3.5 stars

I enjoyed this on audio and was very interested in where it was going. The change in POVs and the therapy session were so interesting. However, part way through I knew where the ending was going (even though it did go a bit off the rails).

Overall, a very enjoyable read. I've been loving reading all of Hepworth's books!

Huge thank sot NetGalley, St Martin's Press and MacMillan Audio for advance copies in exchange for an honest review.

Darling girls follows three sisters, both in their childhoods with an abusive foster parent, and as adults when they are pulled back to their hometown to be questioned in a murder. There is definitely a lot of really tough content in this book - so trigger warnings for child abuse and the death of an infant.

This was interesting and had me totally hooked for the first half, then I kinda figured out where the story was going. The last chapter had a twist that felt disingenuous, but it at least made the story more intriguing…?

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publishers for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

★★★★★
Sally Hepworth writes some of my favorite books, and it only took reading one of them for her to become one of my auto-read authors. Her ability to create distinctive characters while blending humor into sensitive subject matter is remarkable.

I was thrilled to get my hands on advanced copies of both the audiobook and eBook versions of "Darling Girls." I find it more relaxing and easier to retain information when I follow the digital copy while listening to the audiobook.

This novel has a few surprising plot twists, but the ending makes it phenomenal. I thought my jaw might hit the floor when I read the final page! The story follows three young girls-Jessica, Norah, and Alicia-who form a close bond while under the care of a manipulative foster mother. Despite or because of their difficult childhood, that bond carries through to adulthood. We hear from each girl between dual timelines and unique therapy sessions with an unknown woman.

Sally Hepworth is a cunningly gifted thriller writer!

Thanks to Macmillan Audio/St. Martin’s Press for providing copies of this book through NetGalley. As always, all opinions are my own and left voluntarily.

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A solid 3.5 for me!
Although there are some big topics that may be triggering for some such as: child abuse, neglect, abuse of foster children and adoption but the big theme of this book is sisterhood. The three main characters have an unwavering bond that was built from despair and charged with their need to protect each other; from childhood to the present day. Each of the three girls are totally different in nature including their personal coping mechanisms. Their circumstances whoever different all placed them in the "care" of the same monster and together they helped each other survive. I feel what really shined in this book is the character development was spot on for me. The story flows beautifully between the past and present and it truly works with just enough backstory for everything to make sense. It was a definitely a quick easy read.

Thanks to NetGalley, St, Martin's Press and Sally Hepworth for the chance to read an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review,

loved, loved this book. Received this as an arc and glad that I ready it recently. Always enjoy reading one of Sally Hepworth's books and this is a stunner!

I absolutely loved this book and I devoured it within 24 hours. It is fast-paced, told from multiple female POVs, and has dual timelines. It's about a group of sisters who grew up in a foster home run by Miss Fairchild. Let me tell you her name does not match her personality.

I really connected with the sisters and the bond they had with each other. I felt their pain and their joy. Parts of this book actually made me laugh out loud, which is pretty rare. This book really draws you into the sisters and really pisses you off when something happens to them.

The ending of this book was perfect and that final chapter...woah. There are a few triggers so make sure you look them up before reading. This was an easy five stars and I look forward to reading more of Hepworth's books.

Read if you like:
​👩‍👧‍👧Sisterly Bonds
🔎 Mystery
​👓 Multiple POVs

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this eARC to review. All opinions are my own. This book will be available on April 23rd.

Oh my goodness!! I completely didn’t figure this out until they told me what happened… AND THEN… my mouth was on the ground for the ending! What a great read! This book had me from the first chapter and I finished it in one day. It also made me cry, which is rare for me!! It’s heartbreaking to read what some children go through.

This is my first Sally Hepworth novel and I can see why she's popular. She has a way of keeping you engaged, even throughout the horrible events taking place. I loved the sisterhood displayed and loved that it was emphasized that they were sisters despite not being related by blood. It was hard to read some of the abuse they endured, so please check trigger warnings!
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sally Hepworth has become one of my favorite thriller authors. Darling Girls had all the elements that I have come to love in the author's books. I sped through this book which included secrets, lies, family bonds, and a bit of humor. There were times I literally gasped, didn't see certain things coming, and didn't expect that ending!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy, and for letting me share my early thoughts on Darling Girls!

LOVED! Sally Hepworth can do no wrong!

I only wanted to pick this book up and finish it in less than a day because I was so invested in the story. I loved the multiple POVs and connected with the sisters. Some parts were hard to read, making me furious with Miss Fairchild and the other adults in this story. I thought the mini glimpses of the character (I don't want to spoil) talking to the doctor was brilliant! Overall, it is such a gripping story that you won't want to put it down.

The ending left me speechless. It is going down as one of my favorite books by Hepworth!

I recommend checking CWs if needed.

I was really intrigued with the storyline right from the get go. I thought I was about to deep dive into some super twisted, chaotic story. But it didn’t turn out to be as mind-gripping and page-turning as I anticipated. I did read this whole book in one sitting, so I may have a different opinion if I allowed myself more time to digest the plot.

That said, the book was well-written- (enough to keep me in one sitting!) and I will always deep dive into a SH book as her stories help me leave reality for a bit and look in on the crazies of others

I'll be happy to provide a detailed review once St-Martins Press addresses the boycott and fixes the issue.

I normally really like Sally Hepworth books, but I couldn’t finish this one. I think the description is slightly misleading and doesn’t prepare the reader for the level of child abuse included in the story. As a mother of a young child this is a very big trigger for me and I wouldn’t have requested this book if I had know this prior.

Dive into the riveting world of Jessica, Norah, and Alicia, foster sisters bound by love, secrets, and the specter of their enigmatic guardian, Miss Fairchild. Sally Hepworth weaves a spellbinding tale of suspense, love, and familial bonds that will keep you on the edge of your seat. As the plot unfolds, secrets unravel, and the bonds of sisterhood are tested, Hepworth keeps readers hooked with her skillful prose and expert pacing.

Darling Girls is a must-read for anyone craving a gripping tale of family, betrayal, and the enduring power of love. Mark your calendars for April 23rd, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with mystery, suspense, and the timeless bonds of family. Thank you @stmartinspress and @netgalley for the gifted galley!

This was addicting! I finished this book so fast!

I loved the characters, the story, and the writing! I think this is my new favorite Sally Hepworth book!

I really enjoyed reading from all the sisters POV of the current day and past. There was also a 4th POV that you slowly start to put together. I was so enthralled with the darling girls and their story. I was able to put some pieces together for the most part, but overall the very last chapter had me shook!

I would HIGHLY recommend!


Trigger warnings: Metal, Physical, and Sexual Abuse

This book was absolutely amazing. The way that the flashbacks unfolded the story so perfectly. The POV from Ms Fairchild, and the current day timeline. It was all absolutely perfect. One of the best thrillers Ive read in a long time becase that ending had my JAW ON THE FLOOR. Cannot recommend this book enough.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for ARC!
Pub day- 4/23/24

I really enjoyed two timelines in three different views. Ending was shocking! Too. I didn’t feel bored while reading this book. Just heartbreaking little 😭..

Overall I enjoyed this book. My second book of this author. Certainly won’t be the last!

Sally Hepworth’s books are always an auto read for me, and Darling Girls did not disappoint! I loved the sisterhood, and flashbacks between current day and the past. This book had so many twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. This story kept me guessing until the very end!

Unfortunately I had to DNF this book around the 28% mark due to child abuse in the story. I usually love Sally Hepworth's books so I was excited to read this one.

I loved this book! It kept me guessing after every chapter. I loved how the characters were complex and had their own story. It took me a minute to figure out who was talking to the psychiatrist and when I did, I wanted more! I loved not knowing who it was and the author did a great job at making several people look suspicious. Great job and I will recommend this book to others!!