The Darlings
About
And just what isn't your husband telling you?
The Darlings are drowning in illusions within the serenity and tranquility of a small southern town. Secrets shatter the everyday world of Deborah Darling as the truth evades her. Deception, revenge, and the peculiarities of sexuality lead to the shattering of life's most precious bonds. Behind the veil of what we think we know everything we don't know lies bare.
Praise for this book
Definitely recommend. The twists and turns and suspense in The Darlings by Vera Jane Cook is outstanding. If you're looking for a crazy ride that won't let go then for sure check out this book. I received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving my honest review
Reading Darlings by Vera Jane Cook feels like stepping into a Southern Gothic novel where every corner is veiled in secrets, and every character is a mystery you just can’t shake off. Set against the eerie backdrop of Halloween 1998, the story dances through time and memories, weaving in family drama, long-buried secrets, and forbidden desires. From Dickie and Deborah to Leighton, Barnaby, Robinette, and Jeremiah, each character brings their own unique layer to this haunting tale.
One of the most captivating aspects of Darlings is how the characters are all caught in webs of secrecy and deception, each grappling with the weight of choices they made long ago. Deborah Darling, with her sly elegance, manages to both beguile and terrify, ruling over her family with a fierce devotion that leaves little room for softness. And then there’s Dickie, whose flamboyant nature and hidden yearnings add a tragic beauty to the tale. His subtle rebellion, his love for Lottie, and his struggles with self-identity drew me in deeply.
What I truly loved—and what other readers may find unforgettable—is how Darlings captures the fragile, often dark beauty of life’s imperfections. This isn’t a story that glosses over the uglier sides of human nature; rather, it invites you to explore the shadows, to look into the hidden recesses of love and desire.The disappearance of Lottie, the crumbling facade of Jeremiah’s innocence, and the eventual unraveling of everyone’s secrets felt raw and achingly real. It reminds us that in every family, every person, there are ghosts—memories, regrets, lost dreams—that linger just out of sight.
If you’re looking for a novel that’s equal parts haunting and deeply moving, I’d recommend Darlings without hesitation. Vera Jane Cook’s writing is beautifully atmospheric, and her characters are painfully human in their flaws and yearnings. This is a book that will stay with you long after the last page, like the memory of a chill down your spine on a cold Halloween night, or the memory of a distant song that still tugs at your heart. Cook doesn’t just write a story; she offers an invitation into world that will feel as real as you own shadow.