A Bit Predictable But Held My Interest
4 out of 5 stars
Having just completed a rather heavy memoir, I was looking to read something “a little different.” I wanted something interesting, something that would keep me listening and entertained on my morning walks and commutes, but something that was a little lighter. Maybe a thriller? Perhaps a police procedural, cold-case detective story, or a courtroom drama? My Sister’s Keeper checks all of those boxes, tossing in a bit of romance for good measure (but not enough to be annoying or cringe-worthy).
The story’s protagonist is forty-two-year-old Seattle Homicide Detective Tracey Crosswhite, an intelligent, strong, and likable woman who is a darn good shot and completely committed to truth and justice. When her only sister disappeared and was presumed dead following a shooting competition the two had attended together, Tracey leaves her small hometown and her career as a science teacher, completing the academy, joining the Seattle police department, and vowing to find Sarah’s killer. Though a suspect is arrested, tried, and convicted of Sarah’s murder, it just doesn’t sit well with Tracey, who continues to investigate the case on her own time. Twenty years later, Sarah’s body is discovered and new forensic evidence is available. After identifying and burying her sister, Tracey takes the file she has created to a childhood friend (turned lawyer and romantic new interest), Dan O’Leary and enlists his help investigating the matter, securing a hearing for the convicted murderer, and finding justice for Sarah.
Though My Sister’s Keeper was at times a bit predictable, it held my interest and surprised me on several occasions with a few good twists and turns. I thought I had it all figured out… until all of a sudden it was very clear that I didn’t. With exception to the obvious villains (whom we clearly grow to despise), the characters were immensely likable. Dugoni’s understanding of law enforcement and courtroom/legal procedures enhanced the story, making it more realistic, and the suspense in the final portion of the book builds quickly, making this audiobook somewhat of a “page-turner.”
When I began listening to this piece, I had no idea it was a series. I have a commitment problem–when I start a series, so long as it’s a well-written one with captivating characters, I’m hooked and feel the need to finish the whole series, almost immediately. While that might score me loyalty points, it can really hold up my queue, so I was a bit irritated when I figured out this was a “book one.” If you, like me, shy away from series, have no fear: My Sister’s Grave is indeed the first of several in the Detective Crosswhite series, meaning that I have my work cut out for me reading the next five, but you don’t necessarily have to complete the series if you’re not ready to commit.
Dugoni gives readers enough closure to put the book down and feel content, having the answers you need to think Sarah has found peace and her murderer has been brought to justice… he also makes Detective Crosswhite likable and interesting enough that I’ve already finished books two and three… Stay tuned for future reviews!
Book Description:
My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni
Narrator: Emily Sutton-Smith
Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
Series: Tracy Crosswhite #1
Published by Brilliance Audio on November 1st 2014
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Format: Audiobook
Tracy Crosswhite has spent 20 years questioning the facts surrounding her sister Sarah’s disappearance and the murder trial that followed. She doesn’t believe that Edmund House - a convicted rapist and the man condemned for Sarah’s murder - is the guilty party. Motivated by the opportunity to obtain real justice, Tracy became a homicide detective with the Seattle PD and dedicated her life to tracking down killers.
When Sarah’s remains are finally discovered near their hometown in the northern Cascade mountains of Washington State, Tracy is determined to get the answers she’s been seeking. As she searches for the real killer, she unearths dark, long-kept secrets that will forever change her relationship to her past - and open the door to deadly danger.
- The Rationing by Charles Wheelan (Narrated by Josh Hurley) - September 16, 2019
- The Others by Jeremy Robinson (Narrated by R.C. Bray) - January 27, 2019
- The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens (Narrated by Zach Villa) - December 14, 2018
