lisas_library91's review
5.0
An absolutely amazing read, this book had me hooked right from the start. Such a many twists and turns, this book has so many surprises. A must read for anyone who enjoys a tense thriller
tonyfrobisher's review
5.0
Gripping and relentless storytelling
When you begin to read The Loyal Friend, AA Chaudhuri is extremely skilled at creating a narrative that is nuanced and layered. A scene of pleasant unfussy suburbia, a group of characters who appear on the surface to be reflective of society, albeit with typical faults and foibles. But what AA Chaudhuri is particularly brilliant at is crafting a story that pulls you in, each layer in the plot skillfully revealed, so that you find second guessing who did what and to whom is futile. To the point where you give in and say 'take me along for the ride' which you know will be full of breathtaking revelations and unexpected, delicious twists until the very end.
The Loyal Friend is a book that grips you, its pace is relentless and the plot thickens page by page, chapter by chapter. The protagonists each in turn exposed in all their sordid, twisted, deluded ways. And as expected, the ending arrives, entirely unexpected. A fantastic denouement that leaves you reeling and satisfied at the same time.
The best of thrillers by the master of her craft.
Each book I read by AA Chaudhuri gets better and stronger in its storytelling. You just can't wait to read the next book. That is how good AA Chaudhuri is. Next please.
When you begin to read The Loyal Friend, AA Chaudhuri is extremely skilled at creating a narrative that is nuanced and layered. A scene of pleasant unfussy suburbia, a group of characters who appear on the surface to be reflective of society, albeit with typical faults and foibles. But what AA Chaudhuri is particularly brilliant at is crafting a story that pulls you in, each layer in the plot skillfully revealed, so that you find second guessing who did what and to whom is futile. To the point where you give in and say 'take me along for the ride' which you know will be full of breathtaking revelations and unexpected, delicious twists until the very end.
The Loyal Friend is a book that grips you, its pace is relentless and the plot thickens page by page, chapter by chapter. The protagonists each in turn exposed in all their sordid, twisted, deluded ways. And as expected, the ending arrives, entirely unexpected. A fantastic denouement that leaves you reeling and satisfied at the same time.
The best of thrillers by the master of her craft.
Each book I read by AA Chaudhuri gets better and stronger in its storytelling. You just can't wait to read the next book. That is how good AA Chaudhuri is. Next please.
travelsalongmybookshelf's review
5.0
The Loyal Friend - AA Chaudhuri
Well I knew I was going to be in for a treat with this book, having read She’s Mine previously and knowing how the secrets and tension build, I was not disappointed!
Jade a local yoga instructor doesn’t turn up for her lesson. No one seems concerned, except her friend Natalie, who, on visiting her house finds she is missing and it seems in suspicious circumstances.
Everyone has secrets, including Natalie herself, Susan reliant on alcohol, Grace hiding something from her past and what of Jade herself? Will she be found before it’s too late?
This was a really pacey, twisting thriller. Moving between different POV’s and timelines, we gradually get to know the characters. None of them are particularly likeable but that didn’t stop me reading! I was totally hooked into their stories, reading quickly as I needed to know the outcome. Quite a few difficult themes are explored including jealousy, friendships, family, child abuse and revenge.
And then twists! I was, wait, whaaat?! At the end of each chapter things ramp up, I couldn’t stop reading!
Alex has a real knack of being able to keep you guessing, I really didn’t trust anyone at all! Although there are a few little clues, I was left clueless - Hats of to Alex for a brilliantly realised ending!
A gripping twisting psychological thriller, just fabulous!
✩✩✩✩✰
Thanks so much to AA Chaudhuri, Hera Books, Danielle Louis and the Squadpod for my copy of this book and spot on the upcoming blog tour
Well I knew I was going to be in for a treat with this book, having read She’s Mine previously and knowing how the secrets and tension build, I was not disappointed!
Jade a local yoga instructor doesn’t turn up for her lesson. No one seems concerned, except her friend Natalie, who, on visiting her house finds she is missing and it seems in suspicious circumstances.
Everyone has secrets, including Natalie herself, Susan reliant on alcohol, Grace hiding something from her past and what of Jade herself? Will she be found before it’s too late?
This was a really pacey, twisting thriller. Moving between different POV’s and timelines, we gradually get to know the characters. None of them are particularly likeable but that didn’t stop me reading! I was totally hooked into their stories, reading quickly as I needed to know the outcome. Quite a few difficult themes are explored including jealousy, friendships, family, child abuse and revenge.
And then twists! I was, wait, whaaat?! At the end of each chapter things ramp up, I couldn’t stop reading!
Alex has a real knack of being able to keep you guessing, I really didn’t trust anyone at all! Although there are a few little clues, I was left clueless - Hats of to Alex for a brilliantly realised ending!
A gripping twisting psychological thriller, just fabulous!
✩✩✩✩✰
Thanks so much to AA Chaudhuri, Hera Books, Danielle Louis and the Squadpod for my copy of this book and spot on the upcoming blog tour
krystims's review
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
Really enjoyed this book. Thought the beginning was a little slow but other than that I really liked it. Great ending, didn't expect it at all.
niinjah's review
4.0
First of all, thanks to netgally and Hera books for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
The book follows four woman who all have their secrets. When Jade disappears without a trace, some of the secrets are about to be exposed.
This book was definitely a thriller that kept your attention. In the beginning I found some of the dialogues a bit long and wondered why the author used so much space for discussions I didn’t see the relevance of, but later in the book I realized that we needed the details to be led in different directions and possibilities. I found Susan the least convincing character, she was just so shallow. I liked Grace and Natalie though. Natalie also grew on me when she decided to investigate what might have happened by herself.
I must say the book kept me guessing. I was tossed back and forth, between one crazy theory after another. When the suspense really increased, I was gobsmacked! Didn’t see THAT coming! I also loved the last chapter, it was a fun addition to the story.
The author included a lot of cliffhangers that kept me turning the pages.
Well done!
The book follows four woman who all have their secrets. When Jade disappears without a trace, some of the secrets are about to be exposed.
This book was definitely a thriller that kept your attention. In the beginning I found some of the dialogues a bit long and wondered why the author used so much space for discussions I didn’t see the relevance of, but later in the book I realized that we needed the details to be led in different directions and possibilities. I found Susan the least convincing character, she was just so shallow. I liked Grace and Natalie though. Natalie also grew on me when she decided to investigate what might have happened by herself.
I must say the book kept me guessing. I was tossed back and forth, between one crazy theory after another. When the suspense really increased, I was gobsmacked! Didn’t see THAT coming! I also loved the last chapter, it was a fun addition to the story.
The author included a lot of cliffhangers that kept me turning the pages.
Well done!
sleeson's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I received a copy of this ARC for feedback. I don’t know where to begin? My first time reading from this author and I enjoyed it a lot. This book kept me on my toes. There was drama, secrets, mystery. I was only able to figure out one tiny part of the plot. I enjoyed it. It was not a predictable storyline. No sexual content and not much swearing if any.
It was a little long. I feel there were a quite a few pages that could have been removed to prevent the feeling of repetitiveness. However, all the work the author put in this novel was worth the type of ending you come to. I am going to read more books from this author for sure.
It was a little long. I feel there were a quite a few pages that could have been removed to prevent the feeling of repetitiveness. However, all the work the author put in this novel was worth the type of ending you come to. I am going to read more books from this author for sure.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Mental illness, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Sexual harassment, Stalking, Car accident, Dementia, Gaslighting, Incest, and Physical abuse
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