Friday on my Mind is a murder mystery set in contemporary London, penned by Nicci French. The story begins as a man is pulled from the Thames, his throat cut. He is wearing a hospital wristband marked F. Klein, which seems to make identification simple. Only Freida Klein is still very much alive and is linked romantically to the dead man. She becomes the prime suspect in his murder.
Suddenly Freida takes matters into her own hands and so begins a thrilling cat and mouse game of intrigue. Relationships and friendships are challenged and stretched as the investigation deepens. There are plenty of questions but fewer answers. The deeper we dig the more baffled we become.
Friday on my Mind is an exciting book; every page brings new revelations yet the reader is left guessing right to the very end. The book is fast paced without leaving out crucial details. The characters are well rounded and believable. As the book progresses, alliances are tested and slowly but surely we are drawn to the dénouement.
All of the characters have strengths and flaws, and are driven by circumstance, which makes them all the more believable. A mother’s love for her children, honour among friends and a single mother’s struggle all add the motivation and reactions of the individuals. There is no judgement, simply an observation on the human psyche.
Nicci French is the nom-de-plume of British husband and wife writing team of Nicci Gerrard and Sean French. There are fourteen other novels by Nicci French, all published by Penguin. The popular Freida Klein series are named after the days of the week and “Friday on My Mind” is the fifth in the series.
Friday on my Mind is an ideal bedside book or a relaxing Sunday afternoon daydream fantasy escape. Highly recommended for lovers of mystery and intrigue.
Nicci French’s Friday on My Mind is available now through Penguin Random House Australia
