This was a great read! And ooohhh, that prologue sucked me right in! I liked the true crime podcast vibe. It was a longer book, but it didn't feel like it at all. It flew by and kept me invested the entire time. The ending totally caught me by surprise. I thought I had it all figured out, but I wasn't even close, and I loved that I was wrong. I do wish some more time had been spent on a few things giving me more answers or a better explanation. I'm excited to read book 2 to see what new adventures await Eva and Maggie. Definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC.

“The Summer Circle” by Marissa Finch is a gripping thriller that delves into the harrowing journey of Maggie Shiner, a woman who survived a traumatic abduction and torture six years prior. The novel opens with Maggie living a secluded life on a rural homestead, her only companions being her beloved chickens. Her past trauma remains unacknowledged by those who dismissed her as a troubled teenager, leaving her wounds unhealed and her story untold.

The narrative takes a turn when journalist Eva Kurtz arrives at Maggie’s doorstep with a chilling proposition: an interview for a true crime podcast about a potential serial abductor. Eva not only believes Maggie’s account but also suspects that the same abductor is linked to the disappearances of eleven other young women. Initially resistant, Maggie is drawn into the investigation when another girl goes missing, compelling her to confront her past.

The author masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and emotional depth, exploring the evolving dynamics between Maggie and Eva. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they unravel a complex web of deception and danger that stretches into the darkest corners of Maggie’s own history. The author’s portrayal of Maggie is nuanced and sympathetic, capturing the essence of a survivor grappling with the aftermath of her ordeal. Eva’s character serves as a catalyst for Maggie’s transformation, challenging her to face her fears and seek redemption.

“The Summer Circle” is not just a thriller; it’s a story about resilience, the power of belief, and the quest for closure. It’s a compelling read that combines the thrill of a mystery with the depth of a character-driven drama.

This book was amazing! I would have given it 5 stars, but it reminded me a lot like A Good Girls Guide to Murder, but with adults. I loved Maggie and Eva. I was in shock that Maggie’s dad ended up being the on who raped her. I can’t even imagine. This book could be triggering for some people. I loved the dog and the chickens haha. Overall, I thought that it’s as a really good read and that everyone should read it! Thanks again to NetGalley for the advanced copy!!

This grabbed me from the very first page and didn’t let go until the last page! So pleased to see there will be a sequel released this year. I cannot wait.

I enjoyed this book by this author! I will check her out more, this was well written and gripping with good twists.

This book was SO good. A very unique mystery. What happened to ? why didn't anybody believe she was abducted? So many twists and turns in this book. Look forward to the next in the series!!

WOW! What a thriller that keeps you guessing and when it’s finished you still didn’t see it coming.

Marissa Finch has written a superb mystery centered around the abduction of a young girl whose story will not be believed. With no support she soon spirals downward turning to
drugs and alcohol eventually landing on her aunt’s doorstep. Her saving grace.

A stranger’s knock on her door ushers in more than the journalist who is chasing a story about missing girls. While she can’t seem to escape her horrible experience she begins to wonder if the journalist might be right and she is the only one who escaped from a sadistic killer. This begins a book that is hard to put down.

Thanks NetGalley for this advanced copy from an excellent writer.

I found this book quite slow and difficult to start with but once I got into it I found it a good read.

TW: sexual assault/rape

Ten years ago, Maggie Shiner went through hell: kidnapped after a night out at a bar, she was held prisoner, assaulted by a madman, and escaped by the skin of her teeth, only to return to a world that didn’t believe her. Her life spiraled out of control, before her aunt took her in and gave her a new name and life. She had put her past behind her until Eva Kurtz shows up at her door, saying she’s producing a true crime podcast: because not only does she believe Maggie, but she thinks as many as 11 other young women on the fringes of society have disappeared under similar circumstances over the years. And because they were “troubled girls,” no one is looking for them. Maggie doesn’t want to get involved until she realizes another girl has gone missing; and once again, no one is looking for her. Can they fine her in time to save her? And is there really a serial killer in the quiet farm community Maggie still calls home?

This book alternates between the POVs of Maggie and Eva.

What a book. It feels like you have whiplash after reading it because it takes you down so many different paths as you try to figure out what’s going on in this quiet community that just seems to be losing its girls left and right without a care. And that part is extremely frustrating throughout the book, let me tell you. The fact that a clearly traumatized Maggie is NEVER believed or even given a chance is enough to drive you up a wall. Especially as the evidence mounts up.

But the mystery is so good that you can’t look away. There’s a lot of leads, suspects, etc. The story really could, and does!, go anywhere. Trust me, you don’t want to miss the ending on this one, it’s so good and a jaw dropper. There’s no way I could have seen that coming. It’s incredibly original and well-done.

As the title suggests, this could be the first in a series, and I’m hoping it is. I would love to see more of these two together. They make a great team and I loved them individually as well. Will definitely be looking forward to more in this series!

I was shocked by the ending! The story kept me guessing until the very end which I love when reading thrillers. This is a great mystery! 10/10 highly recommend! Special Thank You to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This review will be posted on Goodreads on July 18, 2023.

This is my first book from this author but I will definitely be checking out more and I look forward to the next book in this series. I loved this book and I read it in 2 days. My favourite thing was watching the friendship between Maggie & Eva grow. They are both so strong and badass but they have troubled pasts making them more human. There are some great side characters as well and I have never been so stressed about the welfare of chickens. I kept thinking I knew what was going to happen but I was kept guessing until the very end. There are plenty of twists and turn to keep you hooked. Highly recommend, especially if you are a fan of true crime podcasts.

I received a copy of the ebook via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

The Summer Girls by Marissa Finch
Shiner & Kurtz #1

Can you imagine being nineteen and having something horrible happen, telling people what did happen, and not having anyone believe you? This is the experience of one of the main characters and the result was almost as lethal as her horrible experience could have been. When a podcast reporter shows up at her door, believes her story, and asks her for help…the story becomes a whole lot more than a bit of research for a podcast as it heads into actively looking for a possible serial killer.

What I liked:
* Coming into a series on the first book of a new series by a new-to-me author
* Maggie Shiner AKA Rosalie DeCatur: mother died at birth, raised by her alcoholic father, had a difficult home life, dabbled with drugs and alcohol falling into addiction, had a horrific experience, stayed with her great aunt who did believe her story and offered her a safe place to land, survivor, intriguing
* Eva Kurtz: podcast presenter of unsolved true crimes she would like to see solved, investigator, in a relationship with Lars, has a possible addiction to alcohol, tenacious, good with people, quick on her feet, has her own backstory with a few demons of her own
* Lars Jensen: sober, intelligent, cares for Eva, good editor, caring, kind, puts work and safety before finding killers, seems a good guy
* Maggies homestead companions: Fischer/the bloodhound mix who barks at cars and the four hens – Clarice, Angel, Nan & Alma
* The research, progress toward finding information, red herrings, twists, turns and ultimate solution
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* Finding out what really happened to the main character and other victims
* That the story was wrapped up with no loose ends by the end of the book

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the evil that is done to others and the aftermath it leaves behind for those who survive and the families of those who are instead bereaved.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read the next book in the series? I think so

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley CoOp for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

Starts off with a bang and grabs your attention. Definitely a page turner and a narrator you can relate to. Uses new tech as far as podcasts about true crime, which are all the rage.

I love a good thriller and this definitely fits the bill.

This was my first Marissa Finch book and definitely not my last one! I really liked it and read it in two days. I was so invested in this story and really wanna know what happened. I also loved reading the friendship that developed between Maggie and Eva! Can’t wait for the second book in this series. If you look for a nice thriller/mystery book then is this one a good choice.

I really enjoyed this book! It's one that I didn't want to end.

The characters were great. They were fleshed out, flawed and still likeable. The story kept me engaged throughout, despite the chapters being longer than I prefer.

The writing flowed nicely. I will definitely look for book 2 and others by this author!

WOW! I really enjoyed reading this mystery/thriller.
It was a fast-paced thriller with great twists! I was not expecting the discovery Maggie made.
I love the relationship that Maggie and Eva develop throughout the story.
This was my first read by this author and definitely won't be my last. Thank you Netgalley for the copy of
The Summer Girls by Marissa Finch. Go read this book you won't regret!

I love Finch's books. This was no different. I was hooked immediately and couldn't put this down.

A girl is missing. She's one in a long string of many. Only one of them ever made it back. Except no one believed her. Now, she's this girl's only hope.

The plot is riveting, but what gripped me so unflinchingly were the two main characters. Two female powerhouses with opposing personalities and backstories. Summer was also a great alpha to get to know. These ladies were strong, determined, intelligent, resourceful, and despite all odds, courageous. Reading them was a treasure.

This was quite a long book, yet it never falls flat or lost my interest. I was captivated and searching for clues and answers to the conclusion. I wanted to see this sicko caught by these bold women and face justice so badly. And the snippet chapters of him torturing his victims really drove that home. This has the feel of a true crime doc, but delved even deeper. A must read for true crime lovers and psychological thriller and mystery readers.

I loved this! It was quite a light, easy read. A bit of a popcorn thriller of you will. I loved the main characters teaming up, their connection and bond was really nice to see growing. I also liked that they were portrayed as strong women and not victims making stupid decisions. If you look too hard then you will be left with questions about the kidnapper and the weird coincidences but who wants to be overanalysing every little detail?! Ots got twists and turns, a good pace and it kept me entertained for an afternoon! A really good book

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I love Marissa Finch's 'popcorn thrillers' like Liars Anonymous and Dirty Liar. This was different; definitely a more 'serious' novel. A little too slow for me.

First, thank you NetGalley and Marissa Finch for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this amazing book. What a well written, detailed story that sucks you into the lives of the characters. Nail biter that kept me guessing u til the end. Don’t miss out - this is a fantastic book!