Review: The Favorite Sister by Jessica Knoll

Review

I was instantly intrigued by the blurb for The Favorite Sister when I read it. I love thrillers, mystery, and the drama of reality television. Unfortunately, the execution of the story did not live up to my expectations.

The novel is marketed as a thriller, but for me it lacked the suspense that’s to be expected by a novel within that genre. There was drama and a few twists- some slightly surprising, but mostly predictable- but the novel overall lacked mystery.

I had trouble getting into the story. I found the pacing to be very slow, which made me put it down a few times. The characters were developed well enough, but weren’t very likable. Each cast member was secretive, selfish, and catty. They lied, gossipped, and backstabbed each other easily.

The Favorite Sister read more like women’s fiction or chick-lit with a splash of murder mystery

Or

Real Housewives meets The Hills, with a dash of Desperate Housewives.

While it wasn’t a hit for me, it could be for you. If you love drama and reality TV, check it out.

-Colleen

About the Book:

When five hyper-successful women agree to appear on a reality series set in New York City called Goal Diggers, the producers never expect the season will end in murder… Brett’s the fan favorite. Tattooed and only twenty-seven, the meteoric success of her spin studio—and her recent engagement to her girlfriend—has made her the object of jealousy and vitriol from her castmates. Kelly, Brett’s older sister and business partner, is the most recent recruit, dismissed as a hanger-on by veteran cast. The golden child growing up, she defers to Brett now—a role which requires her to protect their shocking secret. Stephanie, the first black cast member and the oldest, is a successful bestselling author of erotic novels. There have long been whispers about her hot, non-working actor-husband and his wandering eye, but this season the focus is on the rift that has opened between her and Brett, former best friends—and resentment soon breeds contempt. The Favorite Sister explores the invisible barriers that prevent women from rising up the ranks in today’s America—and offers a scathing take on the oft-lionized bonds of sisterhood, and the relentless pressure to stay young, relevant, and salable.