Captivating read! I was delighted to see that the book was based in my home state of Tennessee, and I got a few chuckles from the Southern-isms throughout the book. The author does a fantastic job of giving character development to the main character throughout the book, as well. This was a standalone read for me, as I haven’t yet read the other Bishop Smokey Mountain thrillers, but it was perfectly fine as a standalone. I will be reading more from this author. There are many different storylines moving throughout the book, which can get a bit confusing at times, but Lauren Street does a fantastic job of giving you more context quickly so that you don’t lose interest in the storylines. I did guess the plot twist in this one, but it was a thrilling read nonetheless. I’ve already been recommending this one to friends!

A Friend Like You is book #8 in The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers by Lauren Street. This was another action packed read, a little bit gory but had me wondering whom the murdered was almost until the very end. I would recommend this book to others.

I received and ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Wow, what a ride! A Friend Like You was my first book from Lauren Street, but it definitely won’t be my last—I’m already on my way to start the series from the beginning! This book grabbed me from the very first page and didn’t let go. The gruesome discovery of a faceless corpse sets the stage for a fast-paced, gripping thriller with plenty of twists. Rileigh Bishop is such a strong, determined protagonist, and I was hooked as she navigated through a chilling gang war with much deeper layers of mystery.

Street does an amazing job keeping the suspense high while introducing characters that feel real and compelling. The dark, atmospheric setting of the Smoky Mountains only adds to the tension as the bodies pile up and Rileigh races against time to uncover the truth. If you love thrillers packed with action, tension, and a razor-sharp plot, this one is for you! An absolute must-read for fans of suspense.

Thanks to Ms. Street, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

A Friend Like You by Lauren Street
The Bishop Smoky Mountain Thrillers #8

Gruesome over-the-top murders ~ is one person or more on the loose and who will figure it out and bring the murders to an end?

What I liked:
* Rileigh Bishop: retired military, ex-police sergeant, consults with local sheriff on cases, suffers nightmares and PTSD, lives with her mother who has dementia, recently rejoined with her older sister, who lives in the family home, has feelings for Mitch, bright, capable, eager to pursue what could be with Mitch, has a tough time in this book
* Mitchell Webster: sheriff, intelligent, good at his job, intriguing, has scars and history that were shared in book six, has feelings for Rileigh, bright, calm under pressure, capable, caring, can’t wait to find out if/when the “big date” will take place
* Jillian: Rileigh’s older sister, survivor, returned home after decades as a slave, has PTSD, worries about Rileigh, uses painting to deal with her feelings about the past, reconnects with ex-fiance David, begins counselling sessions, stronger than she knows
* Lily: Rileigh’s mother, wise, caring, comes through in a crunch, has dementia but lucid moments are worth waiting for
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The small-town vibe
* Finding out who is doing the killing and why
* The conclusion and knowing that there will be another book

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about the impact of trauma, bulling, abuse, and such and how it is dealt with so differently by those who experience it
* The loss of innocent lives and the rationalization for the deaths by the killer

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Sterling & Stone for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

A real page turner!
Lauren Street is a new author for me and A FRIEND LIKE YOU is au 8th story in her series!
Such an intriguing mystery with twists and turns!
Lots of clues and details that kept my attention and turn page after pages.
If you like psychological thrillers about families torn apart by secrets and lies, then you’ll like this one.
"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Sterling & Stone and NetGalley.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Those readers who have enjoyed the other books in this series will want to scream with frustration when the first date we have all been waiting for ends in murder. But what a murder and what a journey for Rileigh to take as she seeks to solve it. The author grows with each instalment and I find myself liking the characters more each time.

As always I felt immersed in this book as Rileigh heads straight into danger, full of tension and suspense.

Rileigh Bishop is finally going on a date with the sheriff, Mitch. Unfortunately, the very nice restaurant where they had reservations is on fire and out of commission. They settle on a new diner in town, where the cheeseburger is supposed to be out of this world. It is not quite the place for Rileigh's new shimmery green dress, which brings out the green of her eyes, but Mitch is smitten just the same. Dealing with an overly endowed and flirtatious waitress seems to be the biggest problem of the night until a body is discovered in the janitor's closet at the diner. The date is ruined and a bizarre case involving dueling "gangs" (if there could be such a thing in a small town deep in the Smoky Mountains) begins. It keeps Mitch chasing shadows. Meanwhile, Rileigh's sister (Jillian) encounters the man she left at the altar when she was sold into sex slavery. Could there be hope for her to have a normal life? Can Rileigh and Mitch finally have that romantic night? I can't wait to see what happens next.

Rival gang members are killed. Rileigh assists Mitch in finding the killer. This is another fast paced and a little dark story with twists and turns. I’m hooked on this series and I can really recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free via Netgalley and Sterling & Stone and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.

Rileigh and Mitch had finally gotten to their first date but the place he’d planned to take her had caught fire. They ended up at a little diner Red Gravy Diner. Two people come screaming out of a storage room, a dead body was in there. His face had been peeled off. When two more are killed, they at first believe that it has something to do with gangs. Then a dentist is killed, an old woman is killed in a hit and run, and an old homeless woman is killed and left by garbage bins. Can Mitch and Rileigh figure out what is going on before another murder happens?

These stories keep getting better and better. The first couple in the series, was mostly just told in one point of view. Now you get several povs which I like but not so many. There is a slight cliffhanger. I could not put it down last night. It had me hooked from the first page. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed. Received a copy from Netgalley *

Rileigh Bishop assists Mitch with a series of murders. A couple are senseless killings, without a motive. When the motive is found, the murderer will be exposed.

Another fast paced, gory and darkly revengeful crime book, featuring Rileigh and Mitch.
Rileigh is adept at putting puzzle pieces together and solve cases.
It will keep you guessing till the end.
I enjoyed this thoroughly, and recommend the book.
Love the inclusion of Rileigh's family as well.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sterling & Stone for the opportunity to read this book.

A faceless corpse is only the beginning…. Bishop is hoping for a quiet evening with Mitch. The pair find their way to a diner where they can finally get some peace and quiet, Until the screaming starts! Great read!! This book had great suspense, murder, mystery, intrigue, action, a fantastic who done it and some crazy twists and turns! The story was very interesting! I highly recommend reading this one! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!