Rating: 3.4/5

This was one of those occasions where I was debating whether this was a 3 or 4 star book. There are sections of this novel that are exceptionally well done, but there were also a few too many lulls in proceedings, which ultimately persuaded me to (just) come down on the side of the lower mark.

The observational characterisation of the relationship between Bec and Izzy is excellent. Are they the very best of friends ... or the very best of frenemies? Polly Phillips does a wonderful job of homing in on the toxicity that can exist below the surface of certain friendships. There are numerous delightfully cringeworthy moments when you can see situations developing. You sense that the potential for a major emotional car crash is just around the bend - but at the same time you can't (and don't want to) stop yourself from rubbernecking.

There is much to like and enjoy about this debut novel. I would certainly recommend it and I will look out for the next offering from Polly Phillips.

Bec and Izzy’s friendship has lasted the years with a few ups and downs but since Bec has gotten engaged she’s noticed a shift in the way Izzy treats her. Bec is sure it isn’t jealousy because Izzy has the perfect home, perfect family and perfect life. Suddenly Bec feels very imperfect and can do no right by Izzy’s standards. Then Izzy is found broken at the bottom of the stairs and Bec is sure to be suspect number one…
This thriller is a great addition to the genre and the way Polly Phillips captures those little nuances of a toxic friendship is so well crafted. I was intrigued from page one and obviously, as with any thriller, had my own theories in mind as to where it would go and I am so glad I didn’t see the ending coming! It isn’t the fastest pace mystery but that gives Phillips time to really pad out these characters, their histories and the subtleties in their behaviours around one another.
This book has everything you could possibly want in a flawless thriller.

A mystery surrounding a toxic friendship between two young women, interspersed with jealousy and competition. I was literally glued to my seat until the end!

Great storyline, plenty of intrigue and the plot moves along well. Not so much of a whodunit as a why in the end.

A good read from this new author for me which kept me involved in the story line, it didn't really keep me on the edge of my seat and I found it easy to read and put down. Nevertheless all the characters were described well and I can recommend this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster UK for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster UK for a copy of this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly, I didn't fully read the synopsis (which is common for me when reading thrillers) so I was actually surprised to learn who the victim was part way through the book.

I liked the viewpoint of our main character Bec. She is coming to the realisation of she wants in her life, and how people treat her, and I liked to see it.

I loved the twists and turns, and I really liked Bec's thought patterns as she tries to decipher the events that led to the victim's death.

Bec and Izzy have been best friends through thick and thin – and while Izzy’s life always seems to have come out on top, Bec’s hasn’t been as fortunate. Not everyone sees their friendship as being wonderful however, and when Izzy’s body is discovered – after a series of incidents that have you questioning how friendly the two really are – Bec knows she could be viewed as the prime suspect. Don’t the police always look at a victim’s nearest and dearest before spreading the net further? This is a dark, at times uncomfortable tale about friendship and how easily it can be manipulated for another’s gains. Entertaining is the wrong word given the subject matter but it’s certainly gripping and really nicely written.

Dark Side Of Friendship Is Toxic.....
The dark side of a friendship is definitely toxic. Bec and Izzy, best friends forever. When a death occurs who becomes suspect number one? Engaging suspense, rather a slow burn but with a compelling narrative and ultimately a tense read.

Interesting and addictive read. I have found myself thinking about this one even when not reading.
Completely unique and unpredictable.

I really enjoyed this story!

The characters are all thoroughly unlikable but I genuinely couldn’t guess what was going to happen! Story of 2 women and a rather toxic friendship and those around them (who are also deeply unlikable).

Read through netgalley but would recommend thoroughly

* spoiler alert ** Pretty sure we all know of people like Izzy.... they invented toxic friendships.
You think they're your best friend,and they are ,as long as nothing you do is better than what they do.

Opening with a body on the floor,the book then sets a very wide scene on how it got there.
The who's and whys.
It could have been anyone.
I guessed at a few,but never the actual culprit.

So thanks for the surprise!

An enjoyable read.

This book sounded good to start with and was quite promising. The start was slow and I struggled to stick with it however I persevered. The plot was fairly predictable and there was no major twists. The characters were interesting though.

I received an advance copy of, My Best Friend's Murder by, Polly Phillips. Bec and Izzy have been best friends their entire lives, but things were strained. Then Izzy is found dead. Did Bec kill Izzy? This book was ok, a little slow, especially getting started.

#MyBestFriendsMurder #NetGalley
A mind blowing thriller.
Bec and Izzy have been best friends their whole lives. They’ve been through a lot together – the death of Bec’s mother, the birth of Izzy’s daughter, Bec’s engagement.But there’s a darker side to their friendship, too – and Bec is about to reach breaking point.Then Izzy is found broken and bloodied at the bottom of the stairs.It could have been an accident – perhaps she fell – but if the police decide to look for a killer, then Bec is sure to be their prime suspect.
I loved it's characters, narration and dialogues.
If you're a thriller fan then you must go for it. It's a complete package.
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for giving me an advance copy.