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Dorothy Koomson
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The Ice Cream Girls Kindle Edition

by Dorothy Koomson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 2,083 ratings
For fans of Jodi Picoult, a heart-pounding novel about a notorious murder that sets two teen girls on radically different life paths.

As teenagers Poppy Carlisle and Serena Gorringe were the only witnesses to a high-profile murder. Amid heated public debate, the two seemingly glamorous teens were dubbed "The Ice Cream Girls" by the press and were dealt with by the courts-Poppy headed to prison after being convicted for murder and Serena was set free.

Years later, after having led very different lives, Poppy is keen to set the record straight about what really happened. The only problem is she has no one to turn to and no clue where to begin her hunt for Serena.

Meanwhile, Serena is married with children and wants no one in her present to find out about her past. Constantly looking over her shoulder, Serena knows she should come clean to her husband, however, she can't seem to find the words.

With Poppy determined to salvage what's left of her reputation, Serena may not have a choice in reopening a can of worms that may threaten both their lives . . . again.
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    Ice Cream Girls
  2. Print length
    431 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Grand Central Publishing
  5. Publication date
    June 12, 2012
  6. File size
    4.0 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Ice Cream Girls...An intricate tragedy of seduction and abuse, the loss of self and family, and the agonizing path to redemption and absolution. I couldn't put it down. Neither will you."―Antoinette Van Heugten, author of Saving Max on THE ICE CREAM GIRLS

"A thought-provoking and moving tale about murder, betrayal and life-shattering secrets."―Kimberla Lawson Roby, New York Times bestselling author of Secret Obsession on THE ICE CREAM GIRLS

"I truly enjoyed this suspenseful story filled with tragedy, but ending with major triumph. There were so many moments when I held my breath - the scenes were so vivid, I felt as if I was right there experiencing all of their pain and mind control. It was a story that I didn't want to put down, and I completely loved the ending. This is a writer that I will be sure to follow."―Victoria Christopher Murray, bestselling author on THE ICE CREAM GIRLS

"The plot is brilliantly constructed to turn full circle, yet it never seems contrived. The dialogue crackles with tension, with not a syllable out of place. Alice Sebold impressed me with her imaginative realism in the memorable The Lovely Bones; in my view Dorothy Koomson 's imagination and empathy for her characters, trapped into the chilling fall-out of tragic events, is even stronger."―www.bookbag.co.uk on THE ICE CREAM GIRLS

"The first book of the year that's got out hearts racing, our minds boggling and us page-turning like there's no tomorrow. Flirty, frothy chick-lit this isn't - instead, grab a box of tissues and prepare not to surface out into the real world for a day or two..."―Heat on THE ICE CREAM GIRLS

"Koomson takes the story to the darkest of places, creating a masterpiece of manipulation, that builds layer by chilling layer to an outstanding climax that will make you - and your goosebumps - shudder."―Daily Record on THE ICE CREAM GIRLS

"Goodnight, Beautiful was Cosmo's favourite book of 2008, so we were beyond excited when Dorothy Koomson's latest novel landed on our desk. Another moving and thought-provoking read, this lives up to expectations."―Cosmopolitan on THE ICE CREAM GIRLS

"A fast paced, gritty and exhilarating read."―Hot Stars on THE ICE CREAM GIRLS

"A shocking tale of brutality and betrayal, shattered childhood and hidden truths that the reader, like Poppy and Serena, will strive to understand - and come to realise that sometimes the most powerful secrets are taken to the grave."―Take a Break on THE ICE CREAM GIRLS

"Gritty and realistic, it mixes crime, drama and romance - the best women's fiction of the year so far."―Candis on THE ICE CREAM GIRLS

"The Ice Cream Girls is one of the most cleverly crafted novels that I have read for a long time... This is a psychological thriller that gripped me from page one and kept me hooked until the very last page. A compelling and often breathtaking read with a unique storyline and fantastic characters - I can't recommend this highly enough."―www.bookrabbit.com on THE ICE CREAM GIRLS

About the Author

Dorothy Koomson wrote her first (unpublished) novel when she was thirteenand has been making up stories ever since. As a journalist she has written for several publications, including the Guardian, New Woman, and Cosmo. Her eight novels have all spent several weeks on the bestseller lists and have been translated into thirty languages across the world. Her seventh novel, The Ice Cream Girls, has also been adapted for television.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B005SCRA4E
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing; Reprint edition (June 12, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 12, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 431 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 2,083 ratings

About the author

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Dorothy Koomson

Dorothy Koomson

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Dorothy Koomson is the award-winning author of 15 novels and has been making up stories since she was 13 when she used to share her stories with her convent school friends. Her published titles include: Every Smile You Fake, My Other Husband, Tell Me Your Secret, The Brighton Mermaid, The Woman He Loved Before, Goodnight, Beautiful and The Chocolate Run.

Dorothy’s first novel, The Cupid Effect, was published in 2003 (when she was quite a bit older than 13). Her third book, My Best Friend’s Girl, was selected for the Richard & Judy Summer Reads of 2006 and went on to sell over 500,000 copies. While her fourth novel, Marshmallows For Breakfast, has sold in excess of 250,000 copies. Dorothy’s books, The Ice Cream Girls and The Rose Petal Beach were both shortlisted for the popular fiction category of the British Book Awards in 2010 and 2013, respectively.

Dorothy’s novels have been translated into over 30 languages, and a TV adaptation loosely based on The Ice Cream Girls was shown on ITV1 in 2013. After briefly living in Australia, Dorothy now lives in Brighton.

In 2019 Dorothy was awarded the Image Award by The Black British Business Awards to celebrate and honour her achievements.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,083 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable from start to finish, with a storyline that keeps them guessing until the end. The writing is well-executed, and one customer notes it unfolds with unexpected revelations.

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23 customers mention "Readability"23 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a terrific read that they enjoyed from start to finish, with one customer mentioning they were sucked in from the first page.

"...It's definitely reader worthy. And movie worthy too." Read more

"...I don't know how to my thoughts about this book into words. It's such a great and unique story...." Read more

"...Serena have both back in the 80s and in the present made this book worth reading...." Read more

"Riveting masterful book which I cannot put down. Brava to the author! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻..." Read more

11 customers mention "Enticing story"8 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's story engaging, with unexpected plot twists that keep them guessing until the end.

"...that weaves and flows without jagged interruptions to unfold unexpected revelations and keep the reader on edge. It's definitely reader worthy...." Read more

"...It was so well written and kept me guessing. I don't know how to my thoughts about this book into words...." Read more

"Not my usual kind of read but i really ended up loving it. The subject matter is heavy but the author handles it well so that you keep wanting to..." Read more

"...Her stories are always so well written and full of descriptions...." Read more

11 customers mention "Storyline"8 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline of the book.

"...This story had me hooked. I hung onto every word from the beginning to the end. This was like no story I have read to date...." Read more

"...The plot is quite topical at the moment [i.e. student/teacher relationships] and was very well developed...." Read more

"I thought the story line was good but it just didn't quite deliver. The story felt drawn out in some parts, but not enough detail in others...." Read more

"...reviews made it sound very interesting, but I felt that the story was very redundant and predictable...." Read more

6 customers mention "Writer quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"...The writer is excellent at something very difficult - having two first person narrator's expertly tell a story that weaves and flows without jagged..." Read more

"...And I doubt I will find another like it. It was so well written and kept me guessing...." Read more

"...The subject matter is heavy but the author handles it well so that you keep wanting to read and learn more about what really happened...." Read more

"...Her stories are always so well written and full of descriptions...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Ebeth
    5.0 out of 5 stars The past is never over!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book wasn't at all what I was expecting. It was suggested to me by a book club friend, and I really got started hesitantly. Once I got into the first chapter, I was hooked because I had to know the whole story. I had to follow both of these women through the unfolding of the truth's that reconcile their lives. It's impossible to discuss too much without giving away intricate details that won't allow the reader to experience what I did. The writer is excellent at something very difficult - having two first person narrator's expertly tell a story that weaves and flows without jagged interruptions to unfold unexpected revelations and keep the reader on edge. It's definitely reader worthy. And movie worthy too.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Amber Goleb
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unique
    Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    In my head this book was going to be the story of how The Ice Cream Girls came about. I hadn't realized this was a story about the aftermath. I mean, we get a lot of the past, which is needed.

    This story had me hooked. I hung onto every word from the beginning to the end. This was like no story I have read to date. And I doubt I will find another like it. It was so well written and kept me guessing.

    I don't know how to my thoughts about this book into words. It's such a great and unique story. I can honestly say that the ending really threw me through a loop. Although, I had guessed the who a couple of times, I just didn't see how it was possible.

    If you're looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this one should be added to your list to read.
    12 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Tamara
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpectedly awesome
    Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Not my usual kind of read but i really ended up loving it. The subject matter is heavy but the author handles it well so that you keep wanting to read and learn more about what really happened.

    I highly recommend that you add this to your reading list.
    Helpful
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  • jp
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good story but entirely too long.
    Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    As usual I love the way Dorothy Koomson writes a story. Her stories are always so well written and full of descriptions. I never been to England but she describes each town and city so vividly that she makes me think I have. The inner dialogue that both Poppy and Serena have both back in the 80s and in the present made this book worth reading. Also the themes of pedophilia and how there are adults who take advantage of kids with violence and secrecy are subjects that should be written about more often. But with that said I think the book was 100 pages too long. She goes on and on about things though not necessarily trivial they just didn't move the story along. I think she should have told more about Poppy new life because she truly was the saddest part of the entire book.
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  • WPB FL
    5.0 out of 5 stars A new Dorothy Koomson fan!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Riveting masterful book which I cannot put down. Brava to the author! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
    Helpful
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  • Allison
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I'm so thrilled to have found this new author! I honestly felt that I was there - she remembers the '80's very well. The plot is quite topical at the moment [i.e. student/teacher relationships] and was very well developed.

    POSSIBLE SPOILER - This book was recently serialised on TV, the book is better, the programme was adapted for TV and the ending was adapted to suit that medium.
    Helpful
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  • Vivvyrose
    5.0 out of 5 stars The subject matter is troubling but sometimes you need to ...
    Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The subject matter is troubling but sometimes you need to face that it can and does happen. It's difficult to say it is an enjoyable read but I couldn't put it down once I grasped what was going on.
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  • Ciara Gar
    5.0 out of 5 stars excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Another excellent read by Dorothy Koomson. From the beginning I was hooked and found it hard to put down. I felt great empathy towards the characters and could relate to all sides. This and the Rose Petal Beach are both thoroughly enjoyable.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • bob mac
    3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on July 1, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    not very good reading but book was in very good shape.
    Report
  • Chocoblanc
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can't put it down!
    Reviewed in France on May 26, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Even though in parts the story was harrowing, I just couldn't look away! It was so well-written that you simply have to read to the end of the story ... In parts quite shocking, without being too near the bone. Always that element of fear of what will come next. But the author doesn't disappoint - the story-line and the thought-provoking relationships and emotions therein are really something special.
    Report
  • BCB & More
    5.0 out of 5 stars Truly wonderful
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    Poppy and Serena were 18 when an event took place that would change both their lives forever. Marcus was their school teacher and he ends up dead with only Serena and Poppy as witnesses. The media have a field day and label the pair `The Ice Cream Girls'. Twenty years on and their lives went in completely different directions. There are however secrets from their past that Serena is desperate to keep hidden and Poppy is determined to bring to light.

    I originally came across Dorothy Koomson by accident after picking up the wrong book in a bookshop. I was very glad that `accident' happened otherwise I may never have found this truly brilliant writer. The first book of hers I read was Marshmallows For Breakfast and what a joy it was to read. That followed with all of her other publications and I can honestly say I have not been disappointed with any of her books.

    One thing I want to point out is the genre of these books. I would hazard a guess that most of her books are put into the Chick Lit genre which isn't that true, especially where this book is concerned. The front cover may lead you to think this is a feel good book but don't be fooled. This is a very heartfelt and in parts powerful book telling an incredibly sad story.

    The story is written in two parts one being written from Serena's perspective and one from Poppy's. Not only that, we are taken on a journey through the current nightmare that they are both facing. Not only are we swept up into their current lives but are given glimpses of their past as the story progresses.

    We meet Serena and her husband Marcus who knows nothing of her past. She does everything in her power to stop him from finding out about her and what she used to be like. Unfortunately for her there are things in her life that are threatening to put her perfect life at risk and her secrets won't stay that way for long. We also get introduced to Poppy and learn about her relationship with her parents, brother and sister.

    We get to share their pain as they relive both their pasts and their attempts to move on with their life in the way they know best. I felt at times that I was almost sitting beside these two women and sharing their experiences. The writing is done wonderfully with the right balance of emotion and meaning. It covers some very sensitive topics which are done with empathy but bares the souls of the characters involved in the book.

    The switch between Poppy and Serena, past and present was done with ease and as the reader you are just swept along whether that be to the current day or their murky pasts. As the story progresses it picks up pace and manages to pack a serious punch in the last 5 chapters.

    It is hard to go into too much detail about the book itself because I do not like spoilers and the theme running through this book is the whole point of the story.

    All I can say is that I didn't want to put this down until I had finished, it was that good. I'm not a naturally sensitive person but I would be surprised if anybody read this and didn't feel the tug of emotion whilst reading this story. It is truly a wonderful book, not always happy, not always easy to read, but truly, truly wonderful. If you have not read Dorothy Koomson and you want something different then this would be a good place to start.
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  • Mrs. T. Evans
    5.0 out of 5 stars If you enjoyed the TV series then this book will not disappoint
    Reviewed in Australia on October 5, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    If you enjoyed the TV series then this book will not disappoint. The ending is different, i.e. the identity of the killer, and in my view the book version makes more sense, though maybe less dramatic than the TV show. Would recommend it.
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  • TanGo
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Ice Cream Girls
    Reviewed in Germany on April 27, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Das Buch ist in einem sehr guten Zustand und schnell geliefert worden. Ich freue mich schon es lesen zu können. The book was delivered promptly and in good condition. Am looking forward to reading it.
    Report

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