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My Perfect Friend
Beth has the perfect life. She has constructed it carefully over the last eighteen years. But one night she makes a choice that risks everything.
When Kat sees an article about that night online, buried memories begin to surface. She and Beth were friends once. Things ended badly then, but now she has a chance to make things right.
Kat introduces herself to Beth. Not as her old friend, but as a stranger. Beth has no idea Kat isn’t who she says she is.
But then neither is Beth.
When Kat sees an article about that night online, buried memories begin to surface. She and Beth were friends once. Things ended badly then, but now she has a chance to make things right.
Kat introduces herself to Beth. Not as her old friend, but as a stranger. Beth has no idea Kat isn’t who she says she is.
But then neither is Beth.
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 23, 2022
About the author
Sarah Clarke
7 books129 followersSarah Clarke worked as a copywriter for 20 years before joining the Faber Academy Writing a Novel course and starting her first psychological thriller.
Sarah was signed by HarperCollins HQ Digital in March 2021. Her debut novel A Mother Never Lies published later that year, and she has since published three more thrillers - Every Little Secret, My Perfect Friend and The Ski Trip. Sarah's next book - The Night She Dies - will be published in July 2024 and Sarah has recently signed with HQ Digital for two more thrillers - coming in 2025.
Sarah lives in London with her husband, two children and super-energetic cockapoo. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her losing a tennis match, or planning her next ski holiday.
Twitter: @SCWwriter
Instagram: @sarahclarkewriter
Facebook: @sarahclarkewriter
Sarah was signed by HarperCollins HQ Digital in March 2021. Her debut novel A Mother Never Lies published later that year, and she has since published three more thrillers - Every Little Secret, My Perfect Friend and The Ski Trip. Sarah's next book - The Night She Dies - will be published in July 2024 and Sarah has recently signed with HQ Digital for two more thrillers - coming in 2025.
Sarah lives in London with her husband, two children and super-energetic cockapoo. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her losing a tennis match, or planning her next ski holiday.
Twitter: @SCWwriter
Instagram: @sarahclarkewriter
Facebook: @sarahclarkewriter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
December 12, 2022
3.5 rounded up
One sentence review: Above average writing quality for this popcorn thriller but I have questions
SYNOPSIS
Beth has it all: the house, the husband, and the two adorable daughters. When an act of suburban heroism (calling an ambulance instead of looking the other way LOL) brings her to the attention of Kat, a long lost friend, sh!t starts to go sideways.
MY OPINION
Ok so I bought this book because 1) I thought I saw someone raving about it on bookstagram (turned out it was a different book with a similar cover) and 2) it was 0.99. I always download the free sample first (yes even at 0.99 LOL) and I was impressed with the writing quality so I dove right in.
Now ya'll know how I feel about "citizens gone rogue" thrillers (aka books with no/limited police involvement where the "citizens" are the ones chasing the truth/solving the mystery). I'm usually unimpressed because the writing is either basique or overflowing with unnecessary similes and figurative language, and the MC is always acting a complete fool. Anyways, this one had my ass in a chokehold because I quite liked the writing; it was very Gillian McAllister (WITHOUT the comma abuse) or Claire McGowan (bar Are You Awake - which was trashola). Clarke didn't fall back on scenic route writing to hit her word count. Yes there was a lil closed caption writing here and there, but for the most part, the prose was strong.
I also found the pacing quite enjoyable. I'm a hoe for multiple timelines and POVs, which this provided in abundance. Did we need Mark and Saskia's POVs? No, but Clarke did an excellent job of humanizing the homeless with Mark's story. And Saskia represented a stay at home mom struggling with her role as a mother, a friend, and a contributor to society. I found Clarke's portrayals of Saskia's social justice effort of the week to be quite entertaining and accurate. We all know someone who loves to shout loudly about injustice on the interwebs while locking their car doors to harmless panhandlers. Furthermore, Clarke did a fabulous job with making Kat a level-5 creeper. I was side-eying homegirl the entire time.
But what was most impressive – which says a lot about the current state of thrillers – is how distinctive character traits remained consistent throughout the book. Most recently I read What Meets The Eye, where the character had ADHD among other things that seemed to magically disappear the further I read. I've also read books about recovering alcoholics that suddenly aren't struggling with recovery as the story progresses. It seems like characterization 101 but it's shocking how many authors fail to write consistent characters. Not only did Clarke keep these traits consistent throughout, but showed how they played an integral part in their confidence, self-worth, and decision-making. Great job!
Now for my rich homie qualms: the ending. Undeniably the hardest part to write since it is rare I close a book without a grimace LOL. I've come to accept it. Everything was too Scooby Doo at the end. Plus the epilogue wrapped everything up TOO neatly and also seemed like a medical miracle? But what do I know, I've got two arts degrees.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: above avg. writing for the citizens gone rogue thriller genre, great character development, kept me interested
Cons: big twisty twist was a bit disappointing b/c it didn't quite add up, scooby doo ending and the epilogue was too neatly wrapped up
One sentence review: Above average writing quality for this popcorn thriller but I have questions
SYNOPSIS
Beth has it all: the house, the husband, and the two adorable daughters. When an act of suburban heroism (calling an ambulance instead of looking the other way LOL) brings her to the attention of Kat, a long lost friend, sh!t starts to go sideways.
MY OPINION
Ok so I bought this book because 1) I thought I saw someone raving about it on bookstagram (turned out it was a different book with a similar cover) and 2) it was 0.99. I always download the free sample first (yes even at 0.99 LOL) and I was impressed with the writing quality so I dove right in.
Now ya'll know how I feel about "citizens gone rogue" thrillers (aka books with no/limited police involvement where the "citizens" are the ones chasing the truth/solving the mystery). I'm usually unimpressed because the writing is either basique or overflowing with unnecessary similes and figurative language, and the MC is always acting a complete fool. Anyways, this one had my ass in a chokehold because I quite liked the writing; it was very Gillian McAllister (WITHOUT the comma abuse) or Claire McGowan (bar Are You Awake - which was trashola). Clarke didn't fall back on scenic route writing to hit her word count. Yes there was a lil closed caption writing here and there, but for the most part, the prose was strong.
I also found the pacing quite enjoyable. I'm a hoe for multiple timelines and POVs, which this provided in abundance. Did we need Mark and Saskia's POVs? No, but Clarke did an excellent job of humanizing the homeless with Mark's story. And Saskia represented a stay at home mom struggling with her role as a mother, a friend, and a contributor to society. I found Clarke's portrayals of Saskia's social justice effort of the week to be quite entertaining and accurate. We all know someone who loves to shout loudly about injustice on the interwebs while locking their car doors to harmless panhandlers. Furthermore, Clarke did a fabulous job with making Kat a level-5 creeper. I was side-eying homegirl the entire time.
But what was most impressive – which says a lot about the current state of thrillers – is how distinctive character traits remained consistent throughout the book. Most recently I read What Meets The Eye, where the character had ADHD among other things that seemed to magically disappear the further I read. I've also read books about recovering alcoholics that suddenly aren't struggling with recovery as the story progresses. It seems like characterization 101 but it's shocking how many authors fail to write consistent characters. Not only did Clarke keep these traits consistent throughout, but showed how they played an integral part in their confidence, self-worth, and decision-making. Great job!
Now for my rich homie qualms: the ending. Undeniably the hardest part to write since it is rare I close a book without a grimace LOL. I've come to accept it. Everything was too Scooby Doo at the end. Plus the epilogue wrapped everything up TOO neatly and also seemed like a medical miracle? But what do I know, I've got two arts degrees.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: above avg. writing for the citizens gone rogue thriller genre, great character development, kept me interested
Cons: big twisty twist was a bit disappointing b/c it didn't quite add up, scooby doo ending and the epilogue was too neatly wrapped up
November 29, 2022
I am sitting here, flummoxed with eyes wide open in stunned silence. This. Was. Incredible. It’s been such a long time since I’ve been blown away by a psychological thriller, getting it so wrong the entire time. I actually had to reread some previous chapters for it all to make sense. That’s when you know you have really loved a book, when you still think about it after ending it, wanting to reread it.
Beth has the perfect life. She has constructed it carefully over the last eighteen years. But one night she makes a choice that risks everything.
When Kat sees an article about that night online, buried memories begin to surface. She and Beth were friends once. Things ended badly then, but now she has a chance to make them right.
Kat introduces herself to Beth. Not as her old friend, but as a stranger. Beth has no idea Kat isn’t who she says she is.
But then neither is Beth.
The author did a stellar job with disguising and misleading. I really thought I saw it coming, but no. In addition to the brilliant twists and revelations, the book was well-written, emotional and clever. The characters had depth and felt real to me. There might have been some stereotypical behavior, but their personalities changed in a meaningful way in the end and I liked that.
I think all lovers of psychological thrillers will find this a compelling read. If there are some faults or if the characters feel too shallow, hang in there. It will be worth it.
Finally a book where jaw-dropping twist really arrives as promised.
Many thanks to netgally and Harper collins publisher for this very appreciated ARC.
Beth has the perfect life. She has constructed it carefully over the last eighteen years. But one night she makes a choice that risks everything.
When Kat sees an article about that night online, buried memories begin to surface. She and Beth were friends once. Things ended badly then, but now she has a chance to make them right.
Kat introduces herself to Beth. Not as her old friend, but as a stranger. Beth has no idea Kat isn’t who she says she is.
But then neither is Beth.
The author did a stellar job with disguising and misleading. I really thought I saw it coming, but no. In addition to the brilliant twists and revelations, the book was well-written, emotional and clever. The characters had depth and felt real to me. There might have been some stereotypical behavior, but their personalities changed in a meaningful way in the end and I liked that.
I think all lovers of psychological thrillers will find this a compelling read. If there are some faults or if the characters feel too shallow, hang in there. It will be worth it.
Finally a book where jaw-dropping twist really arrives as promised.
Many thanks to netgally and Harper collins publisher for this very appreciated ARC.
September 14, 2022
Beth’s life seems perfect, she has a beautiful home, a lovely family and a ‘perfect friend’ in neighbour Saskia. One night Beth’s actions in helping a rough sleeper are posted online. Kat recognises Beth’s photo which triggers memories but of what and why? Kat engineers a meeting, Beth doesn’t recognise her but this triggers a whole host of events which implodes more than one life. The story is told in the present day and via reveals from 2003 and from different perspectives, which works well.
First of all, the characterisation is very good from Beth’s nervy, secretive jitteriness to Saskia overstepping multiple boundaries (grrr) and Kat’s obsessiveness. The three personalities contrast well together and I change my mind many times about them! Beth and Kat have a ton of baggage apiece and their previous lives are buried beneath a considerable weight of lies built on lies especially in Beth’s case.
There’s plenty of tension as various situations play out from cloying hypocrisy to delusion and obsession, from deep held grudges to anger and revenge. At times there’s a claustrophobic sensation of things closing in with lives teetering on the edge of a deep and dark abyss. As the past informs the present day the storytelling undergoes several plot twists and turns including tragedy. The ending is full of drama and I enjoy the way it ultimately ends.
Overall, an entertaining read and a good psychological thriller.
First of all, the characterisation is very good from Beth’s nervy, secretive jitteriness to Saskia overstepping multiple boundaries (grrr) and Kat’s obsessiveness. The three personalities contrast well together and I change my mind many times about them! Beth and Kat have a ton of baggage apiece and their previous lives are buried beneath a considerable weight of lies built on lies especially in Beth’s case.
There’s plenty of tension as various situations play out from cloying hypocrisy to delusion and obsession, from deep held grudges to anger and revenge. At times there’s a claustrophobic sensation of things closing in with lives teetering on the edge of a deep and dark abyss. As the past informs the present day the storytelling undergoes several plot twists and turns including tragedy. The ending is full of drama and I enjoy the way it ultimately ends.
Overall, an entertaining read and a good psychological thriller.
March 19, 2023
3.5 stars
I quite enjoyed this overall. The storyline was engaging and the characters were intriguing. There were a few times where I thought I knew what was happening, only to be proven completely wrong.
I found the first few chapters and the last few chapters the most exciting. I liked how the author tied everything together in the end. The middle part felt too long and slow moving, not suspenseful enough to keep me on the edge of my seat, but the ending made up for it.
The audio version was really good.
I quite enjoyed this overall. The storyline was engaging and the characters were intriguing. There were a few times where I thought I knew what was happening, only to be proven completely wrong.
I found the first few chapters and the last few chapters the most exciting. I liked how the author tied everything together in the end. The middle part felt too long and slow moving, not suspenseful enough to keep me on the edge of my seat, but the ending made up for it.
The audio version was really good.
November 10, 2022
Beth has the perfect life. she has constructed it carefully over the last eighteen years. But one night she makes a choice that risks everything. When Kat sees an article about that night online, buried memories begin to surface. She and Beth were friends once. Things ended badly then, but now she has a chance to make things right.
This story is told from multiple points of view. Beth has a past that she keeps hidden, even her best friend and neighbour, Sasaki, knows nothing about. Kat is a local dog groomer. The three women's life's cross after one of them discovers a man's body outside an empty shop. The story also flips between the past and present day. This story has been cleverly crafted. Nothing is what it first seemed. Eventually everything gels together and makes you get a better perspective of what's been going on. It can be a bit unrealistic, but I still loved the book anyhow.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #SarahClarke for my ARC of #MyPerfectFriend in exchange for an honest review.
This story is told from multiple points of view. Beth has a past that she keeps hidden, even her best friend and neighbour, Sasaki, knows nothing about. Kat is a local dog groomer. The three women's life's cross after one of them discovers a man's body outside an empty shop. The story also flips between the past and present day. This story has been cleverly crafted. Nothing is what it first seemed. Eventually everything gels together and makes you get a better perspective of what's been going on. It can be a bit unrealistic, but I still loved the book anyhow.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQ and the author #SarahClarke for my ARC of #MyPerfectFriend in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2022
I really liked this book, and thought the author did a great job of making it hard to know who you should trust as you were reading. The book centers on Beth, who is rich and glamorous and leads a seemingly perfect life, until one night she comes upon a homeless man who has died of an apparent drug overdose; this thrusts her into the limelight. Enter her friend Saskia, who wants the attention for herself, and local dog groomer Kat, who believes she knew Beth under very different circumstances when they were teens.
The book is told from multiple POVs, primary Beth and Kat, but also some from the homeless guy’s friend Mark and local cop Joe. There are also flashbacks to Kat’s teen years. If this sounds confusing, it’s not at all; the author does a great job of tying everything together into a clean narrative. There are fantastic twists throughout; there were multiple times where I was sure I knew what was really happening only to get surprised by the next chapter. I love when believable red herrings are deployed.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it for those who like psychological thrillers. Even if you can usually figure out what’s really going on, yiu might be surprised with this one. I saw others say it was a slow burn but I didn’t feel that way- I read it over the course of a few hours and was fully engaged throughout. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book is told from multiple POVs, primary Beth and Kat, but also some from the homeless guy’s friend Mark and local cop Joe. There are also flashbacks to Kat’s teen years. If this sounds confusing, it’s not at all; the author does a great job of tying everything together into a clean narrative. There are fantastic twists throughout; there were multiple times where I was sure I knew what was really happening only to get surprised by the next chapter. I love when believable red herrings are deployed.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it for those who like psychological thrillers. Even if you can usually figure out what’s really going on, yiu might be surprised with this one. I saw others say it was a slow burn but I didn’t feel that way- I read it over the course of a few hours and was fully engaged throughout. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2023
Audio - 4.5 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars
November 25, 2022
I wish the whole of the book had been as exciting and pacy as the final few chapters. Those chapters kept the revelations coming and I was gripped at the very end. Unfortunately, I found the rest of the story to be the opposite and rather lethargic.
This is my second read from Clarke and I definitely did not enjoy this book as much. Firstly, I found that I had predicted some of the main plot developments and this really lessened my enjoyment. Secondly, I wasn’t too invested in the drugs sub-plot and was frustrated by the attention that was paid to Mark’s character. I thought Clarke could have done more with developing the backgrounds of the three women instead: Kat, Beth and Saskia.
Beth is the perfect woman – apparently. To everyone, she is the perfect housewife, perfect mother, perfect wife and perfect friend. Of course, very quickly we discover that she is just as flawed as the rest of us and I was surprised by some of the secrets that Beth keeps. I liked how Clarke portrays this image of perfection because it is a concept that is constantly thrown into the media spotlight and one we all try and emulate: sometimes subconsciously, and even if we don’t want to. On the other hand, Saskia’s, Beth’s ‘best friend’, is a right busy-body and I was entertained by how accurate this personality was – a caricature of a stereotype I am sure we have all come across! She is a ‘do-gooder’ and seems to know Beth’s business – sometimes before Beth knows herself. Her meddling in Beth’s eventful night is the catalyst to changing all three women’s lives forever.
Juxtaposing these women again, I think the writer intends for readers to dislike Kat due to her behaviours. Yet, flashbacks to Kat’s childhood and teenage years demonstrate just how tough Kat’s life has been. Soon, my distaste evolved into sympathy but I was confused about her incessant desire to ingratiate herself with Beth’s life. What was driving this obsession? What was the connection between the two characters? And why would Mark not just leave Beth alone?
There are plenty of questions swirling around the narrative but not enough suspense to keep me thrilled. True, the different narrative perspectives and Kat’s flashbacks helped to develop the plot but I thought Clarke was too slow in the revelations. In this case, it did not feel like an exciting thriller but more of a slow-burner and I grew frustrated by this pace.
I liked the cover of this book because it looks so different to thrillers at the moment. I particularly appreciated the symbolism of the cracked mirror, having clever links to the story. However, I don’t think the plot was too original and felt like I had seen stories about obsession and past connections already. Having a female lead with many secrets about a previous life, whilst duping her best friend and husband… well, it felt vaguely similar to novels I have read in the past.
All in all, this was an ok read but I wanted more excitement and pace. It is set in the lead-up to Christmas so I would recommend this as a thrilling-festive read – if you don’t want too much tinsel! I liked seeing how some of the characters changed in the story but sought more intensity than what this narrative offered.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is my second read from Clarke and I definitely did not enjoy this book as much. Firstly, I found that I had predicted some of the main plot developments and this really lessened my enjoyment. Secondly, I wasn’t too invested in the drugs sub-plot and was frustrated by the attention that was paid to Mark’s character. I thought Clarke could have done more with developing the backgrounds of the three women instead: Kat, Beth and Saskia.
Beth is the perfect woman – apparently. To everyone, she is the perfect housewife, perfect mother, perfect wife and perfect friend. Of course, very quickly we discover that she is just as flawed as the rest of us and I was surprised by some of the secrets that Beth keeps. I liked how Clarke portrays this image of perfection because it is a concept that is constantly thrown into the media spotlight and one we all try and emulate: sometimes subconsciously, and even if we don’t want to. On the other hand, Saskia’s, Beth’s ‘best friend’, is a right busy-body and I was entertained by how accurate this personality was – a caricature of a stereotype I am sure we have all come across! She is a ‘do-gooder’ and seems to know Beth’s business – sometimes before Beth knows herself. Her meddling in Beth’s eventful night is the catalyst to changing all three women’s lives forever.
Juxtaposing these women again, I think the writer intends for readers to dislike Kat due to her behaviours. Yet, flashbacks to Kat’s childhood and teenage years demonstrate just how tough Kat’s life has been. Soon, my distaste evolved into sympathy but I was confused about her incessant desire to ingratiate herself with Beth’s life. What was driving this obsession? What was the connection between the two characters? And why would Mark not just leave Beth alone?
There are plenty of questions swirling around the narrative but not enough suspense to keep me thrilled. True, the different narrative perspectives and Kat’s flashbacks helped to develop the plot but I thought Clarke was too slow in the revelations. In this case, it did not feel like an exciting thriller but more of a slow-burner and I grew frustrated by this pace.
I liked the cover of this book because it looks so different to thrillers at the moment. I particularly appreciated the symbolism of the cracked mirror, having clever links to the story. However, I don’t think the plot was too original and felt like I had seen stories about obsession and past connections already. Having a female lead with many secrets about a previous life, whilst duping her best friend and husband… well, it felt vaguely similar to novels I have read in the past.
All in all, this was an ok read but I wanted more excitement and pace. It is set in the lead-up to Christmas so I would recommend this as a thrilling-festive read – if you don’t want too much tinsel! I liked seeing how some of the characters changed in the story but sought more intensity than what this narrative offered.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2022
A twist-filled psychological thriller by author, Sarah Clarke. This is my second book by this author, the first being Every Little Secret. I enjoyed this one a lot and found it to be a quick read which I was able to easily immerse myself in. The alternating POV and timelines contributed to an in depth understanding of each character’s motivations, behaviours and thoughts. I loved the twists and the ending which I didn’t see coming. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.
November 23, 2022
Great ending that I never saw coming.
Do you really ever know who the bad guy is?? This one takes you on a roller coaster ride.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book
Do you really ever know who the bad guy is?? This one takes you on a roller coaster ride.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book
September 14, 2022
Beth has the perfect life. She has constructed it carefully over the last eighteen years. But one night she makes a choice that risks everything. When Kat sees an article about that night online, buried memories begin to surface. She and Beth were friends once. Things ended badly then, but now she has a chance to make things right.
What is it about some female friendships that bring out the worst in some women? the beauty of this is that it makes for excellent reading. Told from different POV's this story is based on the friendship of Beth, Kat and Saskia. there are some very unresolved issues and emotions tied up in this story and once they are unleashed I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. A very tangled web of resentment and betrayal with excellent characters that really make the story shine.
Thank you to Netgalley the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, my opinions are my own and unbiased.
What is it about some female friendships that bring out the worst in some women? the beauty of this is that it makes for excellent reading. Told from different POV's this story is based on the friendship of Beth, Kat and Saskia. there are some very unresolved issues and emotions tied up in this story and once they are unleashed I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. A very tangled web of resentment and betrayal with excellent characters that really make the story shine.
Thank you to Netgalley the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, my opinions are my own and unbiased.
February 7, 2026
Interesting story, overall, even if it's more on the slow burner side.
However, I cannot get over the fact that Kat´s characterization was way too misleading. I understand that a story such as this one relies on misdirection, but Kat's portrait suggested something very different from what was revealed in the end. That was why I finished reading feeling confused, liked I missed something.
3,5 stars.
However, I cannot get over the fact that Kat´s characterization was way too misleading. I understand that a story such as this one relies on misdirection, but Kat's portrait suggested something very different from what was revealed in the end. That was why I finished reading feeling confused, liked I missed something.
3,5 stars.
November 12, 2022
Great Snowballs Of Fire! 😳😯🤯😳😯
Holy Mother Fluffer! I mean geez almighty what was this crazy catastrophe (in the best way possible!) Clarke is a crafty minx, thinking it's going to be so predictable, but nay nay! I'm gonna be honest and admit about half to three quarters through I wasn't aiming very high for a rating with this and then unforeseen, Clarke delved and dived into insanity and unreal thrills! Blow after blow! Dang Clarke was holding out that whole time and walloped me straight in my ka-noggin with warped after warped hit leaving my breathless. Trust me when I say, do NOT let the seemingly mundane-ness & predictability of the plot stop you because like all good things, they hit a whirlwind end that was worth waiting for. Just make sure you keep your guilty snack on hand for this one, darlings! Utterly captivatingly twisted.
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Beth has it all - a wealthy husband, two beautiful girls, part of the right circle and a new dog. But all of that becomes threatened when she chooses to be a Good Samaritan one night on her way home, trying to help a homeless man who OD'd. Kat isn't who she used to be - she's transformed herself and finally let go of the past... until she hears about Beth's heroic efforts and realizes Beth is someone she used to be friends with before a tragedy ended it years ago. But Kat wants to rectify it and decides to intervene into Beth's life... as a stranger. Keep your enemies close, and your friends closer.
Thank you to NetGalley & HQ (HarperCollins UK) for this ARC.
Release Date: November 23, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4.5 / 5 Iced Coffees! 🧋
Holy Mother Fluffer! I mean geez almighty what was this crazy catastrophe (in the best way possible!) Clarke is a crafty minx, thinking it's going to be so predictable, but nay nay! I'm gonna be honest and admit about half to three quarters through I wasn't aiming very high for a rating with this and then unforeseen, Clarke delved and dived into insanity and unreal thrills! Blow after blow! Dang Clarke was holding out that whole time and walloped me straight in my ka-noggin with warped after warped hit leaving my breathless. Trust me when I say, do NOT let the seemingly mundane-ness & predictability of the plot stop you because like all good things, they hit a whirlwind end that was worth waiting for. Just make sure you keep your guilty snack on hand for this one, darlings! Utterly captivatingly twisted.
Mყ 𝐒ყɴ𝐨ρѕιѕ: Beth has it all - a wealthy husband, two beautiful girls, part of the right circle and a new dog. But all of that becomes threatened when she chooses to be a Good Samaritan one night on her way home, trying to help a homeless man who OD'd. Kat isn't who she used to be - she's transformed herself and finally let go of the past... until she hears about Beth's heroic efforts and realizes Beth is someone she used to be friends with before a tragedy ended it years ago. But Kat wants to rectify it and decides to intervene into Beth's life... as a stranger. Keep your enemies close, and your friends closer.
Thank you to NetGalley & HQ (HarperCollins UK) for this ARC.
Release Date: November 23, 2022
𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭: 4.5 / 5 Iced Coffees! 🧋
November 7, 2022
Slow burning story of obsession centred around 3 women, after one of them discovers the body of a homeless man. At times the storyline felt a little unrealistic to me, but the pace picked up the pace in the last quarter and ended well. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 20, 2025
The blurb:
Beth has the perfect life. She has constructed it carefully over the last eighteen years. But one night she makes a choice that risks everything.
When Kat sees an article about that night online, buried memories begin to surface. She and Beth were friends once. Things ended badly then, but now she has a chance to make them right.
Kat introduces herself to Beth. Not as her old friend, but as a stranger. Beth has no idea Kat isn’t who she says she is.
But then neither is Beth.
My thoughts:
Ooh this was a good one!
The book is packed full of secrets, and what a twist!!
I enjoyed the location of the book- an area I’m familiar with, so was good to be able to visualise where the characters were and the story unfolding in a familiar place.
It was interesting reading from several pov and the chapters being told in the present and past adding to the mystery and suspense.
Really cleverly written. I thought I had the story figured out, until I didn’t…
Beth has the perfect life. She has constructed it carefully over the last eighteen years. But one night she makes a choice that risks everything.
When Kat sees an article about that night online, buried memories begin to surface. She and Beth were friends once. Things ended badly then, but now she has a chance to make them right.
Kat introduces herself to Beth. Not as her old friend, but as a stranger. Beth has no idea Kat isn’t who she says she is.
But then neither is Beth.
My thoughts:
Ooh this was a good one!
The book is packed full of secrets, and what a twist!!
I enjoyed the location of the book- an area I’m familiar with, so was good to be able to visualise where the characters were and the story unfolding in a familiar place.
It was interesting reading from several pov and the chapters being told in the present and past adding to the mystery and suspense.
Really cleverly written. I thought I had the story figured out, until I didn’t…
October 25, 2022
My Perfect Friend is an intricately woven thriller about a woman who has climbed from the depths of despair into a more privileged and successful life. The novel portrays the backstory in alternating chapters, but the suspense continues to build throughout the novel until the very end. What would you do to keep your past a secret? Sarah Clarke constructs Beth"s and Kat's life and connections between them in the past and present through an unlikely cast of characters. Stalking, friendship, family, drugs, wealth, poverty, and obsession are all included in this suspense-filled thriller.
#thankyouNetGalleyandSarahClarkeforthisawesomeARC!
#thankyouNetGalleyandSarahClarkeforthisawesomeARC!
December 9, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. I absolutely loved it! A true psychological thriller, full of twists and turns throughout. It kept me guessing until the very end and I couldn’t turn the page’s fast enough to find out what would happen. The author is new to me but I will definitely be looking out for her other books. Thoroughly enjoyed it and a massive 5 stars from me.
October 29, 2022
Rating: 1.4/5
I was impressed by Sarah Clarke's debut, "A Mother Never Lies", but I found her second book, "Every Little Secret" disappointing by comparison. It is not unusual for writers to suffer from "second novel syndrome", so I came into this author's third novel hoping to see a return to the promise that she displayed in book one. Unfortunately, that wasn't to be the case. "My Perfect Friend" is easily the least impressive of the three novels and, unfortunately, I would have to say that it is actually pretty poor.
I don't enjoy writing negative reviews as I have great admiration for anyone who can sit down, take pen in hand and construct a novel - but sometimes it simply doesn't cut the mustard and that is the case here. I really did find it quite hard work getting to the end of this one. It is overly simplistic, to the point of being puerile at times. The construction is painfully contrived and mechanical. It put me in mind of the literary equivalent of painting by numbers. The characters lacked credibility and the stilted, unnatural dialogue certainly didn't help. There are some sections that read better than others, but on the whole "My Perfect Friend" is too melodramatic and formulaic.
There is a half-decent idea at the heart of the plot, but it could probably have been written up as a short story and been far more effective. The pace of this novel is far too slow for too long. The author attempts to create a sense of intrigue and suspense, but neither the plot nor the protagonists are convincing or engaging enough for it to be successful. When the big reveal eventually came, I didn't feel any sense of admiration for a well-considered storyline - just relief that the book was finally over. Sarah Clarke does have the talent to write fiction, as she showed in her debut novel - but sadly there are only rare glimpses of that ability in this one.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
I was impressed by Sarah Clarke's debut, "A Mother Never Lies", but I found her second book, "Every Little Secret" disappointing by comparison. It is not unusual for writers to suffer from "second novel syndrome", so I came into this author's third novel hoping to see a return to the promise that she displayed in book one. Unfortunately, that wasn't to be the case. "My Perfect Friend" is easily the least impressive of the three novels and, unfortunately, I would have to say that it is actually pretty poor.
I don't enjoy writing negative reviews as I have great admiration for anyone who can sit down, take pen in hand and construct a novel - but sometimes it simply doesn't cut the mustard and that is the case here. I really did find it quite hard work getting to the end of this one. It is overly simplistic, to the point of being puerile at times. The construction is painfully contrived and mechanical. It put me in mind of the literary equivalent of painting by numbers. The characters lacked credibility and the stilted, unnatural dialogue certainly didn't help. There are some sections that read better than others, but on the whole "My Perfect Friend" is too melodramatic and formulaic.
There is a half-decent idea at the heart of the plot, but it could probably have been written up as a short story and been far more effective. The pace of this novel is far too slow for too long. The author attempts to create a sense of intrigue and suspense, but neither the plot nor the protagonists are convincing or engaging enough for it to be successful. When the big reveal eventually came, I didn't feel any sense of admiration for a well-considered storyline - just relief that the book was finally over. Sarah Clarke does have the talent to write fiction, as she showed in her debut novel - but sadly there are only rare glimpses of that ability in this one.
As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.
October 12, 2022
4 stars. Fast-paced and easy to follow with some unexpected twists and turns. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 4, 2022
This is a clever psychological thriller with a brilliant twist. The story centres around Beth – a beautiful mum of two living on an upmarket street in south London. One night she’s going home from a night out with friends and comes across a homeless man unconscious on the street. Her decision to stop for him has various repercussions that threaten her way of life, with disastrous consequences.
Saskia is Beth’s best friend (although there’s plenty of jealousy involved) and she spreads news of Beth’s heroic act on a local social media platform. This sparks the interest of local dog groomer Kat, who recognises Beth from her past. Things had ended badly for them 18 years previously, and she sees this as an opportunity to make things right – especially as she has changed her physical appearance so dramatically in that time that she can befriend Beth without letting on who she is. Mark is another homeless man, who has a grudge against Beth for letting his best mate die and is set on making life difficult for her.
This is a tense thriller where no one is quite who they seem. Beth has so many secrets that unravel gradually through the book, and Kat is a complex character who I wavered between liking and disliking throughout the story. Clarke kept me guessing right until the end, but the twist was so well set up that it felt natural too. I definitely recommend this one.
Saskia is Beth’s best friend (although there’s plenty of jealousy involved) and she spreads news of Beth’s heroic act on a local social media platform. This sparks the interest of local dog groomer Kat, who recognises Beth from her past. Things had ended badly for them 18 years previously, and she sees this as an opportunity to make things right – especially as she has changed her physical appearance so dramatically in that time that she can befriend Beth without letting on who she is. Mark is another homeless man, who has a grudge against Beth for letting his best mate die and is set on making life difficult for her.
This is a tense thriller where no one is quite who they seem. Beth has so many secrets that unravel gradually through the book, and Kat is a complex character who I wavered between liking and disliking throughout the story. Clarke kept me guessing right until the end, but the twist was so well set up that it felt natural too. I definitely recommend this one.
January 25, 2024
Author: Sarah Clarke
Page Count: 365 Pages
Published Date: 23rd November 2022
Genre: Triller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis:
Beth has the perfect life. She has constructed it carefully over the last eighteen years. But one night she makes a choice that risks everything. When Kat sees an article about that night online, buried memories begin to surface. She and Beth were friends once. Things ended badly then, but now she has a chance to make things right. Kat introduces herself to Beth. Not as her old friend, but as a stranger. Beth has no idea Kat isn’t who she says she is. But then neither is Beth.
My Thoughts:
I really loved this book from the very beginning it had me hooked. I loved the characters and the suspense. I did get a little confused because I thought beth was becca to start with but I think that was just my fault because they both begin with a B. I liked the last few chapters as I wasn't expecting the ending at all and the last chapter 100% wasn't expecting that. I also really like the epilogue although it's sad but I was happy the children got to meet their grandmother if only it was on better terms. I have rated this book 5 stars such a fantastic book.
Page Count: 365 Pages
Published Date: 23rd November 2022
Genre: Triller
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis:
Beth has the perfect life. She has constructed it carefully over the last eighteen years. But one night she makes a choice that risks everything. When Kat sees an article about that night online, buried memories begin to surface. She and Beth were friends once. Things ended badly then, but now she has a chance to make things right. Kat introduces herself to Beth. Not as her old friend, but as a stranger. Beth has no idea Kat isn’t who she says she is. But then neither is Beth.
My Thoughts:
I really loved this book from the very beginning it had me hooked. I loved the characters and the suspense. I did get a little confused because I thought beth was becca to start with but I think that was just my fault because they both begin with a B. I liked the last few chapters as I wasn't expecting the ending at all and the last chapter 100% wasn't expecting that. I also really like the epilogue although it's sad but I was happy the children got to meet their grandmother if only it was on better terms. I have rated this book 5 stars such a fantastic book.
November 29, 2022
My Perfect Friend is a cleverly written thriller with plenty of twists and red herrings. It starts with a funeral and then moves to the story of Beth finding a homeless man unconscious in the street. She decides to stop and call an ambulance rather than walk away, but her decision brings a whole load of problems - from the homeless man's friend blaming her for not saving him, to her best friend posting about her heroic act on social media. This brings her to the attention of Kat, a local dog groomer who knew Beth in the past and wants to make amends for the way their friendship ended. The story also goes back in time to explain how their friendship broke down.
The characters are well drawn and complex. Despite the title, no one is perfect! But no one is wholly imperfect either. There are lots of secrets that come out as the story develops. The pace really ramps up in the last third and Clarke does a brilliant job of weaving the different strands of the plot together to create a dramatic ending with a great twist.
The characters are well drawn and complex. Despite the title, no one is perfect! But no one is wholly imperfect either. There are lots of secrets that come out as the story develops. The pace really ramps up in the last third and Clarke does a brilliant job of weaving the different strands of the plot together to create a dramatic ending with a great twist.
November 27, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins Publishers for providing me with this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. On the outside, Beth seems to have the perfect life. She chooses to try and help a man in distress one night and her life is forever changed. Due to her meddling friend Saskia,Beth becomes the center of unwanted attention. Mark,who was the unfortunate man's friend believes that Beth didn't really try to save him at all. He becomes obsessed with scaring her and perhaps doing even worse. Kat is a dog groomer who seems determined to be close friends with Beth,at all costs. What is the reason? This book has a twist I did not see coming and I loved that!
December 11, 2022
Beth and Kat have a connection from the past but Beth doesn't remember. Kat pushes her way into Beth's life, determined to be her friend again. But why does Beth really not remember?
Not sure why there are average reviews for this on Goodreads because I found it totally wild! I wasn't expecting it to go the way it did and was impressed with the author's writing. A clever thriller that shows you don't really know the people you think you do.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Not sure why there are average reviews for this on Goodreads because I found it totally wild! I wasn't expecting it to go the way it did and was impressed with the author's writing. A clever thriller that shows you don't really know the people you think you do.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 28, 2023
Good twists in this one. Nicely patched together and plausible. And I was rooting for Kat so much. With all of her flaws and insecurities, she was so easy to relate to. Maybe the mental health angle is treated a bit supercifially and a bit more digging would be nice in case of one of the characters, but still a fun read.
November 23, 2022
An interesting story about the search for perfection and beauty. Beth a young mother returning to her expensive London home from a girls night out finds a middle aged drug user unconscious in the doorway of a disused shop. From that moment on her life changes as secrets from her past, secrets kept from her family, start to emerge.The story is told from the point of view of all the main characters, a form which seems to be popular with modern authors and in this case works very well. Events start to overtake Beth at alarming speed as she starts to lose control over her life and fears for her family. A modern day morality tale.
A well plotted book which held my interest from start to finish.
A well plotted book which held my interest from start to finish.
November 23, 2022
Beth and Simon, along with their daughters Martha and Ava, live an idyllic life. Beautiful house, affluent area, very well off and well regarded in their social circle. To all concerned they have the perfect life, with Beth being the perfect friend to everyone who knows her.
When Beth decides to take a different route home after a night out with her friends, it turns out to be a decision she regrets.
I really enjoyed this book! Attention grabbing from the start and lots of twists. The prologue really was a red herring!.
An enjoyable read, good plot, and a great ending.
Thank you NetGalley.
When Beth decides to take a different route home after a night out with her friends, it turns out to be a decision she regrets.
I really enjoyed this book! Attention grabbing from the start and lots of twists. The prologue really was a red herring!.
An enjoyable read, good plot, and a great ending.
Thank you NetGalley.
May 1, 2023
A good story batting between past and future until finally they marry together. The book was a good enthralling read with a few twist and turns throughout to keep the reader hooked until the very end.
May 22, 2024
Intense, suspenseful, the ending was fulfilling. Good, quick read!
November 15, 2022
Beth seems to have it all - she's beautiful and she's wealthy with a happy marriage and two children. But when she stops one night to try and save the life of a homeless man, Beth's perfect world starts to wobble on its carefully constructed axis. Thrust into the local limelight, Beth is quickly the subject of unwanted attention from the dead homeless man's friend, Mark, and from a local dog groomer named Kat, who thinks she recognises Beth from another life when they were both teenagers.
As Kat's behaviour becomes increasingly obsessive and Mark's anger over friend spirals out of control, Beth tries desperately to retain control. Because it seems her perfect life isn't as perfect as it appears on the surface, and Beth will do anything to stop it from disintegrating altogether...
I very much enjoyed this twisty, well-paced thriller. I am always a fan of multiple narratives, in this case switching between Kat, Beth, and Mark, and also dual timelines, where we see the younger Kat and Beth as well as their present day incarnations. There were red herrings a-plenty in this one, and not clunky ones ether - deftly plotted, well executed and genuinely gripping. Will definitely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher, who provided a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As Kat's behaviour becomes increasingly obsessive and Mark's anger over friend spirals out of control, Beth tries desperately to retain control. Because it seems her perfect life isn't as perfect as it appears on the surface, and Beth will do anything to stop it from disintegrating altogether...
I very much enjoyed this twisty, well-paced thriller. I am always a fan of multiple narratives, in this case switching between Kat, Beth, and Mark, and also dual timelines, where we see the younger Kat and Beth as well as their present day incarnations. There were red herrings a-plenty in this one, and not clunky ones ether - deftly plotted, well executed and genuinely gripping. Will definitely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher, who provided a free ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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