The Good Sister

British author McAllister makes her U.S. debut with this riveting psychological thriller set in Brighton, England. Sisters Martha and Becky Blackwater have always been best friends. When work takes Martha to Greece and her husband, Scott, is going to be out of town on business, Becky agrees to look after their eight-week-old baby, Layla, who suffers from reflux and cries almost constantly. Lyla dies while under Becky’s care, an apparent victim of SIDS, but an investigation points to suffocation as the cause of death. When Becky is charged with murder, she claims innocence. The family torn asunder, Becky moves in with her parents while out on bail; Martha and Scott, both consumed by guilt, remain at home. The sisters don’t see each other for nine months, until the trial begins. During the trial, scrutiny of the sisters’ relationship leads to some startling revelations. Authentic courtroom scenes, intricate family dynamics, the conflicts of motherhood, and a shocking ending all add up to a winner. Agent: Clare Wallace, Darley Anderson (U.K.). (June)