The Broken Girls by Simone St. James – a Review

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Description:
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. . . .

Review:

The Broken Girls by Simone St. James is my first book by this author.  When I started this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Upon completing this book, I now have to research more about St. James, as I loved The Broken Girls. 

This book revolves around two different time periods, and two POV’s.  The first POV is set in 1950, where 4 young girls are sent by their family to Idlewild Hall, in Vermont.  The boarding school is a place where troubled girls are sent, and we meet Katie, Roberta, CeCe and Sonia, who become roommates.  The school is rumored to be haunted, where both students and teachers fear a ghost called Mary Hand.  We watch and learn about these girls, their lives, their fears, and how they ended up in the dismal spooky Idlewild.  Katie is the strong and beautiful one, CeCe is a follower and Roberta is smart.  Sonia is from Europe, and has no family. 

In 2014, Fiona Sheridan is a journalist, who has grieved for 20 years the death of her sister, who was murdered on the grounds of Idlewild, which is now decaying and closed.  Her sister’s murderer is in jail, but Fiona cannot get past the questions of why her sister’s boyfriend, who still claims his innocence, would murder her.  When Idlewild is purchased with the plan of renovating the school, Fiona’s journalistic mind plans to research and find evidence to help her solve the old murder.   Along the way, a body is found in the well, and the death took place in 1950, which has Fiona also researching that death.  Is there any connection to the two deaths 64 years apart?

This was a terrific suspenseful, dark and at times scary story that had me on the edge of my seat.  Once you get to the half way point, there is no putting this book down. There are so many secrets between both sides, as we go between both pov’s, with the death of the girl in 1950 bringing some things together.  The twists and turns, with an amazing surprising finish were so well done by St. James.  Fiona will find her life in danger, as she continues her investigation into both era’s. 

To tell too much more would be spoilers, and you really need to read this book from start to finish.  St. James not only has created a fantastic amazing Gothic thriller, but she also gives us some wonderful characters that we will not forget;  Fiona, the 4 girls in 1950, Fiona’s boyfriend, the Edens, the Ghost and the villain.

The Broken Girls is an awesome and exciting mystery, that had a slight paranormal element that was done very well, giving this a chilling gothic feel at times.  The mystery has so many surprises, and I fully loved how this ended.  Simone St. James did an amazing job writing this captivating thriller.  I suggest you read this book..now.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher