Be careful who you befriend on the playground. Just because she is the perfect best friend doesn’t mean she isn’t hiding secrets that could destroy your life, and marriage.

This book is so good! I loved it! The story of Mary and Willa and their friendship. Willa says "it can be hard to connect with other women, for me at least." The story alternates between past and present, each section picking up a detail from the previous chapter. In one part of the book, Willa says "who was the evil witch, me or George" (Mary's ex). Me, of course. Because women always are. They can pull your life together, make your home lovely, your children loved. We can book summer camps, clip toenails, wipe nose, arrange every last appointment, but step out of line, even for a second, and we're every name in the book. Men like George, they don't love women. They used women.

The character building is amazing! Mary shares her darkest secret about her ex with Willa. After that, no communication from Willa. Mary runs into her two months later and she now goes by the name of Annie. Later, George turns up dead and Mary becomes the prime suspect. What really happened to him? So many secrets to unpack!

Wild Ride, Twisty and Whodunnit? 4.5 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy! This amazing book will be released 2/20/24.

Keep Your Friends Close is an adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This is one of those unputdownables I can't wait to recommend to my thriller book-loving friends! Thanks, Putnam, for the eARC.

In this captivating tale, the author skillfully weaves a narrative of trust and disbelief, taking readers on an emotional rollercoaster. The intricate exploration of human relationships challenges preconceived notions, making it a truly thought-provoking read. As characters navigate the complexities of trust and betrayal, the story unfolds with unexpected twists, keeping the reader engaged until the last page.

The author's ability to delve into the intricacies of belief adds depth to the narrative, prompting reflection on personal convictions. Amidst life's ups and downs, the characters' resilience and choices resonate, making the novel not just a story but a mirror to our own journeys.

This literary work stands out for its poignant exploration of trust, belief, and the human experience. A must-read for those who appreciate novels that delve into the complexities of relationships and the profound impact of trust on our lives.

Mary is going through a divorce, when meets a young mom, Willa, at Park Slope's playground. What follows is a twisted, but rathered cliched, twisty story of lies and murder. It took me so long to get into it, but in the second half, it was rolling. It was fine, a bit predictable but fun.

Thank you Penguin Group and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
Expected publication date is February 20, 2024

3.5 ⭐️

Keep Your Friends Close…….And, Your Enemies Closer-is a popular idiom and good rule to follow.

But, first you have to figure out, who is who!

And, this wickedly, fun popcorn 🍿 thriller, will keep you guessing!!

THAT WAS THEN:

Mary is separated from her rich, privileged husband George and she could use a friend. So, when she meets Willa and her toddler son at a Brooklyn playground, the women’s connection feels like fate. But after one margarita too many, on a moms’ night out, Mary spills the tea about her darkest secret regarding her ex, and then suddenly Willa disappears.

No calls, no texts, no explanation.

THIS IS NOW:

Two months later, Mary’s divorce is almost finalized, and she’s trying to build a new life for herself and her toddler son in Woodstock, NY. On her first day in her new town, while sitting in a local bar while having lunch, she spots Willa walking by.

It isn’t possible, is it?

She chases her down but the woman denies knowing her, claiming her name is Annie. Sure, the hair is different, and she’s got an entirely new family in tow, but an heirloom piece of jewelry she is wearing gives her away.

Mary sends another text begging for answers.

When George turns up dead and Mary becomes the prime suspect, she has no choice but to turn to Willa-the only one she knows in town. But, will her old “friend” come through?

As the MANY coincidences and the evidence—pile up, Mary has to wonder whether Willa had something to do with George’s death and if the other woman is a friend or a foe?

The story unfolds through the POV’s of both Mary and Willa, over three parts and the two timelines, and although it wasn’t hard to follow, the story does feel a bit “choppy” .

A BIG positive is that this story was fresh and NOT one of the overly used plots that 2023 had way too many of!
So, I ENJOYED trying to figure out who could be trusted-IF ANYBODY!!

You can pick up this twisty, entertaining novel on February 20, 2024.

Thank You to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the invitation to read this one early! Gifted ARC provided through NetGalley.

Keep Your Friends Close pulled me right in from the start and I could not put this down until I knew whodunnit! Twisty, packed with secrets, and highlights the struggles of getting out of a relationship gone wrong. Told from the two main female POV´s, you will fly right through the chapters. It is hard to really get into the story without spoilers, but I promise you if you are intrigued by the synopsis, you will enjoy this psychological thriller.

Mary is going through a divorce and custody battle when she meets Willa. They have alot in common and because fast friends. When Mary reveals a secret to Willa, she suddenly disappears.

After months go by, Mary runs into Willa; but Willa states it is not here and that she is someone else.

This book keeps you engaged and def makes you want to find out what is going on. The characters kept you engaged and interest in the book was very engaging. Will read more by this author loved this book.

Publication 2/20. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read and review.

5 star read i loved it. Great writing.

Mary is going through a divorce and custody battle when she meets Willa. They quickly become good friends. When Mary reveals her secret to Willa, Willa suddenly disappears. Months later, drama ensues and Mary runs into Willa; but Willa says she is someone else.

I enjoyed the mystery of this one and wanted to find out what was going on. There were a few mysteries. Once one answer was revealed, another mystery would occur. It definitely kept my interest. I wish we had gotten more of Mary and George’s marriage and past together. I’m sure they had some epic arguments that would have added decent drama. I enjoyed the female characters and their intents.

“After all, that’s what friends are for right? Keeping each other’s secrets.”

Keep Your Friends Close comes out 2/20.

This book was a very engaging read. It immediately thrusts you into a murder scene, then slowly builds up to the discovery of who-done-it.

The story fluctuates between two points of view and two time periods, so it could be a bit jarring if you aren't paying attention to the labels at the beginning of the chapters. However, that never detracts from this being an excellent murder mystery.

Many women will identify with the character of Willa when she starts talking about the unpaid mental labor wives and mothers are subjected to. I found this piece of her characterization very real and engaging.

With questionable characters, too many motives, and unreliable points of view, this is a twisty-turny read, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes mystery.

Keep Your Friends Close was a quick and easy read. It goes back and forth between two ladies, Willa & Mary. They become fast friends but as the story unfolds, you begin to realize how little we can truly know about our friends?
The twists & turns in this book were interesting. I tried to figure it out while reading and it kept going in a different direction. I like that there are many different options to pick from so you really don't know what is going on until the very end.
The downside of this book to me was how some of the storyline felt like it was just thrown together to tie up loose ends. (ie. the key)
Other than that, I really enjoyed this book. I appreciate the opportunity to get this ARC. And when it comes out, I will be recommending it all my friends. To you know... Keep Your Friends Close.

Review of Uncorrected Proof eBook

Mary Haywood, newly separated from her uber-wealthy [and controlling] husband, George, meets Willa at a Brooklyn park where Mary’s two-year-old son, Alex, is playing. The two women hit it off at once and Mary is pleased to have a new friend with whom she shares her darkest secrets. But a short while later, Willa ghosts Mary and vanishes.

Mary searches for a rental closer to her mother and her sister, but still close enough to share custody of Alex with George. She unexpectedly runs into Willa, but the woman claims her name is Annie . . . and she insists she does not know Mary.

And then George is murdered . . . and Mary is the prime suspect. Can she prove her innocence? And who is Willa?

=========

Told in alternating points of view, the narrative pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. The pace is swift; short chapters keep the story moving. As the story moves along the timeline between past and present, hidden truths slowly reveal themselves and, as the story unfolds, the plot takes some surprising twists that keep readers guessing.

The Haywood men are particularly unlikable; insipid Mary often makes injudicious decisions. Nevertheless, it is interesting to see the characters develop as the story progresses. This domestic thriller, filled with deceit, lies, and secrets, focuses on relationships, friendship, trust, along with wealth and entitlement.

Readers who enjoy domestic thrillers, twisty tales, and multiple timelines and points of view will find much to appreciate here.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
#KeepYourFriendsClose #NetGalley

Told in alternating perspectives, Keep Your Friends Close is suspenseful and intriguing. I love how the story was structured right down to the damaged and flawed characters.

Willa uses men for her own gain. She’s proud of it and she makes a living from it. Mary is a newly single mom who wants an easy life and easy friendships. When these two women meet on the playground, life is anything but easy..for either of them.

The fast paced nature and succinct chapters will keep you invested in this story right up to the last sentence. What a perfect ending! If you love a great thriller, I easily recommend this 5-star book. Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for the advanced copy. Publication date is February 20, 2024.

3.5 stars.
Many thanks to @PutnamBooks for this free/gifted novel.

Mary is trying to leave her marriage peacefully, wanting only to have custody of her son. Unfortunately, she's seen from her sister-in-law's experience, the Haywood family doesn't let go easily, making sure you're destitute if you choose to leave.

On a trip to the park, Mary makes a new friend, who luckily has a child her son's age. Mary and Willa become fast friends, until Mary begins her move to a new town with an amicable custody agreement, when Willa abruptly disappears from her life.

In a whirlwind turn of events, Mary's soon-to-be-ex husband George is found murdered, and Mary's the police's top suspect.

In alternating Then and Now, Willa and Mary chapters, the truth behind their relationships and events surrounding George's murder come to light.

I found there to be some excess of characters, and Mary was a pushover as a main character, so it was difficult at times to root for her when she was making obviously questionable choices.

Thanks to G.P. Putnam/Penguin Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If you are looking for a fast paced, twisty, domestic thriller, “Keep Your Friends Close,” is the book for you!

Told from the POVs of Mary, a mom trying to escape her rich and powerful husband with her child, and Willa, a woman Mary once thought was her best friend, both tales are equally interesting! Especially when Mary finds out Willa is not at all who she thought she was…

The chapters are short, and fast paced so I was invested the entire time. Be prepared for the second half of this book because that’s when the twists really pick up!

Overall, this was a very enjoyable read! Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Lots of secrets in this set of LA moms. The book starts with the murder of the 'top dog'. The motive isn't clear. Until all the other mom's secrets are revealed. Fun read!

If you like psychological thrillers about friendship and secrets, this book is for you. It kept my attention throughout and I was just waiting for everything to come to light. I really liked the dual pov and the past and present timelines.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Penguin Group for the early copy.

Fast-paced and exciting read. Nothing is as it seems and the re-appearance of Willa provoked many questions and theories. Plot twists were somewhat predictable, however still enjoyed the read and would recommend for thriller lovers.

Mary married into the rich and powerful Haywood family, and for a while, things went quite well, with Mary enjoying experiences that her much humbler upbringing never allowed for, and resulting in a son, Alex, whom she adores. However, she saw her husband George's brother, Henry, turn on his ex-wife, Cassandra, with the backing of his family. And George has become more controlling and threatening, to the point where Mary has decided to leave him. However, she cannot push too hard, or she risks losing her son. Into this turmoil comes a new friend, Willa, a fellow mother she meets at the park. Willa is understanding and supportive, and Mary will share with her the horrible things that George has done. However, as the friendship is progressing, it suddenly ends, with Willa ceasing all contact. Months later Mary moves to Woodstock to start a new life, believing that George has agreed to joint custody. However, in Woodstock, she quickly discovers that George is still trying to get her back (he does not want to lose his possession) and is up to his typical manipulative tricks. She also sees Willa again, but Willa is calling herself Annie and pretends not to know Mary. And then George ends up dead, with Mary finding the body, and quickly becoming the main suspect. As Mary attempts to establish her innocence, and ensure the safety of Alex, she learns some of the truth about Willa's life, as well as uncovering a number of secrets. The people in her life are connected in ways she never realized, and there are deadly secrets. Is her friend a killer? Was anything about their friendship real?

This was my first Leah Konen read, and I loved it! 🥰 The characters were well written. Even those characters I should despise, I enjoyed reading. The story was fun! I liked trying to figure things out and had fun being proved wrong on several occasions. Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the pleasure of reading this. I will definitely read more Leah Konen stories!