Series
Genres
Publication
Pan (2015), Edition: Main Market Ed., 400 pages
Description
"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"--
User reviews
LibraryThing member thewanderingjew
When Riley McPherson’s father dies, she discovers many odd secrets about her family. She does not know which ones to believe. She once had a sister, Lisa, whose behavior seriously altered the outcome of her own life and the lives of everyone in her family. Lisa had been a child prodigy. Her
As Riley attempts to settle her father’s affairs, she also discovers that her father had a very close woman friend, Jeannie, a woman who had once been her own mother’s dearest friend, a woman who was also well acquainted with her sister. She is disturbed to discover that Jeannie, and others, seem to have been closer to her father than she herself was.
Offhanded comments, made by some of the characters, make Riley realize that there are many mysterious elements in her life that she has to investigate. Up until this time, Riley’s life was mostly about her own needs. She behaved impetuously, without thinking things through. As many of the intimate details of her life are revealed, she is profoundly affected and she continues to make rash decisions as she explores her background.
Her brother Danny was hurt in the Iraq war and he suffers from PTSD. He is not very helpful in Riley’s search for answers to the mysteries in her life or in her effort to resolve her father’s estate. He lives in a world of his own, in a trailer, pretty much removed from most of society. He is totally into himself and his own needs, but he is computer savvy and can help her in her search for information, if only she can persuade him.
The book is largely about Riley and her search for facts about her sister. There were more than a dozen years between them so she knew very little about her. It took me about 50 pages to be drawn into the narrative, and although I was eventually engaged, I never found the story very credible. I was a bit put off when the story decided to include a lesbian relationship from out of nowhere. I don’t mind reading books about alternate lifestyles, but I resent being hijacked into reading one, since there was no mention of that in any of the reviews I read. I would like to have the choice of whether or not I want to read about that type of relationship. To the author’s credit, it was handled very well, very tastefully. It never went over the top with explicit description and was never cheapened, for effect, as it is in some novels.
The novel is a bit overly melodramatic at times, and the cast of characters seemed totally dysfunctional, self-serving and immature. If there weren’t so many of them, the story might not have seemed so improbable. They were all just so needy, it disgusted me. I wanted to shout at them to grow up and accept responsibility for their own behavior without condemning and blaming everyone else for what befell them. Their behavior was just too headstrong and thoughtless, at times, and the dialogue was often trite, almost infantile, talking down to the reader, in a way.
I enjoyed this book mostly for its mindlessness. It took me away from the everyday cares that often bog us down. The book is a no-brainer, perhaps a relaxing beach read, meant solely to entertain because the outcome of this mystery is very predictable. On the positive side, there were many twists and turns to hold the attention of the reader, and as a vacation read, it would be very entertaining.
Show More
instrument was the violin, and the violin was named Violet. Violet becomes a minor character in the tale as does a pendant made of white Jade. As Riley attempts to settle her father’s affairs, she also discovers that her father had a very close woman friend, Jeannie, a woman who had once been her own mother’s dearest friend, a woman who was also well acquainted with her sister. She is disturbed to discover that Jeannie, and others, seem to have been closer to her father than she herself was.
Offhanded comments, made by some of the characters, make Riley realize that there are many mysterious elements in her life that she has to investigate. Up until this time, Riley’s life was mostly about her own needs. She behaved impetuously, without thinking things through. As many of the intimate details of her life are revealed, she is profoundly affected and she continues to make rash decisions as she explores her background.
Her brother Danny was hurt in the Iraq war and he suffers from PTSD. He is not very helpful in Riley’s search for answers to the mysteries in her life or in her effort to resolve her father’s estate. He lives in a world of his own, in a trailer, pretty much removed from most of society. He is totally into himself and his own needs, but he is computer savvy and can help her in her search for information, if only she can persuade him.
The book is largely about Riley and her search for facts about her sister. There were more than a dozen years between them so she knew very little about her. It took me about 50 pages to be drawn into the narrative, and although I was eventually engaged, I never found the story very credible. I was a bit put off when the story decided to include a lesbian relationship from out of nowhere. I don’t mind reading books about alternate lifestyles, but I resent being hijacked into reading one, since there was no mention of that in any of the reviews I read. I would like to have the choice of whether or not I want to read about that type of relationship. To the author’s credit, it was handled very well, very tastefully. It never went over the top with explicit description and was never cheapened, for effect, as it is in some novels.
The novel is a bit overly melodramatic at times, and the cast of characters seemed totally dysfunctional, self-serving and immature. If there weren’t so many of them, the story might not have seemed so improbable. They were all just so needy, it disgusted me. I wanted to shout at them to grow up and accept responsibility for their own behavior without condemning and blaming everyone else for what befell them. Their behavior was just too headstrong and thoughtless, at times, and the dialogue was often trite, almost infantile, talking down to the reader, in a way.
I enjoyed this book mostly for its mindlessness. It took me away from the everyday cares that often bog us down. The book is a no-brainer, perhaps a relaxing beach read, meant solely to entertain because the outcome of this mystery is very predictable. On the positive side, there were many twists and turns to hold the attention of the reader, and as a vacation read, it would be very entertaining.
Show Less
LibraryThing member celticlady53
I am a huge fan of Diane Chamberlain so every time she writes a new book, I raise the bar just a bit. The same as I do for Kristin Hannah and Jodi Picoult, two other favorite authors of mine. They are all excellent writers and I expect each book they write to be just a bit better than the previous.
Per Goodreads:
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.
This isn’t my favorite Diane Chamberlain book (because she has written so many amazing books); however, I really loved it. It is one of those books I didn’t put down and read within a couple hours and didn’t want the story to end. The storyline is interesting, somewhat suspenseful, and the characters are all unique and interesting.
The only criticism I have for this book is there are two characters (a husband and wife) in the book that prove to be somewhat threatening for the main character Riley, and I don’t feel that their issues were sorted out completely. Chamberlain somewhat wrapped up the issues, but she also indicated they could be troublesome for Riley. I wish Chamberlain would have “wrapped up” their storyline a little bit better because I felt like I was left hanging and expected them to cause her trouble throughout the book, but they didn’t.
But overall, this is truly a great read and it deserves all 5 stars I awarded it on Goodreads.
Show More
With The Silent Sister, Diane Chamberlain did not disappoint.Per Goodreads:
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.
This isn’t my favorite Diane Chamberlain book (because she has written so many amazing books); however, I really loved it. It is one of those books I didn’t put down and read within a couple hours and didn’t want the story to end. The storyline is interesting, somewhat suspenseful, and the characters are all unique and interesting.
The only criticism I have for this book is there are two characters (a husband and wife) in the book that prove to be somewhat threatening for the main character Riley, and I don’t feel that their issues were sorted out completely. Chamberlain somewhat wrapped up the issues, but she also indicated they could be troublesome for Riley. I wish Chamberlain would have “wrapped up” their storyline a little bit better because I felt like I was left hanging and expected them to cause her trouble throughout the book, but they didn’t.
But overall, this is truly a great read and it deserves all 5 stars I awarded it on Goodreads.
Show Less
LibraryThing member ASmithey
I could NOT put this book down! It is a solid 4-star book just for the sheer page-turniness (yep, just made that a word).
The book opens with Riley McPherson heading to her recent deceased father's house to get his final affairs in order and the story takes off from there. Daddy dearest had a lot
I will say that some of Diane Chamberlain's writing style bothered me, such as talking about characters like they were already introduced, i.e. Her ex-boyfriend, Bryan, is kind of thrown into the mix at the beginning of the book and sprinkled throughout as if he were important to the story. He wasn't necessary at all.
The story was structured very similarly to Gone Girl, which I didn't mind, although I feel as though Chamberlain isn't as good of a writer as Gillian Flynn, so it came across as a rip-off, to me.
Jeannie and Christine annoyed me beyond words. I kept thinking there was a motive behind their pushiness, but alas, they were just annoying for the sake of being annoying. And it felt a litttttle convenient that Lisa just so happened to meet Ingrid who subsequently took her in when she first arrived in San Diego.
The pacing of the book is stellar though. And the ending is great. I have a feeling this will be a smash when it comes out in October.
The book opens with Riley McPherson heading to her recent deceased father's house to get his final affairs in order and the story takes off from there. Daddy dearest had a lot
Show More
of secrets, including that Riley's sister that murdered her violin teacher and then committed suicide, is actually alive!I will say that some of Diane Chamberlain's writing style bothered me, such as talking about characters like they were already introduced, i.e. Her ex-boyfriend, Bryan, is kind of thrown into the mix at the beginning of the book and sprinkled throughout as if he were important to the story. He wasn't necessary at all.
The story was structured very similarly to Gone Girl, which I didn't mind, although I feel as though Chamberlain isn't as good of a writer as Gillian Flynn, so it came across as a rip-off, to me.
Jeannie and Christine annoyed me beyond words. I kept thinking there was a motive behind their pushiness, but alas, they were just annoying for the sake of being annoying. And it felt a litttttle convenient that Lisa just so happened to meet Ingrid who subsequently took her in when she first arrived in San Diego.
The pacing of the book is stellar though. And the ending is great. I have a feeling this will be a smash when it comes out in October.
Show Less
LibraryThing member vnesting
After her father's death, Riley is left with the task of cleaning out the family home and preparing it for sale. But as she uncovers one shocking secret after another, Riley begins to wonder if anything she believed about her family is true. While the plot may be a bit over the top, this reader
Show More
could not put it down. Show Less
LibraryThing member Cherylk
I have read several books by this author now. They just seem to get better and better. So I was sure that this bok would be no different. Sadly, I found this book to be my least favorite. Not to say it was bad but I just find myself only semi-interested in the story and the characters. The story
Show More
seemed to be slow as Riley was fed little pieces of her life and the truth surrounding her sister's disapperance. Even when Riley was told the truth, it was like she could not believe it until she was given tons of proof. This kind of annoyed me. My favorite parts were involving Lisa. This was sad as she did not make much of an apperance in the story for about most of the book. Not good when you can become more interested in a character that hardly is in the story versus one that is the main character. Usually with this author's books, I am invested with all of the characters and their story. Hoping that the next one is better. Show Less
LibraryThing member SugarCreekRanch
Diane Chamberlain's recent* novels have all been hits with me, and The Silent Sister is no exception.
This book is told in alternating chapters with different timeframes and viewpoints. In the present, the main character, Riley, is a 20-something woman who was always told that her older sister
This a 4-star book for me, which means I really enjoyed reading it, wanted to see "what happens next", and would recommend it to my friends.
*I once went on a Diane Chamberlain kick, and read many of her books one after the other. I found out that some of her earlier books were solidly in the "romance" category, and lacked the interesting plots of her later work. You have been warned.
Disclosure: I received a pre-release copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
This book is told in alternating chapters with different timeframes and viewpoints. In the present, the main character, Riley, is a 20-something woman who was always told that her older sister
Show More
committed suicide.. but not told that her sister had been accused of murdering her violin teacher. In the past, we learn of the aftermath of the older sister's "suicide". This a 4-star book for me, which means I really enjoyed reading it, wanted to see "what happens next", and would recommend it to my friends.
*I once went on a Diane Chamberlain kick, and read many of her books one after the other. I found out that some of her earlier books were solidly in the "romance" category, and lacked the interesting plots of her later work. You have been warned.
Disclosure: I received a pre-release copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member busyreadin
I always look forward to a newChamberlain book! Her characters are very real and she conveys emotion vey well. This one did not disappoint.
LibraryThing member Beamis12
2.5 When Riley returns home to clear out her Father's house after his death, she finds everything she believed about her family was wrong.
A story about secrets and the detrimental effect on a family. This is not one of my favorites of Chamberlain novels. Although at times the story was interesting
That said I will still read her next novel, because one mishap in my book, does not mean I will not giver her another chance. I have loved many of her books in the past.
ARC from Netgalley.
A story about secrets and the detrimental effect on a family. This is not one of my favorites of Chamberlain novels. Although at times the story was interesting
Show More
I felt the plot was uneven. At times over dramatic and the dialogue forced and stilted. Usually this author does a good job writing women's fiction, aptly straddling the line between wringing excess emotion out of the reader and providing an interesting and quality plot. This plot and especially the ending seemed implausible.That said I will still read her next novel, because one mishap in my book, does not mean I will not giver her another chance. I have loved many of her books in the past.
ARC from Netgalley.
Show Less
LibraryThing member PamelaBarrett
The Macpherson family is a mess, ever since Lisa, the oldest sister, was accused of killing someone. At seventeen, and faced with life in prison, she disappears. Everyone believes she committed suicide, and her death has devastating consequences on those who knew her. Riley was only two years old
A fast paced, page turning mystery, with interesting and convincing characters whose lives are formed by lies and secrets. The Silent Sister is about families and relationships. There is one gay couple, but no explicit sexual content, and a few swear words used in context. I won’t spoil the ending by saying that this would be an interesting book for book clubs, because of the multitude of opinions about “the why?” and the “what would you do?” that beg discussion. Personally I would have wrapped it up a different way and extended the story, maybe a sequel? In any case, Diane Chamberlain can add another 5 star rating to her list of many books.
Show More
at the time, now grown-up with both parents dead, and an older brother suffering with physical and mental issues from the war, she has come back home to settle her fathers estate. What she finds turns her life upside down, and sends her on a journey to learn what really happened to Lisa. A fast paced, page turning mystery, with interesting and convincing characters whose lives are formed by lies and secrets. The Silent Sister is about families and relationships. There is one gay couple, but no explicit sexual content, and a few swear words used in context. I won’t spoil the ending by saying that this would be an interesting book for book clubs, because of the multitude of opinions about “the why?” and the “what would you do?” that beg discussion. Personally I would have wrapped it up a different way and extended the story, maybe a sequel? In any case, Diane Chamberlain can add another 5 star rating to her list of many books.
Show Less
LibraryThing member linda.marsheells
I am in the minority big time here but here goes. This is a story with twists and turns about siblings and dysfunctional family life, that is so unrealistic i felt like i was reading a few episodes from a soap opera. Other reviewers have written of the plot so i will refrain from being repetitive.
I HAVE read other Chamberlain books and was thrilled to have won this one...but blah blah blah....
Show More
Suffice it to say that i am disappointed...in myself perhaps for not seeing/feeling what all the other readers did, and in the book itself.I HAVE read other Chamberlain books and was thrilled to have won this one...but blah blah blah....
Show Less
LibraryThing member doseofbella
Silent Sister
By: Diane Chamberlain Pages. 346
St. Martin’s Press New York October 2014
Copy Courtesy of The Reading Room
Reviewed by: tk
Intrigue, betrayal, deception, and it goes on and on. You will not be able to stop turning the pages in this captivating story. Chamberlain knows no bounds when
A astonishing story, I had a hard time putting it down, and when I did…I was still thinking about it. Riley just can not get a break. The pain and confusion are so intense your waiting for her to break, yet somehow she has to find the strength to continue on her journey of finding the truth.
Highly recommended, 5/5.
By: Diane Chamberlain Pages. 346
St. Martin’s Press New York October 2014
Copy Courtesy of The Reading Room
Reviewed by: tk
Intrigue, betrayal, deception, and it goes on and on. You will not be able to stop turning the pages in this captivating story. Chamberlain knows no bounds when
Show More
introducing the incredible characters, and the striking secrets of the past. Riley tries to sort out all of this when her father dies. Only to find that nothing is as it seems. Riley is Not who she thought she was either. Her very foundation is being shook apart as she discovers more about the family, could it be true? With only brother left to help her sort out the mystery, Riley ends up feeling more alone than she thought possible.A astonishing story, I had a hard time putting it down, and when I did…I was still thinking about it. Riley just can not get a break. The pain and confusion are so intense your waiting for her to break, yet somehow she has to find the strength to continue on her journey of finding the truth.
Highly recommended, 5/5.
Show Less
LibraryThing member booklovers2
Listened to this as audible audio, the narrator was very good. The story line was really interesting, with twists and turns (some of which were very predictable) characters were very well developed where I felt for them all, excepting Jade-I had a hard time sympathizing with her and was troubled at
Show More
the end on how I would have reacted if put into the same situation as Riley and Danny were in. The ending wasn't as good as the rest of the story - left me feeling like... no... just not believable. Just my opinion of course, I would however, definitely read Book 2 if there is one as this story, definitely isn't over and can't possibly end with happily ever after! Show Less
LibraryThing member wrbinpa
This book is the perfect example of why I love to read. It has it all – a well constructed plot, compelling characters, and a satisfying conclusion. Truly well done!
1990 – Alexandria, Virginia – An empty kayak, surrounded by ice, is found in the middle of the river. A seventeen-year-old girl,
25-year-old Riley MacPherson had lost everyone she loved. She returns to her childhood home, after the death of her father, to settle his estate. Riley misses her dad. He was so easy to talk to, and no one had loved her more deeply. She now has the daunting task of cleaning out the house and going through the many items her father had collected over the years ---collections had been his obsession. As she gets the house ready to sell, she is confronted with many memories. She soon turns up some very dark family secrets and believes that most of her life has been a lie --- nothing is, as it seems. Riley’s life is filled with gaps, and the story unfolds as she sets out to find the truth, and uncovers more secrets than she ever could have imagined.
Lisa had been the princess of the MacPherson family. Their world seemed to revolve around her --- their violin Goddess. Lisa was very talented, driven to play the violin, and it was the one thing that made her world complete and brought her joy.
The characters were all interesting and expertly drawn, even the minor ones. The author weaves a tale of dark secrets and betrayal throughout, with many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Drama was included from beginning to end, and the storyline certainly captured my excitement. Diane Chamberlain is fast becoming a favorite of mine. I just finished Necessary Lies a few weeks ago, and look forward to reading more from this outstanding author. This is one you don’t want to miss! A gripping tale, that is well written, and thoroughly a great read! 5 Stars.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
1990 – Alexandria, Virginia – An empty kayak, surrounded by ice, is found in the middle of the river. A seventeen-year-old girl,
Show More
Lisa MacPherson, is missing and presumed dead. Lisa had been accused of murder and had taken the easy way out, apparently committing suicide. No body had been recovered, but the police were giving up the search, reasonably sure the body rested somewhere beneath the icy river. 25-year-old Riley MacPherson had lost everyone she loved. She returns to her childhood home, after the death of her father, to settle his estate. Riley misses her dad. He was so easy to talk to, and no one had loved her more deeply. She now has the daunting task of cleaning out the house and going through the many items her father had collected over the years ---collections had been his obsession. As she gets the house ready to sell, she is confronted with many memories. She soon turns up some very dark family secrets and believes that most of her life has been a lie --- nothing is, as it seems. Riley’s life is filled with gaps, and the story unfolds as she sets out to find the truth, and uncovers more secrets than she ever could have imagined.
Lisa had been the princess of the MacPherson family. Their world seemed to revolve around her --- their violin Goddess. Lisa was very talented, driven to play the violin, and it was the one thing that made her world complete and brought her joy.
The characters were all interesting and expertly drawn, even the minor ones. The author weaves a tale of dark secrets and betrayal throughout, with many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Drama was included from beginning to end, and the storyline certainly captured my excitement. Diane Chamberlain is fast becoming a favorite of mine. I just finished Necessary Lies a few weeks ago, and look forward to reading more from this outstanding author. This is one you don’t want to miss! A gripping tale, that is well written, and thoroughly a great read! 5 Stars.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Sharn
Family secrets. There are so many books about family secrets because the possibilities are infinite.
When Riley's dad passes away leaving only her and her brother, Danny, left in the family, she's left with the task of cleaning out his house and putting the properties up for sale. Little does Riley
My review really doesn't do this book justice. There are so many aspects to the story, I'm afraid I'll unknowingly leak a spoiler if I say any more. The way Diane Chamberlain can tell a story simply amazes me. Well done.
When Riley's dad passes away leaving only her and her brother, Danny, left in the family, she's left with the task of cleaning out his house and putting the properties up for sale. Little does Riley
Show More
know that this "task" will be life altering when she finds out things about her family that she never knew.My review really doesn't do this book justice. There are so many aspects to the story, I'm afraid I'll unknowingly leak a spoiler if I say any more. The way Diane Chamberlain can tell a story simply amazes me. Well done.
Show Less
LibraryThing member jfe16
Riley MacPherson has come home to settle her father’s estate, an emotionally difficult task made more challenging by the strained and tenuous relationship with her brother, Danny, the last remaining member of her family. But as she tackles the task, revelations of long-hidden, dark secrets cause
By page fifty, astute readers will have deciphered most of the secrets in this predictable dysfunctional family tale. While there are a couple of unexpected twists in the story, the unraveling of the web of deception, intrigue, and betrayal seems rather formulaic with resolutions falling into place far too easily. The central characters are either clueless or self-centered and none are particularly likeable. Closure for a serious situation seems to hinge on reader acceptance of a particular premise, but many will find the too easily justified, tacit sanctioning of a crime to be rather off-putting. Many could-have-been-intriguing situations are largely ignored as the pat, contrived ending suddenly draws the story to a frustrating close leaving the reader to wonder how so many machinations could result in such a comfortable ending.
Show More
Riley to question everything she thought she knew about her family . . . and herself. By page fifty, astute readers will have deciphered most of the secrets in this predictable dysfunctional family tale. While there are a couple of unexpected twists in the story, the unraveling of the web of deception, intrigue, and betrayal seems rather formulaic with resolutions falling into place far too easily. The central characters are either clueless or self-centered and none are particularly likeable. Closure for a serious situation seems to hinge on reader acceptance of a particular premise, but many will find the too easily justified, tacit sanctioning of a crime to be rather off-putting. Many could-have-been-intriguing situations are largely ignored as the pat, contrived ending suddenly draws the story to a frustrating close leaving the reader to wonder how so many machinations could result in such a comfortable ending.
Show Less
LibraryThing member SilversReviews
Three children...and then there were two. All was hush, hush about how that happened, and Riley didn't find out why until after both her parents had passed away.
As Riley was cleaning out her parents' home, talking to different neighbors, and talking to folks her father had left things to in his
THE SILENT SISTER has twists that keep you turning the pages as you learn of secrets that had been kept for years and secrets that only a few folks knew about. How could anyone keep a secret like that? How could anyone live his/her entire life worrying that the secret might accidentally be revealed?
The characters were well developed, but a lot of them were unlikeable. Riley was a likeable character because she had to deal with everything, and she was the character that had to deal with these secrets alone. Danny, her brother, was not likeable at all. He was too unpredictable. Riley's parents were not active characters and to me not likeable, but they, especially her father, carried the storyline and its suspense.
I always enjoy Ms. Chamberlain's books, and this was no exception. THE SILENT SISTER is an intriguing read with a perfect title and a storyline filled with riveting incidents that were divulged.
The secrets, the betrayal, and the ending are superb. Don't miss reading THE SILENT SISTER. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
As Riley was cleaning out her parents' home, talking to different neighbors, and talking to folks her father had left things to in his
Show More
will, she had her share of surprises and shocking revelations.THE SILENT SISTER has twists that keep you turning the pages as you learn of secrets that had been kept for years and secrets that only a few folks knew about. How could anyone keep a secret like that? How could anyone live his/her entire life worrying that the secret might accidentally be revealed?
The characters were well developed, but a lot of them were unlikeable. Riley was a likeable character because she had to deal with everything, and she was the character that had to deal with these secrets alone. Danny, her brother, was not likeable at all. He was too unpredictable. Riley's parents were not active characters and to me not likeable, but they, especially her father, carried the storyline and its suspense.
I always enjoy Ms. Chamberlain's books, and this was no exception. THE SILENT SISTER is an intriguing read with a perfect title and a storyline filled with riveting incidents that were divulged.
The secrets, the betrayal, and the ending are superb. Don't miss reading THE SILENT SISTER. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Show Less
LibraryThing member susan0316
This is a book about family secrets. Secrets that the husband kept from the wife, the parents kept from the children, the sister kept from the sister and brother. As the story begins, no one is still living except for Riley and her brother Danny. Riley has been called home to go through her
Show More
father's papers and she begins to unravel some of the family secrets about her sister who she had been told had committed suicide years before. Or had she? The book is full of turns and twists and is hard to put down. I think its one of this author's best books yet! A definite must read! Show Less
LibraryThing member jmchshannon
One cannot help but feel for Riley. She must deal with so much all at once that is easy to forget just how young she is. She already lost her mother. Her brother is dealing with PTSD and unable to help her. She is the executrix of her father’s will and must deal with everything that entails,
However, because she is so young, her reactions are not as mature as they could be. She tends to trust where she shouldn’t and is too quick to make key decisions. She does not heed the advice of experts and has a tendency to act in her own self-interest first. The disconnect between what she faces and how she acts should not be as great as it is, and yet, it may cause some issues among readers.
There are few surprises in The Silent Sister. The story follows a predictable route of misdirection, miscommunication, and faulty decision-making that forces Riley to grow up a bit while she uncovers the truth about Lisa and her father. That which appears suspicious turns out to be relatively innocuous and vice versa. It does not detract from one enjoying the story, but it is not a story that is going to stand out among the rest of the offerings this year.
Show More
including the realization that she did not know her father as well as she thought she did.However, because she is so young, her reactions are not as mature as they could be. She tends to trust where she shouldn’t and is too quick to make key decisions. She does not heed the advice of experts and has a tendency to act in her own self-interest first. The disconnect between what she faces and how she acts should not be as great as it is, and yet, it may cause some issues among readers.
There are few surprises in The Silent Sister. The story follows a predictable route of misdirection, miscommunication, and faulty decision-making that forces Riley to grow up a bit while she uncovers the truth about Lisa and her father. That which appears suspicious turns out to be relatively innocuous and vice versa. It does not detract from one enjoying the story, but it is not a story that is going to stand out among the rest of the offerings this year.
Show Less
LibraryThing member gbelik
As Riley comes back to her parents home to settle her father's estate, she begins to learn secrets about her violin prodigy sister whose suicide as a teenager shook the family. While I did pretty much guess all the secrets to be revealed, the process of getting there with this author is always fun.
LibraryThing member jbarr5
The Silent Sister by Diane Chambarlain
Riley McPherson thought her sister committed suicide. It influenced her entire life and when her father dies she goes through his papers and finds out her sister is alive and on the run.
Secrets untold... she learns so much when others come forward when she is
Story also follows Lisa side to the story, the night she had died... Love travel and all the descriptions of the area, lifestyles.
Handful of characters that are easy to keep track of. What a change occurs when she discovers the real truth. Shocking but very believable.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Riley McPherson thought her sister committed suicide. It influenced her entire life and when her father dies she goes through his papers and finds out her sister is alive and on the run.
Secrets untold... she learns so much when others come forward when she is
Show More
cleaning out her father's house and other dwellings.Story also follows Lisa side to the story, the night she had died... Love travel and all the descriptions of the area, lifestyles.
Handful of characters that are easy to keep track of. What a change occurs when she discovers the real truth. Shocking but very believable.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
Show Less
LibraryThing member Randall.Hansen
An interesting novel about what happens to the lives of family members after a tragedy; worse, after the parents cover truths up to protect the story told about the tragedy.... BUT... dislike stories in which the main character is about 3 or 4 steps behind where the reader is, making the story drag
Show More
and drag, while you just keep saying "duh" as the main character begins to piece together the truth you guessed 100 pages earlier. Still, enjoyable look into the complexities of family. Show Less
LibraryThing member ChristineEllei
When Riley MacPherson’s father passes away she is left with the daunting task of packing up his house, getting it ready to sell. When the attorney informs her that her father left his pipe collection to an “acquaintance” Riley thinks it odd. While informing the recipient of the unexpected
I read this book shortly after reading “Reconstructing Amelia” and cannot help but draw comparisons between two books with such similar subject matter. This book is also written on parallel time lines – Riley’s present and Lisa’s past. As Riley puts together the story of Lisa we learn much more about both characters. The book is also an excellent commentary of what families do for each other and unforeseen consequences of those actions.
It was an interesting read.
Show More
bequest, a strange conversation ensues regarding Riley’s sister, Lisa. Lisa had committed suicide twenty years ago so Riley shrugs it off as the ramblings of a confused old woman. Yet, as Riley continues to go through her father’s things more and more questions come to light. Could it be true? Could Riley’s sister have faked her suicide to escape something even worse?I read this book shortly after reading “Reconstructing Amelia” and cannot help but draw comparisons between two books with such similar subject matter. This book is also written on parallel time lines – Riley’s present and Lisa’s past. As Riley puts together the story of Lisa we learn much more about both characters. The book is also an excellent commentary of what families do for each other and unforeseen consequences of those actions.
It was an interesting read.
Show Less
LibraryThing member FictionZeal
What if you’ve been living your whole life believing one thing and come to find out it had all been a lie? Riley chose a career path as a middle school counselor. Why? Because when she was not yet two years old, her seventeen year old sister, Lisa, had committed suicide. She’d personally seen
After the prologue, this story begins with the death of Riley’s father. With her father gone, her brother who is four years older is the only remaining person in her family. Danny loves Riley … in his own way. Danny suffers from PTSD. Whether he’d like to help Riley or not, he can’t bring himself to go back into that house. Other than PTSD, he has some childhood issues. Riley questions him, “… it’s not like you were abused or anything.” He answers, “There are all sorts of abuse.”
As Riley is cleaning out her father’s things, she begins to find discrepancies. She eventually learns that Lisa had not died. What really happened? Where is she?
I loved the personality of Riley, our main protagonist. People can’t help but feel her pain at facing not only the death of her father, but being the only one who can clear out her father’s house of all his collectibles. Her brother, Danny has become extremely reclusive. He cannot pull himself together to help her. Yet, now that Danny’s the only family she has left, she yearns to be near him. I asked myself, what’s not to love about this book? It’s intense and it’s exceptionally well-written. It’s got believable, albeit flawed, characters that are fully developed. It’s got a wonderful plot and a story line that flows incredibly well. But, the thing I enjoyed the most – it drew me in emotionally in a way I haven’t been pulled into a book in a long time. Rating: 5 out of 5.
Show More
the devastating effects to the rest of the family and longed to change just one young person from choosing that same path.After the prologue, this story begins with the death of Riley’s father. With her father gone, her brother who is four years older is the only remaining person in her family. Danny loves Riley … in his own way. Danny suffers from PTSD. Whether he’d like to help Riley or not, he can’t bring himself to go back into that house. Other than PTSD, he has some childhood issues. Riley questions him, “… it’s not like you were abused or anything.” He answers, “There are all sorts of abuse.”
As Riley is cleaning out her father’s things, she begins to find discrepancies. She eventually learns that Lisa had not died. What really happened? Where is she?
I loved the personality of Riley, our main protagonist. People can’t help but feel her pain at facing not only the death of her father, but being the only one who can clear out her father’s house of all his collectibles. Her brother, Danny has become extremely reclusive. He cannot pull himself together to help her. Yet, now that Danny’s the only family she has left, she yearns to be near him. I asked myself, what’s not to love about this book? It’s intense and it’s exceptionally well-written. It’s got believable, albeit flawed, characters that are fully developed. It’s got a wonderful plot and a story line that flows incredibly well. But, the thing I enjoyed the most – it drew me in emotionally in a way I haven’t been pulled into a book in a long time. Rating: 5 out of 5.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Mrsmommybooknerd
I am a HUGE fan of Diane Chamberlain. She is really one of the best out there. In her newest novel, The Silent Sister, Chamberlain captures the essence of family in a book that is not only hard to put down, but one that causes the reader to think, process and engage in the story. She creates
Show More
readers who live in the story along with the characters. There is nothing better than being fully immersed in a novel due to beautiful writing, interesting characters and brilliant story. Chamberlain has perfected this and for that i give this novel 5 stars!!! Show Less
LibraryThing member irishred5
More like 3.5 stars (I wish goodreads would allow half stars). I enjoyed most of the book but it was a bit predictable and the end was anti-climactic.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2014-10-07
Physical description
400 p.; 7.76 inches
ISBN
1447211308 / 9781447211303
Other editions
The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain (Paperback)