A new Sally Hepworth novel like no other! Darling Girls is the story of three foster sisters: Jessica, Norah, and Alicia. As young girls, they bonded over shared traumas and horrible experiences in their foster home, Wild Meadows. Now, as adults, the three women are forced to recall their tragic memories when the bones of a body are found under their former foster house. Whose bones are they? How did they get under the house? And most importantly… who put them there? Told in multiple points of view over a dual timeline, Darling Girls explores themes of family, love, and self-acceptance.

This book truly had me hooked from cover to cover. In the beginning, when you’re just getting to know the three girls, you learn their quirks and personality flaws that make them feel so real. None of the characters in this book are one-dimensional – they all have many layers to them, and it helped develop a delightful book. A criticism that I often have of mystery/suspense novels is that the ending feels very rushed, but I did not have that feeling with this book at all. The ending came about at the exact right speed to keep you enthralled but also make it very believable. The story was wrapped up just enough to answer all questions, but also leave you a little plot twist as a treat at the end.

This book was extremely well written, thoughtful, and exciting. As much as I enjoyed reading this book, I rated it 4 stars because I don’t think that it will be a book that “sticks with you.” It’s fun while you’re at it, but it does feel like something you’ll forget about soon after reading it. There wasn’t anything groundbreaking enough to keep it in your long-term memory. It’s something you’ll see in the store in six months, say “Oh, I enjoyed that book!” but not be able to recall how it ended or many of the major details.

I would recommend this book to all Sally Hepworth fans. It’s a little different than her other books, but I think I liked it best of all her books. I would also recommend this to readers who enjoy multiple POV, dual timelines, and sisterly bonding stories. There is a trigger warning for child abuse, however.

One can only imagine what it is like to grow up in foster care; that is one can only imagine if they've never had any experience with foster care. Sally Hepworth spins a horrific story you could only hope is fiction, but in the back of your mind, you know more than likely it has happened in real life.

Three young girls find themselves in the small town of Port Agatha in a house in the country with a women, who on the outside, appears to be a nice, loving motherly type. However, they soon learn how mentally manipulative she can really be. The three girls are not sisters by blood, but the atrocities they live through created a sisterly bond that carries they twenty-five years in the future. Then a call draws them back to their horrific childhood and discovered bones.

The inner workings of a demented mind is artistically painted in the pages of Darling Girls. It is quite frightening just how true these events could play out outside of the pages of the book. The reader feels sympathy for the children, and sometimes might be lead to sympathize with the villain...but who is the villain really? There are several twists you might not see coming.

Sally Hepworth is a master of mind bending suspense, and Darling Girls is another right up there with her best offerings. Don't wait, grab this book and lose yourself in this page turner.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

Darling Girls is a story that keeps you turning the pages until the end. The story follows three foster sisters, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia, in a dual timeline. One timeline is in the present and describes the challenges each woman faces. The other timeline takes place in the past when the three sisters were in Wild Meadows foster care home run by Miss Fairchild. During the present timeline, the sisters receive a phone call that unidentified bones have been discovered in their old foster care home. As the mystery of these bones unravels, the story of the girls’ abuse by Miss Fairchild is told. While I was invested in the story, the characters of the three sisters and their fierce loyalty to each other pulled me in. This is a perfect summer thriller.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for a free copy of this ebook in exchange for my honest review.

This is probably my fourth or fifth Sally Hepworth novel, and I can say with confidence that she is one of my favorites!

I love the way this story unfolds slowly, but is never slow. There is so much going on all the time, but we get it in bits and pieces.

The characters are all flawed, all real, and all so lovable! I found myself wishing I could have been their foster mom! 😭

This is a heartbreakingly sad story for so many of the characters. I found myself tearing up, cheering them on, and also cringing for/at them at times. So many emotions!

The end was not a surprise for me, but it sure did make me furious, anyway! In a good way. 😂

Note: I am absolutely and completely annoyed that this is labeled as a thriller. It is not a thriller at all. Mystery? Yes. Drama? Absolutely. But not even one aspect of this novel makes it a thriller.

First time reading this author, but thoroughly enjoyed the book! It was well written and the perspectives of each of the sisters was very realistic. Foster care is an unappreciated topic in most cases, but the reality of what takes place in the system cannot be denied.

Highly recommend Darling Girls.

What I love about all of Hepworth's book as well as this one:
** I love how she combines so much family drama into the mystery/thriller.....and not just surface level drama, but deep trauma inducing drama.
** I love how she develops each character. She often is able to write that gray zone of good vs evil so well, and how you often end up rooting for someone who may be the "bad" guy
** I also love how she chooses her settings and makes them a character of their own

I absolutely loved the relationship between Jessica, Norah, and Alicia in this one. I loved how they developed throughout the book, and I loved how their relationships with each other and others developed as well. I think this is one of Hepworth's best yet!

🎧🔲DARLING GIRLS by Sally Hepworth was everything I hoped it would be!

I was able to pair the digital copy along with the audio which was perfectly narrated by Jessica Clarke, allowing me to fly through this dramatic story full of questions.

I did find this story to be a bit darker and with the circumstances surrounding foster care and child abuse, it could be a tougher one for some. I thought it was a fantastic way to highlight pitfalls of this system while telling a very suspenseful tale. I also appreciated the way motives were examined and yet, that ending...!

Just knowing that is enough to go into it.

I am a fan of Hepworth and will continue to be as she dives into complicated relational situations with her suspense novels. This one was a win for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @netgalley @macmillan.audio & @stmartinspress for the ARC and ALC of this title coming out April 23rd!

In "Darling Girls" by Sally Hepworth, readers and listeners are drawn into a suspenseful and unique narrative that delves into the lives of three foster sisters—Jessica, Norah, and Alicia. As they navigate the complexities of their shared past and the unexpected discovery of a body under their childhood home, the story unfolds with gripping intensity. Jessica Clarke's narration in the audiobook version adds an extra layer of depth to this compelling tale.

The novel introduces readers to Jessica, Norah, and Alicia, who were raised by their foster mother, Miss Fairchild, on an idyllic farming estate. Despite the facade of a happy family life, the sisters' upbringing was shrouded in secrets and unpredictability. The specific roles each sister plays within the group add a fascinating dynamic to the narrative, creating a rich tapestry of relationships and individual struggles. Hepworth weaves a masterful plot that keeps readers and listeners on the edge of their seats, culminating in a surprising and impactful ending.

In the audiobook version, Jessica Clarke skillfully brings the story to life, immersing listeners in the emotional depth of the characters and the suspenseful atmosphere of the plot. Her narration enhances the overall experience, adding an extra dimension to the already captivating storytelling.

"Darling Girls" is a thrilling page-turner that seamlessly blends themes of sisterhood, secrets, love, and murder. Sally Hepworth's masterful storytelling, combined with Jessica Clarke's engaging narration, delivers a riveting experience for both readers and audiobook enthusiasts. Prepare to be captivated by this suspenseful journey into the shadows of the foster sisters' past and the unexpected twists that await them.

Whether experienced through the physical book or the audiobook, "Darling Girls" is a must-read/listen for fans of suspenseful fiction and intricate character-driven narratives.

This was my first book from this author so I have nothing to compare to. I neither liked nor disliked this story.
Unfortunately my midway rating is mostly because I didn’t l/couldn’t connect with any of the characters, good or bad. There just did not seem to be anything about any of them I could latch on to.
This story had many threads going off on different tangents and I had a hard time keeping them straight. Even the twist for the ending had me a bit perplexed.
I am going to read another of this author’s books since so many like her thrillers!

Thanks for the opportunity to listen to this book. I also have a digital copy but chose to listen instead.

Norah, Alicia and Jessica forged an unbreakable bond at a long-term foster home named Little Meadows, which helped them to survive years of abuse. Decades later, human remains were found on the grounds of Little Meadows and the women became suspects in the crime.

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!! This was a super dark, twisted read and it broke my heart several times over. Although it covered some pretty tough subject matter, it was also a beautiful story about sisterhood and resilience. Miss Fairchild was a vile human being and I hated her with a fiery passion. However, I loved all three of the main characters. They were flawlessly executed and had their own distinct personalities, which made it easy to distinguish between them. The story moved seamlessly between past and present timelines, and the twists were the cherry on top!

Read if you like:
✨ Found family
✨ Traumatic childhoods
✨ Multi-POV storylines
✨ Emotionally charged reads

Thank you so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this ARC!

A copy of this review will be posted to my Instagram account (whats.amy.reading) during the week of April 15th.

I was sucked into this book from the moment I started. I loved the different characters and how their stories were all woven together through the flashback chapters.

Sally never fails to entertain! Part mystery, part coming of age, part women’s fiction- this book has it all. The sisters were interesting and unique characters. The story was a low unraveling of wild tale. There are many forms of child abuse in this book, so please be aware as you go into it. I absolutely loved the sisters bond and getting to know each one. The ending was shocking and I never saw it coming!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this advanced reader copy of Darling Girls in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

25 years ago three young girls are brought together through the foster care system and are put in the care of Miss Fairchild. The girls bond through the trauma caused by their foster mother. The day the girls can break free from their foster home, Wild Meadows cannot come fast enough…but will they ever truly break free? When all is seemingly left in the past, the girls get a call from a detective saying human remains were found buried at Wild Meadows. Who could it be? What else will be dug up besides a body?

I would label Darling Girls as more of a domestic drama than a thriller. I found the mystery to be pretty predictable. I enjoyed the storylines of each sister and Sally Hepworth’s writing style.

I definitely did not expect the ending! I was rooting for the girls the entire book. I would definitely recommend this book to others, but it wasn't my favorite

I received an ARC in exchange for a review.

The story begins with an introduction to Jessica and her two sisters, Norah and Alicia. Jessica runs a successful organizing business, while Norah is known for her fiery temper, which often leads to trouble. Alicia works in social services, supporting children under the care of children's aid.
Shortly thereafter, we discover that the three were foster children who endured significant mental anguish and abuse in their foster home.
This is the third book I've read by Sally Hepworth, and I am amazed at how each of her books presents a unique narrative and intricate storylines. I loved the loyalty and connection between the three sisters.
The story is laden with darkness, which keeps you engaged until the end. While not frightening, there are many potential triggers related to abuse.
I enjoyed this book and am grateful for the opportunity to read another work by this author. I am looking forward to seeing where her creative journey takes us next. I recommend this book to those who enjoy domestic thrillers and want to be engrossed in a story until the very end. There are some excellent twists that will keep you guessing.

I’ve been excited to read this book since I was approved for the ARC from NetGalley and it definitely held up to the first book by Sally Hepworth I read!

I really enjoyed all the different POVs, especially the creepy anonymous voice who’s telling their story to a therapist.
I didn’t find the twists to be overly predictable, although I did see one coming early on. The one at the very end got me especially.
I loved the sisterhood the main characters developed and how realistically their trauma was portrayed.
This was a hard book to put down. It was thought and emotion provoking and I was gripped the entire time.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author for this ARC.
Publication date 4/23/24

One of the best Sally Hepworth yet! Three young girls who find each other exactly when each desperately needs the support of one another. Their childhood is dark and somber, with rules and punishments. And then the dead body shows up. They are thrown into an investigation as they are all in the midst of their own lives trajectory. Fast-paced and darkness at every turn. Well done!

I will not be leaving a review on this book until the boycott is over. as a mother of black children and a Muslim I am personally affected by such negative disrespect from the comments of your worker and lack of accountability and apology.

Thanks Netgalley for an ARC of this book. I always enjoy this author’s books & this was no different. I will say this book should have a trigger warning for child abuse- some of it is a tough read. This novel centers around 3 foster children & their foster mother, Miss Fairchild. It’s told alternately in the past when the girls were in Miss Fairchild’s care & the present day when the girls return to town due to the discovery of bones under Miss Fairchild’s house. I wouldn’t necessarily call it a thriller, but more of a mystery & it was definitely entertaining although some parts were a bit drawn out.

𝒟𝒶𝓇𝓁𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒢𝒾𝓇𝓁𝓈 𝒷𝓎 𝒮𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝐻𝑒𝓅𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓉𝒽
𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 • 𝘔𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺 • 𝘍𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮
𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘛𝘳𝘢𝘶𝘮𝘢 • 𝘈𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘢
eARC • 𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘦 23 𝘈𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘭 2024

I’d classify Darling Girls as crime fiction, family drama, and contemporary fiction. It pulled me in from the jump when the bones of an unidentified child are unearthed at an estate that formerly housed foster kids. Three foster sisters (“darling girls”) find themselves at the center of the murder investigation when they are called as key witnesses along with their not-quite-right foster mother Mrs. Fairchild. The girls, now adults, all have secrets, some shared and some of their own. They are thick as thieves, bonded through shared past trauma, while each having very distinct and differing personalities, interests, and looks. All, however, share the incapacity to form meaningful, trusted relationships with others. But are they responsible for the death of a child and what lengths will they go to keep their secrets buried forever?

I especially enjoyed the Australian setting which alternates between Melbourne and Port Agatha. This book also highlights how the foster care system is very broken worldwide, not just in the US. Dual timelines and multiple POVs, including interviews with a psychologist, kept the book interesting and allow for a deliberative unveiling of answers to the mystery shrouding the Wild Meadows Estate. The final chapter left my jaw on the floor.

The scenes involving child abuse were hard to listen to, so check the trigger warnings: Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Rape, Sexual Assault, Drug Abuse, Addiction

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 St Martins Press for the digital ARC & MacMillan Audio 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘓𝘊! All opinions are my own.