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Der beste Freund: Psychothriller
Jeder hat einen Freund wie Carl.
Einen Freund, zu dem man nicht Nein sagen kann.
Einen Freund, zu dem man wirklich Nein sagen sollte.
Ich habe mir endlich ein gutes Leben aufgebaut. Habe ein schönes Zuhause. Einen festen Job. Und Jason. Der verlässliche, ehrliche, herzensgute Jason – mein Partner. Und mein bester Freund. Ich vertraue ihm bedingungslos.
Aber wenn jemand Jason in die Irre führen kann, dann ist es Carl. Sein bester Freund.
Und jetzt steht Carl vor unserer Tür. Er bittet um Hilfe.
Ich warne Jason, sich nicht einzumischen. Aber Carl hat einen Einfluss auf meinen Freund, den ich nicht verstehe. Und mit einem Mal ist alles, was mir lieb und teuer ist, in Gefahr.
Mein Zuhause. Meine Beziehung. Mein Leben.
Denn Carl weiß, dass Jason ihm etwas schuldet. Und er wird uns nicht in Ruhe lassen, bis er kriegt, was er will.
Ich werde alles tun, um Jason zu beschützen – sogar vor seinem besten Freund.
---
"Ich war so gefesselt von diesem Buch, dass ich es nur so verschlungen habe. Ich fand es ausgezeichnet, atemberaubend und außergewöhnlich spannend." – Bücherfreundin Bev
"Ich konnte das Buch nicht aus der Hand legen, unglaublich." – HipsterDebbie2
"Wow! Ein Buch, das ich in Windeseile durchgelesen habe und nicht mehr aus der Hand legen wollte ... Eine tolle Geschichte, die so gut ausgearbeitet und erzählt ist. Eine geschickt durchdachte Handlung und sympathische Charaktere ... Ein fantastisches Buch, das ich sehr empfehlen kann" – Nickis Buchblog
"Ich wurde von Anfang an in die Geschichte hineingesogen. Man kann sogar sagen, dass ich ein bisschen süchtig nach der Geschichte wurde ... Ich fand 'Der beste Freund' spannend und fesselnd – eine Geschichte, die mich auf jeden Fall in Atem gehalten hat." – Ginger Book Geek
Einen Freund, zu dem man nicht Nein sagen kann.
Einen Freund, zu dem man wirklich Nein sagen sollte.
Ich habe mir endlich ein gutes Leben aufgebaut. Habe ein schönes Zuhause. Einen festen Job. Und Jason. Der verlässliche, ehrliche, herzensgute Jason – mein Partner. Und mein bester Freund. Ich vertraue ihm bedingungslos.
Aber wenn jemand Jason in die Irre führen kann, dann ist es Carl. Sein bester Freund.
Und jetzt steht Carl vor unserer Tür. Er bittet um Hilfe.
Ich warne Jason, sich nicht einzumischen. Aber Carl hat einen Einfluss auf meinen Freund, den ich nicht verstehe. Und mit einem Mal ist alles, was mir lieb und teuer ist, in Gefahr.
Mein Zuhause. Meine Beziehung. Mein Leben.
Denn Carl weiß, dass Jason ihm etwas schuldet. Und er wird uns nicht in Ruhe lassen, bis er kriegt, was er will.
Ich werde alles tun, um Jason zu beschützen – sogar vor seinem besten Freund.
---
"Ich war so gefesselt von diesem Buch, dass ich es nur so verschlungen habe. Ich fand es ausgezeichnet, atemberaubend und außergewöhnlich spannend." – Bücherfreundin Bev
"Ich konnte das Buch nicht aus der Hand legen, unglaublich." – HipsterDebbie2
"Wow! Ein Buch, das ich in Windeseile durchgelesen habe und nicht mehr aus der Hand legen wollte ... Eine tolle Geschichte, die so gut ausgearbeitet und erzählt ist. Eine geschickt durchdachte Handlung und sympathische Charaktere ... Ein fantastisches Buch, das ich sehr empfehlen kann" – Nickis Buchblog
"Ich wurde von Anfang an in die Geschichte hineingesogen. Man kann sogar sagen, dass ich ein bisschen süchtig nach der Geschichte wurde ... Ich fand 'Der beste Freund' spannend und fesselnd – eine Geschichte, die mich auf jeden Fall in Atem gehalten hat." – Ginger Book Geek
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2023
445 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 3, 2023
“You owe me.”
We’ve all caved after hearing those words, right? I know I have. When they’re spoken by a friend it’s hard to ignore their plea.
Carl Jackson and Jason Green go way back. They’ve been friends for decades, ever since childhood. Despite Jason knowing he should have cut ties with him long ago, he can’t - Carl’s grip on Jason’s life is too tight. When Carl gets caught up in some fraudulent investment scheme in the Caribbean and can’t come up with the hundred thousand pounds he owes, he remembers his buddy Jason and turns to him for help. Best friends can’t turn each other away, right?! Especially when a life is in danger?
After really enjoying her previous release last year, I was disappointed that I didn’t like The Perfect Witness by Susanna Beard as much as I’d hoped.
What I loved:
✔️short chapters
✔️an outsider’s peek into a manipulator in action
✔️the beautiful writing, full of literary devices
✔️a stellar ability to build tension
✔️exploration of ‘only’ children and their attachment to others
✔️exploration of toxic friendships (nice to see a male friendship featured)
What I struggled with:
✔️temptation to play a drinking game - downing a shot every time I read about Carl needing money
✔️pacing, pacing, pacing
✔️repetition, especially in the first third of the book
✔️Jason had no backbone and Alice wasn’t much better; I grew weary of the whining
✔️Carl was an unlikeable character and I ended up not caring what happened to him
✔️I kept waiting for a big twist that didn’t happen (wait, did I miss it?)
Please don’t take my disappointment with this book as a reason to pass on it. My low tolerance for manipulators and whiners shouldn’t impact your reading choice. There are 4 and 5-star reviews out there…check them out.
I was gifted this copy by Joffe Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
We’ve all caved after hearing those words, right? I know I have. When they’re spoken by a friend it’s hard to ignore their plea.
Carl Jackson and Jason Green go way back. They’ve been friends for decades, ever since childhood. Despite Jason knowing he should have cut ties with him long ago, he can’t - Carl’s grip on Jason’s life is too tight. When Carl gets caught up in some fraudulent investment scheme in the Caribbean and can’t come up with the hundred thousand pounds he owes, he remembers his buddy Jason and turns to him for help. Best friends can’t turn each other away, right?! Especially when a life is in danger?
After really enjoying her previous release last year, I was disappointed that I didn’t like The Perfect Witness by Susanna Beard as much as I’d hoped.
What I loved:
✔️short chapters
✔️an outsider’s peek into a manipulator in action
✔️the beautiful writing, full of literary devices
✔️a stellar ability to build tension
✔️exploration of ‘only’ children and their attachment to others
✔️exploration of toxic friendships (nice to see a male friendship featured)
What I struggled with:
✔️temptation to play a drinking game - downing a shot every time I read about Carl needing money
✔️pacing, pacing, pacing
✔️repetition, especially in the first third of the book
✔️Jason had no backbone and Alice wasn’t much better; I grew weary of the whining
✔️Carl was an unlikeable character and I ended up not caring what happened to him
✔️I kept waiting for a big twist that didn’t happen (wait, did I miss it?)
Please don’t take my disappointment with this book as a reason to pass on it. My low tolerance for manipulators and whiners shouldn’t impact your reading choice. There are 4 and 5-star reviews out there…check them out.
I was gifted this copy by Joffe Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 8, 2023
I just finished The Best Friend by Susanna Beard and loved everything about it. The characters were introduced quickly, so it was easy to follow along. So much that I disliked Carl from the very start! It was an easy read and kept you interested from the start, up until the very end. I even delayed cooking dinner, so that I could finish the book! I have officially found a new author that I will be following and look forward to more reads by Susanna Beard!
July 27, 2023
Phychological suspense.
And Alice and Jason have a late visitor, Carl turns up on their doorstep it's a wet night and they couldn't turn him away, it's been a long time since Jason has seen his old pal and Alice keeps seeing him looking out of the window, and she goes off to bed her mood tells her bad things are going to happen, Carl does not turn up without a reason and ends up staying over, the next morning all she gets from Jason is"he's my friend and I owe him" and he is about to find out how much Carl wants owing.
Ooooh! there is big trouble ahead for this couple and their families and I was so glued to this book right through. Found it such a enjoyable read that gets fast and gripping.
Excellent, mind blowing and fabulous.
And Alice and Jason have a late visitor, Carl turns up on their doorstep it's a wet night and they couldn't turn him away, it's been a long time since Jason has seen his old pal and Alice keeps seeing him looking out of the window, and she goes off to bed her mood tells her bad things are going to happen, Carl does not turn up without a reason and ends up staying over, the next morning all she gets from Jason is"he's my friend and I owe him" and he is about to find out how much Carl wants owing.
Ooooh! there is big trouble ahead for this couple and their families and I was so glued to this book right through. Found it such a enjoyable read that gets fast and gripping.
Excellent, mind blowing and fabulous.
August 31, 2023
This was a strange read in that the plot was different but it worked. What I loved best was the short chapters, really addictive as I just kept reading and then I realised it was late at night and I had finished. So it took me away from everything which is a sign of a good book.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
October 4, 2023
It had been many years since Jason and Alice have seen or heard from Jason's childhood friend Carl, One night Carl shows up out of the blue needing somewhere to sleep and eventually asks Jason for money to help him out of the financial mess he has gotten himself in to. Carl borrowed a large sum of money from thugs and his life is now in danger as he has no means to pay back the money he was loaned. Jason and Alice both get tangled in Carl's mess after Carl gives his attackers Jason's name and makes him an accomplice in Carl's efforts to scrape together the money. Soon the whole family becomes involved and Carl's lies and refusal to take responsibility for his actions starts to impact everyone Jason and Alice care for. They hope to come up with the money before it is too late and someone loses their life.
At first I struggled to get into this story. While Jason and Alice are written to be good, upstanding people, I never grew attached to either of their characters. They were sort of bland overall. Carl was a well developed character and lived up to every definition of a deadbeat friend. The storyline itself took a while to get into as the character development and build up of the plot was a slow burn. About 40% of the way through the book, I started to find myself flipping through the pages faster to find out what would happen next. It became very engaging as each character was trying to figure out how to outwit the thugs who were trying to attack them. While I figured out the plot about halfway through I still enjoyed the storyline. It was exciting, albeit predictable. I like how the story ended; however, I would have loved to see a follow through on what happens to Carl after the police interview. He was such a despicable character I imagine the author left it up to the reader to imagine what happens to him in the end. This was a solid 4 star read for me. I did enjoy the book, but it will not be one that stays with me for a long time or one I think about over and over and recommend to my friends.
At first I struggled to get into this story. While Jason and Alice are written to be good, upstanding people, I never grew attached to either of their characters. They were sort of bland overall. Carl was a well developed character and lived up to every definition of a deadbeat friend. The storyline itself took a while to get into as the character development and build up of the plot was a slow burn. About 40% of the way through the book, I started to find myself flipping through the pages faster to find out what would happen next. It became very engaging as each character was trying to figure out how to outwit the thugs who were trying to attack them. While I figured out the plot about halfway through I still enjoyed the storyline. It was exciting, albeit predictable. I like how the story ended; however, I would have loved to see a follow through on what happens to Carl after the police interview. He was such a despicable character I imagine the author left it up to the reader to imagine what happens to him in the end. This was a solid 4 star read for me. I did enjoy the book, but it will not be one that stays with me for a long time or one I think about over and over and recommend to my friends.
August 15, 2023
5* ADVANCED READER COPY REVIEW
86 chapters plus a prologue...that's a lot to fit within 264 pages, though for a good book it's also a ratio that will encourage a "just one more chapter" mentality...surely the definition of "an unputdownable" tale?
Amazon describe the book as one of seven "totally gripping psychological thrillers" by new to me author Susanna Beard...looking at reader reviews for what's gone before was encouraging as they're mainly positive (the reader who is "defiantly" (sic) going to read more did leave me wondering what obstacles she has to overcome though 😊)...
8 chapters in and the times flown...well written, hints about incidents from the main characters pasts that will be explored as we go, and I want to go on find out what they are and how they impact this tale of an old friend turning up after an eight or nine year absence to shake up the lives of those he'd left behind.
To date chapters have focussed on Jason and his partner Alice - we get insights into their experiences and reaction realtime to the return of troubled childhood friend Carl...no spoilers but there's clarity now as to why it's become a matter of life and death...
I'm putting my virtual pen down and picking the book up again with the just made coffee a good excuse to update my narrative.
Chapter 24 and, other than an interlude for lunch and a lunchtime TV quiz, I'm still absorbed...Carl's a manipulative arse, and he's dragged his friends into some bad shit - I think I know where it's going but Ms Beards got me hooked regardless - I want to follow to the end...cracking on!
It's 22:15 now, just over 12 hours since I opened this book, and I've gone from cover to cover - my third 5* read of Summer 23, the first that I've done in a single day, almost in a single sitting...I'm adding Susanna Beard to my personal lost of authors I'd like to read more of...see if this is her norm or a fluke...I almost got it right in terms of "whodunnit", decent twist I'd not have seen coming early doors, interesting connections between characters and loose ends tied up, definitely my type of satisfying read.
86 chapters plus a prologue...that's a lot to fit within 264 pages, though for a good book it's also a ratio that will encourage a "just one more chapter" mentality...surely the definition of "an unputdownable" tale?
Amazon describe the book as one of seven "totally gripping psychological thrillers" by new to me author Susanna Beard...looking at reader reviews for what's gone before was encouraging as they're mainly positive (the reader who is "defiantly" (sic) going to read more did leave me wondering what obstacles she has to overcome though 😊)...
8 chapters in and the times flown...well written, hints about incidents from the main characters pasts that will be explored as we go, and I want to go on find out what they are and how they impact this tale of an old friend turning up after an eight or nine year absence to shake up the lives of those he'd left behind.
To date chapters have focussed on Jason and his partner Alice - we get insights into their experiences and reaction realtime to the return of troubled childhood friend Carl...no spoilers but there's clarity now as to why it's become a matter of life and death...
I'm putting my virtual pen down and picking the book up again with the just made coffee a good excuse to update my narrative.
Chapter 24 and, other than an interlude for lunch and a lunchtime TV quiz, I'm still absorbed...Carl's a manipulative arse, and he's dragged his friends into some bad shit - I think I know where it's going but Ms Beards got me hooked regardless - I want to follow to the end...cracking on!
It's 22:15 now, just over 12 hours since I opened this book, and I've gone from cover to cover - my third 5* read of Summer 23, the first that I've done in a single day, almost in a single sitting...I'm adding Susanna Beard to my personal lost of authors I'd like to read more of...see if this is her norm or a fluke...I almost got it right in terms of "whodunnit", decent twist I'd not have seen coming early doors, interesting connections between characters and loose ends tied up, definitely my type of satisfying read.
August 5, 2023
The story is based on a couple (Alice and Jason) who face turmoil when Jason's childhood friend shows up out of nowhere and asks for money to pay off some thugs that are after him/
I really tried to like this book but I just couldn't get into it. The author's writing style is solid and the book flowed well. Here are the reasons for my rating (spoilers):
- Hated the Carl character and was annoyed and puzzled at Jason's behavior. It's not normal that he would've gone along with the ridiculous scheme. He lacked a backbone and his response to the situation was bizarre and unrealistic.
- The story was very predictable. What you see is what you get. Towards the end I ended up skimming chapters just to finish. I kept waiting for a twist that never came. The one supposed twist anyone could have seen coming a mile away.
- The fact that Needham was Carl's father was neither here nor there. It was dropped like a big revelation but what's the significance?
- The whole backstory with Alice and the Neville's was weakly developed. They seemed to be caricatures and the police detective left me wanting. I couldn't bring myself to care.
- There are repetitive chapters where nothing happens and the story doesn't advance. Carl is begging, Alice is warning Jason to ignore him, Jason is in turmoil rinse and repeat.
Overall I would recommend. The book failed to hold my attention. It took me several days to go through it and I was forcing myself to the end. The story and the plot were somewhat dull in my opinion.
I really tried to like this book but I just couldn't get into it. The author's writing style is solid and the book flowed well. Here are the reasons for my rating (spoilers):
- Hated the Carl character and was annoyed and puzzled at Jason's behavior. It's not normal that he would've gone along with the ridiculous scheme. He lacked a backbone and his response to the situation was bizarre and unrealistic.
- The story was very predictable. What you see is what you get. Towards the end I ended up skimming chapters just to finish. I kept waiting for a twist that never came. The one supposed twist anyone could have seen coming a mile away.
- The fact that Needham was Carl's father was neither here nor there. It was dropped like a big revelation but what's the significance?
- The whole backstory with Alice and the Neville's was weakly developed. They seemed to be caricatures and the police detective left me wanting. I couldn't bring myself to care.
- There are repetitive chapters where nothing happens and the story doesn't advance. Carl is begging, Alice is warning Jason to ignore him, Jason is in turmoil rinse and repeat.
Overall I would recommend. The book failed to hold my attention. It took me several days to go through it and I was forcing myself to the end. The story and the plot were somewhat dull in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2025
die story hat mich jetz ned so gecatcht muss ich sagen auch wenn der Schreibstil selbst eig recht gut war. Ich bin trotzdem gespannt andere Bücher der Autorin zu lesen 🤞🏼
January 9, 2024
Hold onto your seats, thriller fans! I just devoured "The Best Friend" by Susanna Beard, and wow, it's a rollercoaster you won't want to get off. Buckle up for a fast-paced and gripping ride through trust, deception, and the shadows of friendship.
The descriptions in this novel are nothing short of atmospheric genius. Beard paints a vivid picture of every scene, making it feel like you're right there in the midst of the suspense. The characters are not just characters; they are living, breathing entities with layers of complexity that kept me guessing till the very end.
Now, let's talk about the plot. The tension builds from the first page, and I couldn't turn them fast enough. The dynamics between the characters, the underlying sense of unease, and the plot twists – oh, the plot twists! Beard weaves a narrative that's both unpredictable and addictively compelling.
As an avid mystery thriller fan, this book did not disappoint. The topics touched upon, from loyalty to the shadows that lurk within friendships, add an extra layer of intrigue. The events unfold like a well-choreographed dance of deception, leaving you breathless and craving more.
Now, onto dislikes – and honestly, there's not much to say here. Some might find the pace relentless, but for a thriller aficionado like me, that's a huge plus. The tension is the driving force, and Beard knows how to keep it taut.
In conclusion, this book deserves every bit of its five-star rating.
Gillian Flynn, T.M. Logan, B.A. Paris fans, you're in for a treat. Susanna Beard has crafted a psychological thriller that's as unputdownable as they come.
The descriptions in this novel are nothing short of atmospheric genius. Beard paints a vivid picture of every scene, making it feel like you're right there in the midst of the suspense. The characters are not just characters; they are living, breathing entities with layers of complexity that kept me guessing till the very end.
Now, let's talk about the plot. The tension builds from the first page, and I couldn't turn them fast enough. The dynamics between the characters, the underlying sense of unease, and the plot twists – oh, the plot twists! Beard weaves a narrative that's both unpredictable and addictively compelling.
As an avid mystery thriller fan, this book did not disappoint. The topics touched upon, from loyalty to the shadows that lurk within friendships, add an extra layer of intrigue. The events unfold like a well-choreographed dance of deception, leaving you breathless and craving more.
Now, onto dislikes – and honestly, there's not much to say here. Some might find the pace relentless, but for a thriller aficionado like me, that's a huge plus. The tension is the driving force, and Beard knows how to keep it taut.
In conclusion, this book deserves every bit of its five-star rating.
Gillian Flynn, T.M. Logan, B.A. Paris fans, you're in for a treat. Susanna Beard has crafted a psychological thriller that's as unputdownable as they come.
August 4, 2023
Wow! A book I raced through and didn't want to put down. Alice lives with her boyfriend and they both have good jobs. One day an old friend of Jason’s appears on the doorstep needing help- the sort of help Jason doesn't want to give. Carl has always been a little dodgy and when he says he wants money, Jason knows he will never pay it back, besides which they don’t have any- everything goes on the mortgage and bills. When Carl says how much it is and that Jason owes him for saving his life when they were young, Jason finds it hard to say no but has to for his and Alice’s safety as Carl is in danger from whom he owes the money to. Alternate chapters follow someone up to no good, staying in the shadows, intent on burglary. When Carl tells Jason he is now involved like it or not, as he’s told them Jason's name, they come up with a plan, one which sounds like it can't fail, but with Carl’s involvement it more than likely will. Can they get the money and stay out of trouble?
Omg! A cracker of a story, one so very well crafted and told. A skilfully thought out plot and likeable characters in Alice and possibly Jason- I’ll not say too much! If you like an edge of your seat book then this may well be a book for you. There’s a tension through the pages and that need to find out exactly what is happening, one that may well increase the heart beat! A fantastic book I highly recommend 5*
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter or Threads @nickisbookblog
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July 24, 2023
I am always interested to see what Susanna Beard comes up with, because I have loved some of her books - like The Perfect Neighbour - but was indifferent to others, like What Happened That Night. This book falls somewhere in the middle, for me.
Jason and Alice are a happily married couple enjoying their life together. Until, that is, a knock on the door one night heralds the arrival of Jason's problematic best friend, Carl.
Alice is understandably not excited by this development, because Carl tends to draw people around him into his messes, which are definitely not few and far between. Nor is this occasion any exception to that rule. Carl is in trouble, and he is about to bring that trouble to his friend's doorstep...
As this story reminds us, toxic friendships are not by any means limited to women - though those are the relationships that tend to be more often portrayed in novels.
Now, as Jason seems unable to say no to Carl, things spiral downwards, with Alice a horrified spectator.
This story could have worked much better if Jason and Alice had each been less of a victim. Carl was undoubtedly despicable, but it was hard not to feel that they made it too easy for him. The story was entertaining enough, but it had the potential to offer the reader much more.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Jason and Alice are a happily married couple enjoying their life together. Until, that is, a knock on the door one night heralds the arrival of Jason's problematic best friend, Carl.
Alice is understandably not excited by this development, because Carl tends to draw people around him into his messes, which are definitely not few and far between. Nor is this occasion any exception to that rule. Carl is in trouble, and he is about to bring that trouble to his friend's doorstep...
As this story reminds us, toxic friendships are not by any means limited to women - though those are the relationships that tend to be more often portrayed in novels.
Now, as Jason seems unable to say no to Carl, things spiral downwards, with Alice a horrified spectator.
This story could have worked much better if Jason and Alice had each been less of a victim. Carl was undoubtedly despicable, but it was hard not to feel that they made it too easy for him. The story was entertaining enough, but it had the potential to offer the reader much more.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
August 27, 2023
Alice and her boyfriend Jason live together, they have a happy life and things are ticking along nicely for them until Jason's childhood friend, Carl, unexpectedly arrives on their doorstep one night. Trouble has always followed Carl and this time around he's found himself in a real bind and he says he desperately needs Jason's help. When Alice finds out about Carl's situation she begs Jason not to get involved and is horrified to find out that it's too late, they already are and the outcome could be horrifying.
This is a book with short, snappy chapters, the type that has you thinking "just one more chapter before I switch off the light" The story races along at a great pace and although I enjoyed it, there were times when I could have quite happily banged Alice and Jason's heads together. Their decisions were so poor and they just came across as being unbelievably weak at times. That said, I still enjoyed the book as it was well constructed and flowed well. This was my first outing with Susanna Beard and I'll be interested to read her other books as I've heard lots of good things about them.
With Kind thanks to Jill at Books 'n' All Promotions and Joffee Books for my review copy
This is a book with short, snappy chapters, the type that has you thinking "just one more chapter before I switch off the light" The story races along at a great pace and although I enjoyed it, there were times when I could have quite happily banged Alice and Jason's heads together. Their decisions were so poor and they just came across as being unbelievably weak at times. That said, I still enjoyed the book as it was well constructed and flowed well. This was my first outing with Susanna Beard and I'll be interested to read her other books as I've heard lots of good things about them.
With Kind thanks to Jill at Books 'n' All Promotions and Joffee Books for my review copy
August 21, 2023
The Best Friend by Susanna Beard - Happy Pub day 24.08.2023
Everyone has a friend like Carl.
The friend you can’t say no to.
The friend you have to say no to.
Firstly thankyou to NetGalley, Joffe Books & Susanna Beard for a copy of this e-book All thoughts are my own 💗
This is my first book by Susanna Beard and I'm looking forward to trying more of her books in the future. I loved the short chapters, they made it impossible to put down, I was always promising myself just one more chapter and before you knew it I had finished. I loved the writing style but wasn't overly keen on any of the characters. I think my favourite has to be Dawn and my least favourite Carl.
I was a little disappointed that "the big twist" was very predictable but maybe it was supposed to be?
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was unsure whether to rate this 3 or 4 but because I binged it in a few hours I had to go with 4.
QOTD : Do you have a friend you would do absolutely anything for, no matter how outrageous?
#THEBESTFRIEND #NetGalley
Everyone has a friend like Carl.
The friend you can’t say no to.
The friend you have to say no to.
Firstly thankyou to NetGalley, Joffe Books & Susanna Beard for a copy of this e-book All thoughts are my own 💗
This is my first book by Susanna Beard and I'm looking forward to trying more of her books in the future. I loved the short chapters, they made it impossible to put down, I was always promising myself just one more chapter and before you knew it I had finished. I loved the writing style but wasn't overly keen on any of the characters. I think my favourite has to be Dawn and my least favourite Carl.
I was a little disappointed that "the big twist" was very predictable but maybe it was supposed to be?
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was unsure whether to rate this 3 or 4 but because I binged it in a few hours I had to go with 4.
QOTD : Do you have a friend you would do absolutely anything for, no matter how outrageous?
#THEBESTFRIEND #NetGalley
July 25, 2023
THE BEST FRIEND
by Susanna Beard
Pub Date: 24 Aug 2023
I liked the main characters, Jason and Alice, their friend Carl was despicable! The fact that Jason was unable to say NO to his "best friend" Carl even when it's life threatening I found to be unbelievable. It was irritating that Jason would allow his supposedly "best friend" to take advantage of him.
This was a decent read. I don't really feel this qualifies as a psychological suspense it claims to be.
Synopsis:
I’m finally in a good place. A lovely home. A steady job. And Jason. Reliable, honest, kind Jason — my boyfriend. My best friend. I trust him implicitly.
But if anyone can lead Jason astray, it’s Carl. His best friend.
And now Carl’s on our doorstep. Begging for help.
I warn Jason not to get involved. But Carl has a hold over my boyfriend that I don’t understand. And suddenly everything I hold dear is under threat.
Thank you #THEBESTFRIEND & #NetGalley for an E-ARC of this book.
by Susanna Beard
Pub Date: 24 Aug 2023
I liked the main characters, Jason and Alice, their friend Carl was despicable! The fact that Jason was unable to say NO to his "best friend" Carl even when it's life threatening I found to be unbelievable. It was irritating that Jason would allow his supposedly "best friend" to take advantage of him.
This was a decent read. I don't really feel this qualifies as a psychological suspense it claims to be.
Synopsis:
I’m finally in a good place. A lovely home. A steady job. And Jason. Reliable, honest, kind Jason — my boyfriend. My best friend. I trust him implicitly.
But if anyone can lead Jason astray, it’s Carl. His best friend.
And now Carl’s on our doorstep. Begging for help.
I warn Jason not to get involved. But Carl has a hold over my boyfriend that I don’t understand. And suddenly everything I hold dear is under threat.
Thank you #THEBESTFRIEND & #NetGalley for an E-ARC of this book.
July 28, 2023
This was a decent read but definitely not the psychological suspense that it claims to be.
I was interested to read about toxic male friendships especially since toxic female friendships are very well represented in the thriller/suspense genre. However, this falls short of the mark because Carl is just so clearly awful and Jason is a complete idiot. Both Alice and Jason are complete pushovers when it comes to Carl. I felt frustrated and unsympathetic to them because they almost make it too easy for him to take advantage of them, especially Jason.
The plot twists were the most disappointing part of this book. The big (and honestly only) plot twist was extremely easy to guess. I expected at least one of the three central characters (Alice, Jason, Carl) to have an ulterior motive/secret scheme. Carl especially seemed set up to be hiding something but nothing ever came of it. Truly disappointing.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was interested to read about toxic male friendships especially since toxic female friendships are very well represented in the thriller/suspense genre. However, this falls short of the mark because Carl is just so clearly awful and Jason is a complete idiot. Both Alice and Jason are complete pushovers when it comes to Carl. I felt frustrated and unsympathetic to them because they almost make it too easy for him to take advantage of them, especially Jason.
The plot twists were the most disappointing part of this book. The big (and honestly only) plot twist was extremely easy to guess. I expected at least one of the three central characters (Alice, Jason, Carl) to have an ulterior motive/secret scheme. Carl especially seemed set up to be hiding something but nothing ever came of it. Truly disappointing.
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 2, 2023
Some best friends, through thick and thin, you go through life, so glad to have them. Others you wish you'd never set eyes on in the first place.
Was this the case with Jason and Carl, or was Alice, Jason's girlfriend, just jealous of the friendship.
This is a well written gripping storyline and plot, with surprising revelations and twists and great characters.
I was captured into the book from the very beginning and found it very hard to put down for very long. I just needed to know what happened next.
It did keep me guessing all the way through, and I never did suspect the outcome.
This book is a must for those who like a good gripping thriller.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Was this the case with Jason and Carl, or was Alice, Jason's girlfriend, just jealous of the friendship.
This is a well written gripping storyline and plot, with surprising revelations and twists and great characters.
I was captured into the book from the very beginning and found it very hard to put down for very long. I just needed to know what happened next.
It did keep me guessing all the way through, and I never did suspect the outcome.
This book is a must for those who like a good gripping thriller.
My thanks to Joffe books for the advanced copy. This is my honest, unbiased review.
September 8, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this early release. This is my first Susanna Beard novel and I did enjoy it.
Right from the start I was hooked and did not want to put this down. I loved the short chapters, making this read a breeze to get through. Right from the beginning we jump right into the suspense and it didn't slow, which made this a engaging story.
I did find myself getting annoyed with Jason. He was a nice guy but he was such a push over. When we find out the incident that makes him so loyal to Carl, I was a bit disappointed. I didn't think it required such a payback that Jason needed to do everything he did for Carl. Carl was definitely a mooch and overall not a very good person.
Right from the start I was hooked and did not want to put this down. I loved the short chapters, making this read a breeze to get through. Right from the beginning we jump right into the suspense and it didn't slow, which made this a engaging story.
I did find myself getting annoyed with Jason. He was a nice guy but he was such a push over. When we find out the incident that makes him so loyal to Carl, I was a bit disappointed. I didn't think it required such a payback that Jason needed to do everything he did for Carl. Carl was definitely a mooch and overall not a very good person.
July 23, 2023
Having read several of Ms. Beard's books and liking them, I couldn't like this one.
A couple, Jason and Alice, on their way to bed, hear knocking on their front door. It's Carl, Jason's childhood best friend, who manages to finagle a bed for the night. And then some!
Alice, knowing Jason's inability to say 'no' to Carl, is worried. Carl has the ability to get others into trouble and this time the trouble is life threatening.
I became annoyed and irritated at the couple; Jason because he kept giving in to Carl and Alice because she didn't put her foot down and give Jason an ultimatum. Carl was despicable! I couldn't enjoy the read. Sorry!
A couple, Jason and Alice, on their way to bed, hear knocking on their front door. It's Carl, Jason's childhood best friend, who manages to finagle a bed for the night. And then some!
Alice, knowing Jason's inability to say 'no' to Carl, is worried. Carl has the ability to get others into trouble and this time the trouble is life threatening.
I became annoyed and irritated at the couple; Jason because he kept giving in to Carl and Alice because she didn't put her foot down and give Jason an ultimatum. Carl was despicable! I couldn't enjoy the read. Sorry!
July 29, 2023
The Best Friend - Susanna Beard
How much can you really count on your best friend? Jason comes to find out not very much when he realizes Carl, the friend who saved his life as a child, continues to ask you for favors that are progressively getting worse.
SPOILERS:
This time Carls in deep and plans a burglary and ropes Jason into helping him because “he owes him.” I was SHOOK when they got into the house to find the owner dead and the money already gone. Poor Jason just wanted his normal life back and even once this was over his life would never be the same. THE PLOT TWIST of his mom being the one to help ensure his innocence had me unable to put this book down and RACING to the end.
How much can you really count on your best friend? Jason comes to find out not very much when he realizes Carl, the friend who saved his life as a child, continues to ask you for favors that are progressively getting worse.
SPOILERS:
This time Carls in deep and plans a burglary and ropes Jason into helping him because “he owes him.” I was SHOOK when they got into the house to find the owner dead and the money already gone. Poor Jason just wanted his normal life back and even once this was over his life would never be the same. THE PLOT TWIST of his mom being the one to help ensure his innocence had me unable to put this book down and RACING to the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2023
I wanted to enjoy this book, but I couldn't attach to any of the characters. This is especially true of Jason who makes one bad decision after another. He leads himself and his wife into a train wreck of a situation all because he thought he "owed" his sleazy and up-to-no-good childhood friend something from an event years ago. Although this was a thriller, the plot was easy to guess and I found myself skim reading the last couple of chapters so I could finish the book. Perhaps those wanting a light thriller would enjoy this story more than I did.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
August 14, 2023
Alice has never been a fan of her boyfriend Jason’s best friend Carl, but when Carl suddenly appears and tells Jason he needs money because he owes some dangerous people, Alice knows that Jason will help him. Alice and Jason become targets after Carl tells the people he owes that Jason is going to help him get the money, and Jason agrees to Carl’s dangerous plan out of desperation. Of course nothing goes to plan!
I was disappointed by how predictable the storyline became. There weren’t any moments that shocked me and at times I found myself reading just to finish the book, not because I was dying to find out what happens next.
I was disappointed by how predictable the storyline became. There weren’t any moments that shocked me and at times I found myself reading just to finish the book, not because I was dying to find out what happens next.
August 18, 2023
This book was lacking so much for me. It was not a ling book however it still took way longer than normal to get through it. I just kept waiting for something thrilling to happen or, at the very least, for one of the main characters to just be smart and make a good decision. I feel like the story has great potential but it really missed its mark and for that im very upset. Set in London its an all too familiar story about toxic childhood friends and always feeling indebted to them. The ending is what got me though. The ending wad quite possibly the worst ending i have ever read!
August 2, 2023
Enjoyable read-short chapters which I love-story was fairly predictable but I did like it. I wasn’t on the edge of my seat and I expected more at the ending. I wouldn’t say it was really a thriller, more like a mystery book. I kept waiting for a plot twist but there wasn’t one, I kept expecting more from the book. Thank you to NetGalley, Susanna Beard and Joffe Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. Will definitely check out her other books! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 24, 2023
This was more of a suspense novel vs a thriller. The ending was just ok. I gave it three stars due to the way it kept me wanting to know what happened at the end the entire book. The suspense building was great, but overall the book fell a little flat for me. I will definitely read other books by this author.
Thank you Joffe Books and Net Galley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
Thank you Joffe Books and Net Galley for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
August 24, 2023
Unfortunately this wasn’t one of my favourite reads. This was my first book by this author and I feel like i need to read another by Susanna Beard to make a fair judgement. I love psychological thrillers but this didn’t feel that intense to me. I enjoyed the twist near the end but i truly felt like there should have been another page for some reason. It was a good story with realistic characters. Wish i could have rated it higher but sadly it just didn’t really keep me gripped.
August 28, 2023
Wow! What a suspenseful read!
This is a fast paced thriller and really has you thinking about friendship and how far you would go for a "friend" and what stakes you would take to let them go!
This book had me on the edge of my seat and I needed to know what was going on at all times! I however, wasn't really a fan of the plot points that took place - but it was still a fast paced read!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy
This is a fast paced thriller and really has you thinking about friendship and how far you would go for a "friend" and what stakes you would take to let them go!
This book had me on the edge of my seat and I needed to know what was going on at all times! I however, wasn't really a fan of the plot points that took place - but it was still a fast paced read!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy
August 23, 2023
Justin’s best friend since childhood, Carl, turns up at his and Alice’s house looking for help. Alice sees him as a bad influence but knows Justin is a loyal friend. Things just go from bad to worse as both Alice and Justin are dragged into Carls troubles. How are they going to get out of the mess Carl has got them into?
Very good read.
Very good read.
September 1, 2023
Great as usual!
Another thrilling story by Beard! Love her writing. She knows just how to slowly bring her characters to life and draw the reader into the story. Suddenly you're so engrossed and invested, you absolutely have to keep reading "just a few more pages": the chores haven't been done and dinner will be another frozen entree'.
Another thrilling story by Beard! Love her writing. She knows just how to slowly bring her characters to life and draw the reader into the story. Suddenly you're so engrossed and invested, you absolutely have to keep reading "just a few more pages": the chores haven't been done and dinner will be another frozen entree'.
Read
August 28, 2023Jason has had a friend Carl since childhood. Carl comes to Jason for help. Jason's wife Alice is not impressed by Carl.
It started a little slow but then it takes off.
Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
It started a little slow but then it takes off.
Thanks to Joffe Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
August 30, 2023
Very entertaining thriller. Carl is a piece of work and causes so much chaos. Not going to spoil it but there are a few scenes that would have had me on the edge of my seat in a movie theater! A book I recommend if you like a good story to keep you guessing.
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