Jack and her daughter Flo have just moved to a new rural parish. Although Jack expects difficulties being a female vicar what they do not expect is a haunted church. Burning headless and armless apparitions, vague occult symbology, handmade bizarre twig dolls and strange parishioners combine to make this book a gripping mystery. Jack's natural sass and spunk was a surprise. I expected her character to be dry and naive. What a welcome surprise she was. I absolutely loved everything about this novel, fantastic ending. I'll definitely be buying a hard copy.

I'll be posting this review on my Bookstagram @AprilsBookishLife for the next year as well as in the highlights section for 5 star books. Goodreads, Twitter, and Amazon (links below).

This was a well written book but I found it so unpleasant to read that I was unable (or unwilling) to finish it. There was so much torture, evil, bullying, etc. A dark, sad book. Perhaps these are not the best times for me when it comes to this kind of fiction. I'm sure others will enjoy it.

The Burning Girls was the spooky, murdery thriller I have been looking for. I feel like a lot of the thrillers I've read recently have been pretty tame so I needed a good ghost story to get me out of that rut. It wasn't overall shocking in that I definitely figured some things out in the story, but it was spooky and interesting. The characters were interesting and believable even with their flaws. As usual with a thriller, I'd recommend checking for any trigger warnings that you'd be concerned about as they often hit on many.

Thank you to Netgalley and Ballatine Books for the electronic advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Oooh! I loved this book. This was such a great mystery with SO many different layers. I was surprised by one of the twists, which doesn't happen to this avid reader anymore. A great read!

I've read and enjoyed Tudor's earlier novels, so I was quite excited to leap into her latest! Set in a small village, Chapel Croft, with a long history of violence, Reverend Jack Brooks and her daughter relocated their to fill-in after the sudden passing of the previous reverend. This timing works for Jack, too, allowing her to escape the tinge of scandal back home in Nottingham. The previous reverend's death is far from the only one in the village - missing persons, secrets and effigies of the martyred burned girls are everywhere in the town and it's not long before new and old mysteries come to light. With some creepy images, and plenty to keep the pages turning, this certainly is a fast-paced read. The characters - and the entire small town - really come to life. I had a hard time putting this down for any reason at all!

The plot's twists are laid out rather straightforwardly, so some readers will enjoy being proven right as they keep reading! I do wish that there had been a few more surprises, though I appreciated the rather tight finish with no dangling threads. I also expected the exorcism angle to be a larger focus based on the beginning... But it's an engaging read and one that I definitely enjoyed from start to finish! I am looking forward to seeing what Tudor will write next!

The Burning Girls is an another example that C. J. Tudor knows how to lure her readers into the story and keep them engaged till the last page. With a slow burning intensity and “edge of the seat” action, the author created a page-turner thriller with a mix of creepiness that will satisfy most horror loving readers.
If you love a whodunit suspenseful story with well-developed characters, and you are not afraid to dip your toes in a pool of spookiness, this book is a perfect fit for you.

Thank you NetGalley, Random House, and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you C.J. Tudor, NetGalley, and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read this book!

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!

C.J. Tudor is one of my auto-buy authors and she still hasn’t let me down! The Burning Girls is full of creepy twists and turns. Jack Brooks is a vicar and is transferred to Chapel Croft after an incident at her previous assignment. She is there to replace the previous vicar who committed suicide. Chapel Croft is a small village that is surrounded by mystery and history. Five hundred years ago, during the reign of Mary I, a group of protestants was burned at the stake, including two young girls. The locals can trace their ancestors back to the martyrs. Not only that, it is the village where two girls disappeared thirty years ago. Jack and her daughter, Flo are taking time to adjust to this village, one that seems to be scarred by the incidents of the past. But these incidents didn’t die in the past. Something is wrong with this community and Jack is going to find out what it is…

Triggers Warnings: gruesome murder, suicide, depression

There is a reason why C.J. Tudor is an auto-buy author. She is absolutely incredible at weaving detailed webs. This is a book where you definitely have to pay attention to every detail. There are multiple storylines that are somehow all linked. THE PLOT TWISTS ARE INSANE. I was not able to predict that ending. You think you know the characters? You do not know. I really loved Flo and Jack’s mother-daughter relationship. They have the typical teenage arguments, but they love and respect each other. Even though Jack is a vicar, she wants her daughter to discover who she is on her own and not force her into believing anything.

I love that this town is deeply intertwined in history. The people are traditional and have unusual ways of honoring the past.—but that is okay because I found it fascinating and eerie. I love that the concept that the people in power control how history is written. As someone who studied history in college, it is up to us to research what happened but we can only do that with the evidence that is left for us to find. I love how Jack is able to look at the facts and solve issues that date all the way back. There is also a lot of discussion of depression and suicide, so just be prepared for that. Jack is very understanding when it comes to mental health with her past (which is also steeped in mystery.)

The pace is perfect. I never felt like the story dragged or spouted useless information. Every detail is needed for that nail-biting ending! The last 25% of the book will most definitely keep you on your toes! This book releases today and trust me when I say that you will not want to miss out on it! 5 out of 5 stars!!

For centuries, Chapel Croft has been cursed with tragedy. It started in 1556 , when two Protestant girls were burned in front of their chapel. Those girls would forever be known as the Sussex Martyrs, their sacrifice celebrated for years.
Now, Vicar Jack Brooks has moved into town with her daughter, to fill the recently vacant roll in the chapel. No one talks about what happen to her predecessor, leaving Jack to figure things out on her own. What she discovers are ghosts that will haunt her forever.

This is my first C.J. Tudor book! All the buzz about Chalk Man, put her on my radar and when I saw this book on Netgalley I had to request it! I am so glad I did.
The Burning girls is a murder mystery as well a ghost story. Everyone has something to hide, which makes it very hard to figure out who could be behind all the murders. Throwing in the supernatural aspect makes the story extra creepy. I found myself frantically page turning to see what would happen next. The end twist really tied everything together and answered all questions.
Over all this was an excellent, nail biting thriller. I finished it in a day, and will definitely be reading all of C.J. Tudors past books.

I freaking loved this one. LOVED it. I’ve been in a major reading rut lately and this was the first book I’ve binged read, in basically one sitting, all month so C.J. Tudor, you are my new obsession.

Super Brief Synopsis:

A little bit of horror, a lot of thriller, and a whodunit murder, THE BURNING GIRLS is a creepy, atmospheric psychological thriller about a insular village with a dark past comprised of religious martyrs, missing girls, and exorcisms.

I haven’t read any of C.J. Tudors other books but I’ll be doing a deep dive soon. Most likely starting with CHALKMAN🤐.

This book was phenomenal. Just the perfect amount of horror to accompany its psychological counter part. Well done!

Just when you think an author couldn't get any better! C.J Tudor has done it again!!!!!

I LOVED this book. The story line is unique, a bit creepy and one you can't put down. The Burning Girls kept my on the edge of my seat, and I found that I had to put it down at night, so I could actually sleep and not have bad dreams. LOL What a great book!

This book is freaking on FIRE (see what I did there - tee hee)! Without gushing, it has just about everything I look for in ANY genre or type of book I love to read. Plus now I'm seeking out as much of Tudor's backlist as I can without emptying my bank account but I digress...

Seriously- when you start this, make sure you have the time to finish because you are going to gobble it up in one sitting. Tudor's writing is compelling and fast paced. Tudor is also highly skilled with character development and makes you care for them, even the ones you think maybe you shouldn't!

While I pretty much figured out one of the major plot points, I didn't so much the other. Either way, The Burning Girls is a chilling read with a smart satisfying resolution.

The Burning Girls by C.J. Tudor is a fabulous dark, twisted, stunning, suspenseful, invigorating murder mystery.

This is the first book that I have read by this author, and if all the books written are as great as this one, well I am a fan for life.

From the first snippet, I was sucked right into the vortex. There are so many layers of complexity to this book that it gave the mystery a life of its own. Throughout the book, the reader is given insight into a multitude of characters, their own thoughts, some past and some present. As the book continues forward, all of these amazing abstract pieces start coming together, creating a masterpiece indeed. It is almost like the more I read, the more I needed to know and read on. It was beyond addictive.

The pacing, plot, character cast and the aura that the author created were all a perfect storm. It was real, dark, sadistic, fascinating, almost ethereal at times, while suffocating and heavy at others. I loved the way the clues were laid out like crumbs left upon a trail. It all wound up into a pulsating, satisfying end.

I loved following along with Jack and her daughter Florence (Flo). These two women were excellent, kick-rear female protagonists, and I enjoyed everything from their imperfections, their excellent witty one-liners, sarcasm, banter, and unique blend of strength and slap your forehead bad decisions. It made for excellent reading.

I won’t give away any of the synopsis, as the reader can see this from the summary, and I could not bear to accidentally divulge any of this guilty pleasure.

If you love murder/mysteries with fiesty main characters, elements of darkness wichcraft and religion (some say they are one in the same in this novel), creepy small rural villages, and a great, complex plot, then you must, must read this.

Excellent!!!! 5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine/Random House for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, and Instagram accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication (and Instagram again).

I couldn't finish this book fast enough. This is my 3rd or 4th book by Tudor and I just devour everything she writes. The vibe of the book is so spooky and unnerving. It reminded me a lot of the setting from The Nun movie. The story was excellent, if not a little gut-wrenching at times. The characters are relatable all while terribly flawed. I can't say enough good things about this book or the author. This book is perfect for spooky/thrilling story lovers. I already can't wait for her next book.

#CJTudor does it again! #TheBurningGirls is the perfect spooky thriller, or as she called it in her recent interview with @crimebythebook, “chiller”. Although at first unexpected because I wasn’t sure how the religious aspect was going to play into it - this ended up being my favorite one of her novels! So creepy and shocking - you won’t be able to turn the pages quick enough! The characters in this small town built on lies and secrets are perfect and the twists never stop.

𝗔𝗻 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much for the #ARC! 🔥
@penguinrandomhouse
@randomhouse
@michaeljbooks
@cjtudorauthor

"Guilt is a little like grief. A cancer of the soul. They both hollow you out from the inside."

The rural community of Chapel Croft is a town haunted by its past. Five hundred years ago several Protestant martyrs, including young girls, were burned at the stake in a religious purge. Locals still commemorate that horrific history by constructing a monument to them and leaving twig dolls around town, gifts for the burning girls. The more recent history of the city is no less tragic. Around thirty years ago, two teenage girls disappeared without a trace. Yes, Chapel Croft is no stranger to misfortune. It is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else and all of their business. At the center of this community lies the church, a parish that has recently faced a tragedy of its own. After years of serving the town and living as part of the community, the town vicar has committed suicide.

Reverend Jack Brooks is no stranger to tragedy. In fact, it was a tragedy at her previous inner-city parish that prompted her reassignment to quiet Chapel Croft. Relocating herself and her teenage daughter Flo isn't easy, but she's hopeful that a new town will bring the opportunity for a fresh start. Right out of the gate, however, Jack is greeted by a foreboding welcome at the front door of the ramshackle cottage she will call home. As Jack and her daughter integrate into the town, they both begin to experience reminders of the town's torrid history, figurative and literal ghosts of the past. In the coming days, the pair will be forced to reckon with not only the history of their new home town but the personal secrets they harbor as well.

"But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops."-Luke 12:2-3

In The Burning Girls, C.J. Tudor deftly explores religion, parenthood, trauma, and grief, all packaged in the guise of a supernatural thriller. I've enjoyed each of her works since her debut novel The Chalk Man, so I was happy to accept a copy of this latest novel from her publisher. That first book has been my favorite of her three published works, but this newest easily surmounts that one to take the top place. There is a richness to the dialogue between mother and daughter, a sense of normalcy and reality that perfectly balances with the supernatural horror elements. The history of the town imbues the story with the depth of a real place. I couldn't help but keep reading. I just had to learn more about these characters and this place.

Tudor is no stranger to balancing multiple perspectives in her writing, and The Burning Girls sees her present the story through a mother, a daughter, and one other character whose identity and motivations remain a mystery for the majority of the book. With each viewpoint, we gain a clearer portrait of what has occurred in this town and where this story is headed. The three points converge in a way that both thrills and satisfies. The best novels capture your attention as you read, but also linger in your mind long after you finish the final page. The Burning Girls is that kind of novel. Whether you're looking for a thoughtful meditation on religion, a harrowing story of a mother and daughter learning to live and love each other, or a "can't put down" thriller that keeps you reading into all hours of the night, you'll find what you're looking for in this book. The Burning Girls is the best novel C.J. Tudor has written thus far and has me brimming with excitement for whatever tale she conjures up next.

Chapel croft has some dark history and some mysteries that remain in the past. The new vicar to the town is also someone running away from something but everyday in this town, she seems to be uncovering dead bodies or buried secrets of the people of this town. Her teenage daughter, Flo, also seems to be facing danger literally every day in her new boyfriend, Wrigley’s company.

It was a quick convoluted thriller with quite a few twisted subplots. There is an element of horror with the presence of mysterious visions of burning girls and exorcism. It is a very different thriller which would make a great movie for sure! There are some characters who truly are evil so obviously end up doing some really horrible crimes. The twist at the end was incredible as I did not see that coming at all! It did tie up things pretty good other than a better ending for the vicar’s brother.

I’ve read and enjoyed all of C.J. Tudor’s books. This was no exception. Jack is the new female reverend in a small English town where locals hold on tight to their legends and history. She’s also a single mother to a teenager daughter who would rather be anywhere else.

The characters in this book were interesting and the story had me guessing to the very end. C.J. Tudor writes engrossing stories that are always entertaining and enjoyable. I look forward to more books from her!

A little religion, a vicar, an out of the way English village and a whole lot of secrets. C.J Tudor’s latest novel has all of these and is bloody good.

Jack got in a little bit of a bind at her last church and was transferred to a small church in Sussex as the temporary vicar. Her and her daughter are finding out it is hard to fit in, in a small town when you’re an outsider.

Jack and her daughter Flo are such relatable characters. And they were surrounded by a great cast of characters that had depth. There was a complex story with martyrs that were burnt at the stake, some missing girls from 20ish years ago, Jack and Flo’s backstory and the odd things going on at the church. With that much going on, it could have become messy, but the story never did.

The book has you think about what makes you good or bad. If you’re a teacher or a priest are you automatically a good person? Or how many bad acts make you a bad person? The struggle is real in the book. Where do you draw the line?

I really like when a book can take a topic like religion and weave it into the book without making it a religious book. And I can’t forget to mention that Tudor is artful in the way she throws in a small detail that changes your perspective on a character or situation. You were going along enjoying the book and then you think, did I just read that?

The book is a slow burn, so if you’re looking for flash and action, you will be disappointed. Otherwise if you like suspense, mystery, thrillers, this is the book you want to read this winter.

It’s such an uncomfortable feeling, not enjoying a book you predicted was going to be a highly rated read. And unfortunately, that was my experience with The Burning Girls by C.J. Tudor.

Following a highly publicized scandal, Vicar Jack Brooks has been dispatched by the church to minister in the small countryside town of Chapel Croft. The town has it’s own illustrious past: 8 martyrs burned to death 500 years ago and 2 girls gone missing 30 years ago. It’s a past that seems to still haunt Chapel Croft and the church’s mysterious parishioners. Jack and her daughter, Flo, are now stuck trying navigate this town steeped in secrets and filled with residents who would much rather those secrets stay buried forever.

Upon reading the blurb for this book, I thought I was in for a twisty thriller. That’s not how I would describe this book. To me, it felt a lot more like a horror novel with some mystery elements. Thrillers, in my opinion, are usually fast-passed and engaging. When I reached the halfway mark and realized nothing much had happened aside from a mounting sense of dread, I finally understood that my expectations weren’t going to match the reality of this book.

That being said, I probably could have still enjoyed this read were it not for the final “twist.” That last reveal was so outlandish and borderline ridiculous that it completely pulled me out of the reading experience and, quite frankly, pissed me off. No matter what genre you’re reading, most fiction requires you to suspend your disbelief to some extent. But there’s a limit to that, and this book absolutely crossed over that line. Not only was it extremely unbelievable; it also felt really unnecessary. I don’t think the plot would have been too effected had that last twist not been included. It felt like it was thrown in for nothing more than shock value, which was just super annoying.

I had a few more minor issues, which are (admittedly) a bit nitpick-y. As someone raised in a small town and who’s family was religiously fanatical, I think some minor details about various parishioners and their lives felt a bit off. Additionally, I don’t think Jack’s motivations were ever made clear or understandable, as they seemed to constantly shift or change as more backstory is revealed. Also, Flo might be a teen, and teen’s make terrible, impulsive, illogical choices, but some of hers felt... well, excessively dumb.

I have one final concern I want to mention, but it does spoil some things, so I’m saving it until the end.

I hate to be such a negative Nancy, so I do want to include some positives. The atmosphere was phenomenal. It was definitely creepy and the author did a great job creating that mounting sense of dread. Though the pacing was slower, I did feel like it was an engrossing read and I felt compelled to keep going so I could get to the end and figure everything out. I also enjoyed the discussion of nature versus nurture that seemed a theme throughout the course of the book.

Which brings me to the last bit I wanted to talk about. SPOILERS AHEAD!!!! You’ve been warned.

<spoiler>I have some concerns in regards to content that seemed somewhat ableist. In the last fourth of the novel, it’s revealed that the antagonist is pretending to have Dystonia, a disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions. His reason for this deception is that “broken” children have a better chance in being adopted. Besides the fact that this thought process feels.... icky, I’m not sure that it’s actually based in fact. My job involves finding placements for intensive service foster homes in the US, which is obviously not the same as adoption in the UK. But finding foster homes for children with special needs (especially more severe needs) is more difficult than finding homes for children without special needs. Again, this could be different with adoption and being set in the UK. Still, this whole plot line of faking a disorder felt very explorative and made me pretty uncomfortable. </spoiler>

Thank you to NetGalley for sending this novel in exchange for an honest review!

This is my first time reading something by CJ Tudor and it will definitely not be my last! This book had so many twists and turns that as a reader I did not see coming, especially the end!

First of all, the title in itself, it terrifying. Especially when you find out who or what the burning girls are. This book has multiple POVs and you aren’t quite sure who one of them is and how it pertains to the story until about halfway through and even then that’s not the whole twist.

Overall, I loved this thriller and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fast paced, although somewhat dark and graphic read


Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.