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Her Closest Friend
Pop music blares from the radio. She sings drunkenly from the backseat. The thrash of windscreen wipers against the driving rain. The screech of tyres. A thud.
Naomi and I are best friends.
School runs, dog walks, a shoulder to cry on over a glass of wine, we’re inseparable.
But now my husband has walked out, I need her more than ever.
I know she will help me pick up the pieces.
Because she knows about the lie I told to protect her.
She knows how much I’ve sacrificed for this friendship.
And she’d never let anyone hurt me.
Would she?
This extraordinary page-turner will suck you in from the very first page and keep you gripped until the breathtaking finale. Fans of The Wife Between Us, The Girl Before and Gone Girl will adore this twisted tale of toxic female friendship.
What readers are saying about Clare Boyd:
‘OMG this book was amazing… I literally couldn't put it down in had to keep reading to see what was going to happen next… well deserving of 5 stars.’ Bonnie’s Book Talk, 5 stars
‘Absolutely LOVED… the best-of-the-best of psychological thriller authors!... a very fast paced read… twists like a rollercoaster out of control!... the climax was crazy awesome! If you enjoy a plot twist that jumps out at you... yep, this is the book for you.’ Two Girls and a Book Obsession, 5 stars
‘Oh my goodness – what a fantastic book!! I read this book in two sittings and loved it… A fantastic, twisty story that really hooked me in.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘One of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read in a long time. From page one it was gripping… left me totally shocked and dumb-founded.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Full of twists and turns kept me rapidly turning pages to see what happened next. The ending is explosive and I never in the world saw it coming.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘Definitely a page-turner, edge-of-your-seat type of thriller that is a must to add to your book collection! I definitely recommend this book, you won't be disappointed!’ Books on the Bookshelf
‘I could not get enough!... I did not stop reading until I finished the story and my laundry mountain is still growing. Read this book. Seriously. Read it!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Loved, loved, loved this book!... Took me on so many turns, found my mouth dropping with a few of the twists… A page-turner! I would definitely recommend!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘An astonishing 5/5 stars from me… YOU MUST READ!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
Naomi and I are best friends.
School runs, dog walks, a shoulder to cry on over a glass of wine, we’re inseparable.
But now my husband has walked out, I need her more than ever.
I know she will help me pick up the pieces.
Because she knows about the lie I told to protect her.
She knows how much I’ve sacrificed for this friendship.
And she’d never let anyone hurt me.
Would she?
This extraordinary page-turner will suck you in from the very first page and keep you gripped until the breathtaking finale. Fans of The Wife Between Us, The Girl Before and Gone Girl will adore this twisted tale of toxic female friendship.
What readers are saying about Clare Boyd:
‘OMG this book was amazing… I literally couldn't put it down in had to keep reading to see what was going to happen next… well deserving of 5 stars.’ Bonnie’s Book Talk, 5 stars
‘Absolutely LOVED… the best-of-the-best of psychological thriller authors!... a very fast paced read… twists like a rollercoaster out of control!... the climax was crazy awesome! If you enjoy a plot twist that jumps out at you... yep, this is the book for you.’ Two Girls and a Book Obsession, 5 stars
‘Oh my goodness – what a fantastic book!! I read this book in two sittings and loved it… A fantastic, twisty story that really hooked me in.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘One of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read in a long time. From page one it was gripping… left me totally shocked and dumb-founded.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Full of twists and turns kept me rapidly turning pages to see what happened next. The ending is explosive and I never in the world saw it coming.’ Goodreads reviewer
‘Definitely a page-turner, edge-of-your-seat type of thriller that is a must to add to your book collection! I definitely recommend this book, you won't be disappointed!’ Books on the Bookshelf
‘I could not get enough!... I did not stop reading until I finished the story and my laundry mountain is still growing. Read this book. Seriously. Read it!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘Loved, loved, loved this book!... Took me on so many turns, found my mouth dropping with a few of the twists… A page-turner! I would definitely recommend!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
‘An astonishing 5/5 stars from me… YOU MUST READ!' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2019
1608 people are currently reading
866 people want to read
About the author
Clare Boyd
10 books138 followersClare Boyd lives with her husband and their two daughters in Surrey, where her little green shed at the bottom of the garden provides a haven for her writing life.
Before becoming a writer, she enjoyed a career in television, as a researcher in documentaries and then as a script editor in drama at the BBC and Channel Four, where her love of storytelling took hold.
Before becoming a writer, she enjoyed a career in television, as a researcher in documentaries and then as a script editor in drama at the BBC and Channel Four, where her love of storytelling took hold.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
March 11, 2019
Seriously twisted!!!
I am reeling over Her Closest Friend by Clare Boyd! This book puts the twist in twisted! It brings to mind the phrase “with a friend like this, who needs enemies?” This devious tale of friends Sophie and Naomi who met in college at Exeter is shocking, dark, and addicting! I truly couldn’t put it down. Fans of psychological thrillers will love this book!
About the Book
When Sophie’s marriage starts to crumble in the wake of her husband Adam’s affair, her best friend Naomi is the one person who supports her no matter what. But even Naomi must admit that Sophie can be a difficult person to be friends with. As magnetic and charming as Sophie can be, she is also as devious and manipulative. Naomi can look past those moments, though, because Sophie is so broken.
But Sophie needs more from Naomi than she can ever know. Sophie has held onto a terrible secret to protect Naomi all of these years. And now just as Naomi continues to flourish, Sophie’s life crumbles. It isn’t fair, is it? Naomi and Sophie are the closest of friends. They can weather anything together. Can’t they?
Reflection
Well, I honestly don’t know what to say about this book because I’m so afraid of spoiling it! From the very first twist (and trust me when I say, there are many), I was shocked and delighted by this thriller. Truly, I was getting whiplash from the amount of times a new twist was thrown into the mix! I wish I could say more about them, but this is one readers need to discover on their own!
Sophie and Naomi are just absolutely the epitome of unlikeable characters. And yet, I can’t help but kind of hope they can save eachother amidst all of their disfunction! The way Boyd tells the back and forth is masterful—the same events unfold from each perspective.
And the ending is just magnificent! I read the entire last few chapters with my jaw hanging open in shock, awe, delight, and horror! What an ending! This is a book you won’t want to miss this spring!
Thank you to the team at Bookouture for my spot on the blog tour! Opinions are my own.
I am reeling over Her Closest Friend by Clare Boyd! This book puts the twist in twisted! It brings to mind the phrase “with a friend like this, who needs enemies?” This devious tale of friends Sophie and Naomi who met in college at Exeter is shocking, dark, and addicting! I truly couldn’t put it down. Fans of psychological thrillers will love this book!
About the Book
When Sophie’s marriage starts to crumble in the wake of her husband Adam’s affair, her best friend Naomi is the one person who supports her no matter what. But even Naomi must admit that Sophie can be a difficult person to be friends with. As magnetic and charming as Sophie can be, she is also as devious and manipulative. Naomi can look past those moments, though, because Sophie is so broken.
But Sophie needs more from Naomi than she can ever know. Sophie has held onto a terrible secret to protect Naomi all of these years. And now just as Naomi continues to flourish, Sophie’s life crumbles. It isn’t fair, is it? Naomi and Sophie are the closest of friends. They can weather anything together. Can’t they?
Reflection
Well, I honestly don’t know what to say about this book because I’m so afraid of spoiling it! From the very first twist (and trust me when I say, there are many), I was shocked and delighted by this thriller. Truly, I was getting whiplash from the amount of times a new twist was thrown into the mix! I wish I could say more about them, but this is one readers need to discover on their own!
Sophie and Naomi are just absolutely the epitome of unlikeable characters. And yet, I can’t help but kind of hope they can save eachother amidst all of their disfunction! The way Boyd tells the back and forth is masterful—the same events unfold from each perspective.
And the ending is just magnificent! I read the entire last few chapters with my jaw hanging open in shock, awe, delight, and horror! What an ending! This is a book you won’t want to miss this spring!
Thank you to the team at Bookouture for my spot on the blog tour! Opinions are my own.
March 4, 2019
Her Closest Friend by Clare Boyd is not the first thriller I’ve read by this author and having enjoyed the first I had high hopes. Unfortunately surprisingly enough for me I really could not get into this book.
Her Closest Friend is a tale of two friends and the secrets they share. Naomi and Sophie have been close for years and always expect each other to be there for one another. Years before the two of them covered up and kept a secret but now those events are being brought to the surface.
I do remember with the other book I read by Clare Boyd that I didn’t particularly love the characters but the story was engaging regardless. Now with this story I found myself disliking the characters yet again but instead of still being pulled into the book I couldn’t ever really get engaged. Instead I found this one rather slow going and a bit repetitive. While it’s not for me others are still enjoying it so perhaps give it a try if it sounds good to you.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Her Closest Friend is a tale of two friends and the secrets they share. Naomi and Sophie have been close for years and always expect each other to be there for one another. Years before the two of them covered up and kept a secret but now those events are being brought to the surface.
I do remember with the other book I read by Clare Boyd that I didn’t particularly love the characters but the story was engaging regardless. Now with this story I found myself disliking the characters yet again but instead of still being pulled into the book I couldn’t ever really get engaged. Instead I found this one rather slow going and a bit repetitive. While it’s not for me others are still enjoying it so perhaps give it a try if it sounds good to you.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 12, 2019
a deliciously disturbing tale brimming with deceit! have you ever finished a book with your eyes popping out of your head, your jaw dropping to the floor, and you’re thinking WTAF? That was this book. Clare Boyd has constructed one crazy ride of a book! This was a book that got more and more unsettling as it progressed, I kept turning those pages frantically because I had to see what could possibly happen next. Toxic friendship is an understatement, Naomi and Sophie brought toxic to new levels!
Naomi and Sophie have been friends since university but their friendship is pretty dysfunctional at best downright toxic at worst. They share a secret between them a secret that will define them, their future, and their friendship. Two pretty unhinged women with a unhealthy dependency upon one another. I really can’t say much more than that, this is a book best gone into with no knowledge. Just know it is packed full of unlikable, untrustworthy, and unstable characters doing despicable things. This is a book that will leave you feeling unsettled and uncomfortable. It is both brilliant and bewildering! Recommend!
*** A big thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
Naomi and Sophie have been friends since university but their friendship is pretty dysfunctional at best downright toxic at worst. They share a secret between them a secret that will define them, their future, and their friendship. Two pretty unhinged women with a unhealthy dependency upon one another. I really can’t say much more than that, this is a book best gone into with no knowledge. Just know it is packed full of unlikable, untrustworthy, and unstable characters doing despicable things. This is a book that will leave you feeling unsettled and uncomfortable. It is both brilliant and bewildering! Recommend!
*** A big thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
February 27, 2019
Her Closest Friend by Clare Boyd was not the book that I was hoping it would be. I have read both of this authors other books and enjoyed one immensely and really didn't like the other. ThIs one I really am not sure about. It was a bit slow and repetitive and I really didn't like the main characters at all. I wanted to grab Naomi and shake her!! I do love the cover, so pretty.
This is the story of 2 school friends, still friends years later. And they did something bad years ago, only they remember the even differently. Their relationship is definitely toxic and annoying to be honest. I started to lose interest a few times reading this and wanted to scream at them both. I was disappointed .
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
This is the story of 2 school friends, still friends years later. And they did something bad years ago, only they remember the even differently. Their relationship is definitely toxic and annoying to be honest. I started to lose interest a few times reading this and wanted to scream at them both. I was disappointed .
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
September 10, 2021
She was my unsuitable friend. My Achilles heel. She was the drink you reach for when you know you’ve already had too much.
Naomi and Sophie have an unhealthy codependent friendship. Sometimes they love each other. Sometimes they hate each other. But one thing is for sure-one simply can't live without the other.
When their friendship starts deteriorating, Sophie decides to let Naomi in on a little secret she's been keeping from her for over twenty years now. Sophie thinks it will bring them closer again. Little does she know that she's unleashed a powder keg that will not only destroy their friendship but may destroy them in the process. When you have a friendship this twisted, it can only end badly.
This was such a captivating read! There was so much depth to these characters and their relationship, not just with each other, but with everyone. It kept you guessing and questioning their real motives and how it would all play out.
That being said, there were some segments of this book that were very hard to read due to strong content and triggers. I had to skim through a few of those parts or skip them all together. However, this is a great book with lots of twists and menace. I recommend for anyone who can't resist catty female friendships.
Naomi and Sophie have an unhealthy codependent friendship. Sometimes they love each other. Sometimes they hate each other. But one thing is for sure-one simply can't live without the other.
When their friendship starts deteriorating, Sophie decides to let Naomi in on a little secret she's been keeping from her for over twenty years now. Sophie thinks it will bring them closer again. Little does she know that she's unleashed a powder keg that will not only destroy their friendship but may destroy them in the process. When you have a friendship this twisted, it can only end badly.
This was such a captivating read! There was so much depth to these characters and their relationship, not just with each other, but with everyone. It kept you guessing and questioning their real motives and how it would all play out.
That being said, there were some segments of this book that were very hard to read due to strong content and triggers. I had to skim through a few of those parts or skip them all together. However, this is a great book with lots of twists and menace. I recommend for anyone who can't resist catty female friendships.
February 17, 2019
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
I have no words guys. I stayed up until 1 am finishing this book. It's engrossing because at times you can't believe how bad the writing and flow is. I kept reading because I was wondering if the character of Sophie was finally going to snap and take out her closest friend Naomi. And I was baffled at how dumb Naomi was about a lot of things. So I just sat back and enjoyed a so-so book. Then we get to the bonkers ending and my jaw dropped. I don't even know. I want to say Boyd is kind of brave for just going down a truly dark path and not backing away from it. A lot of times authors just don't lean in enough to where a plot is going IMHO. And Boyd goes there. If only the 2/3 of the book had those same smacks in the faces this would have been a very good thriller.
"Her Closest Friend" is a siren warning to all of us women out there who have toxic friendships. You know what that is. The one friend who no matter what it seems can't help saying something cutting to you when you have something wonderful happen to you. The one that reminds you of the time you walked around for an hour at an party with your skirt tucked into your pantyhose. That one friend who always posts shitty pictures of you on Facebook and doesn't get why you are mad that she looks like she got a glow up in the same picture.
Naomi and Sophie have been friends since they were 18. Now they are in their early 40s and are on different paths in their marriages. Naomi is happily married with two daughters. She has a successful blog (seriously authors, give the women in your books another job). The only fly in the ointment is her feeling like she is on suffrage when she is dealing with Sophie and her up and down mood swings.
Sophie for her part is dealing with a failing marriage, an old grandfather who seems to speak in riddles and like vodka, and a son with eczema. Sorry, that last part was mentioned in the book a lot. Apparently it is a sin among many that a young boy can have. I don't know.
We quickly realize that Sophie is off her freaking tree. She stalks Naomi and gets angry if she doesn't text her back right away. She is jealous of Naomi's perfect life and think that she owes her. We find out slowly (and in a mind numbing way) why Sophie feels this way. I had to call bullshit over the whole thing that Sophie is holding over Naomi's head though. It made zero sense why Naomi owed anything or was responsible. And I hated the book even taking the whole thing seriously. I always want to ask these women do they not know any lawyers to advise them?
The book just goes back and forth between both women. As Sophie keeps trying to cause Naomi harm in small and then big ways, you have Naomi just dealing with it and snapping at her husband and descending into a bottle.
The two women's husbands in this one are not very developed. They were just there to either say something about the one woman or the other and in one case to worry constantly, but not do anything.
The book moves back and forth between both their homes and other locations. Mostly though we have Sophie in her cottage and realizing that she also owns a big house that she won't move into.
The ending as I said was a shocker. I re-read it a few times to make sure that I got all of what Boyd was putting down. I thought the justification at the end was nonsense, but had to admire Boyd for going dark.
I have no words guys. I stayed up until 1 am finishing this book. It's engrossing because at times you can't believe how bad the writing and flow is. I kept reading because I was wondering if the character of Sophie was finally going to snap and take out her closest friend Naomi. And I was baffled at how dumb Naomi was about a lot of things. So I just sat back and enjoyed a so-so book. Then we get to the bonkers ending and my jaw dropped. I don't even know. I want to say Boyd is kind of brave for just going down a truly dark path and not backing away from it. A lot of times authors just don't lean in enough to where a plot is going IMHO. And Boyd goes there. If only the 2/3 of the book had those same smacks in the faces this would have been a very good thriller.
"Her Closest Friend" is a siren warning to all of us women out there who have toxic friendships. You know what that is. The one friend who no matter what it seems can't help saying something cutting to you when you have something wonderful happen to you. The one that reminds you of the time you walked around for an hour at an party with your skirt tucked into your pantyhose. That one friend who always posts shitty pictures of you on Facebook and doesn't get why you are mad that she looks like she got a glow up in the same picture.
Naomi and Sophie have been friends since they were 18. Now they are in their early 40s and are on different paths in their marriages. Naomi is happily married with two daughters. She has a successful blog (seriously authors, give the women in your books another job). The only fly in the ointment is her feeling like she is on suffrage when she is dealing with Sophie and her up and down mood swings.
Sophie for her part is dealing with a failing marriage, an old grandfather who seems to speak in riddles and like vodka, and a son with eczema. Sorry, that last part was mentioned in the book a lot. Apparently it is a sin among many that a young boy can have. I don't know.
We quickly realize that Sophie is off her freaking tree. She stalks Naomi and gets angry if she doesn't text her back right away. She is jealous of Naomi's perfect life and think that she owes her. We find out slowly (and in a mind numbing way) why Sophie feels this way. I had to call bullshit over the whole thing that Sophie is holding over Naomi's head though. It made zero sense why Naomi owed anything or was responsible. And I hated the book even taking the whole thing seriously. I always want to ask these women do they not know any lawyers to advise them?
The book just goes back and forth between both women. As Sophie keeps trying to cause Naomi harm in small and then big ways, you have Naomi just dealing with it and snapping at her husband and descending into a bottle.
The two women's husbands in this one are not very developed. They were just there to either say something about the one woman or the other and in one case to worry constantly, but not do anything.
The book moves back and forth between both their homes and other locations. Mostly though we have Sophie in her cottage and realizing that she also owns a big house that she won't move into.
The ending as I said was a shocker. I re-read it a few times to make sure that I got all of what Boyd was putting down. I thought the justification at the end was nonsense, but had to admire Boyd for going dark.
March 5, 2019
UPDATE 3/5/19: The publishing company has notified me that in the final edition of the book, amendments were made regarding the animal cruelty. I'm thankful.
Have YOU ever been part of a toxic relationship?
Her Closest Friend gets down and dirty with this very topic...in the most twisted way possible. This story had the potential to be truly phenomenal. Unfortunately, it's absolutely littered with unlikable characters, boundless repetition, horrifying animal torture/death (which I do not appreciate at all...it's a trigger for me), and writing which struggled to rein the plot in--it felt unnecessarily long to me.
The story foreshadows a seismic conclusion...and it delivers. I always appreciate when authors push limits and write endings which may or may not resonate with readers. The ending was depressing, but oddly appropriate, I think.
While I know this isn't an overly positive review, I do want to mention the absolutely stunning book cover. All that shadowed white with a splash of red...the contrast is striking and beautiful.
Despite my somewhat lackluster review, I want to give huge thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced reader's copy, in exchange for my honest review.
1.5 stars
Publication Date: March 5,2019
Reviewed on Goodreads: February 11, 2019
Have YOU ever been part of a toxic relationship?
Her Closest Friend gets down and dirty with this very topic...in the most twisted way possible. This story had the potential to be truly phenomenal. Unfortunately, it's absolutely littered with unlikable characters, boundless repetition, horrifying animal torture/death (which I do not appreciate at all...it's a trigger for me), and writing which struggled to rein the plot in--it felt unnecessarily long to me.
The story foreshadows a seismic conclusion...and it delivers. I always appreciate when authors push limits and write endings which may or may not resonate with readers. The ending was depressing, but oddly appropriate, I think.
While I know this isn't an overly positive review, I do want to mention the absolutely stunning book cover. All that shadowed white with a splash of red...the contrast is striking and beautiful.
Despite my somewhat lackluster review, I want to give huge thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced reader's copy, in exchange for my honest review.
1.5 stars
Publication Date: March 5,2019
Reviewed on Goodreads: February 11, 2019
March 2, 2019
This book surprised me in a very good way. I really enjoyed the beginning , then some of my excitement fizzled out towards the middle as I felt it got somewhat stagnant and I wasn't sure where it was heading. I thought I had it figured out BUT, that changed within several pages. Cheers to Clare Boyd for taking it to level 10 with the last part of the book. I never saw that coming and my heart was pounding and I was yelling along with Sophie.
I enjoyed the friendship between Sophie and Naomi in the beginning and as the book progressed, my heart was hurting as we saw the REAL friendship and the dysfunctional need and pull between both women.
THAT ending had me in tears. I reread the epilogue five times because it had so much feeling, emotions, rawness, and just unadulterated sadness. Real human sadness. This was some powerful writing and it brought the entire story full circle. Every time I re-read the epilogue, I found another symbolic meaning from the beginning of the book. As I put the book down a final time to go to bed, I couldn't stop thinking about it and that ending. It made me feel. Clare Boyd earned 4 stars for the epilogue alone and how much it told its own story.
Yes, there were people to love and people to hate and what the what moments and a few twists. But there was a story about friendship and how far would you go for a friend, what line would you cross and you will find yourself asking...how far would I go?
My favorite line in the book:
"She was the drink you reach for when you know you've already had too much"
Cover: Beautifully haunting.
I enjoyed the friendship between Sophie and Naomi in the beginning and as the book progressed, my heart was hurting as we saw the REAL friendship and the dysfunctional need and pull between both women.
THAT ending had me in tears. I reread the epilogue five times because it had so much feeling, emotions, rawness, and just unadulterated sadness. Real human sadness. This was some powerful writing and it brought the entire story full circle. Every time I re-read the epilogue, I found another symbolic meaning from the beginning of the book. As I put the book down a final time to go to bed, I couldn't stop thinking about it and that ending. It made me feel. Clare Boyd earned 4 stars for the epilogue alone and how much it told its own story.
Yes, there were people to love and people to hate and what the what moments and a few twists. But there was a story about friendship and how far would you go for a friend, what line would you cross and you will find yourself asking...how far would I go?
My favorite line in the book:
"She was the drink you reach for when you know you've already had too much"
Cover: Beautifully haunting.
March 11, 2019
This was one twisted book. It took me a couple of tries to get into it, but soon I found the book getting into me.
2 friends and one secret hidden for 20 years till it slides out like an insidious snake hissing and biting. Naomi and Sophie are best of friends, where Sophie has held on to a secret of what happened one night, apparently to protect Naomi, till her anger comes out as her jealousy.
Clare Boyd's characters were unlikable, where both had a hate - love relationship with each other. The scenes in the book were slow and repetitive, the book seemed to show the same routine of both women. There were good twists, the last ending was shocking.
This book was one where I was excited yet deflated, it had potential yet failed to deliver across the pages, it was thriller-y yet ended in pathos. Too many pages were written telling us about the toxic friendship, yet it was not interesting. I skim read the repetitive parts.
The book on third attempt did manage to pique my interest, and macabre ending was definitely horrifying. All my love was for these two factors.
2 friends and one secret hidden for 20 years till it slides out like an insidious snake hissing and biting. Naomi and Sophie are best of friends, where Sophie has held on to a secret of what happened one night, apparently to protect Naomi, till her anger comes out as her jealousy.
Clare Boyd's characters were unlikable, where both had a hate - love relationship with each other. The scenes in the book were slow and repetitive, the book seemed to show the same routine of both women. There were good twists, the last ending was shocking.
This book was one where I was excited yet deflated, it had potential yet failed to deliver across the pages, it was thriller-y yet ended in pathos. Too many pages were written telling us about the toxic friendship, yet it was not interesting. I skim read the repetitive parts.
The book on third attempt did manage to pique my interest, and macabre ending was definitely horrifying. All my love was for these two factors.
March 5, 2019
Review can be found on my blog here: https://booksonthebookshelf.wordpress...
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Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy to read and share my review.
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I have read novels by Clare Boyd before and was excited to hear about this new book of hers. I was not disappointed. Two friends who have known each other for years. Shared memories, secrets, lies and betrayal. They have always been there for one another and had each other’s backs. Such close friends would always be there for one another… wouldn’t they?
I enjoyed reading about Naomi and Sophie’s friendship and all the things they have gone through together. I found they had a somewhat questionable friendship, that was full of pettiness, jealousy and trying to outdo each other. They both seemed to pretend to be better friends than they actually were but in truth didn’t really seem to be all that fond of one another anymore but tried to keep up with appearances. It was interesting to read about their distrust, and disloyalty. Shouldn’t you be able to trust your closest friend?
Both main characters were interesting to read about their different dynamics of their friendship and the two-facedness that came along with it. The plot unfolded nicely and I enjoyed the fast paced nature of the book. It definitely had me turning the pages. These ladies have a unique friendship for sure!
I enjoyed this book and found it to be an addictive read from cover to the end. I am sure you will enjoy this book as much as I did. Make sure to check this book out now!
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Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy to read and share my review.
....
I have read novels by Clare Boyd before and was excited to hear about this new book of hers. I was not disappointed. Two friends who have known each other for years. Shared memories, secrets, lies and betrayal. They have always been there for one another and had each other’s backs. Such close friends would always be there for one another… wouldn’t they?
I enjoyed reading about Naomi and Sophie’s friendship and all the things they have gone through together. I found they had a somewhat questionable friendship, that was full of pettiness, jealousy and trying to outdo each other. They both seemed to pretend to be better friends than they actually were but in truth didn’t really seem to be all that fond of one another anymore but tried to keep up with appearances. It was interesting to read about their distrust, and disloyalty. Shouldn’t you be able to trust your closest friend?
Both main characters were interesting to read about their different dynamics of their friendship and the two-facedness that came along with it. The plot unfolded nicely and I enjoyed the fast paced nature of the book. It definitely had me turning the pages. These ladies have a unique friendship for sure!
I enjoyed this book and found it to be an addictive read from cover to the end. I am sure you will enjoy this book as much as I did. Make sure to check this book out now!
March 8, 2019
I loved this deep look into a troubled friendship between two women who are both scarred by an event in their youth. The writing is compelling, and while it is not a thriller per se, there is a lot of tension between the main characters and the actions they carry out. The revelations concerning the 'event' are drip fed throughout the story and cleverly tested my feelings for both Naomi and Sophie, with my dislike for each flip flopping between them as further details of their youth emerged. I highly enjoyed the ending too, finding it fitting for both characters.
*I received a copy of the book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
*I received a copy of the book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
March 7, 2019
This book is one of those slow burn psychological thrillers that grips you because everyone at some point has either been or known someone who has had an incredibly toxic relationship, albeit this one really goes for broke.
Sophie and Naomi have known each other for almost two decades since University. They’ve shared secrets, lies, and even betrayal, but let’s be honest, when friendships have lasted that long, who hasn’t. They have always supported each other (even if they probably shouldn’t have), so they always would. Well that is until Sophie’s husband informs her that he’s leaving her for a younger woman, so Sophie decides that now is a time to enlighten Naomi and just how much she has done for her…
Sophie and Naomi’s relationship is beyond dysfunctional. The story is told from both Sophie and Naomi’s viewpoints, which I really appreciated because it drives home how flawed their friendship actually is. They are both two-faced and conniving, and strive to outcompete each other out of jealousy. However, in true psychological thriller fashion, this book gets incredibly dark and twisted and these competitions turn into matters of life and death.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It really made me question the friendships that I have, which I think makes this book even more sinister. To me, a good psychological thriller is one that you can imagine taking place, which is exactly what happens here. Oh, and that ending? It will have you jumping out of your seat.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for proving an eARC of this book. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4 stars
Sophie and Naomi have known each other for almost two decades since University. They’ve shared secrets, lies, and even betrayal, but let’s be honest, when friendships have lasted that long, who hasn’t. They have always supported each other (even if they probably shouldn’t have), so they always would. Well that is until Sophie’s husband informs her that he’s leaving her for a younger woman, so Sophie decides that now is a time to enlighten Naomi and just how much she has done for her…
Sophie and Naomi’s relationship is beyond dysfunctional. The story is told from both Sophie and Naomi’s viewpoints, which I really appreciated because it drives home how flawed their friendship actually is. They are both two-faced and conniving, and strive to outcompete each other out of jealousy. However, in true psychological thriller fashion, this book gets incredibly dark and twisted and these competitions turn into matters of life and death.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It really made me question the friendships that I have, which I think makes this book even more sinister. To me, a good psychological thriller is one that you can imagine taking place, which is exactly what happens here. Oh, and that ending? It will have you jumping out of your seat.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for proving an eARC of this book. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4 stars
August 21, 2019
First of all the blurb got me in straight away. Hooked , line , sinker. I couldnt stop reading it . You can only hope you will never have a friendship like this in your lifetime. It had you thinking how it would turn out but believe me it didnt finish the way I though it would. It did get a little mundane in the middle but oh boy what an ending. !!
March 5, 2019
This was the first of Boyd's work that i have read, its classified as a mystery/thriller. It didn't really hit my thriller loving self until pretty much the end, but i would give it 3.5🌟
"She was my unsuitable friend. My Achilles heel. She was the drink you reach for when you know you've already had to much." -Her Closest Friend by Clare Boyd
This was a story about friendship, how far you would go and what lines you would cross.
Sophie and Naomi best friends since that one tragic night in university that would bond them together for the past 20 years. This is basically the only thing that holds their toxic relationship together. Although the book is based off of the mystery between Naomi and Sophie that no one knows about, not even their families, there are also several side plots. Sophie is going through a separation feeling alone trying everything even some blackmail to keep Naomi as her Closet friend. Naomi trying to forget her past and trying to acquire new friends and break away from the suffocating friendship she has with sophie. Secrets haunting them both, neither knowing how to deal or cope. Will their friendship prevail?
I throughly enjoyed this book the secrets that were haunting the main characters and the many side stories. Boyd did an excellent job at making the characters relatable and giving details into their inner turmoils, friendship, betrayl, cheating, love, addiction,heatbreak, family, death, tragedy, its all here and it all tied in together. Boyd surprised me with that bang of an ending i didn't see coming and can't wait to read another of Boyd's work.
I would like to thank @bookouture and @netgalley for a copy of Her Closest Friend in exchange for an honest review.
"She was my unsuitable friend. My Achilles heel. She was the drink you reach for when you know you've already had to much." -Her Closest Friend by Clare Boyd
This was a story about friendship, how far you would go and what lines you would cross.
Sophie and Naomi best friends since that one tragic night in university that would bond them together for the past 20 years. This is basically the only thing that holds their toxic relationship together. Although the book is based off of the mystery between Naomi and Sophie that no one knows about, not even their families, there are also several side plots. Sophie is going through a separation feeling alone trying everything even some blackmail to keep Naomi as her Closet friend. Naomi trying to forget her past and trying to acquire new friends and break away from the suffocating friendship she has with sophie. Secrets haunting them both, neither knowing how to deal or cope. Will their friendship prevail?
I throughly enjoyed this book the secrets that were haunting the main characters and the many side stories. Boyd did an excellent job at making the characters relatable and giving details into their inner turmoils, friendship, betrayl, cheating, love, addiction,heatbreak, family, death, tragedy, its all here and it all tied in together. Boyd surprised me with that bang of an ending i didn't see coming and can't wait to read another of Boyd's work.
I would like to thank @bookouture and @netgalley for a copy of Her Closest Friend in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2023
I totally changed my mind about both characters, love, hate all the way through. I couldn't put this down and made me think how easy it is to depend on people for the wrong reasons. I was so absorbed by the intricate story line, I really got into the main characters minds and you could understand how choices made in the past caught up to them in the end.
January 27, 2023
What a great read! Didn't really like Sophie, although part of me did feel sorry for her. Hers and Naomi's friendship was so toxic. Must say I wasn't expecting that ending. If you're looking for a good read I recommend this book.
March 10, 2019
I want to start by saying I totally loved this cover. It is sooo beautiful. A big compliment to the designer. It really invites you to pick up the book and dive into the story.
You can keep the truth from your best friend because you want to protect her, right? But maybe you did it for a different reason? And who is fooling who in fact? One thing is for sure : when you are up on your high horse, there is a long way to fall…
This book is about the long-standing friendship between two women. Well, they must have a different dictionary than the one I have LOL, because the way they interpret it is worlds apart from the way I see it…
That difference of course is what turns a nice story into a thriller. People being normal on the outside but having a loose wire which makes them wicked and drive other people up the wall. And what if the mouse suddenly starts hunting the cat??
The story is rather slow paced but sometimes it shifts into high gear, then slows down again to take a turn and speeds up once more. It feels like you are in car with ‘go and stop’ traffic conditions. Suddenly the road is clear and you can put your foot down untill you cross the finish line. 4 stars.
Thank you, Clare Boyd, Bookouture and Netgalley.
Book received courtesy of publisher/author.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
You can keep the truth from your best friend because you want to protect her, right? But maybe you did it for a different reason? And who is fooling who in fact? One thing is for sure : when you are up on your high horse, there is a long way to fall…
This book is about the long-standing friendship between two women. Well, they must have a different dictionary than the one I have LOL, because the way they interpret it is worlds apart from the way I see it…
That difference of course is what turns a nice story into a thriller. People being normal on the outside but having a loose wire which makes them wicked and drive other people up the wall. And what if the mouse suddenly starts hunting the cat??
The story is rather slow paced but sometimes it shifts into high gear, then slows down again to take a turn and speeds up once more. It feels like you are in car with ‘go and stop’ traffic conditions. Suddenly the road is clear and you can put your foot down untill you cross the finish line. 4 stars.
Thank you, Clare Boyd, Bookouture and Netgalley.
Book received courtesy of publisher/author.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
February 9, 2019
Well done domestic suspenser about a toxic friendship. Sophie and Naomi have been best friends since University. Both are married with children yet they stay as close as ever. When one begins to drain on the other, and Naomi tries to pull away, the toxicity is revealed along with secrets from a long ago past crime. What lengths will each go to in order to preserve the bond or to break it?
March 30, 2019
“She was my unsuitable friend. My Achilles heel. She was the drink you reach for when you know you’ve already had too much.”
Naomi and Sophie are friends from way back, though their relationship is... complicated. Sophie’s definitely got issues, but to be honest, Naomi, the apparently more functional one, isn’t exactly free of them either. And both are rather too inclined to turn to alcohol under pressure, so much so that wine is practically a third main character in the story.
Naturally there’s a Bad Thing in the past, though only Sophie really knows what happened... and firmly believes Naomi owes her for her silence. When secrets begin to emerge, lives will unravel. In a wine-soaked kind of a way.
Her Closest Friend is definitely a good read, which escalated towards the end in a way I wasn’t expecting. There’s also a traumatic scene which I won’t say anything about other than: small dog owners - beware. (I had to go and find mine to give her a hug.)
Well written, often unpredictable, and insightful, especially as regards the characters of the two women and Sophie in particular.
Naomi and Sophie are friends from way back, though their relationship is... complicated. Sophie’s definitely got issues, but to be honest, Naomi, the apparently more functional one, isn’t exactly free of them either. And both are rather too inclined to turn to alcohol under pressure, so much so that wine is practically a third main character in the story.
Naturally there’s a Bad Thing in the past, though only Sophie really knows what happened... and firmly believes Naomi owes her for her silence. When secrets begin to emerge, lives will unravel. In a wine-soaked kind of a way.
Her Closest Friend is definitely a good read, which escalated towards the end in a way I wasn’t expecting. There’s also a traumatic scene which I won’t say anything about other than: small dog owners - beware. (I had to go and find mine to give her a hug.)
Well written, often unpredictable, and insightful, especially as regards the characters of the two women and Sophie in particular.
June 16, 2019
A good story about a toxic friendship and what it does mentally, emotionally, and physically to not just themselves but to everyone around them. Quite a dark and twisted read. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 27, 2019
This is a chilling read about the relationship between two women which has lasted a long time .. but is it always friendly?
Naomi and Sophie live fairly close to each other; both married, Sophie with a son and Naomi with two daughters they tend to socialise often, but it turns out it’s not always a healthy relationship. As we get more involved in the family lives of both these women, it becomes clear that there are long term issues between the two which cast a long shadow over both lives.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this novel as it is the first Clare Boyd book I’ve read, but I really hope it won’t be the last. I very quickly found myself embroiled in the relationship between these two women and, to begin with, my sympathies wavered from one to the other. ‘Be sure you’re sins will find you out’ crossed my mind more than once, as the story bounced from one viewpoint to the other. There is no way I could have seen the end coming, and I doubt you will either.
What a read! Firmly entrenched in realism, this is all too believable and, as such, left me with a bit of a creepy feeling. After all, most of us would assume we could trust out best friend … but can we? Well-written with a fine plot, this is a riveting read and one which kept my attention all way through. I was slightly shocked at the ending, but when I considered the alternatives realised it was absolutely perfect. With a doubt, a five star read!
Naomi and Sophie live fairly close to each other; both married, Sophie with a son and Naomi with two daughters they tend to socialise often, but it turns out it’s not always a healthy relationship. As we get more involved in the family lives of both these women, it becomes clear that there are long term issues between the two which cast a long shadow over both lives.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this novel as it is the first Clare Boyd book I’ve read, but I really hope it won’t be the last. I very quickly found myself embroiled in the relationship between these two women and, to begin with, my sympathies wavered from one to the other. ‘Be sure you’re sins will find you out’ crossed my mind more than once, as the story bounced from one viewpoint to the other. There is no way I could have seen the end coming, and I doubt you will either.
What a read! Firmly entrenched in realism, this is all too believable and, as such, left me with a bit of a creepy feeling. After all, most of us would assume we could trust out best friend … but can we? Well-written with a fine plot, this is a riveting read and one which kept my attention all way through. I was slightly shocked at the ending, but when I considered the alternatives realised it was absolutely perfect. With a doubt, a five star read!
February 3, 2021
Female friendships can be tricky, can't they? That's an understatement in this dark novel. Sophie and Naomi have been best friends since university. Both are married with children. At school they shared many drunken nights, parties, and hook-ups, but what really binds them is a secret about one horrific night that they've each repressed. But Sophie remembers more than Naomi and is subtly using this knowledge against her as she envies Naomi's "perfect" life and family even as her own marriage is falling apart. There is jealousy, binge drinking, adultery, blackmail, and yes, even moments of honest friendship. Boyd never ceases to amaze me with her masterful plots that expose many of the raw sides of the human condition. And the ending sucker-punched me and had me gasping! Enter at your own risk as this is darker than some...but oh so good!
March 6, 2019
Sophie and Naomi have been friends for 18 years since their time at university. Both now married with children, but then Adam says he’s leaving Sophie for another, younger woman.....Sophie feels its time Naomi knows just how much she has done for her.....
Sophie is the toxic friend, the one with snide comments disguised as jokes, little digs at Naomi’s appearance and lies and twists everything.....all the while holding a secret about an event many years before.....doesn’t Naomi know just how much she owes her?.....it’s time to let her know !
Just what would a person do to keep a secret ?
This is a story of lies, toxic relationships, guilt and how it affects mental health. Told from both perspectives of Sophie and Naomi so you get to know both sides in this twisty, gripping and unsettling tale which will hold you tight right to it’s terrible but maybe inevitable end.....a true psychological thriller...
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review
July 3, 2019
My 1st book by Clare Boyd & it was a page turner. I didn’t expect that ending but I enjoyed reading the book.
February 12, 2019
I have read all of Clare Boyd’s previous work and have up until now been a big fan!
I just could not get into this book, the characters didn’t grip me at all.
I am not one to start a book and not finish it....but this one was a tough one for me from start to finish.
Thank you netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I just could not get into this book, the characters didn’t grip me at all.
I am not one to start a book and not finish it....but this one was a tough one for me from start to finish.
Thank you netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2020
Spoiler Alert:
I cannot find words to express how much I did NOT like this book. I started reading it months ago and set it aside because I was so bored with the chapters of Sophie whining about how she was "protecting" Naomi, a person who right from page one seemed to dislike Sophie.
For starters it could have been a lot shorter if one cut out all of the irrelevant bits. Endless pages of hints to the past and the love hate relationship between Sophie and Naomi. Never understanding for even a moment why these two people ever became "friends" or rather frienemies.
Sophie is described as insecure but her behavior suggests her to be a classic narcissist and hedonist. She lives only to feed her own desires and cares not one whit how it affects ANYONE around her. She's a tornado that never once pauses in its path of destruction. She is guilty of murder but not once does she take responsibility for her impulsive decision. Instead she blames Naomi for being a loud and irresponsible drunk. It's clearly written that she swerved intentionally to kill the young man AFTER looking directly into his eyes. I'm sorry but how exactly is Naomi responsible?
Naomi goes from manipulated victim to a self pitying drunk. She completely lacks any ambition to stand up to Sophie and point out that SHE [Naomi] did NOT kill anyone. As for her "rape" her memory seems to suggest that perhaps it was more the poor decision of young drunk woman. She admits to herself that she never once told him no. Rohypnol, from everything I've read, renders its victim nearly paralyzed and often unable to remember any of the events during an attack. I wasn't convinced she was raped.
Naomi's unraveling was overdone. I lost any of the sympathy I first felt for her when I thought she was burdened with an unpleasant person she'd known since college and had felt sorry for her. I personally would have bumped her ass to the curb long before.
By the time I was down to an hour and a half left of reading I had begun to scan the paragraphs for important bits just to get to the end. I was absolutely dying with boredom of every single character. When I finally reached the end I uttered an, "OMG!!! Are you kidding me? Geez o pete!" She and Charlie speak briefly before Naomi's final act and I was left wondering if he knew what she was planning and was on board with it. When I realized what she was doing I had already predicted what was in the trunk and knew that it would destroy her when she found out. All of this instead of going to the police and telling them what Sophie had revealed. No court would ever believe Sophie with all her erratic behavior, even Adam would have testified against her. The fact that she knew he'd been killed and then repaired the car and kept it locked up forever after would at the very least gotten her in trouble for disposing of and concealing evidence.
The epilogue only served to make things even worse. Naomi just becomes a wretched woman more guilty than Sophie ever was.
*and I could have done without the chapter of Harley's death and funeral, the only part of this story I could relate to but broke my heart and made me cry
I'm very sorry to the author but I will likely steer clear of future books. I definitely do not recommend this book to anyone.
As always thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me access to this ARC.
I cannot find words to express how much I did NOT like this book. I started reading it months ago and set it aside because I was so bored with the chapters of Sophie whining about how she was "protecting" Naomi, a person who right from page one seemed to dislike Sophie.
For starters it could have been a lot shorter if one cut out all of the irrelevant bits. Endless pages of hints to the past and the love hate relationship between Sophie and Naomi. Never understanding for even a moment why these two people ever became "friends" or rather frienemies.
Sophie is described as insecure but her behavior suggests her to be a classic narcissist and hedonist. She lives only to feed her own desires and cares not one whit how it affects ANYONE around her. She's a tornado that never once pauses in its path of destruction. She is guilty of murder but not once does she take responsibility for her impulsive decision. Instead she blames Naomi for being a loud and irresponsible drunk. It's clearly written that she swerved intentionally to kill the young man AFTER looking directly into his eyes. I'm sorry but how exactly is Naomi responsible?
Naomi goes from manipulated victim to a self pitying drunk. She completely lacks any ambition to stand up to Sophie and point out that SHE [Naomi] did NOT kill anyone. As for her "rape" her memory seems to suggest that perhaps it was more the poor decision of young drunk woman. She admits to herself that she never once told him no. Rohypnol, from everything I've read, renders its victim nearly paralyzed and often unable to remember any of the events during an attack. I wasn't convinced she was raped.
Naomi's unraveling was overdone. I lost any of the sympathy I first felt for her when I thought she was burdened with an unpleasant person she'd known since college and had felt sorry for her. I personally would have bumped her ass to the curb long before.
By the time I was down to an hour and a half left of reading I had begun to scan the paragraphs for important bits just to get to the end. I was absolutely dying with boredom of every single character. When I finally reached the end I uttered an, "OMG!!! Are you kidding me? Geez o pete!" She and Charlie speak briefly before Naomi's final act and I was left wondering if he knew what she was planning and was on board with it. When I realized what she was doing I had already predicted what was in the trunk and knew that it would destroy her when she found out. All of this instead of going to the police and telling them what Sophie had revealed. No court would ever believe Sophie with all her erratic behavior, even Adam would have testified against her. The fact that she knew he'd been killed and then repaired the car and kept it locked up forever after would at the very least gotten her in trouble for disposing of and concealing evidence.
The epilogue only served to make things even worse. Naomi just becomes a wretched woman more guilty than Sophie ever was.
*and I could have done without the chapter of Harley's death and funeral, the only part of this story I could relate to but broke my heart and made me cry
I'm very sorry to the author but I will likely steer clear of future books. I definitely do not recommend this book to anyone.
As always thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me access to this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2019
This book was a thrill ride and not what I was expecting at all!!! I loved the troubled character of Sophie and I look forward to more from this author!
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2019
I have no words.
That's the first thing that comes to mind when I think of how to begin a review of this book. I stayed up till 1.30am finishing it and all I was left with was a bad taste. That's how to best describe it. HER CLOSEST FRIEND was not the story I thought it would be and, having read LITTLE LIAR (which I really enjoyed), I was disappointed to say the least with this one.
The story is about Naomi and Sophie and their toxic friendship. They met in university some 20 odd years before and Naomi was immediately drawn to the ethereal Sophie. Why? I have no idea. She would have been someone I'd have avoided. However, the two are inseparable.
Then when something tragic happens Sophie covers it up to save her best friend. But Naomi has no recollection of that night. She had been terribly drunk, celebrating the end of university and her upcoming holiday to Thailand, throwing up in the backseat of Sophie's beloved Alfa Romeo Guilia. When snippets of the night begin to stab at Naomi's consciousness, she starts to wonder what was real and what was imagined.
But Sophie has never forgotten. And now the time has come to let Naomi know just how much she has sacrificed for her in the name of friendship. She has hidden the truth from Naomi for 20 years. But what truth is that? The one Sophie has concocted in her seriously unstable mind? Or the one what actually happened?
What follows is a story of these two seemingly inseparable friends and their unbreakable bond based on lies, deception, jealousy, selfishness that has been toxic from the start. Sadly, Naomi never sees the real Sophie until it is almost too late. And what does she do? She forgives her time and time again. I could have gladly smacked both women - Naomi for being so stupid and Sophie for being so selfish!
Then when Naomi does begin to see Sophie for what she is and tries to pull away, the toxicity comes to the surface as Sophie shows her true unstable colours revealing secrets from long ago and causing the downward spiral of them both. Why Naomi didn't just walk away before it got to the point it did is beyond me! Did she really need Sophie as much as Sophie needed her? Or did she really feel that she owed her? Honestly, you cannot spend 20 years owing someone THAT much! She may have been there when Naomi needed her, but boy, she never let her forget it either.
The climax leading up to the end was something I didn't see coming. It was depressing but appropriate. I was saddened that Naomi felt it had come to this (was there really any other way?) but Sophie's discovery in the Alfa's boot, I admit, was heartwrenching. And that's where it should have ended. The Epilogue titled "Many Years Later" was unnecessary and far too depressing. Given where Naomi was headed throughout the book, pushed to her limits, the epilogue was appropriate and relevant in a way, but I really think the book would have been far better without it. In fact I think I would have felt much better about the book and not as though I had wasted so much time reading it had it ended after the "newspaper article". That would have been a fitting ending. What it was made the whole sorry tale just a bit pointless.
HER CLOSEST FRIEND really did have potential to be an awesome story but, aside from the horrible toxic tale of these two women, the story was slow, there was endless repetition (the constant reference to Sophie and Dylan's eczema as if it were a terminal condition was nauseating), too many unlikeable characters and then the horrifying and cruel death of a beloved pet (which I do not appreciate and I always down-vote books that include such a horrific thing) made the whole thing unbearably long and unlikeable. Sadly, I saw that last part coming long before the book even got there. Really, Naomi was stupid to put up with selfish Sophie for so long.
I cannot say much more without giving the entire plot away because it really left me shaking my head in disbelief. Maybe I just don't get the whole concept behind this book but then again I don't know that I want to. It is just toxic. It's poisonous. It was creepy. The book was so toxic it left a bad taste and had me feeling somewhat disturbed...and not in a good way.
Despite my unfavourable review, I would like thank #ClareBoyd, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HerClosestFriend in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
That's the first thing that comes to mind when I think of how to begin a review of this book. I stayed up till 1.30am finishing it and all I was left with was a bad taste. That's how to best describe it. HER CLOSEST FRIEND was not the story I thought it would be and, having read LITTLE LIAR (which I really enjoyed), I was disappointed to say the least with this one.
The story is about Naomi and Sophie and their toxic friendship. They met in university some 20 odd years before and Naomi was immediately drawn to the ethereal Sophie. Why? I have no idea. She would have been someone I'd have avoided. However, the two are inseparable.
Then when something tragic happens Sophie covers it up to save her best friend. But Naomi has no recollection of that night. She had been terribly drunk, celebrating the end of university and her upcoming holiday to Thailand, throwing up in the backseat of Sophie's beloved Alfa Romeo Guilia. When snippets of the night begin to stab at Naomi's consciousness, she starts to wonder what was real and what was imagined.
But Sophie has never forgotten. And now the time has come to let Naomi know just how much she has sacrificed for her in the name of friendship. She has hidden the truth from Naomi for 20 years. But what truth is that? The one Sophie has concocted in her seriously unstable mind? Or the one what actually happened?
What follows is a story of these two seemingly inseparable friends and their unbreakable bond based on lies, deception, jealousy, selfishness that has been toxic from the start. Sadly, Naomi never sees the real Sophie until it is almost too late. And what does she do? She forgives her time and time again. I could have gladly smacked both women - Naomi for being so stupid and Sophie for being so selfish!
Then when Naomi does begin to see Sophie for what she is and tries to pull away, the toxicity comes to the surface as Sophie shows her true unstable colours revealing secrets from long ago and causing the downward spiral of them both. Why Naomi didn't just walk away before it got to the point it did is beyond me! Did she really need Sophie as much as Sophie needed her? Or did she really feel that she owed her? Honestly, you cannot spend 20 years owing someone THAT much! She may have been there when Naomi needed her, but boy, she never let her forget it either.
The climax leading up to the end was something I didn't see coming. It was depressing but appropriate. I was saddened that Naomi felt it had come to this (was there really any other way?) but Sophie's discovery in the Alfa's boot, I admit, was heartwrenching. And that's where it should have ended. The Epilogue titled "Many Years Later" was unnecessary and far too depressing. Given where Naomi was headed throughout the book, pushed to her limits, the epilogue was appropriate and relevant in a way, but I really think the book would have been far better without it. In fact I think I would have felt much better about the book and not as though I had wasted so much time reading it had it ended after the "newspaper article". That would have been a fitting ending. What it was made the whole sorry tale just a bit pointless.
HER CLOSEST FRIEND really did have potential to be an awesome story but, aside from the horrible toxic tale of these two women, the story was slow, there was endless repetition (the constant reference to Sophie and Dylan's eczema as if it were a terminal condition was nauseating), too many unlikeable characters and then the horrifying and cruel death of a beloved pet (which I do not appreciate and I always down-vote books that include such a horrific thing) made the whole thing unbearably long and unlikeable. Sadly, I saw that last part coming long before the book even got there. Really, Naomi was stupid to put up with selfish Sophie for so long.
I cannot say much more without giving the entire plot away because it really left me shaking my head in disbelief. Maybe I just don't get the whole concept behind this book but then again I don't know that I want to. It is just toxic. It's poisonous. It was creepy. The book was so toxic it left a bad taste and had me feeling somewhat disturbed...and not in a good way.
Despite my unfavourable review, I would like thank #ClareBoyd, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HerClosestFriend in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
March 17, 2019
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookoutre for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
After enjoying Clare Boyd`s previous books I could not wait to read Her Closest Friend.
Naomi and Sophie became best friends after meeting at Exeter University. Now in their forties the woman were still close and their friendship has widened to include husband's Charlie and Adam and their children.
When Adam first met Sophie he thought she was ethereal and a bit kooky. In fact Sophie`s childhood had been traumatic after her mother left her one morning leaving her with her alcoholic grandfather never to return. Sophie changed after the death of her grandfather and became difficult to live with. During their son Dylan`s eighth birthday Adam decided to tell Sophie he was going to leave her for another woman.
Naomi meanwhile had a perfect life married to Charlie, dog Harley and daughters Diana and Izzy. Naomi had her own successful blog page dealing in wine tasting.
After Adam left Sophie started to drink heavily and became bitter. Sophie held a terrible secret from Naomi from their university days. Alone Sophie felt jealous because the devastating secret stopped her reaching her full potential. Now that Sophie`s life had imploded she decided that Naomi should know the terrible truth.
When Sophie revealed her devastating secret Naomi`s happy life into meltdown and she started drinking heavily. When Naomi wanted to reveal their secret Sophie was horrified and said she would make her suffer. Sophie started playing mind games with Naomi such as deliberately losing Harley. When Naomi found out the truth she tried to pull away from the friendship, in turn Sophie took Diana and Izzy without her permission.
OMG Sophie was manipulative, truly a friend from hell. I felt annoyed by Naomi who went from ignoring Sophie one minute to forgiving her the next. It was interesting reading how Naomi reverted back to her old heavy drinking and smoking ways once she knew the truth. It showed that Naomi`s carefully structured life was just a facade.
I was drawn to Her Closest Friend from the first page. The story contained flashbacks to Sophie and Naomi`s time at university. The plot was fast paced and I couldn't help but worry what Sophie would do next. The conclusion of this book was completely unexpected but the epilogue was the cherry on the cake.
I recommend this dark read.
February 28, 2019
I enjoyed this book and raced through it to find out if Sophie and Naomi would remain friends.
Sophie knows something about the accident 20 years ago that is eating away at her, and doesn’t think it’s fair that Naomi lives her life oblivious to this.
They were both in the car but Naomi can’t remember much of what happened, until Sophie tells her.
We learn that Sophie is a manipulator and wants things her way so she puts a plan in place to get what she wants.
Children are part of their families but Sophie thinks nothing of bringing them into her games too.
I didn’t warm to either character and felt frustrated by both of them at times, however, the book has an addictive element which makes you want to know what happens.
This is a twisted story of friendship and shows how not to be as a friend!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Sophie knows something about the accident 20 years ago that is eating away at her, and doesn’t think it’s fair that Naomi lives her life oblivious to this.
They were both in the car but Naomi can’t remember much of what happened, until Sophie tells her.
We learn that Sophie is a manipulator and wants things her way so she puts a plan in place to get what she wants.
Children are part of their families but Sophie thinks nothing of bringing them into her games too.
I didn’t warm to either character and felt frustrated by both of them at times, however, the book has an addictive element which makes you want to know what happens.
This is a twisted story of friendship and shows how not to be as a friend!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
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