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A Friend Like That
Who needs enemies when you have a friend like that?
I should wonder why I feel so comfortable with Taylor. Why I’m so enamored with a stranger I met at a bar.
I should, but I don’t.
Alice Brewster is at a low point. After being let go from her job at the ritzy Grant Hotel, she spends her days at a dingy Manhattan pub just so she won’t have to tell anyone the shameful truth.
So when blonde, beautiful Taylor waltzes in one sunny afternoon, Alice is ready for the distraction of an unpredictable new friend.
As Alice and Taylor get closer, Alice confesses the real reason she lost her job — a hotel guest, the wealthy real estate mogul Weston Chambers, assaulted her.
But while Alice wants sympathy, Taylor’s rage is white hot.
We could kill him, she says.
Alice thinks she’s joking. Of course she’s joking.
But then Weston Chambers turns up dead.
And Taylor is nowhere to be found.
Now Alice is the prime suspect in the murder. But can she track down Taylor — and unravel the truth about her new friend’s real motives — before it’s too late?
I should wonder why I feel so comfortable with Taylor. Why I’m so enamored with a stranger I met at a bar.
I should, but I don’t.
Alice Brewster is at a low point. After being let go from her job at the ritzy Grant Hotel, she spends her days at a dingy Manhattan pub just so she won’t have to tell anyone the shameful truth.
So when blonde, beautiful Taylor waltzes in one sunny afternoon, Alice is ready for the distraction of an unpredictable new friend.
As Alice and Taylor get closer, Alice confesses the real reason she lost her job — a hotel guest, the wealthy real estate mogul Weston Chambers, assaulted her.
But while Alice wants sympathy, Taylor’s rage is white hot.
We could kill him, she says.
Alice thinks she’s joking. Of course she’s joking.
But then Weston Chambers turns up dead.
And Taylor is nowhere to be found.
Now Alice is the prime suspect in the murder. But can she track down Taylor — and unravel the truth about her new friend’s real motives — before it’s too late?
380 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2021
1780 people are currently reading
1895 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
June 26, 2021
Now this was a thriller! At the beginning of the book, Alice, a self-described misanthrope, makes vague references to losing her job as a hotel cleaner, the ominous "thing" that got her fired, and a check for half a million dollars that she's had for a month without cashing.
When she meets Taylor, a mysterious stranger close to her age at a bar, it's like she's seeing the sun for the first time. She's dynamic, charismatic, and confident...everything Alice is not.
Eventually Alice confides in her that the half million dollar check came from the hotel where she worked after being raped by a powerful guest. Taylor is horrified and says they should kill him. Alice laughs it off until the guest is murdered in the hotel, Taylor's phone is disconnected, and her "apartment" was really a vacation rental...rented in Alice's name with her driver's license. Why does this stranger want to destroy Alice, or even worse, is Taylor even real? Did Alice make her up to deal with the guilt of killing the man who took so much from her?
This book was a thrill ride from start to finish. The twists kept coming all the way to the end. I already have another book lined up by this author to read!
When she meets Taylor, a mysterious stranger close to her age at a bar, it's like she's seeing the sun for the first time. She's dynamic, charismatic, and confident...everything Alice is not.
Eventually Alice confides in her that the half million dollar check came from the hotel where she worked after being raped by a powerful guest. Taylor is horrified and says they should kill him. Alice laughs it off until the guest is murdered in the hotel, Taylor's phone is disconnected, and her "apartment" was really a vacation rental...rented in Alice's name with her driver's license. Why does this stranger want to destroy Alice, or even worse, is Taylor even real? Did Alice make her up to deal with the guilt of killing the man who took so much from her?
This book was a thrill ride from start to finish. The twists kept coming all the way to the end. I already have another book lined up by this author to read!
June 3, 2021
"Weston Chambers is dead. Taylor is missing . . . It’s all been a lie. Everything Taylor ever told me was a lie . . ."
I'm not surprised at all at how great this novel was--Marissa Finch is a shining gold star in the world of twisted psychological thrillers. I was sucked in immediately by Alice and her strange and ominous predicament she refers to as "the thing." And then she meets Taylor and a fast friendship ensues over the course of several days. Alice reveals "the thing"--a resident at the hotel she'd been working at raped her and the hotel paid her off with hush money. Taylor jokingly suggests they kill the no-good rapist. Alice shuts her down. And then Weston Chambers brutal slaying is splashed across every news outlet headline and not only can Alice not get a hold of Taylor, but in her search for her new friend, she realizes this mysterious woman is not at all who she had claimed to be.
Fast-paced, deep characterization, revealing back stories, and an awesome, twisted truth at the end.
I'm not surprised at all at how great this novel was--Marissa Finch is a shining gold star in the world of twisted psychological thrillers. I was sucked in immediately by Alice and her strange and ominous predicament she refers to as "the thing." And then she meets Taylor and a fast friendship ensues over the course of several days. Alice reveals "the thing"--a resident at the hotel she'd been working at raped her and the hotel paid her off with hush money. Taylor jokingly suggests they kill the no-good rapist. Alice shuts her down. And then Weston Chambers brutal slaying is splashed across every news outlet headline and not only can Alice not get a hold of Taylor, but in her search for her new friend, she realizes this mysterious woman is not at all who she had claimed to be.
Fast-paced, deep characterization, revealing back stories, and an awesome, twisted truth at the end.
June 7, 2021
Good story! Great plot 😀 the ending was wow 😳
March 23, 2024
Alice Brewster is unemployed after leaving her job at the Grant Hotel, so she spends her time at a bar so her mother won't ask questions. Alice has been paid 'hush money' to keep quiet about the reason for her leaving the job - being sexually assaulted by a rich, entitled guest named Weston Chambers - but can't bring herself to cash the cheque. One afternoon, Taylor, walks into the bar & strikes up a conversation. Taylor is everything Alice isn't but wants to be & Alice becomes a little obsessed with her new friend, ditching her old friend Enid to go off & party with Taylor. Alice eventually tells Taylor why she lost her job & Taylor tells her that Weston Chambers should have to pay & that they should kill him. At first Alice thinks Taylor is having her on but when Chambers turns up dead & Taylor disappears, Alice is left holding the bag & everything points to her as the killer.
This started off a little slowly & I wasn't sure if I was going to keep reading or not. Alice is a sympathetic main character (sort of) but it was over the top that she didn't question anything Taylor told her. It definitely improved around the 40% mark, but it was still way too predictable to get a high rating. As soon as Enid's brother, Heath, appeared you just know he's going to end up helping Alice, with a relationship developing between them. I was just hoping the reasons behind everything were going to be a little more interesting than they actually were. It was an averagely entertaining read but due to its predictability, I rate it 3.5 stars (rounded down).
This started off a little slowly & I wasn't sure if I was going to keep reading or not. Alice is a sympathetic main character (sort of) but it was over the top that she didn't question anything Taylor told her. It definitely improved around the 40% mark, but it was still way too predictable to get a high rating. As soon as Enid's brother, Heath, appeared you just know he's going to end up helping Alice, with a relationship developing between them. I was just hoping the reasons behind everything were going to be a little more interesting than they actually were. It was an averagely entertaining read but due to its predictability, I rate it 3.5 stars (rounded down).
April 10, 2021
Although the beginning of the book had me a bit bored, while you are getting to know all the characters and other things, the rest has was exhilarating and fast-paced and I have understood the need for so much detail at the beginning. What a wonderful book!
Alice is charged with a crime that she has not committed, and it’s done by someone who thought she was becoming her friend.
Alice will have to discover the truth behind everything and find evidence that proves her innocence while she is fleeing the police.
Alice begins to doubt everyone and everything, even herself.
And to top it off, when you thought you have all figured out, at the end of the book there a few surprises waiting for you. I ❤️❤️that.
Alice is charged with a crime that she has not committed, and it’s done by someone who thought she was becoming her friend.
Alice will have to discover the truth behind everything and find evidence that proves her innocence while she is fleeing the police.
Alice begins to doubt everyone and everything, even herself.
And to top it off, when you thought you have all figured out, at the end of the book there a few surprises waiting for you. I ❤️❤️that.
July 26, 2021
if you ignore the immaturity of the main character and her infinite ability to make dumb decisions, this was still a good thriller. One could understand how a lonely woman living at home with her mother could be befriended by a vivacious, attractive person, however, there should come a point when even the dumbest of us cuts ties in a bad situation. Unfortunately the heroine doesn't, and thus the story. To the author's credit, it moved quickly, had lots of suspense, and a really nice twist at the end. While not the best book I've read in this category, it was a fine summer read.
December 6, 2021
Gingersnaps and Candy Canes! 😳😳
Well this was one heckuva crazy psychological thriller! I'll admit, the first bit was kind of "ehh" for me, but it picked up close to half way through and boy oh boy did that make up for things! Alice makes a new friend, Taylor. They cozy up quick, but oh how murder quickly follows! And the backstory oh Taylor. Ahh the backstory. The connections. Oh so juicy! Totally enjoyed this crazy mind-fluffer-upper!
I give this 4 / 5 snowflakes! ❄️
Well this was one heckuva crazy psychological thriller! I'll admit, the first bit was kind of "ehh" for me, but it picked up close to half way through and boy oh boy did that make up for things! Alice makes a new friend, Taylor. They cozy up quick, but oh how murder quickly follows! And the backstory oh Taylor. Ahh the backstory. The connections. Oh so juicy! Totally enjoyed this crazy mind-fluffer-upper!
I give this 4 / 5 snowflakes! ❄️
April 23, 2022
Honestly this book was great from start to finish. I loveeee a good twist. I can say I didn’t see anything coming either which I love. I thought this author did a really great job and now I’ll be buying her other two books!
February 19, 2022
Finally! A thriller that lives up to the name!
July 5, 2022
“Do you know what a conscience is? It’s empathy for other people. It’s looking at your own behavior and seeing the way it harms others. And if nothing bad has ever happened to you yourself, you can’t imagine it happening to anyone else. If you’ve never known pain, you can’t imagine anyone else’s.”
Alice Brewster is at a low point. After being let go from her job at the ritzy Grant Hotel, she spends her days at a dingy Manhattan pub just so she won’t have to tell anyone the shameful truth.
So when blonde, beautiful Taylor waltzes in one sunny afternoon, Alice is ready for the distraction of an unpredictable new friend.
As Alice and Taylor get closer, Alice confesses the real reason she lost her job — a hotel guest, the wealthy real estate mogul Weston Chambers, assaulted her.
But while Alice wants sympathy, Taylor’s rage is white hot.
We could kill him, she says.
Alice thinks she’s joking. Of course she’s joking.
But then Weston Chambers turns up dead.
And Taylor is nowhere to be found.
Now Alice is the prime suspect in the murder. But can she track down Taylor — and unravel the truth about her new friend’s real motives — before it’s too late?
This book was a thrill ride from start to finish. The twists kept coming all the way to the end. Fast paced with interesting back stories and just when you think you have it figured out—surprise!
“ Assholes almost never realize they’re assholes. Not even at the very end. We’re all the heroes of our own lives.”
Alice Brewster is at a low point. After being let go from her job at the ritzy Grant Hotel, she spends her days at a dingy Manhattan pub just so she won’t have to tell anyone the shameful truth.
So when blonde, beautiful Taylor waltzes in one sunny afternoon, Alice is ready for the distraction of an unpredictable new friend.
As Alice and Taylor get closer, Alice confesses the real reason she lost her job — a hotel guest, the wealthy real estate mogul Weston Chambers, assaulted her.
But while Alice wants sympathy, Taylor’s rage is white hot.
We could kill him, she says.
Alice thinks she’s joking. Of course she’s joking.
But then Weston Chambers turns up dead.
And Taylor is nowhere to be found.
Now Alice is the prime suspect in the murder. But can she track down Taylor — and unravel the truth about her new friend’s real motives — before it’s too late?
This book was a thrill ride from start to finish. The twists kept coming all the way to the end. Fast paced with interesting back stories and just when you think you have it figured out—surprise!
“ Assholes almost never realize they’re assholes. Not even at the very end. We’re all the heroes of our own lives.”
January 4, 2022
I mean, honestly not the worst book I've found on Kindle Unlimited. Alice was not as dumb as other heroines I've read of, and the plotline wasn't as dumb either... Not a glowing recommendation I know, but *shrugs*
August 3, 2021
My second title of Marissa Finch, and I'm so glad I read this one second.
My first encounter with this author left me feeling a bit jaded. But, who am I to tell an author how they ought to have wrapped up their story, made more likeable characters, evaded large plot holes, not have everything come out of left field?
Alice isn't anywhere near one of my favorite fictional characters but finding out about the events in her life, such as the incident and her father, she's an understandable one. Then comes Taylor, this Serena van der Woodsen-esque girl who takes a liking to Alice, helps her gain some confidence, and get her life going... on the run. It's obvious there's going to be a betrayal but the reasons were not (initially) obvious at all. The relationship between Alice, her mother, her best friend and neighbor (and her brother), and Taylor all seem very realistic. There's more depth to these characters, as a whole, but there are still a few issues I'd take up about Enid (and maybe the mother).
There are excerpts of the past sprinkled throughout the book which became increasingly interesting and important to unraveling the mystery. Even if you do figure that out, there was another twist that completely shocked me. The revelation of this second shock was surprising because of how frightening the thought of such atrocities being committed by someone who says they love you is. Adding the pieces together makes sense, the manipulation makes sense, the past incident makes sense, but parts of the plan to take on Alice seemed unusually cruel for this person to be involved in/supportive of.
The cat and mouse game was enthralling and I had the same thought as Alice towards the latter end of her evasively running around. While the first few chapters weren't particularly intriguing something about them captured my attention which made this a one day read.
My first encounter with this author left me feeling a bit jaded. But, who am I to tell an author how they ought to have wrapped up their story, made more likeable characters, evaded large plot holes, not have everything come out of left field?
Alice isn't anywhere near one of my favorite fictional characters but finding out about the events in her life, such as the incident and her father, she's an understandable one. Then comes Taylor, this Serena van der Woodsen-esque girl who takes a liking to Alice, helps her gain some confidence, and get her life going... on the run. It's obvious there's going to be a betrayal but the reasons were not (initially) obvious at all. The relationship between Alice, her mother, her best friend and neighbor (and her brother), and Taylor all seem very realistic. There's more depth to these characters, as a whole, but there are still a few issues I'd take up about Enid (and maybe the mother).
There are excerpts of the past sprinkled throughout the book which became increasingly interesting and important to unraveling the mystery. Even if you do figure that out, there was another twist that completely shocked me. The revelation of this second shock was surprising because of how frightening the thought of such atrocities being committed by someone who says they love you is. Adding the pieces together makes sense, the manipulation makes sense, the past incident makes sense, but parts of the plan to take on Alice seemed unusually cruel for this person to be involved in/supportive of.
The cat and mouse game was enthralling and I had the same thought as Alice towards the latter end of her evasively running around. While the first few chapters weren't particularly intriguing something about them captured my attention which made this a one day read.
March 27, 2021
5 stars all the way!!! What a fabulous read! A very intriguing psychological thriller that had my attention right from the start. The story begins with Alice Brewster who is down and out. Sitting in a Manhattan bar mid afternoon while trying to escape the reality of her current life situation she meets Taylor. An immediate & much needed friendship ensues & so the saga begins. Filled with deceptions & lies, murder & who dun its... it was truly a page turner until the very end.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers I highly recommend A Friend Like That.
Thank you Marissa Finch for the ARC. I couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for your next one!!!
If you enjoy psychological thrillers I highly recommend A Friend Like That.
Thank you Marissa Finch for the ARC. I couldn’t put it down! Can’t wait for your next one!!!
February 17, 2022
LOVED THIS BOOK!!!
August 20, 2021
Entertaining and Psychological Advanced Book
I read this book for a Goodreads Thriller Psychological book read for August 2021. A Friend Like That starts out slow, but half way through the book, the excitement sky rockets to a climatic ending.
This is a book about Alice a mousy, lonely mid twenties only child. Alice finds herself out of a fancy hotel cleaning job. Alice spends the days after her job ended drinking at a bar. Alice meets another mid twenties single girl; and that is where the story 0f this book kicks into higher gear.
I throughly enjoyed A Friend Like That and I highly recommend this book.
I read this book for a Goodreads Thriller Psychological book read for August 2021. A Friend Like That starts out slow, but half way through the book, the excitement sky rockets to a climatic ending.
This is a book about Alice a mousy, lonely mid twenties only child. Alice finds herself out of a fancy hotel cleaning job. Alice spends the days after her job ended drinking at a bar. Alice meets another mid twenties single girl; and that is where the story 0f this book kicks into higher gear.
I throughly enjoyed A Friend Like That and I highly recommend this book.
February 19, 2022
This is one of the better Amazon Prime books I've borrowed. Alice is kind of a pathetic character, she's been through some trauma, lost her job and spends her days drinking at a dive bar. Taylor just seems so cool and together, and Alice is too blinded by her dazzle to see the red flags.
Alice makes a split second decision to run when the police come to question her, and the story is at its most compelling while Alice tries to piece together what happened to Taylor and get out of the mess she's in.
The ending really surprised me, I didn't see that coming at all and I love a well done twist!
Alice makes a split second decision to run when the police come to question her, and the story is at its most compelling while Alice tries to piece together what happened to Taylor and get out of the mess she's in.
The ending really surprised me, I didn't see that coming at all and I love a well done twist!
May 15, 2022
This was a really good thriller. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery and thriller. The twists and turns surprised me. I think that I’m pretty good at figuring out what will happen in stories like this one, but I was so far off on most of it.
The beginning is a bit slow, but the middle and end is a page turner. The mystery behind Taylor made it hard to put this book down! I honestly think this would be a really great movie.
Triggers: Rape, abuse, attempted murder, and murder.
The beginning is a bit slow, but the middle and end is a page turner. The mystery behind Taylor made it hard to put this book down! I honestly think this would be a really great movie.
Triggers: Rape, abuse, attempted murder, and murder.
January 10, 2022
This was a pretty great thriller, definitely was not expecting the ending! It was a bit difficult to start the book, it was slow but after about 100 pages in it started to get interesting and all I wanted to do was figure out how Alice will get out of her situation and understand Taylor’s motive.
I did make the mistake of not reading the full description before I started reading. This book is centered around SA, so be cautious if that could be triggering topic for you!
I did make the mistake of not reading the full description before I started reading. This book is centered around SA, so be cautious if that could be triggering topic for you!
August 27, 2025
Not too bad of a thriller. The first third of the book had a slow pace so it kind of dragged a bit but picked up quickly making the last two thirds more fast paced to read. Had some suspicions about some of the characters, but I still was surprised a bit by the ending. It wasn’t my favorite ending but for the plot, I think it worked. Would probably give this more of a 3.5 rating
January 8, 2022
3.5
Started off gripping but then got a bit same-y and every time I read it I felt like I was reading the same things over and over. Desperate to see her new friend even though she is bad news, doesn’t know anything about her but willing to commit crimes, mum being anxious. It was a drag. But it got a bit better at the end.
Started off gripping but then got a bit same-y and every time I read it I felt like I was reading the same things over and over. Desperate to see her new friend even though she is bad news, doesn’t know anything about her but willing to commit crimes, mum being anxious. It was a drag. But it got a bit better at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
There was some pacing issues with this book. Some parts were fast and other dragged on. Overall it was a thrilling story and interesting plot. The ending, I'm not sure I love as much as other people.. it was a nice quick read. Solid 3.5 stars, rounding up because it wasn't a bore.
March 21, 2022
I liked this book. This was a solid 4 star read for me.
It kept me engaged from the first page. Lots of twists and turns and surprises.
Would recommend!
It kept me engaged from the first page. Lots of twists and turns and surprises.
Would recommend!
April 2, 2022
Quite a thriller with a very good ending. All the secrets were revealed.
June 22, 2022
It was a good book! I read a very similar story recently so kind of predicted how it would end. But I did enjoy it!
March 22, 2023
Fast paced- didn’t see twists coming
August 5, 2021
Alice lives with her Mom in Staten Island. Alice had been attacked at the hotel she worked at in Manhattan and was awarded a large sum of money to leave and be quiet about the attack. Alice spends her days alone drinking in a local bar until one afternoon when a beautiful and adventurous young woman, Taylor, comes into the bar. Alice is in awe of Taylor. Alice has never had a friend like Taylor and finds herself becoming more and more influenced by her. From that moment on the story begins its twists and turns until the very end of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was suspenseful and had many surprises along the way!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was suspenseful and had many surprises along the way!
April 15, 2022
Twisty
I really did not expect the ending. There were a few plot points that were predictable. But I did not see the ending at all. Finch wrapped the story up better than a wrapped Christmas present. She also put the perfect bow on top.
I really did not expect the ending. There were a few plot points that were predictable. But I did not see the ending at all. Finch wrapped the story up better than a wrapped Christmas present. She also put the perfect bow on top.
May 27, 2022
This was a good and engaging read for the most part I did however feel some parts went on a bit too long and would have been perfect 30 pages shorter in length.
The main character was immature for her age but the story was suspenseful so I could overlook that.
Lots of twists some predictable and some I didn’t see coming but overall an ok read with good execution.
The main character was immature for her age but the story was suspenseful so I could overlook that.
Lots of twists some predictable and some I didn’t see coming but overall an ok read with good execution.
February 23, 2022
This book started off promising, but halfway through, it began sounding like an early, unpublished Wattpad draft. And the twists towards the end!!! What even were they? They came out of nowhere, and felt so forced, so out of place.
2 stars, but only because I did genuinely enjoy the beginning.
2 stars, but only because I did genuinely enjoy the beginning.
March 30, 2021
I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.
This story is primarily told in the voice of Alice. Alice is a loner who lives with her mom, her mom suffering from debilitating anxiety since the death of her husband. Alice finds herself sitting at the El Diablo after losing her job at The Grant due to the thing that happened, something The Grant wants to keep quiet. This is where she meets Taylor. Alice, not having much of a life herself, finds herself drawn to Taylor’s wild ideas of how to have a good time, at least Alice is getting out of the house. Until things go terribly wrong.
The other two main characters in this book are Enid and Heath, sister and brother, who have lived next door to Alice and her mom for twenty-five years. Alice and Enid have been friends all through grade school and high school, when, as in real life, they went their separate ways with different interests, until they reconnect and find themselves spending time with each other again, though Taylor decidedly takes up much of Alice’s time. Much to Enid’s disappointment.
There is actually more than one story contained within the pages of this book which makes it a good read, I think. There is even a hint of romance along with some personal healing. I expect you will be just as surprised at the ending as I was. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Finch.
If you are looking for a new “psychological thriller” author, give Ms. Finch a shot!
This story is primarily told in the voice of Alice. Alice is a loner who lives with her mom, her mom suffering from debilitating anxiety since the death of her husband. Alice finds herself sitting at the El Diablo after losing her job at The Grant due to the thing that happened, something The Grant wants to keep quiet. This is where she meets Taylor. Alice, not having much of a life herself, finds herself drawn to Taylor’s wild ideas of how to have a good time, at least Alice is getting out of the house. Until things go terribly wrong.
The other two main characters in this book are Enid and Heath, sister and brother, who have lived next door to Alice and her mom for twenty-five years. Alice and Enid have been friends all through grade school and high school, when, as in real life, they went their separate ways with different interests, until they reconnect and find themselves spending time with each other again, though Taylor decidedly takes up much of Alice’s time. Much to Enid’s disappointment.
There is actually more than one story contained within the pages of this book which makes it a good read, I think. There is even a hint of romance along with some personal healing. I expect you will be just as surprised at the ending as I was. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Finch.
If you are looking for a new “psychological thriller” author, give Ms. Finch a shot!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews