We’ve all been there – swiping endlessly through dating apps, hoping to find that elusive perfect match. But what if the charming doctor who seems too good to be true actually is? In her latest psychological thriller, The Boyfriend, #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden plunges readers into the treacherous waters of modern dating, where nothing is quite as it seems and even your closest friends may be hiding deadly secrets.
A Premise That Will Make You Think Twice About Your Next Tinder Date
Sydney Shaw is like many young women in New York City—successful in her career as an accountant, but unlucky in love. After a string of disastrous dates (including one particularly memorable encounter with a man who FaceTimed his mother mid-meal), Sydney thinks she’s finally hit the jackpot when she meets Tom. He’s handsome, intelligent, and a doctor to boot. But as their whirlwind romance unfolds against the backdrop of a series of brutal murders targeting young women, Sydney can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t quite right with her perfect new boyfriend.
McFadden expertly ratchets up the tension as Sydney’s suspicions grow, leaving readers constantly questioning who to trust. Is Tom really the dream guy he appears to be? Or could Sydney herself be in grave danger? The author keeps us guessing until the very end with shocking twists that will leave you reeling.
Complex Characters with Dark Secrets
One of McFadden’s greatest strengths is her ability to craft multifaceted characters that defy easy categorization. Sydney is a relatable protagonist—smart and independent, but also vulnerable in her desperation to find true connection. Her friendship with fellow singleton Bonnie provides moments of humor and warmth amidst the mounting dread.
But it’s the enigmatic Tom who truly steals the show. McFadden deftly peels back the layers of his seemingly perfect exterior to reveal the damaged psyche beneath. His backstory, gradually unveiled through flashback chapters, adds depth and nuance to his character. Even as we fear what he might be capable of, we can’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for the trauma that shaped him.
The supporting cast is equally compelling, from Sydney’s well-meaning but overbearing mother to her ex-boyfriend Jake, now a detective investigating the murders. Each character harbors their own secrets and motivations, creating a web of suspicion and mistrust.
A Master Class in Psychological Suspense
In The Boyfriend, Freida McFadden proves once again why she’s a rising star in the thriller genre with her expertly crafted plot. The pacing is relentless, with short chapters and cliffhanger endings that compel you to keep turning pages late into the night. She seamlessly weaves together multiple timelines and perspectives, gradually revealing key pieces of the puzzle.
The author also displays a knack for creating atmosphere, whether it’s the cozy intimacy of Sydney and Tom’s early dates or the creeping dread of a dark alley at night. Her vivid descriptions bring New York City to life as both a vibrant backdrop and an integral part of the story.
Themes That Will Haunt You Long After the Final Page
While The Boyfriend delivers plenty of pulse-pounding suspense, it also grapples with deeper themes that elevate it above your average thriller:
The Masks We Wear
McFadden explores how well we can truly know another person, especially in the early stages of a relationship. The novel forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that even those closest to us may be hiding dark secrets.
The Lingering Effects of Trauma
Through Tom’s backstory, the author examines how childhood experiences can shape us in profound and sometimes destructive ways. It raises thought-provoking questions about nature vs. nurture and the possibility of redemption.
The Dangers of Obsession
The novel delves into the toxic nature of obsessive love and the lengths people will go to in pursuit of an idealized relationship. It’s a chilling reminder that what we perceive as romance can sometimes mask more sinister motivations.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden is undoubtedly a gripping read, there are a couple of small issues that prevent it from achieving perfection:
- Some readers may find the violence a bit graphic at times, particularly in scenes depicting the murders. While it serves the story, those with more sensitive stomachs may want to proceed with caution.
- A few plot points require a bit of suspension of disbelief, particularly regarding how easily certain characters are able to evade detection. However, these moments are relatively minor and don’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story.
The Verdict: A Must-Read for Thriller Fans
Despite these minor flaws, The Boyfriend is a top-notch psychological thriller that cements Freida McFadden’s place as a rising star in the genre. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and exploration of timely themes, it’s sure to appeal to fans of authors like Gillian Flynn and Ruth Ware.
McFadden’s prose is crisp and efficient, propelling the story forward at a breakneck pace while still allowing for moments of genuine emotion and character development. Her background as a physician specializing in brain injury lends authenticity to the medical aspects of the story.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of McFadden’s work or new to her writing, The Boyfriend is not to be missed. Just be prepared to sleep with the lights on for a while after finishing it!
How It Stacks Up to McFadden’s Previous Work
For readers familiar with Freida McFadden’s earlier novels like The Housemaid, The Coworker, The Perfect Son, and Never Lie, The Boyfriend represents a continued evolution of her craft. While it maintains the addictive pacing and shocking twists that have become her trademark, this latest offering delves even deeper into the psychological complexity of its characters.
The dual timeline structure allows for a more nuanced exploration of motivation and backstory, particularly for Tom. McFadden also expands her thematic scope, tackling broader issues of trust, identity, and the nature of evil.
Who Should Read The Boyfriend?
This novel is perfect for:
- Fans of psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators
- Readers who enjoy stories that keep them guessing until the very end
- Anyone who’s ever had a dating horror story of their own (so basically everyone)
- Those who appreciate complex, morally ambiguous characters
- People fascinated by the darker side of human nature
Who Might Want to Skip It?
- Readers looking for a cozy mystery or lighthearted romance
- Those who are triggered by depictions of violence against women
- People who prefer their thrillers with less psychological depth and more action
The Bottom Line
The Boyfriend is a masterfully crafted psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. With its twisty plot, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, it’s a cut above your average beach read. Freida McFadden continues to prove herself as a formidable talent in the genre, and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
So go ahead and add The Boyfriend to your TBR pile—just maybe don’t read it right before a first date. And remember, if your new beau seems too perfect to be true, he probably is!
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
If you loved The Boyfriend, here are a few other titles to add to your reading list:
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
- The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
- The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
- Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney
A Final Word
Freida McFadden has delivered another pulse-pounding thriller that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about the people in your life. The Boyfriend is a riveting exploration of obsession, secrets, and the darkness that can lurk behind even the most perfect facades. Just be warned—you might find yourself giving your significant other some serious side-eye after finishing this one!
