AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Broken Girls by Simone St James / spooky, atmospheric and absolutely gripping

The Broken Girls by Simone St James

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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…

The Broken Girls by Simone St James

MY THOUGHTS & REVIEW

Earlier this year I read and enjoyed The Sun Down Motel, which was my first book by this author. But I already knew at that point that I would eventually get to The Broken Girls, and now, fast forward to fall 2020, it was the perfect October/November read. Eery, dark and creepy.

Thanks to a wonderful audiobook and fantastic writing, I was immediately pulled into the story. The way the two storylines intercepted, unfolded and came together in the end, was my favorite part of the book.

Maybe it was because of the all female boarding school. How the poor girls were hidden away like unwanted furniture. Forgotten, alone and on their own – someone else’s business. Or maybe it was the many heartbreaking backstories. Whatever it was, the story was very sad at times but also unforgettable.

But most of all it was very atmospheric, very gothic, which was something new and different. And it was much more emotional than expected. Also the story telling was just wonderful, and I loved the many strong female characters in this book. But I especially loved the conclusion!

Because, I needed an uplifting ending.

So, after two books by this author, I can say that I like what I’ve read so far, and I’m looking forward to more. These atmospheric thrillers might be out out of my comfort zone but they also make my tbr so much more exciting. And I’m all for shaking things up. Otherwise it would get BORING and that’s the last thing I’m interested in.

FOUR STARS

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The Broken Girls by Simone St James