Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

You know that feeling when you’re in a new place, and everything seems just a bit… off? Like you’ve stepped into a world where the rules are different, but no one’s bothered to clue you in? That’s exactly the vibe Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé captures in her latest YA mystery, “Where Sleeping Girls Lie.” Set in the hallowed halls of a posh boarding school, this book had me hooked from page one, even as I wrestled with some of its more frustrating elements.

A Tangled Web of Secrets and Lies

Okay, let’s dive in. Our protagonist, Sade Hussein, arrives at Alfred Nobel Academy carrying more emotional baggage than your average teenager. She’s been homeschooled her whole life, lost both parents, and seems to think she’s cursed with bad luck. (Girl, same.) But Sade’s hoping for a fresh start at this fancy-pants boarding school.

Plot twist! Her roommate, Elizabeth, disappears on Sade’s very first night. Talk about a rough welcome, right? Suddenly, Sade’s the new girl AND a suspect. It’s giving major “Pretty Little Liars” vibes, but with a darker edge.

The Unholy Trinity: Mean Girls or Misunderstood?

As Sade tries to navigate this new world, she catches the eye of the school’s elite clique, dubbed the “Unholy Trinity.” (Side note: Can we talk about how every school seems to have a group like this? Is there a factory somewhere churning out perfectly coordinated mean girls?)

But here’s where Àbíké-Íyímídé really shines—these girls aren’t just cardboard cutouts. They’ve got depth, especially Persephone, who becomes a focal point for Sade. The author deftly explores the complexities of female friendships, power dynamics, and the masks we all wear to fit in.

Mystery Upon Mystery

Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the Elizabeth situation, bam! A student turns up dead. Àbíké-Íyímídé keeps the tension ratcheted up, weaving together multiple threads of mystery. Is Elizabeth’s disappearance connected to the death? What secrets is the school hiding? And what’s the deal with that creepy group chat Sade stumbles upon?

The pacing is relentless, which is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, I couldn’t put the book down. On the other hand, sometimes it felt like we were racing from one revelation to the next without fully exploring the emotional impact.

Themes That’ll Make You Think

“Where Sleeping Girls Lie” isn’t just a whodunit. Àbíké-Íyímídé tackles some heavy themes with surprising nuance:

Privilege and Power

The setting of an elite boarding school provides the perfect backdrop to explore issues of class, race, and privilege. Sade, as an outsider, gives us a fresh perspective on the often toxic dynamics at play. The author doesn’t shy away from showing how wealth and connections can be used to cover up even the darkest deeds.

Trauma and Healing

Sade’s backstory is heart-wrenching, and her struggle to process her grief feels painfully real. The book touches on mental health, PTSD, and the different ways we cope with trauma. It’s heavy stuff, but handled with sensitivity.

Identity and Belonging

As a Black Muslim girl in a predominantly white, Christian space, Sade’s journey to find her place is compelling. The author explores microaggressions and the pressure to assimilate without ever feeling preachy.

Writing That Pulls You In

Àbíké-Íyímídé’s prose is a mix of sharp observations and raw emotion. She has a knack for creating atmosphere – the creepy vibes of the school at night, the suffocating weight of secrets. Some of her descriptions are downright poetic:

“The quite was all consuming, reminding Sade of how empty this room truly was without anyone but herself in it.”

That said, there were moments where the writing felt a bit uneven. Some dialogue came across as stilted, and certain plot points relied a little too heavily on convenience.

Characters You’ll Love (and Love to Hate)

The real strength of “Where Sleeping Girls Lie” is its cast of characters. Sade is a compelling protagonist—smart, determined, but also realistically flawed. Her struggle with anxiety and tendency to catastrophize felt painfully relatable.

The supporting characters are equally well-drawn. Baz, Sade’s newfound friend, provides much-needed comic relief. The members of the Unholy Trinity each have distinct personalities that go beyond their surface-level “mean girl” personas.

Even the adults in the story have depth. Miss Blackburn, the stern matron, could have easily been a one-note character, but Àbíké-Íyímídé gives her layers that make you wonder about her own past.

When the Plot Thickens… Maybe Too Much?

Alright, time for some real talk. While the twists and turns kept me turning pages, there were moments where the plot felt a bit… overstuffed. We’ve got disappearances, deaths, secret societies, potential cover-ups—it’s a lot to keep track of.

Sometimes, I found myself wishing we could slow down and really dig into one mystery before hurtling towards the next revelation. The pacing is breakneck, which is exciting, but it occasionally comes at the cost of emotional depth.

A Few Loose Threads

Without spoiling anything, I’ll say that not all of the plot threads felt fully resolved by the end. Some of the side characters’ stories seemed to fizzle out, and a few of the big reveals didn’t land with quite the impact I was hoping for.

That said, the core mystery is wrapped up in a satisfying way, even if it leaves you with some lingering questions. (Sequel potential, anyone?)

Comparisons and Context

If you enjoyed Àbíké-Íyímídé’s debut, “Ace of Spades,” you’ll find a lot to love here. She brings the same sharp social commentary and ability to build tension. “Where Sleeping Girls Lie” feels like a natural evolution of her style, with even more complex character dynamics.

For fans of YA mysteries, this book sits comfortably alongside works by Karen M. McManus and Holly Jackson. It has that addictive quality that keeps you reading well past your bedtime, but with an extra layer of social awareness.

The Verdict: A Thrilling, If Slightly Messy, Ride

“Where Sleeping Girls Lie” is a rollercoaster of a read that tackles big issues while keeping you on the edge of your seat. It’s not perfect—the pacing can be uneven, and some plot threads feel underdeveloped. But the strength of the characters, the atmospheric writing, and the book’s willingness to engage with tough topics make it a standout in the YA mystery genre.

Who Should Read This?

• Mystery lovers who enjoy a hefty dose of social commentary with their whodunits
• Fans of dark academia settings (seriously, what is it about creepy schools that’s so compelling?)
• Readers looking for diverse representation in YA literature
• Anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider and longed to uncover the secrets of the “in” crowd

Final Thoughts

“Where Sleeping Girls Lie” is the kind of book that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the final page. It’s messy, it’s intense, and it doesn’t offer easy answers—much like the real world of teenage relationships and identity. While it may not be a perfect book, it’s an important one, pushing the boundaries of what YA literature can tackle.

Àbíké-Íyímídé has solidified her place as a voice to watch in the YA mystery scene. I, for one, can’t wait to see what twisted tale she’ll weave next.