What do you think?
Rate this book
Silent Sister
The must-read suspense novel of the summer about a mysterious sister's disappearance, her biggest betrayal and a deadly truth screaming to come out.
Two sisters went missing on their class trip—Grace, the outgoing athlete who is friends with just about everyone, and Maddy, the wallflower wilting in her sister’s shadow who'd rather absorb herself in her journal than talk to her classmates.
But when Grace is found—injured, with no memory of what happened—everybody thinks she’s lying. It’s hard not to look guilty with Maddy’s blood on her clothes.
Desperate to save her sister—and prove her own innocence—Grace must piece together what happened on that school trip with the help of her sister’s notebook and classmates who may not be telling the police everything that about that tragic night.
She will discover her sister’s secrets can’t stay quiet…but what if her own are the most terrifying of all?
Two sisters went missing on their class trip—Grace, the outgoing athlete who is friends with just about everyone, and Maddy, the wallflower wilting in her sister’s shadow who'd rather absorb herself in her journal than talk to her classmates.
But when Grace is found—injured, with no memory of what happened—everybody thinks she’s lying. It’s hard not to look guilty with Maddy’s blood on her clothes.
Desperate to save her sister—and prove her own innocence—Grace must piece together what happened on that school trip with the help of her sister’s notebook and classmates who may not be telling the police everything that about that tragic night.
She will discover her sister’s secrets can’t stay quiet…but what if her own are the most terrifying of all?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
September 5, 2024
Wow! I feel like I have been struck by lightning! After turning the last page, tears streaming down my face, I found myself sitting on the couch, staring at the wall, immersed in thoughts about this extraordinary book and its captivating protagonists, Grace and Maddy. Their story not only touched my heart but left an indelible emotional scar that lingers.
Some books go beyond the conventional five-star rating; they deserve a grading system that denotes their exceptional nature. This book unequivocally falls into the category of plus 5 stars—truly remarkable and deserving of extra praises, applause, adoration, and high recommendations. The two words that come to mind to describe it are intelligent and poignant.
As I delved into the last third of the book, I was both shocked, as if the rug had been pulled out from under me, and moved to tears, with my emotions flowing like a torrent that threatened to blur the words on the page. It felt like driving in a car on a rainy day when the windshield wipers suddenly cease to work.
The plot centers around a significant mystery: during a class trip, two sisters go missing. While Grace is found injured, her sister Maddy remains lost. The narrative explores the events of that fateful night when the sisters ventured down to the lakeside far from their accommodation. What transpired that night, driving them to leave their rooms?
Grace, grappling with amnesia concerning the incident, confronts the possibility that she might be responsible for her sister's plight. She, the popular girl and star volleyball player, holds a scholarship in a prestigious college, while Maddy, the silent sister and poet, lives in the shadow of her more extroverted sibling. Maddy struggles with feelings of being unseen, unloved, and overlooked, like a second-hand, invisible sister.
Both sisters harbor secrets, conforming to societal expectations dictated by their high school roles. As Grace becomes a person of interest, she must unravel the truth, digging into her sister's life to understand her own role and prove she's not the one who harmed Maddy. But what if she did? What if the harm inflicted is irreparable?
This book transcends the realm of merely being good—it is excellent and utterly fascinating! I applaud Megan Davidhizar until my palms ache. She has secured a spot on my auto-approved author list. Don't miss the chance to read this fantastic book; it deserves a prominent place on your TBR list and an immediate read.
Many thanks to Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press for generously sharing this fantastic book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
instagram
facebook
twitter<
Some books go beyond the conventional five-star rating; they deserve a grading system that denotes their exceptional nature. This book unequivocally falls into the category of plus 5 stars—truly remarkable and deserving of extra praises, applause, adoration, and high recommendations. The two words that come to mind to describe it are intelligent and poignant.
As I delved into the last third of the book, I was both shocked, as if the rug had been pulled out from under me, and moved to tears, with my emotions flowing like a torrent that threatened to blur the words on the page. It felt like driving in a car on a rainy day when the windshield wipers suddenly cease to work.
The plot centers around a significant mystery: during a class trip, two sisters go missing. While Grace is found injured, her sister Maddy remains lost. The narrative explores the events of that fateful night when the sisters ventured down to the lakeside far from their accommodation. What transpired that night, driving them to leave their rooms?
Grace, grappling with amnesia concerning the incident, confronts the possibility that she might be responsible for her sister's plight. She, the popular girl and star volleyball player, holds a scholarship in a prestigious college, while Maddy, the silent sister and poet, lives in the shadow of her more extroverted sibling. Maddy struggles with feelings of being unseen, unloved, and overlooked, like a second-hand, invisible sister.
Both sisters harbor secrets, conforming to societal expectations dictated by their high school roles. As Grace becomes a person of interest, she must unravel the truth, digging into her sister's life to understand her own role and prove she's not the one who harmed Maddy. But what if she did? What if the harm inflicted is irreparable?
This book transcends the realm of merely being good—it is excellent and utterly fascinating! I applaud Megan Davidhizar until my palms ache. She has secured a spot on my auto-approved author list. Don't miss the chance to read this fantastic book; it deserves a prominent place on your TBR list and an immediate read.
Many thanks to Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press for generously sharing this fantastic book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium.com
twitter<
September 4, 2024
MEGAN, I WILL BE SENDING YOU MY THERAPY BILL SHORTLY😭💳💵!!!!!!!
REVIEW TO COME!!!!!!!
REVIEW TO COME!!!!!!!
May 6, 2024
🌸3.5 stars ✩
⤿ spoilers marked!
a mysterious sister's disappearance, her biggest betrayal and a deadly truth screaming to come out.
💌 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽:
⤿ dual pov of each sister (the past is maddy and the future is grace)
⤿ plot twists
⤿ fast paced
౨ৎ • 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓶𝓮𝓮𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼: grace, the outgoing, popular athlete and maddy, her wallflower sister go missing on a class trip. when grace is found injured with maddy's blood on her clothes and no memory of what occurred, everyone thinks that she's lying. desperate to save her sister and to prove her own innocence, grace grapples to piece together the events leading up to their disappearance.
౨ৎ • 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝔀𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰: the writing was very easy to read and i loved the alternating chapters of each sister and the poems too. they added a fun twist and i found the idea to be very unique and original. this book will not leave you guessing, mainly because you'll know the plot twists very early on and this does detract from it's enjoyability. the ending was my main gripe with this book - i wanted a different conclusion. it was incredibly underwhelming because there was this huge build up and a very boring ending that left me feeling deflated.
౨ৎ • 𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼: the perfect book for a reading slump - a very quick and easy read, but not very memorable.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest thoughts!
_
☾.°✧౨ৎ tbr-review:
aaa i got approved!! i haven't had a good thriller in ages so if the ending sucks i will SOB
but anyway thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc!
⤿ spoilers marked!
a mysterious sister's disappearance, her biggest betrayal and a deadly truth screaming to come out.
💌 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽:
⤿ dual pov of each sister (the past is maddy and the future is grace)
⤿ plot twists
⤿ fast paced
౨ৎ • 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓶𝓮𝓮𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼: grace, the outgoing, popular athlete and maddy, her wallflower sister go missing on a class trip. when grace is found injured with maddy's blood on her clothes and no memory of what occurred, everyone thinks that she's lying. desperate to save her sister and to prove her own innocence, grace grapples to piece together the events leading up to their disappearance.
౨ৎ • 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽 𝓽𝔀𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰: the writing was very easy to read and i loved the alternating chapters of each sister and the poems too. they added a fun twist and i found the idea to be very unique and original. this book will not leave you guessing, mainly because you'll know the plot twists very early on and this does detract from it's enjoyability. the ending was my main gripe with this book - i wanted a different conclusion. it was incredibly underwhelming because there was this huge build up and a very boring ending that left me feeling deflated.
౨ৎ • 𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼: the perfect book for a reading slump - a very quick and easy read, but not very memorable.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest thoughts!
_
☾.°✧౨ৎ tbr-review:
aaa i got approved!! i haven't had a good thriller in ages so if the ending sucks i will SOB
but anyway thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc!
March 15, 2024
This is a spoiler free review! ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ
"But the ones we love the hardest sometimes hurt us the most."
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
☆ Synopsis
During a class trip, two girls go missing. Popular, volleyball player Grace is found injured but her wallflower sister Maddy's whereabouts remain unknown. Grace has no memory of the entire trip and everyone thinks she's lying. Desperate to find her sister and prove her innocence, Grace begins to piece together what happened that fateful night and discovers that everyone around her is harbouring many secrets, including Maddy.
☆ My thoughts
Wow, where do I even start? This book was easy to read and beautifully written. It handles topics of grief, jealousy, guilt, and the many other emotions that come with being a teenager. I flew through it quickly once I got into it and grew to love the characters, especially Grace, Maddy and Adrien. The characters all felt like real people, they were complex and messy, just as real people are. I especially loved how grief, love and pain were handled throughout the book and the ending was extremely satisfying as it tied everything up touchingly without feeling rushed. I did predict the big twist at the end but I'm not mad about that as I think it was handled excellently and I couldn't have asked for a more fulfilling ending. This is an excellent read for those interested in YA/suspenseful thrillers. I highly recommend if you enjoy the works of other writers in the genre such as Holly Jackson. Loved this book and I can't wait to read future novels from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
"But the ones we love the hardest sometimes hurt us the most."
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
☆ Synopsis
During a class trip, two girls go missing. Popular, volleyball player Grace is found injured but her wallflower sister Maddy's whereabouts remain unknown. Grace has no memory of the entire trip and everyone thinks she's lying. Desperate to find her sister and prove her innocence, Grace begins to piece together what happened that fateful night and discovers that everyone around her is harbouring many secrets, including Maddy.
☆ My thoughts
Wow, where do I even start? This book was easy to read and beautifully written. It handles topics of grief, jealousy, guilt, and the many other emotions that come with being a teenager. I flew through it quickly once I got into it and grew to love the characters, especially Grace, Maddy and Adrien. The characters all felt like real people, they were complex and messy, just as real people are. I especially loved how grief, love and pain were handled throughout the book and the ending was extremely satisfying as it tied everything up touchingly without feeling rushed. I did predict the big twist at the end but I'm not mad about that as I think it was handled excellently and I couldn't have asked for a more fulfilling ending. This is an excellent read for those interested in YA/suspenseful thrillers. I highly recommend if you enjoy the works of other writers in the genre such as Holly Jackson. Loved this book and I can't wait to read future novels from this author.
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･･:*.ೃ࿔⋆❀°
July 12, 2024
Grace and Maddy are sisters in their senior year of school. They attend their senior sabbatical and jealousies arise and they both go missing. Grace is found covered in blood with no memory of that night.
This is an exciting story that I couldn’t hardly put down. Thanks NetGalley and Random House Children’s for this eARC that will be released August 6, 2024!
This is an exciting story that I couldn’t hardly put down. Thanks NetGalley and Random House Children’s for this eARC that will be released August 6, 2024!
February 11, 2024
I thought I figured out the twist pretty early on, but then the author put enough doubts into my head to make me retract my theory—only to find out that I was right the first time! Megan Davidhizar is *good* is building suspense and giving just enough clues and information to make you think you’ve figured out the mystery. Her characters are believable, and you really feel like you’re on “Senior Sabbatical” with the rest of the 12th graders. The pranks, the rumors, the pettiness, & name-calling, along with the lifelong memories being made.
There’s always some kind of trip or event senior year that makes you reevaluate life and realize that high school is not everything. You won’t even see most of these people again once you graduate. It’s both a heady and a sobering thought. The author put me right there again, as an awkward 18-year-old. I identified with Maddy more than I care to truly admit. Small talk has never been my forté, and I was often the one ignored or talked over in social settings, growing up. So I certainly can understand her feelings. Grace seems to have it all, effortlessly. It’s hard to live up to that. But even though Grace seems to be perfect, what’s hiding underneath that flawless facade? Could it be that both sisters have secrets?
As we go back and forth in time, between each sister’s perspective, more and more tidbits are given, and more and more possible suspects emerge. It gets REALLY good in the last three quarters…I flipped those pages like a madwoman!
Get this on your To-Read list if you like thrillers! I can’t wait to see what Davidhizar comes up with next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
4.25 stars.
There’s always some kind of trip or event senior year that makes you reevaluate life and realize that high school is not everything. You won’t even see most of these people again once you graduate. It’s both a heady and a sobering thought. The author put me right there again, as an awkward 18-year-old. I identified with Maddy more than I care to truly admit. Small talk has never been my forté, and I was often the one ignored or talked over in social settings, growing up. So I certainly can understand her feelings. Grace seems to have it all, effortlessly. It’s hard to live up to that. But even though Grace seems to be perfect, what’s hiding underneath that flawless facade? Could it be that both sisters have secrets?
As we go back and forth in time, between each sister’s perspective, more and more tidbits are given, and more and more possible suspects emerge. It gets REALLY good in the last three quarters…I flipped those pages like a madwoman!
Get this on your To-Read list if you like thrillers! I can’t wait to see what Davidhizar comes up with next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s/Delacorte Press for the eARC! All opinions are my own.
4.25 stars.
August 7, 2024
5 HUMUNGOUS STARS
Maddie and Grace are Irish twins, born just ten months apart. Some students in their private school senior class think they are twins. The girls couldn’t be more different. Outgoing, popular jock Grace shines in the spotlight, introverted poet Maddie think she’s the inferior sister.
After an overnight school trip, Grace is found on the side of the road and Maddie is missing. Grace has no memory of what happened when the police question her in the hospital.
SILENT SISTER is a story of sisters, sibling rivalry, love and finding your place in a world that sees you as an outcast.
I didn’t just like SILENT SISTER, I loved it. I enjoyed the story so much, I listened to the audiobook immediately after finishing. SILENT SISTER has all the feels and angst of a young woman on the precipice of adulthood wanting desperately to be deserving of love.
Maddie and Grace are Irish twins, born just ten months apart. Some students in their private school senior class think they are twins. The girls couldn’t be more different. Outgoing, popular jock Grace shines in the spotlight, introverted poet Maddie think she’s the inferior sister.
After an overnight school trip, Grace is found on the side of the road and Maddie is missing. Grace has no memory of what happened when the police question her in the hospital.
SILENT SISTER is a story of sisters, sibling rivalry, love and finding your place in a world that sees you as an outcast.
I didn’t just like SILENT SISTER, I loved it. I enjoyed the story so much, I listened to the audiobook immediately after finishing. SILENT SISTER has all the feels and angst of a young woman on the precipice of adulthood wanting desperately to be deserving of love.
January 7, 2024
Actual Rating 3.5
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND PUBLISHER FOR THIS ADVANCE REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
Grace and Maddy are sisters who look alike but couldn't be more different. Their school offers a sabbatical trip in the final trip which is considered a life-changing event but in a good way. Although, it unexpectedly changed Stoll's sister's life. One was found injured near the road and the other was missing. Grace is struggling with her memory and can't remember what happened in the last week. She is desperate to find her sister but her memory is not helping neither her friends.
The start of the book was interesting but with time story kept going in circles and I lost interest. There was so much happening but felt unnecessary and dragged. I like a few aspects of the book how communication is important and other stuff but the writing let it down. It took me a week to finish this book as I wasn't curious to get to know what was happening in the story. The twist surprised me a bit so that's a positive thing. Although, I found the ending underwhelming.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND PUBLISHER FOR THIS ADVANCE REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
Grace and Maddy are sisters who look alike but couldn't be more different. Their school offers a sabbatical trip in the final trip which is considered a life-changing event but in a good way. Although, it unexpectedly changed Stoll's sister's life. One was found injured near the road and the other was missing. Grace is struggling with her memory and can't remember what happened in the last week. She is desperate to find her sister but her memory is not helping neither her friends.
The start of the book was interesting but with time story kept going in circles and I lost interest. There was so much happening but felt unnecessary and dragged. I like a few aspects of the book how communication is important and other stuff but the writing let it down. It took me a week to finish this book as I wasn't curious to get to know what was happening in the story. The twist surprised me a bit so that's a positive thing. Although, I found the ending underwhelming.
February 20, 2024
2/19, 5:23 PM- Before I start, I just want to say that if this is some “it was her all along” twin bullshit I will quit thrillers forever.
2/19, 9:03 PM- well, fuck.
It was a unique way to go about it, but if I can guess what the twist is just from the synopsis…you did something wrong. And yes, I revised my theory when I found out they weren’t twins to “this better not be her pretending to be her sister or forgetting that she’s her”.
Also, Maddy was annoying AF and so whiny and making it an accident was a cop out.
2/19, 9:03 PM- well, fuck.
It was a unique way to go about it, but if I can guess what the twist is just from the synopsis…you did something wrong. And yes, I revised my theory when I found out they weren’t twins to “this better not be her pretending to be her sister or forgetting that she’s her”.
Also, Maddy was annoying AF and so whiny and making it an accident was a cop out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
This book was OUTSTANDING from start to finish. I couldn't stop thinking about it, I couldn't put it down.
This is a MUST READ.
This is a MUST READ.
April 13, 2024
ARC for review. To be published August 6, 2024.
Two high school seniors and sisters, Grace and Maddy, went missing while on their class trip. The girls are very different, Grace is an athlete and very outgoing, always surrounded by friends, while Maddy lives in her sisters shadow, writes poetry and journals her thoughts.
Grace is found, injured, with no memory of what happened and with Maddy’s blood on her clothes. What happened? Will Grace’s memory return? Will Maddy’s journal help?
This was a decent young adult book except for the fact that the twist didn’t make much sense to me, but I don’t want to spoil it. Maddy was a believable character, at least. Actual young YAs may like this.
Two high school seniors and sisters, Grace and Maddy, went missing while on their class trip. The girls are very different, Grace is an athlete and very outgoing, always surrounded by friends, while Maddy lives in her sisters shadow, writes poetry and journals her thoughts.
Grace is found, injured, with no memory of what happened and with Maddy’s blood on her clothes. What happened? Will Grace’s memory return? Will Maddy’s journal help?
This was a decent young adult book except for the fact that the twist didn’t make much sense to me, but I don’t want to spoil it. Maddy was a believable character, at least. Actual young YAs may like this.
August 20, 2024
4.5 stars
When I really love a book, it's always hard for me to put into words why I loved it so much. I've recently started doing reviews in the form of reasons why I love a book and I'm going to do that today with Silent Sister. I will say that Silent Sister is amazing and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves mysteries and thrillers. So here are four reasons why I loved Silent Sister! I can't say too much, because I always feel you need to know as little as possible when reading mysteries.
1. Dual Timeline
Silent Sister is told in then and now. Grace and Maddy go missing during a school trip and Grace is found injured, but Maddy is still missing. I enjoyed seeing the story play out by getting the days that lead up to them going missing and Grace dealing with the aftermath of everything. It slowly gives us the story and definitely had me trying to figure out what was going on.
2. The Reveal
I have to say I had a theory at the beginning of the book, and I was almost right. While I normally don't like being right when it comes to books like Silent Sister, it really worked. I felt it was different than a lot of other books I've read. The reveal hit me in all the feels and I have to say I teared up a few times while reading. During the story there are also a few other twists and reveals that definitely get you thinking, but everything comes together so well at the end.
3. The Writing
Megan's writing had me hooked from the start and kept me hooked. This story left me guessing, but also had me so invested in these characters. I'm always impressed when an author can make me feel things. I really hope we get more stories from this author, because I need more after Silent Sister.
4. It's Not Just a Mystery
Silent Sister is more than just a mystery. This story deals with grief, guilt, finding yourself, friendships, family, and so much more. Lives can be messy and so can relationships with family and friends, but also even with yourself. Your teenage years have you discovering a lot and finding your place in this world. I feel that this story added to that in a really great way.
When I really love a book, it's always hard for me to put into words why I loved it so much. I've recently started doing reviews in the form of reasons why I love a book and I'm going to do that today with Silent Sister. I will say that Silent Sister is amazing and I highly recommend it for anyone who loves mysteries and thrillers. So here are four reasons why I loved Silent Sister! I can't say too much, because I always feel you need to know as little as possible when reading mysteries.
1. Dual Timeline
Silent Sister is told in then and now. Grace and Maddy go missing during a school trip and Grace is found injured, but Maddy is still missing. I enjoyed seeing the story play out by getting the days that lead up to them going missing and Grace dealing with the aftermath of everything. It slowly gives us the story and definitely had me trying to figure out what was going on.
2. The Reveal
I have to say I had a theory at the beginning of the book, and I was almost right. While I normally don't like being right when it comes to books like Silent Sister, it really worked. I felt it was different than a lot of other books I've read. The reveal hit me in all the feels and I have to say I teared up a few times while reading. During the story there are also a few other twists and reveals that definitely get you thinking, but everything comes together so well at the end.
3. The Writing
Megan's writing had me hooked from the start and kept me hooked. This story left me guessing, but also had me so invested in these characters. I'm always impressed when an author can make me feel things. I really hope we get more stories from this author, because I need more after Silent Sister.
4. It's Not Just a Mystery
Silent Sister is more than just a mystery. This story deals with grief, guilt, finding yourself, friendships, family, and so much more. Lives can be messy and so can relationships with family and friends, but also even with yourself. Your teenage years have you discovering a lot and finding your place in this world. I feel that this story added to that in a really great way.
September 10, 2024
Aaaaah Wat een geweldig boek!!! Dit was voor mij m’n eerste boek sinds een lange tijd en ik ben begonnen in de trein van en naar school. Ik kon er gewoon niet vanaf blijven dus elk moment dat ik had ging ik lezen. Het is zo een goed opbouwend verhaal met echt zieke plottwisten. ( ik ben nog steeds in shock) maar er zit ook romance en spanning in. Het is geschreven uit 2 personen, waar ik eerst nooit zo fan van was, maar dit was op zo een goeie manier geschreven dat dit juist super leuk was. Ik raad dit boek echt voor iedereen aan!!!!
Ohja, +punten dat een van de hoofdpersonen Grace heet!!!
Ohja, +punten dat een van de hoofdpersonen Grace heet!!!
January 14, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for an ARC of this book!
I haven't been this sucked into a book in a long time. I read this book in less than 2 days and I couldn't put it down. The storyline, the characters, the twists were all articulated perfectly and I will highly recommend this book to others before/when it comes out. I can't wait to follow Megan Davidhizar and other books she writes in the future as well. 10/10!
I haven't been this sucked into a book in a long time. I read this book in less than 2 days and I couldn't put it down. The storyline, the characters, the twists were all articulated perfectly and I will highly recommend this book to others before/when it comes out. I can't wait to follow Megan Davidhizar and other books she writes in the future as well. 10/10!
June 26, 2024
This debut YA novel by Megan Davidhizer is surprising in subtle ways, deceivingly complex, and deliciously engrossing. I began Silent Sister expecting a teen plot-driven (maybe murder?) mystery focusing on two sisters. While it took me a few chapters to get into the vibe of Grace and Maddy, I soon found myself reading until 1 am, even when I had final exams to grade.
What hooked me was the depth at which Davidhizer explores the introverted Maddy. It is the most natural human tendency to compare ourselves to others, but what happens when you are stuck in a lifelong emotional match-up with your socially popular and athletic sister? A sister you love but who you feel eclipsed by in every way? The dual perspectives of Maddy & Grace's journals set up a complex tension where the reader is trying to determine which perspective is more accurate and truthful, all the while feeling both empathetic and, at times, annoyed with both characters.
As the mystery of what happened on Senior Sabbatical drives the plot, the author threads in secondary characters who interact with the Stoll sisters, complicating Grace's confusion or... maybe trying to illuminate a path forward.
As a seventh and ninth grade teacher, I am excited to add this book to my classroom library next fall. Through the engaging plot, Megan Davidhizer deals with complex issues like identity, grief, forgiveness, trust, and mental health. I also found it a wonderfully written and compelling story devoid of profanity and explicit scenes, so have no qualms about making it accessible to all of my students.
I am thankful to have been granted an ARC from NetGalley and am sharing my honest review.
What hooked me was the depth at which Davidhizer explores the introverted Maddy. It is the most natural human tendency to compare ourselves to others, but what happens when you are stuck in a lifelong emotional match-up with your socially popular and athletic sister? A sister you love but who you feel eclipsed by in every way? The dual perspectives of Maddy & Grace's journals set up a complex tension where the reader is trying to determine which perspective is more accurate and truthful, all the while feeling both empathetic and, at times, annoyed with both characters.
As the mystery of what happened on Senior Sabbatical drives the plot, the author threads in secondary characters who interact with the Stoll sisters, complicating Grace's confusion or... maybe trying to illuminate a path forward.
As a seventh and ninth grade teacher, I am excited to add this book to my classroom library next fall. Through the engaging plot, Megan Davidhizer deals with complex issues like identity, grief, forgiveness, trust, and mental health. I also found it a wonderfully written and compelling story devoid of profanity and explicit scenes, so have no qualms about making it accessible to all of my students.
I am thankful to have been granted an ARC from NetGalley and am sharing my honest review.
January 20, 2024
This was a heartbreaking, twisty thriller about complicated sister dynamics, confidence, and secrets.
Maddy has always felt like she’s been living in Grace’s shadow. 10 months younger, quieter, less popular, Maddy wants to be a writer. But at the same time Grace is getting into a prestigious college, Maddy is rejected from her dream school. Grace has all the friends; Grace gets all the attention from boys. On the senior class trip, Maddy is determined to reinvent herself. But then everything goes horribly wrong. The narrative flashes back and forth between the trip, from Maddy’s perspective, and present day, from Grace’s perspective, after Maddy has gone missing. There’ are a few different suspects and many ideas about what happened that night—and we don’t know what Grace knows, because she can’t remember anything. The plot twists keep the reader guessing, and the twist at the end is one only the most observant readers will see coming. A fantastic debut!
Maddy has always felt like she’s been living in Grace’s shadow. 10 months younger, quieter, less popular, Maddy wants to be a writer. But at the same time Grace is getting into a prestigious college, Maddy is rejected from her dream school. Grace has all the friends; Grace gets all the attention from boys. On the senior class trip, Maddy is determined to reinvent herself. But then everything goes horribly wrong. The narrative flashes back and forth between the trip, from Maddy’s perspective, and present day, from Grace’s perspective, after Maddy has gone missing. There’ are a few different suspects and many ideas about what happened that night—and we don’t know what Grace knows, because she can’t remember anything. The plot twists keep the reader guessing, and the twist at the end is one only the most observant readers will see coming. A fantastic debut!
March 11, 2024
I read a fair number of mysteries, though not usually the YA variety, so I picked this up without specific expectations. It was a quick read, one that kept me not wanting to put it down because I really wanted the truth to be revealed.
The author does a good job of portraying teenagers - their relationships, struggles, and weaknesses. If Maddy sometimes came across as a bit whiny, well that made her real as the overlooked sibling of an outgoing, popular sister. All of the ingredients of senior year are mixed in - prom, scholarships, jealousy, pettiness . . . you get the idea. There's a good blend of characters, with a mix of maturity, goals, & attitudes that one would expect from a group of 17-18 year olds. As a YA novel, this is really well done.
As a mystery, I may have compared this too severely to adult fiction. I think younger readers will like the twists, but I had my suspicions of how this was going to end way too early on. Some good bits are included to throw the reader off track, and I occasionally wondered if my theory was wrong. I wished it was, because I think the ending could have had more impact. I won't give any more than that away.
I would definitely recommend this to teenage readers. I think they would learn a bit from the characters & their relatable issues while enjoying the drama of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for my copy of Silent Sister. Opinions expressed are my own.
The author does a good job of portraying teenagers - their relationships, struggles, and weaknesses. If Maddy sometimes came across as a bit whiny, well that made her real as the overlooked sibling of an outgoing, popular sister. All of the ingredients of senior year are mixed in - prom, scholarships, jealousy, pettiness . . . you get the idea. There's a good blend of characters, with a mix of maturity, goals, & attitudes that one would expect from a group of 17-18 year olds. As a YA novel, this is really well done.
As a mystery, I may have compared this too severely to adult fiction. I think younger readers will like the twists, but I had my suspicions of how this was going to end way too early on. Some good bits are included to throw the reader off track, and I occasionally wondered if my theory was wrong. I wished it was, because I think the ending could have had more impact. I won't give any more than that away.
I would definitely recommend this to teenage readers. I think they would learn a bit from the characters & their relatable issues while enjoying the drama of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for my copy of Silent Sister. Opinions expressed are my own.
July 28, 2024
4⭐️
Well written and easy to read, this book had me wanting to find out how and why it happened and everything in between!!
I was curious about how the Stoll sisters interacted and why Grace couldn’t remember what had happened. All the events leading up to the reveal as well as the then and now timeline had me hooked… except I already guessed the twist just before halfway and I was really trying to just get to the end to see if I was right.
Overall a nice read to help me in my slump era!
Well written and easy to read, this book had me wanting to find out how and why it happened and everything in between!!
I was curious about how the Stoll sisters interacted and why Grace couldn’t remember what had happened. All the events leading up to the reveal as well as the then and now timeline had me hooked… except I already guessed the twist just before halfway and I was really trying to just get to the end to see if I was right.
Overall a nice read to help me in my slump era!
August 29, 2024
I was not expecting that twist at the end, probably what saved the book for me to be honest. Still a great book!
April 11, 2024
It’s YA so I might not be the best one to review this one.
It took a while for me to get through this one simply because it wasn’t really holding my attention. At times the pace picked up but then slow down again. I would have loved for each chapter to leave me wanting more but most of the time it didn’t. The twist I could see coming. I may hand this over to my teenager and edit this review with her thoughts.
It took a while for me to get through this one simply because it wasn’t really holding my attention. At times the pace picked up but then slow down again. I would have loved for each chapter to leave me wanting more but most of the time it didn’t. The twist I could see coming. I may hand this over to my teenager and edit this review with her thoughts.
January 20, 2023
I couldn’t put this book down. I found the MC so relatable and was rooting for her throughout. The twist at the end was incredible. Highly highly recommend!
January 21, 2023
Main character is so relateable. Writing is brilliant. Twisty and turny. I read an early copy, but I can’t wait for the official release. I’ll be telling everyone to read it.
August 14, 2024
My review kinda has spoilers. I don't really outright spoil anything, but I do hint at stuff. Now on the review.
Holy shit. Never in my life did I see that twist coming and I totally should've since Davidhizar literally said that she likes unreliable narrators at her book release at Fables. I have been fooled once again. I was also convinced that Adrian somehow had a hand in this whole thing until the book spelled it out for me. But then it was all revealed and everything clicked into place. The headaches, everyone's distance after sabbatical (especially the supposed friends), Adrian's weird switch from sister to sister. I just can't believe I didn't see it sooner. Also, I had also convinced myself that Maddy wasn't killed off and that she was still alive and I guess I was right in some ways.
Other than how I was swindled by the mystery, the book was beautifully well written. It hooked me almost immediately and I procrastinated on schoolwork to finish this book. The switches between perspectives were clean, there was amazing character building, and the hint of romance was nice. I felt myself actually relating to these characters and I cried on multiple occasions because of it. Usually I can just detach myself from the characters but I couldn't escape the trueness of both Maddy and Grace's lives. Congratulations on your debut book Megan Davidhizar and I hope that your next will be just as good.
Breathe the fifth.
Holy shit. Never in my life did I see that twist coming and I totally should've since Davidhizar literally said that she likes unreliable narrators at her book release at Fables. I have been fooled once again. I was also convinced that Adrian somehow had a hand in this whole thing until the book spelled it out for me. But then it was all revealed and everything clicked into place. The headaches, everyone's distance after sabbatical (especially the supposed friends), Adrian's weird switch from sister to sister. I just can't believe I didn't see it sooner. Also, I had also convinced myself that Maddy wasn't killed off and that she was still alive and I guess I was right in some ways.
Other than how I was swindled by the mystery, the book was beautifully well written. It hooked me almost immediately and I procrastinated on schoolwork to finish this book. The switches between perspectives were clean, there was amazing character building, and the hint of romance was nice. I felt myself actually relating to these characters and I cried on multiple occasions because of it. Usually I can just detach myself from the characters but I couldn't escape the trueness of both Maddy and Grace's lives. Congratulations on your debut book Megan Davidhizar and I hope that your next will be just as good.
Breathe the fifth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
"Silent Sister" is a phenomenal debut effort by Megan Davidhizar. I do not doubt that it will be one of the most popular YA novels of the fall and I have already preordered a copy for my middle grade library. Teen readers will be sucked in from page one and will love the dual narrator format that Davidhizar employs with alternating chapters by Claire and Maddy before and after their disappearance. The senior sabbatical trip as the pivotal setting for the book will also be popular with teen readers, many of whom will be looking forward to their own senior trips, proms, and graduations.
Personally, "Silent Sister", while enjoyable will not be my top read of the year. I can recognize that this is probably due to my view of the plot and "twist" as an adult reader, but I can tell it will be a smash for its intended teen audience. I will be reading Davidhizar's follow-up novels as I do think she is tremendously talented. Fans of Holly Jackson, Karen McManus and Maureen Johnson will be falling in line to grab their own copies!
Special thanks to NetGalley and to Delacorte Press for providing an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an unbiased review!
Personally, "Silent Sister", while enjoyable will not be my top read of the year. I can recognize that this is probably due to my view of the plot and "twist" as an adult reader, but I can tell it will be a smash for its intended teen audience. I will be reading Davidhizar's follow-up novels as I do think she is tremendously talented. Fans of Holly Jackson, Karen McManus and Maureen Johnson will be falling in line to grab their own copies!
Special thanks to NetGalley and to Delacorte Press for providing an Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for an unbiased review!
August 20, 2024
I was expecting to go into this book reading a typical YA murder mystery. Most of the book does lead you in that direction, but by the end you realize it is so much more than just a “whodunnit”. One thing I really loved about this book was the emphasis on how helpful therapy is. The characters completely normalize it and openly talk to each other about how beneficial it is for them. I liked how the book focused on the idea of communication: how important it is for us to talk to the people in our lives about what is really going on, even if it’s hard, and how we have to stop assuming we know how someone will act/react when we do talk to them about it. These are all incredible things for a young adult to be learning along with the characters.
I really am only taking one star away because I think the ending/twist may be a little confusing to some of my students. I was slightly disappointed that the book was not exactly what I believed it to be when I started it, but I think overall this story has many important lessons and take-aways for the YA audience.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really am only taking one star away because I think the ending/twist may be a little confusing to some of my students. I was slightly disappointed that the book was not exactly what I believed it to be when I started it, but I think overall this story has many important lessons and take-aways for the YA audience.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for the E-ARC!
🖋️🩸🌊
Wow, wow, WOW! After finishing this book (at a wickedly early hour, mind you) I just sat there in pure silence, huge grin on my face. It wasn't because of the twist, no I had guessed the pretty early on, but it was from sheer shock at just *how* good this book was!
For a debut this book was INCREADIBLE, and I am looking forward to this authors next releases. This whole book I read in one sitting, not at all planning on finishing it, but it was just so addictive. The mystery kept me turning the pages, but the characters had my heart. The love interest, while I had conflicting feelings about him whilst reading (ifykyk) but in the end I just ADORED Adrian!
I also adored Maddy, which is strange, like adoring myself. I had such a soft spot for her because she had a lot of me in her, I felt *seen* while reading about her, which, again ifykyk. Her entire character was well writing a fleshed out, flaws, hopes and dreams. She and her sister felt real and so did their problems, but even if they both were far from perfect they still loved each other deeply.
I definitely saw its flaws, but I think this author could very quickly become a favorite.
🖋️🩸🌊
You'll like this if you like...
- Memory loss
- Flawed characters
- Page turning twists
- A satisfying ending
- A unique plot
🖋️🩸🌊
Wow, wow, WOW! After finishing this book (at a wickedly early hour, mind you) I just sat there in pure silence, huge grin on my face. It wasn't because of the twist, no I had guessed the pretty early on, but it was from sheer shock at just *how* good this book was!
For a debut this book was INCREADIBLE, and I am looking forward to this authors next releases. This whole book I read in one sitting, not at all planning on finishing it, but it was just so addictive. The mystery kept me turning the pages, but the characters had my heart. The love interest, while I had conflicting feelings about him whilst reading (ifykyk) but in the end I just ADORED Adrian!
I also adored Maddy, which is strange, like adoring myself. I had such a soft spot for her because she had a lot of me in her, I felt *seen* while reading about her, which, again ifykyk. Her entire character was well writing a fleshed out, flaws, hopes and dreams. She and her sister felt real and so did their problems, but even if they both were far from perfect they still loved each other deeply.
I definitely saw its flaws, but I think this author could very quickly become a favorite.
🖋️🩸🌊
You'll like this if you like...
- Memory loss
- Flawed characters
- Page turning twists
- A satisfying ending
- A unique plot
August 28, 2024
Two sisters go on a senior trip, but only one comes back.
👯♀️
Grace is the outgoing, fun-loving, popular sister whereas Maddy is the quieter of the two, seemingly invisible to others sometimes, always writing poetry. Grace is found bloodied, injured and unconscious by a lake after their senior trip and Maddy is missing. Grace has no memory of what happened on the trip at all, but lots of evidence is piling up against her. In order to clear her name and find her sister, Grace must do some investigating and soul-searching work to find out the truth.
👯♀️
This was a strong YA thriller debut by @megandavidhizar The timeline and POV changes were easy to follow and had me seeing both girls for who they truly were. I figured out the twist before the end, but I don’t think most readers will. It was a great twist that doesn’t happen often in young adult books. Can’t wait to see what this author writes next!
CW: death, blood, student/teacher relationship, amnesia, bullying
👯♀️
Grace is the outgoing, fun-loving, popular sister whereas Maddy is the quieter of the two, seemingly invisible to others sometimes, always writing poetry. Grace is found bloodied, injured and unconscious by a lake after their senior trip and Maddy is missing. Grace has no memory of what happened on the trip at all, but lots of evidence is piling up against her. In order to clear her name and find her sister, Grace must do some investigating and soul-searching work to find out the truth.
👯♀️
This was a strong YA thriller debut by @megandavidhizar The timeline and POV changes were easy to follow and had me seeing both girls for who they truly were. I figured out the twist before the end, but I don’t think most readers will. It was a great twist that doesn’t happen often in young adult books. Can’t wait to see what this author writes next!
CW: death, blood, student/teacher relationship, amnesia, bullying
June 17, 2024
3.5
📖📖📖
This was such a nice, easy read which I love! As someone who has read a lot of YA thrillers, I’d say it holds a lot of unique qualities and the alternating chapters was really enjoyable. Sometimes I find I prefer reading one more than the other but I enjoyed both with this book.
The poetry and writing in between chapters was such a nice touch and definitely stood out as a favourite addition to the book. It not only added to the story but brought you closer to the characters inner thoughts and story.
I did predict the main ending but some elements I didn’t. As someone who predicts things easily, this is just on me so you may go in and be completely wowed!
I would recommend this if you’re a fan of YA and/ or easy thriller/ mystery reads as it was such a quick read for me and has a lot of great additions.
Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me this proof copy🤍
📖📖📖
This was such a nice, easy read which I love! As someone who has read a lot of YA thrillers, I’d say it holds a lot of unique qualities and the alternating chapters was really enjoyable. Sometimes I find I prefer reading one more than the other but I enjoyed both with this book.
The poetry and writing in between chapters was such a nice touch and definitely stood out as a favourite addition to the book. It not only added to the story but brought you closer to the characters inner thoughts and story.
I did predict the main ending but some elements I didn’t. As someone who predicts things easily, this is just on me so you may go in and be completely wowed!
I would recommend this if you’re a fan of YA and/ or easy thriller/ mystery reads as it was such a quick read for me and has a lot of great additions.
Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me this proof copy🤍
January 5, 2024
* Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. *
I’m going to be honest: I guessed the big reveal almost immediately. I won’t spoil it for anyone else, but I didn’t find Silent Sister to be particularly thrilling or mysterious. That isn’t to say it wasn’t a decent read; it had a solid message behind it about sisterhood and honestly, and I did find myself invested in the overall plot and how everything would pan out.
In the end, I think this book is best suited for anyone who doesn’t want too scary or intense a mystery, and likes an overall message to their stories.
I’m going to be honest: I guessed the big reveal almost immediately. I won’t spoil it for anyone else, but I didn’t find Silent Sister to be particularly thrilling or mysterious. That isn’t to say it wasn’t a decent read; it had a solid message behind it about sisterhood and honestly, and I did find myself invested in the overall plot and how everything would pan out.
In the end, I think this book is best suited for anyone who doesn’t want too scary or intense a mystery, and likes an overall message to their stories.
August 12, 2024
This book … had me so mad, LOL. I had NO idea what was going on, the MC has amnesia, and you are finding out the truth right along with her … it wasn’t happening fast enough, I was having trust issues with everyone in this story! I thought I had it figured out, but the spin the author put on it made me question my sanity, only to find out I was almost right, and that made me mad 😂 seriously, if you like psychological mystery books about people losing their memory, you need to add this to your TBR.
Written in alternating sisters POV and timeline (before the accident, during, and after). Each chapter ending in such a way I had to keep reading for resolution. Thoroughly enjoyed this roller coaster of emotion ride to find the truth.
Written in alternating sisters POV and timeline (before the accident, during, and after). Each chapter ending in such a way I had to keep reading for resolution. Thoroughly enjoyed this roller coaster of emotion ride to find the truth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews