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The New Friend
Be careful who you let into your life
Arabella MacQueen had a tough start. Growing up surrounded by drugs and alcohol, getting into trouble as a teen, she’s now in her late-twenties and has turned her life around.
Until the fateful night that sees her imprisoned for 10 months.
She’s hit rock bottom … but unexpectedly forges a bond with cellmate Roxanne McPhail that lasts beyond the prison walls.
Now both women are free, and Arabella is excited about the future with boyfriend Eddie, with Roxanne at her side.
But Arabella doesn’t know the truth about her new best friend; about Roxanne’s reputation as the head of Glasgow gangland, about the violence in Roxanne’s past.
She doesn’t know that Roxanne has plans for Arabella that might lead her into some very dangerous places.
In this dirty game, Arabella is going to have to learn you can’t always trust those closest to you…
A gritty, utterly addictive thriller set in Scottish gangland - fans of Roberta Kray and Jacqui Rose won't be able to put it down.
Readers can't get enough of Alex Kane's gritty gangster thrillers:
‘I read this book in one night and all I have is 3 words. Oh my god.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘What a fantastic book! Such an intense, fast paced read from the first page’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘What a rollercoaster ride…it grips you and you can't put it down. I loved it.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘What a page turner this is… you never want it to end… A great, gritty, UK gangland thriller’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘A dark and gritty crime thriller that kept me hooked from the first page.' Casey Kelleher, author of No Fear and Mine
'A gripping read that got under my skin. Alex Kane writes one hell of a villain.’ Gemma Rogers, author of Stalker and Reckless
Arabella MacQueen had a tough start. Growing up surrounded by drugs and alcohol, getting into trouble as a teen, she’s now in her late-twenties and has turned her life around.
Until the fateful night that sees her imprisoned for 10 months.
She’s hit rock bottom … but unexpectedly forges a bond with cellmate Roxanne McPhail that lasts beyond the prison walls.
Now both women are free, and Arabella is excited about the future with boyfriend Eddie, with Roxanne at her side.
But Arabella doesn’t know the truth about her new best friend; about Roxanne’s reputation as the head of Glasgow gangland, about the violence in Roxanne’s past.
She doesn’t know that Roxanne has plans for Arabella that might lead her into some very dangerous places.
In this dirty game, Arabella is going to have to learn you can’t always trust those closest to you…
A gritty, utterly addictive thriller set in Scottish gangland - fans of Roberta Kray and Jacqui Rose won't be able to put it down.
Readers can't get enough of Alex Kane's gritty gangster thrillers:
‘I read this book in one night and all I have is 3 words. Oh my god.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘What a fantastic book! Such an intense, fast paced read from the first page’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘What a rollercoaster ride…it grips you and you can't put it down. I loved it.’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘What a page turner this is… you never want it to end… A great, gritty, UK gangland thriller’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Reader Review
‘A dark and gritty crime thriller that kept me hooked from the first page.' Casey Kelleher, author of No Fear and Mine
'A gripping read that got under my skin. Alex Kane writes one hell of a villain.’ Gemma Rogers, author of Stalker and Reckless
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2021
117 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Alex Kane
12 books40 followersLibrarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This is Alex Kane with three spaces.
Pseudonym for author Emma L. Clapperton.
This is Alex Kane with three spaces.
Pseudonym for author Emma L. Clapperton.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 20, 2021
I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
The New Friend is the first book by Alex Kane that I've read and it won't be the last!
In this book we meet Arabella MaQueen who's been in the foster care system her entire life after being taken away from her alcoholic mother after a violent incident at school. Arabella mixes with the wrong crowd and ends up getting a 10 month stint in prison. Arabella misses her boyfriend Eddie but finds comfort in a new friendship she makes inside with her cellmate Roxanne McPhail.
When the two women get out of prison they meet back up but is Roxanne all that Arabella thinks she is? Is she a true friend or is she taking advantage of Arabella like others have her whole life.
Eddie buys Arabella a hair salon to manage to get her back on her feet and on the straight and narrow but when Roxanne and her boyfriend Jake come knocking will things stay the way Arabella wants.
This book jumps from the slums of Glasgow to Magaluf with fate crossing paths with numerous figures within this book. Who will be left standing and who's going to be taken down?
I couldn't put this book down! I loved the characters but loathed them at the same time. I did have up and down feelings about so many of them but loved Arabella from start to finish.
The New Friend is the first book by Alex Kane that I've read and it won't be the last!
In this book we meet Arabella MaQueen who's been in the foster care system her entire life after being taken away from her alcoholic mother after a violent incident at school. Arabella mixes with the wrong crowd and ends up getting a 10 month stint in prison. Arabella misses her boyfriend Eddie but finds comfort in a new friendship she makes inside with her cellmate Roxanne McPhail.
When the two women get out of prison they meet back up but is Roxanne all that Arabella thinks she is? Is she a true friend or is she taking advantage of Arabella like others have her whole life.
Eddie buys Arabella a hair salon to manage to get her back on her feet and on the straight and narrow but when Roxanne and her boyfriend Jake come knocking will things stay the way Arabella wants.
This book jumps from the slums of Glasgow to Magaluf with fate crossing paths with numerous figures within this book. Who will be left standing and who's going to be taken down?
I couldn't put this book down! I loved the characters but loathed them at the same time. I did have up and down feelings about so many of them but loved Arabella from start to finish.
September 3, 2021
4☆ A Gritty, Twisty and Enthralling Gang-Lit Story!
The New Friend is a Gritty, Engrossing and Twisty, Gang-Lit story of friendship, betrayal, rivalry and relationships.
It took me a little while to get into the story as there are a fair few characters that most definitely entwine stories, but once I settled in I was hooked.
Arabella has had a rough start, which led her to a downward spiral with drugs , drink and destruction. But after a short spell in prison, she's determined to turn her life around for the sake of herself and her relationship to Eddie.
Inside prison Arabella shares a cell with Roxanne. They quickly become really good friends and Roxanne looks after Arabella keeping her out of trouble.
But what Arabella don't know is just how connected Roxanne is to the criminal underworld.... and her new beginnings might not be so squeaky clean after all!
I adore Alex Kanes books and she is one of my favourite Gang-Lit Authors.
The New Friend will most definitely keep you gripped, second guessing, and Enthralled to the very end. It's a dark and Twisty read, with characters that provoked all the right emotions. So if you love Gang-Lit, Crime Fiction and you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading one of Kane's superb books, then I highly recommend you grab a copy of The New Friend!
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours and Hera Books for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
The New Friend is a Gritty, Engrossing and Twisty, Gang-Lit story of friendship, betrayal, rivalry and relationships.
It took me a little while to get into the story as there are a fair few characters that most definitely entwine stories, but once I settled in I was hooked.
Arabella has had a rough start, which led her to a downward spiral with drugs , drink and destruction. But after a short spell in prison, she's determined to turn her life around for the sake of herself and her relationship to Eddie.
Inside prison Arabella shares a cell with Roxanne. They quickly become really good friends and Roxanne looks after Arabella keeping her out of trouble.
But what Arabella don't know is just how connected Roxanne is to the criminal underworld.... and her new beginnings might not be so squeaky clean after all!
I adore Alex Kanes books and she is one of my favourite Gang-Lit Authors.
The New Friend will most definitely keep you gripped, second guessing, and Enthralled to the very end. It's a dark and Twisty read, with characters that provoked all the right emotions. So if you love Gang-Lit, Crime Fiction and you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading one of Kane's superb books, then I highly recommend you grab a copy of The New Friend!
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours and Hera Books for my copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
August 5, 2021
Arabella MacQueen had a tough start. Growing up surrounded by drugs and alcohol, getting into trouble as a teen, she's now in her late twenties and has turned her life around. Until the fateful night she that sees her imprisoned for ten months. She unexpectedly forges a bond with cell mate Roxanne McPhail that lasts beyond the prison walls. Now both women are free, and Arabella is excited about the future with boyfriend Eddie, with Roxanne by her side. But Arabella does not know the truth about her new best friend; that Roxanne is the head of Glasgow's gangland.
Arabella was brought up mostly in the care system. She's just been released after spending a short time in prison where she met and made a good friend in Roxanne. When Roxanne is liberated, she goes in search of Arabella and her boyfriend Eddie. Eddie had given a hairdressing saloon to Arabella on her release. Arabella has learned to trust people again. But who can you really trust.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeraBooks and the author #AlexKane for my ARC of #TheNewFriend in exchange for an honest review.
Arabella was brought up mostly in the care system. She's just been released after spending a short time in prison where she met and made a good friend in Roxanne. When Roxanne is liberated, she goes in search of Arabella and her boyfriend Eddie. Eddie had given a hairdressing saloon to Arabella on her release. Arabella has learned to trust people again. But who can you really trust.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HeraBooks and the author #AlexKane for my ARC of #TheNewFriend in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2021
I am such a fan of this authors books and she just keeps getting better and better!
Whilst part of the story is set in sunny Spain, the majority of the story is centred in Glasgow. Glasgow can be such a lovely city but as with any city, it isn’t without it’s issues. Rife with drink and drugs, it isn’t helped with all the gang warfare going on.
Roxanne was a character who I couldn’t quite make my mind up with. She hasn’t had the best of starts to life and at times I felt sorry for her and wanted to try and understand her but the more we get to see of her, the less empathy I started to feel towards her.
There are quite a few characters in the story as we get to know a bit more about the men in these women’s lives. All seem to be hiding secrets and it makes for some enthralling reading learning more about each character. The more we learn, the more sinister the story gets.
The New Friend will make you think twice about making new friends and have you questioning yourself at how well you really know the people in your life. With every chapter it felt like there was a new revelation that could not only rock the characters’ worlds but it sure shook up the readers also. It makes for a tense read that kept me on edge as to how it would end for everyone involved. The one thing you can be sure of is that nothing good ever comes out of a life of crime! Dark, tense and thrilling, loved it!
My thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book and to Zooloo’s Book Tours for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.
Whilst part of the story is set in sunny Spain, the majority of the story is centred in Glasgow. Glasgow can be such a lovely city but as with any city, it isn’t without it’s issues. Rife with drink and drugs, it isn’t helped with all the gang warfare going on.
Roxanne was a character who I couldn’t quite make my mind up with. She hasn’t had the best of starts to life and at times I felt sorry for her and wanted to try and understand her but the more we get to see of her, the less empathy I started to feel towards her.
There are quite a few characters in the story as we get to know a bit more about the men in these women’s lives. All seem to be hiding secrets and it makes for some enthralling reading learning more about each character. The more we learn, the more sinister the story gets.
The New Friend will make you think twice about making new friends and have you questioning yourself at how well you really know the people in your life. With every chapter it felt like there was a new revelation that could not only rock the characters’ worlds but it sure shook up the readers also. It makes for a tense read that kept me on edge as to how it would end for everyone involved. The one thing you can be sure of is that nothing good ever comes out of a life of crime! Dark, tense and thrilling, loved it!
My thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book and to Zooloo’s Book Tours for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.
July 7, 2021
Glasgow, Arabella MacQueen is called Trampabella at school she has no friends, her mother a alcoholic never has any money then social services turn up and put her in care she is only eight years old. Years go by and Roxanne McPhail is her new friend they are sharing a cell in Kirktonhill womens prison and after Arabella is released her boyfriend Eddie Corringan hands over the hair dressing salon Hair Envy to her to run, then Roxanne gets in touch after been released is she truly her best friend?. What a fab story this is. Arabella has learned how to trust the people she is surrounded with even if they only care for themselves but none of them deserve sympathy, this book is all about who do you trust and payback, and I loved and enjoyed every single chapter, It's a brilliant read. 5 stars
August 29, 2021
The New Friend by Alex Kane
Dark, gritty, grim and disturbing ~ This story was gripping and kept me reading till the very end. Without light to break the darkness I still managed to have a bit of hope for one character at the end of the story.
This book grabbed my attention on page one and after reading it I had to find who was involved and why what was happening was taking place. The story then went back a few decades to set the stage and introduce the main characters that would come together in the next section of the book. The main portion of the story dealt with a group of people that I found difficulty relating to and with few redeemable, if any, qualities. It was easy enough to understand how they ended up in the lives they were living but not easy to understand why they made the choices that they did.
Best friends, new friends, family, lovers, prison, gangs, drugs, crime, murder…this book deals with people that I hope to never have in my group of acquaintances…and never desire to have as “friends”. That said, it does make for interesting reading to look at the characters, try to understand where they came from and what formed their decisions for the future. Did they have choices? Did they make the best choices based on what we know of them? Could-should they have made other choices? Did they take the easy way…or what seemed easy at the time AND what if they had made other choices instead of the ones they did make?
What made me sad was the manipulation, selfishness, and lack of moral fiber this cast of characters displayed. It was all about the desire to escape to something better with more money or a rosier future…and yet…the way they went after what they desired was cold, calculating, ruthless, and self-serving without much thought, if any, for those around them.
I don’t want to give away the story so won’t go into details. I usually do a like-dislike section in my reviews but listing things for this story would have a longer list for dislike than like since I didn’t like the people and the story was so grim. That said, if you like dark, disturbing, rather depressing well written and intriguing stories…this might be a good book for you.
Thank you to Hera, Zooloo Book Tours, and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Dark, gritty, grim and disturbing ~ This story was gripping and kept me reading till the very end. Without light to break the darkness I still managed to have a bit of hope for one character at the end of the story.
This book grabbed my attention on page one and after reading it I had to find who was involved and why what was happening was taking place. The story then went back a few decades to set the stage and introduce the main characters that would come together in the next section of the book. The main portion of the story dealt with a group of people that I found difficulty relating to and with few redeemable, if any, qualities. It was easy enough to understand how they ended up in the lives they were living but not easy to understand why they made the choices that they did.
Best friends, new friends, family, lovers, prison, gangs, drugs, crime, murder…this book deals with people that I hope to never have in my group of acquaintances…and never desire to have as “friends”. That said, it does make for interesting reading to look at the characters, try to understand where they came from and what formed their decisions for the future. Did they have choices? Did they make the best choices based on what we know of them? Could-should they have made other choices? Did they take the easy way…or what seemed easy at the time AND what if they had made other choices instead of the ones they did make?
What made me sad was the manipulation, selfishness, and lack of moral fiber this cast of characters displayed. It was all about the desire to escape to something better with more money or a rosier future…and yet…the way they went after what they desired was cold, calculating, ruthless, and self-serving without much thought, if any, for those around them.
I don’t want to give away the story so won’t go into details. I usually do a like-dislike section in my reviews but listing things for this story would have a longer list for dislike than like since I didn’t like the people and the story was so grim. That said, if you like dark, disturbing, rather depressing well written and intriguing stories…this might be a good book for you.
Thank you to Hera, Zooloo Book Tours, and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 Stars
August 29, 2021
Meet Arabella, a young woman who made a mistake after bowing to peer pressure… which led to a prison sentence and meeting Roxanne who will change her life forever…. and not in a good and positive way.
But it’s not just Arabella whose life is turned upside down by this new friend. The ripple effect that is Roxanne reaches further afield. This woman is a nasty piece of work and needs to be taken down. Is Arabella strong enough to take out a serious violent drug dealing criminal? Is anyone strong enough? Roxanne really is a force to be reckoned with!!
The New Friend is a strong lesson in knowing who to trust in life. Do you trust the person you’ve shared a 12 x 12 prison cell with for 10 months? Do you trust your bed partner? Do you trust your best friend? Do you trust someone you’ve known 24 hours? Who do you trust? If I didn’t know my friends so well, she’d be making my question my friendship choices! The people Arabella has around her, they all have their own personal motives for their actions but how good a friend are they to this unfortunate woman?
Kane has crafted a twisty turny gritty suspense-packed thriller with characters wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of Line Of Duty. This book goes into the criminal underworld from Bonny Glasgow to the Big Smoke all the way to the sunny Balearics. I love Kane’s books and this is another excellent addition to her back catalogue! This book ticks so many boxes as a cracking crime thriller! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
*don’t think I’ve ever asked so many questions in one review – Alex Kane what have you done to me?? 😂😂
But it’s not just Arabella whose life is turned upside down by this new friend. The ripple effect that is Roxanne reaches further afield. This woman is a nasty piece of work and needs to be taken down. Is Arabella strong enough to take out a serious violent drug dealing criminal? Is anyone strong enough? Roxanne really is a force to be reckoned with!!
The New Friend is a strong lesson in knowing who to trust in life. Do you trust the person you’ve shared a 12 x 12 prison cell with for 10 months? Do you trust your bed partner? Do you trust your best friend? Do you trust someone you’ve known 24 hours? Who do you trust? If I didn’t know my friends so well, she’d be making my question my friendship choices! The people Arabella has around her, they all have their own personal motives for their actions but how good a friend are they to this unfortunate woman?
Kane has crafted a twisty turny gritty suspense-packed thriller with characters wouldn’t look out of place in an episode of Line Of Duty. This book goes into the criminal underworld from Bonny Glasgow to the Big Smoke all the way to the sunny Balearics. I love Kane’s books and this is another excellent addition to her back catalogue! This book ticks so many boxes as a cracking crime thriller! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
*don’t think I’ve ever asked so many questions in one review – Alex Kane what have you done to me?? 😂😂
October 14, 2023
Review to follow xxx
August 27, 2021
Some mistakes are just like dominoes - one can take it all down.
Arabella had a rough start - social services removed her from her mother's care at an early age, bouncing from homes, harsh treatment at school. She struggles with many issues resulting from trauma - including the desperate need to impress those around her.
One night out results her arrest and sentencing to 10 months. Her roommate, Roxanne, helps her through the months - lending her support and encouragement. Upon release, Arabella vows to work on her triggers.
Until Roxanne is released - and Arabella finds herself in a difficult situation.
Arabella had a rough start - social services removed her from her mother's care at an early age, bouncing from homes, harsh treatment at school. She struggles with many issues resulting from trauma - including the desperate need to impress those around her.
One night out results her arrest and sentencing to 10 months. Her roommate, Roxanne, helps her through the months - lending her support and encouragement. Upon release, Arabella vows to work on her triggers.
Until Roxanne is released - and Arabella finds herself in a difficult situation.
August 29, 2021
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Oh my goodness! “The New Friend” is a twisted thriller with revenge, blackmail, and murder, and was much better than my expectations.
Firstly, I must say I loved the large cast of characters. We have many characters, like Jez, Jake, Eddie, Roxanne, Billy, Cole, and Arabella. The author toggles the chapters between these characters, and it was so much fun to see how their characters interconnected. There is never a dull moment in the tale as the author takes us on an exciting tale of drug lords and money launderers.
Ah, Arabella! Where do I start with her? My heart went out to her throughout the story, from the moment she gets bullied, gets thrown in prison to the mess she finds herself in later. Yet, despite all that, she is good-natured and only wants to lead an everyday life. I despised Roxanne so much in this story. The author writes the characters so passionately that I felt strongly towards most of them.
Moreover, the author adds quite a lot of thrilling moments to the story. Some of my favorite highlights of the tale were when Arabella finds herself in the center of murder or when Jez realizes that someone has outsmarted him. I also liked some of the supporting characters like Jake and how the author handled his inner turmoils. This book honestly presents a grim image of how opportunistic people are and makes you think twice about trusting someone into your life.
Also, the author ends the story slightly, and I would love to read a continuation with these characters, particularly between Arabella and Roxanne. Overall, “The New Friend” is a gripping, fast-paced thriller filled with action and excitement.
September 4, 2021
It’s been a while since I read a gangland style thriller, and the first time I’ve read this author, and I enjoyed it a lot. There are a plethora of characters in the book, strong characters, most of whom are pretty despicable; although I found Arabella to be likeable, if somewhat naïve and easily led. The action is centred around Glasgow and Majorca, mainly the former. The book opens in the present with someone being buried alive but then goes back into the past and what led to this terrible act.
Briefly, Billy is on holiday in Majorca with friends when, drunk and drugged up, he kills a man. Jez his best mate, helps him cover it up. But while Billy flies home to Glasgow to pursue his dreams, Jez decides to stay and gets a job as a barman.
Arabella has had a difficult life, brought up in the schemes in Glasgow. Now in her 20s, in love with Eddie, things are looking better. But when she meets up with old friends she looses control and ends up in prison for 10 months where she cell ate Roxanne takes her under her wing. They forge a close friendship that continues when they are both released.
Cole has returned to Glasgow with money he stole from his employer. To fund his gambling habit and to hire a PI, he needs to increase his income the only way he knows how, drugs.
As their lives collide just who can trust who? What dark secrets will be revealed?
This is an easy read albeit quite brutal in places. As you would expect from the genre there is a lot of violence, murder, drug use in the book if any of this is a trigger. But it is not overly graphic. There are plenty of twists and turns, particularly as the book reaches its climax, and I definitely didn’t guess them all. A good read and 4.5⭐️
Briefly, Billy is on holiday in Majorca with friends when, drunk and drugged up, he kills a man. Jez his best mate, helps him cover it up. But while Billy flies home to Glasgow to pursue his dreams, Jez decides to stay and gets a job as a barman.
Arabella has had a difficult life, brought up in the schemes in Glasgow. Now in her 20s, in love with Eddie, things are looking better. But when she meets up with old friends she looses control and ends up in prison for 10 months where she cell ate Roxanne takes her under her wing. They forge a close friendship that continues when they are both released.
Cole has returned to Glasgow with money he stole from his employer. To fund his gambling habit and to hire a PI, he needs to increase his income the only way he knows how, drugs.
As their lives collide just who can trust who? What dark secrets will be revealed?
This is an easy read albeit quite brutal in places. As you would expect from the genre there is a lot of violence, murder, drug use in the book if any of this is a trigger. But it is not overly graphic. There are plenty of twists and turns, particularly as the book reaches its climax, and I definitely didn’t guess them all. A good read and 4.5⭐️
August 26, 2021
Fans of Lynda la Plant should really enjoy this book. Split between Spain and Glasgow (could you get a bigger contrast) it is full of hard, vicious, gangland characters but they are not without a sympathetic side. Actually they all have a story to tell and it is hard not to empathise with every character, no matter how brutal they are now.
All these young people, inextricably linked by their terrible upbringing in Glasgow. Arabella has so much going for her. She’s young, attractive, has a boyfriend who loves her but, it can all go wrong so easily. Roxanne and Charlene start off with so much hope, escaping to a new life in Spain. How can it all have gone so wrong? Jez and Billy. Young men with their whole lives ahead of them. It all went wrong. Cole, just a young teenager when his brother left. It also went so wrong. This is a book about gangs, drugs, murder. The storyline is so tense that I was tempted to put myself out of my misery and read the last page, which is a terrible thing to do but I really needed to know how this ended. Luckily I managed to control myself. I will definitely be looking out for more books by Alex Kane.
I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
All these young people, inextricably linked by their terrible upbringing in Glasgow. Arabella has so much going for her. She’s young, attractive, has a boyfriend who loves her but, it can all go wrong so easily. Roxanne and Charlene start off with so much hope, escaping to a new life in Spain. How can it all have gone so wrong? Jez and Billy. Young men with their whole lives ahead of them. It all went wrong. Cole, just a young teenager when his brother left. It also went so wrong. This is a book about gangs, drugs, murder. The storyline is so tense that I was tempted to put myself out of my misery and read the last page, which is a terrible thing to do but I really needed to know how this ended. Luckily I managed to control myself. I will definitely be looking out for more books by Alex Kane.
I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
August 28, 2021
This is an author that I can't recommend enough and I can say she is one of my favourite authors.
The New Friend by Alex Kane was another fantastic book by Alex. I was hooked within the first few pages till the very end. This latest book had some brilliant and cleverly twists and turns that made this novel one of her best!
I loved the main characters within this book
Arabella MacQueen has had a very tough start. She grew up being surrounded by drugs and alcohol, and getting into trouble as a teen. Now, in her late-twenties she has turned her life around when she meets her new boyfriend Eddie, she can't be happier..........But, things happen and Arabella mixes with the wrong crowd.
She ends up getting a ten month sentence in prison. Arabella finds comfort in a new friendship that she makes inside; her cellmate Roxanne McPhail. Roxanne is keeping a big secret from her, she is the Head of Glasgow gangland and is in prison for ten years for murder, Roxanne has plans for Arabella on the outside and friendship is all an act......a very cleverly planned act! Especially as Roxanne's prison sentence is nearly up!
Will Arabella survive the claws of Roxanne? or go down with her when Roxanne again!
OMG What an excellent book this was. Its a page turner with brilliant twists!!!
Big Thank you to Hera Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The New Friend by Alex Kane was another fantastic book by Alex. I was hooked within the first few pages till the very end. This latest book had some brilliant and cleverly twists and turns that made this novel one of her best!
I loved the main characters within this book
Arabella MacQueen has had a very tough start. She grew up being surrounded by drugs and alcohol, and getting into trouble as a teen. Now, in her late-twenties she has turned her life around when she meets her new boyfriend Eddie, she can't be happier..........But, things happen and Arabella mixes with the wrong crowd.
She ends up getting a ten month sentence in prison. Arabella finds comfort in a new friendship that she makes inside; her cellmate Roxanne McPhail. Roxanne is keeping a big secret from her, she is the Head of Glasgow gangland and is in prison for ten years for murder, Roxanne has plans for Arabella on the outside and friendship is all an act......a very cleverly planned act! Especially as Roxanne's prison sentence is nearly up!
Will Arabella survive the claws of Roxanne? or go down with her when Roxanne again!
OMG What an excellent book this was. Its a page turner with brilliant twists!!!
Big Thank you to Hera Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
August 29, 2021
Blimey, if ever there is a character that has suffered much more in a book, I would think they would have to go some to beat what Arabella suffers in The New Friend. She has a rubbish childhood with an alcoholic mother, then she manages to make something of a steady life, then a moment of madness leads her to jail. She makes a new friend there, and again thinks she has managed to pull her life around, but her new friend is not all she seems either.
The story is told from the different points of views of the two women and how the ended up where they did. Although Arabella is the product of a lot of misery, the incident that lands her in jail doesnt elicit much sympathy, or it didnt from me anyway. That is the same with Roxanne, she also didnt have the best start, but seemed tougher to begin with.
There is a strangely relaxed tone to the early book, partly due to the young women living the life of their dreams in Spain. You fly through it, without even realising. As the action picks up, you will need to remind yourself to breathe. It seems to be as you start each chapter there is a new and shocking revelation. I was totally gripped and in a way couldnt wait to get the to end, but was almost sad it was over. The setting of Glasgow seemed to add to the atmosphere.
This is if the first book of Alex's I have read, but definitely will not be the last.
The story is told from the different points of views of the two women and how the ended up where they did. Although Arabella is the product of a lot of misery, the incident that lands her in jail doesnt elicit much sympathy, or it didnt from me anyway. That is the same with Roxanne, she also didnt have the best start, but seemed tougher to begin with.
There is a strangely relaxed tone to the early book, partly due to the young women living the life of their dreams in Spain. You fly through it, without even realising. As the action picks up, you will need to remind yourself to breathe. It seems to be as you start each chapter there is a new and shocking revelation. I was totally gripped and in a way couldnt wait to get the to end, but was almost sad it was over. The setting of Glasgow seemed to add to the atmosphere.
This is if the first book of Alex's I have read, but definitely will not be the last.
September 7, 2021
I love fiction that is set in my.home city of Glasgow so I get very excited when I know there is a new Alex Kane book coming. The New Friend was slick, compelling, dark and twisted. I devoured it in one sitting whilst I was having a bed day and it really helped pull me through the pain. It's definitely a page-turner and held my attention all the way to the end.
Arabella has just been released from prison and her boyfriend picks her up in a fast car and then announces that he has bought her a hair salon! Lucky girl. Her cellmate was an older woman Roxanne, who kindly took her under her wing and is due to be released very soon. Arabella can't wait for her probably only true friend to be let out! However, Arabella doesn't know the truth behind the persona that Roxanne maintain - a hard as nails criminal who only thinks about what they can get! Will Arabella get sucked into her world???
I don't think I liked any of the characters, apart from the saloon manager! All the main characters sucked - but that is the sign of good writing. The individuals may be bad examples of the human race but it doesn't mean they aren't interesting! I enjoyed that the action flicked between Spain and Scotland as it helped pull all the plot points and characters together.
This is another example of Alex’s great stories. I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Let me know if you pick it up!
Arabella has just been released from prison and her boyfriend picks her up in a fast car and then announces that he has bought her a hair salon! Lucky girl. Her cellmate was an older woman Roxanne, who kindly took her under her wing and is due to be released very soon. Arabella can't wait for her probably only true friend to be let out! However, Arabella doesn't know the truth behind the persona that Roxanne maintain - a hard as nails criminal who only thinks about what they can get! Will Arabella get sucked into her world???
I don't think I liked any of the characters, apart from the saloon manager! All the main characters sucked - but that is the sign of good writing. The individuals may be bad examples of the human race but it doesn't mean they aren't interesting! I enjoyed that the action flicked between Spain and Scotland as it helped pull all the plot points and characters together.
This is another example of Alex’s great stories. I thoroughly enjoyed this one! Let me know if you pick it up!
December 30, 2021
I know if I lift a book by Alex Kane I am in for a great time and The New Friend did not disappoint me.
Arabella MacQueen had a difficult upbringing and no-one to put her on the right path in life. Her so called friends used her for their enjoyment and as a result she ultimately landed in prison for 10 months charged with theft and possession of drugs. Her cellmate, Roxanne, was coming towards the end of a ten year sentence for GBH. Arabella became besotted with Roxanne and the two agreed to meet up on release. Both women had partners waiting on the outside for them - Eddie who ran his own van hire business was at the gate to meet Arabella and appeared to be excited and glad she was coming home. Three weeks later it was Roxannes turn to leave prison and her long term partner, Jake, was there to whisk her away and take her to a business meeting with a new contact- Jake and Roxanne were well known drug dealers and shoplifters in Glasgow.
There are many other characters who slot in easily to the story but you’ll need to meet them on your own.
The book is full of revenge, murder, mis-placed trust but it is fast-paced, emotional, exciting, gory, nasty and sad in places.
Highly recommend this book to my fellow readers.
Arabella MacQueen had a difficult upbringing and no-one to put her on the right path in life. Her so called friends used her for their enjoyment and as a result she ultimately landed in prison for 10 months charged with theft and possession of drugs. Her cellmate, Roxanne, was coming towards the end of a ten year sentence for GBH. Arabella became besotted with Roxanne and the two agreed to meet up on release. Both women had partners waiting on the outside for them - Eddie who ran his own van hire business was at the gate to meet Arabella and appeared to be excited and glad she was coming home. Three weeks later it was Roxannes turn to leave prison and her long term partner, Jake, was there to whisk her away and take her to a business meeting with a new contact- Jake and Roxanne were well known drug dealers and shoplifters in Glasgow.
There are many other characters who slot in easily to the story but you’ll need to meet them on your own.
The book is full of revenge, murder, mis-placed trust but it is fast-paced, emotional, exciting, gory, nasty and sad in places.
Highly recommend this book to my fellow readers.
August 26, 2021
Growing up around drugs and an alcoholic mother Arabella Macqueen couldn't have had a worse start in life.
Left to please herself getting into trouble and running around with trouble makers at eight years old Arabella is inevitablly taken into care.
Eventually she ends up in prison for ten months. Her new cell mate Roxanne who is doing ten years for murder makes her feel welcome and shows her the ropes. They become the best of friends so when it's Arabellas time for freedom the girls make a pact that when her time is soon up Roxanne will meet up with her.
On the outside Arabella's boyfriend has waited for her and bought her a hair salon to help straighten her out and lead a respectable life. With the manager Scarlet showing her the ropes Arabella begins to enjoy herself. But then Roxanne and her boyfriend Jake turn up and take advantage of Arabella's good nature.
This book was very good and I enjoyed it immensely, the only criticism was that there were a lot of characters and I got confused at times with the names Jake and Jez.
Everything from Glasgow to Spain was well described so you could really get itno the book and follow the story.
Left to please herself getting into trouble and running around with trouble makers at eight years old Arabella is inevitablly taken into care.
Eventually she ends up in prison for ten months. Her new cell mate Roxanne who is doing ten years for murder makes her feel welcome and shows her the ropes. They become the best of friends so when it's Arabellas time for freedom the girls make a pact that when her time is soon up Roxanne will meet up with her.
On the outside Arabella's boyfriend has waited for her and bought her a hair salon to help straighten her out and lead a respectable life. With the manager Scarlet showing her the ropes Arabella begins to enjoy herself. But then Roxanne and her boyfriend Jake turn up and take advantage of Arabella's good nature.
This book was very good and I enjoyed it immensely, the only criticism was that there were a lot of characters and I got confused at times with the names Jake and Jez.
Everything from Glasgow to Spain was well described so you could really get itno the book and follow the story.
August 31, 2021
The New Friend by Alex Kane is a really entertaining story. I love this author’s work, so I was very excited to read The New Friend.
Set in Glasgow, I felt like I was there. Alex Kane writes to bring the readers into the story. I love this kind of writing. When I read, I want to feel part of the story and I did here.
There are quite a few characters. I love the secrets and the idea that the more we learn, the more intriguing the story gets. The characters are well written, and I was able to distinguish between them with no issue.
The New Friend was a thrilling crime novel that I can highly recommend. Don’t miss the opportunity to read this one!
Thank you to Zooloos Book Tours for the review copy and the opportunity to honestly review this book on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
Set in Glasgow, I felt like I was there. Alex Kane writes to bring the readers into the story. I love this kind of writing. When I read, I want to feel part of the story and I did here.
There are quite a few characters. I love the secrets and the idea that the more we learn, the more intriguing the story gets. The characters are well written, and I was able to distinguish between them with no issue.
The New Friend was a thrilling crime novel that I can highly recommend. Don’t miss the opportunity to read this one!
Thank you to Zooloos Book Tours for the review copy and the opportunity to honestly review this book on the blog tour. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
July 6, 2021
Arabella had a poor start in life her mother was an alcoholic . Arabella is bullied in school and one day she has enough and faces her bully . but has drastic consequence s . all Arabella wants is a true friend . Roxanne has had enough of her mum and life and decides to leave Glasgow and go to her friend Charlene in Spain but ends up all going wrong for Roxanne as she has been seeing her friends boyfriend without knowing was Charlene s man Jez who becomes a known crime face . Arabella ends up in prison her boyfriend Eddie stands buy her and Roxanne is her cell mate and when they get out things spiral out of control for Arabella and Eddie , and Jez has a score to settle and drags an old friend in to it and Charlene has a score to settle wont say no more
July 11, 2021
Arabella Macqueen has a hard life her mother is an alcoholic who spends all her money on drink and has no time for her daughter.At 8 years old she is taken into care and years later she finds herself in prison.
Roxanne is coming to the end of a 10 year sentence and she takes Arabella under her wing when they become cell mates and friends.
On Arabellas release her boyfriend Eddie is there waiting for her and tells her his bought a hair salon for her things are looking up at last and she's excited for the future.
Roxannne is out and wastes no time in catching up with her new friend,but is she all see seems and who can
Arabella really trust
What a brilliant read I could'nt put it down and can't wait to read the next book by Alex Kane.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for the ARC
Roxanne is coming to the end of a 10 year sentence and she takes Arabella under her wing when they become cell mates and friends.
On Arabellas release her boyfriend Eddie is there waiting for her and tells her his bought a hair salon for her things are looking up at last and she's excited for the future.
Roxannne is out and wastes no time in catching up with her new friend,but is she all see seems and who can
Arabella really trust
What a brilliant read I could'nt put it down and can't wait to read the next book by Alex Kane.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for the ARC
September 3, 2021
Today's review is sponsored by coffee - a lot of it! After reading this in one sitting, including into the early hours of the morning, I don't regret a thing. Whoever said "fans of Roberta Kray and Jacqui Rose won't be able to put this down," was spot on!
This is an addictive, disturbing, perfect gangland thriller. Arabella and Roxanne are complex characters, whom I loved equally but for different reasons. The plot is fast-paced, dramatic, and captivating with the dangerous and intense atmosphere that I expected from this genre. The twists and turns were remarkable, along with an unforeseen conclusion! A flawless five-star read!
Thank you to Hera Publishing, Zoo Loo Book Tours, and Alex Kane for a gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
This is an addictive, disturbing, perfect gangland thriller. Arabella and Roxanne are complex characters, whom I loved equally but for different reasons. The plot is fast-paced, dramatic, and captivating with the dangerous and intense atmosphere that I expected from this genre. The twists and turns were remarkable, along with an unforeseen conclusion! A flawless five-star read!
Thank you to Hera Publishing, Zoo Loo Book Tours, and Alex Kane for a gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
August 6, 2021
I was provided an eARC of this book from NetGalley and Hera Books in exchange for an honest review.
I love a good psychological thriller. This premise stood out to me because I had never read one done from this angle before.
I enjoyed it overall. I thought there was great character development and growth. I thought the multiple storylines were all realistic and I could see these things happening in real life to people.
My only issue is I thought it to be a bit long. That might be just because I didn't get to see the number of pages and it felt long.
Overall I would recommend it as a great read.
I love a good psychological thriller. This premise stood out to me because I had never read one done from this angle before.
I enjoyed it overall. I thought there was great character development and growth. I thought the multiple storylines were all realistic and I could see these things happening in real life to people.
My only issue is I thought it to be a bit long. That might be just because I didn't get to see the number of pages and it felt long.
Overall I would recommend it as a great read.
December 23, 2023
Thinking this book was going to be similar to a Martina Cole, I had high hopes for it, and whilst the author really does a good job of putting you, slap-bang, into the murky world of the Glasgows gangsters it's about, I was disappointed with the story. There was the odd procedural error and there were parts that were just to far-fetched for me. Most of the book was enjoyable enough to keep me turning the pages, but towards the end, only because I was hoping for the big, unexpected plot twist, but, it never came. For me, it just never went anywhere exciting. It was all a bit predictable unfortunately.
December 23, 2021
Good read .
Alex Kane is quite a new author to me and I have now read most of her books .Each book is different from the rest and always a good twist to them all .Although there was quite a few characters in this book sometimes I did get a bit confused but it all came together. I would recommend this book for a good read and hope other people do .I give this book y 5 stars and well deserved.
Alex Kane is quite a new author to me and I have now read most of her books .Each book is different from the rest and always a good twist to them all .Although there was quite a few characters in this book sometimes I did get a bit confused but it all came together. I would recommend this book for a good read and hope other people do .I give this book y 5 stars and well deserved.
January 17, 2024
From the very beginning of the book they were many characters introduced which sometimes made it a little hard to keep track of, however despite this, I did enjoy the overall storyline.
Arabella had a poor start in life which ended up with her serving a 10 month prison sentence. From this, she made friends with the wrong people who ultimately ended up using her. The book ranges from drug dealings to murders and is set across both Glasgow and Majorca.
Arabella had a poor start in life which ended up with her serving a 10 month prison sentence. From this, she made friends with the wrong people who ultimately ended up using her. The book ranges from drug dealings to murders and is set across both Glasgow and Majorca.
July 10, 2021
Wow.......loved it, loved it roxanne and arabella become close friends whilst in prison and vow to remain friends when they are released. Roxanne and charlene are seeing the same man, will they find out? Will he have to choose?. Loved all of the characters, i couldnt put this book down, it was exciting to read, highley recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2021
The new friend is a brilliant read. Well written you are drawn in from page one. The description and the characters make it easy to get right into the story. My only criticism is that I couldn’t put it down. Make sure you’ve got time to read this you won’t be disappointed. A well deserved five stars.
September 7, 2021
Great read
This book it it all from drug dealing to murder. Isabella met Roxanne while they were both serving time in jail. When they were both released within weeks of each other they kept in touch. Isabella thought she had a best friend in Roxanne. Roxanne caused all sorts of trouble for Arabella using her property to deal drugs
This book it it all from drug dealing to murder. Isabella met Roxanne while they were both serving time in jail. When they were both released within weeks of each other they kept in touch. Isabella thought she had a best friend in Roxanne. Roxanne caused all sorts of trouble for Arabella using her property to deal drugs
July 30, 2023
Not a fan. Felt like it was trying too hard, so much going on as well as repetition between characters. Also, none of the characters are very likable. Seems like I'm in the minority based on the reviews.
Arabella makes a mistake one night and lands herself in prison. Her cellmate, Roxanne, helps her survive it. When they get out Arabella wants to keep her friendship with Roxanne going.
Arabella makes a mistake one night and lands herself in prison. Her cellmate, Roxanne, helps her survive it. When they get out Arabella wants to keep her friendship with Roxanne going.
July 28, 2021
Set mainly in Glasgow, the story centres around Arabella, who was brought up in the care system. Filled with selfish criminal characters, I failed to like any of them! The plot was predictable, drug dealing and violence, but an enjoyable summer read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
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