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The Perfect Place
‘Immersive story, sublime storytelling... top-class’ Andrea Mara, author of No One Saw a Thing ‘The perfect summer thriller’ Matthew Blake, author of Anna O What you see isn’t always what you get. Elle Littlewood can barely believe her luck when her producer tells her about the chance to get her hands on a dilapidated chateau in Aix-En-Provence, France for a rock bottom price. It seems too good to be true, but as a home interiors influencer, she knows this would make incredible content.
Lately, Elle has noticed the cracks start to show. Her life is the envy of thousands, and her social media posts show a beautiful, accomplished woman. Yet this wasn’t always the case. If they knew the truth about her past, they would never look at Elle the same way again.
Elle needs this house. She doesn’t care that it comes with huge strings attached. And when people get in her way, there’s nothing Elle won’t do to protect her brand. After all, she’s survived by doing things that people could never imagine – and knows she would do them again.
A dark, voyeuristic and utterly captivating crime thriller that fans of People Like Her and Sun Damage will love from CWA Debut Dagger shortlisted author Amanda Cassidy.
Lately, Elle has noticed the cracks start to show. Her life is the envy of thousands, and her social media posts show a beautiful, accomplished woman. Yet this wasn’t always the case. If they knew the truth about her past, they would never look at Elle the same way again.
Elle needs this house. She doesn’t care that it comes with huge strings attached. And when people get in her way, there’s nothing Elle won’t do to protect her brand. After all, she’s survived by doing things that people could never imagine – and knows she would do them again.
A dark, voyeuristic and utterly captivating crime thriller that fans of People Like Her and Sun Damage will love from CWA Debut Dagger shortlisted author Amanda Cassidy.
398 pages, Paperback
Published May 8, 2025
70 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Cassidy
15 books41 followersAmanda Cassidy is a freelance journalist, commissioning editor and former Sky News reporter represented by Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency in London.
Shortlisted for the Irish Journalist of the Year Awards, and more recently the Headline Media writing awards, her features have clocked up over seven million readers.
She’s a frequent contributor to national radio, print and television and holds a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
When she’s not on a plane, you’ll find her in her cottage in Dublin where she lives with her husband and three young children.
Breaking is Amanda’s first novel.
Shortlisted for the Irish Journalist of the Year Awards, and more recently the Headline Media writing awards, her features have clocked up over seven million readers.
She’s a frequent contributor to national radio, print and television and holds a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
When she’s not on a plane, you’ll find her in her cottage in Dublin where she lives with her husband and three young children.
Breaking is Amanda’s first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
October 20, 2024
An influencer with a dark past. A fiancée with secrets from his bride to be. A chateau in France to be renovated to increase traffic and engagement on socials. So very dodgy characters.. what could go wrong right?
Well we learn early in that much has gone wrong.. but why? And who did it and to who? That is the story here. How did we get to this bloodbath in The Perfect Place. Not a likeable character in sight but a throughly enjoyable read.
I did like seeing the crazy side of the life of an influencer l it made me laugh. The things we do for that photo, the likes, the followers. The crazy world of online marketing and social media.
Thanks so much to Hardie Grant, Candelo for sending me this book to read.
Well we learn early in that much has gone wrong.. but why? And who did it and to who? That is the story here. How did we get to this bloodbath in The Perfect Place. Not a likeable character in sight but a throughly enjoyable read.
I did like seeing the crazy side of the life of an influencer l it made me laugh. The things we do for that photo, the likes, the followers. The crazy world of online marketing and social media.
Thanks so much to Hardie Grant, Candelo for sending me this book to read.
September 4, 2024
Amanda Cassidy's latest novel is an influencer suspense novel set in the south of France. It's a compelling story in an alluring setting about Elle Littlewood, a lifestyle influencer engaged to fiance Will, who, with flagging engagement on her social media, decides to buy a crumbling chateau in Provence to boost her numbers.
There's a catch though - she's buying it without vacant possession under the French viager scheme. There's a tenant in situ: an elderly, crotchety doctor, and under the agreement he will continue to live there until his death while Elle wallpapers and paints around him.
There isn't a likeable character in the book and that's where I struggled a little with this one. I need someone, even if it's just one character, to root for, but they were all pretty terrible! Nevertheless, it is a gripping read, perfect for holiday reading by the pool or on the beach and I was kept guessing to the end.
Many thanks to @amandacassidyauthor and publisher Canelo Books for the advance reader copy. The Perfect Place is widely available in all good bookshops.
There's a catch though - she's buying it without vacant possession under the French viager scheme. There's a tenant in situ: an elderly, crotchety doctor, and under the agreement he will continue to live there until his death while Elle wallpapers and paints around him.
There isn't a likeable character in the book and that's where I struggled a little with this one. I need someone, even if it's just one character, to root for, but they were all pretty terrible! Nevertheless, it is a gripping read, perfect for holiday reading by the pool or on the beach and I was kept guessing to the end.
Many thanks to @amandacassidyauthor and publisher Canelo Books for the advance reader copy. The Perfect Place is widely available in all good bookshops.
August 7, 2024
Compelling if implausible story read through my Bookclub Pigeonhole. 3 stars
August 5, 2024
Well, I can honestly say Château Mirabelle is far from the perfect place. Unless you enjoy the likes of secrets, hidden identities, lies, and, of course murder. You'll have to read the book to find out more behind this mysterious masterpiece.
The author cleverly weaved the mysterious storyline around our everyday influencer. we are all well aware of what kind of life a famous influencer tends to lead. Perfect life on camera.. but what's behind the lens?
Not one of the characters was likeable.. kinda the point, really. Every single one of them were flawed and had hidden agendas. From the multiple POV's, we get to know each character individually and what it is that drives them and what it is that may lead them to murder.
I really enjoyed reading this book and attempting to figure out who dunnit.. but it was harder than you thought they all had motivation.
It is a highly entertaining read, pretty light and breezy, with a fair few twists along the way.
Thank you to LoveBooksTours, Amanda Cassidy & Canelo for this ARC.
The author cleverly weaved the mysterious storyline around our everyday influencer. we are all well aware of what kind of life a famous influencer tends to lead. Perfect life on camera.. but what's behind the lens?
Not one of the characters was likeable.. kinda the point, really. Every single one of them were flawed and had hidden agendas. From the multiple POV's, we get to know each character individually and what it is that drives them and what it is that may lead them to murder.
I really enjoyed reading this book and attempting to figure out who dunnit.. but it was harder than you thought they all had motivation.
It is a highly entertaining read, pretty light and breezy, with a fair few twists along the way.
Thank you to LoveBooksTours, Amanda Cassidy & Canelo for this ARC.
April 13, 2025
I'm ok with all the characters being completely unlikeable but I'm not ok with a messy, disjointed plot that jumps all over the place, has inconsistencies and skims the surface. Almost didn't finish.
August 26, 2024
My Rating ~ 3.5*
The Perfect Place by Amanda Cassidy published with Canelo Crime August 1st and is described as ‘a dark, voyeuristic and utterly captivating crime thriller.’ Set in the French countryside, The Perfect Place exposes the reality of life as a successful influencer when the pressure is on and the numbers are not going in the right direction.
Elle Littlewood is an interiors content creator with over 1.2 million followers on Instagram who all demand beautiful and inspiring content. Elle’s Dream Home, her page, has taken on a life of its own following the success of her vlog at the recent Glamour Online Media Awards but with this success comes expectation and Elle is feeling the pressure. Alongside her digital marketing expert, Sue Anderson, the pair have built a lucrative business but Sue is watching the online trends and has seen a shift. The online community who search for Elle’s type of content now ‘wanted renovations. Elaborate renovations, international, budget-less projects. They wanted dazzling locations, memorable moments, showstopping drama. Windmills, lighthouses, chateaus…’ So Sue comes up with a plan, an exciting ‘outside-the-box’ solution. Sue knows what the sponsors are demanding and she is all too aware that she will lose her golden egg, aka Elle, if this outrageous plan doesn’t work, but first she needs to persuade Elle. Sue knows how to pull Elle’s strings, she knows Elle’s desires and also knows how far Elle is willing to go to protect her empire but will Sue’s suggestion push Elle too far?
Elle Littlewood has transformed herself over the years, creating a luxurious and curated life that looks picture perfect. But Elle is carrying a secret close to her heart, one that she knows, if revealed, could destroy all that she holds dear. When Sue suggests a French adventure, Elle is initially hesitant. Elle knows that her online stats are dwindling. She knows something drastic is required to keep her on the pedestal that she has fought so hard for. But how far is Elle prepared to go to keep herself in vogue while also keeping her past where it belongs, in the past?
Amanda Cassidy has a genuine interest in the mechanics of the algorithms associated with the digital world. Having worked in the media for many years, and with her experiences of travelling in France, Amanda has created this dark tale set in the most beautiful location. The Perfect Place is based on quite an intriguing concept, a particular kind of legitimate French home-purchasing scheme that is really quite bizarre. We all dream of owning a French chateau someday but how many of us ever do and how far would we be willing to go to get it? The behaviour of many of the characters is, at times, a little irrational. They are not particularly pleasant and are all quite self-absorbed with differing agendas. I did find the ending somewhat rushed leaving me a little frustrated with a few unanswered questions.
Overall The Perfect Place is an engaging, well-paced and entertaining murder mystery, a perfect holiday novel, but I would suggest you go in with a very open mind and just enjoy the ride.
The Perfect Place by Amanda Cassidy published with Canelo Crime August 1st and is described as ‘a dark, voyeuristic and utterly captivating crime thriller.’ Set in the French countryside, The Perfect Place exposes the reality of life as a successful influencer when the pressure is on and the numbers are not going in the right direction.
Elle Littlewood is an interiors content creator with over 1.2 million followers on Instagram who all demand beautiful and inspiring content. Elle’s Dream Home, her page, has taken on a life of its own following the success of her vlog at the recent Glamour Online Media Awards but with this success comes expectation and Elle is feeling the pressure. Alongside her digital marketing expert, Sue Anderson, the pair have built a lucrative business but Sue is watching the online trends and has seen a shift. The online community who search for Elle’s type of content now ‘wanted renovations. Elaborate renovations, international, budget-less projects. They wanted dazzling locations, memorable moments, showstopping drama. Windmills, lighthouses, chateaus…’ So Sue comes up with a plan, an exciting ‘outside-the-box’ solution. Sue knows what the sponsors are demanding and she is all too aware that she will lose her golden egg, aka Elle, if this outrageous plan doesn’t work, but first she needs to persuade Elle. Sue knows how to pull Elle’s strings, she knows Elle’s desires and also knows how far Elle is willing to go to protect her empire but will Sue’s suggestion push Elle too far?
Elle Littlewood has transformed herself over the years, creating a luxurious and curated life that looks picture perfect. But Elle is carrying a secret close to her heart, one that she knows, if revealed, could destroy all that she holds dear. When Sue suggests a French adventure, Elle is initially hesitant. Elle knows that her online stats are dwindling. She knows something drastic is required to keep her on the pedestal that she has fought so hard for. But how far is Elle prepared to go to keep herself in vogue while also keeping her past where it belongs, in the past?
Amanda Cassidy has a genuine interest in the mechanics of the algorithms associated with the digital world. Having worked in the media for many years, and with her experiences of travelling in France, Amanda has created this dark tale set in the most beautiful location. The Perfect Place is based on quite an intriguing concept, a particular kind of legitimate French home-purchasing scheme that is really quite bizarre. We all dream of owning a French chateau someday but how many of us ever do and how far would we be willing to go to get it? The behaviour of many of the characters is, at times, a little irrational. They are not particularly pleasant and are all quite self-absorbed with differing agendas. I did find the ending somewhat rushed leaving me a little frustrated with a few unanswered questions.
Overall The Perfect Place is an engaging, well-paced and entertaining murder mystery, a perfect holiday novel, but I would suggest you go in with a very open mind and just enjoy the ride.
August 6, 2024
Life is just not going as planned and the desperation is about as thick as the stagnant air in the chateau Elle Littlewood is getting ready to renovate in order to boost her influencer numbers. The story is told from multiple points of view over the span of a few months and it becomes clear that something is not right; Amanda Cassidy masterfully writes a gentle unease throughout each chapter as the story unfolds. The farther into The Perfect Place you read, the deeper you dive into the web of lies and deception. This reality is far from perfect, in fact it is complete with a foundation as cracked as the chateau and full of secrets so deep that they can almost stay hidden forever. Absolutely gripping and full of so many shocking twists!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
September 17, 2024
This book was really fun to read! I went to her book signing and met the author and got my book signed so I felt special. The book was a lovely thriller and I did not see the ending coming.
November 13, 2024
The Perfect Place / Amanda Cassidy / @amandacassidyauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ Come closer and I'll let you in on a secret: pertection only lives in little moments. Little wisps of time, and then the world becomes imperfect again. But that doesn't mean we can't chase it down until the very end… ~
My first Amanda Cassidy, and what a one to start out with.
Elle gets an ‘en viagar’ deal to buy a chateau in France, meaning she gets it at a knockdown price but the owner gets to live there until they die. Sounds easy, it was anything but 😂
First off, I hated all the characters but not in a way that made me want to put it down. Everybody has their secrets, their motivations, their outliers. This had a lot.
You feel for Elle / Aine throughout however devious she is. The JJ plot was well inserted. Will is a man suffering but a bad man all the same. All that money. Wasted. Sue is a hoot and a half 😂 Her life wasted but striving for more through Elle.
As it progresses and the French stories come together I was hooked!!! Leonard and Mirabelle, Julia, Pierre, I don’t blame Elle for being involved with him. A mysterious study stud. Enchanté 🇫🇷
The ending though, it all came to get her and was satisfied. Mathieu was a brilliant final addition. All coming together with more secrets and revelations and I lived.
The final Sue chapter, did she or didn’t she?! Leaves so much to take from and form your own opinions. I reckon she did but who knows.
Looking forward now to more Amanda Cassidy in my life.
Picked up from the TBR Pile - Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny.
Bought from @bookstationireland, Waterford - 03/08/24
* Read: 01/10/24 - 05/10/24
* Release Date: 01/08/24
* ISBN: 9781804368121
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ Come closer and I'll let you in on a secret: pertection only lives in little moments. Little wisps of time, and then the world becomes imperfect again. But that doesn't mean we can't chase it down until the very end… ~
My first Amanda Cassidy, and what a one to start out with.
Elle gets an ‘en viagar’ deal to buy a chateau in France, meaning she gets it at a knockdown price but the owner gets to live there until they die. Sounds easy, it was anything but 😂
First off, I hated all the characters but not in a way that made me want to put it down. Everybody has their secrets, their motivations, their outliers. This had a lot.
You feel for Elle / Aine throughout however devious she is. The JJ plot was well inserted. Will is a man suffering but a bad man all the same. All that money. Wasted. Sue is a hoot and a half 😂 Her life wasted but striving for more through Elle.
As it progresses and the French stories come together I was hooked!!! Leonard and Mirabelle, Julia, Pierre, I don’t blame Elle for being involved with him. A mysterious study stud. Enchanté 🇫🇷
The ending though, it all came to get her and was satisfied. Mathieu was a brilliant final addition. All coming together with more secrets and revelations and I lived.
The final Sue chapter, did she or didn’t she?! Leaves so much to take from and form your own opinions. I reckon she did but who knows.
Looking forward now to more Amanda Cassidy in my life.
Picked up from the TBR Pile - Graiguenamanagh, Co. Kilkenny.
Bought from @bookstationireland, Waterford - 03/08/24
* Read: 01/10/24 - 05/10/24
* Release Date: 01/08/24
* ISBN: 9781804368121
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
Mystery set in the SOUTH of FRANCE
3.5*
Welcome to the Cotswolds of France. Elle is a Social Media influencer who is persuaded by her online producer, Sue, to buy a crumbling old château – to wit Château Mirabelle – with spires, a vineyard and a pool. The idea is to chart her renovations across her Social Media platforms and garner loads of interest and more sponsorship. As a project, it would be a complete interiors overhaul, a dead cert for engagement, success and money. The downside is the existing owner, Leonard, would remain in residence under the ‘en viager‘ clause, which under French law means he would sell but maintain the right to remain in the property until his death (that’s a story in itself right there!).
Elle’s fiancé, Will, comes from old money and works in his father’s firm, but he has a bit of an undisclosed gambling habit and the debts are piling up. His family is aware of his proclivities but not the extent of his habit, and Elle has no idea of what is going on behind her back. That means, of course, that he is in severe financial difficulty. Elle herself has a real backstory, something happened during childhood that she has managed to hide, because she has re-invented herself and has no traceable link (she thinks) to her childhood in Ireland.
Elle is also the spit of Leonard’s wife, who disappeared and it turns out he wasn’t the most loyal husband. Now he is enfeebled but can still exert a tremendous temper, as Elle and her team discover.
Of course, the château doesn’t turn out to be the perfect place, and soon all kinds of secrets and histories vie to pull the storyline this way and that. We know, down the line through short inserts, that there has been a bloody murder or two in the present, the police are investigating and therefore we are prepared for tumultuous event(s) at some point in. The story builds towards the denouement.
The chapters are short, the writing is punchy. On occasions the characters jump to conclusions but these feel more liked devices to move the story on rather than carefully crafted extrapolations. For example, Sue determines that Elle is hiding something and based on a whim, she decides to engage a PI to try and dig into her history, which seemed a bit contrived but is necessary to plot development. The end gets quite frantic as deaths emerge and culprits are put in the frame. The characters are all pretty much out for themselves and it’s hard to relate to any of their self-serving issues and interactions, and that influences the ending, which is so-so.
Overall, a reasonably enjoyable and quick read, and if you spot a fairy emoji in any comments on your Social Media channels, look a little closer! That’s all I am saying….
3.5*
Welcome to the Cotswolds of France. Elle is a Social Media influencer who is persuaded by her online producer, Sue, to buy a crumbling old château – to wit Château Mirabelle – with spires, a vineyard and a pool. The idea is to chart her renovations across her Social Media platforms and garner loads of interest and more sponsorship. As a project, it would be a complete interiors overhaul, a dead cert for engagement, success and money. The downside is the existing owner, Leonard, would remain in residence under the ‘en viager‘ clause, which under French law means he would sell but maintain the right to remain in the property until his death (that’s a story in itself right there!).
Elle’s fiancé, Will, comes from old money and works in his father’s firm, but he has a bit of an undisclosed gambling habit and the debts are piling up. His family is aware of his proclivities but not the extent of his habit, and Elle has no idea of what is going on behind her back. That means, of course, that he is in severe financial difficulty. Elle herself has a real backstory, something happened during childhood that she has managed to hide, because she has re-invented herself and has no traceable link (she thinks) to her childhood in Ireland.
Elle is also the spit of Leonard’s wife, who disappeared and it turns out he wasn’t the most loyal husband. Now he is enfeebled but can still exert a tremendous temper, as Elle and her team discover.
Of course, the château doesn’t turn out to be the perfect place, and soon all kinds of secrets and histories vie to pull the storyline this way and that. We know, down the line through short inserts, that there has been a bloody murder or two in the present, the police are investigating and therefore we are prepared for tumultuous event(s) at some point in. The story builds towards the denouement.
The chapters are short, the writing is punchy. On occasions the characters jump to conclusions but these feel more liked devices to move the story on rather than carefully crafted extrapolations. For example, Sue determines that Elle is hiding something and based on a whim, she decides to engage a PI to try and dig into her history, which seemed a bit contrived but is necessary to plot development. The end gets quite frantic as deaths emerge and culprits are put in the frame. The characters are all pretty much out for themselves and it’s hard to relate to any of their self-serving issues and interactions, and that influences the ending, which is so-so.
Overall, a reasonably enjoyable and quick read, and if you spot a fairy emoji in any comments on your Social Media channels, look a little closer! That’s all I am saying….
August 6, 2024
Every book published by Canelo Crime has been amazing. At the beginning of 2023, I didn't know I liked thrillers. Now, if I see Canelo on the spine, onto the TBR list it goes! Who needs sleep, right? Besides, if you're reading excellent books like this one by Amanda Cassidy, you won't sleep until you finish anyway. You'll "one more chapter" yourself right into the next day.
I've read one other book by Ms. Cassidy so far, and there are similarities and differences between this one. So, if you're a fan, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Both books included a messy, imperfect, larger-than-life FMC. But this one had her act together more - at least on the surface. Elle, a semi-successful social media influencer, has a life that turns people green with envy. As with many people in the limelight, it soon becomes clear that she can't entirely be confident who she can trust. Her past, previously unknown to those who care about her, haunts her just as she gets the lifetime career opportunity. And it's an important opportunity for her career, relationship, family, and life.
I enjoy Ms Cassidy's ability to make successful women messy and relatable. To break down those barriers that would typically make us "normies" feel some way and remind us that they're just humans with real problems - sometimes outrageous ones. And the twists and turns just kept coming. Just when you thought you had things figured out, bam, she hit you with something else. I didn't trust any other characters as far as I could throw them, except one who showed up late. I completely trusted him, even though others didn't. I just did, despite all the reasons not to do so.
If you don't know about real estate and France, this also had some interesting facts surrounding that. I can't wait to read more books by the lovely Ms. Cassidy!
Who's It For?
If you enjoy complex, twisty thrillers, this is an absolute delight. If you've read Amanda Cassidy before, I don't think you'll be dissapointed. I've read one before, "The Returned," and this had some similarities and a lot of differences. All good, all enjoyable, and a fantastic read for any thriller lover. If you do love thrillers, I absolutely can't recommend Amanda Cassidy - and anything Canelo Crime publishes - enough, because they haven't steered me wrong yet!
Content Warnings: Murder, Death, Graphic Violence, Betrayal, Homelessness, Extreme Poverty, Gambling Addiction, Discussions of IVF, Parental Financial, Dysfunctional Family Interactions, Child Loss/Death, Alcohol/Drug Abuse
I've read one other book by Ms. Cassidy so far, and there are similarities and differences between this one. So, if you're a fan, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Both books included a messy, imperfect, larger-than-life FMC. But this one had her act together more - at least on the surface. Elle, a semi-successful social media influencer, has a life that turns people green with envy. As with many people in the limelight, it soon becomes clear that she can't entirely be confident who she can trust. Her past, previously unknown to those who care about her, haunts her just as she gets the lifetime career opportunity. And it's an important opportunity for her career, relationship, family, and life.
I enjoy Ms Cassidy's ability to make successful women messy and relatable. To break down those barriers that would typically make us "normies" feel some way and remind us that they're just humans with real problems - sometimes outrageous ones. And the twists and turns just kept coming. Just when you thought you had things figured out, bam, she hit you with something else. I didn't trust any other characters as far as I could throw them, except one who showed up late. I completely trusted him, even though others didn't. I just did, despite all the reasons not to do so.
If you don't know about real estate and France, this also had some interesting facts surrounding that. I can't wait to read more books by the lovely Ms. Cassidy!
Who's It For?
If you enjoy complex, twisty thrillers, this is an absolute delight. If you've read Amanda Cassidy before, I don't think you'll be dissapointed. I've read one before, "The Returned," and this had some similarities and a lot of differences. All good, all enjoyable, and a fantastic read for any thriller lover. If you do love thrillers, I absolutely can't recommend Amanda Cassidy - and anything Canelo Crime publishes - enough, because they haven't steered me wrong yet!
Content Warnings: Murder, Death, Graphic Violence, Betrayal, Homelessness, Extreme Poverty, Gambling Addiction, Discussions of IVF, Parental Financial, Dysfunctional Family Interactions, Child Loss/Death, Alcohol/Drug Abuse
August 4, 2024
3.5 stars
What you see isn’t always what you get.
Elle Littlewood can barely believe her luck when her producer tells her about the chance to get her hands on a dilapidated chateau in Aix-En-Provence, France for a rock bottom price. It seems too good to be true, but as a home interiors influencer, she knows this would make incredible content.
Lately, Elle has noticed the cracks start to show. Her life is the envy of thousands, and her social media posts show a beautiful, accomplished woman. Yet this wasn’t always the case. If they knew the truth about her past, they would never look at Elle the same way again.
Elle needs this house. She doesn’t care that it comes with huge strings attached. And when people get in her way, there’s nothing Elle won’t do to protect her brand. After all, she’s survived by doing things that people could never imagine – and knows she would do them again.
How I wish I’d read this when I was on holiday in France last year!
Social media ‘Influencers’ are the new z list celebrities of the time and so you can understand why someone would do whatever it takes to protect themselves, their image and their ‘brand’ at all costs and to hell with anyone that stands in their way.
Elle was a complex character with a past she doesn’t want her present catching up with. She has secrets that she doesn’t want to share but someone knows the truth about what happened and won’t let it rest…
Told from multiple points of view, month by month, this was a tense thriller that has me guessing at every chapter.
The characters all had their flaws and were quite unlikeable but even so they made for a great thriller! Some of the decisions they made were questionable but this all added to the intensity of the story.
What you see isn’t always what you get.
Elle Littlewood can barely believe her luck when her producer tells her about the chance to get her hands on a dilapidated chateau in Aix-En-Provence, France for a rock bottom price. It seems too good to be true, but as a home interiors influencer, she knows this would make incredible content.
Lately, Elle has noticed the cracks start to show. Her life is the envy of thousands, and her social media posts show a beautiful, accomplished woman. Yet this wasn’t always the case. If they knew the truth about her past, they would never look at Elle the same way again.
Elle needs this house. She doesn’t care that it comes with huge strings attached. And when people get in her way, there’s nothing Elle won’t do to protect her brand. After all, she’s survived by doing things that people could never imagine – and knows she would do them again.
How I wish I’d read this when I was on holiday in France last year!
Social media ‘Influencers’ are the new z list celebrities of the time and so you can understand why someone would do whatever it takes to protect themselves, their image and their ‘brand’ at all costs and to hell with anyone that stands in their way.
Elle was a complex character with a past she doesn’t want her present catching up with. She has secrets that she doesn’t want to share but someone knows the truth about what happened and won’t let it rest…
Told from multiple points of view, month by month, this was a tense thriller that has me guessing at every chapter.
The characters all had their flaws and were quite unlikeable but even so they made for a great thriller! Some of the decisions they made were questionable but this all added to the intensity of the story.
June 27, 2024
📖 ARC Mini Review
PUB Date : July 31st 2024
If you’re looking for a quick easy little mystery that is filled with twists & turns and multiple POV’s then The Perfect Place is your next summer read.
Struggling influencer Ellie Littlewood has the opportunity of a lifetime , could it be too good to be true ?
When Ellie and her fiancé Will have the offer to renovate a run down Chateau in France for a VERY cheap price and film the progress to grow her Social Media accounts and incoming sponsors , Ellie seizes the moment and says YES…but there is one catch , the owner of the home gets to still live in the house and is paid monthly until they pass away and the deed is theirs !!
Quickly we stumble into a bloody crime scene , now it’s up to detective 🕵️♀️ Dupont to break the case !
Will Ellie’s dreams of becoming one the biggest influencers be shattered or will she kill whomever gets in her path to own it all ??
For a debut novel this was a fun , light easy read , however I felt it lacked character building and not enough grit on the bones to be a powerful read with a weak ending .
However I’ve been known to be a bit of an outlier so don’t let my review stop you from picking this one up !
Thank you NetGalley , Canelo and Amanda Cassidy for this ARC !
Respectfully Another Read by Angie
🙋🏻♀️QOTD: Do you like reading debut novels ?
#arc #netgalley #netgalleyreader #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookreview #books #bookcommunity #bookfluencer #bookaddict #bookworm #mysterybooks #mystery #debutnovels #amandacassidy #theperfectplace #authorsofinstagram #canelopublishing #ilovereading #minireview
PUB Date : July 31st 2024
If you’re looking for a quick easy little mystery that is filled with twists & turns and multiple POV’s then The Perfect Place is your next summer read.
Struggling influencer Ellie Littlewood has the opportunity of a lifetime , could it be too good to be true ?
When Ellie and her fiancé Will have the offer to renovate a run down Chateau in France for a VERY cheap price and film the progress to grow her Social Media accounts and incoming sponsors , Ellie seizes the moment and says YES…but there is one catch , the owner of the home gets to still live in the house and is paid monthly until they pass away and the deed is theirs !!
Quickly we stumble into a bloody crime scene , now it’s up to detective 🕵️♀️ Dupont to break the case !
Will Ellie’s dreams of becoming one the biggest influencers be shattered or will she kill whomever gets in her path to own it all ??
For a debut novel this was a fun , light easy read , however I felt it lacked character building and not enough grit on the bones to be a powerful read with a weak ending .
However I’ve been known to be a bit of an outlier so don’t let my review stop you from picking this one up !
Thank you NetGalley , Canelo and Amanda Cassidy for this ARC !
Respectfully Another Read by Angie
🙋🏻♀️QOTD: Do you like reading debut novels ?
#arc #netgalley #netgalleyreader #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookreview #books #bookcommunity #bookfluencer #bookaddict #bookworm #mysterybooks #mystery #debutnovels #amandacassidy #theperfectplace #authorsofinstagram #canelopublishing #ilovereading #minireview
August 4, 2024
‘The Perfect Place’ tickles the senses with its suspenseful tale of greed, redemption and revenge. I am a huge fan of Amanda’s two previous books and I was excited to read the premise, with its seductive location. It did not disappoint. It is full of morally grey characters that although I didn’t like them I can could empathise at least with the protagonist. I flew through this in one sitting, watching as the layers of deception revealed themselves one by one…maybe leaving us with a placeholder for a further adventure?!
Elle seems to have the perfect life as an influencer, has a handsome husband to be and with a potential ownership of a chateau that would really push her brand into the stratosphere. But it comes with a catch, the owner gets to live in it until he dies. Leonard is an old man so it’s bound to happen sooner rather than later right? Everyone has secrets, even Elle, but are hers about to come and haunt her now she seemingly has everything?
This is a jam packed storyline, full of secrets, lies and deception. Literally every character has something to hide and that makes it a real page turner. It’s a combination of ‘Escape to the Chateau’, ‘Love Island’ and any prime time crime show! This is a great summer read, to be consumed by the pool as the sun beats down on you. It has that classic at times outlandish blockbuster feel to it. It is well written and the characters are fleshed out nicely. Is it my favourite book by the author? Maybe not but then Ally Fields was a character I would love to return to any day of the week. But Elle is a close second!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
Elle seems to have the perfect life as an influencer, has a handsome husband to be and with a potential ownership of a chateau that would really push her brand into the stratosphere. But it comes with a catch, the owner gets to live in it until he dies. Leonard is an old man so it’s bound to happen sooner rather than later right? Everyone has secrets, even Elle, but are hers about to come and haunt her now she seemingly has everything?
This is a jam packed storyline, full of secrets, lies and deception. Literally every character has something to hide and that makes it a real page turner. It’s a combination of ‘Escape to the Chateau’, ‘Love Island’ and any prime time crime show! This is a great summer read, to be consumed by the pool as the sun beats down on you. It has that classic at times outlandish blockbuster feel to it. It is well written and the characters are fleshed out nicely. Is it my favourite book by the author? Maybe not but then Ally Fields was a character I would love to return to any day of the week. But Elle is a close second!
Let me know if you pick this one up!
August 22, 2024
Here is my review for The Perfect Place by Amanda Cassidy
Oh wow! What a read, I was sitting on the edge of my seat some of the time with all the tension and suspense that was in this book. I got into it straight away right from the start and I really loved the format of the diary style entries from Elle and Sue mainly at first, telling us the story. Elle is thinking she is being trolled with people trying to find out her past which she does not want found out. It was a nice easy reading style and a good writing style. It was very well written. The plotting was very well thought out and superbly written into the story. The further you get into the story, the darker it gets as plans go awry and things come to a head. Can’t wait for the next one from this author.
Blurb :
What you see isn’t always what you get.
Elle Littlewood can barely believe her luck when her producer tells her about the chance to get her hands on a dilapidated chateau in Aix-En-Provence, France for a rock bottom price. It seems too good to be true, but as a home interiors influencer, she knows this would make incredible content.
Lately, Elle has noticed the cracks start to show. Her life is the envy of thousands, and her social media posts show a beautiful, accomplished woman. Yet this wasn’t always the case. If they knew the truth about her past, they would never look at Elle the same way again.
Elle needs this house. She doesn’t care that it comes with huge strings attached. And when people get in her way, there’s nothing Elle won’t do to protect her brand. After all, she’s survived by doing things that people could never imagine – and knows she would do them again.
September 17, 2024
“Come closer and I’ll whisper my truth to you; sometimes the person I’m most afraid of is myself.”
As a social media influencer, Elle Littlewood knows that renovating the Chateau Mirabelle will make the best content. However, she cannot take full ownership of the chateau until the current owner dies. Elle has no idea that her fiancé, Will, has gotten them into tremendous debt. This renovation of the chateau is their last hope of maintaining their social and financial status. Will Elle do anything to protect her influencer brand? Is Will willing to commit murder to gain financial stability?
It’s thriller season, and The Perfect Place was great way to start! Honestly, most thrillers start off slow for me, and then pick up about midway through. The Perfect Place had me intrigued from the Prologue, and I found it hard to put down.
The story was written through two different timelines. Each timeline was written in a different font which made it easy to distinguish between the past and present. There were four POVs throughout the book that were all from very well-developed characters. Each character was somewhat unlikeable and unreliable which kept me guessing who the culprit was until the very end.
If you like books with secrets, dark pasts, lies, murder, and a creepy old house, this book is for you! Amanda Cassidy built suspense with each chapter making it hard to put the book down. My only complaint is that the ending was a little abrupt and not as twisty as I expected.
“This house sees everything, but will tell nothing.”
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the opportunity to read and review this book. I am excited to read more from Amanda Cassidy in the future.
As a social media influencer, Elle Littlewood knows that renovating the Chateau Mirabelle will make the best content. However, she cannot take full ownership of the chateau until the current owner dies. Elle has no idea that her fiancé, Will, has gotten them into tremendous debt. This renovation of the chateau is their last hope of maintaining their social and financial status. Will Elle do anything to protect her influencer brand? Is Will willing to commit murder to gain financial stability?
It’s thriller season, and The Perfect Place was great way to start! Honestly, most thrillers start off slow for me, and then pick up about midway through. The Perfect Place had me intrigued from the Prologue, and I found it hard to put down.
The story was written through two different timelines. Each timeline was written in a different font which made it easy to distinguish between the past and present. There were four POVs throughout the book that were all from very well-developed characters. Each character was somewhat unlikeable and unreliable which kept me guessing who the culprit was until the very end.
If you like books with secrets, dark pasts, lies, murder, and a creepy old house, this book is for you! Amanda Cassidy built suspense with each chapter making it hard to put the book down. My only complaint is that the ending was a little abrupt and not as twisty as I expected.
“This house sees everything, but will tell nothing.”
Thanks to NetGalley and Canelo for the opportunity to read and review this book. I am excited to read more from Amanda Cassidy in the future.
August 10, 2024
This will be the third book that I've read by this author now and having absolutely loved Breaking and The Returned, I couldn't resist grabbing this one and diving straight in.
Elle has a seemingly perfect life - happy and healthy, with a gorgeous fiancé and successfully building her Interior influencer brand nicely.
When she's offered a cut price chateau in France, she knows it's just what she needs to really fly....but there's a catch and you know what they say about the perfect life!?....
As ever, I was instantly drawn into this storyline right from the first page and really struggled to put it down!
I loved that we started with what seems to be the final murder scene and then flip back to the run up to what happened and follow the story through the different pov's.
I was a little unsure whether I loved the characters at the start - I think the nature of the book just made me a little cautious of everyone and their motives - I was just waiting for things to go wrong or the next twist to come!
Not that this was a bad thing - I love a twisty thriller - but it just stopped me fully connecting with the characters at first.
Having said this though, with just a few characters to get to grips with, it was easy to follow their brilliant development.
I loved the setting of the french chateau. I've read a few books with this setting now and every time, I get a little spooked by the isolation and state of the property.
It sounds idyllic but so much could go wrong ....
The tension ramps up quickly and had me on the edge of my seat.
Another amazing read and I can't wait to see what Amanda has in store for us in the next book!
Elle has a seemingly perfect life - happy and healthy, with a gorgeous fiancé and successfully building her Interior influencer brand nicely.
When she's offered a cut price chateau in France, she knows it's just what she needs to really fly....but there's a catch and you know what they say about the perfect life!?....
As ever, I was instantly drawn into this storyline right from the first page and really struggled to put it down!
I loved that we started with what seems to be the final murder scene and then flip back to the run up to what happened and follow the story through the different pov's.
I was a little unsure whether I loved the characters at the start - I think the nature of the book just made me a little cautious of everyone and their motives - I was just waiting for things to go wrong or the next twist to come!
Not that this was a bad thing - I love a twisty thriller - but it just stopped me fully connecting with the characters at first.
Having said this though, with just a few characters to get to grips with, it was easy to follow their brilliant development.
I loved the setting of the french chateau. I've read a few books with this setting now and every time, I get a little spooked by the isolation and state of the property.
It sounds idyllic but so much could go wrong ....
The tension ramps up quickly and had me on the edge of my seat.
Another amazing read and I can't wait to see what Amanda has in store for us in the next book!
September 29, 2024
Plot
Elle Littlewood is an influencer famous for her show “Dream Home”. Now she’s choosing the perfect place to marry Will, her handsome fiancé who resembles the actor Cillian Murphy with his sharp cheekbones. Her producer, Sue, has just discovered online a dilapidated castle in AIX-En-Provence, France. It can be rented at a low price because it needs renovation and its owner, Leonard, still lives there. He’s an old, ill widower who will leave the Chateau Mirabelle to the new owners after his death. Finally, Elle’s dreams are about to come true. She decides to organize a rehearsal dinner and her lavish, social media-wedding there. But will she able to overcome all the problems that will arise?
Review
“The Perfect Place” is a thriller by the Irish writer Amanda Cassidy. It isn’t a masterpiece, but the perfect summer thriller. It is addictive from the first to the final page, although the characters aren’t deeply developed. We are far from “The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley, but I think that there’re enough twists in the story to keep it interesting. The story is told from the point of view of multiple characters, which is a very bold way of writing a thriller.
Conclusion
In conclusion I recommend reading “The Perfect Place” with an open mind and just enjoying it. If you are looking for a more compelling mystery, I suggest “Per un’ora d’amore” by the Italian writer Piergiorgio Pulixi. You will notice the difference between an easy-reading thriller and a more well-crafted mystery.
August 4, 2024
Rating: 4.5
🏡 𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 & 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
The story centers on Elle Littlewood, a home interiors influencer who gets an offer she cannot refuse—a rundown chateau in France. Living with Leonard, the owner, until his death to get the house sounds complicated, and trust me it turns out to be just that!
👫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 & 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬
The storyline was tightly woven, with limited number of characters. It was interesting to learn about Elle’s past, which showed that she was similar to Will in some way. The chapters are switched between first person narratives of both Elle and Will, which is enlightening.
📸 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
Ever wondered what it is to be like an influencer? Cassidy captures the pressures and complexities of social media stardom perfectly. Elle’s struggle with her public persona and the envy of others, like Sue, is portrayed brilliantly.
👀 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐭
1. Multiple POVs: The story is enriched by different perspectives, making you rethink who the real culprit might be.
2. Character Depth: Though not necessarily likeable, the characters are realistic and well-portrayed.
3. Suspense & Twists: With every chapter, new revelations keep the excitement alive.
💭𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭
Despite a few initial struggles with Elle’s decisions, the plot’s engagement didn’t falter. Some loose ends could have been tied up, but overall, it was a a good read. Constantly trying to piece things together kept me on my toes, and the suspense never let up.
If you’re into suspenseful thrillers with a modern twist, this book is for you. I can’t wait to read more from Amanda Cassidy!
Thank you NeyGalley and Canelo Crime for the ARC
🏡 𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 & 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
The story centers on Elle Littlewood, a home interiors influencer who gets an offer she cannot refuse—a rundown chateau in France. Living with Leonard, the owner, until his death to get the house sounds complicated, and trust me it turns out to be just that!
👫 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 & 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬
The storyline was tightly woven, with limited number of characters. It was interesting to learn about Elle’s past, which showed that she was similar to Will in some way. The chapters are switched between first person narratives of both Elle and Will, which is enlightening.
📸 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
Ever wondered what it is to be like an influencer? Cassidy captures the pressures and complexities of social media stardom perfectly. Elle’s struggle with her public persona and the envy of others, like Sue, is portrayed brilliantly.
👀 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐈𝐭
1. Multiple POVs: The story is enriched by different perspectives, making you rethink who the real culprit might be.
2. Character Depth: Though not necessarily likeable, the characters are realistic and well-portrayed.
3. Suspense & Twists: With every chapter, new revelations keep the excitement alive.
💭𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭
Despite a few initial struggles with Elle’s decisions, the plot’s engagement didn’t falter. Some loose ends could have been tied up, but overall, it was a a good read. Constantly trying to piece things together kept me on my toes, and the suspense never let up.
If you’re into suspenseful thrillers with a modern twist, this book is for you. I can’t wait to read more from Amanda Cassidy!
Thank you NeyGalley and Canelo Crime for the ARC
August 11, 2024
Elle is an influencer who rose to fame with her home makeover videos, “Elle’s Dream Home makeover.” She had just stumbled upon the perfect place for a new video and place to call her home for her and her finance, Will. The only catch? The owner still lives there and will continue to get paid. Sue, her realtor and friend, explains this new “fad” in that you pay a lump sum up front, then monthly to the owner until they are deceased. So, the longer they live, the more you pay.
Will’s character is introduced as an entitled son of a rich family who has wasted through his money on bad investments and gambling. He’s keeping this from Elle, who is out house searching for them. She can tell that something is off with Will, but suspects cheating.
Plagued with declining views on her social media , Elle decides to move forward with the house purchase despite the odd circumstances. This infuriates Will for reasons Elle can’t understand. She hints of another life and mischievous past, saying that if she loses her followers or Will, she will be like “her” again. Meanwhile, Sue suspects something is off with Elle and hires a private investigator to uncover her past and Elle starts getting messages on her social media threatening to share about her secret past.
More creepiness comes in- like how Elle looks like the home owner’s long lost wife who went missing years ago. And wondering if anyone else from the family will try to lay claim to the house she is hoping to launch her career off of.
This was super slow but when it did pick up, I was all in. 4/5. Thanks to NetGalley for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Release date is August 1!
August 12, 2024
Elle is a home interiors influencer. She has a huge following but is always looking to take the next step. When her producer tells Elle that an old chateau in Provence, France is up for grabs, at a dirt cheap price, Elle cannot believe her luck. The redesign of the Chateau is exactly what she needs to take her influencer status to the next level. Of course, this great deal doesn't come without conditions. But, Elle is capable of doing what she needs to do to keep her influencer status. After all, she's done the unthinkable in the past...
A quick and fun mystery! I really enjoyed this one and the beautiful French backdrop. There are so many secrets, twists, and turns. There a handful of different characters who were all quite well done. Each of these characters had something to hide, which made for a crazy ride.
I was kept on my toes throughout the entire novel, as the author does a great job at giving the reader little tidbits throughout. It made me question what was happening and the motives behind the actions. With all the different secrets and characters, I did not find the twists predictable at all, which I am always impressed by! I found it next to impossible to put this novel down, finishing it in one day. I had to know what was happening!
This was my first read by Amanda Cassidy. I am very impressed and will definitely be reading more of her works!
Thank you Canelo and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
A quick and fun mystery! I really enjoyed this one and the beautiful French backdrop. There are so many secrets, twists, and turns. There a handful of different characters who were all quite well done. Each of these characters had something to hide, which made for a crazy ride.
I was kept on my toes throughout the entire novel, as the author does a great job at giving the reader little tidbits throughout. It made me question what was happening and the motives behind the actions. With all the different secrets and characters, I did not find the twists predictable at all, which I am always impressed by! I found it next to impossible to put this novel down, finishing it in one day. I had to know what was happening!
This was my first read by Amanda Cassidy. I am very impressed and will definitely be reading more of her works!
Thank you Canelo and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2024
In The Perfect Place, Amanda Cassidy creates an intriguing mystery surrounding the complexities of our modern-day influencer culture along with navigating the hardships of life. This novel is set in France and includes some unique French customs that were interesting to learn about.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its portrayal of Elle's life as an influencer. Amanda Cassidy does an amazing job of capturing the darker side of the influencer lifestyle, highlighting the pressures and complexities that come with social media stardom. As a reader, I found myself drawn into Elle's world, experiencing firsthand the highs and lows of her public persona.
While I initially struggled to understand Elle's decisions throughout some of the book (especially in the beginning), it did make the plot more engaging in the end. I felt like there were a couple loose ends that could have been filled in for us as readers, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story overall.
Throughout the book, I found myself constantly trying to piece things together, and there was always some new information coming out that would have me second-guessing myself which I really appreciated.
One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its portrayal of Elle's life as an influencer. Amanda Cassidy does an amazing job of capturing the darker side of the influencer lifestyle, highlighting the pressures and complexities that come with social media stardom. As a reader, I found myself drawn into Elle's world, experiencing firsthand the highs and lows of her public persona.
While I initially struggled to understand Elle's decisions throughout some of the book (especially in the beginning), it did make the plot more engaging in the end. I felt like there were a couple loose ends that could have been filled in for us as readers, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story overall.
Throughout the book, I found myself constantly trying to piece things together, and there was always some new information coming out that would have me second-guessing myself which I really appreciated.
July 30, 2024
Well Chateau Mirabelle is most definitely not the perfect place! Unless of course you thrive on lies, deception, secrets, fake identities, and murder! With all the goings on in the French home where renovations are being undertaken by social media star and influencer Elle Littlewood, it is hardly a place full of joy and relaxation, but somewhere dark and foreboding.
Every character in this book was hugely unlikeable. Not a single moral compass between the lot of them!
I enjoyed disliking these shallow individuals and it is clear from the beginning that there are so many hurdles strewn in the pathway to perfection, it is nothing short of a miracle that anyone is left standing at the end
I like the sections where the Detective Inspector, Dupont, is commenting on the scenes at the chateau, and I also enjoyed being filled with horror at Will's behaviour and decisions, as well as the levels of manipulation Sue and Elle were both capable of.
All in all, a good read, a good pace set. This book has a mostly entertaining plot, if a little far fetched at times.
Loved the ambiguous ending. One click can make or break a 'star', be warned!
Every character in this book was hugely unlikeable. Not a single moral compass between the lot of them!
I enjoyed disliking these shallow individuals and it is clear from the beginning that there are so many hurdles strewn in the pathway to perfection, it is nothing short of a miracle that anyone is left standing at the end
I like the sections where the Detective Inspector, Dupont, is commenting on the scenes at the chateau, and I also enjoyed being filled with horror at Will's behaviour and decisions, as well as the levels of manipulation Sue and Elle were both capable of.
All in all, a good read, a good pace set. This book has a mostly entertaining plot, if a little far fetched at times.
Loved the ambiguous ending. One click can make or break a 'star', be warned!
August 8, 2024
I read this book as part of a book tour.
We join the characters as the police arrive to investigate a murder committed at the wedding of the year in the recently renovated château.
Amanda Cassidy takes readers on a rollercoaster of twists and turns that keep you guessing and reassessing from start to finish. Set against the stunning backdrop of Provence, the story weaves together a tapestry of beautiful settings, gorgeous interiors, and complex, flawed characters.
The impact on Elle and her fiancé Will's personal life by letting people into their curated life as influencers is creepy and fascinating.
Elle and her brother’s troubled childhood adds depth to the narrative, making me reflect deeply on Elle’s thoughts, actions, and reactions. It’s fascinating to see how their past shapes their adult lives and decisions.
If you’re a fan of thrillers with rich character development, multiple POV and an irresistible setting, "The Perfect Place" is a must-read.
Thank you to Love Books Tours, Canelo Crime and the author for having me on the tour & for gifting me a DRC in exchange for my honest review.
We join the characters as the police arrive to investigate a murder committed at the wedding of the year in the recently renovated château.
Amanda Cassidy takes readers on a rollercoaster of twists and turns that keep you guessing and reassessing from start to finish. Set against the stunning backdrop of Provence, the story weaves together a tapestry of beautiful settings, gorgeous interiors, and complex, flawed characters.
The impact on Elle and her fiancé Will's personal life by letting people into their curated life as influencers is creepy and fascinating.
Elle and her brother’s troubled childhood adds depth to the narrative, making me reflect deeply on Elle’s thoughts, actions, and reactions. It’s fascinating to see how their past shapes their adult lives and decisions.
If you’re a fan of thrillers with rich character development, multiple POV and an irresistible setting, "The Perfect Place" is a must-read.
Thank you to Love Books Tours, Canelo Crime and the author for having me on the tour & for gifting me a DRC in exchange for my honest review.
September 9, 2024
Elle Littlewood is a successful home interiors Influencer who on the surface seems to have it all. Loving boyfriend, great career and everything to live for. However, under the surface not everything in the garden is rosy. Her numbers are falling and her sponsors are threatening to pull the plug. A well written story told from multiple POV’s with some great twists and turns this was a compelling read.
Briefly, Elle’s producer Sue comes up with a brilliant plan. There is a crumbling chateau in the Aix-En-Provence, France which Elle and boyfriend Will could buy for a bargain price to renovate and then have their wedding there. Elle goes for it immediately little knowing that Will is up to something which could smash the plan to bits. And that’s before Elle has to deal with both the crusty chateau owner and a blast from her past.
I love how we are drip fed information throughout the book and how gradually all the secrets and lies are revealed. Elle remember the old adage if something seems too good to be true then it probably is! A dark exciting thriller where the suspense is so good it keeps you hanging to the very last sentence.
Briefly, Elle’s producer Sue comes up with a brilliant plan. There is a crumbling chateau in the Aix-En-Provence, France which Elle and boyfriend Will could buy for a bargain price to renovate and then have their wedding there. Elle goes for it immediately little knowing that Will is up to something which could smash the plan to bits. And that’s before Elle has to deal with both the crusty chateau owner and a blast from her past.
I love how we are drip fed information throughout the book and how gradually all the secrets and lies are revealed. Elle remember the old adage if something seems too good to be true then it probably is! A dark exciting thriller where the suspense is so good it keeps you hanging to the very last sentence.
July 27, 2024
Elle has found her "perfect place". At least it will be once the renovations have taken place. Elle is a social media influencer, with a flagging audience, and if she can complete this renovation of a crumbling chateau in the south of France using sponsor gifts, she is sure her loyal followers will rally around her. Especially when she tops it off by filming her wedding to the handsome Will.
What I loved:
1. The gothic feel of the old chateau.
2. The owner lurking about, hiding a secret of his own.
3. A social media follower, sending mysterious messages hinting at Elle's past
4. Elle's manager Sue, whose intentions are questionable.
Elle makes some poor decisions along the way, and is taking a big risk buying a house that won't truly be hers until the owner dies. But her risks aren't nearly as big as the ones her husband is taking. And neither of them knows what the other is doing.
Read along and ask yourself: would you make the same decisions?
Thanks to Love Books Tours and the author for an advance reader's copy.
What I loved:
1. The gothic feel of the old chateau.
2. The owner lurking about, hiding a secret of his own.
3. A social media follower, sending mysterious messages hinting at Elle's past
4. Elle's manager Sue, whose intentions are questionable.
Elle makes some poor decisions along the way, and is taking a big risk buying a house that won't truly be hers until the owner dies. But her risks aren't nearly as big as the ones her husband is taking. And neither of them knows what the other is doing.
Read along and ask yourself: would you make the same decisions?
Thanks to Love Books Tours and the author for an advance reader's copy.
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