368 pages | Trade Paperback

An indelible portrait of girls, the women they become, and that moment in life when everything can go horribly wrongthis stunning first novel is perfect for readers of Jeffrey EugenidessThe Virgin Suicidesand Jennifer EgansA Visit from the Goon Squad.

Northern California, during the violent end of the 1960s. At the start of summer, a lonely and thoughtful teenager, Evie Boyd, sees a group of girls in the park, and is immediately caught by their freedom, their careless dress, their dangerous aura of abandon. Soon, Evie is in thrall to Suzanne, a mesmerizing older girl, and is drawn into the circle of a soon-to-be infamous cult and the man who is its charismatic leader. Hidden in the hills, their sprawling ranch is eerie and run down, but to Evie, it is exotic, thrilling, chargeda place where she feels desperate to be accepted. As she spends more time away from her mother and the rhythms of her daily life, and as her obsession with Suzanne intensifies, Evie does not realize she is coming closer and closer to unthinkable violence.

Emma Clines remarkable debut novel is gorgeously written and spellbinding, with razor-sharp precision and startling psychological insight.The Girlsis a brilliant work of fiction.