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Max China

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The Sister: She said it wasn't safe outside... Kindle Edition

by Max China (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

1,339 ratings

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CORNWALL, ENGLAND 1967. In the midst of the summer of love, two innocent souls bear witness to an unspeakable act of brutality. One, a mere seven-year-old boy, watches in horror from fifty yards away, while the other, a young girl, glimpses the chilling scene from her bedroom in Ireland.

LONDON, 2006. As the specter of retirement looms over DCI John Kennedy, there remains one haunting enigma that refuses to yield its secrets: the baffling disappearance of a young nurse named Kathy, a puzzle that has eluded him for over two decades. The desperate hunt for answers unfolds on national television through a chilling Crimewatch cold-case reenactment, retracing Kathy's final footsteps. Just when the darkness seems impenetrable, a newfound witness steps forth, propelling Kennedy onto the treacherous path of a serial killer. What ensues is a harrowing game of cat and mouse, plunging him deeper into a labyrinth of malevolence.

Yet, in the unfolding shadows of this relentless investigation, it becomes starkly evident that their adversary is no ordinary monster. Cunning and resourceful, this elusive foe can only be challenged by the very witnesses from that fateful summer in 1967 – witnesses who have yet to cross paths. As this gripping saga unfurls, it unveils a tapestry woven with threads of crime, mystery, suspense, and the supernatural, creating an unprecedented blend that will keep you second-guessing until the very last page.

Prepare yourself for an original and epic narrative, where the linearity of time bends and twists, taking you on a heart-pounding journey through the realms of the paranormal. This extraordinary thriller, filled with a myriad of unexpected twists and turns, is a must-read for those who relish stories that defy convention.

What readers say about The Sister:
UK Kindle Reviewer. “There are so many different words I could use to describe this book, unique, compelling, addictive, poignant, eerie, moving, and I could still go on. But if I had to pick just one word to do this book justice, the choice would be simple. Outstanding.”
Canadian Kindle Reviewer. “GREAT read. At times I had to remind myself I wasn’t reading Koontz or Barclay. Twists and turns keep you interested through every sentence. Intricate weaving of so many different characters and storylines.”
USA Kindle Reviewer. “Psychology to the nth level, sixth senses are given credence without making lame excuses or outre explanations. Following the major players through time, their interactions on more than just the obvious levels, creates an entrancing and wondrous tale of loss and finding. Enjoy!”

Product description

About the Author

Recently named as one of the Top 50 Best Crime Writers To Watch in 2014 by forensicoutreach.com, Max writes a thrilling and intriguing blend of crime, mystery and suspense, often with a supernatural flavour. He is currently working on his third full length novel.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00GT6ZOHS
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Skinnybirdproductions
Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
Publication date ‏ : ‎ 21 Nov. 2013
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 498 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0957131200
Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled

Best Sellers Rank: 573,759 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- 2,808 in Vigilante Justice
- 3,048 in Kidnapping Crime Fiction
- 5,425 in Noir Crime

Customer reviews:
1,339 ratings

About the author

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Max China

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WHERE CRIME MEETS THE SUPERNATURAL—AND THE PAST NEVER STAYS BURIED.

Max China is a British author of dark, genre-blurring fiction that blends psychological suspense, crime, and the supernatural. His debut novel, The Sister, opened to mixed but mostly favourable reviews and was praised for its haunting atmosphere and taut narrative.

In 2014, Max was named one of The Top 50 Best Crime Writers to Watch, alongside Lee Child and Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling). Known for his chilling villains and layered plots, he writes thrillers that explore morality, trauma, and the lasting grip of the past.

Titles like The Night of the Mosquito and The Crane Wife showcase his gift for immersive, unsettling storytelling that keeps readers hooked until the final page.

Based in the UK, Max draws inspiration from the British countryside and is currently working on his next novel.

Customer reviews

1,339 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book compelling and well worth the time, appreciating its unique elements and strong paranormal theme. The plot receives mixed reactions - while some enjoy the twists and turns, others find it far-fetched, and the pacing is criticized for being too confusing and over-detailed. The character variety and length also receive mixed feedback, with some appreciating the many complex characters while others find them difficult to follow, and several customers note the book is long.

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Readability Value for money Surprise Plot twists Character variety Length Crime content Pacing

103 customers mention ‘Readability’81 positive22 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an epic tale that they couldn't put down.

"Wow, what an amazing read, don't know how to categorise it as there were bits of everything in there - crime, mystery & suspense, thriller.....yes..." Read more

"...The well-executed omnipresent point of view shows the story like a camera above each character showing their actions and then diving into their..." Read more

"...The story itself is reasonable but needed to be tightened up - it was a very lengthy and rambling road to get anywhere and I found I needed to make..." Read more

"...And so on. Read this book, get involved, dive into the stories and stay there. You won't be disappointed." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Value for money’10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well worth the money.

"...from the next, so the reader does need to concentrate, but it's worth staying with...." Read more

"...Maybe 4.5 star but very good and I'd definitely read another by this author." Read more

"...It would be a book in itself. Well worth your money." Read more

"...Fortunately it was a freebie so no money lost just time. By all means give it a go if you wish- you may find you like it but not for me" Read more

6 customers mention ‘Surprise’6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book surprising and unique, with one customer noting its surreal elements.

"...There are so many different words I could use to describe this book, unique, compelling, addictive, poignant, eerie, moving, and I could still go on...." Read more

"...If I could pen one word of criticism about this unique and compelling China novel it would be that it breathes life into secret fears...." Read more

"This book has a touch of the surreal about it. Not sure about the characters...." Read more

"...start and was not expecting any elaborate story for free, but a nice surprise . I will await spin offs :) thank you" Read more

49 customers mention ‘Plot twists’28 positive21 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the plot twists in the book, with some enjoying the mystery and intrigue while others find it far-fetched and lacking structure.

"...there were bits of everything in there - crime, mystery & suspense, thriller.....yes even some of the action variety, supernatural and not..." Read more

"...It took me weeks to finish the novel. At first I found the story hard to get into—not knowing which characters were being referred to with 'he' or '..." Read more

"...Filled with plot twists and many complex characters, thoroughly absorbing...." Read more

"...Strong supernatural content throughout, with visions into the past and future, mind reading, thought projection and stones of power that radiate..." Read more

33 customers mention ‘Character variety’16 positive17 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character variety in the book, with some appreciating the many complex characters and how their lives interlink, while others find it confusing with too many characters.

"...The Sister is a long read with multiple characters and a tortuous plot. It took me weeks to finish the novel...." Read more

"...hard to keep track of who is thinking what, and leads to a lack of strong character voice...." Read more

"This novel is HUGE. It covers so much time and so many characters, it's like being part of a community where you dive in and out of social groups..." Read more

"...bad, but by the time I'd got half way through, I was pretty confused with so many characters...." Read more

14 customers mention ‘Length’5 positive9 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's length, with some finding it too long.

"...story itself is reasonable but needed to be tightened up - it was a very lengthy and rambling road to get anywhere and I found I needed to make..." Read more

"This novel is HUGE. It covers so much time and so many characters, it's like being part of a community where you dive in and out of social groups..." Read more

"Sorry, I hate giving poor reviews. Firstly, this is way too long - in excess of 150 chapters of brutal description of the crime career of a serial..." Read more

"...somewhere in there, there's a good story, but it was a bit too long-winded for my liking, too many characters and the story jumped about too much..." Read more

9 customers mention ‘Crime content’5 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the crime content of the book, with some appreciating its strong paranormal elements, while others find it scary.

"This is a crime thriller with slight supernatural elements...." Read more

"...It does have quite a strong paranormal theme too. The ending was not the strongest aspect of the book...." Read more

"An excellent beginning, following the trail of a vicious serial killer in a story that spans forty years...." Read more

"More Twists, Thrills & Danger than a Mountain Road..." Read more

34 customers mention ‘Pacing’10 positive24 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book confusing and over detailed, with one customer describing it as a "rambling road to get anywhere."

"...It's not the easiest of books to stick with, not so much the subject matter but the fact that there are very large chunks of the text where..." Read more

"...but needed to be tightened up - it was a very lengthy and rambling road to get anywhere and I found I needed to make notes to remember characters..." Read more

"Written with superb skill, the wonderful detail makes every character in this novel come to life...." Read more

"...The parts that are well-written are very good, but the whole thing is confusing and unwieldy...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

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MRS E DAVIES
Fantastic and unusual!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 February 2015
Verified Purchase

Wow, what an amazing read, don't know how to categorise it as there were bits of everything in there - crime, mystery & suspense, thriller.....yes even some of the action variety, supernatural and not forgetting a little touch of romance! There's probably more, I just can't think at the moment as it really is a bit of a mixed bag. It's not the easiest of books to stick with, not so much the subject matter but the fact that there are very large chunks of the text where established characters are completely out of the story, which was unsettling for me on two fronts, first and foremost that I missed them and secondly there was the concern that I wouldn't be able to remember it all. Of a lesser concern was the niggle that the book in it's entity would have trouble connecting all the stories, particularly when sidelined by others creeping in e.g. the storyline of Kirk Kale and The Resurrectionists. It's a book you need to concentrate to get it all but I think I did and in the process had one of the most intriguing reads ever.

Max China's second novel appears to continue the pursuit of the killer who escaped capture in The Sister ......I prepare myself for another roller coaster ride as I click the 'Buy' button on Amazon!!

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Fieldcene
A central theme links early scenes.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 July 2015
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Written with superb skill, the wonderful detail makes every character in this novel come to life. Even the actions are crafted in such a way as to seem real.
The well-executed omnipresent point of view shows the story like a camera above each character showing their actions and then diving into their thoughts.
The Sister is a long read with multiple characters and a tortuous plot. It took me weeks to finish the novel. At first I found the story hard to get into—not knowing which characters were being referred to with 'he' or 'she' and no name forthcoming until later in the grizzly scene. Although each section seemed unrelated at first, I found a central theme as I read further and began to understand the slant of the story. The end brought everything into alignment and a satisfying conclusion whilst leaving open the opportunity to read further novels.

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2 people found this helpful

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Louise Cole
Rather Rambling
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 January 2017
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I started out with high hopes for this book, after reading all the good reviews, but I have to say that by the end I was 'perservering' rather than 'enjoying' it! It manages to get three stars because I was interested enough to continue to the end, rather than merely abandoning it. However, the ending is very unsatisfactory in my mind and I find that I will have to read another book 'to follow the stories of some of the characters'.

The story itself is reasonable but needed to be tightened up - it was a very lengthy and rambling road to get anywhere and I found I needed to make notes to remember characters who appeared briefly, 200 pages previously and were then thrown back into the plot.

I may try to read the next book, simply to find out whether there is a conclusion - but not just yet!

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Sarah Hague
An epic novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 March 2014
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This novel is HUGE. It covers so much time and so many characters, it's like being part of a community where you dive in and out of social groups over a period of years. You meet characters and things happen to them, then you meet another set of characters and things happen to them, and so on, and it's only towards the end that you understand that they are all interlinked.

Then, just when you think that the book is drawing to an end because of what happens to the serial killer, there's more, and then when it finally finishes, you're left wishing there was more.

Some of the characters in the story include Ryan the psychiatrist, the serial killer fist fighter, the Sister with her strange stone, Miller who never learned to swim, Miller's grandfather, Eilise and Kathy who suffer the rough end of the killer, various other victims, Ryan's jealous secretary Penny (I think) who deliberately and unwittingly stirs up trouble, Kathy's sister, the Sister's sister, and so on. I can't even remember all their names!

The storyline is epic too and almost impossible to describe in a short review. People - mostly women - get murdered, a young boy witnesses something odd and then later as a schoolboy witnesses the tragic death of some friends, but has some sort of special instinct and second sense. He is taken to a psychiatrist who also meets the girl who is to become the Sister, plus Kathy's sister. The killer takes to imitating other criminals with the aim of framing a police detective who he believes insulted him on television, out of revenge.

And so on. Read this book, get involved, dive into the stories and stay there. You won't be disappointed.

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J C Mitchinson
Not without merit but long, arduous and confusing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 March 2015
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This is a crime thriller with slight supernatural elements.

It's obvious that the author has some raw writing talent and that a lot of work and imagination has gone into this book, but I am sorry to say I put it down 50% of the way through, in great frustration. This is why:

The plot has barely any structure or cohesiveness. We hop from one story to the next, sometimes never to return to that set of characters, sometimes as part of a more ongoing story. I would read these little side stories and wonder why they were included. This means that the pace is sluggish and the whole thing lacks purpose.

There are too many characters, some of which have more than one nick name. The author's use of pronouns further confuses things- 'He looked at him while he waved to him and combed his hair'. Which him is he? It is not clear what is going on, sometimes, and after a while I stopped caring.

To add to the confusion, there are point of view hops all the time, even within one paragraph, which makes it hard to keep track of who is thinking what, and leads to a lack of strong character voice.

The parts that are well-written are very good, but the whole thing is confusing and unwieldy. If I were this author, I would hire a good editor who would cut through all the unnecessary chaff and sort out the lack of clarity and structure. This would be a really good book if that happened.

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Top reviews from other countries

RAMASWAMY KRISHNAMURTHY
Gripping novel
Reviewed in India on 21 December 2018
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Although at some places very descriptive, over all a good book to read and recommend.

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David Alexander Forde
Terribly brilliant!
Reviewed in Germany on 26 March 2020
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I totally loved reading this story. It is so well thought out, with twists and turns I personally wouldn't have imagined!

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Virginian
Intriguing
Reviewed in Canada on 6 December 2019
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This book grips the imagination from start to finish with lives intertwined over the decades. One of the best books I've read in quite some time.

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Gayle
it just got better and better until I couldn't put it down
Reviewed in Australia on 9 May 2016
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Initially I thought that this novel was going to be a dud but 10 pages in and I was hooked, it just got better and better until I couldn't put it down, now I have to search for his other books to see who Miller ends up with and what happens to Sister.

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Mrs. Maureen E. Wotton
But disjointed
Reviewed in Spain on 26 September 2015
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I enjoyed the book but found it quite difficult to keep up with the characters. Skipped all over the place. However I had to see what happened in the end. Not impressed with the ending

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The Sister: She said it wasn't safe outside... Kindle Edition