Review: The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain

In The Silent Sister, Riley MacPherson has spent her entire life believing that her older sister Lisa committed suicide as a teenager.  Now, over twenty years later, her father has passed away and she's in New Bern, North Carolina cleaning out his house when she finds evidence to the contrary.  Lisa is alive.  Alive and living under a new identity.  But why exactly was she on the run all those years ago, and what secrets are being kept now?  As Riley works to uncover the truth, her discoveries will put into question everything she thought she knew about her family.  Riley must decide what the past means for her present, and what she will do with her newfound reality, in this engrossing mystery from international bestselling author Diane Chamberlain.

Hardcover, 352 pages

Expected publication: October 7th 2014 by St. Martin's Press      

Terri's Thoughts

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  As a huge fan of Diane Chamberlain I am extremely appreciative!  The expected publication date is October 7, 2014.

This was a well written page-turning story of which I have come to expect from Chamberlain.  I loved how the story alternated between Riley and her challenges dealing with the death of her father and the story of Lisa as the "silent sister" and what happened to her after her "death".  I also enjoyed when the two stories started to intertwine as Riley began to learn about the secrets that exposed the fact that Lisa was alive.

Mixed in to the plot were some supporting characters that were both interesting and challenging to add another dynamic to the story.  Riley's brother with his difficult demeanor due to his anger and confusion from Lisa's death and then deployment in Iraq, Charlie with his unconditional love for Lisa and Jeannie who I would have had a difficult time tolerating in real life but brought a little something extra to the story.

Although I was able to figure out what the secrets were before they were exposed I enjoyed watching them unfold as the story progressed.  Chamberlain has a way of always keeping the reader engaged and I was glued to the story.  As someone who has read the majority of her work I have to give kudo's to her for bringing something different to the table and the fact that each of her books is unique and they vary in style from each other.  This is why I am such a fan.  Although I know I will always enjoy her books I also know that I will not be getting the same old, same old every time.  This keeps me anxiously awaiting each new work that she delivers.

I recommend this read!

About the Author

I'm the author of 23 novels published in more than twenty languages. I like to write complex stories about relationships between men and women, parents and children, brothers and sisters, and friends. Although the thematic focus of my books often revolves around family, love, compassion and forgiveness, my stories usually feature a combination of suspense, mystery and intrigue.

I live in North Carolina with my significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and my shelties, Keeper and Cole--the only non-reading members of the household!

Please visit my website and blog. I look forward to seeing you there!

Website:  http://www.dianechamberlain.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Diane.Chamberlain.Readers.Page