Review: Friend Request by Laura Marshall

Published: September 2017

Pages: 384

Synopsis: “A paranoid single mom is forced to confront the unthinkable act she committed as a desperate teenager in this addictive thriller with a social media twist. Maria Weston wants to be friends. But Maria Weston is dead. Isn't she?

1989. When Louise first notices the new girl who has mysteriously transferred late into their senior year, Maria seems to be everything the girls Louise hangs out with aren't. Authentic. Funny. Brash. Within just a few days, Maria and Louise are on their way to becoming fast friends.

2016. Louise receives a heart-stopping email: Maria Weston wants to be friends on Facebook. Long-buried memories quickly rise to the surface: those first days of their budding friendship; cruel decisions made and dark secrets kept; the night that would change all their lives forever.

Louise has always known that if the truth ever came out, she could stand to lose everything. Her job. Her son. Her freedom. Maria's sudden reappearance threatens it all, and forces Louise to reconnect with everyone she'd severed ties with to escape the past. But as she tries to piece together exactly what happened that night, Louise discovers there's more to the story than she ever knew. To keep her secret, Louise must first uncover the whole truth, before what's known to Maria--or whoever's pretending to be her--is known to all.”

Rating: *****

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A debut novel that couldn't be more relevant in this social media age.

Out of the blue, Louise receives a Facebook friend request from a woman she went to school with. A woman Louise knows for a fact is dead. Paired with an upcoming school reunion, is this a practical joke or something more sinister?

Authentic, well written characters who the reader will be able to relate to regardless of their age. Good contrast between the angst filled teen years and adult life. Which, on deeper reflection may not be that much of a contrast after all.

Very well written and well timed as I felt the plot was in danger of stagnating by the time Henry became involved. I didn't work out the culprit due to some very clever misdirection. Definitely an author to watch!