Review: The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth

From the outside, everyone might think Fern and Rose are as close as twin sisters can be: Rose is the responsible one and Fern is the quirky one. But the sisters are devoted to one another and Rose has always been Fern's protector from the time they were small.

Fern needed protecting because their mother was a true sociopath who hid her true nature from the world, and only Rose could see it. Fern always saw the good in everyone. Years ago, Fern did something very, very bad. And Rose has never told a soul. When Fern decides to help her sister achieve her heart's desire of having a baby, Rose realizes with growing horror that Fern might make choices that can only have a terrible outcome. What Rose doesn't realize is that Fern is growing more and more aware of the secrets Rose, herself, is keeping. And that their mother might have the last word after all. 

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: April 13th 2021

by St. Martin's Press

4.5/5 stars

Everyone has a dark side.

Lately I have been accidently and sometimes on purpose reading books with a bookish bent so I'll get this out of the way first.  With one sister a librarian I loved all the literary references - from the library setting, references to books that I've read, ones in my tbr pile and others that made it to said pile.  Australia has some wonderful authors that are hard to come by in North American and I enjoyed the plugs for them.  Don't get me wrong this book isn't a walking advertisement but a fun glimpse into the inter workings and whats on the mind of a librarian.

Sally Hepworh also has a bent towards relationships and family which continues here.  Twin sisters, Fern and Rose alternately tell the story reverting at times to the past and the horrific events that moulded them into who they are today.

I loved the mystery that kept me on my toes.  I felt the injustices and slights directed at those who were deemed 'different'. And I tensed at what I foresaw, having to read faster and eventually with one eye closed as the last pages drew near - surely I'm not the only one who just barely peeks because you know whats going to happen but don't want to watch but you know you have to?

I've been reading Sally Hepworth since her first book, The Secrets of Midwives and haven't looked back.  This book doesn't release in North America until April, 2021 and available for preorder now.  Also since it's out to the rest of the work no, The Book Depository has it available for purchase.

My thanks to St. Martin's press (via Netgalley) for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.