This is a really good tale of a privileged but dysfunctional family, living on a Scottish estate. The book focuses on women and the hardships they encountered in life. It's a psychological mystery, filled with twists, good characterisation and an interesting storyline. Told from two points of view, Megan and Carla's, both of whom I failed to like and overall, an enjoyable read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

With so many twists and turns, this mystery kept me on my toes. How far will a family go to hide it’s past? Which friends can be trusted? Whose interests are really at heart. This book started off with so many questions and as they were answered, more mysteries and buried secrets came to life.
At times, it was more of a psychological mystery - what is real and what is imagined? It was amazing to see what went on behind closed doors of a perfect family and at what lengths they would go through to appear perfect. With wealth and fame it becomes difficult to know who you can trust to protect you; and at what cost. A tragic and gripping story until the last page.

The Cursed Girls focuses on a wealthy Scottish family haunted by curse: many of those in their family succumb to ‘madness’ and many have died, or committed suicide. Many of the characters are women, and the first half of the book had some good gothic tones/tension, but that was lost for me as the story progressed.

I found many of the female characters weren’t explored well. There is a large presence of mental health, mental health issues, and specifically DID, or Dissociative Identity Disorder. From a psych perspective, I am so tired of seeing this as a trope in crime, this specific disorder, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed. Due to its recent and frequent appearance in many crimes, I immediately found myself losing some interest. I enjoyed the setting of the tale and I usually enjoy complex family history, but this one wasn’t for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canongate Books US for the ARC.

I was partially right, this book was not as good as the last I read, BUT it was good in its own right. I almost dropped it because the beginning was so boring and slow, but I read some other reviews and found others said this but that it does get better. So I continued on. While I can’t say I’m glad I did, I’m not upset my my decision to keep reading.

Overall the book was engaging and well written, except the beginning that is. I enjoyed the character development and the story from both Megan and Carla’s perspectives. The big reveal was a big reveal and not one I saw coming, though I actively try to not guess as I find it fun to be surprised.

The story wraps up nicely and doesn’t leave you questioning a lot of things, a few, but in a good way. Overall I would give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars. Great character development and a fun big reveal.

Special thanks to @netgalley and the publisher, Canongate, for early access to this ebook.

Megan hasn’t been back to her ancestral home in Scotland in years. The only reason she’s returning now is to be by the side of her dying sister, Melissa. Something terrible happened the night Melissa was married, something that has kept Megan away. Is it why their mother disappeared? Melissa’s last words are an apology, but for what? Megan will have to force herself to recall the memories of that long ago night if she is ever to find her answers. A brooding and atmospheric mystery

x for some reason this book is on my list twice?? My review is on the other book The Cursed Girls! Weird!

Fast paced roller that literally kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. Characters are realistic and the story draws you in quickly. I highly recommend this book.