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

dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 
I was excited and honored to receive an ARC of *Such Quiet Girls* by Noelle Ihli. From the very first page, I couldn't put it down. The book presents a chilling scenario: ten children are abducted in broad daylight while on their afterschool daycare bus and are buried alive. The bus seemingly disappears without a trace. The vivid descriptions of the buried shipping container evoke a strong sense of claustrophobia. 

Inspired by real events—the 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping—this fast-paced story features short chapters narrated from multiple perspectives: Sage, one of the children; the bus driver, Jessa; Ted, one of the kidnappers; and Sheena, the mother of two of the missing girls. The characters are well-developed, primarily set in the present, but there is enough background information on each character to add depth to their struggles as they trust their instincts and strive to make the right decisions. 

As time passes, the tension escalates as the children run out of oxygen in the hole where they are trapped. It delivers a gripping sense of urgency, creating a race against time to rescue the children. 

This book is perfect for true crime enthusiasts and fans of psychological thrillers.  I would rate it 5 stars, and I believe it would make a fantastic movie. 

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