"Darling Girls" by Sally Hepworth

 

For as long as they can remember, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia have been told how lucky they are. As young girls they were rescued from family tragedies and raised by a loving foster mother, Miss Fairchild, on an idyllic farming estate and given an elusive second chance at a happy family life.

But their childhood wasn’t the fairy tale everyone thinks it was. Miss Fairchild had rules. Miss Fairchild could be unpredictable. And Miss Fairchild was never, ever to be crossed. In a moment of desperation, the three broke away from Miss Fairchild and thought they were free. Even though they never saw her again, she was always somewhere in the shadows of their minds. When a body is discovered under the home they grew up in, the foster sisters find themselves thrust into the spotlight as key witnesses. Or are they prime suspects? ~taken from Goodreads 

Another masterful creation by author Sally Hepworth. She is so talented in creating atmospheric thrillers that suck you in and keep you guessing until the end. This newest novel was no different, though I will say it should come with trigger warnings of child abuse, so read at your own risk. 

The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Jessica, Norah and Alicia in both their past and present lives. We are let in on their journey as they travel back to their childhood home, where a body has been discovered under the house. Through glimpses back into their past, we learn they endured both psychological and physical abuse from their foster parent. We also get chapters of a mystery character- glimpses into the life of a girl, but it is not clear who the girl is. 

This novel is heart-wrenching and chilling. It shows just how deep the love between sisters can go, even when the sisters aren't blood related. It also tells of how a person's past can cut deep and shape the future no matter how hard they try to forget and run from it. 

"Darling Girls"  is set to be released here in the U.S. on April 23, 2024 so pre-order now because this is a 4 star must-read! 

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced ecopy to read and give my honest review. 

Happy Reading!