The Shining Girls

by Lauren Beukes
The Shining Girls cover
Good Books rating 3.38
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 918
  • Added: 2025-09-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9780007464630
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2013-04-25
  • Formats: 24
  • Reviews: 4

Lauren Beukes' 'The Shining Girls' is a critically acclaimed thriller that stands out in the genre with its unique premise and gripping narrative. The story follows a serial killer who travels through time to stalk his victims, known as 'shining girls,' each possessing a unique talent. The novel has been praised for its innovative plot and the way it challenges traditional thriller tropes, making it a standout in the genre. Beyond its compelling plot, the book is noted for its exploration of themes such as fate, free will, and the nature of time. Beukes' writing has been lauded for its vivid descriptions and the depth of its characters, particularly the protagonist Harper Curtis, whose complex and disturbing journey is a central focus of the novel.

Reviews
Cannonball Read · 2025-09-22
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer criticizes the book for its weak execution of an interesting premise. They found the overall reading experience disappointing.

This reviewer was not impressed with The Shining Girls, despite the intriguing premise of a time-traveling serial killer. They felt that the execution of the story fell flat, leading to a disappointing reading experience. The reviewer's criticism centers on the lack of depth and the unfulfilled potential of the novel's unique concept. While they acknowledge the cool idea behind the book, they believe it could have been much better executed, resulting in a less satisfying read overall.

Quick quotes

    This was not a very good book.

    The premise was cool (serial killer that can time travel) and all of that, but the execution of said premise didn't deliver.

    The Shining Girls had so much potential, but it ultimately fell short of expectations.

I Would Rather Be Reading Blog · 2024-04-09
ingenious 4.50

The novel is praised for its ingenious blend of thriller, horror, and science fiction, highlighting the author's ability to innovate within the genre. The reviewer admires the originality and creativity in the storytelling.

This reviewer was captivated by the unique combination of thriller, horror, and science fiction elements in the book. They particularly appreciated how the author manages to innovate within these genres, creating something truly original. The story's creativity and the way it blends different elements together were standout features for them. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book's originality and the author's skill in crafting a compelling narrative is evident throughout.

Quick quotes

    This novel is an ingenious blend of thriller, horror, and science fiction.

    I adore a writer who manages to innovate a genre into something incredibly original.

    The ingenuity and creativity in the storytelling are truly commendable.

The Guardian · 2013-05-01
entertaining 3.00

The novel is described as entertaining and engaging, but the reader may end up slightly confused by its meaning. The story is read with keen attention, despite some ambiguity in its overall message.

The reviewer found the novel to be entertaining and engaging, holding their attention throughout. However, they noted that the story's meaning can be somewhat confusing, leaving the reader to ponder its deeper implications. While the narrative is gripping, the reviewer suggests that the ambiguity might leave some readers slightly puzzled about the overall message. Despite this, the book is seen as a compelling read that keeps the reader invested.

Quick quotes

    This is an entertaining novel that will be read with keen attention.

    The reader may end up slightly confused by the meaning of it all.

    The story is engaging, but its message is not entirely clear.

Goodreads · 2013-04-15
masterful 4.00

The book is praised as a masterful twist on the serial killer tale, featuring a memorable and appealing heroine. The story is described as a violent quantum leap with a unique and compelling narrative.

This reviewer highly praises the novel for its masterful twist on the traditional serial killer tale. They were particularly impressed by the memorable and appealing heroine, who drives the narrative forward. The story is described as a violent yet compelling exploration of time and its consequences, with the reviewer lauding the unique and innovative approach to the genre. The heroine's character and the overall narrative structure are highlighted as standout features that make the book a must-read.

Quick quotes

    The Shining Girls is a masterful twist on the serial killer tale.

    A violent quantum leap featuring a memorable and appealing heroine.

    A unique and compelling narrative that stands out in the genre.

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