Sadly, this is not going to be a novel that’s impactful in a genre that’s overwritten. And that’s a real shame, because it’s very well written, intriguing and full of suspense. Yes, people will argue that certain parts are very predictable - but unfortunately that comes with the territory - this is a quick, unputdownable read and highly recommended.

This was a decent book, though didn't stand out much in a crowded genre, and I also thought it was odd that the synopsis gives away so much of the story. The book centers on Audrey, who meets Claire in a park and becomes indebted to her after Claire saves her baby son from an accident. Audrey initially likes Claire but starts feeling that Claire is encroaching on her carefully laid-out plans, and goes back and forth as to whether she should keep the friendship going. The book alternates between her and Claire's POV and it the reader gets to hear of the happenings from her perspective as well. Turns out Claire has an interesting backstory and her intentions may not be as pure as they seemed.

I like the style of alternating points of view, and I could truly empathize with both women were feeling at various points in the book. There was a twist that I didn't see coming, though later I was surprised I hadn't because it made total sense. Some of the story was predictable, though, and it also grated on me a bit that Audrey's husband regularly referred to Claire as "her new best friend". We get it, that's the name of the book and we don't need to be reminded!

Overall, it was a fast read and I enjoyed it, though I don't think it's all that memorable in a sea of "best friends with an ulterior motive" books that are coming out these days. I'd give it 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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

The plot sounded so interesting but the mystery was flat and took so long to develop I had long since stopped caring. Not even an entertaining guilty pleasure

Audrey’s new best friend is Claire and with a friend like that, she doesn’t need enemies. They meet in the park after a near accident involving Audrey’s baby son. Grateful and upset, Audrey invites Claire to share a drink at a nearby café. Soon, Claire has inserted herself into Audrey’s life. When her invitations are not answered immediately by a wary Audrey, Claire starts to drop by Audrey’s house for impromptu dinners with Audrey’s husband James and their two children, Antonia and Wilfred. Tensions grow and finally a meeting between the two turns deadly.

The story is told in two voices. First is Audrey. We see how much she wanted children but tires of constant time with them. Claire takes advantage of that and Audrey doesn’t realize what is at stake until it’s too late. Claire has had serious problems but she has tried to leave them behind and reinvent herself. Her New Best Friend brims with tension. You’ll want to warn Audrey and protect her family. You’ll want to stop Claire but you’ll also feel sorry for her. I suggest changing the publisher’s blurb on NetGalley. It is fun of spoilers. 4 stars only because I knew what was going to happen from the publisher’s note.

Thank you to NetGalley, RedDoor Books and Penny Batchelor for this ARC.

#HerNewBestFriend #NetGalley
Good novel.
Audrey is horrified when during a moment of distraction in the park, her pram with baby Wilfred in it roll down the hill and into a pond. Fortunately for her, Claire Jones is nearby and rescues Wilfred, soothing Audrey and daughter Antonia with coffee and cake in a nearby café. No harm is done. Audrey and Claire quickly become friends but the frightening experience has dented Audrey’s confidence and she replays the events over and over, convinced she can’t have forgotten to put the brake on. To make matters worse she keeps spotting a man in the shadows and becomes sure that someone is stalking her. Does Claire know more than she is letting on? Claire cleverly inserts herself into Audrey’s life but Audrey is becoming increasingly irked by her overbearing behaviour and eventually decides to tell her to back off. While delivering this news in the park opposite her house Audrey suffers a catastrophic reaction to a bee sting – made worse by Claire’s slow response to the emergency. Why doesn’t she help her friend?
Thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for giving me an advanced copy.