The Midsummer Girls

by Nicola Blackwell

This Midsummer, the hunter becomes the hunted.

Every Midsummer, the spectacularly wealthy and charismatic investor Alexander Dormer brings a naive young girl to his private island. She never makes it home. This year, Alissa is his chosen companion—but Alissa is no ordinary guest.

Twelve years ago, Alissa's sister vanished, and Alissa's finally traced her disappearance to Dormer. The plan? Secure evidence that her sister’s former paramour is a cold-blooded serial killer.

But Dormer’s sinister island hides secrets more twisted than Alissa could ever imagine, and as the sun sets on Midsummer’s eve, dark forces will stop at nothing to keep them buried—and Alissa along with them.

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Thriller

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication April 20, 2027

Reviews

[megs_bookrack]

ARC received! Thank you, Dutton!!

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[Mackenzie Gain]

⭐️⭐️ 2 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Midsummer Girls by Nicola Blackwell.

I thought the premise of this book was really interesting and had a lot of potential, but unfortunately, the execution didn’t quite work for me. I think the story would have been much easier to follow if it had been told in chronological order. The jumping around made it difficult to keep track of what was happening at times.

I also struggled to understand the paranormal aspect of the story and, by the end, I wasn’t entirely sure what was actually happening or how everything connected. I found myself a little confused rather than intrigued by the ending.

I also think the story could have been told effectively in a much shorter amount of pages. There were parts that felt drawn out, which made it harder for me to stay engaged.

Unfortunately, this one was a miss for me, but I do think the premise was intriguing and had potential.

[Lauren Weaver]

Tera's sister had disappeared years ago. Then Tera agreed to go on a date with a man. But the man doesn't suspect Tera to know his dark secrets. I won't be giving any more spoilers because this book deserves a clear five stars. The plot twists in this book alone were insane. I was gasping throughout the book. A clear five-star read for thriller lovers. Each chapter has plot twists, and they are all insane. The ending was tragic, but bittersweet. The characters were all well-made, and the writing style was beautiful. I cannot stop recommending this book.

[R.E. Holding]

3.5/5 rounded up

I loved the theme of this story. I'm afraid to detail the specific things I liked, because the story is twisty enough that I don't want to give anything away.

Where I felt the story dragged a little was the main character's recollection of her relationship with her sister. The ultimate twist was a good concept, but I feel like it could have been executed just a little better.

Other than that, it was a fun ride through psychological games played by everyone.

[ishye]

Review of an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley

I enjoyed this book! I read it in one sitting—the premise and themes were intriguing enough to keep me hooked. It was twisty enough for me, too!

There were some parts where I felt the execution lacked a little, especially when it came to the “stones” and the place itself. I wish those aspects had been explored or explained better to fully achieve what the story was trying to do.

But all in all, it was a good one!

[Alyssa]

This book began really slow and I had a hard time following bits and pieces of Shannon’s journey from Alissa’s. Overall the plot was pretty well laid out and the ending surprised me a little bit with what was left and to whom. The middle-ending confused me in the way two of the characters intertwine into one, but I eventually got it figured out. I’m fortunate to have gotten the chance at a first read!. Overall I would rate this book a 3.5/5 ⭐️