The Other Sister

June 18, 2018
This uneven fairy tale–tinged mystery from Zettel (Let Them Eat Stake) features two sisters—one good, one bad. Troubled Geraldine Monroe left her hometown of Whitestone Harbor, Mich., soon after their mother’s death, which she blamed on herself, more than 25 years ago. Marie Monroe stayed in the family home, called the Rose House, a loving mother to her son, Robbie, but under the thumb of their manipulative father, who may have been responsible for his wife’s death—as well as other murders. Now Geraldine has returned, supposedly for Robbie’s high school graduation, and she and Marie concoct a potentially lethal plan. The book’s strength derives from the sisters’ pathological love/hate relationship, their inability to fully trust the other, and how they deal with their father’s viciousness. At first, allusions to fairy tales complement the plot, but it stalls midway through with repetitive action before succumbing to a predictable and uninspiring ending. Hopefully, Zettel, a popular SF author, will do better next time. Agent: Lucienne Diver, Knight Agency.

July 1, 2018

Geraldine Monroe, a recently fired professor specializing in the works of the Brothers Grimm, returns to the Michigan hometown she had fled two decades ago after her mother died under suspicious circumstances. Her sister Marie remained at home with their father, Martin, and over the years has helped expand his real estate business by working as his dutiful assistant. Although Martin is highly regarded in their town, the sisters have suffered years of emotional abuse under his rule. Geraldine's return and erratic behavior serve as the perfect distraction from the real purpose of her visit--she and Marie have devised a plot to murder their father. But as family secrets are revealed, Geraldine and Marie both begin to question if they can trust each other to follow through with their plan. In this foray into adult domestic suspense, "House of Spies" series YA author Zettel's knack for writing realistic dialog, as well as her ability to juggle multiple time lines and narrators, keep the tension high. Readers will wonder who's the good sister, the bad sister, and the villain, even after the story is finished. VERDICT An engaging psychological thriller, perfect for its sharp dialog and portrayal of not-so-happy families.--Anitra Gates, Erie Cty. P.L., PA

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