Oh this book is clever. Very, very clever. It's the kind of book where you can't let your attention drift for even a minute. Amateur sleuths and puzzle lovers rejoice - this book will tap into every single part of your soul and draw you right in. This is no walk in the park kind of read, the themes within - child abuse and grooming - will make the blood boil. But the story is drawn together in such a way that whilst the story may seem abhorrent at first glance, it is not graphic or gratuitous. It is a ticking clock mystery of the first order, but with a magnificent twist. Talk about your sleight of hand ... Pay attention all you budding Poirots and Marples, and settle down for one heck of a ride.

I came late to this series, but I'm so glad I found it, and if have to be honest - this is probably my favourite of them all. There is a familiarity to the format - the investigative team taking making up the focus of half of the narrative with the rest devoted to the focus of their investigation. In this case it is teenager, Keely who, along with her sister, has been missing for a week. Keely reappears in very ... unusual circumstances and far from enjoying the quiet and relaxed afternoon at the pub with his family that Sheens had been expecting, he and his team find themselves in a race against time to find Keely's younger sister Nina. There is a real sense of urgency about the whole case and yet Keely is in no rush to help. She has a story to tell and Sheens, his team, and us, are going to listen. And what a story it is. But is Keely the girl who 'cried wolf' once too often. or something far more disturbing in play?

This is such a fabulous book that really, less is more when it comes to the review. It has a perfectly balanced pace, the whole investigation taking place over a period of just two days, reflecting the sense of urgency within the team in their bid to find Nina. It is a blend of mystery, investigation and some extremely topical and relevant issues that have graced the headlines on far too many occasions. But Keely is far from being the most reliable narrator, dictating the pace of the interviews and giving nothing more than she chooses to the Detectives. She is like a conductor, directing her orchestra who can only play at the speed she dictates. There is a real feeling of being challenged, both the police and the readers, and maybe, on occasion, being found wanting. When they/we cotton on, things start to become very clear, but don't think you know everything because you really won't. It's discombobulating, and complex and yet so utterly simple when you get to the root of it all, that it's really quite brilliant. Yes, I found Keely hard to warm to because of her very detached and clinical nature, but I was completely glued to the page. I wanted to hear her story. Tragic and dark, it caused spikes of anger followed by floods of sympathy, but it was utterly compelling.

There are some really emotionally charged moments in the book, not just because of Keely's story. Sheens' life has altered dramatically since we last saw him, and a few home truths are spelt out during the investigation that force him to stop and confront the situation at home. Ben Lightman takes a step forward too, with the case hitting him harder than anyone perhaps imagines. Understandable when you look behind the truth of Keely's little 'game' with the police. It hits home with them all, examining the very real issue of people never believing victims until it is too late. I loved seeing Juliette Hanson at the heart of this investigation too, with Domnall O'Malley on hand to provide some light amongst all the shade. They're such a great team of Detectives, it makes it very easy to spend time with them all.

This is a story of manipulation, a game of smoke and mirrors where nothing and no-one can be trusted. An absolute humdinger of a story and an absolute must read. If you don't finish this book with a smile on your face, you probably aren't a fan of puzzles after all. Most definitely recommended, a one sitting read for me

Unfortunately Little Sister wasn’t for me. From the premise I was eager to read it but I found it sadly lacking. I wasn’t keen on the writing style and found the book lacked pace and didn’t really hold my interest. Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Michael Joseph UK and the author for the chance to review.

Another great addition to the series. Gytha is a masterful written, with storylines that will keep you gripped and keep you guessing throughout.

One of the best books I have read in the last five years and I have read a lot of books. I have never read a bad book book by this author, but Little Sister is on another level. Clever, intelligent and absolutely mind blowing. This was a one sitting book which had me finally turning the last page at 2.am. I had to know the truth!!!! This is a tour de force of a read, a crime thriller and so much more. I loved everything about this story, the writing and of course the two sister's. In my opinion this book deserves a lot more than five stars. Highly highly recommended and another MUST READ from this author.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

An interesting turn which reignited my interest but also made me hate the main character. Nevertheless an easy weekend read. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Gytha is absolutely at the top of her game! I have read and loved all of her books, but thought Little Sister was the best yet. It's an absolute masterclass in the psychological nuances of character, intricacies of voice and a hugely twisty plot that keeps you guessing, even as you're grappling with the clues! I loved the way the characters' motivations and actions shifted around one another - it just rang true. And the difficult subject matter was sensitively handled and incredibly moving - the account of mental abuse will stay with me for some time, I'm sure. As for the team, they are wonderfully real, lovable and fallible... and incredibly frustrating at times (in the best possible way, of course)!

Gytha has an amazing command of her material and you can relax and enjoy the ride, knowing you're in safe hands.

I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to read - thanks to Gytha, Michael Joseph and NetGalley - and am looking forward to Gytha's next book.

I am afraid that I struggled with this book. I didn't like the subject matter, and it just didn't click with me .Sorry.

I have all of Gytha Lodge's books and enjoyed them all. This was no exception. This has a dark plot as it deals with child abuse of children who enter the care system. Despite this it was a different kind of detective story. If you read the text closely you should be able to solve part of the mystery yourself. As with all books of this genre there are some twists to the plot and nothing is as it seems.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for the advance copy of this book.

This is the 1st Book that I have read by the author and it won't be the last, I really enjoyed this thriller book if you like books with a twist you love this book, this book tells the story of 2 unforgateble sisters and touches on the are system , I won't ruin this review with any spoilers

With thanks to netgalley and the publishers for the arc of this book in exchange for this honest review

The case is mainly about children being abused in care or by there foster parents so if this is a trigger for you I don’t advice you read this book. I felt like the book flowed very well, the pace was just right and I really had no clue where it was going. So all in all a great book and can’t wait to read more of this series.

I loved this book and I love this series it has gone from strength to strength and each instalment has been a joy to read. As I finished the book I sat for a moment taking it all in and I actually think this is my favourite so far but let’s see because I’m betting I shall be thinking that when the next in the series comes along!
It’s hard to put put my finger on what makes these books so good, wonderful writing, superb plot, plenty of twists you have it all and never a feeling of disappointment when a book is finished just a big sigh of contentment.
The characters also make the read so compelling and in this latest story we find out more about them, I think Jonah is my favourite but in actual fact I love them all and can’t wait for the next book.
So as I say you have everything you would want in a twisty psychological thriller here it kept me guessing till the final chapters and many thanks to the wonderfully talented Gytha Lodge for an exquisite and compulsive 5 star read.
My thanks also to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This tense thriller opens with Keely, a striking flame-haired teenager who is elder sister to Nina, suddenly arriving in the place where Detective Jonah Sheens is enjoying a rare off duty moment. On seeing her blood stained t-shirt he springs into action and tries to ascertain what is going on.

DCI Sheens and his investigation team seek to obtain answers from the reluctant, cool and confident but uncommunicative teenager who wants to respond purely on her own terms, unveiling her story bit by bit as and when she sees fit. Weeding out deception from truth is a hard task.

Her history has a great impact on the present because tragic personal circumstances completely altered the sisters’ lives. They were placed in the social child care system and are fostered by a seemingly perfect couple who eventually prove to be the total opposite.

The sisters apparently absconded from the care home facility they were later placed in. Nina is still missing and may be in danger. It’s a race against the clock to unravel events behind the scenes, discover what led to this moment, and decide who is a victim, an abuser, or a potential murderer.

There are dark trigger topics here that make for an uncomfortable read at times and could be distressing for those who’ve experienced something similar. Though they are sensitively handled by the author and central to the plot. It’s a pacey, well written police procedural novel with the team’s investigations running parallel to the sisters’ story.

In one sense, the super twisty, rollercoaster ride narrative is the book’s main strength, but it could also be its downfall because credulity is sometimes stretched to the limit. However, the writing is so compelling that it makes up for too many red herrings. Grateful thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for the ARC.

Thank you NetGalley, Penguin Michael Joseph UK and Gytha Lodge for my ARC of Little Sister in return for my honest review.

I have read all of this author’s previous novels and thoroughly enjoyed them and this was no different. An exceptional read, once again.

At the beginning of the novel Detective Jonah Sheens is having a quiet drink in the sunshine, looking after his new baby waiting for the baby’s mother. His peace is interrupted when a girl arrives covered in blood.
Keely is sixteen and has a background of many foster and care homes.

The story is complex, heart-breaking at times with many twists, turns and red herrings. Interweaved throughout it all is the ongoing stories of the personal lives of Jonah, Domnall, Juliette and Ben.

Highly recommended.

Blimey, I’ve just finished Little Sister by Gytha Lodge, she has definitely written another humdinger of a book!
I must confess my bias before I start, as I eagerly look forward to reading whatever this author writes. I swear if I found one of Gytha’s shopping lists, I would thoroughly enjoy reading it too.

At the start of the book, Jonah is minding his own business, enjoying a quiet drink on a beautiful Indian Summer afternoon. (Which I am incredibly jealous over, as we have just endured Storm Eunice and two of her friends). When Keely, a 16 year old covered in blood, steps out of the woods, his peace is well and truly over. What ensues is a twisty, complex and dark story, set against the background of the care system. Apart from gripping me, the book made me think, and made me wince sometimes too. The thought of any child experiencing the system, in this way, is heart-breaking.
Weaved into the story are more details of the home lives of Jonah, Domnall, Juliette and Ben. I always think that picking up a new instalment of a favourite series is like curling up on the sofa, with a cosy blanket, and catching up with an old friend. By the time I had read the last words, I wanted to give at least two of those friends a really big hug.

If anyone reading Little Sister manages to unravel the puzzle, picking up on the clues, you are a better woman than I, and you should really consider joining your local CID. I am genuinely in awe when authors create plots like this. That moment when you finish a book, and think, “How on Earth does anyone’s brain think of this”. Part of my love of this genre is in trying to solve the case myself, before the characters do. What I love even more, is not being able to do so.
It’s always the sign of a great book, when you want to re-read a book as soon as you have finished the last page. Just in case you weren’t sure, it’s definitely 5⭐️ from me.

Have enjoyed all of this series, and this book was no exception. A good story, well told.

However, I did feel that the main character of the series, Jonah, was somehow relegated to a more minor character

Little Sister By Gytha Lodge (Jonah Sheens 4)

The story of two sisters that go missing but only one of them comes back and so our new DCI Sheens mystery begins.
Let me say from the outset that I have read all of these books and I have loved them all, so it saddens me to report that Little Sister is by far the weakest in the series and by some margin.
I found the book to be just unbelievable and I didn't connect with the story on any level if I'm being honest.
Keely and her sister Nina, who the book centre's around, I found unbelievable and did not connect with them at any point in the book. They both came across as far to smart and older beyond both their years. I found that I was bored whenever Keely was telling her story to the Detectives and never felt that real sense of danger or urgency that is required in a book of this genre.

All of Jonah's team make a return from the previous books, but this time round I just didn't enjoy spending any time with them, the writing is spot on and there is no doubting that Lodge can tell a well executed and good story. She is one of the best talents in this genre. It's just a shame I didn't connect with this book.
However, I will certainly continue to support this author as what she has written before is excellent and anyone can have an off day.
Just about worth your time and hard-earned cash.
I would like to thank the publisher and author and especially Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to read the ARC.

This book grabs you right from the outset. Detective Jonah Sheens is enjoying a quiet drink in a local pub garden when a girl emerges from the woods bedraggled and covered in blood. She insists she’s fine and it’s her sister who disappeared from the same children’s home as her a week ago, that he needs to worry about. Full of twists and turns this is another brilliant novel in the Detective Sheens series but perfectly readable as a standalone too.

I’m not one for reading a book mid series, but the book description caught my eye, and I decided to read it anyway. I’m so glad I did as I loved this book! Little Sister is the fourth book in the Detective Jonah Sheens series, and although I feel I may have missed out on some character development and the back stories of the main characters, I believe this book can easily be read as a stand-alone.

Nina is one of two sisters who disappeared, but Keely turns up in a pub garden covered in blood. From the off there’s unsettling suggestions that’s something is amis. Is Keeley an innocent victim? Where’s Nina now? Why is keeley covered in blood? So many questions to hold the readers’ attention. What follows is a dark, riveting tale of resentment, jealousy, manipulation and control and revenge.

I loved the way the author retells the story through Keeley’s eyes, which is given in a series of police interviews with Sheens and his team. Her version of events that have led to this moment in time adds to the impending sense of dread that grows as her story unfolds. It’s a tough story to read as it explores the failings of a care system and the complexities of the relationship between the two sisters.

Keeley fascinated me. She has all the makings of a psychopath, the ability to manipulate others, lie, and she shows no signs of remorse. But as Lodge scratches away at the layers of this complex character, there’s a hint of vulnerability that allows the reader to feel a great deal of compassion for this troubled character. You feel she is very much in charge of the narration, which constantly throws doubt on her story. It felt like she was playing a game, taunting Sheen at every opportunity.

Another thing that I absolutely loved about this book is how nothing is as it first seems. The author misleads you at every given opportunity, which made Little Sister all the more exciting to read. There are so many well-placed twists and turns along the way that ensure the reader’s attention never waivers. Lodge has created a compulsive crime novel with a heartbreaking story that made for a gripping read. Highly recommended.

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Although this book is part of the DCI Jonah Sheens series, one of the strengths of that series is the way the stories are well balanced across multiple characters. Sheens doesn't dominate the narrative at all. Which is one of the reasons I've been following along eagerly. By spreading the load amongst characters the storyline itself can take a more prominent role as we're less concerned by the star turn's moment in the spotlight. In fact, so many aspects of the stories embrace a quieter, more realistic approach, which is refreshing.

And so, Little Sister adds to the series. And it measures up to the high standard previously set. The story has good pacing, with clever reveals of information that keep the story moving well. It doesn't overhype revelations, they are measured both in intensity and timing. Delivering a story that is engaging and rewarding.

What of the story? Well, as with other books in the series, there are some dark and intense aspects to the plot. Keely and Nina are sister's who have disappeared from a children's home. When one of them turns up covered in blood, Sheens and his team set to work trying to find the other sister. But there is much more to uncover first. That journey is tough, for both the characters and the reader at times, but ultimately it tells the story with care and attention. All thanks to that aforementioned lack of sensationalism.

Little Sister is a great read, with a well thought out mystery to solve and some intriguing characters to progress the story. There can always be a concern about a series maintaining quality or having the scope to keep going - based on this effort it's safe to say that DCI Sheens is now established well enough to keep going for a while yet.

A thoroughly enjoyable book in the Jonah Sheen's series. However, this can be read as a stand alone. A brilliant thriller with a twisty and dark storyline. Some very nasty characters and a sensitive subject covering child abuse and the care system.