Jane Fallon has remained one
of my favourite authors ever since reading Getting Rid of Matthew.
The novels which followed, including Got You Back and The Ugly
Sister, were just as addictive (although I have yet to read Foursome
- why haven't I read Foursome?!) and so I'd been looking forward to
Strictly Between Us for some time.
Tamsin and Michelle have been
best friends since their teenage years. Now in their thirties, and in
varying stages of relationship (Tamsin single, Michelle happily
married with the dream of soon starting a family), they still remain
incredibly close. Pretty, sweet Michelle and handsome, confident TV
exec Patrick appear to be the perfect couple. That is, until Tamsin
hears a workplace rumour that Patrick is having an affair. It’s a
rumour that she simply can’t forget about.
Willing to find out the truth
behind the office gossip, Tamsin quickly confides in Bea - her
incredibly loyal assistant - about the situation. Soon, Tamsin is
hatching a plan to catch out her best friend’s husband, using (a
very reluctant) Bea.
When Bea reports that nothing
at all happens, it’s a relief for Tamsin. Until she does something
unforgivable, landing herself in a situation that proves very, very
hard to get out of.
Meanwhile, Bea has a plan of
her own. And why would Tamsin suspect anything? Tamsin can trust Bea
with her life…
What follows is a fantastic
story that’s extremely hard to put down, though that’s to be
expected of Jane Fallon. She has a real talent for witty yet dark
novels with brilliant twists. Which is why it’s hard to review this
novel fully – I don’t want to spoil the story. That said, at first I didn’t quite
like Tamsin. However as the story continued, and I grew to like her.
A bit of an anti-hero, if you will. Initially her selfishness was
evident, and even more so through the eyes of Bea. However, later I
started to like her, and figured that she learnt her lesson in the
end.
If you like an edgy read full
of secrets, then I would definitely recommend this book. Strictly
Between Us is a great read – I finished it very quickly and then
wished I’d paced myself a bit. I’m already waiting for Jane’s
next offering.
Rating: 5/5
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