The Girls of Maple Close Author Amanda Brittany
Book Review
3.5 out of 5 stars!
Releasing April 13, 2026
"They're a funny lot, the Maple Close residents. They always were, even before the awful murders."
Daisy has had to flee back to the safety of her Grandad's home in a gated cul-de-sac community. Her last true crime podcast unearthed some truths and sent the correct man to jail. But not everyone was thrilled with the outcome of justice. Daisy tries to take it easy and unwind in this familiar home and area not willing to dive into a new podcast.
Until a neighbor approaches Daisy with a plea for help. Wanting Daisy to figure out the truth behind The Wise Monkey Murders and possibly find her guilty teenage girl, now woman, innocent! Daisy tries to stand her ground; she really does, but curiosity is such an alluring mistress. She soon finds herself tumbling down the rabbit hole and wondering if any of the Maple Close residents can be trusted. Someone really doesn't want this case to be reopened. . .
I love a good thriller centered around a cul-de-sac with a tight knit community that talks to one another. I'm also a sucker for reads with podcasters in them, I don't rightly know why. So, I had to take a chance with this story!
I did enjoy Daisy's character throughout the read but toward the end I wasn't fully vibing with my girl. I respected the fact that she was upfront about her podcast and that she wasn't a hero of justice. She wasn't going into it to try and prove Zara innocent. Daisy's more focused on the why and getting a glimpse into the mind of a killer. And this case is very close to home because she knew all the girls involved with the case! Liked how she also asked permission and ensured consents before recording.
The case felt very much like an onion with how many layers Daisy had to keep peeling back. Seeing how almost all of the residents still remain in Maple Close even after all the tragedies, helped to make her investigating job a bit easier. The suspense was there and the thrill, but I was able to figure out many of the twists. Now for me, some of the ending sequences felt over the top and a bit unrealistic. I could understand the why and how it makes sense for the character(s), but it didn't fully zing for me.
This read does contain language, violence, bloodshed, and deaths. Some depictions of gore but nothing too detailed out. The plot of the story does bring up bullying, and we get to understand some of the intense things that occurred. We also have adult bullying and threats. I did respect a mom who recognized the truth about her daughter being a bully and addressed it. Instead of pretending her daughter was a perfect angel. There are some dark backstories in this read along with an abusive parent. PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and nightmares.
There's some romance in this read but it isn't the main focus. We get an MF kiss on page and then a closed-door scene. For me, I wasn't too fond of the guy for multiple reasons and felt like the romance wasn't entirely necessary for the read.
I did enjoy elements of this book but toward the end I was feeling meh. Now, this is all just my honest and personal opinion! You may read this book and be on the edge of your seat and loving it! This book is a standalone with a conclusion and HEA.
Do enjoy the read and don't forget to give the author some stars!
Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books!
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