VBT# The Third Girl - SC Shannon

Review: The Third Girl - S.C Shannon - June 2025

There's something irresistible about a thriller that weaves between past and present, unraveling secrets that have festered for decades. When I first glimpsed the cover of The Third Girl by SC Shannon, I immediately screenshotted it—something about the atmospheric design whispered that this would be exactly the kind of psychological thriller I devour. When Zooloos Book Tour announced their virtual tour for this novel, I didn't hesitate to sign up, and I'm thrilled to say the story delivered on every promise that haunting cover made.

SC Shannon masterfully constructs a narrative that begins twenty-five years in the past with three inseparable friends whose lives are shattered by a terrifying kidnapping. Penelope and Christine are taken, but when Penelope stabs their captor and Christine escapes to summon help, the police return to find an empty house—no Penelope, no kidnapper, just questions that echo through the decades.

The present-day storyline ignites when Christine receives an unexpected message following Emily's death. Emily, the third member of their childhood trio, has left behind a bombshell revelation: Penelope might still be alive. This discovery propels Christine back to her hometown for Emily's funeral and into a labyrinthine investigation that forces her to confront buried trauma while questioning everything she believed about that fateful night.

What sets The Third Girl apart is SC Shannon's ability to maintain tension across both timelines without sacrificing character development. Christine's journey from survivor to seeker feels authentic and emotionally resonant. The supporting cast of former friends who aid her investigation adds depth to the small-town atmosphere, creating a sense of community shadowed by long-held secrets.

The revelation of truth comes with devastating implications about trust and betrayal. SC Shannon doesn't shy away from exploring how those closest to us can sometimes be complicit in our darkest moments, making the emotional impact all the more powerful. The novel reminded me strongly of Kate Alice Marshall's What Lies in the Woods—both books excel at examining how childhood trauma ripples through adult lives.

This was my introduction to SC Shannon's work, and I'm already eager to explore their backlist. If The Third Girl is any indication of their storytelling prowess, I suspect I've discovered a new must-read author for my thriller collection.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dvmUJU