The Quarry Girls

A Thriller

By: Jess Lourey

Narrated by: Jess Nahikian

One of Audible's Best of 2022

Killers hiding in plain sight. Small-town secrets. A girl who knows too much. From the Amazon Charts bestselling author of Unspeakable Things and Bloodline comes a nerve-twisting novel inspired by a shocking true crime.

Minnesota, 1977. For the teens of one close-knit community, summer means late-night swimming parties at the quarry, the county fair, and venturing into the tunnels beneath the city. But for two best friends, it’s not all fun and games.

Heather and Brenda have a secret. Something they saw in the dark. Something they can’t forget. They’ve decided to never tell a soul. But their vow is tested when their friend disappears—the second girl to vanish in a week. And yet the authorities are reluctant to investigate.

Heather is terrified that the missing girls are connected to what she and Brenda stumbled upon that night. Desperately searching for answers on her own, she learns that no one in her community is who they seem to be. Not the police, not the boys she met at the quarry, not even her parents. But she can’t stop digging because she knows those girls are in danger.

She also knows she’s next.

©2022 Jess Lourey. (P)2022 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“[The Quarry Girls is] one of the most anticipated thrillers of the fall season…[The] novel is about innocence lost, the unwritten rules of silence in small towns, what ‘broken men’ do to others, and what boys growing into men do in packs that they would never do alone. And then there’s the courage of one woman who will not allow herself to be killed.”—St. Paul Pioneer Press

“Like Unspeakable Things and Bloodline, Jess Lourey’s The Quarry Girls is ultimately a morality tale—almost a dark fairy tale except that the plots are rooted in reality and the danger is all too real. The sad fact is that there is no shortage of past crimes to prompt Jess Lourey’s creative mind, but readers can rest easy knowing that this author will approach every idea with deep reverence for the victims and a goal of providing a healing and heartfelt journey—for both the characters and their readers—within the pages of some truly exceptional crime fiction.”—BOLO Books

“Few authors can blend the genuine fear generated by a sordid tale of true crime with evocative, three-dimensional characters and mesmerizing prose like Jess Lourey. Her fictional stories feel rooted in a world we all know but also fear. The Quarry Girls is a story of secrets gone to seed, and Lourey gives readers her best novel yet—which is quite the accomplishment. Calling it: The Quarry Girls will be one of the best books of the year.”—Alex Segura, acclaimed author of Secret Identity, Star Wars Poe Dameron: Free Fall, and Miami Midnight

Took a Chance - Loved it

I wasn’t sure what book I wanted to use my credit in. I read reviews of a ton of mystery/thriller books and it seemed some people loved a book while others hated it. But this book had consistently good reviews so I took a chance. I am so glad I did. I loved it, I couldn’t stop listening. I thought the story was great, as was the narrator. I will definitely read all of this authors books! Thanks for a great read!

Oh My

First time with this author. Although the plot was good, that was about it. I got so sick of hearing “like” that I started FF through the numerous words of descriptive words that followed. This story could have used 1/2 of them being edited out!
Narrator was great.

Oh. My. Goodness!

The narration is wonderful, the story is INSANE! I couldn’t stop listening. I was sneaking it in whenever I could.

Decent story about small town evil

Overall, the characters are interesting enough to care about, and though some of the plot developments are somewhat predictable, I wanted to see/hear exactly how it played out.

I wouldn’t say it’s great literature. It’s a middle of the road read, not dazzling but not awful.

I binge listened to most of it!

This novel is eloquently written and performed with beautiful narration. I simply couldn't stop listening and ended up listening to 7 hours of it until I got to the end. I was addicted to the honesty of the characters, the depth of the setting, and the intensity of the storyline.

Great read

I was constantly trying to figure out this mystery. Throughout the story I was connected to the characters with great disappointment for some in the end yet celebrating others.

Ew

First, this particular narrator is one of my least favorite. I don’t know why, but her voice (especially when doing male voices) really grates my nerves.

Secondly… this book is triggering. I just want to know the main character is in therapy, because she’s going to need it.

I mean… I might need it after listening. It’s pretty disturbing.

Intriguing mystery

Excellently written and keeps you on your toes at the same time, It takes you back to your own childhood

Loved

Suspenseful! You do have to keep in mind this girl is 15, when reading though.

Minnesota story

It’s a sad story that can happen right in your own neighborhood. Kept me listening