Sibs

The Secret History of the World #14

by F. Paul Wilson

Kara Wald is shocked when the sister she knows as down-to-earth, even dull, comes down to earth from the twelfth-floor-window of a Manhattan hotel, wearing only black garter and stockings, and her search for a killer uncovers a world of sadistic sex. Reprint.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Thriller, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery Thriller, Mystery

376 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 1991

About the author

Francis Paul Wilson is an author, born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He writes novels and short stories primarily in the science fiction and horror genres. His debut novel was Healer (1976). Wilson is also a part-time practicing family physician. He made his first sales in 1970 to Analog and continued to write science fiction throughout the seventies. In 1981 he ventured into the horror genre with the international bestseller, The Keep, and helped define the field throughout the rest of the decade. In the 1990s he became a true genre hopper, moving from science fiction to horror to medical thrillers and branching into interactive scripting for Disney Interactive and other multimedia companies. He, along with Matthew J. Costello, created and scripted FTL Newsfeed which ran daily on the Sci-Fi Channel from 1992-1996.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/fpaulw...

Reviews

[Karl]

This is copy 51 of 500 editions signed by F. Paul Wilson.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty demented thriller. Starts as one thing then takes a bizarre turn into the weird.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grabbed me from the start. Fast paced, fun...and creepy. Everything I love about Wilson.

[Phrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of F. Paul Wilson for a while, and this one might be my new favorite of his. It’s a horror/sci-fi hybrid that accidentally gave me a glimpse into how masterful “quiet horror” can be achieved. There is very little blood but the concepts and scenarios introduced had me a little shooketh tbh. Now to try and summarize this while avoiding a minefield of spoilers.

Quick synopsis: A woman jumps out of a high rise building after having a spicy night with 2 “clients.” This prompts her twin sister to come identify her body and find out how she died. What she learns rocks her world because her prudish sister would never be engaged in that kind of good-time-girl activities. She read books and had a cat for Pete’s sake! So the more the sister digs, the more she finds out about her deceased sister’s proclivities. We then wonder if what they say about what happens when one twin dies is true or not. And who or what is responsible? 👀

This was a murder mystery/thriller will we got to the WTF twist and that ending. Then it’s full throttle horror. Maybe it’s because I don’t read much sci-fi, but now I can’t stop thinking about what took place in this & hope that phenomenon isn’t real. And if it is…how would I know. 👀 No drunk uncle story this time, but I did have fun googling all the old 80’s celebrities they referenced & the detailed description of their WIDE SCREEN (40 in) tv & stereo setup. Give this one a go for an old fashioned scary good time.

[hotsake (André Troesch) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was predictable but well written, it was the unlikable main character that made this a tough read at times.

[Maťa · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5

Tak toto bola jedna z najdesivejších kníh, čo som kedy čítala. Ak nie aj úplne najdesivejšia. Až na to, že mi to prišlo celkom absurdné. Začiatok bol super a aj zaujímavý nápad to malo, ale ja som sa rýchlo začala nudiť, postavy boli nezaujímavé a vlastne to vo mne nezanechalo žiaden veľký dojem.

[Bradley Valentine · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a strange approach F. Paul Wilson has towards his lead in this novel. Without giving it away, the lady is revealed to have denied something of her ex, continues to do so with complete entitlement, only obscure, batty reasons for doing it, which not even her family forgives her for. And I'm reading this thinking, "This lady sucks!" Haha. But that's OK. I don't need every lead to be 100% likeable. It's just that she isn't interesting either. And not the brightest considering the clearly predatory guys circulating around her and her total lack guard toward them despite how feminist we're consistently told she is. It's hard to tell if Wilson thinks being a feminist is a flaw or positive. Wilson has undeniably boomer vibe that isn't particularly convincing channeled a female lens. It's a problem echoed in his Repairman Jack series with Jack's girlfriend and her daughter.

Still, Wilson is imaginary and fun. It's a disposable story, but who cares?

[Gabby gababoutbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sibs follows Kara back to New York City after the mysterious death of her twin sister. Kara believes there is more to the alleged suicide of her sister and goes down the same path as her sister.

I really don't know how else to explain this book without giving too much away. Just keep in mind, this book starts off as a potentially amazing book with the idea of multiple personalities. However, it quickly changes direction and we encounter some supernatural elements that are never truly explained. Overall, this story was excellent during the beginning half but fell short at the end. I will say that the beginning half and how the book ended are the reasons why this received a 3-star as opposed to a 2-star. This was not my favorite read but I think if you enjoy a lot of twists and turns with more room for interpretation, you will like this one.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've mentioned several times that F. Paul Wilson reminds me of Dean Koontz's writing, particularly the latter's early to mid '80s period with quietly developing weird psychological elements, with a touch of supernatural thrown in for good measure...none more than this book thus far. This is one of Wilson's more audacious book, very outspoken with the sexual elements (which ultimately tie into an important element of the plot), and quite disturbing. It develops rather slowly, but with control and is still a page turner in its own way.

[Ethan’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was quick and good. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. This is the first book I have ever read by this author and I was impressed by how much I couldn’t put it down.

The copy of the book I have has many typos. Aside from this I’m definitely going to check out some of authors other books.

If you want a book that you’re not going to struggle through, and just enjoy an easy read. This is for you.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the most unique books I've ever read. It grips you from page one, and the twists and turns keep you guessing. There is some sex and gore. The format of the novel is very cool. The ending was very intense. I will be reading more of F. Paul Wilson.

[Jon Mamaril · Rating 3 out of 5]

sometimes I'm not in the mood for a female protagonist

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

That was one of the weirdest books I've ever read...

[Bob Box · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in 1992. Wilson's most erotic, most daring, most terrifying novel.

[MissT · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book !!

[Michael T Bradley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hoo, man, this did not age well.

Wilson is doing a fairly straightforward horror novel, but the problem is he wrote it in 1990 or so, and man does it show. Some of my favorite moments were:
-Rob (Rob & Kara used to be a couple, but she left NYC 10 yrs ago b/c she was mugged & just couldn't take living in all the filth!) (but they had a REAL CONNECTION) asks Kara what she's been up to, and she says 'writing a lot of nonfiction. Like articles, etc.' 'Oh? Anywhere I've read?' 'I doubt it. It's a lot of feminist magazines.' 'Oh? I thought you said you were writing NONfiction?' HAR HAR HAR
-Kara is at the police station w/Rob at one point, and Rob goes to get coffee (? - something) and he stops to talk to coworkers on the way back. Kara is STUNNED at how easygoing and confident he is at his job he's had OVER A DECADE. 'Huh, I now understand why he didn't want to leave a decade ago.'

I must ask, did these two characters KNOW THE FIRST FRIGGIN THING ABOUT EACH OTHER?

Sigh.

Anyway, the plot is utterly ridiculous, but it's decently written and extremely fast paced and has a good 80s-horror-movie style antagonist. Big dumb fun.

[Gilles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kara est effondrée. Sa soeur jumelle Kelly vient de décéder d'une mort violente, et dans des circonstances scabreuses, en plus. Elle n'y comprend rien. Elle retourne donc à New York où habitait sa soeur et où elle a aussi habitée, avec elle, pendant plusieurs années. Et là, elle rencontre son ancien amour, Rob, un policier, et elle apprend que Kelly se faisait suivre par un psychiatre pour traiter un dédoublement de personnalité. Le psychiatre lui signale , en même temps, que puisqu'elle est soeur jumelle, elle pourrait souffrir du même trouble. que sa soeur Et voilà qu'elle commence à avoir l'impression qu'un double utilise son corps pendant son sommeil. Mais elle n'est pas seule, son ancien ami policier veille au grain car plusieurs éléments de la mort de sa soeur ne sont pas clairs.
Une histoire originale, des personnages bien typés, une aura de mystère, un peu de pouvoir, de la psychologie, une enquête policière, il n'y a pas à dire, c'est un très bon roman qui m'a passionné.

Faites-vous plaisir !
Encore une autre réussite de F. Paul Wilson.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* rounded down. My least favourite Wilson story so far. Skin-crawling but more in a disgusting way than in a hair-raising way.

[Brett Grossmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent fast paced book keeps you guessing till the finale

[14 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5.

The master does it again. I wasn't sure about this until the hook grabbed me and that was it.

Never doubt FPW.

[Jami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treat yo'self and read this book.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is great, fast paced and intense like most books by F Paul Wilson.

The story / plot was average and a bit predictable but still a solid read.

[John Michael Strubhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

F Paul Wilson never fails to fully engage me with his writing style, character development and well constructed plots. This is a thrilling story that keeps you guessing until the end and bit beyond that. Enjoy!

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

there is a phrase, "Enter the mind of a Killer" well this book takes that idea and turns it completely inside out and backwards. it is an intense and Imaginative read from one of my favorite "Creepy Horror" writers. I cannot recommend this book enough, but, that said, it can be an acquired taste.

[Lisa Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like F. Paul Wilson's other books, this one is full of suspense and compelling characters. Kara travels to New York City to try to understand her twin's apparent suicide. Kelly was engaged in a threesome and jumped or was thrown out the window of a high rise. Kara can't believe this behavior fits with her twin's personality and lifestyle. Throughout the book, the possible explanations for Kelly's behavior and her death expand and change as Kara becomes more and more entwined in her sister's world. Some of the twists and turns I expected, others took me by surprise.

The book was published over 20 years ago and is set in the 90s, but at times the characters' attitudes seem more fitting to the 70s. For instance, one night Kara drinks too much and passes out. Her ex-boyfriend Rob, who is portrayed as still loving her, stays the night. When Kara wakes up, she is relieved to find Rob didn't have sex with her while she was unconscious. This makes her think what a great guy he is. I found this appalling -- what was she doing with a guy who she thinks even might be capable of that? The fact that Kara is allegedly a feminist makes this even more surprising. Also, it's a little hard to like Rob when he chuckles over Kara's supposed feminism, which involves things he thinks are ridiculous, like the idea of wanting her daughter to be aware of ways the media exploits women's bodies. The good thing about these types of passages is that they reminded me that things really have changed (though slowly) in this regard.

For writers, reading the book now highlights how changing cultural attitudes can affect the way readers view characters. It's also a good study in how to work in supernatural aspects of a mystery to make them believable to both the characters in the book and readers.

[David Bonesteel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kara Wade returns to New York to investigate the death of her sister, who leapt from a hotel window after having sex with two strangers. Although the police consider it a suicide, Kara is not convinced and joins forces with her cop ex-boyfriend.

This is a creepy novel with some nice twists that I enjoyed even though I was able to see most of them coming. Some of the characterization is weak; there are several points where some of the confusion could have been cleared up if the characters would just talk to each other and it's not clear why they don't, but none of these are fatal to the plot. Author F. Paul Wilson also makes much of Kara being a feminist, which sometimes makes the book feel as if it were sitting in his drawer for 15 or 20 years before being published. However, in a book like this, the plot is all important and Wilson has a good one. It drags a bit in the middle, but it really picks up for the last 70 pages or so.

[David B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kara Wade returns to New York to investigate the death of her sister, who leapt from a hotel window after having sex with two strangers. Although the police consider it a suicide, Kara is not convinced and joins forces with her cop ex-boyfriend.

This is a creepy novel with some nice twists that I enjoyed even though I was able to see most of them coming. Some of the characterization is weak; there are several points where some of the confusion could have been cleared up if the characters would just talk to each other and it's not clear why they don't, but none of these are fatal to the plot. Author F. Paul Wilson also makes much of Kara being a feminist, which sometimes makes the book feel as if it were sitting in his drawer for 15 or 20 years before being published. However, in a book like this, the plot is all important and Wilson has a good one. It drags a bit in the middle, but it really picks up for the last 70 pages or so.

https://thericochetreviewer.blogspot.com

[Nicholas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good, solid idea paired with Wilson's always good writing. However, the book suffers from one minor, but oddly important flaw:

The protagonist is a woman.

Now now, put your pitchforks and torches away. I don't have a problem with female protagonists. No, the problem I have is that in the entire time he's been writing, the closest FPW has come to writing a decent female character has been Vickie, the 6-year old in the Repairman Jack stories.

His female characters are all the same. They're supposed to be strong, independent women, but they end up coming up like TV sitcom moms (and if you've paid attention, you know they lean towards being awful, awful people).

It also doesn't help that this particular female character is called out specifically as a feminist, but it's some weird Libertarian fantasy of pseudo-feminism.

[Mommacat · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, if you don't like series books stop reading right here. SIBS is part of Wilson's Secret History of the World - over 20 books at this writing - incredible books, I might add. They include books from his Repairman Jack series so you might want to rethink not reading series!

SIBS could be enjoyed as a stand alone novel but questions would arise that would be answered if you had read novels such as REBORN. This thriller will appeal to those who like to think. Can you figure this one out?

[Tim Healy · Rating 2 out of 5]

What shall I say about this one? I find that Wilson's writing is engaging, even when the story is not one of his best. This one has interesting elements, but it does come off seeming a bit too much like a male sex fantasy of submissive women (even the liberated ones). All of them come off as needing a man to rescue them. Fortunately for us, there's the ex-boyfriend...the heroic New York City police detective. It's a little clichéd. The actual idea behind this book is fascinating. I wish I had liked the executed story more than I did.