This is the second Freida McFadden book I’ve ever read. I have heard some things about her other books, but after I read Never Lie last year this is my only other exposure to her style of writing and the way she approaches the thriller/mystery genre. I often describe Freida McFadden books as like eating popcorn; you start with a few pieces but then you reach for more and more until the bucket is empty and you’re at the final chapters of the book. But much like eating popcorn, it feels great in the moment but isn’t exactly good for you — and I think that’s ultimately my final conclusion when it comes to The Boyfriend.
Book Review: The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden
The Boyfriend is okay. That is what I can wholeheartedly say upon finishing the story. Told in dual perspectives of our two main characters, alternating between the past and present, this thriller novel invites the reader to try and guess who the potential killer is among a myriad of possible suspects:
“She’s looking for the perfect man. He’s looking for the perfect victim.
Sydney Shaw, like every single woman in New York, has terrible luck with dating. She’s seen it men who lie in their dating profile, men who stick her with the dinner bill, and worst of all, men who can’t shut up about their mothers. But finally, she hits the jackpot.
Her new boyfriend is utterly perfect. He’s charming, handsome, and works as a doctor at a local hospital. Sydney is swept off her feet.
Then the brutal murder of a young woman―the latest in a string of deaths across the coast―confounds police. The primary suspect? A mystery man who dates his victims before he kills them.
Sydney should feel safe. After all, she is dating the guy of her dreams. But she can’t shake her own suspicions that the perfect man may not be as perfect as he seems. Because someone is watching her every move, and if she doesn’t get to the truth, she’ll be the killer’s next victim…”
The Boyfriend. Freida McFadden. https://www.freidamcfadden.com/.
Much like Never Lie, the story is very twisty and engaging throughout, as you try to figure out how the different timelines intersect and influence each other. The swapping between the dual perspectives also gives the reader time to digest part of one story and let it ruminate as we get more information from the other side. Outside of the inevitable poor and potentially dangerous decisions Sydney makes as our leading lady — which while annoying, do have to happen for the sake of the story — The Boyfriend has great pacing and has some good red herrings to keep the reader guessing.
Despite the characters missing out on some major red flags, the biggest thing with any McFadden book is the final climax and how it unfolds and how it relates to the rest of the story. How does this one hold up? I think the premise of this book is interesting and I enjoy the set-up, but like I said above, the book’s climax is okay. Does the twist make sense or is set up from the start? No, not really with what we knew about the characters and the main antagonist. Surprising and appropriately thriller-ish? Yes. And with an entertaining story. The Boyfriend is a good time and a good fast read, but not super intelligent.
Yes there are small hidden things that come up later (as you expect in a thriller/mystery), but just because you cannot guess a story’s twist doesn’t necessarily make it a good twist. Up until the last two chapters, I thought Tom was going to show some excellent character growth and really take control and bring the entire story to a more satisfying ending, but no. Instead the real ending is a bit more convoluted and really throws away Tom’s character development. Ew.
In short: The Boyfriend is basically a real-life murder version of the crazy ex-girlfriend trope (literally) and my best recommendation is to not read the final two chapters where the climax takes (to me) a nose dive. This may just be McFadden’s signature and what the majority of her books consist of but I’ve read too few of them to call that a reliable conclusion. Read this one if you’re looking for an okay mystery; like the suspense of a dual perspective; and don’t really care about the ending making much sense or giving you a solid conclusion.
My Hot Takes (Spoiler Warning)
- Bonnie’s mom is crazy. It’s understandable why she’s so angry, but she is crazy and needs to chill the fuck out.
- The death of Tom’s father was not a crime (legally yes, but ethically no) and could (I think) have a strong chance in court of being ruled self-defense.
- McFadden really enjoyed using the phrase “played on his lips.” This is said far too many times over the course of the book and if I read it one more time I am going to lose it.
My Rating: 2.5/5 Stars
