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They Say a Girl Died Here
Not yet published
Expected 27 Aug 26From the New York Times bestselling author of Behind Her Eyes and We Live Here Now comes a thrilling, genre-bending mystery about two murdered girls, the ones who might be next, and a town with dark secrets.
It’s happening again. . . .
Anna Maybourne feels trapped in Harper’s Creek, a nowhere town of dusty farmland plagued by drought, known for the murders of two young women who died exactly three years apart. The presumed murderer, killed as he tried to escape the police, was known as the Farmhand. But Anna, new in town and caring for her grandmother with dementia, wonders if the closed case is actually unsolved.
As the three-year anniversary of the last Farmhand murders nears, Anna’s younger sister worries it could happen again and she and her friend might be next. Anna’s grandmother’s experiences odd paranoid episodes, and she claims to know things about the girls who died.
Anna begins to think her grandmother may be the key to discovering the truth about the murders. Something strange is happening in their old house, Grandma knows more than she should, and instead of being over, the mystery seems like it’s starting again.
They Say a Girl Died Here is a novel of thrilling and terrifying secrets, with a mind-
bending twist that could come only from Sarah Pinborough.
It’s happening again. . . .
Anna Maybourne feels trapped in Harper’s Creek, a nowhere town of dusty farmland plagued by drought, known for the murders of two young women who died exactly three years apart. The presumed murderer, killed as he tried to escape the police, was known as the Farmhand. But Anna, new in town and caring for her grandmother with dementia, wonders if the closed case is actually unsolved.
As the three-year anniversary of the last Farmhand murders nears, Anna’s younger sister worries it could happen again and she and her friend might be next. Anna’s grandmother’s experiences odd paranoid episodes, and she claims to know things about the girls who died.
Anna begins to think her grandmother may be the key to discovering the truth about the murders. Something strange is happening in their old house, Grandma knows more than she should, and instead of being over, the mystery seems like it’s starting again.
They Say a Girl Died Here is a novel of thrilling and terrifying secrets, with a mind-
bending twist that could come only from Sarah Pinborough.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 25, 2026
About the author
Sarah Pinborough
91 books8,323 followersSarah Pinborough is a New York Times bestselling and Sunday Times Number one and Internationally bestselling author who is published in over 30 territories worldwide. Having published more than 25 novels across various genres, her recent books include Behind Her Eyes, now a smash hit Netflix limited series, Dead To Her, now in development with Amazon Studios, and 13 Minutes and The Death House in development with Compelling Pictures. Sarah lives in the historic town of Stony Stratford, the home of the Cock and Bull story, with her dog Ted. Her next novel, Insomnia, is out in 2022. You can follow Sarah on Twitter at @sarahpinborough.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Want to Read
May 19, 2026Solely because of Behind Her Eyes
I must continue reading this woman's books
I hope this one is a winner!
💛🧡🧡💛
I must continue reading this woman's books
I hope this one is a winner!
💛🧡🧡💛
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"A little fear was at least feeling something, and there were plenty who would call that progress in her post-trauma journey." *
I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book, but I was hooked after only a few pages! After a life-altering experience, Anna moves to the small town of Harper's Creek with her mother, little sister, and grandmother, who has dementia. Grandma insists they live in her old house, which has an eerie presence. The town has a brutal history of young girls murdered by the 'Farmhand'—who was never caught. Legend says he kills every three years, with the anniversary fast approaching. Everyone worries who will be killed next, including Anna. Her grandmother becomes increasingly agitated and mutters strange things—is it her dementia or something more?
A sense of unease, dread, and paranoia seeps from the pages as Anna deals with chunks of missing memories and her grandmother's disturbing utterances. Both women struggle with self-doubt and trusting reality—and so will readers. While I figured out a few elements and a key aspect, the latter you must accept without explanation. The twisty layers all come together in a spectacular fashion that fans of Pinborough—and new readers like me—will appreciate. This slow-burn atmospheric read is impossible to put down!
SARAH PINBOROUGH slays the gothic vibe in a contemporary setting—where there's no way to know what's really happening—while expertly delving into the fear of losing one's mind and the effects of trauma. Readers who enjoy ambiguity, cold case mysteries, and an immersive setting will love THEY SAY A GIRL DIED HERE!
____
*Quote is subject to change upon final publication
Thank you to Pine & Cedar Books & Flatiron Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book, but I was hooked after only a few pages! After a life-altering experience, Anna moves to the small town of Harper's Creek with her mother, little sister, and grandmother, who has dementia. Grandma insists they live in her old house, which has an eerie presence. The town has a brutal history of young girls murdered by the 'Farmhand'—who was never caught. Legend says he kills every three years, with the anniversary fast approaching. Everyone worries who will be killed next, including Anna. Her grandmother becomes increasingly agitated and mutters strange things—is it her dementia or something more?
A sense of unease, dread, and paranoia seeps from the pages as Anna deals with chunks of missing memories and her grandmother's disturbing utterances. Both women struggle with self-doubt and trusting reality—and so will readers. While I figured out a few elements and a key aspect, the latter you must accept without explanation. The twisty layers all come together in a spectacular fashion that fans of Pinborough—and new readers like me—will appreciate. This slow-burn atmospheric read is impossible to put down!
SARAH PINBOROUGH slays the gothic vibe in a contemporary setting—where there's no way to know what's really happening—while expertly delving into the fear of losing one's mind and the effects of trauma. Readers who enjoy ambiguity, cold case mysteries, and an immersive setting will love THEY SAY A GIRL DIED HERE!
____
*Quote is subject to change upon final publication
Thank you to Pine & Cedar Books & Flatiron Books for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.
March 31, 2026
The tension starts from the first page and doesn’t relent. There is a horrible sense of dread as you try and decide if Anna’s past trauma is causing her to lose her mind, if Grandma is really psychic or is it her dementia, and if the killer of Lila and Bonnie was really caught. Only Sarah Pinborough could write so convincingly that you will be jerked from one scenario to another until you are finally shown the unimaginable truth. #pineandcedar #flatironbooks
Want to Read
April 22, 2026I am predicting 5 stars for this beauty, which also happens to be one of my most anticipated books of 2026. A huge thank you to Flatiron for sending this my way.
July 12, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
Another interesting read from Sarah Pinborough, although some parts of the story revolving around Anna did leave me puzzled. The writing however is on point and the author draws you into the story which is full of mystery and has a wonderful haunting atmosphere. It's a slow burn that materialises into a twisty layers with the pace elevating towards the end. I loved the small town vibe with the people and the weather really coming through the pages. There is no doubt Sarah Pinborough is a master story teller, but the ambiguity surrounding Anna and the ending stopped me giving it five stars. However this is still a very good and solid read.
March 23, 2026
This book was BRUTAL but in a good way. A small town is haunted by the deaths of 2 young girls 3 years a part. So haunted that an urban legend named The Farmhand has been blamed for their deaths. Enter Anna, a city girl who moves with her family to the small town after something happens in college. She doesn't believe the police have the right man for the deaths of these girls and with the 3 year anniversary coming up, she must investigate the murders before another girl is taken...This book was quick, twisty, and an easy read that also tackled traumatic and sensitive topics in an easy to read way. I definitely recommend this is you want a quick thriller that will have you questioning every character.
December 7, 2025
Haunting, emotional, and gripping from start to finish, They Say a Girl Died Here is an exceptional psychological thriller that absolutely earns a full five stars. The story’s eerie setting sets the stage for a mystery that grows more compelling with every chapter. The protagonist’s journey is filled with tension and vulnerability, making every moment feel personal and urgent. The writing is sharp, evocative, and beautifully atmospheric. By the time the final twist landed, I was completely blown away. This novel is a must-read for anyone who loves intelligent suspense with real emotional depth.
June 1, 2026
I really love this author, so I was thrilled to get my hands on this ARC and make it my vacation read! I went in blind, so I had no idea what to expect. Anna moves from the big city to her grandma's small childhood town with her mom and sister. They all live together in a sort of rundown house, as her grandma is starting to lose her faculties. Anna suffers from PTSD with a terrible occurrence from her past, and it causes her to act out sometimes. This leaves both Anna and her grandma not 100% trusted by her mom and those around them. So when things start happening, stirrings of the story of the "farmhand" who killed two girls in town three years apart and another three years is coming up, people are reluctant to trust Anna and her judgement. Grandma and Anna make an unlikely pairing, but the two women connect and help each other through what transpires in this book. There is seriously so much more to this, but you'll have to read to get the whole story, which is part murder-mystery, part familial obligation and bond, and part rediscovering oneself. I was hooked! The small town vibe and psychological suspense had me entirely in Sarah Pinborough's grasp. And while I was dying to know the truth of the "farmhand" and the murders, the emotional currents make it something special. There are twists and turns and even a touch of magical realism. Another great read by Sarah Pinborough! I definitely recommend it!
Thank you Flatiron Books: Pine & Cedar for the ARC. Book releases 8/25/26.
Thank you Flatiron Books: Pine & Cedar for the ARC. Book releases 8/25/26.
Want to Read
April 12, 2026I'm a big fan of this author! August release, can't wait to read it!
December 7, 2025
They Say a Girl Died Here is the kind of psychological thriller that stays with you long after you finish. The atmosphere is thick with dread, the pacing is addictive, and the mystery is so well-constructed that I was constantly second-guessing myself. The character work is phenomenal—flawed, vulnerable, and deeply human. This book explores grief, guilt, and the echoes of tragedy with a sensitivity that elevates the entire story. It’s haunting, immersive, and absolutely unforgettable. A brilliant five-star read that should be on every thriller fan’s list.
July 8, 2026
This was a SLOW burn small town mystery thriller that was good, but took a while to get into.
After a traumatic experience, Ana moves to Harper’s Creek with her mom, sister & grandma to live in her grandmother’s old house. But this small town has problems & trauma of its own.
2 young girls were unalived in the same way, their bodies left in a field, exactly 3 years apart. It’s been almost another 3 years and the town is reeling with their memory & urban legend rumors of “The Farmhand” coming back to do it again!
The atmosphere was thick with dread & the oppressive heat & prolonged drought added to the suffocating feel of it all.
It was hard to grasp what was true because of Ana’s lapses in memory/PTSD and her grandmas dementia, which made everything seem unreliable.
I really liked the creepy farmhand myth, the constant unsettling sense of foreboding, character development, & evolution of the familial relationships - from complicated & strained to strengthened & comforting- especially between Ana & her grandma.
But there was one twist/element of the story that didn’t really hit for me. It was never really explained & didn’t make sense, leaving me with unanswered questions, so I wasn’t a fan. But other than that, I did enjoy the story.
Overall this was a very atmospheric, eerie & suspenseful mystery that also touches on grief, guilt and recovery from trauma!
3.5⭐️
Releases 8/25/26
Thank you to NeGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
After a traumatic experience, Ana moves to Harper’s Creek with her mom, sister & grandma to live in her grandmother’s old house. But this small town has problems & trauma of its own.
2 young girls were unalived in the same way, their bodies left in a field, exactly 3 years apart. It’s been almost another 3 years and the town is reeling with their memory & urban legend rumors of “The Farmhand” coming back to do it again!
The atmosphere was thick with dread & the oppressive heat & prolonged drought added to the suffocating feel of it all.
It was hard to grasp what was true because of Ana’s lapses in memory/PTSD and her grandmas dementia, which made everything seem unreliable.
I really liked the creepy farmhand myth, the constant unsettling sense of foreboding, character development, & evolution of the familial relationships - from complicated & strained to strengthened & comforting- especially between Ana & her grandma.
But there was one twist/element of the story that didn’t really hit for me. It was never really explained & didn’t make sense, leaving me with unanswered questions, so I wasn’t a fan. But other than that, I did enjoy the story.
Overall this was a very atmospheric, eerie & suspenseful mystery that also touches on grief, guilt and recovery from trauma!
3.5⭐️
Releases 8/25/26
Thank you to NeGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Harpers Creek is a dying town, heat, parched fields, poverty and prayer. Two dead girls, one every three years, now it’s another year three – who’s next? The cops say they got their man, many don’t believe it. Is The Farmhand still out there, watching unobserved, waiting for his next victim? Anna Maybourne.’s grandmother keeps repeating ‘ They say a girl died here’. Is she confused because of her Alzheimer’s or is it a real memory or something else entirely? Anna is determined to find out.
First of all, the quality of Sarah Pinborough’s prose is excellent and she effortlessly pulls me into the storytelling. The atmosphere the author creates is outstanding as it positively drips with it. Right from the start it feels suffocating and stultifying.. The oppressive heat adds to this and so the tone is constantly uneasy and claustrophobic, growing increasingly creepy and threatening, making my nerves jangle, just like Anna‘s. The tension builds like an approaching storm, getting darker and darker and more and more odd and at times, downright weird.
The plot is very mysterious, it’s extremely puzzling, it has a haunting quality to it and it’s very enigmatic. It’s very hard to grasp the truth. That’s partly due to Anna’s mental state due to trauma, but is she onto something elusive, secretive, suppressed by someone or is she being gaslit? In addition, there are ghostly Gothic overtones which also play onto the what’s real and what’s not vibe. The family dynamics are yet another puzzle. There’s a lot of bitterness as well as anxiety. This is partly due to grandma‘s declining health but also Anna‘s situation. As layer builds upon layer it becomes very hard to know what’s true and what’s a dream, nightmare or hallucination. However, there is a heartwarming growing bond between Anna and her grandmother due to the circumstances at play.
Whilst I’m not 100% convinced by the ending, it’s very dramatic but as everything is explained, I’ll go with the flow.
Overall, this is a really good atmospheric slowburn and if you liked ‘Behind her Eyes’ then you’ll probably like this one too.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Orion Publishing Group for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review
First of all, the quality of Sarah Pinborough’s prose is excellent and she effortlessly pulls me into the storytelling. The atmosphere the author creates is outstanding as it positively drips with it. Right from the start it feels suffocating and stultifying.. The oppressive heat adds to this and so the tone is constantly uneasy and claustrophobic, growing increasingly creepy and threatening, making my nerves jangle, just like Anna‘s. The tension builds like an approaching storm, getting darker and darker and more and more odd and at times, downright weird.
The plot is very mysterious, it’s extremely puzzling, it has a haunting quality to it and it’s very enigmatic. It’s very hard to grasp the truth. That’s partly due to Anna’s mental state due to trauma, but is she onto something elusive, secretive, suppressed by someone or is she being gaslit? In addition, there are ghostly Gothic overtones which also play onto the what’s real and what’s not vibe. The family dynamics are yet another puzzle. There’s a lot of bitterness as well as anxiety. This is partly due to grandma‘s declining health but also Anna‘s situation. As layer builds upon layer it becomes very hard to know what’s true and what’s a dream, nightmare or hallucination. However, there is a heartwarming growing bond between Anna and her grandmother due to the circumstances at play.
Whilst I’m not 100% convinced by the ending, it’s very dramatic but as everything is explained, I’ll go with the flow.
Overall, this is a really good atmospheric slowburn and if you liked ‘Behind her Eyes’ then you’ll probably like this one too.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Orion Publishing Group for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review
July 6, 2026
4.5/5
Sarah Pinborough always knows how to write the most creep-tastic horror books! 😱🖤 I absolutely loved the vibes in this story.
It’s set in a small farming town with a murderous history and the town itself has quite the urban legend!. The town’s “Farmhand” horror game had me scared from the first time it was mentioned. You look in the mirror and say it three times, and you might be the next victim. 😳🪞 I mean...this is exactly the kind of thing little girls lived for when I was growing up! It scared the pants off me back then and it definitely did again while reading this book. 😂
We get to meet Anna in this one and she is trying to figure out where she fits in after moving to this new town. She’s craving independence but is also caring for her aging grandmother with dementia. On top of that, she’s dealing with her younger sister...you know, the kind who absolutely adores you...but also kind of annoys you because of the age gap. 🤣 Anna has a lot on her plate. Soon after she arrives in this town, the anniversary of the murdered girls is fast approaching and she feels drawn to trying to determine who the real murderer is. That’s a pretty tall order for one teenager!
This was a traveling buddy read, and I left my notes all throughout the book. 😂 My buddies are going to laugh when they see all the characters I pointed my finger at because I trusted NO ONE. Well...the one person I trusted the most turns out I probably shouldn’t have. 🤦♀️🤣 Good thing I’m not a detective in real life!
I’ve read several of Sarah’s books, and I’ve loved every one of them. This one is haunting, atmospheric and everything I’ve come to expect from her. That’s a double win for me!
A huge thank you to my friend for sharing her copy with me so I could read this one early! 💕 I can’t wait to hear what all my buddies think once they’ve read it too!
Sarah Pinborough always knows how to write the most creep-tastic horror books! 😱🖤 I absolutely loved the vibes in this story.
It’s set in a small farming town with a murderous history and the town itself has quite the urban legend!. The town’s “Farmhand” horror game had me scared from the first time it was mentioned. You look in the mirror and say it three times, and you might be the next victim. 😳🪞 I mean...this is exactly the kind of thing little girls lived for when I was growing up! It scared the pants off me back then and it definitely did again while reading this book. 😂
We get to meet Anna in this one and she is trying to figure out where she fits in after moving to this new town. She’s craving independence but is also caring for her aging grandmother with dementia. On top of that, she’s dealing with her younger sister...you know, the kind who absolutely adores you...but also kind of annoys you because of the age gap. 🤣 Anna has a lot on her plate. Soon after she arrives in this town, the anniversary of the murdered girls is fast approaching and she feels drawn to trying to determine who the real murderer is. That’s a pretty tall order for one teenager!
This was a traveling buddy read, and I left my notes all throughout the book. 😂 My buddies are going to laugh when they see all the characters I pointed my finger at because I trusted NO ONE. Well...the one person I trusted the most turns out I probably shouldn’t have. 🤦♀️🤣 Good thing I’m not a detective in real life!
I’ve read several of Sarah’s books, and I’ve loved every one of them. This one is haunting, atmospheric and everything I’ve come to expect from her. That’s a double win for me!
A huge thank you to my friend for sharing her copy with me so I could read this one early! 💕 I can’t wait to hear what all my buddies think once they’ve read it too!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Anna Maybourne hasn't been the same since "the thing." Having derailed her college plans to become a journalist and her fast-track to living independently, "the thing" has re-routed Anna straight to Harper's Creek, the tired, dusty farm town where her Grandma grew up.
And as if the memories of college aren't haunting Anna already, Harper's Creek is a town plagued by drought and full of ghosts; two murders, two girls Anna's age, and a deceased suspect that the town seemed too eager to accept to close the case. As Anna settles in and tries her best to make Harper's Creek a home, strange things begin to happen within her own four walls. Grandma's dementia seems to be worsening, and Anna's own memory begins slipping away in fractures.
"They Say a Girl Died Here" is a slow-burn, small town setting mystery that boasts little to set it apart in that over-saturated genre. Having loved many of Sarah Pinborough's previous novels, I expected either a more unique premise or the classic twists and turns that propelled "Behind Her Eyes" to one of my favorite thrillers. Overall, this novel was too much slow-burn and clung to the same plot points to carry it through; "the thing" with Anna, Grandma's dementia, angry farmers. After awhile, the characters felt like caricatures and I found myself forcing through the second half only for the payoff to not be entirely worth it. When it comes to Sarah Pinborough, I would leave "They Say a Girl Died Here" and start with some of her older novels instead.
*Thank you Flatiron Books and NetGalley for my advanced review copy!*
And as if the memories of college aren't haunting Anna already, Harper's Creek is a town plagued by drought and full of ghosts; two murders, two girls Anna's age, and a deceased suspect that the town seemed too eager to accept to close the case. As Anna settles in and tries her best to make Harper's Creek a home, strange things begin to happen within her own four walls. Grandma's dementia seems to be worsening, and Anna's own memory begins slipping away in fractures.
"They Say a Girl Died Here" is a slow-burn, small town setting mystery that boasts little to set it apart in that over-saturated genre. Having loved many of Sarah Pinborough's previous novels, I expected either a more unique premise or the classic twists and turns that propelled "Behind Her Eyes" to one of my favorite thrillers. Overall, this novel was too much slow-burn and clung to the same plot points to carry it through; "the thing" with Anna, Grandma's dementia, angry farmers. After awhile, the characters felt like caricatures and I found myself forcing through the second half only for the payoff to not be entirely worth it. When it comes to Sarah Pinborough, I would leave "They Say a Girl Died Here" and start with some of her older novels instead.
*Thank you Flatiron Books and NetGalley for my advanced review copy!*
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
They Say a Girl Died Here was a book I could not put down—I read it in a single day. It has so many elements that made it an outstanding read. There is the suspense of a possible serial killer, plenty of creepy atmosphere, and a constant feeling that someone is watching.
Anna, her younger sister, her mother, and their grandmother move to a small town just as the anniversary of the murders of two girls is approaching. Anna isn’t convinced that the real killer was ever caught. Her fears are heightened by a traumatic incident that happened before the family moved there, making her especially sensitive to danger and suspicion.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the story is Anna’s grandmother, who is suffering from dementia. At times, she seems to have remarkable insights into the murders, or does she? The uncertainty adds another layer of mystery to the novel.
I also loved the interactions and relationships among the three generations of women living in the household. Their bonds, struggles, and support for one another were beautifully written and added depth to the suspenseful plot.
This was an easy 5-star read for me. If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries with compelling characters and plenty of twists, you should rush out and get this book!
Anna, her younger sister, her mother, and their grandmother move to a small town just as the anniversary of the murders of two girls is approaching. Anna isn’t convinced that the real killer was ever caught. Her fears are heightened by a traumatic incident that happened before the family moved there, making her especially sensitive to danger and suspicion.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the story is Anna’s grandmother, who is suffering from dementia. At times, she seems to have remarkable insights into the murders, or does she? The uncertainty adds another layer of mystery to the novel.
I also loved the interactions and relationships among the three generations of women living in the household. Their bonds, struggles, and support for one another were beautifully written and added depth to the suspenseful plot.
This was an easy 5-star read for me. If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries with compelling characters and plenty of twists, you should rush out and get this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley and Flatiron Books, for this ARC of They Say a Girl Died Here to read and review!
Anna, her mother, her younger sister, and her grandmother have just moved to Harper's Creek. This small town is full of mystery after the murders of two local girls that occurred 3 years apart. The sheriff and most of the town are convinced the murderer was shot and killed during an attempted arrest shortly after the second girl was killed, but Anna isn't so sure. She starts digging and soon begins to uncover that what you see on the surface isn't always the same as what is underneath.
This book is a 5-star read for me. It had me hooked from the beginning. I am the type of person who can easily guess the outcomes in books and in movies, but this story had me guessing until the very end. The author did a great job at keeping the final twist a mystery, and when all was finally revealed, my jaw was on the floor. You won't see it coming. The vibes of this book were suspenseful with a dash of creepiness. I only dabble in this genre of books every now and then, but I really enjoyed this story and how it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Anna, her mother, her younger sister, and her grandmother have just moved to Harper's Creek. This small town is full of mystery after the murders of two local girls that occurred 3 years apart. The sheriff and most of the town are convinced the murderer was shot and killed during an attempted arrest shortly after the second girl was killed, but Anna isn't so sure. She starts digging and soon begins to uncover that what you see on the surface isn't always the same as what is underneath.
This book is a 5-star read for me. It had me hooked from the beginning. I am the type of person who can easily guess the outcomes in books and in movies, but this story had me guessing until the very end. The author did a great job at keeping the final twist a mystery, and when all was finally revealed, my jaw was on the floor. You won't see it coming. The vibes of this book were suspenseful with a dash of creepiness. I only dabble in this genre of books every now and then, but I really enjoyed this story and how it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I listened to the audio and Saskia Maarleveld is always amazing. The narration added another great dimension to the story.
The build-up in this book is chef's kiss. We have three generations of women under the same roof, all struggling in their own ways. The anniversary of a horrific event is approaching, and for Anna who is new in town, something about the stories everyone is telling her doesn't add up. Everyone knows about the Farmhand murders and that the killer is dead, but Anna is convinced there is more to the story and someone is lying. Her grandmother who suffers from dementia starts having strange episodes and saying ominous and cryptic things, things about the girls who were killed by the Farmhand. Anna needs to unlock the truth and expose the secrets buried within this town.
I loved the relationship progression between Anna and her grandmother, especially as other relationships are falling apart around her. This book had me seriously locked in. Anna's determination was insane. This book deals a lot with trauma and the fear and paranoia that comes in the aftermath. It played a huge part in this and I thought it was written really, really well.
The build-up in this book is chef's kiss. We have three generations of women under the same roof, all struggling in their own ways. The anniversary of a horrific event is approaching, and for Anna who is new in town, something about the stories everyone is telling her doesn't add up. Everyone knows about the Farmhand murders and that the killer is dead, but Anna is convinced there is more to the story and someone is lying. Her grandmother who suffers from dementia starts having strange episodes and saying ominous and cryptic things, things about the girls who were killed by the Farmhand. Anna needs to unlock the truth and expose the secrets buried within this town.
I loved the relationship progression between Anna and her grandmother, especially as other relationships are falling apart around her. This book had me seriously locked in. Anna's determination was insane. This book deals a lot with trauma and the fear and paranoia that comes in the aftermath. It played a huge part in this and I thought it was written really, really well.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
This book had me from the start, until the very end. It reads like watching a movie on LMN, with all the psychological tension and intrigue. This book is a Goodreads giveaway.
After a brutal attack in the city that has left the main character, angry, distrusting and a bit crazy she, her mother, younger sister and grandmother move to a small farming community. Their home bearing secrets of possible crimes committed in the past. Six years ago there was a murder. Three years later a day apart, was a second murder.
These murders were nearly identical started an urban legend claiming the "farmhand" did it, and will claim another victim this year. This is despite the fact a man was shot and killed by the police right after the second killing that many believed had been the killer.
There will be times when you do not know what's real or not. Too many possible suspects. Alliances of the misfits being made creating a new dimension. Camaraderie or opening a new possible danger of it's own.
This is an absolutely a must read for lovers of suspense. I've got to read more books by this author.
After a brutal attack in the city that has left the main character, angry, distrusting and a bit crazy she, her mother, younger sister and grandmother move to a small farming community. Their home bearing secrets of possible crimes committed in the past. Six years ago there was a murder. Three years later a day apart, was a second murder.
These murders were nearly identical started an urban legend claiming the "farmhand" did it, and will claim another victim this year. This is despite the fact a man was shot and killed by the police right after the second killing that many believed had been the killer.
There will be times when you do not know what's real or not. Too many possible suspects. Alliances of the misfits being made creating a new dimension. Camaraderie or opening a new possible danger of it's own.
This is an absolutely a must read for lovers of suspense. I've got to read more books by this author.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
They Say a Girl Died Here by Sarah Pinborough. Thanks to pineandcedar for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Anna Maybourne is in the small farm town of Harper’s Creek helping to care for her grandmother with dementia. Her town had a string of murders attributed to the mysterious legend, the Farmhand. Now that the anniversary is coming up, the town is on edge.
This one had a real creep factor. The small town really added to the creepiness. I loved how the main character felt something was off, but no one seemed to be on her side. The reader is not quite sure if she’s mislead or onto something. This was a bit of a long one but it helped with the character development and getting to know the different town members. I loved the grandmother character. The author did a great job of balancing her dementia and wit.
“There has always been blood. And in the quiet of the night, the land knows there will be more blood to come.”
Read if you like:
-Atmospheric small town thrillers
-Murder mysteries
-Coming home stories
-Mental health or recovery tropes
They Say a Girl Died Here comes out 8/25.
Anna Maybourne is in the small farm town of Harper’s Creek helping to care for her grandmother with dementia. Her town had a string of murders attributed to the mysterious legend, the Farmhand. Now that the anniversary is coming up, the town is on edge.
This one had a real creep factor. The small town really added to the creepiness. I loved how the main character felt something was off, but no one seemed to be on her side. The reader is not quite sure if she’s mislead or onto something. This was a bit of a long one but it helped with the character development and getting to know the different town members. I loved the grandmother character. The author did a great job of balancing her dementia and wit.
“There has always been blood. And in the quiet of the night, the land knows there will be more blood to come.”
Read if you like:
-Atmospheric small town thrillers
-Murder mysteries
-Coming home stories
-Mental health or recovery tropes
They Say a Girl Died Here comes out 8/25.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m a huge Sarah Pinborough fan, so I really wanted to like this one. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me, and no one was more surprised than I was.
The story felt incredibly repetitive and slow. The same points seemed to be revisited over and over, which made the pacing drag and left me feeling bored for much of the book.
I also found the mystery fairly predictable. Very little surprised me, and I kept waiting for a twist that never really came.
The characters didn't help matters. I struggled to connect with any of them and honestly didn't find a single one particularly likeable or interesting enough to care about.
And the constant smoking? It was everywhere. Instead of adding atmosphere, I found it distracting and frankly a bit gross.
There were a few moments that kept me reading, but overall this was a disappointing read that felt long-winded, repetitive, and forgettable.
With that said, I will still be first in line for this author’s next book no matter what.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The story felt incredibly repetitive and slow. The same points seemed to be revisited over and over, which made the pacing drag and left me feeling bored for much of the book.
I also found the mystery fairly predictable. Very little surprised me, and I kept waiting for a twist that never really came.
The characters didn't help matters. I struggled to connect with any of them and honestly didn't find a single one particularly likeable or interesting enough to care about.
And the constant smoking? It was everywhere. Instead of adding atmosphere, I found it distracting and frankly a bit gross.
There were a few moments that kept me reading, but overall this was a disappointing read that felt long-winded, repetitive, and forgettable.
With that said, I will still be first in line for this author’s next book no matter what.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)
They Say a Girl Died Here was an engaging, atmospheric thriller with a strong emotional core. While I correctly guessed a couple of the twists early on, there was one reveal I genuinely didn’t see coming, and it added a really interesting layer to the story that elevated it for me.
I also really appreciated Anna as a protagonist. She’s flawed, messy, and emotionally complicated in a way that felt realistic, and I enjoyed watching her growth over the course of the novel. Her relationship with her grandmother was especially well done. It was strained, layered, and deeply tied to the larger mysteries unfolding throughout the book. The evolution of that relationship ended up being one of the strongest aspects of the story for me.
Overall, a compelling thriller with strong character work and a few twists that definitely kept me invested.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
They Say a Girl Died Here was an engaging, atmospheric thriller with a strong emotional core. While I correctly guessed a couple of the twists early on, there was one reveal I genuinely didn’t see coming, and it added a really interesting layer to the story that elevated it for me.
I also really appreciated Anna as a protagonist. She’s flawed, messy, and emotionally complicated in a way that felt realistic, and I enjoyed watching her growth over the course of the novel. Her relationship with her grandmother was especially well done. It was strained, layered, and deeply tied to the larger mysteries unfolding throughout the book. The evolution of that relationship ended up being one of the strongest aspects of the story for me.
Overall, a compelling thriller with strong character work and a few twists that definitely kept me invested.
Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
They Say A Girl Died Here by Sarah Pinborough
Pub Date: 8/25 Publisher: Flatiron
I want to start this review off by saying, I love a Pinborough book. The way there’s always sort of a weird/paranormal element is my favorite! However, the element in this book I wasn’t a fan of, I think maybe because it wasn’t really explained maybe? Idk just something about it didn’t hit.
The storyline was great, and the chapters were super short, loved the setting. The MC was annoying though, and there was one part of the book where she discovers something but later on it changes and that was never really touched on. I found the mystery part of the book great, but the weird paranormal twisty part didn’t do it for me this time. Still a good read and would recommend if you are looking for a quick murder mystery.
Pub Date: 8/25 Publisher: Flatiron
I want to start this review off by saying, I love a Pinborough book. The way there’s always sort of a weird/paranormal element is my favorite! However, the element in this book I wasn’t a fan of, I think maybe because it wasn’t really explained maybe? Idk just something about it didn’t hit.
The storyline was great, and the chapters were super short, loved the setting. The MC was annoying though, and there was one part of the book where she discovers something but later on it changes and that was never really touched on. I found the mystery part of the book great, but the weird paranormal twisty part didn’t do it for me this time. Still a good read and would recommend if you are looking for a quick murder mystery.
April 21, 2026
[Review of advance copy received by the publisher.]
I think my favourite book from Sarah Pinborough so far!!
From the very start I was right into it. I loved the main character, Anna, and the story.
Like usual, the paranormal side of the story blew my mind and was something I’ve never read before.
This book was the perfect thriller for me. Even if it wasn’t the same, it reminded me when I read A Good Girl Guide to Murder, the book series, which I adored reading.
No gory details, and until the very end, I couldn’t guessed the murderer and what had happened.
Plus, I marked down two quotes/paragraphs that were truly amazing to read and deeply resonated with me.
So smart and well written, this book was a great reading experience from start to finish!
I think my favourite book from Sarah Pinborough so far!!
From the very start I was right into it. I loved the main character, Anna, and the story.
Like usual, the paranormal side of the story blew my mind and was something I’ve never read before.
This book was the perfect thriller for me. Even if it wasn’t the same, it reminded me when I read A Good Girl Guide to Murder, the book series, which I adored reading.
No gory details, and until the very end, I couldn’t guessed the murderer and what had happened.
Plus, I marked down two quotes/paragraphs that were truly amazing to read and deeply resonated with me.
So smart and well written, this book was a great reading experience from start to finish!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it. But it was slow and longer than it needed to be.
Anna was one of the most unlikable characters I have ever read about. She knew her actions caused harm and still did them. That seemed more than a trauma based response.
But her growth through the book was a nice touch.
I did not see the ending coming. I had a hint of one of the involved but I never guessed there were more than one. I didnt get the clown thing. Nor did I get the final death either. I felt like I missed something as to why it happened.
While I enjoyed the read, it took a while to get to the point essentially. I think the overall plot was great and I really enjoyed the ending.
Thank you NetGalley and Flatiron for this arc.
Anna was one of the most unlikable characters I have ever read about. She knew her actions caused harm and still did them. That seemed more than a trauma based response.
But her growth through the book was a nice touch.
I did not see the ending coming. I had a hint of one of the involved but I never guessed there were more than one. I didnt get the clown thing. Nor did I get the final death either. I felt like I missed something as to why it happened.
While I enjoyed the read, it took a while to get to the point essentially. I think the overall plot was great and I really enjoyed the ending.
Thank you NetGalley and Flatiron for this arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book's setting hit close to home as my county is currently experiencing the worst drought in 100 years. Listening to this audiobook was so fitting as the author describes the tension and heaviness that comes with no rain for months. The dynamic of comparing the town's drought to the main character's own personal struggle created an extra layer of depth. Pinborough successfully delivers a thought provoking thriller that leaves you questioning who you should trust. Sometimes your greatest ally is someone you'd never expect. I am grateful for this opportunity to listen to this ARC through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was one of my most anticipated reads for the year but sadly I was hoping for more. I did still enjoy the story and it was intriguing but it definitely was a very slow burn. I felt it dragged and could of been shorter or at least more things happen to give me that OMG factor. I think since I read Behind Her Eyes I was beyond shocked with that book so I was hoping to get that out of this story too. I did enjoy though the perspective of the grandma with dementia and what she would say to Anna and all the mysterious stuff she was telling her.
Overall I give this one 3-3.5
Overall I give this one 3-3.5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
They Say a Girl Died Here is a compelling small-town thriller. While it starts slowly, Pinborough establishes a vivid setting and unsettling atmosphere from page one, and uses some well-paced foreshadowing to build the tension.
The dialogue is a little clunky at times, and some of the characterisation feels very YA. But the emotions run true, and with the mystery knotting itself tighter and tighter, by the final chapters I was thoroughly caught up in the drama. The ending may not be entirely convincing, but the tension-payoff is perfect.
The dialogue is a little clunky at times, and some of the characterisation feels very YA. But the emotions run true, and with the mystery knotting itself tighter and tighter, by the final chapters I was thoroughly caught up in the drama. The ending may not be entirely convincing, but the tension-payoff is perfect.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
If you like Pinborough, you will like this. Throughout the novel there is a gripping sense of dread and foreboding. The most compelling theme. I think, is the violence done to women as a matter of course which makes up a significant portion of the story. At its most basic level this is a psychological thriller about a young woman attempting to find out who murdered two other young women but there is more going on in addition to that.
June 7, 2026
PHENOMENAL. Pinborough writes a story steeped in grief, trauma and the unknown. Where bad things happened to the good and no explanation of why. They Say A Girl Died Here is a poignant immersive experience on how trauma cannot only shatter a person but everything you touch. Where the ghost of who you once were and who you are now meet, and a reminder that the only way out is through.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
It was a bit slow in the beginning, but after that I couldn’t put it down and finished it in a day! The writing was atmospheric and creepy, and it really added to the vibe.
As someone who often figures out the killer early on, I liked that this book kept me guessing throughout! I would read more books by this author.
Thank you to the publisher for this ARC.
As someone who often figures out the killer early on, I liked that this book kept me guessing throughout! I would read more books by this author.
Thank you to the publisher for this ARC.
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