I’ve loved Jess Lourey’s thrillers ever since I read Bloodlines. She has a knack for writing that keeps you engaged and wanting to turn the pages, wide-eyed and eager to know what happens next. This was no exception. Started with a bang and did not let up until the end, the mystery and “oh shit” factory building into the reveal.

This was my one of my Kindle FirstReads picks for October.

Even creepier that this is based on a true story.

This is the story of Heather Cash, a 16-year old girl who lives in small Pantown, Minnesota. She and her best friend, Brenda, are exploring the quarries one night and see something they shouldn’t have…which may or may not tie to the disappearance of two girls in her town. There are two sets of suspects- and plenty of small town and family secrets that made my jaw drop (and I’ve read quite a few thrillers and psychological & domestic suspense stories!).

The story is told in first person from Heather’s POV, and while she is 16, a YA book this is NOT. There are some get dark themes explored. Her two friends are outgrowing her and she’s forced to grow up quickly, helping to care for her mother and looking out for her little sister, who’s also growing up fast and starting to attract the wrong kind of attention. There are also chapters interspersed within from Beth, a girl who is kidnapped in the first chapter.

The characters feel like real people. I felt like I knew them intimately and shared in their sorrows, shock, and fears. The ending was satisfying and loose ends were tied up. Writing flowed and was easy to read.

This was a haunting tale of innocence lost and the monsters who walk along us. Jess Lourey is clearly a talented storyteller and I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future! ( )

As someone who graduated from high school in 1977 and lives in Minnesota, this book caught my attention. Not only was it a fantastic mystery/thriller, but it was also a fun walk down memory lane.
Hash jeans, the Johnny Holm band, the songs, the TV shows, the hairstyles, and the clothes... brought back great memories.
And the story? It kept me invested and kept me guessing. There are so many potential suspects in this story, told from a teenage girl's (Heather) POV for most of the chapters.
And knowing of some of swept-under-the-carpet secrets of that generation, especially in small towns, and of the real-life murder mysteries in Minnesota, made the story even more intriguing.
Highly recommend this story full of plot twists! ( )

Because of whom the characters are, this book should be in every high school library.
Jess Lourey, the author behind "The Quarry Girls," has written a captivating mystery thriller that takes readers on a journey into the heart of a small, isolated town. I found this book to be incredibly enjoyable, and I couldn't put it down, finishing it within just two days.
The novel begins by drawing readers into the enigmatic world of a tight-knit community, where the bonds between its inhabitants run deep. Lourey taps into the universal theme of hometown secrets, making it relatable to those who, like me, have grown up in such an environment.
One of the book's most notable aspects is its exploration of the challenges faced by teenagers as they transition into young adulthood. The Quarry Girls experiences the trials and tribulations of adolescence that resonate with teens from both small towns and big cities alike.
As someone who lived through the 70s era, reading about it evoked a strong sense of nostalgia. Lourey's attention to detail in recreating the ambiance of the '70s transported me back to my own teenage years, complete with the music, fashion, and cultural references of the time. This added to my reading and made me feel even more connected to the story.
The plot has unexpected twists and turns, which kept me turning the pages. The tension builds gradually. I was forming my own opinion as to who the murderer was while reading.
What stands out the most, in my opinion, is the central character, a 15-year-old girl who takes it upon herself to investigate the mysterious murders of her friends while simultaneously shouldering the responsibilities of her own family. This young protagonist's determination, courage, and resourcefulness make her a compelling character. Her journey of self-discovery and growth is a central theme of the story, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength that can be found in unexpected places. ( )

This was supposed to be based on a true crime story in Minnesota from the 1970's. Nowhere did any reviews indicate this was a YA book, but it seemed so. There seemed to be a superficiality to the story. By at least 50% in I had it figured out. This was a free Kindle read from 2022. Also billed as a thriller, but not so much. 335 pages ( )

Small town secrets. Girls being abused and killed. Two girls struggle. One captured, one losing friends ( )