Little Darlings- Blog Tour

 

Author: Hannah King

Publisher: No Exit Press

Publishing Date: 9th April 2026 

Many thanks to the publishing team and Random Things Tours for my physical copy of the book and a spot on the blog tour

Blurb 

January 2023. Cara’s great-aunt Audrey has died, and her husband Tony needs her presence at the funeral. It will be a stretch for Cara, whose every day is an emotional challenge, a challenge which is getting harder as her daughter’s tenth birthday approaches. But with her family beside her, she’s prepared to try…

June 2000. Ten-year-old Cara and her sister Charlotte are sent to live with their great aunt and uncle, part of a famous acting family, when their mother is hospitalised. The Wolfes see the world as a drama they are starring in, and while her sister seems instantly at home Cara feels very much the outsider. And for all the staginess of Chaplin House, there is real tragedy brewing…

My Thoughts 

This new psychological thriller was a strong introduction to this author, and one that has definitely left me curious to explore more of their work. From the outset, it’s clear that this is not just a straightforward suspense story, but something much more layered and emotionally driven.

The blurb sets the expectation of a dual timeline narrative, moving between two different periods in the characters’ lives. This is a storytelling approach I’m always drawn to, as it creates a sense of intrigue and gradual revelation. There’s something especially compelling about piecing together past and present, watching truths slowly come to light while motivations begin to make more sense. In this case, the structure works well to build tension and keeps you questioning what really happened versus what is being remembered.

Alongside the dual timelines, we also follow two points of view—Cara and Charlotte. The story traces their lives from the age of nine through to adulthood, allowing us to see how their childhood experiences shape who they become. When the sisters are forced to move in with extended family due to their mother’s ill health, the foundation is laid for much of the dysfunction that follows.

As the narrative unfolds, we’re introduced to Audrey, Tony, and Lawrence—characters who are vividly drawn and, at times, unsettling. Their theatrical, almost exaggerated personalities add an uneasy tone to the story, making it clear that something isn’t quite right beneath the surface. The way each sister is treated differently is particularly striking and adds another layer of tension, raising questions about favoritism, control, and long-buried resentment.

The story returns to the present timeline when Audrey dies, bringing Cara and Charlotte back together for the funeral. This is where the past and present begin to collide more intensely, and the emotional weight of their shared history really starts to surface. As more details are revealed, the family dynamics become even more complex, and the sense of unease continues to grow.

What stood out to me most is that this book goes beyond just its central plot. It touches on several sensitive and difficult themes, but these are handled with care and purpose. The author integrates them in a way that feels essential to the story rather than sensationalised. At times, the narrative is genuinely haunting and, in places, quite heartbreaking to read.

This is very much a slow-burn thriller, but in a way that feels intentional. The pacing allows for a gradual layering of details, building atmosphere and emotional depth rather than relying on constant twists. Personally, I really appreciated this approach, as it made the eventual revelations feel more impactful.

Overall, if you’re looking for a psychological thriller that leans heavily into dysfunctional family dynamics, complex characters, and an unsettling emotional core, this is definitely one to pick up.