One of the Girls: Book Review
I’ll be totally honest with y’all—I went into Lucy Clarke’s One of the Girls completely blind. But two things instantly caught my eye in the synopsis: Greece and a girl’s trip gone wrong. Say no more! It’s been three years since I last traveled abroad, and I’ve been itching to get back to European soil. Until then, I’ve been indulging in armchair travel through my books, and the second I saw that vibrant, sun-soaked cover, I just knew this was the escape I needed. Spoiler: it delivered.
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Quick Look
- Greek setting
- girls trip story
- lots of secrets and lies
- memorable twists
Published June 28, 2022
Thanks to Penguin Putnam for my advanced access!
Publisher's Synopsis
It was supposed to be the perfect weekend away. Six very different women travel to a sun-drenched Greek island for a bachelorette party. From the shimmering ocean views to the quaint tavernas and whitewashed streets, the vacation feels like the ideal escape. But dangerous undercurrents run beneath the sunset swims and midnight cocktails – because each of the women is hiding a secret, and soon their masks begin to slip. Someone is determined to make sure that Lexi’s marriage never happens – and that one of the women doesn’t leave the island alive.
This scorching thriller signals the arrival of a major breakout talent. One of the Girls examines the pressures and joys of female friendship . . . as well as the deadly consequences when a relationship goes wrong.
My Review
WHAT just happened!? Let me tell you—I’m no domestic thriller expert, but One of the Girls had me completely on edge, second-guessing every character and every motive right up until the final reveal. I was fully caught up in the guessing game Lucy Clarke weaves so masterfully, flipping pages at lightning speed just to get to the truth. This was the kind of book that made me say, “Just one more chapter”—until suddenly, it was 2 a.m.
Normally, I’m not a fan of thrillers with large casts. Too many characters can feel confusing or underdeveloped. But not this time. Each woman in One of the Girls was distinct, layered, and compelling in her own way. I needed to know how their stories intertwined and which secrets they were hiding. Clarke skillfully plays them against one another, building tension and mistrust that practically crackles off the page. I spent the entire book wondering: Who’s telling the truth? Who’s about to snap? And most importantly—who's the real villain?
I'll admit, I love trying to predict the ending of a thriller. There's nothing more satisfying than spotting the twist before it lands. But this time? I was way off. Clarke pulled the rug out from under me. The final twists were completely unexpected—in the best way—and left me flipping pages with my jaw on the floor. If you’re a fan of thrillers that surprise you, this one absolutely delivers.
At the heart of the story is the complicated relationship between the bride-to-be, Lexi, and her childhood best friends, Bella and Robyn. Their personalities couldn’t be more different, and while their differences once made their bond stronger, time and distance have begun to erode that closeness. That emotional tension adds so much depth to the novel, enriching not only their arcs but also the dynamics within the entire group. It’s messy, it’s real, and it raises the stakes in all the right ways.
In short, One of the Girls is a gripping, twisty, and deliciously tense read that’s perfect for fans of character-driven suspense. Whether you're a seasoned thriller reader or new to the genre, this one’s worth adding to your TBR.
My Rating
In the end, One of the Girls was everything I want in a summer suspense novel—fast-paced, twisty, and impossible to put down. If you’re craving a vacation read that combines the sun-drenched beauty of a Greek island with a chilling undercurrent of danger, this one delivers. Lucy Clarke masterfully unravels a web of secrets, lies, and betrayals, keeping the tension high until the very last page. And trust me—the payoff is so worth it. With its jaw-dropping twists and atmospheric setting, this is the kind of book that makes you forget your to-do list and read just one more chapter (again and again). If you love escapist reads with a dark edge, One of the Girls belongs at the top of your summer TBR.
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