Mystery ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was honored to recieve this as an advanced readers copy, though it did take me a moment to get to it on my long list of books!

In the story we follow childhood best friends, Billie and Cassy who share a bond that they went to keep hidden. As adults the women are more distant than ever, occasional hangouts but nothing like before.

But when Cassy’s infant daughter goes missing, why is Billie the first one she calls and the only one she trusts.

The novel unfolds as we learn that while their lives are so different, but yet Cassie and Billie still harbor the same deep feelings from their youth. Will they be able to overcome what happened to them? Will they find out what happened to Cassy’s daughter.

This book was quick! I really enjoyed this read and honestly right me out of a reading slump I didn’t know I was in.

Eh. I didn't love this one. First, there was nothing really psychological or thrilling about it. It can't even be classified as a mystery, because you know from page one "whodunit". If anything, the psychological part comes into analyzing why Billie does what she does, and why she can't let her friendship with Cassie go. I did like the format of the alternating timeline so the reader gets to see Billie's past unfold in tandem with the the events happening in the present. However, I didn't really care for either of the main characters. Cassie was vapid and used Billie only for what she needed her for, and Billie was emotionally broken and probably should have been seeing someone about her past trauma. Overall, It was an ok story but I'm not sure I would recommend it for fans of psychological thrillers.

This was okay. It wasn't compelling, but it was an okay time. There were a lot of side issues contributing to the full story that took away from the focus. Definitely not a thriller. (3.25/5)

The plot of this story revolves around the before and after of a dysfunctional female friendship and the choices they each made.

What worked for me:
- a fast-paced, twisty plot that grabbed me from the first page and I did not want to stop listening
- a relatable, likable main female character - Billie
- a sweet, romantic connection between Billie and her guy
- dual points of view and dual timelines
- a believable ending that tied up enough of the loose ends to be satisfying

What didn't work for me:
- I did struggle with the whole "baby-taking" part of the plotline. I won't say much because it'd be spoiler-y. However, there was so much else that I enjoyed so much that it made up for that part of it.


4.5 stars rounded up

Thoroughly enjoyed the narration of this book. In my review I found the book to be a bit unbelievable but the reading I really enjoyed!

This is a struggle for me to rate. Going with middle of the road 3 stars. Let me dissect my thoughts.....

Liked: I wanted to like this premise and I always love to read about female friendships. I did feel tense several times waiting to find out what would happen/ how the story would unfold. Alex was super sweet! When Billie let herself feel how she felt their relationship was lovely to read. And I love a good flashback/ multi-timeline, this one was good and the past timeline unfolded at a good pace.

Didn't like: This was super slow, like: I was 20% in and my husband asked me what the book was about.... I couldn't really answer because nothing (other than "The Big Thing") specific had happened between the characters. We get a slow background of their relationship and it wasn't a bad read but I found myself bored at times.

There were parts of this that got me FIRED UP. Women are not MEANT TO be wives and mothers. We are on this planet for other reasons than supporting tiny humans that don't feed themselves or clean or pay bills or, really, contribute anything to the household (lol). The Cassie & McKay friendship is SO FREAKING TOXIC. It was well-written because it made me cringe so hard but it was hard to read at the same time. The ending was such a disappointment, sadly.

(Do we see how I'm struggling? This entire review is a mess of contradictions: it was well-written but hard to read???? What is wrong with me LMAO)

The narrators were SO GOOD though! I loved both women's portrayal of Billie & Cassie. Well done on that front!

A slow-burn, character-driven story, I really enjoyed this book. I wouldn't classify it as a mystery in the traditional sense, but there is a level of suspense around the character actions and motivations. The present and the past are slowly unravelled so that the reader can finally put all the pieces together and see the bigger picture of Billie and Cassie's friendship. I thought the pacing was perfect, and the characters were strong. I would definitely recommend this book (but don't go in expecting a traditional mystery/thriller). The audiobook narration was excellent!

Excellent.

I listened to this book. The first thing that comes to mind when reviewing is that the author did a wonderful job going back and forth between past and present day times. The novel itself spans across years of friendship between two women. The excitement happens early on in the book that left me waiting for the entire rest of the book for the "other shoe to drop" per se.
The characters were diverse and fitting for their parts in the story. It has a sort of happily ever after, even if its not the one expected.

Overall, this book was lovely from the written standpoint.

From the audio standpoint, no issues. The narrator did a lovely job portraying the authors words and storyline.

Will recommend.

4+ stars

So much happens in this book. As others have mentioned, it deals with a lot of issues surrounding female friendship, social media use, motherhood, and more. I really enjoyed it, but it also addresses a lot of serious and sensitive issues as well. I find I really appreciate this writer’s books and the way she creates suspenseful, compelling narratives that are thrilling and easy to follow but that balance the entertainment value with discussion of real-world issues. This one was definitely a win for me.

I was lucky to receive an ARC of this story on audiobook thanks to NetGally. The dual narrators divulge into the history of Billie and Cassie as they have naviagted being childhood best friends, but now are mostly estranged. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrators bringing us through two different timeframes, sharing secrets and revealing a dark history. This book kept my interest, I just was not satisfied with the ending.
I do recommend this book to others.

Toxic friendship and social media don’t mix in this thriller. Two pretty unlikable main characters made this a bit of a difficult read as it was so character-relationship driven.

I’m not sure I would characterize this as a thriller either, as there weren’t many moments that kept you on the edge of your seat. Instead, it was more of a slow drama drawn out to keep the intrigue.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the ALC.

So I thought the narration for this was great! But the story itself was not what I expected. I had expected more of a mystery / thriller, as opposed to a drama. I still loved the characters and story line, though. I just wish it had been labeled more as a fictional drama. But overall, still a 4 star read for me! Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the ARC!

I have mixed feelings about this one. The audio was really well done. I loved the narrator and the distinguished voices for each character. It really kept my attention. The toxic friendship storyline was… well, toxic in my opinion. Cassie was really unlikeable for me. But, I really liked Billy and empathized with her throughout her story. Their backstory together really kept me turning though. Their present storyline together felt petty to me. While I didn’t enjoy their “friendship” the whole plot kept me coming back for more.

I definitely think this book is worth the chance. Just check trigger warnings and beware of some tough topics.

Read if you enjoy:
👯‍♀️ Female friendships
📱 Influencer storylines
🫣 Tough topics

Bye, Baby was to me more of a contemporary women's fiction versus a thriller, which left me disappointed.

Billie and Cassie ahad been close friends since their teens, torn apart when Callie began marriage and motherhood. The two recently connect again one time and Billie instantly realizes how much she missed her friend. Immersed once more in Cassie's life, she can't help but grab Cassie's sobbing baby when no one comes to her aide. Cassie has no ill will when her friendship with Billie grows apart, they are just different people. She agrees to one meet up, nothing more. So why does Cassie start relying once again on Billie when tragedy hits?

I wanted more thrillery elements from Bye, Baby although I was captivated and generally, couldn't stop listening. Helen Laser and Karissa Vacker brought both Cassie and BIllie's stories to life in a way that I needed to hear what happened! Several plot points just fell flat for me and again, it felt like a tale with the other woman looking in wanting everything of their one friennd. I wanted, needed more with that ending with the storm brewing. Fans of Carola Lovering's other novels may enjoy this one but for me, I would question picking up another novel by her.

Really enjoyed the audio in this. It definitely added to the reading experience as this was a story with two relatively unlikable characters where a lot and simultaneously nothing happened.

I'm not sure how I would characterize this book. It's not a thriller, because you know from the first chapter who did the crime. It's a novel of friendship -- toxic friendships -- the ways you grow apart with friends and they ways the past can fragment those bonds, both quickly and in small, but sharp ways.

Cassie and Billie. Billie and Cassie. For most of their lives, Billie and Cassie have been synonymous with one another. Childhood best friends who followed each other to college in Boston and the start of their professional lives in New York, their bond is seemingly unbreakable. Until it isn't. As Cassie moves to the upper echelons of New York as a new mom and Instagram influencer -- a place she's strived to be since her father squandered their money in her early childhood -- and Billie reckons with her traumatic past, including not wanting children or living the life that Cassie so desperately reaches for, the two best friends slowly break apart. Then a crime occurs that hits close to home for Cassie, and she comes running back to her oldest friend.

I found this book so well written and engrossing. There are trigger warnings galore but the author did a great job towing the line between being realistic while keeping the story readable to thriller-adjacent beginners.

The narrators on the audio version are PHENOMENAL. Highly recommend.

One last thing -- this cover is so ugly. It has to be said.

4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this one a lot. The toxic friendships and the drama was perfect. I also liked the alternative perspective of each of the characters I thought that it gave the reader an opportunity to really get to know Billie and Cassie. I felt that it was very well written, and that you were able to watch each of the characters mature. And grow into adulthood, and seeing how their life choices played a factor, and who they became.. I must say at times these ladies drove me crazy, but it was a good crazy one of those you love to hate them. Such a good audiobook.

I wouldn't categorize this as a thriller/mystery but more of a book of toxic friendships and miscommunication. It felt deceiving that this was spun as a thriller. The first 50% of the book was just set up for what you can guess will happen based on the title of the book.

Billie and Cassie were very different characters, but if I'm being honest I didn't really like either of them. With them growing in different directions, it reflected real relationships, but Billie expected her relationship to continue as they grew apart.

I was a bit disappointed in the end, I think Carola tried too hard to wrap it up with a nice little bow, but would have preferred a messy ending.

The central question posed in this book resonates deeply: Have you ever grappled with a friendship that evolved?

Cassie Barnwell and Billie West were once inseparable, until the arrival of a child altered the dynamics of their relationship. We're led to believe that's the sole catalyst, but the truth runs deeper.

Billie's struggle mirrors my own experiences. I, too, have navigated the societal pressure surrounding motherhood and the strain it can place on friendships. Like her, I've witnessed relationships shift as priorities diverge—a relatable storyline that drew me in.

Conversely, Cassie's career-driven focus struck a chord with me. Balancing professional aspirations with maintaining connections isn't always easy. While I've never harbored dark secrets like these characters, their complex dynamic intrigued me.

As the narrative unfolds, secrets unravel, igniting a captivating journey of intrigue and betrayal. Lovering expertly crafts a tale of intertwined pasts and present-day consequences, compelling readers to ponder the lasting impact of choices.

While thoroughly engrossing, I did find myself grappling with a few aspects. Some character traits felt exaggerated, bordering on implausible, and the multitude of themes occasionally overwhelmed the narrative. Additionally, a deeper exploration of Billie's struggles would have enriched the storyline.

Readers should be mindful of potential triggers, as the story delves into themes of lies, jealousy, and toxic friendships. Overall, this gripping tale warrants a spot on your reading list—a testament to the skillful storytelling of Lovering.

I listened to this audiobook and really enjoyed it along with the narrator!

#ByeBaby #CarolaLovering #HelenLaser #KarissaVacker #MacmillanAudio
This is a very interesting story revolving around the deep bonds between two women Cassie & Billie, going back to their shared childhood and an event that binds them with unbreakable cords and dictates their behavior far into the future, right up to the current day.

Cassie is a successful influencer with a beautiful baby and a loving husband. Billie is single and childless. One fine day, at the height of a high-profile party, Cassie's baby disappears. What follows is a gripping narrative examining the probable suspects and following tenuous leads going back years.

The novel examines female friendships and how they evolve over time, amidst various pressures and tensions.

The narrators did a great job vocalizing & giving life to the various characters here.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and am looking forward to more by Lovering.