I wanted so badly to love this book and toward the end, part of me did. However, it was just too late.

This book isn't a thriller and it isn't really a mystery. There's a slow burn and a slow build to reveal some terrible things that happened to Rachel and the women on the island that one summer.

The novel alternates between the past and the present and I have to tell you, I'm not sure there's a protagonist I've ever disliked more than Rachel. We're not talking the "love to hate" kind of dislike either. Rachel was naive, selfish, and repeatedly made terrible decisions over and over again. Unfortunately, Rachel didn't seem to change much from her past and present self, which made her that much more intolerable.

Alistair was also bad news and from the jump I couldn't help but SCREAM RED FLAGS RED FLAGS!

The book picks up and gets more solacious around 60% in but at that point, I struggled to remain invested.

I listened to this novel on audio and the narrator was great. For the pacing, I was definitely glad I listened to this one as I think I would have had to put it down had I been reading it.

Overall, this was a unique and beautifully written book. I will absolutely check out more by Bishop but this one missed the mark slightly for me.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for the copy.

Intense and dark at at times. I found young Rachel more believable than adult Rachel though. Enjoyable read from a new author with great potential. Thank you publisher and netgalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

Sadly, I didn't care too much for this one. I wouldn't consider it a thriller as there was really no mystery or suspense in it. Rachel was an unlikable character in the fact that she treated her husband so badly, and she never seemed to mature past her teen years.

I did like the setting and description of the Greek island, and I thought the author did a good job of showing how easily young girls can be groomed by male predators.

Thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the gifted e-arc of this book.

2.5* rounded

For a debut novel, the author did some great work! This story hit on some heavy topics but overall, I enjoyed the dark themes of power, consent, and betrayal.

My biggest critique with this one was the pacing of the book. The beginning was definitely pretty slow... and I was mostly a fan of the past timeline vs present. For my personal taste, I would categorize this book more as a suspense/mystery novel than a true thriller. At one point, I also felt like the author was losing us in terms of sympathy for Rachel?

All in all, a solid debut with suspense and dark themes!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for my #gifted copy and the awesome PR Box!

(Ps- LOVE this cover!)

Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I have to be honest and say I did not enjoy this book. Maybe it was marketed wrong or maybe I didn't read the description correctly, but I was expecting a mystery/thriller with a plot twist. There was none of those. I think if I had gone in with a different perception of what the book was trying to present, it could have been better. I just felt like I was waiting for something crazy to happen and it didn't. I can acknowledge that this book deals with some heavy topics, but it should not be presented as a mystery. I had a hard time connecting or relating to Rachel, the female main character, so by the end of the book, I was ready for it to be over.

While I can see the potential in the author's writing, I have a hard time recommending this book to readers. I would love to give her next read another chance now knowing her writing style.

4.5 stars!

Oooof, this one packed a big punch. It touches upon so many different aspects that I love, like found family, coming of age, dual timeline, and power & corruption.

We follow Rachel in the present day, as well as 16 years previously when she lived on a small island in Greece for a summer. Her and a few other girls also on the island temporarily end up wrapped up in something really sketchy and end up WAY over their heads.

I’d recommend going into this one as blind as possible, but please check the trigger warnings!

I couldn’t finish this one. The older man’s relationship with a teen girl was just too creepy. The book set itself up to a mystery as to why she was still drawn to this man but I only got about 20% into it. I felt sad for the husband.

If you like your hot weather with a twist of suspense, this is one to check out.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for my eARC for review!
The Girls of Summer is the story of Rachel, told in alternating chapters of present-day, and when she was a young adult travelling in the Greek Islands.
Rachel does the typical summer vacation travel essentials - parties, beaches, making new friends. But when she opts to stay for a gap year and work in a local bar, a more sinister situation emerges.
A romance with the older Alastair turns into an obsession that resurfaces in her current day life in London, despite her marriage to Tom. And uncovers seedy secrets from that fateful vacation, and a girl that didn't make it home.
Author Katie Bishop's debut is an atmospheric novel with an unnerving undercurrent that hooked me right away. I can't wait for future books from her.
Recommended!
Released on June 6.

Rachel went to Greece for a fun summer trip before starting college, but ends up staying as she falls in love with the island and one of its residents. I wanted to like the story, but couldn’t find a character that was easily likable. It’s definitely touchy for rape victims and has an underage sex theme throughout as well. I think this one would be better if the character was older, would make it seem a lot less creepy. The underage point was distracting throughout the story.

Rachel and Alistair’s love affair on a remote, Greek island has consumed her since she was seventeen. But as Rachel becomes increasingly obsessed with reliving the events of long ago, dark and deeply suppressed secrets about her first love affair begin to rise to the surface.

This is a dark and twisty beach read for all the mystery thriller lovers out there. The writing is intoxicating and draws you in right away. The writing style is really lovely and atmospheric transporting you to Greece as Rachel revisits her past. It’s told in alternating timelines, past and present. I enjoyed the “past” chapters more. Overall, I’m not sure this was the best approach, I would be interested to see how two parts, with each timeline told consecutively would have looked like instead. It felt a bit disjointed to me at times.

Overall, really impressed with this one. Please note subject matter is disturbing with J Epstein vibes so approach with caution if assault/grooming/trafficking is a trigger for you.

Rachel spends a summer on a Greek island making new friends and living life before heading to university in the fall. The thing is the she decides to stay longer, based solely on falling for a man. The man is not always forthcoming with her but because of her age Rachel is easily swayed. As the story moves to modern day, she realizes that there was more than meets the eye happening on that island. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the copy. There are plenty of triggers in this book, so tread carefully.

"The Girls of Summer" by Katie Bishop takes readers on a nostalgic and heartwarming journey through friendship, self-discovery, and the magic of summertime. With its relatable characters and a compelling narrative, this book captures the essence of youthful adventures and the bonds that withstand the test of time.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its ability to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. Bishop's vivid descriptions of lazy summer days, carefree escapades, and the simple joys of childhood transport readers back to their own cherished memories. The author's attention to detail creates an immersive experience that effortlessly captures the essence of the season, making it easy to get lost in the story.

The characters in "The Girls of Summer" are endearing and relatable, each with their own unique personalities and personal struggles. Bishop skillfully develops their individual journeys of growth and resilience, allowing readers to become emotionally invested in their lives. The friendship between the girls is beautifully portrayed, filled with genuine camaraderie, laughter, and the bonds that only summer adventures can forge.

The narrative unfolds at a steady pace, effortlessly blending past and present. Bishop's storytelling draws readers in, as secrets from the past are slowly revealed, keeping the intrigue alive throughout. The alternating perspectives provide depth and insight into each character's motivations, allowing readers to connect with their joys, fears, and dreams.

The author's writing style is engaging and evocative, capturing the spirit of summer with eloquent prose. The dialogue feels authentic, capturing the essence of youthful conversations and adding depth to the characters' interactions. Bishop's ability to convey emotions and create atmospheric scenes adds richness to the overall reading experience.

While "The Girls of Summer" is a heartfelt and enjoyable read, it does have a few minor flaws. At times, the pacing feels uneven, with certain sections moving slower than others. Additionally, some readers may find certain plot twists predictable or familiar within the coming-of-age genre.

In conclusion, "The Girls of Summer" is a poignant and nostalgic tale that celebrates the power of friendship and the transformative nature of summer. Katie Bishop's ability to capture the essence of youthful joy and the bittersweetness of growing up makes this book a captivating read. Despite a few minor flaws, it is recommended for readers seeking a heartfelt story that transports them to the carefree days of summer and reminds them of the enduring power of friendship.

I wish I had known about the trigger warnings that are littered throughout this book. I had originally thought that this would be a summer mystery/thriller read but it turned out to be a devastating story about a woman, Rachel, being led on and used by an unsuspecting employer.

The first half of the book seemed repetitive and it took everything in me not to DNF. The chapters were so long that I kept losing focus and skimming through a chunk of the middle because I lost all interest.

I felt like the cliff hangers left readers wanting more but they weren’t explained until much later in the book, and even then, it felt dull. I felt no emotions while reading this book and I’m honestly glad that I finished it so that I can move onto a better book.

While the narration in The Girls of Summer: A Novel by Katie Bishop is absolutely top-notch, the execution of the story leaves a lot to be desired. I was expecting something way more fast-paced than this, not a breakneck thriller spread, but it shouldn't take half of the book for the reader to have any real idea of what is going on and what the mystery is. I need any thriller, mystery, or suspense novel I read to grab my attention in the first 20% of the book, and unfortunately, this one just didn't do that for me.

This book which does clearly state the triggers and the comparisons to My Dark Vanessa ish. The story was dark and compelling dealing with rape and trafficking.
This story was done well and started off very captivating and interesting. But the triggers were too strong. I had to dnf.
This will definitely resonate and be enjoyed by many.

The Girls of Summer is a haunting story. It's a dark tale of men manipulating young girls in Greece. The naive are lured easily into the glitz and glamour, and pay the ultimate price with their youth. The characters and story are intoxicating as I deciphered exactly what was happening, but the angst of "why" couldn't these girls figure it out kept me hooked!

Not gonna lie, this is an uncomfortable read. The exotic location, complex female friendships and first love grabs you from the beginning to the vengeful conclusion.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for the complimentary copy.

*
Summary: Rachel has been in love with Alistair for fifteen years. Even though she’s now married to someone else. Even though she was a teenager when they met. Even though he is twenty years older than her.

Rachel and Alistair’s summer love affair on a remote, sun-trapped Greek island has consumed her since she was seventeen, obliterating everything in its wake. But as Rachel becomes increasingly obsessed with reliving the events of so long ago, she reconnects with the other girls who were similarly drawn to life on the island, where the nights were long, the alcohol was free-flowing and everyone acted in ways they never would at home. And as she does so, dark and deeply suppressed secrets about her first love affair begin to rise to the surface, as well as the truth about her time working for an enigmatic and wealthy man, who controlled so much more than she could have ever realized.
*
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*
My thoughts: wow this one was a DOOZY 😬I loved it even though it was just so dark. It reminded me of my Dark Vanessa, but on a larger scale if that makes sense without spoiling it! I think it was just so deep and dark, there were times when I almost put it down but I’m so glad I didn’t. At times Rachel drove me crazy with how self destructive she was and how much she idolized Alistair but I just needed to remind myself that it was all part of the trauma she endured. Overall a fantastic read but really heavy on every trigger under the sun. This was such a hard book to give a rating to. Thank you @netgalley @stmartinspress for the advanced copy this came out earlier this month!
*

The Girls of Summer by Katie Bishop
Published: June 6, 2023
St. Martin’s Press
Pages: 314
Genre: Psychological Thriller
KKECReads Rating: 4/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Katie Bishop is a writer and journalist based in Birmingham, UK. She has written for The New York Times, The Guardian, Vogue, The Independent, and other publications. The Girls of Summer is her first novel.

“Not all secrets are good, after all.”

Rachel went on an adventure as a young adult that changed her life. What she experienced was cruel, though, to her young mind, she thought it was love. Now, the past comes crashing against her present, and this time, she sees everything.

This was told through alternating timelines, which painted the picture of this story uniquely. We get to know the characters, the plot, and the drama by bouncing between the then and the now.

Rachel was a complicated character. She was naive in so many ways, but she was also stubborn. Her journey was told in a way that allowed the reader to see things that her character didn’t, which was interesting.

The scenery descriptions in this book were beautiful. The island is such a vibrant character throughout this novel. The undertones of this book were powerful, and the way they were woven throughout the story was well done.

The writing was solid, the pacing balanced, and the storyline arched perfectly. This was not the typical thriller, but I enjoyed how this played out. As a debut novel, this was smooth.

Wow! I wasn’t expecting to resonate with this book at all. I felt for Rachel so much throughout the book but got so irritated at her as well for the lack of awareness of reality even into adulthood. What moved me the most was how the book shines light on the ease of which a person can manipulate and control others in unthinkable ways to get what they want out of a situation. I very much enjoyed this book.

This is sort of a hard book for me to rate. I personally wanted to read it because the idea of a summer spent in Greece sounds amazing to me. Unfortunately, for most the characters in this book, it was not amazing at all, but instead, rather tragic.

I don't know a lot about Jeffrey Epstein or his island, but many parts of this book had me thinking about Epstein and the life he led, and I suspect a lot of that is paralleled in this story.

If you are looking for a fun, light, beach read - this is not it. This story is dark and tackles issue like rape and trafficking.

White it's hard to imagine actually making the choices that Rachel did, I can understand the confusion, excitement, etc. that a 17 year old girl might feel when she goes to a Greek island with a friend and catches the attention of an older man. How that relationship progresses in Rachel's adult life is a little harder to understand. I understand the naivete of a teenager, it's just surprising that as an adult, she doesn't see how messed up her relationship with Alistair was.
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The story wasn't bad, but despite how dark and awful parts of it were, I struggled to feel any strong emotions while reading it. Even with how it wrapped up, I felt like I wanted more from it. There were also aspects of Rachel's story that felt really unlikely and unbelievable to me (towards the end), that it took away from the story for me. I don't want to explain the specifics here as I don't want to include any spoilers - but the story lost a little bit of believability to me towards the very end of the book.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the earc of this book in exchange for my honest review.