A gripping beach thriller with a dark heart and serious White Lotus vibes.
I picked this one up from the library on a whim—and honestly, I couldn’t put it down. If you’re looking for a twisty read that mixes luxury resort escapism with the chilling suspicion that someone isn’t telling the truth, this is the one.
The story centres around Georgie, Bronwyn and Lissa—best friends since their college swimming days. But now, Lissa is gone. Drowned off the coast of the remote island her wealthy second husband calls home. It’s tragic. But also… odd. Lissa was a champion swimmer—practically a fish—so how does someone like that drown on a calm day?
The remaining friends gather at the resort for Lissa’s memorial, and it doesn’t take long for old secrets, simmering tensions and quiet suspicions to rise to the surface. The island setting is stunning but claustrophobic—think tropical paradise with an edge. And as the stormy weather rolls in, cutting everyone off from the outside world, it becomes clear: Lissa’s death might not be the only one.
What We Loved:
🏝️ White Lotus Energy – Fancy resort. Flawed people. Secrets bubbling under the surface. There’s a definite White Lotus feel here—just swap the caustic humour for slow-burn suspense.
👯♀️ Messy, Real Friendships – The dynamics between Georgie, Bron and Lissa are complex and relatable. There’s warmth, yes—but also competition, jealousy, and years of buried resentment. Basically: the kind of friendships you love to read about but maybe wouldn’t want to be in.
🕵️♀️ Keeps You Guessing – The unreliable narrator, mysterious interludes, and setting all combine to keep you on your toes. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, something shifts.
📖 A Breeze to Read – It’s smart, stylish, and surprisingly funny in places—perfect for devouring in a couple of sittings, preferably with a cold drink in hand.
The Verdict:
How to Kill Your Best Friend is a summer thriller with bite: sharp, suspenseful and laced with just enough glamour to keep things fun. Ideal if you’re in the mood for something a little darker than your usual beach read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Read it, then maybe rethink that friends’ trip to a secluded island…
