The Blurb:
You’re hiding a secret that only she can see.
Her name is Beth. She came into my life when I needed her the most. We lead very different lives, but she’s the only person who understands me.
She was the only other witness to the terrible accident on the street between our homes. The only person who saw the cracks in my perfect life before I had the chance to cover them up.
It’s been so long since I’ve had a friend. Someone to talk to, to listen to, to laugh and dream with.
Beth would never do anything to hurt me.
She only wants what’s best for me, for my marriage.
Doesn’t she?
An unputdownable psychological suspense thriller that will grip you until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train and The Couple Next Door.
The Girl Across the Street was published by Bookoutre on 8th March 2019 and you can buy it here.
My Review:
This was the first book by Vikki Patis that I'd read, and I enjoyed it very much.
Brought together by their involvement in the aftermath of a terrible hit and run, Isla and Beth are unlikely friends. Isla, with her perfect hair, perfect nails, nice clothes, big house and attractive husband. And Beth, with her old clothes, cheap make up, crappy flat in a horrible block and waste of space boyfriend. But become friends they do, and grow fond of each other.
However, they both have secrets. We know Isla's fairly quickly, but Beth's isn't so obvious, and is teased at throughout, until the explosive finale. Both women are sympathetically drawn, particularly Isla, for me anyway, trapped and unhappy in her seemingly perfect life. But the story also has its unlikeable characters - Jake and his mother Judith are both vile. And I wanted to slap Judith every time she said 'Jakey'!
However, they both have secrets. We know Isla's fairly quickly, but Beth's isn't so obvious, and is teased at throughout, until the explosive finale. Both women are sympathetically drawn, particularly Isla, for me anyway, trapped and unhappy in her seemingly perfect life. But the story also has its unlikeable characters - Jake and his mother Judith are both vile. And I wanted to slap Judith every time she said 'Jakey'!
The pacing is spot on, as the action and tension both increase as the story moves on, and I found this book an easy, quick read. All the characters are well described and I cared about them, what happened to them. It does include a couple of difficult issues, particularly domestic abuse, so might not be such an easy read for everybody.
This is a book about love and hate, and the strong bond that develops through friendship, sometimes very quickly. It's a tale of two women who find each other at the right time. And it's a story of secrets and lies. It was great to read about two women, defeated by life, find the strength to break free, although I wouldn't suggest following their example in your own life!
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Vikki Patis is an author and blogger, as well as an avid reader and book reviewer. When she isn’t working as a Regulatory Affairs Manager, she can usually be found drinking tea, baking cakes, or taking walks in the Hertfordshire countryside. She lives with her partner and two cats.
I loved this book so much and the ending was so fitting!
ReplyDeleteIt absolutely was! x
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