Book Review - Sisters by Michelle Frances

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Title: Sisters

Author: Michelle Frances

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Pan

Publication Date:  23rd July 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Is blood really thicker than water?

Abby and Ellie were never close as children. Now in their thirties, they each harbour deep-rooted resentment for the other - Abby for her sister's looks and her status as their mother's favourite. Ellie meanwhile is envious of Abby's perfect husband and picturesque home, a villa on the sun-soaked Italian island of Elba.

When Abby invites Ellie to stay, both sisters see the break as a chance to relax and put aside their differences. But with their mother Susanna there too, all the simmering tensions of the past quickly rise to the surface. And Ellie suspects that Abby and their mother are keeping a dangerous secret . . .

But after a shocking act, the sisters have only each other to rely on. Vulnerable and scared, trusting each other will be the biggest risk of all . . .

I have absolutely no idea who to believe throughout this which just added to my enjoyment of the book. 

It is amazing how different two sisters in the same family can be treated by their mum, although it perhaps to a lesser extent than depicted did strike me as being rather realistic. 

What can I say about Abby, Ellie and their mother Susanna without giving away either the plot, or the outcome,  well to be honest not much, other than I was hooked on trying to figure out the truth of the matter, and still not entirely sure I believe it. 

There is a race against time, a big question of who you can trust, there are insights into the sisters childhood which are believable from both sides of a story, which makes both possible truths rather viable.  There are complicated family dynamics in play and the whole book is set against a stunning backdrop, which adds another dimension to the book. 

I even found I was laughing in a few places, but most of all I was admiring Michelle Frances writing ability for wrapping me to quickly and easily into her cleverly crafted web of deceit. 

Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily,