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Best Friends Forever
Have you ever wanted to kill your best friend?
Anna was the perfect wife. Perfect mother. Perfect woman. And now she's dead. Leaving behind her husband, David, and two young children their lives will never be the same. But Vicky will make sure life goes on…
These two women have been best friends forever, a lifetime of secrets lies between them and now Vicky is ready to step up into Anna’s perfect shoes.
But not everything is as it seems and as David begins to question Vicky’s motives for walking in his life things might just get a little murderous. The question on everyone’s lips is, who killed Anna? And what actually happened on the night she died?
Perfect for fans of The Rumour, The Silent Patient and The Suspect.
Anna was the perfect wife. Perfect mother. Perfect woman. And now she's dead. Leaving behind her husband, David, and two young children their lives will never be the same. But Vicky will make sure life goes on…
These two women have been best friends forever, a lifetime of secrets lies between them and now Vicky is ready to step up into Anna’s perfect shoes.
But not everything is as it seems and as David begins to question Vicky’s motives for walking in his life things might just get a little murderous. The question on everyone’s lips is, who killed Anna? And what actually happened on the night she died?
Perfect for fans of The Rumour, The Silent Patient and The Suspect.
362 pages, ebook
First published August 15, 2019
681 people are currently reading
757 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
August 20, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
He smiled at her and everything around them seemed to hold still for a moment, like a caught breath.
Brian had a squashed face like a fat troll, all folds and furrows. His gut hung over his well-worn belt and his shirt strained at the buttonholes. Vicky had never liked him.
Secrets and lies. That’s what friends are for.
My Review:
I am still vacillating in how I feel and in how to rate this twisty and complex story of retribution, manipulation, lies, and secrets. The characters were not admirable or all that likable as people, yet I had empathy for several. Sometimes poor choices started out as no choice, and then continue to mushroom until they pervade every inch, breath, and thought. That is but a part of what happened in this slippery brain-burning tale that kept me on edge and off-kilter. I devised and cast off and reworked a multitude of theories. My curiosity and cynical nature were so active they may have overheated, and I fear the poor little pea in my brain may have been scorched.
Anna was all kinds of wrong and simply vile, beautiful, yet rotten to the core. She was a cruel, volatile, vain, and a manipulative and narcissist sociopath. She had been toying with others and honing and steadily progressing her deviousness since childhood. And Vicky was her perfect victim, needy, eager to please, lacking in confidence or self-control, and able and willing to take abuse. And David, well, David was an idiot, completely under his wife’s spell. In real life, I would not willingly share air with either of them and found them to be heinous and exasperating individuals, yet their encounters and exchanges made compelling dicey storylines that I just couldn’t seem to get a grip on or leave alone. Dawn Goodwin is a crafty minx and led me on a merry chase. So while the ending was not as satisfying as I would have desired, I have to concede to her advanced level of craft – she had me well invested and kept me guessing to the very end.
He smiled at her and everything around them seemed to hold still for a moment, like a caught breath.
Brian had a squashed face like a fat troll, all folds and furrows. His gut hung over his well-worn belt and his shirt strained at the buttonholes. Vicky had never liked him.
Secrets and lies. That’s what friends are for.
My Review:
I am still vacillating in how I feel and in how to rate this twisty and complex story of retribution, manipulation, lies, and secrets. The characters were not admirable or all that likable as people, yet I had empathy for several. Sometimes poor choices started out as no choice, and then continue to mushroom until they pervade every inch, breath, and thought. That is but a part of what happened in this slippery brain-burning tale that kept me on edge and off-kilter. I devised and cast off and reworked a multitude of theories. My curiosity and cynical nature were so active they may have overheated, and I fear the poor little pea in my brain may have been scorched.
Anna was all kinds of wrong and simply vile, beautiful, yet rotten to the core. She was a cruel, volatile, vain, and a manipulative and narcissist sociopath. She had been toying with others and honing and steadily progressing her deviousness since childhood. And Vicky was her perfect victim, needy, eager to please, lacking in confidence or self-control, and able and willing to take abuse. And David, well, David was an idiot, completely under his wife’s spell. In real life, I would not willingly share air with either of them and found them to be heinous and exasperating individuals, yet their encounters and exchanges made compelling dicey storylines that I just couldn’t seem to get a grip on or leave alone. Dawn Goodwin is a crafty minx and led me on a merry chase. So while the ending was not as satisfying as I would have desired, I have to concede to her advanced level of craft – she had me well invested and kept me guessing to the very end.
February 11, 2020
"her smile was full of pride, worry and love, and his gut clenched as he walked away to find a takeaway menu".
Best Friends Forever by Dawn Goodwin
I am so mixed about this book. I really find myself not knowing how to rate this. I will play it safe and give it a two though honestly? This one left a bad taste in my mouth and I do not think I can recommend it.
TRIGGERS:
Graphic Gang Rape scene, child molestation, animal violence.
So this book is about a friendship..a toxic one..between two females, Vicky and Anna. When Anna is killed in a car accident, Vicky is devastated as is Anna's grieving husband David. Vicki offers to help take care of David and Anna's kids with David being so relieved at her help that he gradually involves Vicky in more and more of his life.
Sound familiar? That is because it's been done before.And before. BUT..I am always up for a good read even if the plot's been done and done. But this one..I had issues but at the same time I tore through it.
So I will do a like and not like, starting with the good.
The characters..and writing in general..are good. I was riveted by the first few pages which is what I like in my reads.
The length..not overly long, not to short.
The writing itself. I loved the writing in away..everything was so vivid..I loved David's mom and how she was described as "warm as hot buttered toast". You see..I love that writing style. My mom was warm as hot buttered toast as well. Great on atmosphere.
The moodiness was there. I liked Vicki in a way..I felt sad for her. She epitomizes the word "haunted". I felt terrific sympathy for her and in reading her story. I felt the author handled it in a very realisic manner.
The way Vicki turned to bars after. Bars and men. Having been once a barfly, I felt the author got the atmosphere spot on. The lonely aspect , the smoky darkness, the yearning and mystery. There IS something inherently lonely about bars isn't there? Not that all who go to bars are lonely. That is not what I mean. But so many are running from something. And as much fun as one can have there, there is also pain and darkness to be found. I really felt the author nailed it so well.
What I did not like had nothing to do with the author's writing. First off, anyone who knows me knows what I am like when I see needless animal violence in books. I turn into a savage! I have given low ratings over that before. And in this book that scene was so not needed. Yes, folks, an animal is killed..deliberately in this book and the scene is brutal. I really feel there should be warnings in regards to that. Why do writers DO that? Anyway..
More then that though..I felt the story kind of lost its power as it went on. I was repulsed by Anna..totally. And I also..without spoilers..did not believe the ending. When someone is revealed to be..or does..something so out of character then what you know them to be...I mean I cannot say anymore without spoilers but the ending was one of the biggest let downs I have had in a book in ages and so much was left unanswered. I do not like those kind of books, did not believe the ending, was frustrated and pissed and closed the book feeling distaste.
So..my rating is three. You will like this book if you like domestic thrillers, do not mind animal violence and have no issues with endings that do not make a whole lotta sense. This one did not for me.
Best Friends Forever by Dawn Goodwin
I am so mixed about this book. I really find myself not knowing how to rate this. I will play it safe and give it a two though honestly? This one left a bad taste in my mouth and I do not think I can recommend it.
TRIGGERS:
Graphic Gang Rape scene, child molestation, animal violence.
So this book is about a friendship..a toxic one..between two females, Vicky and Anna. When Anna is killed in a car accident, Vicky is devastated as is Anna's grieving husband David. Vicki offers to help take care of David and Anna's kids with David being so relieved at her help that he gradually involves Vicky in more and more of his life.
Sound familiar? That is because it's been done before.And before. BUT..I am always up for a good read even if the plot's been done and done. But this one..I had issues but at the same time I tore through it.
So I will do a like and not like, starting with the good.
The characters..and writing in general..are good. I was riveted by the first few pages which is what I like in my reads.
The length..not overly long, not to short.
The writing itself. I loved the writing in away..everything was so vivid..I loved David's mom and how she was described as "warm as hot buttered toast". You see..I love that writing style. My mom was warm as hot buttered toast as well. Great on atmosphere.
The moodiness was there. I liked Vicki in a way..I felt sad for her. She epitomizes the word "haunted". I felt terrific sympathy for her and in reading her story. I felt the author handled it in a very realisic manner.
The way Vicki turned to bars after. Bars and men. Having been once a barfly, I felt the author got the atmosphere spot on. The lonely aspect , the smoky darkness, the yearning and mystery. There IS something inherently lonely about bars isn't there? Not that all who go to bars are lonely. That is not what I mean. But so many are running from something. And as much fun as one can have there, there is also pain and darkness to be found. I really felt the author nailed it so well.
What I did not like had nothing to do with the author's writing. First off, anyone who knows me knows what I am like when I see needless animal violence in books. I turn into a savage! I have given low ratings over that before. And in this book that scene was so not needed. Yes, folks, an animal is killed..deliberately in this book and the scene is brutal. I really feel there should be warnings in regards to that. Why do writers DO that? Anyway..
More then that though..I felt the story kind of lost its power as it went on. I was repulsed by Anna..totally. And I also..without spoilers..did not believe the ending. When someone is revealed to be..or does..something so out of character then what you know them to be...I mean I cannot say anymore without spoilers but the ending was one of the biggest let downs I have had in a book in ages and so much was left unanswered. I do not like those kind of books, did not believe the ending, was frustrated and pissed and closed the book feeling distaste.
So..my rating is three. You will like this book if you like domestic thrillers, do not mind animal violence and have no issues with endings that do not make a whole lotta sense. This one did not for me.
August 8, 2019
I always remember years ago hearing someone say ‘She is my best friend, I hate her’! Made me smile/grimace then and still does but if ever a saying fit a book then its this one!
Meet Anna
Perfect
Slim
Wonderful Career
Eager to please hubby
Adoring Kids
Fab House
Complete Narcissist
Meet Vicky
None of the above
Sonehow they have been bezzies for decades, Vicky always grateful, the underling, desperate for attention and Anna generally treating her with contempt, at times bullying yet always with just the right amount of ‘love’ to keep Vicky
Until Anna dies
And everything Anna had is up for grabs......but Vicky isent devious enough to pull it off, is she?
And that’s just part of this fab thriller where past secrets are the order of the day,,resentment is powerful and things are never quite as they seem
Told in the past and present with a fascinating insight into how Vicky was manipulated by Anna and just how nasty Anna was the story seems to be heading to a crux that some of us readers will think maybe we have been to before......and then its all change, all bet’s off and full throttle ahead as the story goes up a few gears and, well, it would ruin it if I was to go on!
Vicky writes letters to Anna ( in the present ) and not sure why but am not usually a fan of this but these were fascinating and very very well done
A really surprising ending that brought to a close this great, well written, exciting read
10/10
5 Stars
August 8, 2019
Anna and Vicky have been best friends since childhood. They e shared secrets they wouldn't want anyone else to know. Chick is not a very nice person and she has no qualms in holding things over Anna's head. When Anna is killed in a car accident, Vicky sees this as an ideal opportunity to take over Anna's life, husband and children.
I can honestly say that I did not like any of the characters in this book and if that was the authors intension, she has done a good job. The characters did not like each other either but they also couldn't be apart from each other. The plot is interesting but not gripping. The ending was a little disappointing. I still managed to enjoy this story though.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Aria and the author Dawn Goodwin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I can honestly say that I did not like any of the characters in this book and if that was the authors intension, she has done a good job. The characters did not like each other either but they also couldn't be apart from each other. The plot is interesting but not gripping. The ending was a little disappointing. I still managed to enjoy this story though.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Aria and the author Dawn Goodwin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2019
Best friends forever by Dawn Goodwin was a story full of secrets and lies.
Vicky and Anna had been friends since school. They had a toxic relationship full of jealousy and and manipulation.
When Anna is killed in a car accident Vicky sees this as a chance to move in with Anna's husband and children and take over their lives.
The main characters in this book were extremely unlikeable and I had no sympathy for any of them.
Thanks to Aria and NetGalley for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Vicky and Anna had been friends since school. They had a toxic relationship full of jealousy and and manipulation.
When Anna is killed in a car accident Vicky sees this as a chance to move in with Anna's husband and children and take over their lives.
The main characters in this book were extremely unlikeable and I had no sympathy for any of them.
Thanks to Aria and NetGalley for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2019
One twisted tale which held me in its clutches without giving me a break. Whew!! Anna and Vicky were best friends from school days. Anna married David had two kids lived a happy life, and then died in a car accident. Who killed her? How did the accident occur. Vicky entered her home, took over Anna's duties, both kids and husband. And wrote letters filled with secrets of the past to dead friend Anna.
Dawn Goodwin has done it again, written a shivery tale where the unspoken words told a different tale. I could read between the lines to understand the aura that the author had created. The characters were all unlikable, but there was a strange friction between them, almost an addiction if you could say. They didn't like each other but couldn't stay away. I loved this weird atmosphere as it is in darkness that secrets fermented and soon covered everything with a slimy surface.
The characters had moments of darkness and light, but all of them played with fire. There are times when one cannot stop looking at fire, it is hypnotic. The same happened to me while reading this. Dawn's words hypnotized me and put me in a trance where all I knew was getting to the main reveal.
Was it all worth it? Me reading the book - YES! The characters playing their games - not so much!! Read the book to understand this line.
Dawn Goodwin has done it again, written a shivery tale where the unspoken words told a different tale. I could read between the lines to understand the aura that the author had created. The characters were all unlikable, but there was a strange friction between them, almost an addiction if you could say. They didn't like each other but couldn't stay away. I loved this weird atmosphere as it is in darkness that secrets fermented and soon covered everything with a slimy surface.
The characters had moments of darkness and light, but all of them played with fire. There are times when one cannot stop looking at fire, it is hypnotic. The same happened to me while reading this. Dawn's words hypnotized me and put me in a trance where all I knew was getting to the main reveal.
Was it all worth it? Me reading the book - YES! The characters playing their games - not so much!! Read the book to understand this line.
August 23, 2019
WOW! What an emotionally charged thriller this is, in the end, somewhat heartbreaking. BEST FRIENDS FOREVER is the first book by Dawn Goodwin I have read and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the emotional roller-coaster I was on with Anna and Vicky throughout that I wasn't sure where or how it was going to end.
Before I go any further, I MUST state that there are a couple of triggers that may effect some.
Rape
Child abuse
Animal cruelty
So where do I start? BEST FRIENDS FOREVER is the story of the lifelong toxic friendship between Vicky and Anna as they grow from teenagers into women now approaching their 40s. Given that they were 13 in 1986 my rough estimate is that they were 39 at the climax surrounding the London Olympics in 2012. Having been friends since high school, I really couldn't understand how such a friendship could really stand the test of time. But they are completely co-dependent on each other and as they grew older, so they continued to be.
Anna is, to put it bluntly, a bitch. She is devious, manipulative and always craves attention - none of which she gets at home. As an only child, her parents are distant but rich. Her mother is a flaky alcoholic while her father is a habitual philandering womaniser.
Vicky is the complete opposite of Anna. She is quiet, meek, insecure and submissive - perfect for Anna to control. And Vicky allows it because she couldn't bear to lose the one and only person who has ever loved her. So desperate for love are both of these girls/women that they are willing to do almost anything to maintain it. There couldn't be anything more toxic.
The story begins with Vicky pondering recent events when she receives a phone call from David, Anna's husband, to say that Anna is dead. Vicky is shocked and devastated to lose the one person who knew and loved her. But did she really? Honestly? Could what they have had really be called "love"? There are times I'm sure she hated Anna but at the same time she couldn't be without her. They were like a drug to each other. It was pretty toxic.
So in the aftermath of Anna's death, David is struggling to cope. His world has fallen from beneath him and he spends his days in an abyss of grief. His mother Louise stays with him for a few weeks to help him get back on his feet but there comes a point when David must learn to pick up the pieces himself and move on - for the sake of their children, Harper and Lewis. But David is still struggling to keep things together and when Vicky stops by to see how they are doing she finds the house littered with takeaway containers and dirty dishes with the children glued to the TV, amusing themselves, and David lost in a void amidst it all.
Vicky takes charge and moves in with them to bring order back into the children's lives while David goes back to work. He finds that Vicky's presence is a Godsend as she manages to keep the place going, the children happy and everyone fed - something he struggled to do. He is so impressed he ends up asking her to to stay on as the children's nanny, for which he would pay her, as they adore her and he admits that he use the help. It's the perfect solution for everyone. Or is it?
It's no secret that Anna liked everything to be perfect. She wanted the perfect life, the perfect husband, to live in a perfect house with the perfect children and have the perfect job. She worked hard to make this happen so everything would remain...perfect. So when she died suddenly, Anna's perfect life ended...leaving Vicky with the chance to have a taste of that perfect life she left behind.
But Anna was far from perfect. She was a complete bitch that had me twisted in knots throughout most of the story. A despicable person, I felt nothing but contempt for her. She was an entitled narcissist who was so obviously a sociopath. She had no remorse for anything she did or who she hurt, trampling over anyone to get what she wanted. To her, their feelings were not her problem. Even as a wife and mother, Anna was bored. She just could not see how lucky she was...because she wanted more. And what Anna wanted, Anna got. But what made me hate Anna even more was her brutal attack on her mother's cat in such an uncontrollable rage that Vicky had to stop her. But it was too late...and Anna still didn't care.
My heart ached for Vicky. I could relate to her and identify with some aspects of her personality as a quiet, meek and somewhat insecure young girl who just ached to be loved. So low is her self worth that even when she has been wronged she will still apologise and blame herself. Her young life goes from one trauma to another as she just yearns for acceptance. And when abuse she endures at home becomes too much to bear, Anna hatches a sinister plan to help Vicky escape. But it came with a cost which bound Vicky in a whole new way to Anna, who never missed the chance to hold it over her whenever she wanted Vicky to do her bidding.
This manipulation extends into their adulthood and made me just loathe Anna. Many may not like Vicky because she could appear weak when succumbing to Anna at almost every whim...and when she didn't, Anna would sulk and remind her of that one thing from her past. As if Anna herself was completely guiltless. However, if Anna did anything she taught Vicky how to be deceitful and manipulative...and this plays out in the days, weeks and months after Anna's death rather brilliantly as Vicky becomes too close, too obsessed and too desperate for that perfect life. Has she slipped up? Has she gone too far? Either way, still haunted by the secrets of her past, she continues to be influenced by Anna's transgressions.
BEST FRIENDS FOREVER is cleverly written in the past and present as we witness the evolution of their friendship, with a rather dexterous touch included in the form of letters to Anna from Vicky in the present day. Since no one else knew each other as well as they did it was rather ingenious of the author to have Vicky confide in Anna once again, despite the fact she would never read them.
This toxic tale from start to finish is both intriguing and chilling that hynotises the reader, as Anna and Vicky both play with fire and we simply can't look away. With secrets and lies, toxicity and drama, BEST FRIENDS FOREVER is fast paced, gripping and unputdownable.
But the question remained...who wanted to kill Anna?
The only problem I had with this book was the end. Oh, it was satisfactory but it did leave you with questions...and I like things tied up in a nice little ending. This...well, it was different...an ending with a twist. It wasn't a bad ending but, for me, it wasn't perfect.
I wasn't sure what I expected when I dived into this book, but it wasn't this! I had heard mixed reviews about it so therefore I expected it to be mediocre but it was anything but! I loved it and loved to hate Anna! The more I read, the more I hated her. And the more I hated her, the more I wanted Vicky to have the last laugh. But does she? Grab yourself a copy, read it and find out! You know you want to.
4.5 stars - due to poor Murphy and the "OK-but-not-perfect" ending.
I would like to thank #DawnGoodwin, #NetGalley and #Aria for an ARC of #BestFriendsForever in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Before I go any further, I MUST state that there are a couple of triggers that may effect some.
Rape
Child abuse
Animal cruelty
So where do I start? BEST FRIENDS FOREVER is the story of the lifelong toxic friendship between Vicky and Anna as they grow from teenagers into women now approaching their 40s. Given that they were 13 in 1986 my rough estimate is that they were 39 at the climax surrounding the London Olympics in 2012. Having been friends since high school, I really couldn't understand how such a friendship could really stand the test of time. But they are completely co-dependent on each other and as they grew older, so they continued to be.
Anna is, to put it bluntly, a bitch. She is devious, manipulative and always craves attention - none of which she gets at home. As an only child, her parents are distant but rich. Her mother is a flaky alcoholic while her father is a habitual philandering womaniser.
Vicky is the complete opposite of Anna. She is quiet, meek, insecure and submissive - perfect for Anna to control. And Vicky allows it because she couldn't bear to lose the one and only person who has ever loved her. So desperate for love are both of these girls/women that they are willing to do almost anything to maintain it. There couldn't be anything more toxic.
The story begins with Vicky pondering recent events when she receives a phone call from David, Anna's husband, to say that Anna is dead. Vicky is shocked and devastated to lose the one person who knew and loved her. But did she really? Honestly? Could what they have had really be called "love"? There are times I'm sure she hated Anna but at the same time she couldn't be without her. They were like a drug to each other. It was pretty toxic.
So in the aftermath of Anna's death, David is struggling to cope. His world has fallen from beneath him and he spends his days in an abyss of grief. His mother Louise stays with him for a few weeks to help him get back on his feet but there comes a point when David must learn to pick up the pieces himself and move on - for the sake of their children, Harper and Lewis. But David is still struggling to keep things together and when Vicky stops by to see how they are doing she finds the house littered with takeaway containers and dirty dishes with the children glued to the TV, amusing themselves, and David lost in a void amidst it all.
Vicky takes charge and moves in with them to bring order back into the children's lives while David goes back to work. He finds that Vicky's presence is a Godsend as she manages to keep the place going, the children happy and everyone fed - something he struggled to do. He is so impressed he ends up asking her to to stay on as the children's nanny, for which he would pay her, as they adore her and he admits that he use the help. It's the perfect solution for everyone. Or is it?
It's no secret that Anna liked everything to be perfect. She wanted the perfect life, the perfect husband, to live in a perfect house with the perfect children and have the perfect job. She worked hard to make this happen so everything would remain...perfect. So when she died suddenly, Anna's perfect life ended...leaving Vicky with the chance to have a taste of that perfect life she left behind.
But Anna was far from perfect. She was a complete bitch that had me twisted in knots throughout most of the story. A despicable person, I felt nothing but contempt for her. She was an entitled narcissist who was so obviously a sociopath. She had no remorse for anything she did or who she hurt, trampling over anyone to get what she wanted. To her, their feelings were not her problem. Even as a wife and mother, Anna was bored. She just could not see how lucky she was...because she wanted more. And what Anna wanted, Anna got. But what made me hate Anna even more was her brutal attack on her mother's cat in such an uncontrollable rage that Vicky had to stop her. But it was too late...and Anna still didn't care.
My heart ached for Vicky. I could relate to her and identify with some aspects of her personality as a quiet, meek and somewhat insecure young girl who just ached to be loved. So low is her self worth that even when she has been wronged she will still apologise and blame herself. Her young life goes from one trauma to another as she just yearns for acceptance. And when abuse she endures at home becomes too much to bear, Anna hatches a sinister plan to help Vicky escape. But it came with a cost which bound Vicky in a whole new way to Anna, who never missed the chance to hold it over her whenever she wanted Vicky to do her bidding.
This manipulation extends into their adulthood and made me just loathe Anna. Many may not like Vicky because she could appear weak when succumbing to Anna at almost every whim...and when she didn't, Anna would sulk and remind her of that one thing from her past. As if Anna herself was completely guiltless. However, if Anna did anything she taught Vicky how to be deceitful and manipulative...and this plays out in the days, weeks and months after Anna's death rather brilliantly as Vicky becomes too close, too obsessed and too desperate for that perfect life. Has she slipped up? Has she gone too far? Either way, still haunted by the secrets of her past, she continues to be influenced by Anna's transgressions.
BEST FRIENDS FOREVER is cleverly written in the past and present as we witness the evolution of their friendship, with a rather dexterous touch included in the form of letters to Anna from Vicky in the present day. Since no one else knew each other as well as they did it was rather ingenious of the author to have Vicky confide in Anna once again, despite the fact she would never read them.
This toxic tale from start to finish is both intriguing and chilling that hynotises the reader, as Anna and Vicky both play with fire and we simply can't look away. With secrets and lies, toxicity and drama, BEST FRIENDS FOREVER is fast paced, gripping and unputdownable.
But the question remained...who wanted to kill Anna?
The only problem I had with this book was the end. Oh, it was satisfactory but it did leave you with questions...and I like things tied up in a nice little ending. This...well, it was different...an ending with a twist. It wasn't a bad ending but, for me, it wasn't perfect.
I wasn't sure what I expected when I dived into this book, but it wasn't this! I had heard mixed reviews about it so therefore I expected it to be mediocre but it was anything but! I loved it and loved to hate Anna! The more I read, the more I hated her. And the more I hated her, the more I wanted Vicky to have the last laugh. But does she? Grab yourself a copy, read it and find out! You know you want to.
4.5 stars - due to poor Murphy and the "OK-but-not-perfect" ending.
I would like to thank #DawnGoodwin, #NetGalley and #Aria for an ARC of #BestFriendsForever in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
August 20, 2019
Rating:
I am undecided between 3 or 4 so 3.5 maybe.
Trigger:
Rape
Child molestation
Infidelity
Short review:
See, I am just like you after all.
I'll look after them, Anna. I promise. It'll be like you never left.
Vix xx
I like my psychological thrillers simple. Too complex and complicated plots make my head hurt and interest lost. So, this one was perfect, right up my alley...
She loved Anna like a sister, couldn't imagine not being her best friend, but some days that friendship was tested, pushed, poked and prodded.
She wondered what it would take for it to finally break.
And whether they would both survive the fall-out.
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
This is my first book by Dawn Goodwin but I am pretty sure it would not be the last one. Eager to read more of hers.
I am undecided between 3 or 4 so 3.5 maybe.
Trigger:
Rape
Child molestation
Infidelity
Short review:
See, I am just like you after all.
I'll look after them, Anna. I promise. It'll be like you never left.
Vix xx
I like my psychological thrillers simple. Too complex and complicated plots make my head hurt and interest lost. So, this one was perfect, right up my alley...
She loved Anna like a sister, couldn't imagine not being her best friend, but some days that friendship was tested, pushed, poked and prodded.
She wondered what it would take for it to finally break.
And whether they would both survive the fall-out.
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
This is my first book by Dawn Goodwin but I am pretty sure it would not be the last one. Eager to read more of hers.
September 12, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, Aria and Dawn Goodwin for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Trigger warnings: child abuse, rape, alcoholism, parental neglect, animal cruelty (one scene, over pretty quickly).
4 stars.
Wow, what a wicked ride this was! For those who are unfamiliar with just how catty girls can be, then this will give you a good idea.
Vicky and Anna are best friends since they first met in school. The story doesn't start off there's though. It works backwards almost and twists both past and present together like they are vines entwining. Anna is dead. There was a car accident and the police suspect it was just an accident. But what really happened? Well, this story will take you back to the beginning and unfold the truths along the way. At the time of her death, Anna had a husband, David, and two small children, Harper and Lewis.
I could not believe the type of person Anna was. There are so many multiple layers to her and her friendship with Vicky was just so toxic. They mastered the love-hate relationship like nothing I've read before. Anna likes to be incontrol and is a master manipulator. She is just plain nasty but tries to sugar coat what she says at times. She's, dare I say it, a mixture of a fun character to read about while at the same time you just can't believe how purely awful she is. It's rather cringe worthy. I have to say that thought I was horrified at her thought processes, she made for such an unstable character but she made you want to read more about her. It's not really that hard to figure out why her behavioural issues were so off the normal mark, but it did seem to go to extremes at times.
Once Anna has passed, Vicky ends up moving into Anna's home and helps out David by looking after the kids and being there for him too. But at the same time, she's there for herself equally as much. We find out her story along the way and I did have empathy for her. She's had a rough life. I liked her more as a person but Anna was still the more interesting of the two.
There is a lot in this I thought. Quite a few twists and turns and it's really one of those that keeps you wanting to know more. I devoured this pretty quickly because I was so interested in what was going to happen next. It was so well put together with the past and present blended so well. That's what stood out to me actually. That each chapter gave you so much information that made you want to "read just one more." I really loved that. It didn't get dull. The reader is kept on their toes while this brilliant story unwinds.
This is a really well written story with interesting characters and thrills from start to finish. If you love rollercoaster rides then this is one to jump onto. Just make sure to buckle up.
Trigger warnings: child abuse, rape, alcoholism, parental neglect, animal cruelty (one scene, over pretty quickly).
4 stars.
Wow, what a wicked ride this was! For those who are unfamiliar with just how catty girls can be, then this will give you a good idea.
Vicky and Anna are best friends since they first met in school. The story doesn't start off there's though. It works backwards almost and twists both past and present together like they are vines entwining. Anna is dead. There was a car accident and the police suspect it was just an accident. But what really happened? Well, this story will take you back to the beginning and unfold the truths along the way. At the time of her death, Anna had a husband, David, and two small children, Harper and Lewis.
I could not believe the type of person Anna was. There are so many multiple layers to her and her friendship with Vicky was just so toxic. They mastered the love-hate relationship like nothing I've read before. Anna likes to be incontrol and is a master manipulator. She is just plain nasty but tries to sugar coat what she says at times. She's, dare I say it, a mixture of a fun character to read about while at the same time you just can't believe how purely awful she is. It's rather cringe worthy. I have to say that thought I was horrified at her thought processes, she made for such an unstable character but she made you want to read more about her. It's not really that hard to figure out why her behavioural issues were so off the normal mark, but it did seem to go to extremes at times.
Once Anna has passed, Vicky ends up moving into Anna's home and helps out David by looking after the kids and being there for him too. But at the same time, she's there for herself equally as much. We find out her story along the way and I did have empathy for her. She's had a rough life. I liked her more as a person but Anna was still the more interesting of the two.
There is a lot in this I thought. Quite a few twists and turns and it's really one of those that keeps you wanting to know more. I devoured this pretty quickly because I was so interested in what was going to happen next. It was so well put together with the past and present blended so well. That's what stood out to me actually. That each chapter gave you so much information that made you want to "read just one more." I really loved that. It didn't get dull. The reader is kept on their toes while this brilliant story unwinds.
This is a really well written story with interesting characters and thrills from start to finish. If you love rollercoaster rides then this is one to jump onto. Just make sure to buckle up.
March 31, 2025
Full disclosure - the book itself might be good. Don’t use this review to decide if you’ll read it BUT I beg of you to read it and not do the audiobook. The narrator was absolutely awful. Hurt my ears awful. I kept changing the narration speed hoping I could find the magic formula, but I gave up.
August 22, 2019
Crikey what a story.
A story about best friends Anna and Vicky. When Anna dies Vicky sees a chance of having what she’s always wanted.
Who killed Anna?
I honestly didn’t know what to think with so many secrets and lies.
It’s rare that I come across a book that I dislike the main characters but this is one of them.
A story about best friends Anna and Vicky. When Anna dies Vicky sees a chance of having what she’s always wanted.
Who killed Anna?
I honestly didn’t know what to think with so many secrets and lies.
It’s rare that I come across a book that I dislike the main characters but this is one of them.
August 26, 2019
Best Friends Forever by Dawn Goodwin is being labeled as perfect for fans of the ever popular book The Silent Patent by Alex Michaelides, which I absolutely loved. Those are so pretty big shoes to fill, in my opinion, and I was a little worried that Best Friends Forever would not live up to the hype and fall very very…..very short. Well, I must say Dawn Goodwin definitely put the psychological in thriller in a total mindf*ckery of a story. Holy hell. I may actually have a book hangover!
Best Friends Forever has it all:
Secrets - Check!
Lies - Check
Manipulation - Check
And characters you love to hate - Check. Check...and check!
Where do I even begin? Okay I will start off by saying when I first started and maybe the first few pages I was like “I don’t know...I don’t think this story is going to work for me.” Then it was like that magical moment when the clouds part and you have that A-HA moment and I knew I was a goner. I was sucked in to the story. Oh yes, you know I could not put this book down!
The story goes back and forth from the present to the past. What happened to Anna? Why is she dead? Does Vicki, her best friend, have something to do with it or is there more to Anna than anyone even realizes? Little by little we get into the meat of the story about a toxic friendship between Anna and Vicki, whom at times are the best of friends and at times you really wonder why they are even friends at all. But, through it all they shared a love that withstood through it all.
I will admit, I hated every single character and yet at the same time I could also feel empathy for each of the characters. At one point I may have even shouted “David grow some balls you wheeny! Then he did and I was like “Oh you are really going to regret doing that!” But just because I dislike the characters in a story doesn’t necessarily mean I also dislike the story. Best Friends Forever is absolutely mindblowing, fantastic, and certainly lives up to its hype. You can insert 65529525820 different adjectives to describe the greatness of this story. Yes, it is THAT good!
Best Friends Forever will take you on a wild roller coaster ride, spin you around, make you dizzy, only for you to get right back on line to do it all over again. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant and a definite five plus stars from me.
Best Friends Forever has it all:
Secrets - Check!
Lies - Check
Manipulation - Check
And characters you love to hate - Check. Check...and check!
Where do I even begin? Okay I will start off by saying when I first started and maybe the first few pages I was like “I don’t know...I don’t think this story is going to work for me.” Then it was like that magical moment when the clouds part and you have that A-HA moment and I knew I was a goner. I was sucked in to the story. Oh yes, you know I could not put this book down!
The story goes back and forth from the present to the past. What happened to Anna? Why is she dead? Does Vicki, her best friend, have something to do with it or is there more to Anna than anyone even realizes? Little by little we get into the meat of the story about a toxic friendship between Anna and Vicki, whom at times are the best of friends and at times you really wonder why they are even friends at all. But, through it all they shared a love that withstood through it all.
I will admit, I hated every single character and yet at the same time I could also feel empathy for each of the characters. At one point I may have even shouted “David grow some balls you wheeny! Then he did and I was like “Oh you are really going to regret doing that!” But just because I dislike the characters in a story doesn’t necessarily mean I also dislike the story. Best Friends Forever is absolutely mindblowing, fantastic, and certainly lives up to its hype. You can insert 65529525820 different adjectives to describe the greatness of this story. Yes, it is THAT good!
Best Friends Forever will take you on a wild roller coaster ride, spin you around, make you dizzy, only for you to get right back on line to do it all over again. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant and a definite five plus stars from me.
May 7, 2020
Synopsis:
Vicky and Anna are two peas in a pod or say they claim. Their inseparable friendship, since their schooldays, survived through everything. From silly pranks to some serious misdemeanours, they’re still as thick as thieves after all those years. Sometimes their friendship even led David to believe that in his marriage with Anna, he was the third wheel. Still, David was leading a happy and comfortable family life with his wife and two kids, Harper and Lewis. But, it all starts to unravel with Anna’s death in what seemed to be a simple road accident. Was it only that? Or was somebody else responsible for her death?
Review:
The story starts on 13 May 2012, when Vicky Dean receives a call from David Price in her hungover state. That Anna was dead and that it was an accident. Vicky’s first thought was: What had they done?
It opens then to a lonely David four weeks later, the truth of having lost his wife not yet sunk in. Louisa Price, his mother, is helping with his kids Harper and Lewis, aged seven and five. But when his mother has had enough and makes him understand that he has to pull himself together and look after his kids, Vicky comes to the rescue in the form of a text message. And then she’s physically there, slowly settling herself into the family life she always craved but didn’t have.
Best friends since the age of thirteen, Vicky and Anna had been separated only during the latter’s University years where she met David. Coming from a well-to-do family, Anna had all the material comforts of life while since her mother’s death Vicky has had to suffer at the hands of her abusive father.
It has a perfect domestic setting, which won’t indicate anything untoward had I not read the blurb before. But there are eerie hints throughout, especially the way Vicky drops some of her thoughts or feelings. Narrated in the third person, this story is all about damaged people and their twisted sense of love. Do not speak ill of the dead, but was Anna really the Saint that her husband David made her out to be? Then there’s Vicky, who seems to be the one always suffering because of other people’s actions. And finally, David. Is he the victim in all this manipulation or is he a conspirator too. In everything that happened.
The story goes back into the past to September 1986, the day when Vicky befriended the posh Anna Maxwell. Anna’s nature, and Vicky’s as well, is a revelation throughout the story. The narration moves between the past and the present, with Vicky’s letters to the now-dead Anna establishing a chink in their friendly armour. But, with the story being revealed from each of the three individual’s perspective, whom to believe and whom not to? What is true and what is false? Who is saintly and who’s evil incarnate?
In all of the ensuing drama, my heart went out to the little kids. Without a mother and a father who doesn’t seem to know a thing about them, their habits, or what they like or don’t like, I was glad that David’s family was there to pick up some of the pieces and put it all into perspective for him.
There’s animal abuse as well as physical abuse in the story. This is a chilling story of a toxic friendship with some of the other characters no less venomous. I couldn’t fathom who was the biggest psychopath, as not even the author’s acknowledgement could make me believe ‘that no one’s perfect’. Something obviously didn’t work for me, it all seemed a bit too farfetched is all. Also, the story stretched over for my liking during the build-up to the climax. And, there also, I felt cheated. Maybe because I wanted more explanations as to what exactly happened. The going back and forth in time that was intriguing in the beginning, surrounding the mystery around Anna’s death, was just confusing at the end.
Thank you to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for an e-ARC of the book.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
Vicky and Anna are two peas in a pod or say they claim. Their inseparable friendship, since their schooldays, survived through everything. From silly pranks to some serious misdemeanours, they’re still as thick as thieves after all those years. Sometimes their friendship even led David to believe that in his marriage with Anna, he was the third wheel. Still, David was leading a happy and comfortable family life with his wife and two kids, Harper and Lewis. But, it all starts to unravel with Anna’s death in what seemed to be a simple road accident. Was it only that? Or was somebody else responsible for her death?
Review:
The story starts on 13 May 2012, when Vicky Dean receives a call from David Price in her hungover state. That Anna was dead and that it was an accident. Vicky’s first thought was: What had they done?
It opens then to a lonely David four weeks later, the truth of having lost his wife not yet sunk in. Louisa Price, his mother, is helping with his kids Harper and Lewis, aged seven and five. But when his mother has had enough and makes him understand that he has to pull himself together and look after his kids, Vicky comes to the rescue in the form of a text message. And then she’s physically there, slowly settling herself into the family life she always craved but didn’t have.
Best friends since the age of thirteen, Vicky and Anna had been separated only during the latter’s University years where she met David. Coming from a well-to-do family, Anna had all the material comforts of life while since her mother’s death Vicky has had to suffer at the hands of her abusive father.
Everything was quiet now, the kind of silence that you only experience at night, dense, oppressive.
It has a perfect domestic setting, which won’t indicate anything untoward had I not read the blurb before. But there are eerie hints throughout, especially the way Vicky drops some of her thoughts or feelings. Narrated in the third person, this story is all about damaged people and their twisted sense of love. Do not speak ill of the dead, but was Anna really the Saint that her husband David made her out to be? Then there’s Vicky, who seems to be the one always suffering because of other people’s actions. And finally, David. Is he the victim in all this manipulation or is he a conspirator too. In everything that happened.
The story goes back into the past to September 1986, the day when Vicky befriended the posh Anna Maxwell. Anna’s nature, and Vicky’s as well, is a revelation throughout the story. The narration moves between the past and the present, with Vicky’s letters to the now-dead Anna establishing a chink in their friendly armour. But, with the story being revealed from each of the three individual’s perspective, whom to believe and whom not to? What is true and what is false? Who is saintly and who’s evil incarnate?
In all of the ensuing drama, my heart went out to the little kids. Without a mother and a father who doesn’t seem to know a thing about them, their habits, or what they like or don’t like, I was glad that David’s family was there to pick up some of the pieces and put it all into perspective for him.
…he could feel some of the broken pieces rattling around inside him start to fit together again, the edges knitting together like a healing wound.
There’s animal abuse as well as physical abuse in the story. This is a chilling story of a toxic friendship with some of the other characters no less venomous. I couldn’t fathom who was the biggest psychopath, as not even the author’s acknowledgement could make me believe ‘that no one’s perfect’. Something obviously didn’t work for me, it all seemed a bit too farfetched is all. Also, the story stretched over for my liking during the build-up to the climax. And, there also, I felt cheated. Maybe because I wanted more explanations as to what exactly happened. The going back and forth in time that was intriguing in the beginning, surrounding the mystery around Anna’s death, was just confusing at the end.
Thank you to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for an e-ARC of the book.
Originally posted on:
Shaina's Musings
August 12, 2019
BFF's is the story of two toxic women in a lifelong toxic friendship. Dawn Goodwin takes us back and forth between Anna and Vicky as they grow from children into women in their early thirties. Neither are necessarily likable, one a lot less than the other, but still watching their train-wreck of a co-dependent relationship was a bit unnerving and entertaining at the same time.
Anna and Vicky are the epitome of polar opposites. They come from the other side of the tracks from each other with Anna growing up privileged and “entitled” ( a trait I loathe). Vicky has little to no opportunity with most of her joy coming from her friendship with Anna. As the young girls develop into young women Anna suggests a sinister plan to help Vicky escape from the abuse she endures at home. With that, Vicky is bound to Anna in a wholly new way and Anna never misses the chance to hold it over her.
The story is told in past and present with the reader witnessing the transformation of their relationship. At one point my heart broke for Vicky ( and broke, and broke, time and again) and it was easy to empathize with her and understand how she comes to love and resent Anna in the same breath. I had little feeling for Anna. Not true – she would be fine one moment, then a complete witch in the next. So my feelings 95% negative.
But this is not just about them. There is a triangle with Anna’s husband David and as Vicky takes over Anna’s life (in her absence), you can see she’s learned a lot about deceit and manipulation from her friendship with Anna. This all plays out in a stunning way as Vicky gets too close, too obsessed, and takes things too far. She makes made choices that left her secrets open for discovery. Long after Anna’s death, she’s still being influenced by Anna’s misdeeds.
This is a well written and well-executed thriller story with characters that are easy to feel. The stress oozes off the page with an ending I never saw coming. 4 Stars and recommendation.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Anna and Vicky are the epitome of polar opposites. They come from the other side of the tracks from each other with Anna growing up privileged and “entitled” ( a trait I loathe). Vicky has little to no opportunity with most of her joy coming from her friendship with Anna. As the young girls develop into young women Anna suggests a sinister plan to help Vicky escape from the abuse she endures at home. With that, Vicky is bound to Anna in a wholly new way and Anna never misses the chance to hold it over her.
The story is told in past and present with the reader witnessing the transformation of their relationship. At one point my heart broke for Vicky ( and broke, and broke, time and again) and it was easy to empathize with her and understand how she comes to love and resent Anna in the same breath. I had little feeling for Anna. Not true – she would be fine one moment, then a complete witch in the next. So my feelings 95% negative.
But this is not just about them. There is a triangle with Anna’s husband David and as Vicky takes over Anna’s life (in her absence), you can see she’s learned a lot about deceit and manipulation from her friendship with Anna. This all plays out in a stunning way as Vicky gets too close, too obsessed, and takes things too far. She makes made choices that left her secrets open for discovery. Long after Anna’s death, she’s still being influenced by Anna’s misdeeds.
This is a well written and well-executed thriller story with characters that are easy to feel. The stress oozes off the page with an ending I never saw coming. 4 Stars and recommendation.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
August 22, 2024
I tried to get into this book, but it just was not for me. I know a lot of people have raved about it. however I just couldn’t get into it. It was a real slow burn. The characters were not that interesting to me at all.
October 1, 2019
Wow! What a great twist in a psychological thriller! Did not see that ending coming AT ALL! I thought I had it all figured and and then...BAM!
This story has so much twisted “stuff” going on. There is jealousy, secrets, tragedy, intrigue, toxic relationships and lots of suspense.
Thank you to NetGallery, the publisher and author for the arc of this book in exchange for a honest review.
This story has so much twisted “stuff” going on. There is jealousy, secrets, tragedy, intrigue, toxic relationships and lots of suspense.
Thank you to NetGallery, the publisher and author for the arc of this book in exchange for a honest review.
June 23, 2019
Best Friends Forever has given me a shit tonne of conflicting emotions. I will get into that in just a sec.
Anna and Vicky have been best friends since high school, completely inseparable and codependent on one another. Anna is smart, devious, manipulative and craves power. Vicky is meek, insecure, and easy for Anna to control because she couldn’t bare to lose the only person who’s ever loved her. There couldn’t be anything more toxic.
My heart aches for Vicky. All she wants is love, her self worth is so ground level that even when people do her terrible wrongs she will still apologise and blame herself. There are so many traumas in her life that you just want to wrap her up and teach her how to love herself again.
Anna is rather despicable. She adores Vicky, she’s the only person she’s ever truly shown herself to - the whole ugly truth. But she’s a massive bitch and effectively shits all over Vicky, the lows outweigh the highs for me personally and I wish Vicky had sacked her off years ago. But no Anna is dead, and Vicky wants a taste of the perfect life she left behind.
Anna’s husband David annoys me when reading from his perspective. How can one be so blind? So cruel? Grief is a complex emotion yes, but to ignore everything so eagerly and then do what he did... I didn’t like it.
Finally, the ending was massively disappointing in my opinion. I have no answers other than how Anna died which honestly isn’t even that interesting. So many things left open, who was sending those letters? What does Rachel do? Does David ever find out he’s a bigger dick than he thought he was?
My overall thoughts are that the plot itself was very intriguing, and it did keep me gripped right until the end. But I came away dissatisfied with an an unfulfilling ending and mostly just felt annoyed with the characters. 3/5 for holding my interest, but it’s a stretch.
Anna and Vicky have been best friends since high school, completely inseparable and codependent on one another. Anna is smart, devious, manipulative and craves power. Vicky is meek, insecure, and easy for Anna to control because she couldn’t bare to lose the only person who’s ever loved her. There couldn’t be anything more toxic.
My heart aches for Vicky. All she wants is love, her self worth is so ground level that even when people do her terrible wrongs she will still apologise and blame herself. There are so many traumas in her life that you just want to wrap her up and teach her how to love herself again.
Anna is rather despicable. She adores Vicky, she’s the only person she’s ever truly shown herself to - the whole ugly truth. But she’s a massive bitch and effectively shits all over Vicky, the lows outweigh the highs for me personally and I wish Vicky had sacked her off years ago. But no Anna is dead, and Vicky wants a taste of the perfect life she left behind.
Anna’s husband David annoys me when reading from his perspective. How can one be so blind? So cruel? Grief is a complex emotion yes, but to ignore everything so eagerly and then do what he did... I didn’t like it.
Finally, the ending was massively disappointing in my opinion. I have no answers other than how Anna died which honestly isn’t even that interesting. So many things left open, who was sending those letters? What does Rachel do? Does David ever find out he’s a bigger dick than he thought he was?
My overall thoughts are that the plot itself was very intriguing, and it did keep me gripped right until the end. But I came away dissatisfied with an an unfulfilling ending and mostly just felt annoyed with the characters. 3/5 for holding my interest, but it’s a stretch.
September 11, 2019
So many things lurking beneath the surface, I didn't know where this was going - great.
October 16, 2024
I think the narrator on the audio book ruined the book for me.
Did not finish
March 19, 2025Best Friends Forever by Dawn Goodwin (2019)
357-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Domestic Mystery Thriller
Featuring: Dawn Goodwin's Bibliography, Dates, Multiple Timelines - Pasts and Present, 1986-2012, UK, Widower, Death of Best Friend, Big Secret Trope, Children, Sexual Assault and Abuse
Rating as a movie: R
Books Mentioned: Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
Memorable Quotes: ‘It won’t, but it will help you feel less… lonely, I guess?’ She reached out and placed her hand on his arm. ‘Look, none of this is easy and I’m no expert, but I do have an inkling of what you’re feeling because I feel it too. I’ve known Anna longer than I’ve known myself really. She was a constant for me since we were teenagers and …’ She swiped at her nose, not wanting to start crying in case it set him off, conscious of the little people in the dining room who didn’t need to see the grown-ups in the kitchen falling apart. ‘You can talk to me, if it helps? We used to spend hours talking and, well, just because she’s gone, it doesn’t mean you’ve lost me too. I think—’
I’ve moved in for a while to help out. Don’t worry, I’m not sleeping in your bed or anything. I’m in the spare room, the one done up just in case someone important comes to stay.
My rating: 🇬🇧🪦🫂DNF @ Page 47 October 1986
My thoughts: 🔖 Page 47 of 357 October 1986 [after chapter 3] - This is boring. I feel bad it's been in my library so long, but it's going to be a DNF.
Why I quit: I found the story incredibly dull, so I looked at reviews, and a few mentioned gang rape and child molestation, so I was out.
Recommend to others: No, but it's very popular at the moment and mostly has great reviews.
357-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Domestic Mystery Thriller
Featuring: Dawn Goodwin's Bibliography, Dates, Multiple Timelines - Pasts and Present, 1986-2012, UK, Widower, Death of Best Friend, Big Secret Trope, Children, Sexual Assault and Abuse
Rating as a movie: R
Books Mentioned: Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
Memorable Quotes: ‘It won’t, but it will help you feel less… lonely, I guess?’ She reached out and placed her hand on his arm. ‘Look, none of this is easy and I’m no expert, but I do have an inkling of what you’re feeling because I feel it too. I’ve known Anna longer than I’ve known myself really. She was a constant for me since we were teenagers and …’ She swiped at her nose, not wanting to start crying in case it set him off, conscious of the little people in the dining room who didn’t need to see the grown-ups in the kitchen falling apart. ‘You can talk to me, if it helps? We used to spend hours talking and, well, just because she’s gone, it doesn’t mean you’ve lost me too. I think—’
I’ve moved in for a while to help out. Don’t worry, I’m not sleeping in your bed or anything. I’m in the spare room, the one done up just in case someone important comes to stay.
My rating: 🇬🇧🪦🫂DNF @ Page 47 October 1986
My thoughts: 🔖 Page 47 of 357 October 1986 [after chapter 3] - This is boring. I feel bad it's been in my library so long, but it's going to be a DNF.
Why I quit: I found the story incredibly dull, so I looked at reviews, and a few mentioned gang rape and child molestation, so I was out.
Recommend to others: No, but it's very popular at the moment and mostly has great reviews.
August 21, 2019
Twists and turns, a little bit creepy - this is a cracking read!
Anna is dead. Her husband, their children and her best friend are devastated. But what really happened? That's what we're here to find out but, trust me, it's not that straightforward. Following the lives of husband David, both children as well as best friend Vicky, we discover a labyrinth of secrets and lies - which to believe?
This is a beautifully structured story, reeling the reader in to understand and sympathise with the main character's plight. She spins a wonderful tale, and I was drawn in from the word go. But how did Anna die? No-one seems to know the full story, but as we travel back to when she and Vicky first met at school, we discover so much about both of them, but it's clear there is something we don't know. As the book unfolds, there is some very clever writing turning us first one way and then another but I had no idea exactly where it was all leading until it was spelled out clearly in the last few pages. Wow, what a read! Masterfully told and riveting throughout, this is absolutely a five star read, and a sparkling one at that.
Anna is dead. Her husband, their children and her best friend are devastated. But what really happened? That's what we're here to find out but, trust me, it's not that straightforward. Following the lives of husband David, both children as well as best friend Vicky, we discover a labyrinth of secrets and lies - which to believe?
This is a beautifully structured story, reeling the reader in to understand and sympathise with the main character's plight. She spins a wonderful tale, and I was drawn in from the word go. But how did Anna die? No-one seems to know the full story, but as we travel back to when she and Vicky first met at school, we discover so much about both of them, but it's clear there is something we don't know. As the book unfolds, there is some very clever writing turning us first one way and then another but I had no idea exactly where it was all leading until it was spelled out clearly in the last few pages. Wow, what a read! Masterfully told and riveting throughout, this is absolutely a five star read, and a sparkling one at that.
May 31, 2022
First book I have read of this author. Read the first couple chapters and then put down for a month or so. Picked back up on a Sunday and couldn’t put back down. Finished on Tuesday! Wished I didn’t have to work or sleep or tend to children! Loved the twists and turns and the unexpected twists!! Can’t wait to read the next novel by this author!
September 23, 2019
Wow Amazing Book
I just loved this book. Anna and Vicky are best friends have been since childhood, by both girls are very flawed and when they become women we see how flawed they really are. It is a thriller of a book and I just couldn't put it down. Excellent read Dawn📕👍👍
I just loved this book. Anna and Vicky are best friends have been since childhood, by both girls are very flawed and when they become women we see how flawed they really are. It is a thriller of a book and I just couldn't put it down. Excellent read Dawn📕👍👍
April 14, 2024
I kind of feel bad for Vicky, but if she didn’t act like she did, she wouldn’t have seemed so deranged
September 28, 2019
Wow. What did I just read? Began this book this morning, and have been reading non-stop since then. Dawn Goodwin’s “Best Friends Forever” is a completely absorbing book. It is the story of two girls who began their friendship in school, and continued being friends till the end of their lives. Anna, the rich,spoilt, arrogant, disdainful girl, with the mind and speech of a manipulator. Vicky, the less fortunate girl, coming from the wrong side of the tracks, basking in Anna’s light, subdued,loyal, ready to do anything to please Anna. They have a pact- you have my back,I’ll have yours.
But how far? How will it end?
5 Stars.
But how far? How will it end?
5 Stars.
October 26, 2019
I had a hard time putting it down
Characters are great. The suspense was erie. I just couldn't stop reading..Before work...after work..instead of getting ready for work!!
This is the first book I've ever rated
Characters are great. The suspense was erie. I just couldn't stop reading..Before work...after work..instead of getting ready for work!!
This is the first book I've ever rated
August 31, 2019
Dawn Goodwin has written a fantastic and emotionally charged thriller complete with oodles of secrets, lies, and drama.
Best Friends Forever is my first read by Dawn Goodwin and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the emotional roller-coaster I was on with best friends Anna and Vicky, throughout the story. Although the characters were not admirable or all that personable, I still had some empathy for several of them. This novel was beautifully structured by the author as she artfully reeled the reader in, spinning a wonderful tale. No-one seemed to know the full story of how Anna died, but as the reader travelled back to when Anna and Vicky first met at school, a great deal about them is discovered but it's clear there are things still to be revealed. As the story unfolds, some sharp and clever writing had me leaning first one way and then another, but I had no idea exactly where it was all headed until the last few pages. Riveting and masterfully told, Best Friends Forever was absolutely a five star read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Aria via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Best Friends Forever is my first read by Dawn Goodwin and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the emotional roller-coaster I was on with best friends Anna and Vicky, throughout the story. Although the characters were not admirable or all that personable, I still had some empathy for several of them. This novel was beautifully structured by the author as she artfully reeled the reader in, spinning a wonderful tale. No-one seemed to know the full story of how Anna died, but as the reader travelled back to when Anna and Vicky first met at school, a great deal about them is discovered but it's clear there are things still to be revealed. As the story unfolds, some sharp and clever writing had me leaning first one way and then another, but I had no idea exactly where it was all headed until the last few pages. Riveting and masterfully told, Best Friends Forever was absolutely a five star read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Aria via NetGalley at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 10, 2019
3 for neural. This book was not for me, I tried on many occasions to read it, but was unable to continue. Being a moody reader, I know it wasn’t due to terrible writing, hence the 3 for neutral! Will update at later time, if able to read and enjoy!
August 22, 2019
I have been a fan of Dawn's work for a little while now. I love a good psychological thriller and Dawn has written a couple of them now. I read the synopsis and it sounded just like my kind of read. I jumped straight in and began to read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Best Friends Forever' but more about that in a bit.
Although I loved the characters of Anna and Vicky, I can honestly say that I didn't warm to either of them at all. Anna comes across as little Mrs. Perfect. She has the perfect life. She is slim, beautiful, has the perfect career, the perfect home life, the perfect husband and the perfect children. She is also a complete narcissist. Anna and Vicky are supposed to have been best friends but I think they would be best described as being best enemies rather than friends. Anna then dies in uncertain circumstances. It doesn't take long for Vicky to want to just step into Anna's shoes and try to take her place. However, questions start to be asked about Vicky's motives as regards taking Anna's place. The situation soon intensifies and soon becomes even more tense and there are undertones of murderous intent.
Oh my word, it didn't take me long at all to get into this book. I got to the bottom of the first page and I just knew that this was going to be one of those books that I would binge read the book over the course of a day. I picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I was still sat there reading over half an hour and 5 chapters later. The pages of the book increased increasingly quickly as my desperation to discover the truth grew and grew. The more I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages were turning. Sadly I got to the end of the book far quicker than I had anticipated. I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
'Best Friends Forever' is very well written. Dawn certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and she keeps that attention all the way throughout the book. I had my own suspicions as to how the story would pan out but my suspicions were wrong. Dawn describes things so realistically that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself. I found myself trying to interact with the book in the sense that I wanted to cry out to warn certain characters of what other characters had in mind for them. I then gave myself a kick and realised that the story is fiction and the characters can't hear me.
In short, 'Best Friends Forever' is one hell of a read and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Dawn's future work. I can't wait to read what she comes up with next. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Although I loved the characters of Anna and Vicky, I can honestly say that I didn't warm to either of them at all. Anna comes across as little Mrs. Perfect. She has the perfect life. She is slim, beautiful, has the perfect career, the perfect home life, the perfect husband and the perfect children. She is also a complete narcissist. Anna and Vicky are supposed to have been best friends but I think they would be best described as being best enemies rather than friends. Anna then dies in uncertain circumstances. It doesn't take long for Vicky to want to just step into Anna's shoes and try to take her place. However, questions start to be asked about Vicky's motives as regards taking Anna's place. The situation soon intensifies and soon becomes even more tense and there are undertones of murderous intent.
Oh my word, it didn't take me long at all to get into this book. I got to the bottom of the first page and I just knew that this was going to be one of those books that I would binge read the book over the course of a day. I picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I was still sat there reading over half an hour and 5 chapters later. The pages of the book increased increasingly quickly as my desperation to discover the truth grew and grew. The more I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages were turning. Sadly I got to the end of the book far quicker than I had anticipated. I was enjoying the author's writing style, the characters and the storylines so much that I just wanted the book to continue.
'Best Friends Forever' is very well written. Dawn certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and she keeps that attention all the way throughout the book. I had my own suspicions as to how the story would pan out but my suspicions were wrong. Dawn describes things so realistically that I really did feel as though I was part of the story myself. I found myself trying to interact with the book in the sense that I wanted to cry out to warn certain characters of what other characters had in mind for them. I then gave myself a kick and realised that the story is fiction and the characters can't hear me.
In short, 'Best Friends Forever' is one hell of a read and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Dawn's future work. I can't wait to read what she comes up with next. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
August 27, 2019
Vicky and Anna were best friends. They shared everything with each other, things that were big secrets that no one but them could know. They were both only children, but other than that, they were complete opposites. Anna lived in an upscale neighborhood and her parents doted on her. Vicky, whose mom had passed away, lived with her Dad and grandma in a poor neighborhood. Anna was definitely the "leader" in the relationship, Vicky was more quiet and reserved and she followed Anna's lead, without question. At times that Vicky would question Anna's action, Anna would manipulate Vicky by threatening to reveal "the secret". Anna was trim and slender with more clothes than she could ever wear, married to a successful man, had two beautiful children, and an exciting career. Vicky lived in a small flat, worked at a failing business and had a history of one night stands. Vicky loved, yet hated Anna and she knew the "real Anna" that others would have been shocked by. Anna had a need to control Vicky and needed to have someone to blame if one of her schemes went wrong. After Anna was killed in an accident, Vicky offered to move in and help Anna's husband, David, with the children. As David's grief begins to heal, questions begin forming in his mind about Anna and Vicky, and their relationship, about the secrets they shared. As things come to light you realize the love/hate relationship, the control/abuse cycle, the truth/lie cycle, the manipulation/abandon factors, the good and bad, and how powerful and overwhelming some relationships can become. Thank-you to Netgalley, Aria Books and Dawn Goodwin for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
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