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The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers #8
A Friend Like You
A faceless corpse is only the beginning…
Rileigh Bishop is hoping for a quiet evening with Mitch. The pair find their way to a diner where they can finally get some peace and quiet –
Until the screaming starts.
When two teenagers discover a dead body in the diner’s storage room, Rileigh is on the scene. The corpse has had its face peeled off its skull, and an autopsy reveals the victim’s heart was sliced in half inside his chest with a carving knife.
Worse, the victim was a member of a notorious local gang embroiled in a long-standing feud.
A feud that’s just reached a boiling point.
Hit and runs.
Slashed throats.
Victim after victim.
It’s more than a gang war. There’s something else going on – Rileigh is sure of it. But can she cut through the carnage before the Smoky Mountains descend into chaos?
A Friend Like You is the eighth book in the Bishop Smokey Mountain Thrillers series by Lauren Street.
Rileigh Bishop is hoping for a quiet evening with Mitch. The pair find their way to a diner where they can finally get some peace and quiet –
Until the screaming starts.
When two teenagers discover a dead body in the diner’s storage room, Rileigh is on the scene. The corpse has had its face peeled off its skull, and an autopsy reveals the victim’s heart was sliced in half inside his chest with a carving knife.
Worse, the victim was a member of a notorious local gang embroiled in a long-standing feud.
A feud that’s just reached a boiling point.
Hit and runs.
Slashed throats.
Victim after victim.
It’s more than a gang war. There’s something else going on – Rileigh is sure of it. But can she cut through the carnage before the Smoky Mountains descend into chaos?
A Friend Like You is the eighth book in the Bishop Smokey Mountain Thrillers series by Lauren Street.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2024
108 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 18, 2024
This is another great book in this series. In this one you get to see more of Rileigh and Mitch relationship. You also see more of Jillian . There is as always a series of murders for them to solve. I can’t wait to the next in this series.
September 16, 2024
Captivating read! I was delighted to see that the book was based in my home state of Tennessee, and I got a few chuckles from the Southern-isms throughout the book. The author does a fantastic job of giving character development to the main character throughout the book, as well. This was a standalone read for me, as I haven’t yet read the other Bishop Smokey Mountain thrillers, but it was perfectly fine as a standalone. I will be reading more from this author. There are many different storylines moving throughout the book, which can get a bit confusing at times, but Lauren Street does a fantastic job of giving you more context quickly so that you don’t lose interest in the storylines. I did guess the plot twist in this one, but it was a thrilling read nonetheless. I’ve already been recommending this one to friends!
January 8, 2026
A Friend Like You by Lauren Street is another strong entry in the Rileigh Bishop series, which I’m really enjoying. One of the things I love most about this series is that every crime feels unique and different — each book hooks you right from the start, and this one is no exception.
Rileigh and Mitch are finally meant to be going on their long-awaited dinner “date”… which, of course, is jinxed because something always comes up. True to form, this book delivers the crime right in the middle of their plans, keeping the tension high and the pacing fast.
I will say that in this instalment, the clues were present very early on. If you’re paying close attention, you’ll likely have a strong idea of who the killer is near the beginning, which took away a bit of the mystery for me. That said, it was only a minor drawback.
The book more than makes up for it with solid plotting, well-developed characters, and an engaging investigation. Even knowing (or suspecting) the outcome early didn’t stop me from enjoying the ride. A compelling read and another good addition to the series.
Thank you Netgalley, Sterling & Stone, Lauren Street for the arc!
Rileigh and Mitch are finally meant to be going on their long-awaited dinner “date”… which, of course, is jinxed because something always comes up. True to form, this book delivers the crime right in the middle of their plans, keeping the tension high and the pacing fast.
I will say that in this instalment, the clues were present very early on. If you’re paying close attention, you’ll likely have a strong idea of who the killer is near the beginning, which took away a bit of the mystery for me. That said, it was only a minor drawback.
The book more than makes up for it with solid plotting, well-developed characters, and an engaging investigation. Even knowing (or suspecting) the outcome early didn’t stop me from enjoying the ride. A compelling read and another good addition to the series.
Thank you Netgalley, Sterling & Stone, Lauren Street for the arc!
September 4, 2024
A Friend Like You by Lauren Street
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers #8
Gruesome over-the-top murders ~ is one person or more on the loose and who will figure it out and bring the murders to an end?
What I liked:
* Rileigh Bishop: retired military, ex-police sergeant, consults with local sheriff on cases, suffers nightmares and PTSD, lives with her mother who has dementia, recently rejoined with her older sister, who lives in the family home, has feelings for Mitch, bright, capable, eager to pursue what could be with Mitch, has a tough time in this book
* Mitchell Webster: sheriff, intelligent, good at his job, intriguing, has scars and history that were shared in book six, has feelings for Rileigh, bright, calm under pressure, capable, caring, can’t wait to find out if/when the “big date” will take place
* Jillian: Rileigh’s older sister, survivor, returned home after decades as a slave, has PTSD, worries about Rileigh, uses painting to deal with her feelings about the past, reconnects with ex-fiance David, begins counselling sessions, stronger than she knows
* Lily: Rileigh’s mother, wise, caring, comes through in a crunch, has dementia but lucid moments are worth waiting for
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The small-town vibe
* Finding out who is doing the killing and why
* The conclusion and knowing that there will be another book
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the impact of trauma, bulling, abuse, and such and how it is dealt with so differently by those who experience it
* The loss of innocent lives and the rationalization for the deaths by the killer
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers #8
Gruesome over-the-top murders ~ is one person or more on the loose and who will figure it out and bring the murders to an end?
What I liked:
* Rileigh Bishop: retired military, ex-police sergeant, consults with local sheriff on cases, suffers nightmares and PTSD, lives with her mother who has dementia, recently rejoined with her older sister, who lives in the family home, has feelings for Mitch, bright, capable, eager to pursue what could be with Mitch, has a tough time in this book
* Mitchell Webster: sheriff, intelligent, good at his job, intriguing, has scars and history that were shared in book six, has feelings for Rileigh, bright, calm under pressure, capable, caring, can’t wait to find out if/when the “big date” will take place
* Jillian: Rileigh’s older sister, survivor, returned home after decades as a slave, has PTSD, worries about Rileigh, uses painting to deal with her feelings about the past, reconnects with ex-fiance David, begins counselling sessions, stronger than she knows
* Lily: Rileigh’s mother, wise, caring, comes through in a crunch, has dementia but lucid moments are worth waiting for
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The small-town vibe
* Finding out who is doing the killing and why
* The conclusion and knowing that there will be another book
What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the impact of trauma, bulling, abuse, and such and how it is dealt with so differently by those who experience it
* The loss of innocent lives and the rationalization for the deaths by the killer
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
September 24, 2024
Book 8 in this series and Lauren Street does it again! I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this series and I just love all the characters. Even reading how they speak to each other! It’s like listening to my husband’s family talking! (They’re from the south). Seriously though, this series is joy to read, even through the subject matter. I’m sure it’s in part because it reminds me of being around family. But the characters are so incredibly easy to get attached to. And how the author has woven the character relationships together while still giving them their own stories is truly impressive to me. As far as the storyline for this book, I had the bad guy figured out really fast. Like I’ve said before, I’m a cynic. However, what a bonkers story! The whole time I kept thinking I had to be wrong because it was such a wild conclusion, there was no way I guessed it right. What’s even better is that it looks like something big is coming in the next book and I’m pretty excited to see which direction it heads into!
Huge thanks to Sterling & Stone and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to Sterling & Stone and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
August 14, 2024
Rileigh Bishop assists Mitch with a series of murders. A couple are senseless killings, without a motive. When the motive is found, the murderer will be exposed.
Another fast paced, gory and darkly revengeful crime book, featuring Rileigh and Mitch.
Rileigh is adept at putting puzzle pieces together and solve cases.
It will keep you guessing till the end.
I enjoyed this thoroughly, and recommend the book.
Love the inclusion of Rileigh's family as well.
Thanks to Netgalley and Sterling & Stone for the opportunity to read this book.
September 12, 2024
In A Friend Like You, Ms Street gives new meaning to "With friends like you, who needs enemies'! There are some truly macabre scenes in this book, so be forewarned, but it is worth every cringe-worthy scene. The story is twisted, compelling, unputdownable, and engrossing. After 8 books, the characters have become friends and I enjoy visiting more each time I pick up a new book. They are thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend the series and I can't wait to get my hands on the next entry.
I received a review copy from the author via Sterling and Stone and this review is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author via Sterling and Stone and this review is my honest opinion.
October 12, 2024
This was my first of the Bishop Smoky Mountain series, and it's definitely doable as a standalone. While the plot twist was clear from fairly early on, I still enjoyed this book as a quick read. It's easily completed in a sitting or two, and I found myself smiling at some of the Southern sayings and mannerisms sprinkled throughout. I wish there had been some more character development focused on Rileigh, Mitch, and their relationship, but that could have just been a product of picking this book up later in the series. Overall, this was a good thriller that kept my attention throughout.
August 19, 2024
It’s book # 8 and I am still loving Rileighs story.
Her and Mitch are never going to have a date; so don’t expect it!
I don’t know how such a small community can have so many murders; it would really make you look at all your neighbors to live there.
Easily since the beginning we must be down at least 10% when they do the next census.
That being said I can’t wait for the next book Lauren—- the bone mail is making me ponder
Her and Mitch are never going to have a date; so don’t expect it!
I don’t know how such a small community can have so many murders; it would really make you look at all your neighbors to live there.
Easily since the beginning we must be down at least 10% when they do the next census.
That being said I can’t wait for the next book Lauren—- the bone mail is making me ponder
August 16, 2024
Rival gang members are killed. Rileigh assists Mitch in finding the killer. This is another fast paced and a little dark story with twists and turns. I’m hooked on this series and I can really recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free via Netgalley and Sterling & Stone and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy for free via Netgalley and Sterling & Stone and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
September 15, 2024
A Friend Like You is book #8 in The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers by Lauren Street. This was another action packed read, a little bit gory but had me wondering whom the murdered was almost until the very end. I would recommend this book to others.
I received and ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I received and ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 31, 2024
Love it!!!
Good book! This is that kind of series where you wish the next book was already published. Honestly, I could sit and read these back to back for a very long time. If this is the first book you've read of this series, go back and start at the beginning. It's just too good to miss.
Good book! This is that kind of series where you wish the next book was already published. Honestly, I could sit and read these back to back for a very long time. If this is the first book you've read of this series, go back and start at the beginning. It's just too good to miss.
February 16, 2025
Karma
Murder was prominent in Black Bear Forge as a former football hero is found murdered in the storage room of a local restaurant, another on the 50 yard line of the high school football field and then a beloved dentist is killed in his office. Mitch, Rileigh and Gus are confused with few leads to follow. A surprise ending almost causes another death.
Murder was prominent in Black Bear Forge as a former football hero is found murdered in the storage room of a local restaurant, another on the 50 yard line of the high school football field and then a beloved dentist is killed in his office. Mitch, Rileigh and Gus are confused with few leads to follow. A surprise ending almost causes another death.
January 4, 2026
The thrill of high school
There are several murders happening, and no clues who killed them. Reighly, Mitch, and Gus are trying to figure it out. Then 2 others are killed that doesn't fit in with their ideas. There's plenty of twists and turns to this story, and the ending is a surprise. This series are clean reads and worth your time to read.
There are several murders happening, and no clues who killed them. Reighly, Mitch, and Gus are trying to figure it out. Then 2 others are killed that doesn't fit in with their ideas. There's plenty of twists and turns to this story, and the ending is a surprise. This series are clean reads and worth your time to read.
November 11, 2024
Rileigh Bishop has multi bodies and trying to solve them. The story takes place in the Smokey Mountain and names places you can recognize if familiar with the area.
Thanks to Sterling and Stone and NetGalley for the ARC
Thanks to Sterling and Stone and NetGalley for the ARC
June 17, 2025
I am torn on this one. I enjoy this series, but this story feels different. There are parts of the story I really liked, but parts that moved slowly. If you like the series, you should read this one (I'm sure it's a me thing).
August 30, 2024
Heart Pounding!
A thrill ride beginning to end. Lauren Street keeps you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page. Read them in order, but definitely READ THEM ALL!
A thrill ride beginning to end. Lauren Street keeps you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page. Read them in order, but definitely READ THEM ALL!
January 19, 2025
well written
I enjoy Rileigh and Mitch and their escapades. I had the end of this one figured out pretty quick, but I still enjoyed reading it.
I enjoy Rileigh and Mitch and their escapades. I had the end of this one figured out pretty quick, but I still enjoyed reading it.
August 31, 2024
In my opinion, Lauren Street keeps writing better and better with each new book in the series. And I am not only referring to the plot and the serendipity of a sudden spree of unrelated killings in a small mountain town, I'm talking about the writing style - it gets more evocative, more haunting and more insightful, bringing forth excellent psychological finesse and an empathetic understanding of PTSD, whichever its causes are.
I'm decidedly a fan - well done!!!
I'm decidedly a fan - well done!!!
August 30, 2024
Rileigh and Mitch had finally gotten to their first date but the place he’d planned to take her had caught fire. They ended up at a little diner Red Gravy Diner. Two people come screaming out of a storage room, a dead body was in there. His face had been peeled off. When two more are killed, they at first believe that it has something to do with gangs. Then a dentist is killed, an old woman is killed in a hit and run, and an old homeless woman is killed and left by garbage bins. Can Mitch and Rileigh figure out what is going on before another murder happens?
These stories keep getting better and better. The first couple in the series, was mostly just told in one point of view. Now you get several povs which I like but not so many. There is a slight cliffhanger. I could not put it down last night. It had me hooked from the first page. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed. Received a copy from Netgalley *
These stories keep getting better and better. The first couple in the series, was mostly just told in one point of view. Now you get several povs which I like but not so many. There is a slight cliffhanger. I could not put it down last night. It had me hooked from the first page. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed. Received a copy from Netgalley *
May 20, 2025
Just when Rileigh thinks things are going her way, there’s a murder at her big date night and she’s on the case.
Things I liked
•I enjoy seeing the progression of Mitch and Rileigh relationship, and seeing a strong capable man who also trusts his lady and isn’t overbearing.
•Jillian’s reintroduction to the family and its implications that follow. It’s a horrible and sad truth. What she’s lived, but also touches on some really hard and important subjects. I appreciate the author bringing light to that
I have been a fan of Rileigh and the smoky mountain mystery’s she finds herself in since the first book and I’m always searching for the next!
Thank you NetGalley for the read
Things I liked
•I enjoy seeing the progression of Mitch and Rileigh relationship, and seeing a strong capable man who also trusts his lady and isn’t overbearing.
•Jillian’s reintroduction to the family and its implications that follow. It’s a horrible and sad truth. What she’s lived, but also touches on some really hard and important subjects. I appreciate the author bringing light to that
I have been a fan of Rileigh and the smoky mountain mystery’s she finds herself in since the first book and I’m always searching for the next!
Thank you NetGalley for the read
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews