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literarykitten's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Child death, Death, Sexual assault, Violence, Antisemitism, and Murder
thereadedit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I devoured this book like no other and I can't say that I regret that decision. The characters in this book kept me on my toes thinking way past when I set the book down. And especially when I was in the middle of the book. I was constantly trying to figure out multiple things and I loved being in the middle of a mystery.
This definitely kept me on my toes and I loved it so much. The paranormal aspect definitely gave it the creepy vibe that I loved throughout the book.
I loved Fiona and her need to fill the curiosity from the past. She needed the clarity from her sisters murder but got so much more than she ever bargained for in the end. She was the perfect person to unfold everything from the inception of Idlewild all the way to the present involving another woman's case against her sisters killer.
There was so much happening not just in the past but also in the present that came together to show how much corruption is in the world. Not just in a war but also small town. The people you are supposed to trust, are the ones to be the most wary of. You never truly know what they are hiding.
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Physical abuse
Moderate: Child death, Death, and Abandonment
fatimaelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Moderate: Child death, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Minor: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, and War
rae_em's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.25
Moderate: Violence and Murder
Minor: Child death, Rape, and War
boba_nbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Written in a dual timeline, The Broken Girls tells the story of Vermont in the 1950s as well as in 2014. In the 50s, we follow four girls who were sent to Idlewild Hall--a boarding school for "troubled" girls. Each girl has their own struggles and reasons for ending up at Idlewild, and they come together to support each other and protect themselves until one of them goes missing. In 2014, Fiona is a journalist whose sister's body was dumped near Idlewild Hall years ago. Her sister's murderer has been in jail for quite some time, but Fiona wonders if there isn't more to the story. At the same time, someone is trying to restore Idlewild Hall, for reasons Fiona could never imagine, as she has heard nothing but horror stories from that school. Fiona discovers long-forgotten secrets of the school that tie back to her sister, and she will stop at nothing to find the truth and justice for the living and the dead.
I love how St. James creates dual timelines that slowly begin to relate to each other and reveal more as you continue reading. I thought the four girls from the 1950s were better characters than Fiona from 2014, though I did still appreciate her motivations and character development.
This well-written mystery/thriller will keep you on your toes and make you think about what you consider "justice."
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Antisemitism, and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Sexual assault, Murder, and Sexual harassment
muse692's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, and Murder
Minor: Miscarriage
minimicropup's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
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🫶 There are a lot of characters and that can be difficult for audio-only. I didn't have an issue keeping track because the writing style introduces us to them by weaving their traits into the story naturally, so I didn't feel like I had to take notes just to remember who was who. The layout of the boarding school and surrounding sites both in the 1950s and after it was abandoned was similarly woven in the story so I had no trouble imagining everything and situating the characters. Plus with this style of writing, you probably won't feel bogged down in details if you aren't an imaginations reader.
- Historical fiction coming-of-age friendship-by-proximity
- Puzzles and clues via investigative journalism of true crime type missing and murdered girls
- Touches of dark academia from abandoned boarding school paranormal horrors
- Can-they-make-it-work, lovers-to, touch of forbidden romance
- Interwoven themes of found family, teen friendship, convention and rebellion, morality, justice, courage, and tragedy
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Murder, and Abandonment
Minor: Child death, Mental illness, Sexual content, Suicide attempt, and War
kirstym25's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Child death and Murder
Moderate: Rape and Antisemitism
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Genocide, Rape, Police brutality, Antisemitism, Medical content, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Murder
Minor: Suicide attempt and Pregnancy
exlibrissum's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, Sexual assault, Police brutality, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Forced institutionalization, Antisemitism, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Abandonment