The Understudy - Review

The Understudy by Sophie Hannah

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Four authors. Four mothers. Four daughters – and a fifth girl around whom the mystery knits together. ‘The Understudy’, a serial from Serial Box, written by Sophie Hannah, B.A. Paris, Clare Mackintosh and Holly Brown, is an intriguing mystery, a gripping thriller and an insight into the complexities of human relationships.

Thank you to Serial Box for sending me an Advanced Reader Copy, which I devoured across the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Jess, Ruby, Bel and Sadie are pupils at the Orla Flynn Academy, studying musical theatre, who form an apparently close-knit friendship group. Their mothers, Carolyn, Kendall, Bronnie and Elise, also became friends, until an incident of bullying the previous year shattered this illusion. This year’s troubles begin with the discovery of a music box in Jess’ locker, featuring a bloody and broken ballerina, which can only be interpreted as a threat.

In an effort to prevent trouble before it escalates, the academy’s headmaster suggests a new girl is introduced to the group – Imogen, strange and at times almost otherworldly. The four girls make her feel welcome, but soon it is clear that this has simply put a new strain on them and cracks begin to appear. Told from the perspectives of the four mothers, the tension, the paranoia and the incidents escalate. The women know their daughters are in danger – but which of the girls is responsible and where will it end?

Formed of ten parts, with writing duties for each of the four mothers split between the four authors, I couldn’t wait to move on to the next episode as I finished the last, as bingeworthy as a TV serial. Serial Box presents fiction in eBook and audio formats, split into episodes that you can enjoy in the same way as novels serialised as radio plays or in magazines, with the ability to binge as you would series via streaming services.

Secrets are revealed, lies are uncovered, and the lives of both mothers and daughters are exposed to scrutiny and judgement. I particularly enjoyed the way the story was told from differing perspectives, whilst still driving the plot forward. Prior to this, I have only read work by Sophie Hannah, so will definitely also be looking to read the other three authors in the future.

Light, refreshing and fast-paced, ‘The Understudy’ makes a perfect summer read.

The Understudy will be available from SerialBox.com in May 2019 - The Understudy

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