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Hew New Best Friend
Mum-of-two Audrey is horrified when during a moment of distraction in the park, her pram with baby Wilfred in it rolls down the hill and into a pond. Fortunately for her, Claire Jones is nearby and rescues Wilfred, soothing Audrey and daughter Antonia with coffee and cake in a nearby café. No harm is done. However, the frightening experience dents Audrey’s confidence and she replays the events over and over, convinced she can’t have forgotten to put the brake on. To make matters worse she keeps spotting a shadowy figure everywhere she goes and becomes sure that someone is stalking her. Audrey’s fears are escalating when a catastrophic reaction to a bee sting sends her into a coma - and into hospital - but once again her new best friend is on hand to step in. Does Claire really have Audrey’s best interests at heart? And if not, why has she inserted herself so cleverly into Audrey’s life? Will Audrey ever recover? And will her real friends be able uncover the truth before it is too late? A twisting tale of intrigue and deception – and of what happens when your worst nightmare comes true.
320 pages, Paperback
Published August 5, 2021
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August 19, 2021
My review is on my website www. bookread2day.wordpress.com
Twitter @bookread2day
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After reading Her new best friend, author Penny Batchelor has become my favourite author.
Her new best friend is a twisting tale, one that I must recommend to read it now. I fully enjoyed every page. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop, I read it over a few days finding impossible to put down.
My couple of days reading I was literally taken in by Audrey and Claire that are two completely different women, with very different personalities and lifestyles good or bad!
Penny Batchelor’s first book, was My Perfect Sister, with after reading a few pages at the back book in Her new best friend, I so want to read My Perfect Sister.
When Audrey takes her young daughter Antonia and baby Wilfred out, Antonia runs off, Audrey put the brake on the pram, and rushes off leaving the Pram with Wilfred in, to get Antonia, but when she returns the pram is not there it’s in the pond.
Lucky a young lady Claire rescued Wilfred dry and safe, with Claire pulling the pram out of the pond. Or is it?
As a way of thanking Claire for rescuing Wilfred, Audrey gives Claire her number thinking that Claire won’t call her anyway.
I was beginning to think that Claire was stalking Audrey, the minute she first pulled Wilfred to safety out of the pram from the pond.
At first Audrey was happy to go out with Claire, a few times in a way of thanking her saving her son’s life.
I was so glad when Audrey adopts a firm voice putting off Claire’s invites as she has become rather to clingy and Audrey has other commitments.
Claire’s voice changed towards Audrey with a catastrophic event that appears out of nowhere.
Her new best friend is one of those psychological thrillers books that catches you from the first page and keeps the exciting nerve jangling, controlling reading right up to the very end! The author Penny Batchelor is an author I will be keeping a look out for her next book.
Twitter @bookread2day
Instagram book_read_2day
After reading Her new best friend, author Penny Batchelor has become my favourite author.
Her new best friend is a twisting tale, one that I must recommend to read it now. I fully enjoyed every page. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop, I read it over a few days finding impossible to put down.
My couple of days reading I was literally taken in by Audrey and Claire that are two completely different women, with very different personalities and lifestyles good or bad!
Penny Batchelor’s first book, was My Perfect Sister, with after reading a few pages at the back book in Her new best friend, I so want to read My Perfect Sister.
When Audrey takes her young daughter Antonia and baby Wilfred out, Antonia runs off, Audrey put the brake on the pram, and rushes off leaving the Pram with Wilfred in, to get Antonia, but when she returns the pram is not there it’s in the pond.
Lucky a young lady Claire rescued Wilfred dry and safe, with Claire pulling the pram out of the pond. Or is it?
As a way of thanking Claire for rescuing Wilfred, Audrey gives Claire her number thinking that Claire won’t call her anyway.
I was beginning to think that Claire was stalking Audrey, the minute she first pulled Wilfred to safety out of the pram from the pond.
At first Audrey was happy to go out with Claire, a few times in a way of thanking her saving her son’s life.
I was so glad when Audrey adopts a firm voice putting off Claire’s invites as she has become rather to clingy and Audrey has other commitments.
Claire’s voice changed towards Audrey with a catastrophic event that appears out of nowhere.
Her new best friend is one of those psychological thrillers books that catches you from the first page and keeps the exciting nerve jangling, controlling reading right up to the very end! The author Penny Batchelor is an author I will be keeping a look out for her next book.
March 26, 2023
This book was difficult to read. The plot was great but it was too descriptive and lengthy. It’s like the author didn’t know what to say so she rambled on and on. I couldn’t help but scream “get to the point”. It didn’t grasp my attention like I thought it would.
July 22, 2021
This was a decent book, though didn't stand out much in a crowded genre, and I also thought it was odd that the synopsis gives away so much of the story. The book centers on Audrey, who meets Claire in a park and becomes indebted to her after Claire saves her baby son from an accident. Audrey initially likes Claire but starts feeling that Claire is encroaching on her carefully laid-out plans, and goes back and forth as to whether she should keep the friendship going. The book alternates between her and Claire's POV and it the reader gets to hear of the happenings from her perspective as well. Turns out Claire has an interesting backstory and her intentions may not be as pure as they seemed.
I like the style of alternating points of view, and I could truly empathize with both women were feeling at various points in the book. There was a twist that I didn't see coming, though later I was surprised I hadn't because it made total sense. Some of the story was predictable, though, and it also grated on me a bit that Audrey's husband regularly referred to Claire as "her new best friend". We get it, that's the name of the book and we don't need to be reminded!
Overall, it was a fast read and I enjoyed it, though I don't think it's all that memorable in a sea of "best friends with an ulterior motive" books that are coming out these days. I'd give it 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I like the style of alternating points of view, and I could truly empathize with both women were feeling at various points in the book. There was a twist that I didn't see coming, though later I was surprised I hadn't because it made total sense. Some of the story was predictable, though, and it also grated on me a bit that Audrey's husband regularly referred to Claire as "her new best friend". We get it, that's the name of the book and we don't need to be reminded!
Overall, it was a fast read and I enjoyed it, though I don't think it's all that memorable in a sea of "best friends with an ulterior motive" books that are coming out these days. I'd give it 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2021
Audrey is happily married to James and they have two young children, Antonia and Wilfred. One day, while on an outing to the park, Antonia starts to run off and within the few moments that Audrey is distracted, Wilfred's pram rolls away into the pond. Thankfully Claire Jones just happens to be nearby and saves the baby. Claire has recently moved to the area and befriends Audrey. Soon they are hanging out more and more. Eventually Claire starts showing up uninvited and often overstays her welcome. Audrey begins to feel suffocated by Claire and one day decides to tell her she needs a little break from their friendship. Unfortunately, right at that moment, tragedy strikes.
This book starts out from Audrey's perspective and the second half is Claire's. The storyline was good and kept me interested, however, in the very beginning, rambling and run on sentences kept me from being able to focus on what was actually happening. Although it was pretty predictable, I was enjoying this book until the very end. Everything happened so quickly and it was all a bit unbelievable and ridiculous. I'm not sure if we were supposed to emphasize with Claire and that's why the story ended the way it did, with everyone "supposedly" happy. It just didn't sit right with me. The ending felt rushed and haphazardly thrown together in an attempt to just end the story. I felt it could have been written much better.
Thank you to Netgalley and Literally PR Ltd. for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book starts out from Audrey's perspective and the second half is Claire's. The storyline was good and kept me interested, however, in the very beginning, rambling and run on sentences kept me from being able to focus on what was actually happening. Although it was pretty predictable, I was enjoying this book until the very end. Everything happened so quickly and it was all a bit unbelievable and ridiculous. I'm not sure if we were supposed to emphasize with Claire and that's why the story ended the way it did, with everyone "supposedly" happy. It just didn't sit right with me. The ending felt rushed and haphazardly thrown together in an attempt to just end the story. I felt it could have been written much better.
Thank you to Netgalley and Literally PR Ltd. for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 25, 2023
The second half, narrated by Claire made the book readable (barely). Audrey was a simpering mess and her over-descriptions of motherhood, the meals, her soppy relationship with her husband and her gullibility was not believable.
A good editor would have cleaned this up and made Claire’s portion the majority of the book.
A good editor would have cleaned this up and made Claire’s portion the majority of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2021
I enjoyed the British mum perspective which is something I love when reading these kind of books (think Claire Macintosh). I found it relatable with characters that were easy to get a grasp on their personalities. I liked the opening and the storyline that followed. Although I enjoyed reading about the domestic side of things, her life as a mother, I did find there was almost too much detail at times. The parenting, the different flavours of yoghurts, the nap times, the favourite toys. I became a little bogged down by it when I think a little less would have been more effective at setting the scene without overloading the reader. Overall it was enjoyable but didn’t keep my interest as I would have liked. Thanks Netgalley for the arc.
June 2, 2024
2.5* This entire plot lacked originality, with the exception of characters with disabilities. And the ending was infuriating. Once something started happening (FINALLY started happening) the book just ended. Boom. That’s it. WTF?!? Just another chapter could’ve finalized things. This certainly doesn’t need a sequel, but it can’t just end in this manner. The plot was bothersome, but the characters were also infuriating. It’s a nice read/listen to pass time but that’s about it.
December 27, 2023
When a new best friend enters her life, a mother of two children quickly discovers that this new best friend has her own agenda.
Although the book's twists were very, very, very predictable, the book was well-written, fast-paced, and engaging.
I listened to the audiobook read by Gabrielle Nellis-Pain, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
July 27, 2021
I enjoyed the British mum perspective which is something I love when reading these kind of books (think Claire Macintosh). I found it relatable with characters that were easy to get a grasp on their personalities. I liked the opening and the storyline that followed. Although I enjoyed reading about the domestic side of things, her life as a mother, I did find there was almost too much detail at times. The parenting, the different flavours of yoghurts, the nap times, the favourite toys. I became a little bogged down by it when I think a little less would have been more effective at setting the scene without overloading the reader. Overall it was enjoyable but didn’t keep my interest as I would have liked. Thanks Netgalley for the arc.
September 5, 2021
“Her New Best Friend” is a good, yet very predictable read. I guessed very early on how the story would progress. An easy enough read but it ended quite abruptly.
July 18, 2023
4:5 stars. Great domestic thriller. Easily solved but good anyways
August 19, 2024
Was ok....
Some parts were way too descriptive, like the author was trying to get her word count up. The end felt very rushed too.
Some parts were way too descriptive, like the author was trying to get her word count up. The end felt very rushed too.
July 12, 2021
Audrey’s new best friend is Claire and with a friend like that, she doesn’t need enemies. They meet in the park after a near accident involving Audrey’s baby son. Grateful and upset, Audrey invites Claire to share a drink at a nearby café. Soon, Claire has inserted herself into Audrey’s life. When her invitations are not answered immediately by a wary Audrey, Claire starts to drop by Audrey’s house for impromptu dinners with Audrey’s husband James and their two children, Antonia and Wilfred. Tensions grow and finally a meeting between the two turns deadly.
The story is told in two voices. First is Audrey. We see how much she wanted children but tires of constant time with them. Claire takes advantage of that and Audrey doesn’t realize what is at stake until it’s too late. Claire has had serious problems but she has tried to leave them behind and reinvent herself. Her New Best Friend brims with tension. You’ll want to warn Audrey and protect her family. You’ll want to stop Claire but you’ll also feel sorry for her. I suggest changing the publisher’s blurb on NetGalley. It is fun of spoilers. 4 stars only because I knew what was going to happen from the publisher’s note.
Thank you to NetGalley, RedDoor Books and Penny Batchelor for this ARC.
The story is told in two voices. First is Audrey. We see how much she wanted children but tires of constant time with them. Claire takes advantage of that and Audrey doesn’t realize what is at stake until it’s too late. Claire has had serious problems but she has tried to leave them behind and reinvent herself. Her New Best Friend brims with tension. You’ll want to warn Audrey and protect her family. You’ll want to stop Claire but you’ll also feel sorry for her. I suggest changing the publisher’s blurb on NetGalley. It is fun of spoilers. 4 stars only because I knew what was going to happen from the publisher’s note.
Thank you to NetGalley, RedDoor Books and Penny Batchelor for this ARC.
August 19, 2021
I was completely gripped to this book’s pages! It is split into two halves with the first being written in the point of view of Audrey, and then the second half is from Claire’s. It worked perfectly as you start creating your own impression of Claire from Audrey’s perspective, but when you get to read Claire’s side of the story you realise there is a lot more to her. I was able to empathise with both of the characters and I honestly didn’t expect to for Claire!
Some parts of this book were a bit more obvious about where it was going to lead, but there are quite a few twists that I most definitely did not see coming. Especially that ending!
My New Best Friend is all about motherhood, friendship, obsession and trust with a lot of tough themes hidden underneath it all. A tense, fast paced and unsettling psychological thriller that will capture your attention all the way from the start to the very end.
Some parts of this book were a bit more obvious about where it was going to lead, but there are quite a few twists that I most definitely did not see coming. Especially that ending!
My New Best Friend is all about motherhood, friendship, obsession and trust with a lot of tough themes hidden underneath it all. A tense, fast paced and unsettling psychological thriller that will capture your attention all the way from the start to the very end.
July 14, 2024
The read up for this book sounded so good so couldn’t wait to read.
Found has I was reading the first half was slow and was from Audrey,s point of view
The 2nd half picked up it pace and was from Claire,s point of view and the words seem to flow better
Found has I was reading the first half was slow and was from Audrey,s point of view
The 2nd half picked up it pace and was from Claire,s point of view and the words seem to flow better
December 3, 2024
This had the makings of a four, maybe even 5 star rating. Until the ending
September 2, 2024
This was…. Ugh. I really liked her first novel, but this one was a hot mess of character description. We don’t find out until about chapter 8 that then main character apparently has this unmistakable disability. The book went on and on only to be rushed at the end with a conclusion that didn’t fit the rest of the book, or make any sense.
The beginning of the book was so focused on the mundane aspects of parenting that it became boring.
The beginning of the book was so focused on the mundane aspects of parenting that it became boring.
September 8, 2024
Ending ruined the story
The ending wasn’t good at all. This book needs another few chapters. After the disappointment with the ending I couldn’t give this book more than 2 stars. I don’t recommend wasting time reading this book because of the ending.
The ending wasn’t good at all. This book needs another few chapters. After the disappointment with the ending I couldn’t give this book more than 2 stars. I don’t recommend wasting time reading this book because of the ending.
January 5, 2024
I just couldn’t get into it so DNF. Maybe I will try it again another time.
August 13, 2021
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝
⭐⭐⭐⭐
~ PR-PRODUCT ~
A breath taking, erratic & fast paced thriller, overwhelmed with traumatic side stories and themes, that left me never willingly putting this book down.
"When mum of two Audrey is helped out by a stranger in the park, she is relieved that Clare was there to step in. However relief turns to alarm as Clare quickly becomes possessive and obsessive, and when one catastrophic event takes place, Clare is there once again. Does Clare really have Audrey and her children's best interests at heart?"
While the storyline was possessive and obsessive, so did I become, wanting to know what happened next, not willing to wait. I thought the pace and writing style were perfect for the type of book, every chapter gave you just enough to get you hooked for the next. The only point I found was the amount of side lines; disabilities, abduction, illness, affairs, drug use, stalkers, motherhood, attempted murder, murder. The list was endless and I feel could have been reduced with as equally a compelling character group.
That does not take away however what an incredible psychological tale this was. I loved it from start to finish and really pulled me out from a miserable reading slump. Get this on your bookshelf right away, you won't be disappointed!
Thank you so much @reddoorbooks & @pennybatchelorauthor - Penny you have written a masterpiece!
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #photosofbooks #bookclub #bookgroup #bookrecos #thriller #mumswhoread #girlswhoread #girlsinglasses #HerNewBestFriend #reddoorbooks #bibliophile #bookish #review #bookreview #bookreviewersofinstagram #instadaily #instalove #photooftheday #instareviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐
~ PR-PRODUCT ~
A breath taking, erratic & fast paced thriller, overwhelmed with traumatic side stories and themes, that left me never willingly putting this book down.
"When mum of two Audrey is helped out by a stranger in the park, she is relieved that Clare was there to step in. However relief turns to alarm as Clare quickly becomes possessive and obsessive, and when one catastrophic event takes place, Clare is there once again. Does Clare really have Audrey and her children's best interests at heart?"
While the storyline was possessive and obsessive, so did I become, wanting to know what happened next, not willing to wait. I thought the pace and writing style were perfect for the type of book, every chapter gave you just enough to get you hooked for the next. The only point I found was the amount of side lines; disabilities, abduction, illness, affairs, drug use, stalkers, motherhood, attempted murder, murder. The list was endless and I feel could have been reduced with as equally a compelling character group.
That does not take away however what an incredible psychological tale this was. I loved it from start to finish and really pulled me out from a miserable reading slump. Get this on your bookshelf right away, you won't be disappointed!
Thank you so much @reddoorbooks & @pennybatchelorauthor - Penny you have written a masterpiece!
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #photosofbooks #bookclub #bookgroup #bookrecos #thriller #mumswhoread #girlswhoread #girlsinglasses #HerNewBestFriend #reddoorbooks #bibliophile #bookish #review #bookreview #bookreviewersofinstagram #instadaily #instalove #photooftheday #instareviews
November 23, 2021
I found this book gripping and it had me reading late into the night. The story is told first through the point of view of Audrey, happily married to James, with two children; and the second part is told by the mysterious, evasive and increasingly disturbing Claire, the lady who had 'befriended' her and become chillingly possessive.
During the first part of the book I was totally on Audrey's side and wondering how I would have dealt with a situation like that. Once I was in the viewpoint of Claire, I understood much more, and yet I still felt Claire's behaviour wrong.
The plot becomes more tense and the emotional stakes agonising. It wasn't until the dramatic twists near the end of the novel that I began to change my concept of Claire's situation, and to imagine how I would feel and behave if I was in her place. I had to re-read the last few pages in order to decide exactly what was at stake for her, and the nature of the threat against her: and then I took on board the sheer desperation of her plight and my judgements of her fell away.
I give this book 5 stars because the characters and their tragic circumstances held me gripped and haunted me afterwards, as I went over and over in my mind how the outcome might have been different, and how these characters might choose to resolve their entanglement in the future. Indeed a number of alternative future scenarios presented themselves to me: as various characters glimpse part of the truth, whilst only Claire herself and the reader know the truth.
During the first part of the book I was totally on Audrey's side and wondering how I would have dealt with a situation like that. Once I was in the viewpoint of Claire, I understood much more, and yet I still felt Claire's behaviour wrong.
The plot becomes more tense and the emotional stakes agonising. It wasn't until the dramatic twists near the end of the novel that I began to change my concept of Claire's situation, and to imagine how I would feel and behave if I was in her place. I had to re-read the last few pages in order to decide exactly what was at stake for her, and the nature of the threat against her: and then I took on board the sheer desperation of her plight and my judgements of her fell away.
I give this book 5 stars because the characters and their tragic circumstances held me gripped and haunted me afterwards, as I went over and over in my mind how the outcome might have been different, and how these characters might choose to resolve their entanglement in the future. Indeed a number of alternative future scenarios presented themselves to me: as various characters glimpse part of the truth, whilst only Claire herself and the reader know the truth.
July 9, 2023
I found this was an enthralling and captivating book that had a few twists, some I saw coming and some I did not.
I liked the way that the author had put the plot together with first the activities of Audrey and her relationship to her husband James along with the adopted 5-year old daughter Antonia and the newly bord Wilfred. And then the second half of the book focussed on Claire and her motivations for getting involved with Audrey and James.
There was some interesting discussion through the book about Audrey having restricted growth without saying what her growth actually was. The only reference to her height mentioned 5’ 8” which is not overly short and would certainly not need the modifications to the cart that were mentioned.
I personally found the poor proofreading was a real downer, particularly the couple of typos that should never get through. Also, the rather dubious grammar at times was very grating, especially passages such as “me and James” rather that “James and me” or “James and I”.
The book came to a very abrupt end and really left some unanswered questions as to what was going to happen next. It was almost as if the plot for this book was finished and what happens next is a while new story and not really a Part 2. I suspect that is the reason that Penny Batchelor conveniently put in a set of questions for book clubs so that you could craft your own ending.
It was, however, compelling reading and very difficult to put down, a very well-crafted plot, a true page turner.
I liked the way that the author had put the plot together with first the activities of Audrey and her relationship to her husband James along with the adopted 5-year old daughter Antonia and the newly bord Wilfred. And then the second half of the book focussed on Claire and her motivations for getting involved with Audrey and James.
There was some interesting discussion through the book about Audrey having restricted growth without saying what her growth actually was. The only reference to her height mentioned 5’ 8” which is not overly short and would certainly not need the modifications to the cart that were mentioned.
I personally found the poor proofreading was a real downer, particularly the couple of typos that should never get through. Also, the rather dubious grammar at times was very grating, especially passages such as “me and James” rather that “James and me” or “James and I”.
The book came to a very abrupt end and really left some unanswered questions as to what was going to happen next. It was almost as if the plot for this book was finished and what happens next is a while new story and not really a Part 2. I suspect that is the reason that Penny Batchelor conveniently put in a set of questions for book clubs so that you could craft your own ending.
It was, however, compelling reading and very difficult to put down, a very well-crafted plot, a true page turner.
March 8, 2023
With this book, it's all about perspective; if you're a thriller junkie who wants a complicated and twisty book, then this read is definitely not for you.
However, if you want a fast paced book, flowy writing style and an engaging enough book, this one is perfect!
.
The book had a slow start, 3 chapters in and nothing was happening, just day to day scenes featuring the sudden friendship between the mother, Audrey, and her new "best friend", Clare.
Toward the half point though, I wanted to slap some sense into Audrey, Clare was a walking red flag, the author portrayed her actions and words in a way that screamed stranger danger, and Audrey still gave her the benefit of the doubt!
.
Starting from the second half, the book was un-put-down-able, I was flying through the pages to know what is going to happen, I was so engrossed in it that I actually felt my heart rate increasing when something bad happened.
The writing was absolutely amazing, it made up greatly for the book being on the predictable side.
.
The awesomeness spell ended when I reached the last chapter, the ending was overly anticlimactic, I didn't get any closure, and I didn't get to know what happened to the characters, at least the main ones.
That being said though, it was really fun to read and to me, it was a time well spent.
.....
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
However, if you want a fast paced book, flowy writing style and an engaging enough book, this one is perfect!
.
The book had a slow start, 3 chapters in and nothing was happening, just day to day scenes featuring the sudden friendship between the mother, Audrey, and her new "best friend", Clare.
Toward the half point though, I wanted to slap some sense into Audrey, Clare was a walking red flag, the author portrayed her actions and words in a way that screamed stranger danger, and Audrey still gave her the benefit of the doubt!
.
Starting from the second half, the book was un-put-down-able, I was flying through the pages to know what is going to happen, I was so engrossed in it that I actually felt my heart rate increasing when something bad happened.
The writing was absolutely amazing, it made up greatly for the book being on the predictable side.
.
The awesomeness spell ended when I reached the last chapter, the ending was overly anticlimactic, I didn't get any closure, and I didn't get to know what happened to the characters, at least the main ones.
That being said though, it was really fun to read and to me, it was a time well spent.
.....
*I received an ARC of this book through netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
September 27, 2021
Last week I took part in a readalong for Penny Batchelor's second book Her New Best Friend. I've not read Penny's first book My Perfect Sister but based on how much I enjoyed this book I'll definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for a copy.
Her New Best Friend is split onto two sections the first from the perspective of Audrey, a stay at home mother of two. And the second from the perspective of Claire, a young woman who is new to the neighbourhood who befriends Audrey. The change of perspective half way through this story is really interesting, I normally find authors alternate between perspectives multiple times in a book, normally changing every chapter. I really enjoyed the way Penny separated her characters as it enabled me to understand them better as I was more immersed in their life.
Dealing with issues of friendship, disability, stalking, adultery, drugs, abuse, pregnancy and miscarriage this book is an interesting and engaging trip into the lives of two very different women and the struggles they face. This thriller was twisting and fast paced, it kept me guessing till the end.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters felt very real, they had flaws, made mistakes and very surprising decisions. The story kept me guessing and many of my thoughts turned out to be incorrect. And the ending, that did surprise me!
Her New Best Friend is split onto two sections the first from the perspective of Audrey, a stay at home mother of two. And the second from the perspective of Claire, a young woman who is new to the neighbourhood who befriends Audrey. The change of perspective half way through this story is really interesting, I normally find authors alternate between perspectives multiple times in a book, normally changing every chapter. I really enjoyed the way Penny separated her characters as it enabled me to understand them better as I was more immersed in their life.
Dealing with issues of friendship, disability, stalking, adultery, drugs, abuse, pregnancy and miscarriage this book is an interesting and engaging trip into the lives of two very different women and the struggles they face. This thriller was twisting and fast paced, it kept me guessing till the end.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters felt very real, they had flaws, made mistakes and very surprising decisions. The story kept me guessing and many of my thoughts turned out to be incorrect. And the ending, that did surprise me!
February 12, 2022
Her new best friend by Penny Batchelor.
Mum-of-two Audrey is horrified when during a moment of distraction in the park, her pram with baby Wilfred in it rolls down the hill and into a pond. Fortunately for her, Claire Jones is nearby and rescues Wilfred, soothing Audrey and daughter Antonia with coffee and cake in a nearby café. No harm is done.However, the frightening experience dents Audrey’s confidence and she replays the events over and over, convinced she can’t have forgotten to put the brake on. To make matters worse she keeps spotting a shadowy figure everywhere she goes and becomes sure that someone is stalking her.Audrey’s fears are escalating when a catastrophic reaction to a bee sting sends her into a coma - and into hospital - but once again her new best friend is on hand to step in.Does Claire really have Audrey’s best interests at heart?And if not, why has she inserted herself so cleverly into Audrey’s life?Will Audrey ever recover?And will her real friends be able uncover the truth before it is too late?
Great read with good characters. I did like Audrey. A little predictable. 3*.
Mum-of-two Audrey is horrified when during a moment of distraction in the park, her pram with baby Wilfred in it rolls down the hill and into a pond. Fortunately for her, Claire Jones is nearby and rescues Wilfred, soothing Audrey and daughter Antonia with coffee and cake in a nearby café. No harm is done.However, the frightening experience dents Audrey’s confidence and she replays the events over and over, convinced she can’t have forgotten to put the brake on. To make matters worse she keeps spotting a shadowy figure everywhere she goes and becomes sure that someone is stalking her.Audrey’s fears are escalating when a catastrophic reaction to a bee sting sends her into a coma - and into hospital - but once again her new best friend is on hand to step in.Does Claire really have Audrey’s best interests at heart?And if not, why has she inserted herself so cleverly into Audrey’s life?Will Audrey ever recover?And will her real friends be able uncover the truth before it is too late?
Great read with good characters. I did like Audrey. A little predictable. 3*.
February 12, 2022
Her new best friend by Penny Batchelor.
Mum-of-two Audrey is horrified when during a moment of distraction in the park, her pram with baby Wilfred in it rolls down the hill and into a pond. Fortunately for her, Claire Jones is nearby and rescues Wilfred, soothing Audrey and daughter Antonia with coffee and cake in a nearby café. No harm is done.However, the frightening experience dents Audrey’s confidence and she replays the events over and over, convinced she can’t have forgotten to put the brake on. To make matters worse she keeps spotting a shadowy figure everywhere she goes and becomes sure that someone is stalking her.Audrey’s fears are escalating when a catastrophic reaction to a bee sting sends her into a coma - and into hospital - but once again her new best friend is on hand to step in.Does Claire really have Audrey’s best interests at heart?And if not, why has she inserted herself so cleverly into Audrey’s life?Will Audrey ever recover?And will her real friends be able uncover the truth before it is too late?
Great read with good characters. I did like Audrey. A little predictable. 3*.
Mum-of-two Audrey is horrified when during a moment of distraction in the park, her pram with baby Wilfred in it rolls down the hill and into a pond. Fortunately for her, Claire Jones is nearby and rescues Wilfred, soothing Audrey and daughter Antonia with coffee and cake in a nearby café. No harm is done.However, the frightening experience dents Audrey’s confidence and she replays the events over and over, convinced she can’t have forgotten to put the brake on. To make matters worse she keeps spotting a shadowy figure everywhere she goes and becomes sure that someone is stalking her.Audrey’s fears are escalating when a catastrophic reaction to a bee sting sends her into a coma - and into hospital - but once again her new best friend is on hand to step in.Does Claire really have Audrey’s best interests at heart?And if not, why has she inserted herself so cleverly into Audrey’s life?Will Audrey ever recover?And will her real friends be able uncover the truth before it is too late?
Great read with good characters. I did like Audrey. A little predictable. 3*.
August 16, 2021
If you’re new to thrillers then I would definitely recommend this as it’s fast paced with the classic twists and turns you hope to expect. As for the seasoned thriller reader like myself….you may guess pretty early on what is going to happen, however despite this I still really enjoyed it.
It’s split into two parts, part one is all about Audrey and how she meets Claire, part two is about Claire and how she got to where she is today.
There is lots of suspense in the first part with Audrey which will raise plenty of questions as to what exactly is going on. I will say though that part two with Claire was my favourite part of the book and I definitely preferred Claire as a character and found her background a lot more interesting. I would have liked more of the book to be from her point of view and she actually had some twists near the end that I didn’t work out which was great especially after predicting some of the others at the beginning.
Overall this was a quick and easy read with plenty of suspense and twists. Plus once you get to Claire’s part the book really ups the pace as everything comes together.
It’s split into two parts, part one is all about Audrey and how she meets Claire, part two is about Claire and how she got to where she is today.
There is lots of suspense in the first part with Audrey which will raise plenty of questions as to what exactly is going on. I will say though that part two with Claire was my favourite part of the book and I definitely preferred Claire as a character and found her background a lot more interesting. I would have liked more of the book to be from her point of view and she actually had some twists near the end that I didn’t work out which was great especially after predicting some of the others at the beginning.
Overall this was a quick and easy read with plenty of suspense and twists. Plus once you get to Claire’s part the book really ups the pace as everything comes together.
August 18, 2021
I finished this earlier this evening. I first came across Penny Batchelor when I read My Perfect Sister, which I loved and so I've had great expectations for this one too.
This is a great psychological thriller. Everything I love. It's twisty, suspenseful and a pacy read. I really enjoyed the writing style and was engaged in the storyline to the very end.
The story is told from the two perspectives of Audrey and Claire. Audrey first meets Claire in the local park after a near accident involving her baby son. Both the scenario and the characters are very real and believable, and it was easy to empathise with them, and to imagine this happening in real life.
Full of tension to the end. A compelling psychological thriller.
This is a great psychological thriller. Everything I love. It's twisty, suspenseful and a pacy read. I really enjoyed the writing style and was engaged in the storyline to the very end.
The story is told from the two perspectives of Audrey and Claire. Audrey first meets Claire in the local park after a near accident involving her baby son. Both the scenario and the characters are very real and believable, and it was easy to empathise with them, and to imagine this happening in real life.
Full of tension to the end. A compelling psychological thriller.
February 21, 2024
Could have been better
I liked the idea of the story, but it was frustrating to read. The story dragged in the beginning, especially with unimportant information. An example is the author going into such detail about a movie that the couple was watching and it didn't matter at all to the story. Just say they were watching a movie, I don't care what its about! Just another part of the book that I skimmed over. The ending was disappointing to me as well, like the author was just done writing and the reader had to come up with their conclusion.
There is another book that this author wrote that I was initially interested in, but will not bother to read now because I would not want to waste my time.
I liked the idea of the story, but it was frustrating to read. The story dragged in the beginning, especially with unimportant information. An example is the author going into such detail about a movie that the couple was watching and it didn't matter at all to the story. Just say they were watching a movie, I don't care what its about! Just another part of the book that I skimmed over. The ending was disappointing to me as well, like the author was just done writing and the reader had to come up with their conclusion.
There is another book that this author wrote that I was initially interested in, but will not bother to read now because I would not want to waste my time.
April 6, 2024
At first I found the book slow and the couple a bit boring. The main character Audrey described things in details that just didn’t seem important. I almost stopped reading it but I’m glad I kept on because about a third of the way in it got better. By the time it got to Claire’s pov I had easily guessed what one of the main plot twists were but the suspense of what was going to happen with the characters had me turning the pages to find out. There were even a few more surprises at the end that I did not expect. I didn’t quite like how the ending stopped where it did. It’s almost as if the author might be thinking of making a sequel? Or maybe it’s just a surprise for the reader to try to guess because there were several loose ends that do not get resolved. Overall, a 3.5 star read.
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