The Night Sister

The Night Sister follows three generations connected to the Tower Motel, a once-thriving roadside attraction in rural Vermont. In alternating timelines spanning the 1950s through 2013, the story centers on two sets of sisters and a dark family secret that binds them across decades. The discovery of multiple bodies at the abandoned motel forces Amy, who grew up there in the 1980s, to confront disturbing questions about her childhood friend Piper and Piper's sister Margot. The narrative shifts between Amy's present-day investigation and the history of the motel's original owners, focusing on sisters Rose and Sylvie Ann, whose lives took dramatic turns after a Hollywood talent scout's visit in 1955. The novel combines elements of psychological suspense, family drama, and supernatural horror as it explores the bonds between sisters and the weight of inherited trauma. McMahon's story examines how secrets pass through generations and the ways people cope with unspoken family histories.

Most readers found The Night Sister to be a fast-paced supernatural mystery that kept them guessing, though some felt the ending didn't deliver on the buildup. Readers praised: - The dual timeline structure and how the past/present narratives connect - Atmospheric descriptions of the Tower Motel setting - Strong character development, especially Amy and Piper - Effective build-up of tension and dread Common criticisms: - Plot becomes predictable in final third - Some supernatural elements feel underdeveloped - Too many coincidences drive the story - Character motivations sometimes unclear Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (21,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (850+ reviews) LibraryThing: 3.7/5 (300+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "The first two-thirds had me completely hooked with its creepy motel setting and family secrets. But the reveal wasn't as shocking as I'd hoped." - Goodreads reviewer

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🌟 Jennifer McMahon wrote The Night Sister after being inspired by her childhood experiences at the Oasis Motel in Vermont, where she spent time exploring abandoned rooms. 🌟 The fictional Tower Motel in the book was partly inspired by real-life roadside attractions from the 1950s, when America's highway system was expanding and themed motels were popular tourist destinations. 🌟 The novel interweaves three distinct time periods - the 1950s, 1980s, and present day - all connected through the mysterious Tower Motel in London, Vermont. 🌟 The author incorporated elements of Vietnamese folklore into the story, specifically the legend of Aswang - a shape-shifting creature that feeds on humans. 🌟 The Night Sister won the 2016 Vermont Book Award, recognizing outstanding literary contribution by authors from or connected to Vermont.