A review by louisekf
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-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? Yes

3.5

 Darling Girls will delight fans of twisty stories. The set-up: three girls lived at an abusive foster home and became virtual sisters. As adults, they are still struggling with their childhood experiences when police contact them individually to let them know that human bones have been found on the grounds of their foster home and that they want to speak to each of them. 
 
As with all the other books by Sally Hepworth that I’ve read, this one takes place in Australia - this time it’s in Melbourne and a fictional small town a few hours away by car. 
 
I listened to the audiobook on a long flight and it definitely kept my interest. There are lots of twists and turns and we get to hear from each of the girls as well as from the foster mother, Miss Fairchild. The best thing about the story for me was the amazing friendship the three girls/women developed and held to over the years. They were each other’s support system. 
 
Lovers of psychological thrillers will eat this one up. I thought it was well written but I have gradually realized this genre isn’t my “jam.” 
 
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. Jessica Clarke did a fine job with the narration of the audiobook. All opinions are my own. 
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