Book Review: The Quarry Girls: A Thriller by Jess Lourey
The moment I heard about The Quarry Girls, I was drawn in. Jess Lourey, a name I had come to trust after enjoying Unspeakable Things, was back with a tale rooted in the gritty realities of 1977 Minnesota, inspired by shocking true crime. Reading the description felt like stepping back in time, capturing the innocence and peril of teenage summers filled with secrets, swimming parties, and haunting consequences. My curiosity was piqued; I couldn’t resist diving into this narrative of friendship, fear, and the mysteries of small-town life.
The story revolves around Heather and Brenda, two inseparable friends whose summer takes a dark turn after they witness something they’re not supposed to see. Their quiet town soon becomes a chilling backdrop for a series of disappearances, and despite the urgency of their situation, the police remain disinterested. Heather’s determination to uncover the truth evolves into a heart-pounding quest, underscoring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle against systemic complacency.
Lourey’s characters are wonderfully fleshed out, offering more than just their roles in this gripping plot. Heather’s fierce loyalty to Brenda and her responsibilities as a caregiver for her family resonate poignantly, making her relatable to anyone who has ever felt the weight of the world on their shoulders. The dual perspectives from Heather and Beth allow readers to experience the duality of teenage innocence and the harsh realities of adults who fail to protect them.
What truly stands out in Lourey’s writing is her ability to evoke a palpable sense of time and place. The 1970s setting radiates authenticity, with readers able to feel the decade seep into the narrative, reminiscing about simpler, yet far more complex, times. The pacing, while varied, keeps you on your toes — one moment you’re immersed in the emotional depth of Heather’s struggle, and the next, you’re racing through a suspenseful twist that leaves you breathless. One customer review even described the twists as “mind-blowing,” and I couldn’t agree more.
Throughout the book, memorable lines linger in the mind, like Heather’s reflection: “That summer, everything had edges… once you understand the truth, there’s no living any other way.” This quote encapsulates the journey from ignorance to awareness, perfectly mirroring the themes of growing up and facing uncomfortable truths.
The Quarry Girls is not just a thriller; it’s a compelling reflection on friendships and the hidden darkness that can lurk beneath the surface in even the closest communities. It’s a story that will likely resonate with those who appreciate nuanced, multi-layered character developments meshed with suspense.
If you find yourself drawn to tales that explore the complexities of adolescence while weaving in real-world issues like misogyny and the failures of authority, this book is for you. It left me with a bubbling array of emotions and a newfound appreciation for Lourey’s storytelling prowess. The Quarry Girls isn’t just another thriller on the shelf; it’s an exhilarating, haunting journey that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page. You’ll likely find yourself pondering its themes long after putting it down—and that’s the mark of a truly remarkable read.