The Good Girls

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Memorial Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 12, 2015

Review

This is second in what is supposed to be just a two part series. Although the door is open at the end of this book for more. Shepard is writing from her well-used formula of a group of wealthy teenage girls, with little or no parental supervision, who get into trouble, solve a mystery, all while navigating the perils of high school. But with this book, she has kicked it up a notch. After watching the film, "And Then There Were None" in film studies class, five girls are put together for an assignment based on the film's theme of justice, murder, & punishment. Each of the girls have been wronged in some way or have suffered a tragedy at the hands of another. So the girls end up discussing ways they could hypothetically punish each of their tormentors. Unfortunately, someone is listening in on their conversation & the bodies start mounting. The plot progresses at a fast speed. The suspense and mystery builds all while getting to know the five main characters. There are also many plot twists to keep you guessing about who is taking justice into their own hands. Shepard's writing style is teen friendly, peppered with mild curse words, thus lending more credibility to her teen characters. The five main characters are well developed. You get to know each of them, their home life, and their struggles through the natural progression of the story. The reader can understand why each of them acted the way they did. Each of the girls' backstory lends credence to the plot. The ending is absolutely amazing. Most readers will not see it coming. A well played mystery wrapped in the pages of high school and teenage life. The book jacket is vividly bright and eye-catching. But it is too similar to the author's other series, "Pretty Little Liars". I think the author missed an opportunity here. With the themes of hoarding, physical & mental abuse, and split personality running through this book, it would have been nice to have a section at the back for further reading & where to get help with these issues. This book can be read as a stand alone. The author has provided are very informative prologue. Give to fans of Shepard's other series, "Pretty Little Liars", and "The Lying Game", or anyone who likes a unique mystery.

Overall Book Score: very good