A review by leahjanespeare
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

4.5

I would suggest not to compare this side by side to Ace of Spades even though they are both psychological thrillers that take place at elite boarding schools. They are both strong and equally good in their own way, tackling different institutional, structural issues. AoS takes on racism while this one brings up rape culture and sexual assault. 

The author is good at a slow-burn start that pulls you in and before you know it you're neck deep in a clusterfuck of conspiracy. There's a touch of unreliable narrator, a bit of romance, a lot of gaslighting and smash the patriarchy vibes - what a great combination and the author executes it flawlessly. I liked a lot of the side characters in this one because they had distinct personalities, and I liked how well fleshed out the school experience was even though the focus is a missing persons case first and foremost. I also liked the way information was revealed and the layers of deceit that were uncovered. Sade (shah-day) and her friends have experiences that are very much happening in real life, so overall it was a chilling read. 

There are heavy themes so make sure to look up any needed trigger warnings for a safe reading experience. 
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