A story told in two time frames; a boarding school story; a ghost story; a murder mystery--The Broken Girls truly gave me chills.
In 1950 Vermont, a boarding school for recalcitrant girls (dumped there because they are unwanted or hard to manage) has been haunted since its inception. The legends, true and/or exaggerated, have been passed down through the decades both orally and through messages in the school's textbooks. Mary Hand knows--and the generations of girls who have attended Idlewild Hall are all affected by the truths she reveals.
In 2014, a journalist haunted by the murder of her sister is shocked and disturbed that someone wants to restore Idlewild Hall. She decides to write a story about the school, and that story leads to more mystery and danger.
Although I am often drawn to ghost stories, most books fail to satisfy or frighten me. While reading The Broken Girls, I was able to suspend disbelief and follow the story in past and present with bated breath.
Read in August; blog review scheduled for February, 2018.
NetGalley/Berkley Publishing Group
Mystery/Suspense/Supernatural. March 20, 2018. Print length: 336 pages.
I really wish this book had been scheduled for publication in October or November, months that seem particularly suitable for ghost stories.
What are some of your favorite ghost stories?
I think this is my favourite Simone St. James book so far. I loved the gothic element and not to mention the mystery intrigued me, too. I'll be posting my review nearer to the publication date. :)
ReplyDeleteIt really is a great ghost story!
DeleteYou know, I tried reading an earlier book by this author and it didn't work for me. However, I'm really looking forward to trying this one. I love ghost stories and always have. Plus I love books set at boarding schools - no idea why. I certainly didn't attend one - well, except for college. Gothic elements will get me every time.
ReplyDeleteI've tried another one of her earlier books and wasn't much impressed; too cozy. This is so different in writing style and complexity of plot!
DeleteI REALLY need my copy of this book to come! It sounds so good. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope all the hype doesn't lessen the enjoyment, but The Broken Girls met all my requirements for a good ghost story!
Deletei only briefly skim the review because I reading this book next week. I LOVE ghost stories! Glad to see you liked it! I'll be back after I read it!
ReplyDeleteWriting a good ghost story that truly allows the reader to "suspend disbelief" must be one of the more difficult challenges for an author. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
DeleteI love a great ghost story and so glad to hear you enjoyed this one. I do have a copy of this one too so I hope to get to it soon.
ReplyDeleteIt was suspenseful!
DeleteI have not heard of this author before and I'm sure going to out Simone St. James! I love ghost stories and this one sounds like a good one! Thanks Jennie for your review!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the few ghost stories that measures up to my hopes and expectations, Sherri!
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