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dreamingintext's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
hilslovesbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
claredickerson's review against another edition
3.5
this book really moved me and i love how the two generations of stories come together.
there is no big, shocking reveal, which is kind of nice, and unexpected. the story kept me on my toes, and there was some mystery, but it was nice that, for once, the story was less of a twisting search for answers, and more of a search for justice. and the horror aspects were chilling and quite haunting.
there is no big, shocking reveal, which is kind of nice, and unexpected. the story kept me on my toes, and there was some mystery, but it was nice that, for once, the story was less of a twisting search for answers, and more of a search for justice. and the horror aspects were chilling and quite haunting.
jen_nicole's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
bambinochance's review against another edition
4.0
Debating between 4 and 5 stars.
Poor Sonia - I'm happy she got a little happiness with her friends. The friendship between the 4 girls was beautiful, and it made me happy that they stayed in touch. Each of the friends stories were devastating and I enjoyed we got chapters in different perspectives.
The modern day storyline was good too - I like that the person who was originally arrested was actually guilty. I feel like that rarely happens. I did not predict the cover ups but it seems sadly so realistic.
My hang ups on why it's between 4 and 5 - There was some predictability. Margaret was obviously Katie and she bought the land to find her friend. I also haven't made up my mind on the Mary Hand piece. It gave the story more uniqueness but it didn't really matter for either storyline.
Poor Sonia - I'm happy she got a little happiness with her friends. The friendship between the 4 girls was beautiful, and it made me happy that they stayed in touch. Each of the friends stories were devastating and I enjoyed we got chapters in different perspectives.
The modern day storyline was good too - I like that the person who was originally arrested was actually guilty. I feel like that rarely happens. I did not predict the cover ups but it seems sadly so realistic.
My hang ups on why it's between 4 and 5 - There was some predictability. Margaret was obviously Katie and she bought the land to find her friend. I also haven't made up my mind on the Mary Hand piece. It gave the story more uniqueness but it didn't really matter for either storyline.
ellies_92's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
2.75/3
Fairly good, not great.
Some passages weren't realistic, and I'm not talking about the passages about "paranormal" stuff, but it's people's reactions which concern me.
- 2 people decide to tell secrets on the phone to a random journalist they don't know after saying "heck, XYZ doesn't want me to say this... But they're not here and I'm doing it". No one has ever talked nor acted like this. (Cathy - the professor's niece - and the ice-cream guy's son)
- Some conclusions are just random, like the European historian's final words: " if you wanted to kill someone she was the perfect target to kill since no one would claim her" or something... What a weird way to put it... And with a random delivery.
- Roberta touching Fiona's face and body to demonstrate that it is all in your head and heart. Excuse me old lady, touch your own forehead and breasts to get to your point, no need to touch me.
- The old cop going crazy and trying to kill her without a real plan & shooting to his son's hand. Wasn't he the chief of police for 30 years? And he's not locking his car doors, and now he's chasing people down a hill? Really?
Fairly good, not great.
Some passages weren't realistic, and I'm not talking about the passages about "paranormal" stuff, but it's people's reactions which concern me.
- 2 people decide to tell secrets on the phone to a random journalist they don't know after saying "heck, XYZ doesn't want me to say this... But they're not here and I'm doing it". No one has ever talked nor acted like this. (Cathy - the professor's niece - and the ice-cream guy's son)
- Some conclusions are just random, like the European historian's final words: " if you wanted to kill someone she was the perfect target to kill since no one would claim her" or something... What a weird way to put it... And with a random delivery.
- Roberta touching Fiona's face and body to demonstrate that it is all in your head and heart. Excuse me old lady, touch your own forehead and breasts to get to your point, no need to touch me.
- The old cop going crazy and trying to kill her without a real plan & shooting to his son's hand. Wasn't he the chief of police for 30 years? And he's not locking his car doors, and now he's chasing people down a hill? Really?
namitakhanna's review against another edition
5.0
In 1950 Idlewild Hall is a place for unwanted, troubled girls. Four roommates Sonia, Katie, CeCe and Roberta form an unlikely strong bond over a mysterious ghost that haunts Idlewild Hall and preys on your fears till one of them disappears without leaving a clue about her whereabouts.
In 2014 Fiona Sheridan, a freelance journalist, cannot let go of her sister’s death which happened 20 years ago on the grounds of Idlewild Hall. Even though her sister’s boyfriend was convicted of the crime Fiona always felt there was something amiss. When a mysterious buyer starts the project of restoring the abandoned building and a body is found on the grounds Fiona starts investigating the past and what actually happened the night of her sister’s death.
The Broken Girls is my first read by Simone St. James and definitely won’t be my last. Written in alternating timelines she keeps the story flowing seamlessly. The friendship between the girls and Fiona’s love for her sister was portrayed beautifully with suspense and a ghost story added in the mix. A clever, well written book that I would definitely recommend for all mystery, suspense lovers.
I would like to thank the author, Berkley Publishing Group & NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
In 2014 Fiona Sheridan, a freelance journalist, cannot let go of her sister’s death which happened 20 years ago on the grounds of Idlewild Hall. Even though her sister’s boyfriend was convicted of the crime Fiona always felt there was something amiss. When a mysterious buyer starts the project of restoring the abandoned building and a body is found on the grounds Fiona starts investigating the past and what actually happened the night of her sister’s death.
The Broken Girls is my first read by Simone St. James and definitely won’t be my last. Written in alternating timelines she keeps the story flowing seamlessly. The friendship between the girls and Fiona’s love for her sister was portrayed beautifully with suspense and a ghost story added in the mix. A clever, well written book that I would definitely recommend for all mystery, suspense lovers.
I would like to thank the author, Berkley Publishing Group & NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
namitakhanna's review against another edition
5.0
In 1950 Idlewild Hall is a place for unwanted, troubled girls. Four roommates Sonia, Katie, CeCe and Roberta form an unlikely strong bond over a mysterious ghost that haunts Idlewild Hall and preys on your fears till one of them disappears without leaving a clue about her whereabouts.
In 2014 Fiona Sheridan, a freelance journalist, cannot let go of her sister’s death which happened 20 years ago on the grounds of Idlewild Hall. Even though her sister’s boyfriend was convicted of the crime Fiona always felt there was something amiss. When a mysterious buyer starts the project of restoring the abandoned building and a body is found on the grounds Fiona starts investigating the past and what actually happened the night of her sister’s death.
The Broken Girls is my first read by Simone St. James and definitely won’t be my last. Written in alternating timelines she keeps the story flowing seamlessly. The friendship between the girls and Fiona’s love for her sister was portrayed beautifully with suspense and a ghost story added in the mix. A clever, well written book that I would definitely recommend for all mystery, suspense lovers.
I would like to thank the author, Berkley Publishing Group & NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
In 2014 Fiona Sheridan, a freelance journalist, cannot let go of her sister’s death which happened 20 years ago on the grounds of Idlewild Hall. Even though her sister’s boyfriend was convicted of the crime Fiona always felt there was something amiss. When a mysterious buyer starts the project of restoring the abandoned building and a body is found on the grounds Fiona starts investigating the past and what actually happened the night of her sister’s death.
The Broken Girls is my first read by Simone St. James and definitely won’t be my last. Written in alternating timelines she keeps the story flowing seamlessly. The friendship between the girls and Fiona’s love for her sister was portrayed beautifully with suspense and a ghost story added in the mix. A clever, well written book that I would definitely recommend for all mystery, suspense lovers.
I would like to thank the author, Berkley Publishing Group & NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/