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The Friendship Pact
I’m Lucy, and I have a secret.
I have a beautiful home, that I’m desperate to escape.
But that’s not my secret.
I tell my friends I’ve never wanted children, when I always have.
But that’s not my secret.
My husband is a celebrated surgeon, who tries to control me.
But that’s not my secret.
Adele knows.
Once upon a time, I knew everything about her and she knew everything about me.
Best friends forever.
But now our secret is beginning to surface.
I can trust her more than anyone. We made a pact.
And she’s never do anything to hurt me. Would she?
This absolutely gripping psychological thriller will have you forgetting everything until the last shocking twist. Fans of Behind Closed Doors, Friend Request, and The Girl on the Trainwill be hooked.
I have a beautiful home, that I’m desperate to escape.
But that’s not my secret.
I tell my friends I’ve never wanted children, when I always have.
But that’s not my secret.
My husband is a celebrated surgeon, who tries to control me.
But that’s not my secret.
Adele knows.
Once upon a time, I knew everything about her and she knew everything about me.
Best friends forever.
But now our secret is beginning to surface.
I can trust her more than anyone. We made a pact.
And she’s never do anything to hurt me. Would she?
This absolutely gripping psychological thriller will have you forgetting everything until the last shocking twist. Fans of Behind Closed Doors, Friend Request, and The Girl on the Trainwill be hooked.
278 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2019
1625 people are currently reading
2190 people want to read
About the author
Alison James
10 books349 followersI was born in the Cotswolds but spent most of my formative years abroad. I studied languages at Oxford, then became a journalist and author, returning to university after my two children to take a law degree. After a three-year stint as a criminal paralegal, I worked as a commercial copywriter and then a TV storyliner, before coming full circle to write fiction again.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
June 24, 2019
Lucy Wheedon, an attractive, intelligent woman becomes the second, trophy wife of an arrogant, controlling brute of a man who is a well respected celebrity cardiac surgeon. He doesn't let her work or have children (he already has two), monitors her mail and on-line activity, and checks on who she's seeing and where she's going. When he throws a massive tantrum she decides it's time to leave the marriage, but he won't allow her to get away. Instead of going to the police, she looks up an old childhood friend who might be able to help her and soon finds herself embroiled in a worse nightmare with a nasty piece of work called Denny Renard.
This was an engrossing read as the plot didn't quite go where I thought it would and kept me guessing. However, I did find myself questioning many of Lucy's choices. She didn't seem like the type of woman who would just go back to her husband without screaming for help or going to the police. Although she said no one would believe her over her well respected husband, she did have friends who would have supported her and once she'd gone to the police, he would have had to let her leave or be seen for what he was. I also found the ending a bit implausible. Denny had previously shown he was able to plan and think ahead in his dealings with her, and to be somewhat patient in playing a long game, but this was not evident in his final ill-conceived scheme. It was however, a very suspenseful read as Lucy first tries to protect herself from a callous, brutish husband and then falls into the clutches of a very nasty criminal thug. 3.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC to read
This was an engrossing read as the plot didn't quite go where I thought it would and kept me guessing. However, I did find myself questioning many of Lucy's choices. She didn't seem like the type of woman who would just go back to her husband without screaming for help or going to the police. Although she said no one would believe her over her well respected husband, she did have friends who would have supported her and once she'd gone to the police, he would have had to let her leave or be seen for what he was. I also found the ending a bit implausible. Denny had previously shown he was able to plan and think ahead in his dealings with her, and to be somewhat patient in playing a long game, but this was not evident in his final ill-conceived scheme. It was however, a very suspenseful read as Lucy first tries to protect herself from a callous, brutish husband and then falls into the clutches of a very nasty criminal thug. 3.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC to read
July 2, 2019
3.75 stars - rounded up! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The premise and the cover of this book are what really grabbed my attention. I had to request it in hopes of nabbing a copy. I’m so glad I did!
Lucy and Adele are childhood friends who come from different worlds. Friends who share a secret - one that they made a pact to never tell anyone about. Now in present day, Lucy is married to a very busy, handsome surgeon. Their life seems so perfect. They are the envy of all who know them. However, all is not what it seems. Lucy’s husband is a controlling, manipulative ass who eventually pushes Lucy to her limit and she begins to plan her escape. Enter Adele. This is where my review must end so nothing is spoiled. Just remember...you can’t trust everyone - even those who you’ve known for a lifetime.
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Bookouture and Alison James for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The premise and the cover of this book are what really grabbed my attention. I had to request it in hopes of nabbing a copy. I’m so glad I did!
Lucy and Adele are childhood friends who come from different worlds. Friends who share a secret - one that they made a pact to never tell anyone about. Now in present day, Lucy is married to a very busy, handsome surgeon. Their life seems so perfect. They are the envy of all who know them. However, all is not what it seems. Lucy’s husband is a controlling, manipulative ass who eventually pushes Lucy to her limit and she begins to plan her escape. Enter Adele. This is where my review must end so nothing is spoiled. Just remember...you can’t trust everyone - even those who you’ve known for a lifetime.
Thanks so much to NetGalley, Bookouture and Alison James for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2019
Lucy and Adele were school friends but from different sides of the track. When something terrible happened, they went their separate ways, vowing to keep the secret but knowing they wouldn’t see one another again. Many years later Lucy was married to Marcus, a wealthy high-flying doctor. But things weren’t as they seemed to the outside world. Lucy was desperate to escape from Marcus who was controlling, violent and determined she would never leave him.
Silent, afraid, and with no one to turn to, Lucy had no idea what to do. The person she connected with again, after a lot of years, was the catalyst to change in Lucy’s life. Danger was lingering on the horizon; the past was beginning to show its face – would Lucy ever feel safe again?
The Friendship Pact by Alison James is a chilling psychological thriller with real bite! My heart was pounding, I was horrified at what was happening. I kept urging Lucy to go to the police; I had to put the book down to take a breath now and then. Fast paced with incredible twists – especially the end – I thoroughly enjoyed The Friendship Pact and highly recommend it.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Silent, afraid, and with no one to turn to, Lucy had no idea what to do. The person she connected with again, after a lot of years, was the catalyst to change in Lucy’s life. Danger was lingering on the horizon; the past was beginning to show its face – would Lucy ever feel safe again?
The Friendship Pact by Alison James is a chilling psychological thriller with real bite! My heart was pounding, I was horrified at what was happening. I kept urging Lucy to go to the police; I had to put the book down to take a breath now and then. Fast paced with incredible twists – especially the end – I thoroughly enjoyed The Friendship Pact and highly recommend it.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 28, 2019
Lucy and Adele are childhood friends who share a secret. They made a pact years ago not to tell anyone what happened at the reservoir.
Now Lucy has it all. She has married a successful and revered surgeon. She has the perfect life! At least that is what her family and acquaintances assume.
What no one suspects, is that her husband is a violent and abusive man who controls her every move.
In desperation, Lucy turns to Adele for help. But how far can she trust her childhood friend?
I love this author’s Detective Rachel Prince series and for me they have all been 5 star reads. Unfortunately The Friendship Pact was a bit predictable and lacked suspense. All throughout the book I was waiting for a twist that never came. I guess I have read too many books with similar plotline and the shock factor is worn thin.
Thanks to the author, Bookouture and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
Now Lucy has it all. She has married a successful and revered surgeon. She has the perfect life! At least that is what her family and acquaintances assume.
What no one suspects, is that her husband is a violent and abusive man who controls her every move.
In desperation, Lucy turns to Adele for help. But how far can she trust her childhood friend?
I love this author’s Detective Rachel Prince series and for me they have all been 5 star reads. Unfortunately The Friendship Pact was a bit predictable and lacked suspense. All throughout the book I was waiting for a twist that never came. I guess I have read too many books with similar plotline and the shock factor is worn thin.
Thanks to the author, Bookouture and the NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
July 2, 2019
Oh. My. God. What have I read? I am all tingly inside, filled with excitement of this fast paced, suspenseful, a minute a twist thriller. The author Allison James built up so much of a thrill inside me, adding layer by layer, that I had to scream out loud when I finished the book. The energy of getting to the final ending twist just got to me. Whew... I am okay now.
The characters, oh my, there were all different. Lucy was brilliant. She came across as innocent and sweet. But was she really? She knew Joanne, and she was best friends with Adele in her childhood until the day a freak 'accident' left Joanne dead. Was that an accident really? Their friendship broke off, their pact remained. Decades later, Lucy went to Adele for help... A quicksand move which started a series of events culminating in death. Everything was destroyed with one desperate act, just ashes remained scattered. But you know what? THE FRIENDSHIP PACT SURVIVED!!
Allison's writing was like a blow of a hammer, fast and swung with perfect strength at the correct angle. It took me on a dizzying ride, a perfect roller coaster. I started seeing twists and red herrings in every scene. You see, I wanted to guess where the story was going. Did I guess? Just the initial part, then the author brought in a big twist which I could have never foretold.
This story taught me one thing - with friends like these, you don't need enemies. But sometimes, just sometimes, you need them for exactly the same reason.
The characters, oh my, there were all different. Lucy was brilliant. She came across as innocent and sweet. But was she really? She knew Joanne, and she was best friends with Adele in her childhood until the day a freak 'accident' left Joanne dead. Was that an accident really? Their friendship broke off, their pact remained. Decades later, Lucy went to Adele for help... A quicksand move which started a series of events culminating in death. Everything was destroyed with one desperate act, just ashes remained scattered. But you know what? THE FRIENDSHIP PACT SURVIVED!!
Allison's writing was like a blow of a hammer, fast and swung with perfect strength at the correct angle. It took me on a dizzying ride, a perfect roller coaster. I started seeing twists and red herrings in every scene. You see, I wanted to guess where the story was going. Did I guess? Just the initial part, then the author brought in a big twist which I could have never foretold.
This story taught me one thing - with friends like these, you don't need enemies. But sometimes, just sometimes, you need them for exactly the same reason.
September 9, 2019
I received a free e-copy of The Friendship Pact by Alison James from NetGalley for my honest review.
I struggled connecting with this book. I like the idea of it and was excited to read it but it was just too unrealistic for me.
This book is the story of two childhood friends that have kept a secret. Several years later and now they are adults. Lucy is married to Marcus, who is a cardiac surgeon. He is rich, successful and a big bully. He is controlling and abusive. Lucy can't handle it anymore and knows she needs to escape. She calls her childhood friend Adele for help. The same friend that knows the secret. The phone calls leads to a series of events that will make you wonder if she made the right decision to make that call.
I struggled connecting with this book. I like the idea of it and was excited to read it but it was just too unrealistic for me.
This book is the story of two childhood friends that have kept a secret. Several years later and now they are adults. Lucy is married to Marcus, who is a cardiac surgeon. He is rich, successful and a big bully. He is controlling and abusive. Lucy can't handle it anymore and knows she needs to escape. She calls her childhood friend Adele for help. The same friend that knows the secret. The phone calls leads to a series of events that will make you wonder if she made the right decision to make that call.
July 12, 2019
3 1/2 stars
Lucy and Adele come from different backgrounds but managed to be best friends as kids till a secret managed to tear them apart . Now in the present Lucy is married to a cardiac surgeon and on the surface appears to have it all , but behind closed doors her husband is controlling and abusive . Meanwhile Adele is just out after spending time behind bars. Lucy’s best way out might be Adele but maybe she got more than what she bargained for .
The Friendship Pact by Alison James is a stand alone well written psychological thriller. It did start really strong and though I found the ending a little implausible , but there was still much to enjoy.
I would like to thank Bookouture & 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/
Lucy and Adele come from different backgrounds but managed to be best friends as kids till a secret managed to tear them apart . Now in the present Lucy is married to a cardiac surgeon and on the surface appears to have it all , but behind closed doors her husband is controlling and abusive . Meanwhile Adele is just out after spending time behind bars. Lucy’s best way out might be Adele but maybe she got more than what she bargained for .
The Friendship Pact by Alison James is a stand alone well written psychological thriller. It did start really strong and though I found the ending a little implausible , but there was still much to enjoy.
I would like to thank Bookouture & 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/
July 3, 2019
3.5⭐️ rounded done to three.
Lucy Wheedon is the second trophy wife of Marcus, a successful cardiologist, who is also a volatile, abusive husband. Lucy has always been well off even as a child. She had been childhood friends with Adele, who lived in a council flat. Lucy is not allowed to work, she is stuck at home all day. Adele is now an ex-con. Lucy wants to leave her husband but she's finding it hard to do it on her own. She decides to ask Adele for help, hoping she will know someone that will help her escape. But will Lucy's plans go smoothly?
The story is told in three parts, alternating between past and present. There are plenty of twists to keep you wondering where the story is going. I couldn't get through this book fast enough, willing Lucy on, hoping she would escape. I was gripped straight away. Everything seemed to be gelling together seamlessly. Great plot, great characters. Then it got to the 75/80% mark and everything changed. It all seemed a bit far fetched, almost unbelievable. I could not round my 3.5⭐️ rating up because of the ending. Otherwise it would have been a 4⭐️ read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Alison James for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
Lucy Wheedon is the second trophy wife of Marcus, a successful cardiologist, who is also a volatile, abusive husband. Lucy has always been well off even as a child. She had been childhood friends with Adele, who lived in a council flat. Lucy is not allowed to work, she is stuck at home all day. Adele is now an ex-con. Lucy wants to leave her husband but she's finding it hard to do it on her own. She decides to ask Adele for help, hoping she will know someone that will help her escape. But will Lucy's plans go smoothly?
The story is told in three parts, alternating between past and present. There are plenty of twists to keep you wondering where the story is going. I couldn't get through this book fast enough, willing Lucy on, hoping she would escape. I was gripped straight away. Everything seemed to be gelling together seamlessly. Great plot, great characters. Then it got to the 75/80% mark and everything changed. It all seemed a bit far fetched, almost unbelievable. I could not round my 3.5⭐️ rating up because of the ending. Otherwise it would have been a 4⭐️ read.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Alison James for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
June 29, 2019
The Friendship Pact by Alison James was a book that I was really looking forward to reading. I am a big fan of the Rachel Prince series and love the way Alison tells a story. This book was very different, but certainly did not disappoint. It is an absolute page turner and I read it start to finish last night. I was so caught up in the story that I had finished it before I knew it..
It is a tough one to talk about without giving too much away. Lucy and Adele were best friends as kids - they are two completely different girls - one from money and the other lives on the wrong side of the tracks, And they have a secret - they made a pact when they were young to never tell. Flash forward and now Lucy is married to a cardiac surgeon and appears to have it all. But behind closed doors her husband is controlling and abusive and Lucy needs to get away. Adele is still living where they grew up and has spent time behind bars. Lucy reaches out for help and what happens next is unbelievable! The two women don't particularly like each other but the friends you have as a kid never really go away.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
It is a tough one to talk about without giving too much away. Lucy and Adele were best friends as kids - they are two completely different girls - one from money and the other lives on the wrong side of the tracks, And they have a secret - they made a pact when they were young to never tell. Flash forward and now Lucy is married to a cardiac surgeon and appears to have it all. But behind closed doors her husband is controlling and abusive and Lucy needs to get away. Adele is still living where they grew up and has spent time behind bars. Lucy reaches out for help and what happens next is unbelievable! The two women don't particularly like each other but the friends you have as a kid never really go away.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
July 4, 2019
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Unfortunately The Friendship Pact by Alison James is just not for me. I DNF'd at 27% because I really disliked the main character and found myself skimming this book almost right from the beginning. I think this is most likely because I just read a string of books about spousal abuse with strong female characters and that is just not what Lucy was and I couldn't handle it. There are a lot of great reviews for this book, but right here and right now, it just wasn't what I was looking for.
Unfortunately The Friendship Pact by Alison James is just not for me. I DNF'd at 27% because I really disliked the main character and found myself skimming this book almost right from the beginning. I think this is most likely because I just read a string of books about spousal abuse with strong female characters and that is just not what Lucy was and I couldn't handle it. There are a lot of great reviews for this book, but right here and right now, it just wasn't what I was looking for.
July 3, 2019
I’m a fan of the Detective Rachel Prince series so I was excited to receive a copy of The Friendship Pact from Alison James.
Lucy Wheedon has the perfect marriage. She is an attractive woman, has a lovely home and her husband is a cardiac surgeon. But their marriage is not all as it seems. He does not let her work and wants her to be at home cooking his meals when he gets home. He is abusive both mentally and physically and as he has been married before he doesn’t want anymore children. He also checks her every move, even her internet activity. After putting up with this for 5 years and her husband Marcus threatening to kill her. She forms a plan to make her escape.
The story also goes back to Lucy’s childhood. Where she at school she becomes friends with Adele. Frome a different background to her own. They become the best of friends until an accident happens and they separate but, they promise each other that will keep their secret until the very end.
Present day, Lucy happens to meet Adele in a supermarket. Adele has grown up taking a different path in life. She was convicted of benefit fraud and sent to prison. In desperation Lucy asks if she knows anyone that can help disappear and start a new life. Little does she know that asking her this will cost her dearly later.
The Friendship pact is very different to the other books of Alison James I have read. Firstly, it is a standalone book and that’s not a problem. It had a great plot and interesting characters but, not one of them did I like. I did think though that the last 25 percent of this book was a bit unrealistic and when a bit too far. I even when Nooo and really with astonishment. 3.5 stars from me
Lucy Wheedon has the perfect marriage. She is an attractive woman, has a lovely home and her husband is a cardiac surgeon. But their marriage is not all as it seems. He does not let her work and wants her to be at home cooking his meals when he gets home. He is abusive both mentally and physically and as he has been married before he doesn’t want anymore children. He also checks her every move, even her internet activity. After putting up with this for 5 years and her husband Marcus threatening to kill her. She forms a plan to make her escape.
The story also goes back to Lucy’s childhood. Where she at school she becomes friends with Adele. Frome a different background to her own. They become the best of friends until an accident happens and they separate but, they promise each other that will keep their secret until the very end.
Present day, Lucy happens to meet Adele in a supermarket. Adele has grown up taking a different path in life. She was convicted of benefit fraud and sent to prison. In desperation Lucy asks if she knows anyone that can help disappear and start a new life. Little does she know that asking her this will cost her dearly later.
The Friendship pact is very different to the other books of Alison James I have read. Firstly, it is a standalone book and that’s not a problem. It had a great plot and interesting characters but, not one of them did I like. I did think though that the last 25 percent of this book was a bit unrealistic and when a bit too far. I even when Nooo and really with astonishment. 3.5 stars from me
August 13, 2019
Lucy has had to cope with two extremely difficult time periods in her life. Something dreadful happened in her childhood and something beyond impossible is going on in her present. As far as when Lucy was a child, she befriended Adele. Theirs was a tenuous friendship from the outset, but after a mutual friend, Joanne, lost her life in a horrible accident, Lucy and Adele lost the bond they had.
Years later, Lucy is married to a prominent surgeon. The least of her problems is that he decided they would never have children, despite how she felt about it. The depth of their problems, however, is the extreme controlling and domestic violence that she can't seem to get away from, no matter how hard she tries.
Running out of options, Lucy is forced to locate Adele and ask her for help. After their experiences as children begs the question: can Adele be trusted? Can she be the key to helping Lucy escape the clutches of her dangerous husband?
With one untimely event after another, combined with duplicity on more than one level, Lucy fights tooth and nail to take a hold of her life. All the while, with the exception of Lucy, the story is filled with page after page of rather unlikable characters. Lucy is head and shoulders above just about everyone else, and I rooted from her from the beginning until the thrilling end. Alison James has written another engaging story.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Years later, Lucy is married to a prominent surgeon. The least of her problems is that he decided they would never have children, despite how she felt about it. The depth of their problems, however, is the extreme controlling and domestic violence that she can't seem to get away from, no matter how hard she tries.
Running out of options, Lucy is forced to locate Adele and ask her for help. After their experiences as children begs the question: can Adele be trusted? Can she be the key to helping Lucy escape the clutches of her dangerous husband?
With one untimely event after another, combined with duplicity on more than one level, Lucy fights tooth and nail to take a hold of her life. All the while, with the exception of Lucy, the story is filled with page after page of rather unlikable characters. Lucy is head and shoulders above just about everyone else, and I rooted from her from the beginning until the thrilling end. Alison James has written another engaging story.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 4, 2019
I am so pleased that I was given the opportunity to read The Friendship Pact as it was a truly fabulous psychological thriller!
I loved the exciting plotline and the pacing moved along at a terrific rate. Full of thrills and totally addictive, it completely held my attention from the very first chapter, but I could never have imagined what a truly shocking and unexpected ending the story would reveal. I thought the characterisation really befitted this genre, with relatable and believable characters from all walks of life including both the good and the bad, the tyrannised goodies versus the mean and dark. This brilliant story was domestic noir at its best and masterfully executed by the author, Alison James. I absolutely adored her vivid and suspenseful writing style.
I shall be looking out for more by Alison James who has demonstrated an immense talent and I intend to read her 'Detective Rachel Prince' series. I recommend The Friendship Pact as a hugely worthwhile and an excellent read.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my own request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I loved the exciting plotline and the pacing moved along at a terrific rate. Full of thrills and totally addictive, it completely held my attention from the very first chapter, but I could never have imagined what a truly shocking and unexpected ending the story would reveal. I thought the characterisation really befitted this genre, with relatable and believable characters from all walks of life including both the good and the bad, the tyrannised goodies versus the mean and dark. This brilliant story was domestic noir at its best and masterfully executed by the author, Alison James. I absolutely adored her vivid and suspenseful writing style.
I shall be looking out for more by Alison James who has demonstrated an immense talent and I intend to read her 'Detective Rachel Prince' series. I recommend The Friendship Pact as a hugely worthwhile and an excellent read.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel at my own request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 13, 2019
The Friendship Pact by Alison James is a psychological thriller.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Lucy Gibson was the new girl at school. The new rich girl. So it seemed a strange choice of friends when she started hanging around with Adele Watts, who was from the poor side of town. But somehow, Adele decided Lucy would be her best friend, and so it was. That was before the secret they shared dissolved the friendship, and Lucy changed schools, again.
Now, Lucy is married to a heart surgeon, living in a lovely house, and things should be wonderful. But behind closed doors, everything is not so pretty. On a visit home to see her father, she comes across Adele, and eventually reaches out, hoping that Adele, still a little on the rough side, can help her.
Unfortunately, things go downhill from there.
My Opinions:
Well, this was a surprise. It was a fast, entertaining read, and although I had anticipated that final twist, there were a number of others that were not so evident.
The story alternated between the girls childhood and present day, and in this way, the back-story was told a bit at a time. We learn about the secret and the pact they made to keep it.
The book was about a very dysfunctional marriage. It was also about a disturbing friendship that didn’t really improve with age. That friendship had really interesting undertones, and the author’s writing brought them out wonderfully. Sometimes a friendship that just seems wrong is just that. Sometimes, having that friend can be both right and wrong.
I have been reading this author’s Rachel Prince detective series, and am a fan. This book showed her ability to write a stand-alone novel that packed a punch.
I am looking forward to more from this author.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
July 8, 2019
For sure, this one takes "pinky swear" to a whole 'nother level. And while it's a story that isn't unlike other stories I've read, it certainly got - and held - my attention throughout.
It begins in the past, 1995 to be exact, when Lucy Gibson is a young girl who is less than popular in school. From an affluent family in England, she forms a rather unlikely friendship with Adele Watts, who might be considered a wrong-side-of-the-tracks kind of gal. Something bad happens at the local swimming hole - so bad that both girls swear they'll never tell anyone else what really happened.
Then it's 2018; Lucy, who hasn't seen Adele for 18 years, has been married for five years to ultra-successful heart surgeon Marcus Wheedon. He's a divorcee with two kids, and, to put it bluntly, is despicable. He treats Lucy like his servant, berates and belittles her (stopping short of physical violence) and drives her crazy in just about every possible way. Problem is, Lucy has no support system; her understanding mother has died, and her father, who is in poor health, worships the ground Marcus walks on.
Lucy tries to run away more than once, but always, Marcus tracks her down. Because of his professional status, Lucy doesn't think the police will even believe her claims of abuse, let alone be able to do anything to stop him. At her wit's end, one day she runs into Adele in the supermarket. Her childhood friend - with whom she's made a pact of silence - hasn't changed much. She's still relatively poor, has two kids but no husband and even spent time in jail. Aha, Lucy thinks: Who better to put me in touch with someone who can get me fake documents, like a birth certificate and driver's license, that will allow me to escape once and for all?
Adele comes through and Lucy gets the documents she needs from a seedy guy named Denny and runs away yet again. But somehow, Marcus finds her; and this time, he locks her inside their fancy home and cuts off all forms of communication with the outside world.
Now, she's helpless - that is, until she gets a surprise visitor who makes a suggestion. Her response - and what happens after that, including a couple of surprising turns - is the stuff of which intriguing plots are made. Even though it's a tale I've heard before, this is a tale well told. Definitely worth reading!
It begins in the past, 1995 to be exact, when Lucy Gibson is a young girl who is less than popular in school. From an affluent family in England, she forms a rather unlikely friendship with Adele Watts, who might be considered a wrong-side-of-the-tracks kind of gal. Something bad happens at the local swimming hole - so bad that both girls swear they'll never tell anyone else what really happened.
Then it's 2018; Lucy, who hasn't seen Adele for 18 years, has been married for five years to ultra-successful heart surgeon Marcus Wheedon. He's a divorcee with two kids, and, to put it bluntly, is despicable. He treats Lucy like his servant, berates and belittles her (stopping short of physical violence) and drives her crazy in just about every possible way. Problem is, Lucy has no support system; her understanding mother has died, and her father, who is in poor health, worships the ground Marcus walks on.
Lucy tries to run away more than once, but always, Marcus tracks her down. Because of his professional status, Lucy doesn't think the police will even believe her claims of abuse, let alone be able to do anything to stop him. At her wit's end, one day she runs into Adele in the supermarket. Her childhood friend - with whom she's made a pact of silence - hasn't changed much. She's still relatively poor, has two kids but no husband and even spent time in jail. Aha, Lucy thinks: Who better to put me in touch with someone who can get me fake documents, like a birth certificate and driver's license, that will allow me to escape once and for all?
Adele comes through and Lucy gets the documents she needs from a seedy guy named Denny and runs away yet again. But somehow, Marcus finds her; and this time, he locks her inside their fancy home and cuts off all forms of communication with the outside world.
Now, she's helpless - that is, until she gets a surprise visitor who makes a suggestion. Her response - and what happens after that, including a couple of surprising turns - is the stuff of which intriguing plots are made. Even though it's a tale I've heard before, this is a tale well told. Definitely worth reading!
June 20, 2019
*3.5, rounded up*
Lucy is stuck in an abusive, controlling marriage. Her surgeon husband monitors everything from her text messages to how often she visits her father. She tries to leave, but he tracks her down and drags her back home. Lucy decides to contact a very old friend, Adele, to see if she can help - she knows Adele spent some time in prison for fraud, and thinks she might have some unsavory connections to help Lucy make a new life for herself. The only thing is - she and Adele have a terrible childhood secret that they're hiding.
I don't know, guys. Maybe I'm bit tapped out with psychological thrillers at the moment. On one hand, Lucy was a sympathetic character - her husband was a monster, and she indeed needed to get out of that marriage. But on the other, I couldn't understand the reasons for some of her choices. Namely, those involving Adele.
I know that female friendships, especially around the tween age, can be super intense, but Lucy and Adele were only close for one year, other than a few random encounters. It seemed strange that Adele was the first (and only) person Lucy thought could help her. That said, I understand that abusive relationships can make all friendships wither and dissolve. But honestly? I'm torn.
The twist at the end wasn't surprising to me, although once again I questioned everyone's choices. Would this really have happened this way?
I do love the gorgeous cover. I just wish that some of these characters weren't so predictable.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Lucy is stuck in an abusive, controlling marriage. Her surgeon husband monitors everything from her text messages to how often she visits her father. She tries to leave, but he tracks her down and drags her back home. Lucy decides to contact a very old friend, Adele, to see if she can help - she knows Adele spent some time in prison for fraud, and thinks she might have some unsavory connections to help Lucy make a new life for herself. The only thing is - she and Adele have a terrible childhood secret that they're hiding.
I don't know, guys. Maybe I'm bit tapped out with psychological thrillers at the moment. On one hand, Lucy was a sympathetic character - her husband was a monster, and she indeed needed to get out of that marriage. But on the other, I couldn't understand the reasons for some of her choices. Namely, those involving Adele.
I know that female friendships, especially around the tween age, can be super intense, but Lucy and Adele were only close for one year, other than a few random encounters. It seemed strange that Adele was the first (and only) person Lucy thought could help her. That said, I understand that abusive relationships can make all friendships wither and dissolve. But honestly? I'm torn.
The twist at the end wasn't surprising to me, although once again I questioned everyone's choices. Would this really have happened this way?
I do love the gorgeous cover. I just wish that some of these characters weren't so predictable.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
August 11, 2019
After reading quite a few romance books and bullymances, I was in the mood for a change. I like to mix up my reading with mysteries. Though when it comes to mysteries, I am fussy and they have to be grabbing and keep my interest. In The Friendship Pact, we meet Lucy and Adele. The girls met when they were at school together as Lucy's parents decided to send her to a public school where she met Adele Watts. The two girls couldn't be more different but formed a friendship bond which ended up in a pact when a local new girl Joanne ended up dead. After Joanne's death, Lucy's parents took her out of public school and sent her to a private one and that was the last she saw properly of Adele. Now years later, Lucy aka Lucinda is married to a successful doctor and has two stepchildren. Her life from the outside looks perfect and she should be happy, but behind closed doors, it is a different story as her husband Marcus is an abusive jerk. Lucy has had enough and wants to be free of Marcus, however, the only way is to disappear completely. Lucy heads back home and runs into Adele and knows she has been in the clink and asks if she has connections. Adele puts her in touch with a guy called Denny who gives Lucy what she needs. However as the book goes on, Lucy realizes it was too good to be true and when her husband ends up dead, she finds herself being blackmailed. This leads her to find out the true identity of Denny and when she does she is in for a shock. Now Lucy and Adele are in a similar position that they were those many moons ago, will they reignite their Friendship Blood Pact one more time to save and keep each other's dark secrets?
Find out now in this Brit Lit mystery "The Friendship Pact" by Alison James.
Find out now in this Brit Lit mystery "The Friendship Pact" by Alison James.
October 5, 2019
This was hard to rate it's a 3 to 3.5 for me.
I was gripped to it, and enjoyed the ups and downs.
However the wrapping up and loose ends doesn't sit well with me and I'm struggling to get over it.
Why did Lucy not ring the police at the end?
Why did she not hire a lawyer when she had the money to?
Why did she not hire a PI, or fit security cameras or a body guard?
Why was there no follow up from estate agents or banks?
What happened to the transferred money?
Was there no fingerprints on the murder weapon?
Doesn't feel realistic to me .
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was gripped to it, and enjoyed the ups and downs.
However the wrapping up and loose ends doesn't sit well with me and I'm struggling to get over it.
Why did Lucy not ring the police at the end?
Why did she not hire a lawyer when she had the money to?
Why did she not hire a PI, or fit security cameras or a body guard?
Why was there no follow up from estate agents or banks?
What happened to the transferred money?
Was there no fingerprints on the murder weapon?
Doesn't feel realistic to me .
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 7, 2019
34 year old Lucy seems to have the perfect life. She is married to an incredibly successful cardiac surgeon, has a huge house, and is finishing up her degree. Unfortunately, behind closed doors, her life is anything but. Malcolm uses alcohol to cope with the high stress from his job, which magnifies his anger and control over his wife. Lucy wants nothing more than to leave this life behind, and she’s willing to seek help from people who don’t have the best of reputations.
So I’m going to be perfectly honest, the first 50% of the book really pissed me off. I couldn’t stand Malcolm because he a chauvinistic, abusive husband who thinks that because he’s the bread winner, his wife must be completely subservient. I also got incredibly frustrated with Lucy because she just kept going back to him even when she knew that his words were laced with venomous lies. I just couldn’t with these two.
I’m so glad I pushed past the 50% point though because holy plot twists! This roller coaster literally derails and sends you into a while different sh*tstorm. I don’t want to give anything away because this is most definitely something that you want to experience for yourself.
I want to raise awareness for triggers with this one. There is domestic violence. It’s not overly physical, but it definitely made me incredibly uncomfortable during certain scenes. I will also say that this author does a fantastic job with atmospheric writing.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
So I’m going to be perfectly honest, the first 50% of the book really pissed me off. I couldn’t stand Malcolm because he a chauvinistic, abusive husband who thinks that because he’s the bread winner, his wife must be completely subservient. I also got incredibly frustrated with Lucy because she just kept going back to him even when she knew that his words were laced with venomous lies. I just couldn’t with these two.
I’m so glad I pushed past the 50% point though because holy plot twists! This roller coaster literally derails and sends you into a while different sh*tstorm. I don’t want to give anything away because this is most definitely something that you want to experience for yourself.
I want to raise awareness for triggers with this one. There is domestic violence. It’s not overly physical, but it definitely made me incredibly uncomfortable during certain scenes. I will also say that this author does a fantastic job with atmospheric writing.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
July 27, 2019
A standalone domestic thriller that didn't go exactly where I was expecting and I liked it for that reason.
What it's about: Lucy (Lucinda Katherine Mary) is married to the eminent cardiac surgeon Marcus Wheedon. She's his second wife and has two stepchildren. Unfortunately, the union is not a happy one for Lucy. Marcus is a controlling jerk and, after 5 years of his dominance, she is determined to leave his abusive household. Marcus has no intention of letting her go. When Lucy goes on the run and is brought back home by Marcus time and again, she knows she needs some help to escape. Who can assist? She has an old friend from childhood, Adele Watts, and they share a secret that might make Adele willing to aid and abet... But that's only part of the story. NO SPOILERS.
Why I liked it: The writing and pace of the story made this a really fast read. I enjoyed how the story was able to surprise me by veering a bit off the typical psych thriller plot line. I expected Lucy to be successful, of course, but not exactly in the ways in which it all happened. I found Lucy to be relatable and, though she definitely makes some stupid choices, I did find myself liking her. It was easy to get through this in a single sitting and despite the conclusion being a bit unbelievable, it was fitting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. It has since been retitled as the copy I read was "The Friendship Pact."
What it's about: Lucy (Lucinda Katherine Mary) is married to the eminent cardiac surgeon Marcus Wheedon. She's his second wife and has two stepchildren. Unfortunately, the union is not a happy one for Lucy. Marcus is a controlling jerk and, after 5 years of his dominance, she is determined to leave his abusive household. Marcus has no intention of letting her go. When Lucy goes on the run and is brought back home by Marcus time and again, she knows she needs some help to escape. Who can assist? She has an old friend from childhood, Adele Watts, and they share a secret that might make Adele willing to aid and abet... But that's only part of the story. NO SPOILERS.
Why I liked it: The writing and pace of the story made this a really fast read. I enjoyed how the story was able to surprise me by veering a bit off the typical psych thriller plot line. I expected Lucy to be successful, of course, but not exactly in the ways in which it all happened. I found Lucy to be relatable and, though she definitely makes some stupid choices, I did find myself liking her. It was easy to get through this in a single sitting and despite the conclusion being a bit unbelievable, it was fitting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. It has since been retitled as the copy I read was "The Friendship Pact."
June 12, 2019
Lucy appears to have the perfect life. She is married to a heart surgeon and spends her spare time cooking and socializing. But Lucy’s life isn’t what it seems. After 5-years of marriage, she feels stifled, even controlled, by her husband. And things are becoming outright abusive. Lucy knows she needs to leave before things get worse. But her husband refuses to let her go, making it harder to escape.
When Lucy visits her dad in her hometown, she runs into her childhood friend, Adele, who has taken a different path in life. Adele’s now an ex-con and rather rough around the edges. Lucy has been keeping a secret for over 2 decades for Adele and she knows Adele owes her one. So she asks Adele to help her escape her marriage. Because if anyone knows how to work their way around the law, it’s Adele.
But Lucy quickly learns the mistake she’s made. She regrets asking for Adele’s help, especially now that her life is a living hell. You know what they say about best friends—they’re forever. And Adele is not planning on leaving Lucy’s life.
The Friendship Pact is a new standalone thriller from Alison James. Told in three parts. We see Lucy’s life headed in a downward spiral. We also see flashbacks of Lucy’s childhood when she first met Adele and the years that follow. I found the flashbacks to be a bit random and all over the place. Instead of going chronologically, they jumped back and forth. I also saw where the plotline was going after part one; it all felt a bit predictable and took some of the enjoyment out of it for me. I wanted to love this because the first half had such promise, but after part one, things just fell a bit flat for me. It was worth the read, but didn’t knock my socks off. 3/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Alison James for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When Lucy visits her dad in her hometown, she runs into her childhood friend, Adele, who has taken a different path in life. Adele’s now an ex-con and rather rough around the edges. Lucy has been keeping a secret for over 2 decades for Adele and she knows Adele owes her one. So she asks Adele to help her escape her marriage. Because if anyone knows how to work their way around the law, it’s Adele.
But Lucy quickly learns the mistake she’s made. She regrets asking for Adele’s help, especially now that her life is a living hell. You know what they say about best friends—they’re forever. And Adele is not planning on leaving Lucy’s life.
The Friendship Pact is a new standalone thriller from Alison James. Told in three parts. We see Lucy’s life headed in a downward spiral. We also see flashbacks of Lucy’s childhood when she first met Adele and the years that follow. I found the flashbacks to be a bit random and all over the place. Instead of going chronologically, they jumped back and forth. I also saw where the plotline was going after part one; it all felt a bit predictable and took some of the enjoyment out of it for me. I wanted to love this because the first half had such promise, but after part one, things just fell a bit flat for me. It was worth the read, but didn’t knock my socks off. 3/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Alison James for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2019
When you have made a friendship pact, it means you will have each otther's back forever, right? You will always keep your promises to each other and even though you might have lost contact, a pact is stronger than anything else, right? Weeeellll, maybe, maybe not ...
I have finished this book in one go. It was so addictive that I just had to keep on reading.
Everybody is entitled to have some secrets, but it are often small issues. When you have darker things to hide, you might have freed yourself from a lot of heartache and danger, but you also robbed yourself from your one chance on true happiness and love.
Often you are forced to make choices. Sometimes you wish you had done things differently but you cannot turn back the clock and you will have to live with the results.
A good story filled with suspense untill the bitter end. 4 stars.
Thank you, Alison James, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
I have finished this book in one go. It was so addictive that I just had to keep on reading.
Everybody is entitled to have some secrets, but it are often small issues. When you have darker things to hide, you might have freed yourself from a lot of heartache and danger, but you also robbed yourself from your one chance on true happiness and love.
Often you are forced to make choices. Sometimes you wish you had done things differently but you cannot turn back the clock and you will have to live with the results.
A good story filled with suspense untill the bitter end. 4 stars.
Thank you, Alison James, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
October 5, 2019
This was hard to rate it's a 3 to 3.5 for me.
I was gripped to it, and enjoyed the ups and downs.
However the wrapping up and loose ends doesn't sit well with me and I'm struggling to get over it.
Why did Lucy not ring the police at the end?
Why did she not hire a lawyer when she had the money to?
Why did she not hire a PI, or fit security cameras or a body guard?
Why was there no follow up from estate agents or banks?
What happened to the transferred money?
Was there no fingerprints on the murder weapon?
Doesn't feel realistic to me .
I was gripped to it, and enjoyed the ups and downs.
However the wrapping up and loose ends doesn't sit well with me and I'm struggling to get over it.
Why did Lucy not ring the police at the end?
Why did she not hire a lawyer when she had the money to?
Why did she not hire a PI, or fit security cameras or a body guard?
Why was there no follow up from estate agents or banks?
What happened to the transferred money?
Was there no fingerprints on the murder weapon?
Doesn't feel realistic to me .
June 12, 2019
Wow. I literally couldn’t put this book down. I have to say it’s so much more than I thought it was going to be. An absolutely brilliant well written thriller with lots of twists and turns. I was delighted this was a dark domestic noir and the characters were so well written and believable. Highly recommended for psychological thriller fans
June 22, 2019
Thank you for the advanced copy of this book. I really enjoyed this and would highly recommend to anyone. It’s fast paced and grips from the beginning! I didn’t put it down until I was finished. Kept me gripped the entire time. Very well written.
July 24, 2019
"𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗸, 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝗽."
This book is classed as a psychological thriller but honestly it didn't feel like that for me. It lacked the suspense that I've come to know and love. I found the characters unlikeable and lacking substance, often doing or saying things that didn't really make sense.
The storyline was also quite predictable and I had figured out what was going to happen long before it did. There weren't really any twists and the ending of the book was poor.
I would like to note a possible trigger warning, due to the domestic abuse that happens throughout the first half of the book.
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of this book.
This book is classed as a psychological thriller but honestly it didn't feel like that for me. It lacked the suspense that I've come to know and love. I found the characters unlikeable and lacking substance, often doing or saying things that didn't really make sense.
The storyline was also quite predictable and I had figured out what was going to happen long before it did. There weren't really any twists and the ending of the book was poor.
I would like to note a possible trigger warning, due to the domestic abuse that happens throughout the first half of the book.
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of this book.
February 7, 2020
OMG this book was so good. I had the audible version and listened to it in one day as I was so engrossed I couldn’t stop listening. Full of unexpected surprises that gave me the “Oh my God” moment and made me gasp! This book is totally worth the 5 stars I’m giving to it. It was so full of suspense and tension it had me hanging on to every word. I liked the narrator too, she did an awesome job in bringing the story to life. I highly recommend The School Friend, Alison James has written a cracking story which I think anyone who is a fan of psychological/crime thrillers will enjoy.
July 26, 2019
The Friendship Pact is a domestic thriller that includes what has become one of my favorite storylines— the perfect marriage and life from the outside that is actually masking a controlling and manipulative relationship. This is Lucy’s reality, but this story has an added plot line with her secret involving her childhood best friend Adele.
This is a fast-paced read that I really enjoyed. There were times I was really frustrated with the main character and her decisions, but she had many likable qualities as well. I didn’t love the final couple of paragraphs of the story, but that’s the hopeless romantic in me, and the ending will be part of what most readers will love about the book.
Perfect for fans of Behind Closed Doors and The Last Mrs. Parrish!
Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for the ARC of this book.
This is a fast-paced read that I really enjoyed. There were times I was really frustrated with the main character and her decisions, but she had many likable qualities as well. I didn’t love the final couple of paragraphs of the story, but that’s the hopeless romantic in me, and the ending will be part of what most readers will love about the book.
Perfect for fans of Behind Closed Doors and The Last Mrs. Parrish!
Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for the ARC of this book.
June 23, 2019
This book had quite a few “OMG why is she doing that?” moments for me but those moments were necessary for the story to keep unfolding. It’s a complicated story of trust and dishonesty which kept me eagerly turning pages until it was done. Alison James is a great storyteller and I am keen to read more of her work. #NetGalley
June 15, 2019
I was a bit bored with the first 50% of this book. The protagonist made decisions I couldn’t understand and the plot became a bit repetitive. Then the action picked up and I was invested.... only to be pretty disappointed with the ending. I wasn’t overly impressed with this one, sadly.
2 stars ⭐️⭐️
2 stars ⭐️⭐️
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