The Perfect Couple

Based on its blurb, The Perfect Couple sounded like a great, twisty domestic suspense thriller and, at times, it was with its intriguing premise and loads of red herrings. But it wasn't a good fit for this avid suspense reader for a few reasons.

The story was very slow moving almost from the start and never quite gripped me. It was also unclear to me what kind of book the author was going for. It's not quite a crime thriller but not a domestic suspense either and as the story progressed it took on a Movie of the Week feel that I did not enjoy. The plot required me to suspend disbelief more than I was willing to go but what frustrated me the most was Gemma's character who, for a former crime reporter, came off aggravatingly naïve, dense and someone I just couldn't get behind as a main character.

What I did like about this book was the diversity of its characters and how the police investigator was given more depth than you'd typically expect. But, as a whole, these experienced police detectives came off bumbling at best - ignoring evidence and focusing on Gemma as their one and only suspect. The last straw for me was towards the end when one character's confession is revealed - it felt like it came out of nowhere and readers are just supposed to go along with a far-fetched twist. And don't get me started on the last 'surprise' which had Movie of the Week written all over it.

As you may have guessed The Perfect Couple wasn't a good fit for me. I was more frustrated than intrigued as I pushed myself to finish this predictable story. Perhaps this would be a good pick for someone entering into the world of suspense reads but regular readers of suspense may find too many holes in its plot.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to the publisher for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 2 stars

Author: Jackie Kabler

Genre: Suspense

Type: eBook

Source: NetGalley

Publisher: Harper Impulse and Killer Reads

First Published: April 17, 2020

Opening Lines: It was the silence I noticed first. 

Book Description from GoodReads: The perfect couple…or the perfect lie?

A year and a half ago, Gemma met the love of her life, Danny. Since then, their relationship has been like something out of a dream. But one Friday evening, Gemma returns home to find Danny is nowhere to be seen.

After two days with no word from her husband, Gemma turns to the police. She is horrified with what she discovers – a serial killer is on the loose in Bristol. When she sees the photos of the victims she is even more stunned…the victims all look just like Danny.

But, the detectives aren’t convinced by Gemma’s story. Why has no one apart from Gemma seen or heard from Danny in weeks? Why is there barely a trace of him in their flat? Is she telling them the truth, or are there more secrets and lies in this marriage than meets the eye?