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The Best Friend
Toxic school mums, money worries, paranoia, and murder... The Best Friend is a chilling psychological thriller from the Bestselling Author of The Girl from the Sea.
They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer ... Wrong.
Louisa's new best friend has it all - the house, the status, the money. But she's also hiding a dark secret. And as Louisa is drawn deeper into her friend's life, events take a chilling turn . . .
"Sit on the edge of your seat and prepare for the ride!"
They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer ... Wrong.
Louisa's new best friend has it all - the house, the status, the money. But she's also hiding a dark secret. And as Louisa is drawn deeper into her friend's life, events take a chilling turn . . .
"Sit on the edge of your seat and prepare for the ride!"
332 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2016
8306 people are currently reading
6266 people want to read
About the author
Shalini Boland
41 books3,428 followersShalini Boland is the USA-Today bestselling author of twenty psychological thrillers. With three million copies sold, her titles are published by Amazon Publishing, Audible, Bookouture, and Grand Central Publishing.
Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).
She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.
www.shaliniboland.com
Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure
Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).
She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.
www.shaliniboland.com
Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 879 reviews
June 9, 2022
A twisty read that may have you taking a second look at your close friends!🤣
Louisa just enrolled her son in a prestigious school. And he’s already made a new friend. So it just seemed natural that Louisa would befriend the boy’s mother, Darcy.
But what starts out as a blossoming friendship between the moms soon morphs into something rather sinister. So just what is Darcy’s end game? What does she want from Louisa? Or… is it all in Louisa’s head?
Listening to the audio I thought the narrator did an amazing job with each character. (Not an easy thing to do!) A fast, taught thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. So much so I actually felt my anxiety level ramping up as the storyline progressed!
This is my second audio I’ve listened to recently from Shalini Boland and I hope to have the opportunity to listen to yet more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio
Louisa just enrolled her son in a prestigious school. And he’s already made a new friend. So it just seemed natural that Louisa would befriend the boy’s mother, Darcy.
But what starts out as a blossoming friendship between the moms soon morphs into something rather sinister. So just what is Darcy’s end game? What does she want from Louisa? Or… is it all in Louisa’s head?
Listening to the audio I thought the narrator did an amazing job with each character. (Not an easy thing to do!) A fast, taught thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. So much so I actually felt my anxiety level ramping up as the storyline progressed!
This is my second audio I’ve listened to recently from Shalini Boland and I hope to have the opportunity to listen to yet more!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio
December 24, 2018
Well now... This was one crazy twisty story that kept me on the edge throughout!
with friends like this, who needs enemies?
This was a fast paced intense story that I finished in a matter of hours... and it’s a good thing I did, because I think I was holding my breath throughout this entire book! Shalini Boland you never fail to amaze me! and if I’m being honest frighten me a bit as well, I can only imagine what goes on in that brain of yours!
Luisa has a lovely life, a loving husband, an adorable son, a enjoyable writing gig... when her son Joe starts at a new posh school Louisa is desperate for her and Joe to fit in... so when Darcy befriends her, and her son Tyler quickly becomes friends with Joe, Louisa is absolutely thrilled... things seem to be going swimmingly, but things were just a little too good to be true.... slowly and subtly Louisa begins to notice things and Darcy’s facade slowly begins to peel away... but is Louisa seeing things where there is nothing to see? Is she getting paranoid? No one seems to believe her not her husband, not her sister, so is this real or is it all in Louisa’s mind?
Just like Louisa I was so tense and so frustrated during this book... how frustrating would it be for people not to believe what you know to be true? I had so much sympathy for Luisa, I really wanted to reach through the pages and shake some sense into her husband Jared! But I must admit Darcy was one clever girl! She almost had me fooled! I just could not figure out for the life of me what someone who seemingly had it all like Darcy had against sweet Louisa?
absolutely recommend this tents and twisted story you will never look at your best friend the same way again!
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
with friends like this, who needs enemies?
This was a fast paced intense story that I finished in a matter of hours... and it’s a good thing I did, because I think I was holding my breath throughout this entire book! Shalini Boland you never fail to amaze me! and if I’m being honest frighten me a bit as well, I can only imagine what goes on in that brain of yours!
Luisa has a lovely life, a loving husband, an adorable son, a enjoyable writing gig... when her son Joe starts at a new posh school Louisa is desperate for her and Joe to fit in... so when Darcy befriends her, and her son Tyler quickly becomes friends with Joe, Louisa is absolutely thrilled... things seem to be going swimmingly, but things were just a little too good to be true.... slowly and subtly Louisa begins to notice things and Darcy’s facade slowly begins to peel away... but is Louisa seeing things where there is nothing to see? Is she getting paranoid? No one seems to believe her not her husband, not her sister, so is this real or is it all in Louisa’s mind?
Just like Louisa I was so tense and so frustrated during this book... how frustrating would it be for people not to believe what you know to be true? I had so much sympathy for Luisa, I really wanted to reach through the pages and shake some sense into her husband Jared! But I must admit Darcy was one clever girl! She almost had me fooled! I just could not figure out for the life of me what someone who seemingly had it all like Darcy had against sweet Louisa?
absolutely recommend this tents and twisted story you will never look at your best friend the same way again!
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
May 24, 2022
With friends like these....
Louisa has a new friend, Darcy who appears to have it all - a wonderful husband, money, social status. But she also has something else -a deep dark secret. As Louisa beings to get closer to her friend, she finds that all that glitters is not gold.
It is evident in the beginning that things are not right. Darcy is a little too helpful, a little into running with Louisa's husband and a little too in your face to Louisa's taste. Soon the red flags are flying all over the place.
It is evident that Darcy has secrets. I wanted to tell them to "come out, come out wherever you are!" as it was obvious that they were hiding. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Louisa when no one and I mean no one would believe her - not even her husband.
This was an enjoyable audiobook, and I enjoyed the narrator. I wanted to give a couple characters a piece of my mind while listening to this book. Good Lord, some people must have been born with blinders on.
There is more to this story than meets the eye. I enjoyed that as the story was progressing, I was learning more and some things begin to make sense but as usual, Boland does keep a few aces up her sleeve.
Was this my favorite book by Boland? No, but I did enjoy this one! It was entertaining, dramatic, and kept me fully invested in what was happening. Boland knows how to write twists and unlikeable characters. I'll be on the lookout for what she writes next.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio 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
Louisa has a new friend, Darcy who appears to have it all - a wonderful husband, money, social status. But she also has something else -a deep dark secret. As Louisa beings to get closer to her friend, she finds that all that glitters is not gold.
It is evident in the beginning that things are not right. Darcy is a little too helpful, a little into running with Louisa's husband and a little too in your face to Louisa's taste. Soon the red flags are flying all over the place.
It is evident that Darcy has secrets. I wanted to tell them to "come out, come out wherever you are!" as it was obvious that they were hiding. I couldn't help but feel sorry for Louisa when no one and I mean no one would believe her - not even her husband.
This was an enjoyable audiobook, and I enjoyed the narrator. I wanted to give a couple characters a piece of my mind while listening to this book. Good Lord, some people must have been born with blinders on.
There is more to this story than meets the eye. I enjoyed that as the story was progressing, I was learning more and some things begin to make sense but as usual, Boland does keep a few aces up her sleeve.
Was this my favorite book by Boland? No, but I did enjoy this one! It was entertaining, dramatic, and kept me fully invested in what was happening. Boland knows how to write twists and unlikeable characters. I'll be on the lookout for what she writes next.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio 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
May 25, 2018
I have been reading all of Shalini Boland's books in recent weeks, and this was the last one available. Like the others, it is fast paced and engaging, a good holiday read (which is what is was for me). However, I did feel the story was a little predictable and repetitive at times. I would probably recommend her other books over this one, though it certainly wasn't bad.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
January 10, 2019
Louisa is thrilled
She has a new friend
Darcy
Darcy is rich, elegant, has connections and is popular
She is also a psychopath/sociopath, either/or, take your choice
And wants Louisa dead
At any cost
Why? Well that would ruin the story, and what a story it is...this fine dining of psychological thrillers had me tense from the first few pages right up until the last sentence
Shalini Boland writes fabulous books and I am soooo glad I didn’t miss this re-issued ( by Bookouture ) treat
The main baddie Darcy had my teeth on edge with her wilful determination to wreck Louisa’s life and the crafty, nasty way she went about it, she used every trick and more to ruin Louisa and her family’s life......manipulative doesn’t begin to come close to describing this woman and her sly actions! She is horrifying! ( but great as well in context of her character )
As always with this author a taut, well written, edgy and dream of a book to instantly ‘get into to’ and be taken on a real thrill of a ride
Set in beautiful Dorset, I also enjoyed reading about Sandbanks and Bournemouth places I used to go to regularly as a teenager
Yep loved it
10/10 5 Stars
May 19, 2022
Louisa has a new best friend, who seems to be taking over her life slowly. Darcy portraits a high and rich lifestyle. When Michael, Darcy's husband is murdered things get a bit heated and Louise suddenly finds herself on the short stick.
Psycho best friend makes for a thrilling listen. A really fast paced story brings this book running from start to finish. It grips you and holds you until the end. I did expect a bit more of twist at the end but still very enjoyable and one that you will listen or read in one sitting.
The narration was fantastic, good pace and the different voices on point. Publication date: 31 May 2022.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen to this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Psycho best friend makes for a thrilling listen. A really fast paced story brings this book running from start to finish. It grips you and holds you until the end. I did expect a bit more of twist at the end but still very enjoyable and one that you will listen or read in one sitting.
The narration was fantastic, good pace and the different voices on point. Publication date: 31 May 2022.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen to this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 12, 2019
An exciting psychological thriller by author Shalini Boland.
The book starts when Louisa meets Darcy and makes an instant friendship. Darcy is full of class and lives with her husband Mike and son Tyler in a world Louisa can only dream of, but they bond and a friendship is made. Louisa and her husband Jared live close by with their seven year old son Joe. Having just moved to the area everything and everyone is new so a new friend is very welcome. Times are difficult for Louisa and her family, and with a tight budget so she feels a little inadequate when compared to her new friend Darcy who appears to have everything. Darcy and her husband Mike live in a fabulous home overlooking Sandbanks Beach and the ocean. Darcy lives in luxurious conditions and when the two families get together Mike decides to help Jared set up his own firm.
On the surface everything appears to be going so well but Louisa can't stop an uneasy feeling she has about Darcy's mood swings and a few misunderstandings. Tensions grow between Louisa and Darcy and Jared becomes disturbed by the obsession his wife has regarding her new friend. There are flashbacks to 30 years ago to a girl named Nicole and her little brother struggling to cope with their alcoholic mother and their physical abuse. The reader is fed these little snippets between the chapters to add to the intrigue. What is the link to today's story and who does it concern. Louisa is losing control of her family and her life and needs to take action to save it.
This is an exciting psychological thriller that will grip you and keep you guessing along the way. I read this book very quickly wanting to turn the next page to uncover the truth. Well worth a read.
The book starts when Louisa meets Darcy and makes an instant friendship. Darcy is full of class and lives with her husband Mike and son Tyler in a world Louisa can only dream of, but they bond and a friendship is made. Louisa and her husband Jared live close by with their seven year old son Joe. Having just moved to the area everything and everyone is new so a new friend is very welcome. Times are difficult for Louisa and her family, and with a tight budget so she feels a little inadequate when compared to her new friend Darcy who appears to have everything. Darcy and her husband Mike live in a fabulous home overlooking Sandbanks Beach and the ocean. Darcy lives in luxurious conditions and when the two families get together Mike decides to help Jared set up his own firm.
On the surface everything appears to be going so well but Louisa can't stop an uneasy feeling she has about Darcy's mood swings and a few misunderstandings. Tensions grow between Louisa and Darcy and Jared becomes disturbed by the obsession his wife has regarding her new friend. There are flashbacks to 30 years ago to a girl named Nicole and her little brother struggling to cope with their alcoholic mother and their physical abuse. The reader is fed these little snippets between the chapters to add to the intrigue. What is the link to today's story and who does it concern. Louisa is losing control of her family and her life and needs to take action to save it.
This is an exciting psychological thriller that will grip you and keep you guessing along the way. I read this book very quickly wanting to turn the next page to uncover the truth. Well worth a read.
June 13, 2022
Yes!!! This is exactly what I needed! Rich, petty school moms mixed with paranoia, gas lighting and vengeance makes a psychological thriller I couldn’t stop listening to. This audiobook gripped me from start to finish. The narrator, Katie Villa, did an excellent job bringing these characters to life. The conclusion literally had me on the edge of my seat! Once again Shalini Boland delivered a fast paced, highly entertaining thriller. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my audiobook. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 18, 2023
3.5⭐
Predictability galore and not an original plot for this fast paced, psychological thriller, but I still liked it.
Louisa and Darcy meet and become fast friends. Their husbands, Jared and Mike, are getting along well and their young boys, Joe and Tyler, often play together. Louisa is just a smidgen jealous of Darcy's wealth. But it turns out that Darcy is slowly trying to take what Louisa has, or is Louisa just being paranoid and that isn't the way it is at all?
The birthday party mishap broke my heart for poor, sweet Joe.
Told mostly in Louisa's perspective with some flashbacks to the 90's and early 2000's about a not so nice person, which gives a little mystery aspect.
Narration:
Katie Villa ~ 8 hours ~ she did a nice job keeping me engaged with the story.
Overall, this was a decent thriller, but not overly wowable for seasoned thriller readers.
*Thanks to Bookouture Audio, Shalini Boland and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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Predictability galore and not an original plot for this fast paced, psychological thriller, but I still liked it.
Louisa and Darcy meet and become fast friends. Their husbands, Jared and Mike, are getting along well and their young boys, Joe and Tyler, often play together. Louisa is just a smidgen jealous of Darcy's wealth. But it turns out that Darcy is slowly trying to take what Louisa has, or is Louisa just being paranoid and that isn't the way it is at all?
The birthday party mishap broke my heart for poor, sweet Joe.
Told mostly in Louisa's perspective with some flashbacks to the 90's and early 2000's about a not so nice person, which gives a little mystery aspect.
Narration:
Katie Villa ~ 8 hours ~ she did a nice job keeping me engaged with the story.
Overall, this was a decent thriller, but not overly wowable for seasoned thriller readers.
*Thanks to Bookouture Audio, Shalini Boland and NetGalley for the advance audiobook. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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July 22, 2022
Such a fun and juicy audiobook by Shalini Boland. I was captivated from the beginning and my interest remained high throughout - I could not wait to get home to pick up where I left off.
This story sounds like it might be your typical best-friend-stalker-wants-to-steal-my-life thriller fare, but it's really much more fun than that and very well done. Darcy is a new friend to Louisa who seems glamorous, fun, and interesting, but soon enough strange things start happening and Louisa wonders if Darcy is after everything in Louisa's life...her job....her friends...and even her husband. The plot is fun and twisty and the suspense builds at a fast and intriguing pace as Darcy's craziness becomes more and more obvious to Louisa....but of course, not to everyone else. When we finally get to the reasons Darcy is acting this way, legit bombshells are dropped.
Shalini Boland is a whiz of a plotter who also writes juicy prose and relatable characters, and this book was no exception. I also really enjoyed the audiobook narrator who brought an appropriate sense of drama and suspense without crossing over into melodrama (which sometimes annoys me in narrations of these kinds of books). This was a totally engaging, fun, and juicy listen that pays off big at the end. I will continue to gobble up every book Shalini Boland writes!
Thanks to Bookouture Audio, the author, and NetGalley for this thrilling listen!
This story sounds like it might be your typical best-friend-stalker-wants-to-steal-my-life thriller fare, but it's really much more fun than that and very well done. Darcy is a new friend to Louisa who seems glamorous, fun, and interesting, but soon enough strange things start happening and Louisa wonders if Darcy is after everything in Louisa's life...her job....her friends...and even her husband. The plot is fun and twisty and the suspense builds at a fast and intriguing pace as Darcy's craziness becomes more and more obvious to Louisa....but of course, not to everyone else. When we finally get to the reasons Darcy is acting this way, legit bombshells are dropped.
Shalini Boland is a whiz of a plotter who also writes juicy prose and relatable characters, and this book was no exception. I also really enjoyed the audiobook narrator who brought an appropriate sense of drama and suspense without crossing over into melodrama (which sometimes annoys me in narrations of these kinds of books). This was a totally engaging, fun, and juicy listen that pays off big at the end. I will continue to gobble up every book Shalini Boland writes!
Thanks to Bookouture Audio, the author, and NetGalley for this thrilling listen!
June 28, 2022
Review to follow.
July 27, 2017
First of all, I want to thank the author for contacting me to see if I wanted to read and review her book. After I read, The Girl from the Sea, and absolutely loving it, I didn't hesitate to say yes!
Although I didn't like this one as much as the other, I still enjoyed it and have become a fan of Shalini Boland. After Louisa's son begins going to a new school, she befriends one of the other mom's, Darcy. They soon become fast friends but something seems off. Its not obvious at first but then Louisa begins to feel uncomfortable. When she states these worries to her sister and husband they don't quite think its as bad as she makes things to be. To them there is probably a very good explanation. But Louisa doesn't trust Darcy anymore so she begins to try to unravel the shambles her life has become. What's real and what isn't? Is Louisa just imagining things or can Darcy not be trusted? I really like Shalini's writing. I think she writes some gripping psychological mysteries and I cannot wait for her next novel.
Although I didn't like this one as much as the other, I still enjoyed it and have become a fan of Shalini Boland. After Louisa's son begins going to a new school, she befriends one of the other mom's, Darcy. They soon become fast friends but something seems off. Its not obvious at first but then Louisa begins to feel uncomfortable. When she states these worries to her sister and husband they don't quite think its as bad as she makes things to be. To them there is probably a very good explanation. But Louisa doesn't trust Darcy anymore so she begins to try to unravel the shambles her life has become. What's real and what isn't? Is Louisa just imagining things or can Darcy not be trusted? I really like Shalini's writing. I think she writes some gripping psychological mysteries and I cannot wait for her next novel.
February 16, 2017
Louisa and Jared enroll their son Joe into an expensive private school believing this will be a perfect environment for Joe to grow and develop in. Louisa becomes friends with one of the mums, Darcy. Darcy seems to have it all, the perfect home, perfect husband and perfect friends and soon becomes a constant in Louise's life. As time moves on Louisa becomes suspicious of some of Darcy's behaviour and it soon becomes obvious that there is more to Darcy than meets the eye. Louisa's life soon becomes a nightmare due to her relationship with Darcy and she wonders what is really going on with her friend. When Louisa confides in her husband about these issues he seems to take Darcy's side and tells her that her imagination is running wild. Is it all just in her mind or is something else very disturbing happening? This is an excellent read which I thoroughly enjoyed and I highly recommend.
October 22, 2020
When Louisa enrols her son at private school she feels out of place until she is taken under the wing of the glamorous Darcy. In Louisa's view, Darcy has the perfect life and everything that anyone could want. Darcy uses her money and influence to help Louisa and her Husband, but then the cracks start appearing and Louisa feels wrong-footed at every turn.
Is Darcy everything she seems?
This was a hard book to rate. It's a little silly and overblown. Louisa is incredibly naive and her husband is an idiot. I’d guessed who the protagonists were in the duel timeline, so there was no big shock in the reveal. The ending was fairly ludicrous and unrealistic. However, the story is fun, it doesn’t take itself too seriously and it’s not trying to be something it’s not. No, this isn’t some intense, mind-twisting, unpredictable literary masterpiece, but as a bit of light escapism it was a fun ride.
Is Darcy everything she seems?
This was a hard book to rate. It's a little silly and overblown. Louisa is incredibly naive and her husband is an idiot. I’d guessed who the protagonists were in the duel timeline, so there was no big shock in the reveal. The ending was fairly ludicrous and unrealistic. However, the story is fun, it doesn’t take itself too seriously and it’s not trying to be something it’s not. No, this isn’t some intense, mind-twisting, unpredictable literary masterpiece, but as a bit of light escapism it was a fun ride.
April 21, 2017
If you like reading about toxic people and harmful friendships, you will love this book. The author describes the main traits of a toxic woman perfectly and also the isolation and fear felt by her victim.
Besides it has a satisfying ending that will please anybody who has unfortunately been in contact with high levels of toxicity and frenemies. I read it in no time, holding my breath and exhaling in relief at the end.
I strongly recommend it to those toxic people who think they can get away with anything, even with murder.
www.theleisurediaries.blogspot.com
Besides it has a satisfying ending that will please anybody who has unfortunately been in contact with high levels of toxicity and frenemies. I read it in no time, holding my breath and exhaling in relief at the end.
I strongly recommend it to those toxic people who think they can get away with anything, even with murder.
www.theleisurediaries.blogspot.com
March 18, 2020
"How can all this be so close to our house, and yet feel so distant"?
The Best Friend by Shalini Boland
The Best friend is compulsively readable. It does get your attention and if one wants a solid psychological thriller this could be your book. The writing is very good. It's the story itself that did not do it for me.
I just found myself shaking my head and disbelief. I truly did. At the WIFE.
I mean, could she not tell what her friend was all about?
And she’s worried about her husband and the friend getting together so her solution? She sends them on a walk together alone? I cannot imagine anyone actually DOING that.
I found this book to unbelievable to really become invested in and while the writing was good, I just could not get beyond my own disbelief. Sorry but this book was not for me
The Best Friend by Shalini Boland
The Best friend is compulsively readable. It does get your attention and if one wants a solid psychological thriller this could be your book. The writing is very good. It's the story itself that did not do it for me.
I just found myself shaking my head and disbelief. I truly did. At the WIFE.
I mean, could she not tell what her friend was all about?
And she’s worried about her husband and the friend getting together so her solution? She sends them on a walk together alone? I cannot imagine anyone actually DOING that.
I found this book to unbelievable to really become invested in and while the writing was good, I just could not get beyond my own disbelief. Sorry but this book was not for me
June 6, 2022
How does it happen that you're doing along perfectly fine, and then, little-by-little, events twist and conspire to pull you down until you don't recognize anything from your life anymore?
My second book by this author. All in all, it wasn't bad, although I liked The Girl from the Sea more.
I think I’d like this book even more if there weren't for a couple of glaring inconsistencies. Although even without them, this was an ok thriller but nothing special.
On the positive note, I really liked the narrator. Also, just like with The Girl from the Sea, I finished The Best Friend in a day. Boland's books definitely have that gripping factor that makes you want to know what's going on.
Even though neither of her books came close to the list of my favorite thrillers, they provided a couple of quite enjoyable afternoons. Perfect for killing some slow time. I'd definitely love to check out more of her thrillers, especially if the narrator is the same.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of The Best Friend by Shalini Boland in exchange for an honest review.
My second book by this author. All in all, it wasn't bad, although I liked The Girl from the Sea more.
I think I’d like this book even more if there weren't for a couple of glaring inconsistencies. Although even without them, this was an ok thriller but nothing special.
On the positive note, I really liked the narrator. Also, just like with The Girl from the Sea, I finished The Best Friend in a day. Boland's books definitely have that gripping factor that makes you want to know what's going on.
Even though neither of her books came close to the list of my favorite thrillers, they provided a couple of quite enjoyable afternoons. Perfect for killing some slow time. I'd definitely love to check out more of her thrillers, especially if the narrator is the same.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of The Best Friend by Shalini Boland in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2022
Audiobook Review
Really enjoyed this, listened to the entire book in 2 days, even with work through it!
The narrator Katie Villa has narrated other Boland books and I recognised her voice straight away! She always gives a fantastic performance on the books I have listened to previously.
I loved this, the trope of 'someone making someone look crazy' always makes for a suspenseful and gripping read, and this was no different!
I was gripped throughout, and although I didn't quite 'get' the ending, and had to relisten without distractions, this was a fantastic book and I loved how it all came together.
Boland always gives me a really enjoyable read!
Really enjoyed this, listened to the entire book in 2 days, even with work through it!
The narrator Katie Villa has narrated other Boland books and I recognised her voice straight away! She always gives a fantastic performance on the books I have listened to previously.
I loved this, the trope of 'someone making someone look crazy' always makes for a suspenseful and gripping read, and this was no different!
I was gripped throughout, and although I didn't quite 'get' the ending, and had to relisten without distractions, this was a fantastic book and I loved how it all came together.
Boland always gives me a really enjoyable read!
August 29, 2017
Utterly predictable and formulaic. Sloppy and disconnected as far as the timeline of events making any sense. (I'll leave it there to avoid spoilers.)
November 28, 2016
Kid: Mom, can I spend the night at this complete stranger's house?
Mom: Well...I guess it's ok. After all, she's got $500 highlights. Maybe your dad should start running with her...alone...in the evenings...for three hours.
Where could it go wrong?
Mom: Well...I guess it's ok. After all, she's got $500 highlights. Maybe your dad should start running with her...alone...in the evenings...for three hours.
Where could it go wrong?
October 13, 2016
Oooo! I loved this! Very good thriller. I have begun to believe I could and would enjoy anything written by Ms. Boland.
The opening (preface) states this (which grabbed my attention right away):
"They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer...Wrong."
Also adding: "Louisa's new friend has it all - the house, the status, the money - But she's also hiding a dark secret. And, as Louisa is drawn deeper into her friend's life, events take a chilling turn..."
I'll say!
Louisa's son starts a new elementary school. Darcy, the mom with everything, (facebook perfect life) quickly seeks out friendship with Louisa. Darcy inserts herself into Louisa's life a little too quickly. No one suspects for quite sometime a secret Darcy is hiding. The pace moves just right and I enjoyed the slow build to the climax of this story. The characters are very well fleshed out and you feel you know Louisa and Darcy pretty well by the time a horrific event occurs. I was very satisfied with the conclusion.
I appreciate the author offering a digital copy of this book in advance for me to read in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommended for readers who like suspense and thrillers. I am looking forward to more great reads by S. Boland. It is on kindle for pre-order right not for a great, special price. Just .99 cents today. I also noticed it will be free to read if you have Kindle Unlimited. I would grab it in a heartbeat. I think you should too! It is available October 20, 2016. Enjoy! This is an author you will want to experience.
The opening (preface) states this (which grabbed my attention right away):
"They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer...Wrong."
Also adding: "Louisa's new friend has it all - the house, the status, the money - But she's also hiding a dark secret. And, as Louisa is drawn deeper into her friend's life, events take a chilling turn..."
I'll say!
Louisa's son starts a new elementary school. Darcy, the mom with everything, (facebook perfect life) quickly seeks out friendship with Louisa. Darcy inserts herself into Louisa's life a little too quickly. No one suspects for quite sometime a secret Darcy is hiding. The pace moves just right and I enjoyed the slow build to the climax of this story. The characters are very well fleshed out and you feel you know Louisa and Darcy pretty well by the time a horrific event occurs. I was very satisfied with the conclusion.
I appreciate the author offering a digital copy of this book in advance for me to read in exchange for an honest review. Highly recommended for readers who like suspense and thrillers. I am looking forward to more great reads by S. Boland. It is on kindle for pre-order right not for a great, special price. Just .99 cents today. I also noticed it will be free to read if you have Kindle Unlimited. I would grab it in a heartbeat. I think you should too! It is available October 20, 2016. Enjoy! This is an author you will want to experience.
December 21, 2018
Louise having just moved to the area is delighted to make a new friend in Darcy. Over time though, like Louisa, I found myself questioning just how good a friend Darcy actually is.
This is one of those stories where the build up of tension is just electrifying. I could hardly sit still as I waited for things to unfold before me. The more I got to see, the more I became to dislike Darcy and not trust her one bit. Just like Louisa, sadly though even her own husband doesn’t believe her when she starts having doubts, brushing them to one side.
There are some wonderful twists that had me gasping in shock at what I was reading. I absolutely love it when an author can surprise me and this is one author who hasn’t failed to do that yet with one of her books. If you love psychological thrillers then you really must add this authors books to your, to be read, pile.
The Best Friend is a gripping page turner of a read that you just have to read in one sitting. I could feel my heart literally pounding the further into the story I got. Definitely one that will have you on the edge of your seat. You always know it’s a good book when time just stands still as you are so absorbed in the story and then all of a sudden you are back in the real world with a jolt and hours have passed. Loved, loved, loved it!
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
This is one of those stories where the build up of tension is just electrifying. I could hardly sit still as I waited for things to unfold before me. The more I got to see, the more I became to dislike Darcy and not trust her one bit. Just like Louisa, sadly though even her own husband doesn’t believe her when she starts having doubts, brushing them to one side.
There are some wonderful twists that had me gasping in shock at what I was reading. I absolutely love it when an author can surprise me and this is one author who hasn’t failed to do that yet with one of her books. If you love psychological thrillers then you really must add this authors books to your, to be read, pile.
The Best Friend is a gripping page turner of a read that you just have to read in one sitting. I could feel my heart literally pounding the further into the story I got. Definitely one that will have you on the edge of your seat. You always know it’s a good book when time just stands still as you are so absorbed in the story and then all of a sudden you are back in the real world with a jolt and hours have passed. Loved, loved, loved it!
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
June 3, 2017
The Best Friend is a new mystery by Shalini Boland (the author the Girl from the Sea, which I liked a lot). Louisa meets beautiful, chic Darcy at her son Joe's new school. Darcy seems to have the perfect life: a great life, a well adjusted son, a successful husband and beautiful home along with an amazing blog. In comparison, Louisa (a newspaper columnist who is happily married with a child of her own) can't help but feel like her life is less than glamorous. When Darcy befriends her, she can't help but feel special, that is until little things that Darcy does make Louisa suspicious, and a little worried. But is Louisa imagining it? Everyone else sure thinks so, including her husband..
In this new mystery by Shalini Boland, the author does a good job of immediately putting the readers on edge. I felt anxious throughout the entire book and that feeling stayed with me until the end. That said, I didn't feel that the book truly suspenseful, didn't find the ending to be surprising and found it to be somewhat far-fetched. It was however a quick, easy enjoyable read and I finished it in a matter of hours.
Thank you to the author, Shalini Boland for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
In this new mystery by Shalini Boland, the author does a good job of immediately putting the readers on edge. I felt anxious throughout the entire book and that feeling stayed with me until the end. That said, I didn't feel that the book truly suspenseful, didn't find the ending to be surprising and found it to be somewhat far-fetched. It was however a quick, easy enjoyable read and I finished it in a matter of hours.
Thank you to the author, Shalini Boland for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2019
Aaaaahhhhh. What is it with authors who get you interested and invested in their book and then throw in a rubbish ending?? I enjoyed most of this book and it was an easy read. I liked the setting - Sandbanks (some of the most expensive properties in the UK), Poole and Bournemouth Bay which is all lovely. The central characters were Louisa,Jared and their son Joe and Darcy, Mike and their son Tyler. Darcy at first seemed nice but she smiled like a Cheshire Cat and then sharpened her manicured claws. I’m sure we’ve all met a Darcy. I’ve worked with two. Or more. 😂. Louisa was at first deceived by Darcy although it’s fair to say she had a doubts throughout and Jared was certainly taken in by her. Its was a good fast paced read and I was all set for a high star rating and then we crashed and burned. To describe the denouement when we learn what and why Darcy has acted as she had as melodramatic doesn’t quite cut it. Ludicrous? Ridiculous? Well some of the dialogue certainly was. All we needed was somebody in the background going Muh huh huh huh and that would have put the tin lid on it. I shall say no more as I’ve probably said enough. 🤣. Over and out.
June 13, 2017
A gripping stand alone novel after the success of The Girl From The Sea. I couldn't put this one down and finished it in less than a day.
When Louise is introduced to the stunning, successful Darcy Lane she is in awe of her beauty, her beach side home and her family. Darcy and her husband can't be more welcoming to Louise and her partner. By comparison, the Lanes have it all. Or do they...?
I enjoyed the character of Louise and felt she was a well developed character. Her thoughts and actions were believable and I truly felt for her as she is systematically drawn into Darcy's web.
Darcy herself is a very intriguing character, but to say too much would give the game away. This book is definitely all about the women, as the husbands in question are both quite flaky and unappealing.
Yes, the ending does feel rushed and the plot turns a little made for TV movie, but even so I enjoyed it and felt it was a well rounded novel. I look forward to the authors next piece.
When Louise is introduced to the stunning, successful Darcy Lane she is in awe of her beauty, her beach side home and her family. Darcy and her husband can't be more welcoming to Louise and her partner. By comparison, the Lanes have it all. Or do they...?
I enjoyed the character of Louise and felt she was a well developed character. Her thoughts and actions were believable and I truly felt for her as she is systematically drawn into Darcy's web.
Darcy herself is a very intriguing character, but to say too much would give the game away. This book is definitely all about the women, as the husbands in question are both quite flaky and unappealing.
Yes, the ending does feel rushed and the plot turns a little made for TV movie, but even so I enjoyed it and felt it was a well rounded novel. I look forward to the authors next piece.
October 20, 2016
WOW – this one of the most tense and gripping psychological thrillers I've read. From the first page I was absorbed into Louisa's life – how she kept seeing the same man across the road, outside the school gates and following her home. Louisa and Jared have just put their son, Joe, into a new school and Louisa is so pleased that Joe has found a new friend, Tyler, and that he seems to be settling and fitting in to his new school. Louisa is even more pleased when Tyler's mum, Darcy, asks her to join her circle of friends and invites both her and Joe round to her house after school. Louisa and Darcy get on so well and Darcy is so kind and helpful that they soon become firm friends. But then little things start to chip away in Louisa's mind, why does Darcy do some really cruel and thoughtless things, why does she hurt her feelings so much but not realise? and that man is still following her around.
This is one of the best descriptive stories of how a normal confident woman is gently but firmly brought down – chip, chip away – taking away her confidence, making her seem weak and neurotic to her husband and family to the point that no one believes her. And then, when she is at her lowest point, Darcy's real plans come action and Louisa's already failing life becomes a nightmare and falls into total devastation.
Shalini Boland's writing is tight, to the point, and with no unnecessary waffle. The story is taut, really has you on the edge of your seat, and the plot is unusual and totally engrossing. This is the second psychological thriller I've read by Shalini Boland and she's very quickly become a favourite and an author I shall definitely seek out in future. If you want a fast, gripping story I can certainly recommend this book. I was provided with an Advance Reading Copy of this book for which I chose to give my honest and unbiased review.
This is one of the best descriptive stories of how a normal confident woman is gently but firmly brought down – chip, chip away – taking away her confidence, making her seem weak and neurotic to her husband and family to the point that no one believes her. And then, when she is at her lowest point, Darcy's real plans come action and Louisa's already failing life becomes a nightmare and falls into total devastation.
Shalini Boland's writing is tight, to the point, and with no unnecessary waffle. The story is taut, really has you on the edge of your seat, and the plot is unusual and totally engrossing. This is the second psychological thriller I've read by Shalini Boland and she's very quickly become a favourite and an author I shall definitely seek out in future. If you want a fast, gripping story I can certainly recommend this book. I was provided with an Advance Reading Copy of this book for which I chose to give my honest and unbiased review.
November 12, 2020
I loved the start. New school for Louisa’s little boy. Worries about fitting in; the other parents; making friends. Louisa’s feelings at this point are relatable to any parent. So far, so normal - but then, the ripples of ooh-err-what-hmm, start to come into play. Are they warranted? Or, are we buying into some sort of paranoia? I loved how this book just lured me in and I couldn’t decide. Then the heat was turned up to the point of no return, but for who? The lovely new friend Darcy, or Louisa.
I’ll just mention the gorgeous Sandbanks (Poole) setting. The descriptions were perfect, allowing me to immerse myself in the setting. I managed to visualise the streets, the beach, and Darcy’s beautiful home.
I’ll just mention the gorgeous Sandbanks (Poole) setting. The descriptions were perfect, allowing me to immerse myself in the setting. I managed to visualise the streets, the beach, and Darcy’s beautiful home.
March 15, 2019
Shalini Boland is one of my favourite authors. I’ve loved every book I’ve read from her and this was no different. It was an excellent story and was brilliant from start to finish. I really liked the main character Louisa and did feel very sorry for her throughout the book. It was frustrating that no one believed her especially her husband. I’m glad Darcy got her comeuppance in the end. I knew the old stories with Nicola and Callum were about Darcy and her brother but I’m not sure if the author wanted us to know that. I’m glad it all worked out for Louisa as well as she came across very well throughout the book. I’ve got more Shalini Boland books to read and I’m so excited to read more. A great book. I definitely recommend this to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2022
"I can tell we’re going to be the best of friends...."
is what Darcy tells Louisa when they strike up a friendship after their own sons befriend each other at school. And what a 360° turn that statement takes nearly ripping Louisa's life apart!
This is my first Shalini Boland book and being an audiobook I managed to get through it at a decent pace. The Best Friend is fast paced, intense, nutty and like some of the psychological thrillers I have read gets frustrating when seemingly intelligent persons refuse to see/believe the truth. My stress levels always get a bit high when it feels like the bad guys will get away with their evil plans! The reason for why Darcy does what she does is a bit over the top but I guess to a psychopath's mind nothing must seem far fetched.
The narration by Katie Villa was done well.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture Audio and the author Shalini Boland for the audio Arc of the book.
This is my first Shalini Boland book and being an audiobook I managed to get through it at a decent pace. The Best Friend is fast paced, intense, nutty and like some of the psychological thrillers I have read gets frustrating when seemingly intelligent persons refuse to see/believe the truth. My stress levels always get a bit high when it feels like the bad guys will get away with their evil plans! The reason for why Darcy does what she does is a bit over the top but I guess to a psychopath's mind nothing must seem far fetched.
The narration by Katie Villa was done well.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture Audio and the author Shalini Boland for the audio Arc of the book.
September 30, 2018
I love books that start off with a bang. It keeps you interested at the beginning and wanting more. And so this book by Boland (not the first time I read her, or the last) started off with Louisa, her husband and son Joe, living a great life now that Joe is in a good school. They are not rich, but comfortable and then along comes Darcy, Tyler's mom, (Tyler is in the same class as Joe). They become friends, very quickly, maybe too quickly and then things go south.
Darcy and her rich friends welcome Louisa into their group but then things start to get weird and while everyone thinks Louisa is imagining and overreacting to things, we soon find out that their is a big, dark secret Darcy is harboring....soon to play havoc with Louisa's life.
A real page turner because you never know who your friends are....Love Boland's writing, am now reading another book by her, The Millionaire's Wife...
Darcy and her rich friends welcome Louisa into their group but then things start to get weird and while everyone thinks Louisa is imagining and overreacting to things, we soon find out that their is a big, dark secret Darcy is harboring....soon to play havoc with Louisa's life.
A real page turner because you never know who your friends are....Love Boland's writing, am now reading another book by her, The Millionaire's Wife...
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