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Friend of the Family
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of THE POOL HOUSE, this dark and twisty pageturner is perfect for fans of BBC's THE REPLACEMENT, THE GIRLFRIEND by Michelle Frances and THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE.
You invited her in.
Now she wants you out.
When an old university friend gets in touch with a request for work experience for her daughter, magazine editor Amy agrees. Twenty-year-old Josie walks into Amy's office, moves into the basement of her Notting Hill house and is soon helping out with her children after Amy's nanny is hit by a car. It seems the natural thing therefore for Amy to invite Josie on the family's annual to Provence. When a series of things start to go wrong in their luxurious villa, Amy begins to suspect that Josie isn't quite the friendly presence she appears. But when no one, not even her husband believes her, she realises she will have to play Josie at her own game in order to expose her true intentions...
Don't miss this gripping, addictive read. You'll never see a houseguest in the same way again...
You invited her in.
Now she wants you out.
When an old university friend gets in touch with a request for work experience for her daughter, magazine editor Amy agrees. Twenty-year-old Josie walks into Amy's office, moves into the basement of her Notting Hill house and is soon helping out with her children after Amy's nanny is hit by a car. It seems the natural thing therefore for Amy to invite Josie on the family's annual to Provence. When a series of things start to go wrong in their luxurious villa, Amy begins to suspect that Josie isn't quite the friendly presence she appears. But when no one, not even her husband believes her, she realises she will have to play Josie at her own game in order to expose her true intentions...
Don't miss this gripping, addictive read. You'll never see a houseguest in the same way again...
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 9, 2018
236 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
Tasmina Perry
44 books506 followers"Tasmina Perry left a career in law for the more glamorous world of women’s magazine journalism.
She has written on celebrity and style for many national magazines including Marie−Claire‚ Glamour and Heat and was most recently Deputy Editor of InStyle magazine. She has also found time to launch her own travel and fashion magazine Jaunt. All of her four novels have been Sunday Times best-sellers and her books have been published in seventeen countries.
She lives in Surrey with her husband and son." (Source: http://www.tasminaperry.com/the-autho...)
She also writes under the pseudonym J.L. Butler and with her husband John Perry under the pseudonym Mia James.
She has written on celebrity and style for many national magazines including Marie−Claire‚ Glamour and Heat and was most recently Deputy Editor of InStyle magazine. She has also found time to launch her own travel and fashion magazine Jaunt. All of her four novels have been Sunday Times best-sellers and her books have been published in seventeen countries.
She lives in Surrey with her husband and son." (Source: http://www.tasminaperry.com/the-autho...)
She also writes under the pseudonym J.L. Butler and with her husband John Perry under the pseudonym Mia James.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
August 25, 2020
This year has been great when it comes to discovering to me new authors. Tasmina Perry is one of them.
I appreciate so much the chance I got to read and review Friend of the Family, because I really enjoyed this story, and I loved the writing style, and now I want to read more work by Tasmina Perry.
The story follows Amy who works in journalism, in a magazine called Verve.
One day she is contacted by her high school best friend, who asks her to take her daughter in for a week while she’s doing her internship.
One week turns into two, then two turns into even more, and Ivy feels like Josie (that’s the daughter) is trying to steal Amy’s life for herself.
There is no doubt someone is sabotaging Amy’s career and personal life, and Amy is determined to get some answers before it’s too late.
I’ll be honest with you: I didn’t make much effort when it comes to reading synopsis. No matter how cliche it sounds, I do like to go blind in books most of the time.
I’ll even choose to read someone else’s review before I’ll read synopsis, that’s how weird (especially for a book bloggers) I am.
Yet, somehow I end up reading good books most of the time (I pick up my reads by listening to my instinct, paying attention to authors and publishers, looking at the book covers (I think that is the most important aspect tbh) and observing my twitter and goodreads feeds).
When I started Friend of the Family, I though I was reading a thriller. However, after some time, it was clear to me this was not a thriller, but very interesting and fascinating work of general fiction.
It could also be tagged as women’s fiction, in my opinion.
As soon as I began reading I fell in love. The story talked about everything I wanted to read about in that moment: magazines, modern women, rivalry, fashion and different relationships between people.
I think I can safely say that I enjoyed reading every single page of it, and if it was 200 pages longer, I probably still couldn’t get enough.
People’s relationships and their reactions are what I love reading about the most, and this book is full of those complex themes.
I really, really loved observing everything, every character’s part in the story and their attitude to each other.
We have that aspect on one hand, and on the other hand there’s a plot driven story that will make you want to read, read, and read some more.
I am a slow reader who reads mostly in the morning, and this book made me want to get up early so I could read more, squeeze at least few pages more from what I’d usually read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am so glad and thankful that I have read it.
I would recommend it to readers who like stories about successful people, relationships and rivalry, with little splash of mystery and thrills.
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
I appreciate so much the chance I got to read and review Friend of the Family, because I really enjoyed this story, and I loved the writing style, and now I want to read more work by Tasmina Perry.
The story follows Amy who works in journalism, in a magazine called Verve.
One day she is contacted by her high school best friend, who asks her to take her daughter in for a week while she’s doing her internship.
One week turns into two, then two turns into even more, and Ivy feels like Josie (that’s the daughter) is trying to steal Amy’s life for herself.
There is no doubt someone is sabotaging Amy’s career and personal life, and Amy is determined to get some answers before it’s too late.
I’ll be honest with you: I didn’t make much effort when it comes to reading synopsis. No matter how cliche it sounds, I do like to go blind in books most of the time.
I’ll even choose to read someone else’s review before I’ll read synopsis, that’s how weird (especially for a book bloggers) I am.
Yet, somehow I end up reading good books most of the time (I pick up my reads by listening to my instinct, paying attention to authors and publishers, looking at the book covers (I think that is the most important aspect tbh) and observing my twitter and goodreads feeds).
When I started Friend of the Family, I though I was reading a thriller. However, after some time, it was clear to me this was not a thriller, but very interesting and fascinating work of general fiction.
It could also be tagged as women’s fiction, in my opinion.
As soon as I began reading I fell in love. The story talked about everything I wanted to read about in that moment: magazines, modern women, rivalry, fashion and different relationships between people.
I think I can safely say that I enjoyed reading every single page of it, and if it was 200 pages longer, I probably still couldn’t get enough.
People’s relationships and their reactions are what I love reading about the most, and this book is full of those complex themes.
I really, really loved observing everything, every character’s part in the story and their attitude to each other.
We have that aspect on one hand, and on the other hand there’s a plot driven story that will make you want to read, read, and read some more.
I am a slow reader who reads mostly in the morning, and this book made me want to get up early so I could read more, squeeze at least few pages more from what I’d usually read.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am so glad and thankful that I have read it.
I would recommend it to readers who like stories about successful people, relationships and rivalry, with little splash of mystery and thrills.
Read this and more reviews on my blog https://bookdustmagic.com
July 3, 2019
Well this was an okay read for mebut a very slow burn it wasnt as good as The Pool house & although i could see what was coming, it was a good read but not outstanding... lets just say i wouldnt offer anyone's daughter a job & i wouldnt let them stay longer than neccessary.
I am unsure whether i liked it ir not as the characters were well to do & its just not me, although the plot line got me in i could not relate to anything that was going on, models, agents big mansions in London & provence the pacing was quite slow & i worked it all out early in the peace thus the 3 star rating.
I am unsure whether i liked it ir not as the characters were well to do & its just not me, although the plot line got me in i could not relate to anything that was going on, models, agents big mansions in London & provence the pacing was quite slow & i worked it all out early in the peace thus the 3 star rating.
December 28, 2018
After reading Tasmina Perry’s “ Pool House” I was very excited to receive a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Amy helps Josie who is the Daughter of Karen one of her old University friends.As Amy is a magazine editor she offers Josie work experience and lets her stay in their house, after their nanny is injured they invite Josie along to their friends villa in Provence in place of the nanny.
The problems soon start and Amy begins to suspect that Josie has an ulterior motive for wanting to be with them, but when her husband does not believe her, she realises she will have to dig the dirt on Josie before she loses everything!!
Loved the glamour and reading about the magazine world, a cut throat industry. A delightful escape from real life that keeps you gripped from start to finish.
A book that will keep you guessing right till the end.
Amy helps Josie who is the Daughter of Karen one of her old University friends.As Amy is a magazine editor she offers Josie work experience and lets her stay in their house, after their nanny is injured they invite Josie along to their friends villa in Provence in place of the nanny.
The problems soon start and Amy begins to suspect that Josie has an ulterior motive for wanting to be with them, but when her husband does not believe her, she realises she will have to dig the dirt on Josie before she loses everything!!
Loved the glamour and reading about the magazine world, a cut throat industry. A delightful escape from real life that keeps you gripped from start to finish.
A book that will keep you guessing right till the end.
July 30, 2019
About 2/3 of the way through the book Amy is insisting that Josie is "trying to steal her life" but there has been nothing to really indicate that. Did I miss something? It felt like a chunk of story was missing. I adore a good scheming woman story line, but this wasn't it. I kept waiting for something to happen... and waiting, and waiting.
Something finally happened the last 100 pages or so, but it felt very forced and very rushed. At the end of the day, I really didn't care what happened to these people or what their motivations were.
Still a decent read (and I do love that cover!) 3 stars
Something finally happened the last 100 pages or so, but it felt very forced and very rushed. At the end of the day, I really didn't care what happened to these people or what their motivations were.
Still a decent read (and I do love that cover!) 3 stars
September 20, 2018
Having been a fan of Sunday Times bestselling author Tasmina Perry's debut thriller, 'The Pool House', I thought this sounded right up my street. I had no idea Perry had written many books that could be described as romantic suspense or chick lit, this doesn't surprise me as I don't really read or enjoy either of those genres. This new direction is certainly working well as she seems to be a natural at producing compelling yarns that grip the reader from the first couple of pages, that's what happened here for me anyway. 'Friend of the Family' is a cross between domestic noir, chick lit and thriller and is targeted more towards women.
I'm getting quite weary with some of the domestic noir titles that are around at the moment, but this, at least, has an addictive quality to it. Many of them derive their storylines from well worn tropes of the genre, and this one is no different. That being said, there are many other ways a book can gain your respect. Here, the sound writing and the unpredictable nature of the plot are to be admired. Wonderfully crafted, a slow building tension and characters who are both likeable and three-dimensional, I thoroughly enjoyed this easy read. If you're looking for a little escapism on a wet and windy September day, then look no further, you'll be whisked away to the beautiful Côte d'Azur in southeastern France for a cocktail by the beach. What could be better?
Many thanks to Headline Review for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I'm getting quite weary with some of the domestic noir titles that are around at the moment, but this, at least, has an addictive quality to it. Many of them derive their storylines from well worn tropes of the genre, and this one is no different. That being said, there are many other ways a book can gain your respect. Here, the sound writing and the unpredictable nature of the plot are to be admired. Wonderfully crafted, a slow building tension and characters who are both likeable and three-dimensional, I thoroughly enjoyed this easy read. If you're looking for a little escapism on a wet and windy September day, then look no further, you'll be whisked away to the beautiful Côte d'Azur in southeastern France for a cocktail by the beach. What could be better?
Many thanks to Headline Review for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
November 12, 2021
the pace slowly picks up and somehow I need to know what will happen
even though this is not my favorite by this author it was still a good book
3,5⭐
even though this is not my favorite by this author it was still a good book
3,5⭐
December 28, 2018
After reading Tasmina Perry’s “ Pool House” I was very excited to receive a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Amy helps Josie who is the Daughter of Karen one of her old University friends.As Amy is a magazine editor she offers Josie work experience and lets her stay in their house, after their nanny is injured they invite Josie along to their friends villa in Provence in place of the nanny.
The problems soon start and Amy begins to suspect that Josie has an ulterior motive for wanting to be with them, but when her husband does not believe her, she realises she will have to dig the dirt on Josie before she loses everything!!
Loved the glamour and reading about the magazine world, a cut throat industry. A delightful escape from real life that keeps you gripped from start to finish.
A book that will keep you guessing right till the end.
Amy helps Josie who is the Daughter of Karen one of her old University friends.As Amy is a magazine editor she offers Josie work experience and lets her stay in their house, after their nanny is injured they invite Josie along to their friends villa in Provence in place of the nanny.
The problems soon start and Amy begins to suspect that Josie has an ulterior motive for wanting to be with them, but when her husband does not believe her, she realises she will have to dig the dirt on Josie before she loses everything!!
Loved the glamour and reading about the magazine world, a cut throat industry. A delightful escape from real life that keeps you gripped from start to finish.
A book that will keep you guessing right till the end.
May 31, 2019
My first Tasmina Perry book, the story was fun in some ways. Amy seemed to have it all, a brilliant career and a family and an intern who invigilated into her office and her life. The initial part was a bit slow, but the story picked up soon when Amy's paranoia and doubts on the intern increased, and the end was explosive.
Tasmina's writing was smooth, her storytelling appeared old-fashioned, the kinds I like. Amy felt a bit off in her characterization, she could have been fleshed out more.
Overall, it was a fun read.
Tasmina's writing was smooth, her storytelling appeared old-fashioned, the kinds I like. Amy felt a bit off in her characterization, she could have been fleshed out more.
Overall, it was a fun read.
July 23, 2019
I must confess that I've always been a bit of a fan of Tasmina Perry...right from the start, her books have been my guilty pleasure, traditionally the first thing I read once summer is officially underway. But this book just didn't do it for me. Whether it's because TP's books have become so formulaic that it's becoming impossible to tell them apart; or whether it's because my tastes have changed over the years, and I'm becoming harder to please, I'm not quite sure. But I felt as if I couldn't wait for this book to end so that I could move on to more interesting fare.
September 3, 2018
I was convinced I’d read a Tasmina Perry book before but it turns out that I hadn’t (I was getting her confused with Tilly Bagshaw for some strange reason!!) so this was my first but definitely not my last! I absolutely loved it!
When Amy decides to help out an old school friend by giving her daughter Josie some work experience, little does she realise who she is letting into her life. If Amy has the perfect life, then having Josie in it may be the fly in her perfectly chilled Champagne!
I need to start by saying that this book is full of the most unlikeable characters but to be honest those are always my very favourites!! Friend of the Family reminded me of Cold Feet initially but these characters aren’t as as amiable as that loveable bunch!! I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many smug, self satisfied men and women in one book before! But I became completely wrapped up in their relationships and connections, in both the past and present, watching them make their mistakes but still managing to come up smelling of roses. Even Amy, who was the most sympathetic of a bad bunch, had a charmed life but didn’t always appreciate it. So in a way I secretly enjoyed watching her life fall apart! Aren’t I mean??!! But it was hugely entertaining to follow her downfall even if she didn’t really deserve it.
As soon as I finished Friend of the Family, I ordered myself a copy of The Pool House! I’ve gone long enough without discovering this fabulous author so want to make up for lost time! If you like watching glamorous, rich and sometimes obnoxious people living in their own little bubble until someone comes around with a very sharp pin, then this is the book for you! Tasmina Perry is a fabulous storyteller who has crafted a compelling and sumptuous narrative that you just can’t help but become engrossed in! Loved it!
When Amy decides to help out an old school friend by giving her daughter Josie some work experience, little does she realise who she is letting into her life. If Amy has the perfect life, then having Josie in it may be the fly in her perfectly chilled Champagne!
I need to start by saying that this book is full of the most unlikeable characters but to be honest those are always my very favourites!! Friend of the Family reminded me of Cold Feet initially but these characters aren’t as as amiable as that loveable bunch!! I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many smug, self satisfied men and women in one book before! But I became completely wrapped up in their relationships and connections, in both the past and present, watching them make their mistakes but still managing to come up smelling of roses. Even Amy, who was the most sympathetic of a bad bunch, had a charmed life but didn’t always appreciate it. So in a way I secretly enjoyed watching her life fall apart! Aren’t I mean??!! But it was hugely entertaining to follow her downfall even if she didn’t really deserve it.
As soon as I finished Friend of the Family, I ordered myself a copy of The Pool House! I’ve gone long enough without discovering this fabulous author so want to make up for lost time! If you like watching glamorous, rich and sometimes obnoxious people living in their own little bubble until someone comes around with a very sharp pin, then this is the book for you! Tasmina Perry is a fabulous storyteller who has crafted a compelling and sumptuous narrative that you just can’t help but become engrossed in! Loved it!
May 23, 2018
All I can say is WOW!!
Tasmina Perry has written a stylish, gripping and creepy read that I highly recommend.
Amy has the perfect life, a wonderful handsome husband, a fabulous glamourous job in the world magazine editing and trusty friends. She has long left behind her humble roots and has made a success of her life.
Revenge, obsession and accusations arise when Amy meets up with an old best friend Karen, and offers to give Karen's daughter a chance to work at the magazine in the form of unpaid work experience.
This is a chilling novel.
As Amy's life starts to unravel, the tension mounts and the suspense is thrilling.
Each page gives a insight into the magazine world and I absolutely loved it. It is a novel of pure escapism, but all the while, it is a stomach churning twisty read. It is a little predictable and I did guess correctly along the way, but the story sneaks up on the reader, and I for one truly enjoyed it.
Tasmina Perry has written a stylish, gripping and creepy read that I highly recommend.
Amy has the perfect life, a wonderful handsome husband, a fabulous glamourous job in the world magazine editing and trusty friends. She has long left behind her humble roots and has made a success of her life.
Revenge, obsession and accusations arise when Amy meets up with an old best friend Karen, and offers to give Karen's daughter a chance to work at the magazine in the form of unpaid work experience.
This is a chilling novel.
As Amy's life starts to unravel, the tension mounts and the suspense is thrilling.
Each page gives a insight into the magazine world and I absolutely loved it. It is a novel of pure escapism, but all the while, it is a stomach churning twisty read. It is a little predictable and I did guess correctly along the way, but the story sneaks up on the reader, and I for one truly enjoyed it.
September 24, 2018
Amy Shepherd has done well for herself - she has a lovely family and a great job as editor of a popular women's magazine "Verve". When a friend from her childhood, Karen, gets in touch with her, Amy is surprised but also happy. Karen hasn't done as well as Amy, and so Amy finds herself agreeing to give Karen's daughter Josie some work experience at her magazine. Not only this - she also puts her up at her home for the time.
However, with Josie's arrival things seem to go belly up for Amy and her family on all counts - things begin to unravel and Amy starts to wonder, who has she let into her home? Is Josie sabotaging her life? And if so, why?
It's a real coincidence that simultaneously I've been reading two books with the same leading focus of attention - inviting an old friend/daughter of a friend to your house, opening your door and heart and opportunities. What I find really good is the fact that they both were on the same level of suspense and interest.
The mystery, the "I Invited her in, I want her out" went somehow astray on the pages between Amy's job and the banter. I wanted more tension, more puzzles to solve, really more things that could have really indicated that Josie was the real intruder. There was a moment that I felt desperate with Amy, I though she has Josie - obsession that looks very unhealthy. I can remember a book with a similar subject matter and also that it kept me on my tenterhooks, I felt all kind of emotions and I wanted this "bad girl" out so badly - here, however, it was mostly a story about Amy's career life and it really, and sadly, lacked in the tension, suspicion, mystery. Yes, I haven't see the final twist coming - it was a great surprise but the execution was too weak for my liking, and the things happened so quickly and too conveniently to make me feel satisfied.
What I really adored in this book was the way the characters were written - they were brilliantly developed and their personality trails were so well captured! They were not immediately - or not at all - likeable but the times when I though that you have to adore the characters to enjoy the book are long gone, I actually appreciate it more when the characters are not easy to like but they're drawn in such a way that you feel a part of their world and you're immediately wrapped up into their lives and relationships, and it was like this in this novel. They were mostly very smug and very self - satisfied, they all made mistakes, they all had tons of money and they always found their ways out, coming up smiling. They were not the ones to appreciate what they have, taking things mostly for granted.
"Friend of the Family" was a sharp observed and honest story about bold and beautiful, about rich and glamorous eventually felling off their high horses. The author is a great story teller and has a way with words, her dialogues flows effortlessly and her writing style is rich and sparkly. It was a stylish and elegant book about revenge, obsession and unjust accusations and how little it takes to destroy someone's life.
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
September 23, 2018
Visit the locations in the novel London and Provence
I fear that after this book, people aren’t going to want to have people stay over for a while or are they going to want to offer work experience to a friend’s daughter….Jeepers talk about hitting on the everyday and turning it into a nightmare! That’s why the novel will hit on so many levels as it could happen to anyone.
It makes me wonder what does go on behind the scenes in the London Magazine scene as well! Tasmina writes from experience apparently – and now I know there are many Miranda Priestly’s and people obsessed with what blue suits the palest skin etc. It’s a step up from the characters lives back at home however and jealousy strikes when one comes to visit.
It’s a mad world out there in those magazines! I was more scared of that than I was with Juliet for a while. But blimey that girl can cause chaos. Sneaky and devious is not the word. Mother not much better. Amy had made a life for herself but some people are just too jealous to let her be happy.
I do feel I’ve read this story before but it was a nice escapist read. I went to the hairdressers later the same day and picked up a copy of a glossy. Boy did I look at that differently!
December 30, 2018
When Amy invites the daughter of an old friend of hers to do work experience at her magazine, little did she know her world was going to be turned upside down.
Josie's arrival is the catalyst for a whole heap of disasters, and just shows you should never let a young girl who has stated she wants to be you, into your house!
Although that is simplifying it a bit, and there is far more too the book than just that,
I liked how Amy's university times were interspersed into the present day, strengthening the readers bonds with all the characters by showing some of their shared history.
From around the midway point, once I knew the characters, I found the plot picked up pace and it was at point I found myself really loving the book.
I didn't see most of what was going to happen coming, so was pleased to be surprised greatly by the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Josie's arrival is the catalyst for a whole heap of disasters, and just shows you should never let a young girl who has stated she wants to be you, into your house!
Although that is simplifying it a bit, and there is far more too the book than just that,
I liked how Amy's university times were interspersed into the present day, strengthening the readers bonds with all the characters by showing some of their shared history.
From around the midway point, once I knew the characters, I found the plot picked up pace and it was at point I found myself really loving the book.
I didn't see most of what was going to happen coming, so was pleased to be surprised greatly by the end.
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
May 30, 2019
‘FRIEND OF THE FAMILY’ BY TASMINA PERRY
I have had a soft spot for Tasmina Perry ever since the release of DADDY’S GIRLS in 2006. She writes the kind of glitzy novels you want to invest yourself in. She does...
https://sleaze-factor.blogspot.com/20...
I have had a soft spot for Tasmina Perry ever since the release of DADDY’S GIRLS in 2006. She writes the kind of glitzy novels you want to invest yourself in. She does...
https://sleaze-factor.blogspot.com/20...
December 29, 2018
I read 7% one evening and started reading the following evening at about 11 and read all the way through til 3 am. Hooked!
I really enjoyed reading this book!
I really enjoyed reading this book!
June 23, 2019
Listened to in audio format.
Amy had been brought up on a council estate in Bristol where she was best friends with Karen. In 1995 Amy started at Oxford Poly where she became friendly with the students from Oxford University. After her exams Amy moved to London to start work at a fashion magazine. Back home in Bristol Karen became a penniless single mum, Amy was moving in new circles and they drifted apart.
In the present day Amy was the editor of Mode magazine, she was married to David who was her flat mate at university. One day out of the blue Karen rang Amy asking to meet up for lunch . Karen explained her Daughter Josie wanted to be a fashion journalist, feeling guilty for abandoning Karen she offered Josie work experience at Mode. From there Amy`s life starts to unravel.
This plot was a slow burner and took along time to get going. The story really began once Josie went on holiday with the family to Provence. The tension mounted as Amy began to become suspicious of Josie.
I enjoyed the flashback scenes to 1995 when Karen visited Amy at her university flat. The reader met her flatmates who became her Amy`s friends as an adult.
I initially disliked Amy and thought she was paranoid. Even when David denied having an affair with Jodie, Amy refused to believe him. I thought Josie was an interesting character and was intrigued to know why she wanted to ruin Amy.
I enjoyed the big twist at the end but I did suspect who may be behind Amy`s downfall at work.
I recommend this twisty turvy book.
Amy had been brought up on a council estate in Bristol where she was best friends with Karen. In 1995 Amy started at Oxford Poly where she became friendly with the students from Oxford University. After her exams Amy moved to London to start work at a fashion magazine. Back home in Bristol Karen became a penniless single mum, Amy was moving in new circles and they drifted apart.
In the present day Amy was the editor of Mode magazine, she was married to David who was her flat mate at university. One day out of the blue Karen rang Amy asking to meet up for lunch . Karen explained her Daughter Josie wanted to be a fashion journalist, feeling guilty for abandoning Karen she offered Josie work experience at Mode. From there Amy`s life starts to unravel.
This plot was a slow burner and took along time to get going. The story really began once Josie went on holiday with the family to Provence. The tension mounted as Amy began to become suspicious of Josie.
I enjoyed the flashback scenes to 1995 when Karen visited Amy at her university flat. The reader met her flatmates who became her Amy`s friends as an adult.
I initially disliked Amy and thought she was paranoid. Even when David denied having an affair with Jodie, Amy refused to believe him. I thought Josie was an interesting character and was intrigued to know why she wanted to ruin Amy.
I enjoyed the big twist at the end but I did suspect who may be behind Amy`s downfall at work.
I recommend this twisty turvy book.
October 14, 2018
The story is set between two time frames and describes how the characters from privileged and not so privileged backgrounds become friends and ultimately end up in high powered jobs.
Things change for the worst when the main protagonist, Amy, offers works experience to her childhood friend’s daughter Josie.
When things begin to go wrong Amy blames Josie. One would have thought that being a fashion magazine editor Amy would have some intelligence, but she becomes paranoid and overreacts to the flimsiest of evidence causing disharmony with not only her marriage but her job and her friends.
This was an unoriginal , predictable story. It took me ages to read because I couldn’t get into it and I’m really annoyed with myself for persisting 1.5 stars.
Things change for the worst when the main protagonist, Amy, offers works experience to her childhood friend’s daughter Josie.
When things begin to go wrong Amy blames Josie. One would have thought that being a fashion magazine editor Amy would have some intelligence, but she becomes paranoid and overreacts to the flimsiest of evidence causing disharmony with not only her marriage but her job and her friends.
This was an unoriginal , predictable story. It took me ages to read because I couldn’t get into it and I’m really annoyed with myself for persisting 1.5 stars.
October 22, 2023
I’m sorry but what on earth is everyone else reading?
Is the story dark? = as an episode of Baywatch.
Is there twists & turns? = mmmm if you know where each twist & turn is placed then it’s not so surprising is it
This is a pg13 lifetime movie/ episode of Hollyoaks type of story that is written well so perhaps that’s the reason for the high ratings?
Nothing particularly happens in this book other than rich pompous bores yada yada yada-ing through their secretly insecure millionaire lives. And as for our protagonist? At the end of the book she evaluates all the horrid things done to her and states ‘Well, if none of these awful things had happened I wouldn’t be lucky enough to now be working a 4 day a week job!’ YES that’s right! At least she gets 3 days off now! It was all worth it!
Is the story dark? = as an episode of Baywatch.
Is there twists & turns? = mmmm if you know where each twist & turn is placed then it’s not so surprising is it
This is a pg13 lifetime movie/ episode of Hollyoaks type of story that is written well so perhaps that’s the reason for the high ratings?
Nothing particularly happens in this book other than rich pompous bores yada yada yada-ing through their secretly insecure millionaire lives. And as for our protagonist? At the end of the book she evaluates all the horrid things done to her and states ‘Well, if none of these awful things had happened I wouldn’t be lucky enough to now be working a 4 day a week job!’ YES that’s right! At least she gets 3 days off now! It was all worth it!
September 12, 2019
Years ago I used to like reading chick lit and I enjoyed Tasmina Perry books. When I saw this one I thought she'd written a psychological thriller and was excited to read it. However this was not what I was expecting. Too much chick lit not enough psych thriller. The whole blurb and cover is very misleading and I ended up skim reading most of it waiting for something to happen (which it didn't until the last 50 pages) And that was the big problem for me, NOTHING happened!
Overall a boring, let down of a book.
Overall a boring, let down of a book.
March 22, 2019
Not as twisty as it perhaps promised, I did guess and good deal of it. But, an easy and enjoyable read.
September 11, 2018
Amy is a successful editor at The Verve magazine. Working with the huge egos of celebrity and their entourage, an opportunity comes up for her to apply for editor in chief at a rival and more successful magazine.
She takes on Josie as an unpaid intern. Josie is the daughter of her oldest friend so she has the feel good factor of helping out having left her working class roots behind for the high life.
When Amy's nanny is violently mugged the day before they see due to go on holiday Josie seems like the perfect solution. Mild mannered, great with her young daughter Tilly and efficient at everything she puts her mind to, what could go wrong?
Then things start going wrong whilst away. Could Josie be at the heart of it all? With every passing say Amy becomes more convinced that Josie has insidious intentions, but with no proof and no one to believe her how will she prove it?
This is my second read of Perry's kmy first being the perfect summer read that is The Pool House) and this is just as good! Again I think this makes a perfect holiday read. It has glamour, glitz, unlikeable characters and revenge.
I do like a good book with some unlikeable characters in, and this has it in spades! The abhorrent Max who treats women like a commodity to be used, even Amy who worked so hard to rid herself of any down to earth qualities and chose to value the vapid lifestyle of fashion, fame and connections grated. She valued these more than spending quality time with her 5 year old daughter Tilly.
In a weird way I quite liked seeing her materialistic World being stripped away from her.
A great 3 star read for me.
I would like to thank Becky Hunter at Headline for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
She takes on Josie as an unpaid intern. Josie is the daughter of her oldest friend so she has the feel good factor of helping out having left her working class roots behind for the high life.
When Amy's nanny is violently mugged the day before they see due to go on holiday Josie seems like the perfect solution. Mild mannered, great with her young daughter Tilly and efficient at everything she puts her mind to, what could go wrong?
Then things start going wrong whilst away. Could Josie be at the heart of it all? With every passing say Amy becomes more convinced that Josie has insidious intentions, but with no proof and no one to believe her how will she prove it?
This is my second read of Perry's kmy first being the perfect summer read that is The Pool House) and this is just as good! Again I think this makes a perfect holiday read. It has glamour, glitz, unlikeable characters and revenge.
I do like a good book with some unlikeable characters in, and this has it in spades! The abhorrent Max who treats women like a commodity to be used, even Amy who worked so hard to rid herself of any down to earth qualities and chose to value the vapid lifestyle of fashion, fame and connections grated. She valued these more than spending quality time with her 5 year old daughter Tilly.
In a weird way I quite liked seeing her materialistic World being stripped away from her.
A great 3 star read for me.
I would like to thank Becky Hunter at Headline for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
September 29, 2018
What a brilliant read !
I have read all of Tasmina’s books and really enjoyed them. So I was really pleased when I was sent a copy from the publishers to review, and I wasn’t disappointed. This is such a fab book. It starts off really slowly and works its way up to a brilliant ending. It has plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested.
I give this brilliant page-turner a well - earned 10/10.
Looking forward to the next one !!
I have read all of Tasmina’s books and really enjoyed them. So I was really pleased when I was sent a copy from the publishers to review, and I wasn’t disappointed. This is such a fab book. It starts off really slowly and works its way up to a brilliant ending. It has plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested.
I give this brilliant page-turner a well - earned 10/10.
Looking forward to the next one !!
March 12, 2021
After reading the first few pages I found this story to be boring and way to girly
August 9, 2018
Despite a less than privileged background, Amy Shepherd has done well for herself, rising to become editor of a popular women’s magazine (“Verve”). Amy leads an affluent lifestyle with her husband and young daughter, though the demands of work don’t always leave much time over for family life and the nanny is heavily relied upon.
Reconnecting with old friend from her childhood, Karen - whose life is rather less golden - Amy agrees to give Karen’s ambitious daughter, Josie, some work experience at the magazine and put her up in their home for the duration. But with the advent of Josie it appears all sorts of things are going wrong - just when Amy’s in line for the dream job as editor of Vogue - I mean, Mode. Is Josie really out to sabotage Amy’s life, and if so, why?
Friend of the Family is a fun, well written escapist read. It’s the first book I’ve read by Tasmina Perry (though I’ve had The Pool House on my Kindle now) but I’d definitely read more on the strength of it. The “young woman gets in among middle class family, causes trouble” plot is a bit of a trope these days, but here feels sufficiently fresh to work well. I enjoyed it a lot.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.
Reconnecting with old friend from her childhood, Karen - whose life is rather less golden - Amy agrees to give Karen’s ambitious daughter, Josie, some work experience at the magazine and put her up in their home for the duration. But with the advent of Josie it appears all sorts of things are going wrong - just when Amy’s in line for the dream job as editor of Vogue - I mean, Mode. Is Josie really out to sabotage Amy’s life, and if so, why?
Friend of the Family is a fun, well written escapist read. It’s the first book I’ve read by Tasmina Perry (though I’ve had The Pool House on my Kindle now) but I’d definitely read more on the strength of it. The “young woman gets in among middle class family, causes trouble” plot is a bit of a trope these days, but here feels sufficiently fresh to work well. I enjoyed it a lot.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2019
I’ve been meaning to read a Tasmina Perry book for a very long time. I had a few of her books years ago but never got around to reading them, and I have no clue what happened to them! So, I was really excited when this one popped up on NetGalley; it was the perfect chance to give one of her books a try.
I’m afraid I was a little disappointed, though, it took me ages to actually get into this book. I felt a bit lost at the beginning as there were many references to the upper-class world, Oxford University, and the fashion and magazine industry which I just couldn’t follow.
However, once the story got going, it did grip me a little more. Especially, the 1995 sections. These gave an insight into the backstory of the majority of the characters, so they really padded out the story and enabled you to get to know the motives of everyone a little better.
The protagonist, Amy, was a little annoying. She went from zero to paranoid and insane within no time at all. For a high-flying professional woman, she didn’t handle everything that was thrown at her very well. I would have expected her to have finessed a little more decorum over the time she had been spending with the upper class, rich society. However, her paranoia was based on very little. I would have liked a little more suspicion to have been planted for her to get to the point she was at. She was acting crazy on very little.
The end of the book was probably the best as I thought I had it figured out but hadn’t and it took me completely by surprise. However, looking back over the book, the breadcrumbs were there. So, overall, it wasn’t a bad book it just could have been better, and I’d expected more from such a long-standing successful author. Maybe I went in with too high expectations. I might still give another of her older books a try at some point to see perhaps if it was just this one that didn’t quite hit the spot.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
I’m afraid I was a little disappointed, though, it took me ages to actually get into this book. I felt a bit lost at the beginning as there were many references to the upper-class world, Oxford University, and the fashion and magazine industry which I just couldn’t follow.
However, once the story got going, it did grip me a little more. Especially, the 1995 sections. These gave an insight into the backstory of the majority of the characters, so they really padded out the story and enabled you to get to know the motives of everyone a little better.
The protagonist, Amy, was a little annoying. She went from zero to paranoid and insane within no time at all. For a high-flying professional woman, she didn’t handle everything that was thrown at her very well. I would have expected her to have finessed a little more decorum over the time she had been spending with the upper class, rich society. However, her paranoia was based on very little. I would have liked a little more suspicion to have been planted for her to get to the point she was at. She was acting crazy on very little.
The end of the book was probably the best as I thought I had it figured out but hadn’t and it took me completely by surprise. However, looking back over the book, the breadcrumbs were there. So, overall, it wasn’t a bad book it just could have been better, and I’d expected more from such a long-standing successful author. Maybe I went in with too high expectations. I might still give another of her older books a try at some point to see perhaps if it was just this one that didn’t quite hit the spot.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
September 12, 2019
Amy has it all, risen from an unprivileged background to be editor of a London fashion magazine, with high powered contacts and frequent trips abroad; her husband David is a wealthy investment banker; home in a prestigious location, and staff to keep it running smoothly- plus a 5 year
Old daughter who she loves, but gives little time to. Enter Josie - daughter of a childhood and college friend whom Amy finds herself offering a week’s work experience on her magazine - plus her guest room. Josie soon makes herself indispensable both at work and home. But life for Amy begins to unravel - the magazine is finding it tough in the digital age, with redundancies on the horizon; accidents happen, and projects fail. As Amy pitches for the top job at a successful rival magazine, the becomes paranoic that someone is out to see her humiliated.
My views vacillated on the book. I found the characters unlikeable, and could not be bothered with Amy’s high class, snobbish twits from her Oxford days. I tended to “switch” off with the flashback
scenes of their hedonistic student life in 1995. But I got more involved as the tension racked up, with anything that Amy touched failing - was she paranoic, or as she suspected, was Josie the architect of her downfall? As with so many suspense/crime novels, I dislike the way everything is revealed in a rush at the end, with few pointers to the likely outcome. I never guessed who was behind sabotaging her life, and later could only see one scene where someone she regarded as a close friend was less than sympathetic to her distress. Was Amy so self- centred not to notice long seething revenge from 20 years ago?
In many ways a good read that kept me guessing, so I would give it 3.5.
Old daughter who she loves, but gives little time to. Enter Josie - daughter of a childhood and college friend whom Amy finds herself offering a week’s work experience on her magazine - plus her guest room. Josie soon makes herself indispensable both at work and home. But life for Amy begins to unravel - the magazine is finding it tough in the digital age, with redundancies on the horizon; accidents happen, and projects fail. As Amy pitches for the top job at a successful rival magazine, the becomes paranoic that someone is out to see her humiliated.
My views vacillated on the book. I found the characters unlikeable, and could not be bothered with Amy’s high class, snobbish twits from her Oxford days. I tended to “switch” off with the flashback
scenes of their hedonistic student life in 1995. But I got more involved as the tension racked up, with anything that Amy touched failing - was she paranoic, or as she suspected, was Josie the architect of her downfall? As with so many suspense/crime novels, I dislike the way everything is revealed in a rush at the end, with few pointers to the likely outcome. I never guessed who was behind sabotaging her life, and later could only see one scene where someone she regarded as a close friend was less than sympathetic to her distress. Was Amy so self- centred not to notice long seething revenge from 20 years ago?
In many ways a good read that kept me guessing, so I would give it 3.5.
November 25, 2018
Luxurious, Glamorous, Intelligent, Intriguing, Engaging - ideal holiday read with twists and turns to keep you wanting more .......
I really enjoyed this unusual thriller with a plot that I did not come close to guessing - and although it did require a modicum of suspension of disbelief it was not so wildly far fetched that it spoiled the book In fact it finished strongly and did not disappoint.
I loved the insight into the editorship of a glossy fashion magazine and the juggling that requires when that editor is a mum and wife to a successful man.
But dreary domestic drama it was NOT! For off to the south of France we went along with loads of colourful characters and to plenty of events and parties - then to fashion week in New York. I thought it was very well crafted and I liked the characters and the then and now structure which gave us an insight into Oxford student life and of course the fabulous balls and fashion worn to them.
I think this book would be a lovely one to take on holidays as it is a relaxing, uplifting, indulgent read with plenty of drama and twists but nothing grisly, gritty or depressing.
This book held my attention over the few days it took me to read it and I was kept entertained solidly the whole way though. Not sure if I actually liked any of the characters too much but they were very interesting and believable.
Good solid 4 stars with extra marks for insight into the publishing world and its struggle to remain current and relevant in a world of online media and news ....plus the lovely trip to the South of France, New York and some luxury houses!
I will look for more books by this author for sure and just a lovely, luscious read.
I really enjoyed this unusual thriller with a plot that I did not come close to guessing - and although it did require a modicum of suspension of disbelief it was not so wildly far fetched that it spoiled the book In fact it finished strongly and did not disappoint.
I loved the insight into the editorship of a glossy fashion magazine and the juggling that requires when that editor is a mum and wife to a successful man.
But dreary domestic drama it was NOT! For off to the south of France we went along with loads of colourful characters and to plenty of events and parties - then to fashion week in New York. I thought it was very well crafted and I liked the characters and the then and now structure which gave us an insight into Oxford student life and of course the fabulous balls and fashion worn to them.
I think this book would be a lovely one to take on holidays as it is a relaxing, uplifting, indulgent read with plenty of drama and twists but nothing grisly, gritty or depressing.
This book held my attention over the few days it took me to read it and I was kept entertained solidly the whole way though. Not sure if I actually liked any of the characters too much but they were very interesting and believable.
Good solid 4 stars with extra marks for insight into the publishing world and its struggle to remain current and relevant in a world of online media and news ....plus the lovely trip to the South of France, New York and some luxury houses!
I will look for more books by this author for sure and just a lovely, luscious read.
September 22, 2018
Amy Shepherd has it all: a handsome husband, a much coveted job and the cutest little daughter but everything seems to fall apart when she does a favour for her old friend, Karen. Inviting Karen's daughter, Josie, into her life appears to be a big mistake for Amy and paranoia quickly sets in over Josie's motives. Josie is young, attractive and clever and she seems to have everyone wrapped around her little finger, while Amy becomes discredited at every turn. Why is Josie out to get her?
The setting for Friend of the Family is a fashion magazine, so if you've ever watched Ugly Betty you will easily be able to visualise the cutthroat environment portrayed here. There is so much backstabbing and bitchiness behind smiling faces! Josie is painted as so sweet on the outside but dark and manipulative on the inside that you can't help but dislike her, but I wondered where her motivation to destroy Amy had come from.
I loved the flashbacks to Amy's life at Oxford in 1995; a small group of young men and women who have remained friends for many years. Their lives intermingle as they work and holiday together and anyone would give their right arm to be part of their tight-knit group...but what is hiding behind those smiles? Everyone has secrets so put your crash helmet on as they're all about to come out!
Friend of the Family is proper bitch-lit; trust no one in this cutthroat psychological domestic noir novel...but remember to keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The setting for Friend of the Family is a fashion magazine, so if you've ever watched Ugly Betty you will easily be able to visualise the cutthroat environment portrayed here. There is so much backstabbing and bitchiness behind smiling faces! Josie is painted as so sweet on the outside but dark and manipulative on the inside that you can't help but dislike her, but I wondered where her motivation to destroy Amy had come from.
I loved the flashbacks to Amy's life at Oxford in 1995; a small group of young men and women who have remained friends for many years. Their lives intermingle as they work and holiday together and anyone would give their right arm to be part of their tight-knit group...but what is hiding behind those smiles? Everyone has secrets so put your crash helmet on as they're all about to come out!
Friend of the Family is proper bitch-lit; trust no one in this cutthroat psychological domestic noir novel...but remember to keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
March 6, 2021
Love a good Tasmina book, read this in just a few hours, loved it.
A friend from the past, a best friend back in the day contacts another friend Amy, out of the blue,
Amy has escaped the dull backwaters of where she grew up and has a brilliant career at a magazine and is applying for the creme of the crop job, she has a gorgeous husband (David), good friends and a lovely house and a young daughter - some people think she has it all...and they want it for themselves.
Amy gives her old friend’s daughter (Josie) a work experience position at her magazine for a week, she also lets her stay at her home.
The last night of Josie’s work experience stay, Amy and David’s nanny gets hurt during a mugging, they come up with the answer - just see if Josie would stay longer and take on the nanny role for a short time. She jumps at the chance, especially as the family are going to be holidaying somewhere exotic.
During this holiday Amy senses that David and Josie are having an affair. Other things start to go wrong with Amy’s perfect life or is she just being paranoid.
This book has it all, possible drug addiction, love affairs, sabotage, friends not being the true friend you thought they were.
This was a great read - thoroughly enjoyed it.
A friend from the past, a best friend back in the day contacts another friend Amy, out of the blue,
Amy has escaped the dull backwaters of where she grew up and has a brilliant career at a magazine and is applying for the creme of the crop job, she has a gorgeous husband (David), good friends and a lovely house and a young daughter - some people think she has it all...and they want it for themselves.
Amy gives her old friend’s daughter (Josie) a work experience position at her magazine for a week, she also lets her stay at her home.
The last night of Josie’s work experience stay, Amy and David’s nanny gets hurt during a mugging, they come up with the answer - just see if Josie would stay longer and take on the nanny role for a short time. She jumps at the chance, especially as the family are going to be holidaying somewhere exotic.
During this holiday Amy senses that David and Josie are having an affair. Other things start to go wrong with Amy’s perfect life or is she just being paranoid.
This book has it all, possible drug addiction, love affairs, sabotage, friends not being the true friend you thought they were.
This was a great read - thoroughly enjoyed it.
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