I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for the chance to read this advance copy. The book started out really good for me, but unfortunately I wasn't able to finish it.

Thanks to #NetGalley for this ARC of #TheOrchidGrils

A dark story of secrets, manipulation, and obsession. Teenage girls, called the “Orchid Girls”, who were once three, became only two one summer. The two girls left behind took an oath to one another to never speak of what happened. But a decade later, they’ve fell out of touch and both live drastically different lives. When one woman threatens to disrupt the other’s perfect life, things start to unravel. How far will they go to get what they want?

This was my first read by this author. It started off very slow and I was attempted to stop. I did not find it engaging to have self-reflection dialogue and the drawn-out time frame in getting the two main characters entwined. It did pick up half way through but I prefer a faster paced novel with less direct dialogue, leaving the reader to summon a bit of their own perception. I want it to grab ahold of me at the beginning and not let go, even days after I’m finished. 3 stars.

This is a fast paced gripping suspenseful novel about a young married woman Grace and the past she tried to leave behind. Things are slowly revealed about Grace's past as her old childhood friend Molly finds her and begins to "stalk her". I enjoyed the suspense and the slow reveals of old truths and lies but I didn't care for the character of Grace at all.

Whilst I did enjoy The Orchid Girls, it didn’t blow me away. The plot line was good though I did find it slightly predictable although it did keep me entertained to the end.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.

The exploration of female friendships has always been fascinating to me. How deep the bonds can go, particularly those formed in childhood or adolescence. Molly and Grace are bound to one another by a secret, and an act that changed the course of their lives. Years later, Grace is a celebrity food blogger, married to an MP, and Molly is a drifter, spending her days lost in a drunken stupor. How different their lives have become, and yet they still have their past in common. A past that is coming back to haunt them.

Sanderson tackles various key issues in this book, not least the theme of homophobia, and the struggle to accept oneself. She also manages to portray alcoholism with skill and sensitivity, giving Molly depth and enabling the reader to relate to her. Grace is, in her own ways, impeccably flawed. She hides behind the Queen of Clean facade, desperately trying to hide her true self. She too is an incredible character, one that is made up of various shades of grey.

The Orchid Girls is called a gripping psychological thriller, and that it is, but it is also so much more. It's evocative, engaging, and utterly enthralling.

Great book.
Kept me interested. Will be recommending this time to family and friends.
Will be in the lookout for more book like this and by this author

5**** very good

gripping book, read it within 2 days, good story about friendship, secrets and obsession. Although the ending wasn’t very surprising the book is still worth reading.

An interesting, original dark thriller. This was quite a page turner with well developed characters. Managed to finish this book in a couple of sittings!