I'm inclined to describe this as a slow moving story but that would suggest that the story actually went somewhere.

With that being said, I never once considered not finishing this book because I HAD to know what secrets it held. What a let-down of epic proportions. What you read is what you get so don't go in looking for something hidden between the lines with this one.

This story reads more like a diary, not in format but in content, in that with a diary there is no real direction. No crescendo or climax. No mystery, no secret shocking reveal.

Although the author hints that something more sinister is happening just beneath the surface, in the end there's nothing unforeseen about this story leaving me feeling cheated out of my time more than anything else. I felt no emotional connection with the characters or their plights.

I would never classify this book as a thriller, it much more closely resembles a family drama if anything.

On the plus side, I very much enjoyed the flowery depiction of the French wine country along with it's eccentric residents. The prose was light and engaging which made for a fast read, which is always a plus.


I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Good Friend by Jo Baldwin is a thriller full of twists and turns, secret and lies.
Jenny visits her childhood friend Kath in France. The women have not seen each other in years and to complicate matters Kath is now married to Jenny's former boyfriend Tom. The fact that Tom and Jenny still have feelings for each other makes this an uncomfortable reunion and all through the book I was waiting for something terrible to happen. An enjoyable read.
I would like to thank NetGalley and RedDoor Publishing for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

Childhood friends Jenny and Kath reunite in France for an overdue visit. Jenny finally comes face to face with the fact that Kath married and has a daughter with her ex-boyfriend Tom. The first half of the book lays out the background behind the friendship and also introduces some peculiarities between what has happened between the two women. The pace in the second half of the book picks up quite a bit as different twists and turns emerge. I wish the pace had been the same throughout the book, but I did enjoy the end.

I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review

This book was engaging of predictable, better than expected characters, stock plot, unnecessary twist ending. Solid three.

Fantastic to read!

The story is gripping and full of tense moments. Twists and turns await every page! I really enjoyed reading this a lot and can highly recommend it.

what an amazing book. Loved it from beginning to end
I loved the authors style of writing and will be looking for other books by this author.
I would recommend this book to friends and family

This is the debut novel from Jo Baldwin. ‘The Good Friend’ is an exceptional read. I was sucked into the friendship between Jenny and Kath from the very beginning.

Most of us have been in friendships and relationships which are questionable even though we stay in them. I loved the way the storyline twisted and turned everything around so, at certain points, I wasn't sure I was seeing the full picture. Of course, I wasn't.

Jenny goes to stay with Kath who was her best friend and her new husband, Tom, who Jenny dated and believed to be her soul mate before emigrating to Australia to follow her swimming career. The married couple now live in France and the stunning description of scenery, way of life and individuals add to the charm.

Kath and Tom have a daughter, Rosa, and as the plot progresses the reader begins to see how Tom, Jenny and Rosa are becoming inseparable with Tom and Jenny still having feelings.

However, nothing is clear cut and the final chapters and ending are brilliant. I am a sucker for this type of ending.

Thanks to NetGalley, RedDoor Publishing and Jo Baldwin for my ARC in return for an honest review.

Brilliant read. Highly recommended.

A strong recommendation to read this book. The book built a good sense of tension and mystery throughout. I enjoyed the setting in France and I could imagine myself there, which is always a good sign! Loved the ending too. Good writing style and distinct character portrayal.

Once upon a time they were best friends. So when Jenny moved to Australia to focus on her swimming career, she not only lost Kath, but her soul-mate Tom. It was for the best. Or so they said. Now, eight years later, Jenny seeks out her childhood friend and heads to rural France where Kath has settled.

At first, the women fall back into a close relationship, but before long strange and malicious behaviour leads Jenny to realise the truth: that Kath has played a clever game all along to manipulate and control those around her. And Jenny is her biggest victim.

A solid five star psychological thriller about obsession and friendship. I was pulled in by the characters and their back stories. The writing style is excellent for this kind of story, there's no extra fluff or unnecessary info, just an all around great book!

Thank you #NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of #TheGoodFriend
Pub Date: 07 Feb 2019

The Good Friend By author Jo Baldwin is an intense thriller about friendship and jealousy. The plot is thick and keeps you wanting more, from the beginning it pulls you in and will have you until the very end.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of The Good Friend in exchange for an honest review.