The Girls by John Bowen

Dive into this unsettling novel that blends dark comedy, crime thriller, and cosy love story. Set in a seemingly peaceful Cotswolds village, the lives of Janet and Susan, known locally as ‘the girls’ and partners in love and work, take a dramatic turn following a moment of surprising passion. This book promises to change how you view quaint English village life.

• A narrative described as a "frisky murder story" with "great dialogue and action" by The Times.
• Explores themes blending dark comedy, crime thriller elements, and romance.
• Features the author John Bowen, with contributions listed as author.
• Praised by critics, noted as "Startlingly offbeat" by Gore Vidal and "Absolutely wicked" by Armistead Maupin.

• Author: Bowen, John
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Print Length: 256 pages
• Dimensions: 130 x 18 x 198mm (13 x 1.8 x 19.8 cm)
• ISBN-10: 1529970989
• ISBN-13: 978-1529970982
• Publisher: Vintage Classics
• Publication Date: June 4, 2026
• Item Weight: 190 g

For readers who appreciate tales that sit between the charm of village life narratives and the suspense of crime fiction, The Girls offers a uniquely wicked and offbeat reading experience.