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Bad Sister
The gripping new thriller from the bestselling author of Saving Sophie.
Then
When flames rip through their family home, only teenager Stephanie and her younger brother escape unhurt. Brett always liked to play with fire, but now their dad is dead and someone has to pay the price.
Now
Psychologist Connie Summers wants to help Stephanie rebuild her life. She has a new name, a young son and everything to live for. But when Stephanie receives a letter from someone she’d hoped would never find her, Connie is forced to question what really happened that night. But some truths are better left alone . . .
Gripping, tense and impossible to put down, Bad Sister will have fans of Sue Fortin, B.A. Paris and Linda Green hooked until the final page.
Then
When flames rip through their family home, only teenager Stephanie and her younger brother escape unhurt. Brett always liked to play with fire, but now their dad is dead and someone has to pay the price.
Now
Psychologist Connie Summers wants to help Stephanie rebuild her life. She has a new name, a young son and everything to live for. But when Stephanie receives a letter from someone she’d hoped would never find her, Connie is forced to question what really happened that night. But some truths are better left alone . . .
Gripping, tense and impossible to put down, Bad Sister will have fans of Sue Fortin, B.A. Paris and Linda Green hooked until the final page.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2017
352 people are currently reading
1,867 people want to read
About the author
Sam Carrington
11books466followersSam Carrington lives in Devon with her husband, two border terriers and a cat. She has three adult children and a new grandson! She worked for the NHS for fifteen years, during which time she qualified as a nurse. Following the completion of a psychology degree she went to work for the prison service as an Offending Behaviour Programme Facilitator. Her experiences within this field inspired her writing. She left the service to spend time with her family and to follow her dream of being a novelist. SAVING SOPHIE, her debut psychological thriller, published in September 2016. It became a Kindle eBook bestseller, with the paperback hitting The Bookseller Heatseeker chart at #8. Sam was named an Amazon Rising Star of 2016.
Her 6th book - The Open House - publishes in December 2020.
Her 6th book - The Open House - publishes in December 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
September 27, 2017
Connie Summers is a psychologist whose latest case is hitting a bit close to home for her. Connie's patient, Stephanie, has come to her scared for her life after being in witness protection and a name change she's afraid that she's been found. Connie can relate to Stephanie as both women have had to change their names and somewhat go into hiding. Stephanie is in fear that her brother has found her all these later after testifying to him setting a fire when he was only eight.
Previously Connie had given a recommendation to release a prisoner and that turned out to be the wrong decision on her part so when hounded she changed her name. When a mutilated body is found it becomes known that the corpse has one huge detail leading the police to Connie since her name was written on the body. What is Connie's connection to the victim? Is she the next target for the killer or was someone killing in her honor?
Bad Sister by Sam Carrington is a psychological thriller that was much like reading a couple of stories at once and trying to piece those together to get the overall plot. The biggest part of the story is told by alternating between Connie and the detective investigating the case, Lindsay Wade. There are also glimpses into the past woven in at times along with an unknown voice telling their story on occasion.
For me with Bad Sister I don't think the story is bad at all but I wasn't exactly hooked into it very well either. I found myself never really connecting with Connie as the story went on which sort of brings the book down for me no matter how many twists and turns the author tosses into the mix. In the end I just found this one sort of OK and never became overly excited with the story that unfolded. Many will probably love this one as it's one with many layers to it though so if a fan of this genre I'd say give it a try for yourself as it just wasn't one for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit
Previously Connie had given a recommendation to release a prisoner and that turned out to be the wrong decision on her part so when hounded she changed her name. When a mutilated body is found it becomes known that the corpse has one huge detail leading the police to Connie since her name was written on the body. What is Connie's connection to the victim? Is she the next target for the killer or was someone killing in her honor?
Bad Sister by Sam Carrington is a psychological thriller that was much like reading a couple of stories at once and trying to piece those together to get the overall plot. The biggest part of the story is told by alternating between Connie and the detective investigating the case, Lindsay Wade. There are also glimpses into the past woven in at times along with an unknown voice telling their story on occasion.
For me with Bad Sister I don't think the story is bad at all but I wasn't exactly hooked into it very well either. I found myself never really connecting with Connie as the story went on which sort of brings the book down for me no matter how many twists and turns the author tosses into the mix. In the end I just found this one sort of OK and never became overly excited with the story that unfolded. Many will probably love this one as it's one with many layers to it though so if a fan of this genre I'd say give it a try for yourself as it just wasn't one for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit
November 7, 2017
I loved the premise and structure for Bad Sister, alternating timelines always appeal to me and multiple narrators that are done well are fun and Carrington nailed both aspects. This was an extremely fast paced and edge of your seat type of read from an author I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on.
This is told from the perspectives of Connie, DI Wade and an unknown narrator from the past. The blend of these three narratives made this read part police procedural and part psychological thriller with a dash of something sinister as well, I loved the merging of genres and it was executed seamlessly. DI Wade first made her appearance in Carrington’s debut, Saving Sophie and it was fantastic learning a bit more about her this time around. Connie was the type of character that you’re not quite sure about, her history is sketchy and I often wondered exactly how reliable she was which really kept me on my toes.
The pacing was fast and furious and almost every chapter ended on a mini cliffhanger making it downright impossible to put it down. There were twists and turns galore and more shocking moments and surprises than I can count but at no point did I have anything figured out, I always had more questions than answers. When things all came together in the end I was ultimately satisfied, this was a highly entertaining and exciting read!
This is told from the perspectives of Connie, DI Wade and an unknown narrator from the past. The blend of these three narratives made this read part police procedural and part psychological thriller with a dash of something sinister as well, I loved the merging of genres and it was executed seamlessly. DI Wade first made her appearance in Carrington’s debut, Saving Sophie and it was fantastic learning a bit more about her this time around. Connie was the type of character that you’re not quite sure about, her history is sketchy and I often wondered exactly how reliable she was which really kept me on my toes.
The pacing was fast and furious and almost every chapter ended on a mini cliffhanger making it downright impossible to put it down. There were twists and turns galore and more shocking moments and surprises than I can count but at no point did I have anything figured out, I always had more questions than answers. When things all came together in the end I was ultimately satisfied, this was a highly entertaining and exciting read!
February 2, 2018
Three perspectives tell this story and a multitude of mysteries are incorporated into it. Psychologist Connie Summers has thinly buried secrets that have recently been uprooted. A man is dead and her name is written on his palm, but whether that is in retribution or it marks her as the next target remains to be seen. This, however, is only one of the many dark ambiguities that hover over her life, as DI Wade will soon find out. The waters muddy further when one of Connie's clients, Stephanie, has a history that bears a stark resemblance to Connie's own. Both have voices from their past that won't stay quiet and the long forgotten that refuse to stay that way.
This incorporated some of my favourite thriller tropes in a brilliantly executed fashion and I was invested from haunting prologue right up until the chilling epilogue. Each chapter in between was brief, at only a few pages long each, and all featured a cliffhanger ending that kept me invested in the story-line. The alternating perspectives, as well as the shifting time pattern, also kept me compelled to figure out the horde of seemingly unconnected mysteries that were packed inside this novel. This was a riveting, fast-paced, thriller that kept me guessing even as I wrote this review.
This incorporated some of my favourite thriller tropes in a brilliantly executed fashion and I was invested from haunting prologue right up until the chilling epilogue. Each chapter in between was brief, at only a few pages long each, and all featured a cliffhanger ending that kept me invested in the story-line. The alternating perspectives, as well as the shifting time pattern, also kept me compelled to figure out the horde of seemingly unconnected mysteries that were packed inside this novel. This was a riveting, fast-paced, thriller that kept me guessing even as I wrote this review.
September 19, 2017
Stephanie is running from her past. Even though she is under witness protection, "he" has found her. It was her testimony that put him away in a youth prison when he was but 8 years old ..and now he wants revenge. Her psychologist, Connie Summers, wants to help .. they even have things in common ... like they are both living under assumed names.
"He" is her brother .. diagnosed as a pyromaniac at a very young age. "He" is the one who started the fire that killed his father. Or is he?
Connie has a deep dark secret, and it's coming back to haunt her. When a mutilated body shows up practically on her doorstep, both women are in mortal danger. But who was murdered? And more importantly, who's next?
This story is like an octopus, with all its tentacles weaving independently this way and that way, yet somehow all connected. Everyone lies. That's sort of a mantra for law enforcement officers. And now it's up to those in charge to ferret out the lies, expose them to the light of day, and solve their case.
BAD SISTER is a well-written psychological thriller. The author has done a terrific job in baiting the reader with a snippet of 'then' and a story of now. What connects these two women? The ending is chilling.
Many thanks to the author / Avon Books UK / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 26, 2017
This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions for characters. From trusting everything to doubting it all. A fantastic web of lies and secrets that all come together. Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for the chance to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review
September 20, 2017
I absolutely loved this gripping,twisted packed thriller,very very good book
Stephanie is scared for her life,her psychologist Connie Summers,wants to help her face her fears but Stephanie has secrets,one of them being her real name.But then Doctor Summers isn't Connie`s real name either.
And that's not all the two women have in common.As Stephanie opens up about her troubled relashionship with her brother,Connie is forced to confront her own dark family secrets.
When mutilated body is dumped in plain sight,it will have devastating consequences for both women.
The investigation into the dumped body is led by Detective Inspector Lindsay Wade who is struggling with her guilt over the mistakes she made during the Sophie Finch investigation.The chapters alternate between Lindsay and Connie Summers plus there is some chapters that are set in the past and also a number of italicized chapters which are voiced by a unknown person.
This is a fast paced,gripping roller coaster ride that had me hooked from the very first page.It has short snappy chapters,loads of twists,well developed,believable characters,and a breath taking,shocking ending.I really like Lindsay Wade and Connie Summers and hope to read more books featuring both characters in the future.
Many thanks to Avon Books UK for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
Stephanie is scared for her life,her psychologist Connie Summers,wants to help her face her fears but Stephanie has secrets,one of them being her real name.But then Doctor Summers isn't Connie`s real name either.
And that's not all the two women have in common.As Stephanie opens up about her troubled relashionship with her brother,Connie is forced to confront her own dark family secrets.
When mutilated body is dumped in plain sight,it will have devastating consequences for both women.
The investigation into the dumped body is led by Detective Inspector Lindsay Wade who is struggling with her guilt over the mistakes she made during the Sophie Finch investigation.The chapters alternate between Lindsay and Connie Summers plus there is some chapters that are set in the past and also a number of italicized chapters which are voiced by a unknown person.
This is a fast paced,gripping roller coaster ride that had me hooked from the very first page.It has short snappy chapters,loads of twists,well developed,believable characters,and a breath taking,shocking ending.I really like Lindsay Wade and Connie Summers and hope to read more books featuring both characters in the future.
Many thanks to Avon Books UK for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
March 20, 2018
Bad Sister by Sam Carrington
BLURB
Then
When flames rip through their family home, only teenager Stephanie and her younger brother escape unhurt. Brett always liked to play with fire, but now their dad is dead and someone has to pay the price.
Now
Psychologist Connie Summers wants to help Stephanie rebuild her life. She has a new name, a young son and everything to live for. But when Stephanie receives a letter from someone she’d hoped would never find her, Connie is forced to question what really happened that night. But some truths are better left alone . . .
MY THOUGHTS
Having read Saving Sophie, which I absolutely loved, Sam Carrington has once again written a superb psychological thriller. Bad Sister delivers a fascinating storyline along with excellent writing and all the twists and turns you would expect, and then some!!
Located in a small historic town called Totnes in Devon, Caroline, under a new identity, sets up her own psychologist practice and is hoping for a fresh start. Unfortunately, things never work out as planned and her past is soon knocking on her door. Having previously worked as a prison psychologist and due to certain events, Caroline's reputation has become tarnished. As her suspicions start to reveal themselves, a whole can of worms is escaping.
This book had me turning and turning the pages well into the early hours of the morning. The depth and layers of the characters are extremely plausible which makes this book flow wonderfully. I found it tense, exciting and real. It’s an eye-opener to the reality of people slipping through the net with mental health problems.
It’s a full 5* from me! And as a Yorkshire bloke would say � I reet enjoyed that!
BLURB
Then
When flames rip through their family home, only teenager Stephanie and her younger brother escape unhurt. Brett always liked to play with fire, but now their dad is dead and someone has to pay the price.
Now
Psychologist Connie Summers wants to help Stephanie rebuild her life. She has a new name, a young son and everything to live for. But when Stephanie receives a letter from someone she’d hoped would never find her, Connie is forced to question what really happened that night. But some truths are better left alone . . .
MY THOUGHTS
Having read Saving Sophie, which I absolutely loved, Sam Carrington has once again written a superb psychological thriller. Bad Sister delivers a fascinating storyline along with excellent writing and all the twists and turns you would expect, and then some!!
Located in a small historic town called Totnes in Devon, Caroline, under a new identity, sets up her own psychologist practice and is hoping for a fresh start. Unfortunately, things never work out as planned and her past is soon knocking on her door. Having previously worked as a prison psychologist and due to certain events, Caroline's reputation has become tarnished. As her suspicions start to reveal themselves, a whole can of worms is escaping.
This book had me turning and turning the pages well into the early hours of the morning. The depth and layers of the characters are extremely plausible which makes this book flow wonderfully. I found it tense, exciting and real. It’s an eye-opener to the reality of people slipping through the net with mental health problems.
It’s a full 5* from me! And as a Yorkshire bloke would say � I reet enjoyed that!
October 5, 2017
When Connie leaves her job with the prison service to set up on her own, she is leaving under a dark cloud. A recommendation she made in her position backfires, leaving her publicly humiliated. Connie tries her hardest to redeem herself by helping Stephanie and her young son, Dylan. However, as she begins her investigations, nothing is what it seems. 3 stars
December 17, 2017
Oh my goodness this book was intense, fast paced and so well written - I absolutely loved it!! The characters were superb and the whole plot was so cleverly constructed around them that I flew threw the pages and before I knew it I was at the end - it completely took me away and stuck me on a rollercoaster ride I didn't want to stop!!
Plenty of twists and turns, lots of suspense and guessing (by me) - I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing and boy did it put me through a whole range of emotions!! No hesitation in giving the book 5 stars - brilliant!!
October 26, 2017
Having read and loved Saving Sophie, I was thrilled to see that Sam Carrington had written another dark and brooding crime thriller and couldn’t wait to get stuck in. So a cold, stormy Monday afternoon (with no children!) was the perfect excuse to cuddle up with Bad Sister and I hardly moved from the sofa whilst reading it, only venturing into the kitchen to make cups of tea when needed. Athough this book had me in such a state of intense anxiety that by the time I was near the end I had to replace that tea with a rather large G&T!
Right from the opening few pages, the compelling narrative grabbed my full attention and didn’t let me go for the entire book. In fact, I don’t think I have become so racked with frustration at a novel for a very long time as I became desperate to know EXACTLY what was going on and what secrets were being kept from Connie. I really did feel for her as she became completely obsessed with finding out what had happened in Stephanie’s past to make her client so paranoid whilst also realising that not all in her own family was as it seemed. And what on earth is the connection with one of the investigating team?! I promise that you will be as exasperated as I was with the many twists and turns, none of them giving me the answers I craved! If you have high blood pressure then beware -this book will seriously mess with your stress levels!
I was never really sure whether or not I really liked Connie but I did love the investigating police team. When DI Lindsay Wade and her colleague Mack are called to an incredibly gruesome murder scene outside a prison, they discover a connection with psychologist Connie, who is then dragged into a nightmare scenario where she fears for her own safety. But this then also lead to an unexpectedly poignant friendship that really worked well for me and made me want more! So I do hope that there can be a continuation of this part of the storyline in future books!
If you haven’t read Saving Sophie then I’m convinced you will be straight onto your preferred bookseller as soon as you finish Bad Sister ordering yourself a copy. There are a few nods to what happened in that book within the narrative that will intrigue you (but without giving you any spoilers!) and so I would definitely recommend you give Saving Sophie a try if you love this one. Bad Sister is a top notch thriller that will shock you to your very core!
Right from the opening few pages, the compelling narrative grabbed my full attention and didn’t let me go for the entire book. In fact, I don’t think I have become so racked with frustration at a novel for a very long time as I became desperate to know EXACTLY what was going on and what secrets were being kept from Connie. I really did feel for her as she became completely obsessed with finding out what had happened in Stephanie’s past to make her client so paranoid whilst also realising that not all in her own family was as it seemed. And what on earth is the connection with one of the investigating team?! I promise that you will be as exasperated as I was with the many twists and turns, none of them giving me the answers I craved! If you have high blood pressure then beware -this book will seriously mess with your stress levels!
I was never really sure whether or not I really liked Connie but I did love the investigating police team. When DI Lindsay Wade and her colleague Mack are called to an incredibly gruesome murder scene outside a prison, they discover a connection with psychologist Connie, who is then dragged into a nightmare scenario where she fears for her own safety. But this then also lead to an unexpectedly poignant friendship that really worked well for me and made me want more! So I do hope that there can be a continuation of this part of the storyline in future books!
If you haven’t read Saving Sophie then I’m convinced you will be straight onto your preferred bookseller as soon as you finish Bad Sister ordering yourself a copy. There are a few nods to what happened in that book within the narrative that will intrigue you (but without giving you any spoilers!) and so I would definitely recommend you give Saving Sophie a try if you love this one. Bad Sister is a top notch thriller that will shock you to your very core!
November 29, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, Sam Carrington and Avon Books UK for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
3 stars.
While still a good story overall I found it to be a bit flat on suspense. The beginning was good but then it tended to drag and I noticed my mind drifting more and more. I became uninterested in the characters and had hoped for more. Unfortunately this wasn't for me but I am wanting to give this author another go. I do really like the cover for this book.
3 stars.
While still a good story overall I found it to be a bit flat on suspense. The beginning was good but then it tended to drag and I noticed my mind drifting more and more. I became uninterested in the characters and had hoped for more. Unfortunately this wasn't for me but I am wanting to give this author another go. I do really like the cover for this book.
February 20, 2018
It's not a bad book and it's a fast read but somehow I couldn't really connect with Connie, the protagonist. There are so many plotlines that it's really hard to focus and I became more interested in the book at about 60-70% when all those scattered plotlines started to connect.
It's a decent book, but I definitely read better ones.
It's a decent book, but I definitely read better ones.
April 19, 2018
bad sister keeps you gripped and on the edge of your seat waiting with baited breath for the next page if you like psychological thrillers this is one to read
April 21, 2018
This was a first read from this author so I didn't really know what to expect. What started off a slowly unravelling read, quickly turned into a intense compelling read that I really enjoyed.
" THEN: When flames rip through their family home, only teenager Stephanie and her younger brother escape unhurt. Brett always liked to play with fire, but now their dad is dead and someone has to pay the price.
NOW: Psychologist Connie Summers wants to help Stephanie rebuild her life. She has a new name, a young son and everything to live for. But when Stephanie receives a letter from someone she'd hoped would never find her, Connie is forced to question what really happened that night."
I was a little confused by this book at first. I had expected to reading Stephanie's story but was surprised to learn that most of the story is told around Connie. Not that this was a bad thing, just unexpected.
Even though the story started off quite slow, it was still intriguing as I found myself needing to know why and how Connie's story connected to Stephanie's. It was revealed as a slow unravel throughout the book which was great as it definitely added to the suspense of the story. With every chapter that I read, the plot got more and more compelling and gripping. I found myself constantly guessing and read the second half of the book in one seating because I just couldn't put it down.
The conclusion was good, not amazing but satisfying. And that final chapter?! Shocking!! A must read! Will be reading more from this author!
" THEN: When flames rip through their family home, only teenager Stephanie and her younger brother escape unhurt. Brett always liked to play with fire, but now their dad is dead and someone has to pay the price.
NOW: Psychologist Connie Summers wants to help Stephanie rebuild her life. She has a new name, a young son and everything to live for. But when Stephanie receives a letter from someone she'd hoped would never find her, Connie is forced to question what really happened that night."
I was a little confused by this book at first. I had expected to reading Stephanie's story but was surprised to learn that most of the story is told around Connie. Not that this was a bad thing, just unexpected.
Even though the story started off quite slow, it was still intriguing as I found myself needing to know why and how Connie's story connected to Stephanie's. It was revealed as a slow unravel throughout the book which was great as it definitely added to the suspense of the story. With every chapter that I read, the plot got more and more compelling and gripping. I found myself constantly guessing and read the second half of the book in one seating because I just couldn't put it down.
The conclusion was good, not amazing but satisfying. And that final chapter?! Shocking!! A must read! Will be reading more from this author!
November 29, 2020
Psychologist Connie Summers is counselling Stephanie who has moved away from her former home to rebuild her life with her young son after giving evidence on a drug gang. Stephanie admits that she has been receiving letters from her brother, a troubled young man that Stephanie says accidentally killed their father in an arson attack. Now he is out of prison and somehow knows where she is. Meanwhile Connie has her own issues; a criminal she assessed as ready for release from prison went on to sexually assault another woman, and his body has just been found with Connie's name written on his hand, and the police believe she is somehow involved.
This is an average thriller with the usual either 'character doesn't tell the police what's going on' and 'when character informs police they are dismissive' tropes. That being said, it was very readable, you get sucked into wanting to know what is going on, and that's why I finished it. Probably wouldn't read it again though.
This is an average thriller with the usual either 'character doesn't tell the police what's going on' and 'when character informs police they are dismissive' tropes. That being said, it was very readable, you get sucked into wanting to know what is going on, and that's why I finished it. Probably wouldn't read it again though.
October 7, 2017
When a new author gives us a debut as brilliant Saving Sophie, you can be forgiven for wondering what else they have to offer. Was that it? Did they pour everything into that first manuscript? Will book two live up to our expectations.
Well let me tell you, Sam Carrington is NO one-hit wonder!!!
Bad Sister is brilliant!
We start with two young siblings stood watching their father die in a house fire. This triggers a chain of events so terrifying that even I found myself chilled and tense!
I spent the whole time reading this with a complete sense of trepidation and fear, there were times when I felt my heart skipping a beat and found myself holding my breath as I whizzed through the pages.
Bad Sister is a completely enthralling psychological thriller, with everything in it that makes a book wonderful. Carrington has nailed it with this one, AGAIN!
As we meet Connie, there is obviously something that she is hiding, but what? Having recently move to the area to start up her own counselling business, she is starting to settle into her new life.
Then along comes patient, Stephanie. An agitated and paranoid girl, Connie really takes her case to heart.
As they continue with therapy, things start to happen to both ladies, but who is doing it and why?? What could possibly connect the two?
Bad Sister is brilliantly written, Carrington has a great way with words, really making every one count and meaningful. No page fillers, no fleshing out an element just for the sake of it. Which has, in turn, given us a sensational thriller which you will not be able to put down.
I felt ALL the emotions during this one too - I laughed, cried, and curled up to the hubby a little tighter as I was blooming scared!!!! And those jaw-dropping moments, well they are just awesome!!!
As we jump from past to present, we are taken on a journey so mind-blowing that its conclusion will leave your blood tingling!
Do not miss this one folks, it's frigging awesome!!!!
Well let me tell you, Sam Carrington is NO one-hit wonder!!!
Bad Sister is brilliant!
We start with two young siblings stood watching their father die in a house fire. This triggers a chain of events so terrifying that even I found myself chilled and tense!
I spent the whole time reading this with a complete sense of trepidation and fear, there were times when I felt my heart skipping a beat and found myself holding my breath as I whizzed through the pages.
Bad Sister is a completely enthralling psychological thriller, with everything in it that makes a book wonderful. Carrington has nailed it with this one, AGAIN!
As we meet Connie, there is obviously something that she is hiding, but what? Having recently move to the area to start up her own counselling business, she is starting to settle into her new life.
Then along comes patient, Stephanie. An agitated and paranoid girl, Connie really takes her case to heart.
As they continue with therapy, things start to happen to both ladies, but who is doing it and why?? What could possibly connect the two?
Bad Sister is brilliantly written, Carrington has a great way with words, really making every one count and meaningful. No page fillers, no fleshing out an element just for the sake of it. Which has, in turn, given us a sensational thriller which you will not be able to put down.
I felt ALL the emotions during this one too - I laughed, cried, and curled up to the hubby a little tighter as I was blooming scared!!!! And those jaw-dropping moments, well they are just awesome!!!
As we jump from past to present, we are taken on a journey so mind-blowing that its conclusion will leave your blood tingling!
Do not miss this one folks, it's frigging awesome!!!!
January 4, 2018
WOW! WOW! WOW! When I read Sam Carringtons debut Saving Sophie I loved it and was waiting for more by her, so this was a must read and boy I was not disappointed. Bloody brilliant! Just what I needed to start off my year of books.
Bad Sister had me hooked from the prologue and I could not put this book down, I finished it within 24 hours. Could easily be devoured within one sitting. I absolutely loved reading this story, what a brilliant plot and ending. A true shocker! A jaw dropper. The story flicks between chapters told through Connie’s character, an unknown narrator and DI Wade who I thought was a very good detective. Cleverly written and told story.
I would highly recommend to you all. A well deserved five stars. I cannot wait to read more by Sam and have high expections after her first two brilliant, fast paced stories. Bad Sister is written well, easy to read and contains short chapters throughout. A story that you won’t be able to forget in a hurry. Fantastic. Very impressed. Sad to have finished it so quickly. Whose character do you believe?
Bad Sister had me hooked from the prologue and I could not put this book down, I finished it within 24 hours. Could easily be devoured within one sitting. I absolutely loved reading this story, what a brilliant plot and ending. A true shocker! A jaw dropper. The story flicks between chapters told through Connie’s character, an unknown narrator and DI Wade who I thought was a very good detective. Cleverly written and told story.
I would highly recommend to you all. A well deserved five stars. I cannot wait to read more by Sam and have high expections after her first two brilliant, fast paced stories. Bad Sister is written well, easy to read and contains short chapters throughout. A story that you won’t be able to forget in a hurry. Fantastic. Very impressed. Sad to have finished it so quickly. Whose character do you believe?
November 9, 2017
Who is the Bad Sister? Is it Stephanie whose brother burned down their house? Is it Connie whose brother was killed in a random shooting? What is the main story in Bad Sister? Is it the death of Connie's brother 22 years before? Is it the death of the rapist Connie's psych eval helped set free to rape again? Is it Stephanie and the drug dealers she helped put behind bars? Is it Stephanie and her brother and their house fire? Who are the flashbacks from? Even by the end of the book I wasn't sure which one was the main story and this lack of focus on a single plot made the book somewhat chaotic. It got distracting. I thought it might narrow in towards the end but that never seemed to happen. So, if you like lots of things going on, this might be the book for you.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review.
A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2020
I really enjoyed the book to begin with but I found I did lose a bit of interest in middle and wasn't gripped at all by the end. Bit disappointed in all.
April 29, 2018
OMG what an amazing book, I was literally gripped from start to finish, could not put it down.
The story was so intense and cleverly written, my head was in a spin trying to figure out what was going on and trying to piece it all together. There was a lot of moments where I was sitting on the edge of my seat in eager anticipation as to what would happen next that's for sure.
I really liked the characters of Connie and Lindsay, and enjoyed watching the bond between them grow as the story progressed.
I was somewhat shocked by the ending as so wasn't expecting it, what a clever little twist that was.
The story was so intense and cleverly written, my head was in a spin trying to figure out what was going on and trying to piece it all together. There was a lot of moments where I was sitting on the edge of my seat in eager anticipation as to what would happen next that's for sure.
I really liked the characters of Connie and Lindsay, and enjoyed watching the bond between them grow as the story progressed.
I was somewhat shocked by the ending as so wasn't expecting it, what a clever little twist that was.
July 22, 2022
Bad Sister
by: Sam Carrington
There are two story lines and at times a bit confusing to follow if you put down the book and pick it up after a few days.
Stephanie is a young woman terrified for her life as her past comes back to haunt her, even though she thought her new identity and new start meant she would always be safe. Connie Summers is the main protagonist and Stephanie's psychologist who wants to help her confront her fears. But as Connie and Stephanie try to work together to confront Stephanie's secret, Connie too is forced to confront her own dark family secrets; The death of her brother.
Sam Carrington's background in psychology and experience working for the prison service as an Offending Behaviour Programme Facilitator shows through her writing.
The main character of interest to me in this book is Brett, a fire starter. Even though the storyline is slow at times, it picks up toward the end with that last line of Brett making it all worth the read!
by: Sam Carrington
There are two story lines and at times a bit confusing to follow if you put down the book and pick it up after a few days.
Stephanie is a young woman terrified for her life as her past comes back to haunt her, even though she thought her new identity and new start meant she would always be safe. Connie Summers is the main protagonist and Stephanie's psychologist who wants to help her confront her fears. But as Connie and Stephanie try to work together to confront Stephanie's secret, Connie too is forced to confront her own dark family secrets; The death of her brother.
Sam Carrington's background in psychology and experience working for the prison service as an Offending Behaviour Programme Facilitator shows through her writing.
The main character of interest to me in this book is Brett, a fire starter. Even though the storyline is slow at times, it picks up toward the end with that last line of Brett making it all worth the read!
July 26, 2019
In this second psychological thriller from Sam Carrington, we’re dealing with both Stephanie and Connie who are trying to escape a past that just doesn’t want to let them go. Stephanie is hiding under a witness protection scheme, with Connie trying to help her deal with the past and adjust to a new life, but when Connie’s own past is thrown glaring into the spotlight, Stephanie wants to be reassigned to someone new. That doesn’t happen, and we soon start to fear for the safety of both characters.
Bad Sister is a character-driven novel that soon draws you in. Well written, plenty of intrigue, and enough twists and turns to keep you off-balance. A great book!
Bad Sister is a character-driven novel that soon draws you in. Well written, plenty of intrigue, and enough twists and turns to keep you off-balance. A great book!
March 6, 2018
I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
Bad Sister looks just like the type of book I enjoy. It literally looks like a psychological thriller.
I was not disappointed! I'm forever expecting a twist in my reads, and I didn't see this one!
Bad Sister looks just like the type of book I enjoy. It literally looks like a psychological thriller.
I was not disappointed! I'm forever expecting a twist in my reads, and I didn't see this one!
March 13, 2018
Can I just start by mentioning how absolutely beautiful the cover of Bad Sister is? I adore that bright shade of magenta against the grey/black backdrop. It is so alluring and just grabs your attention. That, teamed with the killer prologue as two young siblings watch their home burn with their father trapped inside, had me totally hooked.
Connie Summers is a forensic psychologist who has recently opened her own private practice after recently leaving her post in the prison service. She has changed her name along with her job in a bid to leave behind her ties with the scandalous release of a prisoner, Eric Hargreaves, who then went on to rape a woman and end up back inside. Her fresh start seems thwarted though when that same prisoner escapes only for his dead body to be dumped at the prison gates days later, with her name written on his hand. Now finding herself in the centre of a murder investigation, secrets from Connie’s past refuse to stay buried.
Alongside this murder, there is another mystery that Connie seems to be embroiled in. Stephanie who is in the witness protection scheme is one of Connie’s patients. Stephanie claims when she was a teen her younger brother set the family home on fire, and killed her Dad. Now, years later, Stephanie fears for her life when her brother starts sending her letters. Being in witness protection means no one should know where she is. Connie takes this information to Stephanie’s police handler, who claims Stephanie is an only child and there is nothing in her file about a fire. Could it be possible that these two incidents are linked?
Bad Sister is narrated from three alternating perspectives, Connie, DI Lindsay Wade (who is investigating the murder) and an unknown voice from the past who takes on a dark and menacing tone. It took me a while to get used to the writing style and structure as the chapters not only alternate, but span across different timelines, however once I got into the swing of things the whole story seemed to flow effortlessly. I’m normally quite good at sussing the plot out early on, but the random occurrence of unrelated events had me puzzled and compelled me to keep reading. I was so frustrated I couldn’t work out what was going on and every time I thought I had it, there would be a twist, and I was back at square one again.
Despite Connie’s obvious flaws, I connected well with her and found her really relatable. Being so interested in psychology, I would have been happy just reading the ins and outs of Connie’s working day without even having a murder happen. That was an added bonus. Connie although highly intelligent is down to earth with it, not arrogant at all. She’s almost girl-next-door, but she makes mistakes like every human and is far from perfect, which makes her so believable as a character. I enjoyed Connie’s budding friendship with DI Lindsay Wade too, it would be good to see these two strong women collaborating together on future cases!
Bad Sister is an immersive psychological thriller bursting with suspense and intrigue. It’s so indulgent I would recommend reading it in the one sitting with your phone off, door locked and curtains shut as you will not want to be disturbed!
Connie Summers is a forensic psychologist who has recently opened her own private practice after recently leaving her post in the prison service. She has changed her name along with her job in a bid to leave behind her ties with the scandalous release of a prisoner, Eric Hargreaves, who then went on to rape a woman and end up back inside. Her fresh start seems thwarted though when that same prisoner escapes only for his dead body to be dumped at the prison gates days later, with her name written on his hand. Now finding herself in the centre of a murder investigation, secrets from Connie’s past refuse to stay buried.
Alongside this murder, there is another mystery that Connie seems to be embroiled in. Stephanie who is in the witness protection scheme is one of Connie’s patients. Stephanie claims when she was a teen her younger brother set the family home on fire, and killed her Dad. Now, years later, Stephanie fears for her life when her brother starts sending her letters. Being in witness protection means no one should know where she is. Connie takes this information to Stephanie’s police handler, who claims Stephanie is an only child and there is nothing in her file about a fire. Could it be possible that these two incidents are linked?
Bad Sister is narrated from three alternating perspectives, Connie, DI Lindsay Wade (who is investigating the murder) and an unknown voice from the past who takes on a dark and menacing tone. It took me a while to get used to the writing style and structure as the chapters not only alternate, but span across different timelines, however once I got into the swing of things the whole story seemed to flow effortlessly. I’m normally quite good at sussing the plot out early on, but the random occurrence of unrelated events had me puzzled and compelled me to keep reading. I was so frustrated I couldn’t work out what was going on and every time I thought I had it, there would be a twist, and I was back at square one again.
Despite Connie’s obvious flaws, I connected well with her and found her really relatable. Being so interested in psychology, I would have been happy just reading the ins and outs of Connie’s working day without even having a murder happen. That was an added bonus. Connie although highly intelligent is down to earth with it, not arrogant at all. She’s almost girl-next-door, but she makes mistakes like every human and is far from perfect, which makes her so believable as a character. I enjoyed Connie’s budding friendship with DI Lindsay Wade too, it would be good to see these two strong women collaborating together on future cases!
Bad Sister is an immersive psychological thriller bursting with suspense and intrigue. It’s so indulgent I would recommend reading it in the one sitting with your phone off, door locked and curtains shut as you will not want to be disturbed!
October 12, 2017
Bad Sister is the first book that I have read by Sam Carrington. That will be remedied next year in my plan to catch up on books that I have fallen behind on. I can’t work out if is a series but at least one of the characters appeared in the earlier book.
In this novel, after a very creepy prologue, there are mainly two narrators. Connie, who has recently started her own business as a psychologist after taking the rap for a bad decision in her previous employment at the prison. Connie has changed her surname as a way of distancing herself from the past. DI Lindsay Wade, the returning character, has also been held accountable for her decisions in the past. Both women are determined to move on and prove that they are fit to do their job. There is also a unamed narrator. These chapters are headed ‘then� and are connected to Connie’s client Stephanie. The unnamed character is only young, frightened and increasingly bitter.
Connie is making headway with Stephanie. She is living under witness protection but feels that this has been compromised. With Connie’s identity also revealed after a local incident she wants to see another psychologist. But before this can be arranged, tragedy occurs. I hadn’t expected this at all and did find it a little upsetting. Lindsay is determined that this time the investigation won’t go wrong and enlists Connie’s help. But Connie is in danger, from events in her own past.
Even though the tragedy did upset me I enjoyed this book. Both Connie and Lindsay were shown to be normal women who were not without fault. They built up a strong friendship despite the investigation and I hope that this is sign that this will be a series. There was a bad feeling between Connie and Mack, Lindsay’s partner in the police that was explained during the novel, again this was something I would like to see fully resolved. I enjoyed reading an investigation from a different view-point to a police officer.I haven’t read many that are similar.
The ending was unusual, part of me felt warm when Connie realised who could keep her safe but there was also a moment in the epilogue that sent me cold again. A sign that there was more happening than I realised when I was reading.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received.
In this novel, after a very creepy prologue, there are mainly two narrators. Connie, who has recently started her own business as a psychologist after taking the rap for a bad decision in her previous employment at the prison. Connie has changed her surname as a way of distancing herself from the past. DI Lindsay Wade, the returning character, has also been held accountable for her decisions in the past. Both women are determined to move on and prove that they are fit to do their job. There is also a unamed narrator. These chapters are headed ‘then� and are connected to Connie’s client Stephanie. The unnamed character is only young, frightened and increasingly bitter.
Connie is making headway with Stephanie. She is living under witness protection but feels that this has been compromised. With Connie’s identity also revealed after a local incident she wants to see another psychologist. But before this can be arranged, tragedy occurs. I hadn’t expected this at all and did find it a little upsetting. Lindsay is determined that this time the investigation won’t go wrong and enlists Connie’s help. But Connie is in danger, from events in her own past.
Even though the tragedy did upset me I enjoyed this book. Both Connie and Lindsay were shown to be normal women who were not without fault. They built up a strong friendship despite the investigation and I hope that this is sign that this will be a series. There was a bad feeling between Connie and Mack, Lindsay’s partner in the police that was explained during the novel, again this was something I would like to see fully resolved. I enjoyed reading an investigation from a different view-point to a police officer.I haven’t read many that are similar.
The ending was unusual, part of me felt warm when Connie realised who could keep her safe but there was also a moment in the epilogue that sent me cold again. A sign that there was more happening than I realised when I was reading.
With thanks to the publisher for the copy received.
March 28, 2019
I like Sam Carrington's writing. I guess it's a bit of a guilty pleasure, really, as the two books I've read by her are 3 star reads. They are good, entertaining, but not excellent and not really memorable.
Bad Sister has pretty interesting plot and characters, which made for a quick read. Was it original? Not really, as I find myself constantly drawing comparisons between it and 'Where They Found Her.' Maybe it's the writing styles I find similar, but I can't seem to get past the likeness.
Bad Sister has pretty interesting plot and characters, which made for a quick read. Was it original? Not really, as I find myself constantly drawing comparisons between it and 'Where They Found Her.' Maybe it's the writing styles I find similar, but I can't seem to get past the likeness.
August 22, 2020
I think I would’ve rated this book 5 stars if I had been able to read it in one go. But as it took me 10 days to read I kept forgetting bits of the story, although I did enjoy it and I always like a book with a twist at the end. I have read other Sam Carrington books and loved them so I will definitely read more.
January 14, 2018
This is a gripping book with lots of twists and suprises.
Well-written book that flowed brilliantly. I literally couldn't put it down from the first page.
Loved it and a full 5 stars from me for this one, highly recommended.
Well-written book that flowed brilliantly. I literally couldn't put it down from the first page.
Loved it and a full 5 stars from me for this one, highly recommended.
January 24, 2018
enjoyed this book
December 16, 2018
Bad Sister
The book Bad sister is by Sam Carrington is a great book,The main character of the story is stephanie she is an older sister,I totally recommend this book if you like stories when you think people are good but you don't really know them.
The book Bad sister is by Sam Carrington is a great book,The main character of the story is stephanie she is an older sister,I totally recommend this book if you like stories when you think people are good but you don't really know them.
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