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The Better Sister by Alafair Burke: Review of a Surprising Legal Thriller

  • Writer: Daniela B.
    Daniela B.
  • Sep 21
  • 3 min read

I’ve just finished reading The Better Sister by Alafair Burke, and let me tell you right away—it took my breath away. It’s not the kind of novel you expect when you read the blurb: it shocked me, surprised me, and kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.


I was looking for a book that told the story of two sisters, maybe as a way to exorcise some of my own issues with my sister. In The Better Sister, the sisters are there, but the heart of the story goes far beyond: the main plot is much broader, a true legal thriller, moving through investigations, courtrooms, lawyers, and plot twists that make you say: “I didn’t see that coming.”


I’m a huge fan of series like CSI Miami and NCIS, but also of movies like Just Mercy, Philadelphia, The Pelican Brief, or A Few Good Men. Not to mention Suits, which I literally devoured. So yes, you get it: I love the genre. Only here, I was expecting something different—and yet Alafair Burke still managed to surprise me.


Plot and Narrative Style: Why The Better Sister Is Not Just Any Novel


Alafair Burke’s writing is immediate, direct, pure in medias res: no long introductions, she throws you straight into the action. That’s something I appreciated—there’s no time to drift away, you’re immediately inside the mystery.


The novel skillfully blends suspense, family relationships, and legal thriller tension. The dynamics between the two sisters are not always in the spotlight, but they remain a subtle thread, woven into the growing tension of the story, with several flashbacks to their childhood. Burke builds an intricate plot that flows effortlessly, right up to a shocking ending.


Is It a Novel or a Thriller? How to Classify The Better Sister by Alafair Burke


I asked myself the same question: how should we classify The Better Sister? On one hand, it has the tone of a contemporary novel. On the other, it carries all the hallmarks of a legal thriller. Personally, I’d file it without hesitation under legal thriller—because that’s the core: sharp investigations, suspense, and the constant question, who really did it?


Why You Should Read The Better Sister


  • Because it’s a light yet intelligent read, perfect if you want to unplug your mind without losing quality.

  • Because it carries that WeToo vein, a subtext about women, sisters, and uncomfortable truths.

  • Because it’s surprising: it doesn’t give you what you expect—but never disappoints.


I read it in just 2–3 days, between my Content Creator course, a few odd jobs, and managing blog posts. If I’d had more free time, I would have finished it even faster. That says a lot about how much it grabbed me.


My Verdict on The Better Sister by Alafair Burke


The Better Sister is not just a legal thriller: it’s a story about sisters, secrets, and uncomfortable truths. I wouldn’t call it an absolute masterpiece, but it’s definitely one of those books I’d recommend if you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller, clean writing, and a surprising ending.


If you love books that don’t let up, that keep you awake at night just to see how it ends, then The Better Sister by Alafair Burke is the right read for you.

And you? Have you read it yet? Or will you?


If You Liked The Better Sister, You Might Also Enjoy…



And if you enjoy books that mix psychology, mystery, and family dynamics, you’ll find the same gripping power in these authors.


🔗 Goodreads Link: The Better Sister by Alafair Burke

🛒 Amazon Link: If you haven’t read it yet, you can find The Better Sister by Alafair Burke on Amazon.

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