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The Bestseller
Not yet published
Expected 18 Jun 26YOU TOLD HER YOUR DARKEST SECRETS.
NOW MILLIONS WILL READ THEM . . .
Therapist Helena Salve knows that client confidentiality is the number one unbreakable rule of her job. But the constant stories of coercive control and threat she hears from her client Belle about her dangerous husband have been wearing her down. One night over too many glasses of wine, she tells her best friend Tala everything that Belle has told her.
The problem is, Tala is a down-on-her-luck novelist who is looking for an idea for her new thriller.
Months later, Tala is excitedly telling Helena that her publisher is saying this is going to be her biggest book ever. The story is Belle's story. Not only is Helena's job on the line, but if Belle's husband is as dangerous as she says, her life is too...
Why would Tala do this to Helena? She knows what's at stake.
Your friends are meant to protect you... aren't they?
NOW MILLIONS WILL READ THEM . . .
Therapist Helena Salve knows that client confidentiality is the number one unbreakable rule of her job. But the constant stories of coercive control and threat she hears from her client Belle about her dangerous husband have been wearing her down. One night over too many glasses of wine, she tells her best friend Tala everything that Belle has told her.
The problem is, Tala is a down-on-her-luck novelist who is looking for an idea for her new thriller.
Months later, Tala is excitedly telling Helena that her publisher is saying this is going to be her biggest book ever. The story is Belle's story. Not only is Helena's job on the line, but if Belle's husband is as dangerous as she says, her life is too...
Why would Tala do this to Helena? She knows what's at stake.
Your friends are meant to protect you... aren't they?
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
OMG.
I will never ever look at my therapist the same way again. Sorry, not sorry. In this day and age, most of us have talk therapy covered by insurance, so we drop in, tell all, and blissfully go on our merry way. telling our form of truth.......
Not judging here, but we all have secrets, some deep and dark. We trust our therapist to keep those........ privacy acts and all....... But what if the secrets aren't really um.......
A therapists job is to listen. NOT TELL.
Nuff said.
Since this is my opinion, and Im not doing spoilers, Im just gonna say, damn, why didn't I write this book? Oh yeah, cause Im not that good.
Full of angst, twists, turns and hate (oh yeah that was mine), this is one of the most unputdownable books so far. Trust no one...... And set an alarm so you get some rest before you have to go to your therapy appointment tomorrow morning
😉
I will never ever look at my therapist the same way again. Sorry, not sorry. In this day and age, most of us have talk therapy covered by insurance, so we drop in, tell all, and blissfully go on our merry way. telling our form of truth.......
Not judging here, but we all have secrets, some deep and dark. We trust our therapist to keep those........ privacy acts and all....... But what if the secrets aren't really um.......
A therapists job is to listen. NOT TELL.
Nuff said.
Since this is my opinion, and Im not doing spoilers, Im just gonna say, damn, why didn't I write this book? Oh yeah, cause Im not that good.
Full of angst, twists, turns and hate (oh yeah that was mine), this is one of the most unputdownable books so far. Trust no one...... And set an alarm so you get some rest before you have to go to your therapy appointment tomorrow morning
😉
May 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
An enjoyable read. A little predictable I found but I read it easily and enjoyed a couple of smaller twists. Great writing and story.
An enjoyable read. A little predictable I found but I read it easily and enjoyed a couple of smaller twists. Great writing and story.
March 22, 2026
What would you do if your best friend went against privacy violations of your patient and in a few weeks will publish everything to the world? Helena Salve is a couples therapy therapist who has some harsh methods but they work. When Helena has a new patient, everything changes. Julius- Belles husband is a monster. Slowly through therapy sessions, Helena discovers the truths that make him out to be a horrible man who abuses his wife mentally, and physically. When her best friend releases a book with all the details she spilled, Helena has to make sure Julius doesn’t get his hands on a copy. Read to find out what unfolds chapter after chapter in this crazy suspenseful thriller. I like the 2 settings back in university and present day. The last 25% of the book got so good I couldn’t put it down!
February 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-read ARC. It has been a while since I have read a psychological thriller but this one kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I had an inkling of where the climax of this book would go but I was completely surprised by the twists and turns and the ending. The friendship between Tala and Helena kept the story relatable while the tension between Tala and Helena’s husband had you questioning a hidden incident. So, so good. Would definitely make a great movie.
February 24, 2026
Big thanks to Netgalley for approving my request for an E arc of this book!! I did find that the story was dragging on a bit for me. It seemed like I was waiting for too long to figure out what happened in the past. (I also was able to figure out the twists in this book not that that bothers me necessarily I still enjoyed the read.) However, I did love the ending of this the last 15-20% of the book was so good!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I always enjoy a good psychological thriller and this did not disappoint. Following Helena through not only her professional but personal turmoil and fall out was a fascinating perspective. I enjoyed how you could almost look back and see her spiraling more and more. I particularly appreciated how the twists kept coming till the very last pages. I enjoyed the flashback elements although sometimes I got a little confused as I'd overlooked the jump in timeline. These were a great way to build up a picture of effectively what started it all though. I wish we'd got to see more of Tala, she was a really interesting character who didn't get enough page time in the current timeline. I'd love to see the whole story and writing the bestseller from her perspective. Dylan and Julias were well written and it was very clever how the two aspects of abusive relationships were portrayed, one obvious and arguably what most people would imagine with a controlling relationship, what much quieter and more psychological.
Overall a very enjoyable read that I couldn't stop turning the page on! I can't wait to read more by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mountain Leopard Press (Headline) for an ARC of this book.
Overall a very enjoyable read that I couldn't stop turning the page on! I can't wait to read more by this author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mountain Leopard Press (Headline) for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
A quick, captivating read that I couldn’t put down. The dual POVs and the past-and-present timelines tied together really well and kept the story moving. There were lots of twists..while many were somewhat predictable, it was still an overall enjoyable read.
I also appreciated how the book portrayed two different types of abusive relationships: one that is more obvious and one that happens more behind the scenes. That contrast felt realistic and highlighted how subtle abuse can be overlooked, even by the people experiencing it.
A quick, captivating read that I couldn’t put down. The dual POVs and the past-and-present timelines tied together really well and kept the story moving. There were lots of twists..while many were somewhat predictable, it was still an overall enjoyable read.
I also appreciated how the book portrayed two different types of abusive relationships: one that is more obvious and one that happens more behind the scenes. That contrast felt realistic and highlighted how subtle abuse can be overlooked, even by the people experiencing it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I enjoyed The Bestseller, check out any trigger warnings prior as some darker themes in the story! It was a slower start then really picked up pace towards the end! And some twists I didnt see coming!
March 14, 2026
Thank you to Headline Books and Netgalley for this eARC!
Helena, a happily married woman, with University best friend Tala by her side, is a relationships therapist. When her new client Belle, a confident woman, playful and in control, diminishes under her husband's shadow, Helena finds her mind fixated on Belle's abusive relationship. Over a glass of wine, she shares details of the client with Tala, sharing more over the year. When Tala's new book comes out, Helena finds obvious links between the story and the details she shared with Tala in private. As Belle's husband begins to extend his control over Belle, trying to pull her back under his control, will he recognise himself in Tala's best selling, most talked about book? And if he does, what will this mean for Helena?
I was drawn to this book instantly from just the blurb. I had to know what happened and it didn't disappoint. Helena is a very stoic character, she learns when to stay silent, when to push her clients, and taught herself to recognise social signs in order to understand people and her clients better. I found this worked well, and even though Helena's character isn't exactly the most enticing character on paper, Knightsby handles her well. Helena is a likeable character and I found myself rooting for her throughout. Tala is also a very likeable character, and we even get some flashbacks from her point of view mixed in with the present. I found some of the flashbacks quite drawn out, hinting towards something but seemingly never getting closer!
This book utilises twists and secrets in order to keep you guessing and add suspense. I did find that the build up in some parts was very very heavy, and quite drawn out. Believability was also a minor issue, I could excuse some of it due to character's own motives and fears, etc, but the time frame between certain *events* did make it a lot less plausible in my mind. Despite that, I found it was something I was willing to forgive as the book was just so engaging!
I was hooked instantly, and I really enjoyed Knightsby's writing style. It felt smooth, easy to read and exciting. I kept staying up late to read this, and longing for my break at work so I could read more! There is some minor issues in the book for me, but for others I could see it putting them off. If you like thrillers and can forgive a few *less plausible* character actions/inactions, then I would highly recommend this book.
Helena, a happily married woman, with University best friend Tala by her side, is a relationships therapist. When her new client Belle, a confident woman, playful and in control, diminishes under her husband's shadow, Helena finds her mind fixated on Belle's abusive relationship. Over a glass of wine, she shares details of the client with Tala, sharing more over the year. When Tala's new book comes out, Helena finds obvious links between the story and the details she shared with Tala in private. As Belle's husband begins to extend his control over Belle, trying to pull her back under his control, will he recognise himself in Tala's best selling, most talked about book? And if he does, what will this mean for Helena?
I was drawn to this book instantly from just the blurb. I had to know what happened and it didn't disappoint. Helena is a very stoic character, she learns when to stay silent, when to push her clients, and taught herself to recognise social signs in order to understand people and her clients better. I found this worked well, and even though Helena's character isn't exactly the most enticing character on paper, Knightsby handles her well. Helena is a likeable character and I found myself rooting for her throughout. Tala is also a very likeable character, and we even get some flashbacks from her point of view mixed in with the present. I found some of the flashbacks quite drawn out, hinting towards something but seemingly never getting closer!
This book utilises twists and secrets in order to keep you guessing and add suspense. I did find that the build up in some parts was very very heavy, and quite drawn out. Believability was also a minor issue, I could excuse some of it due to character's own motives and fears, etc, but the time frame between certain *events* did make it a lot less plausible in my mind. Despite that, I found it was something I was willing to forgive as the book was just so engaging!
I was hooked instantly, and I really enjoyed Knightsby's writing style. It felt smooth, easy to read and exciting. I kept staying up late to read this, and longing for my break at work so I could read more! There is some minor issues in the book for me, but for others I could see it putting them off. If you like thrillers and can forgive a few *less plausible* character actions/inactions, then I would highly recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Bestseller is a sharp, unsettling, and compulsively readable psychological thriller that digs into the fragile boundaries between friendship, ambition, and betrayal. From the opening chapters, there’s a creeping sense of inevitability—one small breach of trust that spirals into something far more dangerous than anyone expects.
Helena is a brilliantly drawn protagonist: steady, compassionate, and deeply committed to her work as a therapist. Her sessions with Belle are some of the most emotionally charged moments in the novel, filled with tension, fear, and the heavy weight of someone trying to escape a life of coercive control. It’s easy to understand how Helena, worn down by the stories she hears, makes one terrible mistake. And it’s even easier to feel the shock when that mistake becomes the backbone of her best friend’s new “fictional” thriller.
Tala is equally fascinating—ambitious, frustrated, and desperate for a breakthrough. Her decision to use Belle’s story is both horrifying and heartbreakingly human, and the novel excels at showing how ambition can warp even the closest relationships. The dynamic between Helena and Tala becomes a taut, emotional battleground, full of guilt, anger, and the dawning realisation that their friendship may never have been as solid as Helena believed.
The tension escalates beautifully as the book within the book becomes a sensation. The stakes rise on every front: Helena’s career, Belle’s safety, and the terrifying possibility that Belle’s husband will recognise himself in the pages. The author handles the theme of coercive control with sensitivity, keeping the focus on emotional truth rather than sensationalism.
What makes the story especially gripping is its moral complexity. No one is entirely innocent, yet everyone is painfully human. The novel asks uncomfortable questions about loyalty, responsibility, and the stories we claim as our own—and it refuses to offer easy answers.
Twisty, emotionally charged, and impossible to put down, The Bestseller is a smart, character‑driven thriller that lingers long after the final page. It’s a reminder that the most dangerous betrayals often come from the people we trust most.
With thanks to Jenny Knightsby, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Helena is a brilliantly drawn protagonist: steady, compassionate, and deeply committed to her work as a therapist. Her sessions with Belle are some of the most emotionally charged moments in the novel, filled with tension, fear, and the heavy weight of someone trying to escape a life of coercive control. It’s easy to understand how Helena, worn down by the stories she hears, makes one terrible mistake. And it’s even easier to feel the shock when that mistake becomes the backbone of her best friend’s new “fictional” thriller.
Tala is equally fascinating—ambitious, frustrated, and desperate for a breakthrough. Her decision to use Belle’s story is both horrifying and heartbreakingly human, and the novel excels at showing how ambition can warp even the closest relationships. The dynamic between Helena and Tala becomes a taut, emotional battleground, full of guilt, anger, and the dawning realisation that their friendship may never have been as solid as Helena believed.
The tension escalates beautifully as the book within the book becomes a sensation. The stakes rise on every front: Helena’s career, Belle’s safety, and the terrifying possibility that Belle’s husband will recognise himself in the pages. The author handles the theme of coercive control with sensitivity, keeping the focus on emotional truth rather than sensationalism.
What makes the story especially gripping is its moral complexity. No one is entirely innocent, yet everyone is painfully human. The novel asks uncomfortable questions about loyalty, responsibility, and the stories we claim as our own—and it refuses to offer easy answers.
Twisty, emotionally charged, and impossible to put down, The Bestseller is a smart, character‑driven thriller that lingers long after the final page. It’s a reminder that the most dangerous betrayals often come from the people we trust most.
With thanks to Jenny Knightsby, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Bestseller follows therapist Helena, who knows that confidentiality is one unbreakable rule of her job. But the constant stories of coercive control from her client Belle about her husband have been wearing her down. One night, she tells her best friend Tala, a struggling novelist, everything. Months later, Tala is excited about her biggest book yet - except it’s Belle's story. Not only is Helena's job on the line, but if Belle's husband is as dangerous as she says, her life is too...
The Bestseller is an engaging debut built on an intriguing premise, that unfolds as a slow-burn, psychological story that rewards patience and cleverly blurs the line between fiction and reality.
Jenny Knightsby doesn’t shy away from depicting some truly horrifying examples of coercive control, yet she approaches the subject with sensitivity. Rather than sensationalising it, she explores its emotional and psychological toll with care. Combined with the thoughtful exploration of friendship, ethical responsibility, complicity, and consequence, it creates a layered, intimate, and unsettling story.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its morally tangled narrative. The chapters set in the past added depth, keeping me invested in uncovering what had happened, whilst the morally complex characters left me constantly second guessing who was actually in the wrong. I did guess some of the twists, however they were so satisfying and well executed that they felt rewarding and poetic rather than just predictable.
The pacing is very much a slow burn, and often repetitive, but this ultimately fed into the claustrophobic sense of inevitability that runs through the story. The second half is where the pace picks up - the tension sharpens, the truth teeters on a knife edge, and the sense of betrayal becomes palpable. Then, the ending delivers a powerful karmic justice that was very satisfying - but I won’t say anymore!
Thank you so much to Headline Books for having me on the Netgalley readalong! My opinions are my own.
The Bestseller is an engaging debut built on an intriguing premise, that unfolds as a slow-burn, psychological story that rewards patience and cleverly blurs the line between fiction and reality.
Jenny Knightsby doesn’t shy away from depicting some truly horrifying examples of coercive control, yet she approaches the subject with sensitivity. Rather than sensationalising it, she explores its emotional and psychological toll with care. Combined with the thoughtful exploration of friendship, ethical responsibility, complicity, and consequence, it creates a layered, intimate, and unsettling story.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its morally tangled narrative. The chapters set in the past added depth, keeping me invested in uncovering what had happened, whilst the morally complex characters left me constantly second guessing who was actually in the wrong. I did guess some of the twists, however they were so satisfying and well executed that they felt rewarding and poetic rather than just predictable.
The pacing is very much a slow burn, and often repetitive, but this ultimately fed into the claustrophobic sense of inevitability that runs through the story. The second half is where the pace picks up - the tension sharpens, the truth teeters on a knife edge, and the sense of betrayal becomes palpable. Then, the ending delivers a powerful karmic justice that was very satisfying - but I won’t say anymore!
Thank you so much to Headline Books for having me on the Netgalley readalong! My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC Review: The Bestseller by Jenny Knightsby
The Bestseller by Jenny Knightsby is a psychological thriller that exceeded my expectations.
The story follows therapist Helena Salve, a woman who is exceptional at her job until one of her newest patients awakens something deeply unsettling within her. In a moment of vulnerability, Helena shares parts of her confidential sessions with her best friend, fully aware that she should not. Soon after, her best friend releases a new novel, and the plot mirrors Helena’s patient’s story far too closely to be a coincidence.
As panic sets in, Helena fears not only for her career but also for her patient’s safety, especially when it comes to the patient’s husband. She struggles to understand how her best friend could betray her trust so completely, and the tension escalates from there.
This is a powerful, thought-provoking story that lingered in my mind long after I finished it. It raises unsettling questions:
Who can we truly trust?
Do we really know the people closest to us?
Are we seeing reality, or only what we want to see?
The plot is gripping and immersive, pulling me in from the very first page. The characters feel deeply human, flawed, and real, which made it easy to connect with them. Their struggles reflect real-life issues, and that realism added emotional weight to the story. My favorite moments were when Helena finally began to piece everything together and, especially, the final revelation, which was both shocking and satisfying.
Please note that the book includes mentions of abuse, which may be triggering for some readers.
Overall, this would be an excellent pick for a book club, as it invites discussion and reflection. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that explore trust, betrayal, and moral boundaries, I highly recommend The Bestseller.
The Bestseller by Jenny Knightsby is a psychological thriller that exceeded my expectations.
The story follows therapist Helena Salve, a woman who is exceptional at her job until one of her newest patients awakens something deeply unsettling within her. In a moment of vulnerability, Helena shares parts of her confidential sessions with her best friend, fully aware that she should not. Soon after, her best friend releases a new novel, and the plot mirrors Helena’s patient’s story far too closely to be a coincidence.
As panic sets in, Helena fears not only for her career but also for her patient’s safety, especially when it comes to the patient’s husband. She struggles to understand how her best friend could betray her trust so completely, and the tension escalates from there.
This is a powerful, thought-provoking story that lingered in my mind long after I finished it. It raises unsettling questions:
Who can we truly trust?
Do we really know the people closest to us?
Are we seeing reality, or only what we want to see?
The plot is gripping and immersive, pulling me in from the very first page. The characters feel deeply human, flawed, and real, which made it easy to connect with them. Their struggles reflect real-life issues, and that realism added emotional weight to the story. My favorite moments were when Helena finally began to piece everything together and, especially, the final revelation, which was both shocking and satisfying.
Please note that the book includes mentions of abuse, which may be triggering for some readers.
Overall, this would be an excellent pick for a book club, as it invites discussion and reflection. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that explore trust, betrayal, and moral boundaries, I highly recommend The Bestseller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Bestseller is a compelling psychological thriller that thrives on the uneasy space between trust, ambition, and moral failure. What begins as a single lapse in judgment, a therapist sharing a client’s terrifying story over wine, unravels into a chain reaction that neither woman can control. The novel wastes no time establishing a sense of creeping dread: the moment Helena confides in her best friend Tala, you can feel the ground shift beneath them, even before Tala turns that confession into the plot of her next blockbuster novel.
The story’s power lies in how intimately it explores coercive control, secrecy, and the emotional fallout of betrayal. Rather than sensationalising abuse, the book handles it with a careful, empathetic touch, showing the psychological erosion that comes from living under threat. At the same time, it digs into the complicated dynamics of female friendship, loyalty, envy, blind spots, and the quiet ways people justify crossing a line.
The dual timelines add depth, slowly revealing the fractures in Helena and Tala’s relationship while keeping the reader guessing about who is manipulating whom. Even when I suspected some of the twists, they landed with a satisfying inevitability, the kind that feels earned rather than predictable. The second half tightens the tension considerably: secrets sharpen, motives blur, and the sense of betrayal becomes almost claustrophobic. The final reveal delivers a punch of poetic justice that lingers long after the last page.
This is a thriller that stays with you, not just because of its twists, but because it asks unsettling questions about trust, responsibility, and the stories we tell ourselves about the people we love. Highly enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
The story’s power lies in how intimately it explores coercive control, secrecy, and the emotional fallout of betrayal. Rather than sensationalising abuse, the book handles it with a careful, empathetic touch, showing the psychological erosion that comes from living under threat. At the same time, it digs into the complicated dynamics of female friendship, loyalty, envy, blind spots, and the quiet ways people justify crossing a line.
The dual timelines add depth, slowly revealing the fractures in Helena and Tala’s relationship while keeping the reader guessing about who is manipulating whom. Even when I suspected some of the twists, they landed with a satisfying inevitability, the kind that feels earned rather than predictable. The second half tightens the tension considerably: secrets sharpen, motives blur, and the sense of betrayal becomes almost claustrophobic. The final reveal delivers a punch of poetic justice that lingers long after the last page.
This is a thriller that stays with you, not just because of its twists, but because it asks unsettling questions about trust, responsibility, and the stories we tell ourselves about the people we love. Highly enjoyable.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one had me side-eyeing my friends, my therapist, and honestly anyone who’s ever said trust me with a glass of wine in hand.
The premise is so juicy it feels a little dangerous even summarizing it. A therapist spills client secrets to her best friend, and then that best friend turns around and turns those secrets into a bestselling thriller. And suddenly it’s like… wait. That is not what friendship is supposed to do. Right?
I really enjoyed how quickly things spiral. It starts off feeling kind of intimate and grounded, like you’re just listening in on messy adult life decisions, and then it slowly turns into this uncomfortable what have you done situation where everyone is holding secrets they absolutely should not have shared. The moral messiness is honestly half the fun here.
Helena is such an interesting main character because she’s not flashy or overly dramatic, she just feels like someone trying very hard to keep her professional and personal life from collapsing at the same time. And then Tala… girl. Tala is giving creative chaos energy in the most stressful way possible. I had very strong opinions about her at all times.
What I liked most is how the book plays with trust. Not just in big dramatic betrayal ways, but in the smaller, everyday ones. Who you confide in. What counts as harmless oversharing. Whether you can ever really take words back once they’ve left your mouth. It’s kind of unsettling in a very addictive way.
It’s not a perfect, clean thriller where everything clicks neatly, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s messy, a little uncomfortable, and very readable. I kept wanting to know just how far things would go and honestly I got exactly that.
Definitely one of those reads that makes you rethink group chats for a minute.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The premise is so juicy it feels a little dangerous even summarizing it. A therapist spills client secrets to her best friend, and then that best friend turns around and turns those secrets into a bestselling thriller. And suddenly it’s like… wait. That is not what friendship is supposed to do. Right?
I really enjoyed how quickly things spiral. It starts off feeling kind of intimate and grounded, like you’re just listening in on messy adult life decisions, and then it slowly turns into this uncomfortable what have you done situation where everyone is holding secrets they absolutely should not have shared. The moral messiness is honestly half the fun here.
Helena is such an interesting main character because she’s not flashy or overly dramatic, she just feels like someone trying very hard to keep her professional and personal life from collapsing at the same time. And then Tala… girl. Tala is giving creative chaos energy in the most stressful way possible. I had very strong opinions about her at all times.
What I liked most is how the book plays with trust. Not just in big dramatic betrayal ways, but in the smaller, everyday ones. Who you confide in. What counts as harmless oversharing. Whether you can ever really take words back once they’ve left your mouth. It’s kind of unsettling in a very addictive way.
It’s not a perfect, clean thriller where everything clicks neatly, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s messy, a little uncomfortable, and very readable. I kept wanting to know just how far things would go and honestly I got exactly that.
Definitely one of those reads that makes you rethink group chats for a minute.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A huge thank you to Headline Books and NetGalley for this review copy. Let me say upfront — I absolutely loved this book. It is brilliant, gripping, and an easy five-star read for me.
The Bestseller by Jenny Knight tackles powerful and deeply unsettling themes, including coercive control, emotional abuse, and how people — particularly women — can find themselves excusing harmful behaviour rather than recognising it for what it truly is.
The story follows Helena Salve, a dedicated therapist who specialises in couples’ counselling. On the surface, Helena seems to have a stable and fulfilling life, with a loving husband, Dylan, and a long-standing friendship with her best friend from college, Tala Trestle. However, things begin to unravel when Helena takes on a new client, Belle.
Belle quickly gets under Helena’s skin in a way no other client has before. She is trapped in a deeply troubling marriage to Julian, whose behaviour is clearly manipulative and abusive — yet Belle continually defends him, offering excuses for even his worst actions. Helena’s growing frustration and emotional involvement feel incredibly real, and you can sense her internal conflict as she struggles to maintain professional boundaries.
One evening, after a few too many glasses of wine, Helena makes a life-altering mistake: she confides in Tala, sharing Belle’s story in detail. What follows is every therapist’s worst nightmare. Months later, Tala publishes a novel — and Helena realises, with horror, that it is based entirely on Belle and Julian’s relationship.
The consequences are immediate and devastating. Helena fears for her career, her reputation, and, most importantly, Belle’s safety. What makes it even more shocking is Tala’s apparent lack of concern, raising questions about loyalty, betrayal, and the true nature of their friendship.
The narrative unfolds through a dual timeline, weaving between the present day and Helena and Tala’s college years. At first, these flashbacks seem to simply provide background, showing how their friendship formed and how Dylan came into Helena’s life. But with each return to the past, more layers are revealed, gradually exposing truths about the characters that completely shift your understanding of them.
Helena is a fascinating character — a natural fixer who wants to help everyone around her. This trait defines her relationships, including her marriage to Dylan, whom she believes she has “fixed.” But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that this need to help others may also be her greatest vulnerability.
The author does an excellent job of exploring how difficult it can be to see the people closest to us clearly, and how love, loyalty, and history can blur the truth. The tension builds steadily throughout, and just when you think you have everything figured out, the story takes a turn you don’t see coming.
The final reveal is genuinely heartbreaking and incredibly well executed — subtle, powerful, and completely unexpected.
This is a brilliantly written, well-paced thriller with perfectly timed twists that keep you guessing until the very end. It’s thought-provoking, emotional, and utterly compelling.
You do not want to miss this one.
https://featzreviews.com/review-the-b...
The Bestseller by Jenny Knight tackles powerful and deeply unsettling themes, including coercive control, emotional abuse, and how people — particularly women — can find themselves excusing harmful behaviour rather than recognising it for what it truly is.
The story follows Helena Salve, a dedicated therapist who specialises in couples’ counselling. On the surface, Helena seems to have a stable and fulfilling life, with a loving husband, Dylan, and a long-standing friendship with her best friend from college, Tala Trestle. However, things begin to unravel when Helena takes on a new client, Belle.
Belle quickly gets under Helena’s skin in a way no other client has before. She is trapped in a deeply troubling marriage to Julian, whose behaviour is clearly manipulative and abusive — yet Belle continually defends him, offering excuses for even his worst actions. Helena’s growing frustration and emotional involvement feel incredibly real, and you can sense her internal conflict as she struggles to maintain professional boundaries.
One evening, after a few too many glasses of wine, Helena makes a life-altering mistake: she confides in Tala, sharing Belle’s story in detail. What follows is every therapist’s worst nightmare. Months later, Tala publishes a novel — and Helena realises, with horror, that it is based entirely on Belle and Julian’s relationship.
The consequences are immediate and devastating. Helena fears for her career, her reputation, and, most importantly, Belle’s safety. What makes it even more shocking is Tala’s apparent lack of concern, raising questions about loyalty, betrayal, and the true nature of their friendship.
The narrative unfolds through a dual timeline, weaving between the present day and Helena and Tala’s college years. At first, these flashbacks seem to simply provide background, showing how their friendship formed and how Dylan came into Helena’s life. But with each return to the past, more layers are revealed, gradually exposing truths about the characters that completely shift your understanding of them.
Helena is a fascinating character — a natural fixer who wants to help everyone around her. This trait defines her relationships, including her marriage to Dylan, whom she believes she has “fixed.” But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that this need to help others may also be her greatest vulnerability.
The author does an excellent job of exploring how difficult it can be to see the people closest to us clearly, and how love, loyalty, and history can blur the truth. The tension builds steadily throughout, and just when you think you have everything figured out, the story takes a turn you don’t see coming.
The final reveal is genuinely heartbreaking and incredibly well executed — subtle, powerful, and completely unexpected.
This is a brilliantly written, well-paced thriller with perfectly timed twists that keep you guessing until the very end. It’s thought-provoking, emotional, and utterly compelling.
You do not want to miss this one.
https://featzreviews.com/review-the-b...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
‘The Bestseller’ was an unsettling twisty thriller that had me on the edge of my seat, up until the very last page!
This review will contain spoilers.
Following therapist Helena and her friend, author Tala we go through an insane journey of self discovery, control and understanding between the two friends who could not be more different, but were exactly what they needed.
I loved our side character Belle, who we only see through the eyes of Helena and her therapy sessions. We see that Belle is confident, but it’s hidden away due to years of abuse, and I absolutely loved how Belle’s story ended, with newfound friendships and self love.
Personally, some of the twists I did guess but I didn’t mind this! And that’s simply because the other twists, were SO shocking that it made up for it! Our friendship foursome of Helena, her boyfriend Dylan, Tala, and her boyfriend Jed was so fun to read through the past years, until the shocking twist that Dylan’s mum was in prison for being a paedophile who raped Jed - this was INSANE and I had to put the book down and pick my jaw up. And Jenny Knightsby did this incredibly well, to connect that Dylan is also a rapist, who raped Helena and Belle - another big shocking twist! I did guess extremely early on that Tala’s book was about Dylan and how he treats Helena, but how this was unraveled was very enjoyable!
For a debut novel, this was thoroughly enjoyable and I would definitely recommend this to fellow thriller lovers. The plot was so different to a lot of thriller books that are out there, and that’s what made it so much more interesting for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jenny Knightsby and Mountain Leopard Press for the ARC. All opinions, views and comments are my own.
This review will contain spoilers.
Following therapist Helena and her friend, author Tala we go through an insane journey of self discovery, control and understanding between the two friends who could not be more different, but were exactly what they needed.
I loved our side character Belle, who we only see through the eyes of Helena and her therapy sessions. We see that Belle is confident, but it’s hidden away due to years of abuse, and I absolutely loved how Belle’s story ended, with newfound friendships and self love.
Personally, some of the twists I did guess but I didn’t mind this! And that’s simply because the other twists, were SO shocking that it made up for it! Our friendship foursome of Helena, her boyfriend Dylan, Tala, and her boyfriend Jed was so fun to read through the past years, until the shocking twist that Dylan’s mum was in prison for being a paedophile who raped Jed - this was INSANE and I had to put the book down and pick my jaw up. And Jenny Knightsby did this incredibly well, to connect that Dylan is also a rapist, who raped Helena and Belle - another big shocking twist! I did guess extremely early on that Tala’s book was about Dylan and how he treats Helena, but how this was unraveled was very enjoyable!
For a debut novel, this was thoroughly enjoyable and I would definitely recommend this to fellow thriller lovers. The plot was so different to a lot of thriller books that are out there, and that’s what made it so much more interesting for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jenny Knightsby and Mountain Leopard Press for the ARC. All opinions, views and comments are my own.
May 3, 2026
Thank you to Headline Books for providing me this gifted ARC! Thank you to NetGalley and author Jenny Knightsby!
📚Book: The Bestseller
✍🏻Author: Jenny Knightsby
🌀Genre: Thriller
📃Pages: 400
The Bestseller by Jenny Knightsby is a thriller novel.
Therapist Helena Salve knows that client confidentiality is the number one unbreakable rule of her job. But the constant stories of coercive control and threat she hears from her client Belle about her dangerous husband have been wearing her down. One night over too many glasses of wine, she tells her best friend Tala everything that Belle has told her.
Months later, Tala is excitedly telling Helena that her publisher is saying this is going to be her biggest book ever. The story is Belle's story. Not only is Helena's job on the line, but if Belle's husband is as dangerous as she says, her life is too...
Why would Tala do this to Helena? She knows what's at stake.
Your friends are meant to protect you... aren't they?
����What I Loved:
🌪️BIG Twists
⏱️Dual timelines
😰Suspense
😻Cat
💔What Didn’t Work For Me:
👍🏻 Slow start and middle
📖 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
👩🏼⚖️Final Word:
The Bestseller was an enjoyable book! This was a very good DEBUT!!! It is very suspenseful and kept leaving me with wondering what would happen next. I loved the dual timelines, the twists and the BIG twists. The beginning and middle of the story was a little slow but the end of the book made up for the slowness. Some of the twists were somewhat predictable but for the most part, NOTHING is as it seems 😉 Overall, I loved the book and suggest to anyone who loves a thriller with relationship issues, lies/betrayal and lots of suspense! An impressive debut! I look forward to more books from Ms. Knightsby!!
📚Book: The Bestseller
✍🏻Author: Jenny Knightsby
🌀Genre: Thriller
📃Pages: 400
The Bestseller by Jenny Knightsby is a thriller novel.
Therapist Helena Salve knows that client confidentiality is the number one unbreakable rule of her job. But the constant stories of coercive control and threat she hears from her client Belle about her dangerous husband have been wearing her down. One night over too many glasses of wine, she tells her best friend Tala everything that Belle has told her.
Months later, Tala is excitedly telling Helena that her publisher is saying this is going to be her biggest book ever. The story is Belle's story. Not only is Helena's job on the line, but if Belle's husband is as dangerous as she says, her life is too...
Why would Tala do this to Helena? She knows what's at stake.
Your friends are meant to protect you... aren't they?
����What I Loved:
🌪️BIG Twists
⏱️Dual timelines
😰Suspense
😻Cat
💔What Didn’t Work For Me:
👍🏻 Slow start and middle
📖 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
👩🏼⚖️Final Word:
The Bestseller was an enjoyable book! This was a very good DEBUT!!! It is very suspenseful and kept leaving me with wondering what would happen next. I loved the dual timelines, the twists and the BIG twists. The beginning and middle of the story was a little slow but the end of the book made up for the slowness. Some of the twists were somewhat predictable but for the most part, NOTHING is as it seems 😉 Overall, I loved the book and suggest to anyone who loves a thriller with relationship issues, lies/betrayal and lots of suspense! An impressive debut! I look forward to more books from Ms. Knightsby!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jenny Knightsby’s debut, The Bestseller, is a masterclass in tension, moral complexity, and slow-burning suspense. From the very first chapter, the stakes feel intimate yet uncomfortably high—a therapist’s mistake sets off a chain of events that is as emotionally charged as it is unpredictable.
What stands out is how Knightsby balances psychological depth with thrilling pacing. Helena is a nuanced protagonist whose decisions feel human, flawed, and believable, which makes the consequences of her actions resonate. Tala, equally compelling, highlights the messy intersections of ambition, loyalty, and moral compromise. The novel never relies on sensationalism; instead, it builds suspense through character choices, fractured relationships, and the creeping unease of secrets revealed at the wrong moment.
The writing is both intelligent and accessible, with a deft handling of multiple timelines and perspectives that enrich the story without overwhelming it. Knightsby’s debut is character-driven, emotionally resonant, and morally complex—qualities that will appeal to discerning readers and thrill-seekers alike.
The Bestseller is the kind of psychological thriller that lingers after the final page, raising questions about trust, friendship, and the boundaries of ethical responsibility. It’s a debut that promises much more to come, and one I’d be excited to see in physical form on any bookshelf.
What stands out is how Knightsby balances psychological depth with thrilling pacing. Helena is a nuanced protagonist whose decisions feel human, flawed, and believable, which makes the consequences of her actions resonate. Tala, equally compelling, highlights the messy intersections of ambition, loyalty, and moral compromise. The novel never relies on sensationalism; instead, it builds suspense through character choices, fractured relationships, and the creeping unease of secrets revealed at the wrong moment.
The writing is both intelligent and accessible, with a deft handling of multiple timelines and perspectives that enrich the story without overwhelming it. Knightsby’s debut is character-driven, emotionally resonant, and morally complex—qualities that will appeal to discerning readers and thrill-seekers alike.
The Bestseller is the kind of psychological thriller that lingers after the final page, raising questions about trust, friendship, and the boundaries of ethical responsibility. It’s a debut that promises much more to come, and one I’d be excited to see in physical form on any bookshelf.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Bestseller by Jenny Knightsby completely pulled me in from the very first pages and never let go. This is one of those rare books where you don’t just read about the characters — you feel like you know them, like you’ve lived alongside them through every twist and emotional turn.
Knightsby does an incredible job building deeply human, layered characters. Their struggles, motivations, and relationships felt so real that I found myself thinking about them even when I wasn’t reading. I became genuinely invested in what happened to them — celebrating their wins, stressing over their decisions, and feeling every emotional hit along the way.
And then there are the jaw-dropping moments. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took turns that genuinely shocked me. These weren’t twists just for the sake of surprise — they felt earned, impactful, and perfectly woven into the narrative. I had multiple moments where I had to pause and just process what I had read. 😲📖
What stood out most to me was how emotionally connected I felt throughout the story. Knightsby balances tension, vulnerability, and character development beautifully. The pacing keeps you hooked, while the emotional depth keeps you invested. It’s the kind of book you don’t want to end — but also can’t stop reading.
By the final pages, I was left both satisfied and still thinking about the characters long after finishing. That’s always the sign of a truly memorable read.
Knightsby does an incredible job building deeply human, layered characters. Their struggles, motivations, and relationships felt so real that I found myself thinking about them even when I wasn’t reading. I became genuinely invested in what happened to them — celebrating their wins, stressing over their decisions, and feeling every emotional hit along the way.
And then there are the jaw-dropping moments. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took turns that genuinely shocked me. These weren’t twists just for the sake of surprise — they felt earned, impactful, and perfectly woven into the narrative. I had multiple moments where I had to pause and just process what I had read. 😲📖
What stood out most to me was how emotionally connected I felt throughout the story. Knightsby balances tension, vulnerability, and character development beautifully. The pacing keeps you hooked, while the emotional depth keeps you invested. It’s the kind of book you don’t want to end — but also can’t stop reading.
By the final pages, I was left both satisfied and still thinking about the characters long after finishing. That’s always the sign of a truly memorable read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Helena is a couples therapist who makes a questionable decision when she takes on a client without the husband present despite clear signs that he is coercively controlling. Instead of handling the situation professionally, she confides in her best friend, Tala, a struggling novelist, and ultimately breaks her client Belle's confidentiality.
Tala then uses the story as inspiration for her new novel and it quickly takes off. If Belle's husband recognizes their story in its pages, the consequences could be devastating for everyone involved.
The novel shifts between Helena and Tala's past and the present, slowly revealing how their friendship evolved and how their choices led them here. At its core, this is a story about what really goes on behind closed doors and whether we ever truly know the people closest to us.
Overall, I found this to be an entertaining and fast read. My biggest struggle was with Helena's character. She repeatedly makes enormous mistakes and never seems to learn from them. While I understand that people are flawed and sometimes repeat unhealthy patterns, the magnitude of her decisions made it difficult for me to rate the book higher. Despite my frustrations, this was an engaging debut novel and definitely worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Books for my ARC copy and honest review.
Expected Publication date: June 18, 2026.
Tala then uses the story as inspiration for her new novel and it quickly takes off. If Belle's husband recognizes their story in its pages, the consequences could be devastating for everyone involved.
The novel shifts between Helena and Tala's past and the present, slowly revealing how their friendship evolved and how their choices led them here. At its core, this is a story about what really goes on behind closed doors and whether we ever truly know the people closest to us.
Overall, I found this to be an entertaining and fast read. My biggest struggle was with Helena's character. She repeatedly makes enormous mistakes and never seems to learn from them. While I understand that people are flawed and sometimes repeat unhealthy patterns, the magnitude of her decisions made it difficult for me to rate the book higher. Despite my frustrations, this was an engaging debut novel and definitely worth the read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Books for my ARC copy and honest review.
Expected Publication date: June 18, 2026.
March 24, 2026
‘You can trust your therapist with your secrets can’t you?’
I throughly enjoyed reading the debut novel by Jenny Knightsby The Bestseller kindly reading an advanced copy from NetGalley.
‘Therapist Helena Salve knows that client confidentiality is the number one unbreakable rule of her job. But the constant stories of coercive control and threat she hears from her client Belle about her dangerous husband have been wearing her down. One night over too many glasses of wine, she tells her best friend Tala everything that Belle has told her.
The problem is, Tala is a down-on-her-luck novelist who is looking for an idea for her new thriller. Months later, Tala is excitedly telling Helena that her publisher is saying this is going to be her biggest book ever. The story is Belle's story. Not only is Helena's job on the line, but if Belle's husband is as dangerous as she says, her life is too...’
The premise for this book hooked me in and through to the end I was gripped in wanting to know what in the world was happening. You are immediately aware that all is not as it seems, that everyone is hiding something but what?
It did feel a bit muddled in the middle and I struggled to keep up with it. However the end was satisfying with all the twists and turns unraveling in the best way.
I highly recommend for a gripping thriller.
Thank you NetGalley
I throughly enjoyed reading the debut novel by Jenny Knightsby The Bestseller kindly reading an advanced copy from NetGalley.
‘Therapist Helena Salve knows that client confidentiality is the number one unbreakable rule of her job. But the constant stories of coercive control and threat she hears from her client Belle about her dangerous husband have been wearing her down. One night over too many glasses of wine, she tells her best friend Tala everything that Belle has told her.
The problem is, Tala is a down-on-her-luck novelist who is looking for an idea for her new thriller. Months later, Tala is excitedly telling Helena that her publisher is saying this is going to be her biggest book ever. The story is Belle's story. Not only is Helena's job on the line, but if Belle's husband is as dangerous as she says, her life is too...’
The premise for this book hooked me in and through to the end I was gripped in wanting to know what in the world was happening. You are immediately aware that all is not as it seems, that everyone is hiding something but what?
It did feel a bit muddled in the middle and I struggled to keep up with it. However the end was satisfying with all the twists and turns unraveling in the best way.
I highly recommend for a gripping thriller.
Thank you NetGalley
April 15, 2026
I admit that the last chapter caught me by surprise.
I found the characters interesting, although I never connected much with our main character, Helena. Tala was a wonderful character to read: quirky, secretive, mysterious. I didn't know if she was good or bad until the end. I also enjoyed how both husbands, Julius and Gavin, are two very different sides of the same coin.
I would have liked a bit more mystery and tension surrounding the book Tala publishes. By the halfway point, it becomes fairly clear (especially with the many hints we’re given) that she has written about Helena’s relationship, so the middle section starts to lose momentum, the “big mystery” at the heart of the story felt resolved to me. We still had the secondary mysteries about Belle and Julius, and about Helena and Tala in the past... But when the central premise of The Bestseller is that you can’t trust your therapist with your secrets, and it ultimately turns out the story was never really about Belle and Julius anyway, the story feels somewhat underwhelming.
That said, the ending did win me back. I wasn’t completely invested in the past timeline, if I’m honest, but I liked how everything came together in the present. The final resolution tied the threads neatly and left me with a more satisfying impression.
3.5 stars rounded up
I found the characters interesting, although I never connected much with our main character, Helena. Tala was a wonderful character to read: quirky, secretive, mysterious. I didn't know if she was good or bad until the end. I also enjoyed how both husbands, Julius and Gavin, are two very different sides of the same coin.
I would have liked a bit more mystery and tension surrounding the book Tala publishes. By the halfway point, it becomes fairly clear (especially with the many hints we’re given) that she has written about Helena’s relationship, so the middle section starts to lose momentum, the “big mystery” at the heart of the story felt resolved to me. We still had the secondary mysteries about Belle and Julius, and about Helena and Tala in the past... But when the central premise of The Bestseller is that you can’t trust your therapist with your secrets, and it ultimately turns out the story was never really about Belle and Julius anyway, the story feels somewhat underwhelming.
That said, the ending did win me back. I wasn’t completely invested in the past timeline, if I’m honest, but I liked how everything came together in the present. The final resolution tied the threads neatly and left me with a more satisfying impression.
3.5 stars rounded up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
‘The Bestseller’ by Jenny Knightsby is a book about a book; a novel about a novel, among other things. Helena is a couple’s therapist in London, married for 20 years to Dylan and best friends with Tala. Tala is a failing author of crime fiction when Helena, uncharacteristically, unburdens herself to Tala about a client and her controlling husband.
When Helena reads Tala’s new book, alarm bells ring inside her head violently as she sees her client’s relationship laid bare in Tala’s novel. To make matters worse, Tala’s publisher is pushing the new story like nothing Tala has written before to make it a bestseller.
Jenny Knightsby writes in a very accessible manner, creating well-rounded, engaging and relatable characters. You know all the main players in the story have a shared history, it just isn’t revealed straight away. Being drip fed the context of the story allows for the tension to be built, little-by-little, continuously throughout what quickly becomes an addictive and obsessive read.
I can’t believe anyone would be disappointed or dissatisfied with this novel and the thrills and spills along the way kept me hooked all the way from the beginning to the end. A very good novel and I will be awaiting more from Jenny Knightsby. I do hope this is indeed a bestseller.
When Helena reads Tala’s new book, alarm bells ring inside her head violently as she sees her client’s relationship laid bare in Tala’s novel. To make matters worse, Tala’s publisher is pushing the new story like nothing Tala has written before to make it a bestseller.
Jenny Knightsby writes in a very accessible manner, creating well-rounded, engaging and relatable characters. You know all the main players in the story have a shared history, it just isn’t revealed straight away. Being drip fed the context of the story allows for the tension to be built, little-by-little, continuously throughout what quickly becomes an addictive and obsessive read.
I can’t believe anyone would be disappointed or dissatisfied with this novel and the thrills and spills along the way kept me hooked all the way from the beginning to the end. A very good novel and I will be awaiting more from Jenny Knightsby. I do hope this is indeed a bestseller.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Psychologist Helena Salve understands that patient privacy is essential. But when Belle Averell starts to confess her secret thoughts, things change and Helena becomes obsessed with Belle and her life with her husband Julius. Did he make her eat soap because it smelled like fruit? Does he follow her, make her wear his favorite perfume? Is he abusive? One night, after a few too many glasses of wine, Helena share some Belle confessions with her best friend Tala. Tala is a crime writer and when her next book is published, it becomes an automatic bestseller. What is it about? A thinly veiled novel about Belle and Julius - with different names, of course. Helena is horrified. Will they read the book and recognize themselves? Will this be career ending for her? Will Julius retaliate?
This theme alone would make The Bestseller a compelling read - and it does. However, there is another story hidden under the pages. It’s a dark and disturbing one that unravels slowly as Helena begins to understand that Belle is not the only one with buried secrets.
It is hard to believe that this unsettling psychological thriller is a first novel. Jenny Knightsby, whatever you write next, I will read. Put The Bestseller on the top of your TBR list now! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Headline and Jenny Knightsby for this ARC.
This theme alone would make The Bestseller a compelling read - and it does. However, there is another story hidden under the pages. It’s a dark and disturbing one that unravels slowly as Helena begins to understand that Belle is not the only one with buried secrets.
It is hard to believe that this unsettling psychological thriller is a first novel. Jenny Knightsby, whatever you write next, I will read. Put The Bestseller on the top of your TBR list now! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Headline and Jenny Knightsby for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was initially intrigued by this book to see what happened between the two best friends after Helena shares information on the controlling relationship one of her clients, Bella, is in and then suddenly Tala has a great book idea. I did enjoy the plot of this and the direction the author took it in, the plot was interesting and involved various aspects of Helena, Tala, and Bella's lives.
Unfortunately, this book fell a bit flat for me in the way this plot was presented. I found myself noticing far too many times where the same sentences would come up, just said a different way. I can only read something along the lines of "why would Tala do this to me?" so many times before it feels repetitive. If she's truly your best friend then just go talk to her! I also wish emotions were shown vs. told and we got more insight on what the characters were thinking other than "Helena thinks this" "Tala feels this". These things made it difficult for me to get deeply invested in the plot, this book could have been about 100 pages shorter and would have done a better job of having me on the edge of my seat.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Unfortunately, this book fell a bit flat for me in the way this plot was presented. I found myself noticing far too many times where the same sentences would come up, just said a different way. I can only read something along the lines of "why would Tala do this to me?" so many times before it feels repetitive. If she's truly your best friend then just go talk to her! I also wish emotions were shown vs. told and we got more insight on what the characters were thinking other than "Helena thinks this" "Tala feels this". These things made it difficult for me to get deeply invested in the plot, this book could have been about 100 pages shorter and would have done a better job of having me on the edge of my seat.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The story follows Helena, a Therapist who shares details of a clients therapy session with her best friend Tala, after one too many drinks….
Tala is an author and after several failed novels, releases her new one and Helena notices similarities between the novel and her clients sessions. Helena begins to worry- the husband of her client is dangerous and her career could be at risk due to the actions of her friend…
This was quite a slow burn story and there were moments of repetition. I didn’t connect immediately with the characters, but as the story started to open up I did make several predictions that turned out to be correct. This is not a negative for me- I quite feeling like I’ve got it right, that doesn’t happen often!
The story picked up pace and the twists started unraveling around the 60-70% point, I was gripped.
The story was not what it seemed, and there are some strong themes that were explored.
I enjoyed the friendship between Helena and Tala. I felt Helena was very naive at times, and there were clearly secrets being kept….
I loved how the story ended!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Headline Publishers for the advance read of this. Opinions expressed here are my own.
Tala is an author and after several failed novels, releases her new one and Helena notices similarities between the novel and her clients sessions. Helena begins to worry- the husband of her client is dangerous and her career could be at risk due to the actions of her friend…
This was quite a slow burn story and there were moments of repetition. I didn’t connect immediately with the characters, but as the story started to open up I did make several predictions that turned out to be correct. This is not a negative for me- I quite feeling like I’ve got it right, that doesn’t happen often!
The story picked up pace and the twists started unraveling around the 60-70% point, I was gripped.
The story was not what it seemed, and there are some strong themes that were explored.
I enjoyed the friendship between Helena and Tala. I felt Helena was very naive at times, and there were clearly secrets being kept….
I loved how the story ended!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Headline Publishers for the advance read of this. Opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Earlier this year Headline invited me to a secret group read of The Bestseller and this week the cover was revealed.
This is the debut novel from hospital doctor Knightsby. It centres on therapist Helena, her husband Dylan, and her best friend Tala who is an author.
Helena’s new client, Belle, has been recommended couples therapy, but her husband Julius is a no-show. Through their one-to-one sessions, Helena determines that Belle is in a coercive relationship and encourages her to stand up for herself. At the same time, she finds herself venting about the situation to Tala… but has Helena’s breach of confidence inspired the storyline of Tala’s new novel?
Alongside the present-day timeline, we’re taken back to the group’s university years. This timeline also features Tala’s then-boyfriend, Jed. We learn something happened back then that it seems only Helena cannot remember, or perhaps doesn’t want to.
The Bestseller starts strong before settling into a slower middle, but it picks up again with the dramatic ending that packs a lot in. Some elements were hard to believe, particularly the situations the women found themselves in, but overall it’s a solid debut.
Thank you to Headline and Mountain Leopard for the ARC
This is the debut novel from hospital doctor Knightsby. It centres on therapist Helena, her husband Dylan, and her best friend Tala who is an author.
Helena’s new client, Belle, has been recommended couples therapy, but her husband Julius is a no-show. Through their one-to-one sessions, Helena determines that Belle is in a coercive relationship and encourages her to stand up for herself. At the same time, she finds herself venting about the situation to Tala… but has Helena’s breach of confidence inspired the storyline of Tala’s new novel?
Alongside the present-day timeline, we’re taken back to the group’s university years. This timeline also features Tala’s then-boyfriend, Jed. We learn something happened back then that it seems only Helena cannot remember, or perhaps doesn’t want to.
The Bestseller starts strong before settling into a slower middle, but it picks up again with the dramatic ending that packs a lot in. Some elements were hard to believe, particularly the situations the women found themselves in, but overall it’s a solid debut.
Thank you to Headline and Mountain Leopard for the ARC
February 16, 2026
The plot of this debut mystery/thriller is unique and intriguing. A young therapist, Helena, with a haunting past, becomes enthralled with one of her patients and divulges the patient’s secrets, specifically the endured abuse, to her best friend, Tala, while drinking one night. Tala happens to be an author, and soon after, releases a novel about a husband who engages in emotional manipulation and coercion with his wife. The book goes on to become a best-seller. Knowing she’s broken her client’s confidentiality, Helene becomes more and more worried about losing her job, and her credibility, while stressing about potential consequences from her client’s abusive husband and the betrayal she feels. What follows is a unique thriller, with differing timelines, perspectives and many moving parts.
I enjoyed the mystery and uniqueness of this book. It started somewhat slowly, with some repetitiveness, but turned around in the second half. It kept me guessing on certain aspects of the story, which honestly, is what I most want in a thriller!
Thank-you so much to NetGalley, Mountain Leopard Press and Jenny Knightsby for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy. You can get your copy June 18th, 2026!
I enjoyed the mystery and uniqueness of this book. It started somewhat slowly, with some repetitiveness, but turned around in the second half. It kept me guessing on certain aspects of the story, which honestly, is what I most want in a thriller!
Thank-you so much to NetGalley, Mountain Leopard Press and Jenny Knightsby for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy. You can get your copy June 18th, 2026!
February 22, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Headline, and Mountain Leopard Press for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Bestseller by Jenny Knightsby. This debut will be published on September 10, 2026.
Helena, a couples therapist, shares details about a client with her best friend, Tala, a struggling author, over a bottle of wine. A year later, those details becomes the basis of Tala’s novel Your Enemies Closer. Helena now fears for her client Belle and herself and what may transpire due to her breach in confidentiality and the release of Tala’s novel.
This felt like a long read. Do you continue reading waiting for the payoff or do you abandon it halfway through?
The story does go back in time between 2001 and 2003 when Helena and Tala were in university with their respective boyfriends - Dylan and Jed. What kept me reading was wanting to know what transpired back then and how it relates to the present time.
The story is well written and there are a lot of complexities to build the plot connecting it to past events. The characters are thoughtfully developed and you understand why they behave the way they do. As you progress, the story does become predictable but still enjoyable.
Helena, a couples therapist, shares details about a client with her best friend, Tala, a struggling author, over a bottle of wine. A year later, those details becomes the basis of Tala’s novel Your Enemies Closer. Helena now fears for her client Belle and herself and what may transpire due to her breach in confidentiality and the release of Tala’s novel.
This felt like a long read. Do you continue reading waiting for the payoff or do you abandon it halfway through?
The story does go back in time between 2001 and 2003 when Helena and Tala were in university with their respective boyfriends - Dylan and Jed. What kept me reading was wanting to know what transpired back then and how it relates to the present time.
The story is well written and there are a lot of complexities to build the plot connecting it to past events. The characters are thoughtfully developed and you understand why they behave the way they do. As you progress, the story does become predictable but still enjoyable.
April 19, 2026
What happens when the secrets you talked about becomes your undoing?!
For psychologist Helena, client confidentiality was of utmost importance. Until she encountered a new client - Belle. There's something about her that made Helena want to protect her at all costs. But then she discussed this with her bestfriend Tala and now the secrets are open for everyone to see!
The concept of this thriller was interesting. I was so curious to read of what happens to Helena who knows for sure Belle's husband won't sit still. The way she navigated those troubles all the while keeping composed was interesting to read.
The book and its characters take you through different emotions.
While reading this story, you are going to feel anger against a lot of characters. Belle's husband for mistreating her; Tala for writing the story, and Helena for not having a proper talk with Tala.
Few events did made me feel so sad as well. I was so engrossed in this story that I read it within few days. So yes, the book was a bit addictive.
For psychologist Helena, client confidentiality was of utmost importance. Until she encountered a new client - Belle. There's something about her that made Helena want to protect her at all costs. But then she discussed this with her bestfriend Tala and now the secrets are open for everyone to see!
The concept of this thriller was interesting. I was so curious to read of what happens to Helena who knows for sure Belle's husband won't sit still. The way she navigated those troubles all the while keeping composed was interesting to read.
The book and its characters take you through different emotions.
While reading this story, you are going to feel anger against a lot of characters. Belle's husband for mistreating her; Tala for writing the story, and Helena for not having a proper talk with Tala.
Few events did made me feel so sad as well. I was so engrossed in this story that I read it within few days. So yes, the book was a bit addictive.
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