Best Friends

by Rebecca de Winter

She knows everything about you… and she’s about to share your deepest, darkest secret. Alice has everything, I mean everything. A stunning suburban house, Instagram-perfect in its soft grey walls and textured neutrals. And then there's her handsome husband, with his flat stomach and that sexy sleeve of tattoos he keeps hidden for his well-paid job in the city. The PTA mamas can't stop staring at him, and who can blame them? And let's not forget her three adorable, well-behaved children. Meanwhile, here in Boston, I'm struggling to start a family with my husband Ollie. Our marriage is suffering, and I feel so isolated all the time. It's hard not to compare myself to Alice, especially when we unexpectedly reconnect after two decades of silence. I can't help feeling I've been dealt the inferior hand in life. The worst thing is, I know Alice doesn't deserve any of it. I was once her very best friend in the world, and I know the real Alice better than anyone else. And here’s me thinking… I know where the bodies are buried, literally. Maybe it’s time to make her pay? This gripping tale of friendship, love, betrayal, and revenge is full of twist after brilliant twist. It will keep you reading late into the night, perfect for fans of Gone Girl , The Girl on the Train , and The Woman in the Window .

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Novels

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2023

About the author

Hi,

I’m Becky, your favourite Gothic first wife. When I’m not busy haunting second wives, I also write books. Amongst other things…

I have two kids, work in corporate consultancy, and live in suburbia – or as I call it, disturbia. My favourite movie is Thelma + Louise. I have ADHD, I’m deaf, synaesthetic and left-handed. I sometimes rock climb. I love weights and hate running.

My first word was book and as a child I wanted to be both an author and Madonna’s back up dancer. My short stories and flash fiction are published online. I’ve also been a finalist in several national novel writing competitions.

Just like my housekeeper, Mrs Danvers, I’m obsessed with dark, messy, complex, female protagonists – real women. They could be your colleague, your BFF, your wife, or mother, or girlfriend. They can be anything except cookie cutter – unless they are also a serial killer.

I love to write stories about the secrets people keep, the masks they wear – and what happens when their true selves are revealed. I also love to show you why people do the terrible things they do. Or sometimes, leave you guessing.

Books I’ve loved are Girl A, Notes on an Execution, My Dark Vanessa, The Marsh King’s Daughter, Skin Deep, The Push, The Family Upstairs, and of course, Gone Girl.

Reviews

[Heather Adores Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐
Genre ~ psychological thriller
Publication date ~ July 18, 2023
Page Count ~ 304
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ debut, dual timeline ~ now & then, infertility, IVF, pregnancy, miscarriage, infidelity, secrets, lies

Evie and Alice were, you guessed it, best friends when they were teenagers. What a toxic relationship that was. Now 20 years later, Evie is heading back to London from Boston for work and reconnects with Alice and her husband, Jake, who also just so happens to be Evie's high school boyfriend.

Both characters seem unreliable, but since we only have Evie's POV it's hard to know for sure who is the psychopath, or if they both are. The 'then' timeline was sometimes written as if she was living it and sometimes as a flashback, which seemed odd to me.

Evie and Ollie struggle with infertility. Always a difficult topic, but I liked that Evie did not hide her struggles. Alice was so insensitive complaining about her 3 kids and lying about a miscarriage, which just goes to show how toxic this relationship was.

Overall, a good psychological thriller. There was a good twist and another guessable one that the other side of it gives the ick factor. The pace was more on the medium side with not really edge of the seat moments, but a decent debut nonetheless. Not sure if I love how the ending played out, but I did like the epilogue. I'd for sure read this author again.

Side note ~ both characters are described as blonde, so why does the cover look like they are brunettes?

*Thanks to the author, Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

You’d be well advised not to offend Evie in any way. Trust me.
Dark, twisty and horribly enthralling and so right up my unlit street.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me gripped from the start and the world could have ended and I would have been blindly carrying on reading. I found myself holding my breath as I frantically turned the pages not knowing what was going to happen next.

If you love a juicy thriller about friendship and secrets with a dose of revenge then this is the next read for you. Intrigued ... you should be!!!

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 words/phrases to describe this book

1. Dark
2. Terrifying
3. Shocking
4. Extremely Readable
5. Choc a Block with Sociopath’s 😎

Add a dose of realism and a very clever and canny way that the author has of writing sarcastic thoughts whilst the character is saying something else mixed in with guilt, envy, jealousy, rage, sex, lies, toxic friendships and murder and you get an idea of what this book has to offer

Really loved the texting parts between the characters, has to be done good or else fails, this was done excellently

Put all together and you have a winner
Psychological mayhem at it’s best

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author's pseudonym and her GR author bio say it all.

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Author Rebecca deWinter is obsessed with dark, messy, complex, female protagonists – real women.

I listened to the audiobook read by Tamsin Kennard, who absolutely, positively slayed the narration.

I'll be eagerly awaiting this talented author's next release.

4.5 stars

[Wonda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow start and pretty much dragged on from there...too mundane, which I read to get away from! Also, the main character is not someone I would have on my friends list, though I do feel for her a tad!

[Tierney Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging thriller that keeps you turning the pages to find out what's really going between these reunited "best friends."

Get ready for a twisty-turney love/hate relationship and an ending that pays off nicely.

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the cover. And the burb. Told from one characters pov this is a compelling physiological thriller full if twists and turns. The characters develop and the nonlinear tale is compelling. I enjoyed every page especially when i thought i had worked it out but was wrong. I felt sad when it ended by could see a follow up. I was hooked i felt the raw emotion of the characters and it deal with some really tough issues in a very adult way.
Highly recommended 5 star read that will keep you up. Thank you net gallery and publisher for my arc

[Alva · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute belter of a story from one of my old Twitter friends, Rebecca de Winter. Becky - you did this one proud! What an edge-of-the-seat thriller this is. Gripping from start to finish, one is never quite sure who the bad girl is - Alice or Evie. What a rollercoaster ride through their friendship, their betrayal, their reunion, their husbands, their history, their secrets. An extraordinary debut novel.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping psychological thriller that will keep you hooked from the start, filled with secrets, betrayal and suspense.

'Love and hate are two sides of the same coin'.

Synopsis
Alice and Evie have been best friends since they were children, but they've had very different upbringings. Alice can do no wrong, whereas Evie can - and all the blame falls onto her.

In the present, in Boston, Evie and her husband's marriage is in turmoil - failed pregnancies and secrets. Whereas in Surrey, Alice lives the instagram-worthy lifestyle - three kids, perfect house, a dog and Evie's childhood boyfriend as her husband.

When Evie and her husband's marriage breaks apart, she takes a secondment to the UK - rekindling her friendship with Alice.. and Alice's husband. From here it's twists, turns, secrets and betrayals that will keep you on the edge of your seat, not knowing which direction the story will take you next.

'I text his wife. I make plans with her. I lie to her when I'm with him and I lie to him when I'm with her'.

Thoughts
The characters are definitely a bunch of sociopaths when it comes to each other and I enjoyed every second of it.

The change between past and present gives insight into Evie's life then and now, and how much Alice took from her, it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC, this review is voluntary.

[Linda Leone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evie and Alice were best friends as teenagers, until that one event that changed everything. Now they are about to meet up again for the first time in many years. Will their friendship prevail or will old hurts win out?

I did not like either main character. I don't think I was supposed to. It was hard to find a secondary character to even care about.

We learn all about the girls childhood through a then and now timeline. They sure didn't have an easy one.

So many secrets.

So many lies.

So many toxic relationships.

This one kept me guessing: did she or didn't she until the very end.

It took a while for me to get into this one, but I really enjoyed it once I did.

Great psychological debut!

Thanks to netgalley and Storm Publishing for the arc.

[Lucille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Friends is a great psychological thriller told in two timelines. As teenagers in the 1990s Evie and Alice were best friends. Now Evie is married to Ollie and trying unsuccessfully to have a baby. During an all women's conference she thinks she sees Alice. Curious to know what became of her Evie begins to stalk Alice online and discovers that Alice has everything that she. Evie wants: a family and a successful career, the epitome of ''having it all'. She also has married Evie's first love. After Alice accepts Evie's friend request the story becomes darker and secrets are revealed. A real roller coaster of a read!

[Ⓢ Ⓨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evie and Alice are the two lead characters in this gripping book. Best Friends… well, as friendly as two sociopaths can get. One has everything the other wants, but what lengths will they go to to get everything back?

Jam packed with deceit and lies, I read this in two sittings. I didn’t like either of them, though I did sympathise with Evie’s childhood trauma.
As someone who’s suffered a miscarriage, the first 50% of the book was quite a hard read. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who’s suffered fertility issues.

I enjoyed it though and would read this author again. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy.

[Tiffany {tiffanyreviewsbooks} · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐ Overall, the book kept me interested and was a good read. The first half of the book is a bit slow, building the characters and flashbacks of past events. It does get twisty and I didn't see the last twist coming. I did feel like the ending could have used something more. I felt the rise of anticipation, but I think it fell flat for me. It seemed when I was finally hooked, the book ended.
I will also say, I didn't really like any of the characters, there was no connection.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, it kept me reading and wanting more! Major twist at the end and I totally get comparing it to Gone Girl or Girl on the Train - but I think there was a lot of things missing in this book. There was a few confusing parts for me where I didn't fully get what was happening until the very end and felt like it could have been explained better. Overall - a good book and worth the read.

[Annisa Rizky Amalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. The storyline is exciting, a story of friendship between 2 women that is quite complicated. A past that still overshadows their lives. Plus a triangular love story. But the plot twist, I didn't think it would come to that.
I finished reading this book in 2 days. I couldn't take my eyes off of this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the ARC <3

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was dark and twisted. It was a slow burn for sure but held my attention even through the slow parts. Would be interested in more books by Rebecca de Winter!

[Amanda Alviz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. This is a great thriller full of betrayal, secrets, twists and suspense. The story alternates between the past and present slowly revealing secrets that get even more sinister as the story moves along. There was not a dull moment in this book and the ending did not disappoint. I really enjoyed this psychological thriller!

There is a trigger warning for infertility, IVF, and miscarriage. The author really portrayed the emotional and physical aspects of such a journey just as skillfully as someone who has personally gone through it. I was really impressed with the accuracy and how the author captured the details of the process.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for digital ARC.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 / 4 stars
This psychological thriller kept me engaged. There were time jumps between the past and present and it kept you guessing if the narrator was reliable.
The ending was pretty crazy and a little bit all over the place, but it was mostly satisfying.

Trigger warnings- childhood sexual abuse, miscarriages in detail, infidelity

[Ruth Rosario · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating story. It keeps you hooked, intrigued and entertained, wanting to know what will happen in the end. However, I felt that the resolution was very forced.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loathed every character and didn’t like the plot but I’m giving it three stars because the narrator was great.

[Arlynn R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC!
This book caught my attention from the beginning. Loved the characters and the story. I could not put this book down! 5 stars !

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all thank you to NetGalley and storm publishing for the ARC. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to read this prior to publication date. I enjoyed this book about two friends but some of it I felt like was a little far fetched and the characters a little underdeveloped. I would give this author another shot though.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to be entangled in a mesmerizing tale of love, betrayal, and revenge within the pages of Rebecca de Winter's riveting novel, Best Friends. From the moment I dived into this gripping narrative, I was captivated by the complex web of emotions and the dark undercurrents that flowed through the lives of its characters.

De Winter's storytelling ability shines brightly as she weaves a tale of friendship that spans the test of time. At the heart of this story are two best friends, their bond seemingly unbreakable. But beneath the surface of their seemingly idyllic relationship lies a labyrinth of hidden desires, jealousy, and ultimately, betrayal.

De Winter's exquisite portrayal of the characters draws you in, making you feel intimately connected to their journeys. Their hopes, dreams, and fears become palpable, and you find yourself emotionally invested in their fates. The depth of their friendships and the intricate dynamics between them provide a rich scene upon which the story unfolds.

Love, a powerful force that both strengthens and destroys, is at the core of Best Friends. De Winter explores the complexities of romantic entanglements and the blurred lines between passion and obsession. The palpable chemistry between the characters electrifies the pages, immersing the reader in a whirlwind of emotions.

However, it is the element of betrayal that truly sets this novel apart. De Winter masterfully crafts a narrative where trust is shattered, alliances crumble, and the thirst for revenge takes center stage. The tension builds relentlessly, leaving you breathless as you eagerly anticipate the characters' next moves and the shocking revelations that lie in wait.

As the story unfolds, Best Friends becomes a thrilling journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The characters transform, driven by their desire for retribution, making choices that will forever alter their lives. De Winter skillfully navigates the complex terrain of revenge, leaving you questioning the boundaries of morality and the consequences that come with seeking justice.

Filled with vivid descriptions and evocative prose, Best Friends transports you to a world where love, betrayal, and revenge collide. De Winter's ability to intertwine these themes in such a captivating manner creates an unrelenting narrative that keeps you engrossed until the final page.

Best Friends is a compelling and mesmerizing novel that examines the complexities of human relationships. De Winter's masterful storytelling, coupled with her exploration of love, betrayal, and revenge, make this book a thrilling and unforgettable reading experience. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions as you become entangled in the lives of these characters, questioning the limits of loyalty and the price one is willing to pay for justice.

"Love. Betrayal. Revenge. Enter a world of dark secrets and twisted loyalties in Rebecca de Winter's mesmerizing novel, Best Friends."

"In a web of friendship, trust becomes a dangerous game. Rebecca de Winter weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge that will leave you breathless."

"Friendship shattered. Hearts broken. Revenge awakened. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey in Rebecca de Winter's gripping masterpiece, Best Friends."

"A bond tested, a friendship betrayed, and a thirst for revenge ignited. Best Friends by Rebecca de Winter is a spellbinding exploration of love's dark side."

"Love can be treacherous, friendship fragile. Discover the chilling depths of loyalty and betrayal in Rebecca de Winter's riveting tale, Best Friends."

"A story that exposes the darkest corners of friendship's shadows. Rebecca de Winter's Best Friends will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final, shocking twist."

"Love knows no bounds. Betrayal knows no mercy. Rebecca de Winter delivers a gripping saga of friendship turned deadly in Best Friends."

"Love can heal, but it can also destroy. Rebecca de Winter's Best Friends is a heart-wrenching journey through love, betrayal, and the pursuit of revenge."

"Secrets have consequences. Friendships have limits. Rebecca de Winter's Best Friends is a haunting tale of love's downfall and the pursuit of justice."

"Enter a world of twisted loyalties and fractured friendships. Rebecca de Winter's Best Friends is a gripping saga that will leave you questioning the boundaries of trust."

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Friends - that’s very doubtful! This book is for the reader that likes a good thriller where dark secrets are slowly revealed, and in snippets from the past and present the story is revealed and tension expertly raised. And the ending? Well, watch out! Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evie lives a lavish lifestyle in Boston and she hangs out with a group of mothers who is up on the latest of everything and lives an Insta perfect life and Evie is seething with jealousy. Her and Ali are trying to have a baby but it seems she may want it more than he does. One night while drinking wine she looks up her old friend Alice. Everyone said how beautiful they were and how much they looked alike they live next-door to each other and their parents were all friends. Well at least Evie’s and Alice’s parents were because she didn’t know her father. After a hesitant moment she decides to send Allison a friend request she not only misses Alice but feels like she owes her especially when she looks on Instagram and she who Alice eventually married and had three boys with. Alice was always a woman in control and she always thought she was two steps ahead of the game and that no one could get over on her but this time while stroking her own ego it seems she may just have got beaten at her own game. This book is a barrel full of twist and I know people say that about thrillers but there were so many if you don’t pay attention you may just be confused I almost was but I am going to be honest and say I absolutely love this book. It is not your average ending but OMG is it a good one. I want to thank NetGalley and storm publication for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Taby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evie and Alice were best friends from a very young age. Until a terrible event occurred in their teenage years which sent Evie off to live in the foster care system. Now, more than a decade later, it seems as if fate once again reunites these two. Their friendship was plagued with lies and betrayal, will their adult relationship with one another be any different?

Evie is struggling in all aspects of her life. Her career, her marriage and her dream of having children seem to be falling apart in front of her eyes. Alice, on the other hand, has it all. As she always has.

When fate brings these two together, it seems as if Evie and Alice will have everything they both desire. But both of them hide terrible secrets from one another that go as far back as their childhood. As these secrets begin to emerge, the cracks in their facade to one another begin to show.

One of the best psychological thrillers I have read in a very long time. I could not put this book down and will be looking for more of this author's books.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for my ARC.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Friends is utterly gripping a phycological mind bender that keeps flying down the rabbit hole of Love, friendship, betrayal, envy, desperation and well all the things when one girl who is best friends with another who has everything she has ever wanted and yet took it all without a second thought. Pushed all the buttons until the other snaps and then you have to wonder though who was really the crazy one. I simply couldn’t put it down it was so good. The deeply ingrained love/hate relationship between Evie and Alice was so immersive of toxic relationships. The tantalizing pace has you on the edge of your seat trying to glean truth from the lies. Ugh so much to say I couldn’t put it down!

I do have to say at the beginning I felt so bad for Evie and simply couldn’t stand Alice but by the end I was blown away at how much alike they truly were. Simply brilliantly written a gut wrenching roller coaster of emotions. It was a fantastic twisted thriller. I definitely recommend it.

[Lee-Ann27.reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. This book captured my attention from the start and kept me wanting to read into the late hours of the night. Evie, Alice and Jake are all friends growing up together and Jake and Evie fall for each other. Alice likes to be in control of everything and she always gets what she wants. When Alice uses Evie in a revengeful plan against another student, Evie is suddenly whisked off out of town and doesn't have time to say goodbye to her love, Jake. Fast forward 25 years and Evie is going through a divorce in Boston and has an opportunity to go back home to London for a work opportunity. Alice, Jake and Evie reconnect and enter back into each others lives. As they relive the past and catch up; with other, Alice and Evie learn some very interesting things about each other. Well how does that saying go? With best friends like this who needs enemies!!!!

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Evie, told from her point of view. It goes between then and now and it's clear she had a very trying childhood, raised by a single mother and living next door to her 'best friend' Alice and her parents.

Alice isn't really nice to Evie and when a terrible accident occurs, Alice is quick to blame Evie.

Fast forward to now and Evie has moved to Boston with her husband, Ollie, where she has been trying for a while to get pregnant.

Without spoilers, Evie and Ollie divorce and Evie moves back to England on a work secondment determined to destroy Alice and her marriage to Jake, who was Evie's childhood sweetheart.

The premise for this story is good, however, it didn't have me turning the pages in anticipation and excitement. I felt it was a bit flat in places and quite far-fetched. It was readable though and not badly written, just not gripping enough for me. 3⭐️