Brother/ Sister by Sean Olin

The first thing you notice when you start this book is that it takes the form of two monologues, and it isn't hard to come to the conclusion that Will and his sister Asheley are saying their monologues to police officers in separate interview rooms as they are being questioned about a murder. Some things are not so obvious though like what two Californian high school students are doing in Mexico and how they know the body in the wetsuit.

Will and Asheley are definitely two kids that would be classed as 'at risk'. Their father left home when Will was six, prompting his mother to tell him at that tender age not only that he was now the man of the house but also that if anything happened to them it was his responsibility. Their mother is a drunk and her boyfriend is a regular drugs user. Asheley is trying to be more outgoing, playing softball for the school, although she doesn't think she is any good, while Will is definitely a loner, playing golf and moving around the school like a ghost. Things have changed for him and their mother too though, with their mother stopping drinking and Will dressing a bit better.

Even after winning a golf tournament though he has low self-esteem and thinks only bad things happen to him. Maybe Will is right or maybe it is because he thinks that way, things have a habit of turning out bad.

You also get the feeling very quickly that Asheley's boyfriend, Craig not only can't take no for answer but might also be the victim.

Brother/ Sister is a story about a brother and sister who are very different people but are caught up in a series of events that lead them to a tragic and fateful end. It is the story of two teenagers who have a far from normal life, a battle to keep inner feelings in check and to deal with all sorts of pressure placed on them. It is also the story of love between a brother and sister, and the willingness of the brother to do anything to protect his sister. Then there is also Will's temper, a rage he cannot control. It is an intriguing read that draws readers into the motives and psyche of someone who has committed a murder.

RRP $26.00
Published and distributed by Penguin Group under the Razor Bill title

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