Our Sister’s Keeper, Jasmine Holmes (Review by Darlene Smoliak)

Rating: 4.75/5 Stars
Sometimes you read a book and all you can think to say is, “Wow”—especially when it’s a debut novel. That is exactly what Our Sister’s Keeper is. This book grabbed hold of me from the very beginning and didn’t let go until I turned the last page. It is a brilliant mix of Southern Gothic horror and historical fiction, and I’ll tell you, this story is still haunting my thoughts days later.
It’s the 1920s in Mississippi, and Thea and her husband, Kid, have just moved to East Cobb. It is a wealthy, all-Black town that, on the surface, seems like paradise. No more struggles or judgment. It is a place where Kid will be able to further his career as a principal, and Thea, a journalist, hopes to do some writing. However, beneath the surface of this idyllic town lies a terrifying secret, and it isn’t long before Thea is experiencing horrifying visions that she later learns are called “groanings.”
As the story unfolds, we learn that these groanings are actually nightmares that only the women can see. Thea learns that “the carriers” are women who take all the bad memories from the men of East Cobb upon themselves. What a perfect world for these men—no worries or stress. Their wives technically benefit because their men are peaceful and life is smooth, but all the women in this town know the dark reality of what these poor carrier women endure. Thea wants nothing to do with it. Scarily, though, she isn’t given a choice, as even the option of leaving the town is taken away from her. It isn’t long before her world and the world of the carrier women collide in a most terrifying way.
Jasmine Holmes weaves such a strong story about women, sisterhood, and the collective power women have when they come together. This book absolutely flew by and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Plus, the ending blew me away with a phenomenal plot twist!  Our Sister’s Keeper is an absolute must-read if you’re a horror fan like I am. A fantastic debut!