With Malice

by Eileen Cook

[Kait ✨]

This book was not amazing or radical in any way—as thrillers rarely are these days—but it was really enjoyable. Probably because I never had a best friend growing up, I love thrillers about close friendships that have gone awry, and this story about two BFFs who go on a school trip to Italy fit the bill nicely. It does give you something to think about in terms of memory and truth, how these two things function in our society and in our brains, both together and separately. I enjoyed how Cook incorporated multiple perspectives through alternative media such as police interviews, blog posts, etc. At times, the plot of [book:With Malice|26153925] reminded me of [book:Reconstructing Amelia|15776309] and [book:Waiting to Be Heard: A Memoir|15833693], but not necessarily in a bad way. There are echoes of these books here, though, and if you liked them, I think you’d like [book:With Malice|26153925]. This was a lot of fun and while I’d characterize it as a “light” read, I’d still say it’s worth your time if you’re looking for something compelling and plot-driven.