WHEN WE WERE SILENT
BY FIONA MCPHILLIPS
Published: 2nd May 2024
TRANSWORLD BOOKS
Lou Manson is an outsider when she joins the final-year class at Highfield Manor, Dublin’s most exclusive private school. Beyond the granite pillars and the wrought-iron gates is a world of wealth, privilege and potential. But Highfield is also hiding a dark secret – and Lou is here to expose it.
When Lou befriends the beautiful and talented Shauna Power, her plans are thrown into turmoil. Speaking out against the school would mean betraying Shauna, and Lou soon discovers that the Highfield elite will go to any lengths to protect their own reputation…even when the consequences are fatal.
Thirty years later, Lou is called to testify in a new lawsuit against Highfield. But telling the truth means confronting her past – and there is one story she swore she’d never tell…
This debut from Fiona McPhillips is a gripping psychological thriller exploring trust, loyalty, and secrets.
Lou is an extremely likeable character, with, it has to be said, rather good taste in music of the era.
As Lou sets out to expose Highfield’s secret, you feel like you’re walking every step of that treacherous journey alongside her.
When We Were Silent is compelling, full of unexpected moments, and delicately written where needed. A brilliant introduction to this author!
*I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my unbiased review. Thanks to Transworld Books, Fiona McPhillips and NetGalley
4 / 5
Bold, twisty and compelling