Despite a less than privileged background, Amy Shepherd has done well for herself, rising to become editor of a popular women’s magazine (“Verve”). Amy leads an affluent lifestyle with her husband and young daughter, though the demands of work don’t always leave much time over for family life and the nanny is heavily relied upon.

Reconnecting with old friend from her childhood, Karen - whose life is rather less golden - Amy agrees to give Karen’s ambitious daughter, Josie, some work experience at the magazine and put her up in their home for the duration. But with the advent of Josie it appears all sorts of things are going wrong - just when Amy’s in line for the dream job as editor of Vogue... I mean, Mode. Is Josie really out to sabotage Amy’s life, and if so, why?

Friend of the Family is a fun, well written escapist read. It’s the first book I’ve read by Tasmina Perry (though I’ve had The Pool House on my Kindle now) but I’d definitely read more on the strength of it. The “young woman gets in among middle class family, causes trouble” plot is a bit of a trope these days, but here feels sufficiently fresh to work well. I enjoyed it a lot.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.

Tense, intriguing, twisty. I did quite enjoy it but I failed to get too excited about it. Worth reading for those who like dynamic domestic thrillers though.