Saturday, February 15, 2025

Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

A dark mystery at an elite boarding school—where secrets never stay hidden

Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé has solidified her place as a rising star in the world of YA thrillers. "Where Sleeping Girls Lie" is a masterclass in building tension, creating memorable characters, and exploring societal issues through the lens of a gripping mystery. It's the kind of book that demands to be discussed, dissected, and debated with friends long into the night.

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You know that feeling when you’re walking alone at night, and the shadows seem to stretch just a bit too long? That prickle on the back of your neck, like someone’s watching? Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé’s latest YA mystery, “Where Sleeping Girls Lie,” captures that eerie sensation and amplifies it tenfold. Set in the hallowed halls of the prestigious Alfred Nobel Academy boarding school, this gripping tale plunges readers into a world where nothing is quite as it seems, and every corner hides a new secret waiting to be unearthed.

A Tangled Web of Mystery and Intrigue

Sade Hussein arrives at Alfred Nobel Academy hoping for a fresh start. After years of homeschooling and a lifetime of feeling like misfortune’s favorite target, she’s ready to spread her wings. But from day one, things go sideways. Her roommate, Elizabeth, vanishes without a trace, leaving Sade as the prime suspect. Talk about a rough first week, right?

As Sade navigates the treacherous waters of boarding school life, she finds herself drawn into the orbit of the “Unholy Trinity” – the most popular (and feared) girls on campus. But even as she tries to fit in and clear her name, dark secrets begin to surface. Students with hidden agendas, mysterious coded messages, and whispers of a sinister group known only as “The Fishermen” all point to something rotten at the core of Alfred Nobel Academy.

A Cast of Complex Characters

Àbíké-Íyímídé excels at crafting multi-dimensional characters that leap off the page. Sade, our protagonist, is a brilliant mix of vulnerability and resilience. Her struggles with grief, anxiety, and the weight of her past make her instantly relatable. The supporting cast is equally compelling:

  • Persephone: The enigmatic member of the Unholy Trinity who catches Sade’s eye
  • Baz: Sade’s quirky new friend with a penchant for unorthodox problem-solving
  • August: The charming swim team star hiding more than meets the eye
  • Jude: The school’s golden boy with a reputation that’s not quite golden

Each character feels fully realized, with their own motivations, secrets, and flaws. It’s a testament to Àbíké-Íyímídé’s skill that even minor characters leave a lasting impression.

Atmosphere That Drips with Tension

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to create a palpable sense of unease. The author weaves an intricate tapestry of dread that permeates every page. Alfred Nobel Academy becomes a character in its own right—a labyrinth of dark corners, hidden passages, and whispered rumors. You can almost feel the weight of centuries of secrets pressing down as you read.

Àbíké-Íyímídé’s prose is evocative, painting vivid pictures that linger in the mind:

“The halls of Turing were quieter than ever. It served as a constant reminder that while most of the student body were away with their families, she was here, alone, always.”

It’s this attention to atmosphere that elevates “Where Sleeping Girls Lie” from a simple mystery to a truly immersive experience.

Themes That Resonate

While the central mystery drives the plot forward, Àbíké-Íyímídé explores several weighty themes throughout the novel:

The Weight of Secrets

Everyone at Alfred Nobel Academy seems to be hiding something. The book delves deep into the psychological toll of carrying secrets and the ways they can warp relationships and identities.

Power Dynamics and Privilege

The stark contrast between scholarship students and those from wealthy families highlights issues of class and privilege. The author doesn’t shy away from examining how these power imbalances can be exploited.

Grief and Trauma

Sade’s past losses haunt her throughout the story. The book sensitively portrays the long-lasting effects of trauma and the difficulty of moving forward.

Identity and Belonging

As a new student trying to find her place, Sade grapples with questions of identity and where she truly fits in. This struggle will resonate with many readers.

A Rollercoaster Plot That Keeps You Guessing

Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Àbíké-Íyímídé throws another curveball your way. The pacing is relentless, with new revelations and plot twists coming at a breakneck speed. It’s the kind of book that’ll have you staying up way past your bedtime, promising yourself “just one more chapter” (spoiler alert: it’s never just one more chapter).

The central mystery is intricate and well-crafted, with plenty of red herrings to keep readers on their toes. The author does an excellent job of doling out information in tantalizing morsels, always leaving you hungry for more.

A Few Minor Stumbles

While “Where Sleeping Girls Lie” is a gripping read, it’s not without its flaws. At times, the sheer number of plot threads can feel overwhelming. Some readers might find themselves wishing for a character list to keep track of all the players and their various allegiances.

Additionally, a few of the plot twists in the latter half of the book stretch credibility a bit. While the author generally maintains a good balance between realism and drama, there are a couple of moments that might have you raising an eyebrow.

Representation Matters

Àbíké-Íyímídé continues to be a champion for diverse representation in YA literature. “Where Sleeping Girls Lie” features a wonderfully diverse cast of characters across racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ spectrums. This diversity feels organic and adds richness to the world of the story.

The exploration of Sade’s Muslim faith, while not central to the plot, is handled with nuance and care. It’s refreshing to see a protagonist whose religious identity is simply one facet of who she is, rather than her defining characteristic.

A Worthy Follow-Up to “Ace of Spades”

Fans of Àbíké-Íyímídé’s debut novel, “Ace of Spades,” will find much to love here. While “Where Sleeping Girls Lie” stands on its own, it shares many of the strengths that made her first book such a hit. The author’s keen eye for social dynamics and her ability to craft nail-biting suspense are on full display.

That said, “Where Sleeping Girls Lie” feels like a more mature work. The characters are more nuanced, the plotting tighter, and the themes even more deeply explored. It’s clear that Àbíké-Íyímídé is an author honing her craft with each new book.

Who Should Read This Book?

“Where Sleeping Girls Lie” is perfect for:

  • Fans of twisty YA mysteries
  • Readers who love dark academia settings
  • Anyone looking for diverse representation in their thrillers
  • Those who enjoy complex character dynamics and moral gray areas

If you devoured books like “One of Us Is Lying” by Karen M. McManus or “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson, this should be next on your TBR pile.

The Verdict: A Must-Read Thrill Ride

“Where Sleeping Girls Lie” is a tour de force of YA mystery writing. Àbíké-Íyímídé has crafted a story that will keep you guessing until the very last page. With its richly drawn characters, atmospheric setting, and exploration of timely themes, this book offers far more than your average whodunit.

Yes, there are a few minor missteps along the way, but they’re easily forgiven in light of the overall quality of the work. This is a book that will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page, leaving you pondering its themes and questioning who you can really trust.

So, dim the lights, curl up under a blanket, and prepare to lose yourself in the dark and twisting corridors of Alfred Nobel Academy. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself checking under the bed before you go to sleep—after all, you never know what secrets might be lurking in the shadows.

The Good:

  • Intricate, suspenseful plot
  • Complex, well-developed characters
  • Atmospheric writing that pulls you in
  • Thoughtful exploration of weighty themes
  • Excellent representation across diverse identities

The Not-So-Good:

  • Occasionally overwhelming number of plot threads
  • A few plot twists that stretch credibility

Final Thoughts

Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé has solidified her place as a rising star in the world of YA thrillers. “Where Sleeping Girls Lie” is a masterclass in building tension, creating memorable characters, and exploring societal issues through the lens of a gripping mystery. It’s the kind of book that demands to be discussed, dissected, and debated with friends long into the night.

So, gather your book club, brew a strong pot of coffee (trust me, you’ll need it to stay up reading), and dive into the murky depths of “Where Sleeping Girls Lie.” Just remember—in a world where everyone has secrets, who can you really trust?

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Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé has solidified her place as a rising star in the world of YA thrillers. "Where Sleeping Girls Lie" is a masterclass in building tension, creating memorable characters, and exploring societal issues through the lens of a gripping mystery. It's the kind of book that demands to be discussed, dissected, and debated with friends long into the night.Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé