Sister Dear

I loved Laura McNeill’s first book, Center of Gravity. There was a bit of controversy about this book among the members of a FB group I belong to. The buzz surrounding the book intrigued me, so I picked it up. It was great. Now, with her second book, Sister Dear, McNeill has established herself as one of my must-read authors. Sister Dear is all the things I love in a book — real-life characters with messy motives and emotions, a tension-filled plot that made me stay up way too late, and themes that kept me thinking long after the cover was closed. My book club is reading this book later this summer. I can’t wait to hear what they have to say.

Allie Marshall has fulfilled 10 years of a 16 year sentence for voluntary manslaughter. show more Days within the prison were about surviving. When she gets a chance at a new start, she is excited, scared and determined to get past the injustice of her sentence. But life on the outside is complicated, especially when she must find out what really happened on the night that changed the course of her life.

Sister Dear is part psychological thriller, part family drama. The novel is told from the perspectives of the four main characters — Allie, Allie’s sister Emma, Allie’s daughter Caroline and Sheriff Lee Gaines — to great effect. Their unique perspectives, hidden motivations and deep passions give a whole picture. The story unfolds slowly through their recollections and present day actions. Things are definitely not what they seem on the surface. Jealousy and bitterness are front and center in Sister Dear. Old resentments are closely tended as they grow to overwhelming strength. Truth is also hard to find, but, as always, eventually emerges. Sister Dear doesn’t end with a neat, tied-up-in-a-bow, happy ending. The life portrayed is messy, messy, but the ending is certainly satisfying, at least for this reader. There is hope for the future and the healing power of forgiveness.

A powerful story, real-life characters, and excellent writing combine to make Sister Dear a highly recommended read. You need to put this one on your summer reading list!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Thomas Nelson and LitFuse for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

I am really behind today because I just could not put down this completely engrossing domestic suspense drama. Told from multiple points of views and switching between present and past, all the characters were intricately fleshed out and were totally believable, and the amazing thing was, the author managed to make me have feelings for all of them, even the 'nasty' ones, because they were all portrayed in such a complex way that you could understand what was driving them and why they acted the way they did.

10 years ago, Allie was convicted of killing the local high school football coach. Released on parole, she returns to her hometown where the locals are less than welcoming, the sheriff is suspicious of her and even her parents don't show more know how to act around her. But Allie can cope with all that. All she is hoping for is to reestablish a relationship with her teenage daughter, Caroline. But Caroline wants nothing to do with her. She is having a hard time being the daughter of a convicted felon and becomes increasingly isolated at school. Caroline has been brought up by Allie's sister, Emma. I don't think I'm giving much away when I divulge that Emma has issues. Serious issues.
In order to get her daughter back, Allie has to find a way to prove that, 10 years ago, she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Sister Dear isn't so much a whodunit, but an exciting uncovering of the why and how. There was so much skillfully crafted into this storyline: drugs and football, jealousy and betrayal, small-town politics, love and loss, and forgiveness.
The writing was so adept, you really felt you were there. I actually felt compelled to look up Brunswick and Saint Simons Island and have added them to my bucket list of places-to-visit-one-day ;)
Realistic, gritty, absolutely riveting.
If you haven't guessed by now: I loved it.
Laura McNeill was an author I hadn't heard of before, but on finishing Sister Dear, I immediately downloaded Center of Gravity, her debut novel from last year.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a copy of Sister Dear via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. show less

Such an incredible book! I was rooting for Allie the whole time but there are so many twists and turns in the storyline. I loved the bouncing back and forth between present day and the past until we find out what really happened to the Coach. Laura McNeill is an awesome writer and I can't wait to read more books by her!

I started this book a couple months ago and had to put it aside right away due to other reading deadlines. But I'd read enough of it where the nagging "what happens next" kept me in suspense until I could pick up the book again.

You may think you've got this mystery/suspense novel figured out, but you will likely be wrong. About 3/4 of my way through SISTER DEAR, I told my husband I knew the underlying secret of the plot. I finished the book last night and had to admit. I. Was. Wrong.

The author weaves you in to caring what really happened to Allie, who was wrongly accused of murder ten years ago.

Yes, the author shows her hand in what likely happened, but the "why" and the twists are what keeps you reading (and keeps you surprised to the show more end.)

A great read! show less

3.5 stars

Sister Dear by Laura McNeill is an intriguing whodunit that has plenty of unexpected twists and turns.

Granted an early release after serving ten years for voluntary manslaughter of high school football coach Boyd Thomas, Allie Marshall is looking forward to two things: clearing her name and most important, getting to know her now fifteen year old daughter, Caroline. Neither task is easily accomplished nor is settling back into life in her small hometown but Allie bides her time while waiting for things to settle down. Hoping her younger sister, Emma, who has been caring for Caroline, will help smooth the way for the much anticipated reunion, Allie is confused by her sister’s sudden withdrawal and overall lack of support. When show more she begins looking into Boyd’s murder, she runs into interference from Sheriff Lee Gaines who warns her to leave the past alone. Convinced Sheriff Gaines is somehow involved in Thomas’s murder, Allie keeps searching for answers, but are some secrets better left buried?

Despite the unplanned pregnancy that slightly derailed her plans, when Allie is arrested for Thomas’s murder, she finally has her life in order. She has just been accepted to medical school, she is engaged to be married and five year old Caroline is thriving. However, Allie is greatly troubled by some of the changes in some of the high school football players’ behavior and her recent letter in the newspaper angered many of town’s residents. With the football team standing a good chance of winning the championship, no one wants to hear anything negative about the coach who turned the team around. Lacking irrefutable proof about her suspicions, Allie is accelerating her plans to leave town when she stumbles onto Boyd immediately after he is attacked and despite her assertions of innocence, she is quickly arrested, tried and convicted of his murder. Her time in prison does not break her and now older, wiser and more patient, Allie is more than ready to reclaim her life and her daughter but she has no intention of giving up on her plans to find the information that will exonerate her.

Emma is the only person who stood by Allie once she began serving her sentence. She willingly became her niece’s guardian and she is extremely protective of Caroline. While Emma initially appears concerned and supportive of Allie, it quickly becomes apparent that she will go to any lengths to maintain the life she has made for herself in Allie’s absence. She is quite manipulative, calculating and vindictive as she plots and schemes to hold onto Caroline’s affections. Emma’s motives for undermining Caroline and Allie’s relationship quickly become suspect as she reminisces about the months leading up to Boyd’s death.

Sheriff Gaines is nearing retirement and he has no intention of letting anything mar his spotless career. He is less than enthusiastic about Allie’s return and he makes no effort to hide his animosity towards her. Allie has never given up her theory that he was somehow involved in Boyd’s death and when Gaines pays her visit after her release, she grows more certain he is hiding something. Determined to uncover the truth, Allie ignores his threats and keeps digging for the truth but she is unprepared for the shocking secrets she is about to unearth.

Written from multiple points of view, Sister Dear by Laura McNeill is an interesting mystery that, while impossible to put down, falls a bit flat due to the rather obvious suspect, unsympathetic characters and a somewhat implausible plot. Despite these issues, the storyline is engaging and while the killer’s identity is very easy to predict, the motive for the crime remains unclear until the novel’s dramatic conclusion. show less

A special thank you to Thomas Nelson--FICTION and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Talented storyteller, Laura McNeill returns following her sensational debut, Center of Gravity, landing on my Top 50 Books of 2015 “Best Southern Domestic Psycho-Suspense" with a strong followup, SISTER DEAR, an edge of your seat (nail-biter), tension-filled, psychological suspense thriller Top Books of 2016.

From jealousy, greed, betrayal, family, revenge, murder, and highly charged topics of steroid use in high school sports-football; mixed with brilliant writing and clever plotting; A mind-blowing whodunit mystery!

As the book opens Allie Marshall is finally getting out of prison. She has been an inmate at Arrendale State Prison show more for a crime she did not commit. Someone murdered the high school football coach. Who set her up? She thinks it may have been the Sheriff; however, she needs proof.

She has lost her life, her promising medical career, her reputation, and her daughter. The judge had sentenced Allie to sixteen years. She had been granted an early release—ten years behind bars.

"An imprint made by incident, mistake and tragedy. Evidence and lack of it." Appeals failed. She was innocent. The wrong place at the wrong time. And the killer still out there.

Caroline, her daughter was only five- years- old, when Allie was convicted. Caroline is now a teen, living with her Aunt Emma, Allie's sister. She does not even know her. The joyous reunion she had imagined for years, did not happen.

Allie is returning to Brunswick, Georgia a small historic southeastern town on the coast, in South Georgia, near northeast Florida. Her father has sold his veterinary practice, from the stress of the trial (Allie worked there as a vet tech).

She had it all before prison, a college education, and an acceptance to medical school—she was leaving the following week. She was almost there- living her dream. From college honor societies and her charity work, to her job—destroyed by one night long ago. She was the good girl, the responsible studious daughter.

Her sister, Emma was the one always in trouble. One night before leaving for school, she wanted to celebrate with her sister Emma. A quiet girls night in with movies, dinner and some wine. Emma led a secretive life. Dangerous secrets. She had everyone fooled. One trip to the pharmacy, had led Allie to go after her. The one night which changed Allie’s life. The wrong place, the wrong time—trying to rescue her sister.

Emma was the only one who came to see Allie when she was in prison. Was she really a supporter? She has been raising her daughter Caroline. She was the one constant in her life.

Allie, also lost Ben, the guy who wanted to marry her; however, with his political career, he even wanted to sacrifice—she could not allow this and broke it off. Her best friend Morgan was long gone. At first Lily, her mother, and Paul, her dad came to visit at the prison. Then their visits stopped as well as Caroline. Her prison sentence changed everyone and everything.

She had survived. Her mission is to get her daughter back, find a job, and try and find the real killer. She wants justice. She was free. She will go to the new veterinarian owners and get a job, doing anything. Hopefully, the new owners will give her a chance to start over.

Carolina was not speaking to her. Old friends ignored her, and her own parents were keeping a safe distance.

The author skillfully unravels the events leading up to the tragic murder, the past, and the present. Flashing back and forth from 2006-2016; through the years, we hear from perspectives: Allie, Emma, Caroline, and Sheriff Gaines. The secrets of a town.

Emma is overly protective of Caroline. She wants to adopt Caroline. She needs Allie gone.

Before prison, Allie was dating Ben. Living in a small town ruled by football, Allie discovered Coach Thomas was abusing the football players—one being Ben’s brother. There were many. Outrages, tempers, personality changes. Everyone turned a blind eye. The coach wanted to win and the use of drugs and steroids was suspected. He wanted to make a name for himself—wins, college football scholarships, and NFL recruits. He would use whatever tactics he could. Allie submitted an editorial about it ten years earlier. No one else was concerned or believed her.

When the coach was murdered and Allie was the first on the scene, she was quickly convicted, without a lot of evidence. Allie does not trust Sheriff Gaines. She needs proof. Coach Thomas’ family was in the pharmaceutical business. However, it is hard attaining proof, when she was being watched--her every move. Everyone was judging Allie, waiting for her to screw up so they could send her back to prison. A daughter and a town which wants nothing to do with her. Wrongly accused, and now having served her time--she is an outcast.

Caroline, a teen is losing all her friends at school since her mom has returned. She felt like her life was a Stephen King movie. Everywhere she went, tension built. It was the anticipation, the beats leading up to the moment when tragedy struck the main character. Things start happening to remind everyone of the murder. Everything attached to her is being attacked. From her boyfriend to her best friend—now gone from her life.

Interestingly, Sheriff Gaines' wife June, is in a nursing home where Caroline works part-time. Her mind is not right, after an accident, but she recalls things from the past. Mysteriously, she thinks Caroline is Emma.

There is also a boy Russell, working at the nursing home—his parents now own the local vet, and Allie’s new boss. He befriends Caroline. Natalie gives Allie a job. Between Natalie, Allie, Caroline, and Russell---will they figure out the pieces of the mystery before it is too late. What really happened that night? What kind of monster is Emma? What about Sheriff Gaines--how is he connected?

WOW, Emma is one sick character. On the exterior Allie thinks she is the best sister, supportive and caring. However, she is her worst enemy. She is out to steal her daughter and ruin her life. She is manipulative, obsessive, and conniving to the tune of: A Fatal Attraction, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, and the Boy Next Door. .

The suspense is chilling, mind-blowing—keeping you guessing as what went down. Until after the 50% -80% readers do not know what went down and how it all happened until the very end. Readers get bits and pieces, keeping you glued to the pages.

Loved, Loved!!! "Un-put-down able" a read in one sitting. Twists and turns you do not see coming. Emma is pure evil—two faces. Ideal for the big screen---Predict, a New York Times Bestseller. Laura McNeill has written two back to back winners---quickly becoming one of my favorite psychological suspense authors.

On a personal note: Enjoyed familiar places, having lived in Buckhead and weekends in Dahlonega (North Georgia, Lake Lanier) as well as Southern coastal Brunswick and Jekyll Island. If you have ever lived in Atlanta, you know their obsession with football.

The twists with Sheriff Gaines and June were brilliant—and wow, loved Natalie and Russell’s character. Heart-pounding intensity. Everything about this crime thriller was top-notch. You will root for Allie from page one to the end. From the excellent character development, the pacing, and the explosive ending.

A fantastic Southern mystery! Dealing with highly charged topics of steroids, drugs, and abuse in the sports industry. Readers will be truly invested in the story, its characters, and the vivid settings. For fans of Mary Kubica --McNeill's lyrical writing shines -Tops on my list!

SISTER DEAR has all the ingredients I look for in an engaging psychological thriller – Highly Recommend! show less

Two Sisters, one jealous sister, and a trail of unbelievable acts.

Could you really be that jealous of someone and have such a desire for revenge t​hat you would go to any lengths ​t​o ruin that person's life?

​We meet Allie as she is released from prison after​ ​ten years for a crime she didn't commit, Emma, Allie's sister who raised Allie's daughter, and Caroline, Allie's 15-year-old daughter.

Allie was released from prison and returned to her home town in hopes of reconciling with her daughter, but all wasn't easy especially in the small town of Brunswick where the residents didn't forget what happened ten years ago and wouldn't change what they believed.

Allie knew she hadn't killed a man, but the jury and the town still show more accused her and shunned her.

Being a felon in her small, home town wasn't working out too well for Allie. Emma subtly and cruelly made things difficult for her sister and niece and would stop at nothing to keep Caroline as her own. Caroline was embarrassed to have anyone know her mother was out of prison and back in Brunswick.

All of the characters had a lot of baggage to deal with along with the jealousy factor that definitely did a lot of personal damage.

The characters in SISTER DEAR were for the most par​t ​not trustworthy.

Emma was a sister that I am glad was not mine.

The sheriff was not likable at all and definitely a ​sheriff who had some secrets.

I liked Allie and Caroline, though, because they seemed genuine.

SISTER DEAR is unmistakably a tension-building page turner that keeps your interest from the opening sentence.

Be sure you have a lot of time when you begin SISTER DEAR because you won’t be able to stop reading.

The last 20 pages became even more suspenseful...I was nervous. :) 5/5

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher and Litfuse Publicity in return for an honest review. show less