The Friend

The Friend by Dorothy Koomson, published by Century in 2017, is a 400-page novel that delves into the complexities of friendship and the shadows of secrecy. Cece Solarin moves to Brighton with her three children, eager for a fresh start after her husband’s promotion. However, the neighborhood harbors a dark secret following a recent attempted murder of a well-liked parent, Yvonne, at the local school where Cece has enrolled her children.

As Cece navigates her new environment, she forms connections with three school mothers—Maxie, Anaya, and Hazel—who initially provide her with a sense of belonging. Yet, her sense of security is shattered when she learns that one of her new friends is a suspect in Yvonne’s attack. Torn between loyalty and the need for truth, Cece embarks on a quest to uncover the identity of the potential murderer, all while grappling with the challenges of motherhood and the intricacies of her new friendships. This psychological thriller explores themes of suspense and the moral dilemmas that arise when trust is put to the test.