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. Narrated by Jessica Clarke. She did a great job.

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.

I very much enjoy twists and turns and this twist was great! It was a little difficult to sort through the information during the break down of the climax but once everything was explained it was great.

Wow! I love Sally Hepworth’s writing style! It is engaging, twisted, and fast paced!

Jessica, Norah and Alicia are all from separate broken homes and they were all fostered by Miss Fairchild. They are all reunited when the police discover human remains under their childhood farmhouse. While the police are trying to solve the mystery of the remains, the story bounces from each girls’ POV to understand their past and present stories. None of them have happy memories.

I love a psychological murder mystery! This one did not disappoint. Even though the ladies had tragic upbringings, I still enjoyed the story without feeling bogged down and super depressed. I felt bad for the ladies, but it wasn’t too deep to not what to read it anymore.

I can’t wait to read her next book!

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

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 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.

Psychological Mystery! Sisters, Secrets & MURDER!
Oooooo, I HATED Miss Fairchild. Still do. Bye!

Publisher's summary
For as long as they can remember, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia have been told how lucky they are. As young girls they were rescued from family tragedies and raised by a loving foster mother, Miss Fairchild, on an idyllic farming estate and given an elusive second chance at a happy family life.
But their childhood wasn’t the fairy tale everyone thinks it was. Miss Fairchild had rules. Miss Fairchild could be unpredictable. And Miss Fairchild was never, ever to be crossed. In a moment of desperation, the three broke away from Miss Fairchild and thought they were free. Even though they never saw her again, she was always somewhere in the shadows of their minds. When a body is discovered under the home they grew up in, the foster sisters find themselves thrust into the spotlight as key witnesses. Or are they prime suspects?
A thrilling work of sisterhood, secrets, love, and murder by New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth.

Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ALC of Darling Girls!

Darling Girls
By: Sally Hepworth
Narrated by: Jessica Clarke
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Release date: 04-23-24

Three adult “sisters” are called back to their foster home when bones are discovered during the excavation of their former foster home. The girls were badly abused by their foster mother during their time at the home and returning to the town is bringing up those horrible memories and showing them how much that time has affected them as adults. Through the narration we also learn the backstory of the “mother” and the mysterious fourth sister. During the investigation, the girls (and the reader) try to discover if they are correct as to whose bones have been discovered.

I had a hard time with reading and listening to the scenes of the abuse of the girls (and honestly it wasn’t that bad) and I think it was just the headspace I was in at the time. This was a page turner and I stayed up late reading it because I wanted to know what happened. I enjoyed all the twists and turns and the more I think about it the more I’ve decided how much I liked this one. The narrator had a wonderful cadence to her and made the scenes a little less painful to listen to. I am definitely going to her backlist.

A well-crafted twisty thriller. The sisters really draw you in, make you root for them. Seeing how they care for each other and how they come together to overcome their childhoods made me really enjoy this read. I felt like following two timelines helped to accentuate their progression. While the final twist was NOT predictable, I feel like it would have been just as good without it. Highly recommend! Lives up to the hype.

Thank you to netgalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this book. Once again Hepworth knocked it out the park and showed us how a thriller is suppose to go.

Three sisters, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia, are as close as any sisters, maybe even closer, despite not being blood related. Unfortunate events in each of the girls' childhood caused them to end up in the foster care system and subsequently under the care of Miss Fairchild, where they grew up for part of their lives. Now as adults the sisters are contacted by the police, and asked to answer some questions about their childhood, as it has come to their attention that remains have been found under the house, Miss Fairchild's home, where they grew up. As the sisters return to the town where they once lived together with Miss Fairchild, they are asked to relive the difficult times the had in the home with the authoritarian of Miss Fairchild. As the police ask more questions, they begin to think that Miss Fairchild has painted the girls in a negative light, and suspect they are being treated as suspects. As they work to clear their name they must communicate the truths of their time with Miss Fairchild.

This was a very interesting novel, and a good mystery with some twists at the end I certainly did not expect. The book is written form the sisters' perspectives, as well as through interviews with a psychologist. It is not immediately clear who is speaking to the psychologist, but certainly makes sense at the end. The audiobook was well produced, and easy to listen and enjoy. I would recommend to anyone looking for an audiobook to keep them on the edge of their seat, as they listen.

Oh wow!! Sally Hepworth always delivers!This was so engaging yet disturbing!

Darling Girls is about three young ladies who grew up in the foster system. They were taken away from their family tragedies and sent to live with Miss Fairchild. They were told that they were so lucky to live with her, but were they really? All of the disturbing events of their childhoods come out after a body is found buried under their foster home. Maybe they weren’t so lucky after all.

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Darling Girls has a lot going for it: tight-knit sisters (found not blood), a villain to despise, and mystery. I loved the sisters individually and as a group. They couldn't have been more different and I truly enjoyed getting into each of their heads - and their hearts. Our bad guy was truly bad and even though some bits could have felt well over the top, the author made it work and I didn't feel the need to call BS - until the very end.

So, let's talk about the ending a bit. Obviously, I'm not going to talk about spoilers but just in general... I get that an unreliable narrator can give the author opportunities for clever twists and reveals but I don't think it worked here. Throughout the book we're told a story. A story that had me connecting with a character and feeling for that character. And then - BOOM - in just a few paragraphs, it's undone. I felt a bit betrayed. Okay, that's a bit strong but I definitely didn't feel good and it tarnished my whole experience. Do I still think it's a good story? Yes. Would I recommend it to friends? I'm not sure I would.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the audiobook.

Sally Hepworth's latest psychological thriller, 'Darling Girls,' is a gripping tale that doesn't disappoint. Garnering a well-deserved 4-star rating, this book promises to captivate any reader who dares to delve into its pages. With its intricate narrative structure featuring multiple points of view spanning decades, Hepworth skillfully navigates the raw and haunting realities of the foster care system. One of the standout elements is the choice of an Australian narrator, perfectly complementing the story's settings in Melbourne and Port Agatha.

Throughout the novel, the narrator's performance adds depth and authenticity, immersing readers in the chilling atmosphere of the plot. Hepworth masterfully weaves suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the unexpected and jaw-dropping conclusion. While the story may start off a bit slow, it quickly gains momentum as the main characters are introduced, making it impossible to set aside.

'Darling Girls' is a testament to Hepworth's talent for crafting compelling narratives that linger in the mind long after the final page is turned. With its blend of mystery, suspense, and unforgettable characters, this book is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.

This was a captivating slow reveal with one final twist. The dual timelines and multiple character perspectives made the way for strong character development. I felt like I really got to know each sister and understand her trauma. At times frustrating, heartbreaking, and also beautiful, this book will have you on the edge of your seat.

Thank you to Sally Hepworth, St Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this audiobook!

Wow!!! Wow!! Wow!! I loved this book! It had so many twists I did not see coming. I liked the bond Jessica, Norah, and Alicia had and how the author went into detail about their upbringing and what they went through. I wondered what happened to Ms. Fairchild for her to act the way she did. It all makes sense now! I definitely recommend this book! Then the murder?! Who would have thought it was that person who did it?! I am beyond AMAZED with this author. Superb job!!! I have added this book to my Wishlist because I HAVE to have a physical copy.

👩‍👧‍👧 Darling Girls - Sally Hepworth

4.5 ⭐️ - A slowww burn but so twisty, unexpected, and worth it. There were lots of times during this one where I simply just didn’t know where it was headed. Something felt predictable and then, bam! next twist.

This one had short chapters, changing POVs, and overlapping storyline - a few of my favorite things. I enjoyed the growth of each sister and the bond they formed over time. Toward the end, I thought we were getting a bland finish, but Sally hit us with the biggest twist in the last few pages. Definitely worth the read. Sally Hepworth is now an auto-buy/auto-read author and she doesn’t disappoint. Definitely keep your eyes peeled for this one hitting shelves on 4/2!

4.5 stars rounded up! This book is absolutely WILD.

This book is a thriller, but it’s not really an “edge-of-your-seat” nail biter. It’s more of a story, with everything falling into place as the story is told. However this story is so compelling, and I could not stop listening.

The relationships between the sisters really warmed my heart. They each went through trauma individually, and then had a traumatic experience together and they stuck by each other and loved each other unconditionally. They stood up for one another and protected each other, and I just really appreciated this part of the story.

The ending COMPLETELY shocked me. Just when you think the depravity has reached its maximum, it gets so much worse! I was definitely bamboozled by an unreliable narrator!

The narration was great. I’ve listened to hundreds of audiobooks and this is the first time I’ve listened to an Australian narrator, and she did a wonderful job!

Overall, I really enjoyed this audiobook.

Instagram post coming 4/9

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this advance copy!

I received a complimentary egalley of DARLING GIRLS by Sally Hepworth thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley. I also received the advance listener copy thanks to Macmillan Audio!

DARLING GIRLS follows sisters and foster care survivors Jessica, Norah, and Alicia. The three came together under the care of Miss Fairchild. On the outside their home situation looked good, but behind closed doors their life was a struggle. Even so, the three become friends and family, doing their best to avoid Miss Fairchild’s anger. When a body is found under the home where they lived with Miss Fairchild, the trio is asked to come back and answer questions, either as witnesses or suspects.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as I started this book and part of that came from not really initially liking any of the women in the present day. As we got more of their backstory with the switches between their POVs and those of their younger selves, I really wound up feeling a lot for these women and the way they were brought up. Working adjacent to foster care myself, it is certainly a broken system and the horror in this one was that such a situation isn’t something that would be out of the realm of possibility.

I think the author did a good job of balancing the narrative between past and present and bringing various secrets to life. There were certainly theories I developed as I was reading. Some proved to be close to accurate, but I stayed hooked the whole time to find out the answers!

DARLING GIRLS comes out on Tuesday!

I quite enjoyed this one, and it’s not what I was expecting! I often gravitate towards stories with untraditional families, which we certainly get with these three foster “sisters” and the abusive Miss Fairchild. The alternating points of view with each of the characters contributes towards making the pace move along, even with a bit of repetition. We see both moments from their past, as children, and present day as adults with the ongoing mystery of the found bones. Understanding how their childhood experiences manifested into the women they become is especially fitting for the psychological aspect. Overall, this is an entertaining read! My biggest complaint is the ending. Each person’s narrative unravels the mystery to the point it makes the ending more predictable, but there are still plot twists here and there.

The audio narration of this book was also well done, especially Miss Fairchild. The pace was in keeping with the storyline, and the tone was on point.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an early audiobook edition of “Darling Girls” by Sally Hepworth, narrated by Jessica Clarke. Jessica did a good job with the various characters who were telling their story. I had read the summary of this book a month or so ago and passed on reading it. Then I received a nudge to read it again and decided to give it a try.

This is a story about three young girls who end up in foster care. Jessica went to Miss. Fairchild’s when she was very young, Norah a few years later, and Alicia shortly after that. At first Miss. Fairchild seems to dote on Jessica but eventually loses interest. When Miss. Fairchild needs money she takes in Norah, then Alicia. The girl’s life in foster care was riddled with mental abuse and neglect, but the girls were afraid to say anything, as Norah knew some foster homes were worse and they would most likely be split up. They survived by supporting each other until one day they were forced to say something.

The story goes back and forth between then and now. Now all three are grown, each with scars from the time they spent with Miss Fairchild. The sisters remain close to one another, even 20 years after leaving Miss. Fairchild. When a body is found under the foster house they were in during demolition, the three return to the town they thought they had left forever. The author did a nice job of introducing adult mental health issues in each of the girls as a result of their time spent at Miss Fairchild’s and weaving those stories into the overall story. The characters are well developed and the pace of the book is good. There are twists and turns, but not sure it is a strong “thriller” story. The story feels like one that could take place in anywhere, U.S.