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Keep Your Friends Close
Darcy Hogan’s perfect life is all over social media. She’s beautiful, she’s successful, and she and her childhood sweetheart are about to become parents for the first time. But behind all the followers and the superficial likes lurks a darker truth…
In reality, Darcy feels isolated and afraid. Her difficult pregnancy has her confined to the house, she’s being harassed online, and out-of-control debt threatens to ruin everything she’s worked so hard for.
When her husband is summoned away on business, Darcy’s cabin fever soon spirals into fear. Who is making mysterious phone calls and knocking on her door? Is it an old friend trying to reach out—or a stranger determined to push in?
As her due date creeps closer, Darcy feels ever more certain that someone is out to get her. She’s desperate to get away—but is she running from the right person?
In reality, Darcy feels isolated and afraid. Her difficult pregnancy has her confined to the house, she’s being harassed online, and out-of-control debt threatens to ruin everything she’s worked so hard for.
When her husband is summoned away on business, Darcy’s cabin fever soon spirals into fear. Who is making mysterious phone calls and knocking on her door? Is it an old friend trying to reach out—or a stranger determined to push in?
As her due date creeps closer, Darcy feels ever more certain that someone is out to get her. She’s desperate to get away—but is she running from the right person?
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2020
641 people are currently reading
3229 people want to read
About the author
Janelle Harris
9 books217 followersJanelle Harris lives in Kildare, Ireland with her husband and young family. Janelle enjoys books that screw with your head and mess with your heart. She hopes her books offer her readers a taste of that world.
Janelle rarely checks Goodreads but she does love to chat, so if you would like to get in touch check out janellebrookeharris.com
Janelle rarely checks Goodreads but she does love to chat, so if you would like to get in touch check out janellebrookeharris.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
September 21, 2020
Luke and Darcy Hogan seem to have it all - they’ve been in love since school days, have a successful food business and a baby on the way. However, whilst making a television appearance Tina, a caller into the programme, says a number of strange things that leads to a car crash interview. Why is Darcy so unsettled? From this point on Darcy feels a growing sense of paranoia or is someone really out to get them and ruin the couples lives? The story is told from several perspectives from the present and back to school days at St Peters Boarding School.
There are aspects I really like in this easy read. The first half contains tension, some chill and Darcy’s unease is conveyed well. Tina’s personality comes across strongly though I think Darcy is way too naive to be completely believable. The storyline in the school where the roots of the issues begins is really good.
However, the switching of characters gets confusing, the ‘big twist’ is very obvious from about half way through and the final part is too much of a stretch for me.
Overall, a mixed read though I appreciate other readers may enjoy the twists more than I did. It’s a quick read and mostly enjoyable.
With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon for the ARC for an honest review.
There are aspects I really like in this easy read. The first half contains tension, some chill and Darcy’s unease is conveyed well. Tina’s personality comes across strongly though I think Darcy is way too naive to be completely believable. The storyline in the school where the roots of the issues begins is really good.
However, the switching of characters gets confusing, the ‘big twist’ is very obvious from about half way through and the final part is too much of a stretch for me.
Overall, a mixed read though I appreciate other readers may enjoy the twists more than I did. It’s a quick read and mostly enjoyable.
With thanks to NetGalley and Amazon for the ARC for an honest review.
September 7, 2020
Janelle Harris is a new author for me but I really enjoyed this read, finishing it in less than a day. Gripped me from the start and couldn't put it down.
Life is wonderful for Darcy Hogan, she good looking, successful and married to her childhood boyfriend and expecting their first child. Life just couldn't be any better. The problem is behind the glamorous front Darcy is suffering. She is having a difficult pregnancy and is confined to the house for large periods of time as well as being harassed on line. Their dept is spiralling out of control and everything they have worked so hard for is threatened. As the birth of their child gets closer Darcy is sure that someone is out to get her and ruin her life.
Really good characters and a plot that will have you frantically turning pages to find out what is going to happen. Pretty sure I am going to read a lot more by Janelle Harris.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Life is wonderful for Darcy Hogan, she good looking, successful and married to her childhood boyfriend and expecting their first child. Life just couldn't be any better. The problem is behind the glamorous front Darcy is suffering. She is having a difficult pregnancy and is confined to the house for large periods of time as well as being harassed on line. Their dept is spiralling out of control and everything they have worked so hard for is threatened. As the birth of their child gets closer Darcy is sure that someone is out to get her and ruin her life.
Really good characters and a plot that will have you frantically turning pages to find out what is going to happen. Pretty sure I am going to read a lot more by Janelle Harris.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2020
An interesting read that is somewhat hard to rate. Like several other books I’ve read lately (including the very fun “Girl Gone Mad” which may have set a high bar for this one), this book is about a group of adult women who first met as girls in prep school. Some of the narration focuses on past “mean girl” events at the school, while the rest of the book focuses on one of the girls, Darcy, now a successful adult married to Kyle. One of the girls from her school, Gillian, disappeared in school, but has now reappeared as her neighbor.
This was an interesting premise but tended a little more in the beginning to lean towards the soapy domestic drama story more so than the crime thriller I prefer. Also I found the multiple narrators in different time periods a bit hard to tell apart, and many of their stories repeated eachother. But by the second half to the last third of the book, things picked up considerably and became much more ominous and scary until ultimately the book finished strong.
Overall I would give this book a pretty solid 3.5. If you like books that are more domestic in tone you’ll probably like this one. I decided to round up the rating because I thought the ending was quite strong. I will check out other more traditional thriller type books from this author because I really like how she writes.
3.5 stars and available October 6!
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for the advance copy!
This was an interesting premise but tended a little more in the beginning to lean towards the soapy domestic drama story more so than the crime thriller I prefer. Also I found the multiple narrators in different time periods a bit hard to tell apart, and many of their stories repeated eachother. But by the second half to the last third of the book, things picked up considerably and became much more ominous and scary until ultimately the book finished strong.
Overall I would give this book a pretty solid 3.5. If you like books that are more domestic in tone you’ll probably like this one. I decided to round up the rating because I thought the ending was quite strong. I will check out other more traditional thriller type books from this author because I really like how she writes.
3.5 stars and available October 6!
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for the advance copy!
October 7, 2020
So...not my favorite.
While this is a relatively quick read, I didn't find myself particularly entertained. Everything was too obvious...from very early on in the story. Darcy seemed to choose to willful ignorance, which is never a great character trait, and the ending was over-the-top.
Probably wouldn't recommend this one.
Available now.
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my review copy.
While this is a relatively quick read, I didn't find myself particularly entertained. Everything was too obvious...from very early on in the story. Darcy seemed to choose to willful ignorance, which is never a great character trait, and the ending was over-the-top.
Probably wouldn't recommend this one.
Available now.
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for my review copy.
August 31, 2020
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: October 6, 2020
Darcy Hogan is a rising star, her vegan cooking business has launched her into the realm of internet celebrity. Along with her husband, the two are ecstatic when they receive the news that a very influential (and uber rich) investor is interested in their business. But Darcy is distracted by her high-risk pregnancy, stuck inside on doctor-mandated bed rest. When strange things begin happening in her home, she knows for certain she is being spied on. Although her husband and those closest to her are convinced she’s just stressed, Darcy knows that her life (and her child’s life) are in danger. Soon, everyone in her life is a suspect and when she realizes that her husband has been keeping secrets from her, Darcy is left with no one to trust- and nowhere to run.
Janelle Harris is an Irish author, who has three published novels under her belt, all known for their intense levels of psychological suspense. “Keep Your Friends Close” is the first novel I’ve read by Ms. Harris, so I’m going in as a complete newbie.
The story is narrated by Darcy, and by Darcy’s “two friends” (quotes to avoid spoilers) , Gillian and Tina. Most of the story takes place in the modern day, however there are a few paragraphs that detail the past shared by the three women, in their days of boarding school living. All the characters are relatable and genuine, and there is just enough oomph in their personalities to pull me in and keep me addicted to the outcome.
I am well-read in this genre, so the novel’s plot was predictable for me, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t an enjoyable ride getting there! Although I saw the ending coming, I was still excited to find out the outcome, and was satisfied when just desserts was dished out.
“Keep Your Friends Close” is intriguing and interesting, and it definitely has put Janelle Harris on my radar.
Expected publication date: October 6, 2020
Darcy Hogan is a rising star, her vegan cooking business has launched her into the realm of internet celebrity. Along with her husband, the two are ecstatic when they receive the news that a very influential (and uber rich) investor is interested in their business. But Darcy is distracted by her high-risk pregnancy, stuck inside on doctor-mandated bed rest. When strange things begin happening in her home, she knows for certain she is being spied on. Although her husband and those closest to her are convinced she’s just stressed, Darcy knows that her life (and her child’s life) are in danger. Soon, everyone in her life is a suspect and when she realizes that her husband has been keeping secrets from her, Darcy is left with no one to trust- and nowhere to run.
Janelle Harris is an Irish author, who has three published novels under her belt, all known for their intense levels of psychological suspense. “Keep Your Friends Close” is the first novel I’ve read by Ms. Harris, so I’m going in as a complete newbie.
The story is narrated by Darcy, and by Darcy’s “two friends” (quotes to avoid spoilers) , Gillian and Tina. Most of the story takes place in the modern day, however there are a few paragraphs that detail the past shared by the three women, in their days of boarding school living. All the characters are relatable and genuine, and there is just enough oomph in their personalities to pull me in and keep me addicted to the outcome.
I am well-read in this genre, so the novel’s plot was predictable for me, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t an enjoyable ride getting there! Although I saw the ending coming, I was still excited to find out the outcome, and was satisfied when just desserts was dished out.
“Keep Your Friends Close” is intriguing and interesting, and it definitely has put Janelle Harris on my radar.
September 5, 2020
I devoured this book in a few great hours and really recommend it for those that enjoy drama with a psychological element. A really solid book from Janelle Harris.
Darcy is our central character in this novel and in a vulnerable time in her life. All seems well until unusual events start to happy around her and to her and the questions of what is going on are raised. The book keeps you hooked as like Darcy you too want to know answers. The reveals are great!
Very well written and a book you can hook into from page one to the last page. Just settle in with this one. I found the characters really well done and could really pick up on the vibes of Darcy as a range of emotions impact her. I think good books need to have you wanting more in the next chapter and this certainly delivered on that.
A recommended book for sure, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would like to read more from this author. An author to watch in my humble opinion. Released on October 6th, 2020.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy. All reviews are my own and totally unbiased.
Darcy is our central character in this novel and in a vulnerable time in her life. All seems well until unusual events start to happy around her and to her and the questions of what is going on are raised. The book keeps you hooked as like Darcy you too want to know answers. The reveals are great!
Very well written and a book you can hook into from page one to the last page. Just settle in with this one. I found the characters really well done and could really pick up on the vibes of Darcy as a range of emotions impact her. I think good books need to have you wanting more in the next chapter and this certainly delivered on that.
A recommended book for sure, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would like to read more from this author. An author to watch in my humble opinion. Released on October 6th, 2020.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy. All reviews are my own and totally unbiased.
August 19, 2020
Darcy and Luke Hogan have the perfect life. They have a lovely home, they both run Darcy’s Dishes - a vegan ready meal enterprise that is soon due to expand significantly and they are expecting their first baby. Darcy has been taking a bit of a back seat lately though as she has been quite sick throughout her pregnancy, this all becomes horribly relevant later. However, when an old school friend appears out of the blue and starts to insert herself in their lives things start to go sideways for Darcy and Luke.
Reading this was a bit like watching one of those horror movies where you yell at the screen “get out of the house”. But of course that doesn’t happen - not in the movies (or there wouldn’t be any horror) or in this book. The story is presented from a number of perspectives and in two timelines 1999/2000 and 2019 and the clues are all there in the past. While I’m sure many readers will love this, the book didn’t grab me. I’ve read too many that start with X and Y have a perfect life until...it’s getting a little old. Also, it was obvious to me what was going on right from the start so there was no element of surprise and no twist for me although the author did try to provide these. I also thought all the characters, apart from the villain, were so incredibly gullible. Parts of the story relating to the business just didn’t ring true.
Having said all that, I did find the second half was quite readable and I did want to know how it all finished. It was quite a good story which kept me reading and I do think a lot of readers will enjoy it. Thanks to Netgalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Janelle a Harris for providing this copy in exchange for an unbiased review. 2.5 stars rounded up.
Reading this was a bit like watching one of those horror movies where you yell at the screen “get out of the house”. But of course that doesn’t happen - not in the movies (or there wouldn’t be any horror) or in this book. The story is presented from a number of perspectives and in two timelines 1999/2000 and 2019 and the clues are all there in the past. While I’m sure many readers will love this, the book didn’t grab me. I’ve read too many that start with X and Y have a perfect life until...it’s getting a little old. Also, it was obvious to me what was going on right from the start so there was no element of surprise and no twist for me although the author did try to provide these. I also thought all the characters, apart from the villain, were so incredibly gullible. Parts of the story relating to the business just didn’t ring true.
Having said all that, I did find the second half was quite readable and I did want to know how it all finished. It was quite a good story which kept me reading and I do think a lot of readers will enjoy it. Thanks to Netgalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Janelle a Harris for providing this copy in exchange for an unbiased review. 2.5 stars rounded up.
September 11, 2020
Darcy Hogan is a beautiful , successful business woman expecting her first child with her childhood sweetheart. Things couldn’t be better for her but the reality is just the opposite . A difficult pregnancy , out of control debts and with someone harassing her online Darcy fears it's just a matter of time before everything she’s worked so hard for is destroyed
Keep Your Friends Close by Janelle Harris is an entertaining psychological thriller. The chapters alternate between the past and present with different POV’s in this well written, tightly plotted story that had me captivated from the first page itself
I would like to thank Amazon Publishing UK & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Keep Your Friends Close by Janelle Harris is an entertaining psychological thriller. The chapters alternate between the past and present with different POV’s in this well written, tightly plotted story that had me captivated from the first page itself
I would like to thank Amazon Publishing UK & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
November 8, 2020
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
This a wonderfully twisted story of friendship, family, deception and revenge. The timeline alternates from June 2019 in Ireland and September 1998. This provides background and history which describes the development of the characters. Darcy Hogan is 7 months pregnant who finally agrees to be interviewed on Good Morning Ireland after receiving Businesswoman of the Year. The talk show host Lindsay St Clare is a an ambitious reporter who is delighted to have Darcy appear even if it’s to advertise her latest cookbook Darcy’s Dishes. The interview abruptly goes awry when a caller begins to ask inappropriate personal questions on air.
Darcy suffers with hyperemesis gravidarum during this pregnancy resulting in her being hospitalized and unable to manage the helm of her company. As her business begins to fail they make attempts to secure funding from outside investors. They feel relief when Andrew Buckley, a local hotel owner, expresses an interest in providing them the capital they desperately need. Just as their dreams seem to slip away when he is murdered, his long “lost” daughter Gillian Buckley appears and agrees to make good on her father’s financial arrangement.
Her husband Luke is supportive and protective of her but almost to the extreme. Bizarre and unusual events start occurring which had Darcy on edge only to have Luke and others dismiss her concerns. When her beloved dog Jinx becomes sick and found unconscious Darcy’s paranoia soars. Things in the house seem to be misplaced or missing and strange noises that Luke attributes to her imagination.
Was it really a coincidence that Gillian appears after she apparently ran away almost 20 years prior and presumed dead? Darcy begins to annoy me with her naïveté at this point although it’s hard to fault her when everyone else seems to dismiss her worries. There is another story being told along the way to add drama and mystery as the two eventually collide. I found that I could predict a likely ending but probably because I’ve read a zillion books in this genre. It was hard to put down!
This a wonderfully twisted story of friendship, family, deception and revenge. The timeline alternates from June 2019 in Ireland and September 1998. This provides background and history which describes the development of the characters. Darcy Hogan is 7 months pregnant who finally agrees to be interviewed on Good Morning Ireland after receiving Businesswoman of the Year. The talk show host Lindsay St Clare is a an ambitious reporter who is delighted to have Darcy appear even if it’s to advertise her latest cookbook Darcy’s Dishes. The interview abruptly goes awry when a caller begins to ask inappropriate personal questions on air.
Darcy suffers with hyperemesis gravidarum during this pregnancy resulting in her being hospitalized and unable to manage the helm of her company. As her business begins to fail they make attempts to secure funding from outside investors. They feel relief when Andrew Buckley, a local hotel owner, expresses an interest in providing them the capital they desperately need. Just as their dreams seem to slip away when he is murdered, his long “lost” daughter Gillian Buckley appears and agrees to make good on her father’s financial arrangement.
Her husband Luke is supportive and protective of her but almost to the extreme. Bizarre and unusual events start occurring which had Darcy on edge only to have Luke and others dismiss her concerns. When her beloved dog Jinx becomes sick and found unconscious Darcy’s paranoia soars. Things in the house seem to be misplaced or missing and strange noises that Luke attributes to her imagination.
Was it really a coincidence that Gillian appears after she apparently ran away almost 20 years prior and presumed dead? Darcy begins to annoy me with her naïveté at this point although it’s hard to fault her when everyone else seems to dismiss her worries. There is another story being told along the way to add drama and mystery as the two eventually collide. I found that I could predict a likely ending but probably because I’ve read a zillion books in this genre. It was hard to put down!
December 11, 2020
I found, Keep Your Friends Close a bit long winded. The middle and the past parts were really good. But, then there were parts that just didn’t make sense. A few tweaks here or there would maybe give this a higher star rating.
October 19, 2020
What an entertaining thriller! I read this one quite quickly, even after I had my suspicions about the plot and where it was headed. Darcy runs her own business with her husband Luke. She is having a difficult pregnancy, and has an online presence harassing her. Enter in a new neighbor who wants to "help" and you have a great plot that keeps you guessing!
Alternating points of view, and time, it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the finale.
If you love mysteries, thrillers, plot twists, this is a great quick read!
Thankful for the ARC
Alternating points of view, and time, it keeps you on the edge of your seat until the finale.
If you love mysteries, thrillers, plot twists, this is a great quick read!
Thankful for the ARC
August 7, 2020
I have just finished reading this book and all I can say is wow what an utterly brilliant read this was. I just love a book that messes with your head, a book that you have no idea what is going to happen next and with this book I got all that. From the first page this book had me hooked and I just wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. For fans of psychological thrillers this book is a must read. 5⭐️
November 13, 2020
Darcy and Luke Hogan were high school sweethearts, they got married & are now owners of Darcy’s Dishes, a vegan meal business. Things are a bit stressful as they are expecting the birth of their first child, their company’s financial issues, and a blast from the past that wrecks havoc. Darcy is having a difficult pregnancy which keeps her home, while Luke a doting husband runs the business. Tina, a classmate from St. Peter’s, was an outcast but was befriended by Darcy & begins her obsession with Darcy! Now out of the blue, an unemployed Tina seeks Darcy demanding a job but to no avail she then disguises as Gillian Buckley, the investor’s daughter. “Gillian” moves next door to the Hogan’s and becomes chummy with Rose & Polly, friends of Darcy’s. Turns out she is crazy! This was a slow burn with multiple POVs and a lot of turns which didn’t quite gel or seem realistic, sadly I did not feel a connection with any of the characters. Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for a gifted copy. This is my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2020
This is a gripping psychological thriller that well and truly had me hooked.
Darcy and Luke seem to have a great life together - a successful business, a lovely home and a baby on the way. However, behind the scenes they are struggling financially and Darcy is becoming more and more worried.
She’s also having a difficult pregnancy and having to spend a lot of the time at home and starts to become paranoid.
Luke tries to look after her but with the worry of the business he begins to hide things from Darcy, which makes her worry more.
There’s someone from their past that makes an entrance into their lives, but is she there to help or hinder them?
I did guess what was happening, but the final few chapters took me by surprise and I loved the ending.
Thus is a great read.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Darcy and Luke seem to have a great life together - a successful business, a lovely home and a baby on the way. However, behind the scenes they are struggling financially and Darcy is becoming more and more worried.
She’s also having a difficult pregnancy and having to spend a lot of the time at home and starts to become paranoid.
Luke tries to look after her but with the worry of the business he begins to hide things from Darcy, which makes her worry more.
There’s someone from their past that makes an entrance into their lives, but is she there to help or hinder them?
I did guess what was happening, but the final few chapters took me by surprise and I loved the ending.
Thus is a great read.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
September 20, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Keep Your Friends Close
This book is a Psychological Thriller. This was a very quick read. It kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going on. It’s well written and plot is excellent. It flips back and forth between characters in the book and time frames. It’s easy to keep track of though so it doesn’t complicate the reading.
.
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Darcy is pregnant and is married to Luke. They own a business called Darcy’s Dishes and it’s dangerously close to falling apart. Gillian is a runaway teenager who is suddenly back and she’s the daughter an investor, Andrew, that wants to save Darcy’s business who suddenly dies. Tina is an old boarding school girl who latches onto Darcy and becomes obsessed with her and her life. Strange things begin happening from the start with Darcy. Not sure who it is has Darcy feeling trapped and isolated with being pregnant and on rest from work.
.
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I did struggle to like Luke in the book. A man who is condescending, patronizing, and doesn’t listen makes me want to slap the snot out of him but it’s definitely needed in this story for the plot to work.
Keep Your Friends Close
This book is a Psychological Thriller. This was a very quick read. It kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going on. It’s well written and plot is excellent. It flips back and forth between characters in the book and time frames. It’s easy to keep track of though so it doesn’t complicate the reading.
.
.
Darcy is pregnant and is married to Luke. They own a business called Darcy’s Dishes and it’s dangerously close to falling apart. Gillian is a runaway teenager who is suddenly back and she’s the daughter an investor, Andrew, that wants to save Darcy’s business who suddenly dies. Tina is an old boarding school girl who latches onto Darcy and becomes obsessed with her and her life. Strange things begin happening from the start with Darcy. Not sure who it is has Darcy feeling trapped and isolated with being pregnant and on rest from work.
.
.
I did struggle to like Luke in the book. A man who is condescending, patronizing, and doesn’t listen makes me want to slap the snot out of him but it’s definitely needed in this story for the plot to work.
September 2, 2020
Keep Your Friends Close was a fast paced, psychological thriller that quickly pulled me in. Darcy Hogan is an entrepreneur who, alongside her husband, runs a vegan meal company. During a television interview to discuss hyperemesis gravidarum, a mysterious caller questions Darcy about her past. Darcy, Tina, and Gillian alternate telling the story from their own perspectives, and frequently flash back to the past to give background information. As the book progresses, perceived wrongs from that time are revealed and impact the present.
There were a few incidences that were a bit far fetched-such as why Darcy doesn't remember anyone from her school days-but overall, Keep Your Friends Close was very enjoyable. I found myself looking forward to the next time I could pick up my e-reader! I love a suspense book that keeps me guessing, and I found that with this book. I will be putting Janelle Harris on my "to-read" list and recommend this book to all of my friends who love a good thriller.
There were a few incidences that were a bit far fetched-such as why Darcy doesn't remember anyone from her school days-but overall, Keep Your Friends Close was very enjoyable. I found myself looking forward to the next time I could pick up my e-reader! I love a suspense book that keeps me guessing, and I found that with this book. I will be putting Janelle Harris on my "to-read" list and recommend this book to all of my friends who love a good thriller.
August 9, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
This was a heck of a psychological thriller...very tense, especially towards the end; I read way too late!
Darcy Hogan's life is just about perfect: she's a successful business woman, married to her longtime love and heavily pregnant. When she is on a popular tv show being interviewed, a nasty call comes in from a voice of the past. The book features three pov's: Darcy, Gillian and Tina. They all went to the same fancy private school where bullying was one of the sports played. Twenty years later, it seems to be payback time...
This won't be my last Janelle Harris book, I really enjoyed it! Definitely recommended.
This was a heck of a psychological thriller...very tense, especially towards the end; I read way too late!
Darcy Hogan's life is just about perfect: she's a successful business woman, married to her longtime love and heavily pregnant. When she is on a popular tv show being interviewed, a nasty call comes in from a voice of the past. The book features three pov's: Darcy, Gillian and Tina. They all went to the same fancy private school where bullying was one of the sports played. Twenty years later, it seems to be payback time...
This won't be my last Janelle Harris book, I really enjoyed it! Definitely recommended.
October 3, 2020
Darcy and Luke were childhood sweethearts, twenty years later they are now married, run a successful vegan food business called Darcy's Dishes and are soon to become parents to their first child. But things aren't as perfect as they seem to the outside world, her pregnancy isn't going well, debts are mounting up which are threatening all the hard work she's put into building up the business and when an old classmate makes a reappearance in their lives, things spiral out of control...
The story begins back in 2000 with a report of a missing schoolgirl, we then fast forward 19 years to the present day and meet Darcy and Luke, who are appearing on a breakfast show to promote their business, whilst on the show a random caller rings in claiming to be an old friend of theirs, Darcy brushes it off but is there more to this person than she's willing to talk about?
The book is told from three perspectives; Darcy, Tina and Gillian and switches back and forth between their school days and the present day. This is a fast paced psychological thriller which is tense, full of suspense and kept me second guessing throughout. The plot, characters and twists are well written, which makes it an easy read and very hard to put down. It's a tale of obsession, jealousy and revenge and shrouded in mystery. This is the second book I've read by this author and have two others on my kindle waiting to be read. If you like a book that grips you from beginning to end and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next, then this is one for you.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for the auto approval. I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
The story begins back in 2000 with a report of a missing schoolgirl, we then fast forward 19 years to the present day and meet Darcy and Luke, who are appearing on a breakfast show to promote their business, whilst on the show a random caller rings in claiming to be an old friend of theirs, Darcy brushes it off but is there more to this person than she's willing to talk about?
The book is told from three perspectives; Darcy, Tina and Gillian and switches back and forth between their school days and the present day. This is a fast paced psychological thriller which is tense, full of suspense and kept me second guessing throughout. The plot, characters and twists are well written, which makes it an easy read and very hard to put down. It's a tale of obsession, jealousy and revenge and shrouded in mystery. This is the second book I've read by this author and have two others on my kindle waiting to be read. If you like a book that grips you from beginning to end and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next, then this is one for you.
Thank you to Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for the auto approval. I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
October 2, 2020
Q: Do you agree with the old saying, "Keep your friends close & your enemies closer." I agree to a certain point I guess, because if I don't like someone, I have a really hard time w/ keeping a poker face when that person is around & tend to just ignore them completely or kill them w/ kindness, so to speak. But I'm not sure sure how close I would want to be w/ any enemy of mine.
'Keep Your Enemies Close' is a dual-narrated, psychological suspense/thriller by the author of 'Under Lying', 'See Me Not' & 'No Kiss Goodbye'...3 books I will surely be checking out because I loved this one so much! Darcy's whole story is pretty fascinating & held my interest throughout the entire book. The book is fast-paced, expertly plotted, easy to follow timelines/narration, gripping & twisty. I would highly recommend this book to any suspense/mystery/thriller lover, & even if you manage to figure stuff out, it is still an entertaining & quite enjoyable read!
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Look for 'Keep Your Enemies Close' on Tues, 10/6, at your local indie bookstore or online wherever books are sold. See my IG page (@mom_loves_reading) for post photo & more.
'Keep Your Enemies Close' is a dual-narrated, psychological suspense/thriller by the author of 'Under Lying', 'See Me Not' & 'No Kiss Goodbye'...3 books I will surely be checking out because I loved this one so much! Darcy's whole story is pretty fascinating & held my interest throughout the entire book. The book is fast-paced, expertly plotted, easy to follow timelines/narration, gripping & twisty. I would highly recommend this book to any suspense/mystery/thriller lover, & even if you manage to figure stuff out, it is still an entertaining & quite enjoyable read!
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Look for 'Keep Your Enemies Close' on Tues, 10/6, at your local indie bookstore or online wherever books are sold. See my IG page (@mom_loves_reading) for post photo & more.
June 6, 2024
DNF because it was stupidly unbelievable! Really, an entire school of kids and faculty conspired to allow one child to be never endingly bullied and scape goated for years in the person of Tina? Hey I've been an outsider all my life (raised 'military brat'). And yes I know there are victims, but there are also conscious people who stand up and state when situations are wrong. Too rarely are they adults or institutions, but complex, 3D characters are real. This story of ungrown, self centered losers from the 'in' to the 'out' cliques was so overstated and pointless, I couldn't bother to finish! I gave up mid chapter 37 of 55. Couldn't tolerate the flat characters nor an obvious plot of betrayal and revenge. So very high school while alas, I've grown up.
October 13, 2020
This story is told from three peoples points of view and told over two timelines, the past and the present. It was a little confusing at the start but then once it became clear what was happening and the action picked up I couldn't put it down until I had finished it.
There are a few things that I thought were too far fetched but if you can dismiss them then the book is quite enjoyable.
If you are looking for a quick, somewhat creepy psychological thriller then this one will fill the spot.
Thanks to Netgalley, Janelle Harris and Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are a few things that I thought were too far fetched but if you can dismiss them then the book is quite enjoyable.
If you are looking for a quick, somewhat creepy psychological thriller then this one will fill the spot.
Thanks to Netgalley, Janelle Harris and Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
November 11, 2020This thriller was fantastic! I highly recommend it. When I first started reading this book I was intrigued. And I liked how the narrator switches back and forth from a time about twenty years back when the main character Darcy Hogan. She married her high sweetheart. Together they started a very profitable business manufacturing vegan food. Darcy goes on the local morning TV show to talk about her product and answer questions called by viewers. All goes well until she receives a vicious call. Not long after Darcy who is pregnant begins being stalked. I don't want to give too much away but this is an edge of your chair suspense. At times, it got confusing to me but with so many twists and turns and surprises I really enjoyed it. This is the first book by Janelle Harris I've read but I definitely want to read more. Check it out for a great read!
December 12, 2020
Luke and Darcy had it all with successful business and family. Darcy was pregnant too. Things were moving smoothly until a caller, Tina, on Darcy's television appearance asked a few questions which led to her losing her chilled appearance. From then on, DArcy had to deal with the feeling that someone was out to get her.
Told in multiple POV and in dual timelines, the first half was fine, but the second half felt a bit disjointed to me. I liked the comfort of knowing where the story was going and at the same time, I wanted the twists to shock me.
Overall, a good mystery.
Told in multiple POV and in dual timelines, the first half was fine, but the second half felt a bit disjointed to me. I liked the comfort of knowing where the story was going and at the same time, I wanted the twists to shock me.
Overall, a good mystery.
January 14, 2021
Just your average thriller with nothing special standing out to me. It was an effortless and fast read, but not because I was hanging on every word. Most of this book was too easy to figure out (been there, read that). The main character, Darcy, was obtuse. She didn't look into or question anything which was not only frustrating, it just made no sense to me that someone would behave in that way. The ending went way out there and then tied up quickly, leaving me feeling blah about the whole experience.
Sorry, won't be recommending this one.
Sorry, won't be recommending this one.
September 22, 2020
Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. Nothing could be more true than that for this book.
Darcy seems to be living a perfect life, she is married to her high school sweetheart, a baby on the way, and together (but mostly Darcy) they have created a successful company. But all isn't as perfect as it seems, the company is in trouble and Darcy is afraid of losing not only her company but her sense of self. She is also having issues with her pregnancy. When Darcy appears on a TV show that allows viewers to call in their questions she gets spooked by a call from her old schoolmate Tina. The call sets a serious of events in motion that lead to Darcy questioning her husband, her friends, and the newcomer in her life.
This book was extremely predictable to me, how the main character Darcy didn't notice it is beyond me. She seems like a flimsy person, I don't like her. Nor did I like the Tina character. I understand how this book is supposed to make you question who's who and does what, but I think the chapters from different characters take away from the suspense. I realised right from the get-go what was going on and I am sure I won't be the only one. Although the suspense was gone for me I did enjoy reading this book, it is an easy read and entertaining even when you know what is about to happen.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
Darcy seems to be living a perfect life, she is married to her high school sweetheart, a baby on the way, and together (but mostly Darcy) they have created a successful company. But all isn't as perfect as it seems, the company is in trouble and Darcy is afraid of losing not only her company but her sense of self. She is also having issues with her pregnancy. When Darcy appears on a TV show that allows viewers to call in their questions she gets spooked by a call from her old schoolmate Tina. The call sets a serious of events in motion that lead to Darcy questioning her husband, her friends, and the newcomer in her life.
This book was extremely predictable to me, how the main character Darcy didn't notice it is beyond me. She seems like a flimsy person, I don't like her. Nor did I like the Tina character. I understand how this book is supposed to make you question who's who and does what, but I think the chapters from different characters take away from the suspense. I realised right from the get-go what was going on and I am sure I won't be the only one. Although the suspense was gone for me I did enjoy reading this book, it is an easy read and entertaining even when you know what is about to happen.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
September 24, 2020
Thank you to Amazon and NetGalley for allowing me to read the ARC for an honest reivew.
This was my first Janelle Harris she was a new author to me so I was excited to read.
I started reading really quickly as I got so involved in the story and was telling my colleagues and the people I read with about this new book I couldn't put down.
Until about half way through I guessed the ending and the twists that were coming and I don't think I will be the only one that will be let down in that sense.
It was gripping nice easy read and kept me wanting more just shame I predicted the ending in my head. Maybe I have read too many of the same style.
I would recommend the book to people that like this type of story and those that don't try and suss where its going unlike my mind... it's not terrible just felt the ending could be more woah!
I enjoyed how it was written and kept me reading it, I like Luke and Darcy and HATED Tina what a crazy bitch!! ahaha! Actually thought WTF!
So it was nice that the epilogue they all got the happy ending.
This was my first Janelle Harris she was a new author to me so I was excited to read.
I started reading really quickly as I got so involved in the story and was telling my colleagues and the people I read with about this new book I couldn't put down.
Until about half way through I guessed the ending and the twists that were coming and I don't think I will be the only one that will be let down in that sense.
It was gripping nice easy read and kept me wanting more just shame I predicted the ending in my head. Maybe I have read too many of the same style.
I would recommend the book to people that like this type of story and those that don't try and suss where its going unlike my mind... it's not terrible just felt the ending could be more woah!
I enjoyed how it was written and kept me reading it, I like Luke and Darcy and HATED Tina what a crazy bitch!! ahaha! Actually thought WTF!
So it was nice that the epilogue they all got the happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2020
Enexpected Ending and an absolute page turner!!
January 14, 2021
3/5 ⭐
It was good in the beginning and then kinda fell flat around the halfway mark
It was good in the beginning and then kinda fell flat around the halfway mark
May 6, 2021
A really enjoyable gripping read ! A read that has you gripped from the first page to the last! Very cleverly written by the author switching from past to present and from different characters POV I will definitely read more by this author
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon UK for the arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon UK for the arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 20, 2020
⭐⭐⭐ Read for me, folks!
Keep Your Friends Close is an adult, multi-POV thriller about the consequences of our past, and how even the best of intentions can sow seeds of madness under the wrong circumstances.
Darcy Hogan and her husband, Luke, were childhood sweethearts; popular, beautiful, and sure to be successful. If you looked at them from the outside twenty years later, you would say that this was true—but nothing is ever what it seems on the internet. Their company is on the verge of bankruptcy and with Darcy heavily pregnant, their image and sales are taking heavy tolls. In order to bring some new buzz to the business, Darcy agrees to go on a famous talk show to promote their brand. But when a mysterious caller outs their situation on live TV, Darcy, sick and paranoid already, can't explain the gut-wrenching feeling that something is going to go terribly wrong. And worse, Luke doesn't seem to believe her.
We hit all the key points of a thriller, with a nice twist of being able to see into the mind of the villain and catch glimpses of their past. The narration flipped back and forth between past and present, giving insight on not just the situations that created our antagonist, but what was going on in their mind at the time and how they fell so far into insanity. Personally, I love being able to delve deeply into the backstory of the bad guy. It brings a depth and understanding — and even better, a touch of fear if the formula proves true.
Darcy was an interesting POV for me. I found her simpering at times. Definitely a bit airheaded. I wasn't enjoying her for the first half of the book, but her POV moved the plot forward the most and so I also often couldn't wait to get back to it. By the last third, we find her backbone, we find her intelligence, and I can only wish we'd gotten to see more of her earlier.
This story is going to be familiar to most thriller readers. There is not a lot in terms of deviation from the usual story beats, and an unfortunate lack of red-herrings or actual mystery. It left the tension lacking, as really we were just waiting for Darcy to figure out what we know going in and it...well, you'll find out. It wasn't my favorite reveal.
I was fascinated by the antagonist in general terms as they seemed to just always have the knack for obsession and violence, it wasn't so much *created* by circumstance as we often see. Or at least, it wasn't anything we get to witness ourselves. Those people are almost scarier in my opinion.
It was a smooth ride from start to finish even with the POV switching and the time skips back and forth, but it didn't blow me away. But if you enjoy fast-paced, close-to-the-vest thrillers you'll wanna snag this when it hits the shelves 06 Oct 2020.
*As always, my thanks go to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for gifting me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
Keep Your Friends Close is an adult, multi-POV thriller about the consequences of our past, and how even the best of intentions can sow seeds of madness under the wrong circumstances.
Darcy Hogan and her husband, Luke, were childhood sweethearts; popular, beautiful, and sure to be successful. If you looked at them from the outside twenty years later, you would say that this was true—but nothing is ever what it seems on the internet. Their company is on the verge of bankruptcy and with Darcy heavily pregnant, their image and sales are taking heavy tolls. In order to bring some new buzz to the business, Darcy agrees to go on a famous talk show to promote their brand. But when a mysterious caller outs their situation on live TV, Darcy, sick and paranoid already, can't explain the gut-wrenching feeling that something is going to go terribly wrong. And worse, Luke doesn't seem to believe her.
We hit all the key points of a thriller, with a nice twist of being able to see into the mind of the villain and catch glimpses of their past. The narration flipped back and forth between past and present, giving insight on not just the situations that created our antagonist, but what was going on in their mind at the time and how they fell so far into insanity. Personally, I love being able to delve deeply into the backstory of the bad guy. It brings a depth and understanding — and even better, a touch of fear if the formula proves true.
Darcy was an interesting POV for me. I found her simpering at times. Definitely a bit airheaded. I wasn't enjoying her for the first half of the book, but her POV moved the plot forward the most and so I also often couldn't wait to get back to it. By the last third, we find her backbone, we find her intelligence, and I can only wish we'd gotten to see more of her earlier.
This story is going to be familiar to most thriller readers. There is not a lot in terms of deviation from the usual story beats, and an unfortunate lack of red-herrings or actual mystery. It left the tension lacking, as really we were just waiting for Darcy to figure out what we know going in and it...well, you'll find out. It wasn't my favorite reveal.
I was fascinated by the antagonist in general terms as they seemed to just always have the knack for obsession and violence, it wasn't so much *created* by circumstance as we often see. Or at least, it wasn't anything we get to witness ourselves. Those people are almost scarier in my opinion.
It was a smooth ride from start to finish even with the POV switching and the time skips back and forth, but it didn't blow me away. But if you enjoy fast-paced, close-to-the-vest thrillers you'll wanna snag this when it hits the shelves 06 Oct 2020.
*As always, my thanks go to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for gifting me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
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