My Darlings

Eloise Williams seems like your typical suburban mom – PTO president, philanthropist, all-around pillar of the community. But as I quickly discovered, there's more to Eloise than meets the eye. She's also a serial killer. Yeah, you read that right.

But here's the kicker: Eloise isn't the only one in this upscale DC neighborhood hiding dark secrets. As the layers peel back, we're introduced to a cast of characters whose hidden lives rival Eloise's in their darkness and complexity.

With each revelation, the body count rises, sending shockwaves through the community. And let me tell you, the suspense is palpable. I found myself on the edge of my seat, eagerly devouring each twist and turn as the story unfolded.

But what really sets "My Darlings" apart is its exploration of the consequences of deception and the struggle for control. As Eloise desperately tries to maintain her facade of normalcy, the cracks begin to show, and the chilling reality hiding behind closed doors is exposed for all to see.

Overall, "My Darlings" is a gripping psychological thriller that pulls no punches. It's dark, it's twisted, and it's utterly addictive. If you're a fan of thrillers that delve into the complexities of human nature and the secrets we keep hidden, then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of "My Darlings." Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐈'𝐦 𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐲𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬. 𝐈𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.

For so long this was just a cover on my Want to Read shelf, so the second I saw it was available to request, I damn near dislocated something trying to get to that request button! Of course some obligations and required adulting were screaming my name at just that time, and that's the only reason I didn't finish in a single sitting!

The short review: Holy sh*t. I am speechless.

The long review: Never mind. I found my words and will be using a lot of them in my review!

I have read plenty of books featuring the female MC as a serial killer, sociopath, or psychopath, but none of them have repulsed me and left me as unnerved as Eloise. Eloise lives in an exclusive neighborhood in DC and rules as president of the PTO at her teen daughter's school. In her free time, she's also a serial killer. What sets Eloise apart from other similar characters I have read about is that she's not killing for a noble purpose, like ridding the world of evil. She's doing it because it gives her a thrill. Her absolute lack of remorse, zero empathy, and the hideous mask of normalcy she wears made me root for her demise.

Even worse, there are plenty of flashbacks to her youth that include this abhorrent behavior. I know my face was doing things as I read these, and all I could think was, "What exactly do you do with a child like this?" Once again, the age-old debate of nature vs. nurture pops up, but this time, there is a sense of urgency. Monsters like Eloise exist. They are empty vessels that rely on human suffering to fill them up. As soon as Eloise talked about her first "darling," I knew I was in for a wild ride.

Even worse, Eloise is not the only monster in this book. Lurking close to her inner circle of friends is someone you're going to absolutely hate, and THEN there is someone only called The Watcher who narrates small snippets here and there. When that identity is exposed, I was screaming!

I feel like I need to watch a Disney movie or something, but this book exceeded my expectations. It will definitely make you uncomfortable even though it's not overly graphic. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time. Thank you so much to the author for the early copy. MY DARLINGS will publish August 1, 2024.

📖 My Darlings
✍️ Marie Still
🗓️ 08 Oct 2024
📝Rising Action Publishing | Rising Action


⭐️Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own, I was under no obligation to review.

I loved Marie Still’s debut novel. It was so well written and fresh. So I had to read this one as well. Well, I can report, this was not a fluke. The woman can write, and that damn well!

I admit, the story was wild and at times over the top, but so what? I enjoyed that so much. When I was on insta, I talked to Marie and I remember asking her for her plans for her new book and what kind of character she would love to write. And she did it. The true villain. Someone so evil to their core, the perfect sociopath. I do enjoy this aspect in novels, so I did not mind. Irving was too graphic for my taste.

I don’t want to take anything away from the story, but boy, I am so happy that I got to read it, it was brilliant!

I don’t even know where to begin with this book. A female serial killer is what drew me to this book and although it had Desperate Housewives vibes, my little twisted mind couldn’t put it down.

None of the characters are likable. None of the characters I wanted to survive really. But something about this book made me devour it.
That was a wild ride and quite an enjoyable one.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this copy!

If I could give My Darlings more than five stars I would! Marie Still is a phenomenal writer who truly captures the mind, actions, and behaviors of a serial killer. Additionally, the way in which she shows the complexity of each of her characters takes such talent. As someone who is captivated by true crime and serial killers, coupled with Marie’s excellent writing, I could not put this book down! I believe I finished it within three days! I was addicted—hooked, and needed to find out what happened next.
My Darlings will have you on the edge of your seat, and you’ll never guess what each character is up to, or has planned! This book is brilliant, and you just have to read it!

i was in need of a good thriller and this did NOT disappoint!! it was written so masterfully that i was on the edge of my seat the entire time! i couldn’t put the book down and ended up finishing it in a little over 4 hours! i will be thinking about this one for years and years!

My Darlings is one of the most suspenseful, thrilling psychological thrillers I have read to date! Marie Still has a way of writing that will have your heart racing while on the edge of your seat!

The book starts off with the killer announcing she is a killer, right after committing a murder. Eloise Williams is a housewife and stay at home mom, who is well perceived by her society. She is a respected local philanthropist and sits on the boards of many charities, but is also a serial killer. She carefully targets her victims, scoping them out, briefly meeting them, and then stalking them until the perfect time to end her "darling's" life. She is quite particular in her choosing and has rules- one rule being to never go after women she's connected to. Until things change..

This book took me on a wild ride! The author had no problem killing people off throughout the book (by Eloise's hands, of course). Murder after murder, Eloise has never been caught. She's on a streak and does not mind killing off anyone who gets in her way, no matter how close they are to her. She is remorseless, especially when she knows the other wealthy housewives within her circle are hiding their own secrets. This book is suspenseful, it is gripping, it is paced extremely well with several twists that will have you on the edge of your seat, and an ending that will leave you jaw-dropped! The anonymous POV (the Watcher) adds so much to this book as well! We quickly learn this serial killer has a stalker who has been tracking her every move for years and it makes this book even more twisted! 5 stars!

Thank you NetGalley, Rising Action Publishing, and Marie Still for such an utterly addictive ARC!

My Darlings was a page turner for me. I love how this was told from different perspectives.
This book has it all, deception and red herrings. The main character, Eloise, is hiding some dark secrets, but she is not the only ones.
This is such a dark and twisted read. Clear your schedule because this is one that you won't want to put down.

Welcome to the mind of a serial killer. Eloise is not your typical psychopath. She’s gorgeous, rich, and head of the PTA, a woman who has everything. But when her obsession for adding bodies to her collection of Darlings begins to get the best of her, Eloise’s carefully crafted life begins to unravel, along with the lives of those in her inner circle. Deliciously devious and deadly, My Darlings delivers twist after bloody twist, until the very end.

I read this on the plane cover to cover and even if I could have put this down, I didn’t want to! I was so engaged in this story I was hanging on every word. The only character I thought needed a little bit more personality/emotion/ recognition/justification was Robert. I would have liked one chapter from his perspective. But, I loved this book!

A gripping psychological thriller, “My Darlings” by Marie Still pulls no punches. The novel delves into the complexities of human nature, the secrets we keep, and the lengths to which one woman will go to maintain control. If you're a fan of thrillers that explore the darkest corners of the human psyche, this book is a must-read.

In the deceptively serene Washington D.C. suburbs, evil lurks behind perfectly manicured lawns, ornate iron gates, and long winding driveways. Meet Eloise Williams. She’s a stay-at-home mom, PTO president, and respected local philanthropist, leads a double life—one that involves serial killing. But she isn't the only lady of society playing a dangerous game. As the hidden lives of Eloise's inner circle are exposed, the body count rises, and the chilling reality hiding in plain sight becomes impossible to ignore.

The writing is sharp, the pacing relentless, and the character development masterful. Eloise's dual roles as a doting wife and mother juxtaposed with her chilling alter ego create a tension that permeates every page. Still skillfully weaves together suspense, psychological depth, and unexpected twists, which made "My Darlings" an utterly addictive read.

Still continues to prove herself as a rising star in the mystery/thriller genre, and "My Darlings" is a testament to her talent. The book combines suburban intrigue with dark, twisted elements that kept this reader on the edge of her seat. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Still's ability to craft a chilling suburban noir is unparalleled. Her characters leap off the page, and the tension builds to a heart-pounding crescendo. Whether you're a seasoned thriller reader or a newcomer to the genre, "My Darlings" will leave you breathless and questioning the secrets hidden within your own community.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ooooh what a book! My favourite read of 2024!
Deliciously dark, like the description says "desperate housewives x Dexter" kindof, ish!

A few pages and it doesn't takelong for me to be sucked into this Dexter cross Desp Housewives story as the description so accurately says
Very nicely written with beautiful descriptive words that transports you into the character's world.

What makes me love this book and in some weitf way... Eloise, is her bluntness, she says what we all think, brilliant! I can't help but like her, I find myself agreeing or "same" on most of the thoughts that go through her head! She feels true, real and not some prim and proper character that's cute and lovely and never says or thinks a bad word or thought.... Buuuut she's absolutely bat poop crazy, has been from childhood and the flipping back and forth from her past to present helps paint a better picof her, we get to know her well. But through her sadistic nature I still find myself liking her, she's such an a******e.

The plot is brilliant, it kept me on edge from the get go, I couldn't put the book down, just wanting to know what Eloise did next, who she'd ruin next. Loads of twists and turns that I didn't really see coming.

The only negative I have here is that I only wished it was a bit longer and the end scenes were dragged out a bit more and it didn't end.
5*, enjoyed this book sooooo much!

A thriller this good deserves every bit of praise it is sure to get. A female serial killer, dysfunctional friendships and affluent living situations mingle together to make this a 5-star read.

Eloise has been a conniving sociopath, devoid of any emotion whatsoever, since she was a young child. When a person has those character traits, they are capable of anything. Every page will bring you new terror and unfathomable crimes.

This is a blockbuster novel that is very well written. If you’re into psychological thrillers, grab this one.

Thank you, NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing for the eARC.

This is my first book by this author and I downloaded her other audiobook as soon as I finished. I loved this one.

Eloise is a stay at home mom. She is president of PTO, doting wife and also a serial killer. She is cold hearted and unhinged. Soon you discover that her circle of friends is conniving, back stabbing and honestly a bit cruel. I devoured this book. It was fast paced and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what happens. If you love Dexter and Desperate Housewives you will love this.

Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book!

🔪MY DARLINGS🔪
𝔱𝔥𝔯𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔢𝔯
🗓️𝙿𝚞𝚋: 𝙾𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚋𝚎𝚛 𝟿, 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟺 (𝚂𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙳𝚊𝚝𝚎🚨)
𝕄𝕪 𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: 𝟝 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤!★★★★★

🤏𝚃𝚎𝚎𝚗𝚢 𝚝𝚒𝚍𝚋𝚒𝚝...Eloise appears to be a typical stepford type wife/mom..PTO president, charity volunteer..you name it. She also happens to be a serial killer…..

🌻𝙼𝚢 𝚛𝚊𝚖𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚜...Okay, this one is INSANE in all the best ways. I mean picture Desperate Housewives meets American Psycho. 🔪🩸Yeahhh, I know! 😮🙌 You have a woman serial killer who has no remorse whatsoever after her killings. She continues to play her part of “perfect” housewife/mom/friend. You get her back story then other POVs of her friends & then her daughter too. It is a bit over the top at times, but it really works & I enjoyed all the POVs(there is a mystery one too🙌). So entertaining, fast paced & the perfect book to pull me out of the slump I was in..🤔why do the psychotic reads pull me out of my funk?!? Should we be concerned? 🤣😆

The writing is sharp, the pacing relentless, and the character development masterful. Eloise's dual roles as a doting wife and mother juxtaposed with her chilling alter ego create a tension that permeates every page. Still skillfully weaves together suspense, psychological depth, and unexpected twists, which made "My Darlings" an utterly addictive read.

The women in this book are crazy, but I'll leave it up to you to determine who is the craziest of them all. Multiple times I finished a chapter and said to myself "this woman is crazy." You'll have a hard time keeping track of who is plotting against whom. I would call this a true psychological thriller that I really enjoyed reading. 4.5 stars rounded up.