Title: The Burning Girls

Author: C.J. Tudor

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Publisher: Penguin Michael Joseph

Publication Date: 21st January 2021

Rating: 5/5

Cover:

Summary:

500 years ago: eight martyrs were burnt to death
30 years ago: two teenagers vanished without trace
Two months ago: the vicar committed suicide

Welcome to Chapel Croft.

For Rev Jack Brooks and teenage daughter Flo it’s supposed to be a fresh start. New job, new home. But, as Jack knows, the past isn’t easily forgotten.

And in a close-knit community where the residents seem as proud as they are haunted by Chapel Croft’s history, Jack must tread carefully. Ancient superstitions as well as a mistrust of outsiders will be hard to overcome.

Yet right away Jack has more frightening concerns.
Why is Flo plagued by visions of burning girls?
Who’s sending them sinister, threatening messages?
And why did no one mention that the last vicar killed himself?

Chapel Croft’s secrets lie deep and dark as the tomb. Jack wouldn’t touch them if not for Flo – anything to protect Flo.

But the past is catching up with Chapel Croft – and with Jack. For old ghosts with scores to settle will never rest…

Review:

I really really enjoyed The Other People by C.J. Tudor so I had pretty high hopes for The Burning Girls. I can confirm it is not just as good as The Other People but somehow even better. I loved it! The story follows Reverend Jack Brooks and teenage daughter Flo in their sudden move to Chapel Croft, a small place with a dark history and an even darker present. Secrets from the past are beginning to surface and Jack and Flo are drawn into a sinister and spooky mess.

This book was honestly the perfect read to start my 2021 with. I was glued to the pages with my heart in my mouth. The Burning Girls is a fantastic mix of intense thrills, fantastic characters and a seriously creepy setting. C.J. Tudor does the ‘hint of the supernatural’ better than anyone. Her writing makes it feel so real and genuinely plausible that you will be jumping at every shadow. I ended up reading this book well into the early hours of the morning which was possibly a mistake as I was so freaked out but I just could not put it down without getting to the end. The twists and turns come fast and furious, I absolutely couldn’t predict where this story was headed which I just love in this kind of intense book. I don’t want to give away any plot points because I would hate to spoil the expert pacing but if you are a fan of compelling, atmospheric thrillers full of brilliantly engrossing characters and chilling secrets then The Burning Girls will not disappoint. Highly recommend and I am already eagerly awaiting whatever Tudor writes next!

I received an e-arc of the book through Netgalley. My review is entirely my own honest opinion.