The Shining Girls

A Novel

By: Lauren Beukes

Narrated by: Khristine Hvam, Peter Ganim, Jay Snyder, Joshua Boone, Dani Cervone, Jenna Hellmuth

Length: 10 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Now an Apple TV+ series starring Elisabeth Moss: the girl who wouldn't die hunts the killer who shouldn't exist in this "expertly chilling" twist on the serial killer novel from the award-winning author Lauren Beukes (San Francisco Chronicle).

Harper Curtis is a killer who stepped out of the past. Kirby Mazrachi is the girl who was never meant to have a future. Kirby is the last shining girl, one of the bright young women, burning with potential, whose lives Harper is destined to snuff out after he stumbles on a House in Depression-era Chicago that opens on to other times.

At the urging of the House, Harper inserts himself into the lives of these shining girls, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He's the ultimate hunter, vanishing without a trace into another time after each murder -- until one of his victims survives.

Determined to bring her would-be killer to justice, Kirby joins the Chicago Sun-Times to work with the reporter, Dan Velasquez, who covered her case. Soon Kirby finds herself closing in on an impossible truth . . .

“Utterly original, beautifully written, and I must say, it creeped the holy bejasus out of me. This is something special.” —Tana French

©2013 Lauren Beukes (P)2013 Hachette Audio

You fall in love with Kirby !!

Would you listen to The Shining Girls again? Why?
I will listen to it again and I am looking forward to it.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I started listen to audible books back and forth to work. So I was not just wasting this time. I found myself not wanting to get out of the car, wanting to hear more of this story. UPDATE: 7 years ago I found this book. I have listen to it 2 times since. I was looking for a new book, have no where to go i came across this one again. I love this book as much if not more this time. It made me sad when it was over. I had to try and find something to look forward as much as i did this book.

The Shining Girls: a brilliant & gruesome thriller

This is one of those books that I read simply because of the author; reading about a serial killer is not a natural draw. I've heard countless praise regarding Ms. Beukes writing and became more acquainted with her through interviews she given. So I found myself with The Shining Girls; its characters are memorable with a tightly paced story-line, brilliant setting and deftly applied phrasing and dialog. As a writer, Ms. Beukes does not disappoint. Despite this, or rather because of this, it was a difficult book for me to read. I had to take the story in doses. Part of her goal is to show us the ugliness of violence against women; she succeeds. This story is about the strength of a women (Kirby) whom a time-traveling serial killer (Harper) attempts to kill, fails and comes back to finish. Kirby is befriended by Dan, a jaded newspaper man covering sports because he burned out covering the crime scene

As I often do, I went back and forth between the Kindle and the Audible version. It was a well cast with special kudos to Ms. Hvam as Kirby and Mr. Snyder as Dan. I think they handled the drama without over dramatizing and the pacing and hand-offs between dialog went well. If you enjoy audiobooks (and serial killer thrillers) you like this recording.

For full review: wp.me/p2XCwQ-xN

A lot to take in

Great story line. I had a bit of trouble staying focused and it seemed to me a bit overwhelming. I appreciated the story itself. Maybe more than one narrator was what it difficult for me to follow.

Really original

I liked the story. It was one of the most original serial killer stories I’ve heard. I have to admit it took me a little while to get into it, but I enjoyed it. The only thing that let me down is that I wanted to know more.

Unique story told well

Not what I was expecting… better. The story was unique—not something I’ve read nor watched before. I appreciate the character development, as well as some of the small details that didn’t add anything to the story but gave a more relatable background to the characters.

The switch of a male and female voice really helped the story since so many characters were introduced (besides the major ones of course).

Would make an interesting book series or television series.

Gripping sci-fi-meets-slasher novel

This book grabbed me from the very beginning, and did not let me go. Driving home and listening in the car, I missed the turn for my house! It's not a mystery... We know from the beginning who the killer is, and how he gets away with murder. The question is, will our heroine figure it out in time to save herself and the people she loves? Lauren Beukes created many different characters for the book, and tells the story from each one's point of view. Coming from a less-skilled author, the frequent changes in time and place and point of view could be confusing, but not here. Perhaps the use of multiple narrators helped—and the narrators were all very good—but this is some seriously good writing! I highly recommend this book.

Unique Story but Too Short

What made the experience of listening to The Shining Girls the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed the different characters and the different narrators.

What other book might you compare The Shining Girls to and why?

This book is very unique, I can't compare. I will say that the style of writing is similar to Gillian Flynn.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the main character goes through the time machine

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not really, I just wish it was longer. The ending was a little too abrupt. I would have liked more detail.

Wait, what???

At first I was do confused then zi figured it out and was enjoying the book. anticipating the chapter where the author brings it together and it makes sense. The end felt like it was rushed. It never came together, it ended seriously un finished. I feel frustrated.

Great!

Very gritty and eery, worth the listen. Wonderful narration by different people helps pull you along to each of the character's stories.

Voice acting a bit over the top at times

I would have preferred to read this myself, the story was interesting but predictable. Again I struggled with the voice acting it was a bit too dramatic at times for my taste.