As writers we tend to live outside of the box. We fall into whirlpools of grandeur. We feel it is our duty to impress. As time goes by, the weak are rooted out, and the great writers shine. Ultimately, we learn that great storytelling comes from the ability to report, and, with all the flaws, achievements, and idiosyncrosies of our characters, we find this no easy task. Leon Uris, who wrote Exodus, is a prime example.
In walks the mysterious Max China, pseudonym or not. Delving into The Sister, you know you are in it for the long haul. The novel is lengthy, but challenges you to continue on. You sense a Clutter scenario, perhaps a modern-day Capote on the loose, as people left and right meet their sorry, or, in some cases, grand fates.
We see a killer early in the novel. He stalks his victims. He is highly intelligent. He is the consummate serial killer.
What motivates this unsub? We know that he is manipulative. We know that he is driven. What else compels this character?
Not before a devastating beginning to the novel, where a man dies in one of the worst ways a person can perish (so they say), are we thrown back in time.
From this point on, China moves us forward, introducing a cast of characters that are well defined and that will lead you to an ultimate fate.
We meet Bruce, a young boy who, by chance, crosses paths with the killer. Bruce is saved at the last second, only to be plagued by nightmares about this guy who has warned him that he'll kill Bruce's whole family if he breathes a word.
We meet Vera, barely a teenager, who loses her family due to fire. Something about her personality is circumspect, and China refuses at this point to give.
Meet Dr. Ryan, a psychiatrist, who is sent to help Vera. He has no idea what he's in for.
We jump to Vera leaving for the Vatican, where she is made into a Nun. In fact, Vera is know to have special powers that allow her to see people for who they are, and soon bishops and priests alike are revealed for their papal indiscretion.
Dr. Ryan reenters the picture, when we find that Bruce's and Vera's life inevitably intertwine.
We confront Bruce's demons, on more than one level.
The fun doesn't stop there. We are taken back to Dr Ryan's past, to a time of war.
The story becomes complex in a hurry. The sub-plotting builds into a crescendo as China moves you toward the fray.
Our camera pans to the killer, who, as we learn, has a deidetik memory. Not only this, he can mimic famous people's speech and mannerisms. Image the damage a character could do.
As initial characters drop off of the radar, I know there has to be a reason why.
I trudge on, closer to the inevitable fray. I have become intrigued by one character, a famous underground bare-knuckle fighter. China has foreshadowed this person's abilities, leaving me to wonder if the plot revolves around this character or is it just a sun-baked red-herring.
Voila, we move back to Dr. RYAN who can hardly contain himself. Prematurely he opens the envelope with the prediction by The Sister.
From here I can only say so much. There are several detectives that, through malfeasance or magnanimity, play integral parts.
I thought this was a well-rounded book, and I give it the highest regard. It's no easy thing to pull off an intricate plot, but it appears that's just how China does things.
This was a wonderful book for a debut writer. It had the same kind of energy that Mailer used to create The Naked and The Dead.
I don't think there's anything stopping Max China from becoming prolific. I think the book gods will be on his side.
OR
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Top reviews from the United States
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Top reviews from other countries
- RAMASWAMY KRISHNAMURTHYReviewed in India on December 21, 2018
Gripping novel
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - David Alexander FordeReviewed in Germany on March 26, 2020
Terribly brilliant!
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - GayleReviewed in Australia on May 9, 2016
it just got better and better until I couldn't put it down
Format: KindleVerified Purchase - Mrs. Maureen E. WottonReviewed in Spain on September 26, 2015
But disjointed
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
