Publisher: One More Chapter (a Harper Collins imprint)
Publication Date: 17th April 2020
Blurb
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 by 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 … they all look just like Danny.
But the police 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?
Review
I have read all of Jackie Kabler’s earlier books (see my earlier posts for The Dead Dog Day, The Deadline and Am I Guilty?) and, as such, I was keen to get my hands on a copy of The Perfect Couple. However, with anticipation always comes with the risk of disappointment. I’m happy to confirm that The Perfect Couple did not disappoint in the slightest! Kabler has produced yet another fantastic read.
Told in an easy-to-read style, the book is a combination of psychological thriller (told from Gemma’s first person narrative) and police procedural (written in third person). It really is very cleverly plotted and well written.
The main character, Gemma, is the typical unreliable narrator. I was never sure quite how much truth there was to her version of events. In fact, I found myself doubting all of the characters, including her friends – Clare, Tai and Eva – and especially her suspicious neighbour Clive (he’s an odd one!).
The Perfect Couple is a real page-turner. The tension grows steadily as the story progresses, packed to the brim with clues, red herrings, twists and turns. It certainly kept me on the edge of my seat from start until finish. Every time I thought I’d worked out what happened, the plot would suddenly veer off in another direction. Absolutely gripping!
The book delves into a number of interesting underlying themes, including nature vs nurture, mental health and the role of social media in today’s society. It explores how well we really know those around us and whether loyalty comes (or should come) with boundaries.
It is quite hard to discuss the book in any detail without revealing any spoilers and, believe me, it’s one of those books where the less you know before starting, the more enjoyable it will be.
The Perfect Couple is a real page-turner. It’s suspenseful, twisty and sinister – very entertaining and everything you would want to find in a psychological thriller. I absolutely loved this book and I would certainly not hesitate to recommend it.
Thanks to One More Chapter for providing me with a copy of this book for review.
About the Author
Contact Links
Website: www.jackiekabler.com
Twitter: @JackieKabler
Instagram: @officialjackiekabler
The Curious Ginger Cat 