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The Best Friend
7 hours
Following the intense, toxic friendship of two kindred spirits across their lifetimes, The Best Friend is a dark, suspenseful novel and first standalone from Jessica Fellowes, New York Times bestselling author of the Mitford Murders series and the companion Downton Abbey books.
Bella and Kate. Kate and Bella. From childhood they were bosom friends, Bella sensible and cautious, Kate gregarious and just a little dangerous.
Yet in spite of their intimacy, their trust is fragile. Men came into their lives and things changed: a black seed was set in the heart of their relationship. Over decades, acts of both cruelty and love ferment until one shocking event tests them more than ever. Neither will escape unscathed.
Reminiscent of Elena Ferrante and Sally Rooney, and for readers of Leila Slimani’s The Perfect Nanny and Ashley Audrain’s The Push, The Best Friend explores the darkest corners of female friendship, a place where loyalty and betrayal intersect with deadly consequences.
Following the intense, toxic friendship of two kindred spirits across their lifetimes, The Best Friend is a dark, suspenseful novel and first standalone from Jessica Fellowes, New York Times bestselling author of the Mitford Murders series and the companion Downton Abbey books.
Bella and Kate. Kate and Bella. From childhood they were bosom friends, Bella sensible and cautious, Kate gregarious and just a little dangerous.
Yet in spite of their intimacy, their trust is fragile. Men came into their lives and things changed: a black seed was set in the heart of their relationship. Over decades, acts of both cruelty and love ferment until one shocking event tests them more than ever. Neither will escape unscathed.
Reminiscent of Elena Ferrante and Sally Rooney, and for readers of Leila Slimani’s The Perfect Nanny and Ashley Audrain’s The Push, The Best Friend explores the darkest corners of female friendship, a place where loyalty and betrayal intersect with deadly consequences.
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First published September 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 411 reviews
September 13, 2022
**Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur/SMP, and Jessica Fellowes for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 9.13!**
Have you ever seen a broken Merry-Go-Round?
(Stay with me)
I personally haven't, but I can sure imagine it. Horses sort of popping up and down in a disjointed way, at odd intervals that don't match the ride music, which also might sound terribly out of tune. Not to mention of course, since the horses are already in a circle, they aren't going anywhere... and neither will you.
That is EXACTLY the sort of mindless and 'why am I still doing this' feeling I got while reading The Best Friend.
This story focuses on the all-consuming, 'toxic' friendship. Kate is supposedly gregarious and dangerous while Bella is sensible and cautious. (I could not have actually told you that until I re-read the publisher's blurb after finishing this. To me, the characters read like they were pretty much the same person). We start early on in life (at age 6!) and somehow work up till these ladies are 82, going through life events along the way, most revolving around boys and later, men. There are plenty of parties and we learn Kate is an actress and Bella is a painter. (Maybe this is how one is gregarious and the other isn't? I honestly can't tell you.)
Perhaps the PRIMARY reason these women (and frankly, most of the characters) are impossible to tell apart?
No. Quotation. Marks.
Not only that, but the characters are written so similarly, if one didn't mention the name of another or another identifying detail, it was WORK to figure out who was talking...and their conversations were so snooze-worthy most of the time, I didn't really care to find out. I don't necessarily HATE this device (though I haven't had good luck with it thus far) but I just don't understand why the author used it in this book. Was this supposed to be the 'mystery' of the book?
Because the other half of my problem with this one is that it is VERY clearly marketed as a mystery/thriller...and once again, like so many others with a leading cover and blurb...thrilling it is not. The only event befitting of that sort of characterization happens when the book is almost over, and isn't particularly thrilling in the way it is presented. It didn't really matter 'whodunit' or even what the 'it' in whodunit was...I felt like it made very little impact on the relationship between Kate and Bella, and ostensibly, that's what this book is about.
Some friendships are truly toxic...and some are just forgettable. This one (and this book) unfortunately managed to be both.
2.5 stars
Have you ever seen a broken Merry-Go-Round?
(Stay with me)
I personally haven't, but I can sure imagine it. Horses sort of popping up and down in a disjointed way, at odd intervals that don't match the ride music, which also might sound terribly out of tune. Not to mention of course, since the horses are already in a circle, they aren't going anywhere... and neither will you.
That is EXACTLY the sort of mindless and 'why am I still doing this' feeling I got while reading The Best Friend.
This story focuses on the all-consuming, 'toxic' friendship. Kate is supposedly gregarious and dangerous while Bella is sensible and cautious. (I could not have actually told you that until I re-read the publisher's blurb after finishing this. To me, the characters read like they were pretty much the same person). We start early on in life (at age 6!) and somehow work up till these ladies are 82, going through life events along the way, most revolving around boys and later, men. There are plenty of parties and we learn Kate is an actress and Bella is a painter. (Maybe this is how one is gregarious and the other isn't? I honestly can't tell you.)
Perhaps the PRIMARY reason these women (and frankly, most of the characters) are impossible to tell apart?
No. Quotation. Marks.
Not only that, but the characters are written so similarly, if one didn't mention the name of another or another identifying detail, it was WORK to figure out who was talking...and their conversations were so snooze-worthy most of the time, I didn't really care to find out. I don't necessarily HATE this device (though I haven't had good luck with it thus far) but I just don't understand why the author used it in this book. Was this supposed to be the 'mystery' of the book?
Because the other half of my problem with this one is that it is VERY clearly marketed as a mystery/thriller...and once again, like so many others with a leading cover and blurb...thrilling it is not. The only event befitting of that sort of characterization happens when the book is almost over, and isn't particularly thrilling in the way it is presented. It didn't really matter 'whodunit' or even what the 'it' in whodunit was...I felt like it made very little impact on the relationship between Kate and Bella, and ostensibly, that's what this book is about.
Some friendships are truly toxic...and some are just forgettable. This one (and this book) unfortunately managed to be both.
2.5 stars
September 9, 2022
I will give this 1.5 stars because of the audiobook. It was the only thing that helped me get through it, the performances by Antonia Beamish and Lucy Scott were literally the only good thing about this book. I had heard that the book itself contained no quotation marks, which made it nearly impossible for other reviewers to read. The audiobook made the experience much better because I knew when Bella and Kate were speaking and so I could (mostly) follow it a bit better.
It's the story of two women from the time they are six until they are elderly who have a very toxic friendship. There's some gaslighting, lying, sneaking around, manipulation, more lying, more gaslighting, over and over. There are no likable or sympathetic characters except maybe for Bella's daughter, but she's not on the page much.
The storyline isn't a mystery/thriller as it's described, I suppose if you stretch your imagination there's a tiny bit of mystery surrounding a "shocking event" but that honestly turned out to be a non-issue because it's kind of obvious what is going on.
There are skips in the timeline, things hidden that are brought out later, and it doesn't seem necessary at all. I kept listening because I had hoped that the book would get better, would start to make more sense, but it really doesn't.
This is an overall mess and it's my recommendation to skip it if you can. And if you decide to give it a try, most DEFINITELY GET THE AUDIOBOOK.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
It's the story of two women from the time they are six until they are elderly who have a very toxic friendship. There's some gaslighting, lying, sneaking around, manipulation, more lying, more gaslighting, over and over. There are no likable or sympathetic characters except maybe for Bella's daughter, but she's not on the page much.
The storyline isn't a mystery/thriller as it's described, I suppose if you stretch your imagination there's a tiny bit of mystery surrounding a "shocking event" but that honestly turned out to be a non-issue because it's kind of obvious what is going on.
There are skips in the timeline, things hidden that are brought out later, and it doesn't seem necessary at all. I kept listening because I had hoped that the book would get better, would start to make more sense, but it really doesn't.
This is an overall mess and it's my recommendation to skip it if you can. And if you decide to give it a try, most DEFINITELY GET THE AUDIOBOOK.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 6, 2022
As seen at www.mysteryandsuspense.com
Author Jessica Fellowes’ takes her first foray into psychological suspense with her new novel, “The Best Friend”. Fellowes is known for her historical fiction series, “The Mitford Murders”, and is the niece of screenwriter and actor Julian Fellowes.
From childhood, Bella and Kate have been inseparable. Even though there have been periods of time where the two have not spoken, they are always drawn back to each other. As Bella and Kate age, men come and go and events happen that change the landscape of not only who they are, but their relationship with each other.
“The Best Friend” is told in a unique way- Fellowes avoids quotation marks, and instead identifies conversations by giving each comment their own paragraph, beginning a new paragraph each time the speaker changes. Telling the story this way makes the novel a very quick read, and I flew through the pages. Fellowes manages to keep the plot easy to follow, even with her unique conversational structure, and each section of the novel is labeled with the age group that the girls are at the time, making it easy to jump right into the plot without too much preamble.
Both Kate and Bella have the kind of fraught emotional connection that any female childhood friendship is prone to, with everything from boys to major life events leaving an indelible mark. Although both have very different personalities, any reader will identify with one or the other, and will quickly develop a connection with both. Fellowes is able to formulate strong, relatable characters without substantial character development, which is something that doesn’t happen a lot in novels like these, yet Fellowes pulls it off with absolute ease.
The focus of the novel is on the friendship between the two young women, but throughout there is a hint of something nefarious, something dark, that has forever changed the relationship. Although Fellowes offers breadcrumbs of the event throughout, it isn’t fully formed until the very end of the novel, and even then the reader is left to connect-the-dots. The end of the novel answers the questions raised in other areas of the plot, and the deep emotional connection between the characters is understood even more.
Fellowes examines the intense, co-dependant, toxic relationship of two girls, turning into women, marked by tragedy, heartbreak and a deep, dark secret that changes them both. “The Best Friend” is a remarkable debut, and I hope Fellowes continues to deliver more novels like this in the future.
Author Jessica Fellowes’ takes her first foray into psychological suspense with her new novel, “The Best Friend”. Fellowes is known for her historical fiction series, “The Mitford Murders”, and is the niece of screenwriter and actor Julian Fellowes.
From childhood, Bella and Kate have been inseparable. Even though there have been periods of time where the two have not spoken, they are always drawn back to each other. As Bella and Kate age, men come and go and events happen that change the landscape of not only who they are, but their relationship with each other.
“The Best Friend” is told in a unique way- Fellowes avoids quotation marks, and instead identifies conversations by giving each comment their own paragraph, beginning a new paragraph each time the speaker changes. Telling the story this way makes the novel a very quick read, and I flew through the pages. Fellowes manages to keep the plot easy to follow, even with her unique conversational structure, and each section of the novel is labeled with the age group that the girls are at the time, making it easy to jump right into the plot without too much preamble.
Both Kate and Bella have the kind of fraught emotional connection that any female childhood friendship is prone to, with everything from boys to major life events leaving an indelible mark. Although both have very different personalities, any reader will identify with one or the other, and will quickly develop a connection with both. Fellowes is able to formulate strong, relatable characters without substantial character development, which is something that doesn’t happen a lot in novels like these, yet Fellowes pulls it off with absolute ease.
The focus of the novel is on the friendship between the two young women, but throughout there is a hint of something nefarious, something dark, that has forever changed the relationship. Although Fellowes offers breadcrumbs of the event throughout, it isn’t fully formed until the very end of the novel, and even then the reader is left to connect-the-dots. The end of the novel answers the questions raised in other areas of the plot, and the deep emotional connection between the characters is understood even more.
Fellowes examines the intense, co-dependant, toxic relationship of two girls, turning into women, marked by tragedy, heartbreak and a deep, dark secret that changes them both. “The Best Friend” is a remarkable debut, and I hope Fellowes continues to deliver more novels like this in the future.
September 2, 2022
Do you ever finish a book and think, what was the point? Because that’s exactly what happened with me here. It follows two women who are childhood best friends and it jumps from different ages in a really fast and strange way. One chapter they’re 14, the next 17 and then the next 31. You don’t spend much time at any particular age range either so I always felt like I was just getting the very tip of the iceberg in terms of who these women are. I’ve seen some reviews that say the print version is hard to follow when people are having a conversation but that wasn’t an issue with the audio version as there were two narrators so it was easy to figure out who was talking. One last thing that made this not work for me was the authors style of revealing important information. She did this weird thing where you feel like you missed something but it had to have been intentional because it was used constantly. You were basically left on your own to piece together so many pretty big events and while I get it and was able to, like just tell me already what’s with the secrecy? I don’t want to feel left in the dark as a reader. Overall this wasn’t the book for me
June 16, 2022
I’m definitely in the minority with my 2 star rating but this story fell flat for me and I could not connect with any of the characters. DNF at 30%. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my review.
September 10, 2022
Features: a toxic friendship, dual 1st & 3rd person POV
Bella and Kate became friends when they were young children. Then Kate moves away suddenly when they're 17 and Bella doesn't hear from her until they run into each other years later and rekindle their friendship. It can't possibly still be as toxic when they're adults as it was decades ago, can it? These two really shouldn't be friends, but they seem to keep their friendship going off and on and on and off until their dying day.
What a ride this was. Neither character is particularly likable or relatable in my opinion. It was a little difficult to follow along at times, but most chapters were pretty short, and it was only took about 2 1/2 hours of my time, so that kept me going. I'm seeing others say there are no quotation marks and it reads like a play in the print form, so I guess that's why it's confusing in the audio version.
Overall, I thought I was getting a thriller, but it was not even close to one, and I'm not really sure what it was about other than following their toxicity for like 80 years. This author's unique writing style just isn't for me.
CW ~ references to sexual assault and rape, infidelity
The narration by Antonia Beamish and Lucy Scott for 5 hours and 15 minutes was good, easy to follow at 2x.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio, the author and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Bella and Kate became friends when they were young children. Then Kate moves away suddenly when they're 17 and Bella doesn't hear from her until they run into each other years later and rekindle their friendship. It can't possibly still be as toxic when they're adults as it was decades ago, can it? These two really shouldn't be friends, but they seem to keep their friendship going off and on and on and off until their dying day.
What a ride this was. Neither character is particularly likable or relatable in my opinion. It was a little difficult to follow along at times, but most chapters were pretty short, and it was only took about 2 1/2 hours of my time, so that kept me going. I'm seeing others say there are no quotation marks and it reads like a play in the print form, so I guess that's why it's confusing in the audio version.
Overall, I thought I was getting a thriller, but it was not even close to one, and I'm not really sure what it was about other than following their toxicity for like 80 years. This author's unique writing style just isn't for me.
CW ~ references to sexual assault and rape, infidelity
The narration by Antonia Beamish and Lucy Scott for 5 hours and 15 minutes was good, easy to follow at 2x.
*Thanks to Macmillan Audio, the author and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
July 16, 2022
This was a unique read that I ended up enjoying, though I felt that the author makes you work a bit to figure out what is really happening from breadcrumbs she leaves. The story centers on Bella and Kate who have a decades old friendship, starting from when they were 6 and going into their 80s. The book is told chronologically by their ages, and alternates between conversations (almost like a play) and traditional chapters.
The ups and downs of the friendship made sense to me, and though the author didn’t provide deep characterization of either protagonist, I felt like I learned who they were through the dynamics between them. Others had said they found both to be unlikable, but I didn’t, really- they were just people and all people have flaws. The chapters with the conversations were somewhat confusing because there are no quotes and the author doesn’t call out who is talking- you have to follow it along based on what they said and check that you’re right when one says the other’s name. I didn’t really mind that you were left to your own devices to piece together the big events that happened throughout the book, but I do wish those conversation chapters were more clear.
I didn’t fully get the intention of what happened at the end (without giving away anything). I couldn’t decide whether the author intended us to question it or if I was just missing something that others understood.
Overall, I liked the book and felt that there was just something about it that worked. I started this review intending to rate it 3 stars but ended thinking I’ll go with 4. This isn’t my typical read but the unique style made it stand out. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The ups and downs of the friendship made sense to me, and though the author didn’t provide deep characterization of either protagonist, I felt like I learned who they were through the dynamics between them. Others had said they found both to be unlikable, but I didn’t, really- they were just people and all people have flaws. The chapters with the conversations were somewhat confusing because there are no quotes and the author doesn’t call out who is talking- you have to follow it along based on what they said and check that you’re right when one says the other’s name. I didn’t really mind that you were left to your own devices to piece together the big events that happened throughout the book, but I do wish those conversation chapters were more clear.
I didn’t fully get the intention of what happened at the end (without giving away anything). I couldn’t decide whether the author intended us to question it or if I was just missing something that others understood.
Overall, I liked the book and felt that there was just something about it that worked. I started this review intending to rate it 3 stars but ended thinking I’ll go with 4. This isn’t my typical read but the unique style made it stand out. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2023
I really didn't enjoy this book at all. This is the ultimate toxic friendship that never becomes un-toxic. It almost felt like Kate and Bella were addicted to each other and it was so unhealthy. There was a lot of backstabbing, a lot of secrets, a lot of excusing behavior and not enough genuine regrets for me. I just kept wondering why Bella stayed friends with Kate while also wondering why she made some the decisions that she did. Especially when they seemed out of character for her. Much of this book is written in conversations which was interesting. But it was more the reader learning the story through the conversations versus being there in the moment. Overall it just isn't a book that worked for me.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free galley to review.
Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the free galley to review.
August 5, 2022
Thank you Minotaur books for my complimentary arc.
I have never given a book I finished 1 star before. I wish I hadn’t finished this one. For most of the book you have no idea what is going on or why these two are even friends. The dialogue was hard to follow… characters unlikeable, pace was slow, did I mention it was vague so you’re clueless a lot of the time what has happened? 🤦♀️
I have never given a book I finished 1 star before. I wish I hadn’t finished this one. For most of the book you have no idea what is going on or why these two are even friends. The dialogue was hard to follow… characters unlikeable, pace was slow, did I mention it was vague so you’re clueless a lot of the time what has happened? 🤦♀️
February 1, 2023
Unfortunately, I didnt connect with this book. The reasons are:
1) the dialogue- it was hard to tell who was speaking and just didnt feel right.
2) The pacing was so slow it became boring.
3) I found the book confusing due to the writing style.
4) No connection with the characters - they werent likeable at all.
Please form your own opinion as this is mine . You may very well like it.
1) the dialogue- it was hard to tell who was speaking and just didnt feel right.
2) The pacing was so slow it became boring.
3) I found the book confusing due to the writing style.
4) No connection with the characters - they werent likeable at all.
Please form your own opinion as this is mine . You may very well like it.
February 28, 2024
Book marketing done wrong as I sincerely feel that this book is NOT a thriller or even a mystery. Not even close I feel. Or whatever it’s tagged with. The book or the writing is more towards literary fiction and more of slice of life kind of story.
I got this book and read it this year because of the blurb. Even the blurb didn’t make me feel like the story is a thriller and damn I was right.
You will get thoroughly bored if you pick up this book thinking it’s a thriller or mystery.
The story is about two friends who grew up together. However, their relationship with each other never really was smooth. Secrets and confusion on their parts about being truly themselves. The story is more about this - dissecting these two characters, developing their relationship later on in their lives, giving up on trust yet when they get together again it’s more of a perfect ending.
You will find the book written in almost in verse in some chapters and I know most people will find the dialogues without clauses to be damn annoying. Achoo! Just like Sally Rooney’s books. Bless me!
I got this book and read it this year because of the blurb. Even the blurb didn’t make me feel like the story is a thriller and damn I was right.
You will get thoroughly bored if you pick up this book thinking it’s a thriller or mystery.
The story is about two friends who grew up together. However, their relationship with each other never really was smooth. Secrets and confusion on their parts about being truly themselves. The story is more about this - dissecting these two characters, developing their relationship later on in their lives, giving up on trust yet when they get together again it’s more of a perfect ending.
You will find the book written in almost in verse in some chapters and I know most people will find the dialogues without clauses to be damn annoying. Achoo! Just like Sally Rooney’s books. Bless me!
August 5, 2022
Three words - Not For Me
Unfortunately this didn't work for me at all. I wasn't a fan of the writing style and found it really confusing. It was difficult to follow the dialogue. The storyline didn't do it for me and I didn't find myself connecting with the characters.
Alas, these are my own thoughts! Just because it didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you.
Thanks to Minotaur Books for my review copy!
Unfortunately this didn't work for me at all. I wasn't a fan of the writing style and found it really confusing. It was difficult to follow the dialogue. The storyline didn't do it for me and I didn't find myself connecting with the characters.
Alas, these are my own thoughts! Just because it didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for you.
Thanks to Minotaur Books for my review copy!
August 28, 2022
I don’t know where to start with this one. Ultimately, it’s the story of a friendship through different seasons of life.
Kate and Bella meet when they’re 6 years old and become best friends. It’s a bit of a toxic relationship through the teen years but many are at that age. Many of us can remember and cringe. Things are very competitive and you’re very awkward, coming into your own, but will privileged Kate ever change? She seems to be the root of the problem.
Kate moves and is supposed to give Bella an address but she never does, breaking Bella’s heart and giving her a bad core memory, and they don’t see each other again until they’re in their 30’s. That doesn’t amount to much so we next meet them in their 40’s. They reconnect for real then and have some pretty heavy experiences. Then we see them in their old age after either 30-ish years have past.
This was very bizarre, but I liked it in a weird way. It was very dark and I’ve never read anything like it. I did have some unanswered questions but I believe it’s on purpose so as to only really focus on the friendship of the two women and the dynamics of that strange relationship, so the men were really just included as to how it relates to the women.
The line between love and hate really can be thin sometimes. Not usually, but it is in this case. A strange codependence even when out of each other’s lives. It was very depressing but hauntingly interesting.
I didn’t care for the unmarked dialogue. It grew on me along the way but the book is dialogue-heavy so this was a strange choice. It was hard to figure out which was speaking sometimes.
This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but it was original and I wasn’t expecting it. This is more of an observation of two women throughout their lives than a mystery and definitely not a thriller. Just keep an open mind!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for the chance to read and review!
Kate and Bella meet when they’re 6 years old and become best friends. It’s a bit of a toxic relationship through the teen years but many are at that age. Many of us can remember and cringe. Things are very competitive and you’re very awkward, coming into your own, but will privileged Kate ever change? She seems to be the root of the problem.
Kate moves and is supposed to give Bella an address but she never does, breaking Bella’s heart and giving her a bad core memory, and they don’t see each other again until they’re in their 30’s. That doesn’t amount to much so we next meet them in their 40’s. They reconnect for real then and have some pretty heavy experiences. Then we see them in their old age after either 30-ish years have past.
This was very bizarre, but I liked it in a weird way. It was very dark and I’ve never read anything like it. I did have some unanswered questions but I believe it’s on purpose so as to only really focus on the friendship of the two women and the dynamics of that strange relationship, so the men were really just included as to how it relates to the women.
The line between love and hate really can be thin sometimes. Not usually, but it is in this case. A strange codependence even when out of each other’s lives. It was very depressing but hauntingly interesting.
I didn’t care for the unmarked dialogue. It grew on me along the way but the book is dialogue-heavy so this was a strange choice. It was hard to figure out which was speaking sometimes.
This won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but it was original and I wasn’t expecting it. This is more of an observation of two women throughout their lives than a mystery and definitely not a thriller. Just keep an open mind!
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for the chance to read and review!
July 24, 2022
Deeply appreciative to have been given the opportunity to read this ARC through St. Martin’s Influencer Program in exchange for a review.
Unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me.
I’m not against authors choosing to to write outside conventional formatting norms, but in not using quotation marks or dialogue tags, it was extremely hard to follow the conversations between Bella and Kate. I don’t really enjoy having to reread passages over and over just to get the gist of the plot, but as neither character had a distinctive voice, it was flat and frustrating. Like you’re reading a grocery list.
I also failed to see where all the drama came from to begin with. Honestly, but teenagers, even best friends, move on all the time—especially when they’re of college age, The fact that Bella is still harping on Kate’s “great betrayal” decades later is quite frankly, not relatable. When the true betrayal does happen, sorry Bella, but what did you expect?
Toxic friendships are fine as a plot line, but I really look for characters you can connect with. Bella and Kate, however, are just blah at best, a doormat and selfish at worst.
I think I went in to the book expecting a conventional thriller and this was just too far away from that. I don’t think I would seek out more of this author’s style.
Unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me.
I’m not against authors choosing to to write outside conventional formatting norms, but in not using quotation marks or dialogue tags, it was extremely hard to follow the conversations between Bella and Kate. I don’t really enjoy having to reread passages over and over just to get the gist of the plot, but as neither character had a distinctive voice, it was flat and frustrating. Like you’re reading a grocery list.
I also failed to see where all the drama came from to begin with. Honestly, but teenagers, even best friends, move on all the time—especially when they’re of college age, The fact that Bella is still harping on Kate’s “great betrayal” decades later is quite frankly, not relatable. When the true betrayal does happen, sorry Bella, but what did you expect?
Toxic friendships are fine as a plot line, but I really look for characters you can connect with. Bella and Kate, however, are just blah at best, a doormat and selfish at worst.
I think I went in to the book expecting a conventional thriller and this was just too far away from that. I don’t think I would seek out more of this author’s style.
September 6, 2022
The Best Friend
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Thriller
Format: Audiobook
Date Published: 9/13/22
Author: Jessica Fellowes
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrators: Antonia Beamish and Lucy Scott
Goodreads Rating: 2.82
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Bella and Kate. Kate and Bella. From childhood they were bosom friends, Bella sensible and cautious, Kate gregarious and just a little dangerous. Yet in spite of their intimacy, their trust is fragile. Men came into their lives and things changed: a black seed was set in the heart of their relationship. Over decades, acts of both cruelty and love ferment until one shocking event tests them more than ever. Neither will escape unscathed.
My Thoughts: This is Fellowes debut novel into the thriller genre. I did the audio but I have seen the reviews on the ebook and Fellowes does not use quotation marks to signify who is speaking, instead she does separate paragraphs, I believe this format would be just as easy to follow and could set Fellowes apart. This novel explores the relationship of two girls and follows them into adulthood, with the toxicity, secrets, and tragic heartbreak. Even though this was dark and disturbing, I believed it work for the storyline. The characters were developed well with depth, secretive, tension, and creatively written. The author’s writing style was unique, suspenseful, and kept me engaged. This releases next week and if you are not a fan of the different writing, I would recommend picking up the audiobook.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Genre: Thriller
Format: Audiobook
Date Published: 9/13/22
Author: Jessica Fellowes
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Narrators: Antonia Beamish and Lucy Scott
Goodreads Rating: 2.82
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and Macmillan Audio and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Bella and Kate. Kate and Bella. From childhood they were bosom friends, Bella sensible and cautious, Kate gregarious and just a little dangerous. Yet in spite of their intimacy, their trust is fragile. Men came into their lives and things changed: a black seed was set in the heart of their relationship. Over decades, acts of both cruelty and love ferment until one shocking event tests them more than ever. Neither will escape unscathed.
My Thoughts: This is Fellowes debut novel into the thriller genre. I did the audio but I have seen the reviews on the ebook and Fellowes does not use quotation marks to signify who is speaking, instead she does separate paragraphs, I believe this format would be just as easy to follow and could set Fellowes apart. This novel explores the relationship of two girls and follows them into adulthood, with the toxicity, secrets, and tragic heartbreak. Even though this was dark and disturbing, I believed it work for the storyline. The characters were developed well with depth, secretive, tension, and creatively written. The author’s writing style was unique, suspenseful, and kept me engaged. This releases next week and if you are not a fan of the different writing, I would recommend picking up the audiobook.
September 26, 2022
The word that comes to mind to describe this book is ‘strange’ and not just the format of the writing.
Bella and Kate are best friends from age six. At seventeen Kate moves away and Bella never hears from her again. Bella is very hurt, until they meet again at age thirty-one and everything is hunky-dory. Then another long separation until age forty-two, and so it goes…jumping several years of separations and meeting up again right up to age eighty-two.
The stretched out time lines leave huge gaps making the reader feel as if something is missing, including parts of the story line that are never fully explained. Either that or I missed it.
There is neither mystery nor suspense. But I feel as though there is a suggestion of a lesbian relationship.
There was nothing much to like about Kate and even less to like about Bella but it was a quick read although I can’t say it was an enjoyable read.
Bella and Kate are best friends from age six. At seventeen Kate moves away and Bella never hears from her again. Bella is very hurt, until they meet again at age thirty-one and everything is hunky-dory. Then another long separation until age forty-two, and so it goes…jumping several years of separations and meeting up again right up to age eighty-two.
The stretched out time lines leave huge gaps making the reader feel as if something is missing, including parts of the story line that are never fully explained. Either that or I missed it.
There is neither mystery nor suspense. But I feel as though there is a suggestion of a lesbian relationship.
There was nothing much to like about Kate and even less to like about Bella but it was a quick read although I can’t say it was an enjoyable read.
September 7, 2022
1.5 stars but rounding for gr
But where was the thrill? This read like a slice of life story with like a few hiccups between best friends throughout their lives. The dialogue was written without any depth-it sounded like a play manuscript. It never told you who was speaking. The only way you knew who was talking sometimes is when they would address the other person in their statement.
We follow Kate and Bella throughout their entire lives. Each chapter is a different age in which something happened in their friendship. That part was fun. But, as most women know, you do have falling outs with besties sometimes as you age and grow apart. While it *tries* to explore that, the story NEVER GIVES YOU ANYTHING TO CARE ABOUT.
Because there is no depth ANYWHERE in this book, you actually don't care if they love or hate each other during the timeframe you're reading. Then, when there is a falling out, at times I was finding myself saying "why though?"
I pushed through because it was a quick read and I was hoping the ending would give me something. Anything. It did not and I'm mad.
But where was the thrill? This read like a slice of life story with like a few hiccups between best friends throughout their lives. The dialogue was written without any depth-it sounded like a play manuscript. It never told you who was speaking. The only way you knew who was talking sometimes is when they would address the other person in their statement.
We follow Kate and Bella throughout their entire lives. Each chapter is a different age in which something happened in their friendship. That part was fun. But, as most women know, you do have falling outs with besties sometimes as you age and grow apart. While it *tries* to explore that, the story NEVER GIVES YOU ANYTHING TO CARE ABOUT.
Because there is no depth ANYWHERE in this book, you actually don't care if they love or hate each other during the timeframe you're reading. Then, when there is a falling out, at times I was finding myself saying "why though?"
I pushed through because it was a quick read and I was hoping the ending would give me something. Anything. It did not and I'm mad.
August 20, 2022
I’ll admit I was a little hesitant about reading yet another book about a toxic female friendship. The fact that it was written by a New York Times best-seller author (The Mitford Murders series and companion Downton Abbey books) who also happens to be the niece of Julian Fellowes trumped my hesitation … and I dug in.
The first thing I noticed was the creative chapter titles! Then the unique writing style captured my attention. However, I failed to bond with a single character and, sadly, in the end, didn’t care what happened to them! I also didn't feel that the plot had enough pull to keep me interested. This is definitely a unique book and I know it will find its way into the hands of those who love it; unfortunately, it isn’t for me.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to experience this author’s writing for the first time. Just because this wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean that there aren’t many others out there who’ll love it.
I was gifted this advance copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
The first thing I noticed was the creative chapter titles! Then the unique writing style captured my attention. However, I failed to bond with a single character and, sadly, in the end, didn’t care what happened to them! I also didn't feel that the plot had enough pull to keep me interested. This is definitely a unique book and I know it will find its way into the hands of those who love it; unfortunately, it isn’t for me.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to experience this author’s writing for the first time. Just because this wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean that there aren’t many others out there who’ll love it.
I was gifted this advance copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 28, 2022
Not quite a DNF for me, I found The Best Friend to have a solid underlying story coupled with an interesting choice in writing style that made it harder to follow and relate to.
Bella and Kate have been friends since they were very young. The novel follows their fragile trust and yet unerring devotion across the changing shapes of each decade in their lives. It is ultimately an homage to friendship, and all the forms it takes as it matures. The book's description bills it as "dark and suspenseful," and both the title and cover art lead you to expect a thriller as well -- truthfully, it's not. Instead, it's a character study, and with more attention given to creating it as such, it could shine. The heavy use of dialogue made it harder to come to know the characters than I would like, though, and ultimately I found I just didn't care about the characters as much as I should. I did find the ending redemptive for their friendship, and I enjoyed it enough to push through to the end. I truly wanted to like this one more than I did. If you like screen plays, you may like the "eavesdropping" feel of the frequent dialogue more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an advance copy of this novel for an honest review.
Bella and Kate have been friends since they were very young. The novel follows their fragile trust and yet unerring devotion across the changing shapes of each decade in their lives. It is ultimately an homage to friendship, and all the forms it takes as it matures. The book's description bills it as "dark and suspenseful," and both the title and cover art lead you to expect a thriller as well -- truthfully, it's not. Instead, it's a character study, and with more attention given to creating it as such, it could shine. The heavy use of dialogue made it harder to come to know the characters than I would like, though, and ultimately I found I just didn't care about the characters as much as I should. I did find the ending redemptive for their friendship, and I enjoyed it enough to push through to the end. I truly wanted to like this one more than I did. If you like screen plays, you may like the "eavesdropping" feel of the frequent dialogue more than I did.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for an advance copy of this novel for an honest review.
July 15, 2023
THE GOOD:
A look at friendship from childhood through to old age. Bella and Kate go through lots of ups and downs with each other, but always seem to eventually find their way back to each other.
Bella seems a bit obsessed with Kate, in that way where you think she'd rather be Kate, so that is a good lesson-learned from the book - to avoid those types of relationships.
The audiobook used two different narrators for Bella and Kate, which was helpful.
THE BAD:
Kate is not a good person. This relationship between them seems toxic and creepy.
Quasi-spoiler: Are we supposed to believe they're actually lesbians who just don't want to admit it until they're in their 70's? Weird. Don't feel that was really built into the plot, except for a couple of brief references that didn't built on tension or go anywhere.
The big reveal, solving a mystery, was not that interesting.
Kate's voice sounded a little old lady-ish, which was kind of off-putting.
CONCLUSION:
The book was interesting enough to keep listening, but by the end I was ultimately disappointed. And Kate was very unappealing of a person. She treated Bella horribly, which was not that fun to read about.
A look at friendship from childhood through to old age. Bella and Kate go through lots of ups and downs with each other, but always seem to eventually find their way back to each other.
Bella seems a bit obsessed with Kate, in that way where you think she'd rather be Kate, so that is a good lesson-learned from the book - to avoid those types of relationships.
The audiobook used two different narrators for Bella and Kate, which was helpful.
THE BAD:
Kate is not a good person. This relationship between them seems toxic and creepy.
Quasi-spoiler: Are we supposed to believe they're actually lesbians who just don't want to admit it until they're in their 70's? Weird. Don't feel that was really built into the plot, except for a couple of brief references that didn't built on tension or go anywhere.
The big reveal, solving a mystery, was not that interesting.
Kate's voice sounded a little old lady-ish, which was kind of off-putting.
CONCLUSION:
The book was interesting enough to keep listening, but by the end I was ultimately disappointed. And Kate was very unappealing of a person. She treated Bella horribly, which was not that fun to read about.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2022
The Best Friend is a slow burn - the kind of creepiness that insinuates throughout the novel but does not crystallized until the close. Bella and Kate are the best of friends at age 6, age 8 and age 12. When one moves away with her family, they promise to keep in touch. The novel then touches on many ages when the two intersect and what transpires to keep them together or separate them again.
The writing can be fragmented and it requires the entire book to understand just exactly what happened. It's a beautiful toxic friendship though, to the very end. If you love a slow burn, a female-centric story, a potentially unlikeable and unreliable narrator, then The Best Friend is for you#minitour #stmartinspress #netgalleyreads #netgalley #thebestfriend
The writing can be fragmented and it requires the entire book to understand just exactly what happened. It's a beautiful toxic friendship though, to the very end. If you love a slow burn, a female-centric story, a potentially unlikeable and unreliable narrator, then The Best Friend is for you#minitour #stmartinspress #netgalleyreads #netgalley #thebestfriend
August 17, 2022
This is the story of Bella and Kate whose friendship begins in early childhood and spans their entire lives. Fellowes provides a character-driven interpretation of a strange, rather unhealthy and, at times, codependent relationship. Other characters come and go in this story but Bella and Kate are always at the forefront. I wasn’t completely enthralled by this but I did find it to be entertaining and definitely original. Fans of Sally Hepworth should find this appealing.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Minotaur Books and Jessica Fellowes for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Minotaur Books and Jessica Fellowes for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 31, 2022
Thank you Macmillan Audio for my #gifted audiobook.
The description, title, and cover of this book got me so excited to read it. Sadly, it just wasn’t for me. I found the writing to be super choppy, and I just did not like the flow of this book.
I listened to the audiobook and did not care for the narrators.
I would not recommend this book.
The description, title, and cover of this book got me so excited to read it. Sadly, it just wasn’t for me. I found the writing to be super choppy, and I just did not like the flow of this book.
I listened to the audiobook and did not care for the narrators.
I would not recommend this book.
May 12, 2022
First, thank you to Goodreads and the publisher for sending me this advance reader copy.
On the whole, this was a lovely but disturbing story of the relationship between two women from childhood through to old age. I truly loved the story, but unfortunately, for me, the writing style did not work. There was a great deal of dialogue between the two women, with no quotation marks and no indication of who was speaking. I often found myself having to go back to the beginning of the conversation to determine who started it and then go through line by line attributing them to alternating speakers. The details/explanation of significant events were omitted at the time they occurred, and while they did become clear at the end, while reading, I was constantly feeling like I had missed something. On a few occasions I went back and reread several pages, but realized I hadn’t missed anything at all.
If I were rating just the story line, I would give it 4 stars, but the writing style for me was 3 stars.
On the whole, this was a lovely but disturbing story of the relationship between two women from childhood through to old age. I truly loved the story, but unfortunately, for me, the writing style did not work. There was a great deal of dialogue between the two women, with no quotation marks and no indication of who was speaking. I often found myself having to go back to the beginning of the conversation to determine who started it and then go through line by line attributing them to alternating speakers. The details/explanation of significant events were omitted at the time they occurred, and while they did become clear at the end, while reading, I was constantly feeling like I had missed something. On a few occasions I went back and reread several pages, but realized I hadn’t missed anything at all.
If I were rating just the story line, I would give it 4 stars, but the writing style for me was 3 stars.
November 15, 2022
Strong 3.5
I was captivated through about 3/4 of the story. Very surprised by the events later in the novel.
Several suspenseful events seem left hanging, with vague allusions for what happened.
I was captivated through about 3/4 of the story. Very surprised by the events later in the novel.
Several suspenseful events seem left hanging, with vague allusions for what happened.
September 19, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for accepting my request to audibly read and review The Best Friend.
Author: Jessica Fellowes
Published: 09/13/22
Narrators: Antonia Beamish; Lucy Scott
Genre: Women's Fiction
The book is performed by two female narrators with distinct voices. One of which worked for me while the other worked against the story. The voice was gruff and sounded too mature for most of the book.
The story itself leaves a lot to be desired. Two young girls with extremely different backgrounds, morals, and adult guidance claim to be best friends from I believe age 6 throughout perhaps 80s, one of the women is self-centered and the other has low self-confidence. They go through periods of years without speaking to meeting up and the cycle begins again and again; one woman hurts the other and it doesn't end.
The genre is Women's Fiction, and I pondered the need for this book. This was not a healthy relationship and there is no advice. Leaving me at -- this book was a waste of my precious reading time. I don't see the purpose. There was nothing to like or enjoy.
On a positive note, there is no gross profanity.
Author: Jessica Fellowes
Published: 09/13/22
Narrators: Antonia Beamish; Lucy Scott
Genre: Women's Fiction
The book is performed by two female narrators with distinct voices. One of which worked for me while the other worked against the story. The voice was gruff and sounded too mature for most of the book.
The story itself leaves a lot to be desired. Two young girls with extremely different backgrounds, morals, and adult guidance claim to be best friends from I believe age 6 throughout perhaps 80s, one of the women is self-centered and the other has low self-confidence. They go through periods of years without speaking to meeting up and the cycle begins again and again; one woman hurts the other and it doesn't end.
The genre is Women's Fiction, and I pondered the need for this book. This was not a healthy relationship and there is no advice. Leaving me at -- this book was a waste of my precious reading time. I don't see the purpose. There was nothing to like or enjoy.
On a positive note, there is no gross profanity.
September 26, 2022
My first book by Jessica Fellowes, this was a dark domestic story about a toxic friendship that spans decades. Childhood friends, Kate and Bella are thick as thieves but they grow apart as adults only to be reunited years later. Full of secrets and shocking revelations, this was an entertaining mediation on marriage, motherhood and friendship. Great on audio narrated by Antonia Beamish and Lucy Scott and a quick listen at only 5 hours.
September 10, 2022
Not a fan.
I was not sure where the story was going at all and was greatly disappointed by the end.
I couldn’t stand the dialog between the two women, and I felt nothing toward them throughout the book except pure frustration. Why on earth would you keep going back to a “friend” who is toxic?
Bored and underwhelmed with this one.
Thanks to Minotaur for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was not sure where the story was going at all and was greatly disappointed by the end.
I couldn’t stand the dialog between the two women, and I felt nothing toward them throughout the book except pure frustration. Why on earth would you keep going back to a “friend” who is toxic?
Bored and underwhelmed with this one.
Thanks to Minotaur for my gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2022
The synopsis of this book held so much promise for me but I had a hard time connecting to the charachters and found myself backtracking too often. The dynamic was so odd between Bella and Kate. I'm willing to read more from this author but this one wasn't for me. 2.5
October 17, 2022
This was a really weird read. I was not written like a normal book first off and second the characters were so hard to connect with both of the main characters were crazy. I just did not enjoy this book that much.
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