Clare wanted a fresh start and to reinvent herself. Once readers learn about her past, the reason why becomes clear. She chose a university in Edinburgh and it is there that she met a small clique who appeared to have the life she coveted. Eventually, she became a member of their group, but it came with a price. A very expensive price. . .
THE THINGS WE DO TO OUR FRIENDS by Heather Darwent is an intense story about toxic friendships. The characters are all flawed and complex and, if this isn't enough, they are dangerous, too. What I found intriguing was how these characters functioned knowing what they knew about each other. There is a high level of tension throughout the story that never lets up. Diabolical and often twisted schemes are put into play and the relationships begin to unravel. There are twists, surprises, and an unexpected ending.
I found THE THINGS WE DO TO OUR FRIENDS to be haunting and riveting. It is a memorable psychological thriller. Highly recommended.
Edinburgh, Scotland: a moody city of labyrinthine alleyways, oppressive fog, and buried history; the ultimate destination for someone with something to hide. Perfect for Clare, then, who arrives utterly alone and yearning to reinvent herself. And what better place to conceal the secrets of her past than at the university in the heart of the fabled, cobblestoned Old Town?
When Clare meets Tabitha, a charismatic, beautiful, and intimidatingly rich girl from her art history class, she knows she’s destined to become friends with her and her exclusive circle: raffish Samuel, shrewd Ava, and pragmatic Imogen. Clare is immediately drawn into their libertine world of sophisticated dinner parties and summers in France. The new life she always envisioned for herself has seemingly begun.
Then Tabitha reveals a little project she’s been working on, one that she needs Clare’s help with. Even though it goes against everything Clare has tried to repent for. Even though their intimacy begins to darken into codependence. But as Clare starts to realize just what her friends are capable of, it’s already too late. Because they’ve taken the plunge. They’re so close to attaining everything they want. And there’s no going back.
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