Thicker Than Water is another wonderfully intoxicating thriller by Megan Collins. Propulsive, suspenseful and compelling. A thriller that grabs ahold of you and won’t let go. Keeping you guessing and pondering until the end.
Julia and Sienna are more than just sisters-in-law, they are business partners, best friends and soul mates. But their devotion and affection to each other is severely tested when Julia’s husband/Sienna’s brother Jason lays in a coma after a car accident and all signs point to him being the primary suspect in the gruesome murder of his boss. Sienna believes her brother can do no wrong and will go to the ends of the earth to prove his innocence. Julia knows Jason is not perfect and doubt creeps into her mind, especially as the investigation uncovers damning evidence, secrets and lies. Forcing the women to face some hard truths about the man they love and their relationship with each other.
The central plotline of Thicker Than Water is the evolving investigation into Jason as a murder suspect and the strain that puts on Julia and Sienna’s relationship. And it’s very well done, the story switching back and forth from the differing point of views of Julia and Sienna as they try to clear Jason’s name and/or come to terms with what he might be capable of. All the while, the reader gets a backstage pass to the inner thoughts and drive of each character as they process the events occurring around them and work through their own feelings. Which is a great device for urging the reader to keep going, since each successive chapter provides a different mindset from the previous one. Making it hard to put it down when you feel the need to know what the other person is thinking/doing next.
However, the thing that elevates this novel to another level beyond a crime thriller or police procedural is the deep dive into several themes about human connection. It explores key questions such as how well do you really know someone? How fragile is trust when doubt starts to creep in? How much distress can friendships endure, and can they come out stronger as a result of hardship or will the crumble under the pressure? Should you just write off people who have wronged you because it’s easier or will being strong enough to accept people’s flaws lead to a more fulfilling life? So while you are entertained and trying to guess whodunit, you think about your own relationships and actions.
Enjoyment with contemplation. A combination that makes for a great book just like chocolate and peanut butter making a great sweet and savory treat.
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Purchase Thicker Than Water
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Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen
