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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

1,351 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!”

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This was nothing like any other book I have read. What more can I say, I just loved it. I loved the complexity, I loved the epic proportions of the story, I loved the characters and I loved the sheer badness of the villain.
If you're looking for a light read to pass some time, this is probably not the book for you. But if you want to read something quite different and challenge yourself - you could do a lot worse than pick up Max China's The Sister." (Source: Goodreads)

"A riveting novel by a master storyteller, China balances a cast of characters and crimes that all tie together neatly into a satisfying finish."

Source: Successors to the Greats: The Top 50 Best Crime Writers To Watch in 2014. (2 June 2014. forensicoutreach.com)

From the Author

As a debut novelist, I wanted to be different, so I wrote The Sister in what I imagined was an unconventional way, introducing characters quickly, cameo fashion with mind-blowing, diverse plot-lines laid out, criss-crossing each other.
I should clarify at this point; there are several main characters in the book who come and go throughout the story.
You never know when they'll appear next, and of course, not all of them survive...
It's an unusual novel that defies a simple synopsis, and I realized my approach to the story might not be to every reader's taste, but I also knew that those who stuck with the errant threads as they're pulled together, would be rewarded with a story quite unlike anything they've read before.

You can't please everyone, but reading my reviews, those I have pleased, I've pleased a lot.

If you like a challenging, non-linear story, maybe The Sister is for you.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00GT6ZOHS
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Skinnybirdproductions
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 21, 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: #2,413,975 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #3,373 in Kidnapping Crime Fiction
- #3,491 in Vigilante Justice
- #5,621 in Noir Crime

Customer Reviews:
1,351 ratings

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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

1,351 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book mesmerizing and well-written, with one mentioning it kept them engrossed for hours. The story receives mixed reactions - while some find it complex and compelling, others say it's hard to follow. The character variety and pacing also get mixed reviews, with some appreciating the connecting threads while others find the character development disjointed, and one noting the perfect pacing. The book's length receives criticism for being too long for its content.

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Readability Writing quality Story quality Character variety Interest Pacing Length

44 customers mention "Readability"36 positive8 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a mesmerizing and amazing read, with one customer noting how it kept them engrossed for hours.

"This is a decent book, but the layout of it drove me insane...." Read more

"...compelling—this is an incredible story of multilayer crime, mystery, psychology and so much more. You really don’t want to miss this one...." Read more

"When the story started, it started out really good, but it was kind of down hill after that, and towards the end it was good...." Read more

"This is a fascinating book! It is longer than most Kindle books I've read, but I couldn't stay away from it...." Read more

18 customers mention "Writing quality"13 positive5 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting it is well written with no grammar or typo errors, and one customer mentions it reads smoothly.

"...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...." Read more

"...corner that compel the reader to stay engrossed in this wonderfully written story...." Read more

"...characters,places, events that leaves readers gasping for breath and clarity...." Read more

"...This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only..." Read more

79 customers mention "Story quality"54 positive25 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the story quality of the book, with some finding it complex and compelling while others say it's hard to follow.

"...A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment...." Read more

"The story line is good, but it hops around so much while introducing new characters that's it's very hard to keep a grip on what is happening...." Read more

"...I thought this was a well-rounded book, and I give it the highest regard...." Read more

"...I loved the story line, hated the execution of the story." Read more

34 customers mention "Character variety"21 positive13 negative

Customers have mixed feelings about the character variety in the book, with some appreciating the interesting characters and connecting threads, while others find the character development disjointed.

"...Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of...." Read more

"...n't because it went on for so many years, but because there were so many characters that I thought were redundant. It dragged the story down...." Read more

"...The Characters are incredible and powerful...." Read more

"...back and forth from detailed back stories, multiple major and minor character points-of-views and different story arcs through thirty years, this..." Read more

10 customers mention "Interest"4 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's interest, with some finding it not worth their time.

"While I had hoped for a suspense novel, I got a drug out waste of time...." Read more

"...author is able to not only keep all the balls in the air, but keep us turning the page (no easy feat in a book of this heft and scale)...." Read more

"...Jumpinf around from character to character did absolutely nothing to add any interest at all. Stink, stank, stunk." Read more

"...It is a lengthy story which keeps your attention as it evolves with many unpredictable twists and turns. Some great writing. Olga" Read more

7 customers mention "Pacing"4 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book.

"...He has created a villian so uniquely evil and psychotic you won't soon forget him...." Read more

"...Somewhat of a confusing ending and a little unsatisfying. An overall enjoyable book." Read more

"...Fast paced, it starts early on with a serial killer carrying out his deeds, the aftermath witnessed by Bruce as a young boy...." Read more

"...But it was not worth reading for me and I didn't finish it!" Read more

13 customers mention "Length"0 positive13 negative

Customers find the book's length excessive, with several noting it is a very long read.

"...I struggled to finish the book which is unnecessarily too long...." Read more

"...In the beginning I complained to my wife that the book was long and I had no idea where it was going...." Read more

"...but I just didn't like the way it was put together and all the lengthy filler pages that really could have been omitted...." Read more

"...While this book is long and requires the reader to pay close attention so as not to get lost, it is well worth the time and effort...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

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Tony Parsons
A very awesome book cover
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2018
Verified Purchase

8/20/1967, Mr. Milowski (husband/grandfather), & Mrs. Ellen Milowski (wife/grandmother), Bruce’s (son/grandson) parents were watching him look through his new telescope.
Cornwall, England. 2 children witness a murder, a boy (7), views it from 50 yrds., & a young Irish girl, from far away.

Right after the Dire Straits concert Kathy Bird (23+, nurse) on her way home was brutally murdered.
DCI John Fitzgerald Kennedy (son) was assigned the case.
Dr. Bruce Ryan (psychiatrist) was waiting for Vera Flynn (daughter, Catholic) blood test results.
Mrs. Flynn (Vera’s mother) told him Vera was not going to see him again.
Vatican. Sister Verity (aka Sister) was well versed in supernaturalism.
7/15/1975, Bruce Milowski (15) & Kirk “Miller” (form master, Korean era British Army vet), watched as they pulled Christopher “Chris” Brookes (HS champion swimmer) body out of the water, he had drowned.
Penny (receptionist, widow) informed Dr. Ryan, Bruce was here to see him.
Mrs. Ellen Milowski (mother) was informed the hypnotherapy wasn’t working for Bruce & she needed to sign a release form so a clairvoyant could see him.
Bruce never returned.

Mrs. Carney (mom) asked Mickey Taylor (Amateur boxing coach), if he would/could take Thomas Carney 16, janitor), under his wing.
Jackie was about to have her baby.
12/19/2006, London, England. DCI John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr., decided to reopen the murder cold case of Kathy Bird.
What news did DI Tanner get from a caller: Jack “One Eyed Jack” Doherty?
1/2007, The police instigated Operation Moonlight, to help find the criminal the media coined the Midnight man.
Melissa just lost her job but Max thought she had huge potential & hired her right away.
She became online porn star/high-class escort Marilyn Mooner.
Mr. Miller (Missing Persons Investigator) went to see Mrs. Eileen Staples about her missing daughter Eilise.

What was found at West Lothian?
What did the once hidden Melissa Lake’s diaries reveal?
Paedophile (pedophile) Dr Mrs (.)

Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; booksends; Skinnybirdproductions; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

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judy smrdel
Fasinating
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2020
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The story line is good, but it hops around so much while introducing new characters that's it's very hard to keep a grip on what is happening. There is rhythm or fluidity to the story.

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kitteh
where to begin?
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2015
Verified Purchase
This is a decent book, but the layout of it drove me insane. I would read a chapter and get completely lost in the next and have to go back and Reread the chapter or chapters before to make sense of what I was reading. I loved the story line, hated the execution of the story.

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Amazon Customer
Epic
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2014
Verified Purchase
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.

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JC Brennan
intense, powerful, compelling--Must READ!!
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2015
Verified Purchase
OMG!! What can I say I loved this book! It’s intense, powerful, compelling—this is an incredible story of multilayer crime, mystery, psychology and so much more. You really don’t want to miss this one. I can’t get over how the author drags you in and keeps you in suspense—its truly amazing. The Characters are incredible and powerful. There are twist an turns around every corner that compel the reader to stay engrossed in this wonderfully written story. Max China has intertwined an powerfully passionate novel of multi-genres but mainly a paranormal suspense. This is a book that commands endurance from it’s reader as it alters back and forth from detailed of past stories. There is a masterful multiple layer of character’s essential ideas as out of the ordinary stories sweep through thirty years. This novel is an intense work that the writer has master in such a way that read is left breathless at the end

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5 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer
Not really good
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2022
Verified Purchase
When the story started, it started out really good, but it was kind of down hill after that, and towards the end it was good. Those are the reasons I gave it two stars. It wasn't because it went on for so many years, but because there were so many characters that I thought were redundant. It dragged the story down. It should been more about the killer and the girls he murdered and the three or for many characters and their lives.

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Top reviews from other countries

RAMASWAMY KRISHNAMURTHY
Gripping novel
Reviewed in India on December 21, 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 March 26, 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 December 6, 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 May 9, 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 September 26, 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

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Max China

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Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars A very awesome book cover

4.0 out of 5 stars Fasinating

3.0 out of 5 stars where to begin?

5.0 out of 5 stars Epic

5.0 out of 5 stars intense, powerful, compelling--Must READ!!

2.0 out of 5 stars Not really good

Top reviews from other countries

4.0 out of 5 stars Gripping novel

5.0 out of 5 stars Terribly brilliant!

5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing

5.0 out of 5 stars it just got better and better until I couldn't put it down

3.0 out of 5 stars But disjointed

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A very awesome book cover

Fasinating

where to begin?

Epic

intense, powerful, compelling--Must READ!!

Not really good

Gripping novel

Terribly brilliant!

Intriguing

it just got better and better until I couldn't put it down

But disjointed