Kayla Reviews: ONCE TWO SISTERS

Goodreads Summary:

When her sister goes missing, Zoe assumes it’s just another one of her estranged sibling’s stunts–but the danger is all too real.

Zoe Hallett and her sister, Ava, are the precocious offspring of two pioneering scientists, but the sisters have been estranged for years. When Zoe reads a news story about Ava’s mysterious disappearance, she assumes it’s just another of her sister’s twisted fictions, designed to blame Zoe and destroy the peaceful life she’s created with her husband and beautiful stepdaughter in Houston. But Zoe’s email is hacked to send threatening messages to Ava–and a more sinister picture begins to emerge.

Zoe returns to her home state of Virginia to prove her innocence to the authorities, to her parents, and to Glenn, her ex-boyfriend and current brother-in-law. For the first time, Zoe begins to believe Ava is in grave danger, and when Glenn catches her searching for clues in Ava’s home, she looks guiltier than ever–but maybe Glenn is not all he seems.

The clues Zoe finds point to a bizarre link between Ava’s disappearance and her mother’s “research”. Is there a secret someone is trying to protect? And would someone be willing to kill to protect it? As her sister’s life hangs in the balance, Zoe draws on hidden reserves of strength and hope to save the sister she never thought she loved.

My Take:

So, I almost didn’t review this book out of shear bitterness because the assistant to this book’s agent rejected my beautifully crafted query! Then I remembered that I’m neither a snob nor a petulant child and that this book is fantastic and deserves all the attention! Honestly, I’m not sure how this book is not more popular than it is. Why doesn’t it have all the thriller awards?

First of all, the plot is incredibly fast paced, and it’s an adrenaline rush the entire time.

Now, let’s talk about the thing that really makes this book work: the sisters. Ava and Zoe are initially shown to be enemies. Their backstories are well fleshed-out, and they are both give something to fight for. In the end, you’ll find yourself rooting for both sisters–more importantly, you’ll find yourself rooting for their relationship because they honestly just need to realize that they do love each other.

If you’re up for a great thriller that thoroughly explores the bond between sisters, this book is for you!