Would you believe it – there’s finally a psychological crime novel whose premise is so original that it isn’t constantly compared to Girl on a Train/Gone Girl . . . The book in question is Laura Marshall’s début Friend Request. I’d been aware of the novel since last year when it was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize 2016, and was runner-up in the Bath Novel Award 2016. The premise sounded so great, I knew had to read it as soon as it was out, even though I’m a bit tired of psychological crime with a major twist. I’m certainly glad that didn’t keep me from reading it because I thoroughly enjoyed Friend Request. The premise, which you see summarized on the cover, is pretty simple but arresting—Louise gets a friend request on Facebook, from a former classmate, Maria. But Maria has been dead for over twenty years. Or hasn’t she? Fact is, nobody really knows. All they know is that she disappeared at the end of the leavers party and was never seen again.
Louise is shaken by this request. Not only because Maria is said to be dead but because Louise has done something very bad, something that seems to be linked to Maria.
As the novel unfolds, more requests are sent and Louise even feels that she’s followed. We learn who Louise is and who Louise used to be and why she’s so guilt-ridden. In 2016, Louise is a self-employed interior designer. She’s divorced from her highschool crush, Sam, and has a little boy of four. Back in 1989 Louise was an insecure schoolgirl who desperately wanted to be friends with the cool kids. So much in fact, that she wouldn’t shy away from letting others down or even betray them.
After Maria receives the friend request, she receives an invitation to a school reunion. Scared and intrigued, she contacts a former friend, who was the center of the group of cool kids, Sophie. She too has received a friend request and an invitation to the reunion. I’m not going to say much more or the book would be spoilt.
Friend Request is told in chapters that alternate between 2016 and 1989. A lot of the suspense comes from the first person narrator’s withholding information. That’s a narrative device I’m not too keen on and it annoyed me here as well. It just feels a bit artificial and not always believable psychologically. That said, the novel still works and feels realistic. Anyone who has gone to school was either part of the cool crowd, despised by them or just a neutral bystander/observer. In any case, we’ve all experienced or witnessed similar things – bullying, shunning, shaming -, so this was very relatable. Louise is a likeable, interesting character and to some degree I could understand, why she kept what she did a secret.
The final twist was surprising but not far-fetched. It really worked for me. Yes, I would have wished that the writing had been a bit less manipulative, but overall it was gripping and so entertaining that I was sad when it was finished.
Laura Marshall’s certainly an author to watch and while her début has a few flaws, it also has a killer premise, a lot of suspense and a very satisfying ending. That’s more than one can say about most contemporary psychological thrillers.
Beauty is a Sleeping Cat 
This does sound original. I tend to like stories that involve life experiences from a a character’s long ago past. I also think that the social media angle sounds interesting.
The premise is great. It has a couple of flaws but I’m not sure how else she could have made it this gripping. the social mdeia angle must appeal to a lot of people. Even when someone isn’t believed to be dead, I’m sure sometimes people resurfacing from the past might be unsettling.
Sometimes you just needed entertainment. I’ve seen this and passed it over, and now I’m thinking perhaps I should read it. Social media has opened up a whole world of trouble for some people. I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around some of the very public fights conducted between family members on facebook
It’s entertaining but I’m not entirely sure it’s for you. The withholding of information was annoying at time but twist and the end were so good.
It’s appalling what people do on Facebook. From breaking up to shading people . . .
Tx Caroline. I’ll take your tip and pass.
Thank you for the post, Caroline. It does sound like a book I would enjoy. It’s been a long while since I read a psychological thriller. 🙂
And thank you for GLM. I discovered some amazing books and blogs. 🙂
My pleasure, Deepika. I really enjoyed it.
I’m so glad you enjoyed GLM. It went so quickly. Unfortunately, I was ill for almost three weeks, so I missed a lot. Posts and blog. I hope to do some catch up.
I so hope you are feeling better now, Caroline. 🙂
Thank you, Deepika. I’m much better. 🙂
And thank you for participating.
It does sound pretty compelling. As you say, it’s difficult to come up with something original in this sector of the market. Contemporary crime / psychological thrillers are not my thing, but it could well appeal to a friend or two. One of the members of my book group reads quite a bit of crime, so he might be interested – I’ll mention it to him.
It’s very compelling. I know this kind of psychological crime is not your thing. If your friends dont know it already they might enjoy it.
Your review made me want to hop on Amazon and order it today. 🙂 I like to balance literary fiction with a good thriller now and then.
Me too. I hope you’ll enjoy it. It’s rather “gulpable”. 🙂
Great book review!
Thank you very much.
Just dropping in to wish you a happy Xmas.
That’s so nice of. Thank you.
Merry Christmas to you as well.
Hope you’re doing ok. There’s a lot of sickness this time of year…
I wasn’t doing too well but I’m ok now. I was ill all November, beginning of December and other things.
I wondered … Glad you’re doing better now.
Thanks. It was one thing after the other this year. Really weird as nothing was linked.
I think we get years like that from time to time.
Looks like it.
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This was a great one to read on the beach 📖🍹 The stalker theme seems to be a bit of a trend at the moment as I’ve found myself reading a few in the same view recently!
Oh I can imagine that this is perfect beach reading. I’m glad you enjoyed it too. Which ones would you recommend?
I read Friend Request by Laura Marshall – very good!
😉🍹📖
I thought you’d read another one you liked as well.
Yes – I see you by Claire Mackintosh – and a mother one called I am Watching You – which I’ll review soon. I do like this genera but after reading a few you get the gist!!!
I’ve read them both. I agree, after a while it’s a bit same same.