The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden offers an engaging psychological thriller that captivates readers with its suspenseful twists. Positive feedback highlights its fast-paced narrative and unexpected ending. However, some criticize the character development and predictability at times. Overall, it's a gripping read that keeps mystery enthusiasts hooked until the last page.

Fans of psychological thrillers with unexpected twists, akin to Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train, would relish The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden. Readers who enjoy intricate narratives and suspenseful plots will find themselves captivated by McFadden's gripping storytelling.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Unnerving / Dark / Emotional

**Sydney Shaw**  
Sydney Shaw is a 34-year-old protagonist and primary narrator who appears in the “Present Day” plotline. She is described as having brown hair with natural blond streaks and intriguing gray eyes.

**Tom Brewer**  
Tom Brewer is introduced as Sydney’s primary love interest and appears as one of the primary narrators. He is described as handsome with a lean build, a strong jaw, and coal-black eyes.

**Gretchen "Daisy" Driscoll**  
Daisy, also known as Gretchen in the “Present Day” chapters, is characterized by her ability to hide her true nature. Tom describes her as an angelic figure with golden hair and pale blue eyes.

**Jake Sousa**  
Jake Sousa is a police officer and a love interest for Sydney Shaw. He is described as tall, strong, handsome, and serious, with a hint of gray in his temples.

**Kevin**  
Kevin is a secondary antagonist who appears only in the “Present Day” chapters. He is described as bone-thin, with long, blond, receding hair that he wears in an unkempt ponytail.

**Slug**  
“Slug” is Tom’s childhood best friend and an important supporting character in the “Before” chapters. He is known for his anti-social behavior and is described as having a skeletal appearance with a face full of acne.

Study Guide

Book Brief

Explore The Boyfriend reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Book Brief The Boyfriend

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Boyfriend and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Boyfriend Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Boyfriend Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 11

The Boyfriend Prologue-Chapter 11 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 12-24

The Boyfriend Chapters 12-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-37

The Boyfriend Chapters 25-37 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 38-52

The Boyfriend Chapters 38-52 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 53-Epilogue

The Boyfriend Chapter 53-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Boyfriend Character Analysis

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Themes

The Boyfriend Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Boyfriend Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Boyfriend Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Boyfriend Essay Topics

Freida McFadden

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The Boyfriend

Book Brief

The Boyfriend

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

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