The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

BOOK REVIEW

I think I was suffering from reader bias as I avoided books by Freida McFadden with all the publicity and hype that went with them.

I just have this innate feeling that anything that’s a TikTok sensation is probably not worth the read.

But if you’re looking for a super light read that takes no energy, this is actually quite good – as long as you remember you get what you pay for.

Freida McFadden’s The Boyfriend is a suspenseful psychological thriller that melds modern romance with unsettling secrets, fast pacing, and a twisty plot that pulls readers along until the end.

The story centres on Sydney Shaw, a single woman in New York whose dating life has been a string of disasters until she meets the seemingly perfect doctor. 

Her new boyfriend is charming, handsome, and appears to be everything she’s been looking for – straight out of a Mills and Boon book.

Meanwhile, the city is rocked by a series of murders tied to a mystery man who dates his victims before they die. 

Sydney cannot shake the unsettling feeling that the perfect man she’s fallen for may not be what he seems.

This book has a dual‑timeline, alternating between Sydney’s present-day narrative and Tom’s past. 

The novel’s pacing is strong, coupled with cliffhanger‑style chapters. 

Many reviewers praised the twist which critics call “jaw‑dropping”, “well‑timed” and “logical yet surprising”.

I’m not sure that I would go that far but it was definitely entertaining.

The portrayal of modern dating anxieties, especially through the fictional app Cynch, adds timely realism and emotional resonance .

Sydney is relatable: grounded yet vulnerable, navigating pressure and love in New York’s chaotic dating world.

Some critics noted that Sydney’s stubborn ignorance of obvious red flags can feel naive, frustrating for readers and friends trying to protect her. 

The dual‑timeline structure, while engaging, occasionally disrupts narrative flow and contributes to uneven pacing.

Tom could benefit from deeper psychological development.

While his dark past intrigues, it doesn’t always feel fully realised.

Some of the post‑reveal chapters suffered from a dip in momentum, leaving a few readers longing for stronger resolution.

The Boyfriend offers a thrilling ride into the darker side of romance and trust.

It may not be high literary art, but its pulse‑pounding structure, signature twist, and contemporary themes deliver satisfying escapism for thriller fans. 

If you’re drawn to fast‑moving, emotionally charged psychological suspense with a deceptively charming villain and you don’t mind a protagonist who occasionally ignores the obvious then it’s well worth the read.

Julie Chessman