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The Silent Friend
When it comes to saving yourself, who will you betray? Louise has a shadowy past that she wants to break free from and when she develops an unlikely friendship with Isabelle, her neighbour, she finally finds the family she’s always yearned for. But Louise knows more about Isabelle than her new friend realises, more specifically about her imprisoned husband – and the circumstances behind his arrest. Louise is faced with a to continue lying to her only friend or tell the truth and ruin any chance she has of starting over…
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 19, 2023
I am going to go against the tide on this one.
This "sort of" mystery started off well. The mood was set nicely, but, when all is said and done, Louise's prison sentence and her supportive (and rather peppy) inmates and warden gave me the sense that Louise was not doing hard time for her crimes.
She had tried to redeem herself by helping Isabelle with the baby, but I still found it hard to connect with Louise or even feel sorry for her. Her parents didn't love her, she never felt like she belonged, like she had a proper "home."
I suppose the love Louise felt for Louise and Lottie were what "redeemed" her and caused her to take that cataclysmic step that sent her off to prison, just so that she could save Louse and Lottie from Carl. The ending was all nice and tidy and cozy. Cozy was a word that kept repeating in my head about this novel. Terrible things happened, but Louise is apparently forgiven: there is a good person in there after all - as per Isabelle.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This "sort of" mystery started off well. The mood was set nicely, but, when all is said and done, Louise's prison sentence and her supportive (and rather peppy) inmates and warden gave me the sense that Louise was not doing hard time for her crimes.
She had tried to redeem herself by helping Isabelle with the baby, but I still found it hard to connect with Louise or even feel sorry for her. Her parents didn't love her, she never felt like she belonged, like she had a proper "home."
I suppose the love Louise felt for Louise and Lottie were what "redeemed" her and caused her to take that cataclysmic step that sent her off to prison, just so that she could save Louse and Lottie from Carl. The ending was all nice and tidy and cozy. Cozy was a word that kept repeating in my head about this novel. Terrible things happened, but Louise is apparently forgiven: there is a good person in there after all - as per Isabelle.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2023
Louise has a shadowy past that she wants to break free from and when she develops an unlikely friendship with Isabelle, her neighbour, she finally finds the family she's always yearned for. But Louise knows more about Isabelle than her new friend realises, more specifically about her imprisoned husband - and the circumstances behind his arrest. Louise is faces with a dilemma - to continue lying to her friend or tell the truth and ruin any chance of she has of starting over.
The pace starts off slowly bit it soon picks up. The characters are well developed and intriguing. I couldn't wait to see how the story would unfold. I did find it to be a bit repetitive. This is more a family drama than a thriller. There are plenty of twists and turns in this well written book that held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AlisonStockman for my ARC of #TheSilentFriend in exchange for an honest review.
The pace starts off slowly bit it soon picks up. The characters are well developed and intriguing. I couldn't wait to see how the story would unfold. I did find it to be a bit repetitive. This is more a family drama than a thriller. There are plenty of twists and turns in this well written book that held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #AlisonStockman for my ARC of #TheSilentFriend in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2024
*Consequences*
This book really bothered me as to be honest I disliked all the characters.
We see Louise who is the main character move to an area that is close by to Isabelle who is clueless about the man she is married to Carl. Police come and take him away for a heinous crime and one that Louise was witness too. She had parents who thought she was an inconvenience and a grandad who she adored. Her grandad continually apologised for his daughter’s behaviour. When he passed Louise moved out as quick as she could. Sadly she turned to the wrong person.
Well as Louise flip flops between the past and the present all is revealed in stages about the connection between Carl and Louise.
I just think if you want to escape your past and turn over a new leaf why would you want to be anywhere near the very person that you went down a rabbit hole with and hit rockbottom?
Well Louise goes a step further and strikes up a friendship with Isabelle. Soon Isabelle is virtually dependent on Louise and she has a baby on the way.
Like all criminals they have contacts all over the place. They send a message to Louise by way of a threat and when Louise hears of an incident that could have potentially threatened the lives of Isabelle and her new daughter Lottie it is a step too far. Now is the part that we see Louise think of others before herself. Does she do the right thing?
It was good in parts but the ending did not sit right with me…. But I rounded it up from a 3 to a 3.5 stars.
This book really bothered me as to be honest I disliked all the characters.
We see Louise who is the main character move to an area that is close by to Isabelle who is clueless about the man she is married to Carl. Police come and take him away for a heinous crime and one that Louise was witness too. She had parents who thought she was an inconvenience and a grandad who she adored. Her grandad continually apologised for his daughter’s behaviour. When he passed Louise moved out as quick as she could. Sadly she turned to the wrong person.
Well as Louise flip flops between the past and the present all is revealed in stages about the connection between Carl and Louise.
I just think if you want to escape your past and turn over a new leaf why would you want to be anywhere near the very person that you went down a rabbit hole with and hit rockbottom?
Well Louise goes a step further and strikes up a friendship with Isabelle. Soon Isabelle is virtually dependent on Louise and she has a baby on the way.
Like all criminals they have contacts all over the place. They send a message to Louise by way of a threat and when Louise hears of an incident that could have potentially threatened the lives of Isabelle and her new daughter Lottie it is a step too far. Now is the part that we see Louise think of others before herself. Does she do the right thing?
It was good in parts but the ending did not sit right with me…. But I rounded it up from a 3 to a 3.5 stars.
June 27, 2023
This is a fast paced and easy read book!
I wouldn’t necessarily says it’s a thriller. It’s more family drama but overall, a good read with likable characters that you root for.
The twist that comes about a quarter into the book is really good. You hope Louise works things out and can handle her business. You want Isabelle to stop being a naive and stick up for herself.
The ending is good!
I wouldn’t necessarily says it’s a thriller. It’s more family drama but overall, a good read with likable characters that you root for.
The twist that comes about a quarter into the book is really good. You hope Louise works things out and can handle her business. You want Isabelle to stop being a naive and stick up for herself.
The ending is good!
July 2, 2023
This was more than a mystery book, this was a story of finding forgiveness, doing the right thing, redemption, and starting over. Really enjoyable book. Great ending, glad Louise is starting over with her “new family”.
July 16, 2023
Louise has recently moved into her new flat. When her pregnant neighbour Isabelle visits her to welcome her to the neighbourhood they strike up an unlikely friendship.
Isabelle appears to have the perfect life and home until she tells Louise all about her husband Carl being arrested - but Louise knows more about Isabelle and the circumstances behind Carl's arrest than her new friend realises. Louise is faced with a dilemma does she tell the truth and lose this friendship and a chance to restart over.
I enjoyed this story about support and friendship and loved the twist. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
Isabelle appears to have the perfect life and home until she tells Louise all about her husband Carl being arrested - but Louise knows more about Isabelle and the circumstances behind Carl's arrest than her new friend realises. Louise is faced with a dilemma does she tell the truth and lose this friendship and a chance to restart over.
I enjoyed this story about support and friendship and loved the twist. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.
We meet our main character Louise off the bat. Louise has formed a budding friendship with her neighbor Isabelle, and Isabelle is hiding some deep secrets. Louise battles with the decision of telling her neighbor that she knows these secrets and just how she knows.. but that willl greatly change their dynamic and friendship.
This book covers the concept the forgiveness, moral decisions, and so forth. I don't THINK i'd consider this much of a thriller persay, but the storyline is good and believable. I enjoyed the book, and would definitely read others by this author.
We meet our main character Louise off the bat. Louise has formed a budding friendship with her neighbor Isabelle, and Isabelle is hiding some deep secrets. Louise battles with the decision of telling her neighbor that she knows these secrets and just how she knows.. but that willl greatly change their dynamic and friendship.
This book covers the concept the forgiveness, moral decisions, and so forth. I don't THINK i'd consider this much of a thriller persay, but the storyline is good and believable. I enjoyed the book, and would definitely read others by this author.
June 24, 2023
Thanks to netgalley and BoldWood books for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.
It was a slow paced and enjoyable read nonetheless. A bit repetitive at times. The twist came pretty early on when we learned what the secret Louise is hiding from Isabelle. It was more of a book of a woman getting stronger despite being lied to rather than a thriller, in my opinion. And the struggles that Louise goes through throughout the book about where lies her loyalty. That being said, I still would recommend this book as I loved it.
It was a slow paced and enjoyable read nonetheless. A bit repetitive at times. The twist came pretty early on when we learned what the secret Louise is hiding from Isabelle. It was more of a book of a woman getting stronger despite being lied to rather than a thriller, in my opinion. And the struggles that Louise goes through throughout the book about where lies her loyalty. That being said, I still would recommend this book as I loved it.
July 30, 2023
She could tell her what she knows...or she could ruin her life...
This was a very different read. A quick read that I plouged through in a few hours.
Louise has had a troubled life, born to parents who found her to be more of a distraction than the main event. Simply put, she was a mistake and they never let her forget it. She left home as soon as she could and, in her quest to belong, fell in with the wrong sort of people.
Having recently moved into her new flat, Louise is surprised by the blue flashing lights strobing from outside. Wrapped in nothing but a towel fresh from her bath, she steals a glance out the window in time to see a woman on the doorstep in tears whilst the police lead a-no-neck-all-shoulders man from the house and into a waiting squad car.
Isabelle appears to have a perfect life. She has a beautiful home she and her husband Carl have recently renovated and she is expecting their first child. Now she stands on her new neighbour's doorstep with a tin of biscuits to welcome her to the neighbourhood...despite the embarrassment of having her husband lead off in handcuffs last night for all the neighbours to see. It's just a misunderstanding. Carl is innocent and he'll soon be home again where he belongs.
Louise no sooner opens her door than Isabelle falls in a tearful crumpled mess. And soon everything comes spilling out. Louise remains tight-lipped. What can she say? She's not used to such overt emotional outbursts and Isabelle is clearly distraught. And then she sees why. She's pregnant. Hormones all over the shop. The entire neighbourhood saw Isabelle's husband carted off by the police but not one of them have knocked on her door to see how she is coping. No one. Not even her so-called friends. The only one who cared enough to take the time was Louise.
And so Louise and Isabelle begin an unlikely friendship. After all, both appear to need the other more than they knew. Isabelle seems to be unable to make a firm decision without someone taking the lead and Louise just wants somewhere to belong.
But Louise has a secret. She knows more about Isabelle's husband and his shenanigans than her new friend is aware. And so Louise finds herself faced with a dilemma - to keep quiet and protect herself? Or to confess, pay for her crimes and risk losing the closest thing she has to a family?
This is a very different book to what I was expecting. But it was an enjoyable quick read that will have you turning the pages to find out how it all turns out for Louise, Isabelle and baby Lottie. It wasn't an exciting story by any means or an addictive thrill ride. But it did keep me engaged enough to want to stick around till the end.
Overall, a compelling read that is unique in story and plot. A quick read easily read within a few hours.
I would like to thank #AlisonStockham, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheSilentFriend in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
This was a very different read. A quick read that I plouged through in a few hours.
Louise has had a troubled life, born to parents who found her to be more of a distraction than the main event. Simply put, she was a mistake and they never let her forget it. She left home as soon as she could and, in her quest to belong, fell in with the wrong sort of people.
Having recently moved into her new flat, Louise is surprised by the blue flashing lights strobing from outside. Wrapped in nothing but a towel fresh from her bath, she steals a glance out the window in time to see a woman on the doorstep in tears whilst the police lead a-no-neck-all-shoulders man from the house and into a waiting squad car.
Isabelle appears to have a perfect life. She has a beautiful home she and her husband Carl have recently renovated and she is expecting their first child. Now she stands on her new neighbour's doorstep with a tin of biscuits to welcome her to the neighbourhood...despite the embarrassment of having her husband lead off in handcuffs last night for all the neighbours to see. It's just a misunderstanding. Carl is innocent and he'll soon be home again where he belongs.
Louise no sooner opens her door than Isabelle falls in a tearful crumpled mess. And soon everything comes spilling out. Louise remains tight-lipped. What can she say? She's not used to such overt emotional outbursts and Isabelle is clearly distraught. And then she sees why. She's pregnant. Hormones all over the shop. The entire neighbourhood saw Isabelle's husband carted off by the police but not one of them have knocked on her door to see how she is coping. No one. Not even her so-called friends. The only one who cared enough to take the time was Louise.
And so Louise and Isabelle begin an unlikely friendship. After all, both appear to need the other more than they knew. Isabelle seems to be unable to make a firm decision without someone taking the lead and Louise just wants somewhere to belong.
But Louise has a secret. She knows more about Isabelle's husband and his shenanigans than her new friend is aware. And so Louise finds herself faced with a dilemma - to keep quiet and protect herself? Or to confess, pay for her crimes and risk losing the closest thing she has to a family?
This is a very different book to what I was expecting. But it was an enjoyable quick read that will have you turning the pages to find out how it all turns out for Louise, Isabelle and baby Lottie. It wasn't an exciting story by any means or an addictive thrill ride. But it did keep me engaged enough to want to stick around till the end.
Overall, a compelling read that is unique in story and plot. A quick read easily read within a few hours.
I would like to thank #AlisonStockham, #Netgalley and #BoldwoodBooks for an ARC of #TheSilentFriend in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
June 1, 2024
Less a thriller and more a crazy, non-traditional family drama, this still had some suspense and intrigue with many unpredictable moments. A quick and easy read.
December 7, 2023
I wouldn’t call this a thriller more like a family drama. It was okay a bit tedious and repetitive in the middle and seemed like a happily ever after ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2023
Should have ended at page 60 circa. In my opinion it would have been a masterpiece thriller short story.
The following is superfluous and not a thriller.
The following is superfluous and not a thriller.
November 6, 2024
Boring
It really does take a lot to bore me when it comes to books. Nothing ever happens in this one. There is nothing psychological thriller at all! Not even a hint.
It really does take a lot to bore me when it comes to books. Nothing ever happens in this one. There is nothing psychological thriller at all! Not even a hint.
July 30, 2023
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Firstly, I was captivated by the author’s skill in portraying the intricate dynamics between Louise, Isabelle, and their respective family members. Louise’s recollections of her challenging childhood and deep affection for her grandfather resonated with me. At the same time, Isabelle’s tense encounters with her mother, Sandra, regarding Lottie added a layer of intrigue to the story. Moreover, the gradual development of Louise and Isabelle’s strong friendship was one of the story’s strengths.
Secondly, I admired how the author captured Louise’s conflicting emotions toward Isabelle and Carl. The constant awareness of the potential consequences she could face if her past were exposed created a real dilemma that genuinely stood out in the story. Louise’s character is intriguing, and as the narrative unfolds, you can’t help but develop a fondness for her. Personally, some of the memorable moments were when Louise visited Carl in prison and when she started receiving threatening letters.
However, there are some unresolved plot threads in the story. Certain mystery elements are left to speculation without clear confirmation, and I would have appreciated a sense of closure. It’s possible that the author intends to leave room for a potential sequel due to the open-ended nature of the main plot. However, in this case, the climax felt incomplete. Furthermore, the story shifts from being a thrilling suspense tale to resembling more of a profound “Thelma and Louise”-esque exploration of friendship.
Nevertheless, I still find “The Silent Friend” compelling with its unique and non-conventional plot, setting it apart from typical thrillers. The main character, Louise, carries the narrative with her effective presence, making the book well worth experiencing at least once.
July 29, 2023
Alison Stockham - The Silent Friend
This book sets off gently, but quickly picks up the pace.
The story revolves around two women, Louise and Isabelle. They both hold secrets that could change what is so far a budding friendship.
I enjoyed this book very much. It’s very well written with some excellent twists and turns to keep the reader hooked.
There are some great characters and I couldn’t help but care about where the book would take them.
#TheSilentFriend is a gripping read and will keep you frantically turning the pages right to the very end.
More of a domestic drama than a thriller, but still a cracking read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title.
This book sets off gently, but quickly picks up the pace.
The story revolves around two women, Louise and Isabelle. They both hold secrets that could change what is so far a budding friendship.
I enjoyed this book very much. It’s very well written with some excellent twists and turns to keep the reader hooked.
There are some great characters and I couldn’t help but care about where the book would take them.
#TheSilentFriend is a gripping read and will keep you frantically turning the pages right to the very end.
More of a domestic drama than a thriller, but still a cracking read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
With thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources, Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a digital arc of this title.
November 24, 2023
unexpectedly good
This was a good story. I had no idea where it was going most of the time. I was shocked at points and saddened at other points. Louise was such a sad character, never seeming to catch a break. It was interesting to watch her and Isabelle grow up from young adults totally adrift in different ways to maturity.
This was a good story. I had no idea where it was going most of the time. I was shocked at points and saddened at other points. Louise was such a sad character, never seeming to catch a break. It was interesting to watch her and Isabelle grow up from young adults totally adrift in different ways to maturity.
May 31, 2024
Quick listen. I enjoyed it.
August 15, 2024
slow
It was a slow read for me. I never felt “hooked” in this book. There were a couple surprises, but nothing that really made me want to sit and read the book in one sitting.
It was a slow read for me. I never felt “hooked” in this book. There were a couple surprises, but nothing that really made me want to sit and read the book in one sitting.
November 25, 2023
Started off well but definitely became more of a mild drama and a bit drawn out! Bit disappointing but an easy read.
January 6, 2024
Lost interest really wasn’t for me. I got to 47% of the book done a really couldn’t keep reading
October 6, 2023
putdownable
This one was hard for me to get through. Definitely not a psychological thriller. I thought it was slow and formulaic. I didn’t really become invested in the characters.
This one was hard for me to get through. Definitely not a psychological thriller. I thought it was slow and formulaic. I didn’t really become invested in the characters.
February 7, 2024
This one had a lot of depth to it. While it was kind of a thriller it is also very much a story about friendship and the damage and complication of lies. I really enjoyed it, found myself sucked into the story, and recommend it for a quick but thoughtful read.
June 25, 2023
"The Silent Friend" by Alison Stockham is a book about family and belonging - what makes us who we are and how very fragile it can be. It is more of a family drama rather than a thriller, exploring themes such as family bonds, loyalty, friendship, and the consequences of our choices
The book revolves around two women, Louise and Isabelle, as they navigate their lives. It jumps between past and present timelines and is written in the third person from Louise's point of view. I must say that the transitions between timelines were well executed.
Louise lives across from Isabelle and gradually becomes entwined in her life. After Isabelle's husband is arrested, Louise befriends her and provides support during her pregnancy and after the birth. Louise sees Isabelle as her soul mate. After all, they are both lonely, victims of the actions of others, and abandoned by those who were supposed to care.
As their relationship develops, Louise realizes that not all is well in Isabelle's life. Although Isabelle's life may appear perfect on the surface, closer examination reveals cracks. Isabelle is too trusting and weak, but motherhood builds her character. From a weak, dependent woman she transforms into a strong, self-reliant, and independent one.
All Louise ever wanted was a loving family, and Isabelle and her child provide just that. However, one can't escape from their past or misdeeds, as Louise discovers. Louise and Isabelle become good friends, even though Louise wasn't honest with Isabelle. She knows more about Isabelle than she lets on, and her next move will determine the course of their friendship.
The book didn't have the high-octane intensity I expected, but I still enjoyed it. The pace was a bit slow, and there wasn't much suspense, although a couple of twists did catch me by surprise. I appreciated the interactions between the two women and the level of detail that went into them. A good story creates an emotional connection with the characters, and this story certainly achieved that. The protagonists were well-drawn, and I could relate to them. I liked that the characters were portrayed as real people with flaws.
Initially, I didn't like Louise and thought that Isabelle was too naive. However, as the story unfolded and their characters developed, I grew to care more about them. Louise had an unloving childhood, which doesn't excuse her behavior, but I liked that she eventually took responsibility for her actions. The author did a great job of depicting her redemption.
This is a story of hardship, choices (both good and bad), guilt, and love. Louise's journey is one of broken dreams, second chances, acceptance, and redemption. One valuable message to take from the book is that home is where the heart is. A tighter plot would have improved the book overall, but I still found it a worthwhile read and would recommend it. 4/5 stars.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review in my Blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2023...
The book revolves around two women, Louise and Isabelle, as they navigate their lives. It jumps between past and present timelines and is written in the third person from Louise's point of view. I must say that the transitions between timelines were well executed.
Louise lives across from Isabelle and gradually becomes entwined in her life. After Isabelle's husband is arrested, Louise befriends her and provides support during her pregnancy and after the birth. Louise sees Isabelle as her soul mate. After all, they are both lonely, victims of the actions of others, and abandoned by those who were supposed to care.
As their relationship develops, Louise realizes that not all is well in Isabelle's life. Although Isabelle's life may appear perfect on the surface, closer examination reveals cracks. Isabelle is too trusting and weak, but motherhood builds her character. From a weak, dependent woman she transforms into a strong, self-reliant, and independent one.
All Louise ever wanted was a loving family, and Isabelle and her child provide just that. However, one can't escape from their past or misdeeds, as Louise discovers. Louise and Isabelle become good friends, even though Louise wasn't honest with Isabelle. She knows more about Isabelle than she lets on, and her next move will determine the course of their friendship.
The book didn't have the high-octane intensity I expected, but I still enjoyed it. The pace was a bit slow, and there wasn't much suspense, although a couple of twists did catch me by surprise. I appreciated the interactions between the two women and the level of detail that went into them. A good story creates an emotional connection with the characters, and this story certainly achieved that. The protagonists were well-drawn, and I could relate to them. I liked that the characters were portrayed as real people with flaws.
Initially, I didn't like Louise and thought that Isabelle was too naive. However, as the story unfolded and their characters developed, I grew to care more about them. Louise had an unloving childhood, which doesn't excuse her behavior, but I liked that she eventually took responsibility for her actions. The author did a great job of depicting her redemption.
This is a story of hardship, choices (both good and bad), guilt, and love. Louise's journey is one of broken dreams, second chances, acceptance, and redemption. One valuable message to take from the book is that home is where the heart is. A tighter plot would have improved the book overall, but I still found it a worthwhile read and would recommend it. 4/5 stars.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review in my Blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2023...
July 25, 2023
Louise is desperate for a new start, but it is so hard to break away from the difficult situation she has become trapped in, especially as she has no one she can rely on to help her. When the husband of her pregnant neighbour Isabelle is arrested for a heinous crime, Louise suddenly finds herself making her first real friend - and the feeling of being needed makes her see that turning her life around might be possible after all.
But she is hiding secrets from Isabelle about her murky past, and her connection to the crimes of her husband. Louise must make a choice - should she come clean and put herself in the firing line to help her only friend, or stay quiet and cling on to the little 'family' she has dreamed of for so long?
The Silent Friend is an intriguing mix of psychological thriller, crime story, and domestic noir, and Alison Stockham does an excellent job of weaving these elements together to make a compelling tale. Without giving the game away, Louise is a troubled soul with a difficult upbringing, and her vulnerabilities lead to her getting involved in the dodgy dealings of Isabelle's unpleasant husband. Isabelle is completely in the dark about the real nature of her husband's activities, and Louise's desire to protect herself ends up drawing the three of them together in a complex web of lies and deceit. Over the course of this gripping story, Louise finds herself with a dilemma when she begins to care about what happens to Isabelle and her child, and desperately wants to save them from a future with a man she knows to be violent and unpredictable.
Stockham explores some really interesting themes around childhood trauma, domestic abuse, guilt, sacrifice, and redemption, and the choices Louise makes take this story in unexpected directions. The threads twist and turn, with carefully timed reveals that change your perception of Louise over the course of the book, leading to a heart warming ending full of hope - which is a very different place from where it all begins.
This is my first book by Alison Stockham, but it will definitely not be my last. I really enjoyed how she blends her emotional themes into a proper page turner, with a title full of shades of meaning, and the story gives you a lot to ponder on about real friendship and absolution.
But she is hiding secrets from Isabelle about her murky past, and her connection to the crimes of her husband. Louise must make a choice - should she come clean and put herself in the firing line to help her only friend, or stay quiet and cling on to the little 'family' she has dreamed of for so long?
The Silent Friend is an intriguing mix of psychological thriller, crime story, and domestic noir, and Alison Stockham does an excellent job of weaving these elements together to make a compelling tale. Without giving the game away, Louise is a troubled soul with a difficult upbringing, and her vulnerabilities lead to her getting involved in the dodgy dealings of Isabelle's unpleasant husband. Isabelle is completely in the dark about the real nature of her husband's activities, and Louise's desire to protect herself ends up drawing the three of them together in a complex web of lies and deceit. Over the course of this gripping story, Louise finds herself with a dilemma when she begins to care about what happens to Isabelle and her child, and desperately wants to save them from a future with a man she knows to be violent and unpredictable.
Stockham explores some really interesting themes around childhood trauma, domestic abuse, guilt, sacrifice, and redemption, and the choices Louise makes take this story in unexpected directions. The threads twist and turn, with carefully timed reveals that change your perception of Louise over the course of the book, leading to a heart warming ending full of hope - which is a very different place from where it all begins.
This is my first book by Alison Stockham, but it will definitely not be my last. I really enjoyed how she blends her emotional themes into a proper page turner, with a title full of shades of meaning, and the story gives you a lot to ponder on about real friendship and absolution.
July 16, 2023
Newly arrived in the street, Louise witnesses something taking place in the house opposite. A man is being arrested, leaving his distraught, pregnant wife on the doorstep. Although Louise is a loner who prefers to keep herself to herself, she needs to ensure the woman is all right.
It soon appears there is more to Louise’s interest in Isabelle than we first thought as Isabelle’s husband Carl, who has been arrested for burglary and assault, is known to her.
Louise’s need to support Isabelle and Lottie appeared to be twofold. Firstly, guilt that she had been Carl’s partner in crime, and then her own cold upbringing with parents who cared little for her. Her involvement with the small family clearly shows she has at last found somewhere to belong.
Whatever her motives, when Carl is found guilty and imprisoned, she certainly embeds herself in their lives. Although Carl is locked away, there is a continuous threat from his associates – occasional reminders he is never far away. Because of this, she takes care in everything she does in order to protect both Louise and baby Lottie. It’s several years later when Carl becomes eligible for parole that she is forced to face the fact this happy existence is now in real danger. It means she needs to take desperate measures to keep the little family safe.
Overall, it’s a good story. However, as in The Cuckoo Sister (Alison’s debut which I reviewed earlier in the year) I found it difficult to like any of the characters. On the positive side, it’s a story of sacrifice and atonement with lots of twists and turns and in places an air of menace. Carl was a violent character who charmed both these women and kept them with him through the ability to recognise and prey upon their weaknesses. Their lives together in his absence gave them both the strength to discover who they were and more importantly, who they had the potential of becoming.
I would like to thank Boldwood, Alison Stockham and Netgalley for an ARC of The Silent Friend in exchange for an honest review.
It soon appears there is more to Louise’s interest in Isabelle than we first thought as Isabelle’s husband Carl, who has been arrested for burglary and assault, is known to her.
Louise’s need to support Isabelle and Lottie appeared to be twofold. Firstly, guilt that she had been Carl’s partner in crime, and then her own cold upbringing with parents who cared little for her. Her involvement with the small family clearly shows she has at last found somewhere to belong.
Whatever her motives, when Carl is found guilty and imprisoned, she certainly embeds herself in their lives. Although Carl is locked away, there is a continuous threat from his associates – occasional reminders he is never far away. Because of this, she takes care in everything she does in order to protect both Louise and baby Lottie. It’s several years later when Carl becomes eligible for parole that she is forced to face the fact this happy existence is now in real danger. It means she needs to take desperate measures to keep the little family safe.
Overall, it’s a good story. However, as in The Cuckoo Sister (Alison’s debut which I reviewed earlier in the year) I found it difficult to like any of the characters. On the positive side, it’s a story of sacrifice and atonement with lots of twists and turns and in places an air of menace. Carl was a violent character who charmed both these women and kept them with him through the ability to recognise and prey upon their weaknesses. Their lives together in his absence gave them both the strength to discover who they were and more importantly, who they had the potential of becoming.
I would like to thank Boldwood, Alison Stockham and Netgalley for an ARC of The Silent Friend in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2023
Alison Stockham explores the complexities of female friendships, the secrets we keep and the darkness within in her chilling novel, The Silent Friend.
Louise’s past has been weighing her down for as long as can remember. She yearns to break free and to unshackle herself once and for all from the overwhelming consequences of her old mistakes. Having spent most of her life on the outside looking in, when Louise makes her neighbour Isabelle’s acquaintance and the two become fast friends, she is absolutely delighted. At long last, Louise feels as if she has finally found somewhere she belongs and the family she has always wanted. However, Louise hasn’t been completely honest with her new friend…
Louise knows far more about Isabelle than her new friend realises. She knows the reason why Isabelle’s husband has been imprisoned – and who was behind his arrest. Forced to make an impossible decision, Louise finds herself at a crossroads. Should she continue lying to her new friend? Or should she confess and put paid to any hope she might have had of leaving the past behind her and starting over for good?
Alison Stockham’s The Silent Friend is a cleverly written and deftly plotted thriller full of hair-raising suspense, nail-biting tension and plenty of moments that pull the rug out from under your feet and leave you with your jaw on the floor. Twisted, shocking and gripping from beginning to end, The Silent Friend is an excellent thriller from a writer to watch out for: Alison Stockham.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Louise’s past has been weighing her down for as long as can remember. She yearns to break free and to unshackle herself once and for all from the overwhelming consequences of her old mistakes. Having spent most of her life on the outside looking in, when Louise makes her neighbour Isabelle’s acquaintance and the two become fast friends, she is absolutely delighted. At long last, Louise feels as if she has finally found somewhere she belongs and the family she has always wanted. However, Louise hasn’t been completely honest with her new friend…
Louise knows far more about Isabelle than her new friend realises. She knows the reason why Isabelle’s husband has been imprisoned – and who was behind his arrest. Forced to make an impossible decision, Louise finds herself at a crossroads. Should she continue lying to her new friend? Or should she confess and put paid to any hope she might have had of leaving the past behind her and starting over for good?
Alison Stockham’s The Silent Friend is a cleverly written and deftly plotted thriller full of hair-raising suspense, nail-biting tension and plenty of moments that pull the rug out from under your feet and leave you with your jaw on the floor. Twisted, shocking and gripping from beginning to end, The Silent Friend is an excellent thriller from a writer to watch out for: Alison Stockham.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 22, 2023
After getting out of the bath Louise notices the couple across the street with police outside of their home and she is surprised when the man gets arrested and carried away but she is even more surprise the next day when his wife Isabell goes to Louises flat to welcome her to the neighborhood. Louise is reluctant to make friends and it used to being on her own but there is something about Isabel that makes her want to try so when she doesn’t see Isabell for a few days after their Anissa visit and Isabell breaking down about her husband Carl being arrested Louise decides to buy Isabell flowers after all the girl is pregnant and alone this is when Isabell tells Louise more about her husband Carl and why he was arrested what Isabell doesn’t know is Louise knows all about it she knows even more than Isabell dolls but that doesn’t mean Louise isn’t starting to feel like Isabell is her real friend in the time McComb for her to prove that. I just want to say at the beginning of this book before the revelations and the drama started happening I almost stopped reading it but I am so glad I didn’t there was way more to the story and if you could get past the first step of the book urine for retreat I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it if you love books about women supporting women with a little drama or a lot of drama thrown in the new love this book I certainly did. I received this book from NetGalley and Boldwood books but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
July 23, 2023
Louise, always moving from home to home to escape her unhappy childhood and shady past, sees a woman’s husband being arrested over the road from her new flat one evening and surprises herself when she makes a new friend in pregnant Isabelle, the man’s wife. But there’s the problem. Louise knows more about Isabelle’s husband, Carl, and the circumstances surrounding his arrest for burglary and assault on an elderly man. So she faces a dilemma – keep spinning her web of lies to hold onto the first proper friend she has had since her Grandpa or tell the truth and lose everything again.
From a relatively slow start the tension and suspense built as I was compelled at first to wonder exactly what Louise’s background was and what she was hiding, then to follow her story as she wrestled with how to be a good friend to Isabelle. Tell her the truth about Carl or stay silent? I’m afraid for the majority of the story I didn’t like Louise much so I wasn’t too invested in what happened to her. I didn’t like Carl at all. I had more sympathy for Isabelle finding herself in a situation not of her own making although I had to wonder how much self-denial she was in about her own life. It’s not so much of a psychological thriller as a dark domestic drama. I do like a mystery though, which was enough to keep me reading to the end through plenty of twists and surprises to a most satisfactory conclusion.
From a relatively slow start the tension and suspense built as I was compelled at first to wonder exactly what Louise’s background was and what she was hiding, then to follow her story as she wrestled with how to be a good friend to Isabelle. Tell her the truth about Carl or stay silent? I’m afraid for the majority of the story I didn’t like Louise much so I wasn’t too invested in what happened to her. I didn’t like Carl at all. I had more sympathy for Isabelle finding herself in a situation not of her own making although I had to wonder how much self-denial she was in about her own life. It’s not so much of a psychological thriller as a dark domestic drama. I do like a mystery though, which was enough to keep me reading to the end through plenty of twists and surprises to a most satisfactory conclusion.
July 23, 2024
Louise has just moved to a new flat when she meets her neighbour Isabelle whose husband is carted off by the police. The two women form a friendship but Louise is keeping secrets...
The Silent Friend is a psychological thriller and domestic drama.
Louise and Isabelle make friends as Louise supports Isabelle when Carl is sent to prison. Isabelle is pregnant and reeling from Carl's situation so is vulnerable. Most of the book is written in the present day to show the developing friendship between Louise and Isabelle. However some chapters show the past including Louise's sad childhood which has had a major impact on her life.
A fifth of the way through there is a big twist which shows the women's friendship in a new light and makes you rethink your opinion of the main characters. It's hard to review without big spoilers but I love the change in dynamic when we know Louise's secret. I enjoyed the tension as we wait for events to unfold and wonder how the truth will be revealed.
There are elements of psychological thriller but the domestic drama aspect takes precedence in my opinion. Knowing Louise's unhappy childhood aligns us with her at first but then her behaviour takes on a more sinister angle when we know her secret. Isabelle has plenty of concerns about her situation being pregnant and worrying about Carl. The writing style is easy to read and builds the tension and plot layers.
The Silent Friend is an entertaining novel with secrets, lies and emotions.
The Silent Friend is a psychological thriller and domestic drama.
Louise and Isabelle make friends as Louise supports Isabelle when Carl is sent to prison. Isabelle is pregnant and reeling from Carl's situation so is vulnerable. Most of the book is written in the present day to show the developing friendship between Louise and Isabelle. However some chapters show the past including Louise's sad childhood which has had a major impact on her life.
A fifth of the way through there is a big twist which shows the women's friendship in a new light and makes you rethink your opinion of the main characters. It's hard to review without big spoilers but I love the change in dynamic when we know Louise's secret. I enjoyed the tension as we wait for events to unfold and wonder how the truth will be revealed.
There are elements of psychological thriller but the domestic drama aspect takes precedence in my opinion. Knowing Louise's unhappy childhood aligns us with her at first but then her behaviour takes on a more sinister angle when we know her secret. Isabelle has plenty of concerns about her situation being pregnant and worrying about Carl. The writing style is easy to read and builds the tension and plot layers.
The Silent Friend is an entertaining novel with secrets, lies and emotions.
June 25, 2023
Louise has just moved into her new flat when she hears a disturbance across the street. A police car has arrived and taken what looks like the husband away. Soon after she gets a knock at the door and there stands Isobel, the man's wife, welcoming her to the neighbourhood but in need of some company. Louise and Isobel soon strike up a friendship and Louise learns that Carl, Izzy’s husband, has been arrested for burglary with actual bodily harm, something Izzy’s says he would never do. She is convinced of his innocence and expects him to soon be home. Carl worked with an accomplice who distracted the elderly whilst he rummaged around for what he could take. Little does Izzy know that the last accomplice was rather closer to home than she would ever imagine..
Wow! I raced through this and was surprised early on by the twist .(I’m not giving anything away). It's a very clever concept, perfectly executed and even 50% of the way through I couldn't imagine what was going to happen. I quite liked Louise even with her naivety (or savvy?) of what she had done. She came across as a caring person wanting to do the best for her friend and baby in rather unusual circumstances. A brilliant, highly entertaining read I thoroughly recommend.
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
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Wow! I raced through this and was surprised early on by the twist .(I’m not giving anything away). It's a very clever concept, perfectly executed and even 50% of the way through I couldn't imagine what was going to happen. I quite liked Louise even with her naivety (or savvy?) of what she had done. She came across as a caring person wanting to do the best for her friend and baby in rather unusual circumstances. A brilliant, highly entertaining read I thoroughly recommend.
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
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