In this gripping YA mystery, Sade Odukoya arrives at Whispering Hills Boarding School, only to find herself entangled in a web of secrets and lies when her roommate vanishes without a trace. As Sade delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers dark truths about the school and its students, forcing her to confront her own past and fight for survival.

In 'Where Sleeping Girls Lie', Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé masterfully weaves a gripping tale centered around the unsettling disappearance of a popular student at a private school. With themes of betrayal, the pressures of social life, and the complexities of friendship, the story follows best friends, Simi and Kemi, as they navigate the treacherous waters of adolescence and the expectations placed upon them. When their world is turned upside down by the news of their peer's disappearance, the facade of their seemingly perfect lives begins to crumble, forcing them to confront deep-seated secrets and the reality of their relationships. As suspicions rise and secrets unfold, can they discover the truth before it's too late?

'Where Sleeping Girls Lie' by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé presents a captivating narrative that unfolds within the walls of a prestigious private school, St. Mary’s, where the lives of its students are intricately woven with ambition, fear, and rivalry. The story centers around Simi and Kemi, two best friends who, while navigating the intricacies of their lives, must also face dark secrets that transcend their tight-knit friendship.

Set against the backdrop of a winter interlude, the tale begins with the sudden disappearance of student Bethan, a popular and affluent girl whose absence sends shockwaves through the school. Both Simi and Kemi, who are both students at St. Mary’s, find themselves embroiled in the investigation as the hunt for Bethan begins. The girls grapple with feelings of horror and disbelief, realizing that someone whose life seemed so perfect is now missing.

As the story unfolds through alternating perspectives, both Simi and Kemi are introspective, each revealing their thoughts and feelings about friendship, rivalry, and the pressure to conform. Simi, who has always felt overshadowed by Kemi's confidence and charisma, begins to feel the weight of expectations looming over her, from academic performance to social interactions.

Kemi, on the other hand, struggles with the insecurities that come from not only her relationship with Simi but also the expectations of being the golden girl who has everything. The dynamics of their friendship become increasingly precarious as Kemi begins to explore ambitions that Simi feels threatened by. This tension serves as a catalyst that pushes Simi to question her own identity and whether her worth is tied to her friendship with Kemi.

In the aftermath of Bethan's disappearance, the atmosphere at St. Mary’s turns tense. Rumors swirl among students, and Simi and Kemi find themselves at the center of suspicion. The school leadership's focus shifts to ensuring that students feel safe, leading to a crackdown on social gatherings and more stringent rules. The girls begin to realize that the trust they once had in their peers is fractured, and even their alliance is tested by jealousy and the fear of being implicated in Bethan's fate.

As pressure mounts, Simi starts to discover forgotten aspects of her life that she had long pushed aside, including her desire to express herself beyond the confines of her friendship with Kemi. This awakening is illustrated through her burgeoning talent in writing, as Simi begins to pen down her thoughts, feelings, and reflections about the unfolding chaos. This act of writing becomes a lifeline, a means of processing not just the events surround Bethan's disappearance but also the turmoil within her relationship with Kemi.

The pressures at St. Mary’s also extend beyond interpersonal dynamics into the realm of social media, where the public's fixation on Bethan leads to a naive investigation of her whereabouts. The online community becomes both a source of support and a means of scapegoating, leading to deeper social divides among students. This aspect of the narrative highlights the influence of technology and social media on contemporary adolescence, where the line between privacy and public scrutiny is dangerously thin.

As Simi and Kemi work through their conflicts, they each begin to grapple with their identities and what it means to be a friend. In this crucible of crisis, they must confront the lies they’ve told each other, the truths they’ve hidden, and the fear that binds them. Encouraged by the sense of urgency surrounding the investigation, Simi dives deep into the social fabric of the school, seeking clues that might lead them to Bethan. During this exploration, Simi discovers an unexpected web of relationships and secrets that complicate her views on loyalty and betrayal.

Throughout the book, themes of trust, power dynamics, and the allure of popularity create a haunting atmosphere that parallels the mystery of Bethan’s disappearance. The friendships and rivalries among female students are explored with sensitivity, showcasing the competitive nature of teenage girls and the lengths they will go to uphold their status.

As Simi uncovers more about Bethan's life, she begins to see the darker sides of their seemingly idyllic school life. The final revelations lead to shocking truths about the consequences of jealousy, societal pressures, and the consequences of a culture that places incredible demands on young women. The culmination of events confronts the girls with moral dilemmas and challenges their understanding of right and wrong, forcing them to evaluate the authenticity of their relationships and their true selves.

In a thrilling conclusion, 'Where Sleeping Girls Lie' not only examines the external pressures faced by the girls as they search for Bethan but also delves deeper into their internal struggles. The story culminates in a shocking twist, revealing how perceptions can distort reality and how each character must ultimately confront their demons in the wake of tragedy.

With a deft touch, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé crafts a narrative that is both haunting and riveting, ultimately illuminating the complexity of friendships, the impact of societal pressures, and the delicate balance between truth and deception. 'Where Sleeping Girls Lie' is a compelling exploration of youth, intimacy, and the fragile nature of identity amidst chaos.

"Where Sleeping Girls Lie" is a compelling mystery that intertwines personal trauma with institutional corruption. Àbíké-Íyímídé skillfully addresses issues of race, class, and power dynamics within the setting of an elite boarding school. The novel explores how privilege can be used to cover up wrongdoing and the courage it takes to stand up against systemic injustice.

The character of Sade serves as a lens through which readers can examine the experiences of marginalized individuals in predominantly white, wealthy spaces. Her journey from an outsider to a determined truth-seeker highlights themes of resilience and the importance of speaking up against injustice, even when facing overwhelming odds.

The book also delves into the psychological impact of trauma and the process of healing, as Sade confronts her past while navigating the dangers of her present situation. Through its intricate plot and well-developed characters, the novel keeps readers engaged while prompting them to consider deeper societal issues.