse of her, of working up the courage to speak to her. But to her, he remains unseen as she passes him by each time. Until one day...Sara sees Bradley sitting outside one of the Park's cafes and she asks him for a favour. Could he possibly hold onto her dog's leash while she nips in to grab a coffee, as they don't allow dogs in there? Of course, he'd be honoured. And from there, Bradley was determined to keep the conversation going as they walked together through the park and out onto the street. But Sara was hesitant. And despite his invitation for meeting up the next day in the park, she called out "that could work" as she left with Poppy down the street to her apartment.
But Sara didn't meet him. And neither did she call. But Bradley would not be dissuaded. There was something about Sara...
But Sara has a secret. A secret so deep and dark she doesn't want to risk someone as handsome and charismatic as Bradley finding out. And then what would he think of her? And then there was her sister, her twin sister Cece, who always seemed to destroy whatever happiness Sara had...and she couldn't risk that either. She knew that if she went out with Bradley he would naturally want to meet her twin and that couldn't happen.
But despite her reluctance, Bradley's persistence pays off and the two begin dating. His penthouse apartment on Fifth Avenue overlooking Central Park is a sprawling den of luxury. It even boasts a rooftop terrace with a garden, something of an oasis in an otherwise concrete jungle. And then there are the thousand dollar suits, exquisite watches and his success as a Wall Street tycoon...how could something this refined be interested in her, Sara, a graphic artist in a one bedroom apartment? But Sara doesn't realise that she isn't the only one with secrets. Just what is it about Bradley that she can't put her finger on? What is it that he is so intent on hiding?
Then one day Bradley discovers that Sara has an identical twin and he becomes equally obsessed with meeting Cece as he is with pursuing Sara. But Sarah refuses. The two have a tumultuous relationship and rarely speak. Still, Bradley can't resist the pull and seeks out her Instagram page and begs to meet up with her.
And so marks the beginning of the end as Sara and Bradley scramble to keep their secrets and lies from being uncovered.
THE GUILTY SISTER is a fast paced read with short snappy chapters to keep the pace moving. It alternates between Sara and Bradley's narrative with a chapter from an unknown "watcher" thrown in. Despite the unravelling narrative, it is hard to discern who is telling the truth and who is lying. There are a few twists thrown in, some of which I didn't see coming. The main one, I am kicking myself for NOT seeing it. I mean how could I not? It was so obvious. lol But then there are so many red herrings thrown in along the way, the author deftly hoodwinks her readers with expertise. The final twist was a shock. Nope not see that one either. Basically, everyone is hiding something in this book. They're all a bit crazy, in my opinion. Except for Poppy Delight. It made me miss my girl a little bit more and want to hug her again.
THE GUILTY SISTER is a twisted fast paced ride that will keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers with a real twist and a dark side.
I would like to thank #ArianneRichmonde, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGuiltySister in exchange for an honest review.
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