Keep Your Friends Close by Lucinda Berry

*** Review ***

Lucinda Berry’s Keep Your Friends Close takes us on a thrilling journey into the glamorous yet treacherous world of the West Hollywood Moms’ Club. As the president of the club, Kiersten McCann, is found dead in her own pool, the story unravels a web of secrets, lies, and sinister plots that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The novel kicks off with a high-society party thrown by the West Hollywood Moms’ Club, a group of wealthy and privileged mothers who seem to have it all. But beneath the facade of perfect lives and friendships lies a dark underbelly of deceit and betrayal. When Kiersten’s lifeless body is discovered, the exclusive club members become the prime suspects in her murder. The story is narrated from multiple perspectives and unfolds in a dual timeline, making it easy to distinguish and connect with the characters.

What makes Keep Your Friends Close so engrossing is the cast of characters that Berry has created. These women are far from likable, but their complex and riveting problems draw you in from the very beginning. They reminded me of a blend of Gossip Girl, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and a murder mystery, all rolled into one. While their actions and personas might come off as over-the-top at times, it’s the trainwreck factor that keeps you hooked.

The plot is where the story shines and falters simultaneously. For a significant portion of the book, I was enthralled by the slow unraveling of secrets and the shocking revelations that left me gawking with anticipation. Berry’s ability to keep readers guessing is commendable. However, as the climax approaches, the story takes an unhinged turn that feels somewhat disconnected from the rest of the narrative. The conclusion, in particular, seemed out of the blue and left several loose ends hanging, which can be frustrating for readers who crave closure.

Nonetheless, upon reflection, the melodramatic twist and soap opera-like feel of the plot do align with the overall tone of the book. The lives of these women are twisted and complicated, so the rollercoaster of events seems fitting in retrospect. Keep Your Friends Close successfully blends elements of domestic suspense and a mild police procedural, delivering a drama-packed narrative from start to finish.

As a reader, you’ll find yourself navigating through a labyrinth of secrets, lies, and unexpected revelations. The web of deception spun by the characters is as intricate as it is captivating, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The dual timelines and multiple points of view make the story well-structured and easy to follow, ensuring that you remain immersed in the narrative.

In conclusion, while Keep Your Friends Close might not be Lucinda Berry’s magnum opus, it is undeniably an entertaining popcorn thriller. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the privileged, where friendships are forged in a world of opulence and exclusivity but can quickly unravel into a nightmare of suspicion and betrayal. If you’re a fan of Berry’s work or simply enjoy a tale of high society drama with a dark twist, this book is worth adding to your reading list.