Book Review: "Darling Girls" by Sally Hepworth

When I’m looking for a book to grab me from the start and keep me turning pages until I’m finished (no matter how late it gets), Sally Hepworth is definitely an author I can count on. Her books are always filled with tension, mystery, and domestic drama.

Jessica, Norah, and Alicia were raised together in a foster home, and now, as adults, they remain as close as ever. But while they were lucky to have each other while growing up, that was the only fortunate thing about their childhood.

The girls were raised on an estate called Wild Meadows by their foster mother, Miss Fairchild. While she opened her home to the girls one by one, it wasn’t done out of the goodness of her heart, but rather out of selfishness and a need for control. Miss Fairchild had strict rules and an unpredictable temper that manifested itself in many cruel and damaging ways.

The girls were able to get away from Miss Fairchild, but years later, each still bears the scars of growing up. And when a skeleton is found under the remains of Wild Meadows, the investigation summons them back to the town where their nightmares occurred. Whose body was found, and how did it get under the house? Could Jessica, Norah, or Alicia have been responsible?

This is definitely one of Hepworth’s darkest books, and the scenes of physical and emotional abuse may be triggering. And while I think this book is being marketed as a thriller, it’s definitely more of a combination of mystery and domestic drama.

I really loved Jessica, Norah, and Alicia’s characters, as well as the intense bond they shared. It definitely helped lighten the heaviness of the book’s subject matter.

Book Review: "The Soulmate" by. Sally Hepworth

Sally Hepworth's latest is a deliciously addictive and twisty domestic thriller. She delivers another fantastic read!

Gabe and Pippa have a beautiful home at the edge of a cliff. It’s a memorable view, popular with walkers and tourists—as well as those looking to end their lives, since it’s a sharp and dangerous drop to the water below.

A number of times, Gabe has been able to talk these people out of taking their lives. But one night, a woman appeared at the edge of the cliff and Gabe proceeded to talk to her as always. This time, however, the woman did jump, despite Gabe’s best efforts.

Both are devastated by this tragedy and try to shield their young daughters from it. So what if Gabe’s recounting of events doesn’t quite match what Pippa saw through the window? He was there and she may have been at the wrong angle.

But when Pippa discovers that Gabe knew the woman who jumped—and why she jumped—she starts to worry what else he’s been hiding from her. And she’s also worried about her own role in all of this.

As is often the case when I read Hepworth’s books, I was hooked from the very first page. I had lots of suspicions about how things might unfold, and for the most part, I was surprised. I really enjoyed this one!!⁣

The book will publish 4/4.

Book Review: "Locust Lane" by Stephen Amidon

Secrets and lies surface in a small town in this compelling story by Stephen Amidon.

When Eden Perry is found murdered, the incident sends shockwaves through the small town of Emerson, Massachusetts. These things don’t often happen in the wealthy part of town; in fact, she wasn’t even from Emerson, but had been living with a local couple as a caregiver.

A suspect is quickly identified and a case begins to take shape. But are things as clear-cut as they appear? It turns out that three teenagers were partying with Eden that night—Jack, the handsome, privileged son of a powerful family, who’s known for his manipulation; Christopher, a shy newcomer to Emerson, just hoping to fit in; and Hannah, Jack’s girlfriend, sweet but easily swayed.

All three teens were acting strangely the night Eden was murdered. It’s not long before stories change and accusations fly, and the parents of the teens try to manipulate the situation to protect their children. Will justice be served?

This is one of those twisty stories that happens far too often in real life. No one in this book is particularly likable, but I was hooked by the domestic drama.

Thanks to Celadon Books for the advance copy!