24 July 2023

Since reading The Whisper Man, I have been dying to read another book by Alex North and I finally have. The Shadow Friend is a deliciously creepy read that will keep you flipping pages. I raced through this book in two days, I could not read fast enough. This book has the character facing his past to find the way forward and will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to end.

The author splits the story between then and now, sharing two storylines that makes this book an extremely entertaining read. I enjoyed how he described the dreams and the boy’s obsession with lucid dreams. There was not a single moment in this book where you are not kept intrigued. You will find it very hard to put this book down before reaching the last line.

Twenty-five years ago, Charlie committed murder with the help of his friend. Paul was dragged to the police station for questioning and the trauma of the event has stayed with him. As soon as he could, he left home and has not returned once. When his mom’s health deteriorates it is time for Paul to finally come home.

Once back the memories he has tried so hard to bury come rushing back. His mom insists that someone is in her house and when a copycat killer strikes in a nearby town Paul discovers that someone is following him. Charlie disappeared without a trace on the day of the murder and Paul needs to find out what happened to him to prevent someone else from dying.

This book crawls under your skin and makes it impossible to walk away from this creepy tale. I loved the dream world the author created. The friendship between the four boys showed their need for acceptance and the desire for something better.

The characters in this book were brilliant. Charlie Crabtree leaves the hairs on the back of your neck standing on ends. This child was brilliantly creepy. The mystery of his disappearance leaves him famous long after he is gone. Reaching out to destroy other lives long after he is gone.

Paul ran away and did his best to forget. However, facing the past is the only way he can move forward. The author expressed this man’s horror and guilt about his childhood actions in a realistic manner making it easy to share his emotions as the story unfolds.

There is no doubt, Alex North is an author to watch. While I have only read two of his books I am itching to read more of his work and I cannot wait to get my hand on a copy of The Half Burnt House. That one is on my wish list and with my birthday around the corner I am hoping to receive that soon. (hint, hint)

If you enjoy a dark, creepy horror story that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the twists keep coming, then I would highly recommend you add this title to your TBR. It’s a fabulous read you do not want to miss.