The Broken Girls

Idlewild Hall, a boarding school in rural Vermont, lies abandoned, a victim of economic downturns and rumors of its dark past. Murders took place there, students disappeared, and it's purported to be haunted. Local journalist Fiona Sheridan's sister Deb's body was found on the grounds, and her boyfriend was convicted of her murder. When Fiona learns that the property has been sold and renovations are planned, she decides to investigate the school's past for a magazine article and try to quell some of her own demons as well. Her research reveals the school was a dumping ground for unwanted and misbehaving daughters who were confined as much as educated. Fiona's snooping uncovers suggestions of brutality and paranormal activity. She also finds links from her sister's murder to those of others killed at the school, buried and intended to remain forgotten. Fiona's detective work, assisted by her policeman boyfriend, suggests a modern-day Nancy Drew story for adults.