[Review] — THE BOYFRIEND is an Underdeveloped Psychological Thriller

Take a close look at the recent releases in bookstores, and you'll notice an overwhelming abundance of psychological thrillers. Many of these books feature simplistic titles, paired with strikingly similar cover art designs. Among the new authors making waves is Freida McFadden, a talented physician specializing in brain injury. She made her literary debut by self-publishing her first novel in 2013, but it was her gripping thriller, The Housemaid, published in 2022, that propelled her to international stardom. Her latest offering, titled THE BOYFRIEND, hit the shelves on October 1st, released by Poisoned Pen Press.

The premise of THE BOYFRIEND centers around Sydney Shaw, a stereotypical single woman navigating the notoriously treacherous dating scene of New York City. Sydney has experienced her fair share of disappointments: from men who misrepresent themselves in their dating profiles to those who leave her to pick up the dinner tab, and even those who can’t stop gushing about their mothers. However, her luck seems to take a turn for the better when she meets a man who appears to be everything she’s been searching for. He is charming and handsome and works as a doctor at a local hospital—traits that sweep Sydney off her feet. 

Yet, as her romance blossoms, a chilling wave of violence unfolds across the coast, as a series of brutal murders rocks the community. The police race against time to apprehend a mystery man who is suspected of dating his victims before ultimately killing them. Amid this chaos, Sydney should feel secure in her relationship, having finally found "the one." However, an unsettling feeling gnaws at her; she can't shake the suspicion that her seemingly perfect boyfriend might have something sinister lurking beneath the surface. As strange occurrences unfold, she realizes that someone is watching her every move, and if she doesn't unravel the mystery soon, she could become the killer's next target.

Having previously enjoyed Freida McFadden’s works, such as The Teacher, The Housemaid, and The Housemaid's Secrets, I was excited to dive into THE BOYFRIEND. I even have The Housemaid is Watching waiting patiently on my bookshelf. However, I found myself disappointed with this latest installment. Unfortunately, it felt like a formulaic, made-for-LIFETIME psychological thriller that lacked the suspense and unpredictability one would hope for in a gripping yarn. The absence of bona fide plot twists was particularly frustrating; every twist felt glaringly obvious long before the reveals.

THE BOYFRIEND plays predictably, centering around a rather shallow protagonist. The narrative included confusing and tedious flashbacks that added little to the overall story and leaned heavily on clichés—especially the type one would expect from a lackluster Hollywood flick. While the book began with an enticing hook, I quickly found my interest waning about a quarter of the way through, and I had to force myself to slog through to the end. The concept had potential, but the execution felt rushed, leading to an underdeveloped plot that deserved more depth and subtlety.

For avid fans of Freida McFadden, diving into THE BOYFRIEND may still hold some appeal; however, for those unfamiliar with her work, I recommend steering clear of this particular title and perhaps opting for one of her earlier, more compelling novels. ╌★★½✰✰

The book is available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.com. As an Amazon affiliate, I will receive a small commission if you buy the book through the link above. All earnings will help to support future reviews.