3.8 AVERAGE


This was a thoroughly enjoyable mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the very end. The author masterfully crafted a compelling plot that kept me hooked from the first page.
The setting of Martha's Vineyard adds a charming and atmospheric touch to the story. The vivid descriptions of the island's scenery and the local community effectively transported me to this picturesque location.
The book is also surprisingly easy to read, making it a perfect choice for a quick and engaging escape. I highly recommend it to fans of cosy mysteries and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story with an intriguing setting.

This was a really quick and easy read. I could have read this in a much quicker sitting however, it was a little slow to start with and I’ve also being in a little reading rut which is why it’s taken me so long. Despite this, the book was easy to follow, even when picked back up after so long.

Holly goes missing after working on Martha’s Vineyard on a small island of Massachusetts over the summer period. After receiving a text, Holly’s sister, Claire knew something wasn’t right and flew out to find her. Does it link to another disappearance from five years ago? You’ll have to read it to find out.

The book contains two perspectives, one from Holly’s side leading up to her disappearance and the other of Claire in search for her missing sister. The ending had an unexpected twist which I didn’t see coming.

Overall a good read which I enjoyed.

Thank you Tandem Collective for the opportunity to take part in this read-along of The Summer Girl written by Jenny Blackhurst.

If you like twisted thrillers about sibling rivalry, various unreliable characters, deep grief and revenge, or just like to be kept guessing until a shocking conclusion is revealed, this is definitely the read for you!

A well deserved 4 star read that is available to buy now!

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dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

I really liked the writing style, it was a lot better written than what I expected when I picked it up. 

I feel like I connected with Holly's character a lot more than the main character. 

The pacing was really weird. Most of the book happened over 2 days and then we had several huge time jumps. 

I figured out the twist fairly early on. I don't love the the ending, it felt just a bit too convenient.

Was excited to read this one after enjoying this author's previous book "The Hiking Trip". I was hoping for lots of twists and turns but they weren't really there. Not in the same way.

However I did enjoy the story itself and it's a perfect summer thriller to pick up and read. I felt the plot a little predictable at times and although the final twist was surprising, it wasn't enough for me. Maybe I expect too much!

But it all wrapped up well and I enjoyed the book although I must say the last bit was slightly contraversal!

Thank you to Tandem for my gifted copy as part of the Thriller Ambassador programme.
dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Claire’s little sister Holly has been working in Martha’s Vineyard where she went missing. None of the locals or police seem to care but Claire is determined something has happened, especially as it seems linked to a girl who went missing five years ago…

This really hooked me in and I found it hard to put down, however I feel like I was left with unanswered questions and some aspects of the plot felt a bit too far fetched for my liking. I did also find the plot to be quite predictable, which is a shame because it had potential. 

I did find the characters to be interested but I felt like I wanted more from them because I didn’t necessarily feel anything for them. Whilst I did feel empathy for a lot of what the characters had went through, I feel like we never got to truly know them on a deeper level, which is what I was waiting for.  

I do think Jenny did a great job at creating the atmosphere throughout the book. I think the setting also helped a lot to create this feeling of unease that never truly leaves you throughout the book. 

Overall, I found myself wanting more from this book and it is definitely my least of the books I’ve read by Jenny. However, I would still recommend checking it out as just because it wasn’t a favourite for me, it is still a really good read that for the most part I enjoyed! 

⚠️ CWs: murder, alcohol use, derogatory language, cursing, grief, sexual harassment, stalking, suicide, vomit, harassment, rape, pedophilia, death, sexual assault and violence; mentions cancer, abandonment, physical assault, parent death, bullying, cheating, panic attack ⚠️ 

"The Summer Girl" by Jenny Blackhurst is an unputdownable psychological thriller that takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the picturesque setting of Martha's Vineyard. Claire, is determined to uncover the truth behind her sister Holly's disappearance, despite the indifference of the locals and the questionable message Claire received claiming her sister is safe.

As Claire delves deeper into the mystery, she begins to unravel a web of secrets and hidden connections that tie Holly's disappearance to another girl who vanished years ago. With each revelation, Claire realizes that the truth is more sinister than she could have imagined. As she races against time to find her sister, she must confront the dark underbelly of the seemingly idyllic island and face the dangers lurking in the shadows.

Jenny Blackhurst skillfully weaves a suspenseful tale, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they join Claire on her desperate search for answers. The story explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones. With its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and unexpected twists, "The Summer Girl" promises to be a gripping and addictive summer read for fans of psychological thrillers.

Prepare to be captivated by the suspense, the sense of impending danger, and the chilling secrets that lie beneath the surface in "The Summer Girl." Jenny Blackhurst's masterful storytelling will keep readers guessing until the very end, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an engaging and thrilling summer read.

This was a really interesting story and relatively fast paced! I definitely connected with the characters and some of the things they were going through. There was just enough mystery to keep me wanting to binge is book and I really enjoyed all the reveals at the end! This was a decent summer thriller that I really enjoyed! This one comes out in a few days (07/13)!