I’ve always been a fan of psychological thrillers. There’s something captivating about the genre’s ability to make you question everything, to twist the familiar into the unsettling, and to slowly pull the rug out from under your feet. One of my favorite authors in this genre is Freida McFadden, and her latest novel, The Boyfriend, fits perfectly into her repertoire of dark, twisty tales that leave you guessing until the very end. McFadden is no stranger to keeping readers on edge, with previous bestsellers like The Housemaid and The Perfect Son showcasing her knack for delivering jaw-dropping reveals.
This time, however, The Boyfriend might just be her most mind-bending work yet. In this review, I’ll delve into the intricate plot, character dynamics, and—most importantly—the shocking ending. I’ll break down why this novel is so effective as a psychological thriller and why you won’t see the twists coming. Trust me, this book grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go until the final page, and even then, you’ll be thinking about it long after.
Why I Picked This Book Up
As someone who’s devoured countless thrillers, I’m always on the hunt for something that offers a fresh take or introduces a new angle to well-trodden tropes. When I stumbled upon The Boyfriend, I was immediately intrigued by its premise: a woman who meets the seemingly perfect man, only for dark secrets to unravel as a murder investigation unfolds. It reminded me of other psychological thrillers I’ve enjoyed, such as The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, where the story plays with unreliable narrators and deeply buried secrets. The Boyfriend, however, has its own distinctive flair that sets it apart.
Plot Overview: A Dangerous Love Story
Sydney Shaw is a relatable protagonist in many ways—an early-thirties, single woman navigating the messy, frustrating world of dating apps and bad dates. Her experiences, though exaggerated for the thriller genre, hit close to home for anyone who’s ever had a bad first date or dealt with the anxiety of meeting someone new. McFadden places Sydney in the bustling, often impersonal world of New York City, a fitting backdrop for her search for love.
After a string of unsuccessful matches, Sydney encounters Kevin, a particularly obnoxious date who gets physical when she tries to leave. It’s a terrifying scene: Kevin shoves her into a garbage can, leaving her bleeding. But then, in classic thriller fashion, Sydney is saved by a mysterious man—Tom. Tom is everything Kevin isn’t. He’s kind, compassionate, handsome, and, as luck would have it, a doctor. Sydney feels like she’s hit the jackpot. Finally, she’s found “The One.”
But as The Boyfriend unfolds, it becomes clear that Tom is not who he seems. Through alternating perspectives and timelines, McFadden gradually reveals that Tom Brewer has a dark, murderous past. As a child, he was obsessed with a girl named Daisy, and that obsession grew into something far more dangerous.
In the present day, Sydney’s world is rocked when her best friend, Bonnie, is found brutally murdered. The police are baffled, and it turns out that Bonnie’s boyfriend, who claimed to be a doctor, used a burner phone and a fake name. Sound familiar? The tension mounts as Sydney starts to realize that Tom, her seemingly perfect boyfriend, may not only be tied to Bonnie’s death but could be the serial killer who’s been targeting women across New York.
Character Breakdown
- Sydney Shaw: The protagonist and everywoman figure, Sydney is far from naive. She’s been through her share of bad relationships and isn’t easily fooled. Her skepticism is what makes her a compelling character; she constantly questions Tom’s too-good-to-be-true persona, even as she falls deeper into the relationship. Unlike some thriller heroines who blindly trust the wrong men, Sydney maintains a healthy dose of suspicion, which makes her journey all the more believable.
- Tom Brewer/Brown: Tom is the quintessential “Mr. Perfect” with a terrifying twist. He saves Sydney from an assault early in the novel, but beneath his calm, composed exterior lies a deeply disturbed individual. Through flashbacks to his childhood, we learn that Tom was a troubled boy obsessed with a classmate, Daisy. As an adult, he continues to be obsessed with women who remind him of her, and he harbors violent tendencies that have only grown over time. Tom represents the dangers of trusting appearances, a theme McFadden expertly weaves throughout the novel.
- Jake: Sydney’s ex-boyfriend and a detective, Jake is both a romantic foil and an ally as the investigation into Bonnie’s murder unfolds. His involvement in the case brings old tensions to the surface, but his character is essential to helping Sydney navigate the increasingly complex and dangerous situation she finds herself in.
- Bonnie: Though Bonnie’s life is cut short early on, her murder drives the plot forward. She serves as both a victim and a catalyst, spurring Sydney to investigate Tom and uncover the truth about his past. The friendship between Bonnie, Sydney, and their other friend, Gretchen, adds emotional depth to the story.
The Twists and Turns: What Makes It Gripping
Freida McFadden is known for her ability to pull the rug out from under readers just when they think they’ve figured things out. In The Boyfriend, she uses a dual timeline to build suspense. The chapters that flash back to Tom Brewer’s childhood are particularly eerie, providing insights into the psychology of a budding psychopath. As readers, we’re given just enough information to piece together that Tom isn’t who he says he is, but McFadden keeps us guessing about the full extent of his crimes.
Sydney’s growing suspicions about Tom are masterfully handled. Each interaction between them becomes more charged with tension, especially once she learns that Tom has been lying about his name. The slow realization that Tom Brewer is the same person who terrorized women in the past is a brilliant narrative technique, making the eventual reveal all the more satisfying.
The subplot involving Sydney’s ex, Jake, adds another layer of complexity to the story. His investigation into Bonnie’s murder intertwines with Sydney’s romantic life, making it difficult for her to know who to trust. At various points, you even wonder if Jake could be the killer—a red herring McFadden uses to keep readers on edge.
Spoilers and Major Plot Revelations
If you’re looking for the ultimate twist, here it is: Tom Brewer, the man Sydney falls for, is not only a liar but also a serial killer. As the narrative unfolds, Sydney learns that the man she’s been dating is connected to a series of unsolved murders. The real shock comes when she discovers that Tom’s real name isn’t even Tom—it’s Brewer. This revelation sets up the heart-pounding final act of the book.
In a climactic sequence, Tom corners Sydney in her apartment, revealing his true intentions. He’s been obsessed with women who resemble Daisy, his childhood fixation, and Sydney is next on his list of victims. In a desperate struggle, Sydney fights for her life. The tension is nearly unbearable as she tries to outsmart Tom, using everything she’s learned about him to gain the upper hand.
Just when it seems like Tom is about to kill her, Jake arrives and saves the day. This isn’t your typical “hero saves the damsel” moment, though—Sydney has been actively fighting back the whole time. In the end, it’s her resilience and quick thinking that allow her to survive.
Ending Explained: Layers of Deception
The ending of The Boyfriend is both satisfying and chilling. Once Tom Brewer’s true identity is revealed, Sydney realizes that she’s been dating a monster. But what makes the ending particularly powerful is that McFadden doesn’t just stop with the arrest of Tom. She leaves readers with a lingering sense of dread—what if there are other victims we don’t know about? What if Tom wasn’t working alone?
There’s also the question of Sydney’s emotional state. Surviving such a traumatic experience doesn’t come without psychological scars, and McFadden subtly hints at the lasting impact this will have on Sydney’s ability to trust others. Even with Tom out of the picture, the emotional aftermath of dating a killer looms large.
The last few pages of the book are haunting, with Sydney reflecting on how close she came to becoming another of Tom’s victims. McFadden leaves the door open for further speculation, allowing readers to wonder just how far Tom’s web of lies extended.
Themes and Psychological Depth
One of the most compelling aspects of The Boyfriend is its exploration of identity and deception. In today’s world of online dating, where people often craft idealized versions of themselves, McFadden taps into the fear that we may not truly know the people we’re getting involved with. Tom Brewer is the embodiment of this fear—a man who presents one face to the world while hiding a much darker reality.
Another significant theme is the power dynamics in relationships. Tom’s need to control and manipulate women is central to his character, and McFadden explores how that control can manifest in both overt and subtle ways. Sydney’s journey from feeling powerless in her relationship to taking control of her own destiny is a powerful narrative arc that resonates deeply in a world where women’s safety is often at risk.
Comparison to Other Psychological Thrillers
The Boyfriend shares many elements with other popular thrillers, particularly those that deal with the theme of obsession and identity. Fans of Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn will appreciate the psychological mind games at it comes to identity and obsession. For instance, books like You by Caroline Kepnes, where the stalker protagonist Joe Goldberg crafts an entire persona to manipulate his targets, are thematically similar to The Boyfriend. Both stories focus on the idea of control—control over others’ perceptions and, ultimately, control over their lives. However, McFadden’s The Boyfriend adds layers of psychological suspense by using a dual timeline, which gives readers an intimate look into Tom’s backstory, gradually revealing the depth of his twisted psyche.
Moreover, The Boyfriend stands out for its focus on the emotional fallout of being in a toxic and dangerous relationship. In contrast to thrillers that simply focus on the crime or the psychological games, McFadden also explores the psychological toll on the victim, Sydney, as she grapples with both her past trauma and the present horror of being involved with a killer. This distinguishes the book from more plot-driven thrillers, adding a layer of emotional depth that readers can connect with.
The Psychological Unraveling of Tom Brewer
One of the most interesting aspects of The Boyfriend is how McFadden gradually reveals Tom’s psyche throughout the book. Early flashbacks show Tom’s obsessive nature from a young age, focusing on his fixation with a girl named Daisy. The fact that this childhood obsession grows into a full-blown psychosis as an adult is chilling, as it demonstrates the dangers of unchecked mental health issues and how they can evolve into something far more sinister.
Tom Brewer is not just a serial killer; he’s a man who meticulously constructs a facade to gain the trust of his victims. His dual identities—Tom Brewer and Tom Brown—mirror the duality within his personality. On one hand, he presents himself as the ideal partner: loving, protective, and even heroic when he “rescues” Sydney from an assault on their first meeting. On the other hand, his darker self is revealed through his violent tendencies, which trace back to his childhood. The way McFadden slowly peels back the layers of Tom’s character is masterfully done, keeping readers in suspense while also offering glimpses into his twisted mind.
Tom’s backstory also explores how early traumas and fixations can shape a person’s future. The fact that his obsession with Daisy is so central to his identity as a killer adds a psychological dimension to his crimes. He’s not simply killing for the sake of it; he’s reliving his childhood fantasies of control and power. This psychological complexity elevates Tom from being a one-dimensional villain to a fully fleshed-out character whose motives, while horrifying, are rooted in a deeply disturbed psychology.
The Role of Technology and Modern Dating
In The Boyfriend, McFadden cleverly taps into contemporary fears about online dating and the digital age. Sydney, like many women, is navigating the complicated world of dating apps, where it’s easy for people to hide their true identities. The ease with which Tom Brewer can assume a false identity—using a burner phone and a fake name—highlights the dangers of trusting someone in today’s technology-driven world.
This theme is particularly relevant in an era where online relationships have become commonplace, and the line between truth and deception is increasingly blurred. McFadden’s portrayal of modern dating is sharp and insightful, showing how people like Sydney can become vulnerable to manipulation and deceit. The idea that someone could be living a double life, presenting one persona online and another in reality, adds to the sense of unease that permeates the novel.
Additionally, McFadden explores how technology can both help and hinder the search for truth. Sydney’s growing suspicions about Tom lead her to use social media and online research to dig into his past, but it’s not until she stumbles upon deeper, more disturbing truths about his previous relationships that she begins to fully grasp the danger she’s in. This tension between the potential benefits and risks of technology is a running theme throughout the novel, emphasizing the precarious nature of trust in the digital age.
The Power Dynamics in Relationships
Another core theme of The Boyfriend is the power dynamics that play out in relationships, particularly in situations where one person holds more emotional or psychological control than the other. Tom’s manipulation of Sydney is subtle at first, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that he’s been carefully orchestrating events to maintain control over her. His charm and kindness mask a deeper desire to dominate and ultimately harm her, reflecting how abusers can often hide their true intentions under the guise of affection and protection.
Sydney’s character arc revolves around reclaiming her own agency. At the start of the novel, she’s portrayed as vulnerable and a little jaded from her failed dating experiences. However, as she uncovers the truth about Tom, she becomes more empowered, refusing to be just another one of his victims. This transformation is central to the story’s emotional core. It’s not just a battle for survival—it’s a battle for autonomy and self-determination.
The dynamic between Sydney and Jake, her ex-boyfriend, adds another layer of complexity to the theme of power in relationships. Jake’s role as both a romantic interest and a detective investigating Bonnie’s murder puts Sydney in a position where she has to navigate her feelings for him while also dealing with the trauma of her current situation. The tension between them highlights how past relationships can influence present dynamics, and how unresolved emotions can cloud judgment in high-stress situations.
The Lasting Impact of Trauma
One of the most striking elements of The Boyfriend is the way McFadden deals with the aftermath of trauma. By the end of the novel, Sydney has not only survived a physical attack but also endured a profound psychological ordeal. The experience of dating a killer and narrowly escaping death leaves her with emotional scars that are likely to last long after the story ends. This lingering trauma is subtly addressed in the final chapters, as McFadden hints at Sydney’s difficulty in trusting people and moving forward with her life.
In many ways, Sydney’s journey is one of recovery and resilience. Throughout the novel, she’s confronted with numerous obstacles—both external and internal—that force her to confront her past and her vulnerabilities. By the end, while she’s certainly been changed by her experiences, there’s also a sense of hope. McFadden doesn’t provide a neatly wrapped-up conclusion, but she does suggest that Sydney, though damaged, is on the path to healing.
Conclusion: A Psychological Thriller That Stays with You
The Boyfriend is a standout in the crowded field of psychological thrillers, thanks to Freida McFadden’s expert pacing, layered characters, and unexpected twists. The novel takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the complexities of modern relationships, the dangers of trusting appearances, and the psychological impact of trauma. With its intricate plot and chilling revelations, The Boyfriend will leave you questioning not only the characters in the book but also the people in your own life.
The ending, with its final, unsettling twist, is a testament to McFadden’s ability to craft a narrative that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. Sydney’s story may be one of survival, but it’s also a cautionary tale about the fragility of trust and the dark side of desire. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, The Boyfriend is a must-read.