Olivia is obliged to accompany her husband to an evening work party at his boss's home. She's dreading it because the woman he had a brief affair with six years into their marriage will be present. They've patched up the relationship but can Livy hold it together and be polite to everyone, for the sake of the kids? YOU CAN TRUST ME says her husband before heading off on a work trip to Geneva; the next day Livy finds her best friend Julia is dead.

The atmosphere builds swiftly as we get an intense look into Livy's life and feelings, her fears and love for her family. Poor Livy has to contact the emergency services, her husband, Julia's brother, while in shock herself and coping with two kids. What happened to a healthy woman? There's no sign of a struggle. Is it related to her new boyfriend? Is Livy just refusing to face a sad truth? The more colleagues sigh and say these things happen, the more Livy becomes determined that Julia did not die naturally.

Interspersed we get the mindset of a sociopath who likes wielding knives, so this tale won't please those who only like chick-lit. We're not sure who this man is, so when Livy determinedly pursues Julia's social contacts through nightclubs, any guy she meets could be a wrong 'un. Set in England, but in unfashionable areas such as Exeter and Torquay, the tale keeps us guessing, as well, about Livy's husband and the other woman. Is it really over for good?

This chiller will resonate for long after reading, so make sure you have something cheerful lined up to read next. YOU CAN TRUST ME by Sophie McKenzie is a hard look at betrayal and strength in a marriage, as well as a scary crime story. Fans of psychological thrillers will be more than interested.