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Keep Your Friends Close
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer...An addictive and shocking psychological thriller, full of twists you won't see coming, perfect for fans of FRIEND REQUEST by Laura Marshall. A friend who won't let you escape. When Karin is taken on a romantic break by her loving partner Aaron, she can't wait for him to propose. But her surprise weekend quickly becomes a nightmare from which she may never escape. Who wants everything you have. They are staying by the beach at the Midland - a grand hotel where Karin used to work. And where Karin's dangerous and obsessive ex, whom she has been trying to leave behind for years, is waiting patiently for her to return. Who won't stop until your life is in ruins. Now all of Karin's darkest secrets are being dragged into the light and her friends are turning against her. When one of them is murdered, Karin begins to realize just how treacherous relationships can be...
- GenresThriller
1 pages, Audio CD
First published October 26, 2018
166 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
June Taylor
25 books12 followersJune Taylor writes mainly psychological thrillers and YA fiction, as well as plays. In 2011 she almost won the Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition. The only proof of this is a back-pocket cutting from the Times that she showed to her mum!
She studied French, followed by an MA in Scriptwriting. She has done many jobs from TV promos producer to EFL and French club teacher, as well as volunteer work with Childline and the Refugee Council.
June is on the Board of Script Yorkshire and a big supporter of Leeds Big Bookend. She lives in Leeds and loves to travel to new places.
She studied French, followed by an MA in Scriptwriting. She has done many jobs from TV promos producer to EFL and French club teacher, as well as volunteer work with Childline and the Refugee Council.
June is on the Board of Script Yorkshire and a big supporter of Leeds Big Bookend. She lives in Leeds and loves to travel to new places.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 27, 2018
We’ve all heard that phrase: ‘keep your friends close and your enemies closer’ – but just how close should you keep your enemies, how close is too close? For much of this novel, that was the intrigue, who should Karin trust? As the reader, you’re trying to analyse all the characters you meet, wondering if they’re genuine, if Karin should trust them. At the same time, you’re fed Karin’s secret in dribs and drabs, so there’s the additional intrigue of wanting to know the full details of this dark secret. You all know the classic ‘Janel line’ by now: everything done in the dark will come to light!
If you’re anything like me, you’re wary of psychological thrillers these days, you know that fear of ‘too much of the same’ – well you don’t have to worry about that here, I found this novel to be thrilling, the plot was particularly interesting and it had just enough emotion to make me care! The background of Karin was particularly interesting, and it, for me, made her a really interesting protagonist.
Keep Your Friends Close is told in alternating perspectives, and has very short chapters – this all works to build the tension throughout the novel. I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a few moments where things got a tad dramatic, but on the whole, I really enjoyed this novel. I think it brings something different, with regards to the secret that’s being kept, Karin’s past in particular, and her passion for her cause, were real highlights for me. You get a real sense of desperation from Karin, this need to do all that she can to keep her secret. She wishes she’d handled things differently; told the truth from the beginning because now it’s too late – now she’s no longer living, but surviving, as the past is closing in!
Would I recommend this novel? Absolutely! I flew through it in two-sittings; the pacing is perfect, there was never any point when I wished the plot would hurry up and move along. Taylor got things spot-on when she penned this novel, and if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers clouded in dark secrets, this may just be the novel for you.
*My thanks to HarperCollins for providing me with a copy of this book*
If you’re anything like me, you’re wary of psychological thrillers these days, you know that fear of ‘too much of the same’ – well you don’t have to worry about that here, I found this novel to be thrilling, the plot was particularly interesting and it had just enough emotion to make me care! The background of Karin was particularly interesting, and it, for me, made her a really interesting protagonist.
Keep Your Friends Close is told in alternating perspectives, and has very short chapters – this all works to build the tension throughout the novel. I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a few moments where things got a tad dramatic, but on the whole, I really enjoyed this novel. I think it brings something different, with regards to the secret that’s being kept, Karin’s past in particular, and her passion for her cause, were real highlights for me. You get a real sense of desperation from Karin, this need to do all that she can to keep her secret. She wishes she’d handled things differently; told the truth from the beginning because now it’s too late – now she’s no longer living, but surviving, as the past is closing in!
Would I recommend this novel? Absolutely! I flew through it in two-sittings; the pacing is perfect, there was never any point when I wished the plot would hurry up and move along. Taylor got things spot-on when she penned this novel, and if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers clouded in dark secrets, this may just be the novel for you.
*My thanks to HarperCollins for providing me with a copy of this book*
November 3, 2018
When I started Keep Your Friends Close, I was unnerved from the start. Karin is a woman of secrets with a past she doesn’t want to share with her man and the more I read, I could see why. But we all know, secrets are dangerous.
I loved the local references to Leeds and Morecambe. Living just outside Leeds and having spent a few years living in Lancaster, I felt totally immersed in the familiar backdrop of these two places that have formed part of me.
There is a poetic feel to Ms Taylor’s descriptions but it’s not obtrusive. It felt right. It built a perfect picture for me, inspiring my imagination for those fictitious places in the familiar locale and these characters I was reading about.
The deeper I delved into Karin’s life, the more confused my emotions got. Who really was looking out for her best interest? I mistrusted everyone, even Karin herself as Keep Your Friends Close reaches it’s climatic end. Ms Taylor successfully interwove complex threads which then came together at the end as Karin finally found who her friends really were.
If you enjoy your psychological thrillers, I highly recommend giving Keep Your Friends Close a read.
I loved the local references to Leeds and Morecambe. Living just outside Leeds and having spent a few years living in Lancaster, I felt totally immersed in the familiar backdrop of these two places that have formed part of me.
There is a poetic feel to Ms Taylor’s descriptions but it’s not obtrusive. It felt right. It built a perfect picture for me, inspiring my imagination for those fictitious places in the familiar locale and these characters I was reading about.
The deeper I delved into Karin’s life, the more confused my emotions got. Who really was looking out for her best interest? I mistrusted everyone, even Karin herself as Keep Your Friends Close reaches it’s climatic end. Ms Taylor successfully interwove complex threads which then came together at the end as Karin finally found who her friends really were.
If you enjoy your psychological thrillers, I highly recommend giving Keep Your Friends Close a read.
November 3, 2018
I do love a psychological thriller with multiple points of view and here we are treated to a fabulously twisty tale that revolves around Karin who has a secret past. When we meet her she’s living with her friends Mel and Will, hiding from whatever has happened to her. We know that she is no longer in contact with her mother but not why and that she’s hiding from an abusive ex. When her new boyfriend takes her away for a romantic weekend, suddenly she’s thrown into a situation she struggles to explain to him and that’s when her troubles really begin.
After a rather (deliberately) vague start, I became quickly involved with all the characters, trusting no one as per my usual suspicious nature! The narrative kept me on my toes throughout with many jaw dropping moments that I didn’t see coming! The characters weren’t always likeable but that’s my favourite kind and as the storyline progressed I found out that sometimes we only saw what they allowed us to see and that hidden depths were gradually uncovered. Set around the Leeds area there are plenty of recognisable locations that really brought the setting to life especially if you know the areas described well.
I enjoyed June Taylor’s writing immensely. She kept me on the edge of my seat during the one sitting it took me to race my way through Keep Your Friends Close. I did like her debut novel Losing Juliet, but this one was much more my cup of tea and I absolutely adored it.
After a rather (deliberately) vague start, I became quickly involved with all the characters, trusting no one as per my usual suspicious nature! The narrative kept me on my toes throughout with many jaw dropping moments that I didn’t see coming! The characters weren’t always likeable but that’s my favourite kind and as the storyline progressed I found out that sometimes we only saw what they allowed us to see and that hidden depths were gradually uncovered. Set around the Leeds area there are plenty of recognisable locations that really brought the setting to life especially if you know the areas described well.
I enjoyed June Taylor’s writing immensely. She kept me on the edge of my seat during the one sitting it took me to race my way through Keep Your Friends Close. I did like her debut novel Losing Juliet, but this one was much more my cup of tea and I absolutely adored it.
October 30, 2018
‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer’ is a saying often used by many of us and in this books case and for Karin, the leading lady,a very true one!
Firstly I loved that this book was set in Leeds ( lived in Bradford 10 years ) and even though some places were fictional I could picture a lot of the places described and spoken about, somehow a book always seems more personal when this happens ( well to me!)
The story is based around Karin who is estranged from her Mother ( even so she has put a million pounds in her account as she has reached 22 ) she has been homeless but was rescued by Mel who she lives with and has a new fiance, also she is now helping other homeless people
Perfecto!
Of course its not or else there wouldnt be a book 😃
Karin has a past, a partner she ran out on who is back, and wants her, desperately....
And theres secrets, lies, double crossings, triple crossings and Karin questions who are her friends and who are her enemies!!
The story is told in narrative by the main characters...most of which I didn’t like, the ex who came back on the scene I detested.....however as friends and enemies changed in the book so did my opinions of them!
The story is quite brutal in parts, psychologically brutal and I really had no idea how the book would end, the possibilities of the ending changed all the time and kept me guessing
One irritant was the phrase ‘old fart’ used to describe the fiance of Karin by the ex who turned up, you know when a term is over used?, well this was and started to bug, then it thankfully stopped
The ending, after all the different possibilities although acceptable and not unbelievable was more of an Oh than a OOOOO
Still, a good solid psychological thriller that I read quickly and found intriguing, well written and got me thinking, enjoyable
8/10 4 Stars
October 28, 2018
Life is vastly improved for Karin – but will it stay that way?
Crikey! Keep Your Friends Close is a twisty, keep the reader guessing until the final full stop kind of thriller. I found it exciting and compelling so that I didn’t want to leave it when ordinary life got in the way.
I can’t say too much about the plot as it relies on perfectly plausible though still shocking surprises, but I will say it is brilliantly thought through and skilfully delivered making for a very entertaining read.
I thought the characterisation was excellent. Because of the title I had my suspicions about every one of the people in this story, some of which were realised and some of which weren’t (but again I can’t say more). I found my reader response to Karin fascinating because I vacillated in my opinion of her throughout. At times I admired her, hated her, thought she was strong, pathetic (in the true sense of the word), self-centered, generous, intelligent and stupid and by the end of Keep Your Friends Close I still hadn’t made up my mind about her. She’s certainly a complex individual. I think it says something about the skill of a writer when the reader continues to contemplate the people they have created long after reading the book in the way June Taylor has here.
I thought the themes and issues underpinning the fast paced plot were so good. There’s an intelligent exploration of how our past can affect us, and of how we can manipulate and affect others and in turn allow ourselves to be manipulated and affected by them. Guilt, betrayal, obsession, identity, and trust are all woven throughout and I really appreciated the sympathetic presentation of the homeless who are an important aspect of Keep Your Friends Close. June Taylor exemplifies just how easy it is to spiral into difficult circumstances.
I’m not sure what I was expecting from Keep Your Friends Close, but what I found was a hugely rewarding read that kept me gripped from the first page to the last. It’s a super read.
Crikey! Keep Your Friends Close is a twisty, keep the reader guessing until the final full stop kind of thriller. I found it exciting and compelling so that I didn’t want to leave it when ordinary life got in the way.
I can’t say too much about the plot as it relies on perfectly plausible though still shocking surprises, but I will say it is brilliantly thought through and skilfully delivered making for a very entertaining read.
I thought the characterisation was excellent. Because of the title I had my suspicions about every one of the people in this story, some of which were realised and some of which weren’t (but again I can’t say more). I found my reader response to Karin fascinating because I vacillated in my opinion of her throughout. At times I admired her, hated her, thought she was strong, pathetic (in the true sense of the word), self-centered, generous, intelligent and stupid and by the end of Keep Your Friends Close I still hadn’t made up my mind about her. She’s certainly a complex individual. I think it says something about the skill of a writer when the reader continues to contemplate the people they have created long after reading the book in the way June Taylor has here.
I thought the themes and issues underpinning the fast paced plot were so good. There’s an intelligent exploration of how our past can affect us, and of how we can manipulate and affect others and in turn allow ourselves to be manipulated and affected by them. Guilt, betrayal, obsession, identity, and trust are all woven throughout and I really appreciated the sympathetic presentation of the homeless who are an important aspect of Keep Your Friends Close. June Taylor exemplifies just how easy it is to spiral into difficult circumstances.
I’m not sure what I was expecting from Keep Your Friends Close, but what I found was a hugely rewarding read that kept me gripped from the first page to the last. It’s a super read.
October 27, 2018
I received an advance proof copy of this book.
I loved this book, an intriguing story with great locations, complex characters and a twisty tale of relationships that spiral out of control.
The main character, Karin, has been through a lot by her early 20s. She seems to have found some stability, moving to a new town and finding work she believes in.
Then her new relationship and her new life are threatened by her ex partner who won't let go ...
I loved this book, an intriguing story with great locations, complex characters and a twisty tale of relationships that spiral out of control.
The main character, Karin, has been through a lot by her early 20s. She seems to have found some stability, moving to a new town and finding work she believes in.
Then her new relationship and her new life are threatened by her ex partner who won't let go ...
October 3, 2018
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
This one has a deranged lesbian ex stalking the protagonist and her new man. Yes I said that. No there’s no interesting new twist. Yes it is just as bad as you think. Skip it
This one has a deranged lesbian ex stalking the protagonist and her new man. Yes I said that. No there’s no interesting new twist. Yes it is just as bad as you think. Skip it
January 10, 2019
Keep Your Friends Close is a contemporary psychological thriller set in Leeds. I loved the fact that it dealt with current issues and created a resoundingly vibrant backdrop to the story in both Morecambe and Leeds.
The plot was eerily believable and the combination of past relationships, secrets , lies and subterfuge all moulded together in an explosive ending. The main character (Karin's) courage and vulnerability drew me in from the start and I found myself rooting for her from the get go. Her personal backstory was beautifully woven through the plot. 5* from me.
The plot was eerily believable and the combination of past relationships, secrets , lies and subterfuge all moulded together in an explosive ending. The main character (Karin's) courage and vulnerability drew me in from the start and I found myself rooting for her from the get go. Her personal backstory was beautifully woven through the plot. 5* from me.
October 28, 2018
This is my first read by June Taylor and WOW! I was pleasantly surprised by this one, that's for sure. The twists and turns in this story definitely had me wondering how it was all going to end. Of course, once I thought I had everything figured out, things would change again.
We meet our main character, Karin and find out that she has had a rough go from the beginning of her life with her mother. There was never any affection there from her mom and when Karin was eight, she was sent away to boarding school. Karin loved her father, but he died when she was younger. Karin's mom remarried almost before her real dad was buried and Karin wondered what had been going on. We learn that Karin had a sort of rough patch in her early years and ended up living on the streets and homeless.
Karin meets a woman that would soon become her savior and end up not being able to let her go once Karin decides to move away. When Karin meets Mel, she believes that she is now her saving grace and that she would not be where she is right now with out Mel. Karin starts dating Aaron and thinks that her life is now starting to finally get back to some what of a normal person's life.
All the revelations that we get during the story as it continues to go along are mind boggling. You don't know who to feel sorry for when things start coming out. Lol. I don't want to give anything away on this story because reading it as it unfolds is the best part of it. I could not put this book down once I started it and the revelations started coming. I wanted to finish it to find out how everything was going to end for all the characters.
I thought the story was really well thought out and put together. Great job on this one June Taylor and I can't wait to read more from you!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy!
We meet our main character, Karin and find out that she has had a rough go from the beginning of her life with her mother. There was never any affection there from her mom and when Karin was eight, she was sent away to boarding school. Karin loved her father, but he died when she was younger. Karin's mom remarried almost before her real dad was buried and Karin wondered what had been going on. We learn that Karin had a sort of rough patch in her early years and ended up living on the streets and homeless.
Karin meets a woman that would soon become her savior and end up not being able to let her go once Karin decides to move away. When Karin meets Mel, she believes that she is now her saving grace and that she would not be where she is right now with out Mel. Karin starts dating Aaron and thinks that her life is now starting to finally get back to some what of a normal person's life.
All the revelations that we get during the story as it continues to go along are mind boggling. You don't know who to feel sorry for when things start coming out. Lol. I don't want to give anything away on this story because reading it as it unfolds is the best part of it. I could not put this book down once I started it and the revelations started coming. I wanted to finish it to find out how everything was going to end for all the characters.
I thought the story was really well thought out and put together. Great job on this one June Taylor and I can't wait to read more from you!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy!
December 8, 2018
I have to be upfront and say that I don't usually read thrillers like this because I find the tension too great (I am a hide behind the sofa person if things get too tense when watching Coronation Street!). But, having met June and then read her first book 'Losing Juliet', I wanted to see where her imagination took her next. And it took her to Leeds, Morecambe, plus a lesbian storyline - so there was a lot of resonance for me although such familiarity did make me wonder if I would find the tension even worse. However, it was such a great read that I put all of that to one side and loved the book. I did have to read the last few chapters during daylight as it was quite scary as to where it was going. This is a book full of surprises and twists and turns with great characters, back stories, and, of course, shocks. I am not going to give any details or resume of the story as it needs to be discovered by the reader - but go for it and you won't be disappointed. Not sure how I will feel next time I drive past the Midland Hotel in Morecambe but June Taylor is a good storyteller who knows how to keep the suspense high.
November 18, 2018
This is a gripping and thought provoking novel that once I started reading it could hardly put it down, finishing it in one day.
The premise is exciting and deals with an important issue "who to trust?" Are close friends really having the best intentions for each other, could they be more dangerous than known enemies because they are hiding in plain sight?
This is the dilemma facing Karin the main character, and along the way we are treated to major twists and turns and nobody is above suspicion. Also we get to learn about the secrets in Karin's past adding further dimension to the ever growing suspense.
This is a highly recommended fast paced psychological thriller, my thanks go to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
The premise is exciting and deals with an important issue "who to trust?" Are close friends really having the best intentions for each other, could they be more dangerous than known enemies because they are hiding in plain sight?
This is the dilemma facing Karin the main character, and along the way we are treated to major twists and turns and nobody is above suspicion. Also we get to learn about the secrets in Karin's past adding further dimension to the ever growing suspense.
This is a highly recommended fast paced psychological thriller, my thanks go to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
March 11, 2019
The story took a little time to draw me in but once it had it built really well. There were some very good plot twists that I had not seen coming. The settings; primarily Leeds and Morecambe (mainly the Midland Hotel) work well. The characters develop well as the book progresses through a series of short chapters. Each specific chapter is dedicated to one of the 3 main characters - Karin, Louie and Mel.
The build up to the conclusion is very well handled but to avoid spoilers I won't add any further details
The build up to the conclusion is very well handled but to avoid spoilers I won't add any further details
November 14, 2018
Even though I felt at times like the writing wasn’t the best, for the most part I really enjoyed this after I got through the first few chapters.
Louie was a very different type of ex and this kept me interested all the way through. I did guess the villain part way in, which is very unusual for me, but it didn’t take anything away. I still wanted to know all the how’s and why’s.
I would definitely read this author again.
Louie was a very different type of ex and this kept me interested all the way through. I did guess the villain part way in, which is very unusual for me, but it didn’t take anything away. I still wanted to know all the how’s and why’s.
I would definitely read this author again.
March 19, 2019
A slow burn ... and if I'm perfectly honest I almost put it down .. twice. However, I'm glad I persevered.
The premise of the story is great .. and I think it really does show us never to judge. Everyone has their own cross to bear!
It wasn't dark, in a dark sense .. but this book had me rooting for the central character, Karin, and buying into her plight. who knew lives could be so complicated and so tragic.
If you read it, stay with it.
The premise of the story is great .. and I think it really does show us never to judge. Everyone has their own cross to bear!
It wasn't dark, in a dark sense .. but this book had me rooting for the central character, Karin, and buying into her plight. who knew lives could be so complicated and so tragic.
If you read it, stay with it.
September 29, 2025
A rather overly complicated story about Karin, her partner Aaron, new friend Mel, old friend Louie and homeless friend Will. They are all her friends, but with hidden agendas of their own, working against each other and telling her lies and deceiving her along the way.
Karin has to unravel what is going on, who to believe and how to stay alive. The story was rather predictable once it got going, and I quickly learned who to trust and believe, but it took Karin far too long, in my opinion. Several inconsistencies and daft incidents in it too.
Only okay in my opinion, and not a book I would recommend to my friends.
Karin has to unravel what is going on, who to believe and how to stay alive. The story was rather predictable once it got going, and I quickly learned who to trust and believe, but it took Karin far too long, in my opinion. Several inconsistencies and daft incidents in it too.
Only okay in my opinion, and not a book I would recommend to my friends.
November 9, 2018
Fabulous, fast paced psychological thriller brilliantly evoking the darker side of human nature.Set in the well to do streets of Headingley , Leeds where nothing is quite as straight forward as it seems. Everything seems to be working out for our heroine when a well intentioned trip away organised by her boyfriend reawakens past tragedies and leads to unimaginable consequences.
January 6, 2019
Really great pacey read with great characters. Kept me turning the pages and I loved the settings. I've also read and enjoyed Losing Juliet by the same author and although this book is very different I liked the exploration of friendship and trust in both. Look forward to more from this talented writer.
June 20, 2019
Not a bad read, I live in Lancaster and so it was nice to read about my own town in the book and know the haunts!
I didn’t feel it was full of twists and turns but it did keep me guessing as to who we could trust and who we couldn’t, had me rooting for Karin and really liked her character.
A good read and psychological thriller.
I didn’t feel it was full of twists and turns but it did keep me guessing as to who we could trust and who we couldn’t, had me rooting for Karin and really liked her character.
A good read and psychological thriller.
April 24, 2019
Ending disappointing
Was hooked on this book from the start. Karin is a very secretive character and I was dying to find out her hidden past. Just don't feel the ending did the rest of the book justice!
Was hooked on this book from the start. Karin is a very secretive character and I was dying to find out her hidden past. Just don't feel the ending did the rest of the book justice!
December 17, 2020
Just finished reading Keep Your Friends Close & would give it a 2.5 ratting due being every conflicted over the whole plot! Many of the characters actions made no sense at all & there were quite a few holes in the plot! I am unsure whether I like a book or not! I am literally so confused! 🤔🤔🤔
October 28, 2018
Perfect psychological thriller! It moved at a fast pace with twists and turns throughout! I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend!
November 10, 2018
Another gripping read
Once I started this book I couldn't put it down. Another winner June. You go from strength to strength. Well done.
Once I started this book I couldn't put it down. Another winner June. You go from strength to strength. Well done.
November 25, 2018
I looked forward to this read based on the publisher's hype and many positive reviews but was left totally disappointed.
April 7, 2019
An in interesting premise. Was intrigued to know the outcome.
April 7, 2019
I'll give it 3and a half
I started this book a few times then went on to something else. Eventually I went back to it. I persevered but it only got marginally better. Not for me📕
I started this book a few times then went on to something else. Eventually I went back to it. I persevered but it only got marginally better. Not for me📕
September 10, 2021
flew through this could not put it down
March 19, 2019
Enjoyable read. Very much a book to make you question who to trust and kept it concealed well. Nothing too heavy, an easy book but well written.
December 2, 2018
I so loved this book gripping twisty and a brilliant ending so recommended
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews