Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons, Penguin Group Genres: Fiction, Mystery, suspense
Format: ARC, eBook
Keep Your Friends Close was an addictive, fun and well thought out book that kept me on my toes doing my best to figure not only who could be trusted but whodunit. Leah Konen first came on my radar when I read All the Broken People and I have been a fan ever since. This is the fourth book of Konen’s that I have read, and she delivered yet again! I know that I can count on a twist filled, well written and gripping read when I pick up one of her books.
In the beginning of the book, Mary could really use a friend. She has decided to leave George, her controlling husband, and is amid a custody battle with him. When she takes her toddler, Alex, to a playground, she meets Willa and they become fast friends. But after Mary shares something with Willa, her calls are no longer returned. Months later, after moving, Mary sees Willa, who now goes by Annie, on the street in her new town. Top that off with George being found dead and well, Mary’s life is turned upside down.
This proved to be a fast read for me. I never knew who could be trusted and at times wondered if Mary herself could be trusted. I enjoyed how this book was told going back and forth between the past and present. Readers are given information little by little but only enough to keep the carrot dangling in front of our noses.
I enjoyed the tension that flowed throughout this book. There is plenty of drama, secrets, twists, and turns along the way. I flew through the pages as I wanted to know who could be trusted, who is lying, who is manipulating, and the identity of the killer. The characters are an interesting lot. I felt for Mary. Wanting a friend so badly and being ghosted. I also felt for her having to deal with not only her controlling husband/ex-husband but also his family members as well.
Leah Konen delivered another thrilling and shocking read! I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Tense, dramatic, gripping, shocking, and hard to put down!
Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.