My first book by Dorothy Koomson was “When I Was Invisible.” It was an emotional rollercoaster wrapped in beautiful prose. After that, I started looking for more of her books. My next reads were “My Best Friend’s Girl,” and “The Rose Petal Beach”
If you’ve ever picked up one of her books thinking, “Oh, just a quick read before bed,” you already know you’re lying to yourself. Dorothy Koomson doesn’t just write stories; she delivers feelings.
Whether she’s exploring the complexities of friendship, the weight of secrets, or the messy beauty of love and forgiveness, Koomson writes with a kind of raw honesty that stays with you — in your head, chest, and sometimes, in your tear-stained pillow.
So I dove into three of her books — When I Was Invisible, My Best Friend’s Girl, and The Rose Petal Beach — and wow, did they deliver. Different vibes, different emotional landmines, same brilliant storytelling. Here’s what I thought (no spoilers, just vibes).
**This post contains affiliate links, and if you purchase anything using these links, I will earn a small commission with no additional costs to you.
The Rose Petal Beach by Dorothy Koomson — Twists, Secrets, and Emotional Earthquakes
You know that feeling when a book grabs you by the collar in chapter one and refuses to let go, even when your tea’s gone cold and your cat has given up on sitting in your lap? That, my friends, is The Rose Petal Beach by Dorothy Koomson.
This psychological drama is as layered as a mille-feuille pastry—and just as addictive. Koomson, queen of emotional thrillers and complex female protagonists, delivers a haunting tale of trust, betrayal, and the tangled web of human relationships.
First, let’s talk vibes
If you’re expecting a soft, floral stroll through a gentle love story because of the dreamy title, think again. The Rose Petal Beach is more like being handed a rose and realising too late that the thorns are razor sharp. It’s beautiful, yes—but also devastating, thought-provoking, and surprisingly dark in the best way.
The story starts when the protagonist’s seemingly perfect life unravels instantly. One shocking event leads to the slow peeling back of secrets—some old, some brand new, and all guaranteed to make your jaw drop. It’s the kind of plot that makes you think, How well do we really know the people closest to us? (And should we maybe do a background check on everyone in our lives?)
The characters: flawed, authentic, unforgettable
Dorothy Koomson doesn’t do cookie-cutter characters. Every person in this book feels like someone you might know—your best friend, your partner, your co-worker… or your worst nightmare. The protagonist is smart and relatable, which makes her emotional journey all the more gripping. And the supporting cast? Equally compelling, each with their own shadows and stories.
This is very much a character-driven narrative, but it never sacrifices pace. The plot moves like a silent tsunami—subtle at first, then emotionally destructive.
Themes that hit you right in the feels
Koomson fearlessly explores heavy topics: betrayal, trauma, the complexity of female friendships, and what it means to protect someone at a personal cost. But she handles it all with sensitivity, weaving each thread into a narrative that feels heartbreakingly honest. There’s no melodrama—just messy, human truth.
And yes, there’s a mystery element—but it’s not just a “whodunit.” It’s a “whydidtheydothat” and “howcouldthey” and “waitWHAT” kind of story. The suspense builds gradually, and by the time the truth surfaces, you’re emotionally invested in everyone and everything.
The writing? Chef’s kiss.
Koomson’s prose is lush without being over-the-top, lyrical in the way it paints feelings rather than just describing them. She doesn’t just tell a story—she creates a mood. One minute you’re sipping a cup of chamomile tea, the next you’re questioning every life choice you’ve ever made. Dramatic? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.
Final thoughts (aka: Read. This. Book.)
The Rose Petal Beach isn’t just a psychological drama—it’s a deep dive into the emotional complexities of love, trust, and the secrets we keep from even our closest companions. It’s perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Liane Moriarty, or anyone who enjoys peeling back the glossy surface of relationships to see what’s really underneath.
Highly recommended for:
- Fans of domestic thrillers with emotional depth
- Readers who love morally complex characters
- Anyone who enjoys shouting “WHAT?!” at a book at 1 a.m.
Avoid if:
- You’re looking for a breezy beach read. This one comes with emotional weight (and probably a few tears).
Dorothy Koomson’s When I Was Invisible – A Powerful Story of Identity and Trauma
What happens when your childhood best friend vanishes from your life… and reappears years later under painfully complicated circumstances?
Dorothy Koomson’s When I Was Invisible is not just a novel — it’s a raw, gut-punching exploration of trauma, identity, and the kinds of friendships that mark you forever, for better or worse. Koomson is no stranger to emotional storytelling, but in this one, she cranks up the intensity in the best (and most heartbreaking) way possible.
The Plot (No Spoilers, Promise!)
At the center of the story are two girls who, once upon a time, shared the same name, the same dreams, and a bond so tight it felt unbreakable. But life had other plans. Years later, they’ve grown into women carrying secrets, shame, and scars — both visible and invisible. When fate throws them back together, they must confront the ghosts they’ve each tried to silence.
Let’s just say, it’s not a cosy tea-and-biscuits reunion.
This is one of those books where the less you know going in, the more powerful the journey will be. Just trust that Koomson will guide you through every twist and emotional gut-check with grace, compassion, and her trademark storytelling finesse.
Why It Stands Out
1. Dual timelines that hit hard – The narrative dances between past and present, giving us just enough breadcrumb clues to piece things together without ever feeling spoon-fed. It’s a masterclass in pacing, and every flashback feels like a revelation rather than a detour.
2. A deeply layered exploration of trauma. – Koomson tackles dark themes here — abuse, guilt, and the fragility of identity — but never in a way that feels gratuitous. She writes with empathy, weaving in social commentary without pulling focus from the emotional core of the story.
3. Female friendship at its most complicated. – If you’ve ever had a best friend you grew up with, drifted from, or still miss in ways you can’t articulate — this book will speak to you. Loudly.
4. Representation that feels real. Dorothy Koomson doesn’t shy away from writing about race and gender and how these intersect with trauma and societal judgment. It’s refreshing to see characters who feel real, flawed, resilient, and fighting to be seen.
5. Writing that gets under your skin. – Some books you read. Others, like this one, you feel. The prose is sharp and intimate, and there were moments where I had to just stop, breathe, and process what I’d read. Not because it was confusing, but because it hit that hard.
Perfect For Readers Who…
- Love emotional thrillers with a strong psychological edge
- Appreciate character-driven narratives with depth and complexity
- Want stories that explore friendship, trauma, and healing without sugarcoating
- Need a good book to sob into (hey, no judgment — we’ve all been there)
Final Thoughts
When I Was Invisible isn’t a light read, but a book that needs to be read. It lingers, making you think about the quiet battles people fight every day. It reminds us that being seen, truly seen, is one of the most powerful things we can offer each other.
Dorothy Koomson does what she does best: writes about the invisible wounds that shape us and the courage it takes to face them.
So if you’re in the mood for a book that will break your heart and stitch it back together — unevenly, maybe, but beautifully — add When I Was Invisible to your TBR. Just… maybe keep the tissues handy.
Dorothy Koomson’s My Best Friend’s Girl: A Beautifully Heartbreaking Read
Some books tug at your heartstrings gently, and then some books grab you by the soul, wring you out like an emotional sponge, and still leave you thanking the author for the experience. My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Koomson is firmly in the latter category. It’s poignant. It’s complex. And yes, you will need tissues. Possibly a whole box.
What It’s About (Without Spoiling a Thing)
The story follows Kamryn Matika, a successful, independent woman who’s built her life on strength, self-reliance, and a firm belief in not looking back. That is, until a letter from her estranged best friend changes everything. This isn’t your typical tale of reconciliation—it’s a story that throws grief, forgiveness, motherhood, and second chances into a blender and hits puree.
Koomson doesn’t hand us drama for the sake of drama. The emotional stakes are earned, layered, and steeped in realism. We’re not reading to be shocked—we’re reading because we care. The characters feel so fully lived-in, it’s like you’ve known them for years. And when things get hard (and oh, they do), you’re right there beside them, emotionally winded but rooting for the light at the end.
Characters That Live and Breathe
Kamryn is not your standard-issue heroine. She’s messy. She’s flawed. She’s deeply human. And that’s what makes her unforgettable. Koomson does something incredibly rare—she gives us a Black female protagonist in a contemporary British setting without making her identity a footnote. Kamryn’s experience as a woman of colour isn’t glossed over, but it’s also not the only lens we’re given to see her through. She’s funny, raw, and fiercely protective, and watching her evolve is like watching a bruised flower slowly, bravely bloom.
Then there’s the child at the heart of the story—equal parts heartbreak and hope. Koomson doesn’t fall into the trap of writing precocious-for-the-sake-of-it kids. This child feels real, and the bond that develops is so tender it’ll sneak up on you. One minute you’re reading, the next you’re a puddle.
Themes That Hit Home (Hard)
Grief, guilt, friendship, motherhood, and forgiveness—this book is a masterclass in weaving tough themes without ever becoming too heavy to carry. It also offers a subtle but powerful examination of race and identity that doesn’t scream for attention but simmers under the surface in all the right ways.
And let’s talk about the moral complexity—this isn’t a story of saints and sinners. Everyone does their best with the cards they’ve been dealt; sometimes their best isn’t enough. And that’s real life.
Writing That’s Clean, Clear, and Cutting
Dorothy Koomson’s writing is like that friend who always tells you the truth—but with a warm drink in hand and a hug waiting after. Her prose is sharp but comforting, emotional but never manipulative. She knows when to hold back and when to let you crumble.
If you read with a pen in hand (hi, fellow highlighter fiends), you’ll find yourself underlining entire paragraphs. Not because they’re flashy, but because they hit home. Quietly. Deeply.
Final Thoughts: Should You Read It?
If you love stories about emotional resilience, complicated friendships, and unexpected paths to motherhood, My Best Friend’s Girl deserves a spot on your shelf. It’s the kind of novel that lingers long after the final page—not because it demands your attention, but because it earns it.
This book isn’t just a tearjerker—it’s a truth-teller, and in the world of contemporary women’s fiction, that’s a rare and beautiful thing.
Did I answer the question from the beginning?
Reading Dorothy Koomson is like being hugged and sucker-punched at the same time — and honestly, I keep coming back for more. Each of these novels peels back the layers of human emotion with such care and clarity that even when your heart’s aching, you know you’re in good hands.
If you’re in the mood for stories that aren’t afraid to tackle the hard stuff — grief, betrayal, identity, redemption — but still leave space for hope and healing, you can’t go wrong with Koomson. Just maybe don’t read all three back-to-back unless you have snacks, tissues, and emotional support on standby.
Trust me, your heart will be whole… and maybe just a little bruised.
Myvirtualcupoftea.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post might also contain affiliate links to other sites. And if you purchase anything using these links, I earn a small commission with no additional costs to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!
My Virtual Cup of Tea 
1 thought on “Why Should Dorothy Koomson Books Be Your Next Must-Read?”