I love this thriller. It actually kept me on the edge of my seat the entire read wondering what was going to happen next. I felt like I knew the characters it was actually afraid for them. I highly recommend this one.

Why did their happy daughter try and take her own life?
When a stranger approaches Danny, saying he knows who’s to blame, Danny is tempted, despite Sharon’s reservations. And when his new friend offers them revenge, how can he walk away?

Thus is a good thriller mystery novel. The writing was on point.
As I kept reading it did get a little predictable to me.
Overall I loved the characters. I felt for them.

ANOTHER FAST-PACED GRIPPING CRIME THRILLER
If you’re a Charlie Gallagher fan, you’ve met George Elms, and you’ll also be familiar with the Harry Blaker/Maddie Ives partnership. In the first in a new series The Friend introduces the unlikely pairing of D I Joel Norris and D S Lucy Rose.
An ex-sergeant in the Tactical Support Group, Joel has been thrown into an investigative D I role in a new setup in Major Crime by his superintendent. His first job is to investigate a headless corpse that has been washed up on the beach.
Who is the Friend who approaches strangers seemingly to do a good deed, but in fact just manipulating them to do his own dirty work? Why does he want to completely wipe out an entire family?
As the body count rises, including that of an undercover police officer, it looks as if Joel has been set up to fail. See how the initial animosity from his team (of one!!), Lucy Rose begins to thaw as the investigation races to a climax.
As ever the author skillfully brings the different threads of the plot together in a tense finale, whilst gradually introducing us to two new main characters, of whom I’m sure we are going to learn a lot more as the series progresses.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I think I should have been reading this in order and would have given this a higher rating. I actually enjoyed this like police procedural books and I am going to go back and order the previous books.

Another masterpiece by Charlie Gallagher!! Hooked right from the start, could not put this down!!!
Highly recommend!!!

Clever! Rather than get their own hands dirty the murderer expertly and deviously manipulates others to do the deeds under the misconception that they themselves have been terribly wronged by that person. Blackmailed and forced into a corner they have no choice and you really get a feel of their helplessness and anguish. Dark themes under the central theme of child abuse and grooming and the feelings this instilled in the families of victims. The plot unfolds slowly and tantalisingly and has plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes leading to an exhilarating conclusion.

A deep, dark, twisted thriller. It’s the type of book that makes one ask the question,”who comes up with this stuff?!” The first quarter of the book was a bit slow, but that was because it was laying the complicate ground work of what was to come. If you enjoy a great thriller this one is for you. Thanks to NetGalley for the early ARC.

Well written mystery thriller that took me way out of any comfort zone. Gruesome, gory, deceitful, manipulative and extremely violent. I enjoyed the investigation by DS Rose and DI Morris later in the book, as events began to make more sense. I did not like the shroud of evil presented here, nor any of the characters. All were unlikeable. Spoilers for child pornography, spousal abuse, suicide, mental health, addiction, and much more. There was nothing positive or uplifting about this story.
Thank you to Mr. Gallagher, Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Charlie Gallagher's new book, The Friend, is a stand-alone story and I'm pretty sure it will evolve into a series. His previous books, The Langthorne Series and Maddie Ives series were outstanding reading and it helped that I read them in order. Doing this makes you understand how the main character evolved. DI Joel Norris is his new character: funny, flawed, and on point!

The story begins with Callie, a young teenage girl who finds herself trapped in a situation that she's afraid to share with family. Without going into detail, let me share this quote from her: "Evil isn't shrouded in black, beckoning from the darkness under the bed. It doesn't make itself known. Evil is slow, quiet and patient. It is the shadow consuming a smoker's lung. It is the person who pretends to be your friend so they can silence you forever." This is a pretty powerful emotion and one that, I am sure, will draw you into reading this book. And, as you get further in to the story, you'll meet Danny (Callie's father) and you're going to feel every single emotion and desperation, every fear, helplessness to the point that he no longer feels human!

Honestly, once I was done reading, I felt as if I was in mourning. The storyline revolved around deception, manipulation, control, and rage. This was a totally new plotline for me. I could not put this book down! Charlie, thank you again for scaring the wits out of me!

And thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this AC! You rock!

This is a slick, pacy detective story with a complex, twisting plot that keeps you guessing for a satisfying amount of time. It's really clever because you are witness to the murderer and their methods but the why and who is elusive, so there is still a sufficient amount of tension to make this a thrilling read. The unpacking of the murderer's activities also gives you the race against time element which means that if, like me you are impatient, you zip through this in no time. It was a little graphic at times (violence, not sex), which made me think a bit of the granite noir genre, very much along the lines of Stuart MacBride's novels, but as I love those, this was a great comparison for me. I will definitely be looking into Gallagher's previous works.

I have never read a plot quite like this before. Its one amazing non stop action thriller, set against a backdrop of ordinary family life.
Not the usual police procedural. We know the crimes and we learn who committed them. However someone is out to get their own revenge rather than leaving it to the police and the judicial system. The mysterious investigator and does he speak the truth or is it all lies? Is he being a helpful friend?
Danny a minor football celebrity, is set up by a stranger, a private investigator, to get revenge for the people responsible for putting his fifteen year old daughter into a coma, from which she might not recover.
Original, intricately plotted with many surprises, twists and turns Highly recommended. I thoroughly enoyed it.

This is a new set of characters for Charlie and having read all his other books, I have to say it didn’t grip me like the previous books.

It’s a dark tale, and the beginning starts off with Danny meeting a stranger who seems to know the answers to his problems. He claims he’s “a friend” and knows the answers. Well with friends like that who needs enemies!

More murders occur and it’s up to him and DS Rose to find out who’s behind it.

Although I’m not a police officer, and Charlie is, I found it a bit strange that for such heinous crimes, there were only two officers doing all the work! Usually there is a plethora of officers, but there was just DS Rose and DI Joel Norris solving the crimes.

The characters themselves were likeable and I’m sure with a bigger team and more insight into them it will make a good new series.

My thanks to Charlie, the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.

This is the first book I have read by this author. It won’t be the last.

When a headless body washes up on a Kent beach, Newly promoted DI Joel Norris is thrown in the deep end and asked to investigate his first murder case. As other bodies start to pile up and it seems that the murders could be linked to each other, DI Norris will have his work cut out for him as he tries to discover who is responsible.

A great thriller with plenty of twists which kept me guessing until the end.

Really enjoyable read kept me gripped throughout and guessing looking forward to more in the series! Highly recommended

Danny Evans is struggling with events in his life, his daughter is in a coma after attempting to take her own life after being sexually groomed, he's living in a hotel after his wife told him she couldn't cope with his excessive drinking. He is approached in the pub by a nan who states he knows who groomed his daughter. This sets up a chain of events that continues like a cat and mouse chase throughout the book. Di Morris us called in to solve the crimes, with a new colleague. This was a great book, a well written thriller.
I received this book from Netgalley and publishers in exchange for an honest review

Well done Charlie Gallagher! Another superb read! In my opinion, this book started differently to most of Charlie’s others in that it was a slower start - then 15% into the book - I was completely hooked!

The books starts with a young girl overdosing in a park. Then jumps a month to a ‘has been’ footballer being approached by a stranger in a bar who later tells him he knows why his daughter overdosed and who caused her to do so............and that starts a roller coaster ride for Danny Evans, the footballer and later Richard Maddox an older man in mourning for his wife who was knocked down and killed by a hit and run driver! That’s all I’m going to say about the plot, you can get more (if you need it!) from others or the book itself but suffice to say that there’s a lot more to the plot than you first believe!

This book pushes the boundaries for these men......how much and how far would you go to get revenge? That’s what these guys soon find out, thanks to that stranger in the bar! It’s a white-knuckle ride from then on right to the exciting end of the this book! I think it’s Charlie Gallagher’s forte and mission to test how long I (and doubtless other readers) can hold our breath at the end of his books!

I have read reviews by others who say this book is better suited to men but I, for one, don’t feel that at all. I absolutely loved it and I’m very grateful to NetGalley for providing me with a copy in return for an honest review.

Honestly - read it! You won’t regret it! And you’ll get better at holding your breath - great for underwater handstands in the summer!

Once again, well done Charlie Gallagher, you’ve done it again!

Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy of this gripping page turner. A totally unique storyline of manipulation and revenge. This is the first murder investigation DI Joel Norris has led on and what a case it is! Absolutely brilliantly written with twists and turns. My first taste of a Charlie Gallagher thriller definitely won't be my last. Highly recommended.

Wow!

What an addictive, totally engrossing book! I literally could not put this book down.

Wonderful storyline that keeps you guessing. So well written.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for ARC

This is my first read by this author. I enjoyed the twists and turns. It was a great book and I will be looking for more by this author ASAP!

Excellent read, such a different plot and style from previous books. It had me totally engaged right from the start with twists and turns that kept me guessing right to the end. The concept of the plot was unique and so cleverly written I recommend you set aside time as you will not want to put it down.

A heart pounding thriller filled with so many unexpected twists that will keep you at the edge of your seat.

The Friend shows it’s readers that one would do anything for their loved ones, even if it means murder.

This thriller begins with the victim, Callie Evans, a young teenage girl who is riddled with so much trauma that taking her life is the only solution she thinks is available. Instead, she is hospitalized after her suicide attempt and is surrounded by her family rallying behind her. Callie’s father, Danny Evans, is hailed as a local celebrity. But Callie’s suicide attempt makes him spiral out of control as he seeks vengeance for those involved in the acts that led his daughter into this dark place. This father’s quest for vengeance is complicated and his life quickly becomes intertwined with many others who all share one common goal: Justice.

There are so many twists and turns that you really cannot piece the whole case together until the very end. I will definitely be reading more books from this author.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book pre-publication.

If I had not previously read Charlie Gallagher's books I could have been a bit concerned that what he was trying to do would work. There were so many sub plots. In fact it takes a while to figure out what the actual plot is.
But I have read all of Charlie's books and I know that he is a master at this. He can take seemingly dangling threads and leave the reader with a denouement as tidy and awesome as a bride's French braid.
This, in my opinion, is his best book yet. We have the rough, tough ex TSG commander coming back from stress to take over a new 'flying squad' that will take a role above CID and MIT. Only he has no squad and no resources, just a bunch of new murders that cannot possibly be connected and he's billy no mates with colleagues.
Cyber bullying by paedophiles. Attempted suicide. Mental breakdowns. Washed up football players (well it is Dover). Old soldiers AND a six year old daughter who beats him at laser quest.
One thing I like about Charlie's books is he doesn't use red herrings. Evertthing you read has meaning.

I love this authors books and so I had great expectations of this latest one and it surpassed every one of them. Gritty and gripping with an intense and unusual storyline (you can read the description on the blurb of the book) it drew me in from the beginning and kept me guessing throughout. A must read for all crime lovers and a huge 5* from me. Thanks to the author, Netgalley and Avon books for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book. From doing sending out the mirror review well

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Danny and Sharon's daughter attempted suicide. Her parents were trying to figure out why. This book captured my attention from the beginning

I enjoyed this book for the twists and turns of the plot and the underlying theme about how vulnerable and flawed individuals can be manipulated by determined and motivated psychopaths. The reader is introduced to the victims first: a young girl whose shame at the hands of an online abuser leads her to want to take her own life and then her father, Danny Evans, a former local football legend, who is offered a tempting opportunity for vengeance and justice by a stranger. The detective investigating the outcome of these events is introduced later when things start getting deeper and darker and in many ways the investigation itself is much less interesting than the compelling account of how Danny and his family are pulled into a complex plot of revenge and subterfuge. This is the first time I have read this author and I will certainly seek him out again. Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read it pre-publication

The Friend was one of those books that had me hooked from page1. I was thoroughly invested in the characters and was constantly on the edge of my seat reading about what was happening to them. I read this in one sitting as I couldn't put it down, however I did find it a tough read in places.

PHENOMENAL! STUPENDOUS!
7⭐!
THE FRIEND kicks off with a horrendous, heartbreaking, inexplicable incident. This leads to a different sort of horrifying event and then yet another. Perilous, heart-stopping entanglements spiral out of all control. An atmosphere of spine-tingling malevolence permeates the pages with heart-pounding, terrifying suspense. The heinous machinations being orchestrated point to a hair-raising mysterious plot of Machiavellian proportions that is chilling to the bone. As the menacing situation escalates pieces of the mind-boggling puzzle begin to fit together, culminating in a dynamite revelation and explosive finish that you'll never see coming.

THE FRIEND IS A MUST READ!

Once again Charlie Gallagher has provided another brilliant book. I have followed this author since his first book and he just keeps getting better and better. Another gripping story that had me on the edge of my seat with many oh my gosh moments when I was taken aback by what was happening. A great duo of new detectives who I hope we will see their relationship develop n future books, The story itself held my attention throughout the book, it really is a wild ride, quite dark but very cleverly put together. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

An outstanding new offering from a brilliant crime author!!
I really hope this is the first in a new series; engaging characters, tightly plotted and with a clever storyline this is Gallagher on top form.

Getting into the story, this book is very dark,
as we start a new series, Danny Evans is such a mixed up man in his life. I did find however that I wasn't suited to reading this book It's more in a man's world, but above all from this author it is definitely full of action.

New characters as we are introduced to DI Joel Norris and the team, ex footballer known as The Beast who was Danny Evans is still coaching for Dover Athletic is a troubled man, living away now from his family his wife and children he spends all his time mostly in the Duke Inn Pub drinking his daughter Callie is still fighting an overdose and in a coma in hospital a stranger has done this to them all and Danny is out for murder. Above all I think this book is more suitable as a man's read, as I did tend to struggle along the chapters, as a big fan of this authors work, I did find this one a bit hard going for me.

Absolutely gripping storyline, just when you think you’ve got it the plot takes a twist. Fantastic read couldn’t put it down. Descriptive language takes you right in to the story. Another huge success from Charlie Gallagher.

The Evans family are barely functioning after the attempted suicide of Callie, their teenage daughter. When Danny, her father, is approached by a stranger with answers, we are drawn into a complex mystery where nothing is as it seems.

This book was glacially slow in the beginning and I picked it up and put it down several times, debating if it was worth continuing. It’s roughly half way through when a twist reveal suddenly speeds everything up and the book becomes instantly more interesting. I liked Joel as the police character, but Lucy was rather irritating. The most believable character for me was Richard. I really felt for him and understood why he behaved as he did.

It’s well written in the main, though I found the tone of the banter within the police conversations a little jarring and out of place- it felt falsely jocular. The second half was well paced and cleverly done. It’s a real shame it takes so long to get going!

I’d definitely read more books by this author as the storyline was great. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.

After one in my view slow beginning it became an entertaining fast read. A father tries to find out why his daughter tried to kill herself. Somehow I can see this book being good movie material.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this thriller!

Another great book by Charlie Gallagher. I have read all of his previous books and am never disappointed. This book will keep you up into the small hours. The characters stories are sad and someone takes advantage of that to manipulate them into committing acts that they wouldn’t normally do. I look forward to seeing how the new detectives evolve in what I hope is a new series of books.

I am a huge fan of Charlie Gallagher’s other series, so was excited to try this.

Slower to start than most of the others - I think while we’re being introduced to the new DI Joel Norris.

I didn’t feel particularly attached to any of the characters, but I did enjoy the dynamic between Joel and his reluctant DS Lucy.

As usual full of twists and turns I wasn’t expecting but I did get a little lost at some points. Once it got going it’s a real page turner that have me thinking about it even away from the pages.

If you’re a crime lover then definitely give this a go!

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC

Amazing! Loved this book, loved the characters and the plot, A well written dark thriller, I’m hoping this is the start of a new series and look forward to learning more about D.I Joel Norris and D.S Lucy Rose in the subsequent books to follow

With a friend like this who needs enemies?
Great read from Charlie Gallagher and reading wondering how it was all going to end.
Great plot that goes full circle and has you guessing.

This is my first read of Charlie Gallagher and will not be my last. A hugely entertaining thriller which kept me turning page after page; unable to stop.

D I Joel Norris is coming back from an illness and is paired with D S Lucy Rose who seems to have little faith in her superior officer.

Danny and Sharon Evans are desperate for answers as to why their teenage daughter tried to take her own life, leaving her in hospital fighting to survive. Danny, somewhat of a local hero is approached in a bar by a stranger who tells him he knows the reason and the people responsible. For his daughter’s attempted suicide. A chain of events starts and Danny finds himself in right the middle of it.

The body count rises, including an undercover police officer, and initially there appears to be no connection.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Avon Books and Charlie Gallagher for my ARC of The Friend in return for my honest review.

Thrilling, face paced and cleverly plotted. Highly recommended.

Just finished this book last last night, found it hard to put down! It is a long read but a very good one. A few unexpected twists in this but really enjoyed the plot turns. I do hope there will be a series as im interested in seeing how the working relationship between DCI Joel & DS Rose develops. Very well written book and I enjoyed it very much.

This was better than I thought it was going to be and I enjoyed it was a thriller/suspense with some family issues. Well written. Creepy AF. Loved the multiple twists and turns throughout. PLUS, IT WAS NOT PREDICTABLE!! Predictable books are a huge turn off for me. I highly suggest this and would read another book by Charlie Gallagher in the future.

All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, Charlie Gallagher and Avon Books UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 4/1/21

Great new book From Charlie The Friend, I have read his previous books and miss Maddie and George however have a new character in Joel. The story is a slow burn with a good story development as people are hurting are manipulated. I literally couldn’t put the book down.

Another great book by Charlie Gallagher. I loved her previous series so was looking forward to reading this. I wasn’t disappointed, gripped from the beginning with twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. It makes you think how some people can be manipulated by some disturbed individuals. An excellent read and I would recommend this book and author.

THE FRIEND - Charlie Gallagher
Avon Books, UK
ISBN-13: 978-0-00844-552-2
2021, April 1
Mystery

Kent, England- The Present

Danny Evans, well-known locally as a football player and coach, is separated from his wife Sharon and son Jamie. His fifteen-year-old daughter Callie is comatose in the hospital due to a drug overdose. A child molester had blackmailed her and four of her friends into taking intimate photos of themselves. He has been drinking too much, and a man who claims he is a private investigator working for another client tells him that Marcus Olsen is the man who abused his daughter. He inveigles Danny into killing the child molester. Soon more bodies are found.
Detective Inspector Joe Norris had been off work for a month. His boss, Superintendent Debbie Marsden, brings him back to begin an investigation of a headless body found on Dover's beach. Then the body of policewoman Hannah Ribbons is found. Detective Sergeant Lucy Rose is assigned to him, but she shows little respect believing he doesn't have the background for such an investigation. Their investigation is also hampered by the dysfunction between police departments. Plus another man, Richard Maddox, whose wife died, has also been deceived into committing murder and becoming another dupe to use by the real murderer.

In THE FRIEND, author Charlie Gallagher, a policeman himself, has written an intricate mystery while sharing viewpoints from both some of the crime perpetrators and from the small investigative team. DI Norris has the mind and talent of an exceptional investigator despite DS Rose's initial skepticism. Even learning the grotesque crimes some characters have committed, the reader will still develop empathy for the problems those characters have faced. The further the reader gets into the story, the more compelled they will be to complete it. If you enjoy crime novels, you need to read this one.

Robin Lee

The Friend is an action packed police procedural that certain my has no shortage of bodies. Danny and Sharon Evans’ daughter is unconscious in hospital after trying to take her own life. When a stranger approaches Danny saying he knows who is responsible, Danny is tempted to act on this information. He’s offered a chance at revenge but will he be able to walk away? This book is a dark, tense thriller that will have you hooked. It’s the first in a new series and I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books and the author for the chance to review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for the arc of The Friend by Charlie Gallagher.

4 Stars- This follows a young girl whom is overdosing in the park... then there is lets call it a month or so time skip into the future, then former footballer is in a bar and then someone random and a stranger approaches him and says he knows who caused her overdose and even why.... then theres another man who lost his wife and then its a huge rollercoaster of events happen but this is all I am going to say... you MUST i mean it MUST read this! you will not be disappointed in fact you'd be immensely shocked and gripped and thrilled at this thriller, recommend to all.

4 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another masterpiece by Charlie Gallagher.
I could not put this book down! A fast paced crime thriller.
Just brilliant!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy of The Friend, the first novel to feature DI Joel Morris of the Kent Police.

When a headless body washes up on Dover beach newly promoted DI Joel Morris is asked to investigate and then another death adds to his caseload, although he’s the only one seeing a link. In the meantime professional footballer Danny Evans is struggling to cope with his teenage daughter’s overdose and is tempted, despite his wife’s reservations when a stranger offers a chance for revenge.

I have read and enjoyed all Mr Gallagher’s previous novels but I must admit that I initially struggled to get involved with The Friend. The premise is intriguing, but it moves frequently between characters and doesn’t really give the reader time to settle in and grasp exactly what is going on. There are too many threads and no early reveals, but once it gets going, just before the half way mark, with reveals and the police investigation, boy, does it go and becomes quite compulsive.

This is a novel about grief, the corrosive anger it evokes in some men and their need to blame someone, but mostly it is about manipulation. I spent much of the novel shaking my head at how easily Danny Evans was manipulated into taking a stranger’s word about events, but, then, I’ve never been in his situation. The author does a great job of explaining his feelings and thoughts, but I can’t get it, that overpowering need to act. It simply didn’t resonate with me.

Although it is slow to start, requiring a lot of groundwork and scene setting, the plot is absorbing and warped in the mindset of the perpetrator. I really hope that it is the product of the author’s twisted imagination, rather than something he has seen in the course of his duties, as I wouldn’t like to think that there are real people like that.

I liked spending time with DI Joel Morris and his sidekick DS Lucy Rose. As the only members of a proposed elite crime squad it is unusual to see such a small investigative team, but there are hints of growth to come so perhaps there will be a more standard type of investigation in the future. They have a good dynamic with the occasional funny line and lots of insubordination from Rose.

The Friend is a good read after a slow start.

When Danny and Sharon's daughter kills herself, her grief struck parents are left with a lot of answers.

In order to find questions, Danny makes decisions that determine the course of the story.

I really enjoyed reading this one, I love a good thriller with twists.

This is a new series featuring DI Joel Norris and his team. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books by Charlie Gallagher and I certainly enjoyed this thriller. It's dark, full of menace and suspense, and very clever writing. Although slow to start, the pace and action quickly picked up and drew me in. Danny, a footballer, is sucked in to a plot full of revenge and manipulation. The book is very well written, with an original storyline and I would recommend it to lovers of thrillers. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Gore score 🗡
#1 in the DI Joel Norris series.
Danny and Sharon’s daughter is lying in a coma after trying to take her own life after being groomed and then blackmailed. Their marriage is firmly in the rocks, Danny is in a downward spiral he has lost his career as a professional footballer, and is seeking solace in the bottom of an empty bottle when he is is offered answers and a solution by someone who befriends him in a bar.
Joel is in a new team having returned from sick leave following stress caused by a previous case. His character develops nicely throughout the book, and I really took to him, he really cares.
His partner is DS Rose who is a strong feisty no nonsense cop. She is a part of the team strictly with her own agenda.
I like the light tone of the easy reading writing style.
It grabbed my attention quickly.
It’s fast paced. OMG what a cleverly intertwined plot.
I engaged with Richard. My heart went out to him.

Wow! This is an amazing, compelling and entertaining thriller that had me gripped from the first page, with twists and turns throughout that I never saw coming. I absolutely loved this, as it kept me on the edge of my seat, and fully engaged as the drama unfolded. A true definition of “page turner!” I found it difficult to put this down and read it within two sessions.

The best part of this for me was the fact the locations and scene settings were all places that I knew in Kent, making it so much easier to visualise whilst reading. I’d love to see an adaptation of this for TV or film.

A fast paced, explosive read that must be read. This is the first book I have read by this author but I am already a fan and can’t wait to read more!

A very unique storyline! With brilliant twists and turns, i highly recommend! I was gripped the entire way through, it was very well written and not what i was expecting as my first book from this author.
And hands down what got me gripped was it was not predictable!
You will never see the end coming, even as you begin fitting the puzzle pieces together.
The Friend is a must read for all!

Creepy, edge of your seat crime thriller.
Loved the sound of it and it didn't disappoint.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book

Charlie Gallagher returns with new main characters.

The Friend is a well paced and very interesting book with two excellent main characters who definitely bounce off each other and have plenty of scope to grow.

The book has a number of twists and picks up the pace until the very end and definitely kept this reader entertained.

Highly recommended

I have reviewed most of Charlie's books so I'm not sure whether I am best positioned to provide a subjective review of The Friend. Not sure an objective review is possible.
I have reviewed many mystery/murder/thriller books and read many before prior to commencement of my reviewing timespan. What I look for in a book to give 5 stars is firstly a really good storyline, secondly 3 dimensional primary characters i.e. not only do you get details of who, what and when events but you also get depth of character so that you can associate with them and understand them more. Thirdly twists and turns that ideally provide me with a ' didn't expect that' reaction.
I found the George Elms books to be superb reading but I did find the Maddie Ives set not as fulfilling and I remember noting in one or two reviews that I just didn't get to know Maddie (3rd dimension).
So I was really pleased to see that for the next book Charlie has provided a new character set but still based in Kent. So is this book a sideways development or a move forward?
Well I would say it is a massive step forward. The book is superb and the characters are beautifully described in the right amount of detail. I also feel it is Charlie's best book and is definitely one of the best I have read.
So it doesn't matter if you haven't read any earlier books please go for this one. I'm sure you will love it

I really enjoyed this book. Being from the area that Charlie Gallagher sets his novels in it’s great to have the opportunity to support a local writer. I felt ‘The Friend’ was a little different to the Maddie Ives and George Elms books and I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot.

This was everything I hoped it would be and more. The story centres on the Evans family whose daughter is in hospital after attempting to commit suicide, and her dad who is approached by a stranger who seems to have the answers as to why she tried to take her own life.

The story shows how easily vulnerable people are to manipulate, and the lengths people will go to for revenge.

The story is dark with a disturbing storyline which is something I have come to expect from this author. I was disappointed when the author ended his previous series, the outstanding DI Maddie Ives series - which I highly recommend, however after reading this book I feel a new, equally exciting and chilling series has just begun.

Fading local football star Danny Evans doesn’t know how to handle what’s happened to his 15-year-old daughter. She’s lying in hospital in an induced coma after trying to take her own life, and Danny can do nothing to solve the problem which caused his little girl to feel such despair. So, when a stranger approaches him to say he might be able to help. That he can do what the police never could and find answers, find someone to blame, it’s not long before Danny takes him up on his offer.

Is this stranger who says he just wants to help get justice for Danny’s daughter really so selfless. Or will Danny have to pay big for this gift of revenge?

For DI Joel Norris the first body was supposed to be a simple case to get him back after his breakdown. Will it be too much to handle as it becomes clearer that his first murder case is part of a much bigger plot?

A clever story which manages to hold multiple separate plotlines and character perspectives together. The pacing is spot on as we gradually unravel what’s happening, and understand who is pulling all the strings. As an introduction to DI Joel Norris and his new regional major case team, it’s an excellent start. DI Norris is a refreshing lead detective. He’s coming back from a breakdown, but is open about his mental wellbeing and not trying to hide that he had to take some time for himself behind any kind of boorish machismo. He’s clever, precise and committed and able to empathise with the victims and witnesses. A bit like Karin Slaughter’s GBA agent Will Trent, but with more self confidence and without the passive aggressive approach to his boss and relationships.

Joel’s female companions could do with a bit more fleshing out, as they are the weak point of this first book. His boss is a strong-willed female Superintendent who has developed the idea of this new squad and put Joel in charge. He doesn’t seem quite sure of her motivation, but also makes it clear that he can use persuasion and confidence to get around the bureaucratic barriers in place, so doesn’t need her shouting the odds as she’s offered to do. That leaves her as quite a flat one-dimensional character who will definitely need more work to be of value to future books.

Joel’s DS, and currently only actual member of Joel’s team, Lucy Rose is slightly better developed, but not by much. She joins the squad because an early victim is a cop and friend of Lucy’s. Lucy makes it quite clear that she thinks her friend is being let down by having a senior investigating officer with no murder case experience in charge. She’s also clear that the assignment to the new squad is temporary. There are some good moments between Joel and Lucy which suggest they could work well together. But, this is mostly the Joel show to give him the opportunity to prove that he’s up for this new challenge, so Lucy’s ability to shine is limited. There’s only one witness with whom Lucy has a better rapport than Joel, but it’s Joel who immediately becomes invested in helping this witness deal with their domestic situation.

Hopefully the next books in the series will help develop these characters more and provide more of a sense of team. There’s definitely a solid foundation here for a new detective series and I’m looking forward to finding out where it goes next.

Danny Evans seems to have it all, a wife and two children and then the unthinkable happens. His daughter Callie tries to kill herself, after she becomes the victim of an online predator, leaving her in a coma.

Danny is approached by a P.I. and offered the chance of a lifetime. He is given the option of revenge on the man who victimized his daughter. What he doesn't know is that he has now set off a chain of events in a deadly diabolical game for his life and the lives of those he holds most dear.

This was my first book by Charlie Gallagher and it will not be my last. The story was dark, intense and filled with moments that actually had me at the edge of my seat. It hold your attention from the very first page and doesn't let you go and begs the question, how far would you go to get revenge when you can't get justice?

I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy original, creative and diabolical story lines.

The Friend by Charlie Gallagher is my introduction to the writing of this popular author, and I was unaware that this was the start of a new series. As a fan of Harlan Coben's writing, and hearing comparisons made, I wasn't sure if this would live up to my high expectations, but my concerns were unfounded. This is a dark and compulsive thriller that does not let go,

Callie Evans attempts to take her own life. Her parents, Danny and Sharon, are at a loss to explain how their daughter could have resorted to such desperate measures. When a somewhat dubious stranger approaches Danny suggesting that he has the answers the couple seek, even offering to pursue revenge, Danny finds himself entering into a high stakes game, one that will end with no winner.

DI Joel Norris enters into this terrifying game when he is tasked with solving two seemingly unconnected murders, and knows that his actions might mean the difference between life and death.

This is a tantalizing start to a new series that promises to both intrigue and chill.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an ARC of this title.

I am such a huge fan of Charlie Gallagher now that I read The Friend. The brilliance of this novel sits in how despicably twisted the plot is. The themes that Gallagher covers in the sneaking-ly harmless named novel THE FRIEND are heart wrenching focusing on the extent a person goes to in order to obtain justice for their family and the extent a person would go to to save their family from dismantling in front of their eyes.

Charlie Gallagher does creepy like nobody’s business! Never fails. Go ahead. Get invested & let him creep you out, too😵

Danny and Sharon Evans have been left devastated whilst their teenage daughter lies in a coma. Who was responsible? A stranger comes forward claiming to have the answers, but does the information come at too high a cost?

This was a great read, I was drawn in from the very first chapter.

A gripping page turner of a novel. This is a must read for anyone who loves crime drama.

Thank you to #AvonBooksUK and to #NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

If I could give this more than 5 stars, I definitely would!!

Charlie Gallagher is an exceptional writer who uses his words to paint a perfect picture of the scenes that are unfolding on the page as the reader makes their way through the story.

I was hooked from the very first page. I could not put this book down, even for a minute and stayed up way too late wanting to finish it.

This is my first Charlie Gallagher book and I have become an instant fan.

I am looking forward to exploring more of what this author has to offer.

How would you cope if your young daughter tried to take her own life? If she felt the only way to escape what had happened was to end it all? Could you move on, make changes, look for ways to protect those closest to you, or would you want revenge?

Danny Evans is a successful lower league professional footballer, mainly with his local club, Dover Athletic, but he reached the heady heights of playing for Gillingham! It was the life he always wanted and with wife Sharon, children Jamie and Callie, and dog Zinedine he thought he had achieved the perfect life. Then Callie tried to kill herself and everything fell apart.

Now Danny lives in a hotel, drinking himself into a stupor most nights, while bemoaning everything that's happened and the incompetence of the local police.  So when someone tells him he knows exactly who caused all his problems, and why the police failed to act, he suddenly sees an end to his suffering, the prospect of getting his family back and of taking his revenge, no strings attached.

DI Joel Norris was the leader of the local Tactical Support Group when the responsibilities got too much for him but he's getting back to a place where he can return to work confident the past is really behind him. Heading up a new department was supposed to be a slow reintegration but that was before Dover was rocked by a horrific killing and he was asked to take charge of the investigation.

This is the first in an explosive new series by Charlie Gallagher and wow! I was hooked from the first page. Joel is a great character with a dry humour which raises a smile even when the situation is dire. His new, reluctant, partner, DS Rose is less easy to read. She is loyal, determined and tight lipped but gives no hint at what she thinks of those around her or her situation unless she has a point to prove.

The new series has to follow the very successful Maddie Ives set of books which are very big boots to fill. Joel Norris absolutely does this and for a large part of this book I had no idea how the police would solve what was a fiendishly clever plot. The way it all came together was eminently satisfying and I have no doubt Joel will give all fans of this author's work another great series to savour.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a brilliant start to a new series and absolutely unputdownable!

Loved this one! So easy to read and lots of twists and turns along the way. Definitely a quick read and one I recommend.

Returning to work after stress leave, DI Joel Norris is tasked to set up a new team to investigate the murder of a headless corpse. The case takes a different turn when the apparent suicide of a local hero and the grooming of his daughter take the investigation on a more sinister path. Terrific story, feels like the start of a new crime fighting partnership.

this book was pretty good, though a bit too masculine in style for me. interesting concept and we sat and watched while more and more of the characters we knew we were in danger and watching the work of an unknown master manipulator and the two detectives that were trying to put the pieces together

The Friend - Charlie Gallagher

Wow! An exceptional and unusual police crime thriller. Characters, atmosphere, tension and a superb plot.

A mysterious stranger approaches individuals living with the misery caused by crimes the police couldn't solve. He claims to have information on the perpetrators.

I won't say any more as the plot is deeply unpredictable with twists, turns and tension from cover to cover.

The characterisation is brilliant, DI Norris, newly back at work after a month off with stress (though refreshingly, not dwelling on his demons). He's transferring across from TSG and has to prove he's got a brain as well as brawn to his sceptical partner DS Rose. The civilians are multi-dimensional and totally believable too.

There is a real casual confidence in the writing of the Police procedure and protocol, no surprise from the author who years of experience in the force, but still very impressive to read.

The plot is pacy and unpredictable with multiple threads racing and weaving together, the one-more-chapter factor is unbelievable, so make a flask of coffee and line up your snacks before you start.

I'll be very surprised if this isn't one of my top Crime reads this year, and will be jumping on the second in the series as soon as I can.