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The Wrong Sister
8 hours, 55 minutes
In this sensational thriller from the number-one internationally bestselling author, two sisters discover that the secrets they keep from each other prove to be deadly.
You’ve known her all your life. Or have you?
Tasha and her older sister Alice may look alike, but they couldn’t be more different. Tasha’s married with two children and still lives in their hometown near Bristol. Alice is a high-flying scientist who travels the world with her equally successful husband.
Yet each sister would trust the other with her life.
When Tasha and her husband Aaron need a break and Alice offers to stay in their home with the kids, Tasha knows her family is in safe hands.
She couldn’t be more wrong.
The call from home is devastating. Alice and her husband Kyle have been attacked, leaving Alice in intensive care and Kyle dead. Rushing to the hospital, Tasha finds the police trying to piece events together. She can’t think why anyone would attack her sister.
Then the note arrives, addressed to Tasha:
It was supposed to be you . . .
Every family has secrets. Some more deadly than others.
In this sensational thriller from the number-one internationally bestselling author, two sisters discover that the secrets they keep from each other prove to be deadly.
You’ve known her all your life. Or have you?
Tasha and her older sister Alice may look alike, but they couldn’t be more different. Tasha’s married with two children and still lives in their hometown near Bristol. Alice is a high-flying scientist who travels the world with her equally successful husband.
Yet each sister would trust the other with her life.
When Tasha and her husband Aaron need a break and Alice offers to stay in their home with the kids, Tasha knows her family is in safe hands.
She couldn’t be more wrong.
The call from home is devastating. Alice and her husband Kyle have been attacked, leaving Alice in intensive care and Kyle dead. Rushing to the hospital, Tasha finds the police trying to piece events together. She can’t think why anyone would attack her sister.
Then the note arrives, addressed to Tasha:
It was supposed to be you . . .
Every family has secrets. Some more deadly than others.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2024
5052 people are currently reading
52120 people want to read
About the author
Claire Douglas
30 books5,534 followersClaire Douglas always wanted to write novels and, after many years of trying to get published, her dream came true when she won the Marie Claire Debut Novel Award in 2013 with THE SISTERS.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,303 reviews
July 26, 2024
Douglas is a consistent writer, so I should know it would be a slow-burning book that wouldn’t offer much of suspense other than the beginning. I didn’t feel slightly nervous or worried about the characters, which didn’t make it very exciting. The twist was original though, so kudos for that!
January 29, 2024
3.5
Tasha has a very different life with her husband Aaron to her sister Alice and her husband Kyle and so when Alice offers to swap lives so they can holiday in their luxury Venetian apartment, Tasha jumps at the chance. Tasha feels inadequate next to highflyer Alice and is apprehensive about leaving her young twin daughters in Alice’s care, though this is less to do with Alice and more to do with their shared family history. Initially, Venice is exactly what Tasha and Aaron need, but there are a couple of incidents, one of which could’ve ended very badly. Shortly after, they receive the news that Alison and Kyle have been attacked in Tasha’s home and tragically Kyle has died. They rush home to their daughters and to support Alice, and then an anonymous note is pushed through their door, which says “It should have been you …. “. The story is told from the perspectives of Tasha, Alice and their mother Jeanette.
The novel starts well with an ominous tone, scary incidents and the obvious shocking ones. The scenes in Venice are especially good as the little alleyways off the main tourist sections creates exactly the right atmosphere of creepiness. The pace is quite quick at this point and there’s lots going on to keep you immersed in the storyline. The pace rise and fall due to the changing perspectives, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing as it feels realistic.
It becomes clear the further you progress through the book that more than one character is keeping secrets and they’re big ones which is intriguing. There’s a good backstory in the sister’s family that is compelling and has you reading on. The author does a good job at misdirecting the reader to keep you guessing, and trying to figure out the truth. There’s some tension sprinkled throughout and some twists with the final one being a surprise, though I find it somewhat far-fetched, although not necessarily beyond the realms of possibility.
It’s easy to read, the plot is full of incidents and the alternating points of view are a good contrast to each other. I especially like Jeanette’s perspective as that seems to have greater depth and I’m less keen on Tasha as she gets on my nerves!!
However, at times, I think the writing is a bit clunky and there are superfluous details. The author is matter-of-fact on occasions when she should be scaring the living daylights out of us. There are some characters I can’t see the point of as they add little to the overall plot. There’s one thing that occurs in Venice which is left unresolved. What is all that about?
Overall though, it’s an easy read and a perfect one for taking to the beach on those forthcoming summer days.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Tasha has a very different life with her husband Aaron to her sister Alice and her husband Kyle and so when Alice offers to swap lives so they can holiday in their luxury Venetian apartment, Tasha jumps at the chance. Tasha feels inadequate next to highflyer Alice and is apprehensive about leaving her young twin daughters in Alice’s care, though this is less to do with Alice and more to do with their shared family history. Initially, Venice is exactly what Tasha and Aaron need, but there are a couple of incidents, one of which could’ve ended very badly. Shortly after, they receive the news that Alison and Kyle have been attacked in Tasha’s home and tragically Kyle has died. They rush home to their daughters and to support Alice, and then an anonymous note is pushed through their door, which says “It should have been you …. “. The story is told from the perspectives of Tasha, Alice and their mother Jeanette.
The novel starts well with an ominous tone, scary incidents and the obvious shocking ones. The scenes in Venice are especially good as the little alleyways off the main tourist sections creates exactly the right atmosphere of creepiness. The pace is quite quick at this point and there’s lots going on to keep you immersed in the storyline. The pace rise and fall due to the changing perspectives, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing as it feels realistic.
It becomes clear the further you progress through the book that more than one character is keeping secrets and they’re big ones which is intriguing. There’s a good backstory in the sister’s family that is compelling and has you reading on. The author does a good job at misdirecting the reader to keep you guessing, and trying to figure out the truth. There’s some tension sprinkled throughout and some twists with the final one being a surprise, though I find it somewhat far-fetched, although not necessarily beyond the realms of possibility.
It’s easy to read, the plot is full of incidents and the alternating points of view are a good contrast to each other. I especially like Jeanette’s perspective as that seems to have greater depth and I’m less keen on Tasha as she gets on my nerves!!
However, at times, I think the writing is a bit clunky and there are superfluous details. The author is matter-of-fact on occasions when she should be scaring the living daylights out of us. There are some characters I can’t see the point of as they add little to the overall plot. There’s one thing that occurs in Venice which is left unresolved. What is all that about?
Overall though, it’s an easy read and a perfect one for taking to the beach on those forthcoming summer days.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 4, 2025
➳ 3.25 ☆
this story follows a family, specifically two sisters : tasha & alice. they could not live more different lives, so one day they decide to swap their lives for a few days. while they do this swap, alice ends up staying at tasha's house with her husband kyle. whereas, tasha and her husband aaron stay in alice's home. during this stay, both alice and her husband kyle are attacked leaving kyle for dead. the mystery starts from here.
this is my first novel from this author and i am pleasantly surprised. the twists in this book were very obvious, so i would not pick this up if you are looking for an outlandish ending. i guessed the twist pretty quickly but that does not take away from the book. i thought this was a fast and easy thriller, with a great atmosphere. the reason why i can't rate this higher is because the stakes are REALLY low and there was a lot of romantic/marriage drama that seemed to drive a portion of the narrative. aside from this, i would recommend it if you need a quick read. i appreciate that claire did not drag certain plot devices & that all the questions are not answered. for once, the “twist” makes sense, and the fact that it leaves on a grey note, also works in this case. this is the perfect fall time read!
thank you netgalley for the arc! this book is out on august 5th!
this story follows a family, specifically two sisters : tasha & alice. they could not live more different lives, so one day they decide to swap their lives for a few days. while they do this swap, alice ends up staying at tasha's house with her husband kyle. whereas, tasha and her husband aaron stay in alice's home. during this stay, both alice and her husband kyle are attacked leaving kyle for dead. the mystery starts from here.
this is my first novel from this author and i am pleasantly surprised. the twists in this book were very obvious, so i would not pick this up if you are looking for an outlandish ending. i guessed the twist pretty quickly but that does not take away from the book. i thought this was a fast and easy thriller, with a great atmosphere. the reason why i can't rate this higher is because the stakes are REALLY low and there was a lot of romantic/marriage drama that seemed to drive a portion of the narrative. aside from this, i would recommend it if you need a quick read. i appreciate that claire did not drag certain plot devices & that all the questions are not answered. for once, the “twist” makes sense, and the fact that it leaves on a grey note, also works in this case. this is the perfect fall time read!
thank you netgalley for the arc! this book is out on august 5th!
January 30, 2025
3 Stars
I really enjoyed this book overall. It kept me engaged, and while I was able to guess some of the twists early on, there were a few major ones that took me completely by surprise. The pacing was great, and the plot was well-crafted, with just the right amount of suspense to keep me turning pages.
Note: Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with this ARC.
I really enjoyed this book overall. It kept me engaged, and while I was able to guess some of the twists early on, there were a few major ones that took me completely by surprise. The pacing was great, and the plot was well-crafted, with just the right amount of suspense to keep me turning pages.
Note: Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with this ARC.
September 1, 2025
Delivering yet another stunner of domestic suspense, Claire Douglas blew me away with her newest novel, The Wrong Sister. Packed with long-buried secrets, mysterious pasts, and oodles of family drama, as soon as I started this fast-paced slam dunk, I knew I was going to finish it in one night of obsessive reading. You see, the mysterious dual timelines and well-crafted multiple POVs kept me blind to the truth all while spinning a tale of delicious, dark intrigue. From the onion-like plot to the depth and complexity of the story, my mind reeled from beginning to end. After all, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t figure out all of the whos, whats, or whys before each of the perfectly timed revelations took center stage.
Starting off with quite the bang, I knew I was in for a rollercoaster ride. Taking me from the evocatively describedpoignant depths of trauma and loss, I was 100% floored by not only the adrenaline-pumping action but the realistic bond between Tasha and Alice. A deft mix of suspense and family drama, the characters and the plot battled it out for which one would deliver the most. For me, though, the storyline was what ultimately won me over hook, line, and sinker once I read that “WTF?!” twist right at the end. Undeniably well-played, while I might have had the teeniest inkling, the believable red herrings easily put me off until the reveal. Bravo, Ms. Douglas, on messing with my mind in the best possible way.
All said and done, thanks to a tea-spilling feel that was paired with an almost claustrophobic vibe, I fell for this book in no time at all. You see, despite some lags in the pace during the police investigation, the constant fear of the another shoe dropping kept me on the edge of my seat. And fear not, in traditional Douglas style, there was a series of twists that presented some plot-shifting revelations. So if you love plenty of shocks as well as some truly well-developed characters, be sure to grab a copy ASAP. After all, this intensely readable novel had a conclusion that left me with a Cheshire Cat-like smile on my face. Hypnotic, immersive, and thrilling, it was a definite home run for this suspense lover. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Tasha has always felt in the shadow of her older sister, Alice. Their lifestyles couldn't be more different; Alice is married to wealthy entrepreneur Kyle and has a high-flying career, Tasha is married to her childhood sweetheart and lives in a Bristol suburb with their four-year-old twins.
When Alice realises that Tasha is struggling—with money, the kids, losing her identity—she suggests they do a lifeswap for a week. Alice and Kyle will come to stay at Tasha's terraced house to look after the twins, while Tasha and Harry spend the week in Alice and Kyle's Venice apartment.
But a few days in, it all goes terribly wrong. Tasha receives a phone call to say Alice is in hospital and Kyle is dead after an intruder broke into their house. They think it must have been a burglary gone wrong.
Until a note arrives through the letterbox that says: It was supposed to be you.
Who was there that night, and why?
Is it really Tasha they are targeting?
And can these two sisters find the answers they need, or are they about to stumble upon something more sinister?
Thank you to Claire Douglas and Harper Perennial for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 5, 2025
Content warning: breaking and entering, mention of: murder, child abduction, adoption
Starting off with quite the bang, I knew I was in for a rollercoaster ride. Taking me from the evocatively describedpoignant depths of trauma and loss, I was 100% floored by not only the adrenaline-pumping action but the realistic bond between Tasha and Alice. A deft mix of suspense and family drama, the characters and the plot battled it out for which one would deliver the most. For me, though, the storyline was what ultimately won me over hook, line, and sinker once I read that “WTF?!” twist right at the end. Undeniably well-played, while I might have had the teeniest inkling, the believable red herrings easily put me off until the reveal. Bravo, Ms. Douglas, on messing with my mind in the best possible way.
All said and done, thanks to a tea-spilling feel that was paired with an almost claustrophobic vibe, I fell for this book in no time at all. You see, despite some lags in the pace during the police investigation, the constant fear of the another shoe dropping kept me on the edge of my seat. And fear not, in traditional Douglas style, there was a series of twists that presented some plot-shifting revelations. So if you love plenty of shocks as well as some truly well-developed characters, be sure to grab a copy ASAP. After all, this intensely readable novel had a conclusion that left me with a Cheshire Cat-like smile on my face. Hypnotic, immersive, and thrilling, it was a definite home run for this suspense lover. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Tasha has always felt in the shadow of her older sister, Alice. Their lifestyles couldn't be more different; Alice is married to wealthy entrepreneur Kyle and has a high-flying career, Tasha is married to her childhood sweetheart and lives in a Bristol suburb with their four-year-old twins.
When Alice realises that Tasha is struggling—with money, the kids, losing her identity—she suggests they do a lifeswap for a week. Alice and Kyle will come to stay at Tasha's terraced house to look after the twins, while Tasha and Harry spend the week in Alice and Kyle's Venice apartment.
But a few days in, it all goes terribly wrong. Tasha receives a phone call to say Alice is in hospital and Kyle is dead after an intruder broke into their house. They think it must have been a burglary gone wrong.
Until a note arrives through the letterbox that says: It was supposed to be you.
Who was there that night, and why?
Is it really Tasha they are targeting?
And can these two sisters find the answers they need, or are they about to stumble upon something more sinister?
Thank you to Claire Douglas and Harper Perennial for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 5, 2025
Content warning: breaking and entering, mention of: murder, child abduction, adoption
Read
January 26, 2024The Wrong Sister is a triumph of masterful misdirection and intricate plotting. It keeps you guessing from the first page to the last and it's Claire Douglas's best book yet. If you love a Christie-esque mystery that keeps you guessing The Wrong Sister definitely won't disappoint.
August 7, 2025
Okay, my friends, what do we have here? A gripping, fast-paced, and intriguing mystery that blends family drama, secrets, hidden pasts, unknowns, tragedy, murder, and the bonds between sisters. The story is primarily told from Tasha's perspective, with contributions from her sister Alice and their mother Jeannette, and even glimpses into the perspective of their long-missing baby sister.
I thoroughly enjoyed the captivating pace, which was well-executed and kept me engaged. It’s the kind of book that makes it hard to put down—you won’t even consider the DNF (Did Not Finish) option! The novel revolves around two central mysteries: the tragedy of Holly, the family’s missing baby daughter, and the murder of Alice’s husband, Kyle. Are these incidents connected or separate? You’ll need to read the whole story to find out.
While the mystery element was intriguing, I found it slightly overshadowed by the family drama. The not-so-close bond between the mother and her two daughters felt realistic, as each character harbored private emotional struggles, thoughts, and secrets. The dynamics between them added depth and complexity to the story.
The ending, while not shocking, wrapped things up neatly and was satisfying. That said, the thriller elements lost some intensity towards the conclusion, especially when one of the key mysteries was revealed rather abruptly. The initial action-packed opening set in Venice was vivid and gripping—it transported readers to the bustling streets and the adrenaline of being chased by a knife-wielding stranger. I wish we’d spent more time in this thrilling setting because, after Tasha and Aaron returned home to reunite with Jeannette, the story’s tempo slowed during the police investigation.
Still, I found the premise compelling and engaging enough to round up my 3.5 stars to 4 stars for the strong sisterhood bond and fast-paced execution!
Quick Recap of the Plot:
Tasha and her sister Alice couldn’t be more different. Tasha, married to her childhood sweetheart Aaron, is a stay-at-home mom raising their twins in a small rural town. Aaron works at a garage, and their life is simple yet fulfilling. In contrast, Alice, an Oxford graduate with a Ph.D., works as a biochemist and lives a luxurious life with her wealthy husband Kyle. They even own an apartment in Venice.
Alice offers a "Holiday"-style life swap (à la Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). Tasha and Aaron fly to Venice for their anniversary while Alice and Kyle stay at their home to care for the twins. Tasha reluctantly agrees, hoping to rekindle her romance with Aaron.
But things take a dark turn when Tasha and Aaron are chased by a man with a knife on the streets of Venice—someone who may have mistaken her for Alice. The next morning, they receive horrifying news: an intruder has attacked Alice and Kyle back home. Kyle is dead, and Alice is in the hospital.
Tasha and Aaron return home immediately. Tasha contacts their mother Jeannette, who has been living in France, trying to move on from the tragic loss of her kidnapped daughter Holly and the death of her husband.
Was the attack on Kyle a burglary gone wrong, or is there something more sinister at play?
When Tasha discovers a chilling note that reads, "It was supposed to be you," her world is turned upside down. Who holds a grudge against her? Could the attacker have targeted the wrong sister? As she digs deeper, uncovering buried secrets in her family’s past, she realizes the truth might be more devastating than she can handle.
Overall:
This is a solid, gripping family drama mixed with mystery and executed at a breakneck pace! It’s the perfect popcorn read—ideal for curling up on the couch with a blanket and your favorite drink.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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I thoroughly enjoyed the captivating pace, which was well-executed and kept me engaged. It’s the kind of book that makes it hard to put down—you won’t even consider the DNF (Did Not Finish) option! The novel revolves around two central mysteries: the tragedy of Holly, the family’s missing baby daughter, and the murder of Alice’s husband, Kyle. Are these incidents connected or separate? You’ll need to read the whole story to find out.
While the mystery element was intriguing, I found it slightly overshadowed by the family drama. The not-so-close bond between the mother and her two daughters felt realistic, as each character harbored private emotional struggles, thoughts, and secrets. The dynamics between them added depth and complexity to the story.
The ending, while not shocking, wrapped things up neatly and was satisfying. That said, the thriller elements lost some intensity towards the conclusion, especially when one of the key mysteries was revealed rather abruptly. The initial action-packed opening set in Venice was vivid and gripping—it transported readers to the bustling streets and the adrenaline of being chased by a knife-wielding stranger. I wish we’d spent more time in this thrilling setting because, after Tasha and Aaron returned home to reunite with Jeannette, the story’s tempo slowed during the police investigation.
Still, I found the premise compelling and engaging enough to round up my 3.5 stars to 4 stars for the strong sisterhood bond and fast-paced execution!
Quick Recap of the Plot:
Tasha and her sister Alice couldn’t be more different. Tasha, married to her childhood sweetheart Aaron, is a stay-at-home mom raising their twins in a small rural town. Aaron works at a garage, and their life is simple yet fulfilling. In contrast, Alice, an Oxford graduate with a Ph.D., works as a biochemist and lives a luxurious life with her wealthy husband Kyle. They even own an apartment in Venice.
Alice offers a "Holiday"-style life swap (à la Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). Tasha and Aaron fly to Venice for their anniversary while Alice and Kyle stay at their home to care for the twins. Tasha reluctantly agrees, hoping to rekindle her romance with Aaron.
But things take a dark turn when Tasha and Aaron are chased by a man with a knife on the streets of Venice—someone who may have mistaken her for Alice. The next morning, they receive horrifying news: an intruder has attacked Alice and Kyle back home. Kyle is dead, and Alice is in the hospital.
Tasha and Aaron return home immediately. Tasha contacts their mother Jeannette, who has been living in France, trying to move on from the tragic loss of her kidnapped daughter Holly and the death of her husband.
Was the attack on Kyle a burglary gone wrong, or is there something more sinister at play?
When Tasha discovers a chilling note that reads, "It was supposed to be you," her world is turned upside down. Who holds a grudge against her? Could the attacker have targeted the wrong sister? As she digs deeper, uncovering buried secrets in her family’s past, she realizes the truth might be more devastating than she can handle.
Overall:
This is a solid, gripping family drama mixed with mystery and executed at a breakneck pace! It’s the perfect popcorn read—ideal for curling up on the couch with a blanket and your favorite drink.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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September 3, 2025
3.5⭐
Genre ~ domestic mystery
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ August 5, 2025
Publisher ~ Harper Audio
Est Page Count ~ 432 (intro+ 51 chapters) ~ date stamped
Audio length ~ 8 hours 55 minutes
Narrator ~ Eleanor Tomlinson
POV ~ single 1st (Tasha) & multiple 3rd (the others)
Featuring ~ 5 parts, multiple timelines, secrets
Tasha & Aaron are off on an anniversary holiday while her sister Alice and husband Kyle watch their young twins. But only a couple of days in a tragedy strikes and Kyle is killed and Alice is injured. Luckily the twins are unharmed.
Jeanette is Tasha and Alice's mother, who is still heartbroken 30 years later that her daughter, Holly, was kidnapped when she was just a baby.
We hear from a lady named Bonnie later on, but I can’t give too much away about her except there was a nice twist with her and it's not what you're probably thinking that I'm referring to.
Overall, this was a pretty good fast paced, slow burn mystery, yet mostly predictable, non~thriller with family drama, secrets and a nice ending. It does sound similar to a plot I’ve read before, though, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Narration notes:
She did fine, but of course I do wish there were multiple female narrators.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Genre ~ domestic mystery
Setting ~ England
Publication date ~ August 5, 2025
Publisher ~ Harper Audio
Est Page Count ~ 432 (intro+ 51 chapters) ~ date stamped
Audio length ~ 8 hours 55 minutes
Narrator ~ Eleanor Tomlinson
POV ~ single 1st (Tasha) & multiple 3rd (the others)
Featuring ~ 5 parts, multiple timelines, secrets
Tasha & Aaron are off on an anniversary holiday while her sister Alice and husband Kyle watch their young twins. But only a couple of days in a tragedy strikes and Kyle is killed and Alice is injured. Luckily the twins are unharmed.
Jeanette is Tasha and Alice's mother, who is still heartbroken 30 years later that her daughter, Holly, was kidnapped when she was just a baby.
We hear from a lady named Bonnie later on, but I can’t give too much away about her except there was a nice twist with her and it's not what you're probably thinking that I'm referring to.
Overall, this was a pretty good fast paced, slow burn mystery, yet mostly predictable, non~thriller with family drama, secrets and a nice ending. It does sound similar to a plot I’ve read before, though, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Narration notes:
She did fine, but of course I do wish there were multiple female narrators.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
May 22, 2024
Amazing read that I never wanted to end :(
April 25, 2024
This is one of those rare thrillers that you’ll lose track of time while reading. Somehow, I read the entire book in one sitting - and I can’t remember the last time it that happened. An absolutely brilliant, 5 star read that I can’t recommend highly enough.
April 10, 2024
do you know what? I didn't think this was well written, or structured, or had characters I cared about. But I tore through this and it was JUST ridiculous enough that I ended up eating that shit up like it was a tube of pringles on boxing day.
ridiculous fun. like a two point something
ridiculous fun. like a two point something
August 30, 2024
The plot leaned a bit heavily into melodrama, but overall, it had its moments. I appreciated what it was aiming for, though I think it could have benefited from a faster pace or more intricately developed red herrings. I’d rate this closer to a 2.5 than a 3!
June 17, 2024
This was a super quick moving domestic thriller. I liked the writing style and found myself devouring this book in hours despite its hefty appearance. I liked that we got to see things from several perspectives primarily Jeanette and her two daughters Alice and Tasha. Tasha and Alice have totally different lives. Alice is a doctor and married to Kyle who came into some money after his parents died. They live a glamorous lifestyle. Tasha is married to her high school sweetheart and they have two young twin girls. Alice offers to come stay with the girls and let Tasha and her husband go stay in their vacation home in Venice. Despite some anxiety about leaving her children they do switch and things in Venice are wonderful under they have a small scare only to come home and find out Alice is in the hospital and her husband is dead. I definitely saw most of the twists coming but I still enjoyed the super twisty ride this book gave me. I don’t think I’ve read Claire Douglas before, but I definitely will be keeping an eye out for her in the future.
January 21, 2024
Ms Douglas has done It again with another fabulous read with her latest offering ‘The Wrong sister’.
Tasha and Alice are both sisters but very different to each other. Tasha lives in Chew Norton where they both grew up and is married to Aaron and has twin daughters. Alice is married to Kyle and lives in London and is quite wealthy. When the sisters agree to do a life swap. Alice will look after the twin girls. While Tasha and Aaron have a much-needed break and head of to Venice and stay in Tasha’s holiday villa.
The couple themselves when they are accosted by a man with a knife when they get lost in the back streets of Venice. But the couple manage to get away. But they receive further bad news when she gets a call to say that someone tried to burgle their home while Alice and Kyle and the twins are asleep. When Kyle goes to find out what is happening Kyle ends up dead and her sister Alice is injured. More shock comes when a note is left saying to Tasha that it should have been you.
This is another fantastic read from the author. It is a tense gripping and quite complex thriller, and the authors is great placing some red herrings to keep you guessing throughout. I hadn’t figured anything out until the conclusion of the story with the author’s trademark twist at the end. 5 stars from me.
Tasha and Alice are both sisters but very different to each other. Tasha lives in Chew Norton where they both grew up and is married to Aaron and has twin daughters. Alice is married to Kyle and lives in London and is quite wealthy. When the sisters agree to do a life swap. Alice will look after the twin girls. While Tasha and Aaron have a much-needed break and head of to Venice and stay in Tasha’s holiday villa.
The couple themselves when they are accosted by a man with a knife when they get lost in the back streets of Venice. But the couple manage to get away. But they receive further bad news when she gets a call to say that someone tried to burgle their home while Alice and Kyle and the twins are asleep. When Kyle goes to find out what is happening Kyle ends up dead and her sister Alice is injured. More shock comes when a note is left saying to Tasha that it should have been you.
This is another fantastic read from the author. It is a tense gripping and quite complex thriller, and the authors is great placing some red herrings to keep you guessing throughout. I hadn’t figured anything out until the conclusion of the story with the author’s trademark twist at the end. 5 stars from me.
February 18, 2025
Wow what a read, such a wild ride.
August 9, 2025
Tasha was excited to be switching places with her sister for a Venice vacation while her sister was going to be taking care of Tasha’s twin girls.
Who got the better deal?
I don’t think either of them did. Switching places caused the unthinkable to happen.
Tasha and her husband were enjoying Venice until they got a phone call saying that her sister had been attacked and her sister's husband was murdered in their home.
Were the twins OK? Did they hear anything? Will they be traumatized?
Tasha and Aaron also had an encounter with a man with a knife in Venice and thankfully escaped.
Were these two attacks related, but how could they be?
We follow the sisters, their mother, and the story about their baby sister being kidnapped 30 years ago along with these horrific events.
Is the kidnapping related to what’s happening now after all these years?
Claire Douglas KNOWS how to set the stage for tension, what if, surprises, and the guessing game of who did it and what is really going on.
You know you are in for a stay-up-late reading with her books. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Who got the better deal?
I don’t think either of them did. Switching places caused the unthinkable to happen.
Tasha and her husband were enjoying Venice until they got a phone call saying that her sister had been attacked and her sister's husband was murdered in their home.
Were the twins OK? Did they hear anything? Will they be traumatized?
Tasha and Aaron also had an encounter with a man with a knife in Venice and thankfully escaped.
Were these two attacks related, but how could they be?
We follow the sisters, their mother, and the story about their baby sister being kidnapped 30 years ago along with these horrific events.
Is the kidnapping related to what’s happening now after all these years?
Claire Douglas KNOWS how to set the stage for tension, what if, surprises, and the guessing game of who did it and what is really going on.
You know you are in for a stay-up-late reading with her books. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 29, 2025
4.5 stars.. what a throughly enjoyable book.
I didn’t read a lot of these suspenseful books before, but since being on the apps I’ve tried them and happy I have.
There is a lot of twists and turns in this book that I thought I would get, I did think I got the twist in the end no worries though as I didn’t guess the reasons why.
Sisters and and a missing sister and the stories which connect to eachother.
The normal sister the well to do sister and the families of the both. The sister that was taken as a baby.
Also the murder that happened but who was it and what secrets are hidden.
My thoughts
I didn’t read a lot of these suspenseful books before, but since being on the apps I’ve tried them and happy I have.
There is a lot of twists and turns in this book that I thought I would get, I did think I got the twist in the end no worries though as I didn’t guess the reasons why.
Sisters and and a missing sister and the stories which connect to eachother.
The normal sister the well to do sister and the families of the both. The sister that was taken as a baby.
Also the murder that happened but who was it and what secrets are hidden.
My thoughts
April 6, 2024
3.75 / 5.0
If I had to compare the plot to her previous book on ‘The Woman who lied’, this is definitely easier to follow and comprehend. We didn’t have the random switches within the book, but unfortunately it still had that “running around in a circle theme”. It isn’t as much as her previous book but it is still present.
The general plot follows Tasha and Alice who are sisters, Tasha is married with two young children with Aaron living near Bristol, whilst Alice (like a polar opposite) is an award winning, driven scientist who is married to her successful husband Kyle. When Alice gives an opportunity for Tasha to stay in their apartment in Venice to take a break away from their kids and rekindle their relationship, Alice and Kyle look after their kids. One day, Aaron gets a phone call that Kyle and Alice were attacked in their home, with Kyle dying from his injuries sustained. Once Tasha arrives back home, after the police has cleared up their home Tasha finds a note “it was supposed to be you”.
This plot is complex to say the least, within the first 100 pages has a lot going on and I’ve found that near the second half of the book is where the plot plateaus as you read from Alice, Tasha and Jeanette perspectives. The pacing is inconsistent and as the plot develops where more is revealed parts are overlooked very quickly and soon the plot starts to hone in on specific events. I think it’s very random to have the reveal at the end be so short almost near the end of the book. I found the that some plots were random, I.e. the events in Venice which didn’t have any substance. Near the end when Tasha is trying to tie up loose ends, it starts going around in circles slightly which ends up getting abit repetitive and then there’s this rabbit out of a hat moment which magically solves all this issue which I found to be a poor way to end the plot. Overall it’s meh, it’s not the greatest but I’ve seen worse.
For those that have read the book, a question I ask if what’s your thoughts on having finished the book to the title of the book. My opinion the plot is very excessive for what it needs to do and the ‘main plot’ is actually a subplot.
If I had to compare the plot to her previous book on ‘The Woman who lied’, this is definitely easier to follow and comprehend. We didn’t have the random switches within the book, but unfortunately it still had that “running around in a circle theme”. It isn’t as much as her previous book but it is still present.
The general plot follows Tasha and Alice who are sisters, Tasha is married with two young children with Aaron living near Bristol, whilst Alice (like a polar opposite) is an award winning, driven scientist who is married to her successful husband Kyle. When Alice gives an opportunity for Tasha to stay in their apartment in Venice to take a break away from their kids and rekindle their relationship, Alice and Kyle look after their kids. One day, Aaron gets a phone call that Kyle and Alice were attacked in their home, with Kyle dying from his injuries sustained. Once Tasha arrives back home, after the police has cleared up their home Tasha finds a note “it was supposed to be you”.
This plot is complex to say the least, within the first 100 pages has a lot going on and I’ve found that near the second half of the book is where the plot plateaus as you read from Alice, Tasha and Jeanette perspectives. The pacing is inconsistent and as the plot develops where more is revealed parts are overlooked very quickly and soon the plot starts to hone in on specific events. I think it’s very random to have the reveal at the end be so short almost near the end of the book. I found the that some plots were random, I.e. the events in Venice which didn’t have any substance. Near the end when Tasha is trying to tie up loose ends, it starts going around in circles slightly which ends up getting abit repetitive and then there’s this rabbit out of a hat moment which magically solves all this issue which I found to be a poor way to end the plot. Overall it’s meh, it’s not the greatest but I’ve seen worse.
For those that have read the book, a question I ask if what’s your thoughts on having finished the book to the title of the book. My opinion the plot is very excessive for what it needs to do and the ‘main plot’ is actually a subplot.
July 14, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Aug. 5, 2025
Tasha is raising her twin daughters with her husband, Aaron, in her hometown. Her sister, Alice, is a high-profile scientist who lives in a mansion with her husband, Kyle. Although the sisters couldn’t be more dissimilar, Tasha and Alice know that they can trust each other with their lives. In order to help Tasha re-ignite the spark in her marriage, Alice offers Tasha a week in her villa in Italy, while her and Kyle will remain in Tasha and Aaron’s home and watch their children. After two days in Italy, Tasha and Aaron are called home after tragedy strikes- Kyle and Alice are attacked in their home, and Kyle is dead. With her sister in intensive care, Tasha receives a letter through the mail that states, “It should’ve been you”. Was Tasha the intended target? And if so, who wants to kill her?
“The Wrong Sister” is the new novel by U.K author Claire Douglas. Full of intrigue, mystery and page-turning family drama, “Sister” has readers questioning how well we really know our family? And how far will we go to protect them?
“Sister” is primarily narrated by Tasha and her mother, Jeanette, although Alice narrates one of the final chapters and a young woman named Bonnie, whose relationship is kept secret until the end of the novel (although I figured out the essential bits), narrates a few sporadic chapters here and there as well. There are an intriguing number of twists and turns in this novel and just when I thought I had it figured out, Douglas hit me with another twist, and I was once again left guessing. I love when authors in this genre are still able to surprise me, and Douglas is the perfect example.
There are some complex relationships in this novel, so it’s necessary to pay attention throughout. I got lost a few times at the beginning, trying to connect the dots, but it didn’t take long until I was fully immersed in the story and easily following along with the plot.
The ending was satisfying and unexpected, and the final pages left an indelible mark. To avoid spoilers, I won’t go into detail but I will say that, after all of the turbulent drama caused by one seemingly innocuous secret, Tasha’s actions at the end caught me off-guard, although they still managed to be reasonable and believable. I didn’t want to support Tasha’s choice but it made perfect sense by the end.
Douglas’ “The Wrong Sister” is a fascinating story of family, sisterhood, and the lengths we will go to keep those we love safe and I highly recommend this gripping read.
Expected publication date: Aug. 5, 2025
Tasha is raising her twin daughters with her husband, Aaron, in her hometown. Her sister, Alice, is a high-profile scientist who lives in a mansion with her husband, Kyle. Although the sisters couldn’t be more dissimilar, Tasha and Alice know that they can trust each other with their lives. In order to help Tasha re-ignite the spark in her marriage, Alice offers Tasha a week in her villa in Italy, while her and Kyle will remain in Tasha and Aaron’s home and watch their children. After two days in Italy, Tasha and Aaron are called home after tragedy strikes- Kyle and Alice are attacked in their home, and Kyle is dead. With her sister in intensive care, Tasha receives a letter through the mail that states, “It should’ve been you”. Was Tasha the intended target? And if so, who wants to kill her?
“The Wrong Sister” is the new novel by U.K author Claire Douglas. Full of intrigue, mystery and page-turning family drama, “Sister” has readers questioning how well we really know our family? And how far will we go to protect them?
“Sister” is primarily narrated by Tasha and her mother, Jeanette, although Alice narrates one of the final chapters and a young woman named Bonnie, whose relationship is kept secret until the end of the novel (although I figured out the essential bits), narrates a few sporadic chapters here and there as well. There are an intriguing number of twists and turns in this novel and just when I thought I had it figured out, Douglas hit me with another twist, and I was once again left guessing. I love when authors in this genre are still able to surprise me, and Douglas is the perfect example.
There are some complex relationships in this novel, so it’s necessary to pay attention throughout. I got lost a few times at the beginning, trying to connect the dots, but it didn’t take long until I was fully immersed in the story and easily following along with the plot.
The ending was satisfying and unexpected, and the final pages left an indelible mark. To avoid spoilers, I won’t go into detail but I will say that, after all of the turbulent drama caused by one seemingly innocuous secret, Tasha’s actions at the end caught me off-guard, although they still managed to be reasonable and believable. I didn’t want to support Tasha’s choice but it made perfect sense by the end.
Douglas’ “The Wrong Sister” is a fascinating story of family, sisterhood, and the lengths we will go to keep those we love safe and I highly recommend this gripping read.
March 23, 2024
I explained the details of this book to my fiancé and he was like “okay who would ever guess that twist” and it’s true, it’s impossible to guess unless you have knowledge of this very niche thing... I can’t say more than that or it’ll be hinting too much and kind of a spoiler. I personally don’t mind an impossible to guess twist as long as it can be explained and this one can be! I thought this was a really fun read. Claire Douglas is an auto buy author for me.
July 3, 2024
3.5 stars
August 31, 2025
This family had more secrets than I could count and this story was one that gripped me from the prologue. Throw in the secrets, mixed with some deception and a 30 year-old missing person‘s case and you have a recipe for the perfect disaster!
Jeanette has not been the same since her infant daughter was taken 30 years ago. Although she had two remaining daughters left, Allison and Tasha — she still couldn’t let go of the guilt that has plagued her all these years. These sister live completely different lives, but when tragedy hits too close to home, this family is left an emotional turmoil once again.
I enjoyed the dual POV from Alice, Tasha and Jeanette . There’s nothing like hearing the same event occur in different characters thought processes. This is definitely one that kept me guessing close to the end as I tried to peace together, who is true antagonist in this story. The narration in the audiobook was amazing. The narrator did a great job in bringing life to these numerous characters.
Overall, a solid and enjoyable read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I will be reading more from this author in the near future! Thank you HarperAudio Adult and NetGalley for an advanced listening copy.
Jeanette has not been the same since her infant daughter was taken 30 years ago. Although she had two remaining daughters left, Allison and Tasha — she still couldn’t let go of the guilt that has plagued her all these years. These sister live completely different lives, but when tragedy hits too close to home, this family is left an emotional turmoil once again.
I enjoyed the dual POV from Alice, Tasha and Jeanette . There’s nothing like hearing the same event occur in different characters thought processes. This is definitely one that kept me guessing close to the end as I tried to peace together, who is true antagonist in this story. The narration in the audiobook was amazing. The narrator did a great job in bringing life to these numerous characters.
Overall, a solid and enjoyable read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I will be reading more from this author in the near future! Thank you HarperAudio Adult and NetGalley for an advanced listening copy.
August 27, 2025
3/5 ⭐️ This was a bit too slow for my liking. I do enjoy a slow burn mystery/thriller but this one just didn’t appeal to me as much. I did enjoy it somewhat though. The twist definitely got me.
January 12, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
Thriller - not so much. 😕 Gripping - yes, in a way that Claire Douglas knew how to throw out misleading if not various red herrings that might indicate to some genuine twist that would suggest otherwise other than the obvious. I mean, if you are going to include segments where we get glimpses into the murderer's eyes, which so then conveniently stop after certain events unfold, then doesn't that defeat the purpose of the element of surprise, if not suspense. 🙄 Add to that, while I do think the missing sister aspect was an intriguing pull, it sadly also bore strong similarities to certain other plots that I've read, which took away the surprise factor, and made it rather predictable. Plus, being a small town with a limited cast, one of the weaknesses that I always latch onto is that it leaves very little doubt to who could be the likely suspect; within a minute of said arrival, I had figured it out. 🙆🏻♀️
“So you’re still here. Still thriving. I haven’t managed to get rid of you yet.
But there’s time.”
Well, that part of the mystery, anyway. For The Wrong Sister really is a family drama that delves into the shocking long-buried secrets that lay root in a family that has endured their fair share of heartbreak that explodes in an even deeper traumatic guilt when Alice and Tasha switch lives and homes for awhile, only to have Alice's husband, Kyle be murdered. 😦 What follows is the unveiling of each of their individual past sins and shames - the hidden failings of their marriages along with the secrets that they kept buried of their past. What connection does their missing sister have to do with Kyle's tragic death? Why leave a note hinting that the wrong sister was targeted, instead? Could Tasha's husband be involved? Is there a jealous lover on the prowl seeking revenge? Can their own mother be hiding a secret that she does not want revealed? 😟
“Her spectre follows me everywhere, reminding me of the worst that can happen.”
It is preying on these little doubts that kept my interest. As the narrative shifts between different characters and forbidden thoughts of alternating timelines, I tried to see which secret would reveal its truth. 🧐 What motive of intent really mattered in the grand scheme of things? I wished that most of the narrative wasn't centered on family affairs; like rather than solving a puzzle, it was more like shedding light on the family drama of Tasha's marriage, trying to divert the attention, which made it rather wearisome. It also became kinda obvious how the author was shifting the attention from various plot lines just to make it difficult to narrow down the truth, when in fact, it actually became a lot clearer in the process. 🤷🏻♀️
“Time seems to stand still for a few moments, a kaleidoscope of memories shifting through my mind.”
The writing was easy enough for keep me engaged; I would have liked a little more oomph to the mystery, as some of the characters did not quite make an impression, almost cliche in their portrayal. But, at its heart, it is a story of mothers and daughters and sisters. How in the way of unforeseen circumstances, allows each of them to see the faults and mistakes they made, tinged with regret, and also foresight into the wrong they've committed. ‘I always thought we were close. But actually we’re not, are we?’ 🥺 What challenges and indiscretions they have to make in a time of crisis and risks; one that has Tasha and Alice really see one in another in a whole new light with each other and their mother that comes forth. Tasha, especially, with all her suspicions of her husband, Aaron, perhaps cheating on her, on her own self-reflective doubts of her own expectations, her differing view of her mother's way of raising them, it slowly paves the way for her to truly understand what it means to sacrifice for the ones we love. 🫂
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“We’d do anything for the ones we love.”
Thriller - not so much. 😕 Gripping - yes, in a way that Claire Douglas knew how to throw out misleading if not various red herrings that might indicate to some genuine twist that would suggest otherwise other than the obvious. I mean, if you are going to include segments where we get glimpses into the murderer's eyes, which so then conveniently stop after certain events unfold, then doesn't that defeat the purpose of the element of surprise, if not suspense. 🙄 Add to that, while I do think the missing sister aspect was an intriguing pull, it sadly also bore strong similarities to certain other plots that I've read, which took away the surprise factor, and made it rather predictable. Plus, being a small town with a limited cast, one of the weaknesses that I always latch onto is that it leaves very little doubt to who could be the likely suspect; within a minute of said arrival, I had figured it out. 🙆🏻♀️
“So you’re still here. Still thriving. I haven’t managed to get rid of you yet.
But there’s time.”
Well, that part of the mystery, anyway. For The Wrong Sister really is a family drama that delves into the shocking long-buried secrets that lay root in a family that has endured their fair share of heartbreak that explodes in an even deeper traumatic guilt when Alice and Tasha switch lives and homes for awhile, only to have Alice's husband, Kyle be murdered. 😦 What follows is the unveiling of each of their individual past sins and shames - the hidden failings of their marriages along with the secrets that they kept buried of their past. What connection does their missing sister have to do with Kyle's tragic death? Why leave a note hinting that the wrong sister was targeted, instead? Could Tasha's husband be involved? Is there a jealous lover on the prowl seeking revenge? Can their own mother be hiding a secret that she does not want revealed? 😟
“Her spectre follows me everywhere, reminding me of the worst that can happen.”
It is preying on these little doubts that kept my interest. As the narrative shifts between different characters and forbidden thoughts of alternating timelines, I tried to see which secret would reveal its truth. 🧐 What motive of intent really mattered in the grand scheme of things? I wished that most of the narrative wasn't centered on family affairs; like rather than solving a puzzle, it was more like shedding light on the family drama of Tasha's marriage, trying to divert the attention, which made it rather wearisome. It also became kinda obvious how the author was shifting the attention from various plot lines just to make it difficult to narrow down the truth, when in fact, it actually became a lot clearer in the process. 🤷🏻♀️
“Time seems to stand still for a few moments, a kaleidoscope of memories shifting through my mind.”
The writing was easy enough for keep me engaged; I would have liked a little more oomph to the mystery, as some of the characters did not quite make an impression, almost cliche in their portrayal. But, at its heart, it is a story of mothers and daughters and sisters. How in the way of unforeseen circumstances, allows each of them to see the faults and mistakes they made, tinged with regret, and also foresight into the wrong they've committed. ‘I always thought we were close. But actually we’re not, are we?’ 🥺 What challenges and indiscretions they have to make in a time of crisis and risks; one that has Tasha and Alice really see one in another in a whole new light with each other and their mother that comes forth. Tasha, especially, with all her suspicions of her husband, Aaron, perhaps cheating on her, on her own self-reflective doubts of her own expectations, her differing view of her mother's way of raising them, it slowly paves the way for her to truly understand what it means to sacrifice for the ones we love. 🫂
*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2024
Wow! Talk about tense and fast paced! Claire Douglas is an auto read author for me and The Wrong Sister delivered in every way possible.
I loved the originality of the storyline. Tasha and Aaron are offered a luxury Venetian apartment by Tasha’s wealth sister Alice. Worn out from the grind of daily life and raisin their children, plus issues in their relationship, both jump at the chance to get away.
While away, Tasha gets a call to say theres been tragic break in to their home and Kyle, Alices husband has been killed. Racing back home Tasha finds a note that says “It was meant to be you.” …
Another brilliant and addictive psychological thriller that you won’t be able to put down!
Many thanks to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for an early e-arc — I loved it!
I loved the originality of the storyline. Tasha and Aaron are offered a luxury Venetian apartment by Tasha’s wealth sister Alice. Worn out from the grind of daily life and raisin their children, plus issues in their relationship, both jump at the chance to get away.
While away, Tasha gets a call to say theres been tragic break in to their home and Kyle, Alices husband has been killed. Racing back home Tasha finds a note that says “It was meant to be you.” …
Another brilliant and addictive psychological thriller that you won’t be able to put down!
Many thanks to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for an early e-arc — I loved it!
August 4, 2024
It was quite a slow book to read, plot twist at the end was good but did feel like it was a bit of a rushed ending and a lot half explained. Wouldn’t recommend but finished reading it anyways, I did feel like she could have made it a lot more intense and secretive but everything was quite matter of fact and out in the open
July 29, 2025
"The Wrong Sister" is the wrong book for readers craving simplicity.
Even though I enjoyed this pacey, twisty, and intricately plotted "deadly secrets between two sisters" thriller, I prefer books with fewer characters and subplots.
At times, I felt like I needed an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of all of the characters, subplots, and timelines.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Eleanor Tomlinson.
Unfolding from the three POVs (and multiple timelines!) of two sisters and their mother, the book would have benefited from three narrators.
I especially enjoyed the book's GOL(Gasp Out Loud) ending.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
February 26, 2024
Rating: 1.4/5
"The Wrong Sister" is the fourth novel by Claire Douglas that I have read. My first experience of her work was the splendid "The Couple at No.9", but unfortunately each book I have read since that one has impressed me less than the one before. Sadly, that trend has continued with this latest offering, which I think is easily the poorest example of this author's output that I have read.
The novel actually opens in quite promising fashion and I was looking forward to Claire Douglas bucking the trend and returning to the quality on offer in "The Couple at No.9". However, that is not the case and it doesn't take overly long before it develops into fairly typical genre fodder, with no shortage of the associated hackneyed tropes, as well as unconvincing melodrama oozing from every chapter.
There are attempts at carrot-dangling suspense with elements of sub-plots being drip-fed into the narrative, but it is all quite clumsy. There are sections written in italics that represent a character with malicious intent and are, no doubt, supposed to build a sense of persistent background menace, but instead, it just seems a bit silly and overdone. I know from previous experience that Claire Douglas can deliver high quality, compelling writing, so I kept hoping that those skills would come to the fore and steer the storyline onto a more creditworthy track. That isn't what transpires, though. There are dramatic plot developments later in the piece, but they exacerbate matters rather than salvaging the situation. I have deliberately avoided calling them "twists", because that implies some clever manipulation of the plot by the writer, which warrants recognition and appreciation. The developments in this novel are of the "rabbit out of the hat" variety, which is just cheating.
It is too early to say for certain whether this fourth experience of this author's work will also be my last, but it may well be.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
"The Wrong Sister" is the fourth novel by Claire Douglas that I have read. My first experience of her work was the splendid "The Couple at No.9", but unfortunately each book I have read since that one has impressed me less than the one before. Sadly, that trend has continued with this latest offering, which I think is easily the poorest example of this author's output that I have read.
The novel actually opens in quite promising fashion and I was looking forward to Claire Douglas bucking the trend and returning to the quality on offer in "The Couple at No.9". However, that is not the case and it doesn't take overly long before it develops into fairly typical genre fodder, with no shortage of the associated hackneyed tropes, as well as unconvincing melodrama oozing from every chapter.
There are attempts at carrot-dangling suspense with elements of sub-plots being drip-fed into the narrative, but it is all quite clumsy. There are sections written in italics that represent a character with malicious intent and are, no doubt, supposed to build a sense of persistent background menace, but instead, it just seems a bit silly and overdone. I know from previous experience that Claire Douglas can deliver high quality, compelling writing, so I kept hoping that those skills would come to the fore and steer the storyline onto a more creditworthy track. That isn't what transpires, though. There are dramatic plot developments later in the piece, but they exacerbate matters rather than salvaging the situation. I have deliberately avoided calling them "twists", because that implies some clever manipulation of the plot by the writer, which warrants recognition and appreciation. The developments in this novel are of the "rabbit out of the hat" variety, which is just cheating.
It is too early to say for certain whether this fourth experience of this author's work will also be my last, but it may well be.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
May 22, 2024
Half a star.
God awful.
The protagonist is so freaking boring. No one needs to hear about how much milk and bread is in the house over and over and over.
Stupid, convoluted plot rendered so dull it became a challenge to finish it.
Cannot believe this is the author's tenth book. Utterly baffling.
God awful.
The protagonist is so freaking boring. No one needs to hear about how much milk and bread is in the house over and over and over.
Stupid, convoluted plot rendered so dull it became a challenge to finish it.
Cannot believe this is the author's tenth book. Utterly baffling.
September 2, 2024
As a big thriller fan, I'd heard wonderful things about the works of Claire Douglas, so I was chomping at the bit to delve in to one of her books. As we had a number of long journeys planned, my husband and I opted to listen to The Wrong Sister on audible. Unfortunately, whilst the narration is fabulous, the plot was slow, predictable and formulaic. There were also glaring plot holes and inaccuracies which were difficult to overlook. Here are just a few of my gripes....
1) Kyle is found murdered and his wife, Alice, is severely injured, yet no police officer accompanies Alice to the hospital, either for protection or in readiness to take her key witness statement as soon as she wakes.
2) Tasha and Aaron's home is the scene of a violent murder, yet within days they are able to move back in (the crime scene investigation apparently complete in record time). Kyle's body is also released for cremation surprisingly quickly.
3) The police are virtually absent throughout this novel, and do not seem to ever consider that the victim and his wife may not have been the intended targets (despite the fact they are not usually resident at the property), until Tasha finds a note saying "It Should Have Been You". Why hadn't the police already considered this logical line of inquiry and delved further in to Tasha and Aaron's background? Why hadn't the police considered whether Tasha and Aaron may need protection? Why do the police feel it is safe for them to move straight back in to their home?
4) Tasha and Aaron are followed and held at knife point in Venice, in a purported case of mistaken identity (as Tasha is dressed in her sisters finery and looks very similar to Alice), but this appears to be a bit of a damp squib as the plot point is never resolved or referenced in the conclusion of the novel.
5) When Aaron is first questioned about the death of Zoe (a work colleague he was suspected of having an affair with and was even seen arguing with in the hours before her death), he is questioned in the presence of his wife, which enables Tasha to corroborate his alibi (even though she never saw him come home that night). Surely spouses should be questioned separately so they do not know what the other is saying and can't collude to protect one and other.
Whilst, individually, the observations I have made may seem like relatively minor issues, together they served to foster an impression that the writer had no understanding of police procedure so the novel lacked cohesiveness and authenticity. Ultimately, The Wrong Sister appeared poorly researched and read like a debut novel as opposed to the work of a seasoned crime writer. I'm sure Claire Douglas is a fabulous writer but this is not a fabulous book, hence my two-star rating.
1) Kyle is found murdered and his wife, Alice, is severely injured, yet no police officer accompanies Alice to the hospital, either for protection or in readiness to take her key witness statement as soon as she wakes.
2) Tasha and Aaron's home is the scene of a violent murder, yet within days they are able to move back in (the crime scene investigation apparently complete in record time). Kyle's body is also released for cremation surprisingly quickly.
3) The police are virtually absent throughout this novel, and do not seem to ever consider that the victim and his wife may not have been the intended targets (despite the fact they are not usually resident at the property), until Tasha finds a note saying "It Should Have Been You". Why hadn't the police already considered this logical line of inquiry and delved further in to Tasha and Aaron's background? Why hadn't the police considered whether Tasha and Aaron may need protection? Why do the police feel it is safe for them to move straight back in to their home?
4) Tasha and Aaron are followed and held at knife point in Venice, in a purported case of mistaken identity (as Tasha is dressed in her sisters finery and looks very similar to Alice), but this appears to be a bit of a damp squib as the plot point is never resolved or referenced in the conclusion of the novel.
5) When Aaron is first questioned about the death of Zoe (a work colleague he was suspected of having an affair with and was even seen arguing with in the hours before her death), he is questioned in the presence of his wife, which enables Tasha to corroborate his alibi (even though she never saw him come home that night). Surely spouses should be questioned separately so they do not know what the other is saying and can't collude to protect one and other.
Whilst, individually, the observations I have made may seem like relatively minor issues, together they served to foster an impression that the writer had no understanding of police procedure so the novel lacked cohesiveness and authenticity. Ultimately, The Wrong Sister appeared poorly researched and read like a debut novel as opposed to the work of a seasoned crime writer. I'm sure Claire Douglas is a fabulous writer but this is not a fabulous book, hence my two-star rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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