A review by gallusquared
The Burning Girls by C.J. Tudor

dark mysterious 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? Yes

3.5

The sleepy English village of Chapel Croft has a darkness that clings to it like fog. Newcomer Reverend Jack Brooks, a woman with a past and a teenage daughter, Flo, soon discovers this isn't your average parish. Whispers of unsolved disappearances from decades ago linger, and a disturbing local legend about "burning girls" adds a layer of unease. When it is revealed that the previous vicar died under suspicious circumstances, Jack, with Flo by her side (much to Flo's initial annoyance), gets swept into the investigation. The deeper they dig, the more they unearth a community riddled with secrets, a tangled web of suspicion, and a past that refuses to stay buried.

Tudor weaves a suspenseful tale that will keep you guessing. The atmosphere in Chapel Croft is thick with tension, and the characters, though flawed, feel real. Jack is a protagonist you can't help but root for. Flo, the quintessential teenager trying to fit in while dealing with her mom's baggage, provides a relatable counterpoint. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, with enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat.

However, The Burning Girls isn't without its flaws. The exploration of the supernatural elements feels underdeveloped, leaving some threads dangling. Similarly, a couple of character motivations could have been better fleshed out. Even the ending, while satisfying and with a touch of corniness, might not be the mind-blowing twist some crave.

Despite these minor quibbles, The Burning Girls is a page-turner. If you're looking for a suspenseful mystery steeped in small-town weirdness, prepare to be glued to the story until the very satisfying, if somewhat predictable, conclusion. 
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