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Motherless Children Trilogy #2
Good Girls
Three-time International Horror Guild and Shirley Jackson Award Winner Glen Hirshberg brings his flair for the grim, grisly, and emotionally harrowing to Good Girls, the standalone sequel to Motherless Child.Still in college, Rebecca is the “responsible one.” She keeps her friends from getting too crazy—though Human Curling is kind of out there. She’s a safety valve for Joel, her foster father, and helps out at Halfmoon House, which he runs with his wife, Amanda—Rebecca’s foster mother, who makes sure her children able to protect themselves. To take care of themselves.Mostly Rebecca takes care of everyone else. She works at the university’s crisis center, doing whatever she can to help the troubled souls who call the hotline. Until the night he calls.Jess has lost so her job, her home…her daughter Natalie, no longer human thanks to the creature who called himself the Whistler. She tried desperately to save Natalie, but in the end, Jess herself pulled the trigger and killed her child.Deep in mourning, Jess flees, with the remnants of her the man she loved, seriously injured; her infant grandson, somehow still innocent and pure. And Sophie.Natalie’s best friend, Jess’s almost-daughter, and a mother herself, though her son is dead. Sophie’s alive but not alive—half-mad, half vampire, half a person…and Jess’s responsibility.The Whistler is hunting Jess. She killed his Mother…and Natalie, who was his “destiny.” But he’s not so single-minded that he can’t have a little fun along the way, take what he needs from Rebecca’s friends and family…take Rebecca for his own….Fates collide in a small town where fear and love are two sides of the same coin and life and death lie far too close together.At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
- GenresHorrorParanormal
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2016
3 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Glen Hirshberg
94 books150 followersThree-time International Horror Guild Award Winner Glen Hirshberg’s novels include The Snowman's Children, The Book of Bunk, the Motherless Children trilogy, and Infinity Dreams. He is also the author of four widely praised story collections: The Two Sams, American Morons, The Janus Tree, and The Ones Who Are Waving. A five-time World Fantasy Award finalist, he has won the Shirley Jackson Award for the novelette, “The Janus Tree”. He also publishes new fiction, critical writing, and creative nonfiction in his Substack newsletter, Happy in Our Own Ways (https://glenhirshberg.substack.com/), and offers classes and manuscript coaching and editing through his Drones Club West activities (dronesclubwest@outlook.com). He lives with his family and cats in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 24, 2016
3.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum http://bibliosanctum.com/2016/02/23/b...
Good Girls was introduced to me as the standalone sequel to Motherless Child which immediately put me in a bit of a dilemma, because standalone or not, I don’t like to jump in mid-series if I can help it. Nevertheless, Glen Hirshberg’s name has been making some big waves in the horror genre lately and I’ve been meaning to check out his work for a while now. I admit that in the end, it really didn’t take much convincing for me to throw caution to the wind and dive in with both feet!
Almost right away though, I could sense the drawbacks from not having read Motherless Child. While this sequel primarily focuses on a new protagonist, it also follows several returning characters who feature quite prominently in the story, namely Jess and those with her who survived the fallout from the end of the first book. Good Girls also sees the return of The Whistler, the antagonist who was responsible for turning Jess’s daughter Natalie into a vampire (that said, this is in no way your typical “vampire story”). More monster than man, The Whistler is back on the hunt now, not having forgiven Jess after she was forced to kill her own daughter, thus robbing him of his Destiny.
Ending up caught in the crosshairs is Rebecca, a young college student and the aforementioned new protagonist. Since fleeing the South, Jess has settled in New Hampshire with the remnants of her family, which includes her orphaned infant grandson Eddie whom Rebecca is hired on to babysit. Completely unaware of her employer’s gore-soaked past, Rebecca and her friends are staying near her campus for the summer when one day they inadvertently catch the attention of The Whistler, who has followed his prey all the way to this quiet little college town to seek his revenge.
My final verdict is that while Good Girls can indeed be enjoyed as a standalone, I still can’t help but feel that not having read Motherless Child affected my experience somewhat. Perhaps the biggest challenge was trying to tease apart the web of relationships. Jess, her lover Benny, and Natalie’s best friend Sophie are all apparently characters from the first book, but that fact wouldn’t be obvious if you’d jumped into this one blind. You’d meet them for the first time in chapter three, abruptly introduced amidst a scene of utter carnage, with little to no context of what had happened. The same goes for the indeterminate Aunt Sally and her evil minions lurking in the shadowy hollows of the Mississippi Delta. The story eventually revealed enough to allow me to fill in the gaps, but throughout most of the novel, that sense of playing catch-up never truly left me. Only after finishing Good Girls and going back to check the publisher’s description of the first book was I able to piece together the full picture and understand how these characters fit into the narrative.
Still, in spite of these obstacles, I was able to appreciate the story overall. Rebecca is an intriguing character, haunted by her own past of being raised in a foster home by a troubled couple. What’s interesting to me is how her character is complemented by Hirshberg’s prose. His writing style isn’t exactly my cup of tea, being on the clunky side with too many distracting interruptions mid-sentence, but the distance this creates to the protagonist somehow feels appropriate. Rebecca is someone who prides herself on her empathy and in turn those close to her feel a measure of comfort in her presence, but there’s also an aloofness to her that the author does such a good job of “showing” without having to ever “tell”.
As a matter of fact, this entire novel is suffused with a kind of intensity that’s so thick it’s almost palpable, raising my sensitivity to the story’s more personal and emotional themes. As a result, I think I found the atmosphere of this “Horror” novel to be more grim, desolate and sobering than anything, as opposed to being truly terrifying, creepy or disturbing. It raises some interesting questions about love and family, grief and sacrifice, and of when to hold on versus when to let go.
Do I recommend Good Girls? Yes. However, I would also strongly advise reading Motherless Child first. I honestly think I would have enjoyed this book even more if I had done the same (I have plans to go back and read it now, that’s for sure) and at the very least, I probably would have had less trouble getting into the beginning of the story. This isn’t your typical supernatural horror, but it’s definitely well worth the read.
Good Girls was introduced to me as the standalone sequel to Motherless Child which immediately put me in a bit of a dilemma, because standalone or not, I don’t like to jump in mid-series if I can help it. Nevertheless, Glen Hirshberg’s name has been making some big waves in the horror genre lately and I’ve been meaning to check out his work for a while now. I admit that in the end, it really didn’t take much convincing for me to throw caution to the wind and dive in with both feet!
Almost right away though, I could sense the drawbacks from not having read Motherless Child. While this sequel primarily focuses on a new protagonist, it also follows several returning characters who feature quite prominently in the story, namely Jess and those with her who survived the fallout from the end of the first book. Good Girls also sees the return of The Whistler, the antagonist who was responsible for turning Jess’s daughter Natalie into a vampire (that said, this is in no way your typical “vampire story”). More monster than man, The Whistler is back on the hunt now, not having forgiven Jess after she was forced to kill her own daughter, thus robbing him of his Destiny.
Ending up caught in the crosshairs is Rebecca, a young college student and the aforementioned new protagonist. Since fleeing the South, Jess has settled in New Hampshire with the remnants of her family, which includes her orphaned infant grandson Eddie whom Rebecca is hired on to babysit. Completely unaware of her employer’s gore-soaked past, Rebecca and her friends are staying near her campus for the summer when one day they inadvertently catch the attention of The Whistler, who has followed his prey all the way to this quiet little college town to seek his revenge.
My final verdict is that while Good Girls can indeed be enjoyed as a standalone, I still can’t help but feel that not having read Motherless Child affected my experience somewhat. Perhaps the biggest challenge was trying to tease apart the web of relationships. Jess, her lover Benny, and Natalie’s best friend Sophie are all apparently characters from the first book, but that fact wouldn’t be obvious if you’d jumped into this one blind. You’d meet them for the first time in chapter three, abruptly introduced amidst a scene of utter carnage, with little to no context of what had happened. The same goes for the indeterminate Aunt Sally and her evil minions lurking in the shadowy hollows of the Mississippi Delta. The story eventually revealed enough to allow me to fill in the gaps, but throughout most of the novel, that sense of playing catch-up never truly left me. Only after finishing Good Girls and going back to check the publisher’s description of the first book was I able to piece together the full picture and understand how these characters fit into the narrative.
Still, in spite of these obstacles, I was able to appreciate the story overall. Rebecca is an intriguing character, haunted by her own past of being raised in a foster home by a troubled couple. What’s interesting to me is how her character is complemented by Hirshberg’s prose. His writing style isn’t exactly my cup of tea, being on the clunky side with too many distracting interruptions mid-sentence, but the distance this creates to the protagonist somehow feels appropriate. Rebecca is someone who prides herself on her empathy and in turn those close to her feel a measure of comfort in her presence, but there’s also an aloofness to her that the author does such a good job of “showing” without having to ever “tell”.
As a matter of fact, this entire novel is suffused with a kind of intensity that’s so thick it’s almost palpable, raising my sensitivity to the story’s more personal and emotional themes. As a result, I think I found the atmosphere of this “Horror” novel to be more grim, desolate and sobering than anything, as opposed to being truly terrifying, creepy or disturbing. It raises some interesting questions about love and family, grief and sacrifice, and of when to hold on versus when to let go.
Do I recommend Good Girls? Yes. However, I would also strongly advise reading Motherless Child first. I honestly think I would have enjoyed this book even more if I had done the same (I have plans to go back and read it now, that’s for sure) and at the very least, I probably would have had less trouble getting into the beginning of the story. This isn’t your typical supernatural horror, but it’s definitely well worth the read.
February 25, 2016
Review copy
Top notch writing, enjoyable prose, a twisted and demented story, but I was a bit lost at times. Seems Good Girls is book 2 in the Motherless Children Trilogy. Something the publisher failed to mention when promoting the book. Now that it's for sale to the public, I see that it's listed that way, but it's also being touted as a stand-alone novel. I, personally, would have preferred reading Motherless Child first.
That being said, there is some wonderful story-telling going on here. From the opening line, there's magic in the words...
"In the heart of the hollow, at the mouth of the Delta, the monsters were dancing."
There are some strange goings on in this story, with multiple story-lines tied together deftly, plus there's human curling. I'd love to see that as an Olympic event. It's got to be more exciting than the actual sport.
All-in-all, Glen Hirshberg has written a dark and disturbing tale. My kind of stuff. I'll just have to read Motherless Child before reading book 3 in this series.
Good Girls is published by Tor/Forge and is currently available as an e-book. If you're interested in reading this one, I'd highly recommend you do so after reading Motherless Child.
Glen Hirshberg has won three International Horror Guild Awards (including two for Outstanding Collection), and his novella, The Janus Tree, won the inaugural Shirley Jackson Award in 2008. He also has been a Bram Stoker Award finalist and a five-time World Fantasy Award finalist. While teaching at Cal State San Bernardino and at Campbell Hall in Studio City, he developed the CREW Project, through which he trains his advanced students to run intensive creative writing workshops for secondary and elementary schools that have no programs of their own. He lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife, son, daughter, and cats.
Top notch writing, enjoyable prose, a twisted and demented story, but I was a bit lost at times. Seems Good Girls is book 2 in the Motherless Children Trilogy. Something the publisher failed to mention when promoting the book. Now that it's for sale to the public, I see that it's listed that way, but it's also being touted as a stand-alone novel. I, personally, would have preferred reading Motherless Child first.
That being said, there is some wonderful story-telling going on here. From the opening line, there's magic in the words...
"In the heart of the hollow, at the mouth of the Delta, the monsters were dancing."
There are some strange goings on in this story, with multiple story-lines tied together deftly, plus there's human curling. I'd love to see that as an Olympic event. It's got to be more exciting than the actual sport.
All-in-all, Glen Hirshberg has written a dark and disturbing tale. My kind of stuff. I'll just have to read Motherless Child before reading book 3 in this series.
Good Girls is published by Tor/Forge and is currently available as an e-book. If you're interested in reading this one, I'd highly recommend you do so after reading Motherless Child.
Glen Hirshberg has won three International Horror Guild Awards (including two for Outstanding Collection), and his novella, The Janus Tree, won the inaugural Shirley Jackson Award in 2008. He also has been a Bram Stoker Award finalist and a five-time World Fantasy Award finalist. While teaching at Cal State San Bernardino and at Campbell Hall in Studio City, he developed the CREW Project, through which he trains his advanced students to run intensive creative writing workshops for secondary and elementary schools that have no programs of their own. He lives in the Los Angeles area with his wife, son, daughter, and cats.
Want to read
December 10, 2016This book is copy 74 of 250 signed and numbered copies, signed by Glen Hirshberg.
March 1, 2016
Review from Tenacious Reader: http://www.tenaciousreader.com/2016/0...
3.5/5 stars
Good Girls is the second book in the Motherless Children trilogy by Glen Hirshberg. I haven’t read Motherless Child, the first book in the series, but was assured this one can be read on it’s own as a standalone sequel. Having read it now, I think that, yes, it can be read without having read Motherless Child first, but I suspect my own enjoyment of this story would have been greatly enhanced had I read the first book prior to this one.
One of the storylines in this picks up immediately after something very traumatic and horrific. Like seriously, standing in the carnage type of start to a story. I don’t know for sure, but I felt like this could have been the end of Motherless Child. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to verify this, but I was able to verify some of the characters involved in this scene were primary characters in the first book, so it is definitely possible. Maybe it is just me knowing that there was as story prior to this, and so when we are “dropped into the action”, I can’t help but wonder if this the end of the first book. Either way, I may have had some serious WTF just happened moments with this scene, but it was also something to draw me in and make me wonder just exactly what caused the devastation this story starts with. It gave me compelling reasons to want to read on so I could learn about these characters and figure out exactly what was going on.
There are several perspectives and stories going on in this book. Jess, who lost her daughter and is trying to piece a life together for herself and a few other characters. I really don’t want to reveal much more about Jess’s storyline. We also get the story of Rebecca, an orphaned college student that works in a crisis center. She has a close group of friends that she seems to feel slightly on the outside of, and we also get to see the foster family that cared for her most recently before she moved on to college. Jess and Rebecca are both somewhat broken people (broken in different ways), they are both trying to get through their days. I really enjoyed Rebecca’s sections the most. She was quite likable, her friends were fun and you just wanted to root for her as you could see she really was starting to come into her own. I also worked at a crisis hotline for a while, so that aspect of it was a nice familiarity for me and probably helped me connect with this group even more.
There are also sections with Caribou and Aunt Sally. These are the sections where I really wondered if I was missing something from the previous book. They felt very disjoint from everything else which could just be because they are in a different location and are completely different from our human protagonists, but also felt like maybe it was because I was missing a bit more of the story. Caribou and Aunt Sally live in a camp full of “monsters” (and are, in fact, monsters themselves). I felt like these sections should be quite interesting, but I hate to admit, I felt my attention waver almost every time I read a Caribou and Aunt Sally section. I could see how they might tie into the other story lines and later in the book it becomes clearer how they will fit in, but I somehow never felt very interested or vested in Caribou or Aunt Sally.
And then there is The Whistler. The monster that ties them all together. The monsters are never labeled as anything more specific, but you will find them quite familiar and will be able to come up with a label for them yourself. But I will leave that to the reader as I always enjoy knowing as little as possible about monsters. It’s just more fun that way. The Whistler provides some seriously creepy and eerie scenes. And some gore as well, though it never felt like gore for the sake of gore. And The Whistler is also good for the bringing in the unexpected.
Even though there were times where I did feel maybe I should know a bit more history than I did, I was able to enjoy this one in the end. Everything did come together, but I couldn’t help but wonder if I would have connected more had I read Motherless Child first. No matter what, it is clear that Hirshberg is able to craft a very compelling
3.5/5 stars
Good Girls is the second book in the Motherless Children trilogy by Glen Hirshberg. I haven’t read Motherless Child, the first book in the series, but was assured this one can be read on it’s own as a standalone sequel. Having read it now, I think that, yes, it can be read without having read Motherless Child first, but I suspect my own enjoyment of this story would have been greatly enhanced had I read the first book prior to this one.
One of the storylines in this picks up immediately after something very traumatic and horrific. Like seriously, standing in the carnage type of start to a story. I don’t know for sure, but I felt like this could have been the end of Motherless Child. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to verify this, but I was able to verify some of the characters involved in this scene were primary characters in the first book, so it is definitely possible. Maybe it is just me knowing that there was as story prior to this, and so when we are “dropped into the action”, I can’t help but wonder if this the end of the first book. Either way, I may have had some serious WTF just happened moments with this scene, but it was also something to draw me in and make me wonder just exactly what caused the devastation this story starts with. It gave me compelling reasons to want to read on so I could learn about these characters and figure out exactly what was going on.
There are several perspectives and stories going on in this book. Jess, who lost her daughter and is trying to piece a life together for herself and a few other characters. I really don’t want to reveal much more about Jess’s storyline. We also get the story of Rebecca, an orphaned college student that works in a crisis center. She has a close group of friends that she seems to feel slightly on the outside of, and we also get to see the foster family that cared for her most recently before she moved on to college. Jess and Rebecca are both somewhat broken people (broken in different ways), they are both trying to get through their days. I really enjoyed Rebecca’s sections the most. She was quite likable, her friends were fun and you just wanted to root for her as you could see she really was starting to come into her own. I also worked at a crisis hotline for a while, so that aspect of it was a nice familiarity for me and probably helped me connect with this group even more.
There are also sections with Caribou and Aunt Sally. These are the sections where I really wondered if I was missing something from the previous book. They felt very disjoint from everything else which could just be because they are in a different location and are completely different from our human protagonists, but also felt like maybe it was because I was missing a bit more of the story. Caribou and Aunt Sally live in a camp full of “monsters” (and are, in fact, monsters themselves). I felt like these sections should be quite interesting, but I hate to admit, I felt my attention waver almost every time I read a Caribou and Aunt Sally section. I could see how they might tie into the other story lines and later in the book it becomes clearer how they will fit in, but I somehow never felt very interested or vested in Caribou or Aunt Sally.
And then there is The Whistler. The monster that ties them all together. The monsters are never labeled as anything more specific, but you will find them quite familiar and will be able to come up with a label for them yourself. But I will leave that to the reader as I always enjoy knowing as little as possible about monsters. It’s just more fun that way. The Whistler provides some seriously creepy and eerie scenes. And some gore as well, though it never felt like gore for the sake of gore. And The Whistler is also good for the bringing in the unexpected.
Even though there were times where I did feel maybe I should know a bit more history than I did, I was able to enjoy this one in the end. Everything did come together, but I couldn’t help but wonder if I would have connected more had I read Motherless Child first. No matter what, it is clear that Hirshberg is able to craft a very compelling
January 20, 2016
GOOD GIRLS is book 2 in a trilogy started by MOTHERLESS CHILD. This is touted as a book you can enjoy on its own without having read the first, but I had problems, hence the dropping of a star. Hirshberg is a brilliant writer with the ability to paint pictures with his words, so I was more than willing to give him a chance and continue reading.
To put it in a nutshell, this is a vampire story. For best results, grab a copy of MC and get filled in on the background. Then read GG and prepare yourself for what is sure to be a kickass finish.
I received my copy of Good Girls from the publisher in exchange for a review.
To put it in a nutshell, this is a vampire story. For best results, grab a copy of MC and get filled in on the background. Then read GG and prepare yourself for what is sure to be a kickass finish.
I received my copy of Good Girls from the publisher in exchange for a review.
Read
March 18, 2016I did DNF this book at about the 1/2 mark, so I will not give stars for the review. However, unlike other DNF "reviews" (since I didn't read the whole thing, it really isn't a review) I have to say I did like what I read. My problem is that I just didn't quite understand what I was reading. Confused? I wouldn't blame you.
I don't mind books that befuddle me somewhat, but should have a thread or come together at least by the half mark. While I did start to see a thread, it just wasn't enough. I didn't read the first book but was assured that I would be fine reading this as a standalone. I don't think this was the case for me. I think what I needed was in that first book and I aim to find out what what thread or key I needed to pull more of the images together. What I did read was strange and just disjointed but in a way that really captivated me and interested me. In fact, the more confusing parts were the most interesting. Usually it is the most frustrating but I didn't feel that way. I did want to continue the book and hope that it all came together in the end, but I kept feeling that I was missing the most important aspect of the trilogy and so needed that first book to do this one justice. So while I DNF'd this one, I am determined to come back to it once I read the first book. I think those with more patience possibly could read this one without reading the first, but it wasn't that way for me.
Btw, for those that don't like horror, it was a bit horrific, but more on the creepy end than terror (or what I did read). If you read the first book, let me know what you think, but I am intrigued enough to try it.
I don't mind books that befuddle me somewhat, but should have a thread or come together at least by the half mark. While I did start to see a thread, it just wasn't enough. I didn't read the first book but was assured that I would be fine reading this as a standalone. I don't think this was the case for me. I think what I needed was in that first book and I aim to find out what what thread or key I needed to pull more of the images together. What I did read was strange and just disjointed but in a way that really captivated me and interested me. In fact, the more confusing parts were the most interesting. Usually it is the most frustrating but I didn't feel that way. I did want to continue the book and hope that it all came together in the end, but I kept feeling that I was missing the most important aspect of the trilogy and so needed that first book to do this one justice. So while I DNF'd this one, I am determined to come back to it once I read the first book. I think those with more patience possibly could read this one without reading the first, but it wasn't that way for me.
Btw, for those that don't like horror, it was a bit horrific, but more on the creepy end than terror (or what I did read). If you read the first book, let me know what you think, but I am intrigued enough to try it.
September 23, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Still in college, Rebecca is the “responsible one.” She keeps her friends from getting too crazy—though Human Curling is kind of out there. She’s a safety valve for Joel, her foster father, and helps out at Halfmoon House, which he runs with his wife, Amanda—Rebecca’s foster mother, who makes sure her children able to protect themselves. To take care of themselves.
Mostly Rebecca takes care of everyone else. She works at the university’s crisis center, doing whatever she can to help the troubled souls who call the hotline. Until the night he calls.
Jess has lost so much: her job, her home…her daughter Natalie, no longer human thanks to the creature who called himself the Whistler. She tried desperately to save Natalie, but in the end, Jess herself pulled the trigger and killed her child.
Deep in mourning, Jess flees, with the remnants of her family: the man she loved, seriously injured; her infant grandson, somehow still innocent and pure. And Sophie.
Natalie’s best friend, Jess’s almost-daughter, and a mother herself, though her son is dead. Sophie’s alive but not alive—half-mad, half vampire, half a person…and Jess’s responsibility.
The Whistler is hunting Jess. She killed his Mother…and Natalie, who was his “destiny.” But he’s not so single-minded that he can’t have a little fun along the way, take what he needs from Rebecca’s friends and family…take Rebecca for his own….
Fates collide in a small town where fear and love are two sides of the same coin and life and death lie far too close together.
*2.5 stars*
This is the second book in the Motherless Children Trilogy. It is absolutely recommended that you read the first book before getting into this one...not that it makes this one any more readable...
I seem to be in a minority when it comes to reviews of this book. Most 3-star reviews didn't read the first book, so they were confused. Others who read the first seemed to give this 4-5 stars.
I read the first but can still only give this a 3 star rating...
Now, don't get me wrong - this book is very good. It is intense, it is freaky, it is full-on...but it just does not cut it for characters for me. They just felt like they had been ignored for the sake of telling a scary story. Like they were expendable, no need for full character growth. And that is disappointing - it is hard to build tension if the characters don't portray it well.
However, I would certainly recommend reading Motherless Children before embarking on this one. It will certainly help bring this story to life.
Paul
ARH
Still in college, Rebecca is the “responsible one.” She keeps her friends from getting too crazy—though Human Curling is kind of out there. She’s a safety valve for Joel, her foster father, and helps out at Halfmoon House, which he runs with his wife, Amanda—Rebecca’s foster mother, who makes sure her children able to protect themselves. To take care of themselves.
Mostly Rebecca takes care of everyone else. She works at the university’s crisis center, doing whatever she can to help the troubled souls who call the hotline. Until the night he calls.
Jess has lost so much: her job, her home…her daughter Natalie, no longer human thanks to the creature who called himself the Whistler. She tried desperately to save Natalie, but in the end, Jess herself pulled the trigger and killed her child.
Deep in mourning, Jess flees, with the remnants of her family: the man she loved, seriously injured; her infant grandson, somehow still innocent and pure. And Sophie.
Natalie’s best friend, Jess’s almost-daughter, and a mother herself, though her son is dead. Sophie’s alive but not alive—half-mad, half vampire, half a person…and Jess’s responsibility.
The Whistler is hunting Jess. She killed his Mother…and Natalie, who was his “destiny.” But he’s not so single-minded that he can’t have a little fun along the way, take what he needs from Rebecca’s friends and family…take Rebecca for his own….
Fates collide in a small town where fear and love are two sides of the same coin and life and death lie far too close together.
*2.5 stars*
This is the second book in the Motherless Children Trilogy. It is absolutely recommended that you read the first book before getting into this one...not that it makes this one any more readable...
I seem to be in a minority when it comes to reviews of this book. Most 3-star reviews didn't read the first book, so they were confused. Others who read the first seemed to give this 4-5 stars.
I read the first but can still only give this a 3 star rating...
Now, don't get me wrong - this book is very good. It is intense, it is freaky, it is full-on...but it just does not cut it for characters for me. They just felt like they had been ignored for the sake of telling a scary story. Like they were expendable, no need for full character growth. And that is disappointing - it is hard to build tension if the characters don't portray it well.
However, I would certainly recommend reading Motherless Children before embarking on this one. It will certainly help bring this story to life.
Paul
ARH
June 5, 2019
Author Glen Hirshberg isn't as bad as some authors that just assume you've read the books in order and make no attempt to fill in the blanks. Why should they? It's better for their bank accounts if you buy the books and get the answers yourself. I confess to buying the first novel The Motherless Child on Amazon after reading Good Girls. It's mainly because I'm kind of OCD about knowing everything in a series. It's a problem, it's the reason I've seen every Children of the Corn movie. Help!
Good Girls picks up almost directly after the ending of Motherless Child. A woman named Jess is forced to kill her daughter, Natalie, who has been turned into a vampire, and goes on the run with her infant grandson. She reluctantly cares for Sophie, who was Natalie's best friend before she was turned and is the only link to the Whistler, the vampire who caused all her heartache. This is probably my favorite part of the novel. Hirshberg does a wonderful job of building up suspense, and I honestly had no idea what could happen next.
You can read Jennifer's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
Good Girls picks up almost directly after the ending of Motherless Child. A woman named Jess is forced to kill her daughter, Natalie, who has been turned into a vampire, and goes on the run with her infant grandson. She reluctantly cares for Sophie, who was Natalie's best friend before she was turned and is the only link to the Whistler, the vampire who caused all her heartache. This is probably my favorite part of the novel. Hirshberg does a wonderful job of building up suspense, and I honestly had no idea what could happen next.
You can read Jennifer's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
October 22, 2019
I read the first in this trilogy (Motherless Children) probably three years ago or so, so I had a bit of trouble remembering what happened, but Google provided some good summations and his character are so compelling that many of them came back to me. Now i have to read the third in the series and I won't wait years to do so.
This is a vampire tale but really unlike other vampire tales. It's a tale of malevolence. It's a tale of family and love. It's a tale of how far would you go if...
So well written, So compelling. Yay! Got myself a library version of Nothing to Devour. Can't wait.
This is a vampire tale but really unlike other vampire tales. It's a tale of malevolence. It's a tale of family and love. It's a tale of how far would you go if...
So well written, So compelling. Yay! Got myself a library version of Nothing to Devour. Can't wait.
August 25, 2019
This starts right where the first novel ended. You are introduced to new characters while also seeing Jess and Benny trying to give Eddie as normal a life as possible. But the Whistler is still searching for revenge and we get to understand a little more about how these creatures work. I really liked how the story continued.
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May 1, 2020This one never drew me in. I fell out it multiple times, and gave up during the 3rd chapter. I haven't read its predecessor; maybe my reaction would've been different with that grounding.
March 18, 2016
[While “Good Girls” can be read a stand-alone novel, it is also a sequel to “Motherless Child,” and my review will contain various spoilers for that book.]
How could they let themselves get into this hellish situation? Jess wonders. “You were such good girls,” she tells Sophie, as they drive away from the beach, where Jess was forced to kill her daughter, Natalie--Sophie’s best friend. The battle scene at the end of “Motherless Child” left Natalie and Sophie’s infant daughter dead, but also, fortunately, ended the un-life of Mother.
Of course, Mother’s progeny, the Whistler, is still around. And despite the object of Whistler’s desire, Natalie, reaching her end, Whistler hasn’t given up his search for someone to accompany him on his blood-soaked journey through death-life.
A lot of Glen Hirshberg’s “Good Girls” focuses on familial attachments, from the vampiric clan of monsters huddling around monstrous Aunt Sally; to new protagonist Rebecca, an orphan recently “graduated” from the care of her foster parents; and of course Jess, who now lives a painful life with her granddaughter and her horribly wounded companions, the remainders of the showdown at the beach.
The narrative switches between Jess and Sophie fleeing the scene of the murders, immediately after the end of “Motherless Child,” and Rebecca’s story, as she is quietly stalked by a mysterious stranger, while working at a campus crisis center. Intercut with these scenes is a third story, taking place at the vampire clan’s temporary headquarters, as second-in-command Caribou carries out the instructions of Aunt Sally, their cunning, cruel leader.
The way Jess’s story links up with Rebecca’s is perfect; most of the book leads to their inevitable meet-up. Aunt Sally's story, on the other hand, follows its own path. I would liked to have seen his narrative cross with Rebecca’s, but realize this is the second of a trilogy, and Aunt Sally is clearly being set up as a main player in the final chapter.
“Good Girls” might have a little more action than the first book, due in part to its larger cast of characters. Almost all are given enough time to live and breathe and let the reader grow attached before, for some anyway, brutal deaths. Hirshberg’s poetic metaphors again are intercut with scenes of despair and horrendous violence—and, truly, no one is safe. It is nearly impossible to tell who will be left to continue on to the next book. That suspense, combined with his realistic characters and gift for description, are what make these books so worthwhile.
There’s a hint of optimism in “Motherless Child,” that is all but snuffed out by the end of the book. It’s present here, too, in “Good Girls,” but by the end is so dim, below a thick layer of tragedy, I’m quite curious to see how the series ends. Could be a wild turnaround, or end in complete despair. Either way, I’m sure it’ll be fantastically gory time.
How could they let themselves get into this hellish situation? Jess wonders. “You were such good girls,” she tells Sophie, as they drive away from the beach, where Jess was forced to kill her daughter, Natalie--Sophie’s best friend. The battle scene at the end of “Motherless Child” left Natalie and Sophie’s infant daughter dead, but also, fortunately, ended the un-life of Mother.
Of course, Mother’s progeny, the Whistler, is still around. And despite the object of Whistler’s desire, Natalie, reaching her end, Whistler hasn’t given up his search for someone to accompany him on his blood-soaked journey through death-life.
A lot of Glen Hirshberg’s “Good Girls” focuses on familial attachments, from the vampiric clan of monsters huddling around monstrous Aunt Sally; to new protagonist Rebecca, an orphan recently “graduated” from the care of her foster parents; and of course Jess, who now lives a painful life with her granddaughter and her horribly wounded companions, the remainders of the showdown at the beach.
The narrative switches between Jess and Sophie fleeing the scene of the murders, immediately after the end of “Motherless Child,” and Rebecca’s story, as she is quietly stalked by a mysterious stranger, while working at a campus crisis center. Intercut with these scenes is a third story, taking place at the vampire clan’s temporary headquarters, as second-in-command Caribou carries out the instructions of Aunt Sally, their cunning, cruel leader.
The way Jess’s story links up with Rebecca’s is perfect; most of the book leads to their inevitable meet-up. Aunt Sally's story, on the other hand, follows its own path. I would liked to have seen his narrative cross with Rebecca’s, but realize this is the second of a trilogy, and Aunt Sally is clearly being set up as a main player in the final chapter.
“Good Girls” might have a little more action than the first book, due in part to its larger cast of characters. Almost all are given enough time to live and breathe and let the reader grow attached before, for some anyway, brutal deaths. Hirshberg’s poetic metaphors again are intercut with scenes of despair and horrendous violence—and, truly, no one is safe. It is nearly impossible to tell who will be left to continue on to the next book. That suspense, combined with his realistic characters and gift for description, are what make these books so worthwhile.
There’s a hint of optimism in “Motherless Child,” that is all but snuffed out by the end of the book. It’s present here, too, in “Good Girls,” but by the end is so dim, below a thick layer of tragedy, I’m quite curious to see how the series ends. Could be a wild turnaround, or end in complete despair. Either way, I’m sure it’ll be fantastically gory time.
July 7, 2020
Does everything a good book two of a trilogy should do. Brings back the (surviving) characters, introduces a few new ones, keeps the action moving forward for all the important players and after some considerable mayhem, sets the stage for the final book.
This is a novel about people and vampires, that never uses the word vampires. In fact, they are referred to almost exclusively as monsters. That's pointed and purposeful. This story never loses track of the fact that its monsters are tragic and in no way glamorous.
Glen Hirshberg takes a fare bit of time introducing characters in this one and even though he's so good at putting you right there with them, it does drag a bit...until you've grown to like them and the action of the novel inevitably takes place. And that's what this feels like a lot of the time, slow moving, inevitable horror.
This one is also pretty gruesome, almost mean. I never felt like it was pointless though. Not once. That's not how Glen Hirshberg plays.
This is a novel about people and vampires, that never uses the word vampires. In fact, they are referred to almost exclusively as monsters. That's pointed and purposeful. This story never loses track of the fact that its monsters are tragic and in no way glamorous.
Glen Hirshberg takes a fare bit of time introducing characters in this one and even though he's so good at putting you right there with them, it does drag a bit...until you've grown to like them and the action of the novel inevitably takes place. And that's what this feels like a lot of the time, slow moving, inevitable horror.
This one is also pretty gruesome, almost mean. I never felt like it was pointless though. Not once. That's not how Glen Hirshberg plays.
December 20, 2015
A main reason I don't read a ton of horror is because I haven't generally found it that actually horrific, but so far Hirshberg's work is a genuine exception. There is violence here and it is vividly and disturbingly depicted, but he also understands that it's just gore if the character, setting, and plot work hasn't been done, and he's excellent at all three. I don't want to speak too much about what happens here (because if you haven't you should really go read Motherless Child first, it's excellent and I don't want to spoil it), but the new characters Hirshberg introduces are really well done and if anything the stakes feel even higher here. Very much looking forward to the next book.
July 6, 2016
Motherless Child is one of my favorite horror novels in recent years, so when I learned Hirshberg was continuing it as a trilogy, I was really curious to see how it would turn out. Good Girls is fast-paced and tightly plotted, mournful and intensely creepy at the same time. As the middle novel in a trilogy, it doesn't really stand on its own, beginning in the chaos of Motherless Child's ending, and ending with some loose ends untied and waiting for the final volume. I am looking forward to reading what Hirshberg has planned.
December 6, 2016
i forgot how awesome Hirshberg is as a storyteller until i got about 40 pages into this one... took me that long to remember the plot from the first book 'Motherless Child' too, but once it all came back to me i was hooked again... i love the way the story switches back and forth in almost dreamlike fashion... love the violence of Whistler and the monsters, and even more i admire the ferociousness of the female characters throughout... superb!
May 9, 2016
While this has been touted as a book that can stand alone, and it's not necessary to read the book before it--I found it to be a bit confusing, not having the background information. Definitely read the first book before attempting this one. Other than that fairly major point, this was a passably good horror novel.
June 22, 2016
Follows new character Rebecca, a volunteer at Halfmoon House, and returning characters Jess and the survivors from "Motherless Child", as well as Aunt Sally, who may have brought Mother into vampirism.
Very good once it gets going, I enjoyed the multiple points of view in alternating chapters. Can't wait for the wrap up for the next book in the series....
Very good once it gets going, I enjoyed the multiple points of view in alternating chapters. Can't wait for the wrap up for the next book in the series....
January 17, 2017
Excellent sequel to Motherless Child. The author puts razor sharp teeth and wanton carnage into his vampire novels. The soulless Whistler is back along with legless vamp, Sophie and the survivors of his last savage attack. No details, as I want this read to be a surprise to anyone fortunate enough to pick up this second book of a planned trilogy. Very highly recommended.
June 19, 2016
This book made no sense, and it was like I missed the first one? I hate when authors start the story in the middle like they are mysterious and the entire book I am confused cause they hop all over and only tell you snipets of what happened....not entertaining, just tell me the story...
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June 11, 2016I cannot wait until the third book comes out!
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