ARC REVIEW: The Perfect Family – by Shalini Boland @bookouture

Title: The Perfect Family
Author: Shalini Boland
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
First published: November 6th 2018
Publisher: Bookouture
Finished reading: October 24th 2018
Pages: 284

“Confidence is the key to ninety-nine per cent of everything.”

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

I’ve been a big fan of Shalini Boland‘s psychological thrillers ever since my first experience back in 2016 and I have read every single one she wrote since. Delivering one gripping and well written story after the other has turned her into one of my favorite psychological thriller writers, and of course I’m always highly anticipating any new title. Book number seven The Perfect Family is yet another strong addition to the family. There is just something about the writing style that draws you right in, grabs you and won’t let you go until you reach the final page. This is one of those books you’ll have to clear up your schedule for, because you’ll want to read it in one sitting! The funny thing is that initially I wasn’t too sure about the characters. I didn’t find them particularly enchanting, and I was worrying whether I would be able to properly connect to them or the story. I shouldn’t have worried, because as soon as the two different POVs started to merge those feelings don’t matter anymore. The suspense and plot twists are spot on and will create an atmosphere of suspicion and intrigue. You will want to scream at some characters, tell them to open their eyes, while you are also biting your nails as you wonder how things would continue. I did see part of the final twist coming, as it’s pretty obvious, but there is also an extra spin that most definitely will come as a surprise. The Perfect Family is another well crafted, suspenseful and deceiving psychological thriller that won’t let you go until you know it all… Perfect for fans of the genre.

It all starts when one morning Gemma Ballantine is getting ready for work, and her eldest daughter makes her realize her six-year-old has disappeared. With the front door open, Gemma fears the worst and runs out to find her little girl… Her mother-in-law Diane ends up finding Katie wandering around a few streets away, and Gemma is both relieved and thankful the nightmare is over. But it turns out that it’s only just beginning…

I have enjoyed every single of the psychological thrillers Shalini Boland has written so far, and The Perfect Family is no exception. The writing is just as strong as ever, drawing you in from the start. The plot is very cleverly constructed and the final reveals definitely add an original touch to the story (despite the fact I saw part of it coming). The development of the plot and the plot twists are excellent, revealing just enough each time to keep you on your toes at all times. Without doubt a suspenseful, well crafted and simply splendid psychological thriller!