Friend of the Family

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.

I love this kind of psychological, character driven read. I devoured it in a couple of days, it was one of those titles that really grips you.

Would really like to read more from Tasmina Perry, I don't know why I haven't read her in the past. I enjoyed the twist at the end, I didn't see it coming and I liked that it wasn't what would have been predictable (Josie being the manipulative character behind everything).

Friend of the Family is a well-crafted story that had me gripped right till the very end. The tension builds slowly, but is skilfully written and I couldn't stop turning the pages. The characters are so real and some scenes stay in the mind as if from a film such is the power of the carefully crafted and compelling writing.

Tasmina Perry is a fantastic story teller, it's so well written that you find yourself totally involved unable to believe the twists and turns that someone will go to to get what they want, Brilliant!

Friend of the family makes for an easy and enjoyable read. You know that someone is set to play with Amy’s mind but who. Who wants to destroy her very successful career and happy home.

Although the book is set over two timelines it’s incredibly well written. Moving between the two seamlessly. And adding mystery to the story.

It’s a page turner and one I enjoyed and recommend.

This is a tale of the relationships and rivalries of the beautiful people involved in the worlds of publishing and fashion. Whilst reading, it is fascinating to have a window into this high powered and glamorous world. However, it is ultimately quite a moral story in that the superficial goals that can seem so important are exposed for their
shallowness in the face of simple qualities of love, loyalty and family. An absorbing read.

I’ve been a fan of Tasmina Perry for as long as I can remember. I loved the bonkbusters and I loved the new directions she’s taken in her career. This book doesn’t disappoint. It has all the Tasmina Perry hallmarks of style and language with a great twisty turny hook. There’s a point when you wonder if the heroine is losing it but it all builds to a great ending. Great book.