Thoroughly enjoyed reading this. A new author for me.
Great plot and characters that turned into a real page turner. Would absolutely reccomend you read this.

Twins sisters, Fern and Rose, couldn’t be more different. They each have issues, Rose with her past and the relationship she had with their mother, and Fern with coping with daily life due to her hyper sensitivity.

This book was totally different and very, very good. First time I have read this author but will definitely be on the look out for other books by her. The characters were well done and filled their roles in the story perfectly. The narrative was excellent and the story beautifully written. This book deserves all the accolades it will surely get.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc.

Twin sisters growing up together. One the protector, the other the protected. But was everything really as it seemed?

We follow Rose and Fern as they each share their very different perspectives on life as they were growing up. As adults they continue to have a strong relationship and Fern knows that her sister continues to protect her as she learns to cope with her “unusual” behaviours.



So, Rose wants a baby-what better thanks could Fern give her than a baby? Fern gets an idea into her head that she can get pregant and gift the baby to Rose. All she needs is to find a man!

The book has a very interesting writing style, switching between the voices of the 2 protagonists and sharing their differing perspectives on what happened as they were growing up.

This is an great way of telling the story, as we see things from both Rose and Fern’s perspective, which seem to see things very differently.

The book is utterly captivating as we get a real insight into the characters. However, the book takes a chilling turn as events begin to unravel for the sisters.

This book would impress absolutely anyone; from crime lovers to romance fans; it is a story of trust and love, as well as deceit, murder and mystery.

When I received this book from the publisher I didnt realise that it was written by the same author as "The Mother-in-law" and "The Family Next Door" that has been on my radar for quite a while now.

I really enjoyed that one, the writing is compelling and it's a fast-read - i finished it in a day (although maybe lying ill in bed had sth to do wity it, lol).

The twist is not THAT surprising, but it's still an enjoyable book. The characters have depth and arent one dimentional (which often happens in domestic thrillers), even ths background characters are intetesting.

Well what a read, I was hooked by the end of the first page. The story had me until the very last page. I fell in love with Fern and ‘Wally’ and their relationship, watching it unfold with every page. I was willing for them more than I have for any character before.
I didn’t see the real Rose straight away but I started to feel something was amiss with her early on, I didn’t quite trust her.
This was such a lovely read and one I wish could go on and on. It made me smile, laugh and cry at times.

What a great story! Very well planned story and a real page turner.
I enjoyed everything about the book and also learned a little about the daily challenges of autism, which was really well explained without being heavy-going.
I loved the quirky humour and the darkly sinister thread through the book. It kept me hooked to the very end.

An excellent read with a few twists to add extra flavour to the story. Brilliantly developed characters.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had me gripped all the way to the end.
This is a fast paced novel and I feel that you get to know the two main characters very well.
I enjoyed that this book is told separately by two sisters, with one based in the present and the other relating to the past.
The characters were relatable, and there was also not a huge number of other characters featured, which made it much easier to follow.
The plot features twist and turns and the book is a great thriller. The story is not overly predictable and kept me interested and intrigued throughout.
I loved the authors style of writing and throughout the story was easy to comprehend. I cannot wait to read another book by this author already.
This story delves into the main characters, Rose & Fern, personalities so well.
Would recommend this to everyone, especially those after a fast paced easy read. It was hard to put it down, but very easy to go back to.

An excellent tale of two sisters and their relationship. Fern is wonderfully portrayed and is a very believable and likeable character. The story is told in turn by each of the sisters, and the ending of a chapter just makes you want to read the next one to see what is going to happen next.

Firstly, I would like to say that I hugely enjoyed the way in which the author seamlessly intertwined the stories of Fern and Rose by effortlessly combining the past and present with the perspectives of both sisters in such a way that kept me eager to find out more! The author also succeeds in capturing the characteristics of a person with autism in the way that Fern is portrayed, expertly shining the light upon the daily difficulties that autistic people experience.

This novel truly is the perfect blend of realism, suspense and emotion! With two immaculately developed protagonists, who will you believe? It’s the classic case of ‘there are always two sides to a story!’

This is the first Sally Hepworth novel I’ve read, and to be honest I’m lost for words. I’ve read a lot of books (I’m old!) but this is the first time I’ve wished I could give 20 out of 5 stars. Even that wouldn’t be enough. I’m not going to tell the story – the book description gives you an idea. When I read a review, all I want to know is: Was it well written? Did you want to keep turning the pages? Could you relate to the characters? Did it make you think? Was it exciting? Was it heart-wrenching? Was it believable? Did you think ‘the housework can wait’? Would it make a fantastic film? If your answers are ‘yes’ then this is a book you’d love.
We have twin sisters, Rose and Fern, who were born to a cruel mother. Rose is the strong one, while Fern has sensory processing issues and is unable to cope with loud noises - even the ringing of a phone - and strong smells. Rose is her protector. Something dreadful happens when they are 12 years old, and they are put into foster care. More than that, you need to read! I love the way the story is told in a dual perspective – Fern’s voice telling us about her childhood, and Rose telling her story via a journal. The writing is brilliant, beautifully crafted, emotional, and gripping. The best book I’ve read in a very, very, long time. Sally Hepworth – you’re a genius!

I enjoyed this book which I received via NetGalley.
The story of twins and their relationship. The story swings between the narratives of Fern and Rose as they tell a combined story of their past and the present. Hearing both stories from the point of view of each sister and their different perspectives.
Fern has a sensory disorder, she is high functioning but has difficulties with situations where there are too many people, where it is noisy and where unexpected things happen. Rose cares for and protects her to the extent that Fern is wholly dependent on her.
The book tells of Fern's life, of her job in a library and how her colleagues and clientele grow to know and appreciate her. We are with her through her gradual awakening and realisation that all is not as it seems. She forms relationships and we see her attempts to take back control of her life.
The book is well written with an original theme. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I absolutely loved this book. The writer accurately portrays Fern as an autistic female character and combines this with a thrilling plot with the relationship between Fern and her sister Rose at the centre. Despite the difficulties the character faces, we come to see that there are people who care about her and through them, we come to see her strengths. As in any thriller, all is not as it seems and as I gradually became aware of this, I found myself rooting for her. Having spent a lifetime working with children and young people with Fern's difficulties, I was delighted to see how sympathetic and ultimately capable her character is shown to be.. Although I have enjoyed previous stories with autistic characters at their centre, this one is the one which strikes the most chords for me. Add to this a really good plot which makes you want to read late into the night and I would say, if you read one book this year, make it this one.

A great examination of the relationship between sisters, and the beliefs we hold around our families. It is a classic example of ' two sides to every story. WHO SHOULD WE BELIEVE?!!
Nice touch, the story of wally and fern.

I was looking forward to reading this and I enjoyed it even more than I expected to. It was very clever, dark and yet with elements of humour and warmth. Such a great read!

I'm not sure that I would put this in the "Mystery/Thriller" or "Women's Fiction" categories as these descriptions might well put people off from reading what is a simple but sensational tale of family relationships.

I was immediately drawn to Fern who brought to mind "Tilly" from the "Washington Poe" novels by MW Craven. Rose less so but I did enjoy how her journal brought a different perspective from Fern's narrative.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and spent an hour or after finishing it "casting" for a tv series or film.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

This is the first Sally Hepworth novel I have read and she has made a very good impression.

This is a proper page turner and has kept me thoroughly entertained the last two days!

Fern and Rose are twin sisters, not identical. Fern relies on her sister for most things in life due to being on the autistic spectrum and suffering from an intense sensory disorder.

Fern is a wonderful character who would be a breath of fresh air in anyone’s life with her honesty and straight talking. Fern is vulnerable and reliant on her sister to maintain independence, though this would depend on what your definition of independence is....

A plot twist I must say I saw coming, but it highlights how people can manipulate and take advantage of others due to their differences.

The chapters are written as Fern and Rose both giving insights to their childhood and how they have (or haven’t) been there for each other. Fern’s logic and assessment of life is joyful to read and there’s an automatic feeling of wanting to protect her.

‘Why can’t I just be normal?’
‘You are. It’s everyone else who are weirdos.’

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC.

‘The Good Sister’-Sally Hepworth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“My sister holds the key to my sanity.”
Genre: Psychological Thriller/ Domestic Drama

This book deserves all the stars! Every. Single. One. It is a silent assassin, delicately building a deep emotional connection betwixt protagonist and reader, before unceremoniously and repeatedly ripping your heart out.

The reason for this distraught feeling? One word- Fern. Our protagonist is on the Autistic Spectrum and has sensory processing disorder. Fern is quick witted and unashamedly honest, direct and above all, authentically herself. Hepworth depicts ASD/SPD in a phenomenal, thought-provoking way that outlines the immediate impact upon day-to-day living that most of us take for granted. I thought it highly unlikely another character would capture my heart in the way Eleanor Oliphant did, but Fern Castle has my unwavering adoration forever more.

The book explores the theme around the bond between fraternal twin sisters; navigating the choppy waters of coercion and presents the lasting impact of narcissism plaguing a family unit. It was engrossing, all-encompassing and relentlessly engaging. This book will undoubtedly stay with me for a very long time!

I would like to say a huge thank you to NetGalley and Publisher Hodder & Stoughton for this sensational ARC.

I really enjoy Sally Hepworths books and this is no exception. The main character Fern has autism spectrum disorder, she is a really likeable character, reminding me a little of Eleanor Oliphant. She has a twin sister Rose who has always been her protector. Told through Roses diary entries and Ferns narration the story flits between memories of the past that have shaped them and the present day. This is a psychological thriller mixed with a love story and a focus on family and sisterhood. A great read with a brilliant twist.

This was absolutely brilliant, an amazing and realistic plot. Well defined characters, I couldn’t put it down. And when I had to, I was quick to pick it up again, compelled and wholeheartedly engrossed. What a superbly crafted piece of work.

At times I was so full of suspense, frustration, emotion and wanted to throw up occasionally 🤦‍♀️ having to take deep breathes to calm myself down.

Twin sisters, who is telling the truth, what is the truth? Who is gaslighting who?

Fern, who I loved, works in a library, and is a fantastic librarian, she is sensitive, however brusque as she is on the spectrum. Even though she doesn’t realise it, she has some great colleagues and boss. Fern has sensory issues so it’s best to avoid loud noises, sounds, smells, conversation, touching and socialising or have direct eye contact.

Rose, her sister is married to Owen and has her life mapped out, however, unfortunately she is finding it hard to conceive as she has premature ovarian ageing.... Fern has a few thoughts about this which are hilarious, even if insensitive, I admit, I laughed. However, Fern isn’t insensitive just black and white, no grey areas.

They had a dysfunctional childhood and Fern did something that haunts her for the rest of her life, she didn’t mean to do it, but she did. Their mother ends up taking a drug overdose and they end up in care from the age of 12 until they’re 18. Fern relies on Rose for most things. Even though she has her independence, Rose controls Fern to an alarming degree.

Fern thinks about getting pregnant so she can have a baby for Rose, this is how she thinks, however when she meets Wally in the library BANG the dynamics change. I absolutely loved how the relationship between Fern and Wally developed, it’s wholeheartedly sweet. If I wasn’t so happily married and loved M so much I wouldn’t mind meeting Wally!

Moving on.... this is a well written and fast paced psychological thriller, which I’m sure you would enjoy.

I need to be careful as don’t want to give away any spoilers, it would be so easy to share too much, you just have to read this book. As in most books there’s a great twist at the end.

Thank you to the author, Sally Hepworth, Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this fabulous ARC provided in exchange for this unbiased review.