The Best Friend: a chilling psychological thriller

I've had a wonderful experience with Shalini Boland's titles in the past and 'The Best Friend' was no different – her pretence intrigued me from the outset. Interest and mystery were established quickly, along with a sense of too-good-to-be-true and waiting-for-the-other-she-to-drop. Which is something you want in a thriller. And the pace does not let up.The stalker mentioned in the first chapter had me reeling, trying to guess which character it could be: the younger brother, or a private detective hired to find our protagonist, Louisa. I love the opportunity to start guessing the plot very early on in a novel.All my senses started screaming at Louisa when she felt things were starting to go her way - it’s like she hadn't learnt her lesson. Though this story is gripping and suspenseful, I dislike the flakiness and lack of thought that Louisa is exhibiting – I was starting to feel that she is deserving of whatever bad luck comes her way due to lack of insight. That the only person she could rely on was herself, as the past has proven, and there she was, letting a stranger take the lead (again.)I did get a sense of 'where is this all going?' and wanting the plot to start grinding it's gears by pg78, so I feel like the start of this novel could have been compacted, or another plot device introduced earlier.I also get a sense that the new found best friend – the seemingly perfect Darcy, is attempting to steal Louisa's identity - maybe to hide from great debt and scary debt collectors? Alarm bells were going off that Darcy is a con ... and the flashbacks are to her childhood. But as there really isn’t a lot of context to these scenes, it could be anyone, but the narrative certainly leads you down this delicious path.I did need to have a break at pg265, Louisa's stupidity was getting me frustrated to the point of violence. *pegs the novel across the room* Why is she not talking to her lawyer sister and sharing all the facts with her? It would put everything in perspective and above board immediately. It is glaringly obvious common sense. Especially with some conniving woman out to get her... if that is what is really going on. As you can see I had quite a strong reaction to Louisa and her actions – whether I like her or not, I was definitely engaged in the story… but I'm still waiting for that Boland twist.There is a little bit of 'telling' rather than ‘showing’ - especially in setting up a scene. It kept the pace up, but lost a little of that mystery-styled writing. A little unrealistic plot-wise, but a highly enthralling story. Really got me emoting. My tummy kept getting twisted into nervous knots.Boland is a supreme writer for pacing and setting up a great reveal/climax. Even though I had guessed the ending halfway through, I was still gripped right to the end. There is a strong tone of mistrust and paranoia which is essential for a success in this genre.I don't think I actually liked Louisa at all, right to the end. She was flaky and stupid - but very human, and made for great reading. I did like the ending though - not so cut and dry, but extremely satisfying. And it was great to see Louisa and her husband grow from the experience. Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed this book...it's reminiscent of Girl on the Train. It definitely held my interest and was an easy, fast read. My only criticism is of the main character/narrator, in that some of her actions didn't seem very realistic. An example (without giving away too much of the plot), she spends pages talking about wanting to get the antagonist out of her life, only to stupidly and unnecessarily go to her husband's apartment. And I think it's safe to say, most women would have unfriended Darcy MUCH sooner than Louisa does. Some of the plot is predictable, and there aren't a whole lot of shocking twists or turns. That being said, much of its appeal is in its simplicity. Great ending! It's sort of like a really good Lifetime movie!

I love anything Shalini Boland writes and I got all excited when I saw this paperback was released in January. Then I remembered...I think I read this. Apparently I had ordered it several times(!) and I have given copies away. It is a wonderful book but it was released several years back. Always check to see if you ordered a book before buying. Sometimes the titles seem new but are not. I am waiting for your next one, Shalini!!!

What an exciting book. I never have the time just to sit and read a book from cover to cover, but terrible weather her allowed me to do this. I don't think I could have put it down, if not. While I had wondered about several characters in the book and the ending revealed one of the characters as I had thought, it still keep me 'on the edge on my seat'. Very, very sell done!

Very good psychological thriller. Just started another book by this author

I truly do not understand why this mystery has been rated so highly. It was entirely predictable and so overly dramatic that it strained credulity. I knew what would transpire within the first few chapters. It was similar to watching a Lifetime movie with the victim being misunderstood by everyone around her and considered crazy. I read it in one sitting and had to skim through it because the author filled the pages with unnecessary detail. If you are a fan of well-wriitten thrillers such as Gone Girl, then you will be sorely disappointed in this book.

Dark and twisted suspense novel. I read it in one sitting. It's been a long time since I stayed up all night to read a book. As good as The Girl on the Train...if you like twisty suspense and multi-layered characters, this one's for you.

A great read!

Fabulous book kept me hooked right to the end. Looking forward to the next one

Great book, keeps you guessing! Her previous book was also very good

yes it was a very good read. She is a good author.

As always, gripping, terrifying, couldn't put it down.

Brilliant! I bought this on a recommendation from my friend and it didn't disappoint. Read in two days and bought the girl in the sea and read that in two days too.