Lisa Jewell has crafted a story that feels unsettlingly real. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly idyllic London communal garden, this novel weaves together the lives of its residents in a way that is both mesmerizing and quietly sinister.

What truly shines in this book is the atmosphere. Jewell’s writing is lush with imagery, painting a picture of a world that feels simultaneously peaceful and brimming with tension. The garden itself becomes a character; beautiful on the surface but holding dark secrets just beneath. I found myself fully immersed in this setting, and reading it in my head with an English accent only made the experience richer (you know you do it too).

The characters are just as intriguing as the setting. Each one is layered, carrying their own secrets, desires, and faults. The shifting perspectives allow for a deeper exploration of the complicated relationships and hidden tensions that define the community. Jewell does an excellent job of making even the most seemingly benign moments feel laced with unease.

The mystery at the heart of the novel is engaging, though not as tightly wound as some of Jewell’s other works. While I enjoyed the slow burn, there were moments where the suspense lost a bit of its grip. Still, the journey through the lives of these characters and their entanglements was more than enough to keep me hooked.

Overall, The Girls in the Garden is a beautifully crafted novel with a keen sense of atmosphere and character. It may not be the most shocking thriller, but it is an engrossing and vividly written story.