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The Imaginary Friend
A BRAND NEW grippingly creepy page-turner from bestselling author Michelle Dunne. Angel says that people who mean the most harm come out by day.
They’re not lurking under your bed or in your wardrobe. They just walk around like normal people. Normal people that no one would suspect…
Growing up as foster kids at Raven’s Rock wasn’t easy, but it’s all Pennie and Eve have ever known. But now that they’re alone in the house, Eve vows that things are going to be different. She will love and protect her little sister as best she possibly can.
But Pennie isn’t like other ten-year-olds, and Eve struggles to balance her own fragile self-care with caring for Pennie. Soon it becomes clear that Pennie is playing to a different set of rules – Angel’s rules – and Eve is left wondering - how much harm can an imaginary friend possibly do…?
Praise for Michelle
'A compelling page turner... what a rollercoaster read.' Liz Nugent
'Fresh and original with an unforgettable voice and a propulsive plot' Andrea Mara
‘Wow. From the first page to the last. Wow.‘ Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘This fast-paced, emotional novel had me in its grips from the beginning. I couldn't put it down!‘ Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Wowza! This book was like driving a race car you were careening along super fast and banking corners going way too fast. I loved every second of it.’ Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I could not put this book down! I was hooked after the first paragraph… It is suspenseful and tragic. My heart broke multiple times for so many reasons.’ Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Wow I don't even know where to begin with this book! It was gripping and I couldn't put it down. The twists were crazy, I wasn't expecting the ending. This book had me feeling all sorts of emotions being a mother myself.’ Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
They’re not lurking under your bed or in your wardrobe. They just walk around like normal people. Normal people that no one would suspect…
Growing up as foster kids at Raven’s Rock wasn’t easy, but it’s all Pennie and Eve have ever known. But now that they’re alone in the house, Eve vows that things are going to be different. She will love and protect her little sister as best she possibly can.
But Pennie isn’t like other ten-year-olds, and Eve struggles to balance her own fragile self-care with caring for Pennie. Soon it becomes clear that Pennie is playing to a different set of rules – Angel’s rules – and Eve is left wondering - how much harm can an imaginary friend possibly do…?
Praise for Michelle
'A compelling page turner... what a rollercoaster read.' Liz Nugent
'Fresh and original with an unforgettable voice and a propulsive plot' Andrea Mara
‘Wow. From the first page to the last. Wow.‘ Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘This fast-paced, emotional novel had me in its grips from the beginning. I couldn't put it down!‘ Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Wowza! This book was like driving a race car you were careening along super fast and banking corners going way too fast. I loved every second of it.’ Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘I could not put this book down! I was hooked after the first paragraph… It is suspenseful and tragic. My heart broke multiple times for so many reasons.’ Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Wow I don't even know where to begin with this book! It was gripping and I couldn't put it down. The twists were crazy, I wasn't expecting the ending. This book had me feeling all sorts of emotions being a mother myself.’ Reader Review, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
280 pages, Hardcover
Published November 27, 2025
29 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Dunne
11 books122 followersMichelle Dunne is a crime and thriller writer from Cork whose new number 1 Best Seller The Good Girl is out now. A psychological thriller that begs the question: Would you know a serial killer if you met one? What if she served you your coffee every day?
Her much anticipated follow-up, The Hotel Maid follows June Calloway, a maid who finds the body of a murdered woman in her hotel room, just as a child is reported missing on hotel grounds. The Hotel Maid was released to rave reviews in August 24.
Michelle also wrote While Nobody is Watching and The Invisible, a series of thrillers following former soldier and UN Peacekeeper Lindsey Ryan as she tries to adapt to her new life in the clutches of PTSD. The series is currently in development for television and is inspired by Michelle’s own experiences as an infantry soldier and United Nations Peacekeeper.
Michelle is organiser and programmer of the Spike Island Literary Festival – a crime-themed festival set in Ireland's very own Alcatraz!
Her much anticipated follow-up, The Hotel Maid follows June Calloway, a maid who finds the body of a murdered woman in her hotel room, just as a child is reported missing on hotel grounds. The Hotel Maid was released to rave reviews in August 24.
Michelle also wrote While Nobody is Watching and The Invisible, a series of thrillers following former soldier and UN Peacekeeper Lindsey Ryan as she tries to adapt to her new life in the clutches of PTSD. The series is currently in development for television and is inspired by Michelle’s own experiences as an infantry soldier and United Nations Peacekeeper.
Michelle is organiser and programmer of the Spike Island Literary Festival – a crime-themed festival set in Ireland's very own Alcatraz!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
November 25, 2025
Growing up in a foster home where kids came and went was the life all Eve and Pennie knew. Their home, Raven’s Rock, was notorious for being a place where troubled kids were taken in and then sent back to where they came from or aged out of the system. But for Eve, it was home, even after the deaths of her foster parents. Since love wasn’t something she experienced from them, Eve wants to make it her mission and sole purpose for living to show and give the love to her little sister she never received. But Pennie isn’t like other ten-year-olds. Quiet, reserved, and keeping to herself, she has no friends and keeps her distance from Eve. The only person she will talk to is her imaginary friend, Angel, who makes the hairs on Eve’s neck stand up and her stomach turn when he or she asks Pennie to do some strange things. Will they ever be a happy family, or will the curse on Raven’s Rock continue to make their lives hard?
Well…that was certainly, uh, interesting, to say the least. 😅
I’m going to start by saying that this is a sad book. I was heartbroken as I read the latter half, and I honestly just wanted it to end because it was so sick and disturbing and heartbreaking. I will list the content warnings at the end of my review as always, so please check that out before deciding if you want to read the book. It might spoil some stuff, but this book is not for everyone. 💔
All right, where do I begin? I guess I’ll start by saying that I kinda figured out how this would end. My mind was thinking of so many possibilities as to how this could end, hoping it wouldn’t end the way I suspected. But gosh, I was hoping it wouldn’t go down that route. It was so sad, and it pained my heart to read about what happened to the kids in Raven’s Rock. 😔😭 That POS didn’t deserve to live, that’s all I’m going to say.
But what I really didn’t like about this was how repetitive it was. I think it was done on purpose due to reasons found out at the end, and if so, then kudos to the author because it all makes sense now. But after I hit the 50% mark, I just started skimming paragraphs and paragraphs of worries, hopes, and frustrations from Eve that were already stated in the first half of the book. I mainly read the dialogue and quickly read through paragraphs that had the info I needed to understand what was happening.
Was it the greatest mystery/thriller book I’ve read? No. It was predictable, hard to read at times due to both the writing and the contents, and I didn’t really like it as much as I hoped to. The premise was great, I mean, that blurb caught my attention. But I was hoping for more mystery and even paranormal stuff. I know what you’re thinking. “This isn’t a horror book, Sarah. Why are you expecting ghosts, demons, and otherworldly activities like doors slamming on their own and light bulbs flickering?” I don’t know why. 😂 That’s on me.
Do I recommend this? Honestly, no. I could’ve lived life without reading this, and I honestly wish I hadn’t read it. But it kept me engaged for a minute there, so that’s good, right? 😅😂
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Abuse, child abuse, pedophilia, death, blood, murder, drugs, mentions adolescent pregnancy, and pornographic content involving children (somewhat going into detail).
Swearing: Yes
#TheImagingaryFriend #NetGalley
Well…that was certainly, uh, interesting, to say the least. 😅
I’m going to start by saying that this is a sad book. I was heartbroken as I read the latter half, and I honestly just wanted it to end because it was so sick and disturbing and heartbreaking. I will list the content warnings at the end of my review as always, so please check that out before deciding if you want to read the book. It might spoil some stuff, but this book is not for everyone. 💔
All right, where do I begin? I guess I’ll start by saying that I kinda figured out how this would end. My mind was thinking of so many possibilities as to how this could end, hoping it wouldn’t end the way I suspected. But gosh, I was hoping it wouldn’t go down that route. It was so sad, and it pained my heart to read about what happened to the kids in Raven’s Rock. 😔😭 That POS didn’t deserve to live, that’s all I’m going to say.
But what I really didn’t like about this was how repetitive it was. I think it was done on purpose due to reasons found out at the end, and if so, then kudos to the author because it all makes sense now. But after I hit the 50% mark, I just started skimming paragraphs and paragraphs of worries, hopes, and frustrations from Eve that were already stated in the first half of the book. I mainly read the dialogue and quickly read through paragraphs that had the info I needed to understand what was happening.
Was it the greatest mystery/thriller book I’ve read? No. It was predictable, hard to read at times due to both the writing and the contents, and I didn’t really like it as much as I hoped to. The premise was great, I mean, that blurb caught my attention. But I was hoping for more mystery and even paranormal stuff. I know what you’re thinking. “This isn’t a horror book, Sarah. Why are you expecting ghosts, demons, and otherworldly activities like doors slamming on their own and light bulbs flickering?” I don’t know why. 😂 That’s on me.
Do I recommend this? Honestly, no. I could’ve lived life without reading this, and I honestly wish I hadn’t read it. But it kept me engaged for a minute there, so that’s good, right? 😅😂
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review! All opinions and statements are my own.
❗Content Warnings❗
Abuse, child abuse, pedophilia, death, blood, murder, drugs, mentions adolescent pregnancy, and pornographic content involving children (somewhat going into detail).
Swearing: Yes
#TheImagingaryFriend #NetGalley
November 23, 2025
Welp! I thought this would be a slam dunk for me and that I would love it! The synopsis states " A must-read for fans of John Marrs and Jason Rekulak." Nope. I enjoy both of their books and no, just no, this was not for me. That is not to say it is not for other readers; it is - unfortunately it was not for me.
This book has triggers galore. I don't want to say what as I do not want to give away any spoilers but know going in; this is not going to be an easy read. It is also a slow burn. I am not a slow burn kinda gal. I struggle with them, and I struggled with the slowness in this book. I kept picking up other books to read while reading this one. That is never a good sign. Even when things began to become clear and take shape, this was still too slow for my taste.
What is good about this book is the mood. It is creepy, brimming with unease, dread and heavy on atmosphere. Pennie and Eve are alone in a house that once took in foster children until they aged out of the system. It is not a happy home nor a home that will give one the warm and fuzzies. But it is home, and Eve vows to take care of her younger sister, Pennie. They are all alone except for Pennie's imaginary friend!! The tone of the book had me feeling as if something bad was going to happen at any second.
Things do become clear closer to the end when the reveals begin to happen, but that was not enough to save this book for me. I wanted to keep reading to see how it ended. While this book did not work for me, it did work for other readers, so please read their reviews as well. I thought I would love this one, but the slowness did not work for me.
2.5 stars
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
This book has triggers galore. I don't want to say what as I do not want to give away any spoilers but know going in; this is not going to be an easy read. It is also a slow burn. I am not a slow burn kinda gal. I struggle with them, and I struggled with the slowness in this book. I kept picking up other books to read while reading this one. That is never a good sign. Even when things began to become clear and take shape, this was still too slow for my taste.
What is good about this book is the mood. It is creepy, brimming with unease, dread and heavy on atmosphere. Pennie and Eve are alone in a house that once took in foster children until they aged out of the system. It is not a happy home nor a home that will give one the warm and fuzzies. But it is home, and Eve vows to take care of her younger sister, Pennie. They are all alone except for Pennie's imaginary friend!! The tone of the book had me feeling as if something bad was going to happen at any second.
Things do become clear closer to the end when the reveals begin to happen, but that was not enough to save this book for me. I wanted to keep reading to see how it ended. While this book did not work for me, it did work for other readers, so please read their reviews as well. I thought I would love this one, but the slowness did not work for me.
2.5 stars
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
December 28, 2025
Wow! This was a creepy rollercoaster ride! I was tempted to sleep with the lights on after reading this addictive spine-tingling thriller. This is a slow-burning, suspenseful read that kept me enthralled from start to finish. Gripping, original, and chilling describe this haunting story. Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.
October 24, 2025
Hours (probably 5 or 6) after finishing it update: I want this out of my head!!! 😞😞😞😞😞😞. I don’t want to be in such a poor mood because of a book. Shoot. Vent over…..
Original review👇:
So, I don’t even know to say. This book should come with a slew of trigger warnings. I skimmed the last I am not even sure how many pages. Definitely not the book for me. I had some pieces figured out relatively early on, but if I had known that certain things would be shoved in my face, I wouldn’t have continued to read on to see if I was right or not.
When I started chapter 24, I was thinking, finally, it’s getting good, I am feeling the suspense and then nope. It went straight to disturbing in a horrible way, for me anyways.
I never like reading about child abuse, ever. The way in which it is presented, for lack of a better word, makes a difference as to whether or not it will ruin a book for me. The way the author chose to present it unfortunately completely ruined this book for me. And had I known it would play such a huge role in this book (yes, I assumed right away that it was going to make a presence) I would not have even started this book.
I know others have rated this book highly, and I am glad others were able to look past what I apparently could not, and see the book as a whole and not just that part.
Minus that part, the book would have only been okay for me. Probably would have gotten a 2.5 rating.
Other reviews are much more positive than mine, so make sure to read those reviews. Perhaps you can handle what ruined the book for me better than I was able to.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts are my own.
Thoughts posted: 10/24/25
Publishing date: 11/27/25
Should I be using the spoiler alert button? I didn’t give anything away, but I feel like I might have spoiled something? Or maybe my mood is just spoiled from reading this?
Original review👇:
So, I don’t even know to say. This book should come with a slew of trigger warnings. I skimmed the last I am not even sure how many pages. Definitely not the book for me. I had some pieces figured out relatively early on, but if I had known that certain things would be shoved in my face, I wouldn’t have continued to read on to see if I was right or not.
When I started chapter 24, I was thinking, finally, it’s getting good, I am feeling the suspense and then nope. It went straight to disturbing in a horrible way, for me anyways.
I never like reading about child abuse, ever. The way in which it is presented, for lack of a better word, makes a difference as to whether or not it will ruin a book for me. The way the author chose to present it unfortunately completely ruined this book for me. And had I known it would play such a huge role in this book (yes, I assumed right away that it was going to make a presence) I would not have even started this book.
I know others have rated this book highly, and I am glad others were able to look past what I apparently could not, and see the book as a whole and not just that part.
Minus that part, the book would have only been okay for me. Probably would have gotten a 2.5 rating.
Other reviews are much more positive than mine, so make sure to read those reviews. Perhaps you can handle what ruined the book for me better than I was able to.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts are my own.
Thoughts posted: 10/24/25
Publishing date: 11/27/25
Should I be using the spoiler alert button? I didn’t give anything away, but I feel like I might have spoiled something? Or maybe my mood is just spoiled from reading this?
November 24, 2025
2 - 2.5 stars
**check out the triggers before you read**
Creepy - Yes. I love these types of books, but I was rather disappointed with this book. It had all the makings for a great read, but I was sadly disappointed.
Frustrated - Firstly, the book is slow, and to slow it down even more, the constant repetitiveness meant I started skimming the pages. Secondly, I figured most of it out before the ending, with hopes it would have twists that I did see coming, but it didn't.
Raven's Rock is more sinister than you think. Children were subjected to cruel and evil things. Pennie isn’t like others her age; she keeps to herself and only interacts with her imaginary friend, but this is no ordinary friend, as her sister sees. Everything seems to be revealed at the end.
Just because I didn't enjoy it, doesn't mean you should not give it a go. You may just love it.
**check out the triggers before you read**
Creepy - Yes. I love these types of books, but I was rather disappointed with this book. It had all the makings for a great read, but I was sadly disappointed.
Frustrated - Firstly, the book is slow, and to slow it down even more, the constant repetitiveness meant I started skimming the pages. Secondly, I figured most of it out before the ending, with hopes it would have twists that I did see coming, but it didn't.
Raven's Rock is more sinister than you think. Children were subjected to cruel and evil things. Pennie isn’t like others her age; she keeps to herself and only interacts with her imaginary friend, but this is no ordinary friend, as her sister sees. Everything seems to be revealed at the end.
Just because I didn't enjoy it, doesn't mean you should not give it a go. You may just love it.
December 2, 2025
Eerie thriller that started off creepy then veered into a very dark story. Eve is a 22 year old woman who is taking care of her 10 year old foster sister, Penny. The two were part of a revolving door of foster kids who lived in the same house until the death of their foster parents. Now they get by on the few dollars Eve makes distributing flyers and whatever she can still charge on her foster mother's credit card. Penny spends her days in a nightgown, refuses to go anywhere and has a imaginary friend called Angel. This part of the story is strange and almost dreamlike: Eve gets headaches and has fuzzy thinking and takes pills, Penny seems depressed and ill. There is a lot of repetition as Eve tries to find out who Angel is and tries to get Penny to eat and leave the house.
At one point we find out some people in the village have died and Penny says her friend Angel says these people died because of secrets. Eve ends up meeting with a journalist who has written about these deaths but she afraid she and Penny will be found out and Penny will be taken away from her. A little over half way through the story we begin to find out nothing is as it seems and both Eve and Penny were the victims of some very evil people.
There are a lot of triggers here and most of that doesn't bother me but a lot of this is about child abuse which I didn't expect and found very disturbing. The author did a good job with showing the long term effects of child abuse and created a very creepy scenario here. However, I didn't find Angel to be a realistic character and the way she communicated with Penny and then had a big showdown complete with videos with Eve didn't seem at all realistic. Recommend for those who like very dark and twisty stories. Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC to review.
At one point we find out some people in the village have died and Penny says her friend Angel says these people died because of secrets. Eve ends up meeting with a journalist who has written about these deaths but she afraid she and Penny will be found out and Penny will be taken away from her. A little over half way through the story we begin to find out nothing is as it seems and both Eve and Penny were the victims of some very evil people.
There are a lot of triggers here and most of that doesn't bother me but a lot of this is about child abuse which I didn't expect and found very disturbing. The author did a good job with showing the long term effects of child abuse and created a very creepy scenario here. However, I didn't find Angel to be a realistic character and the way she communicated with Penny and then had a big showdown complete with videos with Eve didn't seem at all realistic. Recommend for those who like very dark and twisty stories. Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a copy of this ARC to review.
November 16, 2025
"The Imaginary Friend" starts off with an immediate unease and slowly turns that into full-blown trauma. It’s unsettling, and both twisty and twisted. In short: it's a wild ride that keeps the pages turning. While countless dark secrets are revealed, I found myself with a few questions at the end, making it the perfect book to discuss with braver book clubs.
The story centers on two foster kids who have grown up at a remote home called Raven’s Rock. After their foster parents die, 23-year-old Eve and are 10-year-old Pennie are left alone in the house together. Free to build the life she always wanted, Eve is determined to protect Pennie and show her the love that was so scarce in their home. The problem is that reticent Pennie isn’t like other girls, and she’s increasingly devoted to an imaginary friend named Angel. As Angel’s influence starts to shape Pennie’s behavior in increasingly bizarre and disturbing ways, Eve is left to untangle whether they’re dealing with trauma or a threat more sinister — imagined or real.
Michelle Dunne effectively creates a sense of foreboding that runs throughout the book. The tone is consistently uneasy, and there’s a claustrophobic quality to the setting. The pacing, however, is a little uneven. I felt like the first third was slow to get started; for quite a while, it’s really just the two main characters, which gives the story a bit of a stuck-in-a-loop feeling where not much appears to be happening. As a reader, that wasn’t the most entertaining start for me, but it was nonetheless accurate to the flavor of their isolated life — quiet, repetitive, and emotionally heavy.
Once additional characters begin to enter the story, the pace picks up noticeably. The expanding cast and shifting revelations about Eve, Pennie, and Angel add depth to the book that makes the second half feel much more propulsive. The atmosphere stays dark and grows more twisted, but the plot itself heads in directions I genuinely didn’t see coming. This was not the novel I expected it to be based on the opening chapters, and I mean that in a good way.
This is a book that needs to come with trigger warnings, most notably child abuse and sexual assault. An additional note of caution for sensitive readers: there is a lot of vomiting in this book. Eve seems to process her uneasy feelings physically, and she throws up more than once when things become overwhelming. Pennie also gets sick and vomits repeatedly. If you’re emetophobic or just really sensitive to on-page illness, this may not be the best choice for you.
Overall, "The Imaginary Friend" is definitely dark and twisted, with a pervasive dread and several surprises that will keep you on your toes. It’s a solid choice for readers who enjoy psychological horror with morally complex characters, complicated familial bonds, and books that leave a little space for interpretation. This was the first Michelle Dunne book I've read, and I'm now curious to read more.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and Michelle Dunne for an advance copy for honest review. 3.5 stars rounded up.
The story centers on two foster kids who have grown up at a remote home called Raven’s Rock. After their foster parents die, 23-year-old Eve and are 10-year-old Pennie are left alone in the house together. Free to build the life she always wanted, Eve is determined to protect Pennie and show her the love that was so scarce in their home. The problem is that reticent Pennie isn’t like other girls, and she’s increasingly devoted to an imaginary friend named Angel. As Angel’s influence starts to shape Pennie’s behavior in increasingly bizarre and disturbing ways, Eve is left to untangle whether they’re dealing with trauma or a threat more sinister — imagined or real.
Michelle Dunne effectively creates a sense of foreboding that runs throughout the book. The tone is consistently uneasy, and there’s a claustrophobic quality to the setting. The pacing, however, is a little uneven. I felt like the first third was slow to get started; for quite a while, it’s really just the two main characters, which gives the story a bit of a stuck-in-a-loop feeling where not much appears to be happening. As a reader, that wasn’t the most entertaining start for me, but it was nonetheless accurate to the flavor of their isolated life — quiet, repetitive, and emotionally heavy.
Once additional characters begin to enter the story, the pace picks up noticeably. The expanding cast and shifting revelations about Eve, Pennie, and Angel add depth to the book that makes the second half feel much more propulsive. The atmosphere stays dark and grows more twisted, but the plot itself heads in directions I genuinely didn’t see coming. This was not the novel I expected it to be based on the opening chapters, and I mean that in a good way.
This is a book that needs to come with trigger warnings, most notably child abuse and sexual assault. An additional note of caution for sensitive readers: there is a lot of vomiting in this book. Eve seems to process her uneasy feelings physically, and she throws up more than once when things become overwhelming. Pennie also gets sick and vomits repeatedly. If you’re emetophobic or just really sensitive to on-page illness, this may not be the best choice for you.
Overall, "The Imaginary Friend" is definitely dark and twisted, with a pervasive dread and several surprises that will keep you on your toes. It’s a solid choice for readers who enjoy psychological horror with morally complex characters, complicated familial bonds, and books that leave a little space for interpretation. This was the first Michelle Dunne book I've read, and I'm now curious to read more.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and Michelle Dunne for an advance copy for honest review. 3.5 stars rounded up.
November 1, 2025
Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. I found it slow, especially the first third, and it didn’t really get any better. The story was repetitive and I felt drained reading about Pennie and the effects on her sister.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book.
December 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ | The prologue was enough to have my eyes wide! Instantly setting a tone of unease that made me eager to see how everything connected. The moment the mysterious imaginary friend “Angel” appeared, he gave me pause, there was something off about him from the very beginning, and that energy never let up. Pennie’s sudden, erratic behavior kept me turning the pages, searching for clues and trying to piece together the truth.
I also felt genuinely terrible for Eve, being forced into parenthood at such a young age added a heartbreaking layer to the story and made her struggle feel real. As the book unfolded, it revealed so many shocking secrets that slowly built toward the motive behind everything, keeping the suspense lingering!
Overall, this was an intriguing and eerie read with memorable twists and a crazy backstory which was the motive behind it all. Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
I also felt genuinely terrible for Eve, being forced into parenthood at such a young age added a heartbreaking layer to the story and made her struggle feel real. As the book unfolded, it revealed so many shocking secrets that slowly built toward the motive behind everything, keeping the suspense lingering!
Overall, this was an intriguing and eerie read with memorable twists and a crazy backstory which was the motive behind it all. Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
October 28, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
Imaginary Friend immediately caught my attention with its eerie premise and emotional core. This was my first book by Michelle Dunne, and I was drawn in by the mix of psychological tension, family drama, and the unsettling idea of an imaginary friend who might not be so imaginary after all.
This story follows two sisters, Eve and Pennie. When Pennie becomes obsessed with her “imaginary friend” Angel, Eve starts to fear that Angel’s influence is far more dangerous than pretend, blurring the line between imagination and reality.
I especially liked how the sister dynamic gave the story real heart beneath the tension—it felt authentic and emotionally grounded. The steady pacing and the blend of psychological depth and eerie mystery also kept me intrigued from start to finish, making it an engaging and emotionally layered read. That said, a few parts felt a little slow in the middle, and the blurred line between reality and imagination occasionally left me wishing for more clarity. However, the emotional depth and unsettling atmosphere made it an interesting read overall.
In the end, I’d say this was an eerie, character-driven psychological thriller with just the right touch of mystery and emotion. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy slow-burn suspense stories centered on sisterhood and trauma.
Thank you Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for my review.
Imaginary Friend immediately caught my attention with its eerie premise and emotional core. This was my first book by Michelle Dunne, and I was drawn in by the mix of psychological tension, family drama, and the unsettling idea of an imaginary friend who might not be so imaginary after all.
This story follows two sisters, Eve and Pennie. When Pennie becomes obsessed with her “imaginary friend” Angel, Eve starts to fear that Angel’s influence is far more dangerous than pretend, blurring the line between imagination and reality.
I especially liked how the sister dynamic gave the story real heart beneath the tension—it felt authentic and emotionally grounded. The steady pacing and the blend of psychological depth and eerie mystery also kept me intrigued from start to finish, making it an engaging and emotionally layered read. That said, a few parts felt a little slow in the middle, and the blurred line between reality and imagination occasionally left me wishing for more clarity. However, the emotional depth and unsettling atmosphere made it an interesting read overall.
In the end, I’d say this was an eerie, character-driven psychological thriller with just the right touch of mystery and emotion. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy slow-burn suspense stories centered on sisterhood and trauma.
Thank you Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy in exchange for my review.
October 26, 2025
The Imaginary Friend by Michelle Dunne. Great read. From the beginning it was slightly unsettling, and had an emotional pull that kept me hooked. Dunne does a great job of blending mystery, emotion, and a touch of darkness without overdoing it.
There were parts that I did guess fairly early on. The characters felt believable and layered, and I liked how the story explored themes of loss, connection, and the blurred line between imagination and reality. It’s the kind of book that stays with you a little after you finish.
A strong, thoughtful read and at times, quite haunting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There were parts that I did guess fairly early on. The characters felt believable and layered, and I liked how the story explored themes of loss, connection, and the blurred line between imagination and reality. It’s the kind of book that stays with you a little after you finish.
A strong, thoughtful read and at times, quite haunting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2025
Wow! This book blew my mind! Twenty-three-year-old Eve lives with her little sister,, Pennie who is ten. Even though Pennie is odd, rarely leaving her room, Eve loves her and will do anything to protect her as they were in foster care for years, leaving them with horrible memories. But Pennie begins acting strangely, inventing an imaginary friend, "Angel" who talks to her and must also be fed. Things become increasingly tense as Pennie begins leaving the house, sitting at a bus stop, and never explaining where or why she left. And THEN things get crazy...!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
November 26, 2025
This book is heartbreaking. Check triggers before reading if you have any. This book had a little of everything. There’s suspense, mystery, secrets, a psychological mess, and a part that had me petrified to be alone in the house. I loved the plot. It was heartbreaking but it had me in such a tight grip. Some parts were a bit slow or repetitive but I think that really added to the build up and to Eve’s character. Overall a great book.
November 10, 2025
THE IMAGINARY FRIEND by Michelle Dunne had such a fascinating premise and what promised to be a compelling story. It certainly had a fantastic prologue that drew you right in. And the writing was quite thoughtful and moving in parts, blending mystery with lots of emotional depth. From the beginning, we as readers surmise that something truly awful must have happened within the walls of the foster home Raven’s Rock, where our MCs and sisters Eve and Pennie grew up. But what was it, and how traumatic was it? Needing to find out was what kept me reading into the night.
Although I was compelled to keep reading, THE IMAGINARY FRIEND was a very slow burn for me. Admittedly, lots happened in this book, but not until well past the midway point. The pacing often felt a bit off, with long chapters that moved a bit too slowly. But once we begin learning the horrible truths of Raven’s Rock, and the mystery surrounding Pennie’s imaginary friend slowly unravels, the pace picks up and doesn’t stop until the very end. And those truths are quite horrific and so very dark, much darker than I expected, leaving me with a feeling of utter heartbreak and hopelessness. (Please be forewarned, there are things in this book that may be quite difficult to read.)
Admittedly, the story had moments of genuine suspense and eeriness, and the characters felt authentic with good character development— your heart goes out to Eve, Pennie, and all of the foster children within the pages of the book. The emotional weight of their trauma is heart-wrenching and the perpetrators are evil personified.
Overall, THE IMAGINARY FRIEND is a compelling read with a very difficult subject matter, and I liked the author’s writing style very much. But it didn’t completely capture me the way I had hoped. This is not a feel-good story, and will likely make you want your next book to be something of a cozy mystery with a happy ending. Would I recommend it? Yes!! It’s poignant and twisty and you really care about Eve and Pennie. Will I be reading from this author again? Absolutely!!
I want to thank NetGalley, Michelle Dunne, and Boldwood Books for gifting me the ARC of THE IMAGINARY FRIEND. I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!
Although I was compelled to keep reading, THE IMAGINARY FRIEND was a very slow burn for me. Admittedly, lots happened in this book, but not until well past the midway point. The pacing often felt a bit off, with long chapters that moved a bit too slowly. But once we begin learning the horrible truths of Raven’s Rock, and the mystery surrounding Pennie’s imaginary friend slowly unravels, the pace picks up and doesn’t stop until the very end. And those truths are quite horrific and so very dark, much darker than I expected, leaving me with a feeling of utter heartbreak and hopelessness. (Please be forewarned, there are things in this book that may be quite difficult to read.)
Admittedly, the story had moments of genuine suspense and eeriness, and the characters felt authentic with good character development— your heart goes out to Eve, Pennie, and all of the foster children within the pages of the book. The emotional weight of their trauma is heart-wrenching and the perpetrators are evil personified.
Overall, THE IMAGINARY FRIEND is a compelling read with a very difficult subject matter, and I liked the author’s writing style very much. But it didn’t completely capture me the way I had hoped. This is not a feel-good story, and will likely make you want your next book to be something of a cozy mystery with a happy ending. Would I recommend it? Yes!! It’s poignant and twisty and you really care about Eve and Pennie. Will I be reading from this author again? Absolutely!!
I want to thank NetGalley, Michelle Dunne, and Boldwood Books for gifting me the ARC of THE IMAGINARY FRIEND. I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!
November 25, 2025
4 stars for me.
Eve just want to love and protect her little sister Pennie.They live together in old foster home,foster parents being dead it's up to Eve raise her and look out for her.That's it until Pennie find a new friend Angel,the only thing is that Angel is a imaginary friend. What looks like innocent fun soon turning into dangerous situation and Angel may mean to harm Pennie instead of be her friend.
Will Eve find out what is going on in her foster home?
I didn't expected that twists,it was shocking and disturbing and keep me reading into the night,I could not put this book down.I liked Eve,her need to give Pennie love and care,and after read more about her past it left me shocked and raging at disgusting way adults in Eve life treat her and others in foster care.Without spoiling the book this was a hard to read and please be aware it contains children abuse in the most horrible way.My first book by this author,and I liked how she incorporate twists that I didn't see them coming,hope to read more of her work.
Thank you netgalley and Boldwood books publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Eve just want to love and protect her little sister Pennie.They live together in old foster home,foster parents being dead it's up to Eve raise her and look out for her.That's it until Pennie find a new friend Angel,the only thing is that Angel is a imaginary friend. What looks like innocent fun soon turning into dangerous situation and Angel may mean to harm Pennie instead of be her friend.
Will Eve find out what is going on in her foster home?
I didn't expected that twists,it was shocking and disturbing and keep me reading into the night,I could not put this book down.I liked Eve,her need to give Pennie love and care,and after read more about her past it left me shocked and raging at disgusting way adults in Eve life treat her and others in foster care.Without spoiling the book this was a hard to read and please be aware it contains children abuse in the most horrible way.My first book by this author,and I liked how she incorporate twists that I didn't see them coming,hope to read more of her work.
Thank you netgalley and Boldwood books publisher for arc,my review is honest and my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2025
I went into this expecting a very different book to the one I got. Unsettling. Imaginary Friend sets us up then pulls the rug from under us.
Our focus is Eve and her sister, Pennie. They are foster kids living in Raven’s Rock. Their foster father was killed in a hit and run years earlier, and their foster mother has recently died. Eve and Pennie are now alone, and it is up to Eve to take care of them both. They are isolated and exist in a kind of half-world, unseen by virtually everyone.
It’s hard not to feel for them navigating their way through this world, unsure of the rules. Pennie starts talking about an imaginary friend - Angel - watching over her, and things get very strange. When Pennie starts talking about circumstances involved in a number of deaths in the area, it’s easy to think she knows more than she should.
As Eve tries to keep a grip on her increasingly fragile mental health we learn more about the true horrors that exist in what should be their safe space. At this point I wasn’t surprised by the details revealed, but it remains a deeply unpleasant subject. By the end we were firmly in the realms of morally grey territory.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
Our focus is Eve and her sister, Pennie. They are foster kids living in Raven’s Rock. Their foster father was killed in a hit and run years earlier, and their foster mother has recently died. Eve and Pennie are now alone, and it is up to Eve to take care of them both. They are isolated and exist in a kind of half-world, unseen by virtually everyone.
It’s hard not to feel for them navigating their way through this world, unsure of the rules. Pennie starts talking about an imaginary friend - Angel - watching over her, and things get very strange. When Pennie starts talking about circumstances involved in a number of deaths in the area, it’s easy to think she knows more than she should.
As Eve tries to keep a grip on her increasingly fragile mental health we learn more about the true horrors that exist in what should be their safe space. At this point I wasn’t surprised by the details revealed, but it remains a deeply unpleasant subject. By the end we were firmly in the realms of morally grey territory.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
October 20, 2025
Growing up as foster kids at Raven’s Rock wasn’t easy, but it’s all Pennie and Eve have ever known. But now that they’re alone in the house, Eve vows that things are going to be different. She will love and protect her little sister as best she possibly can. But Eve finds out Pennie isn’t like other kids……
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I really wanted to like this book – it started out good, but got weird and creepy pretty fast. It was just okay for me – also had a little child abuse in it so be warned. It did have several twists in it that I didn’t see coming, but it was not one of my favorites.
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I really wanted to like this book – it started out good, but got weird and creepy pretty fast. It was just okay for me – also had a little child abuse in it so be warned. It did have several twists in it that I didn’t see coming, but it was not one of my favorites.
November 17, 2025
Wow! What an absolutely outstanding read this was!
We meet Eve, fiercely determined to provide love and happiness for her little sister, Pennie, in their isolated childhood home of Raven's Rock.
As former foster children, their bond is everything to Eve as Pennie's now sole carer.
However, their world begins to crumble when Pennie’s new imaginary friend, "Angel," starts quoting terrifying and unsettling words and Pennie withdraws more every day.
This book is not for the faint-hearted, yet the story is incredible and I devoured every page.
The atmosphere is dark and tense, perfectly illustrating the horrific events of the past that took place in that house. I felt deeply for both Eve and Pennie, but was totally unprepared for the explosive ending.
An absolutely brilliant read that will stay with me for a long time. If I could award this book 10 stars I gladly would.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own view.
We meet Eve, fiercely determined to provide love and happiness for her little sister, Pennie, in their isolated childhood home of Raven's Rock.
As former foster children, their bond is everything to Eve as Pennie's now sole carer.
However, their world begins to crumble when Pennie’s new imaginary friend, "Angel," starts quoting terrifying and unsettling words and Pennie withdraws more every day.
This book is not for the faint-hearted, yet the story is incredible and I devoured every page.
The atmosphere is dark and tense, perfectly illustrating the horrific events of the past that took place in that house. I felt deeply for both Eve and Pennie, but was totally unprepared for the explosive ending.
An absolutely brilliant read that will stay with me for a long time. If I could award this book 10 stars I gladly would.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own view.
November 26, 2025
Good book I enjoyed reading it
Blurb
Angel says that people who mean the most harm come out by day.
They’re not lurking under your bed or in your wardrobe. They just walk around like normal people. Normal people that no one would suspect…
Growing up as foster kids at Raven’s Rock wasn’t easy, but it’s all Pennie and Eve have ever known. But now that they’re alone in the house, Eve vows that things are going to be different. She will love and protect her little sister as best she possibly can.
But Pennie isn’t like other ten-year-olds, and Eve struggles to balance her own fragile self-care with caring for Pennie. Soon it becomes clear that Pennie is playing to a different set of rules – Angel’s rules – and Eve is left wondering...
Blurb
Angel says that people who mean the most harm come out by day.
They’re not lurking under your bed or in your wardrobe. They just walk around like normal people. Normal people that no one would suspect…
Growing up as foster kids at Raven’s Rock wasn’t easy, but it’s all Pennie and Eve have ever known. But now that they’re alone in the house, Eve vows that things are going to be different. She will love and protect her little sister as best she possibly can.
But Pennie isn’t like other ten-year-olds, and Eve struggles to balance her own fragile self-care with caring for Pennie. Soon it becomes clear that Pennie is playing to a different set of rules – Angel’s rules – and Eve is left wondering...
November 8, 2025
thank you to netgalley and boldwood books for this arc in exchange for an honest review. i was drawn in by the premise and title immediately (there’s nothing creepier than an imaginary friend!), but this book was just not for me unfortunately. while i did enjoy the writing style, the pacing was extremely slow (throughout, but definitely the first third or so) and definitely repetitive. i don’t usually mind a slow, atmospheric burn, but this one didn’t do it for me. i just couldn’t seem to get into this book. i also just have to note that there are themes of child abuse and some pretty dark elements in this book, so be warned of that before going in. i don’t think this book was bad by any means, and i could see how a lot of other people would enjoy it, but overall, i wouldn’t recommend it.
November 6, 2025
The Imaginary Friend has a really intriguing premise, but unfortunately, the story just fell flat for me. The pacing felt slow, it was quite repetitive and disjointed, and I struggled to find much depth in the characters or the plot. It’s a great concept that I wish had been explored in a more engaging way, though I can see how readers who enjoy a slow, atmospheric build might still appreciate it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 28, 2025
Release: Nov 27, 2025
Author: Michelle Dunne
Publisher: Boldwood books
Rating: 4 ★
A chilling psychological thriller about family, survival, and the hidden darkness in seemingly ordinary people.
Pennie and Eve grew up together at Raven’s Rock, a tough foster home that shaped their lives in ways that still haunt them. Now, alone in the house, Eve is determined to protect her younger sister and create a safer, calmer life. But Pennie is no ordinary ten-year-old. She seems to operate by a different set of rules — rules dictated by Angel, a shadowy presence that makes Eve question what’s real and what’s dangerous.
As Eve tries to navigate caring for Pennie while keeping her own sanity intact, it becomes clear that the greatest threat may not be some lurking stranger… but the very person she’s trying to protect. With an atmosphere full of tension, creeping dread, and unexpected twists, Angel is a gripping, unsettling story that keeps you guessing until the very last page.
An absolutely gripping thriller that had me hooked from the very first page. From start to finish, it’s a rollercoaster of suspense, emotion, and jaw-dropping twists that kept me turning pages well past my bedtime.
The story of Pennie and Eve — two sisters navigating a dangerous and uncertain world shaped by their foster past — is intense, emotional, and utterly compelling. Pennie is not your typical child, and the way her mysterious connection to Angel unfolds keeps you on edge, questioning what’s real and what’s not.
Dunne’s writing is fast-paced, fresh, and emotionally charged. I found myself racing through chapters, my heart in my throat, feeling for both sisters as they struggled with love, protection, and survival. The tension ramps up perfectly, and just when you think you have a handle on the story, the twists come out of nowhere — shocking, clever, and unforgettable.
This is a book that will make you laugh, gasp, and even feel a pang of heartbreak. It’s suspenseful, chilling, and deeply moving all at once. If you love psychological thrillers that are as emotional as they are fast-paced, a must read.
Favorite Quote:
“Adults are bad at remembering how powerful they can be because somewhere along the line, they were shamed for their imagination.”
Author: Michelle Dunne
Publisher: Boldwood books
Rating: 4 ★
A chilling psychological thriller about family, survival, and the hidden darkness in seemingly ordinary people.
Pennie and Eve grew up together at Raven’s Rock, a tough foster home that shaped their lives in ways that still haunt them. Now, alone in the house, Eve is determined to protect her younger sister and create a safer, calmer life. But Pennie is no ordinary ten-year-old. She seems to operate by a different set of rules — rules dictated by Angel, a shadowy presence that makes Eve question what’s real and what’s dangerous.
As Eve tries to navigate caring for Pennie while keeping her own sanity intact, it becomes clear that the greatest threat may not be some lurking stranger… but the very person she’s trying to protect. With an atmosphere full of tension, creeping dread, and unexpected twists, Angel is a gripping, unsettling story that keeps you guessing until the very last page.
An absolutely gripping thriller that had me hooked from the very first page. From start to finish, it’s a rollercoaster of suspense, emotion, and jaw-dropping twists that kept me turning pages well past my bedtime.
The story of Pennie and Eve — two sisters navigating a dangerous and uncertain world shaped by their foster past — is intense, emotional, and utterly compelling. Pennie is not your typical child, and the way her mysterious connection to Angel unfolds keeps you on edge, questioning what’s real and what’s not.
Dunne’s writing is fast-paced, fresh, and emotionally charged. I found myself racing through chapters, my heart in my throat, feeling for both sisters as they struggled with love, protection, and survival. The tension ramps up perfectly, and just when you think you have a handle on the story, the twists come out of nowhere — shocking, clever, and unforgettable.
This is a book that will make you laugh, gasp, and even feel a pang of heartbreak. It’s suspenseful, chilling, and deeply moving all at once. If you love psychological thrillers that are as emotional as they are fast-paced, a must read.
Favorite Quote:
“Adults are bad at remembering how powerful they can be because somewhere along the line, they were shamed for their imagination.”
November 8, 2025
This book is a rollercoaster of emotions. It starts slowly, almost as if you want to put it down because you can start to guess the plot. But then it picks up speed, and you can’t put it down because you need to keep reading.
If you’re affected by SA towards children, I wouldn’t recommend this book. However, if you can see this is just creepy, disturbing words on paper, give it a try. Eve and Pennie live alone in a world that wasn’t theirs a few years ago. Murders start to happen, and an imaginary friend begins to show up, rocking their worlds. Eve just wants to feel love, and Pennie wants the same. Something that neither of them has ever known growing up in Ravens Rock group home.
The disturbing reality comes to light when Angel Pennie’s imaginary friend shows up mysteriously one day. It slowly brings to light the dark, disturbing reality that was the group home—the one Eve has tried so hard to forget. This book will honestly give you nightmares.
The reason for the 4 stars is the characters aren’t really believable, especially Pennie. She’s made to be much wiser than her 10 years, and sometimes it feels she’s way younger, while others are way older. But knowing what she’s suffered, you can almost understand. If you want a truly twisted, disturbing tale, this is a book for you.
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If you’re affected by SA towards children, I wouldn’t recommend this book. However, if you can see this is just creepy, disturbing words on paper, give it a try. Eve and Pennie live alone in a world that wasn’t theirs a few years ago. Murders start to happen, and an imaginary friend begins to show up, rocking their worlds. Eve just wants to feel love, and Pennie wants the same. Something that neither of them has ever known growing up in Ravens Rock group home.
The disturbing reality comes to light when Angel Pennie’s imaginary friend shows up mysteriously one day. It slowly brings to light the dark, disturbing reality that was the group home—the one Eve has tried so hard to forget. This book will honestly give you nightmares.
The reason for the 4 stars is the characters aren’t really believable, especially Pennie. She’s made to be much wiser than her 10 years, and sometimes it feels she’s way younger, while others are way older. But knowing what she’s suffered, you can almost understand. If you want a truly twisted, disturbing tale, this is a book for you.
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November 20, 2025
Okay… this one got me. I went in knowing it involved kids and an imaginary friend, and that’s already nightmare fuel for me — but wow, this book was creepier than I expected. It’s dark, unsettling, and definitely one where you’ll want to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
We follow two foster sisters, Eve and Pennie, who grew up in the very eerie Raven’s Rock. Now it’s just the two of them left in the house, and Eve is determined to protect her younger sister the best she can. But Pennie is… different. She doesn’t play by normal kid rules — she plays by Angel’s rules. And Angel, Pennie’s so-called imaginary friend, has a lot to say about who’s dangerous and who isn’t.
The more Eve tries to keep things together, the more you start to question what’s real, what’s trauma, and what exactly Angel wants. Is Angel actually imaginary? Or is something way darker going on? Those little moments where Pennie talks about Angel — and the “normal people” who cause the most harm — gave me straight-up chills.
The pacing is steady but tense, and some of the themes get heavy, but it all builds into this really eerie, memorable story. I didn’t always love it, but I definitely won’t forget it anytime soon.
If you like creepy kid stories, psychological dread, and a slow burn that gets under your skin… this one’s going to keep you up.
We follow two foster sisters, Eve and Pennie, who grew up in the very eerie Raven’s Rock. Now it’s just the two of them left in the house, and Eve is determined to protect her younger sister the best she can. But Pennie is… different. She doesn’t play by normal kid rules — she plays by Angel’s rules. And Angel, Pennie’s so-called imaginary friend, has a lot to say about who’s dangerous and who isn’t.
The more Eve tries to keep things together, the more you start to question what’s real, what’s trauma, and what exactly Angel wants. Is Angel actually imaginary? Or is something way darker going on? Those little moments where Pennie talks about Angel — and the “normal people” who cause the most harm — gave me straight-up chills.
The pacing is steady but tense, and some of the themes get heavy, but it all builds into this really eerie, memorable story. I didn’t always love it, but I definitely won’t forget it anytime soon.
If you like creepy kid stories, psychological dread, and a slow burn that gets under your skin… this one’s going to keep you up.
December 6, 2025
⭐️ 1.5 stars — The Imaginary Friend by Michelle Dunne
The Imaginary Friend is, at its core, an undeniably sad and unsettling read. By the time I reached the latter half, I felt genuinely heartbroken; the story became so disturbing and emotionally heavy that I simply wanted it to end. The premise itself is fantastic — that blurb hooked me immediately — but the execution sadly didn’t land for me.
Growing up in Raven’s Rock, Eve and Pennie have only ever had each other, but life under Angel’s “rules” becomes a frightening puzzle. It’s a compelling setup, and the idea that the most dangerous people walk around in broad daylight is chilling. But despite this intriguing foundation, I struggled.
My biggest issue was the repetition. Entire paragraphs of Eve’s anxieties, hopes, and frustrations echoed again and again. I understand now that this may have been an intentional stylistic choice linked to the reveal — if so, kudos to the author for the cleverness — but after the 50% mark, I found myself skimming pages. The dialogue carried the story better than the dense blocks of internal worry that felt already said.
The book also ended up feeling predictable, slow, and at times difficult to read — both because of the writing style and the confronting content. I wanted to love the sister dynamic, but I never fully connected with the characters; Pennie, especially, felt more like a plot device than a fully realised child. The pacing dragged, the structure felt disjointed, and I kept wishing the excellent concept had been explored with sharper tension and more depth.
While readers who enjoy a very slow, atmospheric burn might still find something to appreciate, this one wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Michelle Dunne, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
The Imaginary Friend is, at its core, an undeniably sad and unsettling read. By the time I reached the latter half, I felt genuinely heartbroken; the story became so disturbing and emotionally heavy that I simply wanted it to end. The premise itself is fantastic — that blurb hooked me immediately — but the execution sadly didn’t land for me.
Growing up in Raven’s Rock, Eve and Pennie have only ever had each other, but life under Angel’s “rules” becomes a frightening puzzle. It’s a compelling setup, and the idea that the most dangerous people walk around in broad daylight is chilling. But despite this intriguing foundation, I struggled.
My biggest issue was the repetition. Entire paragraphs of Eve’s anxieties, hopes, and frustrations echoed again and again. I understand now that this may have been an intentional stylistic choice linked to the reveal — if so, kudos to the author for the cleverness — but after the 50% mark, I found myself skimming pages. The dialogue carried the story better than the dense blocks of internal worry that felt already said.
The book also ended up feeling predictable, slow, and at times difficult to read — both because of the writing style and the confronting content. I wanted to love the sister dynamic, but I never fully connected with the characters; Pennie, especially, felt more like a plot device than a fully realised child. The pacing dragged, the structure felt disjointed, and I kept wishing the excellent concept had been explored with sharper tension and more depth.
While readers who enjoy a very slow, atmospheric burn might still find something to appreciate, this one wasn’t for me.
Thank you to Michelle Dunne, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
October 23, 2025
This thriller packed a punch! The Imaginary Friend was not quite what I was expecting and I think that is by design. You go into these kinds of stories suspicious of everyone, but sometimes you just don’t have all the information. I love how this novel played with my expectations. I also loved that I never quite knew what was coming next. Eve was an entertaining MC and I am glad that the story was told from her point of view for most of the book up until the very end. I think it is very meaningful that we get her thoughts about everything until the last few chapters and then we are cut off from her. It almost made it feel like the audience was part of the delusion as well.
I would recommend this to someone who love psychological thrillers with lots of suspense and a nice twist!
Thank you to NetGalley for ARC.
I would recommend this to someone who love psychological thrillers with lots of suspense and a nice twist!
Thank you to NetGalley for ARC.
December 2, 2025
Oooh! I love a moody and dark front cover image and this one really grabbed my attention and drew me right to this book!
The child-like writing of the title also gave me chills and I couldn't wait to find out what this story held!
Well, I was right in thinking that this one was going to be creepy - I don't know why, but anything with children involved always puts me on edge even more than had it been an adult, but especially this idea of an imaginary friend - who obviously can only interact with Pennie!
The atmosphere was set right from the start and I was hooked from page one.
This was dark and tense throughout and I really wasn't sure whether this would cross over into the paranormal at times.
I liked that we were given a good amount of background for the characters - but this already had my mind working overtime and wondering how the children's mental health would have been affected by their experiences.
The storyline develops over time and keeps us guessing and although I worked out some of the ending, I was still shocked by the twists along the way.
This was my first read from this author but I can't wait to see more in the future.
The child-like writing of the title also gave me chills and I couldn't wait to find out what this story held!
Well, I was right in thinking that this one was going to be creepy - I don't know why, but anything with children involved always puts me on edge even more than had it been an adult, but especially this idea of an imaginary friend - who obviously can only interact with Pennie!
The atmosphere was set right from the start and I was hooked from page one.
This was dark and tense throughout and I really wasn't sure whether this would cross over into the paranormal at times.
I liked that we were given a good amount of background for the characters - but this already had my mind working overtime and wondering how the children's mental health would have been affected by their experiences.
The storyline develops over time and keeps us guessing and although I worked out some of the ending, I was still shocked by the twists along the way.
This was my first read from this author but I can't wait to see more in the future.
December 26, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I have to say it grabbed me from the start. The premise, an imaginary friend who might not be imaginary, is eerie and compelling and the story balances suspense with real emotional depth. The sisters’ relationship, especially Eve trying to protect Pennie, adds weight that makes the creepy moments land even harder.
The pacing keeps you hooked, though a few twists felt familiar if you read a lot of thrillers and the tension dips here and there. The ending wraps things up satisfyingly, even though I feel I could have leaned more to a five star read if the execution of some of the twists and plot hit a little more.
Still, it’s a solid pick for fans of character-driven, atmospheric suspense. I stayed up later than I intended because I had to know what happened next.
The pacing keeps you hooked, though a few twists felt familiar if you read a lot of thrillers and the tension dips here and there. The ending wraps things up satisfyingly, even though I feel I could have leaned more to a five star read if the execution of some of the twists and plot hit a little more.
Still, it’s a solid pick for fans of character-driven, atmospheric suspense. I stayed up later than I intended because I had to know what happened next.
November 27, 2025
The Imaginary Friend is a heartbreaking story of loss, pain and trauma.
Eve and Pennie are foster kids. And when their foster parents die, it is up to Eve to care for Pennie. But Pennie isn't a regular 10 year old kid. She is very close and borderline obsessed with her imaginary friend Angel.
This book is a slow read that grips you and takes you on an emotional ride. A very original story but hard to read at times because of all the awful things that happened. I look forward to reading more books from the author. Please check trigger warnings!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
Eve and Pennie are foster kids. And when their foster parents die, it is up to Eve to care for Pennie. But Pennie isn't a regular 10 year old kid. She is very close and borderline obsessed with her imaginary friend Angel.
This book is a slow read that grips you and takes you on an emotional ride. A very original story but hard to read at times because of all the awful things that happened. I look forward to reading more books from the author. Please check trigger warnings!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
December 9, 2025
Oh boy, this was not what I was expecting at all. It was a slow burn and repetitive for most of the first half, but around 65% is when we really start getting answers and the twists are almost nonstop.
I think the repetitiveness and slowness really made it difficult to get through and I kept thinking that maybe I should DNF. But the murder mystery and the imaginary friend really kept me around until the end.
As much as the end was fast paced, it was wayyyy darker than I ever imagined. Not that I haven't read books like this before but I think it was actually too much disturbing and triggering content. It made all the million twists, not that impactful overall. Maybe the first few reveals, but after a while I found myself thinking...now what? Instead of WHOA.
Another fault to this story that made it hard to get through, is how self conscious and insecure the main pov is. Eve is not likeable at all, but it is explained by the end why she is like that. I wished we got more POVs from other main players in the story.
Overall, this wasn't for me but the ending is mostly enjoyable. I liked the imaginary friend plot. Made for some paranormal/spooky moments. And Pennie won me over. But whenever mental health is involved, it takes my star rating down.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an arc copy, all opinions are my own.
I think the repetitiveness and slowness really made it difficult to get through and I kept thinking that maybe I should DNF. But the murder mystery and the imaginary friend really kept me around until the end.
As much as the end was fast paced, it was wayyyy darker than I ever imagined. Not that I haven't read books like this before but I think it was actually too much disturbing and triggering content. It made all the million twists, not that impactful overall. Maybe the first few reveals, but after a while I found myself thinking...now what? Instead of WHOA.
Another fault to this story that made it hard to get through, is how self conscious and insecure the main pov is. Eve is not likeable at all, but it is explained by the end why she is like that. I wished we got more POVs from other main players in the story.
Overall, this wasn't for me but the ending is mostly enjoyable. I liked the imaginary friend plot. Made for some paranormal/spooky moments. And Pennie won me over. But whenever mental health is involved, it takes my star rating down.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an arc copy, all opinions are my own.
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