Things We Do to Our Friends

I received an e-ARC version of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.

The Things We Do to Our Friends
By: Heather Darwent

4.25

Without giving away too much but this story takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland. One of my favorite places in the world. Clare, the main character, went through many ups and downs. From her parents, college, friendships, relationships, and life. She studied Art History which was one of my majors at college ironically.

Meanwhile, she had an “episode” and tried to reinvent her life. Moving on from her past. While moving on, many things happened. Multiple occurrences throughout the novel as Clare transforms into a different person.

The novel in general is dark and has some toxic tones. But well written and descriptive. Dark academia and relatable vibes. Slow at first but it picks up. I would watch this if it becomes an adapted film or show.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC and The Things We Do To Our Friends will be released on January 10, 2023!

Friends Forever


This book is a must-read for avid thriller fans who enjoy being swept away in a fast-paced story. Although I'm a bit late to the reviewing party, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to fans of Lisa Jewel's work.

The story starts with a shocking event that sets the tone for the rest of the novel. Clare, who uses an alias, enrolls in a university in Edinburgh hoping to make new friends and start afresh. However, it's not as easy as she thought, and the people who want to befriend her are not the type she's interested in. That is, until she meets Tabitha, a charismatic girl, and her wealthy, carefree group of friends. They invite Clare to join their clique, but she soon realizes their motives are not entirely pure and are linked to her past.

As the story progresses, the author, Heather Darwent, skillfully keeps readers guessing with every revelation and event. Although Clare is initially quiet and seems to blend into her new group of friends, she's far from passive and has no idea what plans they're making behind her back. Every few pages present a new event that throws the previous ones into question, and while there is foreshadowing throughout the book, it's difficult to predict how the story will end. Darwent's writing is subtle, dropping hints and creating a cast of complex, unlikely-but-believable characters.

Overall, this book is a wild ride that's worth reading, even if it doesn't hold up under close scrutiny. I'm a new fan of Darwent's writing and would like to thank NetGalley and all those involved in granting me an advanced copy of this book.