Member Reviews

This title was great for a quick read and for those that are new to the mystery/thriller genre. I found the story to be very predictable with not much development. A 3 star book geared towards younger or newer readers.

Was this review helpful?

Great book. Love the main characters as they are so lifelike you almost feel like they could be real. Not as big of a thriller as some books but definitely an interesting story that keeps you reading.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review.. what a fantastic book. I have never read any by this author but would definitely read more of his. Would recommend this to others

Was this review helpful?

I liked the premise of the story. It was a bit repetitive at times which was a bit annoying, particularly at the end of a chapter. However, the story did grip you for the most part. There were a few things that I may have done differently to make it a bit more suspenseful. Overall I enjoyed it and would read another by this author

Was this review helpful?

I thought this book sounded right up my street and I was delighted to find I was right! I've read a lot of these "domestic noir" new friends turn out to be a threat in some way books but what I loved about this one was the fact it wasn't too out there and the plot was entirely possible whoch made it all the easier to relate to and to really empathise with the characters. The book itsself is very well written, each character has a very distinctive voice so it never because confusing or boring. And the characters themselves are also really well written and just so normal!!! It has all those eerie undertones and you will just decour this one.

Was this review helpful?

absolutely loved this book from start to finish. i've always adored this author's books and this one was no exception. five of five stars for plot and characters!

Was this review helpful?

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I found it quite unusual at first that you find out straightaway what has happened in the novel, however the book was fast paced, suspenseful, thrilling and mysterious all the way through. It was completely riveting and I couldnt put it down, nor did I want to. I loved it.

Was this review helpful?

Oh my goodness I absolutely loved this book and if it wasn’t for work and everyday life I could have very easily read this in one sitting.

Becky and her husband Jamie decide to go away on holiday whilst they are out there they meet Phil and Mel who are of a similar age to them. They meet at local bar in Spain, start chatting and soon become friends. They swap numbers and soon agree to meet up when they are back in the UK and stay friends. Little do Becky and Jamie know that meeting Phil and Mel will turn their world upside down.

I don’t want to say too much more about the plot of this book as I don’t want to spoil anything but I’d say this book is definitely worth a read. Becky and Jamie are both very likeable characters if a little gullible and Phil and Mel are both manipulative characters who you love to hate.

One of the things I loved most about this book is that it was different to any other thriller I’ve ever read it’s not the typical abduction, murder etc but it’s still fast paced with plenty going on to keep the reader interested. I’d probably say this is my favourite book I’ve read this year!

Thanks to NetGalley the publisher and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Jamie and Becky are trying to enjoy a modest holiday when they run into Mel and Phil at a bar. They soon strike up a quick friendship, and Jamie becomes envious of the lavish lifestyle Phil has – he and Mel always take 5 star vacations, and they are retired at 40. Jamie and Becky so desperately want to have a baby – but their meager finances won’t cut it, so Jamie decides to ask Phil for advice.

This novel has really good pacing. While we know from the beginning what is happening, you’re still anxious to find out how things will play out and what the ending will be. I liked all the characters and the writing style with alternating viewpoints worked for me. I’ve enjoyed several works by this author.

Was this review helpful?

Becky and Jamie are happy together but struggle financially, always worrying how they will afford things. They manage to go on a cheap holiday and meet a wealthy and glamorous couple, Phil and Mel, and keep in touch with them afterwards. As they get to know the couple, they begin to wonder if they could do the same things the couple did to get wealthy and lead better lives. Could their new friends lead to them having a brighter future? Or could it be the opposite...?

Another brilliant book by Daniel Hurst who has become my favourite author with his thrilling and compelling books. The plot was exciting and tense and I couldn't put it down! Can't wait for the next one!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.

Was this review helpful?

This is another fantastic page turner by Daniel Hurst. I started it yesterday morning and planned to read a few pages and had finished it before the end of the day.
It’s an excellent thriller that is highly engaging with an intriguing plot.
I’d definitely recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

To Be Seduced…
How much can you really trust someone? Particularly if it’s someone that you’ve just met? When Becky and Jamie meet a seemingly wealthy, seemingly glamorous couple on holiday they are positively seduced. This couple may not be who they say they are, after all. If so, will revenge be as sweet as they say it is? Hugely enjoyable psychological suspense with a credible cast, twists aplenty and a hard to part with storyline. Bravo!

Was this review helpful?

Daniel Hurst releases a new thriller almost every month with new ideas, new excitement. He’s become one of my favorite writers, I know I can not be disappointed when I take his book off the shelf.

In stories like this, we usually cheer for the rogue, but in this book, we’re excited they catch the swindler who wins his worthy punishment. I think there would have been an easier way to do this than described in the book, but the story had to be a little complicated to make it even more exciting and enjoyable. I did find the protagonists a little naive, even though I have been deceived by scammers already as well.

Despite the above, I felt the story was a bit average, as if it was important for the writer to write as many books as possible that would be published, and not to write a really great thriller instead. These books are fun, I get excited and smile as I read them, but none of them leave a lasting impression on me, I forget about them the next day. Yet I feel he has the knowledge and ability to write a book that would put him at the forefront of bestseller writers.

Was this review helpful?

The New Friends by Daniel Hurst is another compelling, thought-provoking read from this exciting 'new to me' author. Once I pick up one of Hurst's novels, I know that I will not be stopping until I reach the final page, so propulsive and compelling is the narrative, and this latest proved no exception.

When a young couple goes on a holiday that they have scrimped and saved for, a chance meeting with a more affluent couple of a similar age seems fortuitous, particularly when the new friends are willing to splash out on the champagne. But just how far can you ever trust someone you have only just met? Lives are about to be changed forever.

I have only recently discovered Daniel Hurst's writing, and am eager to get my hands on everything he has produced. Not only are these narratives immensely readable, they leave you feeling as if you could just as easily find yourself in the disturbing scenarios he creates, and it is a chilling reminder of our own vulnerabilities.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for an ARC.

Was this review helpful?

Hurst does it again another amazing thriller! I really liked the story and was extremely interested the entire book. A winner, highly recommend!

Was this review helpful?