[Review] The Broken Girls - Simone St. James

Summary: 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. . . . (Pub Date: Mar 20, 2018)

Honest review based on an ARC provided by Edelweiss. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.

This is a terrible story, and a creepy, otherworldly one. But it's also the story of the murders of two girls in two different times but that have taken place in the same Idlewild Hall, once a boarding school.

4.5.

Fiona's life has changed forever since her older sister's body was found. Even though the boyfriend has been convicted, she's always felt there was more. Now a new buyer is reforming the place, set on opening a new school, another body has been discovered, and Fiona decides to follow this story.

Although the writing can be prolix at times, it's still beautiful to read. A contrast to the eerie atmosphere surrounding Idlewild Hall. Even though this is deep down a thriller to solve the mystery of both deaths, the supernatural element is what makes this book unique. I kept turning pages to understand what the school ghost meant. Is it real? Was it involved? Is it a third victim?

Yes, I didn't think this book was perfect. I liked Fiona but I never really cheered for her. But what I think the biggest issue was in the 1950 timeline, when we follow the points of view of some students, including the girl who would eventually die. It was valid that they took turns but they were hard to follow when you still had Fiona in between. I had a hard time remembering which girl was what.

The last issue was the resolution, especially for the 1950 girl. What Fiona uncovers, and now I can't give spoilers, made me frown a little "Is she really going this way?". I now wonder if St. James decided to put together all themes she wanted to write about in the same story. It felt overwhelming. Which is a pity, because it was all very well researched.

In all, I'll make to add Simone St. James to my list of authors to follow. Broken Girls was the best book I've read in some time. Get it for a thriller that is different, well written, and goosebumps-inducing. But beware, ghosts aren't the scariest things here.

Rating: 4 out of 5.