Darling Girls

Was so readable. I loved the past and present chapters, and the multiple POVs. This wasn't as thrilling as I thought going in, it was more of a character study on abuse and trauma. Miss Fairchild was cunning in her abuse. Her methods of learning her girls, and then weakening them through punishments was kind of hard to read at times. Really enjoyed the final chapter of how the baby bones got under the house. It adds to the depth of Miss Fairchild and gave some insight on how she came to be.

Darling Girls follows three foster sisters who are summoned back to the house they grew up in after some bones are found buried underneath the house.

While this book focused a lot on the abuse and trauma the sisters went through with their foster mother, I never felt that it was too dark or heavy. The three sisters were unique in the ways they came into the foster system, the things they had been through in the past, and how being in the foster system, specifically with Miss Fairchild as their foster mother, really shaped them into the people they are in the present time. I enjoyed the bond between the three of them, and I found the relationships between each of them and Miss Fairchild to be very interesting as well.

I flew through this. I was very intrigued from the start, and it was truly such a page turner. I did not love the very end, however, and would have been satisfied without the last chapter.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!

Stunningly Well Written


I'm overjoyed to have dedicated uninterrupted time to dive into “Darling Girls” by Sally Hepworth, a literary treat that reaffirms her status as a must-read author in my book. It effortlessly earns a spot on my list of favorite reads for 2024, leaving me eagerly anticipating Hepworth's next offering. Now, let's delve into what makes this novel so captivating.

From start to finish, “Darling Girls” held me in its grip, but it was the final chapter that truly blew me away, elevating what would have been a four-star read to a resounding five stars. Hepworth masterfully concludes the narrative, delivering a conclusion that leaves an indelible mark. Bravo, Ms. Hepworth, for a stellar closing act.

The heart of “Darling Girls” lies in the lives of three foster “sisters” who reunite after 25 years following the discovery of human bones at the site of their former foster home, Wild Meadows. Jessica, Alicia, and Norah, bound by their shared past and haunted by memories of their abusive foster mother, Miss Fairchild, confront long-buried truths as they assist the detectives in unraveling the mystery.

Hepworth skillfully navigates the complexities of trauma and its enduring impact, offering a poignant portrayal of the lifelong scars inflicted by narcissistic abuse. Miss Fairchild emerges as a chillingly manipulative figure, her influence casting a shadow over the lives of those she once controlled.

With its abundance of twists and turns, “Darling Girls” kept me on the edge of my seat, compelling me to read late into the night. The payoff at the end was more than worth it, delivering a conclusion that resonates long after the final page is turned.

In conclusion, “Darling Girls” is a riveting read that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the bonds of sisterhood and the lasting repercussions of childhood trauma. I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in this gripping tale.