Two Perfect Couples

by Renita D'Silva

We seem like perfect families. But our secrets must never come out…

I trust my best friend Lydia with my life. We share everything, even the things we can’t tell our husbands. So when we go on a beach holiday together, it’s a dream come true. One night, we treat ourselves to dinner on the beach with our husbands while our children sleep soundly in the cottage behind us.

But when I go to check on them, my entire world shatters. My son’s bed is empty, the window wide open, his favourite teddy left between the crumpled sheets. I stifle a scream as my worst nightmare comes true. My little boy is gone. It’s all my fault.

As the police question us, Lydia gives me a nervous look. She’s the only one who knows I’ll have to lie. Because there’s something about my son that not even my husband knows. And if anyone discovers the truth, they’ll never let me see my darling boy again.

No one can find out my secret. No one knows just how far I’ve gone to have the perfect family. And I will stop at nothing to get my son back…

Genres: Audiobook, Thriller, Crime, Fiction

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 7, 2025

About the author

Renita D’Silva loves stories both reading and creating them. Wartime Comes To West India Dock Road, the second book in her historical saga series set on West India Dock Road, is out on July 23, 2025. Her books have been translated into several languages. Her short stories have been published in The View from Here, Bartleby Snopes, this zine, Platinum Page, Paragraph Planet, Verve among others, have been nominated for the Pushcart prize, the Best of the Net anthology, shortlisted for the LoveReading Very Short Story award and The Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize and longlisted for the BBC National Short Story award. Her short story, Eavesdropping Shamelessly, is published in the Arts Council England funded Bridges Not Borders anthology of prizewinning stories. Her first psychological thriller, The Neighbours, won the Joffe Books Prize 2023. Her second psychological thriller, The Dream Wedding, is out now.

Reviews

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Two Perfect Couples by Renita D'Silva. This was a real page turner. The premise of the book was excellent.. The chapters were short and the story was very easy to read. There are many secrets and many twists embedded into the story. There was mounting tension as you read each chapter. There is definitely potential for a sequel. Quite the psychological thriller. Give it a try. A 4 star rating.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Big thanks to Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Two Perfect Couples is a very slow burn thriller.
This is my first read but this author.
Two families go on vacation together to a secluded location.
One night while the children are sleeping and the parents are dining on the beach, a child goes missing.
Accusations are high between the couples and secrets are revealed.
Then the tension bubbles to boiling point and the truth comes out.
I felt like the plot was very drawn out and there’s quite a bit of unnecessary dialogue.
An ok read with doubled up secrets and a weak twist.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25ish
The premise of Two Perfect Couples initially drew me in—two families vacationing at a secluded beach resort, only for their idyllic getaway to spiral into chaos when a child goes missing (reminded me of the Madeleine McCann case). With secrets, lies, and hidden tensions bubbling just beneath the surface, it had all the ingredients for a gripping domestic thriller.

Unfortunately, the execution fell a bit flat for me. The pacing felt sluggish, midway through, where I found myself skimming more than staying fully engaged. While the escalating drama between the adults had potential, I struggled to connect with any of the characters emotionally, which made it harder to feel invested in the outcome. Additionally, the central mystery didn’t quite deliver the suspense I was hoping for—I was not surprised/shocked by the reveal. I think it's from reading so many thrillers the last two years.

That said, the unraveling of secrets and the shifting dynamics between the four adults did add some intrigue, particularly as the lines between truth and deception began to blur. It’s a story that explores how fragile relationships can quickly fracture under pressure.

Although this wasn't a 4 or 5 star for me, it could very well be for others who enjoy slower-paced, character-driven thrillers.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ | What should have been a perfect holiday turned into a complete nightmare when one of the couples kids disappears! Not to mention the mother of said child has been receiving disturbing messages.

When these bombshells started being dropped around 40% in they just didn’t stop. These 2 couples had more secrets that anyone could imagine & the ending absolutely left it open for a book 2 if the author chose to do so. What I enjoyed most was the alternating timelines that went back before the kidnapping and currently as they are seething for him.

The narrator did a great job on the narration in the audiobook, she truly brought life to the characters! Overall a decent read that fans of domestic thrillers may enjoy. Thank you Bolinda Audio and NetGalley for an advanced listening copy.

Publication 🗓️ : 08.22.25

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two Perfect Couples had an intriguing premise. Two couples head out on a much needed holiday together, and everything seems to be going great until one of the children goes missing. I was really excited to read this book, but unfortunately it fell flat for me.

The multiple timelines added a bit of flair, but it was not enough to keep me fully engaged. I found myself skimming through parts just to get to the end. That said, I did enjoy the ending and appreciated a few of the plot twists along the way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced digital copy.

[Rachel the Page-Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

We start this book with friends on vacation in India: Jo, her husband Yash, their children, Zoe, Mia and Ajit, and Lydia, her husband Paul, and their children, Rachel and Bella. The book starts with the couples drinking by the beach, their children in bed but Rachel, who is 14, is watching them and the parents can see the cottage from where they are. Jo is the voice of this story, but she was drunk and blacked out for a bit. When she awakes, she goes to check on the kids, and realizes her five-year-old son Ajit is missing.

After she races to tell the others, the police get involved, and the search for this boy is in full swing. While the main plot is Ajit either being kidnapped, or having gone out an open window in his bedroom, this story is also about friends, betrayals, lies, infidelity and secrets. As the police start digging further while trying to find Ajit, the secrets between these friends start coming to light, and it’s definitely not pretty.

As the story goes on and the secrets start coming out, the book also goes back in time, from years ago to the days right before the trip. There are news articles and online comments that show what the public thinks about this British boy gone missing in India, and that adds quite a bit to the novel. Kidnapping thrillers are a dime a dozen, granted, but this one wasn’t your typical lost child popcorn thriller; it got quite suspenseful with many spoilers and red herrings.

This story has a very Madeleine McCann feel to it, and the similarities were there…until the ending. That ending was great, then the epilogue absolutely blew my mind. There were a lot of possibilities for the end of the book, but the final chapters really surprised me. This had a lot of layers and definitely it was a page turner. 4.5 stars.

(Thank you to Bookouture for inviting me on this book’s tour! “Two Perfect Couples” will be released on August 7, 2025.)

[Suzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay but so slow and so predictable.

Some thing(s) I liked:
✅The setting
✅Lots of baddies to hate
✅Inspector Sharma was the best character

Some thing(s), not so much:
⭕Jo only seemed to care about Ajit. Even before he went missing, she never spoke about or to the girls with love. They were annoyances, hindrances. In fact, literally everyone only gave a damn about Ajit before and after the kidnap.
⭕The twists were extremely obvious from page 1 when it was Lydia who suggested they leave the kids alone whilst they drank at the bar.
⭕Literally no one ever realised Rachel was mixed race but had 2 white blonde parents?
⭕Gross cheating men AND women
⭕Sad old tarts who will happily be the side piece just for a scrap of attention

One other thing, the language used was jarring there were strange metaphors and depictions on every page that just made the whole book seem clunky/ disjointed. I assume this is the fact that the author is not a native English speaker and what I'm seeing as "odd" is actually just their enthusiasm for the language. So whilst I'm pointing it out, that's just to say, the style wasn't for me, but doesn't affect the star rating (after all, I doubt I speak nearly as many languages as D'Silva).

[Sylvia Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two couples along with their children go on holiday renting a cottage on a beach. But now one of the children is missing.
Jo and Lydia are BFFs. Their children play together and their husbands work together.
Jo keeps getting these texts that tell her she isn't a good mother and that her husband is cheating on her but when she goes to show the text to anyone they seem to have been deleted. Her best friend and husband think she's losing her mind
Everyone seems to be keeping secrets
Jo thinks Ajit's disappearance has something to do with her long-lost sister. For they never got along well. But she can't figure out why her sister would come for her after so long of being astray
This book went on and on and on
I didn't think little Ajit would ever be found

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started reading this book and Jo was so frantic about her missing son, so I was reading the book frantically. Her energy rubbed off on me, her worry, her anxiety, every emotion she was feeling I was feeling. It made reading the book that much better.

Then we move on to all the secrets that are revealed. They kept coming and coming! And oh that ending! It was absolutely amazing! I do not have any spoilers in my reviews, so I won’t give anything away, but it is one great ending!

This really is a must read book for anyone who enjoys thrillers. There were times where I couldn’t catch my breath because of the tension that was felt from the characters. The chapters were short, and the writing is easy to read. It flows really nicely. So what are you waiting for, get your hands on this book!

[Barbara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of this one sounds intriguing-two best friend couples and their children take a dream vacation to India and all they want is a perfect getaway at their beach resort but it all grows awry when one of their children goes missing in the middle of the night without a trace. There are secrets and lies between them that threaten to come to the surface as they try to find their child.
The shifting relationships between the couples kept me engaged when the plot started to drag. I did enjoy the way it wrapped up and there were a few plot twists along the way that kept things moving along. The story also goes back in time from years to days before the trip as well as news articles and podcasts that show what people think about the situation once the story breaks worldwide.
This has a Madeleine McCann vibe until the ending so if you're looking for a slow burn popcorn thriller, this is the one for you

[Mohammad Anas · Rating 4 out of 5]

[NetGalley Read #44]
3.5 ⭐️

"I broke ties with one psychopath, only to cross paths with another."

Quite good. Could've been a little shorter.

The story is good. The premise, the twists and turns are well written. And if I had a nickel every time the author described the sea in beautiful, flowery language, I'd be a rich man. Immensely enjoyed and anticipated the description of the sea, the sand, and the sun whenever a sentence indicated the character was gazing across the sea.
I liked the inclusion of little blog entries, online comments, and newspaper articles. Really captures the bad side of media and online vitriol and the judgment of anyone with access to a bloody mobile phone. 'Comments disabled' in the final chapter drew a chuckle out of me.

Characters are...bonkers. Deeply flawed. Insecure. Tragic (in a twisted sort of way). And sometimes just outright unlikable psychopaths (except for the Inspector, who needs his own book, and is the most likeable). The characters and their relationships (Jo and Lydia, JT, and even Lori) are the strength of this book. They are good, bad, terrible, innocent, possibly hallucinating and delusional, but they are well written. From the children to the parents to the law enforcement, journalists and past relationships.

As for the stuff I didn't like: repetition and that damned Epilogue.
Almost every chapter felt like it was reminding the readers what happened in the previous chapter or at the start of the story. That sort of thing seems good for TV with episodes separated by weeks (or years, even). It's acceptable to a certain point if you're trying to convey some sort of...anything, really. Message. Tension. The worry of a mother whose child has gone missing. But after a point, it becomes a little annoying and takes you out of the story a bit.
As for that Epilogue, I really didn't need to read from another POV for just the Epilogue. Just let the story rest. I would rather have an extended Chapter 75 (just before the closing Blog post in Chapter 76) dealing with reunions and such. The end of Jo's story and her perspective, though satisfying, felt a bit abrupt. Just let the characters be happy. You don't need to keep torturing them as the story is coming to a close.

Short to medium length (300+ pages). Set over five days with little cuts to the past delving into the backstory. Easy to read.

Recommended. 👍

[Ruxandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley for an ARC of this book!

Two Perfect Couples has everything I should love in a thriller…in theory. The plot and setting are very interesting and unique, though the set up was slow I did really enjoy it.

I found the dialogue to be extremely repetitive and immature for the situation. It was really just the main character going in circles asking herself questions and actively working against the investigation to find her missing child. An unreliable narrator can be interesting, but this one was just not bright.

The motives also seemed really questionable to me and I’m not sure how these two couples were even friends. They don’t seem to like each other at all, why are they on holiday together?

Great story idea, but execution was a bit off for me. If you want a slower burn thriller with twisty character dynamics, you’ll enjoy this!

[MizzyRed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Perfect Couples, or is it Too Perfect Couples. Too perfect on the outside but hiding so many dark secrets inside, ready to come out and tear down the facade. Wow! What a nightmare on vacation! A missing child and so many secrets that come to light. Awful ones! Plus a very unreliable narrator, or at least it seems that way. But that would be too simple. Instead you get an unraveling or a fracturing, the longer Ajit is missing, both in the mind of Jo, the narrator, and the relationships of her husband and the friends they are traveling with. And boy are there dark secrets, and it all comes out during the investigation, until I was unsure what was true, what was false, and who was responsible for Ajit's disappearance. It ends up being pretty wild and the reasoning behind it all is quite whacko though it does prove that people will do anything for love. And the ending is quite unsettling and makes me really feel sorry for the family because it looks like their troubles are just starting!

The narrator, Melissa Advani, did a good job in bringing Jo and her worries, fears, and insecurities to life, as well as the other characters and their crazy vacation of secrets, betrayals and stolen children. I would not recommend going on vacation with them, unless you want to end up insane from all the crazy schemes being hatched.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dream holiday to India with close friends, what more could you want? A break from the stresses and strains of modern UK life, sun, sand, and a few cheeky drinks. What more could you want?! Sound bliss…

Not for Jo, they’ve barely been there and her son disappears of an evening when the adults were having a little down time together (aka a drunken evening on the beach). Did he run off. Was he abducted? If he was taken, who took him?! This whole storyline filled me with dread as a parent.

As the accusations were thrown, I felt a bit of my depth. All I wanted was to know what had happened to poor Ajit. He was an innocent 5 year old. I just needed him back in the bosom of his family but there was some one out there preventing that – I wanted to batter that individual, a missing child is stressful.

I’ve not read any of D’Silva’s books before but with her move to the darker side of fiction, I need to indulge. I was tense as I read Two Perfect Couples, I needed to find Ajit, I needed to know who was tormenting Jo. I was introduced to so many potential suspects, I couldn’t settle. And oh the epilogue. That just left me in a spin…

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I absolutely loved this book! Renita D'Silva never fails to fill my reading experience with atmosphere, emotion and vivid pictures of what is happening.
In this gripping thriller, we have two families and their five children embark on a trip to India, but their holiday turns into a nightmare when five-year-old Ajit vanishes. As a desperate search ensues, a web of secrets, lies, and betrayals unravels, leaving you questioning everyone's motives.
Renita D'Silva expertly creates a rich, atmospheric setting that adds to the mounting tension.
You'll be on the edge of your seat as the plot builds, with each chapter revealing more shocking truths.
That final twist at the end has left me desperate for a sequel.
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for the privilege of the ARC. This is my own opinion.

[Pauline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two couples go on holiday together with their children to a secluded beach cottage in India.
One the first evening while they are partying on the beach leaving their children to be looked after by their fourteen year old daughter, the other couples five year old child goes missing.
What follows is an investigation that shows all of the adults have been keeping secrets and holding grudges.
A slow moving story with multiple timelines.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookoture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

TWO PERFECT COUPLES BY RENITA D'SILVA.
Release date set for the 7th of August 2025.
This is my 2nd book by this author.
Love the cover.
I loved the pacing for this story.
I found this book to be rather intense at times which was great.
A really gripping psychological thriller and I recommend it to all lovers of that genre.

[Ellen Gtstwrs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Twisty, scandalous, and totally addictive!

I just finished Two Perfect Couples by Renita D’Silva (thank you so much bookouture for the ARC 🙏), and let me tell you: if you’re a fan of Freida McFadden, clear your calendar for August 7th because you need to read this book.

The suspense kicks in right from chapter one and never lets up. We’ve got drama, affairs, a completely chaotic fortune teller, threatening messages & a missing child .

This story is like going to a dinner party where everyone’s pretending to be perfect but secretly plotting murder—or at least emotional destruction. It’s tense, fast-paced, and full of gasp-worthy twists.

Highly recommend if you like your domestic thrillers and total emotional chaos.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Perfect Couples by Renita DeSilva, When Joe, Sash, Lydia and Paul go to India it is a trip of a lifetime. One night while on the beach drinking they’re taking turns checking on their children and also have Lydia‘s 15 year-old daughter watching them but when Joe goes to check on them,her son Ijet is missing. Joe is beside herself with wory her only son is missing but when she finds out who took him, it will be a catastrophic event and will throw everything Joe came to trust and believe in as an adult married woman into question. I found this book a tad bit slow but ultimately I really enjoyed it it is a slow burn mystery but not much longer than most other really good books. If you love thrillers then you will like this book just know Joe is made out to be over anxious questions herself and that did get on my nerves a tad bit but overall it was a really good read. I do want to say when someone takes a confidence and uses it as a ammunition later on when you’re no longer friends to me that is such a big betrayal because clearly you trusted them and now they’re using it against you and they have that in this book and it just made me cringe it really is a great mystery and I loved when Joe was at the train station at the end that almost made me tear up so yes definitely recommend this book. I read the Kindle version and listen to the audio at two different times and the narrator was great so either version would be a great choice. Renita Da Silva is a great author and one of my go to for an awesome read! #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #RenitaDeSilva, #TwoPerfectCouples,

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rounding up to 2.5 stars.

Two Perfect Couples is a quick paced popcorn thriller, that can easily be read in one sitting. The story follows two couples and their children, as they vacation in India. While the parents are spending an evening outside, their children are asleep inside their resort room when one disappears, having only noticed when one of the parents does a routine check on the kids. The overall premise was very similar to a worldwide news story, though it’s the details where the differences lie.. The story centers around finding lost Ajit, but secrets are everywhere in this book - mom, dad, kids, no one is who they portray themselves to be. The main characters were quite unlikable and I found myself rooting for no one, and hoping for someone to quickly find Ajit. Having said that, the ending was “Lifetime movie” satisfying.

[UKDana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two families are looking forward to a dream holiday together in Goa, but disaster strikes on their first evening when one of the children goes missing. Fear, guilt and recriminations abound. The involvement of the local police brings lots of secrets bubbling to the surface.

Two Perfect Couples by Renita D'Silva is a slow-burn psychological thriller that puts you right into the mind of a mother wracked with guilt. Jo and are family are holidaying in the country of her husband Yash's birth. With them are their close friends, Lydia and Paul. The disappearance of Ajit, Jo and Yash's youngest child, throws the whole situation into turmoil. Has the boy climbed out of the window and wandered off, or has something more sinister happened?

Narrated well by Melissa Advani, you get a true sense of Jo's rising panic as the hunt for Ajit by the two families produces nothing. Jo is consumed by remorse, convinced she has failed her son. After the unsuccessful search of the beach and the surrounding area, the families know that they need to involve the police.

The local police are convinced that Ajit has been kidnapped. As Inspector Sharma begins to question the adults, we discover that there are a number of possible suspects and that everyone is hiding secrets. There are plenty of shocks in store as secret after secret is revealed, leaving the friends questioning if they truly know each other. The burden of responsibility for Anjit's disappearance is placed firmly on Jo's shoulders, a combination of accusation and self-recrimination. Jo's mental state isn't helped by a series of taunting text messages she receives, which disappear after being read, and those around her fail to believe her.

I had a vague inkling as to the reason for Anjit's disappearance, but the author produced a twisty and shocking conclusion that left me gasping as the true motive behind the kidnapping was revealed.

If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/

or follow me on Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
or on Bluesky; @debbiehartuk.bsky.social

[Stevie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Review. Thank you NetGalley & Renita D’Silva!

If you’re a Freida, Riley Sager & lover of page turner thrillers that will literally have you read a book in a day? Here. It. Is.

This falls into my favorite kind of books where right off the jump you’re in action and I love that. Instantly grabs your attention and the race was on. You could feel the desperation and anxiety in the first 30 pages and it only builds from there.

The mind numbing reality bending of what is real what isn’t and who to believe.

Plus one of the twists early on I was GAGGED. You’re focused on so many things only to be plummeted into the universe of something else. Have to give a bravo to that, because it’s mind bending.

Don’t expect to be able to catch your breath. I had anxiety and anticipation in my chest every other page. It isn’t not easy to invoke such feelings by words on a page but this morphed into a cinema in my head and I needed to smoke my American spirit.

The main character being made to feel and seem absolutely crazy because of her past with mental health struggles, but then at times, it isn’t always as it seems.

Now there are some very far fetched unrealistic scenarios in this book, but it’s a fiction thriller and most all of them do. It’s what makes it fun. There’s also a lot of real things in here regarding mental health

When I tell you I couldn’t stop reading, and my anxiety was so high with suspense I felt like I was being hunted for sport I’m not being dramatic 😭

There is not just one two three or four plots and twists.

This author & book is going to pave a trending path on booktok I just know it.

GREAT DAMN JOB. ALSO DO I SMELL A SEQUEL???????

*lights a cigarette and stares off into the abyss*

Witch approved 🪄 Ding

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn't my first read by this author so as soon as I spotted this new release, I knew that I was in for a great read.

 

I was instantly drawn to this by the front cover image which looked like the perfect read for these summer months.

However, that title - I mean I think we all knew that these couples would be anything but perfect!

I was pretty shocked that this becomes obvious within a very short time of reading.

 

As a mum myself, I obviously felt so sorry for Jo - after coming back from a night out - only yards away from the cottage that their children were sleeping in - she discovers that her son has gone missing.

As the investigation and search progresses, we see the strained dynamic between the 2 couples stretch further and further as more and more secrets and lies come to light.

 

There was so much going on right from the off here and I came to so many different conclusions each time something else was revealed.

I didn't know what to believe or who to trust and went round in circles suspecting each of our main characters multiple times ...as well as others....before the big reveal - which still shocked me!

 

I loved that the two couples were originally presented as totally normal, relatable couples heading off for a nice summer break together.

This endeared us to each of them and I was totally invested in their backstories and current lives.

But as the story unfolded, the tension built and I just couldn't put this down until I'd found out what had really happened to Ajit(?).

 

An intriguing read with a few lessons about trust and holidaying abroad - friendships and relationships - and that secrets will always come out eventually!

 

Looking forward to my next read by this author.

 

 

 

 


 

[Lizz · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.75 Stars**

✨Book Review✨
📖 Two Perfect Couples
✍️ Renita D’Silva
📅 Publication: August 7, 2025

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
They look like perfect families. But their secrets must stay buried…
She trusts her best friend Lydia with everything, especially the things she can’t tell her husband. On a beach holiday, it all feels idyllic… until her son vanishes from his bed. The window is open. His teddy bear lies forgotten. And her world shatters.
Only Lydia knows the truth she’s hiding, the lie she must tell to keep her family. Because if anyone finds out what she’s done, she could lose her son forever.
She’ll stop at nothing to get him back…
𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
This book was an intense ride. Before picking it up, I’d recommend checking the trigger warnings; child abduction is central to the story, and it can be heavy at times. From the moment her son goes missing, the tension is palpable, and as long-buried secrets begin to unravel. While the pacing lagged a bit in the middle, the final chapters ramped the suspense back up and had me hooked again.
What struck me most was how terrifyingly real it all felt, especially as a parent. Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare and losing one while on vacation in a foreign place makes it even more haunting. The author captured the fear, grief, and emotional turmoil beautifully. The messy family dynamics, hidden truths, and constant questions of trust created a gripping, layered story I couldn’t put down. Overall, a compelling and emotional read.
Thank You @Netgalley and @Bookouture for allowing me to review this book.

[Els · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve already read several books by this author, and the least you can say about her is that she truly knows how to bring a story to life. Her descriptions and details are so vivid that you can see everything unfold before your eyes, which also means you can feel the emotions perfectly.

We follow two couples and their children as they head off on vacation. These are people who know and trust each other completely. They’re looking forward to this well-deserved trip and plan to fully enjoy it.

Then something happens that shakes everyone to their core, leaving them completely devastated. Fortunately, they can lean on one another during these dark moments. But is that really the case? Do they truly know each other that well, and is that trust actually justified?

For me personally, this is the best book I’ve read by this author so far. The story is masterfully structured, and just when you think you’ve figured it all out, she manages to plant seeds of doubt, forcing you to reset and rethink everything from the beginning.

The emotions flow right off the pages, and it didn’t take long before I reached for a tissue.

Some people can’t keep a secret for two minutes. Others have no trouble hiding something for years.

And then comes the ending… Will the author leave it at that, or will she treat us to a sequel? I wouldn’t mind finding out how everything continues.

I never once doubted giving this book 5 stars. For me, this is a masterpiece in its genre.

Thank you.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Two Perfect Couples
Author: Renita D’Silva
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Family Drama/Thriller
Pub Date: August 7, 2025
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 422

Best friends - Jo, Yash, Lydia and Paul ~ two couples who look like perfect families. Jo and Yash have three children- Two daughters Zoe and Mia and a son Ajit: Lydia and Paul have two daughters Rachel and Bella They go to Goa, India for what is considered the ‘trip of a lifetime’.
While on vacation the adults and are enjoying a dinner on the beach – they take turns checking on their children who are sleeping nearby even though they have a built in babysitter fourteen year old- Rachel – Lydia’s daughter.

As Jo checked on the children - she soon discovers that five year old Ajit is not in his bed – window open and only hiss favorite teddy is there alone in the bed. Jo’ searches everywhere. Soon realizes what has happened and there is a ‘full on’ search!

As the police question us, Lydia gives Jo a nervous look. Lydia knows about the secret

Most of the story is about finding little Ajit.
We do find out Jo’s secret and discovers the truth,

I love psychological thrillers – plot driven – twist and turns however this was slower than I like and character-driven.
Although not a big wow for me I have no doubt there are readers who will love it!

I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for August 7, 2025.

[Sonal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo and Yash, along with their three children, Mia, Zoe, and Ajit, are on a long overdue vacation in Goa. Joining them are their best friends, Paul and Lydia with their two daughters. The beautiful beach in Goa is only steps from their vacation cottage and it's great to escape the cold British winter. One night, the adults enjoy a late evening on the beach, their cottage, with their sleeping children, within view. They take turns checking in on the children, but when Jo peeks into her young son's room that night, he is nowhere to be found. As the hours, and then days, pass with no sign of Ajit, tensions erupt and secrets are exposed. Where is Ajit and who is responsible for his disappearance?
This was one roller-coaster of a book! So many secrets are exposed throughout the story, it keeps the reader intrigued and questioning everyone and everything. Jo, the main character, had me hating and emphasizing with her all at once. I questioned her sanity as much as I understood her emotions. The ending was not quite what I was expecting, and there wasn't complete closure, but I was satisfied with it.
I've always enjoyed Renita D'Silva's historical novels. This genre of psychological/domestic thrillers is new from her, and this was my favorite so far. I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two best friends, Jo and Lydia, set off on a dream beach holiday vacation with their husbands and their children. But the vacation quickly turns into a nightmare when Jo's young son goes missing, leaving behind only his well-loved teddy bear. As the police investigate and tensions rise, long buried secrets between the couples began to surface. While everyone suspects one another and with once close relationships unraveling, Jo must confront a truth she's hidden for years, one that could destroy everything. Even the closest relationships can hide the darkest lies.

Two Perfect Couples starts off strong with an intriguing premise and the tension quickly builds. D'Silva does a great job capturing the emotional turmoil and the unraveling of relationships as secrets are shared. The middle of the book is where things really slow down and some characters feel a bit underdeveloped which made it hard for me to stay fully invested. The ending was good, a little predictable but I inhale thrillers like oxygen so I'm pretty well versed when it comes to them! Overall, Two Perfect Couples is a decent read with some moments of suspense but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. If you like slow burn domestic dramas, this one might be for you!

Thank you to NetGalley, Renita D'Silva, and Bookouture for this ARC! Publication date is August 7th 2025.

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review

Two couples along with all of their kids head out on a much needed holiday together. It starts out perfect. The kids are having a great time in the water and both couples are beginning to relax and unwind. Then one night, the adults have a dinner on the beach, just outside of their cottage, with their children all sound asleep, and Lydia & Paul's fourteen-year-old daughter is babysitting. When Jo goes inside to check on the little ones, she discovers her five-year-old son Ajit missing, and his window is wide open. As Jo searches frantically and finds no trace of him, they have no choice but to call the police. As the investigation begins, secrets come out, and the friendships and marriages get strained to the breaking point

I really enjoyed this author's previous book, but this one fell a little flat for me. None of the four adults were likeable, and they all felt one-dimensional. I did have an inkling about who was responsible for his disappearace, but you don't find out for sure until right at the ery end. All throughout the book are articles posted online about Ajit's disappearance, with comments from readers below. That did lend a very auhentic touch to the story, especially with how nasty the comments got. Overall, this is a solid 3 out of 5.

[Meddings_Musings: Erin Meddings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa — talk about a parent’s worst nightmare. 😱

Two couples are vacationing together when one pair returns late one evening to check on the kids. They’ve been left in the care of the other couple’s 14-year-old daughter… but when Mom tiptoes in to peek at her three sleeping children, her heart stops cold. One of the beds is empty. Her baby. Her youngest. Her only son. And the one who might not be her husband’s biologically.

As panic sets in, it’s clear she’s not the only one holding a massive secret — and the more the night unravels, the more it seems everyone has something to hide.

This FOUR STAR read gripped me from the very first chapter and never let go. As a parent, I had to know — would they find the child? How long would it take? And, maybe most chilling of all, how on earth did he disappear in the first place?

This was my first time reading Renita D’Silva, and it definitely won’t be my last! Not only did I devour the book, but I also listened to the audiobook, narrated by Melissa Advani. I’m an obsessive audiobook listener and know many narrators by voice alone — but this was my first time hearing Advani. Just like the story itself, her performance was immersive, enthralling, and delightfully chilling. I’ll be keeping an eye out for more of her work!

Big thanks to NetGalley, Renita D’Silva, Bookouture, and Belinda Audio for the opportunity to read, listen, and review this engrossing story.