Where Sleeping Girls Lie

Zara Blake arrives at an elite boarding school expecting to focus on art and escape her troubled past. Her prestigious new school, Corpse Valley Boarding School, hosts generations of wealthy students but hides dark secrets beneath its polished exterior. The disappearance of a student before Zara's arrival sets off a chain of events that pulls her into an investigation. Together with her roommate Ivy and a few other students, Zara works to uncover what happened while navigating complex social dynamics and mounting dangers at the school. This gothic thriller explores themes of privilege, institutional power, and the weight of history through the lens of a contemporary boarding school mystery. The story examines how the past echoes into the present and questions who gets to control the narrative of their own life.

Early reader reviews highlight the mystery and thriller aspects of the boarding school setting. On Goodreads, many readers note the pacing draws them in from the start, with multiple reviewers mentioning they finished it in one sitting. Readers praise: - Multiple perspective storytelling - Representation of Black and LGBTQ+ characters - Dark academia atmosphere - Complex family dynamics Common criticisms: - Some find the ending rushed - A few readers mention predictable plot twists - Writing style described as repetitive by some - Characters' decisions called unrealistic by certain reviewers Current ratings: Goodreads: 3.79/5 (1,400+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (100+ ratings) One reviewer writes: "The friendship dynamics feel authentic, but the third act loses momentum." Another notes: "Perfect for fans of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, but with darker themes."

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Two students face threats from an anonymous tormenter in a thriller that examines institutional racism at an elite private school.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson A student investigates a cold case murder in her town for a school project and uncovers dark secrets beneath the surface.

They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman A prep school student investigates her best friend's murder while navigating the pressures of an elite secret society.

The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass A Black student who can see ghosts confronts a murderous spirit while dealing with racism at his predominantly white private school.

All Your Twisted Secrets by Diana Urban Six students become trapped in a room where they must choose one person to die or face death themselves.

🔍 Author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé wrote this psychological thriller while juggling her studies at a university in Scotland, drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a Black student in predominantly white spaces. 🏫 The book's setting, Whispering Hills Boarding School, was partially inspired by classic Gothic literature and prestigious British boarding schools, blending traditional academia with modern suspense elements. 📚 This is the author's second novel, following her bestselling debut "Ace of Spades," which was dubbed "Get Out meets Gossip Girl" and secured a seven-figure book deal when she was just 21. 🌟 Where Sleeping Girls Lie tackles themes of privilege, racism, and social class within elite educational institutions, continuing Àbíké-Íyímídé's exploration of these issues in her writing. 🎭 The novel incorporates elements of Nigerian folklore and storytelling traditions, reflecting the author's heritage while weaving them into a contemporary mystery narrative.