This is the first novel that I have read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. I really like horror novels but can be put off if things are a little too far fetched however this does not fall into that category. The invisible friend concept gives it quite a psychological twist which is interesting. It leaves a lot of questions unanswered which adds to the mystery. I would certainly recommend this and would definitely read other books by the author. A frighteningly atmospheric read.

Ms, Jensen has done it again! Such a story filled with suspense and horror! I read this in two nights and had trouble sleeping. I have been reading her work for years but, surprisingly, I missed this one. Recommend to all who enjoy a truly disturbing read!

This was... such an odd read. First of all, friendly reminder this book was first published in 1985. I had not known that. Still, this book did not convinve me.
I mean - a catholic nursery performing satanic rites on children?! Messed up. (And slightly ironic...)
And to deal with that, Barry (who did not exactly stirke me as three-year-old, but I don't have kids and I can't remember whether or not my brother was as eloquent with words when he was three...) creates drawings of a guy without a face and a... cat? Well, a furry animal with a tail.
There was so much wrong with that book - especially the part between Barry's sister and their cousin?! Holy shit, nope! Don't add attempted sexual assult to a book when you're already throwing around satanic rituals which probably turned out as sexual assults (based on Barry's behaviour, at least).
So - a big no on my end. This book was just... weird.

I received a free copy by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Horror abounds when an abused and traumatised child's imagination crosses the boundary of internal coping mechanism to intelligent killers seeking a misguided form of vengeance at the bequest of their creator.

Whilst not hitting all the 80's horror tropes, Best Friend serves up a veritable platter of gore and goodness which is sure to fill the void of mass market paperback horror rekindled for today's audience.

This was my first Ruby Jean Jensen book and it certainly won't be the last.

‘He felt all alone now, the way he had felt then, before they had come to be his best friends.’

This isn’t your typical story regarding a child’s deadly imagination, and when factoring all mediums, it is a subject that has been exploited and played out countless times. Jensen, however, takes the idea and kicks up the momentum by conjuring up some horrific ideas and creative characters.

The story revolves around three-year-old Barry, who after having a bad experience at his nursery school, unleashes his imaginary friends to do his evil bidding. The imaginary friends are amorphous cartoons (although one of them looks like the cat on the cover), and it was refreshing to read about animated manifestations for once, rather than demons and beasts.

Barry’s family eventually enlists the help of a nanny to get him psychologically fit, and everyone eventually ends up in Big Bear Lake for the summer. The beginning of the story has a more of an urban setting, which faired better with the deadly encounters, but the geographical shift also had its grisly perks.

Not much else separates “Bad Friends” from other supernatural equivalents, but from the first page you know you want to read more.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a free ARC for my honest feedback.

I keep hearing about this author in a horror group on Facebook so was excited to be able to read this book. This book is awesome and I can't wait to read more from her.

As with all of Ruby Jean Benson's books, this one was scary. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I recommend it to all old school horror lovers.

i really enjoyed reading this book, I liked that this book could be read for all generations. The writing was really well done and I look forward to more from the author,

Top of the line in creepiness! So hard to find a solid creepy read that isn't filled with gore - I don't mind gore - but sometimes just want a good scary read. This one fits the bill. No spoilers here, but if you want a good, scary story that you will want to keep reading until you finish - read this.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This has always been a favorite of mine. I had read years ago. Loved it this time around as well. I love all Jensen's books. Thank you.

Barry is four years old. At his preschool he had been abused by his teacher. Possibly even had seen satanic rituals being preformed. Now he is afraid of women and won't let them touch him without having a meltdown.
His psychiatrist has suggested a woman known as Shannon to help with his problems. She had her husband and two year old son die in a horrific car crash. He also suggested some time away. Perhaps a summer retreat as a change of scenery.
Barry is very quiet. He's not worried because he has his best friends going with him. One is a strong boy and one is a magical animal.
This is a book that can be classified as horror or even as a psychological thriller.
Either way you are kept enthralled and at the edge of your seat.

#BestFriends #NetGalley
I'm afraid of the "imaginary friend" concept, so this book is a pleasant surprise to me. I've never known or heard about mrs. Jenesen's works until last week, so I'll look for them.

The situation is unique, the conflict is very strange and unsettling, and the talent of Barry is amazing, I saw a bunch of three-year old children and ability of drawing Reid and Juno is a talent. And the Third One is a welcome addition.