Title: Keep Your Friends Close
Author: Paula Daly
First published March 13, 2014
335 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780802123206 (ISBN10: 0802123201)
Rating: 3.78
Overview
Shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger for Best Crime Novel of the Year, Paula Daly tells a chilling tale of friendship, betrayal and revenge in Keep Your Friends Close. Natty and Sean have a picture-perfect marriage, until Natty’s best friend Eve comes to stay.
With Eve’s help, Sean starts to fall in love with her, leaving Natty devastated. But when Natty receives a mysterious note claiming that Eve has a history of ruining marriages and even causing deaths, she is determined to expose her friend’s true nature.
Natty must navigate through a dangerous web of lies and deceit to protect herself and her family from Eve’s wrath. Will Natty be able to uncover Eve’s sinister plan before it’s too late?
About the Author
Meet Paula Daly, a highly respected author with six published novels under her belt. Her work has been recognized globally, with sales in sixteen countries and a nomination for the prestigious CWA Gold Dagger award.
Daly’s talent has also been adapted for the small screen, with ITV’s drama DEEP WATER featuring Anna Friel. Originally from Lancashire, Daly currently resides in the picturesque Lake District with her loved ones.
Editoral Review
In her novel Keep Your Friends Close, Paula Daly weaves a gripping tale that combines elements of suspense, psychological drama, and family dynamics. Daly is a British author who is known for her domestic noir novels, which explore the intricacies of relationships, secrets and lies, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives.
The story follows Natty and Sean, a married couple who run a successful business together. When Natty’s former best friend Eve comes back into their lives after a long absence, tensions arise and secrets begin to unravel.
As the plot unfolds, readers are introduced to a cast of complex and flawed characters, including Natty’s teenage daughters, her mother, and Sean’s troubled brother. Set in the scenic Lake District of England, the novel creates a vivid sense of place that adds to the atmosphere of the story.
One of the strengths of Keep Your Friends Close is the way in which Daly creates a sense of psychological suspense. The characters are masterfully drawn, and the tension builds steadily as each one’s true motivations are revealed.
Daly has a keen eye for the nuances of human behavior, and her insights into the dynamics of family relationships are particularly impressive. The themes of loyalty, trust, and deception are explored in a way that feels both fresh and compelling.
However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can feel slow, with long stretches of introspection that may cause some readers to lose interest.
Additionally, some of the plot developments may feel contrived, and the ending may not satisfy all readers. Despite these shortcomings, the book is a well-written and engaging thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
In terms of how Keep Your Friends Close fits into the broader landscape of thrillers and domestic noir novels, it holds up well against other works in the genre. Daly’s writing is adept and polished, and her characters feel fully realized and three-dimensional.
While some readers may find similarities between this book and other works in the genre, Daly’s unique voice and perspective make it stand out. Overall, Keep Your Friends Close is a well-crafted and engaging thriller that is sure to appeal to fans of domestic noir novels.
While not without its flaws, the book delivers a suspenseful and satisfying reading experience that will keep readers hooked until the very end. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written and thought-provoking psychological thriller.
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
