Friday, February 16, 2024

2.16.2024 - Keep Your Friends Close

Keep Your Friends Close by Leah Konen 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, GP Putnam Sons for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Leah Konen - 4.5 stars!

Newly separated from her wealthy husband and in the midst of a custody battle she's afraid she'll lose to his wealthy family, Mary is desperate for a friend.  When she meets Willa at a playground, she finally feels like someone sees and cares about her.  When she lets a secret fantasy slip after too many drinks on a night out and Willa ghosts her immediately afterwards, Mary just doesn't understand.  Two months later, Mary is trying to move on and build a new life for her and her son in Upstate NY.  On her first day there, she runs into Willa - but Willa is going by Annie now and pretends she doesn't know Mary.  But when Mary's husband, George, is found dead in the same little town, Mary becomes a prime suspect.  Who can she trust now?

This story drew me in right away.  I felt for Mary - she just felt like she never quite fit in with her husband's wealthy family and she finally got tired of his controlling ways.  She was a good mom - worried foremost about her son growing up watching how George treated her.  But when she gets the courage to leave, George threatens to take Alex away - and he has all the money and power on his side.  Told in the POV from both Mary and Willa, in past and present, the story is dribbled out so that you aren't sure who you can trust.  Konen has once again created the perfect thriller to shine light on women's lives.  Loved it!

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