Blood Sisters

November 20, 2017
Two young women inextricably linked by a catastrophic car crash—and secrets one will never forget and the other may never remember—drive this engrossing, if ultimately unconvincing, psychological suspense novel from British author Corry (My Husband’s Wife). Chapters shift perspective between that of London art teacher Alison Baker and the institutionalized Kitty James, and from the present back to 2001—when everything changed for both of them, trapping the former in a prison of guilt and the latter in a brain-damaged body unable to communicate the thoughts she still experiences clearly. Ironically, it’s cash-strapped Alison’s dangerous decision to take a part-time job teaching inmates at a men’s prison not far from where she grew up that just may offer her a more lasting release than her habitual self-cutting—if it doesn’t destroy her first. Though readers may suss out the relationship between Alison and Kitty well before Corry makes it explicit, she maintains momentum with several startling late plot twists—a number of which, unfortunately, are far-fetched. Agent: Kate Horndern, Kate Horndern Literary Agency (U.K.).

November 15, 2017

Alison has been living with secrets for 15 years. She tries to lead a normal life teaching art at the local community college but still goes home each day and cuts herself and remembers. Most of the time she recalls her sister Kitty, who hasn't been able to speak since the tragic accident. One day at the college, Alison learns of an opportunity at the local prison for an art teacher to work with the inmates. Although hesitant, she goes ahead and takes the position, hoping to pay off debts and begin anew. But all is not as it seems, and someone who was also affected by the accident is waiting for Alison. VERDICT Cory's second thriller is a solid follow-up to My Husband's Wife. Readers will think they know how the story will end, but they will be surprised by the final twist. For fans of Gillian Flynn, Paula Hawkins, and Ruth Ware. [See Prepub Alert, 7/24/17.]--Robin Nesbitt, Columbus Metropolitan Lib., OH

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2017
Fifteen years ago, a car smashed into three schoolgirls, leaving Alison Baker to walk away but Kitty James--Alison's half sister--severely brain damaged and Kitty's best friend dead. Now someone seems to know that Alison was not an innocent bystander.After that fateful accident, Alison dropped her plans to study history and instead pursued art, once Kitty's passion. Riddled with guilt, she's kept to herself, quietly teaching at the local college and secretly cutting herself when the emotions threaten to overwhelm her. She had given up dating, too, until the handsome yet enigmatic Clive Black showed up in her class. Kitty has been shunted into a care facility that can barely cope with her violent tantrums, triggered by her limited memory, lack of speech, and inexplicable aversion to her father's visits. All lies quietly simmering until Alison spots an advertisement for an artist-in-residence position at the local low security prison. She certainly needs the money, but something else pushes her to take the job, and soon she finds herself surrounded by men whose past crimes she tries to ignore. But someone begins calling her and leaving her notes, threatening to punish her for her sins. Who could know? Although she confides in Clive about the calls, he's rarely around to protect her given that his job takes him away so often. Meanwhile, Kitty has found a boyfriend; his parents want her to try a new technology that might speak her thoughts for her. As events at the prison escalate, threatening Alison's physical safety, Kitty's memories begin to surface, and both sisters fear exposure. Corry (My Husband's Wife, 2017) ratchets up the tension, systematically unveiling further crimes and hidden agendas with each turn of the screw.Everyone has a secret to hide in this twisty mystery.

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