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Her Perfect Revenge
On the surface we were the perfect couple, but no one knows what we’ve been hiding…
Just six hours ago, Alex and I were married. It was a beautiful wedding by the sea, on the beach we’ve always loved. Our guests crowded outside our beach hut to raise a toast before our first midnight swim together as man and wife. And then, suddenly, he was gone, drowning in the water that meant so much to us.
But instead of being able to mourn in peace, to get to grips with my awful new reality, the police are here. It seems they don’t think Alex’s death was an accident. And I’m the main suspect.
I know I’m innocent, but I also know we both had secrets. And to my horror, it seems Alex’s were worth killing for. But who in our wedding party could have wanted him dead?
I thought I knew the man I married but I couldn’t have been more wrong. But then again, he didn’t know the real me either. I’ve been hiding from the truth for so long. And then I what if it wasn’t Alex’s past that was coming back to find him. What if it’s mine? How far will someone go to expose my darkest secret?
Just six hours ago, Alex and I were married. It was a beautiful wedding by the sea, on the beach we’ve always loved. Our guests crowded outside our beach hut to raise a toast before our first midnight swim together as man and wife. And then, suddenly, he was gone, drowning in the water that meant so much to us.
But instead of being able to mourn in peace, to get to grips with my awful new reality, the police are here. It seems they don’t think Alex’s death was an accident. And I’m the main suspect.
I know I’m innocent, but I also know we both had secrets. And to my horror, it seems Alex’s were worth killing for. But who in our wedding party could have wanted him dead?
I thought I knew the man I married but I couldn’t have been more wrong. But then again, he didn’t know the real me either. I’ve been hiding from the truth for so long. And then I what if it wasn’t Alex’s past that was coming back to find him. What if it’s mine? How far will someone go to expose my darkest secret?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2023
161 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Sanderson
13 books120 followersLesley Sanderson spends her days writing in coffee shops in Kings Cross where she lives and also works as a librarian in a multicultural school. She has lived and worked in Paris and speaks four languages.
She attended the Curtis Brown Creative novel writing course in 2015/6, and in 2017 was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish fiction prize.
Lesley discovered Patricia Highsmith as a teenager and has since been hooked on psychological thrillers. She is particularly interested in the psychology of female relationships.
Follow Lesley Sanderson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesleysande...
She attended the Curtis Brown Creative novel writing course in 2015/6, and in 2017 was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish fiction prize.
Lesley discovered Patricia Highsmith as a teenager and has since been hooked on psychological thrillers. She is particularly interested in the psychology of female relationships.
Follow Lesley Sanderson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesleysande...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
October 9, 2023
For the majority of us, acting vengefully rarely gets past the fantasy scenario in our mind’s eye. Our brain kicks into gear and the rational part of our grey matter jump-starts our moral compass and our drive to seek revenge loses steam … like a deflating balloon.
Not so for one character in this story. S/he didn’t settle for buying a voodoo doll to stick pins in. S/he stewed and stewed in the dilemma until s/he hatched an elaborate plan. (insert evil cackle)
“Nobody sees the swimmer disappear. Only the one person knew it was going to happen.”
A new-to-me author, Lesley Sanderson held my attention while she explored how far someone would go to expose a dark secret. I loved the unique plot and plotting, the vengeful character(s), the swim team, and the academic focus, and thought the gaslighting and manipulation by a scheming character were portrayed masterfully. I do love a good police procedural, but often lose focus if it’s not done well. Sanderson has just enough police investigation to keep readers interested and tops it up nicely with mystery, a tidy inheritance, and a wide selection of possible suspects.
“Sometimes a lie is the only way out.”
I loved the twist.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Not so for one character in this story. S/he didn’t settle for buying a voodoo doll to stick pins in. S/he stewed and stewed in the dilemma until s/he hatched an elaborate plan. (insert evil cackle)
“Nobody sees the swimmer disappear. Only the one person knew it was going to happen.”
A new-to-me author, Lesley Sanderson held my attention while she explored how far someone would go to expose a dark secret. I loved the unique plot and plotting, the vengeful character(s), the swim team, and the academic focus, and thought the gaslighting and manipulation by a scheming character were portrayed masterfully. I do love a good police procedural, but often lose focus if it’s not done well. Sanderson has just enough police investigation to keep readers interested and tops it up nicely with mystery, a tidy inheritance, and a wide selection of possible suspects.
“Sometimes a lie is the only way out.”
I loved the twist.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 20, 2023
Earlier this year, I read and enjoyed Lesley Sanderson's 2023 release, The Mistress Next Door, which prompted me to add a few of her previous books to my TBR. This week, I picked up Her Perfect Revenge, where a newly married woman's husband drowns, and soon, the police discover he was drugged. But readers watched the entire wedding scene and the group's midnight swimming excursion post nuptials. When was there time for someone to kill him? If you dislike swimming, or find it strange that a wedding party would feel the need to drink and then go swim, you're not alone. Unfortunately, the entire premise was a non-starter for me, so I struggled, I must admit. But it had a different tone that other books, and it was something new, so I finished it. Definitely a few mysterious moments. Some strange past and present jumps. And once you realize what's going on, things seem much easier to accept... but still... it has to be taken for measure in that at its core, it's a mystery drama where you don't question things. The last few pages, to me, just tied things together without offering a ton of new explanations where I craved a surprise twist. Overall, it was a good book but it felt a little too simple for me this time. I'll read another one in the coming months before deciding if the author is for me or not.
September 27, 2023
Told in the past and the present ( not changing every chapter dependant on wnat was happening ) and with the added ‘anonymous’ chapters this psychological thriller ticked all the boxes it should tick
I liked that the story was loosely based around a swimming group that meets every Morning to swim in the sea and the descriptions of the water and the thrill it gives were written really well ( as were the dangers…)
An exciting opening that built nicely until the inevitable happened ( as in all good disaster scenes in books/films you knew it was coming as the tension grew ) and then a maybe slightly at times character too rich rest of story and an ending I read 3 times just to be sure had it right
Alex is vile…but well written
Overall a good read with ‘wave after wave’ of surprises 😎
I liked that the story was loosely based around a swimming group that meets every Morning to swim in the sea and the descriptions of the water and the thrill it gives were written really well ( as were the dangers…)
An exciting opening that built nicely until the inevitable happened ( as in all good disaster scenes in books/films you knew it was coming as the tension grew ) and then a maybe slightly at times character too rich rest of story and an ending I read 3 times just to be sure had it right
Alex is vile…but well written
Overall a good read with ‘wave after wave’ of surprises 😎
October 6, 2023
HER PERFECT REVENGE is centered mainly around Beth and Alex who were once a couple. When Beth dies, Alex marries his coworker, Felicity. On their wedding night, Alex wants to have a night swim in the sea with their guests as husband and wife, but Alex never comes back. When he is found the next day washed up on the beach, the police suspect foul play. An investigation begins and Felicity becomes a prime suspect.
The story is fast-paced and entertaining. I enjoyed the past and present POV's. I was unsure about the night swimming after the wedding ceremony, but in the end it all came together and made for one interesting story!
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
The story is fast-paced and entertaining. I enjoyed the past and present POV's. I was unsure about the night swimming after the wedding ceremony, but in the end it all came together and made for one interesting story!
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
April 25, 2024
"Her Perfect Revenge" was anything but perfect.
A just-married couple go on their first midnight swim together as man and wife.
The groom never returns.
Is the wife responsible for his death?
Although the book's premise was brilliant, the pacing was irritatingly S-L-O-W .
I listened to the audiobook read by Emma Newman.
Unfortunately, I was not a fan of the narration.
DNF at 45%
September 4, 2023
My Review:
Shocked!!!!! I didn’t know who or what to believe in this one. I was totally blindsided throughout the entire book. Every time I thought I knew where it was going, bam, there was another twist that I didn’t see coming. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I swiped through this so fast just to find out what happened next. I knew I couldn’t get anything done otherwise. I’ve read all this authors books and have loved them all but I can truly say this was one of of my favorites. It had shady characters, a great plot and a wow of an ending. What more can I ask for in a book. I will be reading more by this author in the future.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Shocked!!!!! I didn’t know who or what to believe in this one. I was totally blindsided throughout the entire book. Every time I thought I knew where it was going, bam, there was another twist that I didn’t see coming. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I swiped through this so fast just to find out what happened next. I knew I couldn’t get anything done otherwise. I’ve read all this authors books and have loved them all but I can truly say this was one of of my favorites. It had shady characters, a great plot and a wow of an ending. What more can I ask for in a book. I will be reading more by this author in the future.
In conclusion, the plot, the characters and all the twists in this book made this book an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
November 4, 2023
Love the cover and tagline. The story itself statys off at a wedding where a midnight swim leads to a tragerdy. The story is told via various chatacyers and different timelines. You are gradually give twist after twist. The major twost ibdid gueese correct but the true culprit was ia necer saw.
Its a quick fast pce read once you get into the chatacters. I loved the way the story was told and the red herrings folliwed by lotsvofvtwists. Some of which i would have licked to gave known more as some were briefly mentioned. Also as woth a lot of pov its nearly always just women characters. I would like to have read a bit from Alex's pov just a chapter as it felt i was lean-to think of him by other characters opinions. I realise this may have been del3.
A really solid 4.5 star read. Thank uou netgallery and publisher and author.
Its a quick fast pce read once you get into the chatacters. I loved the way the story was told and the red herrings folliwed by lotsvofvtwists. Some of which i would have licked to gave known more as some were briefly mentioned. Also as woth a lot of pov its nearly always just women characters. I would like to have read a bit from Alex's pov just a chapter as it felt i was lean-to think of him by other characters opinions. I realise this may have been del3.
A really solid 4.5 star read. Thank uou netgallery and publisher and author.
October 27, 2023
Review to come!
December 8, 2023
Her Perfect Revenge is a melodramatic, riveting and fun read.
Lesley has gifted readers another clever and twisty book that gets you in from cover to cover.
Beth and Alex were once a great couple.
But Beth is now dead.
Alex then marries co worker Felicity.
The bride and groom have secrets.
On the wedding day night, Alex disappears in the ocean.
The next day his body washes up on the beach.
A few guests at the wedding are suspicious.
Then Felicity becomes the prime suspect.
This is one of those books that will leave you gasping after being blindsided numerous times.
A great plot, a twist or two and that unexpected ending.
It’s inventive, well written, hooking and a bloody good book.
Get ready to be reading seduced by Lesley once again.
Lesley has gifted readers another clever and twisty book that gets you in from cover to cover.
Beth and Alex were once a great couple.
But Beth is now dead.
Alex then marries co worker Felicity.
The bride and groom have secrets.
On the wedding day night, Alex disappears in the ocean.
The next day his body washes up on the beach.
A few guests at the wedding are suspicious.
Then Felicity becomes the prime suspect.
This is one of those books that will leave you gasping after being blindsided numerous times.
A great plot, a twist or two and that unexpected ending.
It’s inventive, well written, hooking and a bloody good book.
Get ready to be reading seduced by Lesley once again.
October 6, 2023
This just blow me away, it was so good and so addictive. There were so many twists and turns - halfway through I thought I knew then there was a sentence and had to rethink everything. What a great book so recommend. This author just gets better and better with each read.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and Bookoutre but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and Bookoutre but the review is entirely my own.
September 16, 2023
This was an interesting story with some unexpected twists and turns.
The story starts in the present at Alex and Felicity's wedding. They're big ocean (lake? open water) swimmers and are doing a midnight swim with their guests. Alex doesn't return from the swim and Felicity is the primary suspect.
The story switches to 3 years in the past when Alex and his fiancée Beth initially moved to the area. They joined the swimming group and Alex worked/s with Felicity. Beth tragically drowned during one of the swims. Beth and Alex were the happy, perfect couple - or were they? (Since it would be a lame thriller if the answer was "yes, they were as happy as they seemed", you can probably guess that it's a "no"). And was something going on with Alex and Felicity before Beth drowned? Even though Felicity was friends with Beth?
The author does a great job of telling the story in the past and present. I appreciate that not EVERY chapter alternates, but we get a few in the past and then switch to the present. It made it less jarring to switch timelines.
Some of the reveals you could guess (like that Alex and Beth weren't the perfect couple) but some shocked me, which is always a pleasant surprise since I read so many thrillers that I can usually guess where we're going. The story was well paced and I read it in 2 days. The resolution made sense and resolved appropriately (no loose ends that I can recall).
My big complaint with this book was the dialogue. I don't know what it was about it, but the dialogue felt very flat and unnatural. Some of the supporting characters in the swim group were under-developed and interchangeable, so it was hard to keep track of them.
Overall, this was a great thriller. This was my first reading of this author and I look forward to checking out her other books.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this advance review copy.
The story starts in the present at Alex and Felicity's wedding. They're big ocean (lake? open water) swimmers and are doing a midnight swim with their guests. Alex doesn't return from the swim and Felicity is the primary suspect.
The story switches to 3 years in the past when Alex and his fiancée Beth initially moved to the area. They joined the swimming group and Alex worked/s with Felicity. Beth tragically drowned during one of the swims. Beth and Alex were the happy, perfect couple - or were they? (Since it would be a lame thriller if the answer was "yes, they were as happy as they seemed", you can probably guess that it's a "no"). And was something going on with Alex and Felicity before Beth drowned? Even though Felicity was friends with Beth?
The author does a great job of telling the story in the past and present. I appreciate that not EVERY chapter alternates, but we get a few in the past and then switch to the present. It made it less jarring to switch timelines.
Some of the reveals you could guess (like that Alex and Beth weren't the perfect couple) but some shocked me, which is always a pleasant surprise since I read so many thrillers that I can usually guess where we're going. The story was well paced and I read it in 2 days. The resolution made sense and resolved appropriately (no loose ends that I can recall).
My big complaint with this book was the dialogue. I don't know what it was about it, but the dialogue felt very flat and unnatural. Some of the supporting characters in the swim group were under-developed and interchangeable, so it was hard to keep track of them.
Overall, this was a great thriller. This was my first reading of this author and I look forward to checking out her other books.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this advance review copy.
October 10, 2023
Just six hours ago, Alex and I were married. It was a beautiful wedding by the sea, on the beach we’ve always loved. Our guests crowded outside our beach hut to raise a toast before our first midnight swim together as man and wife. And then, suddenly, he was gone, drowning in the water that meant so much to us.
But instead of being able to mourn in peace, to get to grips with my awful new reality, the police are here. It seems they don’t think Alex’s death was an accident.
I quite enjoyed this book and this was another new author for me. The story is told by different POV's which I always enjoy. Alex lost his first wife and then he meets Felicity and this relationship has changed his life for the better, he is happy once again. Alex proposes and he and Felicity are now married. On their wedding night Alex has organised for a late night swim and some of the guests are up for it as well, Felicity on the other hand has her hesitations, it is pitch dark, the water looks like ink and you can hardly see a foot in front of you. Alex and Felicity hold hands and dive in but after 15 minutes Felicity is frozen to the bone and gets out, she then looks for Alex in front of her but is unable to see him - the only thing I did find annoying was how many times we are told that Alex is a strong swimmer - I understand that this is relevant but the constant mentions of it was a bit over the top. Alex is now classed as missing and Felicity is now a murder suspect. Twists and turns take place that move the story along at a relatively fast pace and you need to keep your wits about you for clues that may mean nothing early in the book, but will greatly affect the outcome.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
But instead of being able to mourn in peace, to get to grips with my awful new reality, the police are here. It seems they don’t think Alex’s death was an accident.
I quite enjoyed this book and this was another new author for me. The story is told by different POV's which I always enjoy. Alex lost his first wife and then he meets Felicity and this relationship has changed his life for the better, he is happy once again. Alex proposes and he and Felicity are now married. On their wedding night Alex has organised for a late night swim and some of the guests are up for it as well, Felicity on the other hand has her hesitations, it is pitch dark, the water looks like ink and you can hardly see a foot in front of you. Alex and Felicity hold hands and dive in but after 15 minutes Felicity is frozen to the bone and gets out, she then looks for Alex in front of her but is unable to see him - the only thing I did find annoying was how many times we are told that Alex is a strong swimmer - I understand that this is relevant but the constant mentions of it was a bit over the top. Alex is now classed as missing and Felicity is now a murder suspect. Twists and turns take place that move the story along at a relatively fast pace and you need to keep your wits about you for clues that may mean nothing early in the book, but will greatly affect the outcome.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2023
This book had me captivated and engaged from the beginning, and I cannot say this for many books. I felt like I was in a whirlwind of surprises from start to finish. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another unexpected twist hit me like a bolt of lightning. I was literally on the edge of my seat throughout the entire read. I breezed through the pages at breakneck speed because I just had to know what would happen next. There was no way I could focus on anything else!
Having devoured all of this author's previous works and enjoyed them immensely, I can confidently say that 'Don't Trust Her' ranks among my favorites. It's got shady characters, a gripping plot, and an ending that left me utterly wowed. What more could I possibly ask for in a book? I'm eagerly looking forward to diving into more of this author's future releases.
In conclusion, the intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and the continuous cascade of unexpected twists in this book made it an incredibly satisfying and enjoyable read. Five stars from me.
Having devoured all of this author's previous works and enjoyed them immensely, I can confidently say that 'Don't Trust Her' ranks among my favorites. It's got shady characters, a gripping plot, and an ending that left me utterly wowed. What more could I possibly ask for in a book? I'm eagerly looking forward to diving into more of this author's future releases.
In conclusion, the intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and the continuous cascade of unexpected twists in this book made it an incredibly satisfying and enjoyable read. Five stars from me.
October 18, 2023
🌹 HAPPY PUB DAY🌹Her Perfect Revenge
By: Lesley Sanderson
4 🌹 🌹🌹🌹
This author always delivers delicious novels. Fast paced and fun. Makes you wonder whom did what?
🌹
Imagine you get married to the man of your dreams and he is dead within hours. Alex is a fit man who swam all the time. As part of their reception they take a swim in the dark. He goes missing and you get safely ashore. Alex’s past leads to several suspects.
🌹
The next morning his body is found! This novel is absolutely delicious and full of twists which lead to an wild conclusion. I have read several of her books and can recommend all of them. This novel publishes today October 18. Thank you Bookouture for my advanced copy.
#herperfectrevenge, #lesleysanderson, #bookouture, #Happypubday, #bookreview, #booksconnectus, #Happypubday, #stamperlady50, #bookstagram
By: Lesley Sanderson
4 🌹 🌹🌹🌹
This author always delivers delicious novels. Fast paced and fun. Makes you wonder whom did what?
🌹
Imagine you get married to the man of your dreams and he is dead within hours. Alex is a fit man who swam all the time. As part of their reception they take a swim in the dark. He goes missing and you get safely ashore. Alex’s past leads to several suspects.
🌹
The next morning his body is found! This novel is absolutely delicious and full of twists which lead to an wild conclusion. I have read several of her books and can recommend all of them. This novel publishes today October 18. Thank you Bookouture for my advanced copy.
#herperfectrevenge, #lesleysanderson, #bookouture, #Happypubday, #bookreview, #booksconnectus, #Happypubday, #stamperlady50, #bookstagram
September 27, 2023
Her Perfect Revenge by Lesley Sanderson is a fast-paced read that will sweep you right up in its twisty, cleverly executed narrative.
Felicity and Alex marry not long after the death of Alex's former fiance Beth, having come together in their shared grief. Deciding to cap their perfect day with a midnight swim for all who wish to join them, things take a tragic turn when Alex presumably drowns. Suddenly Felicity goes from newlywed to the prime suspect in a murder investigation.
I enjoyed the multiple POVs that were utilized to fully flesh out a storyline that is complex enough to keep you on alert for any potential red herrings. I cannot wait to see what Ms Sanderson has in store next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
Felicity and Alex marry not long after the death of Alex's former fiance Beth, having come together in their shared grief. Deciding to cap their perfect day with a midnight swim for all who wish to join them, things take a tragic turn when Alex presumably drowns. Suddenly Felicity goes from newlywed to the prime suspect in a murder investigation.
I enjoyed the multiple POVs that were utilized to fully flesh out a storyline that is complex enough to keep you on alert for any potential red herrings. I cannot wait to see what Ms Sanderson has in store next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
October 6, 2023
I love this authors books always an addictive read. it's the day of Felicity and Alex wedding. All there swimming friends are there .at midnight. they all are going for a swim. but Alex does not come out of the water. they find his body the next day. And treating it as murder, before Alex was with Felicity. He moved there with his partner Beth. And she died drowned. But is Alex all he seems? You will have to read it to find out the twist and turns are so good so recommend these authors books
November 29, 2023
WoW Her Perfect Revenge by Lesley Sanderson was absolutely addictive psychological thriller and I loved it. It was a brilliant book that had lots of twists and turns throughout that just kept you in your toes!
Every book I have read by Lesley has been a five star read and this one was no different! I love the way she writes once I started to read it I was hooked and didn't want the book to finish it was so addictive.
I highly recommend this book and will be reading more books from this author.
Big Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Bookouture for my ARC.
Every book I have read by Lesley has been a five star read and this one was no different! I love the way she writes once I started to read it I was hooked and didn't want the book to finish it was so addictive.
I highly recommend this book and will be reading more books from this author.
Big Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Bookouture for my ARC.
October 25, 2023
Dive off the deep end into this deliciously winding story about one man and the women he collects.
Alex is a scumbag and that is slowly revealed over the course of the book.
I thought swimming on the night of your wedding was odd until I understood the significance.
None of the main characters are what they seem and it takes most of the book to suss out why they acted the way they did.
I’d say everyone got what they deserved in the end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.
Alex is a scumbag and that is slowly revealed over the course of the book.
I thought swimming on the night of your wedding was odd until I understood the significance.
None of the main characters are what they seem and it takes most of the book to suss out why they acted the way they did.
I’d say everyone got what they deserved in the end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.
January 5, 2024
This author never fails to deliver! An excellent, fast paced read! Had a hard time putting it down!
May 1, 2024
This might have been higher but completely lost the plot at the end.
November 30, 2023
I like reading a good thriller that grips me from the beginning, and can keep me engaged until the end.
This book did just that I'm am happy to say I will be reading more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
This book did just that I'm am happy to say I will be reading more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
September 10, 2023
2.5 stars rounded up.
HER PERFECT REVENGE was my first title by this author. While the storyline seemed engaging, I had an issue with the lack of character development. The characters all seemed wooden and one-dimensional, even down to the stilted dialogue.
The plot twist was mildly interesting but mostly underwhelming.
There are plenty of great reviews for this book, so don't let my opinion sway you. I'll try another book by this author to see if it was just this book that didn't click.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this early read. This title will publish October 18, 2023.
HER PERFECT REVENGE was my first title by this author. While the storyline seemed engaging, I had an issue with the lack of character development. The characters all seemed wooden and one-dimensional, even down to the stilted dialogue.
The plot twist was mildly interesting but mostly underwhelming.
There are plenty of great reviews for this book, so don't let my opinion sway you. I'll try another book by this author to see if it was just this book that didn't click.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this early read. This title will publish October 18, 2023.
September 20, 2023
"Her Perfect Revenge" by Lesley Sanderson is a thriller that kept me engaged but left me with mixed feelings. I'd rate it 3.5 stars.
The story starts with an intriguing premise: a newlywed couple's midnight swim ends in tragedy when the groom, Alex, drowns. This sets off a chain of events where Felicity, the bride, becomes the prime suspect. What's even more bizarre is that Alex's previous fiancée, Beth, had also drowned at the same beach years before. The connection between these two deaths forms the backbone of the plot, and it's one of the book's strengths.
However, the narrative perspective sometimes felt disjointed. The shifts between perspectives were not always clear, making it confusing to follow whose viewpoint was being presented. A more structured approach with distinct chapters for each perspective would have improved the reading experience.
Editing issues also cropped up, with pronoun errors and inconsistencies in character relationships. These distractions detracted from the immersion in the story.
The use of anonymous chapters to reveal details about Alex and the killer's perspective felt unnecessary. It could have been more effective to let the story unfold naturally rather than rely on these anonymous interludes.
While I anticipated some of the twists, the identity of the killer took me by surprise and made sense in retrospect. The dual timelines, exploring the friendship between Beth and Felicity alongside Felicity's relationship with Alex, added depth to the narrative. It raised questions about Felicity's true nature and kept me guessing.
However, certain character decisions, especially those of Felicity, felt puzzling and required more backstory to justify. Additionally, the inclusion of the swim group in the wedding seemed odd given their description as mere acquaintances. If they played a significant role in the story, they should have been more fully developed.
In conclusion, "Her Perfect Revenge" is a decent thriller with some well-executed twists and an engaging dual timeline narrative. However, it could benefit from tighter editing and more thorough character development. It's a suitable choice for readers new to thrillers, but those seeking a polished and seamless storytelling experience might find it lacking. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book through Netgalley and Bookoture in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts with an intriguing premise: a newlywed couple's midnight swim ends in tragedy when the groom, Alex, drowns. This sets off a chain of events where Felicity, the bride, becomes the prime suspect. What's even more bizarre is that Alex's previous fiancée, Beth, had also drowned at the same beach years before. The connection between these two deaths forms the backbone of the plot, and it's one of the book's strengths.
However, the narrative perspective sometimes felt disjointed. The shifts between perspectives were not always clear, making it confusing to follow whose viewpoint was being presented. A more structured approach with distinct chapters for each perspective would have improved the reading experience.
Editing issues also cropped up, with pronoun errors and inconsistencies in character relationships. These distractions detracted from the immersion in the story.
The use of anonymous chapters to reveal details about Alex and the killer's perspective felt unnecessary. It could have been more effective to let the story unfold naturally rather than rely on these anonymous interludes.
While I anticipated some of the twists, the identity of the killer took me by surprise and made sense in retrospect. The dual timelines, exploring the friendship between Beth and Felicity alongside Felicity's relationship with Alex, added depth to the narrative. It raised questions about Felicity's true nature and kept me guessing.
However, certain character decisions, especially those of Felicity, felt puzzling and required more backstory to justify. Additionally, the inclusion of the swim group in the wedding seemed odd given their description as mere acquaintances. If they played a significant role in the story, they should have been more fully developed.
In conclusion, "Her Perfect Revenge" is a decent thriller with some well-executed twists and an engaging dual timeline narrative. However, it could benefit from tighter editing and more thorough character development. It's a suitable choice for readers new to thrillers, but those seeking a polished and seamless storytelling experience might find it lacking. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book through Netgalley and Bookoture in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2023
Her Perfect Revenge is a slow-burn thriller that provides an interesting mystery.
Alex and Felicity’s wedding day turns tragic as Alex dies during a midnight swim. When Alex’s cause of death is ruled homicide, the police begin looking into the death of Alex’s former fiancé, who died in a similar manner.
The story is told in two timelines and through multiple perspectives. However, I never felt connected to any of the major characters. I didn’t understand Alex’s motivations. Felicity seemed bland, and I really didn’t care much about her. The “swim group” characters were one-dimensional. As a result, the suspense felt lacking.
There are some interesting twists, some of which may not be a surprise to thriller readers. The identity of the killer is a surprise, but only because the character had not been fully developed and we didn’t know enough about the character to suspect that person of murder.
Readers that want a quick mystery will enjoy this, but the lack of suspense will be a let-down for thriller readers. I have to rate this as three stars out of five since it is being described as a psychological thriller and I do not feel that it met the criteria for that description. As a mystery, it rates four stars out of five.
Thank you to @NetGalley and the publisher for this advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
Alex and Felicity’s wedding day turns tragic as Alex dies during a midnight swim. When Alex’s cause of death is ruled homicide, the police begin looking into the death of Alex’s former fiancé, who died in a similar manner.
The story is told in two timelines and through multiple perspectives. However, I never felt connected to any of the major characters. I didn’t understand Alex’s motivations. Felicity seemed bland, and I really didn’t care much about her. The “swim group” characters were one-dimensional. As a result, the suspense felt lacking.
There are some interesting twists, some of which may not be a surprise to thriller readers. The identity of the killer is a surprise, but only because the character had not been fully developed and we didn’t know enough about the character to suspect that person of murder.
Readers that want a quick mystery will enjoy this, but the lack of suspense will be a let-down for thriller readers. I have to rate this as three stars out of five since it is being described as a psychological thriller and I do not feel that it met the criteria for that description. As a mystery, it rates four stars out of five.
Thank you to @NetGalley and the publisher for this advance review copy. All opinions are my own.
December 29, 2023
"On the surface we were the perfect couple, but no one knows what we’ve been hiding…"
Lesley Sanderson is a new to me author, however, after this mind-blowing little journey, I shall definitely be adding more of her previous eight psychological thrillers to my list - but preferably those without water involved - Read on and you'll see what I mean!
...
It is the wedding day of Alex and Felicity, two members of a wild sea swimming group. Some of the members are friends outside of their daily dip, but many only ever meet each other on the beach, occasionally going for a warming coffee together afterwards. Both Alex and Felicity are lecturers in English at the local University, although Alex is technically Felicity's superior and Head of Department. He has also been married before, to Beth, who was a teacher when they first met in London, but who, on relocating to the coast to support Alex's career, had become a homemaker, although maybe not through choice? Their marriage was not always a match made in heaven, but when a terrible accident takes Beth from Alex, he is understandably devastated. Beth had also been part of the swimming club, so she also knew Felicity, with the two of them having struck up an instant friendship.
It is no surprise to anyone when Felicity and Alex get together, some time after Beth's accident and their beach side wedding is much anticipated, although Alex's strange request that as many of the guests as possible should partake in a midnight sea swim after the reception, is not quite so eagerly received, especially as one or two of them know they will have had a few drinks. Alex is very much a creature of habit, so after he at first enters the water as expected, hand in hand with his new wife, alarm bells begin to ring when he suddenly leaves her side and swims out alone into much deeper water than is usual. Felicity's worst fears are confirmed when Alex fails to return to the beach, after everyone else has long since left the water and changed into some warming clothes, with the police and coastguard being called out as an emergency.
When a body is washed up the following day and is identified as being that of Alex, the police begin an investigation as to whether this has been simply a terrible accident, or whether foul play might be involved, so that they are prepared for whatever results the autopsy might reveal. Felicity is at first treated kindly as the grieving widow, however several seemingly unconnected twists of fate soon sees her firmly in the frame for murder, which she vehemently denies.
But is Felicity as innocent as she makes out, or is she a lot more clever and manipulative than the police give her credit for? Although for that matter, was Alex the attentive partner he had always portrayed himself as? In fact, who amongst the remaining swimming club members, might also have had an axe to grind, either against Alex himself, or indeed Felicity too?
...
This well constructed, dual timeline storyline, narrated from multiple viewpoints, was presented in short, punchy chapters, which were well labelled so that I always knew where I was and whose voice I was listening to.
The difficult discussions surrounding coercive, gaslighting behaviour, encompassing both physical and mental abuse and control mechanisms, were pivotal elements to this story and were navigated in detail by author Lesley Sanderson, in language which was both realistic to the situation, sympathetic to the victim, yet with some excellent empathetic narrative which did not over-sensationalise the issue.
I will admit that I had worked out what was going on here quite early on into the story - or at least I thought I had! Some of my deducements were sound, however, there were elements which seemed to be shifting and changing almost by the chapter, like so much quicksand which caught me unawares every time. Names were removed from my suspect list, only to be added back again five minutes later, with what I thought had to be the last twist being one I didn't see coming, and the absolutely final twist equally as unexpected and totally mind-blowing. I was almost pleased to turn the final page, just so that I wouldn't have to face any more surprises, although I did devour the book in a couple of sittings anyway.
The well drawn characters were neither to like or dislike in strong measure either way, as none of them were portrayed as particularly genuine or authentic. Although I did have some small measure of sympathy for Beth, I couldn't really relate to, or invest in, any of them. It was only the instant synergy between Beth and Felicity which was a constant throughout, although as it transpired, this didn't prevent them from being as duplicitous or manipulative as any of their counterparts.
I can see that author Lesley Sanderson tends to write stand alone psychological thrillers. However, I felt that the characters of DS Gavin Williams and PC Chloe Button, really worked for me, as their ideas about the handling of the case were very similar and the synergy between them was excellent. I would definitely like to see them work together on other cases, should Lesley ever decide to dip her toe into writing a police procedural series.
I think that in this book, location was every bit as important as the characters and storyline. Therefore, with any hints at an actual real location being very vague, for myself and I suspect, for many other confirmed 'armchair travellers' out there, reading this was a little frustrating. However, that being said, the narrative was very descriptive about place and time and with the mere passing mention of Pevensey, I was able to check that out and deduce that I was reading about somewhere on the coast in Sussex. Author Lesley Sanderson definitely managed to use the full palette of words at her disposal, to evoke in me (a confirmed non swimmer and aquaphobia sufferer), a genuine sense of fear and dread, as she vividly brought to life the perils of wild water and sea swimming, especially in the darkness of night, which for me far outweighed any health benefits the participants in this activity may have continuously advocated for.
I was left to ponder whether 'the end in anyway justified the means' in this particular storyline, but I most certainly enjoyed the journey!
Lesley Sanderson is a new to me author, however, after this mind-blowing little journey, I shall definitely be adding more of her previous eight psychological thrillers to my list - but preferably those without water involved - Read on and you'll see what I mean!
...
It is the wedding day of Alex and Felicity, two members of a wild sea swimming group. Some of the members are friends outside of their daily dip, but many only ever meet each other on the beach, occasionally going for a warming coffee together afterwards. Both Alex and Felicity are lecturers in English at the local University, although Alex is technically Felicity's superior and Head of Department. He has also been married before, to Beth, who was a teacher when they first met in London, but who, on relocating to the coast to support Alex's career, had become a homemaker, although maybe not through choice? Their marriage was not always a match made in heaven, but when a terrible accident takes Beth from Alex, he is understandably devastated. Beth had also been part of the swimming club, so she also knew Felicity, with the two of them having struck up an instant friendship.
It is no surprise to anyone when Felicity and Alex get together, some time after Beth's accident and their beach side wedding is much anticipated, although Alex's strange request that as many of the guests as possible should partake in a midnight sea swim after the reception, is not quite so eagerly received, especially as one or two of them know they will have had a few drinks. Alex is very much a creature of habit, so after he at first enters the water as expected, hand in hand with his new wife, alarm bells begin to ring when he suddenly leaves her side and swims out alone into much deeper water than is usual. Felicity's worst fears are confirmed when Alex fails to return to the beach, after everyone else has long since left the water and changed into some warming clothes, with the police and coastguard being called out as an emergency.
When a body is washed up the following day and is identified as being that of Alex, the police begin an investigation as to whether this has been simply a terrible accident, or whether foul play might be involved, so that they are prepared for whatever results the autopsy might reveal. Felicity is at first treated kindly as the grieving widow, however several seemingly unconnected twists of fate soon sees her firmly in the frame for murder, which she vehemently denies.
But is Felicity as innocent as she makes out, or is she a lot more clever and manipulative than the police give her credit for? Although for that matter, was Alex the attentive partner he had always portrayed himself as? In fact, who amongst the remaining swimming club members, might also have had an axe to grind, either against Alex himself, or indeed Felicity too?
...
This well constructed, dual timeline storyline, narrated from multiple viewpoints, was presented in short, punchy chapters, which were well labelled so that I always knew where I was and whose voice I was listening to.
The difficult discussions surrounding coercive, gaslighting behaviour, encompassing both physical and mental abuse and control mechanisms, were pivotal elements to this story and were navigated in detail by author Lesley Sanderson, in language which was both realistic to the situation, sympathetic to the victim, yet with some excellent empathetic narrative which did not over-sensationalise the issue.
I will admit that I had worked out what was going on here quite early on into the story - or at least I thought I had! Some of my deducements were sound, however, there were elements which seemed to be shifting and changing almost by the chapter, like so much quicksand which caught me unawares every time. Names were removed from my suspect list, only to be added back again five minutes later, with what I thought had to be the last twist being one I didn't see coming, and the absolutely final twist equally as unexpected and totally mind-blowing. I was almost pleased to turn the final page, just so that I wouldn't have to face any more surprises, although I did devour the book in a couple of sittings anyway.
The well drawn characters were neither to like or dislike in strong measure either way, as none of them were portrayed as particularly genuine or authentic. Although I did have some small measure of sympathy for Beth, I couldn't really relate to, or invest in, any of them. It was only the instant synergy between Beth and Felicity which was a constant throughout, although as it transpired, this didn't prevent them from being as duplicitous or manipulative as any of their counterparts.
I can see that author Lesley Sanderson tends to write stand alone psychological thrillers. However, I felt that the characters of DS Gavin Williams and PC Chloe Button, really worked for me, as their ideas about the handling of the case were very similar and the synergy between them was excellent. I would definitely like to see them work together on other cases, should Lesley ever decide to dip her toe into writing a police procedural series.
I think that in this book, location was every bit as important as the characters and storyline. Therefore, with any hints at an actual real location being very vague, for myself and I suspect, for many other confirmed 'armchair travellers' out there, reading this was a little frustrating. However, that being said, the narrative was very descriptive about place and time and with the mere passing mention of Pevensey, I was able to check that out and deduce that I was reading about somewhere on the coast in Sussex. Author Lesley Sanderson definitely managed to use the full palette of words at her disposal, to evoke in me (a confirmed non swimmer and aquaphobia sufferer), a genuine sense of fear and dread, as she vividly brought to life the perils of wild water and sea swimming, especially in the darkness of night, which for me far outweighed any health benefits the participants in this activity may have continuously advocated for.
I was left to ponder whether 'the end in anyway justified the means' in this particular storyline, but I most certainly enjoyed the journey!
October 19, 2023
A thriller about a newly-wed couple, an unsuspected death on their wedding day, and their complicated relationships with their friends. This book tells the story in an interesting way, through alternating chapters that take place in the past and present. Despite this, it took way too long for me to get into the book. The first half of the books drags on with unnecessary details and dialogue, which left me skipping pages here and there.
I also struggled to connect with the characters. They all felt hollow and I felt like I was reading a thriller based on a Lifetime Movie. There was a certain lack of depth in the characters. This led to complete boredom of the plot and I grew tired of the characters by the time it started to get intriguing.
Most of the time, I was thinking about other books that I wanted to read while I skimmed through chapters. As I said before, there are some decent twists and character developments further along in the book. It’s just a shame it took so long to get interesting. Thank you to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy so I can provide an honest review.
I also struggled to connect with the characters. They all felt hollow and I felt like I was reading a thriller based on a Lifetime Movie. There was a certain lack of depth in the characters. This led to complete boredom of the plot and I grew tired of the characters by the time it started to get intriguing.
Most of the time, I was thinking about other books that I wanted to read while I skimmed through chapters. As I said before, there are some decent twists and character developments further along in the book. It’s just a shame it took so long to get interesting. Thank you to the author, Bookouture, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy so I can provide an honest review.
September 28, 2023
#HerPerfectRevenge #NetGalley
Wow!!!
Alex and his newly married wife, Felicity, and their swimming group go for a midnight swim in the ocean after the reception. It's cold, eerily silent, and almost pitch black, and the greatest swimmer in the group does not come back. Did Alex push his limits or did something more sinister happen? You won't know who to trust.
I've never read anything that included wild swimming and I felt it really added to the story here. I enjoyed reading the well-detailed descriptions that really punctuated the dangers of swimming in open water.
Once the body of Alex is found, the investigation begins revealing many secrets about Alex and his late fiance's similar manner of death.
I was hooked.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an advance copy.
Wow!!!
Alex and his newly married wife, Felicity, and their swimming group go for a midnight swim in the ocean after the reception. It's cold, eerily silent, and almost pitch black, and the greatest swimmer in the group does not come back. Did Alex push his limits or did something more sinister happen? You won't know who to trust.
I've never read anything that included wild swimming and I felt it really added to the story here. I enjoyed reading the well-detailed descriptions that really punctuated the dangers of swimming in open water.
Once the body of Alex is found, the investigation begins revealing many secrets about Alex and his late fiance's similar manner of death.
I was hooked.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an advance copy.
September 21, 2023
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an ARC.
A solid book that kept me engaged from start to finish. Loved the long interrogation scenes with the police and the methodical pace at which different clues were revealed. The mixed POVs worked well too.
I would've liked to better understand Alex's character since he appeared to be a totally different person depending on whose POV we were reading from. Also I wasn't sure why Alex wanted to marry Felicity although it was certainly clear why she wanted to marry him.
I also found the book predictable. No surprises or twists here but it was still very well-written and a worthwhile investment of time.
A solid book that kept me engaged from start to finish. Loved the long interrogation scenes with the police and the methodical pace at which different clues were revealed. The mixed POVs worked well too.
I would've liked to better understand Alex's character since he appeared to be a totally different person depending on whose POV we were reading from. Also I wasn't sure why Alex wanted to marry Felicity although it was certainly clear why she wanted to marry him.
I also found the book predictable. No surprises or twists here but it was still very well-written and a worthwhile investment of time.
October 13, 2023
★★★★ 4.5 stars
My husband is dead...and I'm the only suspect...
What a delightfully delicious psychological thriller Ms Sanderson has delivered us with. And the setting is superb. I love the beach, the water. So refreshing and invigorating. But this thriller is not quite what you expect it to be at first...
It's the perfect setting. A hotel whose doors open up onto a deck that give way to the sandy beach where a party is well underway celebrating Alex and Felicity's wedding. But this wedding comes with a difference. At the stroke of midnight, the bride and groom, and anyone who wishes to join them, are taking a midnight swim to mark this momententous occasion...and to exorcise a few demons for others.
As the guests shed their clothes, Alex and Felicity are the first to dive into the icy depths, the others following behind. But Alex, a born competitor, sees this swim as a challenge and swims further into the black water as Felicity, feeling the chill, promised herself only ten minutes before returning to shore. No one thinks anything of it...until a further ten, fifteen, twenty minutes go by and there's still no sign of Alex.
Frantic now, Felicity calls 999 and the police attend, along with the coastguard. And Alex still has not returned.
It isn't long before all the guests are questioned and a picture is formed. But then in follow-up interviews over the ensuing days, another picture is becoming clearer. Alex was engaged once before. And his fiance Beth swam in the same cove three years previously and was never seen again, fear drowned. Coincidence? But the police don't believe in coincidences and so they begin a thorough investigation questioning and re-questioning everyone again.
And it soon becomes clear that yet another picture was forming... But was it the truth? Or was it just what they were being lead to believe?
Even though I guessed one or two of the major plot twists almost from the start, it didn't ruin my enjoyment of this entertaining thriller. I read so many of them I tend to look where no one else does and expect what no one else does. The story unfolds in the past and present, both five years previous and up to Beth's drowning, to the wedding day and beyond. It does shift back and forth from time to time but only so as to drip feed us information at just the right time. And then we have a handful of chapters by an anonymous source. That one was a mystery but it wasn't too hard to narrow it down. The clues are all there for you to find.
The pace was steady throughout and the chapters short and snappy, which always keeps things moving along nicely. The ending was satisfactory with no loose ends though I would have liked maybe a final chapter from Alex as he took that last swim. I would have liked to peek inside his mind and what was going through it as he entered the water on that fateful night. Still, it the resolution was satisfactory and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A very different type of tale that was thoroughly entertaining.
I would like to thank #LesleySanderson, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HerPerfectRevenge in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
My husband is dead...and I'm the only suspect...
What a delightfully delicious psychological thriller Ms Sanderson has delivered us with. And the setting is superb. I love the beach, the water. So refreshing and invigorating. But this thriller is not quite what you expect it to be at first...
It's the perfect setting. A hotel whose doors open up onto a deck that give way to the sandy beach where a party is well underway celebrating Alex and Felicity's wedding. But this wedding comes with a difference. At the stroke of midnight, the bride and groom, and anyone who wishes to join them, are taking a midnight swim to mark this momententous occasion...and to exorcise a few demons for others.
As the guests shed their clothes, Alex and Felicity are the first to dive into the icy depths, the others following behind. But Alex, a born competitor, sees this swim as a challenge and swims further into the black water as Felicity, feeling the chill, promised herself only ten minutes before returning to shore. No one thinks anything of it...until a further ten, fifteen, twenty minutes go by and there's still no sign of Alex.
Frantic now, Felicity calls 999 and the police attend, along with the coastguard. And Alex still has not returned.
It isn't long before all the guests are questioned and a picture is formed. But then in follow-up interviews over the ensuing days, another picture is becoming clearer. Alex was engaged once before. And his fiance Beth swam in the same cove three years previously and was never seen again, fear drowned. Coincidence? But the police don't believe in coincidences and so they begin a thorough investigation questioning and re-questioning everyone again.
And it soon becomes clear that yet another picture was forming... But was it the truth? Or was it just what they were being lead to believe?
Even though I guessed one or two of the major plot twists almost from the start, it didn't ruin my enjoyment of this entertaining thriller. I read so many of them I tend to look where no one else does and expect what no one else does. The story unfolds in the past and present, both five years previous and up to Beth's drowning, to the wedding day and beyond. It does shift back and forth from time to time but only so as to drip feed us information at just the right time. And then we have a handful of chapters by an anonymous source. That one was a mystery but it wasn't too hard to narrow it down. The clues are all there for you to find.
The pace was steady throughout and the chapters short and snappy, which always keeps things moving along nicely. The ending was satisfactory with no loose ends though I would have liked maybe a final chapter from Alex as he took that last swim. I would have liked to peek inside his mind and what was going through it as he entered the water on that fateful night. Still, it the resolution was satisfactory and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A very different type of tale that was thoroughly entertaining.
I would like to thank #LesleySanderson, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #HerPerfectRevenge in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
October 7, 2023
Her Perfect Revenge is a murder-mystery/thriller that I struggled to put down, even while traveling to Scandinavia from the U.S. I loved it!
Felicity and Alex are due to be married, but on the night of their wedding after the ceremony, Alex drowns during a celebratory group swim. This is incredibly strange since Alex, Felicity, and all of their friends are accomplished swimmers who are part of the same swimming group. Felicity is a heartbroken widow after only being married for a few short hours. A few years before Alex's death, his fiancee, Beth, drowned in a similar fashion. Felicity, Alex's co-worker at the time, helped him work through his grief, which led to the start of their romantic relationship together. As the police investigation unfolds and authorities delve into the mystery of how a well-trained swimmer drowned on his wedding night, new information emerges about a mistress, a battered wife, and the woman who knows most of Alex's secrets.
Things I loved:
1. Her Perfect Revenge was paced perfectly. It was fast right from the start!
2. The cast of characters with perspectives shifting from past to present, with an anonymous character every now and then to ramp up the mystery was awesome.
3. Alex's character has that ominous aura that every woman has seen in a man at least once in her life. We know it because it is scary, and my heart was pounding through many of his scenes throughout the book.
4. All of the twists and turns near the end were *chef's kiss*!
5. I love it when a book isn't necessarily a police procedural, but we get to be part of the investigation through the lens of the authority figures conducting it.
6. The fact that technically this could all happen in real life really kept me engaged. I think the best thrillers are the ones that tap into realistic potentials.
7. I appreciated how Felicity's character kept me guessing right up until the very end.
8. The interrogation scenes were really good and helped me as the reader stay afloat in terms of what was going on. Sometimes thrillers can derail if twists aren't properly structured, but this was not an issue at all.
What I didn't like:
I didn't like the fact that this book made me angry whenever someone tried to interrupt me while I was reading it haha! I have no complaints. Her Perfect Revenge has everything I want to experience while reading a thriller!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for sending me an e-ARC to read. I really appreciate receiving this so close to the publishing date. Since this book had me on the edge of my seat, it was easy to get my review back in on time! In the future, I will be sure to request books by Lesley Sanderson, because I am addicted!
Felicity and Alex are due to be married, but on the night of their wedding after the ceremony, Alex drowns during a celebratory group swim. This is incredibly strange since Alex, Felicity, and all of their friends are accomplished swimmers who are part of the same swimming group. Felicity is a heartbroken widow after only being married for a few short hours. A few years before Alex's death, his fiancee, Beth, drowned in a similar fashion. Felicity, Alex's co-worker at the time, helped him work through his grief, which led to the start of their romantic relationship together. As the police investigation unfolds and authorities delve into the mystery of how a well-trained swimmer drowned on his wedding night, new information emerges about a mistress, a battered wife, and the woman who knows most of Alex's secrets.
Things I loved:
1. Her Perfect Revenge was paced perfectly. It was fast right from the start!
2. The cast of characters with perspectives shifting from past to present, with an anonymous character every now and then to ramp up the mystery was awesome.
3. Alex's character has that ominous aura that every woman has seen in a man at least once in her life. We know it because it is scary, and my heart was pounding through many of his scenes throughout the book.
4. All of the twists and turns near the end were *chef's kiss*!
5. I love it when a book isn't necessarily a police procedural, but we get to be part of the investigation through the lens of the authority figures conducting it.
6. The fact that technically this could all happen in real life really kept me engaged. I think the best thrillers are the ones that tap into realistic potentials.
7. I appreciated how Felicity's character kept me guessing right up until the very end.
8. The interrogation scenes were really good and helped me as the reader stay afloat in terms of what was going on. Sometimes thrillers can derail if twists aren't properly structured, but this was not an issue at all.
What I didn't like:
I didn't like the fact that this book made me angry whenever someone tried to interrupt me while I was reading it haha! I have no complaints. Her Perfect Revenge has everything I want to experience while reading a thriller!
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for sending me an e-ARC to read. I really appreciate receiving this so close to the publishing date. Since this book had me on the edge of my seat, it was easy to get my review back in on time! In the future, I will be sure to request books by Lesley Sanderson, because I am addicted!
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