The Best Friend - Shalini Boland

Reading Challenge Category: Free from Kindle Unlimited

Official Blurb:

‘I can tell we’re going to be the best of friends…’
When Louisa Sullivan takes her little boy to his first playdate at a new friend’s house she doesn’t realise life is about to change for her family. Because she’s about to meet Darcy Lane.
Darcy is a woman who has everything – a dream house, a powerful husband and enviable wealth.
She’s the perfect wife.
The perfect friend.
The perfect liar.

My Thoughts:

The Best Friend by Shalini Boland was a read that, unfortunately, followed a rather overused and weary storyline. The female protagonist finds herself isolated and ostracised by her own husband, family, and supposed friends, facing a complete lack of belief and support. While I appreciate the author's attempt at exploring these themes, it didn't quite hit the mark for me, as I've encountered similar narratives before.
One aspect that left me feeling dissatisfied was the lack of a big, thrilling climax that I had come to expect from this author, especially after reading a book of theirs only a few days ago that delivered in this respect. The build-up throughout the story led me to anticipate an exciting ending, but it didn't quite deliver on that front. I was left wanting more, hoping for a shocking twist or turn to keep me on the edge of my seat.
When the conclusion was finally revealed, it, unfortunately, didn't carry the element of surprise I had hoped for. The plot's resolution felt rather obvious, leaving me yearning for a more unexpected turn of events. A good twist or revelation can elevate a story, but, in this case, it fell short of my expectations.
Despite its drawbacks, one saving grace was the book's brevity, making it a relatively quick read. This allowed me to reach the conclusion swiftly, even if it didn't quite live up to my hopes. In the end, The Best Friend was a disappointment for me, lacking the gripping impact of the author's previous work and following a well-trodden path in its narrative. While the exploration of themes regarding isolation and betrayal can be intriguing, this particular execution didn't make for an outstanding read. I was left craving more excitement and originality, which, sadly, was not fully satisfied by this book.