The Bookish Ashley

Freida McFadden delivers another gripping page-turner with her latest thriller “The Boyfriend”, a suspenseful dive into the dangers of dating and obsession. The setup feels all too relatable—Sydney Shaw is a single woman in New York navigating the modern dating world with all its disappointments. But when she meets her seemingly perfect boyfriend, the plot takes a dark and sinister turn, throwing Sydney into a deadly game of suspicion and survival.

McFadden’s strength lies in creating mounting tension. Sydney’s paranoia about her too-good-to-be-true boyfriend feels palpable, and the slow unraveling of his charm is expertly crafted. The duality of the book—romantic bliss shadowed by an ever-present sense of danger—keeps readers on edge. The killer’s modus operandi of dating women before murdering them adds a chilling layer, making every interaction between Sydney and her beau a potential tipping point into disaster.

The twists come fast and furious, keeping you second-guessing who to trust, but at times, they feel slightly predictable for seasoned thriller readers. Still, McFadden knows how to build suspense, and even when you think you’ve figured out the next twist, the writing keeps you glued to the pages.

One standout element is McFadden’s ability to highlight the unsettling realities of online dating while blending it seamlessly with the broader thriller narrative. There’s a clever commentary on the red flags that can easily be ignored in the haze of new romance, making this not only a suspenseful read but a timely one too.

Overall, McFadden delivers a taut, nerve-wracking thriller that’s perfect for fans of psychological suspense. The book’s cat-and-mouse dynamic will have you reading well past bedtime, and while some twists may feel familiar, the story’s relentless pace and sharp tension make it a satisfying read.

Rating: 4/5 stars