Lovely Girls

A Thriller

By: Margot Hunt

Narrated by: Kimberly Woods, Vivienne Leheny

In this chilling story from USA Today bestselling author Margot Hunt, a mother and daughter try to start over in an idyllic town only to get caught up in cliques, mind games…and murder.

After the sudden death of her husband, Kate Turner is looking for a fresh start for herself and her teenage daughter, Alex. They relocate to the beachside town of Shoreham, Florida, where all is not as sunny as it seems.

Although Kate makes fast friends with a trio of fellow moms, their daughters take an instant dislike to Alex, who attempts to document their bullying in her video diary. Kate brushes off Alex’s concerns—until she receives a series of chilling warnings about the clique of moms from other parents and neighbors. As it becomes harder for her to ignore the malicious undercurrent she senses among her new friends, Kate grows increasingly unsure of who to believe—and who to trust.

As small-town gossip weaves a harrowing web of jealousy, deceit, and betrayal, Kate and Alex discover that whether you’re in or out, the status quo can turn on you deadly fast.

©2023 Whitney Kelly (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“What happens when mean girls are raised by tiger mothers.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Mean girls grow up to be mean moms with mean daughters in this entertaining domestic thriller from Hunt.…Small-town gossip and teenage angst drive the brisk plot, which is elevated by fully fleshed-out characters and a palpable realism. Hunt remains a writer to watch.”—Publishers Weekly

“I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough—mean girls, mean moms, the new girl in town, capped off by a superb mystery…Margot Hunt has such a deft hand with the clues that you’ll never see it coming.”—J. T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author

Well Done.

Starts out slowly, building plot and characters. I had no idea where this story was going, but, it really had a great ending. It's definitely worth reading. You won't be disappointed.

wow! A gripping story, coming of age to grab you

Great story, great performance, hard to put down. I could feel the emotions of mother and daughter. Interesting developments along the way. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Hunt's books.

Suspense

The plot had me guessing the whole time. I really imagined that it would be the adults and even Kate’s boyfriend that were the ones playing a ruthless game. I was ultimately surprised. Good story.

Bullying!!!

This book is so on point for the issues of the day! Though some may say it doesn't happen, however I can actually see mothers raising their daughter to be "bullies". Being assertive is one thing, bit having the attitude to entitlement and above reproach is another. But it is a "fine line" that divides us!

Loved this mystery with underlying human psychology

I loved the whole book, My entire Saturday was listening to the audio book enjoying the mystery. The topic of bullying, the unbelievable truth that parents can be blind to their culpability that manifested in cruel children that grow into
adults.

Kara Stratford

Interesting, thought-provoking story which analyzes problematic behavioral and relationship issues as parents and their teenage daughters juggle personal aspirations with morality, coming of age, and societal pressures in an increasingly tech-based world. Within this framework, story also explores the concept of nature vs nurture in the development of psychopathology and personal recognition of potentially deviant behavior. Very well done complex psychological thriller. Definitely recommend. Hope for a sequel.

Wow

This was a gripping psychological thriller that delivered. It started slowly but it was interesting up through the end, with twists that I did not expect. Nuanced characters. Worth the credit!

Potential not reached

Potentially a good story but silly dialogue and unrealistic situations/reaction to situations made this a weak book

Engaging

I binged this audiobook in 3 days. Absolutely loved it. Great storyline and kept me guessing.

Bad Behavior

Great story excellent narration. Look forward to reading more books from the author. Well done.