Title: GOOD SISTER, BAD SISTER
Author: JILL CHILDS
ISBN: 9781805572862
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pages: 251
Source: NetGalley
When Arabella learns she was adopted, her perfect life begins to crack. A lost birth mother, an unknown twin, and rising jealousy pull her into a spiral of obsession.
Helen, starting over in a quiet Cornish town, meets Arabella by chance. Their connection is instant – two fragile women offering each other help. But when Arabella vanishes to seek support for her unravelling mind, Helen is drawn into her home, her family – and her life…
As sinister events escalate, Helen begins to doubt Arabella’s mysterious illness, her too-charming husband, and the secrets locked behind closed doors.
By the time she uncovers the truth, it may be too late.
Official Summary
20 March 2026
I am new to this author, but the blurb immediately appealed to me, so I had to request a copy. I’m very glad I did, as this proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the review copy.
Good Sister, Bad Sister is an intriguing story about deception, friendship, and the complex bond between twins.
When Arabella’s mother passes away, she not only inherits a substantial fortune but also receives a letter that changes everything. In it, her mother bluntly reveals that Arabella was adopted and provides the details of the adoption agency along with the name of her biological mother. When Arabella finally meets her birth mother, even more shocking news awaits her — she has a twin sister who was kept while Arabella was given up for adoption. The revelation leaves her devastated and questioning why she was the one who was given away.
The author’s understanding of twin relationships really shines through in the emotional portrayal of Arabella and Helen when they first meet. Their connection is layered and complicated, and the story does a great job of exploring the psychological impact of long-buried secrets and shifting identities.
While there were a few elements of the story that felt a little predictable, there were also some well-placed twists that more than made up for it.
I also absolutely loved Lola. She was a wonderful addition to this otherwise dark story. The author did a fantastic job bringing her character to life — I could easily picture this spirited toddler racing around and lighting up the scenes she appeared in.
This was very nearly a five-star read for me. My only small niggle was the somewhat clichéd affair-with-the-nanny storyline. Despite that minor gripe, this was still a gripping and highly entertaining read that has definitely left me eager to discover more books by this author.
If you enjoy thrillers filled with deception, complicated relationships, and the powerful bond between twins at its heart, then this is definitely one you won’t want to miss.
Also By Jill Childs
THE HOUSE ACROSS THE STREET
Two families. One terrible secret. What did she see?
On Riverside Road, a pretty street lined with trees in the north of England, Anna steps outside her front door for a breath of air. Her eye catches on a light that shouldn’t be on in her neighbour’s house. Growing up, when the two families were so close, Anna used to know it better than her own.
Then Anna sees something horrifying and rushes across the road. Her scream tears through the night like a knife. Nothing will ever be the same on this perfect street again.
Inside that house, a man has been murdered. A few hours ago, he was the trusted local doctor, loved by so many families who trusted him with their secrets, their problems. Now he is dead.
Who killed him? If Anna finds the answer, will anyone believe her? And can she admit what she herself did to tear Riverside Road apart?
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
Jill has always loved stories – real and imaginary. She’s spent 30 years travelling the world as a journalist, living overseas and reporting wherever the news took her. She’s now made her home in London with her husband and twin girls who love stories as much as she does.
Although she’s covered everything from earthquakes and floods, riots and wars, she’s found some of the most extraordinary stories right here at home – in the secrets and lies she imagines behind closed doors on ordinary streets, just like yours.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this review copy. I cannot wait to read more from this author. And thank you for visiting and reading my review, I hope you enjoy this one.
Until next time…. Happy Reading!
