Sisters seem to be all the rage at the moment and this is the second new book about sisters I’ve read this year. It’s often a complex relationship so forms a great backdrop for a good plot – and this is no exception. I was really drawn into this story and excited to see what would happen next. Blood Sisters was intriguing, at times surprising, and touched on a number of interesting issues that added real depth to the story, including self-harm, the dilemma of love and pregnancy for care-home couples, and guilt. Blood sisters is an engaging book about a tragic accident that rips a family apart, leaving one sister brain-damaged in a care home, and the other socially isolated and guilt-ridden. The story swings between the present and 2001, the time of the accident, and is told from the point of view of both sisters. Alison, who was left physically unscathed, gives art lessons and also works as artist-in-residence at a local prison – a job that makes her uncomfortable, particularly as she feels someone is stalking her. Kitty is imprisoned in her own mind – unable to express herself, but able to hear what people are saying to her. Jane Corry describes her frustration with such skill – we hear Kitty’s speech, often riddled with profanities, but no-one else can understand her babble. Kitty is on the verge of comprehending where she is, what happened, and who her visitors are – but never quite gets there. As we learn more about the family, events leading up the accident and the relationships between the sisters and their friends we gradually get to a better understanding of what really happened that fateful day all those years ago. My only slight criticism is that I found the book slightly long, so did speedread some of the middle bits. Other than that, a great 4-star read.

I enjoyed this book especially as the storyline was a bit different from normal psychological thrillers. My only issue was it was a bit slow to get started so I struggled to get into it at the beginning. Would recommend this book

What a wonderful story of two sisters torn apart by their hate for each other. The implications this has on heir childhood and the actions they both take. A story with many twists and turns that grab you from every angle. It was a little slow to start hence the 4 stars but once I was 20% through I was hooked. Excellently written and a story that will stay with me for a long time.