Review/Giveaway: The Broken Girls by Simone St. James

Genre:
Suspense

Format:
E-ARC

Publisher:
Berkley

Release Date:
March 20, 2018





Synopsis from Goodreads:

A suspense novel from the award-winning author of The Haunting of Maddy Clare...

Vermont, 1950. There's a place for the girls whom no one wants--the troublemakers, the illegitimate, the too smart for their own good. It's called Idlewild Hall. And in the small town where it's located, there are rumors that the boarding school is haunted. Four roommates bond over their whispered fears, their budding friendship blossoming--until one of them mysteriously disappears. . . .

Vermont, 2014. As much as she's tried, journalist Fiona Sheridan cannot stop revisiting the events surrounding her older sister's death. Twenty years ago, her body was found lying in the overgrown fields near the ruins of Idlewild Hall. And though her sister's boyfriend was tried and convicted of murder, Fiona can't shake the suspicion that something was never right about the case.

When Fiona discovers that Idlewild Hall is being restored by an anonymous benefactor, she decides to write a story about it. But a shocking discovery during the renovations will link the loss of her sister to secrets that were meant to stay hidden in the past--and a voice that won't be silenced. . . .

My Review

Twenty years ago Fiona Sheridan lost her sister to violence. Her sister’s boyfriend was arrested and put in jail for the murder. Fiona’s family was never the same. As an adult, Fiona still can’t forget the tragedy that struck her family. She’s, also, convinced that there is something wrong with the way this case had been handled. She’s sure that the police did not do their job back then.  Fiona is now a journalist and plans to put her skills to good use and investigate.

Fiona’s investigation leads her to a mysterious disappearance from 1950 at an all girls school called Idlewild Hall. The school is now abandoned, but it also happens to be the grounds where her sister’s body was found in 1994. Now, a wealthy family is purchasing the old building with plans to renovate the school. Fiona is desperate to uncover all the secrets involved with the 1950’s disappearance, as well as her own sister’s murder.

Talk about edge-of-your-seat reading. This was that and so much more. Fiona is a strong character who doesn’t back down despite the warnings or danger involved.

The author expertly mixes the past with the present to give us an explosive story. There’s even paranormal tones intertwined with the mystery. It’s suspense meets gothic complete with an old building and a ghost.

The Broken Girls is a fast-paced, riveting story with many twists and turns. It grabs you from the start. This is a new-to-me author that I’ll be looking for in the future.



For reading challenges:
Cloak & Dagger Reading Challenge 2018
Literary Escapes Reading Challenge 2018 (Vermont)

FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!!

Now you can win a print copy of The Broken Girls by Simone St. James? Thanks to the publisher, I have one paperback to giveaway to one lucky winner.

Just a few simple rules...

1) You must fill out the rafflecopter form below.

2) Contest is open to anyone over 18 years old

3) US Residents Only

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6) For one extra entry:  Follow this blog...old followers, too!  Just let us know how you follow and under what name.

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8) For one extra entry: Follow or friend me on Goodreads

No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited.

The giveaway begins on April 9th (midnight est) and ends on April 16th (midnight est).

The winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter. The winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond, otherwise a new winner will be chosen. I will announce the winner here on my blog.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway