Fans of My Dark Vanessa (Kate Elizabeth Russell) and They Never Learn (Layne Fargo) get this book on your radar NOW.

This is an incredibly powerful book about abusers and the systems of power that protect them. When We Were Silent should not be gone into lightly, it covers a number of difficult subjects. That being said, it also brings gorgeous Irish scenery, private school charm, and the emotional vulnerability of any great coming of age story.

I had a few small issues with the book, most notably that there was sooo much happening. Between the two main plots, the past and present, I feel that I lost some important details. After spending a lot of time in one POV I would struggle to readjust when the story would switch over, and I feel like I forgot several minor characters names in this. I also felt like there were a few too many subplots, and the story could have been more impactful had it pruned a few of these out (the money loaning guy, Lou's troubled teenage daughter, Shauna's discarded best friend). It just felt like the story was trying to do a bit too much at times.

That aside, this book really worked for me in pretty much every way. The whole time I was listening to it I was think "I need more... More... MORE". There is a very solid mystery element that is sure to keep readers hooked. McPhillips did a phenomenal job creating this dark, complex and unfortunately realistic world. I highly recommend When We Were Silent!

I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a free ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was not expecting this to be such a heavy story but I did enjoy it. Very me too esque which I also was not anticipating.

I found this book quite relatable, especially as a high school swimmer, although I didn't go through exactly what Shauna and Tina did. While there were some slower moments, my curiosity kept me engaged until the end. I'd certainly be interested in reading more from Fiona McPhilips.

Notes: TW - SA. Some very difficult topics to read in this novel throughout its entirety.

Form: Audiobook. Bonus points because the narrator had a bouncy Irish accent, making it easier to envision the plot in Ireland!

Lou is a new student at Highfield Manor, a crazy exclusive private school located in Dublin, to seek out answers involving her friend Tina who had taken her own life after word of abuse from a coach.

Early on, Lou befriends one of the wealthy girls at the manor, Shauna Power, becoming very close with her- close enough to see that Shauna too is stuck within the grasp of the awful secrets that lie within the walls.
Digging into the case and trying to bring light to what is happening behind closed doors though, only ends up with Highfield discrediting the allegations-
that is, until a dead body turns up by the pool.

30 years later, alongside a lawyer who grew up amongst the happenings within the manors walls, the story is not over; Highfield Manor and its dark web of deceit has many truths to be told. What really happened the night in the pool…and what truths will be spilled 30 years later?

Overall: 5 stars. I am actually feeling a weird pit in stomach feeling knowing this is over, as I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of this whole novel. I still cannot fathom that this is a debut of this author as well, because the writing style, the characters, absolutely everything…fantastic!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for granting me the opportunity of reading an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Dive into the halls of privilege and deception with When We Were Silent, a captivating debut novel that unravels the secrets of Highfield Manor, Dublin's most prestigious private school.

🍂 Synopsis:
Louise Manson is the newest student at Highfield Manor, Dublin’s most exclusive private school. Behind its granite walls are high-arched alcoves, an oak-lined library...and the dark secret Lou has come to expose. Lou’s working-class status makes her the consummate outsider, until she is befriended by some of her beautiful and wealthy classmates. But after Lou attempts to bring the school’s secret to light, her time at Highfield ends with a lifeless body sprawled at her feet.

Thirty years later, Lou gets a shocking phone call. A high-profile lawyer is bringing a lawsuit against the school—and he needs Lou to testify. Lou will have to confront her past and discover, once and for all, what really happened at Highfield. Powerful and compelling, When We Were Silent is a thrilling story of exploitation, privilege, and retribution.

💭 Review:
When We Were Silent is a mesmerizing blend of suspense and intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Fiona McPhillips' storytelling prowess shines through in the intricate web of secrets and lies woven throughout the narrative. The character of Louise Manson is both relatable and compelling, serving as a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity.

This novel delves deep into themes of exploitation, privilege, and retribution, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of power dynamics and the lengths one will go to for justice. With its richly drawn characters and gripping plot twists, When We Were Silent is a must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers.

📖 Overall, Fiona McPhillips delivers a powerful and compelling debut that leaves a lasting impact. I couldn't put this book down, and I'm already eagerly anticipating [Author]'s next masterpiece. Highly recommend adding When We Were Silent to your reading list! ✨

Thank you to Netgalley, Fiona McPhillips, Flatiron books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! This book is dark but well written. It definitely needs to come with trigger warning since this is one of those books that can shake you to your core.
It was well thought out and well written! There are details of systematic abuse, grooming, murder, suicide , and more! It’s pretty intense!

I enjoyed this book. Dark academia, likeable characters, dual timelines, etc. I did wish for a little more in this book, I am not sure what..but the ending left me just kind of underwhelmed. Overall, an ok/good book!

This is a powerful, disturbing, emotional, and thought-provoking book. There are many subjects that could trigger some like suicide, murder, teachers grooming young school girls and pedophilia, alcohol abuse, and anorexia/bulimia. .The true definition of dark academia! The narration was so stellar., it was hard to pause this book. Told in 2 storylines, I found the past back story much more interesting and liked when the story shifted back to life at the school. There is a lesbian sex scene between 2 girls which I could have done without, I don't know I just prefer guy/girl romance! As for the suspense, mystery, and some thrill- it was all there. The ending was a little lackluster for me but l still liked the book over all and would recommend it. Thank you to NetGalley, Fiona McPhillips and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy of this audiobook.

This was an emotional and impactful book. This book tells the story of a sexual assault case both in the present and 30 years in the past. I wish the time jumps were delineated a little better (maybe it was only confusing in the audiobook) but usually by context it was easy to figure out.
The story was heartbreaking but the sapphic love story—on both sides of the decades—was well written and made me smile.

Secrets are exposed about an elite private school when a lawyer brings a case against the school up, asking for students to testify. What is revealed is shocking!

I don't read dark academia often but when I do, I'm always amazed at how much I enjoy it. This book fits into the same category and I was stunned to find out it is the author's debut! The narration had me on edge throughout, it was amazingly done with the storyline so riveting, though it was hard to read in some parts due to the nature of the plot. I am predicting this book to be a bestseller - make sure you get your hands on a copy!

This story weaves back and forth between two timelines about a privileged girls school and the secrets that went on there, notably sexual assault and the grooming that is perpetrated before such assault can take place. Louise Manson is a teenager from a working class family headed by a single mother who receives a scholarship to attend Highfield Manor, Dublin’s exclusive private school. She does not fit in with the rich girls that attend. As she navigates her way through trying to blend in by she meets another young girl, Shauna who she feels an instant attraction to. They become good friends and are both athletes that are singled out by the head swim coach. They both enjoy his attention as it makes them feel special, that is until Lou is unnerved by some of the touching and other inappropriate behaviors by the coach. She tells Shauna of this and Shauna doesn't agree, she is willing to go along with such behaviors as it's 'just the way coach is'. The whole thing culminates at the schools swimming pool and Lou is accused of murder. Years later there is another abuse case that has come up and Shauna's brother, a lawyer wants Lou to testify in this trial and speak of her experiences from the past because it has taken place at the same school, Highfield Manor. This is the last thing she wants to do but agrees so she might finally move forward from the guilt and pain she carries from the past. This was a really interesting and captivating novel. It has a lot of secrets that don't come to light until the very end. Well written with a powerful message for readers. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars.

Many thank to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen/read an audio version of this novel.

I am very interested in the premise of this novel however I found the audiobook narration so drive that I struggled to get immersed in the story. I will instead try to get ahold of a physical copy of this book.

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

Very good, but disturbing private girls school tale about repeated abuse and cover-ups.. I was riveted but the characters and the book was well written (I listened to the audio version). The narrator was fantastic. The book should come with a trigger warning as it graphically and extensively discusses child abuse and rape.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an audiobook ARC of this book! This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it definitely lived up to my expectations! This book does have several trigger warnings, specifically for discussion of struggles with mental health, murder suicide, sexual assault and other forms of abuse, i would definitely keep these in mind when proceeding with this book. The pacing of this book was so fast I did not want to put it down! “When We Were Silent” follows Louise, an outsider in her new school Highfield Manor. The novel set in dual timelines follows Louise as she uncovers the exploitation and abuse of her school. This book was definitely a heavy read, but I was on the edge of my seat and did not want to stop listening to this audiobook.

Given the academic setting and themes of exploitation in school settings, I would consider this book another intriguing addition to the Dark Academia sub-genre.

One thing I really enjoyed was the role of Dublin within this book. The care in portrayal allotted to the city of Dublin adds so much nuance to this book. Dublin feels like a contributing character to the class and social disparities of the characters within this novel. This book is perfect for anyone looking for an engaging and fast paced novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

The main thrust of this story, that young people continue to be groomed and abused by people who have power over them and the institutions that put their own welfare over that of their students, is one that needs to be told throughout the generations, for the trend shows no signs of reversing.. Fiona McPhillips makes a good attempt at telling the story. However, the use of dual timelines (then and now) intertwines at least one-too-many story lines, at least one of which - eating disorders - seems more gratuitous than necessary for the story's impact. I listened to the audiobook, which was enhanced greatly by the narrator India Mullen. McPhillips does a good job of character development but is too ambitious in her plotting and pacing to make this novel sing. She shows promise enough, however, that I look forward to reading her next attempt.

In this debut novel from Fiona McPhillips, a young woman infiltrates a prestigious all girls school to avenge her friend. Dark secrets hang in the halls of Highfield and Lou, a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, must try to uncover the truth and expose it to the light. She finds herself in a heap of trouble, surrounded by people she can’t trust. Lies, betrayal and death….
Years later she is contacted by a lawyer and asked to testify against Highfield. This sends Lou spinning and forces her to confront her past.
This story unfolds in two timelines, past and present, with Lou remembering events at Highfield in the past and trying to figure out what to do in the present. There are many heavy themes in this book, poverty, sexual assault, eating disorders and death.
I enjoyed this dark academic book. Lou was likable and I was definitely rooting for her. There are a lot of unlikable characters in this book. Some you are supposed to just forgive in the end and I just couldn’t get there.
I was given this as an audiobook to review. It is narrated by actress India Mullen and she does a fantastic job. She has a beautiful voice and really brings Lou to life. I highly recommend this as an audiobook.
I would give this book 3 and 3/4 stars rounded up to 4.
Huge thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this narrator! She’s amazing and her voice was perfect. This is a book that people are going to have mixed feelings about. It has several trigger warnings for abuse, sexual violence,& suicide. I gave it a 4 star because this book was a slow start for me, and it took some time to get into the story but once I was, I could not stop listening. I will say though at times it was difficult to hear the things that some of these characters had to go through and the effect it had on their lives. The narrative shifts between present and past, with each part taking place in large sections rather than switching to every chapter, I like that because it gives you a good description of the past and the present to where you do not get confused. I would highly recommend this book, you will love some characters but also dislike a few. Happy Reading!

This book deals with some heavier topics: sexual assault, alcholism, grooming, and eating disorders so it might not be for everyone. I thought the author handled the topics well, but still some parts were difficult to read. As a debut novel I thought Fiona McPhillips did a great job writing a fast paced thriller and I would read from her again.

Louise Manson is attending a prestigious school in Dublin that holds a dark secret that she wants to expose. It has dual timelines, we are in the 80’s when Louise was in school and present day as an adult. In the present day timeline a writer wants Louise to expose the truth about the school and the secrets within. We find Louise grappling with her past and with the realization that her daughter now is attending the school. Will the horrors continue now that her daughter is a student at the same school?

I found parts of this book a little slow and had to put the book down for a couple days then picked it back up and decided to just push through and finish. As a teacher, I’m not keen on reading about teacher student relationships or women getting sexually abused so parts were difficult for me to read.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

First, thank you to Macmillan for the audiobook! The narrator did an absolutely lovely job. Her voice fit this story so well.

This was a difficult book to read. The subject matter is heavy and infuriating and brings up a lot of emotions. There is a lot of depth to this novel, and there are painful (even graphic) sequences. These are all written in a manner that feels appropriate. I think this provides valuable commentary on real-world issues (even though this story is fiction).

The characters are messy and frustrating in a way that makes them feel very real. I didn't always love what Lou was doing, but I really felt for her and what she was going through.

This deals with a lot of complex issues - sexual assault, grooming, eating disorders, alcoholism, suicide, and many more - and the author navigates these problems with care and nuance. This book infuriated me, it disgusted me, it made me sad. It was certainly a heavy read.

Now, I do have a few complaints. First: the present storyline doesn't match up to the past. Some of the present storyline felt draggy and almost boring until the end. Second: some of the present storylines felt unnecessary and like they were a bit too much? Like they just didn't fit. And last: I wanted to see more of the aftermath of the past storyline. The jump from past to present feels so abrupt and I am left with questions.

Overall, this was a valuable read with a lot of interesting moments. It took me longer than usual to get through this because of the subject matter, but I'm glad I read it! A 3.75 rounded up.

When we were silent was a very well written and intriguing audiobook. I not only enjoyed the book, but the narration helped create a picture of what was happening in the story and a sense of understanding.

The story had a good back and forth of the current and the past. The characters had depth and their characters had some good development as they faced their challenges along the way. I will say there are times that I became irritated with the main character and her attitude and how she would/wouldn't say something, especially when it was pertinent. But that typically goes with stories like this and adds to the development of everything along the way.

There where twists and turns along the way that I did not see coming, and the story was engaging without being incredibly predictable, which is always a bonus with thrillers/mysteries.

I definitely recommend When We Were Silent, especially as an audio.