Framed

Framed is the story about two former college roommates who meet up after years apart - each with secrets to keep. The timing of my review is quite fortuitous since I'm writing my review on the day that I'm going to see one of my university roommates. Thankfully, Angela and I are not at all like the characters in this book. Phew!

Let me start off by saying that it's hard to believe, but this impressive novel is the debut by Toronto-based author Sheri McInnis. She hits the ground running with a dark, twisty read that is a 'dark psychological thriller meets domestic drama with a side of police procedural'. It has good twists, an interesting array of characters and short chapters that unravel a story of secrets and deceptions. The story's focus is often on the complicated relationships with the gritty crime/police procedural aspect being downplayed a bit more than I would have predicted - although the high energy action scenes later on made up for it.

The story takes place over three days and is told by five POVs (Beth, Cassie, Jay, Detective Goode and Rick) who are an interesting bunch - all are a little unlikable and a bit of a train wreck in varying degrees. The main story centres around Beth Crawford, her marriage to Jay, and her friendship with Cassie Ogilvy, her wild college roommate but my favourite character was easily Detective Goode. This twisty story also includes several issues: toxic relationships, marriage, friendship, betrayal and deception, making it a good pick for book club discussion. 

Overall, I was impressed with this debut which reads like McInnis is an old pro at suspense writing. Her writing is concise, her pacing is strong and that last twist?! Oh m'word! McInnis is a great addition to the Canadian suspense scene. I eagerly look forward to reading more from her (and I'm excited to hear she's already working on the sequel!).

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary hardcover copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Sheri McInnis

Genre: Suspense, Canadian

Type and Source: Hardcover from author

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

First Published: February 4,2020

Opening Line: Beth grips the steering wheel so tight, 

her knuckles push white through her skin.

Book Description from GoodReads: One dark Los Angeles night, Beth Crawford is driving home from a dinner party, furious at her husband for spending money they don't have. A few blocks away, a scantily dressed woman in a blonde wig lugs a suitcase full of blood-spattered cash toward a bus stop. In the streets between the two women, police cars flash past, racing to the scene of a quadruple homicide, a botched drug deal in which an undercover LAPD officer is among the dead....

With propulsive energy, deliciously unpredictable characters, and masterful plotting, FRAMED is a fresh take on this bestselling category, offering the smart, dark twists of Gone Girl and Luckiest Girl Alive with powerful suspense and a cast of characters that will get deep under your skin.