Such a Perfect Family

by Nalini Singh

A man with a deadly past marries into the perfect, most respectable family in this riveting thriller from New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh. . . .

A woman buried.
A woman broken.
A woman crashed.
A woman burned.
And the man who knew them all.

Love at first sight, a whirlwind Vegas wedding, a fairy-tale romance.

For forty-three days, Tavish Advani has been the happiest man in the world—until his new life turns to ash, his wealthy in-laws’ house going up in a fiery explosion. His badly injured wife lies in a coma, her family all but annihilated.

Tavish thought he'd left the sins of his Los Angeles life behind, but it’s not so easy to leave behind an investigation into the deaths of several high-profile women—all of whom he'd professed to love. Tragedy and death follow him no matter where he goes . . . but this time, he knows he’s truly innocent.

Desperately trying to clear his name as the authorities zero in, Tavish begins his own investigation into the fire—and learns that his wife’s picture-perfect family may have been nothing but a meticulously constructed mirage. The truth is much darker than anything Tavish could’ve imagined. . . .

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller

380 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 27, 2026

About the author

I've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.


I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).

So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.

Reviews

[Mai H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went from not trusting our first-person narrator, to not trusting the cops, to not trusting his brother-in-law, to not trusting his wife. And then the big reveal happened and my jaw was on the floor.

I've read and loved another of Nalini's thrillers, and liked a few from the GUILD HUNTER series. May re-read and continue those. I hear PSY-CHANGELING is great?

🥃 Take a shot every time I enjoy a non-white domestic thriller

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley

[tahaslibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was my first nalini singh book ever! i liked the prose, but the mystery was mid.

if vou're someone who doesn't read or watch a lot of thriller/mvstery you might be blown away by this story. i, however, am a south asian girl who grew up on all kinds of asian drama serials so i can see a plot twist from across state lines. the one in this book would be the minor reveal in season 3 of a 45 season indian drama serial so I sat there like "yeah, ok sure, go to jail already".

the set up is great but the development and payoff was diminished.

i will be pivoting and giving nalini singh's fantasy works a try!

[Frank Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars, rounded up. Lots of thoughts to come!

[Cydney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a Perfect Family was my first time reading Nalini Singh, and I really appreciated how deeply rich in Indian culture this book is, and the fact that this book takes place in New Zealand, the US, and Fiji at various points in the narrative!

I mostly enjoyed this, but the parts I didn't like, I really didn't like. I understand, theoretically, the subplot of Tavish's past and how it interweaves with his present nightmare, but I think so much of the narrative was spent on stuff that ultimately only vaguely pertained to the overall story and the progression of the plot. I think Tavish's mommy issues were very well developed in the sense that they didn't seem contrived, but it was also presented in a way that made him feel so dangerous and toxic LOL. His relationship with Diya fit his impulsivity and also fit with how she was developed—that her family dynamics felt oppressive and resulted in some poor decision-making on her end, but I also think that she didn't quite have the opportunity to develop beyond that due to the happenings in the first half of the novel.

I feel like I can't really get into the weeds reviewing this because it would result in some spoilers, but I will say I think, overall, it was a lot of fun and was craftily pieced together when it wasn't twisting and turning needlessly. The villain in this book was truly crazy!

Thanks so much to @berkleypub for the free book! #BerkleyPartner

3.5 ⭐️s

[Lydia Ralte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of twist and turns in this plot.

A lot on intrigue and shifty characters.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ | This story hit the ground running, wasting no time dropping you into a family where it was obvious from the start that everyone had secrets. The premise of a supposed fire being used to cover up a m*rder was intriguing and kept me curious about what really happened behind closed doors.

Tavish was fascinating to watch, very much giving male black widower energy and I enjoyed how his character unfolded as suspicion followed him from all sides. I also
enjoyed the in between chapters from the detective’s POV as we get to see exactly what he thinks of Tavish. Alternating between the detective investigating Tavish and Tavish’s own POV as he tried to clear his name added tension and kept the story moving.

Overall, an engaging read with an intriguing mystery and layered characters that will keep you invested. Thank you NetGalley & Berkley Publishing Group for an advanced reader copy.

Publication 🗓️ : 01.27.26

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Tavish and Diya Prasad fall hard and fast, eloping in Las Vegas before he follows her home to New Zealand to start their new life together. But their honeymoon bliss shatters when a fire destroys the Prasad family home and leaves Diya in critical condition. Almost immediately, Tavish becomes the prime suspect, especially once police uncover his unsettling connection to three women who died under suspicious circumstances. Is he a devoted husband caught in a terrible coincidence, or is there something far darker in his past?

I adore Nalini Singh’s Psy Changeling series, and her standalone thrillers have been just as compelling for me. Such a Perfect Family is an engrossing mystery, though I found the flashbacks to Diya’s past a bit drawn out, slowing the momentum. I was far more captivated by the threads involving the three women linked to Tavish and the question of whether he was responsible. I genuinely couldn’t predict the truth behind the present day crimes, but Singh pulls everything together in a satisfying way by the end.

I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.

[Nim_reads_a_lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up. I don’t read a lot of mystery but I love Nalini Singh so I was willing to give this a try. I found this story to be twisty and well written. The entire story is in the POV of Tavish, whose last three girlfriends have all died mysteriously. He’s now married and living in New Zealand only to come home to his wife stabbed and the home set on fire. He sets out to solve what’s happening as he knows he is a prime suspect. Frankly, I suspected him for quite a bit of the book. I had a lot of suspects. The ending was not exactly what I predicted but it was satisfying. I love being surprised in a good way. The author includes little excerpts from police notes and a random memory from other people in the story to slowly drop clues and secrets. I loved that format and I truly think this book would make a great movie.

I LOVED the diversity of this story. The story centers on a family of Fijian Indians who now live in New Zealand. I love that this group is getting representation and I loved how the setting of New Zealand and Fiji were used in the books. The smoke, steam and water were a constant element that created mystery and were always a sign of danger.

I would recommend this story for anyone looking for a diverse mystery read that may surprise you. I received this book as an ARC from the Berkley Hub for Underrepresented Voices.

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars ⭐️

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

The detective’s eyes narrowed. “You’re awfully interested in defending him.”
“You think I have a crush on him?” Hugging herself, she said, “I’m gay, Detective.”

Such a Perfect Family was an interesting book, but it became boring and slightly repetitive. I really liked the premise of the book, but its execution fell flat, resulting in a thriller book with very little suspense.

Something about the way Bobby was presented as the perpetrator made me very suspicious, but the characters seemed so sure of his involvement, so I brushed aside my thoughts. Unfortunately, my immediate acceptance of Bobby as the murderer took away Such a Perfect Family's sense of mystery.
It wasn't until I passed the halfway point that I truly wondered if Bobby was actually guilty, but I only considered other suspects when Tavish did. Something about the book had a distinct “tell-don’t-show” energy about it, which made Tavish’s thoughts and speculations feel almost factual. Or maybe there was something wrong with me while reading, and I didn't remember how to have fun while I had a mystery novel in hand. To be fair, however, it was hard for me to suspect anyone because every character was either dead or in critical condition at the hospital.

The reveal that Shumi was behind everything was not very interesting, and the explanation for her behavior was even less so. I don't love this trope of “I did it because I love you.” It’s such a blanket statement that rarely gets to the root of why a person actually behaves in such a deranged way (spoiler alert: turns out they're usually deranged).

Lastly, what happened to the detective who claimed he found evidence that would put Tavish in jail? He was so sure of himself that I expected the book to end with Tavish in cuffs, but the detective was just never mentioned again.
The entirety of Tavish’s background was also a disappointing read. I was hoping for something that really stood out, but the conclusion that he “killed” all of those women indirectly felt kind of cheap. That’s why I expected something new to be revealed that incriminated him further.


Rating: 2.5 stars

[Vijaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pre-ordered this book way back when. The day it arrived, I devoured the entire thing in a few hours... because Nalini Singh never disappoints. I couldn't help but get lost in the pages of this incredibly layered story.

I love how she brought different aspects of the South Asian diaspora into this story; especially her Indo-Fijian background.

The way she flipped between characters and timelines was seamless.

She had me going there for a moment but I did figure it out. 😝 The reveal was brilliant.

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story 4 stars. Narration by 5 stars(full cast)
Tavish has just married his dream woman in Vegas. When she wants to move home to New Zealand he doesn’t hesitate-partially because he adores his wife and partially due to a detective in Los Angeles trying to pin the death of a couple of older woman on him. He is known there for the older women he romanced and the money and gifts he received. He’s also known for his addiction to gambling. So right away, the main character isn’t exactly squeaky clean although he really did love one of the women. After an engagement party at his new and very wealthy in-laws sprawling lakeside home the previous night, he leaves on an errand for his wife. He arrives back home to a nightmare. Death and destruction. Due to his background of course police think he did it.

I enjoyed the full cast narration which even includes the detective in Los Angeles as he obsessively tries to prove at least two murders by Tavish. So there’s two investigations going on at the same time by police. Tavish starts his own investigation. It was a good mystery with a very intricate plot. Lots of twists and turns. I did figure out the whodunnit part before the end, but not the why. I was also interested in the Indian culture that is talked about as there are many characters from India. Part of the story takes place in Figi so that added even more to the story. I like this author’s mysteries, romances and even some of her paranormal books and don’t hesitate recommending her work. Good listen!
Trigger warning
For murder of a child off the page, but talked about throughout the book.

[✨Poppy✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for me 😑

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea who to trust and finished this one in a single day because I just had to know what happened. The story follows Tavish, whose dream marriage turns into a nightmare when a tragic fire exposes dark family secrets. The tension kept me on edge the whole way and the descriptive writing really brought the story to life. I also loved the South Asian rep, it felt authentic and natural. A gripping, page-turning thriller I would definitely recommend.

Thank you to Berkley Pub for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twisted thriller. Full RTC

[Stacey Reads It All · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fast-paced and immersive story. I love when a story makes me question everything the entire way through, and answers the questions in a surprising, but satisfying way. I liked the different perspectives and the cultural references that taught me as much as it entertained me.

[callistoscalling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own.

📖 Book Review 📖 At some point in our life, the glimmers surrounding our notion of a perfect family fade; it’s just a matter of how far our perception falls from that pedestal. Nalini Singh is here with the perfect atmospheric read where the destructive flames are only the beginning that uncover a web of lies waiting to be uncovered. Tavish Advani is no stranger to mayhem and investigations into suspicious deaths - he just wanted a clean slate when he married Diya and left the States. But can our past ever really stay buried? Such a Perfect Family unpacks a haunting tale that leaves you on the edge of your seat.

[Shannon K G · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first chapter had me on the edge of my seat for more. Unfortunately, I didn't stay there.
There were some decent twists. I just felt a little let down that I was able to guess the conclusion so early and felt a lack of connection to the characters.

[M Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Well that was unexpected. Such a Perfect Family opens with a literal explosion when Tavish, newly married to Diya and moved to New Zealand from a dark past in LA, returns to his new wife’s family home to see it on fire, his wife stabbed, and his in laws presumed still inside when the home explodes. With the only survivors as wife Diya and sister in law Shumi, both in comas due to attacks vs the fire, Tavish is on the hunt to figure out what happened and what his wife’s last sentence before she went under means.

The book is highly fraught as detectives look closely at Tavish due to his history as a bit of a kept man, with his lovers dying while in relationships with him. But the southeastern Asian family he married into had their own set of secrets as well, and the mystery to figure out who did the crime, and if Tavish was up to no good in his past relationships, is hard to tear yourself away from. All in all this is a more action filled mystery than I expected with a lot of ideas laid out but somewhat unnnecessary or unexplored, but with plenty of bright red herrings and surprising turns it stands out in the genre.

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a Perfect Family by Nalini Singh is a dark, emotionally charged domestic mystery that peels back the illusion of a fairy-tale life to reveal something far more disturbing underneath. What begins with love at first sight, a whirlwind Vegas wedding, and a picture-perfect future quickly spirals into tragedy when a devastating house fire leaves Tavish Advani’s wife in a coma and her wealthy family nearly wiped out. From there, the story becomes less about what was lost—and more about what was never real to begin with.

As suspicion tightens around Tavish, the narrative smartly leans into themes of identity, perception, and the weight of past sins that refuse to stay buried. His desperate attempt to prove his innocence while uncovering the truth about his wife’s seemingly flawless family creates a constant undercurrent of unease. The mystery unfolds slowly and deliberately, favoring psychological tension and buried secrets over flashy twists, which makes the revelations feel earned—even when they’re unsettling.

While a few stretches felt slightly drawn out, the atmosphere, emotional depth, and creeping sense that everyone is hiding something kept me invested. Nalini Singh does an excellent job exploring how love, guilt, and obsession can blur reality, making this a gripping, character-driven mystery. A solid four-star read for fans of dark domestic suspense and stories where perfection is always a lie.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC!

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guessed the bad guy, but this was still a twisty fun read.

[Shannon Dyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Round up to 4.5 stars.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a dark and twisty story that sucked me right in front the beginning. I love Nalini Singh's writing style. The plot unfolds slowly with flashbacks to the past that kept me invested in the story and characters. As with other Singh books, the characters are so well developed with emotional depth.

[Catalina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

[Calista Andrechek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Nalini Singh and Berkeley Publishong group for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really twisty read with so many surprisingly sketchy characters that I did not expect. It was a quick and easy read that was quite unique. I enjoyed the setting of the novel and the characters even though they were all guilty of something.

[Alisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally love this author but this didn’t work for me at all. The plot was obvious and there were all these POVs that didn’t work for me. I also wasn’t invested in Tavish’s current relationship. The only reason I gave this a 3 was the past love story of Tavish & Susy W. That was surprisingly touching.

[Kisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid, fast-paced read that kept me turning pages even when I thought I had things figured out. While parts of the story felt a bit predictable, the twist still managed to catch me off guard, which I really appreciated.
There were some pacing issues along the way, but once things started moving I flew through the book in two sittings. The tension builds steadily, and the unsettling family dynamics were easily the strongest part for me. You’re never really sure who trust the entire way through.

Overall, this isn’t a flawless thriller, but it’s engaging, readable, and satisfying if you’re in the mood for something you can devour quickly. A good pick for readers who like psychological suspense with strong character focus and just enough surprises to keep things interesting.

Thanks to Berkeley for the free book!

[Kurryreads (Kerry) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThnpAW98/

[Noel (noelreads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was kind of strange. The main character was very weird, and the part of the plot that involved his history was rather unnecessary. It was interesting at first, but it never led to anything of substance in the end.

But I was interested enough to read the whole thing, so that’s good, and it was at least a little bit entertaining. But I can’t say it’s one I’d actively recommend.

Thank you @berkleypub for the free book #berkley #berkleypartner

[Steven Lowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into Such a Perfect Family expecting domestic drama and secrets… and I absolutely got that — but I also got layered tension, emotional complexity, and a slow-burn unraveling that kept me turning pages.

This story leans into the idea that perfection is often just presentation. Beneath the polished surface of wealth, family loyalty, and carefully curated appearances, there’s something far more fragile — and far more dangerous. I loved how the tension wasn’t loud or flashy at first. It simmers. It builds. It makes you question motives, loyalties, and what each character is hiding.

The character work really stood out to me. No one felt one-dimensional. Even when I was frustrated with certain choices (in the best thriller-reader way), I understood where they were coming from. That emotional grounding made the twists land harder. The reveals weren’t just shocking — they felt earned.

For me, this was a strong four-star read because while I enjoyed the ride and the unraveling, I wanted just a bit more intensity in the final stretch. Still, the atmosphere and psychological tension were compelling from start to finish.

If you enjoy family-centric thrillers where secrets feel personal and the cracks in “perfect” slowly widen, this one is worth picking up.

Another gripping story from Nalini Singh that proves domestic suspense can be both intimate and unsettling.