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Such a Clever Girl
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Expected 20 Jan 26Darby 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, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 20, 2026
50 people are currently reading
8740 people want to read
About the author
Darby Kane
11 books1,860 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 270 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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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 📖
December 17, 2025
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.
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
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!
July 31, 2025
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!
December 9, 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 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.
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.
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.
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
November 22, 2025
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
August 3, 2025
I thought this book was just ok. As with most of the books by this author, the storyline was good but there was something a bit off with the writing style. I love books about abandoned places and the added piece about the family disappearing seemingly into thin air was intriguing. As the book continued, the storyline became a bit convoluted, though, and I never really connected with the characters.
There were some definite creepy parts in the book and I do think it was unpredictable- plenty of red herrings kept me guessing as to what really happened to the missing family. I wish I could’ve connected better with any of the characters- I felt that I was being told what they were like rather than seeing it for myself in some instances. The ending of the book was pretty satisfying and tied in well to the rest of the story.
Overall, this wasn’t necessarily my favorite book of the year but it was a decent read and I found the setting to be creepily atmospheric. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There were some definite creepy parts in the book and I do think it was unpredictable- plenty of red herrings kept me guessing as to what really happened to the missing family. I wish I could’ve connected better with any of the characters- I felt that I was being told what they were like rather than seeing it for myself in some instances. The ending of the book was pretty satisfying and tied in well to the rest of the story.
Overall, this wasn’t necessarily my favorite book of the year but it was a decent read and I found the setting to be creepily atmospheric. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2025
As always, Darby Kane takes us on a dark ride through tangled memories, wild danger, and a deranged web of lies I wasn’t sure I’d find my way out of. SUCH A CLEVER GIRL is a moody and intricately paced whodunit set against the backdrop of a Sleepy Hollow mansion haunted by deadly memories and maybe a few ghosts. I kept reading way past my bedtime to solve the mystery, and I did not see that ending coming!
October 12, 2025
Such A Clever Girl is a upcoming contemporary novel that is set to release in 2026! I had the opportunity to win this in a goodreads giveaway a couple weeks back and took the time to read it and I will say that this book is one that will have you on the edge of your seat. It tells the story of a family that disappeared years ago without a trace and fifteen years later the daughter Aubrey returns destined to seek revenge against those who wronged her.
We are introduced to three other women named Hanna, Marnie, and Stella. These three have history with Aubrey and the details of that history isn't to good. Then of course there is thr mysterious writer who is writibg down the details of the tragedy. What good could possibly come from this situation.
This is a book that is definitely a ride. While it did make me slightly paranoid it kept me on my toes which is a good thing.
We are introduced to three other women named Hanna, Marnie, and Stella. These three have history with Aubrey and the details of that history isn't to good. Then of course there is thr mysterious writer who is writibg down the details of the tragedy. What good could possibly come from this situation.
This is a book that is definitely a ride. While it did make me slightly paranoid it kept me on my toes which is a good thing.
August 15, 2025
What a twisty and outrageous book! I loved it! The characters were interesting and exciting! I thought all the different personalities clashing and meshing was fun! Whenever you have a super rich family there’s bound to be a host of deadly secrets! There was so much mystery and I was locked in! I always have fun reading a Darby Kane thriller!!!! I hope you find the time to check it out and that you enjoy it!!!
July 13, 2025
Darby Kane never misses! A family disappeared 15 years ago and one of them returns. Does she know something? Did she do it? This was a wild ride with shocking twists! I loved the theme of girl power and showing what happens when you mess with dangerous women! Having this book take place in Sleepy Hollow was just icing on the dark and twisty cake! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
October 29, 2025
This was painfully slow, too many POV that didn’t have distinct voices and acted to only provide red herrings to throw people off from how the crimes were committed. I have to confess to skipping around just to find some interesting parts of the story. It’s a shame because this author is actually pretty good at building suspenseful stories. This one just didn’t hit the mark.
November 14, 2025
The Tanner family disappeared 15 years ago from Sleepy Hollow, NY. Rumors swirled for years about their disappearance and whether or not they were still living. When the Xavier dies of old age, his presumed-dead granddaughter Aubrey Tanner shocks everyone by showing up to the reading of the will. She is determined to the lay the rumors to rest and plans to turn the whole town upside down in the process.
I have loved other books by this author but sadly this one fell short for me. The book was told through the POV of 4 characters and bounced back forth from person to person with every chapter. None of them felt different/unique enough to differentiate between so it was hard to keep the story together. By the time I figured out who was who I really didn’t care what happened to any of them. I’m just glad to be done with this book honestly.
Side note: it is being published in January 2026. This book not being released in the fall/around Halloween is truly a travesty. I didn’t like it as much as I wish I did but the spooky fall vibes and setting really would have been perfect for the season and probably would have garnered a lot of attention from Booktok.
I have loved other books by this author but sadly this one fell short for me. The book was told through the POV of 4 characters and bounced back forth from person to person with every chapter. None of them felt different/unique enough to differentiate between so it was hard to keep the story together. By the time I figured out who was who I really didn’t care what happened to any of them. I’m just glad to be done with this book honestly.
Side note: it is being published in January 2026. This book not being released in the fall/around Halloween is truly a travesty. I didn’t like it as much as I wish I did but the spooky fall vibes and setting really would have been perfect for the season and probably would have garnered a lot of attention from Booktok.
July 30, 2025
3.5 stars
Darby Kane sure does know how to concoct a convoluted domestic thriller! The premise of this book pulled me in right away with the mystery behind the Tanner family's disappearance and the eerie vibes. I couldn't wait to find out what happened to them, so I dove right in! We start out with a huge twist that establishes this feeling of overlying dread and sets a creepy tone for the rest of the story. There were multiple characters introduced who all had secrets of their own and the author provided us with four different POVs to unravel the mystery. And....this is where my excitement started to wane. I usually have no trouble following along with so many characters if the delivery is executed well; however, it was hard for me to keep track of them in this book. With the POVs of Stella, Hanna and Marni, all of their voices seemed to blend together. There were many times where I had to go back and reread in order to figure out which person was speaking or thinking. This occurred in all of the chapters where the three women were together. Aubrey's POV was stellar though! She added an extra layer of suspense and expectation like a predator lying in wait for its prey. I also struggled with all of the different family relations. It was A LOT to follow for anyone not to be confused. I did enjoy the ending. It was a bit of a surprise and cathartic in its resolution. Overall, it was a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the plot and the mystery, but the writing and confusion of characters created pauses in my attention to the story and resulted in a slow, long read. I would still recommend to fans of this author and the thriller genre. It's possible my issues were just a "me" thing and others may love it.
Thank you to William Morrow for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
Darby Kane sure does know how to concoct a convoluted domestic thriller! The premise of this book pulled me in right away with the mystery behind the Tanner family's disappearance and the eerie vibes. I couldn't wait to find out what happened to them, so I dove right in! We start out with a huge twist that establishes this feeling of overlying dread and sets a creepy tone for the rest of the story. There were multiple characters introduced who all had secrets of their own and the author provided us with four different POVs to unravel the mystery. And....this is where my excitement started to wane. I usually have no trouble following along with so many characters if the delivery is executed well; however, it was hard for me to keep track of them in this book. With the POVs of Stella, Hanna and Marni, all of their voices seemed to blend together. There were many times where I had to go back and reread in order to figure out which person was speaking or thinking. This occurred in all of the chapters where the three women were together. Aubrey's POV was stellar though! She added an extra layer of suspense and expectation like a predator lying in wait for its prey. I also struggled with all of the different family relations. It was A LOT to follow for anyone not to be confused. I did enjoy the ending. It was a bit of a surprise and cathartic in its resolution. Overall, it was a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the plot and the mystery, but the writing and confusion of characters created pauses in my attention to the story and resulted in a slow, long read. I would still recommend to fans of this author and the thriller genre. It's possible my issues were just a "me" thing and others may love it.
Thank you to William Morrow for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
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