Thriller
The Boyfriend
by Freida McFadden
Quick take
After a dating losing streak, she thinks she’s found Mr. Right. But is he a dream come true or a nightmare in disguise?
Good to know
Psychological
Multiple viewpoints
Nonlinear timeline
NYC
Synopsis
She’s looking for the perfect man. He’s looking for the perfect victim.
Sydney Shaw, like every single woman in New York, has terrible luck with dating. She’s seen it all: men who lie in their dating profile, men who stick her with the dinner bill, and worst of all, men who can’t shut up about their mothers. But finally, she hits the jackpot.
Her new boyfriend is utterly perfect. He’s charming, handsome, and works as a doctor at a local hospital. Sydney is swept off her feet.
Then the brutal murder of a young woman―the latest in a string of deaths across the coast―confounds police. The primary suspect? A mystery man who dates his victims before he kills them.
Sydney should feel safe. After all, she is dating the guy of her dreams. But she can’t shake her own suspicions that the perfect man may not be as perfect as he seems. Because someone is watching her every move, and if she doesn’t get to the truth, she’ll be the killer’s next victim…
Content warning
This book contains scenes that depict domestic abuse.
Free sample
Get an early look from the first pages of The Boyfriend.
Why I love it
Rachael Burlette
BOTM Editorial Team
I’ve seen many dating success stories over the years. I’ve also heard one too many dating horror stories. Whether we’ve gone through our own personal dating disaster or heard our friends’ wild stories over drinks—I think it’s safe to say that dating is not for the faint of heart. But, Frieda McFadden may have topped all crazy dating fiascos in her latest novel, The Boyfriend.
Anyone currently on the dating scene will probably see a little of themselves in Sydney Shaw, a single woman living in New York, who has had terrible luck with dating. From men lying on their profiles to evident mommy issues coming to light on the first date, she’s been going through it. Her luck seems to be turning, though, when she meets her new boyfriend. He’s handsome, charming, and to top it off, a doctor. By anyone’s standards, he’s perfect. But after a woman is murdered in her building, Sydney begins to see connections between the mysterious murderer and her boyfriend. Maybe she hasn’t found happily ever after all? It’s hard to say for sure, but Sydney quickly learns that if she doesn’t uncover the truth soon, she may just be the murderer’s next victim.
The Boyfriend is Freida McFadden at her best. Easily one of the most propulsive books I’ve read this year—I read this in one sitting simply because I couldn’t wait to discover what would happen next.