Silent Sister

When I started reading Silent Sister by Megan Davidhizar, I immediately figured out the ‘who’ and ‘what’ right at the very start. It’s probably because of all those thriller movies I have been watching, lol! However, it is the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ that kept me going. This fast-paced YA mystery thriller deals with identity, grief, trauma, friendships, and sibling relationships.

Through a dual POV narration, the story provides a close insight into the lives of two sisters, Grace and Maddy. The sisters are like chalk and cheese. Grace is an outgoing person, surrounded by friends. Maddy, on the other hand, spends time with her journal rather than talking to others.

As high school students, they are about to leave for university soon. But before embarking on a new chapter of their lives, they go on a senior sabbatical trip. On the trip, an unexpected event results in the disappearance of Maddy and an injured Grace. Later at the hospital, when Grace comes to her senses, she realises she is unable to recall the events of the previous days. A head injury has caused partial amnesia. Determined to find her missing sister, Grace tries to put in the missing pieces of the puzzle.

Davidhizar’s writing style is beautifully simple and engrossing. The language is clean and free of profanity.

The characters are well-developed and relatable. None of them are perfect and have real teenage issues and anxieties.

I particularly enjoyed the alternating POV. It helped me get inside the minds of the characters. Davidhizar skillfully explores the complexities of sibling relationships, such as loyalty, love, affection, and even jealousy.

The story drags a bit, and the narration does not always lead the plot forward. The suspense factor is also relatively low, although this may not bother teen readers.

I found the ending a bit disappointing, as I was expecting a more dramatic conclusion.

“Silent Sister” is a remarkable debut. It is an enjoyable read for those seeking a mix of YA mystery, drama, and exploration of familial bonds. As an adult reader, I found the book to be somewhat bland and predictable. However, younger audiences will probably enjoy it more.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Harper Collins. This review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

Wordsopedia Rating 3.75/5

Buy your copy here on Amazon

About the Author

Megan Davidhizar is a young adult author and an English teacher with experience in grades 8-12. She grew up moving around the Midwest and graduated summa cum laude from Purdue University. She now spends her mornings wishing she liked coffee, her days learning from the students in her English classroom, and her evenings reading stories to her three children while her husband tries to convince them the movies are better. Miraculously, they are still happily married.

Get in touch with the author on her website.