Orphan Black is one of my all-time favorite shows, so as soon as I read the summary and comp titles, I knew I had to request this book and was thrilled to be approved.

Josephine Morrow is Girl One, the first of a set of nine miracle babies born through a complicated genetic process that removes male DNA from conception. Her entire identity is wrapped up in this experiment, and she's determined to make it her life's work, until she learns that her mother has gone missing. Returning home proves to be more challenging than she anticipated, however, and what follows is a journey to not only find her mother, but the truth about herself and the other Homestead girls.

I really liked this book.

To start, Josephine is a wonderful protagonist. I enjoyed seeing her progression as she ventures further into her past, putting pieces together in a way that encourages her to reflect internally. These were my favorite moments, and while I won't give spoilers, I will say that her conflict really drives the course of the plot.

And speaking of plot: there is *a lot* going on here in the best possible way. Multiple backgrounds and settings, overlapping conflicts that span decades, ulterior motivations and a never-ending supply of questions. On top of that, you get some pretty smart commentary on boiler plate social topics like conception, autonomy, science versus religion, sexuality and gender roles, and I especially appreciated the focus on family. What defines a family? Are the relationships we forge on our own inferior to the ones we're obligated to have by blood? Or are they more meaningful because we choose to nurture them? So many times you see toxic family dynamics continue because of an implied sense of loyalty based on genetics, but we see Josephine navigating some pretty tricky situations to make up her own mind, and I loved that.

I had some issues with the way the investigative plot unfolds, and I thought some motivations could've been simplified to make it work cleaner. Some of the twists felt predictable, but others were structured and executed nicely, so I think many readers will be engrossed in the mystery.

Overall, Girl One is a smart, energetic thriller with supernatural twists and a fresh take on the dangers of ambition. I'd recommend to fans of Orphan Black, Firestarter, Black Mirror, or anyone who's looking for an insightful thriller-sci-fi blend with heart.

Huge thanks to Farrar, Straus, and Giroux and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for honest review consideration.

Girl One by Sara Flannery Murphy is a superb read with well-defined characters and plotline. Definitely a page turner and well worth a read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

Wow a lot happened in Girl One. Josie Morrow is Girl One, one of nine girls conceived without male DNA on a commune called the Homestead. When the Homestead burns down, all the mothers and daughters scatter throughout the country.

Taking place in 1994, Josie is now a 23 year old medical student trying to replicate the science that created her and her sisters. She learns that her mother is missing in mysterious circumstances and sets off on a cross country road trip visiting the other women from the Homestead. As Josie meets up with her fellow miracle babies, she learns a lot of truths along the way.

I don’t want to say too much and give things away. Lots of twists and turns. Fantastic unique story line that covers so much yet it all ties together and builds a great novel. You really come to like the main characters. While this is a girl power/empowerment book, every male character seems to show only a dark side.

I highly recommend this engaging and interesting book.

This is a super book, a thoughtful meditation on technology and the media and identity and the power of women's friendships and support for one another. Josephine and her sisters and an unlikely ally set out on an emotionally difficult and physically dangerous quest to locate Josephine's mother; this turns into a mystery involving deception and the twisting of the truth and some very long car rides and a lovely romance. Given the issues of reproduction, sexuality, and gender roles and power that are the heart of the book, I think this will be a great choice for book clubs and literature classes.

Josephine Morrow’s mother is missing and clues to her disappearance are scattered due to fire at her home. Their relationship is not normal though for Josephine doesn’t have a father, at least not a biological one. She was the first of nine babies that were a genetic experiment designed to emphasize female dominance. Mystery, violence and murder surround the search impacting many lives.

Sara Flannery Murphy develops the story with supernatural manifestations being unexpected and delightful.
Recommended for science fiction enthusiasts.

I look forward to reading more from this author.

#GirlOne #NetGalley

Thank you NetGalley for providing me the opportunity to review and provide feedback on “Girl One”.

Girl One is fine reading, complete with twists and turns. The loved the pulsing nature of the prose, and would recommend this author’s work. Gripping and well-developed.

A well-written thriller with a feminist Frankenstein twist. The story is stronger when it leans on the Girls and their past rather than the present-day thriller tropes, but both parts work well as a whole. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.

Josephine Morrow is Girl One, the first of nine “Miracle Babies” conceived without male DNA, raised on an experimental commune known as the Homestead. Years later, her mother goes missing, and she sets off on a quest to find her mother, and answers.

I read this book in one feverish sitting. Perfectly paced, this book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. It's a thriller, fantasy, and mystery rolled into one, and Murphy truly takes us on a wild ride. I absolutely loved this book. The writing, plot, pace - all fantastic. I cannot wait for this book to be out.