Title: The Deadly Sister
Author: Eliot Schrefer
Release Date: May 2010
Abby Goodwin is sure her sister Tabitha isn't a murderer. But her parents don't agree. Her friends don't agree. And the cops definitely don't agree. Tabitha is a drop-out, a stoner, a girl who's obsessed with her tutor, Clyde Andrews...until he ends up dead. Tabitha runs away, and leaves Abby following the trail of clues. Each piece of evidence points to Tabitha, but it also appears that Clyde had secrets of his own. And enemies. Like his brother, who Abby becomes involved with...until he falls under suspicion.
Is Abby getting closer to finding the true murderer? Or is someone leading her down a twisted false path?
Rating:
Character Development: 6/10pts
Originality: 6/10pts
Plot/Story Line: 8/10pts
Ending: 8/10pts
Voice: 8/10pts
Recommendation: 8/10pts
Total Score: 44/60
Grade: B
Age Appropriate Rating:
Cussing: 5/10
Drugs, alcohol, etc.: 7/10
Sexual Content: 6/10
Violence/Disturbing Images: 6/10
Written Review:
I wasn’t a huge fan of Eliot Schrefer when I started this book after being disappointed with the first novel of his I read (The School for Dangerous Girls) but this novel definitely upped his brownie points with me and got me super excited to read any of his upcoming releases.
This thriller was gripping, surprising, kept me hooked, and left me shocked. Things I loved about it were that the ending was memorable and tied up all loose ends cleanly, that the family dynamics in this story seemed very true to life, and the fact that almost every character had a strong motive to kill Jefferson which kept you guessing and the story moving.
It was fast paced for a murder mystery and I didn’t feel like I completely connected to any of the characters except Maya and Abby but that didn’t stop me from getting totally wrapped up in this novel. Schrefer was great about placing clues that make you think you have it all figured out. But right you’re thinking it’s too predictable, he adds a twist and everything changes again.
This was a novel of twists and turns and secrets. It’s a story of who you are when no one is looking and who you become when they are. It’s a story of how far one will go to protect the ones you love.
Overall, it’s a novel worth checking out if you are looking for an entertaining plot and a quick read that’s shocking, addicting, gripping, and filled with secrets.
I definitely recommend checking this one out for a new kind of summer read.
Thanks
Jill
