The Falling Girls

By: Hayley Krischer

Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's Summary

"A riveting, intimate portrayal of just how intense and all-consuming female friendships can be. Urgent and piercing, The Falling Girls is a gut-punch of a book." (Jessica Goodman, New York Times best-selling author of They Wish They Were Us and They'll Never Catch Us)

From the author of the unforgettable Something Happened to Ali Greenleaf comes an intoxicating thriller about the dark paths female friendships can take, set against the backdrop of a high school cheerleading squad. Perfect for fans of Megan Abbott and Kathleen Glasgow.

Shade and Jadis are everything to each other. They share clothes, toothbrushes, and even matching stick-and-poke tattoos. So when Shade unexpectedly joins the cheerleading team, Jadis can hardly recognize who her best friend is becoming.  

Shade loves the idea of falling into a group of girls; she loves the discipline it takes to push her body to the limits alongside these athletes. Most of all, Shade finds herself drawn to The Three Chloes - the insufferable trio that rules the squad - including the enigmatic cheer captain whose dark side is as compelling as it is alarming. 

Jadis won't give Shade up so easily, though, and the pull between her old best friend and her new teammates takes a toll on Shade as she tries to forge her own path. So when one of the cheerleaders dies under mysterious circumstances, Shade is determined to get to the bottom of her death. Because she knows Jadis - and if her friend is responsible, doesn't that mean she is, too? 

In this compelling, nuanced exploration of the layered, intoxicating relationships between teen girls, and all the darkness and light that exists between them, novelist Hayley Krischer weaves a story of loss and betrayal, and the deep reverberations felt at a friendship’s breaking point.

©2021 Hayley Krischer (P)2021 Listening Library

Critic Reviews

"This fast-paced, thrilling read belongs in all school libraries. It touches on issues such as toxic friendships, high school sports, gender roles, and stereotyping." (School Library Journal)

"High school drama, cliques, jealousy, obsession, the power of friendship, and the toxicity of codependence are explored with sensitivity... all balanced seamlessly against family dynamics, making for an unusually complex story. Engrossing." (Kirkus Reviews)

"Krischer’s sophomore novel explores the kinds of toxic relationships that teenagers often find themselves in. A heavy dose of cheer terminology immerses readers in that world, while strong themes of independence, friendships, and boundaries will speak to teen readers. Gripping." (Booklist)  

Excellent narration

Death of a cheerleader. Drugs? Murder? Desperate teen girls struggling to find their places in their families and their schools. THE FALLING GIRLS is Shade’s journey toward figuring it all out.

I listened to the audiobook of THE FALLING GIRLS, the narration elevated the forgettable story that would have likely lost my interest if I had read the story. I enjoyed listening, but likely won’t listen a second time.