A review by thesilverdoctrine
Such Quiet Girls by Noelle W. Ihli

dark emotional sad 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

This book blew me away. I couldn’t put it down — every chapter had me more emotionally invested than the last. Told through the perspectives of three different characters, the story unfolds with haunting precision and emotional depth. That structure alone kept things dynamic and layered in the best way.

But let’s talk about Sage. Little Sage completely stole the show. Her character arc was powerful, raw, and deeply moving. Watching her transformation was hands-down my favorite part of the book. She’s not just a survivor — she’s the hero of this story, and one I won’t forget any time soon.

The plot itself was inspired by a real abduction from the 1970s involving a bus driver and school children being taken underground — and Ihli took that eerie premise and made it something truly original. Suspenseful, emotionally gripping, and beautifully written.

This was my first book by Noelle Ihli, and now I’m officially hooked. If you’re into psychological thrillers with heart, grit, and characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished the last page — this one’s for you.