Amy had a good life that included a successful career, her own flat and good friends. All she lacked was a serious relationship and this weighed on her heavily. One night she fell which resulted in a concussion and a memory loss of the past six months. If Amy hadn't fallen it's unlikely her life would have turned into the horror show that it did. But, fall she did. Back home, she discovered evidence of a boyfriend named Jack Stewart whom she had no memory of, but it appeared he had ended the relationship. She agreed to travel with her friends to France where they would meet her mother and stay at her aunt's chalet. After all, the trip was planned to celebrate her upcoming thirtieth birthday. Unexpectedly and with no warning, who shows up at the chalet but the mysterious Jack Stewart. Amy had no recollection of ever seeing him before. Was it possible he is really the boyfriend as he claims?
The collection of characters is interesting. Amy, an attorney, is used to making sense of situations and has been able to read people. Her memory loss turned her into a confused and uncertain version of herself. As pieces of her memory come back, she becomes even more conflicted. How can she be sure her memories are factual? Her mother is a woman obsessed with the fact that Amy hasn't found a man. She is thrilled and charmed by Jack, even when Amy expresses suspicions about him. Her two friends are difficult to read. But, it is Jack who is the most chilling character of them all.
There is nothing predictable about this story. Whenever I thought I knew where the narrative was headed, I quickly found out I was wrong as twists and turns suddenly appeared. There is a high level of tension throughout that ramps up as the story races to its conclusion. As for the conclusion, it was a total surprise. For those who enjoy a well-told and fast moving thriller, THE BOYFRIEND by Michelle Frances is well worth reading. Highly recommended.