Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

Sally Hepworth’s latest psychological thriller, “Darling Girls,” is a gut-wrenching exploration of childhood trauma and the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. With her trademark blend of suspense and emotional depth, Hepworth weaves a haunting tale that will keep you up well past your bedtime, turning pages with trembling fingers and a racing heart.

The story follows three foster sisters—Jessica, Norah, and Alicia—who seemingly escaped their abusive foster mother, Miss Fairchild, decades ago. But when human remains are discovered buried beneath their childhood home, the past comes crashing back with a vengeance. As the women are thrust into the spotlight of a murder investigation, long-buried secrets threaten to tear apart the lives they’ve painstakingly rebuilt.

A Master of Suspense Strikes Again

Hepworth has long been known for her ability to craft complex, nuanced characters, and “Darling Girls” is no exception. Each of the three protagonists is richly drawn and deeply flawed, their adult struggles inextricably linked to the horrors of their shared past. Jessica, once a successful business owner, is now grappling with addiction and a crumbling marriage. Norah’s anger issues have landed her on the wrong side of the law more than once. And Alicia, a dedicated social worker, can’t seem to let anyone close enough to form a real connection.

As the story unfolds, alternating between past and present, we’re given tantalizing glimpses into the abuse the girls suffered at the hands of Miss Fairchild. Hepworth’s portrayal of psychological manipulation is chillingly realistic, making the foster mother one of the most terrifying villains I’ve encountered in recent memory. The author’s skill lies in her ability to make even the most monstrous actions feel horrifyingly plausible, leaving readers to wonder just how thin the line between nurture and torture really is.

A Twisting, Turning Plot That Keeps You Guessing

Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Hepworth throws another curveball your way. The mystery of the buried bones is intricately layered, with each revelation leading to more questions. Was there another foster child none of the sisters remember? Could one of them be responsible for the death? Or is Miss Fairchild playing an even longer, more sinister game than anyone realized?

The pacing is relentless, with short chapters that practically beg you to read “just one more” until suddenly it’s 3 AM and you’re bleary-eyed but unable to stop. Hepworth’s prose is lean and propulsive, driving the story forward with an urgency that mirrors the characters’ desperation to uncover the truth.

Emotional Depth Amidst the Thrills

While the plot of “Darling Girls” is undeniably gripping, what sets it apart from run-of-the-mill thrillers is the emotional weight Hepworth brings to her characters. The bond between the three sisters is palpable, forged in the crucible of shared trauma and strengthened by years of mutual support. Their interactions are by turns tender and tense, loving and frustrated—in other words, achingly real.

The author doesn’t shy away from exploring the long-term effects of childhood abuse, portraying the sisters’ struggles with addiction, anger, and intimacy with unflinching honesty. It’s a testament to Hepworth’s skill that she manages to tackle such heavy themes without ever veering into melodrama or losing the thread of her central mystery.

A Setting That Haunts

The farmhouse where the sisters grew up becomes a character in its own right, looming large in both the past and present-day narratives. Hepworth’s descriptions of the once-idyllic property are vivid and atmospheric, painting a picture of a paradise corrupted by the evil that took place within its walls. The contrast between the outward beauty of the setting and the ugliness of what transpired there adds another layer of unease to an already tense story.

Comparisons and Context

Fans of Hepworth’s previous works like “The Good Sister” and “The Mother-in-Law” will find much to love here, as the author continues to prove herself a master of the domestic thriller genre. “Darling Girls” also calls to mind the work of authors like Liane Moriarty and Lisa Jewell, blending page-turning suspense with insightful explorations of family dynamics and female relationships.

However, Hepworth carves out her own unique niche with her unflinching portrayal of the foster care system and the vulnerabilities of children caught within it. The novel serves as a stark reminder of the potential for abuse within institutions meant to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

A Few Minor Quibbles

If I had to nitpick, there were a couple of plot points that strained credulity just a bit. Without giving too much away, one revelation towards the end felt a tad convenient, and I found myself wishing for a bit more exploration of its implications. Additionally, while the alternating timelines were generally well-handled, there were a few moments where the transitions felt slightly jarring.

These are minor complaints, however, in what is overall a masterfully crafted thriller that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

The Verdict: A Must-Read for Thriller Fans

“Darling Girls” is a tour de force from an author at the top of her game. Sally Hepworth has delivered a heart-pounding, emotionally resonant thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and exploration of timely themes, this novel is sure to be one of the most talked-about books of the year.

Whether you’re a longtime Hepworth fan or new to her work, “Darling Girls” is not to be missed. Just be prepared to lose some sleep – once you start, you won’t want to put it down. And fair warning: you might find yourself eyeing that kind old lady next door with a bit more suspicion after reading this. After all, as Hepworth so deftly reminds us, sometimes the most dangerous monsters wear the friendliest faces.