Alice Leigh’s debut is pitched as a coming-of-age dark academia thriller, leaving her with big expectations to fulfil. While it contains all the essential ingredients of the subgenre, its style and themes align more closely with young adult fiction.
The setting of High Hill Manor School for Girls provides a strong, gothic backdrop. A prestigious boarding school attracts the brightest students and is described as an impenetrable, fortress-like building covered in creeping ivy and surrounded by weathered statues of goddesses. While the atmosphere is well-crafted, the pacing and character development occasionally fall short of the setting’s promise.
The narrative switches between the summer of 2005, when Chloe attended the school, and 2025, when her music teacher, Simon Aides, is released from prison. With Aides a free man, the past resurfaces, prompting Chloe to confront the events of 20 years ago.
At 17, Chloe Carter hopes for a fresh start after being forced to leave her previous London school under dubious circumstances. To avoid controversy and a potential lawsuit, her former school provides a scholarship for her to attend High Hill Manor. Chloe’s parents remain blissfully unaware of her misconduct, assuming the scholarship was awarded for her talent as a pianist.
Chloe intends to take the secret of whatever happened at her previous to the grave, but has barely set foot in the hallowed halls when the head girl, Emily Ashbourne, hints that she knows the truth and threatens to expose her. Emily is a classic mean girl who makes life exceedingly difficult for everyone around her, including Chloe. She is seemingly untouchable, as her wealthy parents are regular donors to the school.
However, when Emily is found dead at the bottom of the bell tower, Chloe’s secret appears to be safe. Instead, the entire school becomes part of DS Winterburn’s investigation into the murder, as Emily had no shortage of enemies.
One suspect is Jimmy Baxter, the suspicious caretaker and known drug dealer who was often caught skulking near the girls’ rooms at night. His sudden disappearance after the death certainly raises questions. Then there is Mr Aides, the popular music teacher.
Rumours abound regarding the death of another girl, Eloise, who jumped from her window two years earlier. Coincidentally, Eloise stayed in the same room Chloe now occupies, which explains why the window is bolted shut.
Simon Aides takes an immediate interest in Chloe’s musical talent. She recognises something in his behaviour that reminds her of her previous experiences, describing him as wolfish, as if he had her in his sights. Chloe anticipates where this student-teacher relationship is headed; she sees the signs, yet despite her history, she does not report him.
Later, she does testify after he is arrested for Emily’s murder, which contributes to his conviction. Years later, Chloe remains haunted by these events and remains confused about Aides’s true motives.
While the plot is intricate and full of secrets, the characters’ motivations can feel flimsy and there’s a sense that this is teenage melodrama. The dynamics between Chloe, the supposedly predatory Mr Aides and the archetypal mean girl, Emily, feel slightly predictable. Nevertheless, Leigh successfully explores the complexity of young female friendships – specifically between Chloe and her friend Iris and Fran – alongside themes of grooming, sexual abuse, power dynamics and LGBTQ+ relationships.
What I Told My Friends offers an atmospheric mystery that will likely satisfy those looking for a psychological thriller with strong YA elements. It lacks the depth found of dark academia staples like The Secret History, but it remains an entertaining read.
Also see Penny Zan’s Doll Parts or Jacqueline Faber’s The Department.
Canelo Crime
Print/Kindle/iBook
£9.49
CFL Rating: 3 Stars
