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The Silent Friend
10 hours, 14 minutes
One night changed everything.
For Laura and Sandy, one tragic event changed the course of their lives forever.
Now they are the only ones who understand each another, drawn together by the night that changed everything.
But one of them is keeping a secret that could destroy their fragile friendship. Only she knows just how closely their lives are linked.
When the secret is revealed, will their friendship survive? Or will the truth tear them apart?
One night changed everything.
For Laura and Sandy, one tragic event changed the course of their lives forever.
Now they are the only ones who understand each another, drawn together by the night that changed everything.
But one of them is keeping a secret that could destroy their fragile friendship. Only she knows just how closely their lives are linked.
When the secret is revealed, will their friendship survive? Or will the truth tear them apart?
Audible Audio
First published November 4, 2020
About the author
Diane Jeffrey
6 books268 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Diane Jeffrey grew up in North Devon and Belfast in the United Kingdom. She now lives in Lyon, France with her husband and their three children, Labrador and cat.
She has written six psychological thrillers. Her third novel, THE GUILTY MOTHER, hit the USA Today bestseller list. Her fourth novel, THE SILENT FRIEND, was a Karin Slaughter Killer Reads pick for ASDA. THE COUPLE AT CAUSEWAY COTTAGE, Diane's fifth psychological thriller, won the 2023 International Thriller Writers award for the best ebook original novel.
THE OTHER COUPLE is her latest psychological thriller and it kicks off – literally – with a bang: a fatal hit-and-run. A cat-and-mouse tale of revenge, it is set in North Devon and London.
Diane is currently working on her seventh novel.
Diane is an English teacher. When she's not teaching or writing, she likes swimming, running and reading. She loves chocolate, beer and holidays.
Above all, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Author website: https://www.dianejeffrey.com
Readers can also follow Diane on Twitter @dianefjeffrey
or on Instagram @dianefjeffrey
or on Facebook.com/dianejeffreyauthor
or via her website: https://www.dianejeffrey.com
She has written six psychological thrillers. Her third novel, THE GUILTY MOTHER, hit the USA Today bestseller list. Her fourth novel, THE SILENT FRIEND, was a Karin Slaughter Killer Reads pick for ASDA. THE COUPLE AT CAUSEWAY COTTAGE, Diane's fifth psychological thriller, won the 2023 International Thriller Writers award for the best ebook original novel.
THE OTHER COUPLE is her latest psychological thriller and it kicks off – literally – with a bang: a fatal hit-and-run. A cat-and-mouse tale of revenge, it is set in North Devon and London.
Diane is currently working on her seventh novel.
Diane is an English teacher. When she's not teaching or writing, she likes swimming, running and reading. She loves chocolate, beer and holidays.
Above all, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Author website: https://www.dianejeffrey.com
Readers can also follow Diane on Twitter @dianefjeffrey
or on Instagram @dianefjeffrey
or on Facebook.com/dianejeffreyauthor
or via her website: https://www.dianejeffrey.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
January 14, 2022
Two women’s lives will forever be changed after a shocking and terrible event occurs. Laura was on her first trip to France when the event took place. Now, the trauma eats away at her, and she’s finding it hard to pick up the pieces of her life.
She finds an online support forum and befriends Sandrine, but doesn’t know who she really is and what she wants with Laura.
Other reviewers have spoiled “the event”, but I’ll keep that out of my review. It’s also important to note that this is definitely not a mystery/thriller. It’s a drama with strong, and some disturbing, moments.
What I liked:
The writing is fantastic. I felt like we really got to feel the struggles of the two main characters. The whole scene of “the event” is incredibly powerful and tense, and it had me flipping the pages to see how it would unfold.
What I didn’t like:
There are so many issues that the characters face in the aftermath of a traumatic situation, and I feel like the story only scratches the surface. This could’ve and should’ve gone a lot deeper. Motivations for many actions weren’t clear to me, and I would’ve liked to have known more behind the “why” and “how”. The ending wraps up way too neatly, given what happens leading up to it. I found it a bit unbelievable.
I’m an outlier here, and many of my friends loved it. I just felt like it could’ve been more intense and soulful.
2.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to HQ Digital and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Now available.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
She finds an online support forum and befriends Sandrine, but doesn’t know who she really is and what she wants with Laura.
Other reviewers have spoiled “the event”, but I’ll keep that out of my review. It’s also important to note that this is definitely not a mystery/thriller. It’s a drama with strong, and some disturbing, moments.
What I liked:
The writing is fantastic. I felt like we really got to feel the struggles of the two main characters. The whole scene of “the event” is incredibly powerful and tense, and it had me flipping the pages to see how it would unfold.
What I didn’t like:
There are so many issues that the characters face in the aftermath of a traumatic situation, and I feel like the story only scratches the surface. This could’ve and should’ve gone a lot deeper. Motivations for many actions weren’t clear to me, and I would’ve liked to have known more behind the “why” and “how”. The ending wraps up way too neatly, given what happens leading up to it. I found it a bit unbelievable.
I’m an outlier here, and many of my friends loved it. I just felt like it could’ve been more intense and soulful.
2.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to HQ Digital and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Now available.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
October 14, 2020
I had no idea what to expect from this book but this wasn’t it. It was extremely well written, the characters leapt off the page and I thought it tackled a difficult subject superbly. In fact I don’t think I’ve read another book about the aftermath of a mass shooting.
So that’s what this book is about. And it dealt sensitively with issues such as PTSD, panic attacks and survivor’s guilt. It explored the aftermath not just from the point of view of the survivors and their families and friends but also looked at how the family of one of the perpetrators suffered, wondering how they could have prevented such a tragedy. So tick, tick tick all good - the only problem was I didn’t find it thrilling. Nevertheless this book will appeal to those who enjoy a character driven drama. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to Netgalley, HQ Digital and Diane Jeffrey for providing a copy. My opinions are my own.
So that’s what this book is about. And it dealt sensitively with issues such as PTSD, panic attacks and survivor’s guilt. It explored the aftermath not just from the point of view of the survivors and their families and friends but also looked at how the family of one of the perpetrators suffered, wondering how they could have prevented such a tragedy. So tick, tick tick all good - the only problem was I didn’t find it thrilling. Nevertheless this book will appeal to those who enjoy a character driven drama. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to Netgalley, HQ Digital and Diane Jeffrey for providing a copy. My opinions are my own.
June 30, 2022
This is Suspense/Hard Hitting Fiction. This book is not a mystery/thriller. I hated the beginning, and I almost DNF this book. Around 15% the book took a turn and I got pulled into it finally. This is one of those books that really makes you think, and I really love those books. The characters in this book is not super lovable, but they where living through something very hard to life through. I love seeing this event through both sides eyes, and I love the feelings this book pulled out of me. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
November 10, 2020
I really liked this book, though I think it's misclassified as a mystery/thriller- it's more of a story of friendship, family, and personal growth, though with some action and suspense; it reminded me of Belva Plain's writing. The synopsis doesn't give much away, so I won't either, but the book centers on both Laura and Sandrine, who both experience the same horrific event from different perspectives.
The author did an amazing job of communication the fear and confusion that Laura experienced during the scary event- I was able to put myself in her place easily and teared up a couple times thinking about how scary it must have been to experience that and also not fluently speak the language. I raced through that part of the book because it was so exciting.
The representation of Sandrine and her husband Sam and their family dynamics also elicited empathy. I didn't see the surprise coming with their storyline and I really felt for them as the book progressed.
I was satisfied with the ending of the book- both characters showed personal growth and understanding and I felt that their journeys were both realistic and hopeful.
I would definitely recommend this book, though be prepared for the fact that it's heavy. The fact that the author could make me walk away feeling pretty good about a storyline that has so many sad pieces to it is an amazing feat. I would be interested in reading more by this author for sure. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The author did an amazing job of communication the fear and confusion that Laura experienced during the scary event- I was able to put myself in her place easily and teared up a couple times thinking about how scary it must have been to experience that and also not fluently speak the language. I raced through that part of the book because it was so exciting.
The representation of Sandrine and her husband Sam and their family dynamics also elicited empathy. I didn't see the surprise coming with their storyline and I really felt for them as the book progressed.
I was satisfied with the ending of the book- both characters showed personal growth and understanding and I felt that their journeys were both realistic and hopeful.
I would definitely recommend this book, though be prepared for the fact that it's heavy. The fact that the author could make me walk away feeling pretty good about a storyline that has so many sad pieces to it is an amazing feat. I would be interested in reading more by this author for sure. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2020
A very emotive and current read that will will shock you
Laura and Sandy are about to experience a night they would rather, much rather, forget, a life changing event/experience that the world will also watch and be disgusted and horrified by, both see it from a very different angle, equally repulsive....BUT from this shocking and dreadful night they form a friendship, something new, something they hold onto, a good thing to come out of their joint misery and pain....honesty is the key to this special relationship...so why is one of them building it on a massive lie and what will happen when the other finds out?
It is really difficult to not give anything away while am writing this, the story and plot foxed and outwitted me at least three times and so you want every reader to experience that but am also itching to tell you just to show how good and how clever this book is
The beginning, the lead up and the actual event had me sat up and drinking in every word, it felt very real and very tense and the rest of the book followed suit as the story got more involved and even more shocking
This is really a brilliant book, well written, involving, fascinating and will stay with you for a long time
It would also make a great film
Outstandingly good
10/10
5 Stars
Laura and Sandy are about to experience a night they would rather, much rather, forget, a life changing event/experience that the world will also watch and be disgusted and horrified by, both see it from a very different angle, equally repulsive....BUT from this shocking and dreadful night they form a friendship, something new, something they hold onto, a good thing to come out of their joint misery and pain....honesty is the key to this special relationship...so why is one of them building it on a massive lie and what will happen when the other finds out?
It is really difficult to not give anything away while am writing this, the story and plot foxed and outwitted me at least three times and so you want every reader to experience that but am also itching to tell you just to show how good and how clever this book is
The beginning, the lead up and the actual event had me sat up and drinking in every word, it felt very real and very tense and the rest of the book followed suit as the story got more involved and even more shocking
This is really a brilliant book, well written, involving, fascinating and will stay with you for a long time
It would also make a great film
Outstandingly good
10/10
5 Stars
November 2, 2020
This book was quite the eye-opening surprise. From the cover and the blurb, you’d NEVER guess what this book is about, and I’m not going to tell you, because it’s one of the most shocking scenes I’ve read lately in a thriller. (Although I’m not sure I’d call this a traditional domestic thriller...it is one in a way, and it sure does bring the scares and emotion.)
The book begins with a group of friends taking a girls’ trip, continues with two strangers interlinked by a tragedy, and really raises a lot of important and scary emotional issues about the world we currently live in. Much deeper and packs much more of an emotional punch than many books in this genre.
I probably would not have chosen to read this book if I had known the subject matter ahead of time, but I’m so glad I did, because it’s so well done. The characters are so fully realized. You feel their pain, cringe at some of the things they do, and ultimately root for their happiness. A gripping, emotional, thoughtful and thrilling book - often sad but also full of hope. So worth reading.
Thanks to Harper Collins, NetGalley and Diane Jeffrey for the advance copy of this book.
The book begins with a group of friends taking a girls’ trip, continues with two strangers interlinked by a tragedy, and really raises a lot of important and scary emotional issues about the world we currently live in. Much deeper and packs much more of an emotional punch than many books in this genre.
I probably would not have chosen to read this book if I had known the subject matter ahead of time, but I’m so glad I did, because it’s so well done. The characters are so fully realized. You feel their pain, cringe at some of the things they do, and ultimately root for their happiness. A gripping, emotional, thoughtful and thrilling book - often sad but also full of hope. So worth reading.
Thanks to Harper Collins, NetGalley and Diane Jeffrey for the advance copy of this book.
November 9, 2020
Laura and Sandy survived a tragic event that has changed their lives forever, as well as the lives of many, many others. Laura and Sandy, as well as two of their friends, were in a very lively nightclub when there was a terrorist attack. Laura experienced the attack first-hand as a hostage and Sandy lost her son in the attack.
Not the best of friends to begin with, this event has brought them together in a stronger way.
One of them is keeping a secret, a secret that, if revealed, will threaten their friendship.
This is a suspenseful read that starts at the very beginning and holds at a steady pace until its thought-provoking ending. The characters are solidly drawn and will not be soon forgotten.
Many thanks to the author/ HQ Ditgital / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 3, 2020
For Laura and Sandy, one tragic event changed the course of their lives forever. Now they are the only ones who understands each other,drawn together by a night that changed everything. But one of them has a secret that could destroy their new found friendship. When the secret is revealed, will their friendship survive or will thent4uth tear them apart?
This is definitely a book I don't want to say too much about as it reads better the kess you know. Sandy and Laura experience a horrible event. But one of them has a secret that could destroy their new found friendship. The plotline is complex. This is a hewrtwrenching and relevant story that crosses many boundaries and times. You'll be thinking about this story long after you've finished it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HQ and the author #DianeJeffrey for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is definitely a book I don't want to say too much about as it reads better the kess you know. Sandy and Laura experience a horrible event. But one of them has a secret that could destroy their new found friendship. The plotline is complex. This is a hewrtwrenching and relevant story that crosses many boundaries and times. You'll be thinking about this story long after you've finished it.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HQ and the author #DianeJeffrey for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2021
I went into this book expecting a thriller, full of cliff-hangers and suspense. What I actually read was more of a coming-of-age, emotional drama that reflects on two women’s experience of a very fateful night.
The subject matter of this book is quite close to the bone. When Laura is caught up in a terrorist attack at a concert in France, it sets off, naturally, a very long road to recovery. The narrative switches between Laura and Sandy, also known as Sandrine. It is revealed that she has also been affected by this terrible night, but in a very different way. Over the internet, the women strike up a friendship yet, both remain ‘silent’ about key elements. For Laura, it’s the full details of what happened that night; with Sandy, it’s how she was impacted by the terrorist attack. Whilst Sandy’s silence is far more profound, they both symbolise the characters over-coming the trauma that has been caused by this event.
I was really surprised when I saw the plot development. It headed in a direction that I was not expecting. I think that if the blurb had been more clearer, I probably would not have read the book. For me, I could not help but be reminded of the terrorist attack that happened in Manchester at an Ariana Grande concert: in other words, this book was too close to the bone and too realistic of known, tragic events.
This is a story that is swamped in emotion. Readers follow Laura and Sandy’s path of recovery and how the people around them accept the consequences. It was really profound to see the strength that both women pull upon and I think this reflects the growth of their characters. Indeed, whilst reading this book, I could not help but feel incredibly sombre. This is a credit to Jeffrey’s writing because it is so vivid and interesting, even if the subject matter did not suit.
I know I say this a lot, but this is another example of a different book to ones I have read before. I don’t think I would like to read another story about a terrorist attack, and certainly not one that depicts it in the way that Jeffrey has done. Although the novel focuses on the emotional recovery, it’s a drama that I would tend not to read. Reading another Jeffrey book in future, I hope the subject matter is incredibly different.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The subject matter of this book is quite close to the bone. When Laura is caught up in a terrorist attack at a concert in France, it sets off, naturally, a very long road to recovery. The narrative switches between Laura and Sandy, also known as Sandrine. It is revealed that she has also been affected by this terrible night, but in a very different way. Over the internet, the women strike up a friendship yet, both remain ‘silent’ about key elements. For Laura, it’s the full details of what happened that night; with Sandy, it’s how she was impacted by the terrorist attack. Whilst Sandy’s silence is far more profound, they both symbolise the characters over-coming the trauma that has been caused by this event.
I was really surprised when I saw the plot development. It headed in a direction that I was not expecting. I think that if the blurb had been more clearer, I probably would not have read the book. For me, I could not help but be reminded of the terrorist attack that happened in Manchester at an Ariana Grande concert: in other words, this book was too close to the bone and too realistic of known, tragic events.
This is a story that is swamped in emotion. Readers follow Laura and Sandy’s path of recovery and how the people around them accept the consequences. It was really profound to see the strength that both women pull upon and I think this reflects the growth of their characters. Indeed, whilst reading this book, I could not help but feel incredibly sombre. This is a credit to Jeffrey’s writing because it is so vivid and interesting, even if the subject matter did not suit.
I know I say this a lot, but this is another example of a different book to ones I have read before. I don’t think I would like to read another story about a terrorist attack, and certainly not one that depicts it in the way that Jeffrey has done. Although the novel focuses on the emotional recovery, it’s a drama that I would tend not to read. Reading another Jeffrey book in future, I hope the subject matter is incredibly different.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2021
Wow! This book kept me up late into the wee hours at night and I was totally into this book. Laura takes a trip to France with her friends and the unthinkable happens when they go to a concert. Laura and her friends find themselves in a horrific situation in the midst of a terrorist attack and are held as hostages and it all unfolds unlike anything I’ve ever read! I felt EVERY SINGLE emotion while reading this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
October 21, 2020
When I read the title and saw the intriguing cover I surmised this will be a crazy, dark psychological thriller.
Could I be more further from the truth?
This book alternates between two female characters over a course of one LONG YEAR. It talks about
SURVIVOR GUILT,
BEREAVEMENT, GRIEF,
MASS MASSACRES/SHOOTING and carnage.
MOTHERHOOD
RADICALISATION/RELIGION effects on people
It tells us how after being victim to a MASS MASSACRE EVEN IF YOU ARE SPARED YOUR LIFE and might heal physically the psychological and mental wounds are INDELIBLE.
THIS IS A POIGNANT, MAUDLIN , RAW STORY OF TWO VERY DIFFERENT KINDS OF VICTIMS.
We read about LAURA from Northern Ireland, a young, docile, introvert who is one of the victims of a horrific mass shooting and terrorist activity. She takes an all girls trip to Lyon with her three girlfriends. She has flying anxiety and gets a bad feeling about this trip but she decides to take this trip as her favourite local band is playing there and also because she had constantly been nixing all the plans earlier and gives in this time.
This trip turns out to be a NIGHTMARE FOR LIFE for the soft hearted Laura. She KEEPS A SECRET AND IT IS KILLING HER EVERY MOMENT.
SANDRINE (staying in LYON), our next character is a doting mother of two boys and a dutiful wife. She loves her family and her children to bits. The incident affects her in a deep, gnawed manner where she is left with a PERMANENT QUESTION MARK.
LAURA makes SANDRINE (a pen friend who she has never met) privy to her tight KEPT SECRET, they develop an uncanny but miraculous bond.
LIKED:
- Easy storytelling
- page turner
DISLIKED:
- Long winded drivel
- Repetitive
Its a decent fictional read but not a thriller. I liked reading this book and would love to read more books from the author.
#TheSilentFriend #NetGalley
Could I be more further from the truth?
This book alternates between two female characters over a course of one LONG YEAR. It talks about
SURVIVOR GUILT,
BEREAVEMENT, GRIEF,
MASS MASSACRES/SHOOTING and carnage.
MOTHERHOOD
RADICALISATION/RELIGION effects on people
It tells us how after being victim to a MASS MASSACRE EVEN IF YOU ARE SPARED YOUR LIFE and might heal physically the psychological and mental wounds are INDELIBLE.
THIS IS A POIGNANT, MAUDLIN , RAW STORY OF TWO VERY DIFFERENT KINDS OF VICTIMS.
We read about LAURA from Northern Ireland, a young, docile, introvert who is one of the victims of a horrific mass shooting and terrorist activity. She takes an all girls trip to Lyon with her three girlfriends. She has flying anxiety and gets a bad feeling about this trip but she decides to take this trip as her favourite local band is playing there and also because she had constantly been nixing all the plans earlier and gives in this time.
This trip turns out to be a NIGHTMARE FOR LIFE for the soft hearted Laura. She KEEPS A SECRET AND IT IS KILLING HER EVERY MOMENT.
SANDRINE (staying in LYON), our next character is a doting mother of two boys and a dutiful wife. She loves her family and her children to bits. The incident affects her in a deep, gnawed manner where she is left with a PERMANENT QUESTION MARK.
LAURA makes SANDRINE (a pen friend who she has never met) privy to her tight KEPT SECRET, they develop an uncanny but miraculous bond.
LIKED:
- Easy storytelling
- page turner
DISLIKED:
- Long winded drivel
- Repetitive
Its a decent fictional read but not a thriller. I liked reading this book and would love to read more books from the author.
#TheSilentFriend #NetGalley
November 7, 2020
I don’t really want to talk too much about this book because I think that, like me, you need to go into it without any preconceived ideas about the plot. I will say that I found it very different to Diane’s previous books and less of a psychological thriller than an emotive drama that’s very much driven by two women who become friends in rather unusual circumstances. Their connection is explored via their heartfelt and emotional emails after they are brought together following the terrible night that changes both their lives forever.
The Silent Friend kept me glued to my sofa during my week off work and even through it surprised with its subject matter, I’m glad I didn’t know more before I read it. I think it hits you harder as you discover things at a similar time to the characters although Laura is kept in the dark for longer than Sandy is. The main twist occurs quite early in the narrative but Laura remains obvious until nearer the end. It’s a study in family and forgiveness that has a very topical plotline. The scenes set in France are, ofcourse, wonderfully vivid due to Diane living over there and I did find her descriptions of the hospital scenes very difficult to read due to my own family circumstances so I completely understand the emotions that were flying around Laura and her loved ones.
I hope I’ve given you enough to be intrigued by this wonderful book without spoiling anything for you. It’s a tough read at times due to the subject matter but it’s handled delicately without being judgemental. The Silent Friend is a brilliant read with plenty of talking points raised so I think it would make a great book club read as well. Definitely recommended!
The Silent Friend kept me glued to my sofa during my week off work and even through it surprised with its subject matter, I’m glad I didn’t know more before I read it. I think it hits you harder as you discover things at a similar time to the characters although Laura is kept in the dark for longer than Sandy is. The main twist occurs quite early in the narrative but Laura remains obvious until nearer the end. It’s a study in family and forgiveness that has a very topical plotline. The scenes set in France are, ofcourse, wonderfully vivid due to Diane living over there and I did find her descriptions of the hospital scenes very difficult to read due to my own family circumstances so I completely understand the emotions that were flying around Laura and her loved ones.
I hope I’ve given you enough to be intrigued by this wonderful book without spoiling anything for you. It’s a tough read at times due to the subject matter but it’s handled delicately without being judgemental. The Silent Friend is a brilliant read with plenty of talking points raised so I think it would make a great book club read as well. Definitely recommended!
July 5, 2023
This powerful domestic drama showcases the devastating impact of terrorism on a terrorist's family members and victims.
Yes, "The Silent Friend" is a not-so-silent commentary on sensitive subject matter that is not for the faint-hearted.
Unfolding from two POVs of a terrorist's mother and a hostage victim in alternating timelines, the book never misses a beat.
Characterizations are strong with a storyline that is well-written, fast-paced, and ultra-compelling.
I listened to the audiobook read by Michele Moran.
Although Michele Moran did a superb job with the narration, the book would have benefited from two different narrators since it unfolded from two POVs.
4.5 stars
Yes, "The Silent Friend" is a not-so-silent commentary on sensitive subject matter that is not for the faint-hearted.
Unfolding from two POVs of a terrorist's mother and a hostage victim in alternating timelines, the book never misses a beat.
Characterizations are strong with a storyline that is well-written, fast-paced, and ultra-compelling.
I listened to the audiobook read by Michele Moran.
Although Michele Moran did a superb job with the narration, the book would have benefited from two different narrators since it unfolded from two POVs.
4.5 stars
November 3, 2020
The book flicks between the lives of the two main characters, Laura and Sandrine. It is a book that everyone can relate and has very in the now content as something similar happened some years ago.
Laura is in her twenties, works in Belfast where she lives and was brought up. She has a small group of friends which she is happy with and likes to keep people close. Her best friend Claire has twisted her arm to go on a holiday to Lyon to see a band perform.
Sandrine is married to Sam and has two teenage boys Antoine and Max. She worries constantly about her family, mostly her boys. They live in Lyon and have just returned home where Antoine announced he has a new job at a concert hall.
One night both of the women's lives change forever. As the pair converse over email, one of them harbours a secret that could blow their friendship apart.
I cant really say much more without spoiling it for other readers but it is one of the best books I've read this year.
The author is very descriptive when she writes about feelings and emotions and less about the actual incident. I felt like I was in the book, hearing, seeing and smelling everything that happened.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Laura is in her twenties, works in Belfast where she lives and was brought up. She has a small group of friends which she is happy with and likes to keep people close. Her best friend Claire has twisted her arm to go on a holiday to Lyon to see a band perform.
Sandrine is married to Sam and has two teenage boys Antoine and Max. She worries constantly about her family, mostly her boys. They live in Lyon and have just returned home where Antoine announced he has a new job at a concert hall.
One night both of the women's lives change forever. As the pair converse over email, one of them harbours a secret that could blow their friendship apart.
I cant really say much more without spoiling it for other readers but it is one of the best books I've read this year.
The author is very descriptive when she writes about feelings and emotions and less about the actual incident. I felt like I was in the book, hearing, seeing and smelling everything that happened.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 22, 2021
First off, The Silent Friend was really not what I was expecting. A bloody good read, nonetheless.
This book explores the lives of the two main characters, Laura, a victim of a terrorist attack and Sandrine, the mother of one of the terrorists. For me, this really was more of a psychological drama than a psychological thriller as it dealt with how two women are affected by the same horrific event in different ways. Yes, there were secrets and lies but it lacked anything that would make it a thriller but there's plenty of emotion and drama to make up for it.
The Silent Friend has a unique plot with well defined characters that take you on an emotional roller coaster, as we see how these two women deal with loss, grief and trauma.
A thought provoking, heart wrenching read.
This book explores the lives of the two main characters, Laura, a victim of a terrorist attack and Sandrine, the mother of one of the terrorists. For me, this really was more of a psychological drama than a psychological thriller as it dealt with how two women are affected by the same horrific event in different ways. Yes, there were secrets and lies but it lacked anything that would make it a thriller but there's plenty of emotion and drama to make up for it.
The Silent Friend has a unique plot with well defined characters that take you on an emotional roller coaster, as we see how these two women deal with loss, grief and trauma.
A thought provoking, heart wrenching read.
May 13, 2021
Wow. I wasn't sure what to expect with this one but after seeing it recommended on social media I decided to request on NetGalley, and then saw the audiobook available at my library. I am finding the audiobooks more engaging these days as I have been struggling with my concentration.
Did this book engage me! Wow, the narrator was superb. I love the Irish accent anyway, and Michele Moran did a spectacular job of showing the trauma and devastation of the incident. I listened to it in 2 days which tells you something!
The characters were absolutely fascinating and really showed the reader different sides to every story. The perspectives and time frames were so effective and I loved it.
Highly recommend.
Did this book engage me! Wow, the narrator was superb. I love the Irish accent anyway, and Michele Moran did a spectacular job of showing the trauma and devastation of the incident. I listened to it in 2 days which tells you something!
The characters were absolutely fascinating and really showed the reader different sides to every story. The perspectives and time frames were so effective and I loved it.
Highly recommend.
October 16, 2020
Underwhelmed and boring. The story was drastically overly descriptive without a need to. It seems like just words filling a page to meet quota. The characters aren't relatable and did not pull me into the story. The toggle back and forth between present and past did not help the back story. It was a really hard book to get through.
Thank you to HQ and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to HQ and NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2020
Love thrillers and this one was right up my alley.
Picked it up and didn't want to put it down.
Great writing style. And overall a fantastic book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an early release of this book..
Picked it up and didn't want to put it down.
Great writing style. And overall a fantastic book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for an early release of this book..
December 28, 2021
Laura's dream holiday turns into a nightmare, one terrifying night, Laura and a group of her friends going to see their favourite band live. The night will end in devastation, leaving Laura with horrifying flashback, and memories she can't erase. Desperate to find others feeling the same, she joins an online support group and begins to talk to Sandrine. But as theirs deepest thoughts and feelings are shared, one of them are holiday back an awful secret. A secret, that once revealed, will rip the new friendship apart.
What an absolutely incredible book. Switching to before and after, both Laura and Sandrine. I can't put into words how this book has left me feeling. It's such a thriller of a book, with so much happening but it's put in such a brilliant way. There's so many conflicting emotions for Sandrine, and the whole book is just non-stop an emotional rollercoaster. I haven't read a book like this before, so much packed inside. I couldn't put it down, I've literally more or less read it in a day. I've made myself stay awake until now to finish it, I needed to keep reading.
If you're looking for a book that will make you shocked, make you feel so many emotions, this is the book for you. My words really do not show how good this book is.
What an absolutely incredible book. Switching to before and after, both Laura and Sandrine. I can't put into words how this book has left me feeling. It's such a thriller of a book, with so much happening but it's put in such a brilliant way. There's so many conflicting emotions for Sandrine, and the whole book is just non-stop an emotional rollercoaster. I haven't read a book like this before, so much packed inside. I couldn't put it down, I've literally more or less read it in a day. I've made myself stay awake until now to finish it, I needed to keep reading.
If you're looking for a book that will make you shocked, make you feel so many emotions, this is the book for you. My words really do not show how good this book is.
November 12, 2022
This is one of those amazingly powerful books that didn't really hit me until then end when I realized it had transformed me in a way that can't be explained! Each of the characters is on a trajectory they are unaware of (word and context will be explained as you read) that hurtles them to self-discovery and empathy for others. Protagonists Laura and Sandrine are on opposite continents but their lives will collide unintentionally when Laura goes on a "girls' trip" and attends a concert where the unimaginable happens. Enough said. Just go in blind and prepare to have your emotions assaulted with concepts that you've (hopefully) only read about. I couldn't put this down and I will be pondering these truths for a long time!
September 4, 2022
This novel was misclassified as a thriller/mystery, but it is actually a heavy emotional drama.
I was hoping there would be a plot twist at the end, but alas, there wasn't one. There was nothing that could have caused me to bump up the stars.
This book made me want to read "We Need to Talk About Kevin" though.
I was hoping there would be a plot twist at the end, but alas, there wasn't one. There was nothing that could have caused me to bump up the stars.
This book made me want to read "We Need to Talk About Kevin" though.
April 5, 2021
I almost threw in the towel after a few chapters but persisted through the ‘scene setting’ between both Laura and Sandrine until it became clear how their two stories intertwined.
I was gripped yet overwhelmed with the absolutely terrifying terrorist attack in Leon that Laura has to endure as a hostage and the months that followed with Laura slowly building herself back up after it.
I was SO disappointed that there was literally no ending. No unexpected shock twists at the end and I was left wanting more than ‘closure’ for Laura. Definitely misclassified as a mystery/thriller.
I was gripped yet overwhelmed with the absolutely terrifying terrorist attack in Leon that Laura has to endure as a hostage and the months that followed with Laura slowly building herself back up after it.
I was SO disappointed that there was literally no ending. No unexpected shock twists at the end and I was left wanting more than ‘closure’ for Laura. Definitely misclassified as a mystery/thriller.
October 29, 2020
An emotional read from two prospectives
Thanks to netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review
October 9, 2020
A duel, timeline thriller slipping between the present day and recent past and between Ireland and La Belle France. Meet Laura, the reluctant, plain friend who'd do almost anything other than go on the annual girlie holiday - a holiday with far reaching consequences. Gripping thriller.
October 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this book - It was a great read filled with several twists and honest explorations of big issues.
I appreciated the care that Diane Jeffrey took in describing the violent acts in this book. She focused more on people's emotions rather than the brutal events that happened to them - and I found that to be a very powerful approach.
I loved that the story unfolded through two different perspectives - It was perfectly executed and I loved that email messages were included in the story.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and to Jeffrey herself for giving me the chance to enjoy this great read!
I appreciated the care that Diane Jeffrey took in describing the violent acts in this book. She focused more on people's emotions rather than the brutal events that happened to them - and I found that to be a very powerful approach.
I loved that the story unfolded through two different perspectives - It was perfectly executed and I loved that email messages were included in the story.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and to Jeffrey herself for giving me the chance to enjoy this great read!
October 4, 2020
Read through netgalley
This was a thriller I was not expecting at all. More of an exploration of the feelings and impact of the events on the people left behind.
Really very sad and kept me guessing what would happen.
The story starts with the account of laura, who goes on holiday with her friends only for something awful to happen- this is only part of the story though.
I liked the characters and found myself thinking about the plot a lot as I read it.
Would definitely recommend.
This was a thriller I was not expecting at all. More of an exploration of the feelings and impact of the events on the people left behind.
Really very sad and kept me guessing what would happen.
The story starts with the account of laura, who goes on holiday with her friends only for something awful to happen- this is only part of the story though.
I liked the characters and found myself thinking about the plot a lot as I read it.
Would definitely recommend.
November 17, 2020
The Silent Friend by Diane Jeffrey is a gripping contemporary psychological thriller that will have you glued from the start.
The story is split into the time periods of ‘before’ and ‘after’ as well as alternating between two voices. It is cleverly and uniquely constructed, enabling the reader to become emotionally invested in both the main characters before a jaw dropping reveal.
Both main characters have similar traits – they both have strained family relationships and are consumed by guilt, continually questioning what they should or could have done to alter the outcome. I had empathy for both as their struggles were ‘real.’
Within the novel the reader witnesses a character face and overcome their fears. This showed tremendous personal strength and determination.
Part of the novel is in the form of letters and emails. The reader by then is privy to secrets and therefore the correspondence has a great impact on us.
The Silent Friend was a terrific read but also a scary one psychologically – not just the main event but the fall-out for the family. It was easy to put myself in both main characters shoes and imagine how I would feel – guilty and grieving, totally shattered, continually questioning myself.
Diane Jeffrey is a marvellous author and one of my (ever growing list) favourites. I always ‘live’ through her novels rather than just read them. The Silent Friend is both powerful and disturbing and a book I can highly recommend.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The story is split into the time periods of ‘before’ and ‘after’ as well as alternating between two voices. It is cleverly and uniquely constructed, enabling the reader to become emotionally invested in both the main characters before a jaw dropping reveal.
Both main characters have similar traits – they both have strained family relationships and are consumed by guilt, continually questioning what they should or could have done to alter the outcome. I had empathy for both as their struggles were ‘real.’
Within the novel the reader witnesses a character face and overcome their fears. This showed tremendous personal strength and determination.
Part of the novel is in the form of letters and emails. The reader by then is privy to secrets and therefore the correspondence has a great impact on us.
The Silent Friend was a terrific read but also a scary one psychologically – not just the main event but the fall-out for the family. It was easy to put myself in both main characters shoes and imagine how I would feel – guilty and grieving, totally shattered, continually questioning myself.
Diane Jeffrey is a marvellous author and one of my (ever growing list) favourites. I always ‘live’ through her novels rather than just read them. The Silent Friend is both powerful and disturbing and a book I can highly recommend.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
December 19, 2020
This is one of those books that the less you know about the storyline, the better.
I have to admit that what I got from this book was different from what I was expecting. There are some secrets and lies but it didn’t feel like a psychological thriller. I’ve seen some others liken it more to a drama, maybe a psychological drama might be a better representation? Either way though, it is a brilliant read and one I will be recommending to everyone.
The story flicks between the two main characters Laura and Sandy. I found myself warm to both women very quickly. Their lives are turned upside down after a tragic event, of which my heart went out to them both. It is a story that I think will give the reader much food for thought. When you read it for yourself you will understand. I liked how the whole storyline played out and the epilogue was all that I had hoped it to be. I’m sorry if I’m being quite vague but less really is more with this book.
The Silent Friend is one powerful and gut punching read. The horrors of the event that bring the two main characters in to contact, wow, just wow! I kept having to remind myself to breath as I felt like I was there seeing it all for myself. My emotions were all over the place as I tried to put myself into both women’s shoes. If you only read one book this year, then this one has to be it. Breath-taking!
I have to admit that what I got from this book was different from what I was expecting. There are some secrets and lies but it didn’t feel like a psychological thriller. I’ve seen some others liken it more to a drama, maybe a psychological drama might be a better representation? Either way though, it is a brilliant read and one I will be recommending to everyone.
The story flicks between the two main characters Laura and Sandy. I found myself warm to both women very quickly. Their lives are turned upside down after a tragic event, of which my heart went out to them both. It is a story that I think will give the reader much food for thought. When you read it for yourself you will understand. I liked how the whole storyline played out and the epilogue was all that I had hoped it to be. I’m sorry if I’m being quite vague but less really is more with this book.
The Silent Friend is one powerful and gut punching read. The horrors of the event that bring the two main characters in to contact, wow, just wow! I kept having to remind myself to breath as I felt like I was there seeing it all for myself. My emotions were all over the place as I tried to put myself into both women’s shoes. If you only read one book this year, then this one has to be it. Breath-taking!
February 2, 2021
I really don't know what say. 🤷♂️
despite of the touching plot about two points of view of the same tragedy, everything looks so linear. I missed some roller coaster suprises.
Not bad. Not Good. Maybe good enought.
December 22, 2020
This was such an emotional, heart wrenching book. It’s similar in style to The Dilemma by BA Paris. I fell in love with Laura’s character. She’s so sweet and endearing. I loved being a part of her healing and growing process. And I can’t even imagine being in Sandrine’s position. I read so few books about Irish characters and I just loved this one!
Thank you so much to HQ and NetGalley for allowing me the privilege of reading this book in advance for my totally honest review.
Thank you so much to HQ and NetGalley for allowing me the privilege of reading this book in advance for my totally honest review.
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