SPOILERS: This book was out of my comfort zone. You can tell that the narrator is unreliable rather early on, and she definitely had a nasty personality. The story was told in two time lines (past and present). The ending was good for the story.
#amazonfirstreadsbacklog
#20booksofsummer23 ( )

Twisted debut novel! Things are not always what they seem. Cara has life all planned out after graduation...college, marriage to her boyfriend...happily ever after. But, as we all know, life never goes as planned. Family has a way of getting in the way!

Pay attention while reading this book! Ms. Cowie throws subtle hints thoughtout the story, so pay attention. Found myself a few times going back to see if I missed something. Tragic family dynamics, great character development.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC. All opinions are my own. ( )

This was given to me as an ARC for my review.
Ugh, a slow start for an unsatisfying end. I had a hard time wanting to continue reading it because I just couldn’t care about the surface problem that kept getting ground into me. The younger sister was drunk, lost control, and killed the boyfriend and is now an alcoholic. Older sister feels obligated to take care of her but only does it for show because she needs to be perfect in everyone’s eyes. I felt like the character was unlikeable (I know I don’t have to love every character, that would be boring and unrealistic) but I also had a hard time wanting her to win in the end and totally saw the twist at the end. This book wasn’t for me but others may find it more suited to their taste. ( )

This is a great new psychological thriller by a debut author. Given the intensity and writing in this debut novel, I can't wait to see what Amber Cowie writes next.

Cara and Anna live in the small town of Rapid Falls. Cara is the oldest but Anna is the prettiest and the two sisters always seem to be in competition. On Cara's graduation night, Anna is driving drunk and Cara's boyfriend ends up dying in the wreck. Anna's life is ruined and after jail time it goes into a downward spiral of drugs and alcohol. Happily married Cara is always available to help her sister out of her latest problem. At least all of this is what Cara would have you believe -- is it the real truth or Cara's truth?

The secrets are slowly revealed in alternating chapter - the past(1992) and present day. As past secrets unfold and nothing is what it seems anymore, Anna desperately searches for the truth. But what if Cara doesn’t want her to find it?

My only problem with this book is that the two main characters are pretty unlikable. I mean Cara has absolutely no redeeming traits - she is poor sister, mother, wife and daughter. But once I decided that it was ok not to like her, the story became more enjoyable and I would definitely recommend it.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own. ( )

A Q & A Elevator Ride with the Author Coming coming Dec 1. 💕

Terrifying and satisfying! 5 Stars + Debut novelist Amber Cowie delivers a “knockout” —dark and gripping new suspense novel of sibling rivalry (on steroids) and what happens when greed and jealousy take control. Two sisters with twisted relationships and long-buried secrets are at the heart of this smashing debut.

An intriguing "killer" psychological thriller— RAPID FALLS examines the explosive potential of dark secrets to destroy families, sisters, marriages, and everyone near to them. The author slowly and expertly reveals the (chillingly-real) truth that could be ripped from today's headlines.

Where nothing is as it appears.

Rich in place and character— loaded with lyrical prose and stunning metaphors. Complex and profoundly emotional, there is much beneath the surface of this domestic psychological suspense.

Two sisters are coping with the aftermath of a tragedy. However which sister is more sinister and evil? A dangerous game of cat and mouse betrayal where there may be no winners.

Meet the Piper family.

They are a family of four living in a small town of Rapid Falls. As small towns go, everyone knows everyone else’s business. Besides, the town has only one entry, a bridge over the Rapid Falls. A town named after its waterfalls. Most teens want to escape for a bigger and better life. How do they go about achieving this goal?

RAPID FALLS is written with two timelines: 1992-1997 and 2016-2017. Two sisters are craving attention. It all started with prom night. When past and present collide, the sparks ignite.

Cara and Anna. It was Cara’s prom night, and she has convinced Anna her sister to be their designated driver. Jesse was the town athlete and Cara’s boyfriend. After all, Anna was going to film school and Cara and Jesse would be getting on with their future.

However, things are not as they seem on the surface. Everyone is keeping secrets. That night ended in tragedy. Anna sent to prison for the death of Jesse (Cara’s boyfriend). There was a fatal car accident, and Cara saved Anna from the water and from drowning.

A family imploding.

Now, fast forward Anna has been released from prison and has a drinking problem. She is back living with her dad. She is self-destructive. Her dad has also turned into an alcoholic, and the mom left them behind for a better life. What happened to this family?

The town shuns Anna. She has served time for murder. A town favorite now dead.

Cara for some reason is always there to help rescue her. She has moved away. Married the rich guy, Rick. (she does not tell him about her past). She has a great job. The perfect life. The perfect wife. The perfect mother (Maggie). She cannot allow anything to disrupt her life.

However, Anna does not remember everything that happened that night. Cara may be hiding events of the night long ago. What if the truth is revealed? What if she remembers?

The truth is bloody good, and you will be holding your breath until the final scene! (it is a good one)! Your loyalties may change from the beginning of the book compared to the end. What happened prom night so long ago, and how far will one go to hide the truth?

WOW! Complex and emotional. From tough love, sibling rivalry, resentments, betrayal, obsessions, narcissism, alcoholism, addictions, dysfunction, denial, selfishness, jealousy, love, hatred, fear, lies, secrets, tragedy, revenge, survival, plus more. 🏆

Where nothing is as it appears in this twisty psychological thriller that will keep you glued to the pages to the explosive “hold your breath” conclusion (literally edge of a cliff).

Being true to one’s self. Duality plays a big part in the narrative, making this an ideal choice for book clubs and further group discussions. (a great reader group guide included). Rock-star quality writing.

I really enjoyed the strong metaphors as relates to water, the characters, and the town of Rapid Falls. Just as waterfalls can be beautiful, peaceful and mesmerizing; they can also be dangerous. As can be humans, animals, and families. They can turn toxic— a sharp contrast between good and evil (as the sisters). Darkness and light.

Cowie’s skillful characterization and her shocking final twist make this a “must read” standout debut suspense thriller, landing on my Top Books of 2018. You will be shocked to learn this is a debut. We can only imagine what is to come. 😍

An author to follow (she is so much fun on social media). RAPID FALLS is prime for the big or small screen. (fingers crossed) Delighted to learn there will be more books coming soon!

"RAVEN LANE (2019) and THE MINES (2020). Both are in the domestic suspense genre and focus on strong, but surprisingly complex, female narrators that find themselves in extremely complicated relationships with their loved ones and the world at large."

Upcoming: Read all the juicy details, and the inspiration behind RAPID FALLS. Learn more about this exciting new author with exclusive behind the scenes tidbits. Stay tuned for my extensive Q&A Elevator Ride with the Author coming Dec 1, 2019. (link to follow)

Subscribe to my Newsletter to receive top book list per month and monthly Q&A author interviews. You are going to love it!

For fans of Michele Campbell's She Was the Quiet One, Victoria Helen Stone's Jane Doe and Kaira Rouda's The Favorite Daughter.

Also, fans of AJ Banner, Mary Kubica, T.Greenwood, and Heather Gudenkauf (some of my favorites) will enjoy this one. Move this author and RAPID FALLS to the top of your reading list! PS: The hardcover is stunning!

JDCMustReadBooks ( )