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The Perfect Friend
Lou has finally found a friend. Now she’ll do anything to keep her.
Anna is in a good place in her life – a husband she loves, a great job, a lovely home. Everything is perfect.
But then she gets a call from an old girlfriend, Lou, whom she hasn’t seen for twenty years. Lou, now seeming troubled and off kilter, wants to confess to a fatal hit-and-run from back in the day – an accident which Anna helped cover up. If Lou goes to the police, Anna’s life is over, she’ll lose everything she has worked so hard to build.
Anna can see that Lou is not in a great place, and hopes that if she can help her old friend get back on her feet, she’ll forget about confessing. So Anna invites Lou to move into her home.
Lou is delighted and sees this as a sign that Anna still loves her, that they really are best friends forever.
But Lou isn’t easy to live with. At first, she’s demanding, then openly menacing – using her desire to confess as a weapon to get what she wants.
Anna realizes she needs to get free of Lou no matter what it takes. But when she finally acts decisively, she opens the gates to hell. Because Lou is far more disturbed than Anna realizes, and enraged by her rejection, she plans a revenge beyond Anna’s wildest nightmares.
Anna is in a good place in her life – a husband she loves, a great job, a lovely home. Everything is perfect.
But then she gets a call from an old girlfriend, Lou, whom she hasn’t seen for twenty years. Lou, now seeming troubled and off kilter, wants to confess to a fatal hit-and-run from back in the day – an accident which Anna helped cover up. If Lou goes to the police, Anna’s life is over, she’ll lose everything she has worked so hard to build.
Anna can see that Lou is not in a great place, and hopes that if she can help her old friend get back on her feet, she’ll forget about confessing. So Anna invites Lou to move into her home.
Lou is delighted and sees this as a sign that Anna still loves her, that they really are best friends forever.
But Lou isn’t easy to live with. At first, she’s demanding, then openly menacing – using her desire to confess as a weapon to get what she wants.
Anna realizes she needs to get free of Lou no matter what it takes. But when she finally acts decisively, she opens the gates to hell. Because Lou is far more disturbed than Anna realizes, and enraged by her rejection, she plans a revenge beyond Anna’s wildest nightmares.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2024
522 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 13, 2024
An unwelcome blast from the past sparks a twisted tale of friendship tarnished and broken. Lou and Anna were once inseparable. Now a tragic secret is the only thing keeping their bond intact. What lengths will they go to trying to keep the past dead and buried? J. V. Cardy masterfully executes an original spin on the childhood friend trope that takes a dangerous and deadly turn. There were countless shocking twists that propelled the plot into unexpected territory. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, it took a turn that I never expected. Gripping, entertaining, and original describe this addictive thriller. Thank you, Inkubator Books and Booksprout for my copy.
March 29, 2024
Toxic
Problematic
Manipulative
A perfect friend indeed.
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Inkubator books for this advanced copy. I really appreciate it. Although I can't say the same about this book. Giving a bad review is not something I enjoy doing, but I'd be lying to myself and to everyone if I say that I liked something when in fact, I didn't.
The premise is simple. Two old friends share a deadly secret. And one of them is using it to manipulate the other. I could accept that plot if it was given more depth. But, the whole thing was boring and repetitive. I am supposed to at least sympathise with one of the two characters but both of them are shallow.
To put it simply, I felt like watching a poorly directed Lifetime movie.
Problematic
Manipulative
A perfect friend indeed.
I'd like to thank Netgalley and Inkubator books for this advanced copy. I really appreciate it. Although I can't say the same about this book. Giving a bad review is not something I enjoy doing, but I'd be lying to myself and to everyone if I say that I liked something when in fact, I didn't.
The premise is simple. Two old friends share a deadly secret. And one of them is using it to manipulate the other. I could accept that plot if it was given more depth. But, the whole thing was boring and repetitive. I am supposed to at least sympathise with one of the two characters but both of them are shallow.
To put it simply, I felt like watching a poorly directed Lifetime movie.
February 3, 2024
Back in 1996, a horrible crime was committed by Lou and she had her bff Anna as an accomplice. They held this secret for many many years. Then comes along Daniel who married Anna and boy do the lies, secrets, and revenge come out! I was glued to this from the very first page. Gripping until the end! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. I believe this is a debut for this author. Looking forward to many more books by JV Cardy.
March 7, 2024
I received a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
The Perfect Friend is a debut novel by J. V. Cardy and was a great thriller debut.
We follow Anna, who's happy and contented in her life. When she received a phone call from her old friend Lou, who she's not seen for two decades, Anna's life begins to crumble because Lou has decided she wants to confess to a hit-and-run which Anna played a part in by helping to cover it up. To try and avoid her life being ripped apart, Anna invites Lou to come and stay with her and her husband in the hopes that she can help her get back on her feet and also persuade her to not confess to this crime. But Lou turns the tables again and uses this as a weapon over Anna to get what she wants and control her.
This book was certainly a fast-paced hand over your mouth read both chilling and unnerving from start to finish. I didn't particularly like either of the main characters but this added an edge to the story. A great debut - I look forward to reading more from this author.
The Perfect Friend is a debut novel by J. V. Cardy and was a great thriller debut.
We follow Anna, who's happy and contented in her life. When she received a phone call from her old friend Lou, who she's not seen for two decades, Anna's life begins to crumble because Lou has decided she wants to confess to a hit-and-run which Anna played a part in by helping to cover it up. To try and avoid her life being ripped apart, Anna invites Lou to come and stay with her and her husband in the hopes that she can help her get back on her feet and also persuade her to not confess to this crime. But Lou turns the tables again and uses this as a weapon over Anna to get what she wants and control her.
This book was certainly a fast-paced hand over your mouth read both chilling and unnerving from start to finish. I didn't particularly like either of the main characters but this added an edge to the story. A great debut - I look forward to reading more from this author.
June 4, 2024
Lou needs professional help. That’s it that’s the review.
March 6, 2024
This was a very fast paced thriller and very easy to read. Each time you turn the page you learn something new. I think having the multiple POV was useful and added a lot of depth to the characters and story. I did guess a few of the plot twists but it didn’t take anything away from the book. No spoilers but I thought the ending was very fitting. An excellent book if you love a fast paced plots with different twists and turns!
April 7, 2025
Can not remember much about this book all I know is it was the blandest back-and-forth book I have ever read but the fact that the other FMC was killed off made it enjoyable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
A friend or a friend that was lost revives an unwelcome memory of a squandered friendship. Lou and Anna were the best of friends once. They have a secret from their past. How far will they want to leave the past dead? In this spellbinding and near-lethal novel, J. V. Cardy adroitly turns a classic childhood friend trope. Most were major shocks that suddenly directed the plot in totally unforeseen ways. This suspenseful novel is gripping, entertaining, and original.
Thank you to Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
Thank you to Zoé from ZooLoo’s Book Tours and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.
February 22, 2024
This was a gripping tale of two friends reunited after years apart - but will the old friendship blossom again or will the secrets of the past be too much to overcome!?
On the whole, I really enjoyed this read.
It was gripping and exciting in many places and the premise was both familiar and unique.
A classic tale of friends with long held secrets - but the twists and turns kept this feeling fresh.
At times I really related to Anna and felt a little sorry for what was happening to her - but then she would become demanding, controlling and manipulative of the situation and I began thinking that both Anna and Louise were as bad as each other!
There were a couple of times where the story just felt a little repetitive to me and some sections that felt underdeveloped - I can't describe it well, but it felt as though maybe this was written by different people ...or maybe different editors - it just dropped that sleek style that showed for most of the book.
Apart from this, the plot was exciting and intriguing and I loved the ending - which I hadn't seen coming.
Overall, a good read which was well paced and had me turning the pages to find out what had really happened and what Anna and Louise had shared all those years ago.
On the whole, I really enjoyed this read.
It was gripping and exciting in many places and the premise was both familiar and unique.
A classic tale of friends with long held secrets - but the twists and turns kept this feeling fresh.
At times I really related to Anna and felt a little sorry for what was happening to her - but then she would become demanding, controlling and manipulative of the situation and I began thinking that both Anna and Louise were as bad as each other!
There were a couple of times where the story just felt a little repetitive to me and some sections that felt underdeveloped - I can't describe it well, but it felt as though maybe this was written by different people ...or maybe different editors - it just dropped that sleek style that showed for most of the book.
Apart from this, the plot was exciting and intriguing and I loved the ending - which I hadn't seen coming.
Overall, a good read which was well paced and had me turning the pages to find out what had really happened and what Anna and Louise had shared all those years ago.
March 27, 2024
Toxic friendship, secrets from the past, a confession that could change lives ....
Anna and Lou are estranged besties who share a dangerous secret. When Lou re-enters Anna's perfect life, everything and everyone is at risk. How far will they go to protect themselves from the past and each other?
With a familiar plot, The Perfect Friend is a debut thriller that's a quick read and has some tricks up its sleeve. I love multiple POVs, but at times I struggled distinguishing between Anna and Lou's voices. You'll need to suspend belief for a good chunk of the book and especially the epilogue. Overall it's a quick read and has a satisfying (pre-epilogue) conclusion that brings the story back to the power and meaning of friendship.
Which woman is the perfect friend? You'll need to read to find out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the gifted e-arc.
Anna and Lou are estranged besties who share a dangerous secret. When Lou re-enters Anna's perfect life, everything and everyone is at risk. How far will they go to protect themselves from the past and each other?
With a familiar plot, The Perfect Friend is a debut thriller that's a quick read and has some tricks up its sleeve. I love multiple POVs, but at times I struggled distinguishing between Anna and Lou's voices. You'll need to suspend belief for a good chunk of the book and especially the epilogue. Overall it's a quick read and has a satisfying (pre-epilogue) conclusion that brings the story back to the power and meaning of friendship.
Which woman is the perfect friend? You'll need to read to find out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the gifted e-arc.
March 6, 2024
The perfect friend by JV Cardy.
Lou has finally found a friend. Now she’ll do anything to keep her. Anna is in a good place in her life – a husband she loves, a great job, a lovely home. Everything is perfect. But then she gets a call from an old girlfriend, Lou, whom she hasn’t seen for twenty years. Lou, now seeming troubled and off kilter, wants to confess to a fatal hit-and-run from back in the day – an accident which Anna helped cover up. If Lou goes to the police, Anna’s life is over, she’ll lose everything she has worked so hard to build. Anna can see that Lou is not in a great place, and hopes that if she can help her old friend get back on her feet, she’ll forget about confessing. So Anna invites Lou to move into her home. Lou is delighted and sees this as a sign that Anna still loves her, that they really are best friends forever. But Lou isn’t easy to live with. At first, she’s demanding, then openly menacing – using her desire to confess as a weapon to get what she wants. Anna realizes she needs to get free of Lou no matter what it takes. But when she finally acts decisively, she opens the gates to hell. Because Lou is far more disturbed than Anna realizes, and enraged by her rejection, she plans a revenge beyond Anna’s wildest nightmares.
A good read. I did find this slow but readable. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. I didn't like them but I didn't hate them. I did like the story and plot. I liked the cover. Anna and Lou were both as bad as each other in my eyes. I didn't see that coming. Twisty. I was sort of surprised by the ending. It feels like there is more to tell of the story.
Lou has finally found a friend. Now she’ll do anything to keep her. Anna is in a good place in her life – a husband she loves, a great job, a lovely home. Everything is perfect. But then she gets a call from an old girlfriend, Lou, whom she hasn’t seen for twenty years. Lou, now seeming troubled and off kilter, wants to confess to a fatal hit-and-run from back in the day – an accident which Anna helped cover up. If Lou goes to the police, Anna’s life is over, she’ll lose everything she has worked so hard to build. Anna can see that Lou is not in a great place, and hopes that if she can help her old friend get back on her feet, she’ll forget about confessing. So Anna invites Lou to move into her home. Lou is delighted and sees this as a sign that Anna still loves her, that they really are best friends forever. But Lou isn’t easy to live with. At first, she’s demanding, then openly menacing – using her desire to confess as a weapon to get what she wants. Anna realizes she needs to get free of Lou no matter what it takes. But when she finally acts decisively, she opens the gates to hell. Because Lou is far more disturbed than Anna realizes, and enraged by her rejection, she plans a revenge beyond Anna’s wildest nightmares.
A good read. I did find this slow but readable. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. I didn't like them but I didn't hate them. I did like the story and plot. I liked the cover. Anna and Lou were both as bad as each other in my eyes. I didn't see that coming. Twisty. I was sort of surprised by the ending. It feels like there is more to tell of the story.
March 7, 2024
Great book
The Blurb on this one drew me in...
Now I do love a psychological thriller, and this one didn't disappoint.
Centred around 2 old friends, we meet Anna and Louise, who once inseparable are now estranged after severing their friendship?
Why I hear you ask...? All due to an accident Anna helped cover up.
From the word go, the chapters are littered with hooks to keep you enticed, though if Im honest, you become invested pretty quickly into his one!
Anna is a good, seemingly level-headed woman, whereas Louise is the total opposite in every single way.
The story unfolds quickly, though surprisingly, I didn't find it a fast pace. I felt it more at a medium pace, which gave you plenty of opportunity to digest the little bits and pieces J.V. Cardy reveals to you.
The story results in quite the ending that if you are paying attention, you may even be able to piece together some of the story based on the breadcrumbs that have been left for the reader.
This is a great psychological thriller!
If you love thrillers, then this one is for you!
The Blurb on this one drew me in...
Now I do love a psychological thriller, and this one didn't disappoint.
Centred around 2 old friends, we meet Anna and Louise, who once inseparable are now estranged after severing their friendship?
Why I hear you ask...? All due to an accident Anna helped cover up.
From the word go, the chapters are littered with hooks to keep you enticed, though if Im honest, you become invested pretty quickly into his one!
Anna is a good, seemingly level-headed woman, whereas Louise is the total opposite in every single way.
The story unfolds quickly, though surprisingly, I didn't find it a fast pace. I felt it more at a medium pace, which gave you plenty of opportunity to digest the little bits and pieces J.V. Cardy reveals to you.
The story results in quite the ending that if you are paying attention, you may even be able to piece together some of the story based on the breadcrumbs that have been left for the reader.
This is a great psychological thriller!
If you love thrillers, then this one is for you!
March 5, 2024
Anna is happily married, has a teenage son, and has just been promoted at work. During her promotion party, she receives a call from an old friend. Only 4 words are said 'I Want To Confess'. This turns her world upside down.
Louise is homeless, had addiction problems and pretty much has nothing going for anymore. She is the caller.
20 years ago something terrible happened, something that could ruin Anna's perfect world if Lou confesses. She won't let that happen.
This was soo good! Honestly, who needs enemies when you have friends like this! I just had to know how it would end and I was pleasantly surprised. Definitely add this to your tbrs!
Louise is homeless, had addiction problems and pretty much has nothing going for anymore. She is the caller.
20 years ago something terrible happened, something that could ruin Anna's perfect world if Lou confesses. She won't let that happen.
This was soo good! Honestly, who needs enemies when you have friends like this! I just had to know how it would end and I was pleasantly surprised. Definitely add this to your tbrs!
February 7, 2024
An amazing ride,between two best friends,but the fact that they hadn't seen each other in over 20 yrs.caused a multitude of problems.
Louise contacted her best friend,by phone & said "I want to confess."
This confession stemmed from a murder that had taken place over 20 yrs.ago.
What transpires is a scary,scary ride,
Suffice to say with a friend like,Louise, you won't meet a nicer enemy?
The characters & storyline were great & I would highly recommend the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read it & J.V. Cardy for their writing.
Louise contacted her best friend,by phone & said "I want to confess."
This confession stemmed from a murder that had taken place over 20 yrs.ago.
What transpires is a scary,scary ride,
Suffice to say with a friend like,Louise, you won't meet a nicer enemy?
The characters & storyline were great & I would highly recommend the book.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read it & J.V. Cardy for their writing.
March 12, 2024
Here is my review for The Perfect Friend by J V Cardy
This is a great read, told in a diary format which I like and it consists of statements from Louise, Anna and Daniel etc. Louise and Anna did a terrible thing twenty years ago and Louise now wants to confess to the police, Anna needs to stop her and it’s a downward spiral from there. A really well plotted read and terrific writing. Great descriptive text really makes this psychological read stand out and makes it hard to put down, you just want to carry on reading it. The tension really stands out in the book and is easy to pick up on. I got into this straight away.
Blurb :
Lou has finally found a friend. Now she’ll do anything to keep her.
Anna is in a good place in her life – a husband she loves, a great job, a lovely home. Everything is perfect.
But then she gets a call from an old girlfriend, Lou, whom she hasn’t seen for twenty years. Lou, now seeming troubled and off kilter, wants to confess to a fatal hit-and-run from back in the day – an accident which Anna helped cover up. If Lou goes to the police, Anna’s life is over, she’ll lose everything she has worked so hard to build.
Anna can see that Lou is not in a great place, and hopes that if she can help her old friend get back on her feet, she’ll forget about confessing. So Anna invites Lou to move into her home.
Lou is delighted and sees this as a sign that Anna still loves her, that they really are best friends forever.
But Lou isn’t easy to live with. At first, she’s demanding, then openly menacing – using her desire to confess as a weapon to get what she wants.
Anna realizes she needs to get free of Lou no matter what it takes. But when she finally acts decisively, she opens the gates to hell. Because Lou is far more disturbed than Anna realizes, and enraged by her rejection, she plans a revenge beyond Anna’s wildest nightmares.
This is a great read, told in a diary format which I like and it consists of statements from Louise, Anna and Daniel etc. Louise and Anna did a terrible thing twenty years ago and Louise now wants to confess to the police, Anna needs to stop her and it’s a downward spiral from there. A really well plotted read and terrific writing. Great descriptive text really makes this psychological read stand out and makes it hard to put down, you just want to carry on reading it. The tension really stands out in the book and is easy to pick up on. I got into this straight away.
Blurb :
Lou has finally found a friend. Now she’ll do anything to keep her.
Anna is in a good place in her life – a husband she loves, a great job, a lovely home. Everything is perfect.
But then she gets a call from an old girlfriend, Lou, whom she hasn’t seen for twenty years. Lou, now seeming troubled and off kilter, wants to confess to a fatal hit-and-run from back in the day – an accident which Anna helped cover up. If Lou goes to the police, Anna’s life is over, she’ll lose everything she has worked so hard to build.
Anna can see that Lou is not in a great place, and hopes that if she can help her old friend get back on her feet, she’ll forget about confessing. So Anna invites Lou to move into her home.
Lou is delighted and sees this as a sign that Anna still loves her, that they really are best friends forever.
But Lou isn’t easy to live with. At first, she’s demanding, then openly menacing – using her desire to confess as a weapon to get what she wants.
Anna realizes she needs to get free of Lou no matter what it takes. But when she finally acts decisively, she opens the gates to hell. Because Lou is far more disturbed than Anna realizes, and enraged by her rejection, she plans a revenge beyond Anna’s wildest nightmares.
February 14, 2024
I enjoy a good thriller film, but for some reason unbeknownst to me, I have never read any thriller books. I decided to start with this one.
The storyline is familiar. Two “supposed” friends are bound by a secret. A secret that would very much alter the normalcy of their lives if it were to come out. They go on to live separate lives, which eventually causes their friendship to fizzle out. Many years have passed since this secret happened, but as a result of one person’s unwillingness to let sleeping dogs lie, this duo is forced to rekindle their friendship, most inconveniently.
*What worked for me*
-The title: At first glance, I'd say it's ironic, but with a given perspective, I consider it to be more of a double-edged sword.
-Multiple character POV: It allows for perspective, especially for a story in this genre.
*What didn't work for me*
-Pacing: it did feel like a drag at the start, but it picked up later toward the end.
-Ending: I’d say I had high expectations for the characters and expected more from the decisions they made. It felt like some choices were just convenient for the writer and not the characters he’d developed.
In summary, I believe the author is on to a great start and I look forward to more of his work. Thanks to NetGalley X Inkubator books for the ARC.
The storyline is familiar. Two “supposed” friends are bound by a secret. A secret that would very much alter the normalcy of their lives if it were to come out. They go on to live separate lives, which eventually causes their friendship to fizzle out. Many years have passed since this secret happened, but as a result of one person’s unwillingness to let sleeping dogs lie, this duo is forced to rekindle their friendship, most inconveniently.
*What worked for me*
-The title: At first glance, I'd say it's ironic, but with a given perspective, I consider it to be more of a double-edged sword.
-Multiple character POV: It allows for perspective, especially for a story in this genre.
*What didn't work for me*
-Pacing: it did feel like a drag at the start, but it picked up later toward the end.
-Ending: I’d say I had high expectations for the characters and expected more from the decisions they made. It felt like some choices were just convenient for the writer and not the characters he’d developed.
In summary, I believe the author is on to a great start and I look forward to more of his work. Thanks to NetGalley X Inkubator books for the ARC.
March 8, 2024
This was definitely a five star read for me. I loved the depth of the characters and the fact that it is written from the very different points of view of Anna, Louise and Daniel. I didn’t necessarily like all the characters. For me Louise was the most conflicting. On some occasions I had so much sympathy for her and others she came across as the worst type of evil. A little bit the way Anna found her I think.
Two best friends with a deadly secret that has kept them apart for 20 years. During that time their lives have taken very different turns. Anna has a loving family, a successful career and a beautiful home. Louise’s life could not be more different. Homeless and loveless she feels she has nothing left to live for so why not get the terrible secret that has haunted her for all these years out and take her punishment. Except it won’t just be her who is punished.
This story just builds, page by page, as Lou gets more desperate and more deranged and Anna is left fearing for her life. Her physical life as well as the life she has achieved. The end is tragic and shocking and I really did not have a clue how J V Cardy could bring all the strands together for a great conclusion. He managed it though.
Two best friends with a deadly secret that has kept them apart for 20 years. During that time their lives have taken very different turns. Anna has a loving family, a successful career and a beautiful home. Louise’s life could not be more different. Homeless and loveless she feels she has nothing left to live for so why not get the terrible secret that has haunted her for all these years out and take her punishment. Except it won’t just be her who is punished.
This story just builds, page by page, as Lou gets more desperate and more deranged and Anna is left fearing for her life. Her physical life as well as the life she has achieved. The end is tragic and shocking and I really did not have a clue how J V Cardy could bring all the strands together for a great conclusion. He managed it though.
February 14, 2024
⭐️ 3.5 ⭐️
I enjoyed reading this book - the plot is good, writing style is fine by me, easy read and have such good story. I can detect what’s what and who’s who but the fact that there’s always something came up after each time I was proven right with my instinct throughout reading, keep me going on till the end. Love how the author creatively throwing more into the story to keep it interesting and keep readers on the edge or wondering.
The Lou character managed to make my blood boiled, and other characters are good too as well as have their own strengths, except maybe for the son, which doesn’t gave much into the whole story - I didn’t really see his character growth but that’s fine as he’s not the mc, just a side character of the story.
I didn’t know what to say about the ending though, I do understand what the author wanna lay like make it end ironically or open for our interpretation I guess, which make me not sure how to feel about it. After the whole roller coaster rides, I think I opt for some strong ending, which a clear one will be much more appreciated for me. Yet as for this one, I neither like it nor hate it. Overall, this is still such a good read, I do enjoyed the book and the story.
I enjoyed reading this book - the plot is good, writing style is fine by me, easy read and have such good story. I can detect what’s what and who’s who but the fact that there’s always something came up after each time I was proven right with my instinct throughout reading, keep me going on till the end. Love how the author creatively throwing more into the story to keep it interesting and keep readers on the edge or wondering.
The Lou character managed to make my blood boiled, and other characters are good too as well as have their own strengths, except maybe for the son, which doesn’t gave much into the whole story - I didn’t really see his character growth but that’s fine as he’s not the mc, just a side character of the story.
I didn’t know what to say about the ending though, I do understand what the author wanna lay like make it end ironically or open for our interpretation I guess, which make me not sure how to feel about it. After the whole roller coaster rides, I think I opt for some strong ending, which a clear one will be much more appreciated for me. Yet as for this one, I neither like it nor hate it. Overall, this is still such a good read, I do enjoyed the book and the story.
February 29, 2024
Lou and Anna used to be best friends, but after university they slowly grew apart. Suddenly Lou reappears, and says she needs to confess to a crime she committed 25 years ago that Anna helped cover up. Anna knows she has to do whatever she can to change Lou’s mind, or her life as she knows it will be over.
We follow Lou and Anna as they try to rekindle their friendship. A lot can change in 25 years, and we quickly find out it’s not always for the better. Lou dwells in the past while Anna has her focus set steadily on the future, and they seem unable to see things from each others perspective.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It’s one of those morally gray stories where you can’t decide whose side you’re on, or if you even should pick a side, and just when you feel like you’ve figured it out the author throws in a twist that changes everything. On top of it all we have multiple POVs from unreliable narrators, making everything that much more messy.
I actually read this book in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down! It was fast paced, well-written and had a great plot. The story flowed nicely and while the characters weren’t super fleshed out, their motivations were clear.
Thank you to the author and Inkubator Books for the ARC!
We follow Lou and Anna as they try to rekindle their friendship. A lot can change in 25 years, and we quickly find out it’s not always for the better. Lou dwells in the past while Anna has her focus set steadily on the future, and they seem unable to see things from each others perspective.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It’s one of those morally gray stories where you can’t decide whose side you’re on, or if you even should pick a side, and just when you feel like you’ve figured it out the author throws in a twist that changes everything. On top of it all we have multiple POVs from unreliable narrators, making everything that much more messy.
I actually read this book in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down! It was fast paced, well-written and had a great plot. The story flowed nicely and while the characters weren’t super fleshed out, their motivations were clear.
Thank you to the author and Inkubator Books for the ARC!
March 23, 2024
This was frustrating to read because you knew what was going to happen, though there is slight plot twist at the end.
Two friends, 25 years ago, one of the women (Louise) ran down and killed a man who was a pedophile. She gets her friend, Anna, to help her hide the body rather than report the death. Now Louise is back in Anna's life and wants to confess. Years ago, Anna wanted Louise to call the police but she refused. The roles are switched; Anna has safely tucked the secret away but Louise has not been able to mentally handle hiding what she did all those years ago and wants to confess to clear her soul.
Then comes many chapters of Louise slowly but surely infiltrating Anna's life, finding ways to get her to want to be Louise's friend again, her best friend, as she becomes her perfect friend. Always holding over her head the notion that she will confess if Anna doesn't go out of her way to make Louise's life perfect.
A so-so read, because to me the path of the story was predictable and I wanted to shake Anna to try to stop her from giving in so many times. But an easy read nonetheless.
Two friends, 25 years ago, one of the women (Louise) ran down and killed a man who was a pedophile. She gets her friend, Anna, to help her hide the body rather than report the death. Now Louise is back in Anna's life and wants to confess. Years ago, Anna wanted Louise to call the police but she refused. The roles are switched; Anna has safely tucked the secret away but Louise has not been able to mentally handle hiding what she did all those years ago and wants to confess to clear her soul.
Then comes many chapters of Louise slowly but surely infiltrating Anna's life, finding ways to get her to want to be Louise's friend again, her best friend, as she becomes her perfect friend. Always holding over her head the notion that she will confess if Anna doesn't go out of her way to make Louise's life perfect.
A so-so read, because to me the path of the story was predictable and I wanted to shake Anna to try to stop her from giving in so many times. But an easy read nonetheless.
June 25, 2025
The Perfect Friend is a suspenseful psychological thriller that keeps you second-guessing everyone and everything—including the narrator. The story revolves around Alex, a woman trying to rebuild her life after personal tragedy, who forms a fast and seemingly therapeutic friendship with Carrie, a bright and engaging woman she meets at a support group. But as secrets unfold, it becomes clear that neither woman is telling the whole truth.
Cardy does a great job weaving in themes of trauma, trust, and deception. The dual timelines and unreliable narrator create a layered mystery that slowly peels back to reveal a chilling conclusion. Some twists are jaw-dropping, while others feel more subtle and psychological, making for a twisty but emotionally resonant read.
My only quibble is that certain moments felt a bit over-explained or repetitive—but the tension and payoffs more than made up for it. If you're a fan of books like The Girl on the Train or Gone Girl, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.
Perfect for: Fans of slow-burn thrillers, unreliable narrators, and domestic suspense.
Cardy does a great job weaving in themes of trauma, trust, and deception. The dual timelines and unreliable narrator create a layered mystery that slowly peels back to reveal a chilling conclusion. Some twists are jaw-dropping, while others feel more subtle and psychological, making for a twisty but emotionally resonant read.
My only quibble is that certain moments felt a bit over-explained or repetitive—but the tension and payoffs more than made up for it. If you're a fan of books like The Girl on the Train or Gone Girl, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.
Perfect for: Fans of slow-burn thrillers, unreliable narrators, and domestic suspense.
February 22, 2024
There's a man that has been hit by a car that Lou was driving. It's Mr Gould. Mr. Gould won't be missed anyway. He was a registered pedophile.
20 yrs later, the one that hit him wants to come clean
Lou starts making threatening phone calls to her ex best friend Anna, saying she's ready to confess. Anna helped Lou cover up Mr Goulds body because that's what best friends do for each other
They made a pact to never speak of this incident again.
Now, 20 years later, Lou living on the streets has a change of heart
Lou needs Anna to go down with her. Because hey, why would she want to go to jail alone.
Want to test your friendship, tell them a secret, and see if it is kept forever or used against you
20 yrs later, the one that hit him wants to come clean
Lou starts making threatening phone calls to her ex best friend Anna, saying she's ready to confess. Anna helped Lou cover up Mr Goulds body because that's what best friends do for each other
They made a pact to never speak of this incident again.
Now, 20 years later, Lou living on the streets has a change of heart
Lou needs Anna to go down with her. Because hey, why would she want to go to jail alone.
Want to test your friendship, tell them a secret, and see if it is kept forever or used against you
February 15, 2024
Anna is so happy with her life. She has a great husband, beautiful house and a great job and everything seems perfect until Lou shows up. Lou calls Anna and it's immediately obvious to Anna that Lou isn't quite all there and is acting strangely. Lou wants to confess to a hit and run accident from years ago. The only problem is that Anna helped Lou cover up the accident and their involvement in it. Anna invites Lou to move in with her to try to control her and keep and eye on her. When Lou starts threatening Anna to get what she wants Anna realizes she needs to get rid of Lou no matter what before it all comes crumbling down.
February 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller. I read it so fast I couldn’t put it down.. what a page turner!
There’s plenty of twists and turns throughout that leave you on the edge of your seat, and the ending was great. The characters were good, the story itself was suspenseful and the style of writing was perfect. This is the first book I have read by this author, looking forward to the next one that comes out. I would highly recommend this book and the author to anyone who likes reading this genre.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a honest review.
There’s plenty of twists and turns throughout that leave you on the edge of your seat, and the ending was great. The characters were good, the story itself was suspenseful and the style of writing was perfect. This is the first book I have read by this author, looking forward to the next one that comes out. I would highly recommend this book and the author to anyone who likes reading this genre.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a honest review.
February 16, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. There were a few twists I wasn’t expecting including the ending. I definitely understood one of the character’s motivations even though their actions weren’t the best. I had to finish this book, it gripped me from the first page. There were secrets and lies that had me not trusting any of the characters. The friendship between Lou and Anna was toxic with manipulation and problematic. Makes you wonder who you can trust, with friends like that who needs enemies. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC book.
February 26, 2024
Anna and Lou were once great friends. Lou's confession years after a hit and run gets Anna more than concerned. Should she help Lou?
The Perfect Friend made me question how much we really know friends, and what we are really prepared to do for them.
It's slow paced, but the dialogue and thoughts are realistic.
Thanks to J.V. Cardy
3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Perfect Friend made me question how much we really know friends, and what we are really prepared to do for them.
It's slow paced, but the dialogue and thoughts are realistic.
Thanks to J.V. Cardy
3.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2024
This story takes you through the friendship of Anna and Lou, they haven't spoken in years due to a deadly secret. Anna has seemingly moved forward, while Louise has struggled throughout the years. I thought this was going to be a “single white female” type tale by the synopsis, but I was wrong. The pace was a little slow to me, it was a slow burn and it took quite a while for me to really get into the story and feel like anything was really happening. It's well written though and had a few unexpected twists. I wasn't really a fan of the overall ending.
February 27, 2024
This book was brilliant. I was so invested in the story between Louise & Anna, and how they’d reunited after years apart and had kept their secret they promised never to be shared!
I devoured this in a day, I kept thinking just one more chapter, but then those chapters just kept turning in to more. I was gripped, and the more the story went on, the more I was turning the pages. The pace just kept picking up faster and faster and I just had to keep reading. A brilliant and well written story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I devoured this in a day, I kept thinking just one more chapter, but then those chapters just kept turning in to more. I was gripped, and the more the story went on, the more I was turning the pages. The pace just kept picking up faster and faster and I just had to keep reading. A brilliant and well written story!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2024
I read this book in one day, it was fast paced making it a great read. The characters were unpredictable and there were new twists and turns in every chapter. I am not sure how I feel about the ending, after a thrilling ride it seemed to fall short of my expectations.. But that doesn't change the fact that I really enjoyed this book. You should check it out if you enjoy psychological thrillers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 2, 2024
I loved this book. It had me hooked from the start. A tale of best friends who drifted apart only to come back together because of a shared secret.
The characters were fantastic. At times I hated them and at times I wanted each of them to succeed in having a normal life. The whole book was filled with twists and turns. Everytime I thought I knew how it was going to turn out, something completely unexpected happened. And then the end I did not expect! I definitely recommend this book.
The characters were fantastic. At times I hated them and at times I wanted each of them to succeed in having a normal life. The whole book was filled with twists and turns. Everytime I thought I knew how it was going to turn out, something completely unexpected happened. And then the end I did not expect! I definitely recommend this book.
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