Review of The Quarry Girls: A Thriller by Jess Lourey
When I stumbled upon The Quarry Girls, I was instantly intrigued. The haunting promise of uncovering small-town secrets and the thrill of a mystery woven through the lens of a teenage girl in the ‘70s pulled me in. Jess Lourey, celebrated for her previous works like Unspeakable Things and Bloodline, does not disappoint in this gripping narrative. What I didn’t expect was how deeply invested I’d become in the lives of Heather and Brenda, navigating a landscape that felt both nostalgic and chilling.
Set in Minnesota during the summer of 1977, the story revolves around best friends Heather and Brenda, whose carefree summer swimming parties at the quarry take a dark turn when they find themselves entangled in the mystery of two missing girls. The book does an excellent job of capturing the essence of youth—think late-night gigs, friendship, and a burgeoning sense of independence—with an undercurrent of dread as secrets claw to the surface.
Lourey’s writing is vivid and evocative. The emotions felt tangible; I could almost feel the sun on my skin and the weight of the girls’ fears in my chest. Her descriptions paint the small-town setting in vibrant detail, allowing me to relive the period through Heather’s eyes. When one reviewer noted it captured the nostalgia of sun-soaked days and the thrill of adolescence, they weren’t exaggerating. It’s this warm yet uneasy juxtaposition that makes the narrative compelling and thought-provoking.
Heather is a character you want to root for—a brave girl thrust into a world where the delightful facade of her town hides sinister truths. As she confronts the authorities’ reluctance and digs deeper into her classmates’ lives, the reader can’t help but share in her fear and determination. A standout moment for me was when Heather realizes that the people she trusted most may not have her back. This theme of betrayal feels profoundly relevant, resonating with anyone who has experienced disillusionment in friendships.
However, the book’s pacing stirred mixed feelings for me. While some parts flowed elegantly, drawing me into the story, others felt a touch slow, almost like they were wrestling with the weight of the themes at play—mental health, friendship, and the abhorrent ease with which society disregards violence against women. But when the plot gained momentum, I was utterly hooked, needing to know what happened next. It became the kind of page-turner that turned into a single-sitting read.
One of the most striking aspects of Lourey’s novel is its courage in tackling sensitive issues. It doesn’t shy away from the discomfort of dark realities, yet it finds a hopeful note of resilience and empowerment. The phrase "A good fence won’t keep out bad neighbors" echoed throughout the book, serving as a chilling reminder of trust misplaced and the need for vigilance in our communities.
In conclusion, The Quarry Girls invites readers to reflect not only on the mysteries of the past but also on the social dynamics that persist today. If you enjoy narratives that blend nostalgia with suspense and tackle serious issues with authenticity, then you’ll find this book compelling. Jess Lourey’s engaging storytelling and complex characters make this a noteworthy read that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. Personally, I’m left pondering how well we really know those closest to us and the secrets that lie beneath the surface of familiar faces.