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deeschell's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Murder, and Infertility
Moderate: Kidnapping
bookburdy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
"Keep Your Friends Close" by Lucinda Berry is a good book for fans of messy rich people drama (which I am). The story revolves around an exclusive club of wealthy moms. During a party, one of the moms is found dead in a pool, and the investigation begins to uncover the culprit. The book delves into the messy lives of each character, given their wealth. This book took me by surprise! I was so engrossed in one of the storylines (Brooke's) that I didn't even try to figure out who the culprit was for most of the book. It may or may not be predictable, but personally, I found some unexpected twists that I enjoyed. Overall, I liked it, especially the twists. However, I had a couple of issues with the book. Firstly, the language used by the characters was a deliberate exaggeration of how one might mock a rich person's way of speaking. For example, they said "Omigosh" too many times and used "like" excessively. While I understand the intention, I felt it was a bit excessive and took me out of the story at times. Secondly, I found the book to be slightly too long. Some parts dragged on unnecessarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Addiction, Abandonment, Alcoholism, Bullying, Cancer, Mental illness, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Kidnapping, Terminal illness, Toxic friendship, and Sexual assault
astoriareader's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
SYNOPSIS:
- Kiersten, Whitney, Jade, Brooke, Natasha, Taylor, & Colleen are all part of a boogie Mom’s Club in West Hollywood.
- Kiersten drowns in the pool, while hosting a party for the Club. Was it an accidental drowning, or was this a murder?
MY THOUGHTS
- Lucinda Berry is my girrrrrl & I love her books👏🏼
- Multiple POVs + alternating timelines (past & presents)
- Lots of twists & layers
- Fast paced & didn’t want to put it down
- Some of it was a little unbelievable, but it didn’t bother me
- Satisfying ending
- Although some of the characters weren’t likable, they were still well written
- Only negative was the use of the phrase “omigod” constantly by all the characters
- Love a neighborhood suspense/drama filled with secrets & twists
TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Wealthy moms in neighborhood suspense. Well written & fast-paced. Finished in 2 days.
Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. It will be published on November 7, 2023.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Stalking
Moderate: Infidelity, Addiction, Mental illness, Kidnapping, Death, Murder, and Infertility
Minor: Blood
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