Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Dates Read: 12/3/23 - 12/5/23

    On a chilly autumn night in a New York apartment, Billie West is startled by terrified screams—her best friend Cassie Barnwell realizing her infant daughter is missing. The shock intensifies when Billie looks down to find the baby in her own arms, suddenly remembering that she is responsible for the kidnapping that has shattered Cassie’s world.

    This sets the stage for the unfolding story of Billie and Cassie's friendship, both in recent weeks and since their meeting twenty-three years ago in their small Hudson Valley hometown. Initially connected by shared secrets, including a traumatic incident in high school, the two women have drifted apart in adulthood. Cassie, now a married mother and a fashion influencer, is eager to distance herself from her past, including Billie, who no longer fits into her world. Hurt and rejected, Billie is determined to restore their friendship, even if it means hiding the truth about the night the baby was taken.

    While marketed as a thriller, 'Bye, Baby' is more focused on exploring the complexities of female friendship and motherhood. Billie's character initially annoyed me, but the book soon eventually explained the trauma behind her bond with Cassie.

    If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller, this might disappoint. The mystery of the missing baby is solved quickly, and the rest of the book is about the emotional journey of the characters, and their relationships. This shift in focus might not be for everyone.

    It starts with a captivating hook and gradually reveals secrets, keeping you hooked. I personally hated both main characters, but Lovering done a wonderful job portraying a toxic friendship. Overall, this an enjoyable read, even if it's not what I expected, I'll definitely be reading some of Lovering's other novels.

    Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. 'Bye, Baby' is set to publish March 5, 2024!

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

My reviews can also be found ↓

Goodreads

Twitter

Instagram