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Such a Clever Girl
Darby Kane, author of the #1 international bestseller Pretty Little Wife, returns with a gripping domestic thriller in which a family goes missing and a long-buried family mystery resurfaces.
Fifteen years ago, the Tanner family vanished without a trace, leaving behind a chilling half-eaten meals, a bloodstain by the door, and a smoldering fire consuming their business across town.
The once-vibrant home stands untouched, a haunting relic of the past. As rumors fade into local folklore, the mystery of their disappearance seems destined to remain unsolved—until Aubrey Tanner returns.
Now a hardened thirty-year-old, Aubrey arrives in town with secrets etched in her silence. Why did she come back? Was she a victim of the night that changed everything, or does she hold the truth of what happened to her family? The town is rife with theories, but three women share a dangerous they know more than they’ve ever confessed.
As the past resurfaces, old alliances fray. A teacher, a café owner, and a psychologist are drawn together by memories they’d rather forget. Each holds a piece of the puzzle—and a dark secret of their own. When a new disappearance sends shock waves through the town, blackmail begins, and the stakes climb higher.
In a race against time, these women must confront the truth or risk becoming the next victims of a past they cannot escape. With tension rising and danger lurking, one thing is someone is destined to kill again.
Fifteen years ago, the Tanner family vanished without a trace, leaving behind a chilling half-eaten meals, a bloodstain by the door, and a smoldering fire consuming their business across town.
The once-vibrant home stands untouched, a haunting relic of the past. As rumors fade into local folklore, the mystery of their disappearance seems destined to remain unsolved—until Aubrey Tanner returns.
Now a hardened thirty-year-old, Aubrey arrives in town with secrets etched in her silence. Why did she come back? Was she a victim of the night that changed everything, or does she hold the truth of what happened to her family? The town is rife with theories, but three women share a dangerous they know more than they’ve ever confessed.
As the past resurfaces, old alliances fray. A teacher, a café owner, and a psychologist are drawn together by memories they’d rather forget. Each holds a piece of the puzzle—and a dark secret of their own. When a new disappearance sends shock waves through the town, blackmail begins, and the stakes climb higher.
In a race against time, these women must confront the truth or risk becoming the next victims of a past they cannot escape. With tension rising and danger lurking, one thing is someone is destined to kill again.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 20, 2026
301 people are currently reading
12299 people want to read
About the author
Darby Kane
8 books1,919 followersDarby Kane is a former divorce lawyer with a dual writing personality. Her debut thriller, PRETTY LITTLE WIFE, was a Book Of The Month pick, #1 international bestseller, and has been optioned for a television series. She also writes romantic suspense and romantic mysteries as HelenKay Dimon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 561 reviews
July 16, 2025
Darby Kane’s books feel tailor-made for my thriller cravings—and once again, she delivers. Every time she releases a new novel, I cancel the world, curl up on the couch, and dive headfirst into her twisty, high-stakes plots. It’s the kind of full-immersion reading escape that makes you forget your to-do list—even if you’re sweating through the nail-biting tension.
Her latest novel is no exception. It opens with a haunting premise: the sudden disappearance of the Tanner family—Patrick, Victoria, their young son Noah, and their teenage daughter Aubrey, who fifteen years ago showed troubling signs of being a sociopath. What’s left behind? A blood-streaked door, half-eaten meals on the dinner table, and a mysterious fire at the family’s bookstore. The scene is eerie, unexplained—and three women are caught in the middle of it.
There’s Marnie, Victoria’s best friend, last seen leaving the house covered in blood. Hannah, Patrick’s young assistant, is found clutching a knife—but is she the killer or just the unlucky one to discover the scene? And Stella, Aubrey’s psychiatrist, appears with her husband Lukas—whose involvement will later cost them their marriage and nearly his political career. Each woman has something to hide. Each has a reason to lie. And for fifteen years, they’ve kept their secrets buried.
But time runs out. When the family patriarch Xavier Tanner dies, the women—along with Xavier’s niece Isabel—are summoned to a will reading. They haven't spoken since that chilling day, each now leading fractured lives: Hannah is a struggling single mom running a bakery, Marnie is a reclusive elementary teacher battling anxiety, and Stella is a divorced psychiatrist still tangled with her ex and supporting her attention-seeking mother. And then—Aubrey walks into the room. Alive.
Her reappearance sends shockwaves through the room. She’s been presumed dead for years. Why now? What does she want? And why is a mysterious man claiming to write a book about the Tanner tragedy suddenly so interested in these three women?
As secrets start bubbling to the surface—and a buried body is unearthed—the women realize their past is no longer staying hidden. The question isn’t just who’s guilty. It’s: how many of them are? Is Aubrey here for revenge? Is there another killer among them? Or are they all more dangerous than they seem?
This is a tightly woven, fast-paced whodunnit with razor-sharp twists and characters dripping with complexity. Aubrey’s sociopathic edge sends a chill down your spine from the start, but I found Hannah’s POV especially compelling—flawed, relatable, and caught in a tangle of guilt and survival.
I’m giving this story four suspenseful, page-turning stars, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a dark, clever mystery with morally gray characters and a dash of psychological menace.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with a digital copy of this unputdownable thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Her latest novel is no exception. It opens with a haunting premise: the sudden disappearance of the Tanner family—Patrick, Victoria, their young son Noah, and their teenage daughter Aubrey, who fifteen years ago showed troubling signs of being a sociopath. What’s left behind? A blood-streaked door, half-eaten meals on the dinner table, and a mysterious fire at the family’s bookstore. The scene is eerie, unexplained—and three women are caught in the middle of it.
There’s Marnie, Victoria’s best friend, last seen leaving the house covered in blood. Hannah, Patrick’s young assistant, is found clutching a knife—but is she the killer or just the unlucky one to discover the scene? And Stella, Aubrey’s psychiatrist, appears with her husband Lukas—whose involvement will later cost them their marriage and nearly his political career. Each woman has something to hide. Each has a reason to lie. And for fifteen years, they’ve kept their secrets buried.
But time runs out. When the family patriarch Xavier Tanner dies, the women—along with Xavier’s niece Isabel—are summoned to a will reading. They haven't spoken since that chilling day, each now leading fractured lives: Hannah is a struggling single mom running a bakery, Marnie is a reclusive elementary teacher battling anxiety, and Stella is a divorced psychiatrist still tangled with her ex and supporting her attention-seeking mother. And then—Aubrey walks into the room. Alive.
Her reappearance sends shockwaves through the room. She’s been presumed dead for years. Why now? What does she want? And why is a mysterious man claiming to write a book about the Tanner tragedy suddenly so interested in these three women?
As secrets start bubbling to the surface—and a buried body is unearthed—the women realize their past is no longer staying hidden. The question isn’t just who’s guilty. It’s: how many of them are? Is Aubrey here for revenge? Is there another killer among them? Or are they all more dangerous than they seem?
This is a tightly woven, fast-paced whodunnit with razor-sharp twists and characters dripping with complexity. Aubrey’s sociopathic edge sends a chill down your spine from the start, but I found Hannah’s POV especially compelling—flawed, relatable, and caught in a tangle of guilt and survival.
I’m giving this story four suspenseful, page-turning stars, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a dark, clever mystery with morally gray characters and a dash of psychological menace.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with a digital copy of this unputdownable thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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January 21, 2026
This book was a whirlwind of characters, lies, truths, and plenty of guessing. There are three main POVs, plus Aubrey’s side POV, and they actually work really well together. Stella, Marni, and Hannah each bring something important to the story, and even though the POV changes every chapter, everything stays in line with the events that matter.
The writing keeps the story moving, and the suspense around what really happened to the Tanner family 15 years ago slowly ramps up. As the three women start their own investigation, and with their lives on the chopping block, things begin to unravel fast. I found myself turning the pages, waiting for that big plot twist that finally makes it all click.
Another great job from Darby. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
The writing keeps the story moving, and the suspense around what really happened to the Tanner family 15 years ago slowly ramps up. As the three women start their own investigation, and with their lives on the chopping block, things begin to unravel fast. I found myself turning the pages, waiting for that big plot twist that finally makes it all click.
Another great job from Darby. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
September 3, 2025
Secrets, lies, a missing family and an unsolved mystery. Such a Clever Girl is Darby Kane's dramatic family drama/thriller that has everybody and their brother wondering what happened to the Tanner family? The family disappeared 15 years ago leaving their dinner and a blood-streaked door behind. Rumors swirl through town like leaves in the wind as their home sits vacant. There were several people in their lives who were deemed suspects but no one who interacted with the family in the hours before their disappearance has claimed responsibility.
When Xavier Tanner, the family's patriarch dies, everyone gathers for the reading of his will. What is in his will is not nearly as shocking as the appearance of Aubrey Tanner who was believed to have disappeared with her family 15 years ago!
I had such high hopes for this book and thought it would be right up my alley. I put this book in my liked but didn't love category. I found the disappearance of the family to be intriguing but found the characters to be unlikeable and flat. I didn't root for any of them. But I did have fun when they got into spats with each other. What did work for me was the creepy home, the tension, and the final reveal. I thought the beginning and ending of this book were its strongest parts. There were times in the middle where I felt as if the book was never going to end.
Overall, the beginning and ending of this book made for an enjoyable read. Many enjoyed this book more than I did so please read their reviews as well.
Thank you to William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
When Xavier Tanner, the family's patriarch dies, everyone gathers for the reading of his will. What is in his will is not nearly as shocking as the appearance of Aubrey Tanner who was believed to have disappeared with her family 15 years ago!
I had such high hopes for this book and thought it would be right up my alley. I put this book in my liked but didn't love category. I found the disappearance of the family to be intriguing but found the characters to be unlikeable and flat. I didn't root for any of them. But I did have fun when they got into spats with each other. What did work for me was the creepy home, the tension, and the final reveal. I thought the beginning and ending of this book were its strongest parts. There were times in the middle where I felt as if the book was never going to end.
Overall, the beginning and ending of this book made for an enjoyable read. Many enjoyed this book more than I did so please read their reviews as well.
Thank you to William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
January 22, 2026
Twisty, propulsive, and darn close to perfection, Such a Clever Girl had me immersed in a complex world of dysfunctional families and long-buried secrets. From the deliciously infamous small town setting of Sleepy Hollow to the ominous atmosphere that permeated each and every word, the story delivered exactly what I wanted at every turn. You see, the intricate plotting was just as sinuous as it was riveting. Fast-paced, shocking, and full of clever twists and turns, it lined up with everything I’ve come to expect from the unstoppable Darby Kane. Already one of my all-time favorite authors, this time around she crafted a plot that kept me happily in the dark from beginning to end, despite some perfectly engineered hints at what was to come. An utter slam dunk of manipulation and deceit with a side of sociopathy just for fun, it was everything I could want in a psychological thriller.
All said and done, this messy web of lies was an absolute grand slam of eerie thrills, chills, and shivers. Not only that, but the haunting and sinister vibe had me utterly glued to the pages. After all, the complicated relationships and dark family secrets turned these devious schemes into pure solid gold. At the same time, it did take quite a bit of attention at times to follow along due to the complex plot and multiple POVs. However, thanks to a ratcheting level of suspense and the long list of suspects, I didn’t care in the slightest and just doubled down on my focus. You see, not only was I beyond suspicious of every single character, but the edge-of-your-seat feel had me going from the first gripping page until the smile-inducing last scene. So go on, pre-order this book now. Full of high stakes and nail-biting tension, you won’t want to put this one down for even a second. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
SYNOPSIS:
Fifteen years ago, the Tanner family vanished without a trace, leaving behind a chilling scene: half-eaten meals, a bloodstain by the door, and a smoldering fire consuming their business across town.
The once-vibrant home stands untouched, a haunting relic of the past. As rumors fade into local folklore, the mystery of their disappearance seems destined to remain unsolved—until Aubrey Tanner returns.
Now a hardened thirty-year-old, Aubrey arrives in town with secrets etched in her silence. Why did she come back? Was she a victim of the night that changed everything, or does she hold the truth of what happened to her family? The town is rife with theories, but three women share a dangerous bond: they know more than they’ve ever confessed.
As the past resurfaces, old alliances fray. A teacher, a café owner, and a psychologist are drawn together by memories they’d rather forget. Each holds a piece of the puzzle—and a dark secret of their own. When a new disappearance sends shock waves through the town, blackmail begins, and the stakes climb higher.
In a race against time, these women must confront the truth or risk becoming the next victims of a past they cannot escape. With tension rising and danger lurking, one thing is clear: someone is destined to kill again.
Thanks you to Darby Kane, William Morrow Books, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 20, 2025
Content warning: alcohol abuse, building fire, kidnapping, violence, infidelity, knife and gun violence, mention of: drug overdose
All said and done, this messy web of lies was an absolute grand slam of eerie thrills, chills, and shivers. Not only that, but the haunting and sinister vibe had me utterly glued to the pages. After all, the complicated relationships and dark family secrets turned these devious schemes into pure solid gold. At the same time, it did take quite a bit of attention at times to follow along due to the complex plot and multiple POVs. However, thanks to a ratcheting level of suspense and the long list of suspects, I didn’t care in the slightest and just doubled down on my focus. You see, not only was I beyond suspicious of every single character, but the edge-of-your-seat feel had me going from the first gripping page until the smile-inducing last scene. So go on, pre-order this book now. Full of high stakes and nail-biting tension, you won’t want to put this one down for even a second. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
SYNOPSIS:
Fifteen years ago, the Tanner family vanished without a trace, leaving behind a chilling scene: half-eaten meals, a bloodstain by the door, and a smoldering fire consuming their business across town.
The once-vibrant home stands untouched, a haunting relic of the past. As rumors fade into local folklore, the mystery of their disappearance seems destined to remain unsolved—until Aubrey Tanner returns.
Now a hardened thirty-year-old, Aubrey arrives in town with secrets etched in her silence. Why did she come back? Was she a victim of the night that changed everything, or does she hold the truth of what happened to her family? The town is rife with theories, but three women share a dangerous bond: they know more than they’ve ever confessed.
As the past resurfaces, old alliances fray. A teacher, a café owner, and a psychologist are drawn together by memories they’d rather forget. Each holds a piece of the puzzle—and a dark secret of their own. When a new disappearance sends shock waves through the town, blackmail begins, and the stakes climb higher.
In a race against time, these women must confront the truth or risk becoming the next victims of a past they cannot escape. With tension rising and danger lurking, one thing is clear: someone is destined to kill again.
Thanks you to Darby Kane, William Morrow Books, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 20, 2025
Content warning: alcohol abuse, building fire, kidnapping, violence, infidelity, knife and gun violence, mention of: drug overdose
October 7, 2025
Fifteen years ago, the Tanner family disappeared without a trace. Now, Aubrey Tanner - fifteen years old when she, along with her parents and younger brother, vanished - unexpectedly returns to her hometown of Sleepy Hollow, carrying secrets that could finally unravel the mystery. Drawn together by her reappearance, three local women - café owner Hannah, psychologist Stella, and teacher Marni- hold pieces of a dark puzzle. As old alliances fracture, blackmail surfaces, and someone else disappears, the truth becomes deadly - and someone is destined to kill again.
I was intrigued by the creepy premise and the gorgeous cover, but "Such a Clever Girl" struggled to hold my interest. The mystery of the Tanner family disappearance was creepy, but the story dragged in the middle, and despite short, propulsive chapters, the book relied too heavily on an overabundance of cliffhangers, which felt more like a gimmick than genuine suspense - definitely a pet peeve of mine.
Horrible procedural issues aside, my biggest issue was how difficult it was to distinguish between the narrators; they all sounded too similar. Of the three women most affected by Aubrey’s return, only Hannah had a distinct personality. Stella mostly felt like a bland accessory, and Marni seemed entirely unnecessary; she only became somewhat memorable after her major secret was revealed halfway through.
Overall, this should have been a quick page-turner but dragged unnecessarily, and though there were plenty of bodies and motives, the emotional impact was lacking. In the acknowledgment, author Darby Kane notes that following her book proposal, her editor told her, "I have no idea how you‘re going to pull that off," and it does feel like the book doesn’t quite live up to its potential.
Many thanks to William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks for providing me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Such a Clever Girl" is slated to be released on January 20, 2026.
I was intrigued by the creepy premise and the gorgeous cover, but "Such a Clever Girl" struggled to hold my interest. The mystery of the Tanner family disappearance was creepy, but the story dragged in the middle, and despite short, propulsive chapters, the book relied too heavily on an overabundance of cliffhangers, which felt more like a gimmick than genuine suspense - definitely a pet peeve of mine.
Horrible procedural issues aside, my biggest issue was how difficult it was to distinguish between the narrators; they all sounded too similar. Of the three women most affected by Aubrey’s return, only Hannah had a distinct personality. Stella mostly felt like a bland accessory, and Marni seemed entirely unnecessary; she only became somewhat memorable after her major secret was revealed halfway through.
Overall, this should have been a quick page-turner but dragged unnecessarily, and though there were plenty of bodies and motives, the emotional impact was lacking. In the acknowledgment, author Darby Kane notes that following her book proposal, her editor told her, "I have no idea how you‘re going to pull that off," and it does feel like the book doesn’t quite live up to its potential.
Many thanks to William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks for providing me with an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
"Such a Clever Girl" is slated to be released on January 20, 2026.
September 6, 2025
Such a Clever Girl by Darby Kane has a really strong start- the introduction of several characters, former secrets, and the death of the head of a wealthy family. The reading of a will and questionable parentage and someone returning to town that was presumed to be dead.
I loved several of Darby Kane’s last thrillers, but this one lacked something for me. There are a lot of character POV to keep straight. Hopefully the audiobook will have multiple narrators which will make it easier to keep straight. I found the twists and red herrings to be dizzying at times- and there wasn’t enough time spent in character building so that I liked any of the people.
That said, some of the scenes were great and really creepy. I was definitely surprised at the ending.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC. Book to be published January 19, 2026.
I loved several of Darby Kane’s last thrillers, but this one lacked something for me. There are a lot of character POV to keep straight. Hopefully the audiobook will have multiple narrators which will make it easier to keep straight. I found the twists and red herrings to be dizzying at times- and there wasn’t enough time spent in character building so that I liked any of the people.
That said, some of the scenes were great and really creepy. I was definitely surprised at the ending.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC. Book to be published January 19, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 rounded up to a 4
Wow, there's no shortage of deviousness and manipulation in this book. It was a great thriller. Started out a little slow and confusing, with multiple POV, but once some clues are revealed, it really draws you and and by the end, it's a page turner!
Thank you to Net Galley and Willam Morrow for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Wow, there's no shortage of deviousness and manipulation in this book. It was a great thriller. Started out a little slow and confusing, with multiple POV, but once some clues are revealed, it really draws you and and by the end, it's a page turner!
Thank you to Net Galley and Willam Morrow for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 23, 2026
Darby Kane is a must read author for me. I love her twisty mind and how she takes pieces from seemingly different puzzles but always makes them fit so perfectly together. Such a Clever Girl is totally unique for Kane but still fits the bill!
Filled with unlikeable characters, mysterious events and potential deaths from 15 years ago, and so much more, Such a Clever Girl is a fast-paced novel that kept me guessing and page flipping. With so many despicable people and so much money at stake, it was hard to know who to trust and what really happened all those years ago when the Tanners went missing. I loved Aubrey’s dramatic reemergence, overall mysteriousness, and her badass /don’t give a flip persona. I also liked that Marni, Hannah, and Stella were frenemies but still sort of had each other’s backs (maybe?) and the drama that kept them together (and apart!).
I didn’t totally understand why the novel takes place in Sleepy Hollow. For such an infamous and iconic setting, I didn’t think it actually added much to the story and I kept waiting for a ghost plot line or a headless horseman that never came. But overall - Secrets and money and dead patriarchs playing games - what more could you want?!
Definitely a fun one and I totally get why everyone at The Pulse all drops everything to grab Kane’s new release each year! Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
Filled with unlikeable characters, mysterious events and potential deaths from 15 years ago, and so much more, Such a Clever Girl is a fast-paced novel that kept me guessing and page flipping. With so many despicable people and so much money at stake, it was hard to know who to trust and what really happened all those years ago when the Tanners went missing. I loved Aubrey’s dramatic reemergence, overall mysteriousness, and her badass /don’t give a flip persona. I also liked that Marni, Hannah, and Stella were frenemies but still sort of had each other’s backs (maybe?) and the drama that kept them together (and apart!).
I didn’t totally understand why the novel takes place in Sleepy Hollow. For such an infamous and iconic setting, I didn’t think it actually added much to the story and I kept waiting for a ghost plot line or a headless horseman that never came. But overall - Secrets and money and dead patriarchs playing games - what more could you want?!
Definitely a fun one and I totally get why everyone at The Pulse all drops everything to grab Kane’s new release each year! Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!
September 2, 2025
15 years ago 4 members of the Tanner family disappeared in the town of Sleepy Hollow. Present day their daughter Aubrey comes back and moves into their old dilapidated blood stained home. 3 other women hold the key to what happened that tragic night and Aubrey won’t stop till she has all the answers to what happened to her seriously dysfunctional family.
This was a creepy story perfect for the Halloween season.
It was fast paced and had good twists and turns.
Thanks NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this eARC that will be released January 20, 2026!
This was a creepy story perfect for the Halloween season.
It was fast paced and had good twists and turns.
Thanks NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this eARC that will be released January 20, 2026!
November 12, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
✨✨✨So much family drama and tea! 🫖 ✨✨✨
Such a Clever Girl is a very fast-paced and dramatic read! I was extremely intrigued from the beginning to find out what was going on! I love books that keep you on the edge if you seat and waiting for all the answers!
I didn’t care for the multiple POVs though, there are four of them, and it was pretty confusing for me in the beginning. Mostly because they didn’t come off very distinguishable at all.
I also thought from the premise that this one would be a bit more haunting instead of family drama, but I really enjoyed it. Especially once I got the hang of who’s who.
It really kept me guessing and engrossed! I loved the suspense and unraveling of finding out what happened… and A LOT happened!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released January 20, 2026.
✨✨✨So much family drama and tea! 🫖 ✨✨✨
Such a Clever Girl is a very fast-paced and dramatic read! I was extremely intrigued from the beginning to find out what was going on! I love books that keep you on the edge if you seat and waiting for all the answers!
I didn’t care for the multiple POVs though, there are four of them, and it was pretty confusing for me in the beginning. Mostly because they didn’t come off very distinguishable at all.
I also thought from the premise that this one would be a bit more haunting instead of family drama, but I really enjoyed it. Especially once I got the hang of who’s who.
It really kept me guessing and engrossed! I loved the suspense and unraveling of finding out what happened… and A LOT happened!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. This book is expected to be released January 20, 2026.
November 12, 2025
Well, this one was certainly a crazy ride! It has a large cast of characters so I had a bit of a hard time following at first. That was until I decided to make notes and refer back to them as I went along. Aubrey was unhinged, but she was definitely my favorite! This one was a tough one to puzzle out, but I didn’t let my brain think too hard about it because I didn’t want to figure it out. I wanted to be surprised in the end - which I certainly was! If you are a fan of an unhinged thriller with multiple POV, then you’ll love this one. Thank you to Net Galley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this early in exchange for my honest review.
September 24, 2025
Darby Kane does it again with a twisty, atmospheric thriller that pulled me right in.
The mystery of the Tanner family’s disappearance had me hooked right away, and I loved how the story unfolded with multiple POVs and eerie small town vibes.
If you love slow burn thrillers filled with secrets, lies, and complicated characters, this one should be on your list!
The mystery of the Tanner family’s disappearance had me hooked right away, and I loved how the story unfolded with multiple POVs and eerie small town vibes.
If you love slow burn thrillers filled with secrets, lies, and complicated characters, this one should be on your list!
December 26, 2025
My first book by Darby Kane and it was a fun, twisty, and suspenseful read. We have the Tanner family that disappeared without a trace fifteen years ago. No one ever knew what had happened. Well Aubrey Tanner who is 30 now, surprisingly shows up back in town. Everyone in town begins to wonder why she's back, and questions begin to resurface about what happened all those years ago. Three local women from town all have a connection with each other and with the Tanner family. This definitely has some unlikable characters, but that just added to the tension. The story was so mysterious and suspenseful. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Thank you to the publisher and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
December 21, 2025
For me, Darby Kane is one of those authors that if she writes it, I’ll read it!! So as soon as I saw SUCH A CLEVER GIRL available on NetGalley, I was all in and requested it immediately. This newest novel grabbed me from the first page, and never let go.
The intriguing mystery at the heart of the story involves the unexplained and perplexing disappearance of the Tanner family (mom, dad, daughter, and son) 15 years prior in the town of Sleepy Hollow. But then something shocking takes place that rocks this small community to its core— daughter Aubrey Tanner returns with no explanation as to where she’s been nor where her family is. Might they still be alive, too? And why did Aubrey stay away for so long? These questions, and so so many others, set the tone for a character-driven story filled with long-held secrets, unimaginable lies, and heart-wrenching trauma that seems to permeate every aspect of life in Sleepy Hollow.
The story is told through multiple POVs, including the aforementioned Audrey, as well as frenemies Hannah, Stella, and Marni. Admittedly, I had a bit of trouble distinguishing each character from the other while initially reading, but the more in depth I got into the book, the easier it became, as each woman developed her own personality. We as readers soon learn that Audrey is not the only one with something to hide. Hannah, Stella, and Marni have their own secrets, and as these secrets slowly unravel, the many twists and turns of the plot come into view.
This fast-paced novel was so incredibly addictive, and its short chapters as well as changing POVs propelled the story forward at lightening speed. You may spend most of the novel clueless as to how people and events are connected, but that’s what makes it so compelling! And why you’ll keep reading into the night to get the answers you so desperately need!!!
I want to thank NetGalley, Darby Kane, and William Morrow for gifting me the ARC of SUCH A CLEVER GIRL. I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!
The intriguing mystery at the heart of the story involves the unexplained and perplexing disappearance of the Tanner family (mom, dad, daughter, and son) 15 years prior in the town of Sleepy Hollow. But then something shocking takes place that rocks this small community to its core— daughter Aubrey Tanner returns with no explanation as to where she’s been nor where her family is. Might they still be alive, too? And why did Aubrey stay away for so long? These questions, and so so many others, set the tone for a character-driven story filled with long-held secrets, unimaginable lies, and heart-wrenching trauma that seems to permeate every aspect of life in Sleepy Hollow.
The story is told through multiple POVs, including the aforementioned Audrey, as well as frenemies Hannah, Stella, and Marni. Admittedly, I had a bit of trouble distinguishing each character from the other while initially reading, but the more in depth I got into the book, the easier it became, as each woman developed her own personality. We as readers soon learn that Audrey is not the only one with something to hide. Hannah, Stella, and Marni have their own secrets, and as these secrets slowly unravel, the many twists and turns of the plot come into view.
This fast-paced novel was so incredibly addictive, and its short chapters as well as changing POVs propelled the story forward at lightening speed. You may spend most of the novel clueless as to how people and events are connected, but that’s what makes it so compelling! And why you’ll keep reading into the night to get the answers you so desperately need!!!
I want to thank NetGalley, Darby Kane, and William Morrow for gifting me the ARC of SUCH A CLEVER GIRL. I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!
January 21, 2026
Darby Kane books are always fun to read, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
Set in Sleepy Hollow, Such a Clever Girl is a wild page turner. 15 years ago the wealthy Tanner family disappeared. All that remained was a house full of blood but no bodies. Now, Xavier, the last remaining member of the family has passed, and the. Ingest shock at the will reading is the reappearance of his granddaughter Aubrey, who was thought to be dead. She wants to know what happened to her family and will stop at nothing to find out.
There are quite a lot of characters to get your head around but they do all become clear after a few chapters. They are all quite despicable and hard to care about but that does make it more fun to see what happens to them along the way. The ending wasn’t quite what I expected but worked . It was hard to know who could be trusted, who was being truthful and what secrets they were hiding.
Thanks to William Morrow and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for my early copy. Publishes on January 20th.
Set in Sleepy Hollow, Such a Clever Girl is a wild page turner. 15 years ago the wealthy Tanner family disappeared. All that remained was a house full of blood but no bodies. Now, Xavier, the last remaining member of the family has passed, and the. Ingest shock at the will reading is the reappearance of his granddaughter Aubrey, who was thought to be dead. She wants to know what happened to her family and will stop at nothing to find out.
There are quite a lot of characters to get your head around but they do all become clear after a few chapters. They are all quite despicable and hard to care about but that does make it more fun to see what happens to them along the way. The ending wasn’t quite what I expected but worked . It was hard to know who could be trusted, who was being truthful and what secrets they were hiding.
Thanks to William Morrow and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for my early copy. Publishes on January 20th.
January 24, 2026
I thought the Tanners were all dead, how can Aubrey be here?
Aubrey, Marnie, Hanna, and Stella, along with a few others are summoned to the reading of the will of Xavier Tanner.
Marnie was in the house when the murder happened. Hanna walked out with a blood-covered knife. Stella was Aubrey's psychiatrist.
Did any of them have something to do with the murder? Sure looks like it.
As the three women were having a meeting, a man appears and says he is writing a book about the Tanners, and he is interested in talking to all of them about the incident since they were there.
Then a body is found in the garden and secrets come out and not just about the body.
SUCH A CLEVER GIRL has a lot of characters which makes it confusing, but you will finally get it all sorted out.
That did detract from the storyline for me even though each chapter was labeled with the name of the person who was talking and it was much too long.
If you can get through the length and confusion, the ending wraps it up. 3/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Aubrey, Marnie, Hanna, and Stella, along with a few others are summoned to the reading of the will of Xavier Tanner.
Marnie was in the house when the murder happened. Hanna walked out with a blood-covered knife. Stella was Aubrey's psychiatrist.
Did any of them have something to do with the murder? Sure looks like it.
As the three women were having a meeting, a man appears and says he is writing a book about the Tanners, and he is interested in talking to all of them about the incident since they were there.
Then a body is found in the garden and secrets come out and not just about the body.
SUCH A CLEVER GIRL has a lot of characters which makes it confusing, but you will finally get it all sorted out.
That did detract from the storyline for me even though each chapter was labeled with the name of the person who was talking and it was much too long.
If you can get through the length and confusion, the ending wraps it up. 3/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
January 24, 2026
Darby Kane definitely knows how to keep the drama and secrets coming. This story unfolds through multiple POVs, and I loved hearing the narrative from Aubrey, Hanna, Stella, and Marni. Each voice added depth and tension, making it impossible to fully trust anyone.
The mysterious disappearance of the entire Tanner family 15 years earlier sets the stage for a suspenseful mystery. When Aubrey suddenly reappears after being gone and even presumed dead for all those years, she absolutely has the women shook. Her return alone is enough to flip everything upside down.
Then there’s Xavier Tanner, who truly rocked their world with his will reading. The way he managed to literally torment them from the grave was simply cruel and it kept me turning the pages. Just when you think the secrets are done coming, another one surfaces… and then another. This group is drowning in lies, and watching them unravel was satisfying.
This was my third read by Darby Kane, and it definitely won’t be my last and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all three of her books so far. Thank you NetGalley & William Morrow for an advanced reader copy.
Publication 🗓️ : 01.20.26
The mysterious disappearance of the entire Tanner family 15 years earlier sets the stage for a suspenseful mystery. When Aubrey suddenly reappears after being gone and even presumed dead for all those years, she absolutely has the women shook. Her return alone is enough to flip everything upside down.
Then there’s Xavier Tanner, who truly rocked their world with his will reading. The way he managed to literally torment them from the grave was simply cruel and it kept me turning the pages. Just when you think the secrets are done coming, another one surfaces… and then another. This group is drowning in lies, and watching them unravel was satisfying.
This was my third read by Darby Kane, and it definitely won’t be my last and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all three of her books so far. Thank you NetGalley & William Morrow for an advanced reader copy.
Publication 🗓️ : 01.20.26
December 23, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Fifteen years ago, the Tanner family disappeared without a trace, leaving behind half eaten meals and a bloodstain. No one ever knew what happened to them despite their being several suspects. Then one day, one of the family returns. But wasn’t she one of the disappeared? What really happened that day and where is the rest of the family?
I didn���t enjoy this one as much as anticipated, not like Darby’s previous books, and even found myself skimming portions in the middle. It just seemed to drag on but not actually get anywhere. Though I did like how everything came together in the end. It just didn’t excite me.
Fifteen years ago, the Tanner family disappeared without a trace, leaving behind half eaten meals and a bloodstain. No one ever knew what happened to them despite their being several suspects. Then one day, one of the family returns. But wasn’t she one of the disappeared? What really happened that day and where is the rest of the family?
I didn���t enjoy this one as much as anticipated, not like Darby’s previous books, and even found myself skimming portions in the middle. It just seemed to drag on but not actually get anywhere. Though I did like how everything came together in the end. It just didn’t excite me.
October 8, 2025
Such a Clever Girl captivated me. I was dying to unravel the mystery from 15 years ago when the The Tanner family of 4 disappeared.
This multi POV story contained so many secrets, lies and betrayals. So juicy and addictive!
I did have some trouble keeping the three main female characters straight. Their personalities and voices seemed to meld together.
This multi POV story contained so many secrets, lies and betrayals. So juicy and addictive!
I did have some trouble keeping the three main female characters straight. Their personalities and voices seemed to meld together.
September 6, 2025
My biggest issue with this read is that I could not tell the characters apart. I love a multiple POV story, but not when each chapter reads as if it’s the same person. The story itself had a good plot, and I think I would’ve enjoyed it more had the characters been distinct.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
November 8, 2025
This is a 4.5 star book rounded up to 5 stars because the reading experience was top tier 🙌🔥
This book gave me goosebumps (the good kind)! I was absolutely obsessed with both the beginning and the ending. The storyline was so well-planned, with twists and turns that kept me hooked the entire time. I loved the multiple POVs and how so many chapters ended on mini cliffhangers before switching perspectives. It created that perfect “just one more chapter” feeling that had me staying up way too late reading!
It gave me major Pretty Little Liars vibes. The same eerie atmosphere, secrets, lies, and even a “girl coming back from the dead.” If you love thrillers with that dark, twisty, small-town feel, this one’s for you.
The short chapters made it such a fast-paced and addictive read. Honestly, it flew by! My only (tiny) critique is that I sometimes got confused about who was who. The characters could’ve used a bit more depth beyond their core traits (“the nervous one,” “the psychiatrist,” “the fearless mom”). That said, it didn’t bother me much in the moment because I was so invested in the story. Looking back at my notes, I realized that’s the only reason I couldn’t quite give it a full 5 stars.
Still, this was such an incredible reading experience! I was blown away by the ending and didn’t want it to be over. If you’re in a reading slump, this is 100% the book to pull you out of it. My heart says 5 stars, my brain says 4.5… but either way, Such a Clever Girl is an absolute must-read! 💕
Thank you to the author Darby Kane and publisher William Morrow for a copy of this physical ARC in exchange for an honest review🩷
📅 Release Date : January 20th 2026
This book gave me goosebumps (the good kind)! I was absolutely obsessed with both the beginning and the ending. The storyline was so well-planned, with twists and turns that kept me hooked the entire time. I loved the multiple POVs and how so many chapters ended on mini cliffhangers before switching perspectives. It created that perfect “just one more chapter” feeling that had me staying up way too late reading!
It gave me major Pretty Little Liars vibes. The same eerie atmosphere, secrets, lies, and even a “girl coming back from the dead.” If you love thrillers with that dark, twisty, small-town feel, this one’s for you.
The short chapters made it such a fast-paced and addictive read. Honestly, it flew by! My only (tiny) critique is that I sometimes got confused about who was who. The characters could’ve used a bit more depth beyond their core traits (“the nervous one,” “the psychiatrist,” “the fearless mom”). That said, it didn’t bother me much in the moment because I was so invested in the story. Looking back at my notes, I realized that’s the only reason I couldn’t quite give it a full 5 stars.
Still, this was such an incredible reading experience! I was blown away by the ending and didn’t want it to be over. If you’re in a reading slump, this is 100% the book to pull you out of it. My heart says 5 stars, my brain says 4.5… but either way, Such a Clever Girl is an absolute must-read! 💕
Thank you to the author Darby Kane and publisher William Morrow for a copy of this physical ARC in exchange for an honest review🩷
📅 Release Date : January 20th 2026
January 30, 2026
I usually love and devour Darby kane books, but this one was kind of meh for me, I had a hard time keeping my attention and there were too many POV to remember who was who.
I'll try it again another time, it could be possible I just wasn't in the mood for a thriller
I'll try it again another time, it could be possible I just wasn't in the mood for a thriller
February 2, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up
This was my first Darby Kane book and I was totally sucked in by the gorgeous cover! I’m not going to lie, it took me a bit to really get into the story because there are so many names and the multiple perspectives were VERY difficult for me to distinguish. I found I had to hyperfocus and ended up rewinding more than I’m proud to admit. 😅
But as I (slowly) got adjusted to each character, the story got better and better. There are definitely some creepy moments, and the author does such a good job of creating them with her descriptive writing. The story takes place in Sleepy Hollow and honestly—I wish this had more of a factor in the book!
I will say I guessed one of the big reveals, but I most certainly did not guess the why, the how, or many of details surrounding what had happened in the past. I was very surprised how everything wrapped up, which is a good feeling in a thriller.
All in all, this is an atmospheric thriller with a small town, plenty of unlikable characters, family drama, and an ending you definitely won’t be able to piece together!
🎧I enjoyed listening to this one, but I don’t think the narrators had different enough voices to help distinguish between the characters. There was one in particular that I actively did not care for—I felt like her narration was slow (even on 2x speed) and choppy. But I still did like listening, so I’m a little split on this one. I’d say you couldn’t go wrong listening or eyeball reading.
This was my first Darby Kane book and I was totally sucked in by the gorgeous cover! I’m not going to lie, it took me a bit to really get into the story because there are so many names and the multiple perspectives were VERY difficult for me to distinguish. I found I had to hyperfocus and ended up rewinding more than I’m proud to admit. 😅
But as I (slowly) got adjusted to each character, the story got better and better. There are definitely some creepy moments, and the author does such a good job of creating them with her descriptive writing. The story takes place in Sleepy Hollow and honestly—I wish this had more of a factor in the book!
I will say I guessed one of the big reveals, but I most certainly did not guess the why, the how, or many of details surrounding what had happened in the past. I was very surprised how everything wrapped up, which is a good feeling in a thriller.
All in all, this is an atmospheric thriller with a small town, plenty of unlikable characters, family drama, and an ending you definitely won’t be able to piece together!
🎧I enjoyed listening to this one, but I don’t think the narrators had different enough voices to help distinguish between the characters. There was one in particular that I actively did not care for—I felt like her narration was slow (even on 2x speed) and choppy. But I still did like listening, so I’m a little split on this one. I’d say you couldn’t go wrong listening or eyeball reading.
January 20, 2026
In SUCH A CLEVER GIRL, a gripping and intricately woven psychological thriller by Darby Kane, we delve into the enigmatic return of Aubrey Tanner, who resurfaces fifteen years after her family's mysterious disappearance. This compelling tale is further enriched by the secrets harbored by three other women in the quaint town of Sleepy Hollow.
Prepare yourself for a tense domestic whodunit thriller filled with hidden secrets, unraveling family mysteries, and a relentless race against time in a town haunted by its past.
Through the use of multiple perspectives, the narrative masterfully unravels the truth behind that fateful night, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
About...
My thoughts...
SUCH A CLEVER GIRL is full of twists and turns, and unreliable narrators with every character seeming suspicious at some point. The secrets, once fully revealed, explain the mystery of the family's disappearance and provide a shocking resolution to the various tangled relationships and dark family dynamics for a satisfying conclusion.
Through a clever multi-perspective lens that shifts between four central women, each hiding a piece of the puzzle add layers of intrigue.
The narrative emphasizes that nearly all characters are "unlikable" or "despicable," making it difficult for the reader (and the characters) to know who to trust. Aubrey is characterized as a "troublemaker" with potentially psychopathic tendencies who is determined to dig up everything that is buried.
The story unfolds through the perspectives of Aubrey, Marni, Hanna, and Stella, gradually revealing layers of deceit.
The Three Key Secrets:
~Marni (Teacher): Victoria Tanner's former best friend.
~Hanna (Café Owner): Has "multifaceted ties" to the Tanner family that she has kept hidden.
~Stella (Psychologist): Aubrey’s cousin, who is deeply distressed by Aubrey's sudden reappearance.
A modern-day disappearance occurs shortly after Aubrey’s return, sparking blackmail and escalating the danger for the women who were present the night the Tanners vanished.
The book's second half accelerates, revealing the true fate of the Tanner family. Major twists include a shocking discovery, and readers will be glued to the pages.
The story focuses on themes of manipulation, hidden pasts, and small-town secrets, dark family dynamics, as Aubrey seeks to uncover what truly happened to her family and force the other women to confess their roles.
The title's significance is woven through several thematic layers:
~Manipulative Intelligence:
Aubrey is described by other characters as "manipulative" and potentially "psychopathic". The title reflects her "clever" and often cruel ability to stir up the past and force three women—Marni, Hanna, and Stella—to confront secrets they have buried for 15 years.
~The "Battle of Wits":
The story centers on a complex web of blackmail and hidden agendas. Aubrey uses her silence and calculated actions as weapons, making her the "clever girl" who stays several steps ahead of those who thought she was dead or gone for good.
In the 15 years since the Tanner family vanished, the town has turned the mystery into folklore. Aubrey’s return as a "hardened thirty-year-old" subverts the image of the teenage girl who went missing, proving she has become far more dangerous and "clever" than the community remembers.
Kane is a pro at building suspense by using unreliable narrators and a multi-perspective structure where every narrator is morally ambiguous and intentionally deceptive. By alternating between four women who all have "shadowy motivations," the author ensures that the truth remains fragmented until the final act.
The novel employs two layers of deception—secrets the characters keep from each other and secrets the author intentionally withholds from the reader through selective narrative reveals. This ensures that even when one character's secret is exposed, the overarching mystery remains unsolved until the very end.
Takeaway message...
The central takeaway of SUCH A CLEVER GIRL is a dark exploration of the corrosive power of buried secrets and the impossibility of escaping one's past. The novel suggests that while secrets may stay hidden for years, they inevitably resurface, often with destructive consequences for everyone involved.
The "cleverness" referred to in the title is often a tool for manipulation or survival. The story suggests that in a world of "despicable" characters, everyone is capable of betrayal when pushed by fear or a desire for revenge.
As a devoted admirer of the author, having explored every one of her works, I can confidently say that this is a whodunit you absolutely cannot afford to miss!
Recs...
Readers who enjoyed SUCH A CLEVER GIRL will likely want to explore other psychological thrillers and domestic suspense novels that feature multiple perspectives, dark small-town secrets, and characters with hidden pasts.
From the Same Author
~Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane
~The Replacement Wife by Darby Kane
Other Psychological Thrillers with Shared Themes
~The Perfect Girl by Gilly Macmillan
~Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
~Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
~We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
~On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass
Special thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 20, 2026
Jan Newsletter
Prepare yourself for a tense domestic whodunit thriller filled with hidden secrets, unraveling family mysteries, and a relentless race against time in a town haunted by its past.
Through the use of multiple perspectives, the narrative masterfully unravels the truth behind that fateful night, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
About...
The Disappearance:
Fifteen years before the main events, the wealthy Tanner family—parents Patrick and Victoria, and their children, Aubrey and Noah—vanished from their home. The scene left behind was chilling: a bloodstain by the door, half-eaten meals on the table, and the family business ablaze across town. The case went cold, becoming local folklore.
Aubrey's Return:
The story begins when the family patriarch, Xavier Tanner (Aubrey's grandfather), dies. Aubrey, now a grown woman, reappears in town for the reading of his will, stunning the community who presumed she was dead. Aubrey's primary motivation for returning to Sleepy Hollow is to uncover the truth about her family’s disappearance and force those involved to "confess their sins".
Multiple Perspectives and Hidden Secrets:
The story is told from the alternating first-person viewpoints of four women: Aubrey, Marni, a teacher and Victoria's best friend; Hanna, a local café owner with her own ties to the family; and Stella, Aubrey's cousin and a psychologist. Each of these women holds a dangerous, long-buried secret about the night the Tanners disappeared.
A New Disappearance:
The situation escalates when another person goes missing, sending shock waves through the town and raising the stakes. The women must confront the truth of the original disappearance to prevent further harm and avoid becoming victims themselves.
My thoughts...
SUCH A CLEVER GIRL is full of twists and turns, and unreliable narrators with every character seeming suspicious at some point. The secrets, once fully revealed, explain the mystery of the family's disappearance and provide a shocking resolution to the various tangled relationships and dark family dynamics for a satisfying conclusion.
Through a clever multi-perspective lens that shifts between four central women, each hiding a piece of the puzzle add layers of intrigue.
The narrative emphasizes that nearly all characters are "unlikable" or "despicable," making it difficult for the reader (and the characters) to know who to trust. Aubrey is characterized as a "troublemaker" with potentially psychopathic tendencies who is determined to dig up everything that is buried.
The story unfolds through the perspectives of Aubrey, Marni, Hanna, and Stella, gradually revealing layers of deceit.
The Three Key Secrets:
~Marni (Teacher): Victoria Tanner's former best friend.
~Hanna (Café Owner): Has "multifaceted ties" to the Tanner family that she has kept hidden.
~Stella (Psychologist): Aubrey’s cousin, who is deeply distressed by Aubrey's sudden reappearance.
A modern-day disappearance occurs shortly after Aubrey’s return, sparking blackmail and escalating the danger for the women who were present the night the Tanners vanished.
The book's second half accelerates, revealing the true fate of the Tanner family. Major twists include a shocking discovery, and readers will be glued to the pages.
The story focuses on themes of manipulation, hidden pasts, and small-town secrets, dark family dynamics, as Aubrey seeks to uncover what truly happened to her family and force the other women to confess their roles.
The title's significance is woven through several thematic layers:
~Manipulative Intelligence:
Aubrey is described by other characters as "manipulative" and potentially "psychopathic". The title reflects her "clever" and often cruel ability to stir up the past and force three women—Marni, Hanna, and Stella—to confront secrets they have buried for 15 years.
~The "Battle of Wits":
The story centers on a complex web of blackmail and hidden agendas. Aubrey uses her silence and calculated actions as weapons, making her the "clever girl" who stays several steps ahead of those who thought she was dead or gone for good.
In the 15 years since the Tanner family vanished, the town has turned the mystery into folklore. Aubrey’s return as a "hardened thirty-year-old" subverts the image of the teenage girl who went missing, proving she has become far more dangerous and "clever" than the community remembers.
Kane is a pro at building suspense by using unreliable narrators and a multi-perspective structure where every narrator is morally ambiguous and intentionally deceptive. By alternating between four women who all have "shadowy motivations," the author ensures that the truth remains fragmented until the final act.
The novel employs two layers of deception—secrets the characters keep from each other and secrets the author intentionally withholds from the reader through selective narrative reveals. This ensures that even when one character's secret is exposed, the overarching mystery remains unsolved until the very end.
Takeaway message...
The central takeaway of SUCH A CLEVER GIRL is a dark exploration of the corrosive power of buried secrets and the impossibility of escaping one's past. The novel suggests that while secrets may stay hidden for years, they inevitably resurface, often with destructive consequences for everyone involved.
The "cleverness" referred to in the title is often a tool for manipulation or survival. The story suggests that in a world of "despicable" characters, everyone is capable of betrayal when pushed by fear or a desire for revenge.
As a devoted admirer of the author, having explored every one of her works, I can confidently say that this is a whodunit you absolutely cannot afford to miss!
Recs...
Readers who enjoyed SUCH A CLEVER GIRL will likely want to explore other psychological thrillers and domestic suspense novels that feature multiple perspectives, dark small-town secrets, and characters with hidden pasts.
From the Same Author
~Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane
~The Replacement Wife by Darby Kane
Other Psychological Thrillers with Shared Themes
~The Perfect Girl by Gilly Macmillan
~Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell
~Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
~We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
~On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass
Special thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Jan 20, 2026
Jan Newsletter
July 22, 2025
Darby Kane always delivers dark domestic suspense with a psychological twist. Of all the Kane books I’ve read, each features clever, morally gray women and tightly layered mysteries.
A brief summary of the book-Fifteen years ago, the entire Tanner family vanished overnight. The house became a macabre relic of mystery that haunted the town. Now 30, Aubrey Tanner returns to her hometown burdened with silent secrets. Rumors swirl—was she a helpless survivor, or the keeper of a dark truth?
“Such a Clever Girl” had a more detached and deliberate tone, like “Pretty Little Wife”, but placed greater focus on the bonds between women and the impact of past trauma that was buried for years. It was a bit more subtle and psychologically deep than “Pretty Little Wife”, but just as twisty and dark.
Compared to “The Replacement Wife”, where paranoia and mental health were at the forefront, this one leaned more into deliberate manipulation and control. Additionally, I really liked how “Such a Clever Girl” returned to the tight, small-town mystery that made her debut stand out. Even more, I liked how the stories contained communities with dark histories that fueled suspense and hinged on a cold case being forced into the present, shaking up long-buried alliances and truths.
Like Darby Kane’s other novels, this one used dual timelines, multiple points of views, and strategic flashbacks. Alternatively, what was unique to “Such a Clever Girl” was the generational trauma, what happens when women stop staying quiet, and the consequences of being “clever” in a world that punishes it.
In my opinion, “Such a Clever Girl” came across as Darby Kane’s most refined work to date. It was smart, carefully crafted, and led by women who were no longer willing to stay quiet or play by the rules. I have been a long time reader of Darby Kane’s writing and was so happy to have gotten to read an advance copy. Similar to her other books, “Such A Clever Girl” was a tightly woven domestic thriller that blended a haunting cold case with a contemporary disappearance. I’d recommend this one to readers who enjoy cold cases that resurface in claustrophobic communities, female protagonists with secrets, and atmospheric tension.
Net Galley and William Morrow, thank you for providing me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
A brief summary of the book-Fifteen years ago, the entire Tanner family vanished overnight. The house became a macabre relic of mystery that haunted the town. Now 30, Aubrey Tanner returns to her hometown burdened with silent secrets. Rumors swirl—was she a helpless survivor, or the keeper of a dark truth?
“Such a Clever Girl” had a more detached and deliberate tone, like “Pretty Little Wife”, but placed greater focus on the bonds between women and the impact of past trauma that was buried for years. It was a bit more subtle and psychologically deep than “Pretty Little Wife”, but just as twisty and dark.
Compared to “The Replacement Wife”, where paranoia and mental health were at the forefront, this one leaned more into deliberate manipulation and control. Additionally, I really liked how “Such a Clever Girl” returned to the tight, small-town mystery that made her debut stand out. Even more, I liked how the stories contained communities with dark histories that fueled suspense and hinged on a cold case being forced into the present, shaking up long-buried alliances and truths.
Like Darby Kane’s other novels, this one used dual timelines, multiple points of views, and strategic flashbacks. Alternatively, what was unique to “Such a Clever Girl” was the generational trauma, what happens when women stop staying quiet, and the consequences of being “clever” in a world that punishes it.
In my opinion, “Such a Clever Girl” came across as Darby Kane’s most refined work to date. It was smart, carefully crafted, and led by women who were no longer willing to stay quiet or play by the rules. I have been a long time reader of Darby Kane’s writing and was so happy to have gotten to read an advance copy. Similar to her other books, “Such A Clever Girl” was a tightly woven domestic thriller that blended a haunting cold case with a contemporary disappearance. I’d recommend this one to readers who enjoy cold cases that resurface in claustrophobic communities, female protagonists with secrets, and atmospheric tension.
Net Galley and William Morrow, thank you for providing me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 10, 2025
If you’re ready for suspense, twists at every turn, lies, deceptions and manipulation, have I got a book for you. Told in multiple POVs, you’ll get bits and pieces of the story from different characters but still wonder who is telling the real story.
A family goes missing without a trace. The town left to assume the worst. For fifteen years no one really knows what happened, just stories and speculations. During the probate hearing of the family magnate, in walks one of the missing family members. Where has she been? Was she responsible for what happened? The remaining family members and those close to it have been keeping secrets as to their part in what happened all those years before. Who? What? When? Where? Why? You may need to keep notes because the twists will keep coming to the end. Will you be clever enough to unravel the mystery of that fateful day?
I discovered Darby Kane with her last book, What the Wife Knew, and I’m glad I did. This was a hard book to put down. I reluctantly tried, as there was a list of things needing to be done, but I just found it back in my hands. She is definitely an author I will be keeping my eye on. Such a Clever Girl is not to be missed.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2025
This book begins with a pretty big twist, with a lot going on. A whole family disappears then one family member suddenly returns. While this sounded very interesting, I found it fell just a touch short of my expectations. I felt that 4 different POV’s was a little hard to follow. There’s also a lot of characters and a lot to keep track of. To the point I was taking notes in my phone to keep everything straight. Once you get the characters figured out, it’s easy to follow. It felt slightly repetitive and I got to the point where by the 50 percent mark I was ready for some type of answers. Because no massive twist had happened since the beginning. The pacing felt slow to medium, not a fast paced intense thrilled as expected. This seemed to lack the mystery or thrill and mainly focused on drama between the different characters. I did really like the setting and felt that it added to the overall development of the plot, and I also enjoyed the ending. I did not see that coming! This honest review was in exchange for an arc. Thank you to Darby Kane, William Morrow Publishing, and NetGalley.
December 17, 2025
Darby Kane’s Such a Clever Girl is a masterclass in suspenseful domestic thriller storytelling. The premise of the chilling disappearance of the Tanner family fifteen years ago, leaving behind a haunting tableau that still lingers in the small town was compelling and enough to pique my curiosity right away. Kane’s writing immediately pulls you into this mystery with a darkly atmospheric Sleepy Hollow–like setting, where autumnal fog and cold winds mirror the secrets hiding in plain sight. The return of Aubrey Tanner as an adult adds a fascinating layer—her motives are opaque, and her presence reignites rumors, fears, and long buried secrets.
What makes this book so compelling is the multiple POV structure paired with short chapters and tight pacing. Every character is morally ambiguous and often untrustworthy, each carrying hidden agendas and motivations that slowly unravel. The plot is dense, with many threads to follow, requiring careful attention but rewarding the reader with a complex, satisfying narrative. Kane balances suspense with character depth, making each revelation feel earned and impactful.
The story’s tension is heightened by a web of lies, betrayal, and secrets, which makes every interaction charged and every twist feel unpredictable. The combination of a deeply layered mystery, intricate character work, and a sharply drawn, moody setting elevates this thriller beyond a simple “whodunit.” Such a Clever Girl is dark, smart, and utterly engrossing, perfect for readers who enjoy domestic thrillers with moral complexity and high stakes suspense.
February 2, 2026
Fifteen years ago, the Tanner family mysteriously disappeared from their Hudson Valley home, plates half eaten on the table, a blood stain by the door, and their business left to smolder in flames. The empty house became town lore, a haunting question mark that everyone whispered about. Then one day, Aubrey Tanner, the teenage daughter long thought dead or vanished, walks back into town at the age of 30. Her return shakes loose rumors and suspicion. Is she a battered survivor, or the keeper of truths no one dared to speak? Three women, a school teacher, a cafe owner, and a psychologist, each hold fragments of what happened that fateful night, and each has spent years guarding her own guilt and regrets. As Aubrey's reappearance stirs up old memories, alliances fracture and buried secrets start to surface.
Such A Clever Girl feels quiet at first, then slowly tightens its grip. A vanished family. A town that never stopped whispering. And a girl who comes back with more questions and answers. Darby Kane excels at that unsettling small town tension where everyone knows everyone and no one is telling the truth. The multiple POVs kept me guessing and just when I thought I had the puzzle figured out, the story tilted and proved me wrong. This isn't a breakneck action-fueled thriller, it's a slow, sharp burn fueled by secrets, guilt, and the cost of survival. Dark, atmospheric, and messy in the best way. If you love thrillers that make you feel uneasy rather than rushed, add this one to your stack!
Thank you to NetGalley, Darby Kane, and William Morrow for the eARC and extra thanks to Darby Kane for the physical copy!
Such A Clever Girl feels quiet at first, then slowly tightens its grip. A vanished family. A town that never stopped whispering. And a girl who comes back with more questions and answers. Darby Kane excels at that unsettling small town tension where everyone knows everyone and no one is telling the truth. The multiple POVs kept me guessing and just when I thought I had the puzzle figured out, the story tilted and proved me wrong. This isn't a breakneck action-fueled thriller, it's a slow, sharp burn fueled by secrets, guilt, and the cost of survival. Dark, atmospheric, and messy in the best way. If you love thrillers that make you feel uneasy rather than rushed, add this one to your stack!
Thank you to NetGalley, Darby Kane, and William Morrow for the eARC and extra thanks to Darby Kane for the physical copy!
January 11, 2026
Such a Clever Girl is a mystery/thriller focused on dysfunctional families and hidden secrets. I enjoyed the small town setting of Sleepy Hollow. The story is fast-paced and full of twists and turns. The plot was well hashed out and interesting. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
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