This story sucked me in from the beginning. Three foster women, who call themselves sisters, are heading back to their foster home where bones have been found. The story goes back and forth from when there were in the home and present time. The ending left me disappointed though. I did get the answers but still felt flat somehow.

I always love novels by Sally Hepworth, they are truly so addicting, she has not disappointed me yet! When I saw this new release pop up as an arc I just had to try to request it. Lucky me, I was approved for a free arc of both the book and the audio version, in exchange for my honest opinions.

The story follows three sisters who grew up in a foster home together. A true well-disguised house of horrors, these girls bonded over the abuse they endured over the years there. Yet now, as adults, they were contacted by police who need to talk. A body was found under the house they grew up in and the police are looking for answers. Panicked with anxiety about going back to that town, they agree to handle it together.... but are they considered witnesses, or suspects?

The story is told in two timelines past & present and in multiple points of view. We get a look at their childhood through stories told to a psychologist, and we get a look at their current lives. The characters were explained so well and I fell in love with them all. I was able to feel the anger towards their foster mother as well. It was very intense as their stories unfolded. We learn a lot about the individual characters that they don't even know about each other right away. I loved the way the information unfolded.

Hepworth is brilliant and crafts these edge of your seat thrillers again and again. The twists are placed to keep the story going until it really starts to pick up at the end. This author is an automatic buy for me every time.

Huge thanks to the publishers & Netgalley for the book!
I would also love to recommend the audio book, as it was told exquisitely. The narrator was phenomenal.

This was my first Sally Hepworth nov. it was really enjoyable. It’s very binge-able which I look for in a thriller. I liked the dual now and then timeline. The pacing and twists kept things interesting. I did guess the twist at the end but that didn’t take away from my reading experience. I was second guessing myself until the last chapter! I would definitely recommend!

Foster kids with a story no one believes. Now, a body found under a house brings them back to finally, maybe, get resolution for the abuse they lived through.

This books starts strong. The first chapter hooked me and I couldn't wait to read more. There are a few POV and I didn't love all of them. The girls are a bit prickly, really only finding safety in each other, because they spent a few years together in an abusive foster home, and they stuck together ever since. The mystery was solid and I loved trying to figure out what it all meant and what I thought happened. There were so many twists and reveals, it kept me flipping the pages and curious what the next reveal would be.

Even though I did appreciate all the conclusions at the end, I found the last chapter so disappointing.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Great book! I was hooked from the beginning. I loved the slow burn thriller and finding out how the stories and characters were connected. And that ending! I was shocked!

I love Sally Hepworth domestic thrillers. Her pacing and writing style always deliver a page turning, keep you guessing, good time. Darling Girls was an engaging read from start to finish- sisters, secrets, and suspense.

When I say I GASPED….

Read this book if you like:
👯‍♀️ Found Family
🔍 Mysteries
#️⃣ Multiple POV
⏳ past and present timelines
🤯 Shocking Reveals

This book was soooo incredibly bingeable and was soooo well written and with the changing POV’s it kept me thoroughly entertained!

This felt different, in a good way, from Sally’s prior stories I’ve read and like her others, this was full of mystery, suspense, and questioning everything especially with the bouncing between POVs.

I truly loved the found family aspect between the girls and their fierce devotion to each other which, with a foster parent like they had, no clue why they were so bonded.

I loved reading and wondering what was coming next, because man, did the foster mom serve suspicion and doubt!

I don’t want to say much more, but dang… Buckle up for a bingeable mystery!

Thank you so much to the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for my review!

I remember seeing this ARC come available months and months ago on NetGalley and squealing! I had so much fun reading The Soulmate last year and really looked forward to Darling Girls. Let’s get into it-

In Darling Girls, we follow three FMCs, former foster sisters who’ve adopted each other into their adult families. They all are having a hard time with their personal lives when they are called back to the small town where they lived in a foster home together when a body is found on the premises. Told partially in the present timeline and partially in flashbacks to their time together in their foster home, the truth behind their childhood home comes to light as everyone works toward solving the mystery- whose body is buried at the home, and who buried them?

Like Hepworth’s previous books, I enjoyed this one! There were a few twists throughout that were entertaining to puzzle out. One part I really liked was the sisters’ support and devotion to each other despite the outside pressure on them to turn on each other! That said, a few of the reveals made the disbelief suspension strain too hard, particularly one right at the 50% mark. It just made a big part of the previous story completely unbelievable! Aside from that plot issue, I did feel fatigued by the lack of character development throughout most of the book. While most of the characters had turned their issues around by the ending, they were all their own worst enemies for the vast majority of the book and it got repetitive along the way. Lastly for criticism, some parts of this book are meant to justify the antagonist’s monstrous behavior. Though this is clarified at the end of the story, it was still hard to stomach.

Overall I liked this book and recommend it to readers who have read and liked Hepworth’s previous books. Though this will not be a top-rated mystery for the year for me, I will continue reading more books from Hepworth in the future!

hat a wild ride! 😱
Thank you, St Martins Press, for the gifted copy of Darling Girls {partner}

Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 4.23.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5

“Every human being needs someone… one person that’s in your corner. One person who’s yours.”

Honestly, I have not always loved Sally Hepworth’s books - they’ve always almost been what I was looking for but never left me overflowing with praise. I was usually left feeling like she had the potential for a great novel, but it was missing something. So, I was unsure about reading her newest book, Darling Girls.

But, y’all this was THE book. Hepworth left me wholly floored, and I felt like she was a whole new writer. Darling Girls is my new favorite. It was a roller coaster ride of twists that had me eagerly flipping the pages on my kindle, all the way to that super satisfying ending. And that ending? WOW. I was blown away by how Hepworth wrote this book and absolutely can’t wait to see what she writes next.

🗣️ Three POVs
👏🏼 Perfect pacing
🤯 That last chapter
🤩 Addicting

I recommend reading Darling Girls if you’re in the mood for a dark mystery!


______
#DarlingGirls #SallyHepworth #stmartinspress

I have always enjoyed Sally Hepworth's books and this one was no exception!

The story was told in such a way that twists and turns developed over time with a series of surprises versus one big twist at the end. I enjoyed the pacing as well as the different narrators throughout. Some of the twists I saw coming but others most caught me off guard.

If you are a fan of suspense and family drama this is a great read for you.

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

I loved this new book by Sally Hepworth! I have enjoyed all of the books I've read by this author, and this one was no exception. I was a little nervous about how the foster care aspect of this book would be handled, as a social worker who used to work in that field. Sadly, there are people who get into fostering for the wrong reasons. The compelling part of this book was the connection the three girls had. I really enjoyed reading how their bond grew as they were each placed into the home and supported each other. I really liked the mystery part of this book and I definitely felt like there was some twists I wasn't expecting (obviously the best kind)! I will continue to read books by Sally Hepworth and will definitely recommend this one!

WOW... Just WOW! This is Ms Hepworth's best book yet and she writes wonderful books. This one will blow your mind. A MUST READ for thriller lovers.

We start out in a Psychiatrist's office. Someone is telling him about things that happened in their life. Throughout this story you hear more and more about this sad life. About the abuse she endured. About the horrendous things that were done to her.

There are three girls, Jessica, Norah(with a H), and Alicia. These girls are sisters. Not by blood but by life. By their lives as foster children. They were all living with Miss Fairchild. Jessica from the age of four. Norah and Alicia were a little older. Teens/preteens. Miss Fairchild was so good to Jessica until she wasn't. She could be the meanest most cruel person ever. If she found out your deepest fears. Your deepest joys. Anything that she could use against you she delighted in. She would love you dearly until she didn't....

You meet Jessica, Norah, and Alicia as adults. They are called back to the place they had lived. To the town where they had been living and fostered twenty-five years ago. There is a dead body buried under the home they lived in. Bones of a baby girl.

This book will keep you turning pages. Keep you on edge and in tears. What these girls went through is horrible. How they managed to grow up and be somewhat successful is amazing. After all they endured they have to go back to face something more. Something that may do them in. May be the most painful thing yet...

This book keeps you guess all the way. I figured out who was talking to the psychiatrist but that is about all. I came close with who the bones belonged too. But there are so many twists and turns that I was left gasping after the last word. After I finished this book. It's one that you won't forget soon. How Ms Hepworth can outdo this one will be something else indeed. This book is brilliantly written. Told in a way as to keep you turning the pages. You won't want it to end until every question is answered. You will get all of that and more.

Thank you #NetGalley, #SallyHepworth, #StMartinsPress, for this ARC. This is my own true thoughts about this wonderful book.

Five huge stars and the highest recommendation. You don't want to pass this one up.

This is my first novel by Sally Hepworth and will not be my last! This book grabbed me from the beginning and I was unable to put it down, not to mention the last chapter had my jaw on the ground. This is story is told from multiple points of view and has chapters in the past and present.

This story follows three girls who grew up in foster care together and the bond they formed trying to survive during their time with Miss Fairchild. When a body is found under the home they shared as children, they return to town as witnesses but also potential suspects.

Sally Hepworth's "Darling Girls" takes readers on a journey through the complexities of female friendship and the lasting impact of shared secrets. Set against an idyllic farming estate, the novel follows the lives of three childhood friends, whose bond is tested when a dark secret from their past resurfaces.

The strength of the novel lies in its exploration of the complexities of female friendship. Hepworth captures the nuances of the relationships between Jessica, Norah, and Alicia, portraying the highs and lows of their bond with authenticity and empathy. Each character is flawed yet relatable, grappling with their own insecurities and desires, and their interactions drive much of the novel's emotional resonance.

However, despite the compelling character dynamics, "Darling Girls" ultimately suffers from pacing issues. The alternating timelines between past and present can feel disjointed at times, interrupting the flow of the story and detracting from the overall narrative momentum. Additionally, the resolution of the central mystery feels rushed and lacks the emotional impact that one would expect from such a climactic moment.

That being said, "Darling Girls" still offers an engaging and thought-provoking read. Hepworth's portrayal of life is vivid and immersive, and her exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and forgiveness will resonate with readers. While it may not be groundbreaking, "Darling Girls" is a solid addition to the contemporary fiction genre, offering an entertaining blend of mystery, drama, and heartfelt emotion.

Darling Girls is the latest psychological mystery by Sally Hepworth that keeps the reader turning the pages.

The author’s previous book, The Soulmate, was a five-star read for me so I was very excited that St. Martin’s Press gave me an Advance Reader Copy of Sally’s most recent book.

This book publishes on April 23, 2024.

Darling Girls is told from different perspectives: Jessica, Norah and Alicia are all bonded together through sisterhood. These girls all had traumatic upbringings and were raised by their foster mother, Miss Fairchild. However, Miss Fairchild is a bit of an evil stepmother. She has strict rules that cause the girls to try to escape. One day, many years later, the girls hear about a body being discovered under Miss Fairchild’s home. This causes them to be the subject of the investigation and brings up many memories of the past.

The book alternates between the past and the present and the perspectives of the different girls along with the mysterious voice of someone at a therapy session. Although I did not find this confusing, I tend to enjoy books with fewer character perspectives/flashing back and forth.

The author did a great job executing the ending of the story and did an excellent job building anticipation. However, some of the parts with Mrs. Fairchild made me uncomfortable at times so I would make sure that you check the trigger warnings (such as child abuse). Additionally, some of these parts tended to slow down my reading and made this a four-star book for me instead of a five star book.

I do love this author and will continue to read anything that she puts out into the world. She has a way of crafting a suspenseful environment that keeps the reader guessing.

Thank you again to the publisher, St. Martin's Press, NetGalley and the author, Sally Hepworth, for gifting me this early copy of the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for an eArc copy of Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth.

Sally Hepworth is always guaranteed to pull me out of a reading slump, and I was in deep! I'm reading a lot of reviews that are upset for multiple reasons - depiction of child abuse, and how it didn't feel like other SH titles. The child abuse depicted in the story is not descriptive or in it just for the shock value, it adds value to the story, but everyone will have their own triggers, so be aware of that trigger warning.

The story is centred around three foster sisters who are called to return to their hometown when human bones are found under their foster house of horrors, as they participate in the investigation we visit multiple timelines that show us how these three became sisters through shared trauma.

I was hooked from the first chapter and finished the book in under two days, which is always a sign of an engaging read. A fast-paced read, with an unguessable ending, likable characters, and characters you will hate with a passion. I never skip a Sally Hepworth, but I think this is my favourite of hers so far.
WTG on being a Book of the Month Pick for April 2024!

What a phone call to receive.

Jessica, Norah, and Alicia all received a call from a detective asking that they meet at their childhood home to discuss a discovery of bones under it.

Their childhood home was a foster home they lived in under the "loving" care of Miss Fairchild. In actuality, she wasn't loving. She was a task master and abusive.

We found out from each character in alternating chapters what went on at that house, and we then move to present day.

Miss Hepworth keeps you intrigued with the intense happenings from their childhood under the care of Miss Fairchild.

Present day was intense too as you will try as I did to figure out whose bones they were and what Miss Fairchild was planning to do them now when she showed up for questioning by the police about the finding.

Will you figure out whose bones they are?

Surprise after surprise - twist after twist - with the ending one being the best.

You won’t want to put the book down even though the chapters about their time in foster care are unsettling and upsetting.

This is Ms. Hepworth's best yet. 5/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

In the book Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth we meet Jessica Alicia and Norah with an H three foster kids that come to live with Miss Fairchild at her home Wild Meadows for different reasons but all victims of her narcissism. They’re all grown and have different levels of success Jessica has a million dollars business Alicia is a caring loving social worker in Nora is a caring dog owner with slight anger issues. They put their life in Port Arthur behind them or at least they thought they did until the day they get a call from Detectives saying a small child’s body was found under the house. They all travel back to their childhood of horrible memories but are still not prepared for the secrets lies and coverups they were told involved in and will ultimately be responsible and putting an end to it. There is a humongous twist at the very tail end of this book that may not blow most peoples minds but OMG if it didn’t blow mine. I listen to the audible book with Jessica Clark narrating and she did a superb job I love books by Sally Hepworth and do believe this one is my favorite although this book covers a lot of emotional and psychological abuse the most acute child abuse is talked about in passing and isn’t really focused on I found this book humorous serious thrilling and well put together I absolutely loved it! I had the Kindle book as well and started reading it there but once I started the audiobook there was no question how I was going to finish I just want to reiterate what a great job the narrator did. I want to thank McMillan publishing and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

This was my first book by Sally Hepworth and what I loved about this book is that I feel like it was quietly sinister. Throughout a majority of the book, I felt like I was just waiting for the big bombshell to drop. Obviously, you find out in the book description that there is an unidentified body found under the foster home but as the book develops, the mystery grows and grows.

Miss Fairchild is the perfect evil character. Before you start the book, you know that she is going to be evil. But, she tries to throw you off by seeming to be the most idyllic foster mother to Jessica. Think Miss Honey in Mathilda. And then she is very much not Miss Honey like.

The bond between the sisters was my favorite part of this story. They were brought together by terrible situations and continued to fight for each other against everything that got in their way.

This story, to me, was less of a thriller than I thought it would be. There was a mystery, for sure, but I didn't gasp when the resolution came around.

Overall, a really good story. I would recommend this to mystery-lovers.

This book quickly sucked me in with its unique plot, multiple POVs, and suspenseful nature. This was my first Sally Hepworth read and it did not disappoint!!

The story alternates between four perspectives (Jessica, Alicia, Norah, and Miss Fairchild). It flashes back to the past, detailing Jessica, Alicia, and Norah’s time as foster children under the “care” of Miss Fairchild. It does a good job at discussing the psychological turmoil of abuse, the power of manipulation, and complicated relationships.

For the most part, it held my attention, but I did find parts of the story to feel a bit repetitive. Overall, a unique read! I look forward to checking out other works by this author.

Huge thank you to Sally Hepworth, St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC! All opinions are my own.