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A Friend Indeed
Twisty and ingenious, A Friend Indeed is an engrossing psychological thriller perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Ruth Ware.
When single mom Jo Dykstra was at her lowest—jobless and penniless—her childhood friend Dana McFarlane helped her out bigtime by securing her a teaching job and thus an opportunity for a new life in the affluent Pacific Northwest town of Glebes Bay. So, when Jo gets a frantic late-night call from Dana, sobbing and desperate for help, it feels like a chance to help her friend in return.
The last thing Jo expects to see when she arrives at Dana’s oceanfront mansion? Her friend’s handsome and wealthy husband, Stan, dead, sprawled face down on the floor. Dana admits to killing her husband following years of secret abuse and begs Jo not to call the police. For nearly two decades, Dana’s marriage and family had looked picture perfect. Who’d ever believe that pillar-of-the-community Stan was a monster? Determined to cover up her husband’s killing and shield her kids from scandal, Dana convinces Jo to help her dispose of the body.
But the cover-up starts to crumble when a blackmailer threatens to expose their crime. Hounded by gossipy neighbors, ill-fated lovers, and zealous cops, truth and lies are laid bare between Jo and Dana, putting their families in danger and threatening to shatter a thirty-year friendship. Shocking and fast-paced, A Friend Indeed is a riveting tale about the power of friendship and the deadly weight of lies.
When single mom Jo Dykstra was at her lowest—jobless and penniless—her childhood friend Dana McFarlane helped her out bigtime by securing her a teaching job and thus an opportunity for a new life in the affluent Pacific Northwest town of Glebes Bay. So, when Jo gets a frantic late-night call from Dana, sobbing and desperate for help, it feels like a chance to help her friend in return.
The last thing Jo expects to see when she arrives at Dana’s oceanfront mansion? Her friend’s handsome and wealthy husband, Stan, dead, sprawled face down on the floor. Dana admits to killing her husband following years of secret abuse and begs Jo not to call the police. For nearly two decades, Dana’s marriage and family had looked picture perfect. Who’d ever believe that pillar-of-the-community Stan was a monster? Determined to cover up her husband’s killing and shield her kids from scandal, Dana convinces Jo to help her dispose of the body.
But the cover-up starts to crumble when a blackmailer threatens to expose their crime. Hounded by gossipy neighbors, ill-fated lovers, and zealous cops, truth and lies are laid bare between Jo and Dana, putting their families in danger and threatening to shatter a thirty-year friendship. Shocking and fast-paced, A Friend Indeed is a riveting tale about the power of friendship and the deadly weight of lies.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2024
45 people are currently reading
6725 people want to read
About the author
Elka Ray
12 books302 followersElka's novels include the Pysch Suspense A FRIEND INDEED and the Mysteries DIVORCE IS MURDER and KILLER COIN.
An avid reader of all things crime, Elka is Canadian/British and lives between Central Vietnam and Vancouver Island.
Meet Elka on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/elka.ray/
An avid reader of all things crime, Elka is Canadian/British and lives between Central Vietnam and Vancouver Island.
Meet Elka on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/elka.ray/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
July 11, 2024
When single mom Jo Dykstra was at her lowest—jobless and penniless—her childhood friend Dana McFarlane helped her out bigtime by securing her a teaching job and thus an opportunity for a new life in the affluent Pacific Northwest town of Glebes Bay. So, when Jo gets a frantic late-night call from Dana, sobbing and desperate for help, it feels like a chance to help her friend in return.
The last thing Jo expects to see when she arrives at Dana’s oceanfront mansion? Her friend’s handsome and wealthy husband, Stan, dead, sprawled face down on the floor. Dana admits to killing her husband following years of secret abuse and begs Jo not to call the police. For nearly two decades, Dana’s marriage and family had looked picture perfect. Who’d ever believe that pillar-of-the-community Stan was a monster? Determined to cover up her husband’s killing and shield her kids from scandal, Dana convinces Jo to help her dispose of the body.
But the cover-up starts to crumble when a blackmailer threatens to expose their crime. Hounded by gossipy neighbors, ill-fated lovers, and zealous cops, truth and lies are laid bare between Jo and Dana, putting their families in danger and threatening to shatter a thirty-year friendship.
A delicious Lifetime movie-esque plot. Addictive characters. Truly shocking twists. All of the above describes A Friend Indeed to perfection. Right from the start, I was bewitched by a scenario every woman jokes about with her bosom buddies. Exactly how far would you go for your best friend? Would you help her bury a body? Or leave her high and dry? Alongside a storyline just as fun and suspenseful as you can imagine, it was a startlingly brilliant exploration of female friendship, ethical dilemmas, and societal expectations. All in all, quite the heady mix, if I do say so myself.
But that’s not all! Oh no. Packed to the gills with red herrings and potential suspects, the words simply came alive with suspicion. I can’t tell you how many characters I gave the serious side-eye, up to and including Dana and Jo. Told from both of their POVs, they each had crystal clear identities that made for quite the enjoyable read. Even better, however, was the realistic quality to each of their personas. Neither was one hundred percent good—or one hundred percent bad. Instead, they each had believable flaws, albeit somewhat blown up through a fictional lens.
By the time I reached the perfectly written conclusion, I could easily see the entire scenario playing out on the silver screen. After all, with even pacing that ramped up along with the page count, the sense of foreboding only seemed to grow right along with it. Add in the short chapters that alternated between Dana and Jo, and it was no surprise that I finished this book in just one sitting. A dynamite tale of psychological suspense, even the deftly described setting was an utter home run. If you haven’t read anything by Ms. Ray just yet, take this at your siren’s song to grab a copy today. You definitely won’t regret it. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Elka Ray and Blackstone Publishing for no complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 14, 2024
Trigger warning: hit-and-run accident, blackmail, mention of: domestic abuse, infidelity, drug use
The last thing Jo expects to see when she arrives at Dana’s oceanfront mansion? Her friend’s handsome and wealthy husband, Stan, dead, sprawled face down on the floor. Dana admits to killing her husband following years of secret abuse and begs Jo not to call the police. For nearly two decades, Dana’s marriage and family had looked picture perfect. Who’d ever believe that pillar-of-the-community Stan was a monster? Determined to cover up her husband’s killing and shield her kids from scandal, Dana convinces Jo to help her dispose of the body.
But the cover-up starts to crumble when a blackmailer threatens to expose their crime. Hounded by gossipy neighbors, ill-fated lovers, and zealous cops, truth and lies are laid bare between Jo and Dana, putting their families in danger and threatening to shatter a thirty-year friendship.
A delicious Lifetime movie-esque plot. Addictive characters. Truly shocking twists. All of the above describes A Friend Indeed to perfection. Right from the start, I was bewitched by a scenario every woman jokes about with her bosom buddies. Exactly how far would you go for your best friend? Would you help her bury a body? Or leave her high and dry? Alongside a storyline just as fun and suspenseful as you can imagine, it was a startlingly brilliant exploration of female friendship, ethical dilemmas, and societal expectations. All in all, quite the heady mix, if I do say so myself.
But that’s not all! Oh no. Packed to the gills with red herrings and potential suspects, the words simply came alive with suspicion. I can’t tell you how many characters I gave the serious side-eye, up to and including Dana and Jo. Told from both of their POVs, they each had crystal clear identities that made for quite the enjoyable read. Even better, however, was the realistic quality to each of their personas. Neither was one hundred percent good—or one hundred percent bad. Instead, they each had believable flaws, albeit somewhat blown up through a fictional lens.
By the time I reached the perfectly written conclusion, I could easily see the entire scenario playing out on the silver screen. After all, with even pacing that ramped up along with the page count, the sense of foreboding only seemed to grow right along with it. Add in the short chapters that alternated between Dana and Jo, and it was no surprise that I finished this book in just one sitting. A dynamite tale of psychological suspense, even the deftly described setting was an utter home run. If you haven’t read anything by Ms. Ray just yet, take this at your siren’s song to grab a copy today. You definitely won’t regret it. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Elka Ray and Blackstone Publishing for no complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 14, 2024
Trigger warning: hit-and-run accident, blackmail, mention of: domestic abuse, infidelity, drug use
May 18, 2024
3.75🌟
How far would you go to help a friend?
Dana and Jo have been friends since childhood, though their lives took them in very different directions.
Dana married big money, never having to want for anything. But three kids later her marriage is anything but idyllic.
Jo, now divorced and raising her daughter alone lives in a less than favorable apartment. Her life couldn’t look more different than Dana’s.
Late into the night Jo receives a frantic call from Dana. Jo quickly packs up her sleeping daughter and heads across town to help.
But is what Dana asking Jo to consider just too much even for good friends? It would be risking…everything!
Loved the audio with two of my favorite narrators, Hilary Huber and Andi Arndt. They did a superb job as always.
My only negative was that the storyline just seemed to drag on for too long with little progress. I found myself clapping “Come on, let’s go everyone! Let’s get this thing going!” But alas…nobody was listening to lil’ ole me!🙃
Thank you to libro.fm 🎧
How far would you go to help a friend?
Dana and Jo have been friends since childhood, though their lives took them in very different directions.
Dana married big money, never having to want for anything. But three kids later her marriage is anything but idyllic.
Jo, now divorced and raising her daughter alone lives in a less than favorable apartment. Her life couldn’t look more different than Dana’s.
Late into the night Jo receives a frantic call from Dana. Jo quickly packs up her sleeping daughter and heads across town to help.
But is what Dana asking Jo to consider just too much even for good friends? It would be risking…everything!
Loved the audio with two of my favorite narrators, Hilary Huber and Andi Arndt. They did a superb job as always.
My only negative was that the storyline just seemed to drag on for too long with little progress. I found myself clapping “Come on, let’s go everyone! Let’s get this thing going!” But alas…nobody was listening to lil’ ole me!🙃
Thank you to libro.fm 🎧
July 21, 2024
3.5⭐️ When Jo Dykstra gets a frantic call from her friend Dana, the last thing Jo expects to see when she arrives is Dana’s husband dead on the floor. Dana admits to killing her husband after years of abuse and begs Jo not to call the police and instead, help her cover up the crime.
This is the type of thriller I love to pack my beach bag with. With such intriguing characters, a fast moving plotline that will keep you on the edge or your seat, and more red herrings than you can count, you won’t want to put this book down. Entertaining from start to finish, this is the type of story to pick up on those days you need an escape.
Read if you like:
•domestic thrillers
•red herrings
•friendship dramas
•blackmail and gossip
•bingy reads
Thank you Blackstone Publishing for my gifted copies.
This is the type of thriller I love to pack my beach bag with. With such intriguing characters, a fast moving plotline that will keep you on the edge or your seat, and more red herrings than you can count, you won’t want to put this book down. Entertaining from start to finish, this is the type of story to pick up on those days you need an escape.
Read if you like:
•domestic thrillers
•red herrings
•friendship dramas
•blackmail and gossip
•bingy reads
Thank you Blackstone Publishing for my gifted copies.
May 15, 2024
Another rich white people drama thriller. Husbands cheating. Wives cheated. Someone dies. Everyone seems guilty and everyone is also lying.
The main reason why I didn’t enjoy this one as much, was because I disliked both MCs. One was super oblivious to everything, even when it’s waved in front of her like a huge red flag. The other was a judgmental bitch. (Also, constantly calling women “a cow” is gross.)
The main reason why I didn’t enjoy this one as much, was because I disliked both MCs. One was super oblivious to everything, even when it’s waved in front of her like a huge red flag. The other was a judgmental bitch. (Also, constantly calling women “a cow” is gross.)
July 1, 2025
Thank you Librofm and Blackstonepublishing for the complimentary audiobook!
This audiobook was good, filled with twists and turns. Many surprises I was not expecting.
This story followed two friends: Dana and Jo; hence 2 POV and 2 narrators. Jo received a frantic phone call from Dana one night. Jo, being divorced and currently a single mom, took her 5 year old with her to Dana's house. She found Dana's husband lying on the floor unconscious. Dana refused to call the police because she claimed to Jo that she bashed him more than self defense would've been done. She said she had been holding on anger due to years of abuse from her husband. She had kept up with appearances so no one know her perfect family image actually had a dark side beneath. They decided to do the unthinkable..
Later, Jo drove her daughter home. On the way, she regretted helping Dana. But she also owed Dana for helping her before. She ran the stop sign. Encounter someone but that person swerve to escape the collision with her only to hit someone else. That person then drove off. Jo called 911 to report the hit & run but regretted that decision as well.. because then she would have to explain why she's on the road at that time.
Both women often questioned themselves on trusting each other but Dana couldn't do it alone without Jo's help and Jo felt obligated to help because Dana had helped her before. Dana has twin boys and a little girl. Dana's secrets slowly trickling out and readers will learn there's more to Dana's perfect image family than meets the eye. On top of that, Dana started receiving blackmail letters asking for money because someone knew what she did.
This story has good suspense and mystery. It kept me listening through the weekend.
This audiobook was good, filled with twists and turns. Many surprises I was not expecting.
This story followed two friends: Dana and Jo; hence 2 POV and 2 narrators. Jo received a frantic phone call from Dana one night. Jo, being divorced and currently a single mom, took her 5 year old with her to Dana's house. She found Dana's husband lying on the floor unconscious. Dana refused to call the police because she claimed to Jo that she bashed him more than self defense would've been done. She said she had been holding on anger due to years of abuse from her husband. She had kept up with appearances so no one know her perfect family image actually had a dark side beneath. They decided to do the unthinkable..
Later, Jo drove her daughter home. On the way, she regretted helping Dana. But she also owed Dana for helping her before. She ran the stop sign. Encounter someone but that person swerve to escape the collision with her only to hit someone else. That person then drove off. Jo called 911 to report the hit & run but regretted that decision as well.. because then she would have to explain why she's on the road at that time.
Both women often questioned themselves on trusting each other but Dana couldn't do it alone without Jo's help and Jo felt obligated to help because Dana had helped her before. Dana has twin boys and a little girl. Dana's secrets slowly trickling out and readers will learn there's more to Dana's perfect image family than meets the eye. On top of that, Dana started receiving blackmail letters asking for money because someone knew what she did.
This story has good suspense and mystery. It kept me listening through the weekend.
April 16, 2024
This book read exactly like watching a Lifetime movie and I was sooo in the mood for that type of story when I started so this really worked for me. The pacing is fast and furious and it switches back and forth between Jo and Dana’s perspectives which just left me wanting to read just one more chapter until I had just finished the entire book. It opens with Dana calling Jo for help because she just killed her husband so a train wreck I couldn’t look away from right from the beginning. What follows is a twisty ride with over the top reveals and stunning twists that were outrageous but deliciously juicy and fun. If you don’t take this one too seriously and just suspended all disbelief this was a blast!
January 7, 2024
If you liked the Netflix show “Dead To Me” you will enjoy this read!
When Jo gets a call from her longtime friend Dana, who she’s just recently reconnected with logistically, she rushes to her friends aid. What she doesn’t anticipate finding is Dana’s husband, Stan, lying dead on the floor. Dana convinced her to help cover it up, and now they’re left covering their tracks.
This was a short, easy read which I would recommend for fans of women centered thrillers, with dual POVs.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
When Jo gets a call from her longtime friend Dana, who she’s just recently reconnected with logistically, she rushes to her friends aid. What she doesn’t anticipate finding is Dana’s husband, Stan, lying dead on the floor. Dana convinced her to help cover it up, and now they’re left covering their tracks.
This was a short, easy read which I would recommend for fans of women centered thrillers, with dual POVs.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
March 14, 2024
WHOA, was that ever a fast-paced read!! Ray writes like a bat-out-hell: her sentences rushing by like a fierce Northwestern wind.
The descriptions and settings were all on-point. I loved the details: the smell of the sea, the flowers Dana arranged, the artwork--I felt very much embedded in the lives of the two main characters: friends from childhood who become locked together in a game of cat and mouse after the death of one friend's husband. Who do you believe? Jo or Dana? Neither? Both? I honestly had no idea until the twisty twisty end.
A solid thriller from an exceptionally talented writer.
The descriptions and settings were all on-point. I loved the details: the smell of the sea, the flowers Dana arranged, the artwork--I felt very much embedded in the lives of the two main characters: friends from childhood who become locked together in a game of cat and mouse after the death of one friend's husband. Who do you believe? Jo or Dana? Neither? Both? I honestly had no idea until the twisty twisty end.
A solid thriller from an exceptionally talented writer.
July 17, 2024
An interesting twisty listen. I really enjoyed the audiobook. I did anticipate the biggest twist, but that’s not unusual since I write suspense. Those who love domestic thrillers will find this one an engaging read.
May 10, 2024
#ad Many thanks to @blackstonepublishing for my advance copy of this book
A Friend Indeed. What a book indeed. An easy 5 star read. When Jo gets a phone call late at night from her childhood best friend, Dana, she doesn’t hesitate to be there for her friend. What happens after Jo arrives at Dana’s house will change both of their lives forever.
This book touches on themes of friendship, loyalties, and societal pressures that are put on women. Putting friendship between two women under the microscope. It really makes you think about how far you’d be willing to go for your friends.
For me, I was always that friend you could call at 3 am and I’d be there. Unfortunately, in every situation, I was the one who could depend on friends not showing up in my time of need. Will Dana show up for Jo, the way that Jo showed up for her? You’ll have to read and decide for yourself.
Another thing this book had me thinking was when it mentioned that socialites are always women. What’s the “men’s” version of this - does it even exist? This is a common theme I’ve noticed lately in other books too. Derogatory terms for women that don’t exist for men. For example, if a woman gets mad we have rage issues, whereas when a man gets mad it’s just a normal expression. Fk these double standards.
This book is fast-paced and will keep you hooked the entire time. I loved every minute of it. As both women descend into paranoia and fear they’ll have to lean on each other more than ever before.
Def top 5 best reads for the year.
A Friend Indeed. What a book indeed. An easy 5 star read. When Jo gets a phone call late at night from her childhood best friend, Dana, she doesn’t hesitate to be there for her friend. What happens after Jo arrives at Dana’s house will change both of their lives forever.
This book touches on themes of friendship, loyalties, and societal pressures that are put on women. Putting friendship between two women under the microscope. It really makes you think about how far you’d be willing to go for your friends.
For me, I was always that friend you could call at 3 am and I’d be there. Unfortunately, in every situation, I was the one who could depend on friends not showing up in my time of need. Will Dana show up for Jo, the way that Jo showed up for her? You’ll have to read and decide for yourself.
Another thing this book had me thinking was when it mentioned that socialites are always women. What’s the “men’s” version of this - does it even exist? This is a common theme I’ve noticed lately in other books too. Derogatory terms for women that don’t exist for men. For example, if a woman gets mad we have rage issues, whereas when a man gets mad it’s just a normal expression. Fk these double standards.
This book is fast-paced and will keep you hooked the entire time. I loved every minute of it. As both women descend into paranoia and fear they’ll have to lean on each other more than ever before.
Def top 5 best reads for the year.
October 8, 2025
A friend in need is A FRIEND INDEED. But how much can Jo trust her long time friend Dana? Dana calls in the middle of the night and Jo comes running. Dana, bloodied and bruised, says she killed her abusive husband in self defense. Best friends know where the bodies are buried, but that’s supposed to be figurative, not literal. Jo believes Dana isn’t telling the whole story. How much is true remains to be seen.
Wealthy Dana and street-smart Jo seem unlikely friends. Elka Ray clearly wants readers to see low-income Jo as the “good” friend. Her story is more sympathetic and she’s portrayed as self-sacrificing for her friend. Dana is shown as being mostly shallow, using a kind veneer to manipulate. Neither woman has the best judgment.
A FRIEND INDEED kept me listening to the audiobook. I appreciate that producers chose two distinct voices for Jo’s and Dana’s points of view.
Wealthy Dana and street-smart Jo seem unlikely friends. Elka Ray clearly wants readers to see low-income Jo as the “good” friend. Her story is more sympathetic and she’s portrayed as self-sacrificing for her friend. Dana is shown as being mostly shallow, using a kind veneer to manipulate. Neither woman has the best judgment.
A FRIEND INDEED kept me listening to the audiobook. I appreciate that producers chose two distinct voices for Jo’s and Dana’s points of view.
January 8, 2025
4.5⭐️
How it started:
Dana and Jo are childhood besties from the Pacific Northwest.
Dana still resides in the PNW, with her very wealthy husband, Stan and their 3 kids.
Jo and her 5 yo daughter, Ruby live in Chicago. Jo runs into some serious trouble, and needs to get out of Chicago asap! At Dana’s insistence Jo returns home, where she will help Jo get back on her feet.
One night Dana calls Jo frantically to come over her house right away. Dana won’t tell Jo why she urgently needs her help, but Jo hears the desperation in Dana’s voice, and knowing she owes Dana for rescuing her in more ways than one, Jo goes to her.
💥Dana’s husband Stan…. is dead.
Everything changes for the worst that horrible night, and this is where the story begins.
Jo definitely stole the show with her hilarious snark! It’s a big rollercoaster ride to the truth, and a truth I am shocked to learn!
There are quite a few dysfunctional characters in this story, and they sure do keep us guessing whodunnit!!🕵️♀️
I’ll definitely be checking out other novels by this author, as she is a great story teller!
A very entertaining story that is narrated to perfection!
I highly recommend listening!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
How it started:
Dana and Jo are childhood besties from the Pacific Northwest.
Dana still resides in the PNW, with her very wealthy husband, Stan and their 3 kids.
Jo and her 5 yo daughter, Ruby live in Chicago. Jo runs into some serious trouble, and needs to get out of Chicago asap! At Dana’s insistence Jo returns home, where she will help Jo get back on her feet.
One night Dana calls Jo frantically to come over her house right away. Dana won’t tell Jo why she urgently needs her help, but Jo hears the desperation in Dana’s voice, and knowing she owes Dana for rescuing her in more ways than one, Jo goes to her.
💥Dana’s husband Stan…. is dead.
Everything changes for the worst that horrible night, and this is where the story begins.
Jo definitely stole the show with her hilarious snark! It’s a big rollercoaster ride to the truth, and a truth I am shocked to learn!
There are quite a few dysfunctional characters in this story, and they sure do keep us guessing whodunnit!!🕵️♀️
I’ll definitely be checking out other novels by this author, as she is a great story teller!
A very entertaining story that is narrated to perfection!
I highly recommend listening!
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
May 5, 2024
I like the premise of A Friend Indeed: A true friend is one who would help you bury a body. But what about after the body is buried?
Unfortunately, I didn’t love this one. Most importantly, the writing style was not for me. There wasn’t much rhythm to the sentences & the paragraphs didn’t flow well; there was a constant use of very short sentences & inclusion of small off topic details that mostly seemed to distract from the scene.
I’ll also say, both main characters were deeply unenjoyable to read about. This isn’t to say “unlikeable,” because that is an inaccurate and unhelpful way to describe characters, but these two characters were so similar in the way they were judgmental and selfish and crazy hypocritical and lacked all self awareness, and there was absolutely nothing to connect me as the reader to either of the main characters. So, why even read this?!
The only humanizing aspect of either of them was their love for their children, which even then felt so shallow and unrealistic. From the first moment her son was being suspected of murder… Dana’s internal monologue should have landed very strongly one way or the other. Either she’s his son and she’ll walk backwards in to hell with him hand in hand, or he’s no longer her little boy and a monster and needs to go down. this whole “it can’t be him! …But what if it is… BUT IT’S NOT!” was so tiring and made the many twists toward the end weaker for it.
And it just did not sit right with me how so much of Jo’s stream of consciousness was dedicated to being misogynistic toward Gemma, a 16 year old student of hers and daughter of an old high school bully, without that hypocrisy ever getting addressed or challenged or leading to any sort of character depth or growth for anyone. It’s not healthy for any adult woman, especially a teacher, to have THAT much hate for random female students without a shred of empathy for the teenager’s internal life. If the author wanted to explore the internalized misogyny many women have that manifests in anger toward teen girls, that would have been a great way to do it, but it is never addressed through the whole book, not by Jo, or Gemma, or Dana or even subtextually. It felt shallow.
The twists didn’t really surprise me, and both of the characters missed plenty of things that were completely obvious, so the thriller/mystery plot was just okay for me. Not spectacular, and not terrible.
Overall, disappointing on both the thriller mystery side & the complex female relationships side.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, I didn’t love this one. Most importantly, the writing style was not for me. There wasn’t much rhythm to the sentences & the paragraphs didn’t flow well; there was a constant use of very short sentences & inclusion of small off topic details that mostly seemed to distract from the scene.
I’ll also say, both main characters were deeply unenjoyable to read about. This isn’t to say “unlikeable,” because that is an inaccurate and unhelpful way to describe characters, but these two characters were so similar in the way they were judgmental and selfish and crazy hypocritical and lacked all self awareness, and there was absolutely nothing to connect me as the reader to either of the main characters. So, why even read this?!
The only humanizing aspect of either of them was their love for their children, which even then felt so shallow and unrealistic. From the first moment her son was being suspected of murder… Dana’s internal monologue should have landed very strongly one way or the other. Either she’s his son and she’ll walk backwards in to hell with him hand in hand, or he’s no longer her little boy and a monster and needs to go down. this whole “it can’t be him! …But what if it is… BUT IT’S NOT!” was so tiring and made the many twists toward the end weaker for it.
And it just did not sit right with me how so much of Jo’s stream of consciousness was dedicated to being misogynistic toward Gemma, a 16 year old student of hers and daughter of an old high school bully, without that hypocrisy ever getting addressed or challenged or leading to any sort of character depth or growth for anyone. It’s not healthy for any adult woman, especially a teacher, to have THAT much hate for random female students without a shred of empathy for the teenager’s internal life. If the author wanted to explore the internalized misogyny many women have that manifests in anger toward teen girls, that would have been a great way to do it, but it is never addressed through the whole book, not by Jo, or Gemma, or Dana or even subtextually. It felt shallow.
The twists didn’t really surprise me, and both of the characters missed plenty of things that were completely obvious, so the thriller/mystery plot was just okay for me. Not spectacular, and not terrible.
Overall, disappointing on both the thriller mystery side & the complex female relationships side.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2024
I constantly need attention…
Yes, I’m one of those.
Tell me I’m pretty and make me tacos and we will be best friends forever.
Unlike these women
Someone’s been naughty
It seems to me that someone needs a spanking and not the fun kind 😉.
A Friend Indeed
If this title doesn’t scream lifetime movie I don’t know what does . It also read just like it was playing out before your eyes. I knew these women on a first name basis and referred to them in conversation.
It was not once but twice I had to explain I’m not crazy … I mean I am, but not really, right?
“ Twisty and ingenious, A Friend Indeed is an engrossing psychological thriller perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Ruth Ware.”
Teaser :
When single mom Jo Dykstra was at her lowest--jobless and penniless--her childhood friend Dana McFarlane helped her out bigtime by securing her a teaching job and thus an opportunity for a new life in the affluent Pacific Northwest town of Glebes Bay. So, when Jo gets a frantic late-night call from Dana, sobbing and desperate for help, it feels like a chance to help her friend in return.
The last thing Jo expects to see when she arrives at Dana's oceanfront mansion? Her friend's handsome and wealthy husband, Stan, dead, sprawled face down on the floor. Dana admits to killing her husband following years of secret abuse and begs Jo not to call the police. For nearly two decades, Dana's marriage and family had looked picture perfect. Who'd ever believe that pillar-of-the-community Stan was a monster? Determined to cover up her husband's killing and shield her kids from scandal, Dana convinces Jo to help her dispose of the body.
But the cover-up starts to crumble when a blackmailer threatens to expose their crime. Hounded by gossipy neighbors, ill-fated lovers, and zealous cops, truth and lies are laid bare between Jo and Dana, putting their families in danger and threatening to shatter a thirty-year friendship. Shocking and fast-paced, A Friend Indeed is a riveting tale about the power of friendship and the deadly weight of lies.
Yes, I’m one of those.
Tell me I’m pretty and make me tacos and we will be best friends forever.
Unlike these women
Someone’s been naughty
It seems to me that someone needs a spanking and not the fun kind 😉.
A Friend Indeed
If this title doesn’t scream lifetime movie I don’t know what does . It also read just like it was playing out before your eyes. I knew these women on a first name basis and referred to them in conversation.
It was not once but twice I had to explain I’m not crazy … I mean I am, but not really, right?
“ Twisty and ingenious, A Friend Indeed is an engrossing psychological thriller perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Ruth Ware.”
Teaser :
When single mom Jo Dykstra was at her lowest--jobless and penniless--her childhood friend Dana McFarlane helped her out bigtime by securing her a teaching job and thus an opportunity for a new life in the affluent Pacific Northwest town of Glebes Bay. So, when Jo gets a frantic late-night call from Dana, sobbing and desperate for help, it feels like a chance to help her friend in return.
The last thing Jo expects to see when she arrives at Dana's oceanfront mansion? Her friend's handsome and wealthy husband, Stan, dead, sprawled face down on the floor. Dana admits to killing her husband following years of secret abuse and begs Jo not to call the police. For nearly two decades, Dana's marriage and family had looked picture perfect. Who'd ever believe that pillar-of-the-community Stan was a monster? Determined to cover up her husband's killing and shield her kids from scandal, Dana convinces Jo to help her dispose of the body.
But the cover-up starts to crumble when a blackmailer threatens to expose their crime. Hounded by gossipy neighbors, ill-fated lovers, and zealous cops, truth and lies are laid bare between Jo and Dana, putting their families in danger and threatening to shatter a thirty-year friendship. Shocking and fast-paced, A Friend Indeed is a riveting tale about the power of friendship and the deadly weight of lies.
April 23, 2024
A Friend Indeed 4.25⭐️
A fast paced, suspenseful, dramatic thrill ride! A summer must read!
The book opens with Jo receiving a frantic call from longtime friend, Dana. Jo’s friendship and loyalty is immediately put to the test. Dana’s husband has died and a cover up ensues.
I liked that this didn’t read as a whodunit. There are so many books that follow the same mold and great books end up being “meh” because it feels so repetitive. Instead this has the reader focusing on the ongoing guilt of the characters and the suspense of the possibility of being caught. Chapters are from two POVs: Jo and Dana. The two different perspectives, and the emotion-fueled drama and paranoia of both characters, makes the reader question if one or both are reliable narrators.
This was a fantastic read and is a great vacation option to gobble up in 1-2 sittings.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC opportunity.
Pub Date May 14 2024
A fast paced, suspenseful, dramatic thrill ride! A summer must read!
The book opens with Jo receiving a frantic call from longtime friend, Dana. Jo’s friendship and loyalty is immediately put to the test. Dana’s husband has died and a cover up ensues.
I liked that this didn’t read as a whodunit. There are so many books that follow the same mold and great books end up being “meh” because it feels so repetitive. Instead this has the reader focusing on the ongoing guilt of the characters and the suspense of the possibility of being caught. Chapters are from two POVs: Jo and Dana. The two different perspectives, and the emotion-fueled drama and paranoia of both characters, makes the reader question if one or both are reliable narrators.
This was a fantastic read and is a great vacation option to gobble up in 1-2 sittings.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC opportunity.
Pub Date May 14 2024
August 15, 2024
How far would YOU go to help a friend? And what if it involved covering up a MURDER! Late one night, Dana calls her oldest friend, Jo, to come help. It’s a distress call that Jo can’t ignore. But the help Dana needs is going to require Jo to put all of it on the line. And by the time the police untangle the mess from this horrible night, you will not believe the conclusion! This book is TWISTY and TENSE! This is the perfect popcorn thriller, fast paced and a great read to cure a slump or just a fun one to read in an afternoon. Don’t miss this one!
September 18, 2024
4.25⭐️!!
This was so so so good!!! I was constantly guessing as to who the killer was throughout the entire book! High level of suspense. I did not want to put this book down. The author did such a fantastic job of keeping her readers intrigued from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this book to any friends that love a good psychological thriller with multiple suspects. Thank you for the rec and loan, Jackie!
This was so so so good!!! I was constantly guessing as to who the killer was throughout the entire book! High level of suspense. I did not want to put this book down. The author did such a fantastic job of keeping her readers intrigued from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this book to any friends that love a good psychological thriller with multiple suspects. Thank you for the rec and loan, Jackie!
September 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
I devoured this absorbing tale about the power of friendship and the noxious weight of lies. A Friend Indeed was as entertaining as it was addictive. The story revolved around two old friends who couldn’t be any more different. I appreciated the alternating perspectives and the flashbacks. These elements made for an extremely captivating story that didn’t slow down.
My favorite aspect of this twisted psychological thriller was its complex and unreliable characters, and the engrossing plot that had me reconsidering every thought I had from the first few chapters until the very end. There was never a dull moment which was a good and a bad thing. There was an abundant amount of reveals, twists, and shocking developments that were thrown out at the end that I felt like I was being bombarded with so many reveals, so many shocking moments, and so many twists and turns that it was a bit overwhelming. But it was so fascinating!!
Collectively, Elka Ray executed a dramatic tension filled story with flawed & complex characters that had me guessing throughout. So pleased to have found a new author to add to my growing “go to” author list. If you love a fast paced, engrossing psychological thriller with shady, desperate characters that has your head spinning, you will eat this one up too!
I devoured this absorbing tale about the power of friendship and the noxious weight of lies. A Friend Indeed was as entertaining as it was addictive. The story revolved around two old friends who couldn’t be any more different. I appreciated the alternating perspectives and the flashbacks. These elements made for an extremely captivating story that didn’t slow down.
My favorite aspect of this twisted psychological thriller was its complex and unreliable characters, and the engrossing plot that had me reconsidering every thought I had from the first few chapters until the very end. There was never a dull moment which was a good and a bad thing. There was an abundant amount of reveals, twists, and shocking developments that were thrown out at the end that I felt like I was being bombarded with so many reveals, so many shocking moments, and so many twists and turns that it was a bit overwhelming. But it was so fascinating!!
Collectively, Elka Ray executed a dramatic tension filled story with flawed & complex characters that had me guessing throughout. So pleased to have found a new author to add to my growing “go to” author list. If you love a fast paced, engrossing psychological thriller with shady, desperate characters that has your head spinning, you will eat this one up too!
January 6, 2025
Single mom Jo Dykstra is helped by her childhood friend Dana when she is at her lowest. However, when Dana confesses to killing her abusive husband and asks for Jo's help in covering it up, their friendship is tested. As they struggle to keep the truth hidden, they face threats from a blackmailer and the police, putting both their families in danger. A Friend Indeed is a thrilling tale about friendship, lies, and the consequences of secrets.
Two friends are caught up in a suspenseful and dramatic cover-up after one of their husbands dies. The story is told from the perspectives of Jo and Dana, adding layers of emotion and paranoia to the narrative. The focus is on guilt and the suspense of being caught, rather than a traditional whodunit plot.
If you enjoy a fast-paced and thrilling read for a rainy day, then this book is perfect for you. Dive into an exciting adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Thank you, Blackstone Publishing for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Two friends are caught up in a suspenseful and dramatic cover-up after one of their husbands dies. The story is told from the perspectives of Jo and Dana, adding layers of emotion and paranoia to the narrative. The focus is on guilt and the suspense of being caught, rather than a traditional whodunit plot.
If you enjoy a fast-paced and thrilling read for a rainy day, then this book is perfect for you. Dive into an exciting adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Thank you, Blackstone Publishing for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 19, 2024
📌New Review
🎧:A Friend Indeed
✍️:Elka Ray
🖨️:Blackstone Publishing
📈:4.5⭐️
🔪:Psychological Thriller
Thank you @librofm for my #gifted ALC
Dana’s always lived a charmed life & that’s no different as an adult. She’s beautiful, smart, successful, rich & most importantly, loved. She’s got a wonderful family: twin teenage boys, a little girl & husband Stan.
Jo, not so much. When she was made fun of in school Dana always had her back. They became instant best friends & remained tight even when they lived miles away. Jo is fired from her job, broke & needs a place for her & her daughter to live. Once again Dana comes to the rescue & gets her a job & home with no questions asked.
So when the phone rings late one night & Dana’s sobbing on the other line, Jo rushes to help a friend in need. But, when she arrives she’s faced with much more than she bargained for. Stan lies dead on the floor bleeding out, Dana claims they had a fight & he hit her. It was self defense & not the first time. Stan was also having an affair. But, she fears the cops won’t believe her & refuses to call 911.
When she made a list of the pros & cons of moving to the Pacific North West, there were only two positives: Dana & a low crime rate. Well, isn’t that apropos?
“He’s 6’1 & 180lbs, an enormous blue mummy. There’s no way I could manage this without help.”
Jo knows she has to help Dana get rid of the body, she’s never asked her for anything in return her entire life.
But when the cops start banging the door down with questions Dana doesn’t know how to answer, blackmail rears its ugly head & witnesses come forward people start pointing fingers. This isn’t a matter Dana can pawn off on her assistant or housekeeper.
Jo will find out soon enough not even she knows what really happened that night.
“With each step, the truth lies closer…”
“I’m not sure what’s worse a scary stranger or a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
🏷️
#newreview #newbookreview #bookreviewer #bookblog #bookblogger #afriendindeed #elkaray #newtomeauthor #librofm #librofmlisteningsquad #giftedcopy #thrillerbooklover #thrillerreview #thrillerbook #newthriller #newbookrelease #newrelease #booksirecommend #booksiread
🎧:A Friend Indeed
✍️:Elka Ray
🖨️:Blackstone Publishing
📈:4.5⭐️
🔪:Psychological Thriller
Thank you @librofm for my #gifted ALC
Dana’s always lived a charmed life & that’s no different as an adult. She’s beautiful, smart, successful, rich & most importantly, loved. She’s got a wonderful family: twin teenage boys, a little girl & husband Stan.
Jo, not so much. When she was made fun of in school Dana always had her back. They became instant best friends & remained tight even when they lived miles away. Jo is fired from her job, broke & needs a place for her & her daughter to live. Once again Dana comes to the rescue & gets her a job & home with no questions asked.
So when the phone rings late one night & Dana’s sobbing on the other line, Jo rushes to help a friend in need. But, when she arrives she’s faced with much more than she bargained for. Stan lies dead on the floor bleeding out, Dana claims they had a fight & he hit her. It was self defense & not the first time. Stan was also having an affair. But, she fears the cops won’t believe her & refuses to call 911.
When she made a list of the pros & cons of moving to the Pacific North West, there were only two positives: Dana & a low crime rate. Well, isn’t that apropos?
“He’s 6’1 & 180lbs, an enormous blue mummy. There’s no way I could manage this without help.”
Jo knows she has to help Dana get rid of the body, she’s never asked her for anything in return her entire life.
But when the cops start banging the door down with questions Dana doesn’t know how to answer, blackmail rears its ugly head & witnesses come forward people start pointing fingers. This isn’t a matter Dana can pawn off on her assistant or housekeeper.
Jo will find out soon enough not even she knows what really happened that night.
“With each step, the truth lies closer…”
“I’m not sure what’s worse a scary stranger or a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
🏷️
#newreview #newbookreview #bookreviewer #bookblog #bookblogger #afriendindeed #elkaray #newtomeauthor #librofm #librofmlisteningsquad #giftedcopy #thrillerbooklover #thrillerreview #thrillerbook #newthriller #newbookrelease #newrelease #booksirecommend #booksiread
February 16, 2025
So much ick. So much about descriptions of characters gave me the ick and a tad racist. Aside from that this was very McOverthetopden and not in a good way. It was also predictable and eye rolling. I'm not sure I'm good with the description of a 16 year old's nipples, but hey that's me.
May 21, 2024
Thank you @blackstonepublishing for my #giftedcopy of A Friend Indeed by @elka.ray
Pub date: May 14, 2024
Holy shit this book was TWISTED! If you are looking for a fast paced domestic thriller with tons of twists look no further!
The book alternates between Jo and Dana’s pov and I thoroughly enjoyed both equally.
I saw a review on goodreads compare it to the show “Dead To Me” on Netflix (which I also loved) and I agree that it gives off DTM vibes, but is not a copy of the show by any means.
You may think you have everything figured out, but the twists come in rapid succession.
I can’t wait to see everyone’s thoughts on this wild story.
Pub date: May 14, 2024
Holy shit this book was TWISTED! If you are looking for a fast paced domestic thriller with tons of twists look no further!
The book alternates between Jo and Dana’s pov and I thoroughly enjoyed both equally.
I saw a review on goodreads compare it to the show “Dead To Me” on Netflix (which I also loved) and I agree that it gives off DTM vibes, but is not a copy of the show by any means.
You may think you have everything figured out, but the twists come in rapid succession.
I can’t wait to see everyone’s thoughts on this wild story.
August 9, 2024
Would you REALLY help your best friend bury a body?? When Jo receives a phone call from her best friend in the middle of the night, she runs to house only to find Dana's husband, apparently dead, on the floor. She decides to help cover the crime after Dana admits that he was physically abusing her. But soon Jo starts asking herself if he truly was abusive or if Dana got rid of him for other reasons...
Blackmail, infidelity, sketchy characters, red herrings - If you love popcorn thrillers that play out like Lifetime movies, A Friend Indeed is just the book for you! It's suspenseful and fast paced with shocking twists all the way to the end. The characters are flawed and messy in the best way. We get to know their personalities through each POV and the narrators did an excellent job with their performances.
If you're looking for a quick, bingeable, twisty domestic thriller, you'll be highly entertained!
Blackmail, infidelity, sketchy characters, red herrings - If you love popcorn thrillers that play out like Lifetime movies, A Friend Indeed is just the book for you! It's suspenseful and fast paced with shocking twists all the way to the end. The characters are flawed and messy in the best way. We get to know their personalities through each POV and the narrators did an excellent job with their performances.
If you're looking for a quick, bingeable, twisty domestic thriller, you'll be highly entertained!
May 20, 2024
4.25
Excellent thriller.
How far would you go for a friend in need?
When single mom Jo Dykstra was at her lowest—jobless and penniless—her childhood friend Dana McFarlane helped her out bigtime by securing her a teaching job and thus an opportunity for a new life in the affluent Pacific Northwest town of Glebes Bay. So, when Jo gets a frantic late-night call from Dana, sobbing and desperate for help, it feels like a chance to help her friend in return.
Excellent thriller.
How far would you go for a friend in need?
When single mom Jo Dykstra was at her lowest—jobless and penniless—her childhood friend Dana McFarlane helped her out bigtime by securing her a teaching job and thus an opportunity for a new life in the affluent Pacific Northwest town of Glebes Bay. So, when Jo gets a frantic late-night call from Dana, sobbing and desperate for help, it feels like a chance to help her friend in return.
May 23, 2024
The nitty-gritty: An old friendship is tested after a bad decision is made, in this fun, twisty psychological thriller.
I’m always up for a good twisty thriller, and A Friend Indeed was a pleasant surprise! If you enjoy stories filled with unreliable characters and complex friendships, you will probably enjoy this as well.
The story revolves around two old friends who couldn’t be more different. Dana lives in an affluent neighborhood and has a housekeeper who often manages her three children. Jo is a teacher, and she and her daughter Ruby live in a more run down part of town and struggle to make ends meet. Dana helped Jo after a scandal at her last school, so when she receives a late night call from Dana asking for help, she feels obligated to respond. When she arrives at Dana’s house, she’s shocked to find Dana’s husband Stan dead in a puddle of blood. Dana says they were fighting and he hit her (and yes, she has a bruise on her face) and she retaliated by striking him over the head with a vase.
Jo wants to call the police, but Dana insists that they try to hide the evidence—i.e. dump the body and clean up the crime scene. Stan was asking Dana for a divorce and he wanted custody of the kids, and Dana knows if she is arrested for murder she’ll lose her family. Jo reluctantly agrees to help her friend, although she realizes she’ll be implicated in the murder if anyone finds out. To make matters worse, Jo is driving home early the next morning when she witnesses a hit and run. The problem is, she caused the other car to swerve and strike the woman after running a stop sign. Now she could be involved in two deaths—if the hit and run victim doesn’t make it—and Jo realizes her life may never be the same again.
The story alternates between Jo’s and Dana’s points of view, and I loved seeing the story unfold from different viewpoints. None of the characters in this story are telling the truth, and one in particular tuned out to be much more devious than I expected. Ray populates her story with all sorts of colorful characters who are involved with Dana and Jo and their “problem” in one way or another. There’s Dana’s twin fifteen-year-old boys Chad and Owen who have their own issues and may have seen something the night Dana and Jo dumped the body. There’s Dana’s next door neighbor Ryan who is known as a drug dealer and always seems to be lurking around. Ralph Isles is Stan’s business partner and supposedly stopped by the house that night to talk to Stan. Did he see anything? Chad’s girlfriend Gemma might have been at the house too. Dana just found out she’s been sneaking over to hang out in Chad’s bedroom, and if she saw something, she’d most likely tell her mother Angie, a conniving woman who wouldn’t hesitate in making Dana’s life miserable.
And of course, there are several police detectives who dog Dana and Jo, trying to find out what really happened. Add in a blackmail subplot and you have a packed story, lots of suspects, and a bunch of lies that need to be untangled. There’s never a dull moment in A Friend Indeed, and that hindered the story at times because there was just a little to much going on. Both Jo and Dana have abuse in their pasts, which did add dimension to their characters, but to be honest, I feel like the abuse angle is a bit overdone in a lot of fiction these days.
But those complaints aside, the author does a great job creating tension and keeping the reader guessing. I had fun trying to figure out Jo and Dana, who are both hiding important information, and neither character acted the way I expected them to, which I enjoyed a lot. The twists come fast and furious in the last few chapters, and I’ll admit my head was spinning with everything that happened. Bottom line, though: A Friend Indeed was a lot of fun, and I look forward to reading more of Elka Ray’s books.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
I’m always up for a good twisty thriller, and A Friend Indeed was a pleasant surprise! If you enjoy stories filled with unreliable characters and complex friendships, you will probably enjoy this as well.
The story revolves around two old friends who couldn’t be more different. Dana lives in an affluent neighborhood and has a housekeeper who often manages her three children. Jo is a teacher, and she and her daughter Ruby live in a more run down part of town and struggle to make ends meet. Dana helped Jo after a scandal at her last school, so when she receives a late night call from Dana asking for help, she feels obligated to respond. When she arrives at Dana’s house, she’s shocked to find Dana’s husband Stan dead in a puddle of blood. Dana says they were fighting and he hit her (and yes, she has a bruise on her face) and she retaliated by striking him over the head with a vase.
Jo wants to call the police, but Dana insists that they try to hide the evidence—i.e. dump the body and clean up the crime scene. Stan was asking Dana for a divorce and he wanted custody of the kids, and Dana knows if she is arrested for murder she’ll lose her family. Jo reluctantly agrees to help her friend, although she realizes she’ll be implicated in the murder if anyone finds out. To make matters worse, Jo is driving home early the next morning when she witnesses a hit and run. The problem is, she caused the other car to swerve and strike the woman after running a stop sign. Now she could be involved in two deaths—if the hit and run victim doesn’t make it—and Jo realizes her life may never be the same again.
The story alternates between Jo’s and Dana’s points of view, and I loved seeing the story unfold from different viewpoints. None of the characters in this story are telling the truth, and one in particular tuned out to be much more devious than I expected. Ray populates her story with all sorts of colorful characters who are involved with Dana and Jo and their “problem” in one way or another. There’s Dana’s twin fifteen-year-old boys Chad and Owen who have their own issues and may have seen something the night Dana and Jo dumped the body. There’s Dana’s next door neighbor Ryan who is known as a drug dealer and always seems to be lurking around. Ralph Isles is Stan’s business partner and supposedly stopped by the house that night to talk to Stan. Did he see anything? Chad’s girlfriend Gemma might have been at the house too. Dana just found out she’s been sneaking over to hang out in Chad’s bedroom, and if she saw something, she’d most likely tell her mother Angie, a conniving woman who wouldn’t hesitate in making Dana’s life miserable.
And of course, there are several police detectives who dog Dana and Jo, trying to find out what really happened. Add in a blackmail subplot and you have a packed story, lots of suspects, and a bunch of lies that need to be untangled. There’s never a dull moment in A Friend Indeed, and that hindered the story at times because there was just a little to much going on. Both Jo and Dana have abuse in their pasts, which did add dimension to their characters, but to be honest, I feel like the abuse angle is a bit overdone in a lot of fiction these days.
But those complaints aside, the author does a great job creating tension and keeping the reader guessing. I had fun trying to figure out Jo and Dana, who are both hiding important information, and neither character acted the way I expected them to, which I enjoyed a lot. The twists come fast and furious in the last few chapters, and I’ll admit my head was spinning with everything that happened. Bottom line, though: A Friend Indeed was a lot of fun, and I look forward to reading more of Elka Ray’s books.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
August 18, 2024
"A Friend Indeed" is a psychological thriller that focuses on the complexities of friendship and deceit. When Jo Dykstra, is asked to help cover up a crime by her childhood friend Dana, she finds herself entangled in a web of lies that threatens to unravel everything they hold dear. As secrets from Dana’s seemingly perfect life emerge, Jo must navigate the dangers of loyalty and the price of keeping dark truths hidden.
This book easily fits into the thriller genre, keeping you guessing the entire time. While the premise is intriguing, the various plot points felt loosely tied together, and I found myself wishing the storyline was tighter. The plot becomes overly predictable at times, and the characters lean towards stereotypical portrayals, which takes away some of the story's impact. Despite these shortcomings, it's still a fast-paced and entertaining read.
Overall, *A Friend Indeed* is a mid-tier thriller. It's not a standout in the genre, but it's worth picking up if you're in the mood for a quick, suspenseful story. While it may not leave a lasting impression, it’s an enjoyable ride for those who appreciate the genre.
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC of this book as well as a finished copy to read and review.
This book easily fits into the thriller genre, keeping you guessing the entire time. While the premise is intriguing, the various plot points felt loosely tied together, and I found myself wishing the storyline was tighter. The plot becomes overly predictable at times, and the characters lean towards stereotypical portrayals, which takes away some of the story's impact. Despite these shortcomings, it's still a fast-paced and entertaining read.
Overall, *A Friend Indeed* is a mid-tier thriller. It's not a standout in the genre, but it's worth picking up if you're in the mood for a quick, suspenseful story. While it may not leave a lasting impression, it’s an enjoyable ride for those who appreciate the genre.
Thank you to the publisher for an eARC of this book as well as a finished copy to read and review.
September 9, 2024
She's her best friend.
When Jo was at her lowest, Dana was there for her. She helped her get an affluent teaching job and an opportunity for a better life for her daughter.
So, when Dana calls Jo in the middle of the night hysterical and crying, Jo runs to her aide. But Jo had no idea what she was walking into; her best friend's husband dead, face down on the floor. Dana face is battered and bruised, telling Jo that Stan has been abusing her for years, and she finally fought back.
Jo decides to help Dana clean up and cover up the murder. Dana can't go to jail. Her kids need her.
Soon, though, the cover-up starts to crumble; someone knows what they did that night.
The more Jo learns about the night of the murder, the more she realizes she may not really know her best friend, that she is lying to her. The women start doubting each other more and more. Can they trust one another?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, loved the characters, and loved the audio. It is faced paced, told from alternating points of view, suspenseful and dramatic with a shocking ending!
When Jo was at her lowest, Dana was there for her. She helped her get an affluent teaching job and an opportunity for a better life for her daughter.
So, when Dana calls Jo in the middle of the night hysterical and crying, Jo runs to her aide. But Jo had no idea what she was walking into; her best friend's husband dead, face down on the floor. Dana face is battered and bruised, telling Jo that Stan has been abusing her for years, and she finally fought back.
Jo decides to help Dana clean up and cover up the murder. Dana can't go to jail. Her kids need her.
Soon, though, the cover-up starts to crumble; someone knows what they did that night.
The more Jo learns about the night of the murder, the more she realizes she may not really know her best friend, that she is lying to her. The women start doubting each other more and more. Can they trust one another?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, loved the characters, and loved the audio. It is faced paced, told from alternating points of view, suspenseful and dramatic with a shocking ending!
May 30, 2024
I became engrossed in this story of two best friends caught up in a series of very bad choices. It’s fast-paced and never lost my attention.
July 14, 2024
OH MY GOD!!!
REVIEW TO COME
REVIEW TO COME
May 16, 2024
I knewww ittt! So good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews