Four young British women, reunited at a luxury resort in Botswana following unexpected invitations to celebrate one of their 30th birthdays, two years after ‘that night’ caused cracks and estrangement in their long-time friendship. What could possibly go wrong?

Introverted Grace, teacher Alice, and new mother Hannah are brought back together after each receive a birthday party invite from Felicity, who’d moved to Manhattan. The words ‘all expenses paid’ and maybe a chance to clear the air or settle festering grievances overcome each of the London-based trio’s qualms. But does someone have deadlier plans for an exotic birthday celebration none will forget? The wildlife surrounding the isolated resort is far from the only threat. After Alice, Hannah, and Grace are picked up from the airport by an enigmatic driver, they find themselves alone at Deception Valley Lodges. No phone signals or WIFI. Where are the other party goers, and their host Felicity?

Morgan creates a good narrative drive and ‘want to find out what happens’, threaded with some fascinating insights into the darker sides of female friendships that have been tainted by betrayals. Perceived or real. While the Botswana location feels a touch underutilised, and readers need to suspend disbelief at times, this is a tense, pacy read.

Reviewed by Craig Sisterson

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Phoebe Morgan is an author and Editorial Director at HarperCollins UK. She studied English at Leeds University after growing up in the Suffolk countryside. She lives in London, England. The Wild Girls is her fourth novel.

Visit Phoebe Morgan’s website