Louise Manson just joined the prestigious Highfield Manor in Dublin. However, Lou is not like the other girls, coming from a working class home, her social status is very different from those of her peers. As Lou works to fit in, she comes across the well-known swimming coach, who is known for producing Olympic level athletes, who represent the country following their time at Highfield. As she finds friends, she becomes entwined with a top swimmer, "Shauna". As she becomes and athlete herself, and continues to spend more time with Shauna, it becomes evident that the coach may not be as wonderful as the community believes.

Fast forward, Louise is confronted by Shauna's top lawyer brother, who has a case regarding Highfield Manor. He is asking Lou to testify in addition to his sister Shauna. However, Louise has everything to loose now, including a daughter, her partner, and her career.

This was a very gripping audiobook, with strong characters and an interesting story-line. The relationships in the present time felt somewhat difficult to me, but otherwise, I enjoyed the book. I will put a warning that there are some difficult and graphic scenes depicted in the novel, which may cause some to feel discomfort. Otherwise I found the audiobook to be enjoying, and well-produced.

Louise Manson is a teenage girl being abused by the beloved nigh school coach. She decides she's not going to take it anymore after realizing that he was going after other girls too. She works to catch him in the act and finds herself in more trouble than she ever could have imagined. I'll admit this audio was a little bit triggering for me. So, check your triggers before reading or listening. Other than that, 1 did like the story. Louise is amazingly resilient as the FMC, and her strength and character continues to grow through the whole story. Mcphillips uncovers the sad and often buried reality of high school athletic abuse with truth and dignity her characters deserve.

India Mullen was a joy to listen to for this audio reading. Her voice was pleasant and made listening to the challenging scenes a bit easier. She speaks at a good speed for 1x listeners or those that prefer to increase listening speeds.

I liked this novel and recommend you give it a read/listen.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for this ARC.

TW: Abuse, Rape, Sexual Assault, Eating Disorders, Alcohol Abuse, Grooming, Suicide

This read was VERY intense and VERY unsettling at times, however very captivating. I was wrapped up in this story until the very end. It touched on many, many heavy topics ; making it not for everyone. Although challenging to read at times, I find it important to read about some of these subjects from time to time as we unfortunately live in world that's not always sunshine and rainbows. The narrator did an excellent job with this book by adding the emotion and expression needed for those very heavy topics. Although I listened to this book, I could still tell how incredibly well written it was. I'd recommend this book to many.

4 stars!

When Lou was in high school, something terrible and life-changing happened to her. Lou spends the next 30 years hiding this secret, until one day she is contacted by a lawyer and asked to reveal what she knows in order to help with a case against the school. Lou's decision to help causes her to relive many painful moments and also make a shocking discovery.

This book follows two timelines, with the past being in Lou's old high school. The setting is perfect for this dark academia. The story-telling was good, however it didn't feel evenly paced throughout. It felt a bit jumpy, with many parts being very slow. The narrator, however, helped add a darkness to this dark story.

Thank you Netgalley, Macmillian Audio, Fiona McPhillips, and India Mullen for this read.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the AAC in exchange for my honest review. When We Were Silent was my first read with author Fiona McPhilllips, and not at all as anticipated. This novel needs come with a clear trigger warning for the unnecessarily graphic scenes, and I am uncertain if the publisher will include in the print copies, but for survivors, TRIGGER WARNING.
I enjoyed India Mullen’s audio narration; in face she was the sole reason I finished this unremarkable novel.
The plot jumps between present and past, and spends way more time in high school than necessary. I did not feel When We Were Silent does abuse victims justice by any means, and missed major opportunities in which to do so. All of the characters, including Lou, are void of likable characteristics. Lou’s questionable decisions were mind boggling, and as a reader I could not root for her when she repeatedly defies logic. Lou does not do her daughter justice, either, which frustrated me as SHE SHOULD HAVE RECOGNIZED THE SIGNS! I struggled with the lacking character development and found myself cringing more times than I could count with the disgusting Coach scenes and innocence lost. 1.5/5

I want to start off by saying that I wasn’t to sure what this audiobook was about. I wanted a mystery to listen to. This is the first book by this author that I have read/listen too. Let me give credit to the narrator who does amazing job. Yes this book to me longer. But it had nothing to who the narrator or the author writing style. The topic around this book and the mystery. We’re very heart breaking at times. That I needed a moment to adjust. Because there are things like this still happening.
I admire Louise strength to get this truth out there. No matter the cost. But what broke me is the truth and other girls affected by what is happening. Felt the need that they couldn’t speak the truth due to family representation or even the proud private/boarding school.
I do like the duel timelines, past and present. Louise held on to the pain from her past. Trying to hide from her daughter and be a good wife to Alex. But Louise trying to help someone out in the present to get their story out. Unlike her story no one believed her. When she try’s to help more of her past is coming back to haunt her. And affect her family. But she knows she needs to get to truth of what really happened that night. And only person can help Louise with that. And that person hasn’t been seen since the day in court 30 years ago.
My review is up on goodreads and anywhere else.
A hug thank to netgalley and author and publisher for trusting me to listen to this audiobook and give my honest thoughts. This book is set to released May 21,2024

When We Were Silent is a coming of age story about a private school in Dublin. Lou is a new student at an exclusive private school who enrolled in order to get revenge for her friend Tina who had committed suicide after confiding in Lou that the swim coach was abusing her. Told during her high school years and 30 years later, this story follows the outcome of Lou's quest for revenge. Future Lou is called by an attorney who wants her to testify in a case against the school. She worries that the truth of what really happened 30 years ago will come out....

This story had so many elements that I personally enjoy, suspense, mystery, and a bit of a coming of age finding yourself tied with a bit of a romance. Some parts were so difficult to get through due to the serious subject matter, but it was a story that was written well and the voice actor told it beautifully.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

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.