Author: Kellye Garrett
Publisher: Mulholland Books
Released: March 8, 2022
Received: Own (BOTM)
Warnings: Drug abuse/overdose, con artist

Like a Sister is one of several thriller novels I was able to snag over the last couple of months through BOTM – and I am thrilled (pun intended) about that. I don’t think I would have spotted Like a Sister without BOTM’s help, which is why I love my subscription so much.

Desiree Pierce has always been in the limelight. She’s the daughter of a famous man, quickly becoming her personality. This held true even after she left the reality TV scene, though in a different sense.

Her body turned up in a Bronx playground is all it takes to get the media talking about her again. It’s an unfortunate truth of fame. The world doesn’t see how hard her half-sister, Lena Scott, looks for the truth behind Desiree’s death.

Like a Sister felt both familiar and new. Like many thrillers, it starts with a death and an investigation. Unlike many (that I’ve read), the focal point is on the estranged sister’s quest for the truth. It’s a windy and twisted tale – the sort that only family drama can create.

I’ll admit that Like a Sister is not the strongest thriller I’ve read this year. Unfortunately, I think it’ll be forgotten in the long run (I have a terrible memory, so that’s probably not saying much!). Still, I can see the potential in Kellye Garrett’s writing, so I’m going to make a note of the name and see what she does next.

I can see fans either loving this writing style or being completely turned off by it. Like a Sister reads like we’re directly in Lena’s thoughts. Given the stressful situation she’s in; this means a lot of repetition (especially of her favorite cussword – shitnuts). It probably isn’t if that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea.

I did enjoy the bit twist and reveal at the end. It felt oddly natural, given everything we had been through to get to this point. I love it when conclusions make a certain amount of sense while also giving us that necessary emotional satisfaction and impact.

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