Lee Child says it’s “stunning… certain to be a book of the year.”
Kathy Reichs calls it “extraordinary… a major achievement.”
Gillian Flynn says of Karin Slaughter: “I’d follow her anywhere.”
Sisters. Strangers. Survivors.
More than twenty years ago, Claire and Lydia’s teenaged sister Julia vanished without a trace. The two women have not spoken since, and now their lives could not be more different. Claire is the glamorous trophy wife of an Atlanta millionaire. Lydia, a single mother, dates an ex-con and struggles to make ends meet. But neither has recovered from the horror and heartbreak of their shared loss—a devastating wound that’s cruelly ripped open when Claire’s husband is killed.
The disappearance of a teenage girl and the murder of a middle-aged man, almost a quarter-century apart: what could connect them? Forming a wary truce, the surviving sisters look to the past to find the truth, unearthing the secrets that destroyed their family all those years ago . . . and uncovering the possibility of redemption, and revenge, where they least expect it.
Powerful, poignant, and utterly gripping, packed with indelible characters and unforgettable twists, Pretty Girls is a masterful novel from one of the finest writers working today.
ARPAN PRADHAN –
You might wanna look out for trigger warnings, it was one of the most disturbing books I’ve ever read yet one of the finest writing.
Thrilling and Gripping!
Tanja Jordan –
Loved reading this.
Kelsey –
This book is endless with all the twists and turns! Always expect the unexpected with this one! Not for weak stomachs but really a great book! I enjoyed this book even when it got tough to read from the details! Would definitely recommend!
Diane Farnsworth –
I loved the character development and the plot was creative, but once again Karin Slaughter was quite wordy. The torture/snuff porn was pretty nasty and unnecessarily detailed. I seem to be addicted to Slaughter’s books however as I’ve now read a dozen.
Jamie –
Wow!!! This book had me hooked for 3 days straight. I couldn’t wait to get back into it each day. Truly a great book and what a thriller it was!! A must read for sure!
Briana –
3.8 ⭐️
I want to give this give stars but the descriptive details of rape, torture, murder, and more were just too much for me. I think the story line was good and I wanted to know what happened, however this was the first book that I’ve ever had to take mental brakes from because of how dark it was
Jay –
I really enjoyed reading this. I don’t think it was as gory or crazy as some people rated it but also I just may have a higher tolerance. The book was really well written and the story never felt like it got boring or dragged out. I loved it!
sj –
I went into this book blind having no idea what I was about to read. If I’m being honest, I wish I’d never read this book. Was it a great story, incredibly written, captivating and intense? Yes. However, there are scenes in this book that I wish I never allowed in my head! I am an avid crime tv watcher. I’ve likely logged tens of thousands of crime scene hours in my brain but none of that prepared me for what was in this book. It’s vile, perverse, terrifying and will likely give me nightmares.
So, (SPOILER ALERT WARNING). Tread lightly while you’re reading. I read this on the KU app, (so page numbers may differ) but Page 61 is the section of the book I should not have read. I was able to handle all other parts of this book l, but NOT this section! What the bad person does with the machete was TOO much!!! I actually stopped reading there, went online to ask my reader friends if there was going to be more like that scene, if so I was going to DNF the book. They told me that was the worst scene in the book. So, I continued reading. Every time I got to a scene where the character was going to visualize that section of the book again I skim read on fast forward so I wouldn’t have to see/read it again.
Even though I wish I’d have never read this book because it was too gory for me the writing was phenomenal. The story itself was incredible and well developed. I can’t blame the book just because I’m not the target audience. If you can handle gore and EXTREME and graphic sexual torture I think you’ll enjoy the book. For me personally, I couldn’t handle it. I’m going to have to read lots of sappy hallmark channel books to get these images out of my head!
Maureen –
As always Karen Slaughter never lets you down Brilliant story , good charecters and excellent to the end . Details can be bit gory & not for faint hearted but if your a reader of Karen Slaughter you know she doesnt spare the details Recommend as page turner.
Love A Pup –
Dark. Quick read for such a long book. It got a little dull in the middle but the ending read like butter.
Kala –
Before you read this book, PLEASE check the trigger warnings. If you are ok with graphic themes and enjoy a twisted thriller, this book is incredible, however it is not for everyone and please proceed with caution if you are not ok with any of the themes depicted.
Prepare to be captivated, shocked, and utterly enthralled by Karin Slaughter’s masterful thriller. This dark and haunting tale will leave you breathless as you navigate the treacherous depths of human depravity and uncover secrets that will send shivers down your spine. I do not suggest reading this book while you are home alone as I did, it had me jumping at every little noise!
Karin Slaughter’s writing style is nothing short of brilliant. She weaves a complex web of suspense and intrigue, drawing you in from the very first page and refusing to let go until the final shocking revelation. Her ability to create vivid, gritty and realistic characters is astounding, making you feel as though you are intimately acquainted with every twist and turn of their lives.
The story follows the lives of two sisters, Claire and Lydia, whose lives were shattered by the mysterious disappearance of their beloved sister, Julia, over twenty years ago. Slaughter paints a harrowing picture of their pain and grief, taking us on an emotional rollercoaster as we witness their desperate quest for answers and justice. The raw emotions portrayed in their journeys are palpable, tugging at your heartstrings with every revelation and setback.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is Karin Slaughter’s ability to delve deep into the darkest recesses of the human psyche. She fearlessly explores themes of violence, trauma, and the sinister underbelly of society, leaving you with a sense of unease long after you’ve turned the final page. The author’s unflinching portrayal of evil and its consequences is chilling, reminding us that monsters can lurk in even the most ordinary of places.
Throughout the narrative, Karin Slaughter expertly builds suspense, planting seeds of doubt and suspicion that keep you on the edge of your seat. The pacing is flawless, with each chapter unveiling new layers of the twisted puzzle, leaving you guessing and second-guessing until the shocking climax. The tension is palpable, and you’ll find yourself rapidly flipping pages, unable to tear yourself away from the relentless suspense.
While this book delves into the depths of darkness, Slaughter also injects moments of levity and wit that provide a much-needed respite from the intense atmosphere. Her skillful use of dark humor and sarcasm adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, making it all the more engaging and realistic. These moments of lightness serve as a stark contrast to the grim reality of the story, reminding us that even in the face of unimaginable horror, humanity can still find strength and resilience.
Karin Slaughter’s ability to create compelling characters, craft a chilling and suspenseful plot, and explore the depths of human darkness is unparalleled. With its gripping narrative, emotional depth, and expertly executed twists, this book will leave you both shaken and exhilarated. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness.
Rissa –
This one was amazing. Edge of your seat the entire time, the way everything came together so perfectly without having to be dumbed down. Just amazing. My only complaint is the chapters are excruciatingly long (I’m a read until the end of the chapter). So it took a while to get through because I didn’t want to fall asleep in the middle of the chapter.
Rebecka H. –
Svårt att få en bra bild men framsidan liksom delar sig som om den blivit fuktskadad. Mycket tråkigt då jag köper en NY bok så vill jag ha en fin och hel bok… Har ej läst boken ännu. Detta är bara en recension på hantering och omslaget