Book Review: ‘The Good Sister: A Novel’ Asks What Really Happened To Baby Layla?

by | May 23, 2019 | Books | 0 comments

Gillian McAllister’s US debut is a page-turning thriller that will keep you reading until the very end to find out what happened to baby Layla. Each chapter told by a character in the book explaining what is going on works really well in this book. It helps the reader get into the mind of the characters and with some twists and turns along the way it keeps you guessing how it will turn out.

Martha and Becky are sisters. Both married and each with a kid. Becky has a young son and Martha has just had a baby girl who has a reflux condition and cries a lot. Both women work and Martha has asked Becky if she would help out and be the babies nanny for now and Martha would pay her. Becky agrees but finds it hard to do with the condition of the baby, having to deal with her son and husband (they are separated but on friendly terms). Then Martha has to go away for a night and her husband is gone. She asks Becky to watch her for the night which turns into two nights. Then tragedy strikes and Becky finds the baby not breathing and the baby has died.

At first it is ruled an accidental death. But an autopsy and investigation find the baby did not die of natural causes and Becky is charged and on trial. The story starts with the beginning of the trial and goes through each person that testifies and what they saw or thought. It moves along until it reaches a shocking climax and reveal of what really happened that night.

If you’re a fan of suspenseful mysteries this book will be right up your alley. You can pick up The Good Sister in stores on Tuesday, June 11th from Putnam.