This was a story about two families who became close friends and also very interlinked, with all the problems that this entails. Some really good characters, most of whom were fallible and a fascinating storyline which was very realistic. Interesting read.

This wasn't what I was expecting at all. It's not 'dark' and its not particularly 'twisty' as per the cover claim, thought there is a big reveal that caught me napping. What it is is a great, character-driven saga about family and friendship. It pits youth against age, friends against family, north against south, class against class in a story about two mis-matched middle-aged couples, living in suburban London, who throw in their lot together when their kids leave home and move into a converted warehouse up north. What starts as a daring mid-life adventure in communal living, soon turns into a nightmare of mid-life crisis, resentment and, ultimately, betrayal. The character of Gary, the ex rock star, is particularly fascinating - hilarious and narcissistic in equal measure, and the depictions both of gritty Manchester, and bourgeois London are equally spot-on. Oh, and did I mention? It's laugh out loud funny in places.

Meet Mark who has his own PR business and Harriet who's an architect; they live in suburban London and they have twins, Jack and Ollie and both at University. Yvette and Gary, both in teaching, have two grown-up children, Ruby and Jade, and live near Harriet and Mark, though in a less affluent part of the area. Yvette and Gary hail from Manchester and the families, who have been friends for years, decide to relocate to Chorlton, South Manchester... I really enjoyed reading Old Friends. There is plenty to the tale hidden just beneath the surface, bubbling away. The story is told from different perspectives though each chapter includes the others. The wealth of twists is well worked throughout. An impressive, simmering tale I relished, I'm looking forward to reading more from Felicity Everett. I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from HQ via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

I think this book suffers because it is being marketed as a thriller, and it's not a thriller at all but a family drama. There are a few twists but it certainly isn't sharp and dark, as promised by the caption on the front of the book. As a thriller it entirely fails to deliver. The story is more character-driven than plot driven, and the characters are very well rounded and believable, other than some of the supporting cast, which are somewhat cliched. (Meadow and Declan). But not a great deal actually happens - the big move up North mentioned on the blurb doesn't take place until a good halfway through. It's a likeable enough story about relationships between family and friends, but ultimately the big dramas don't take up nearly enough pages and it falls a bit flat as a result. With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I have struggled to find one single bit of interest in this book. I really disliked the characters but all the way through I felt there might be some plot to hang on to……..alas not. It just seemed a rambling story of family and friends none of them memorable . A very loose story. Completely forgettable. Sorry