Title: My Best Friend’s Murder
Author: Polly Phillips
Published: 6th January 2021, Simon & Schuster Australia
Status: Read January 2021 courtesy Simon & Schuster Australia
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My Thoughts:
My Best Friend’s Murder is an entertaining domestic thriller from UK journalist Polly Phillips, who currently calls Australia home.
“You’re lying, sprawled at the bottom of the stairs, legs bent, arms wide.”
Bec and Izzy have been the best of friends since they met, aged eleven. In the years since, Bec has mostly been content to let Izzy set the terms for their relationship, but recently she’s begun to sense that contempt lurks behind Izzy’s backhand compliments and seemingly solicitous advice. Hurt and angry, Bec is determined to confront her best friend, but could she really be responsible for her murder?
My Best Friend’s Murder is told from Bec’s perspective, beginning with her standing over a broken and bloodied Izzy, before moving back three months previously as Bec and her new fiancé, Ed, celebrate their engagement at home of Izzy and her husband, Rich. The occasion is not the first time that Bec senses something awry between herself and Izzy, but she is surprised by her best friend’s cool behaviour.
Well-paced, this is a suspenseful novel as Phillips reveals the history of the friendship between the two women and it’s increasing toxicity. To Bec, Izzy’s behaviour is inexplicable- beautiful, married to her handsome highschool sweetheart with an adorable child, wealthy and ambitious, Izzy has everything, yet she seems to resent Bec’s recent small successes – her engagement, and a potentially career altering opportunity. Phillips skilfully explores the complex dynamic of their friendship, the role each of them play in maintaining the status quo, and how difficult it is for them to let go. With Izzy’s death, Bec is left to grapple with her grief, and her guilt.
I admired Phillips subtle, and not so subtle twists, in the plot, and though I wasn’t so enamoured with an element of the ending, it’s a minor flaw in what is otherwise a well told tale. My Best Friend’s Murder is an absorbing read and an accomplished debut.
++++++
Available from Simon & Schuster Australia
Or from your preferred retailer via Booko I Book Depository I HiveUK
Jan 15, 2021 @ 02:49:09
Your blog is interesting … Congratulations
paintdigi.com
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Jan 15, 2021 @ 02:58:13
Thank you
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Jan 15, 2021 @ 06:05:23
Welcome dear friend 🌹
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Jan 15, 2021 @ 06:24:52
This sounds like a good one, Shelleyrae. I like thrillers that explore friendships that aren’t quite what they appear to be. I am adding this to my wish list.
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Jan 15, 2021 @ 07:26:50
I haven’t heard of this book before, it sounds really good!
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Jan 15, 2021 @ 08:42:59
Wonderful review!
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Jan 17, 2021 @ 21:16:01
This sounds like it has some fantastic characterization, while exploring a complex friendship.
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Jan 19, 2021 @ 04:59:12
Sounds really good, though I’m intrigued why the end didn’t work too well for you
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Jan 19, 2021 @ 13:40:33
Great review, Shelleyrae. Another book for me to read ….
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