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