Michelle Frances' debut novel, The Girlfriend, is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of familial relationships, jealousy, and the destructive power of lies. With a narrative that is both tense and engaging, Frances crafts a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, exploring the dark undercurrents of a seemingly perfect life unraveling due to the introduction of an outsider.

At the heart of the novel is Laura, a woman who appears to have it all—a successful career, a wealthy husband, and a son, Daniel, who embodies every mother's dream. However, the arrival of Cherry, Daniel's new girlfriend, sets off a chain of events that threatens to dismantle Laura's carefully constructed world. Cherry is portrayed as a young, beautiful, and ambitious woman who, unlike Laura, has not been afforded the luxuries of a privileged upbringing. This stark contrast between the two women forms the crux of the novel's tension.

Frances expertly develops her characters, making them both relatable and deeply flawed. Laura, for all her outward success, is revealed to be deeply insecure and possessive, particularly when it comes to her son. Her fear of losing Daniel to Cherry is palpable and drives much of the novel's conflict. On the other hand, Cherry is depicted as cunning and manipulative, willing to go to great lengths to secure the life she believes she deserves. This dynamic creates a compelling psychological battle between the two women, each vying for control over Daniel's future.

The novel's exploration of the mother-son-daughter-in-law relationship is particularly intriguing. Frances sheds light on the often unspoken tensions that can arise in such dynamics, especially when a mother feels threatened by her son's romantic partner. The psychological warfare between Laura and Cherry is both chilling and fascinating, as each woman employs subtle sabotage and manipulation to achieve her goals. This aspect of the novel is reminiscent of other psychological thrillers, such as The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins or Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, where the line between protagonist and antagonist is blurred, and the reader is left questioning who to trust.

One of the novel's most compelling themes is the idea of perception versus reality. Laura's life, which appears perfect on the surface, is revealed to be fraught with insecurity and fear. Similarly, Cherry's outward charm masks a deep-seated ambition and willingness to deceive. Frances skillfully plays with these dualities, keeping readers guessing about the true nature of her characters and their intentions. This theme is further underscored by the novel's central lie—a decision made in the heat of the moment that spirals out of control, leading to devastating consequences.

The pacing of The Girlfriend is another of its strengths. Frances maintains a steady tension throughout the novel, with each chapter revealing new layers of deceit and betrayal. The narrative is tightly woven, with no extraneous subplots to distract from the central conflict. This focus allows the reader to become fully immersed in the psychological battle between Laura and Cherry, heightening the novel's impact.

While The Girlfriend is a compelling read, it is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the characters' motivations to be somewhat exaggerated, particularly in Cherry's case. Her willingness to go to extreme lengths to achieve her goals may stretch believability for some. However, this is a common trope in psychological thrillers, where characters often operate at the extremes of human behavior. Additionally, the novel's resolution may feel somewhat abrupt, leaving some threads unresolved. Yet, this ambiguity can also be seen as a reflection of the novel's themes, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of lies and deceit.

In conclusion, The Girlfriend is a taut and engaging psychological thriller that offers a fresh take on the complexities of familial relationships. Michelle Frances' debut is a testament to her ability to craft a narrative that is both suspenseful and thought-provoking. The novel's exploration of jealousy, fear, and the destructive power of lies is both chilling and compelling, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. While it may not reach the heights of some of its predecessors, such as Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train, it stands on its own as a captivating and unsettling exploration of the dark side of human nature.