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herelieshenry's review
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I really enjoyed this book. It’s incredibly twisty and gripping (if a little convoluted). My only real qualm is the overuse of the word shitnuts. Looking at this after reading the author’s more recent release, Missing White Woman, this displays a lot of the same positive elements of the clever style and structure of Garrett’s work, while also showing how she’s improved her craft since writing this book. Her newer work is equally twisty but more streamlined and tightened, though Like a Sister is still an incredibly compelling read. I like that the books share a throughline of similar themes around trust, complex family relationships and friendships, the past’s hold on the present, the complexity of grief while learning things you may not want to know about the person you’re grieving, etc, portrayed in unique ways in each of them. I’m interested in reading the author’s other three books and looking forward to future releases; Garrett is well on the way to becoming a favorite author of mine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Racism, Suicide, Car accident, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Body shaming, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Medical content, Abortion, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Classism
Specific drugs referenced in book: heroin & cocaine, references to weedstevienotnicks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book sucked me in right away. Its premise is a little bit murder mystery, a little bit familial drama (think, Empire). The characters were complex, which really added to the “whodunnit” aspect of it all.
The use of misdirection, while maybe a bit overdone, puts you smack in the middle of the story trying to uncover Desiree’s killer right alongside Lena. Just when you think you have it figured out, in comes another twist and you realize you have no idea what is going on. I’ll tell ya this — I didn’t expect that reveal (though in hindsight, there were signs).
It’s not an “edge of your seat” thriller, but the mystery and drama is oh so satisfying. Definitely pick this one up if you’re looking for a suspenseful tale with themes of injustice, racism, and complex family dynamics.
Follow me on Insta! @the.bougie.bookworm
The use of misdirection, while maybe a bit overdone, puts you smack in the middle of the story trying to uncover Desiree’s killer right alongside Lena. Just when you think you have it figured out, in comes another twist and you realize you have no idea what is going on. I’ll tell ya this — I didn’t expect that reveal (though in hindsight, there were signs).
It’s not an “edge of your seat” thriller, but the mystery and drama is oh so satisfying. Definitely pick this one up if you’re looking for a suspenseful tale with themes of injustice, racism, and complex family dynamics.
Follow me on Insta! @the.bougie.bookworm
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use and Murder
Minor: Gun violence, Infidelity, Kidnapping, Car accident, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship