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Blood Sisters
From the author of MY HUSBAND'S WIFE
Three girls set off to school one bright May morning.
Only two make it there alive.
Fifteen years later, Kitty is living in a young adult care home. She can't speak, and she can't remember anything of her childhood. But when she gets pregnant, brief flashes start to come back. She's certain there's a reason she's in here. And that the young girl she keeps remembering has got something to do with it.
Her half-sister, Alison, has taken a job as artist in residence of a high-security prison in an attempt to atone for her past. But when a new student joins her class, she realises she's walked right into a trap.
Someone out there wants revenge for what really happened on that sunny morning in May.
And only another life will do.
364 pages, ebook
First published June 29, 2017
About the author
Jane Corry
13 books1,508 followersJane Corry is a writer and journalist who has spent time working as the writer in residence of a high security prison for men - an experience that helped inspire her Sunday Times bestsellers 'My Husband's Wife' and 'Blood Sisters'. Jane runs regular writing workshops and speaks at literary festivals all over the world. Many of her ideas strike during morning dog-jogs along the beach followed by a dip in the sea - no matter how cold it is!
Jane's brand-new thriller 'The Dead Ex' is out now!
You can find Jane on Twitter at @JaneCorryAuthor and on Facebook at JaneCorryAuthor as well as Instagram.
Jane's brand-new thriller 'The Dead Ex' is out now!
You can find Jane on Twitter at @JaneCorryAuthor and on Facebook at JaneCorryAuthor as well as Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,415 reviews
April 14, 2017
"Blood Sisters" written by the talented and respected author Jane Corry is an engaging psychological and chilling thriller that keeps you guessing and flipping the pages till the very end!
The story does start a little slow in the very beginning, but that can be forgiven as it soon picks up the pace with simmering intrigue that certainly builds in tension towards the end, with a twist that I could not have predicted.
Three girls, one good, one bad, one dead. Alison and Kitty are bound by a secret. Kitty lives in a care home, Alison has a normal life. But someone is watching Kitty and Alison, someone who wants revenge.....when only another life will do! This is a very unique and original storyline and a huge change from the normal psychological thrillers around these days.
I've developed a lot more respect and understanding for mentally/physically disabled people through reading this book - a subject that I'm sadly very naive about - there is so much frustration in the patient that needs to be vented when they're unable to communicate correctly. I still didn't quite like Kitty despite her disadvantages - I guess some personalities show through regardless of circumstances. The authors detailed research into disabilities etc and into the developments now available to aid people's communication is to be commended, and it's obvious the author has included a lot of her own experience working in a prison in her writing.
Not having a sister or any siblings myself I can never relate or understand the bond that exists between you but I really did feel the emotions conveyed in the book between the half sisters.
Well written with excellent dialogue, diverse characters and an intriguing plot mixed with a hint of humour, all adds to a superbly crafted novel that I highly recommend. Jane Corry author of "My Husbands Wife" has a huge following and without a doubt I expect this book to be huge in 2017 when it's released.
The story does start a little slow in the very beginning, but that can be forgiven as it soon picks up the pace with simmering intrigue that certainly builds in tension towards the end, with a twist that I could not have predicted.
Three girls, one good, one bad, one dead. Alison and Kitty are bound by a secret. Kitty lives in a care home, Alison has a normal life. But someone is watching Kitty and Alison, someone who wants revenge.....when only another life will do! This is a very unique and original storyline and a huge change from the normal psychological thrillers around these days.
I've developed a lot more respect and understanding for mentally/physically disabled people through reading this book - a subject that I'm sadly very naive about - there is so much frustration in the patient that needs to be vented when they're unable to communicate correctly. I still didn't quite like Kitty despite her disadvantages - I guess some personalities show through regardless of circumstances. The authors detailed research into disabilities etc and into the developments now available to aid people's communication is to be commended, and it's obvious the author has included a lot of her own experience working in a prison in her writing.
Not having a sister or any siblings myself I can never relate or understand the bond that exists between you but I really did feel the emotions conveyed in the book between the half sisters.
Well written with excellent dialogue, diverse characters and an intriguing plot mixed with a hint of humour, all adds to a superbly crafted novel that I highly recommend. Jane Corry author of "My Husbands Wife" has a huge following and without a doubt I expect this book to be huge in 2017 when it's released.
May 10, 2018
This was a very well done and unique psychological thriller...
An accident over 10 years ago one sister has carried the guilt for it, the other sister has suffered the physical consequences of it.... really don't want to say too much about this, but I thought the author did a really good job of portraying all the characters, and I think a lot of research took place to really get the character of Kitty right..... and even though Kitty had a brain injury and was really confine to quite a frustrating life, you definitely never felt any sympathy for her, she was quite unlikable.... Allison on the other hand you definitely had empathy for, I was glad with the outcome of this book, so many twists and turns, I never would have seen coming.... definitely will read more books from this author...
An accident over 10 years ago one sister has carried the guilt for it, the other sister has suffered the physical consequences of it.... really don't want to say too much about this, but I thought the author did a really good job of portraying all the characters, and I think a lot of research took place to really get the character of Kitty right..... and even though Kitty had a brain injury and was really confine to quite a frustrating life, you definitely never felt any sympathy for her, she was quite unlikable.... Allison on the other hand you definitely had empathy for, I was glad with the outcome of this book, so many twists and turns, I never would have seen coming.... definitely will read more books from this author...
February 11, 2018
4*
That unexplainable, special bond between sisters that no one or nothing can break! But what if it was never there to begin with?
Alison lives in London. Not so much living really but merely existing as she’s always looking over her shoulder, waiting for the past to catch up to her. Her guilt is all-consuming. Is it survivor’s guilt? Or something else entirely?
Kitty is living in a group home with full 24 hour care. Bound to a wheelchair, and dependent on others for her care. She’s able to communicate within her brain, but all the messages frustratingly get scrambled as they make their way out. Thus, only babbling of language and beautiful humming can be heard.
Told from both Alison and Kitty’s POV in current and past time-lines. Inevitably, deeply buried secrets from the past begin to unfold. Can the sisters move forward and put their lives back together before it’s too late?
Jane Corry has delivered a highly suspenseful novel that will keep you intrigued and guessing right to the end. Some of the big reveals I saw coming. (The cost of being a voracious reader!) But others were very much a surprise. Did I leave this book fully satisfied? Almost. I really was looking for a bit more focus as to the reason behind the big secrets. That said, I would still recommend! Already looking forward to Jane Corry’s next release The Dead Ex.
A traveling sister read about sisters! What could be better!:)
Thank you to Edelweiss for an ARC to review.
For this review and our full Traveling Sister review please visits Brenda and Norma’s fabulous book blog
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
That unexplainable, special bond between sisters that no one or nothing can break! But what if it was never there to begin with?
Alison lives in London. Not so much living really but merely existing as she’s always looking over her shoulder, waiting for the past to catch up to her. Her guilt is all-consuming. Is it survivor’s guilt? Or something else entirely?
Kitty is living in a group home with full 24 hour care. Bound to a wheelchair, and dependent on others for her care. She’s able to communicate within her brain, but all the messages frustratingly get scrambled as they make their way out. Thus, only babbling of language and beautiful humming can be heard.
Told from both Alison and Kitty’s POV in current and past time-lines. Inevitably, deeply buried secrets from the past begin to unfold. Can the sisters move forward and put their lives back together before it’s too late?
Jane Corry has delivered a highly suspenseful novel that will keep you intrigued and guessing right to the end. Some of the big reveals I saw coming. (The cost of being a voracious reader!) But others were very much a surprise. Did I leave this book fully satisfied? Almost. I really was looking for a bit more focus as to the reason behind the big secrets. That said, I would still recommend! Already looking forward to Jane Corry’s next release The Dead Ex.
A traveling sister read about sisters! What could be better!:)
Thank you to Edelweiss for an ARC to review.
For this review and our full Traveling Sister review please visits Brenda and Norma’s fabulous book blog
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
June 3, 2018
4 stars!
BLOOD SISTERS by JANE CORRY is a gripping, surprising, complex, and a suspenseful psychological thriller novel that had me totally engaged, entertained, and interested throughout the whole book.
The book starts out with a few situations that seem a little too coincidental and had me questioning where this story was going but as I continued to read and things became a little more clear it was absolutely unputdownable. This turned out to be so much more than what first appears as just another predictable thriller.
JANE CORRY delivers a unique story here that is well-written, clever, and well executed with well-developed and interesting characters. JANE CORRY does such a wonderful job with the portrayal of Kitty’s character even though she wasn’t all that likeable we definitely got a firsthand look into the psyche of this very interesting character.
To sum it all up it was an engrossing, interesting, fast-paced, and an enjoyable read with a few surprising twists and turns and an absolutely wonderful ending. Would recommend!
Published: January 30, 2018
Thank you so much to my fellow Traveling Sisters for another wonderful reading experience!
Thank you so much to Edelweiss, Penguin Books, and Jane Corry for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!
In addition to receiving an ARC from Edelweiss I also won myself a copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
Review written and posted on our themed book blog Two Sisters Lost In A Coulee Reading.
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
Coulee: a term applied rather loosely to different landforms, all of which refer to a kind of valley.
BLOOD SISTERS by JANE CORRY is a gripping, surprising, complex, and a suspenseful psychological thriller novel that had me totally engaged, entertained, and interested throughout the whole book.
The book starts out with a few situations that seem a little too coincidental and had me questioning where this story was going but as I continued to read and things became a little more clear it was absolutely unputdownable. This turned out to be so much more than what first appears as just another predictable thriller.
JANE CORRY delivers a unique story here that is well-written, clever, and well executed with well-developed and interesting characters. JANE CORRY does such a wonderful job with the portrayal of Kitty’s character even though she wasn’t all that likeable we definitely got a firsthand look into the psyche of this very interesting character.
To sum it all up it was an engrossing, interesting, fast-paced, and an enjoyable read with a few surprising twists and turns and an absolutely wonderful ending. Would recommend!
Published: January 30, 2018
Thank you so much to my fellow Traveling Sisters for another wonderful reading experience!
Thank you so much to Edelweiss, Penguin Books, and Jane Corry for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!
In addition to receiving an ARC from Edelweiss I also won myself a copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
Review written and posted on our themed book blog Two Sisters Lost In A Coulee Reading.
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com
Coulee: a term applied rather loosely to different landforms, all of which refer to a kind of valley.
July 1, 2018
Blood Sisters by Jane Corry is a 2018 Pamela Dorman Books publication.
Squeaky clean school shoes
Shoulder bags bobbing
Blonde plaits flopping
Twopairs of feet. One slightly larger.
‘Come on. We’re going to be late.’
Nearly there. Almost safe.
Pavement edge.
Another pair of feet.
No!
A scream.
Silence.
Blood seeping on the ground.
Spreading and spreading.
A tragic accident left Kitty with severe brain-damage and her older sister, Alison physically and emotionally scarred.
Years pass, and Kitty remains institutionalized, unable to remember anything about the accident, locked inside herself, unable to communicate with anyone. Alison has no close relationships, barely makes ends meet, but has taken up Kitty’s passion for art. In dire need of more funds, Alison applies for a job at a prison where she would teach art to the inmates. Little did she know what the ramifications of that fateful decision would be…
This is a very ingenious psychological thriller. The pacing is a little slow at first, with only a few interesting developments that almost had me sighing in boredom for a while. I also found myself balking at the improbability of some of the situations presented to me. But I had the feeling I should play along, and would be glad I stuck around for the ending of this one. I’m glad I followed my instincts!!
This is a very well written novel- twisty, sinister, and almost darkly humorous in some ways. It is just the type of book this genre, which is in danger of becoming a parody of itself, desperately needs. I’d go so far as to say this book is one of the most unique psychological thrillers I’ve read this year.
If you know me, you have heard me complain long and loud about seeing the twist coming or guessing whodunit too early in the story, and with psychological thrillers, in particular, the plots being too similar- almost interchangeable. But, that didn’t happen with this novel- not even close.
Corry lulled me into complacency ,at first, with the deceptive pacing, but I vastly underestimated her skills, and found myself taken by surprise time and time again. The plot is much more intricate than it appears on the surface. The story is a very cleverly woven web of suspense that caught me off guard and kept me that way until the bitter end. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated and respected the author for giving my brain a real workout. I turned the last page nodding my head with approval, with a wry smile on my face, because she fooled me-she got me good, especially with that last dollop of relish on top. Ordinarily, I'd complain about that too, but the understated quality of the book kept the twist coming at just the right intervals so that it was never in danger of being too over the top. Very well done!
Squeaky clean school shoes
Shoulder bags bobbing
Blonde plaits flopping
Twopairs of feet. One slightly larger.
‘Come on. We’re going to be late.’
Nearly there. Almost safe.
Pavement edge.
Another pair of feet.
No!
A scream.
Silence.
Blood seeping on the ground.
Spreading and spreading.
A tragic accident left Kitty with severe brain-damage and her older sister, Alison physically and emotionally scarred.
Years pass, and Kitty remains institutionalized, unable to remember anything about the accident, locked inside herself, unable to communicate with anyone. Alison has no close relationships, barely makes ends meet, but has taken up Kitty’s passion for art. In dire need of more funds, Alison applies for a job at a prison where she would teach art to the inmates. Little did she know what the ramifications of that fateful decision would be…
This is a very ingenious psychological thriller. The pacing is a little slow at first, with only a few interesting developments that almost had me sighing in boredom for a while. I also found myself balking at the improbability of some of the situations presented to me. But I had the feeling I should play along, and would be glad I stuck around for the ending of this one. I’m glad I followed my instincts!!
This is a very well written novel- twisty, sinister, and almost darkly humorous in some ways. It is just the type of book this genre, which is in danger of becoming a parody of itself, desperately needs. I’d go so far as to say this book is one of the most unique psychological thrillers I’ve read this year.
If you know me, you have heard me complain long and loud about seeing the twist coming or guessing whodunit too early in the story, and with psychological thrillers, in particular, the plots being too similar- almost interchangeable. But, that didn’t happen with this novel- not even close.
Corry lulled me into complacency ,at first, with the deceptive pacing, but I vastly underestimated her skills, and found myself taken by surprise time and time again. The plot is much more intricate than it appears on the surface. The story is a very cleverly woven web of suspense that caught me off guard and kept me that way until the bitter end. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated and respected the author for giving my brain a real workout. I turned the last page nodding my head with approval, with a wry smile on my face, because she fooled me-she got me good, especially with that last dollop of relish on top. Ordinarily, I'd complain about that too, but the understated quality of the book kept the twist coming at just the right intervals so that it was never in danger of being too over the top. Very well done!
February 7, 2018
Addictive and Immensely Thrilling
Blood Sisters was an incredible psychological thriller. I’m not surprised though; whenever a book has a plot summary involving a secret of some kind, I’m ALL IN.
Alison is an art teacher and her medium of choice is stained glass. She holds classes at the college near her house. After one of her art classes, she sees an advert for a job opening as “art director” at a men’s prison. After considering the offer, and realizing she could use the income, she applies and she is accepted. Interested yet?
Kitty has a brain injury and is in an institution. She doesn’t know what happened to her or why she has this brain injury. She can’t speak and her memory is shoddy. However, her memories are becoming clearer each day.
It didn’t take long for me to become invested in these characters. This was a unique thriller because it focused on character development, while also being plot-driven. The author did an exceptional job balancing the characterization with key plot elements.
In addition, the author gave us an insider’s view into Kitty’s mind. The techniques Corry utilizes to develop Kitty’s character, while giving the reader a look into her psyche, was executed brilliantly.
I would definitely recommend this psychological thriller!
Thank you to the publishers for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This was a traveling sisters read and if you would like to see more reviews from the traveling sisters please visit: https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
Blood Sisters was an incredible psychological thriller. I’m not surprised though; whenever a book has a plot summary involving a secret of some kind, I’m ALL IN.
Alison is an art teacher and her medium of choice is stained glass. She holds classes at the college near her house. After one of her art classes, she sees an advert for a job opening as “art director” at a men’s prison. After considering the offer, and realizing she could use the income, she applies and she is accepted. Interested yet?
Kitty has a brain injury and is in an institution. She doesn’t know what happened to her or why she has this brain injury. She can’t speak and her memory is shoddy. However, her memories are becoming clearer each day.
It didn’t take long for me to become invested in these characters. This was a unique thriller because it focused on character development, while also being plot-driven. The author did an exceptional job balancing the characterization with key plot elements.
In addition, the author gave us an insider’s view into Kitty’s mind. The techniques Corry utilizes to develop Kitty’s character, while giving the reader a look into her psyche, was executed brilliantly.
I would definitely recommend this psychological thriller!
Thank you to the publishers for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review
This was a traveling sisters read and if you would like to see more reviews from the traveling sisters please visit: https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
February 10, 2018
3.75 entertaining and original stars to Blood Sisters! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.75
Blood Sisters was an engaging story of sibling rivalry and all that it entails! I found the alternating storylines between each of the sisters to be intriguing from the start. One sister is starting work in a prison, while the other is convalescing after some type of serious injury. As I read more, I learned that were was a horrific accident- but who was at fault?
While a couple of the scenes and dialogue were a little dramatic, and the twists could have been a little twistier (I had some different theories!), the ending was completely satisfying. It may have been “neat,” but I appreciated how the author brought the story together at the end. Overall, an entertaining and original book!
This was a Traveling Sister read and what a fun discussion we had! For more Traveling Sister reviews, please visit Brenda and Norma’s blog: http://twogirlslostinacouleereading.w...
Thank you to Jane Corry, Pamela Dorman Books/Penguin, and Edelweiss for the complimentary copy.
Blood Sisters was an engaging story of sibling rivalry and all that it entails! I found the alternating storylines between each of the sisters to be intriguing from the start. One sister is starting work in a prison, while the other is convalescing after some type of serious injury. As I read more, I learned that were was a horrific accident- but who was at fault?
While a couple of the scenes and dialogue were a little dramatic, and the twists could have been a little twistier (I had some different theories!), the ending was completely satisfying. It may have been “neat,” but I appreciated how the author brought the story together at the end. Overall, an entertaining and original book!
This was a Traveling Sister read and what a fun discussion we had! For more Traveling Sister reviews, please visit Brenda and Norma’s blog: http://twogirlslostinacouleereading.w...
Thank you to Jane Corry, Pamela Dorman Books/Penguin, and Edelweiss for the complimentary copy.
May 29, 2017
I really enjoyed reading Blood Sister by Jane Corry, a story of sibling rivalry and half truths. This book kept me hooked and I did not want to put it down. A psychological thriller that kept me guessing until the end.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2018
2.5 stars.
This book didn't work for me. I liked the idea of the story, but the execution fell flat. Most of the story seemed unrealistic and implausible to me. The characters, plot and mystery all felt quite primary and lacking and I found myself rolling my eyes throughout the entire novel.
I read this with the Traveling Sisters and they all loved it a lot more than I did (I hate being the outlier!). I strongly suggest checking out Brenda and Norma's fabulous blog to see their reviews:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
A big thank you to Edelweiss, Pamela Dorman Books and Jane Corry for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book didn't work for me. I liked the idea of the story, but the execution fell flat. Most of the story seemed unrealistic and implausible to me. The characters, plot and mystery all felt quite primary and lacking and I found myself rolling my eyes throughout the entire novel.
I read this with the Traveling Sisters and they all loved it a lot more than I did (I hate being the outlier!). I strongly suggest checking out Brenda and Norma's fabulous blog to see their reviews:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
A big thank you to Edelweiss, Pamela Dorman Books and Jane Corry for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
February 12, 2018
I read Blood Sisters with seven of my Traveling Sisters and we were split into two different coulees. Overall we all enjoyed this story and started off curious and intrigued. In the end, some of us were left lost in the dense, green and weedy lush coulee and some of us along ended up lost in the shallow dry coulee looking for water.
Blood Sisters is a suspenseful light yet dark at times domestic thriller that explores a deadly secret shared by two very different women. Alison who is trapped by guilt and remembers the secret and Kitty unable to speak from brain damage who doesn’t remember.
Jane Corry does a good job creating an interesting character here with Kitty and drawing us into her thoughts and we loved her wicked sense of humor that brought a lighter feel to the story. It was really hard to like Kitty but we enjoyed her POV most. We mostly hear from unreliable and not so likable Alison. We get a glimpse into their past as we learn more secrets and family deceit leaving some of us turning the pages as fast as we can and others content to just take in the sun in the coulee. As we see the stories start to weave together and the secrets start to reveal themselves some of us were shocked and engrossed right to the end in the dense green lush coulee while others were fighting the urge to roll on out of the coulee thinking things were just a little too neat and tidy in the overgrown and weedy coulee and were left in the dry coulee.
Published: January 30, 2018
Thank you so much to Edelweiss, Penguin Books, and Jane Corry for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!
All of our Traveling Sister Reviews can be found on our sister blog at
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
Blood Sisters is a suspenseful light yet dark at times domestic thriller that explores a deadly secret shared by two very different women. Alison who is trapped by guilt and remembers the secret and Kitty unable to speak from brain damage who doesn’t remember.
Jane Corry does a good job creating an interesting character here with Kitty and drawing us into her thoughts and we loved her wicked sense of humor that brought a lighter feel to the story. It was really hard to like Kitty but we enjoyed her POV most. We mostly hear from unreliable and not so likable Alison. We get a glimpse into their past as we learn more secrets and family deceit leaving some of us turning the pages as fast as we can and others content to just take in the sun in the coulee. As we see the stories start to weave together and the secrets start to reveal themselves some of us were shocked and engrossed right to the end in the dense green lush coulee while others were fighting the urge to roll on out of the coulee thinking things were just a little too neat and tidy in the overgrown and weedy coulee and were left in the dry coulee.
Published: January 30, 2018
Thank you so much to Edelweiss, Penguin Books, and Jane Corry for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review!
All of our Traveling Sister Reviews can be found on our sister blog at
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
November 21, 2017
Fifteen years ago there were three young girls heading out on their way to school when tragedy strikes the trio. After that day one of the girls has been buried by her parents, one lives in a care home with permanent brain injury and one walked away with the emotional scars of being the survivor of the tragedy.
Alison who has gone on to become an artist has never forgiven herself for being the one that walked away from the incident while her younger sister, Kitty, lives in an institution. Alison punishes herself in her own way on a daily basis and Kitty is never far from her mind with each choice she makes in life. Alison has taken a job at a prison as an art teacher when she begins receiving threatening notes and if in fear that someone out there knows her secret she's been hiding all these years.
Blood Sisters by Jane Corry is a psychological thriller that is told by alternating the point of view between the characters all throughout the read. Alison of course gets more focus in the book but Kitty is also given a voice despite her disabilities letting the reader in on her personality and thoughts even though she cannot speak outright. The character building was quite wonderful especially bringing in the thoughts of Kitty to give readers a glimpse into the past as the girls look back on that day while living very different lives in the present.
To me this one did get off to a slow start a bit as the story is being set up for the readers but once it got going it certainly made up for the slow start. I found myself quite interested in the story but would warn other readers that there are a couple of things within that need a trigger warning as the story involves not only rape but self harm as well so some may want to avoid those topics. The story of these girls is a pretty dark one with a ton of twists to keep one guessing right up until the very last page.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Edelweiss.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Alison who has gone on to become an artist has never forgiven herself for being the one that walked away from the incident while her younger sister, Kitty, lives in an institution. Alison punishes herself in her own way on a daily basis and Kitty is never far from her mind with each choice she makes in life. Alison has taken a job at a prison as an art teacher when she begins receiving threatening notes and if in fear that someone out there knows her secret she's been hiding all these years.
Blood Sisters by Jane Corry is a psychological thriller that is told by alternating the point of view between the characters all throughout the read. Alison of course gets more focus in the book but Kitty is also given a voice despite her disabilities letting the reader in on her personality and thoughts even though she cannot speak outright. The character building was quite wonderful especially bringing in the thoughts of Kitty to give readers a glimpse into the past as the girls look back on that day while living very different lives in the present.
To me this one did get off to a slow start a bit as the story is being set up for the readers but once it got going it certainly made up for the slow start. I found myself quite interested in the story but would warn other readers that there are a couple of things within that need a trigger warning as the story involves not only rape but self harm as well so some may want to avoid those topics. The story of these girls is a pretty dark one with a ton of twists to keep one guessing right up until the very last page.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Edelweiss.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
February 11, 2018
3.5 Stars* (rounded up)
Alison always wanted to be close to her little sister Kitty growing up. She yearned for it in fact. Kitty however wanted nothing to do with her older sister. Kitty had her best friend Vanessa - and she was enough. One day while on their way to school, something happens that changes things forever for these three young girls: an accident leaving Kitty institutionalized, unable to speak and Alison feeling responsible.
Fifteen years later, Kitty is still non-responsive and Alison is unable to move on from it. Instead of choosing the life path Alison intended to take all those years ago, she embarked on an art career - Kitty’s first choice. And now, Alison decides to take a position as Artist in Residence at a Men’s Prison. While working there, bad things start happening (as I’m sure you can imagine). It seems that Alison’s past starts catching up to her and she is scared. Someone knows. Knows that all is not what it seems, that what happened on the day Kitty got hurt did not play out the way Ali said it did and “that person” is planning to blast everything wide open. Both Alison and Kitty are scared and believe me, they should be.
“Blood Sisters” by Jane Corry was an quick, easy and an engrossing read. While it had a few parts that were a little implausible, and didn’t quite add up, I ended up enjoying it and found myself glued to story. I would recommend it to readers looking for a captivating mystery.
This was a traveling sister read. Several of us were split while reading this which made for a fun discussion.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group and Jane Corry for a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Edelweiss, Goodreads and Amazon on 2.11.18.
Alison always wanted to be close to her little sister Kitty growing up. She yearned for it in fact. Kitty however wanted nothing to do with her older sister. Kitty had her best friend Vanessa - and she was enough. One day while on their way to school, something happens that changes things forever for these three young girls: an accident leaving Kitty institutionalized, unable to speak and Alison feeling responsible.
Fifteen years later, Kitty is still non-responsive and Alison is unable to move on from it. Instead of choosing the life path Alison intended to take all those years ago, she embarked on an art career - Kitty’s first choice. And now, Alison decides to take a position as Artist in Residence at a Men’s Prison. While working there, bad things start happening (as I’m sure you can imagine). It seems that Alison’s past starts catching up to her and she is scared. Someone knows. Knows that all is not what it seems, that what happened on the day Kitty got hurt did not play out the way Ali said it did and “that person” is planning to blast everything wide open. Both Alison and Kitty are scared and believe me, they should be.
“Blood Sisters” by Jane Corry was an quick, easy and an engrossing read. While it had a few parts that were a little implausible, and didn’t quite add up, I ended up enjoying it and found myself glued to story. I would recommend it to readers looking for a captivating mystery.
This was a traveling sister read. Several of us were split while reading this which made for a fun discussion.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group and Jane Corry for a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Edelweiss, Goodreads and Amazon on 2.11.18.
February 7, 2018
3 stars for a somewhat interesting story.
This story revolved around an accident where three young girls are headed to school and one of them dies, the other is paralyzed, while the third carries the guilt of the day around with her.
Kitty, lives in an institution where she can't speak and lives in a wheelchair. She has lost her memory until one day a strange man starts the process of her starting to remember how she got there. Her sister, Allison, is an art teacher trying to make ends meet when she accepts a part time position in a prison. She is also receiving threatening notes in the mail. All of this is tied up to that day fifteen years ago when tragedy struck and life changed for these three girls and their families.
This was a fairly good read, but did have some issues with its probability and coincidences that occurred. It was a pleasant read and certainly not a bad beginning for this new author.
Thanks to my fellow traveling sisters who read and shared this novel with me. Their ideas and insight always add much to my reading experience.
This story revolved around an accident where three young girls are headed to school and one of them dies, the other is paralyzed, while the third carries the guilt of the day around with her.
Kitty, lives in an institution where she can't speak and lives in a wheelchair. She has lost her memory until one day a strange man starts the process of her starting to remember how she got there. Her sister, Allison, is an art teacher trying to make ends meet when she accepts a part time position in a prison. She is also receiving threatening notes in the mail. All of this is tied up to that day fifteen years ago when tragedy struck and life changed for these three girls and their families.
This was a fairly good read, but did have some issues with its probability and coincidences that occurred. It was a pleasant read and certainly not a bad beginning for this new author.
Thanks to my fellow traveling sisters who read and shared this novel with me. Their ideas and insight always add much to my reading experience.
March 15, 2020
WOW I am now a fan of Jane Corry her writing style is so articulate & keeps you invested in the prose, I loved every minute this one pulled at my heart strings, my emotions were all over the place it was well written beautifully told & the characters were well developed, this is a winner in my opinion.
I wont say to much about this but its worth the read I was in awe about the storyline, it was well done an accident 10 years ago one sister suffered an horrific brain injury & cannot remember a thing the other carries the guilt of what happened that fateful day, I felt for Kitty as she was in a care home she couldn't communicate much her sister Alison felt the pain of seeing kitty struggle at times but still felt love for her even though they were very different they weren't close.
Alison was an art teacher she got a job in a jail but someone knew about what happened 10 years earlier she had a stalker who left a note I AM GOING TO GET YOU!
what happens from here on is one rollercoaster ride you won't be able to get off this is a story of two sisters love for each other that cannot be broken, but will the sins of the past come between them.
I wont say to much about this but its worth the read I was in awe about the storyline, it was well done an accident 10 years ago one sister suffered an horrific brain injury & cannot remember a thing the other carries the guilt of what happened that fateful day, I felt for Kitty as she was in a care home she couldn't communicate much her sister Alison felt the pain of seeing kitty struggle at times but still felt love for her even though they were very different they weren't close.
Alison was an art teacher she got a job in a jail but someone knew about what happened 10 years earlier she had a stalker who left a note I AM GOING TO GET YOU!
what happens from here on is one rollercoaster ride you won't be able to get off this is a story of two sisters love for each other that cannot be broken, but will the sins of the past come between them.
June 12, 2017
4.5*
I enjoyed Jane Corry’s previous book, My Husband’s Wife, but really feel that the bar has been raised with this latest release.
Told between two timelines, 2001 and from 2016 onwards, this is the story of Alison and Kitty, half-sisters but so very different in personality that they hardly seemed related at all. “Maybe it would be different if my sister was…..well, more sisterly. But instead, Kitty was constantly scratchy or downright hostile. It was like living with the school bully but never being able to swap classes”. The cover shows the line “Three Little Girls. One good. One bad. One dead.” With a hook like that, how can you not be tempted.
Blood Sisters drew me in straight away. With the narrative told from the perspective of both sisters, you get a fully fleshed story and can empathise (or not) with the characters. I didn’t particularly like either sister although I didn’t have to to enjoy the story. I felt that Alison was always holding something back – not being honest, and because of that I couldn’t really get on her side, whilst Kitty was still a little madam despite her disability. She may not have been able to articulate her thoughts out loud but she was very forthright and at times it was quite amusing knowing what she was actually thinking and watching others misinterpret.
This story focuses heavily on disability but it is done sensitively and with compassion. This aspect was so well written that it opened my eyes to how difficult communication and life in general can be, particularly for someone like Kitty. You also see how difficult it is for the families trying to cope both physically and emotionally.
Elder sister Alison is struggling to live on her wages from her art job at a local college so takes a second job at an open prison teaching art to the prisoners. Now this is where the author’s experience as a ‘writer in residence’ at a prison really shines through, both in the authentic detail of prison procedure and the actual dangers facing not only staff but inmates too, this may have been a lower category prison but it could still be dangerous. I always thought that open prisons housed prisoners convicted of white collar crime rather than murderers so this was a learning curve too.
Initially this is rather a slow burner of a book whilst you get to know the characters and their current circumstances but once the narrative starts to switch between the two timelines, the piecemeal reveal of what really happened all those years before will keep you gripped. There was one person that I had my doubts about and I almost did an air punch of satisfaction when I was proved (partly) right.
You may think you have worked out what happened but the author will throw in a little twist or curveball to create those doubts. There was one part later on that I thought was a little too convenient and I was a bit sceptical but having said that, generally there is a superb sense of unease and anticipation running throughout the story.
Blood Sisters kept my attention from beginning to end and was a truly engrossing read. Definitely one to be recommended.
I enjoyed Jane Corry’s previous book, My Husband’s Wife, but really feel that the bar has been raised with this latest release.
Told between two timelines, 2001 and from 2016 onwards, this is the story of Alison and Kitty, half-sisters but so very different in personality that they hardly seemed related at all. “Maybe it would be different if my sister was…..well, more sisterly. But instead, Kitty was constantly scratchy or downright hostile. It was like living with the school bully but never being able to swap classes”. The cover shows the line “Three Little Girls. One good. One bad. One dead.” With a hook like that, how can you not be tempted.
Blood Sisters drew me in straight away. With the narrative told from the perspective of both sisters, you get a fully fleshed story and can empathise (or not) with the characters. I didn’t particularly like either sister although I didn’t have to to enjoy the story. I felt that Alison was always holding something back – not being honest, and because of that I couldn’t really get on her side, whilst Kitty was still a little madam despite her disability. She may not have been able to articulate her thoughts out loud but she was very forthright and at times it was quite amusing knowing what she was actually thinking and watching others misinterpret.
This story focuses heavily on disability but it is done sensitively and with compassion. This aspect was so well written that it opened my eyes to how difficult communication and life in general can be, particularly for someone like Kitty. You also see how difficult it is for the families trying to cope both physically and emotionally.
Elder sister Alison is struggling to live on her wages from her art job at a local college so takes a second job at an open prison teaching art to the prisoners. Now this is where the author’s experience as a ‘writer in residence’ at a prison really shines through, both in the authentic detail of prison procedure and the actual dangers facing not only staff but inmates too, this may have been a lower category prison but it could still be dangerous. I always thought that open prisons housed prisoners convicted of white collar crime rather than murderers so this was a learning curve too.
Initially this is rather a slow burner of a book whilst you get to know the characters and their current circumstances but once the narrative starts to switch between the two timelines, the piecemeal reveal of what really happened all those years before will keep you gripped. There was one person that I had my doubts about and I almost did an air punch of satisfaction when I was proved (partly) right.
You may think you have worked out what happened but the author will throw in a little twist or curveball to create those doubts. There was one part later on that I thought was a little too convenient and I was a bit sceptical but having said that, generally there is a superb sense of unease and anticipation running throughout the story.
Blood Sisters kept my attention from beginning to end and was a truly engrossing read. Definitely one to be recommended.
February 3, 2018
I won this book through a GR Giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
Last week: "I'm half way through and there is no hint of "thriller" yet. Not one clue of one. Easy to read but boring so far."
Finished and my opinion has not changed from the comment above. Dull. Boring. No thrills whatsoever. Just a bunch of adults with very juvenile insecurities ("she doesn't love me the most", for example) going out of their way to "revenge' their imagined hurts. Some distastefully juvenile scenes. Lots of coincidental events to help the story along. Plenty of "would never happen" moments as well. But never a thrilling moment.
Easy to read, though.
Last week: "I'm half way through and there is no hint of "thriller" yet. Not one clue of one. Easy to read but boring so far."
Finished and my opinion has not changed from the comment above. Dull. Boring. No thrills whatsoever. Just a bunch of adults with very juvenile insecurities ("she doesn't love me the most", for example) going out of their way to "revenge' their imagined hurts. Some distastefully juvenile scenes. Lots of coincidental events to help the story along. Plenty of "would never happen" moments as well. But never a thrilling moment.
Easy to read, though.
April 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. You can tell because I stayed up way way too late reading it and was super tired the next morning.
Anyway, it's a great thriller and one unlike others recently (am I the only one who thinks they're all about the same recently?) I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy prison drama. Yep, betcha didn't see that one coming. Prison drama.
Could have done without the very ending but I'll let it go this time but that's mostly cause I'm team Clive.
Anyway, it's a great thriller and one unlike others recently (am I the only one who thinks they're all about the same recently?) I highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy prison drama. Yep, betcha didn't see that one coming. Prison drama.
Could have done without the very ending but I'll let it go this time but that's mostly cause I'm team Clive.
January 11, 2018
3.5 Stars. An interesting mix of psychological mystery and family drama.
Alison is an art teacher, she lives alone in London and suffers from psychological problems resulting from a terrible accident that occurred when she was in high school. Although close to her mother, she's otherwise pretty isolated and unable to trust others. When pressed by financial difficulties, she applies for a job as an art instructor at a minimum security "open" prison. She's afraid of the inmates, horrified by some of their past crimes and creeped out by one guy who's just a bit too friendly. On top of this she's found a note in her work mail box made out of cut up letters from a magazine: "YOU'RE HERE AT LAST, CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU."
Kitty lives in a care home. She's suffering from a brain injury caused by an accident she had when she was eleven years old. Although suffering from memory loss, she's able to think pretty clearly in the present, she just can't communicate her thoughts to others. When she speaks, instead of the words she means to say coming out, only unintelligible noises emerge. Which is a shame because her internal snark is hilarious. Her life is defined by the meals she enjoys, the pleasure she takes in the company of a young volunteer at the home named Barbara, and the visits of Friday Mum. The arrival of a new patient, a kindly young man who befriends her, brings the possibility of change for the better.
What happened the day of the accident? How did past wrongs and painful secrets lead to a tragedy that ruined so many lives?
This book is about how feeling guilty for something can drive us to harm ourselves whether we deserve it or not and how the thirst for revenge can become all consuming, causing us to do terrible things to others.
Just when you think you know what happened......surprise!
Alison is an art teacher, she lives alone in London and suffers from psychological problems resulting from a terrible accident that occurred when she was in high school. Although close to her mother, she's otherwise pretty isolated and unable to trust others. When pressed by financial difficulties, she applies for a job as an art instructor at a minimum security "open" prison. She's afraid of the inmates, horrified by some of their past crimes and creeped out by one guy who's just a bit too friendly. On top of this she's found a note in her work mail box made out of cut up letters from a magazine: "YOU'RE HERE AT LAST, CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU."
Kitty lives in a care home. She's suffering from a brain injury caused by an accident she had when she was eleven years old. Although suffering from memory loss, she's able to think pretty clearly in the present, she just can't communicate her thoughts to others. When she speaks, instead of the words she means to say coming out, only unintelligible noises emerge. Which is a shame because her internal snark is hilarious. Her life is defined by the meals she enjoys, the pleasure she takes in the company of a young volunteer at the home named Barbara, and the visits of Friday Mum. The arrival of a new patient, a kindly young man who befriends her, brings the possibility of change for the better.
What happened the day of the accident? How did past wrongs and painful secrets lead to a tragedy that ruined so many lives?
This book is about how feeling guilty for something can drive us to harm ourselves whether we deserve it or not and how the thirst for revenge can become all consuming, causing us to do terrible things to others.
Just when you think you know what happened......surprise!
February 16, 2018
Complex and twisty!
Full review to follow shortly!
Full review to follow shortly!
June 13, 2017
Real sisters are more important than blood sisters, aren't they???
3 people : 3 girls growing up to 2 women with an accident in their midst ; misstep or murder?? Why was a kid with learner's license allowed to drive a car?? Where are kids' mothers?? What really happened on that day?? The answers to all these questions is hidden in the pages of this book.
This is the basic plot line told in alternate voices of two sisters, Allison and Kitty, in two different time lines; one is the present 2016-2017 and the other is the past 2001 and the days preceeding to that fateful day. One accident spoils the lives of three families and they deal with the aftermath for years to come, the secrets, the horrors hidden in a damaged brain, the truth.
Two real sisters, but what really binds them : blood or past memories?? Guilt?? There is both love and envy...
Allison, a straight A student heading for college, post accident, suddenly drops out and turns to art. She teaches an evening class in the college on stained glass making and joins an open prison as an art teacher for three days a week. She meets Clive and life appears smooth for her. But she is a cutter. Is cutting herself and going to jail to teach a class, a penance for her crime??
Kitty, her younger half sister, locked in her own brain, where impulses from the brain do not reach the body. She is stuck to a wheelchair with hidden memories, in a care home where nobody understands her. She cannot talk but her brain does not stop talking. She knows she must remember something but what?? Will she remember the past, remember the blood pact made with her friend and be loyal??
Every character introduced in the book has his/her own secret... Mother, Lilian's relationship with Alison's dad, Kitty's hate and fear of her own dad David, Alison's boyfriend-of-sorts Clive with his strange absences, prison inmates, Martin, Stefan, Kurt and how they connect to Alison in prison, Kitty's attraction to Johnny, and best friend Vanessa who shares her secret.
This is Jane Corry's second book. Her pace of writing is initially difficult to follow but the subsequent pages make it easy. She soon connects the dots to all the questions and the end is a grand finale. The plot builds up slowly rising in fervor. It is labeled as a psychological thriller, but I did not get that, there was no rush of adrenaline, it comes across more as a mystery. It didn't take me on a journey. I lost my connection to the characters, instead of being a part of story, I felt like a viewer of the story.
Jane Corry's first book, 'My Husband's Wife' was fabulous.. This is a little offbeat in its reading. I would definitely read more of her books as the story line is always good but with a little lesser expectations. There is a quote from the book that I liked especially;
Love is close to hate when it comes to sisters, you're as close as two humans can be, you come from the same womb, the same background, even if you are poles apart mentally. That's why it hurts so much when your sister is unkind to you...
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Penguin Books and this is my honest and unbiased opinion
3 people : 3 girls growing up to 2 women with an accident in their midst ; misstep or murder?? Why was a kid with learner's license allowed to drive a car?? Where are kids' mothers?? What really happened on that day?? The answers to all these questions is hidden in the pages of this book.
This is the basic plot line told in alternate voices of two sisters, Allison and Kitty, in two different time lines; one is the present 2016-2017 and the other is the past 2001 and the days preceeding to that fateful day. One accident spoils the lives of three families and they deal with the aftermath for years to come, the secrets, the horrors hidden in a damaged brain, the truth.
Two real sisters, but what really binds them : blood or past memories?? Guilt?? There is both love and envy...
Allison, a straight A student heading for college, post accident, suddenly drops out and turns to art. She teaches an evening class in the college on stained glass making and joins an open prison as an art teacher for three days a week. She meets Clive and life appears smooth for her. But she is a cutter. Is cutting herself and going to jail to teach a class, a penance for her crime??
Kitty, her younger half sister, locked in her own brain, where impulses from the brain do not reach the body. She is stuck to a wheelchair with hidden memories, in a care home where nobody understands her. She cannot talk but her brain does not stop talking. She knows she must remember something but what?? Will she remember the past, remember the blood pact made with her friend and be loyal??
Every character introduced in the book has his/her own secret... Mother, Lilian's relationship with Alison's dad, Kitty's hate and fear of her own dad David, Alison's boyfriend-of-sorts Clive with his strange absences, prison inmates, Martin, Stefan, Kurt and how they connect to Alison in prison, Kitty's attraction to Johnny, and best friend Vanessa who shares her secret.
This is Jane Corry's second book. Her pace of writing is initially difficult to follow but the subsequent pages make it easy. She soon connects the dots to all the questions and the end is a grand finale. The plot builds up slowly rising in fervor. It is labeled as a psychological thriller, but I did not get that, there was no rush of adrenaline, it comes across more as a mystery. It didn't take me on a journey. I lost my connection to the characters, instead of being a part of story, I felt like a viewer of the story.
Jane Corry's first book, 'My Husband's Wife' was fabulous.. This is a little offbeat in its reading. I would definitely read more of her books as the story line is always good but with a little lesser expectations. There is a quote from the book that I liked especially;
Love is close to hate when it comes to sisters, you're as close as two humans can be, you come from the same womb, the same background, even if you are poles apart mentally. That's why it hurts so much when your sister is unkind to you...
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Penguin Books and this is my honest and unbiased opinion
January 3, 2018
"Fear. Flu. Call it what you will. But something scary is seeping through my bones. Someone is after me."
I'm really getting into the thriller genre over the past few years, and this one was a great one!
It begins with two perspectives - that of Alison and Kitty. For Part One we are unaware of how the two women are connected. We are aware that there was an accident in Alison's past involving her sister, but other than that everything is left unclear.
This thriller works well as it is full of secrets, it isn't just the one twist to be revealed there are several. Once one answer is cleared up, another 3 come to the forefront.
Alison cuts herself, and Kitty is in a home for the mentally unstable - unable to speak coherently, despite her mind being active - again we are given these details but we are unsure why they are this way.
Alison takes an art teaching job in a prison, and everything sort of spirals from there. No one can be trusted, who is stalking Alison, and why?
I can't review this one in great detail without spoilers, but if you like the dark relationships between young girls and also between sisters, then this one is fantastic. How far people will go to protect their family, but also to protect themselves.
Ultimately the story unravels to reveal what the accident was and who really caused it - with loads of outside factors that ultimately contributed. It is a creepy mystery, delving into the ways in which guilt is decided when so many are at fault.
I'm really getting into the thriller genre over the past few years, and this one was a great one!
It begins with two perspectives - that of Alison and Kitty. For Part One we are unaware of how the two women are connected. We are aware that there was an accident in Alison's past involving her sister, but other than that everything is left unclear.
This thriller works well as it is full of secrets, it isn't just the one twist to be revealed there are several. Once one answer is cleared up, another 3 come to the forefront.
Alison cuts herself, and Kitty is in a home for the mentally unstable - unable to speak coherently, despite her mind being active - again we are given these details but we are unsure why they are this way.
Alison takes an art teaching job in a prison, and everything sort of spirals from there. No one can be trusted, who is stalking Alison, and why?
I can't review this one in great detail without spoilers, but if you like the dark relationships between young girls and also between sisters, then this one is fantastic. How far people will go to protect their family, but also to protect themselves.
Ultimately the story unravels to reveal what the accident was and who really caused it - with loads of outside factors that ultimately contributed. It is a creepy mystery, delving into the ways in which guilt is decided when so many are at fault.
February 5, 2018
This is the first novel I've read by this author and it won't be the last. Ms. Corry had me hooked from the very beginning, Alison who is on the edge of being neurotic by running from something that has happened from her past, she's constantly changing homes and never lets anyone get to close to her. Her only acquaintances are the students who take her art classes at the local college. She is barely able to make her rent while just teaching the one class so when she receives a flyer in regards to teaching an art class at a local Men's prison colony money is too great to pass the opportunity up. Kitty is Alison much younger half-sister who is living in an assisted care home as a result of traumatic brain injury which causes her to have violent outbursts. Kitty was not an easy child, she tormented Alison while they were growing up practically making life impossible for Alison. Kitty's injury is so that she can understand what she is trying to say but she's can't convey her message to others. No one is exactly sure exactly what caused Kitty's accident so that's a mystery. This diabolical novel shouldn't be missed. There is so much going on that the reading is constantly learning something new regarding this family in each chapter. Ms. Corry does an excellent job in tying all these loose ends together to bring the reader to the shocking end. Disclosure: the opinions I expressed are my own, I was provided with a copy of this e-galley in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 28, 2019
Having really enjoyed The Dead Ed earlier this year, I was keen to read more from Jane Corry.
Also told through different perspectives as the chapters jump between step sisters Alison and Kitty.
Kitty now lives in a care home, unable to speak and suffering from memory loss after an horrific accident.
Whilst Alison has just started working as an art teacher in a prison.
Seeing the different directions that each siblings life has now taken was an interesting comparison, especially as Alison has taken up Kitty’s passion for art and is clearly suffering from guilt from that day.
I liked how the story unfolded as we learn about that day and an insight to the sisters teenage years. The rivalry between them added an interesting layer to the story.
The first half of the novel is mainly about getting to know the characters first, it’s quite sparse on action but as the story slowly ticks along with the easy to read short chapters all the pieces move into place.
With plenty of twists and turns (including some that do stretch the imagination at times) the plot constantly kept me guessing.
It wasn’t as strong as The Dead Ex, but it was still very enjoyable.
Looking forward to reading ‘My Husband’s Wife’ soon!
Also told through different perspectives as the chapters jump between step sisters Alison and Kitty.
Kitty now lives in a care home, unable to speak and suffering from memory loss after an horrific accident.
Whilst Alison has just started working as an art teacher in a prison.
Seeing the different directions that each siblings life has now taken was an interesting comparison, especially as Alison has taken up Kitty’s passion for art and is clearly suffering from guilt from that day.
I liked how the story unfolded as we learn about that day and an insight to the sisters teenage years. The rivalry between them added an interesting layer to the story.
The first half of the novel is mainly about getting to know the characters first, it’s quite sparse on action but as the story slowly ticks along with the easy to read short chapters all the pieces move into place.
With plenty of twists and turns (including some that do stretch the imagination at times) the plot constantly kept me guessing.
It wasn’t as strong as The Dead Ex, but it was still very enjoyable.
Looking forward to reading ‘My Husband’s Wife’ soon!
April 26, 2017
One accident
Two women,Two versions of the truth
This twist packed,gripping tale of sibling rivalry,lies,betrayals,abuse,love and hate is set in two alternating time frames and told from the alternating perspectives of step sisters Alison and Kitty.The story of the events before and after the accident are set in 1991 while the other chapters are set 16-17 years later.In the later day chapters Alison has changed her name to Ali,is a art teacher and is living in London while Kitty is severely disabled,has no memory of the accident and is living in a care home.It was obvious that the author has extensively researched the ways that brain damage affects a person's behaviour and also the way that society treats people with disabilities.It is a sad fact that people with disabilities are treated with disdain and a total lack of respect.It is like they are not people just because they are not "normal" or healthy.
Nothing in this book is ever what it seems,almost all of the realistic characters spend most of the story telling lie after lie just to protect themselves.You never know who is telling the truth because peoples stories are constantly changing.
The chapters where short and snappy and often ended on a cliff hanger causing the reader too have a very bad case of just one more chapter syndrome.Although some aspects of the story where a bit unrealistic and coincidental I really enjoyed this twisted psychological thriller and would happily read more books by this author in the future.
Many thanks to penguin random house uk for a arc of this book via netgalley in exchange for a honest review
Two women,Two versions of the truth
This twist packed,gripping tale of sibling rivalry,lies,betrayals,abuse,love and hate is set in two alternating time frames and told from the alternating perspectives of step sisters Alison and Kitty.The story of the events before and after the accident are set in 1991 while the other chapters are set 16-17 years later.In the later day chapters Alison has changed her name to Ali,is a art teacher and is living in London while Kitty is severely disabled,has no memory of the accident and is living in a care home.It was obvious that the author has extensively researched the ways that brain damage affects a person's behaviour and also the way that society treats people with disabilities.It is a sad fact that people with disabilities are treated with disdain and a total lack of respect.It is like they are not people just because they are not "normal" or healthy.
Nothing in this book is ever what it seems,almost all of the realistic characters spend most of the story telling lie after lie just to protect themselves.You never know who is telling the truth because peoples stories are constantly changing.
The chapters where short and snappy and often ended on a cliff hanger causing the reader too have a very bad case of just one more chapter syndrome.Although some aspects of the story where a bit unrealistic and coincidental I really enjoyed this twisted psychological thriller and would happily read more books by this author in the future.
Many thanks to penguin random house uk for a arc of this book via netgalley in exchange for a honest review
February 3, 2018
This is my first book by this author. I thought I would like this one better than I did, but it was just okay for me. It is never a good sign when you have to talk yourself into staying with it. The start was slow. It did pick up in the latter half.
I didn't really care for any of the characters. I need to connect with at least one of them to really be pulled into the story and sadly that didn't happen. I wanted to understand them but they felt a little too distant. So 2 stars.
I didn't really care for any of the characters. I need to connect with at least one of them to really be pulled into the story and sadly that didn't happen. I wanted to understand them but they felt a little too distant. So 2 stars.
November 4, 2017
Well, if you like your thrillers neatly tied up with a bow this one is for you. I gave it four stars because the intention was successfully executed but I really need to change genres for a bit.
January 27, 2018
Blood Sisters is Corry’s second novel and although I’ve had her debut on my TBR for awhile, I’ve never quite managed to squeeze it in. Now I’m kicking myself because I liked this one so much that I’m quite sure that I’ll end up loving her other book as well!
This is told via two viewpoints, sisters Kitty and Alison, it starts in 2016 then goes back to 2001 when they were children before some sort of accident that isn’t clearly outlined until much later. Corry did an admirable job at giving each sister a strong, clear voice and I especially enjoyed Kitty’s chapters. Kitty can’t speak but getting a glimpse inside her mind was engrossing and her frustration at being able to understand what people were saying and not being able to converse was portrayed brilliantly.
This was a read full of startling surprises, SO many and this was the rare time where they all made sense instead of the dreaded twists just for the sake of shock value. I wouldn’t necessarily describe this as fast paced, though it wasn’t exactly a slow burn either. It was somewhere in the middle I suppose with sedate moments and others where the intensity was ratcheted up several notches, a nice balance. By the time I got to the end I was desperate to know the truth about the day the accident happened and Corry even threw a few extra curveballs in that caught me off guard. Overall, a very well written and well executed psychological thriller.
Blood Sisters in three words: Skillful, Absorbing and Unexpected
This is told via two viewpoints, sisters Kitty and Alison, it starts in 2016 then goes back to 2001 when they were children before some sort of accident that isn’t clearly outlined until much later. Corry did an admirable job at giving each sister a strong, clear voice and I especially enjoyed Kitty’s chapters. Kitty can’t speak but getting a glimpse inside her mind was engrossing and her frustration at being able to understand what people were saying and not being able to converse was portrayed brilliantly.
This was a read full of startling surprises, SO many and this was the rare time where they all made sense instead of the dreaded twists just for the sake of shock value. I wouldn’t necessarily describe this as fast paced, though it wasn’t exactly a slow burn either. It was somewhere in the middle I suppose with sedate moments and others where the intensity was ratcheted up several notches, a nice balance. By the time I got to the end I was desperate to know the truth about the day the accident happened and Corry even threw a few extra curveballs in that caught me off guard. Overall, a very well written and well executed psychological thriller.
Blood Sisters in three words: Skillful, Absorbing and Unexpected
November 1, 2020
When two sisters Alison and Kitty and one of their friends leave for school they never realised that their lives would be changed forever. Years later that day still haunts them, Alison is teaching art in an open prison for men and Kitty is extremely disabled living in a residential home, unable to communicate with the outside world. There is an unspoken truth from that day that up to now has not been heard.
The story is told by Alison and we hear Kitty's voice through her thoughts and the truth unfolds leaving the reader guessing to the end.
This is a very good read and the characters are very well written. The story is full of twists and lots of emotion.
The story is told by Alison and we hear Kitty's voice through her thoughts and the truth unfolds leaving the reader guessing to the end.
This is a very good read and the characters are very well written. The story is full of twists and lots of emotion.
November 23, 2017
I’m unsure how to rate Blood Sisters by Jane Corry. I didn’t care for it much. Also, a bit too long. But maybe that’s because i was bored. I like my books a bit darker. I guess I was expecting more to the “whys”. I’d give 3 Stars.
So what’s it about? Three school girls set off to school one day and a terrible accident happens. One girl is dead, another left with brain damage and the other with minor injuries and major secrets.
It’s basically a split perspective story between two sisters. Allison and Kitty are many years apart and we’re never close growing up. Kitty was closer to her BFF Vanessa. Lots of secrets, lies and just plain weird.
I did like kitty’s perspective a bit more because she was a crucial bitch, even in her situation. EXCEPT, how many times did someone have to say “oh I wish I could understand you” like okay I get it! Anyways, many thanks to Penguin Publishing and Pamela Dorman books for my copy via Edelweiss.
So what’s it about? Three school girls set off to school one day and a terrible accident happens. One girl is dead, another left with brain damage and the other with minor injuries and major secrets.
It’s basically a split perspective story between two sisters. Allison and Kitty are many years apart and we’re never close growing up. Kitty was closer to her BFF Vanessa. Lots of secrets, lies and just plain weird.
I did like kitty’s perspective a bit more because she was a crucial bitch, even in her situation. EXCEPT, how many times did someone have to say “oh I wish I could understand you” like okay I get it! Anyways, many thanks to Penguin Publishing and Pamela Dorman books for my copy via Edelweiss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Jane Corry, and the publisher, Penguin, for this opportunity.
This is the split-perspective story of two sisters. Since childhood they have shared nothing but the same intense dislike for each other. And as adults they share even less than that, when a tragic accident causes their paths to diverge in two very different and unforeseen directions. This accident is a secret better off buried, but the past has a way of unearthing itself, even after all these years...
I find stories of sibling rivalries always make for compelling reading, but this more so than any other, due to one of the sister's severe disability. Marginalised perspectives is something I am always eager to hear more from, and this allowed for a unique insight into an individual suffering from something I have little knowledge of. The author should be commended of her portrayal that was both sensitive and yet felt authentic. The research that must have been done and the knowledge imparted to the reader made for such interesting and important reading. Corry conveyed both the ways that brain damage affects a person's behaviour and also the ways that society treats people with disabilities.
The other sister's perspective was just as interesting, if more conformative. And both combined to make this an inciting and thrilling read.
Whilst I did find this an enjoyable read, I also found it a little confusing at the start. I found too many scenes were initially set up, in too short a space of time, and I was left wondering which of the sources of contention would become the main story line for the book. I also found that my interest lay more in the flashbacks of the past than in much of the present day settings. This did quickly come together, but perhaps not quickly enough for me to get over my initial hesitation and thoroughly immerse myself in the book.
This is the split-perspective story of two sisters. Since childhood they have shared nothing but the same intense dislike for each other. And as adults they share even less than that, when a tragic accident causes their paths to diverge in two very different and unforeseen directions. This accident is a secret better off buried, but the past has a way of unearthing itself, even after all these years...
I find stories of sibling rivalries always make for compelling reading, but this more so than any other, due to one of the sister's severe disability. Marginalised perspectives is something I am always eager to hear more from, and this allowed for a unique insight into an individual suffering from something I have little knowledge of. The author should be commended of her portrayal that was both sensitive and yet felt authentic. The research that must have been done and the knowledge imparted to the reader made for such interesting and important reading. Corry conveyed both the ways that brain damage affects a person's behaviour and also the ways that society treats people with disabilities.
The other sister's perspective was just as interesting, if more conformative. And both combined to make this an inciting and thrilling read.
Whilst I did find this an enjoyable read, I also found it a little confusing at the start. I found too many scenes were initially set up, in too short a space of time, and I was left wondering which of the sources of contention would become the main story line for the book. I also found that my interest lay more in the flashbacks of the past than in much of the present day settings. This did quickly come together, but perhaps not quickly enough for me to get over my initial hesitation and thoroughly immerse myself in the book.
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