Reviews

Quarry Girls by Jess Lourey

tmlore's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

the path girls must take

As a woman reading this novel I was overwhelmed by the truth of it. The punches to the gut, but the honesty within the pages is phenomenal!
Give it a read, totally worth it!
Five stars to the Author, and everyone else who made this novel possible.

lricker's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This was a goooood book. The first good thriller of the year! If you like a read that you can't put down, then this one is for you. It will take you on a ride of emotions and a dark and damp place that surprised me that parents would allow their children to play! Not only allowed them, but encouraged it! Read this book.

alexisclare's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

four stars only because i was pretty bored with this book in the beginning but the last half goes OFF and makes it all worth it. 
i love my girls

melbuckingham's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Written well, but just a tad bit disturbing.

wolvesmom66's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

A crime thriller based on true events, this book sucked me in from the get go and did not let go. It’s 1977 in Minnesota and teenage girls are going missing but the authorities seem content to write them off as runaways. Told from the perspective of a friend of one of the missing girls and also one of the missing girls. I did not want to put this book down.

mlinde35's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • 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

lynsayk's review

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

garck_2439's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

camelia03's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

This book was really good, but please check your trigger warnings. It was kind of scary and the fact that this is stuff that actually happens in real life, but this was a really good book very well written.

libraryforspooky's review against another edition

Go to review page

3.0

"The Quarry Girls" by Jess Lourey delves into the haunting blend of adolescence and mystery set against the backdrop of a small Minnesota town in 1977. As the summer unfolds for Heather and Brenda, their idyllic teenage days are marred by a dark secret they vow to keep hidden. But when girls start disappearing, Heather's fears intensify, and she embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth.

Lourey crafts a narrative that skillfully captures the essence of teenage friendships, innocence, and the inevitable transition to adulthood. The setting of a close-knit community in the '70s lends an atmospheric backdrop to the story, evoking a sense of nostalgia and suspense.

The protagonist, Heather, is a compelling character grappling with complex emotions and fears. Her relentless pursuit of answers drives the narrative forward, adding a layer of tension and urgency to the plot. Lourey adeptly explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the blurred lines between reality and perception.

However, the novel's execution falls short in certain aspects. The characterization at times feels contrived, with certain characters embodying stereotypes or lacking depth. The portrayal of facial differences and mental illness as narrative devices may come across as oversimplified or clichéd, detracting from the authenticity of the story.

Despite these drawbacks, Lourey's writing style shines through, capturing the reader's attention with mesmerizing prose and a gripping storyline. The pacing is well-maintained, particularly in the first act, which builds suspense and keeps readers engaged.

The resolution of the mystery unfolds in a surprising manner, offering unexpected twists that may intrigue readers. The dual halves of the ending provide closure while leaving room for lingering questions, a testament to Lourey's ability to craft a layered narrative.

In summary, "The Quarry Girls" is a novel that blends coming-of-age themes with a chilling mystery, set against a richly atmospheric backdrop. While the characterization and portrayal of certain elements may lack depth, the novel succeeds in delivering suspense and emotional resonance.

For readers seeking a suspenseful tale with a nostalgic twist and a protagonist navigating the complexities of adolescence and fear, "The Quarry Girls" offers an intriguing journey into the shadows lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly serene town.