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DI Joel Norris #1
The Friend
Danny and Sharon Evans are desperate for answers. Why did their seemingly happy daughter try to take her own life?
When a stranger approaches Danny, saying he knows who’s to blame, Danny is tempted, despite Sharon’s reservations. And when his new friend offers them revenge, how can he walk away?
But little does Danny know he is being invited to play a terrible game. A game that won't just change lives – it will end them.
DI Joel Norris knows this is no ordinary case when two seemingly unconnected murders hit his desk within a matter of days. But how far is he willing to go to solve the puzzle?
Dark, gripping and unforgettable, The Friend will keep fans of Harlan Coben and Mark Billingham on the edge of their seats.
When a stranger approaches Danny, saying he knows who’s to blame, Danny is tempted, despite Sharon’s reservations. And when his new friend offers them revenge, how can he walk away?
But little does Danny know he is being invited to play a terrible game. A game that won't just change lives – it will end them.
DI Joel Norris knows this is no ordinary case when two seemingly unconnected murders hit his desk within a matter of days. But how far is he willing to go to solve the puzzle?
Dark, gripping and unforgettable, The Friend will keep fans of Harlan Coben and Mark Billingham on the edge of their seats.
400 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2021
183 people are currently reading
1040 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Gallagher
34 books593 followersCharlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for thirteen years where he performed many roles. Starting out as a front-line response officer, he was also a member of a specialist tactical team and worked as a detective in various areas, including elements of Counter Terrorism.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
April 10, 2021
Here’s a quick checklist to see if you’ll want to friend The Friend:
Did you read Harlan Coben’s The Stranger or watch the series on Netflix and like the overall concept but find the execution too far fetched?
Were you sucked in by the “game” aspect of J.D. Barker’s A Caller’s Game but disappointed that there was so much explosive over-the-top action?
Do you like the central premise of the Saw movies, where a villain puts his victims through tests, but dislike the horror and gore aspects?
Did you love Adrian McKinty’s The Chain right up until it ended the lamest way possible?
Personally, my answers were yes, no, yes, yes. And since three outta four ain’t bad, I was very intrigued when I saw early praise for Charlie Gallagher’s latest thriller. He’s a new-to-me author - and the cover for The Friend is certainly generic - but I decided to take a chance on it anyway. Sometimes that pays off, and this was one of those times.
This is a thriller with a great plot, fascinating characters, and plenty of twists. I also love that there’s a police procedural element to it. I believe this is the start of a new series featuring D.I. Joel Norris, and consider me signed up for the sequel.
I received a gifted advance listeners copy of the audiobook courtesy of HarperCollins UK Audio via NetGalley for review. Alexis Rodney did an outstanding job with the narration, capturing each of the character’s moods and emotions in his singular performance.
The Friend is now available in ebook, paperback and audiobook formats.
Blog: www.confettibookshelf.com
IG: @confettibookshelf
Did you read Harlan Coben’s The Stranger or watch the series on Netflix and like the overall concept but find the execution too far fetched?
Were you sucked in by the “game” aspect of J.D. Barker’s A Caller’s Game but disappointed that there was so much explosive over-the-top action?
Do you like the central premise of the Saw movies, where a villain puts his victims through tests, but dislike the horror and gore aspects?
Did you love Adrian McKinty’s The Chain right up until it ended the lamest way possible?
Personally, my answers were yes, no, yes, yes. And since three outta four ain’t bad, I was very intrigued when I saw early praise for Charlie Gallagher’s latest thriller. He’s a new-to-me author - and the cover for The Friend is certainly generic - but I decided to take a chance on it anyway. Sometimes that pays off, and this was one of those times.
This is a thriller with a great plot, fascinating characters, and plenty of twists. I also love that there’s a police procedural element to it. I believe this is the start of a new series featuring D.I. Joel Norris, and consider me signed up for the sequel.
I received a gifted advance listeners copy of the audiobook courtesy of HarperCollins UK Audio via NetGalley for review. Alexis Rodney did an outstanding job with the narration, capturing each of the character’s moods and emotions in his singular performance.
The Friend is now available in ebook, paperback and audiobook formats.
Blog: www.confettibookshelf.com
IG: @confettibookshelf
March 14, 2021
That was a twisted tale of murder and revenge. 15 year old Callie Evans is in a coma following a suicide attempt. Danny and Sandy Evans, her parents, were not aware, at the time, that she had been groomed to provide intimate images and blackmailed to suck her friends into the same scheme. But now they know and Danny is struggling to cope with it. He is staying at a hotel and drinking himself to oblivion every day. So when a stranger approaches him saying he has information about the man behind the grooming, Danny can’t help being interested.
Danny is given a time and an address, he is wary but goes along. He finds a folder with information, some of it heavily redacted, and the guilty man trussed up with a shotgun in his mouth. All Danny has to do is pull the trigger. What would you do? What if it was your daughter? But it doesn’t end there. Of course it doesn’t. Danny is made to kill someone else. The same man approaches a bereaved former soldier whose wife had been killed in a hit and run accident a year ago. A similar scenario ensues. By now you are wondering what the supposed ‘friend’s’ agenda really is. How are these people and incidents related?
DI Joel Harris is back from a month’s stress leave. He is transferred from the tactical support side of things into a detective’s role. Not everyone thinks he is up to the job but Detective Superintendent Debbie Marsden has a cunning plan to make her new unit’s mark on the world and supports Joel all the way. He has a different and thoughtful approach to detecting and sees some of the links between the spate of killings and apparent suicides. Clearly there is something fishy going on.
Soon all hell breaks loose as more people, including children are under threat and the horrible truth emerges. The links between all the crimes becomes apparent. This was a pretty fast paced thriller that was quick and enjoyable to read. Charlie Gallagher writes reliably good thrillers based on his own experience in the police force so they always seem to have the ring of credibility. Thanks to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Charlie Gallagher for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
Danny is given a time and an address, he is wary but goes along. He finds a folder with information, some of it heavily redacted, and the guilty man trussed up with a shotgun in his mouth. All Danny has to do is pull the trigger. What would you do? What if it was your daughter? But it doesn’t end there. Of course it doesn’t. Danny is made to kill someone else. The same man approaches a bereaved former soldier whose wife had been killed in a hit and run accident a year ago. A similar scenario ensues. By now you are wondering what the supposed ‘friend’s’ agenda really is. How are these people and incidents related?
DI Joel Harris is back from a month’s stress leave. He is transferred from the tactical support side of things into a detective’s role. Not everyone thinks he is up to the job but Detective Superintendent Debbie Marsden has a cunning plan to make her new unit’s mark on the world and supports Joel all the way. He has a different and thoughtful approach to detecting and sees some of the links between the spate of killings and apparent suicides. Clearly there is something fishy going on.
Soon all hell breaks loose as more people, including children are under threat and the horrible truth emerges. The links between all the crimes becomes apparent. This was a pretty fast paced thriller that was quick and enjoyable to read. Charlie Gallagher writes reliably good thrillers based on his own experience in the police force so they always seem to have the ring of credibility. Thanks to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Charlie Gallagher for providing a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
April 9, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Danny and Sharon Evans are deaperate for answers. Why did their daughter try to take her own life? When a stranger approaches Danny, he says he knows who's to blame. Danny is tempted despite Sharon's reservations. And when his new friend offers them revenge, how can he walk away?
DI Joel Harris has been on leave due to a work related incident. But now he's back investigating with his partner DS Lucy Rose. This is a cleverly written story that has multiple plotlines. The pace is slow to begin but it soon builds to a steady pace. It's filled with lots of twists, it's dark and tense. Not the normal storyline in this police procedural but it was a nice change once i got into it. I will be looking out for the next book in this new series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AvonBooksUK and the author #CharlieGallagher for my ARC of #TheFriend in exchange for an honest review.
Danny and Sharon Evans are deaperate for answers. Why did their daughter try to take her own life? When a stranger approaches Danny, he says he knows who's to blame. Danny is tempted despite Sharon's reservations. And when his new friend offers them revenge, how can he walk away?
DI Joel Harris has been on leave due to a work related incident. But now he's back investigating with his partner DS Lucy Rose. This is a cleverly written story that has multiple plotlines. The pace is slow to begin but it soon builds to a steady pace. It's filled with lots of twists, it's dark and tense. Not the normal storyline in this police procedural but it was a nice change once i got into it. I will be looking out for the next book in this new series.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AvonBooksUK and the author #CharlieGallagher for my ARC of #TheFriend in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2021
Your daughter is in a coma and someone can tell you why. Your wife has been hit by a car and someone is telling you that you can find who did it. Are you going to that strange meeting to find out "the truth"? Great thriller!
Thank you Netgalley for this book!
Thank you Netgalley for this book!
November 2, 2023
*Friend or Foe*
This started off slowly as we being drawn into the characters. I was expecting to be introduced to DI Joel Norris earlier but I could see what the author Charlie Gallagher was doing. As readers we were being drawn into the characters and I became invested as we see Danny & Sharon Evans at their wits end trying to find out what made their daughter attempt to take her own life. There seems to be no answers, while Sharon is trying to hold it together Danny retreats to the bottle. His preference to try to forget and need for drink is palpable.
He has been staying in a hotel propping up the bar and one night he is approached by a stranger. This stranger appears to have all the answers but is he friend or foe?
The answers are not what Danny thinks as he enters a nightmare, other lives are at stake as a discovery introduces DI Joel Norris into the case. He has been on long leave to get over a bad case.
He was the leader of the local Tactical Support Group, so the idea is for him to slowly ease back into work but as head of a new team dealing with murder. His appointment does not go down well with some but Joel is made of stronger stuff than people realise and his boss is confident that he is up to the job. He ends up dealing with two murders in days. To others it would be obvious but Joel is dogged and when he investigates no stone is left unturned. As he starts to join the dots, I found it hard to put down. Will he put the pieces together in time?
This started off slowly as we being drawn into the characters. I was expecting to be introduced to DI Joel Norris earlier but I could see what the author Charlie Gallagher was doing. As readers we were being drawn into the characters and I became invested as we see Danny & Sharon Evans at their wits end trying to find out what made their daughter attempt to take her own life. There seems to be no answers, while Sharon is trying to hold it together Danny retreats to the bottle. His preference to try to forget and need for drink is palpable.
He has been staying in a hotel propping up the bar and one night he is approached by a stranger. This stranger appears to have all the answers but is he friend or foe?
The answers are not what Danny thinks as he enters a nightmare, other lives are at stake as a discovery introduces DI Joel Norris into the case. He has been on long leave to get over a bad case.
He was the leader of the local Tactical Support Group, so the idea is for him to slowly ease back into work but as head of a new team dealing with murder. His appointment does not go down well with some but Joel is made of stronger stuff than people realise and his boss is confident that he is up to the job. He ends up dealing with two murders in days. To others it would be obvious but Joel is dogged and when he investigates no stone is left unturned. As he starts to join the dots, I found it hard to put down. Will he put the pieces together in time?
March 24, 2021
This was a fantastic thriller that left me turning pages late into the night. The story focuses on 2 different characters who are looking for answers as to what happened to their loved ones- they both are approached by a friendly stranger who tells them he knows who the guilty party is and gives them the ultimate opportunity for revenge. But all is not what it seems and they become tangled in a web from which they cannot escape. You also get some chapters from the point of view of Joel, the newly annointed police detective who gets called in to solve the crimes that this "friend" has initiated.
This was an edge-of-your-seat book where I could not wait to see what happened. I felt for the characters and was able to easily empathize with their situations, even if they were making poor decisions. It kind of reminded me of the "Saw" movie series where the characters were put in an unwinnable situation and I wanted to warn them to stay away. It took me a little longer to warm to Joel, but I was all in by the end of the book.
Overall, this was a fast paced and exciting read and I really enjoyed it. The anticipation of the events that occured made me have a hard time putting the book down, and the ending tied up everything nicely. I hope to read more by this author. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an edge-of-your-seat book where I could not wait to see what happened. I felt for the characters and was able to easily empathize with their situations, even if they were making poor decisions. It kind of reminded me of the "Saw" movie series where the characters were put in an unwinnable situation and I wanted to warn them to stay away. It took me a little longer to warm to Joel, but I was all in by the end of the book.
Overall, this was a fast paced and exciting read and I really enjoyed it. The anticipation of the events that occured made me have a hard time putting the book down, and the ending tied up everything nicely. I hope to read more by this author. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2021
Written by a serving English police detective, this new book from Charlie Gallagher is the first in a new series. Detective Inspector Joel Norris is recently promoted, returned from stress leave and a novice detective on his first case – a headless corpse. With only a semi hostile detective sergeant to work with, the bodies pile up and the perpetrators seemingly obvious. Needing to prove himself, Joel takes on each case willingly and has an easy manner that the families appreciate. A new crime team arrives and the twists and suspense build to an unexpected conclusion. A most enjoyable police procedural that is difficult to put down, so a must read four-and-a-half-star rating. With thanks to NetGalley and the author for a preview copy for review purposes. All opinions expressed herein are freely given and totally my own.
March 29, 2021
My absolute favourite read of 2021!!!
How can I summarise this book? I literally don't even know how to start. Danny's daughter is in acoma after taking an overdose due to being groomed and blackmailed online. Danny is shattered and drinking himself silly. A stranger approaches him and says he is a private investigator hired by another family and he has tracked down the monster who was grooming several underaged girls and he wants to give Danny the information he has. Danny is faced with the option to kill the predator and have no trace left. But when something looks to good to be true, there's probably a reason.
Okay so there are a few characters we follow in the book and they all have their positives and negatives. I found Danny's character likable and relatable. I think most would do what he did. He just seemed so lost and damaged. He was vulnerable and the stranger knew this. It's so interestingly played out and so well written I could totally see this as a film if I'm honest.
Joel the DI who is back from leave after a particularly difficult job is heading up the murder investigation. His first time doing so and no one has any faith in him. He is well written character and I really liked him. His mind works slightly differently to your average murder detective because that wasn't his area before hand. He sees things others don't.
I didn't realise we were going to get the investigation alongside the storyline so this was a welcomed surprise. I really enjoyed finding out the evidence as it was presented. Who is this stranger? I had no idea! How was everyone linked? That was a question I kept running through and I really had no idea. It was great to see it all unfold as they did.
The writing is a mixture of first and third person. Sometimes both within a chapter but u truly didn't mind that. It kept me on my toes reminding me to pay attention to who was saying what. I felt the emotive language used was really convincing and I felt enraged alongside the characters. We asp got a background into our characters but not so we were bombarded which I appreciated aswell.
Would I recommend this book?
Let me think about that? YES YES AND YES!! I haven't read a good crime psychological thriller in a while and this just blew everything out rhe water I found myself not wanting it to ever end. I hope that DI Joel will become a series because its one I won't be able to put down!!! I was guessing up until the reveals and I loved that! Yes it's a hard subject but thankfully it's not something discussed it too much detail.
5 stars 🌟
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for the digital ARC in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
Book release date is 1st April 2021
Review blogged https://www.facebook.com/Jasmins-mant...
www.goodreads.com/jasminwebb
How can I summarise this book? I literally don't even know how to start. Danny's daughter is in acoma after taking an overdose due to being groomed and blackmailed online. Danny is shattered and drinking himself silly. A stranger approaches him and says he is a private investigator hired by another family and he has tracked down the monster who was grooming several underaged girls and he wants to give Danny the information he has. Danny is faced with the option to kill the predator and have no trace left. But when something looks to good to be true, there's probably a reason.
Okay so there are a few characters we follow in the book and they all have their positives and negatives. I found Danny's character likable and relatable. I think most would do what he did. He just seemed so lost and damaged. He was vulnerable and the stranger knew this. It's so interestingly played out and so well written I could totally see this as a film if I'm honest.
Joel the DI who is back from leave after a particularly difficult job is heading up the murder investigation. His first time doing so and no one has any faith in him. He is well written character and I really liked him. His mind works slightly differently to your average murder detective because that wasn't his area before hand. He sees things others don't.
I didn't realise we were going to get the investigation alongside the storyline so this was a welcomed surprise. I really enjoyed finding out the evidence as it was presented. Who is this stranger? I had no idea! How was everyone linked? That was a question I kept running through and I really had no idea. It was great to see it all unfold as they did.
The writing is a mixture of first and third person. Sometimes both within a chapter but u truly didn't mind that. It kept me on my toes reminding me to pay attention to who was saying what. I felt the emotive language used was really convincing and I felt enraged alongside the characters. We asp got a background into our characters but not so we were bombarded which I appreciated aswell.
Would I recommend this book?
Let me think about that? YES YES AND YES!! I haven't read a good crime psychological thriller in a while and this just blew everything out rhe water I found myself not wanting it to ever end. I hope that DI Joel will become a series because its one I won't be able to put down!!! I was guessing up until the reveals and I loved that! Yes it's a hard subject but thankfully it's not something discussed it too much detail.
5 stars 🌟
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publishers for the digital ARC in exchange for my fair and honest opinions.
Book release date is 1st April 2021
Review blogged https://www.facebook.com/Jasmins-mant...
www.goodreads.com/jasminwebb
October 23, 2021
A unique and fascinating police-procedural with a crime and outcome you cannot possibly predict.
I rounded up to five stars after debating this one in my head for a week! In the end, the curveball ending, a new series (I hope) and solid, believable characters won out. It does begin a little slower than Gallagher's other novels, but the value is in the intricacies of character development and the moral position the author creates for the reader.
Ex-footballer, now regular drunk, Danny struggles to cope with his recent separation and his teenage daughter's suicide attempt. One night at the hotel bar, he is offered the ultimate revenge by a complete stranger. The life-changing option is undoubtedly a moral dilemma, and I found it intriguing. And then the novel takes a twist...and what he must do next sets everything in motion.
I lost the thread a little with the introduction of the next character/victim who is also offered what seems to be the ultimate payback (a deeply moral dilemma that was well crafted in this read), but then it all comes together.
The new detective on the block, Joel, is in charge of finding the killer following the suspicious deaths. The second half of the book focuses on Joel and his determination to find the killer, which I really enjoyed.
Definitely, a read that will make you think, "what would I choose?”
I rounded up to five stars after debating this one in my head for a week! In the end, the curveball ending, a new series (I hope) and solid, believable characters won out. It does begin a little slower than Gallagher's other novels, but the value is in the intricacies of character development and the moral position the author creates for the reader.
Ex-footballer, now regular drunk, Danny struggles to cope with his recent separation and his teenage daughter's suicide attempt. One night at the hotel bar, he is offered the ultimate revenge by a complete stranger. The life-changing option is undoubtedly a moral dilemma, and I found it intriguing. And then the novel takes a twist...and what he must do next sets everything in motion.
I lost the thread a little with the introduction of the next character/victim who is also offered what seems to be the ultimate payback (a deeply moral dilemma that was well crafted in this read), but then it all comes together.
The new detective on the block, Joel, is in charge of finding the killer following the suspicious deaths. The second half of the book focuses on Joel and his determination to find the killer, which I really enjoyed.
Definitely, a read that will make you think, "what would I choose?”
October 6, 2021
Callie, de dochter van Danny en Sharon ligt op de intensive care na een zelfmoordpoging. Dan spreekt iemand Danny aan met de mededeling dat hij weet waarom zijn dochter deze poging heeft gedaan en dat hij wraak kan nemen op deze persoon.
Diegene die Danny aanspreekt blijkt een privédetective te zijn. Hij zegt dat Danny wraak kan nemen op de dader zonder dat dit consequenties zal hebben. Danny gaat meteen in op dit voorstel en komt oog in oog te staan met deze persoon. Zal hij uiteindelijk wraak nemen?
Richard, een ander belangrijk personage, wordt ook benaderd door dezelfde privédetective. Zijn vrouw is door een roekeloze automobilist doodgereden en alleen op straat achtergelaten. Men is er nooit achter gekomen wie hier achter zit, maar de detective weet wie dit op zijn geweten heeft. Ook Richard komt oog in oog te staan met de dader. De grote vraag is wat hij zal doen.
De hoofdvraag is dan ook: hoe ver gaan deze mannen als ze daadwerkelijk degene voor zich krijgen die dit grote verdriet bij hen heeft veroorzaakt? Nemen ze wraak of niet? En wat is de precieze reden dat Callie uit het leven wilde stappen?
De stille vriend is het eerste deel van deze serie met hoofdpersonage rechercheur Joel Norris. Zelf werkt de auteur ook al ruim elf jaar als politieman in Engeland. Charlie Gallagher heeft gedurende zijn loopbaan al veel verschillende functies bekleed. In zijn vrije tijd schrijft hij thrillers. Het is duidelijk dat deze auteur dus weet waar hij over praat en dat is ook goed te merken tijdens dit verhaal.
De opbouw is goed en het begint meteen al spannend. Misschien dat sommige stukken wat langdradig over kunnen komen, maar het einde maakt alles weer goed en vallen dingen op hun plek. De uitwerking van de personages is ook prima. Het is zeker een interessant eerste deel van deze nieuwe serie.
Het verhaal heeft mij de hele tijd weten te boeien en het tweede deel komt dan ook zeker op mijn boekenlijst te staan!
Diegene die Danny aanspreekt blijkt een privédetective te zijn. Hij zegt dat Danny wraak kan nemen op de dader zonder dat dit consequenties zal hebben. Danny gaat meteen in op dit voorstel en komt oog in oog te staan met deze persoon. Zal hij uiteindelijk wraak nemen?
Richard, een ander belangrijk personage, wordt ook benaderd door dezelfde privédetective. Zijn vrouw is door een roekeloze automobilist doodgereden en alleen op straat achtergelaten. Men is er nooit achter gekomen wie hier achter zit, maar de detective weet wie dit op zijn geweten heeft. Ook Richard komt oog in oog te staan met de dader. De grote vraag is wat hij zal doen.
De hoofdvraag is dan ook: hoe ver gaan deze mannen als ze daadwerkelijk degene voor zich krijgen die dit grote verdriet bij hen heeft veroorzaakt? Nemen ze wraak of niet? En wat is de precieze reden dat Callie uit het leven wilde stappen?
De stille vriend is het eerste deel van deze serie met hoofdpersonage rechercheur Joel Norris. Zelf werkt de auteur ook al ruim elf jaar als politieman in Engeland. Charlie Gallagher heeft gedurende zijn loopbaan al veel verschillende functies bekleed. In zijn vrije tijd schrijft hij thrillers. Het is duidelijk dat deze auteur dus weet waar hij over praat en dat is ook goed te merken tijdens dit verhaal.
De opbouw is goed en het begint meteen al spannend. Misschien dat sommige stukken wat langdradig over kunnen komen, maar het einde maakt alles weer goed en vallen dingen op hun plek. De uitwerking van de personages is ook prima. Het is zeker een interessant eerste deel van deze nieuwe serie.
Het verhaal heeft mij de hele tijd weten te boeien en het tweede deel komt dan ook zeker op mijn boekenlijst te staan!
October 23, 2021
A unique and fascinating police-procedural with a crime and outcome you cannot possibly predict.
I rounded up to five stars after debating this one in my head for a week! In the end, the curveball ending, a new series (I hope) and solid, believable characters won out. It does begin a little slower than Gallagher's other novels, but the value is in the intricacies of character development and the moral position the author creates for the reader.
Ex-footballer, now regular drunk, Danny struggles to cope with his recent separation and his teenage daughter's suicide attempt. One night at the hotel bar, he is offered the ultimate revenge by a complete stranger. The life-changing option is undoubtedly a moral dilemma, and I found it intriguing. And then the novel takes a twist...and what he must do next sets everything in motion.
I lost the thread a little with the introduction of the next character/victim who is also offered what seems to be the ultimate payback (a deeply moral dilemma that was well crafted in this read), but then it all comes together.
The new detective on the block, Joel, is in charge of finding the killer following the suspicious deaths. The second half of the book focuses on Joel and his determination to find the killer, which I really enjoyed.
Definitely, a read that will make you think, "what would I choose?"
I rounded up to five stars after debating this one in my head for a week! In the end, the curveball ending, a new series (I hope) and solid, believable characters won out. It does begin a little slower than Gallagher's other novels, but the value is in the intricacies of character development and the moral position the author creates for the reader.
Ex-footballer, now regular drunk, Danny struggles to cope with his recent separation and his teenage daughter's suicide attempt. One night at the hotel bar, he is offered the ultimate revenge by a complete stranger. The life-changing option is undoubtedly a moral dilemma, and I found it intriguing. And then the novel takes a twist...and what he must do next sets everything in motion.
I lost the thread a little with the introduction of the next character/victim who is also offered what seems to be the ultimate payback (a deeply moral dilemma that was well crafted in this read), but then it all comes together.
The new detective on the block, Joel, is in charge of finding the killer following the suspicious deaths. The second half of the book focuses on Joel and his determination to find the killer, which I really enjoyed.
Definitely, a read that will make you think, "what would I choose?"
January 14, 2021
New characters as we are introduced to DI Joel Norris and the team, ex footballer known as The Beast who was Danny Evans is still coaching for Dover Athletic is a troubled man, living away now from his family his wife and children he spends all his time mostly in the Duke Inn Pub drinking his daughter Callie is still fighting an overdose and in a coma in hospital a stranger has done this to them all and Danny is out for murder. Above all I think this book is more suitable as a man's read, as I did tend to struggle along the chapters, as a big fan of this authors work, I did find this one a bit hard going for me.
September 9, 2021
When Danny Evans is approached by a stranger claiming that he knows why Danny's teenage daughter attempted suicide, Danny grasps desperately at the chance to find answers he's been long searching for. Unfortunately, he doesn't know that what he is committing to isn't a solution to his problems but a thrilling new game for the so-called "friend". And thus begins a long series of lies, deceptions, and murders.
The book has a great storyline and many twists. Unfortunately, not all the twists serve well to keep the tempo maintained, something so crucial in a thriller. I was engrossed in the book till about 22% because until then, it kept the momentum going. After that point, there were just periodic thrills and lulls in the reading experience. Towards the end, I was just waiting for the book to be over because the climax really dragged a lot. At 400 pages and 62 chapters (leading to a 12.5 hours long audiobook), the book becomes quite clunky in its plot and could have worked better if the narrative had been tightened a bit more.
I loved the police procedural parts of the story. The author is a long-serving UK police officer, and his knowledge of being in the frontline of crime serves him well. All the crime-related and police-related segments of the book are quite interesting. DI Joel Norris, the main police character in the book, seems much like an actual police officer and I liked that character portrayal a lot. He showed the human side of the police force.
The narrator, Alexis Rodney, does his best to liven up the characters and keep us invested throughout the long listening journey. However, I couldn’t connect much with his narration, especially after the halfway mark. A narrator can boost a lengthy book only to a certain extent; beyond that, it is entirely dependent on the plot to sustain the listener. On the other hand, if this were an e-book, I might just have DNFed it. So I guess Rodney’s narration did benefit the book.
On an aside, I had loved the cover of the book when I had requested the ARC but now I feel that it doesn’t represent the book accurately.
I would give “The Friend” 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio, for the Advanced Audio Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
The book has a great storyline and many twists. Unfortunately, not all the twists serve well to keep the tempo maintained, something so crucial in a thriller. I was engrossed in the book till about 22% because until then, it kept the momentum going. After that point, there were just periodic thrills and lulls in the reading experience. Towards the end, I was just waiting for the book to be over because the climax really dragged a lot. At 400 pages and 62 chapters (leading to a 12.5 hours long audiobook), the book becomes quite clunky in its plot and could have worked better if the narrative had been tightened a bit more.
I loved the police procedural parts of the story. The author is a long-serving UK police officer, and his knowledge of being in the frontline of crime serves him well. All the crime-related and police-related segments of the book are quite interesting. DI Joel Norris, the main police character in the book, seems much like an actual police officer and I liked that character portrayal a lot. He showed the human side of the police force.
The narrator, Alexis Rodney, does his best to liven up the characters and keep us invested throughout the long listening journey. However, I couldn’t connect much with his narration, especially after the halfway mark. A narrator can boost a lengthy book only to a certain extent; beyond that, it is entirely dependent on the plot to sustain the listener. On the other hand, if this were an e-book, I might just have DNFed it. So I guess Rodney’s narration did benefit the book.
On an aside, I had loved the cover of the book when I had requested the ARC but now I feel that it doesn’t represent the book accurately.
I would give “The Friend” 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio, for the Advanced Audio Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
March 22, 2021
Creepy, thrilling, unbelievably good!
I listened to this as an audiobook that was narrated by Alexis Rodney and he did a phenomenal job. I also love this cover.
This suspenseful mystery thriller was written well with lots of tension. Everything happening kept me guessing and on edge.
How does someone deal with tragedy? Can they get passed it? Feel better? And if they can find something to help will it really help?
This is going to be a favorite of mine for 2021. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio via Netgalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
I listened to this as an audiobook that was narrated by Alexis Rodney and he did a phenomenal job. I also love this cover.
This suspenseful mystery thriller was written well with lots of tension. Everything happening kept me guessing and on edge.
How does someone deal with tragedy? Can they get passed it? Feel better? And if they can find something to help will it really help?
This is going to be a favorite of mine for 2021. I highly recommend it.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio via Netgalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
April 15, 2021
As parents, Danny and Sharon are devastated with their daughter attempted to take her own life. She had always seemed to happy ... hr parents just don't understand.
A stranger accosts Danny telling him he knows who to blame. Their new friend offers them a chance of revenge. Danny is all for it ... Sharon has some reluctance.
But Danny really know who this new friend is. The friend has his own agenda ... and it just might be more dangerous than he thinks.
DI Joel Norris is called on to investigate when 2 murders are committed within days of each other. Seemingly unrelated.. but there is doubt. And Norris is known for following his gut .. no matter the danger.
This one is fraught with suspense beginning with the very first page. This may not be for everyone, as it explores child cruelty. Some scenes are a bit on the graphic side. The author spent several years as a UK police officer. As such, I expected a great deal of credibility .. and I was not disappointed.
Many thanks to the author / Avon Books UK / Netgalley for the digital copy of THE FRIEND. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
A stranger accosts Danny telling him he knows who to blame. Their new friend offers them a chance of revenge. Danny is all for it ... Sharon has some reluctance.
But Danny really know who this new friend is. The friend has his own agenda ... and it just might be more dangerous than he thinks.
DI Joel Norris is called on to investigate when 2 murders are committed within days of each other. Seemingly unrelated.. but there is doubt. And Norris is known for following his gut .. no matter the danger.
This one is fraught with suspense beginning with the very first page. This may not be for everyone, as it explores child cruelty. Some scenes are a bit on the graphic side. The author spent several years as a UK police officer. As such, I expected a great deal of credibility .. and I was not disappointed.
Many thanks to the author / Avon Books UK / Netgalley for the digital copy of THE FRIEND. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
February 21, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the arc of The Friend by Charlie Gallagher.
4 Stars- This follows a young girl whom is overdosing in the park... then there is lets call it a month or so time skip into the future, then former footballer is in a bar and then someone random and a stranger approaches him and says he knows who caused her overdose and even why.... then theres another man who lost his wife and then its a huge rollercoaster of events happen but this is all I am going to say... you MUST i mean it MUST read this! you will not be disappointed in fact you'd be immensely shocked and gripped and thrilled at this thriller, recommend to all.
4 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 Stars- This follows a young girl whom is overdosing in the park... then there is lets call it a month or so time skip into the future, then former footballer is in a bar and then someone random and a stranger approaches him and says he knows who caused her overdose and even why.... then theres another man who lost his wife and then its a huge rollercoaster of events happen but this is all I am going to say... you MUST i mean it MUST read this! you will not be disappointed in fact you'd be immensely shocked and gripped and thrilled at this thriller, recommend to all.
4 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 27, 2021
My first Charlie Gallagher read and overall a hugely enjoyable affair. I went in fairly blind to the spiel and I’d advise you do too for maximum enjoyment.
What I did know that it deals with a 15 year old girls attempted suicide and the fallout her parents face as they try to figure out why their happy daughter would try and take her own life and what secrets she was hiding.
The book starts off at a really fast pace and the first few chapters really had me hooked. The stranger that is introduced was an intriguing storyline and I was all in with this one.
A story of abuse and grooming with a dark twist, I did enjoy the first half of the book more than the second. The first half was all about this mystery character and what game he was playing, beautifully written and paced, I flew through it.
As the book evolves it turns into more of a standard police procedural and the pay off towards the end didn’t quite live up to the intrigue and mystery of the first half.
Still this was a hugely enjoyable read overall. I look forward to discovering more titles by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What I did know that it deals with a 15 year old girls attempted suicide and the fallout her parents face as they try to figure out why their happy daughter would try and take her own life and what secrets she was hiding.
The book starts off at a really fast pace and the first few chapters really had me hooked. The stranger that is introduced was an intriguing storyline and I was all in with this one.
A story of abuse and grooming with a dark twist, I did enjoy the first half of the book more than the second. The first half was all about this mystery character and what game he was playing, beautifully written and paced, I flew through it.
As the book evolves it turns into more of a standard police procedural and the pay off towards the end didn’t quite live up to the intrigue and mystery of the first half.
Still this was a hugely enjoyable read overall. I look forward to discovering more titles by this author.
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2022
Met ,de stille vriend, van Charlie Gallagher heb ik een nieuwe auteur ontdekt, waar ik zeker meer van wil lezen, Rechercheur Norris wil ik beter leren kennen.
De stille vriend van Charlie Gallagher laat de lezer mee zoeken, wie is die persoon die Danny benadert? Waarom? Is hij te vertrouwen? Zal Danny hem geloven en wat zijn de gevolgen?
En Richard, hoe loopt het voor hem af?
Komt het nog goed met Callie, de dochter van Danny en Sharon?
Spannend boek waarbij je als lezer echt niet ziet aankomen wie ,,die stille vriend nu is”
Dit is zo een boek dat je eigenlijk in een ruk wil ’uitlezen,maar tegelijkertijd ook af en toe aan de kant wil leggen. Je wil de spanning er nog wat inhouden, vooraleer de ontknopping te kennen.
3,5 sterren
De stille vriend van Charlie Gallagher laat de lezer mee zoeken, wie is die persoon die Danny benadert? Waarom? Is hij te vertrouwen? Zal Danny hem geloven en wat zijn de gevolgen?
En Richard, hoe loopt het voor hem af?
Komt het nog goed met Callie, de dochter van Danny en Sharon?
Spannend boek waarbij je als lezer echt niet ziet aankomen wie ,,die stille vriend nu is”
Dit is zo een boek dat je eigenlijk in een ruk wil ’uitlezen,maar tegelijkertijd ook af en toe aan de kant wil leggen. Je wil de spanning er nog wat inhouden, vooraleer de ontknopping te kennen.
3,5 sterren
January 24, 2022
Why did Callie Evans try to take her own life and end up in a coma? Who is this mysterious person who has all the answers to why Danny’s daughter is in this predicament. Revenge is tempting and oh so sweet or so they say!! But is this as legit as “The Friend” would have you believe.
A deadly game of “good deeds” for the sake of revenge is served up for DI Joel Norris, the new kid on the block. Joel has been thrown into the deep end seemingly to fail, he’s got a big mess to sort out and not much help to do it. Oh and Joel has issues of his own to handle as well.
I have had some shocking reads lately and I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately it was not meant to be. I laboured through it in double the time is should have taken me, and to be honest I skimmed… ahh shock I know but I was so BORED!!! Thrilling this was not.
The story never really gets going glossing over some major characters and the issues they face and to be honest Callie the so called catalyst for all these revenge activities well… you never get to know her. You never really get to know anyone. You do however get directions all over the godforsaken town, you do get long winded descriptions of flowers in spring.
So many storyline’s in one book, so many forks in the road murders and revenge acts and the goddamned Friend is at the centre of it all. I didn’t guess who this person was because well… we never met him through the whole book, slight glimpses into a storyline that could have been and really… all I can finish with was what a let down. This book was no friend to me.
A deadly game of “good deeds” for the sake of revenge is served up for DI Joel Norris, the new kid on the block. Joel has been thrown into the deep end seemingly to fail, he’s got a big mess to sort out and not much help to do it. Oh and Joel has issues of his own to handle as well.
I have had some shocking reads lately and I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately it was not meant to be. I laboured through it in double the time is should have taken me, and to be honest I skimmed… ahh shock I know but I was so BORED!!! Thrilling this was not.
The story never really gets going glossing over some major characters and the issues they face and to be honest Callie the so called catalyst for all these revenge activities well… you never get to know her. You never really get to know anyone. You do however get directions all over the godforsaken town, you do get long winded descriptions of flowers in spring.
So many storyline’s in one book, so many forks in the road murders and revenge acts and the goddamned Friend is at the centre of it all. I didn’t guess who this person was because well… we never met him through the whole book, slight glimpses into a storyline that could have been and really… all I can finish with was what a let down. This book was no friend to me.
January 17, 2021
Once again Charlie Gallagher has provided another brilliant book. I have followed this author since his first book and he just keeps getting better and better. Another gripping story that had me on the edge of my seat with many oh my gosh moments when I was taken aback by what was happening. A great duo of new detectives who I hope we will see their relationship develop n future books, The story itself held my attention throughout the book, it really is a wild ride, quite dark but very cleverly put together. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Thank you to Charlie Gallagher and Net Galley for this book.
June 8, 2021
⭐️ 2 ⭐️
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Charlie Gallagher for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
This is a hard one. I’ve read so many 4/5 star reviews for this book and people have loved it, so my apologies to those who have.
The whole premise was fabulous, but I just couldn’t engage with either the story or the characters.
I found the plot slow-paced and the characters flat and one dimensional. When it came to the ending I’d completely lost interest, so didn’t really care what happened anyway.
Overall, the book is well written and there are some unexpected twists and turns but sadly it wasn’t for me.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and Charlie Gallagher for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
This is a hard one. I’ve read so many 4/5 star reviews for this book and people have loved it, so my apologies to those who have.
The whole premise was fabulous, but I just couldn’t engage with either the story or the characters.
I found the plot slow-paced and the characters flat and one dimensional. When it came to the ending I’d completely lost interest, so didn’t really care what happened anyway.
Overall, the book is well written and there are some unexpected twists and turns but sadly it wasn’t for me.
March 27, 2021
**listened to audiobook**
This book took a long time to get into. I found it very slow paced and I don't think I ever truly got submerged into the plot due to its slow beginning.
The premise seemed right up my street, but there was just too many characters and the plot seemed to be all over the place I just couldn't connect.
I also wasn't too keen on the audiobook narrator. I didn't think he changed up his voice enough for the different characters - and this could have been the reason I struggled with the multiple characters and knowing what was going on.
Didn't enjoy this one!
This book took a long time to get into. I found it very slow paced and I don't think I ever truly got submerged into the plot due to its slow beginning.
The premise seemed right up my street, but there was just too many characters and the plot seemed to be all over the place I just couldn't connect.
I also wasn't too keen on the audiobook narrator. I didn't think he changed up his voice enough for the different characters - and this could have been the reason I struggled with the multiple characters and knowing what was going on.
Didn't enjoy this one!
January 22, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy of this gripping page turner. A totally unique storyline of manipulation and revenge. This is the first murder investigation DI Joel Norris has led on and what a case it is! Absolutely brilliantly written with twists and turns. My first taste of a Charlie Gallagher thriller and definitely won't be my last. Highly recommended.
March 27, 2021
*Thank you to NetGalley, Charlie Gallagher and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Previously Published at https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
The Friend by Charlie Gallagher begs the question: If you could seek revenge on the person who wronged your family with seemingly no consequences, would you? Could you move on, knowing you killed another human being?
Danny Evans is a successful professional football player. He seems to have the perfect life with wife Sharon, children Jamie and Callie, and dog Zinedine. Then his fifteen-year-old daughter is groomed by a sexual predator, culminating in her attempted suicide. Unable to handle his feelings, he moves into a local hotel and drinks day and night to escape his grief. So when a stranger approaches him and gives him the way to exact revenge, Danny sees a way to seek vigilante justice and get his family back.
Richard Maddox, an elderly war hero, is grieving his wife Angela, killed in a hit-and-run accident a year ago. Every morning he sits at her grave with a coffee mug she gave him as a gift and talks to her. One day a stranger approaches, claiming he knows exactly who committed the crime, a crime the police could not solve.
DI Joel Norris was the leader of the local Tactical Support Group, but has taken a hiatus, having been overwhelmed by responsibilities and on the verge of a breakdown. Joel is feeling stronger now and ready to go back to work in a new department the following Monday when he receives a call that a body has washed up on the beach. Being the lead of this new department is supposed to be a slow transition, but when the bodies pile up, it throws him right into the fire.
The Friend is the first novel in a new series by Charlie Gallagher, quick to start, keeping the reader hooked from the very first page. Danny Evans is a relatable character, mourning the loss of his perfect life. Joel has a unique sense of humor and a quick wit that draws you in. DS Rose shines as his new partner, though quiet and less relatable.
The premise of this book brings a vision of a puppet handler manipulating his puppets in an evil way. I, for one, never saw the conclusion. Charlie Gallagher has done a brilliant job with the beginning of this new series.
Previously Published at https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
The Friend by Charlie Gallagher begs the question: If you could seek revenge on the person who wronged your family with seemingly no consequences, would you? Could you move on, knowing you killed another human being?
Danny Evans is a successful professional football player. He seems to have the perfect life with wife Sharon, children Jamie and Callie, and dog Zinedine. Then his fifteen-year-old daughter is groomed by a sexual predator, culminating in her attempted suicide. Unable to handle his feelings, he moves into a local hotel and drinks day and night to escape his grief. So when a stranger approaches him and gives him the way to exact revenge, Danny sees a way to seek vigilante justice and get his family back.
Richard Maddox, an elderly war hero, is grieving his wife Angela, killed in a hit-and-run accident a year ago. Every morning he sits at her grave with a coffee mug she gave him as a gift and talks to her. One day a stranger approaches, claiming he knows exactly who committed the crime, a crime the police could not solve.
DI Joel Norris was the leader of the local Tactical Support Group, but has taken a hiatus, having been overwhelmed by responsibilities and on the verge of a breakdown. Joel is feeling stronger now and ready to go back to work in a new department the following Monday when he receives a call that a body has washed up on the beach. Being the lead of this new department is supposed to be a slow transition, but when the bodies pile up, it throws him right into the fire.
The Friend is the first novel in a new series by Charlie Gallagher, quick to start, keeping the reader hooked from the very first page. Danny Evans is a relatable character, mourning the loss of his perfect life. Joel has a unique sense of humor and a quick wit that draws you in. DS Rose shines as his new partner, though quiet and less relatable.
The premise of this book brings a vision of a puppet handler manipulating his puppets in an evil way. I, for one, never saw the conclusion. Charlie Gallagher has done a brilliant job with the beginning of this new series.
April 1, 2021
Danny Evans is approached by a stranger claiming to know who’s behind her teenage daughter’s attempted suicide, and he definitely can’t turn this opportunity down, especially not now knowing that the police hasn’t been doing enough. Unfortunately he doesn’t realise that this is only a new game for the “new friend” and that is only the beginning of a series of lies and murders.
First time reading a Charlie Gallagher’s book and it was a really enjoyable journey full of twists and suspence. Compared to many other books I’ve read I’ve found the first part much more fast paced and likeable than the second one, but overall the storyline was compelling and intriguing.
It’s a novel about grief, corrosive anger that evokes in some men the need to blame someone, but mostly it’s about manipulation. It’s quite scary to see how “the friend” using the right arguments can actually push the characters to act in a advantageous way for his game.
Definitely a dark read and highly recommended if you have read the Shadow Man by Helen Fields and enjoyed it.
Thank you Avon Books & NetGalley for the free audiobook in exchange of an honest review.
First time reading a Charlie Gallagher’s book and it was a really enjoyable journey full of twists and suspence. Compared to many other books I’ve read I’ve found the first part much more fast paced and likeable than the second one, but overall the storyline was compelling and intriguing.
It’s a novel about grief, corrosive anger that evokes in some men the need to blame someone, but mostly it’s about manipulation. It’s quite scary to see how “the friend” using the right arguments can actually push the characters to act in a advantageous way for his game.
Definitely a dark read and highly recommended if you have read the Shadow Man by Helen Fields and enjoyed it.
Thank you Avon Books & NetGalley for the free audiobook in exchange of an honest review.
May 7, 2021
The Friend
is my fourth book by Charlie Gallagher as I've read books two to four from his series featuring Maddie Ives. This thriller has a fantastic plot, fascinating characters, and plenty of drama and twists. It's essentially a police procedural and I believe this is the start of a new series featuring DI Joel Norris.
The story opens with an intriguing first chapter and from this point, I was totally engrossed in the story. This clever, emotive and dark tale crackles with tension and the writing flows effortlessly with a well-structured narrative as it spirals its way towards a satisfying end. I read The Friend with zeal and I recommend it highly. I look forward to reading the sequel/ book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Avon Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The story opens with an intriguing first chapter and from this point, I was totally engrossed in the story. This clever, emotive and dark tale crackles with tension and the writing flows effortlessly with a well-structured narrative as it spirals its way towards a satisfying end. I read The Friend with zeal and I recommend it highly. I look forward to reading the sequel/ book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Avon Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 28, 2021
This is a stunning first book in a series which had me totally hooked right from the start. Charlie Gallagher, a new author to me, has written a fast paced, adrenaline fuelled thriller.
This is definitely an edge-of the-seat book. The storyline is quite dark and has hints of The Stranger by Harlen Corben and The Chain by Adrian McKinty, and the violence was a little graphic at times. It is complex and well plotted with several different strands which all blend together brilliantly.
Alexis Rodney did a great job with the narration.
This is definitely an edge-of the-seat book. The storyline is quite dark and has hints of The Stranger by Harlen Corben and The Chain by Adrian McKinty, and the violence was a little graphic at times. It is complex and well plotted with several different strands which all blend together brilliantly.
Alexis Rodney did a great job with the narration.
March 30, 2021
Slow start but don’t worry
I forgot how much detail and groundwork this author puts into his stories! It really does slow things down at the start but once you power through 25% it picks up. It is worth it, so be patient.
The concept was interesting and different. There were some nice twists. I found it very clever how everything tied together. The conclusion was well done, did not see that coming.
Second book by this author, enjoyed them both. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Avon Books UK for a copy in exchange for a review.
I forgot how much detail and groundwork this author puts into his stories! It really does slow things down at the start but once you power through 25% it picks up. It is worth it, so be patient.
The concept was interesting and different. There were some nice twists. I found it very clever how everything tied together. The conclusion was well done, did not see that coming.
Second book by this author, enjoyed them both. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Avon Books UK for a copy in exchange for a review.
February 3, 2021
This was better than I thought it was going to be and I enjoyed it was a thriller/suspense with some family issues. Well written. Creepy AF. Loved the multiple twists and turns throughout. PLUS, IT WAS NOT PREDICTABLE!! Predictable books are a huge turn off for me. I highly suggest this and would read another book by Charlie Gallagher in the future.
All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, Charlie Gallagher and Avon Books UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 4/1/21
All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, Charlie Gallagher and Avon Books UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 4/1/21
March 29, 2021
This is a bit of a slow burner but turns into a good read.
Danny is struggling to cope being separated from his wife while his teenage daughter is in a coma, following a suicide attempt.
He’s staying in a hotel and drowning his sorrows most nights. One night he is approached by a stranger who says he can help him.
Danny dismisses the idea of meeting the man but goes ahead after a while and his life is changed forever.
The stranger or ‘friend’ told Danny he’d owe him no money but what he asks him to do again leaves him speechless.
The stranger then approaches another man and again tells him he can help him, and the results are shocking.
We also follow Joel as he’s in charge of finding the killer following some suspicious deaths.
The second half of the book is more about Joel and his determination to find the killer which I really enjoyed.
This is a great read and I liked how it all inter -connected.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Danny is struggling to cope being separated from his wife while his teenage daughter is in a coma, following a suicide attempt.
He’s staying in a hotel and drowning his sorrows most nights. One night he is approached by a stranger who says he can help him.
Danny dismisses the idea of meeting the man but goes ahead after a while and his life is changed forever.
The stranger or ‘friend’ told Danny he’d owe him no money but what he asks him to do again leaves him speechless.
The stranger then approaches another man and again tells him he can help him, and the results are shocking.
We also follow Joel as he’s in charge of finding the killer following some suspicious deaths.
The second half of the book is more about Joel and his determination to find the killer which I really enjoyed.
This is a great read and I liked how it all inter -connected.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews