Ace of Spades was one of my favorite books… like, Ever. Obviously, I was eager to read more from the author and thrilled to be able to read her sophomore novel, Where Sleeping Girls Lie, early. Let’s see what I thought about it now, shall we?
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Published by Feiwel & Friends on March 19, 2024
Genres: mystery, young adult
Format: ARC
Source: Edelweiss
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In Where Sleeping Girls Lie ― a YA contemporary mystery by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, the New York Times-bestselling author of Ace of Spades ― a girl new to boarding school discovers dark secrets and coverups after her roommate disappears.
It’s like I keep stumbling into a dark room, searching for the switch to make things bright again. To make me remember. But the switch isn’t there. Was it there before?
Sade Hussein is starting her third year of high school, this time at the prestigious Alfred Nobel Academy boarding school. After being home-schooled all her life and feeling like a magnet for misfortune, she’s not sure what will happen. What she doesn’t expect though is for her roommate Elizabeth to disappear after Sade’s first night. Or for people to think she had something to do with it.
With rumors swirling around her, Sade catches the attention of the most popular girls in school – collectively known as the ‘Unholy Trinity’ – and they bring her into their fold. Between learning more about them - especially Persephone, who Sade finds herself drawn to - playing catch-up in class, and trying to figure out what happened to Elizabeth, Sade has a lot on her plate. It doesn’t help that she’s already dealing with grief from the many tragedies in her family.
And then a student is found dead.
The more Sade investigates, the more she realizes there’s more to Alfred Nobel Academy and its students than she realized. Secrets lurk around every corner and beneath every surface…secrets that rival even her own.
I received this book for free from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
☂️ TRIGGER WARNINGS: (click to reveal)
death of family members (including parents), grief, murder, sexual assault, rape, suicide and suicide ideation, alcohol consumption, emotional abuse, anxiety, misogyny, rape culture, drugging and drug use, aftermath of C-PTSDThere are no spoilers in this review.
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I ENJOYED…
☂️
- Where Sleeping Girls Lie follows Sade as she starts her third year of high school at a prestigious boarding school, after being home schooled her whole life. Right from the very start, this story sets a particular atmosphere. It’s mysterious, slightly creepy, a little dark. Right away, you know this is the kind of boarding school you’ll get chills, from. I really appreciated the vibes of this book as a whole. It’s a bit dark academia, a bit slow mystery and it’s really good to read!
- This was a compelling read, right from the start, even if I’ll admit it was a bit on the slower side. If you’re looking for a mystery that leaves you no time to breathe, let me say it right now: this is not it, for you. If you’re willing to let yourself be slowly engrossed into this particular atmosphere, these characters and, little by little, swallowed by this intriguing, terrible mystery, well, you’re in for a real treat. I personally was intrigued by the story and that’s what compelled me to keep on reading. I got invested with the main character’s story, I wanted to know what would happen, next.
- One of the highlights of this book is, for me, the lovely friendship between Baz and Sade. I absolutely loved watching it grow and blossom into something wonderful, sharing cups of tea and making plans to figure out a disappearance. They were so wonderful together and I loved them.
- I think the best thing about Where Sleeping Girls Lie is its message. At its core, this book is about privilege, about the consequences of men believing they’re untouchable. This isn’t an easy read, especially towards the end of it all, but it’s a really, really good and important one.
OVERALL
☂️
If you’re looking for a slow but compelling YA mystery set in boarding school, definitely recommending Where Sleeping Girls Lie. I can’t wait to read whatever the author will write, next.
FINAL RATING : 4 stars!
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I really enjoyed Ace of Spades when it came out as well, so I was intrigued to discover your thoughts on the author’s second book.
Interesting that it was a slow mystery when I found Ace of Spades quite fast, but it sounded like a great opportunity for the author to allow the writing and atmosphere to shine. It is nice to see authors explore other avenues!
Great review, I do love a boarding school setting too 😁
YEs exactly, I felt like because it was slower, it was a bit more atmospheric. I hope you’ll give it a try and will enjoy it!! <3
Sounds interesting and always like fast paced thriller. Amazing review!
thank you so much!! 🙂