Little Friends: An utterly gripping and shocking new psychological

Having read and enjoyed her previous 3 novels I am a fan of Jane Shemilt, and I was very much looking forward to the publication of 'Little Friends' . When my pre-ordered copy arrived I wasn't disappointed, it is another great read and I devoured it in one day !!Jane Shemilt writes in a way that makes everything so real, as the story builds and unfolds you can visualize each different setting perfectly and the characters come alive in your head, you are able to totally immerse yourself in her world.'Little Friends' is a beautifully written, gripping story full of powerful characters, some that you really like and some that I believe you are not supposed to like, that stay with you long after you turn the last page.There are some dark and disturbing issues covered , but they are written in such a way that they build, quietly, menacingly until each story line entwines and reaches it's shocking conclusion.The twists and turns in the story make the book hard to put down, I 'had' to know how it ended and I was totally satisfied by the ending which kept me guessing right to the end !Already looking forward to the next novel that Jane writes !!

Three very different couples meet through their children and a friendship is formed. As the adults drink, eat and socialise, the children run wild with the older kids watching out for the younger ones. At least that’s what the parents think is happening. But is anyone actually watching the kids? Is anyone listening to them? Jane Shemilt has delivered six such fatally flawed characters that nothing is what it seems. This beautifully crafted novel drew me in from the first pages and ended with a binge read into the early hours. There are so many questions about family, relationships, friendship, loyalty, communication, risk and freedom. And truth. Who do you believe? This is a harrowing read at times and the suffering of the children is especially difficult to stomach. However, this is an engrossing novel. And flawless in its execution. Can’t wait to start on Jane’s backlist.

Took about 30 pages for me to get into it, I was a bit unsure at first there are some quite long descriptions that nearly lost me but then all of a sudden I was absolutely hooked and couldn’t put it down. I was genuinely sad when I got tired and had to sleep, first thing I did when I woke up was pick it back up!

Very good story quite gripping.

Thoroughly recommend this book. Great plot & unexpected twist. Couldn't put it down