Blurb; Vermont, 1950. There’s a place for the girls whom no one wants–the troublemakers, the illegitimate, the too smart for their own good. It’s called Idlewild Hall. And in the small town where it’s located, there are rumors that the boarding school is haunted. Four roommates bond over their whispered fears, their budding friendship blossoming–until one of them mysteriously disappears. . . .
Vermont, 2014. As much as she’s tried, journalist Fiona Sheridan cannot stop revisiting the events surrounding her older sister’s death. Twenty years ago, her body was found lying in the overgrown fields near the ruins of Idlewild Hall. And though her sister’s boyfriend was tried and convicted of murder, Fiona can’t shake the suspicion that something was never right about the case.
When Fiona discovers that Idlewild Hall is being restored by an anonymous benefactor, she decides to write a story about it. But a shocking discovery during the renovations will link the loss of her sister to secrets that were meant to stay hidden in the past–and a voice that won’t be silenced. . . .
My Review; Fiona is a journalist trying to figure out the death of her sister Deb in the past. She was found deceased on Idlewall Halls Field. Fiona turns to investigation mode and dives into the haunting past of the school and the pupils who attended, but what she uncovers is more than she ever expected. As Fiona continues investigating her personal relationships start to feel the strain. Fiona is one determined character who won’t give up until she has answers.
The story flicks from the past in the 1950s of Idlewild Hall and to the present with Fiona, this is clearly stated at the start of each chapter so there is no confusion. The story focuses on idlewood Hall which in the past was a fully functioning girls boarding school. However, now it is abandoned with the intent to be reopened and revived by an out of town buyer…
There’s a story behind how each of the girls came to be attending Idlewood Hall and some are utterly heartbreaking. Each girl has their own battles and past, alongside having an unpleasant, haunting stay and experience at Idlewild Hall.
There’s plenty of rumours and gossip about Idlewood Hall being haunted and bodies being buried on the site… But what is the real story? A brilliant read, one I enjoyed. A real mystery, gripping and haunting story that sucks you in.
Between The Pages Book Club 