3.5/5

Hepworth has a talent for spinning a plot that is completely captivating. I found myself drawn in, especially by the three main characters—Jessica, Norah, and Alicia. I really enjoyed the format of "then" and "now" chapters.

The 'then' parts were my favorite. Seeing the characters when they were younger made their current struggles more emotional. Despite facing tough times, the friendship between Jessica, Norah, and Alicia stayed strong from their youth to adulthood.

I don't feel like the very ending twist was necessary though. There didn't seem to be much of a mystery here to me. Nothing really surprised me, so the last twist felt like it was just for shock-value. Despite the lack of a mystery, I couldn't put it down simply because of how interested I was in the plot.

I enjoyed reading Hepworth's note at the end where she discusses her research for the book. It added a special layer to the whole story. To be straightforward, deciding on a rating is hard. Despite the confusing twist at the end, the story was still really engaging. Overall, I enjoyed this and can't wait to see what's next from Hepworth.

3.5 stars rounded up.
I enjoyed this thriller, even though the subject matter of an abusive foster mother is quite disturbing. I'm a fan of Hepworth's writing and I loved the three sisters and trusted that Hepworth would craft a happy ending for them so I kept going. I wish the book had ended with those happy endings rather than the very disturbing last chapter about the foster mother though. Thank you to #netgalley and St.Martins Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I enjoyed this book. And especially the little twist at the end.

If you’re looking for an easy read with some suspense thrown in - look no further.

Sally Hepworth delivers another dark and twisty domestic thriller! Jessica, Alicia, and Norah are sisters in every sense of the word, except by blood. I raced through the pages of their lives, the author weaving the past and the present so intricately. It was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, and I didn't want it to end!

Thank you, Sally Hepworth, NetGalley, and the publisher for the ARC.

Sad story but a great thriller! It took me until almost the end to figure out who was talking to the doctor. Wonderfully written, even though I could do without Alicia’s story. I would read another by the author

Darling Girls, by Sally Hepworth, is a fast-paced thriller that keeps you engaged until the very end. Enjoy! Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for the ARC ebook I read to complete this review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Norah, Jessica, and Alicia, raised together by single guardian Miss Fairchild in foster care, share a sisterly bond despite not being biological siblings. The discovery of human remains under their former foster home prompts the trio to delve into their past. Alternating between past and present, the narrative provides diverse perspectives. Hepworth's signature shocking conclusion adds a gripping touch. Gratitude to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

This book keeps you on the hook until the very end. There are lag periods where you start to wonder if the big secret is worth pressing on, and it is. I enjoyed this book. I'm sure the topic could be triggering to some but it's somewhat enlightening. The very end still has me shook. I did not expect that

Oooo this was chilling. Content warning for child abuse… mostly implied rather than descriptive but still unsettling. The mother character reminded me of Mrs Coulter from “His Dark Materials” if that means anything to you.

I don’t want to say much more but I liked the multiple POV arc and it kept me guessing the whole way through.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the early copy!

This was such a great read! Three foster sisters POVs from current day and the past when they lived in a foster home. The first chapter we are told a body has been found under the foster house. For the first 60% I knew who the body belonged to. Nope. Not even close. Then I knew who it was after a few more clues, wrong again. I loved it and love all the novels this author writes! I will say I didn’t really care for any particular sister, they were truly flawed imperfect characters.

Darling Girls was a book that kept my attention wondering what was going on. Jessica, Alicia, and Norah were great characters to follow along with. I enjoyed how each one of them were different yet they bonded foster sisters brought together through Miss Fairchild. So many twists that you thought you knew what really happened only to be blown away by the end.
Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in return for my honest review.

I was enjoying this thriller right up until the end! It focuses on a group of foster sisters who grew up in the same abusive, dysfunctional home, and what happens when human remains are found underneath that home, pulling the sisters' past into the uncomfortable light.

The main characters were compelling and well-developed, each with a really distinct personality, and I felt like their stories were, for the most part, treated with a great deal of care and compassion. The plot was engaging and kept me turning the pages. What I did not like was the final twist; I’ll refrain from talking in-depth to avoid spoilers, but it felt rushed and somewhat unconvincing, and like it took away from some of that care and compassion which otherwise was present throughout.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the digital ARC copy!

What a wild ride! I read this while on an 8ish hour flight. Could not put it down! The short chapters and alternating viewpoints kept me engaged and wanting to know what was going to happen next. Some parts were hard to stomach, so reader beware, but overall would recommend!

the sisters were such fun characters and i loved the love they had for each other. i did feel like the story was mostly predictable and i had the main parts figured out pretty quickly, but it was still an enjoyable read.

Norah, Jessica, and Alicia grew up together in foster care with a single lady, Miss Fairchild. They are not biological sisters, but have a bond like they are.

Human remains, bones, are discovered under the house where they were fostered. This prompts the three girls to revisit their past.

The story alternates between the past and the present which gives the reader all the viewpoints of each character.

Once again, Hepworth delivers a shocking ending, just her style.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

IMO this is Sally Hepworths best work. Dark, twisty, cynical, this book has it all making it the perfect psychological thriller.

3 “sisters” return to their former foster home after the discovery of bones under the house. While being questioned by police we learn what really went on in the house and the horrors that went on with the girls so called mother Mrs. Fairchild.

This was really well written and I couldn’t put it down. Very binge-able! Physiological thriller with all the vibes and twists. I’m a big fan of Hepworth, but the subject matter was very difficult to read. Lots of child abuse, physical and psychological, children and babies. Pretty awful. Hard to recommend this one.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader copy of this book. Darling Girls is my favorite Hepworth book so far!! The evilness of Miss Fairchild and the innocence of the girls makes this story one of a kind. Just when you think you know how it ends, another page turned equals another twist of the plot. 5 stars

Darling Girls was a super fun psychological thriller with lots of twists! Holly Fairchild is a crazy foster mom with secrets which leads to twists. Alicia, Jessica and Norah (with an H) are in her foster care as children. They form sisterly bonds which nothing can break. As adults they all have trust issues which is no surprise. Bones of a small child are found under their foster home which brings the sisters back to the town they escaped. Who is this child? You must read to find out!

Easily one of my new favorite Sally Hepworth reads. I loved the multiple povs, dark themes and not knowing who I could trust. (Even at the very end!)