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Friends and Liars: A Novel
From “edge-of-your-seat suspense” (Booklist) author Kit Frick comes an insidious thriller about four estranged friends trapped in a powerful family’s deadly games at a luxe estate in the Italian countryside.
It’s been five years since heiress Clare Monroe tragically died on New Year’s Eve at her family’s opulent Italian palazzo. Since that time, her college friends have harbored a dark secret—their lies and betrayals led to Clare’s untimely death.
What happened that fateful night was a horrible accident, but Luca, Harper, Sirina, and David are guilty, nonetheless. And their desperate decision to conceal the truth destroyed their once-close bond.
Now, the estranged friends are each the recipient of an invitation from the Monroes to return to the lakeside palazzo for a long-overdue memorial for Clare. Accepting the Monroes’ invitation means playing with fire, but they can hardly refuse.
Luca, Harper, Sirina, and David have barely settled into their idyllic accommodations on Lake Como before someone at the memorial party begins targeting them. Haunted by little “gifts” left in their rooms, taunting notes, and the unshakable sense of being watched, it soon becomes clear that someone on the guest list knows the whole truth about the night Clare died—and the secrets her friends have been keeping. Nothing is as it seems at the palazzo on the lake, and under their tormentor’s vengeful gaze, their secrets—and their lives—are in danger.
It’s been five years since heiress Clare Monroe tragically died on New Year’s Eve at her family’s opulent Italian palazzo. Since that time, her college friends have harbored a dark secret—their lies and betrayals led to Clare’s untimely death.
What happened that fateful night was a horrible accident, but Luca, Harper, Sirina, and David are guilty, nonetheless. And their desperate decision to conceal the truth destroyed their once-close bond.
Now, the estranged friends are each the recipient of an invitation from the Monroes to return to the lakeside palazzo for a long-overdue memorial for Clare. Accepting the Monroes’ invitation means playing with fire, but they can hardly refuse.
Luca, Harper, Sirina, and David have barely settled into their idyllic accommodations on Lake Como before someone at the memorial party begins targeting them. Haunted by little “gifts” left in their rooms, taunting notes, and the unshakable sense of being watched, it soon becomes clear that someone on the guest list knows the whole truth about the night Clare died—and the secrets her friends have been keeping. Nothing is as it seems at the palazzo on the lake, and under their tormentor’s vengeful gaze, their secrets—and their lives—are in danger.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2025
88 people are currently reading
13546 people want to read
About the author
Kit Frick
11 books682 followersKit Frick is the author of multiple mysteries and thrillers for teens and adults including B&N YA Book Club pick and Thriller Award finalist I Killed Zoe Spanos and the forthcoming adult mystery The Split. Her other books include Before We Were Sorry (previously titled See All the Stars), All Eyes on Us, Very Bad People, The Reunion, and the poetry collection A Small Rising Up in the Lungs.
Readers interested in signing up for a monthly newsletter including book news and giveaways should visit her website at kitfrick.com. Kit doesn't accept GR friend requests but you can still follow her here for updates or connect with her on Instagram.
Readers interested in signing up for a monthly newsletter including book news and giveaways should visit her website at kitfrick.com. Kit doesn't accept GR friend requests but you can still follow her here for updates or connect with her on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
December 3, 2025
After the untimely death of Clare Monroe five years ago, her four friends, Luca, Harper, Sirina, and David, try to move on from that fateful night. But each of them is harboring each other’s secrets that might’ve been the cause of their friend’s death. So, when an invitation is sent to the four friends, asking them to go to Italy, all expenses paid, to be a part of Clare’s memorial at the very lake where she died, they hesitate but reluctantly accept the invitation. It seems like a nice getaway from their problems, but when things are left behind in their rooms, Luca, Harper, Sirina, and David realize that someone in the house knows what they’ve done to Clare and wants them to pay. The question is: who is it?
I have never been happier to be right in my life. 😂 Whenever I read a book, especially a mystery/thriller, I can’t help but try to figure out who is who and what is what. Forget about trying to enjoy the story–my main mission is to be right about whodunnit. 😂🤦♀ So as the story progressed, I made some predictions about how it would end, and oh baby, I was freaking right! I was a bit skeptical about my prediction because there were several ways it could have gone, but all the mystery shows, movies, and books I consumed really came in clutch.
Now, as far as the story itself goes, it was pretty darn good. It wasn’t as mysterious or “edge-of-my-seat” thrilling as I thought/hoped it would be (hence my rating it four stars), but it was interesting enough to keep me reading. It was easy to read, the story flowed well, and the plot was engaging. There were a few surprises here and there, but for the most part, it was pretty predictable, at least in my case.
I didn’t really like the characters, if I’m going to be honest. If I were taking this too far and looking too deeply into their shortcomings and failures as friends and humans in general, I would have rated it lower. But humans are imperfect, and in the mystery genre, being morally gray is a given. Additionally, I was way too invested in this to give it three stars, yet I'm unsure if it's on a four-star level of enjoyment. 😂 You know what? Yeah, four stars is fair. It was an interesting mystery, even though I thought everyone sucked, imo (except for Harper, but she wasn’t my favorite character either. Heck, no one was). It did make some nice, juicy drama that I both enjoyed and cringed at. I hate conflict, what can I say? 🤷♀😏
Overall, it was a good story, and I recommend it if you like a quick mystery to get your gears turning and your jaw to drop. 💙
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Death, murder, abuse, child abuse, sexual assault (but not explicitly detailed), mentions suicide and overdosing.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No, not really. Mainly talks about it.
I have never been happier to be right in my life. 😂 Whenever I read a book, especially a mystery/thriller, I can’t help but try to figure out who is who and what is what. Forget about trying to enjoy the story–my main mission is to be right about whodunnit. 😂🤦♀ So as the story progressed, I made some predictions about how it would end, and oh baby, I was freaking right! I was a bit skeptical about my prediction because there were several ways it could have gone, but all the mystery shows, movies, and books I consumed really came in clutch.
Now, as far as the story itself goes, it was pretty darn good. It wasn’t as mysterious or “edge-of-my-seat” thrilling as I thought/hoped it would be (hence my rating it four stars), but it was interesting enough to keep me reading. It was easy to read, the story flowed well, and the plot was engaging. There were a few surprises here and there, but for the most part, it was pretty predictable, at least in my case.
I didn’t really like the characters, if I’m going to be honest. If I were taking this too far and looking too deeply into their shortcomings and failures as friends and humans in general, I would have rated it lower. But humans are imperfect, and in the mystery genre, being morally gray is a given. Additionally, I was way too invested in this to give it three stars, yet I'm unsure if it's on a four-star level of enjoyment. 😂 You know what? Yeah, four stars is fair. It was an interesting mystery, even though I thought everyone sucked, imo (except for Harper, but she wasn’t my favorite character either. Heck, no one was). It did make some nice, juicy drama that I both enjoyed and cringed at. I hate conflict, what can I say? 🤷♀😏
Overall, it was a good story, and I recommend it if you like a quick mystery to get your gears turning and your jaw to drop. 💙
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Death, murder, abuse, child abuse, sexual assault (but not explicitly detailed), mentions suicide and overdosing.
Swearing: Yes
Spice: No, not really. Mainly talks about it.
January 2, 2026
"From “edge-of-your-seat suspense” (Booklist) author Kit Frick comes an insidious thriller about four estranged friends trapped in a powerful family’s deadly games at a luxe estate in the Italian countryside."
I never tire of these books with longtime friends who come back together after their lies drove them apart years ago. Invited to the beautiful Lake Como, Luca, Harper, Sirina and David have been invited to a memorial at the Monroe's Palazzo for their daughter Clare. Clare was found floating face down. Some evidence of alcohol and prescription pills on the dock led investigators to think it was an accident, but Clare's friends know otherwise...they caused her death.
The games begin when a watcher is following them, leaving notes and small gifts to lure them out of their lies...someone knows the truth. Was it accidental or murder??
The suspense keeps you invested. I love the atmosphere on Lake Como. The characters were okay and with the final twists I'm glad I read it.
Thank you Edelweiss and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
I never tire of these books with longtime friends who come back together after their lies drove them apart years ago. Invited to the beautiful Lake Como, Luca, Harper, Sirina and David have been invited to a memorial at the Monroe's Palazzo for their daughter Clare. Clare was found floating face down. Some evidence of alcohol and prescription pills on the dock led investigators to think it was an accident, but Clare's friends know otherwise...they caused her death.
The games begin when a watcher is following them, leaving notes and small gifts to lure them out of their lies...someone knows the truth. Was it accidental or murder??
The suspense keeps you invested. I love the atmosphere on Lake Como. The characters were okay and with the final twists I'm glad I read it.
Thank you Edelweiss and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
December 12, 2025
Oh baby! With oodles of juicy drama, dark secrets, and well-hidden lies, Friends and Liars delivered an intoxicating tale where nothing was what it seemed and everything was suspicious. And I’m not just talking about the storyline. You see, from the morally gray characters to the dysfunctional family dynamics, the layers to this complex revenge plot had me side-eyeing everyone—including the small group of “besties.” Exploring the idea of trust, betrayal, and friendship, it was as emotionally resonant as it was chilling. That being said, it was initially somewhat slow to boil, even if the simmering tension and shifting allegiances kept me spellbound throughout the slow-burning first two-thirds of the novel. From there, though, all bets were off as long-buried secrets and layers of lies were revealed one after to the other to my gleeful surprise.
All said and done, despite the fact that the suspense level was initially far less than I was expecting, the handful of revelations towards the end made up for it in spades. Sending me into a torrent of twists that I didn’t see coming, even the open-ended conclusion was an utter slam dunk. Don’t get me wrong, I seriously want to know what happens next to these characters, so please, Ms. Frick, say there’s a sequel. After all, this twisted game of cat-and-mouse might only be the beginning to these truly messed up friendships. Even if that’s not in the cards, though, this onion-like story has my utmost admiration. Filled with perfectly plotted deception that I utterly loved, I flew through this book in only a matter of hours. After all, this secret-packed tale not only had me hooked, but it ended in a total *mic drop* move of perfection. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
It’s been five years since heiress Clare Monroe tragically died on New Year’s Eve at her family’s opulent Italian palazzo. Since that time, her college friends have harbored a dark secret—their lies and betrayals led to Clare’s untimely death.
What happened that fateful night was a horrible accident, but Luca, Harper, Sirina, and David are guilty, nonetheless. And their desperate decision to conceal the truth destroyed their once-close bond.
Now, the estranged friends are each the recipient of an invitation from the Monroes to return to the lakeside palazzo for a long-overdue memorial for Clare. Accepting the Monroes’ invitation means playing with fire, but they can hardly refuse.
Luca, Harper, Sirina, and David have barely settled into their idyllic accommodations on Lake Como before someone at the memorial party begins targeting them. Haunted by little “gifts” left in their rooms, taunting notes, and the unshakable sense of being watched, it soon becomes clear that someone on the guest list knows the whole truth about the night Clare died—and the secrets her friends have been keeping. Nothing is as it seems at the palazzo on the lake, and under their tormentor’s vengeful gaze, their secrets—and their lives—are in danger.
Thank you Kit Frick and Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 2, 2025
Content warning: infidelity, rape, blackmail, domestic abuse, mention of: drug addiction
All said and done, despite the fact that the suspense level was initially far less than I was expecting, the handful of revelations towards the end made up for it in spades. Sending me into a torrent of twists that I didn’t see coming, even the open-ended conclusion was an utter slam dunk. Don’t get me wrong, I seriously want to know what happens next to these characters, so please, Ms. Frick, say there’s a sequel. After all, this twisted game of cat-and-mouse might only be the beginning to these truly messed up friendships. Even if that’s not in the cards, though, this onion-like story has my utmost admiration. Filled with perfectly plotted deception that I utterly loved, I flew through this book in only a matter of hours. After all, this secret-packed tale not only had me hooked, but it ended in a total *mic drop* move of perfection. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
It’s been five years since heiress Clare Monroe tragically died on New Year’s Eve at her family’s opulent Italian palazzo. Since that time, her college friends have harbored a dark secret—their lies and betrayals led to Clare’s untimely death.
What happened that fateful night was a horrible accident, but Luca, Harper, Sirina, and David are guilty, nonetheless. And their desperate decision to conceal the truth destroyed their once-close bond.
Now, the estranged friends are each the recipient of an invitation from the Monroes to return to the lakeside palazzo for a long-overdue memorial for Clare. Accepting the Monroes’ invitation means playing with fire, but they can hardly refuse.
Luca, Harper, Sirina, and David have barely settled into their idyllic accommodations on Lake Como before someone at the memorial party begins targeting them. Haunted by little “gifts” left in their rooms, taunting notes, and the unshakable sense of being watched, it soon becomes clear that someone on the guest list knows the whole truth about the night Clare died—and the secrets her friends have been keeping. Nothing is as it seems at the palazzo on the lake, and under their tormentor’s vengeful gaze, their secrets—and their lives—are in danger.
Thank you Kit Frick and Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: December 2, 2025
Content warning: infidelity, rape, blackmail, domestic abuse, mention of: drug addiction
June 13, 2025
Pros -
Fast paced
Set in the beautifully visual Italy (lake Como)
Multiple POV
dual timeline
Mysterious death of the extreme wealthy
Synopsis has the potential to be great
Cons -
The twists were a little too obvious
The characters weren’t very well fleshed out, unlikeable in a way that makes the story unlikeable
Lacking the flare of drama despite great potential for it
Thank you for the gifted copy!
Publishes Dec 2nd
Fast paced
Set in the beautifully visual Italy (lake Como)
Multiple POV
dual timeline
Mysterious death of the extreme wealthy
Synopsis has the potential to be great
Cons -
The twists were a little too obvious
The characters weren’t very well fleshed out, unlikeable in a way that makes the story unlikeable
Lacking the flare of drama despite great potential for it
Thank you for the gifted copy!
Publishes Dec 2nd
January 2, 2026
4.25 stars
It's a common thriller premise - something tragic happens at a gathering of friends and they all get together years later. Old secrets come out, and the characters are again in danger. Friends and Liars follows this premise but still stands out. Heiress Clare Monroe died on New Year's Eve at her family's Italian mansion with her close friends there at her family's vacation home. Clare's friends reunite five years later for her memorial service, with all their expenses covered, but all four are keeping life-changing secrets.
The story alternates between each friend's point-of-view and the reader slowly starts to get a full picture of the complicated relationship that existed between Clare, David, Sirina, Luca, and Harper. The characters definitely live up to the book's title - Friends and Liars, and all have done things to betray Clare. What makes this book stand out for me is the shocking ending - I was very surprised by a couple revelations. The ambiguous ending left me hoping there could be a follow-up book to make it clear what comes next for these characters, but I enjoyed the time I spent with them.
I received a copy of this book from Atria Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
It's a common thriller premise - something tragic happens at a gathering of friends and they all get together years later. Old secrets come out, and the characters are again in danger. Friends and Liars follows this premise but still stands out. Heiress Clare Monroe died on New Year's Eve at her family's Italian mansion with her close friends there at her family's vacation home. Clare's friends reunite five years later for her memorial service, with all their expenses covered, but all four are keeping life-changing secrets.
The story alternates between each friend's point-of-view and the reader slowly starts to get a full picture of the complicated relationship that existed between Clare, David, Sirina, Luca, and Harper. The characters definitely live up to the book's title - Friends and Liars, and all have done things to betray Clare. What makes this book stand out for me is the shocking ending - I was very surprised by a couple revelations. The ambiguous ending left me hoping there could be a follow-up book to make it clear what comes next for these characters, but I enjoyed the time I spent with them.
I received a copy of this book from Atria Books, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
August 30, 2025
Four friends reunite for a memorial ceremony for their friend Clare who tragically died around five years ago. All four friends have dark secrets and begin receiving notes. Someone knows their secrets and is taunting them.
The characters were pretty much unlikable but the plot was good and had some good twists. I really enjoyed this book.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for this eARC that will be released December 2, 2025!
The characters were pretty much unlikable but the plot was good and had some good twists. I really enjoyed this book.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Atria Books for this eARC that will be released December 2, 2025!
June 24, 2025
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway, for my honest review. This plot was different than any other I've encountered before. The book is very well written. However, the first half of the book moves very slowly. It is necessary though to lay the background for the exciting part of the book so that it makes sense. The ending plot was so so good, you forget about the slow area in the book. The end of the book is amazing, so don't give up and read it all the way through. You won't be disappointed.
A group of friends are invited back to the wealthy estate of their college friend, for their friends memorial service. None of the friends want to return because they all feel like they played a role into leading their friend to her demise. When they return to the estate bad memories come back to them. They receive welcome gifts their first night there and all the gifts are pointing to what wrong they did to their friend. When notes appear confirming this. The friends begin to worry that someone else knows all their dirty secrets.
The ending to this book is better than anything I've read this year. BIG SURPRISE at the end. I liked this book a lot. I find it a must read. You have to go read this book.
A group of friends are invited back to the wealthy estate of their college friend, for their friends memorial service. None of the friends want to return because they all feel like they played a role into leading their friend to her demise. When they return to the estate bad memories come back to them. They receive welcome gifts their first night there and all the gifts are pointing to what wrong they did to their friend. When notes appear confirming this. The friends begin to worry that someone else knows all their dirty secrets.
The ending to this book is better than anything I've read this year. BIG SURPRISE at the end. I liked this book a lot. I find it a must read. You have to go read this book.
December 5, 2025
Friends And Liars by kid Frick, I just finished reading this book and all I want to know is really!!! Are you kidding me that is how it ends!! I was going to give this book 3 stars despite having no one to root for and the person I gave the most sympathy to I find out deserves none of it. I thought by the end there would be some sort of redemption or at least a tad bit of remorse because all these people were worried about was covering up their own stuff. I can’t get over how materialistic most of the people are in thrillers but it’s part of the thriller trope and so I go with it. These people, who in the beginning don’t want to go but due to the lavish luxury they knew their friend lived in they opt for the free paid vacation and so they go to Lake Como in Italy to have a memorial for their friend Claire who years before when they were all seniors in college died supposedly of an overdose. Yet all her horrible friends including Harper were invited and even brought a plus one. We have the filmmaker David, Harper the mom, the Broadway actress Sharena, and the Miami stud Luka who basically does nothing but live off of one of his clients. throughout the whole book we hear about Claire and how her dad always told her her family would be the only ones to stick with her and to keep the family secrets in the family and so all her horrible friends to go to the memorial and drink all the alcohol they can her relatives are their, friends of the family are ther, David’s even dating a friend of the family Pru. it doesn’t take long for Claire‘s friends to start finding little gifts left in their room and all of them feel like they’re being watched yet they stay and suck up all the luxury they can but when everything is revealed their lives will never be the same again and that’s if they live to see it. this book OMG this book I wanted to DNF because I was getting so tired of just hearing about them drinking David wanting Serena and on and on not to mention the impromptu fashion dialogue I had to live through something I could care less about but I finished it and now I wish I wouldn’t have read it at all. This book was only OK the ending ruined any goodness that had all the people are horrible including the family members but if it’s out it’s like something you would like definitely read it it absolutely sounded like something I would love old friends meeting in a strange environment to hash out the past but sadly I would take a miss on this one. Some people like it so maybe you will as well… Who knows stranger things have happened. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #KidFrick, #FriendsAndLiars, e
December 3, 2025
Why would they want to have a memorial service for Clare after all these years?
The powerful, wealthy Monroe family lost their daughter on New Year's Eve five years ago at their Italian Palazzo while hosting their daughter's friends, but the family still doesn't think it was an accident.
Whatever did happen, the friends vowed that they would never reveal what really happened.
Can they and did they all keep that secret?
They know it was an accident, but they feel guilty, and the family thinks they are.
The estranged friends all are invited back to the Palazzo - all expenses paid. They were hesitant about going, but they all decided why not?
On the first night, gifts start to appear in their rooms along with notes that scare them all because someone does know what really happened that night.
Why were they all invited?
Find out in this slow start read that ends up with a wow, revealing ending. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The powerful, wealthy Monroe family lost their daughter on New Year's Eve five years ago at their Italian Palazzo while hosting their daughter's friends, but the family still doesn't think it was an accident.
Whatever did happen, the friends vowed that they would never reveal what really happened.
Can they and did they all keep that secret?
They know it was an accident, but they feel guilty, and the family thinks they are.
The estranged friends all are invited back to the Palazzo - all expenses paid. They were hesitant about going, but they all decided why not?
On the first night, gifts start to appear in their rooms along with notes that scare them all because someone does know what really happened that night.
Why were they all invited?
Find out in this slow start read that ends up with a wow, revealing ending. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 6, 2025
OKAYYYY! Let me tell you, this read is an absolute masterclass in atmospheric tension and intricate character dynamics.
From the very first page, you're pulled into a world brimming with secrets, where every friendship feels fragile and every truth is a potential lie.
Frick expertly weaves a narrative that is both gripping and emotionally resonant, keeping you guessing until the very end without ever resorting to cheap tricks.
The writing is sharp, the pacing is perfect, and the exploration of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of young adult relationships is handled with impressive depth.
This book is a truly captivating read and left me thinking about it long after turning the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a temporary e-ARC!
From the very first page, you're pulled into a world brimming with secrets, where every friendship feels fragile and every truth is a potential lie.
Frick expertly weaves a narrative that is both gripping and emotionally resonant, keeping you guessing until the very end without ever resorting to cheap tricks.
The writing is sharp, the pacing is perfect, and the exploration of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of young adult relationships is handled with impressive depth.
This book is a truly captivating read and left me thinking about it long after turning the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for a temporary e-ARC!
May 9, 2025
♡ thank you to atria books for an advanced reader copy of this book via netgalley! ♡
2.5/5 ⭐️ (rounded up)
this book is about a girl who passes away 5 years prior. her family invites her old friends to their estate for a memorial, but each of them have secrets and rely on each other to keep to keep them. they haven't seen each other since the tragedy.
this book has a very interesting premise with a messy friendships intertwined with mystery. Kit Frick is a PHENOMENAL writer, with very vivid descriptions and a strong ability to tie things together. however, i don't think this book was for me. i felt really disconnected from the plot and characters the entire story. the concept had potential, but something just didn’t click. it had twists, but not the kind that left me wanting more.. the kind that made me confused.
📖 plot & pace: we hear from the friends of Clare throughout this book, with each chapter another perspective. i felt there were some holes in the plot and some parts felt extremely unrealistic. it was hard to really get submerged in the story. it felt like the mystery was trying too hard to be shocking but the payoff didn’t quite hit. i can say i wasn't expecting the end, but it didn't hit very hard.
👥 characters: my biggest complaint is the amount of characters in this book. from everyone in Clare's family, all of her friends, etc., i found the characters blurring together. there were a few times i had to go back in the story to remember who someone was. i think emma, in the end, became my favorite character.
🤩 tropes: mysterious death, toxic friendships, secret pasts, rich & bad characters
‼️ content warnings: sexual assault, domestic violence
in the end, while this book wasn't for me, i do really like Frick's writing style and would be interested in future work! this book would be a better fit for someone who can keep up with different characters/timelines, and like multi layered stories.
2.5/5 ⭐️ (rounded up)
this book is about a girl who passes away 5 years prior. her family invites her old friends to their estate for a memorial, but each of them have secrets and rely on each other to keep to keep them. they haven't seen each other since the tragedy.
this book has a very interesting premise with a messy friendships intertwined with mystery. Kit Frick is a PHENOMENAL writer, with very vivid descriptions and a strong ability to tie things together. however, i don't think this book was for me. i felt really disconnected from the plot and characters the entire story. the concept had potential, but something just didn’t click. it had twists, but not the kind that left me wanting more.. the kind that made me confused.
📖 plot & pace: we hear from the friends of Clare throughout this book, with each chapter another perspective. i felt there were some holes in the plot and some parts felt extremely unrealistic. it was hard to really get submerged in the story. it felt like the mystery was trying too hard to be shocking but the payoff didn’t quite hit. i can say i wasn't expecting the end, but it didn't hit very hard.
👥 characters: my biggest complaint is the amount of characters in this book. from everyone in Clare's family, all of her friends, etc., i found the characters blurring together. there were a few times i had to go back in the story to remember who someone was. i think emma, in the end, became my favorite character.
🤩 tropes: mysterious death, toxic friendships, secret pasts, rich & bad characters
‼️ content warnings: sexual assault, domestic violence
in the end, while this book wasn't for me, i do really like Frick's writing style and would be interested in future work! this book would be a better fit for someone who can keep up with different characters/timelines, and like multi layered stories.
December 6, 2025
3.5
ARC✶REVIEW
#ad much love for my advance copy @atriabooks + @simon.audio for the ALC #partners
🅵🆁🅸🅴🅽🅳🆂 🅰🅽🅳 🅻🅸🅰🆁🆂
< @
ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴅᴇᴄᴇᴍʙᴇʀ 𝟤, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
It’s been five years since heiress Clare died tragically, her body washed up two days later. Now everyone who was there that night has been invited back to the scene of the crime, to a celebration of life party for Clare put on by her family. One thing is sure: this will the party of their lives, one they won’t ever forget. Was it suicide, an accident, or murder?
We are confronted with the mystery of what happened that week back in 2020. We are also introduced to all the players and get their full backstory. I felt like a I had a love/hate relationship with this book but overall I loved it.
Still I’m not sure how to review this one. It wasn’t my typical thriller read that I love because there was so much backstory happening, but I also didn’t hate it. The writing and story kept me hooked when most other thrillers like this wouldn’t have.
Each character is hiding something and I enjoyed how messy their inner turmoil was. I also enjoyed the constant sinister undertones of something isn’t quite right here. Someone knows their secrets.
🎧: Also listened to the audio and recommend it. With a full cast this was a fabulous listen. Each character has their own narrator so it’s one of audiobooks you can listen to with no confusion about who is who.
But at the same time, I wish the plot focused more on the present and not the characters backstories. But I understand the point of it. Def one I’d recommend.
The story is told in five parts and each holds its own weight. I loved how the story was broken up into parts. Fun fun.
ARC✶REVIEW
#ad much love for my advance copy @atriabooks + @simon.audio for the ALC #partners
🅵🆁🅸🅴🅽🅳🆂 🅰🅽🅳 🅻🅸🅰🆁🆂
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ʀᴇʟᴇᴀꜱᴇꜱ: ᴅᴇᴄᴇᴍʙᴇʀ 𝟤, 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟧
It’s been five years since heiress Clare died tragically, her body washed up two days later. Now everyone who was there that night has been invited back to the scene of the crime, to a celebration of life party for Clare put on by her family. One thing is sure: this will the party of their lives, one they won’t ever forget. Was it suicide, an accident, or murder?
We are confronted with the mystery of what happened that week back in 2020. We are also introduced to all the players and get their full backstory. I felt like a I had a love/hate relationship with this book but overall I loved it.
Still I’m not sure how to review this one. It wasn’t my typical thriller read that I love because there was so much backstory happening, but I also didn’t hate it. The writing and story kept me hooked when most other thrillers like this wouldn’t have.
Each character is hiding something and I enjoyed how messy their inner turmoil was. I also enjoyed the constant sinister undertones of something isn’t quite right here. Someone knows their secrets.
🎧: Also listened to the audio and recommend it. With a full cast this was a fabulous listen. Each character has their own narrator so it’s one of audiobooks you can listen to with no confusion about who is who.
But at the same time, I wish the plot focused more on the present and not the characters backstories. But I understand the point of it. Def one I’d recommend.
The story is told in five parts and each holds its own weight. I loved how the story was broken up into parts. Fun fun.
December 22, 2025
I was genuinely thrilled to read Friends and Liars. Murder, buried secrets, best friend betrayals, powerful elites, and a reunion at a luxe Italian estate are basically catnip for me, so, when I received an ARC, my expectations were high. Unfortunately, this ended up being a major miss.
Despite being fairly short (272 pages), this book took me nine days to finish because I was… bored. I struggled to stay engaged, fell asleep more than once, and never quite found my footing with the story. None of the characters were particularly likable or compelling, and the secrets at the heart of the plot felt neither shocking or original enough to sustain the tension the premise promises.
The pacing was uneven, and the narrative felt scattered, which made it hard to build momentum or emotional investment. The biggest letdown, though, was the psychological element. The story gestures toward something deeply unsettling but never fully commits. By the time we reached the finale, the “twist” felt predictable rather than satisfying. While I did appreciate that one character finally stood up for themself and claimed the closure they deserved, the rest of the resolution landed flat for me. Of course that spin was coming, and of course someone accustomed to absolute control wouldn’t relinquish it easily. The problem is that we don’t spend enough time sitting in that psychology for it to feel truly disturbing. Ultimately, Friends and Liars has a strong premise but weak execution.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
Despite being fairly short (272 pages), this book took me nine days to finish because I was… bored. I struggled to stay engaged, fell asleep more than once, and never quite found my footing with the story. None of the characters were particularly likable or compelling, and the secrets at the heart of the plot felt neither shocking or original enough to sustain the tension the premise promises.
The pacing was uneven, and the narrative felt scattered, which made it hard to build momentum or emotional investment. The biggest letdown, though, was the psychological element. The story gestures toward something deeply unsettling but never fully commits. By the time we reached the finale, the “twist” felt predictable rather than satisfying. While I did appreciate that one character finally stood up for themself and claimed the closure they deserved, the rest of the resolution landed flat for me. Of course that spin was coming, and of course someone accustomed to absolute control wouldn’t relinquish it easily. The problem is that we don’t spend enough time sitting in that psychology for it to feel truly disturbing. Ultimately, Friends and Liars has a strong premise but weak execution.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.
April 24, 2025
╰ ☆ 4 stars — (thank you netgalley for the ARC! RD: 12/5/25)
I was instantly sucked in to this story from page one. I am a sucker for a murder mystery, but the diverse characters presented in this book made it all that much better. Each one had a very unique personality and backstory that added layers into the mystery itself and it very much kept me on my toes. Though these characters all had very unlikable moments throughout the story, I found myself connecting with them and loving the way the past mixed into their futures.
The different, time shifted POVs were a great touch! It was interesting to see everything play out from Clare’s POV up until her death.
The ending was definitely a surprise. I wasn’t expecting Clare to had survived and been the mastermind behind everything, though it is an interesting way to wrap up the story. Especially with the ending being a little vague on Clare’s intentions going forward with her friends. Making her friends accomplices to murder seems like a bit of an overreaction for what they had done, but hey, I’m not judging.
While the writer’s prose is beautiful and engaging, it’s very wordy at times. Some passages have too much unnecessary detail included that made it drag a bit here and there. A particular example being the description of Luca’s apartment in the beginning. While creative, and beautifully worded, it was a lot. It wasn’t relevant enough to the plot to warrant that much description and noted detail about it. A simple explanation of he lives in small, rundown place would have sufficed to get the point across. There are several other moments like these, particularly scenery descriptions or character descriptions that I found myself skimming over because it felt superfluous at times.
All in all, for someone who really enjoys this genre and all that comes with it, this book really checked those boxes and then some.
I was instantly sucked in to this story from page one. I am a sucker for a murder mystery, but the diverse characters presented in this book made it all that much better. Each one had a very unique personality and backstory that added layers into the mystery itself and it very much kept me on my toes. Though these characters all had very unlikable moments throughout the story, I found myself connecting with them and loving the way the past mixed into their futures.
The different, time shifted POVs were a great touch! It was interesting to see everything play out from Clare’s POV up until her death.
The ending was definitely a surprise. I wasn’t expecting Clare to had survived and been the mastermind behind everything, though it is an interesting way to wrap up the story. Especially with the ending being a little vague on Clare’s intentions going forward with her friends. Making her friends accomplices to murder seems like a bit of an overreaction for what they had done, but hey, I’m not judging.
While the writer’s prose is beautiful and engaging, it’s very wordy at times. Some passages have too much unnecessary detail included that made it drag a bit here and there. A particular example being the description of Luca’s apartment in the beginning. While creative, and beautifully worded, it was a lot. It wasn’t relevant enough to the plot to warrant that much description and noted detail about it. A simple explanation of he lives in small, rundown place would have sufficed to get the point across. There are several other moments like these, particularly scenery descriptions or character descriptions that I found myself skimming over because it felt superfluous at times.
All in all, for someone who really enjoys this genre and all that comes with it, this book really checked those boxes and then some.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2025
This was my first Kit Frick book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love a juicy, drama-filled story, filled with unlikeable characters, and this more than fit that bill. When they are rich folks behaving badly, then it’s even better. Heiress Clare Monroe died five years ago, on New Year’s Eve at that, and her college friends, Luca, Harper, Sirina, and David, have kept secrets ever since then. In the current day, they get an invitation from the family to return to the Italian palazzo where she died for a memorial for Clare. Do they go? Yes. Do they want to go? Absolutely not. Craziness ensues, and this was wild the entire time. The full-cast narration just enhanced the story, and while I did have an inkling of what might ultimately be going on, I did not have all of the details correct and flew through this in one sitting; it was so entertaining. I need to read more of this author.
Thank you to Atria Books #partner for the free copy and to Simon Audio for the ALC to review.
Thank you to Atria Books #partner for the free copy and to Simon Audio for the ALC to review.
December 4, 2025
Rating a Kit Frick novel so low pains me. Her young adult books have so much heart and soul. I care about the major and minor characters. In FRIENDS AND LIARS, I couldn’t make myself care.
I’ve read a number of stories about college friends reuniting years later, torn apart by a death/murder. FRIENDS AND LIARS doesn’t stand out as exceptional or memorable.
The voice of Luca, the token gay best friend, stood out as particularly tropish, right out of central casting from the 1970s when people thought all gay men spoke with exaggerated femininity. I could barely listen to his parts. I don’t believe Kit Frick would sanction such stereotyping so I have to believe someone of a higher pay grade overrode her.
I’ve read a number of stories about college friends reuniting years later, torn apart by a death/murder. FRIENDS AND LIARS doesn’t stand out as exceptional or memorable.
The voice of Luca, the token gay best friend, stood out as particularly tropish, right out of central casting from the 1970s when people thought all gay men spoke with exaggerated femininity. I could barely listen to his parts. I don’t believe Kit Frick would sanction such stereotyping so I have to believe someone of a higher pay grade overrode her.
December 3, 2025
{3.5 stars}
Thanks to Atria Books for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.
Holy unlikable characters Batman! And boy, are there a lot of them.
This is the story of a dead rich girl’s friends who are brought together by her family to celebrate her life on the 5 year anniversary of her death. They all have secrets and ways they betrayed her, read motives, that they’re trying to keep in check. When they arrive they realize the are each being blackmailed by someone using their individual secrets as leverage. They come together to figure out who is behind both the blackmailing and the murder.
The first 20% of this was a lot of info dumping of the characters and I was pretty overwhelmed. As time progressed I settled in with the plot and felt a little more invested even though there wasn’t really anyone to root for. I guessed the main twist pretty early but there were still some surprises along the way.
Thanks to Atria Books for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.
Holy unlikable characters Batman! And boy, are there a lot of them.
This is the story of a dead rich girl’s friends who are brought together by her family to celebrate her life on the 5 year anniversary of her death. They all have secrets and ways they betrayed her, read motives, that they’re trying to keep in check. When they arrive they realize the are each being blackmailed by someone using their individual secrets as leverage. They come together to figure out who is behind both the blackmailing and the murder.
The first 20% of this was a lot of info dumping of the characters and I was pretty overwhelmed. As time progressed I settled in with the plot and felt a little more invested even though there wasn’t really anyone to root for. I guessed the main twist pretty early but there were still some surprises along the way.
July 1, 2025
Thank you to Atria books for sending me an advanced reader copy.
The mystery of what truly happened the night Clare died haunts all four surviving friends in this fast paced mystery. Five years later, the group is being toyed with by the one person who knows the truth, and the question on everyone's mind is: what do they want from them?
The writing is well paced, shifting point of view between the major players of the story by chapter. The secrets everyone hides are so well plotted out that much like the characters, I was trying to piece the evidence together as well. Each character has a distinct "voice" and the tension kept me wanting to keep reading. The twist was wholly unexpected and left me gasping at the end. My only complaint is that perhaps there were a few too many characters that got lost in the plot.
The mystery of what truly happened the night Clare died haunts all four surviving friends in this fast paced mystery. Five years later, the group is being toyed with by the one person who knows the truth, and the question on everyone's mind is: what do they want from them?
The writing is well paced, shifting point of view between the major players of the story by chapter. The secrets everyone hides are so well plotted out that much like the characters, I was trying to piece the evidence together as well. Each character has a distinct "voice" and the tension kept me wanting to keep reading. The twist was wholly unexpected and left me gasping at the end. My only complaint is that perhaps there were a few too many characters that got lost in the plot.
August 4, 2025
If this book is one thing, it is opulent. Four friends are invited to an Italian villa on Lake Como to celebrate the birthday of their late friend Clare who died under mysterious circumstances five and a half years earlier. Ruled a suicide, each of the friends did something to upset Clare on the final day of her life and they are wary of being confronted with their misdeeds.
Sure enough, someone is leaving clues that they know why and how Claire died and that everyone can be implicated in one way or another. This little memorial week of luxury turns into a suspenseful game of figuring out who is blackmailing them. With the liquor flowing and the anxiety heightened no one can be trusted to keep secrets.
I was not surprised by the twist ending, but it wasn’t blatantly obvious either. The book demonstrates that people with vast wealth think they can buy their way out of any situation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
Sure enough, someone is leaving clues that they know why and how Claire died and that everyone can be implicated in one way or another. This little memorial week of luxury turns into a suspenseful game of figuring out who is blackmailing them. With the liquor flowing and the anxiety heightened no one can be trusted to keep secrets.
I was not surprised by the twist ending, but it wasn’t blatantly obvious either. The book demonstrates that people with vast wealth think they can buy their way out of any situation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
December 4, 2025
Five years ago, heiress Clare Monroe mysteriously died at her family’s lavish Lake Como mansion. Now, her four friends who were there that night have been invited back to honor her memory - but someone knows what really happened that night and wants revenge. I love a full-cast, multi-pov audiobook! This wasn’t a super edge-of-your-seat thriller, but it was fast-paced and twisty with lots of untrustworthy characters that kept me guessing. I loved all the drama! Overall, a really fun read.
April 21, 2025
I love Frick's books so knew this would be a winner! Clare Monroe drowns on New Year's Eve in Italy. Years later there is a memorial for her at Lake Como where her family has a palatial estate. As the novel vacillates in time between 2019 and 2025 we discover what these college friends have been up to, what has transpired with each in the years they haven't seen each other, and just how little we really know about our own friends--and even our families! So intriguing!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
September 29, 2025
LOVEDDDDD this so much. I didn’t want it to end.!
The “who done it” thrillers are some of my favorite and this was executed perfectly. If I hadn’t been reading 4 books at once, I without a doubt would’ve finished this in one day.
Not knowing who to trust, what’s going to happen next, this book had everything you want in a thriller.. not to mention, the setting being in Italy was perfect!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
The “who done it” thrillers are some of my favorite and this was executed perfectly. If I hadn’t been reading 4 books at once, I without a doubt would’ve finished this in one day.
Not knowing who to trust, what’s going to happen next, this book had everything you want in a thriller.. not to mention, the setting being in Italy was perfect!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc!
December 5, 2025
It’s been five years since Clare Monroe’s awful drowning in Lake Como, and her four closest friends have tried to move on with their lives. As the anniversary of her death approaches, her family invites the quartet to return to the luxurious house in Italy to commemorate Clare’s life. Each accepts the invitation with misgivings, as they all have uncomfortable secrets about their relationships with Clare. After they arrive, Clare’s friends begin to receive gifts and suggestive notes that threaten exposure, causing them to doubt themselves and one another.
If you like Jeneva Rose and other suspense writers, you’ll enjoy this one. Frick’s previous adult thriller, The Split, has alternating timelines and is also well worth reading.
If you like Jeneva Rose and other suspense writers, you’ll enjoy this one. Frick’s previous adult thriller, The Split, has alternating timelines and is also well worth reading.
June 27, 2025
I won an ARC of this book from Goodreads.
The plot seemed a little familiar at first but once I got in a few chapters, I recognized that my assumptions were wrong. I enjoyed the misdirection and twists. I love a good suspense read and was happy to have this one before publication day.
The plot seemed a little familiar at first but once I got in a few chapters, I recognized that my assumptions were wrong. I enjoyed the misdirection and twists. I love a good suspense read and was happy to have this one before publication day.
July 14, 2025
lol no thank you. What in the literal hell
November 20, 2025
2.5 stars
June 2025: Four friends from college are reuniting for their fifth's memorial gathering. Clare Monroe was richer than David, Sirina, Luca, and Harper combined, but she was also exceedingly generous and kind.
December 2019: After a series of betrayals at a New Year's Eve celebration on the Monroe family's Italian estate, Clare is discovered dead: floating facedown in Lake Como, an empty wine and prescription pill bottle strewn on the dock.
For over five years, the surviving four have grappled with the guilt that they collectively drove their beloved friend to suicide. Now they're all back in Italy together for the first time since her tragic passing, and seeing one another is bittersweet. The bitter aspect quickly overrules everything else, however, when each of them finds an "gift" with sinister undertones left in their room by an anonymous individual. Only one thing is clear: the person who left them is no ally. The friends will be blackmailed into doing exactly as they're told: act as accomplices to murder.
A group of friends from college hiding incriminating secrets is nothing new to the thriller genre, but it's one I've yet to get tired of. And while Friends & Liars didn't really bring anything fresh to the table, I was still fairly entertained.
Juggling four main characters alongside a background cast of about nine others is no easy feat for an author, but Frick does a solid job. David is movie director of moderate renown; Sirina is a talented but lesser known actor; Luca is a charming playboy who has come upon hard times; Harper is somewhat the black sheep: introverted, married, and a mother.
While I was interested to see who was blackmailing the group and to hear about the skeletons in their respective closets, I wasn't exactly glued to the page. I enjoyed how the beautiful Italian backdrop and luxurious accommodations clashed with each characters' internal turmoil. When the twist finally reveals, it isn't particularly shocking. On one hand, I can appreciate this decision to keep the plot straightforward, logical, and not reliant on some cheap, out-of-left-field bombshell. On the other, it felt kind of lackluster and flat. I'm a girl who likes her escapism; generally speaking I'll take that gonzo bombshell that's juuust outside the realm of possiblity over...reality.
Ultimately, Friends & Liars was a fun way to pass the time, but is not likely to stick with me in any long-term sense.
Thank you to Kit Frick, Atria Books, and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in an exchange for an honest review. Friends & Liars will be published and available December 2, 2025.
June 2025: Four friends from college are reuniting for their fifth's memorial gathering. Clare Monroe was richer than David, Sirina, Luca, and Harper combined, but she was also exceedingly generous and kind.
December 2019: After a series of betrayals at a New Year's Eve celebration on the Monroe family's Italian estate, Clare is discovered dead: floating facedown in Lake Como, an empty wine and prescription pill bottle strewn on the dock.
For over five years, the surviving four have grappled with the guilt that they collectively drove their beloved friend to suicide. Now they're all back in Italy together for the first time since her tragic passing, and seeing one another is bittersweet. The bitter aspect quickly overrules everything else, however, when each of them finds an "gift" with sinister undertones left in their room by an anonymous individual. Only one thing is clear: the person who left them is no ally. The friends will be blackmailed into doing exactly as they're told: act as accomplices to murder.
A group of friends from college hiding incriminating secrets is nothing new to the thriller genre, but it's one I've yet to get tired of. And while Friends & Liars didn't really bring anything fresh to the table, I was still fairly entertained.
Juggling four main characters alongside a background cast of about nine others is no easy feat for an author, but Frick does a solid job. David is movie director of moderate renown; Sirina is a talented but lesser known actor; Luca is a charming playboy who has come upon hard times; Harper is somewhat the black sheep: introverted, married, and a mother.
While I was interested to see who was blackmailing the group and to hear about the skeletons in their respective closets, I wasn't exactly glued to the page. I enjoyed how the beautiful Italian backdrop and luxurious accommodations clashed with each characters' internal turmoil. When the twist finally reveals, it isn't particularly shocking. On one hand, I can appreciate this decision to keep the plot straightforward, logical, and not reliant on some cheap, out-of-left-field bombshell. On the other, it felt kind of lackluster and flat. I'm a girl who likes her escapism; generally speaking I'll take that gonzo bombshell that's juuust outside the realm of possiblity over...reality.
Ultimately, Friends & Liars was a fun way to pass the time, but is not likely to stick with me in any long-term sense.
Thank you to Kit Frick, Atria Books, and NetGalley for providing me with this eARC in an exchange for an honest review. Friends & Liars will be published and available December 2, 2025.
December 9, 2025
“𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝐀𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝.”
My first Kit Frick book didn’t disappoint.
Clare, Harper, Luca, David, and Sirina were best friends in university until Clare’s tragic death drove them apart. Now, they are reunited in Italy for a celebration of remembrance on what would be Clare’s birthday. But the four friends are hiding secrets from the past, and it is soon clear that someone else not only knows them, but are targeting them. Will they be able to unmask their tormentor?
I’ve never felt more conflicted: Frick has created a toxic friend group who are pretty selfish, and yet I couldn’t help but hope they would be able to reconnect and bond again. I think it’s partly due to the connection that friends can become chosen family, especially in the intensity of college life. It bonds you in a way that no other experience quite can. I liked that each friend, including Clare through her diary, gets their own point of view, allowing you to get to know each person and some inside information on their secrets from that fateful night of betrayal. I was reminded of the 1973 movie The Last of Sheila, with friends in the Mediterranean trying to protect secrets before they are unmasked, with some juicy drama. The “lake house” (aka mansion) is luxurious, making a sumptuous setting that’s juxtaposed by the other guests who are all a little shady (except for Tanner, I liked him and wish we got to see more of he and Luca). It goes get a bit laggy in the middle, but the last third amped up to its grand reveal. Although I guessed the tormenter, I didn’t fully guess why, with the final page left me feeling uneasy of the future for all the characters.
Friends And Liars is a story of power and guilt that is like a bonfire, a little slower to ignite but then blazes bright. Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the ARC!
My first Kit Frick book didn’t disappoint.
Clare, Harper, Luca, David, and Sirina were best friends in university until Clare’s tragic death drove them apart. Now, they are reunited in Italy for a celebration of remembrance on what would be Clare’s birthday. But the four friends are hiding secrets from the past, and it is soon clear that someone else not only knows them, but are targeting them. Will they be able to unmask their tormentor?
I’ve never felt more conflicted: Frick has created a toxic friend group who are pretty selfish, and yet I couldn’t help but hope they would be able to reconnect and bond again. I think it’s partly due to the connection that friends can become chosen family, especially in the intensity of college life. It bonds you in a way that no other experience quite can. I liked that each friend, including Clare through her diary, gets their own point of view, allowing you to get to know each person and some inside information on their secrets from that fateful night of betrayal. I was reminded of the 1973 movie The Last of Sheila, with friends in the Mediterranean trying to protect secrets before they are unmasked, with some juicy drama. The “lake house” (aka mansion) is luxurious, making a sumptuous setting that’s juxtaposed by the other guests who are all a little shady (except for Tanner, I liked him and wish we got to see more of he and Luca). It goes get a bit laggy in the middle, but the last third amped up to its grand reveal. Although I guessed the tormenter, I didn’t fully guess why, with the final page left me feeling uneasy of the future for all the characters.
Friends And Liars is a story of power and guilt that is like a bonfire, a little slower to ignite but then blazes bright. Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the ARC!
November 17, 2025
I was in the mood for a pacy thriller, and Friends and Liars fit the bill—mysterious enough to keep me glued and turning pages.
The foreshadowing at the beginning, including the opening quotes, builds the mystery immediately. Secrets are my favorite kind of lure in thrillers, and when you pair that with a cat-and-mouse dynamic? I'm in.
Four friends receive an invitation to a memorial for their lost friend. The kicker? None of them want to go, but they're compelled to, still wrought with guilt. I couldn't help but wonder why, and the answer wasn't what I expected.
The peeling back of layers in this story was satisfying. Each secret, when bared to the open, felt like a twist, at least for me. What I especially loved was seeing each friend's life, their difficulties and challenges. It made the characters feel real. The differing perspectives and perceptions of each friend added depth and kept me engaged.
The reveal was unexpected, but I'm still undecided whether I liked it or not. It caught me off guard, but I'm not sure it landed the way I wanted it to.
If you love thrillers with secrets, guilt, and shifting perspectives, pick this up. Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with twists that keep you guessing.
Overall, this was an entertaining thriller that kept me hooked. Even with my mixed feelings about the ending, I enjoyed the ride.
Thanks Atria Books and NetGalley for my advance readers copies. All opinions, are of course my own.
The foreshadowing at the beginning, including the opening quotes, builds the mystery immediately. Secrets are my favorite kind of lure in thrillers, and when you pair that with a cat-and-mouse dynamic? I'm in.
Four friends receive an invitation to a memorial for their lost friend. The kicker? None of them want to go, but they're compelled to, still wrought with guilt. I couldn't help but wonder why, and the answer wasn't what I expected.
The peeling back of layers in this story was satisfying. Each secret, when bared to the open, felt like a twist, at least for me. What I especially loved was seeing each friend's life, their difficulties and challenges. It made the characters feel real. The differing perspectives and perceptions of each friend added depth and kept me engaged.
The reveal was unexpected, but I'm still undecided whether I liked it or not. It caught me off guard, but I'm not sure it landed the way I wanted it to.
If you love thrillers with secrets, guilt, and shifting perspectives, pick this up. Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with twists that keep you guessing.
Overall, this was an entertaining thriller that kept me hooked. Even with my mixed feelings about the ending, I enjoyed the ride.
Thanks Atria Books and NetGalley for my advance readers copies. All opinions, are of course my own.
November 28, 2025
3.5 stars
Many thanks to Libro.fm and Simon & Schuster Audio for the gifted ALC and Netgalley for my e-book!
After absolutely loving The Split last year, I couldn’t wait to dive back into Kit Frick’s twisty world. While Friends and Liars moves at a slightly slower pace, it still scratches that itch for wealthy-family drama and messy, privileged chaos.
Five years ago, Clare Monroe was found floating in the lake as her friends and family rang in the New Year inside. Now, each of those friends receives an invitation summoning them back to the lakeside palazzo for a long-overdue memorial… and unsurprisingly, every single one of them arrives with secrets they’d rather stay hidden.
This is classic whodunit energy: unlikable characters, simmering tension, and plenty of “oh, come on!” moments that keep you flipping pages. I did see the twist coming, but getting there was still deliciously fun.
The full-cast audio is strong and adds dimension, though a few timing issues between narrators pulled me out of the moment here and there. Still, if you want a quick, entertaining mystery with rich people behaving badly? This will absolutely do the trick.
Many thanks to Libro.fm and Simon & Schuster Audio for the gifted ALC and Netgalley for my e-book!
After absolutely loving The Split last year, I couldn’t wait to dive back into Kit Frick’s twisty world. While Friends and Liars moves at a slightly slower pace, it still scratches that itch for wealthy-family drama and messy, privileged chaos.
Five years ago, Clare Monroe was found floating in the lake as her friends and family rang in the New Year inside. Now, each of those friends receives an invitation summoning them back to the lakeside palazzo for a long-overdue memorial… and unsurprisingly, every single one of them arrives with secrets they’d rather stay hidden.
This is classic whodunit energy: unlikable characters, simmering tension, and plenty of “oh, come on!” moments that keep you flipping pages. I did see the twist coming, but getting there was still deliciously fun.
The full-cast audio is strong and adds dimension, though a few timing issues between narrators pulled me out of the moment here and there. Still, if you want a quick, entertaining mystery with rich people behaving badly? This will absolutely do the trick.
June 11, 2025
Thank you @netgalley and @atriabooks for the advance copy of the ebook and opportunity to review. I really loved this book. It was so fun to read and kept me guessing. I would say it’s a 4.25 star read for me because I did guess some of the elements, however I didn’t see the ending coming!
A group of Clare’s best friends who were there that tragic night in 2019 were invited back 5 1/2 years later for a memorial week. Being back at the palazzo brings up a lot of emotions for everyone and we get to journey along a murder mystery through multiple POV’s and two different timeframes. Everyone is hiding something and as the story continues on, the group of friends desperately needs to get to the bottom of who’s threatening to expose their secrets. As they piece together what happened to Clare and survive the week without being exposed, they are all in for a shock as the story comes to an end.
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