Our Perfect Family

by Nicola Marsh

Perfection hides the darkest secrets…

Respected high school teacher Austin Yates is a devoted family man. But when a cruel online attack leaves his teenage daughter traumatized, Austin’s carefully controlled life begins to unravel. Family means everything to him—and he’ll do whatever it takes to protect them. Even if it means removing the threat.

For Kate, Austin is the man who saved her. She’s a good wife and doting mother. But when whispers of scandal and accusations against Austin ripple through their small town, Kate faces an impossible defend the man she owes everything to or protect the family she’s sworn to hold together.

Mia wanted to complete her final year at school unscathed. But an incriminating photo changes everything and as the world around her closes in, her next move could destroy her family—or save it.

In a town where judgment spreads faster than truth, one family’s secrets are about to be exposed.

And not everyone will survive the fallout.

Fans of Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin, and Jeneva Rose will enjoy this addictive psychological thriller with jaw-dropping twists!

Genres: Audiobook, Thriller, Psychological Thriller

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning Australian author Nicola Marsh writes page-turning fiction to keep you up all night.

She has published 86 books across genres, including contemporary romance, women's fiction, domestic suspense, and fantasy.

She's a Waldenbooks, Bookscan, Amazon, iBooks and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a 2013 RBY and National Readers' Choice Award winner, and a multiple finalist for many other awards.

She loves chatting on social media!

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

They are the picture-perfect family, but their life is far from perfect! Austin and Kate Yates are shocked and alarmed when Mia, their teenage daughter, is traumatized when an intimate picture of her goes viral. Austin goes into protection mode and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his daughter. Judgement, gossip, assumptions, lies, deception and secrets swirl around them as their lives get turned upside down!

Nicola Marsh does a great job building tension and delivering drama. Online attacks and the leaking intimate photos are something that a lot of teens and adults have experienced. Readers are given the POVs of Mia, Austin, Kate which is a nice touch giving readers insight into their thoughts and motivations. I felt for Mia and her feelings about the intimate pictures of her being shared online.

This book seemed straightforward when I started it, but it soon became apparent that Marsh had a few twists up her sleeve. This book had a nice number of twists and reveals which kept the book moving at a nice pace and kept me fully invested.

I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrators did a great job of bringing this book to life.

3.5 stars

Thank you to Dreamscape Media | Dreamscape First and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

“My family is so screwed up. How did I turn out so normal?” So many secrets and so many lies! I loved this intense, suspenseful family drama. The story is told from the different POVs of the mother, daughter, and father of this family full of deception, deceit, and devotion. The narrators, Jodie Harris and Nikki Thomas masterfully bring the characters to life adding intrigue and emotion. The plot is perfectly paced with several twists along the way. The shocking epilogue is the perfect conclusion to this tumultuous tale. Thank you, NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my audiobook.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you looking for a story that has twists and turns and will keep your mind turning in lots of directions then this is the one to pick up a fabulous psychological thriller that kept me turning the pages, can this perfect family stay perfect?

Austin, respected high school teacher Kate, stay at home mum and a pillar of the country town and year twelve student Mina are living the perfect life in Fir Falls a small town in country Victoria that is until eighteen year old Mia attends a party and ends up with a photo splashed on social media, Mia of course is devastated and it looks like Austin’s perfect life just might crumble.

When Kate married Austin all those years ago her life became just what she wanted they have a beautiful daughter a lovely home and all is good they are respected in the community but when Mia has that photo put on social media, Kate will go to any lengths to protect her daughter and her family.

This story will uncover secrets and lies that have been kept for many years, who are Austin and Kate really, what happened in their pasts that might now come and pull their perfect life apart and what of Mia she has always done the right thing and now what is going to happen with her life?
I do highly recommend this one to any lover of a good psychological thriller, it is well written with fabulous characters and MS Marsh digs deep into their lives and brings it all out on the pages, I loved it.

[Jayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Our Perfect Family" was not a perfect fit for this fastidious reader.

Although the book was well-written with strong character development, it partially unfolded from the POV of a teen girl and, therefore, had a strong YA vibe.

I am not a fan of the YA genre.

In addition, I do not enjoy books with sexually explicit content and/or books about the sharing of intimate images of a teen on a mobile phone without her consent.

I listened to the audiobook read by Jodie Harris, Nikki Thomas, and Andrew Cutliffe.

I always enjoy multi-cast audiobooks and all narrators did a superb job with the narration.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Perfect Family had me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. It literally started out with such a bang, that I was immediately drawn in. The story follows the Yates family Kate, Austin and their teenage daughter Mia. Everyone in this family has secrets and they will stop at nothing to protect those secrets and each other, there is literally no limit. Loyalties are tested as their "perfect family" façade is jeopardized, due to rumors from Austin's past from nearly 20 years ago resurfacing. And when Mia is put in a compromising position with her fellow classmates, how far will Austin & Kate go to protect their daughter and reputation. The suspense is built throughout the entire novel as more and more is revealed throughout the chapters. The dual timeline, past and present was very easy to follow and laid the foundation of the events that were happening in present day. The story was well paced and I enjoyed Nicola Marsh’s writing style, I will be checking out more of her work. The narrators did a phenomenal job as they brought life to these characters in the audiobook.

Overall, a very enjoyable read with plenty of twists and recommended for fans of psychological thrillers and suspense novels. Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy, all opinions are my own.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Multiple genre powerhouse author Nicola Marsh gives readers the latest in her psychological thriller catalogue.
Our Perfect Family is a contemporary, domestic surburban drama that will stimulate your reading mind.
On the outside is a perfect facade but behind the walls is something very sinister.
Austin Yates is a high school teacher and adores his family.
Kate Yates is a mother, wife and holder of secrets.
Mia is their daughter, embroiled in an online social media scandal at school.
Now their lives are shattered and the gossip is plastered all over the town.
Who will come out the aftermath in one piece…….
A perfectly paced story with a twist or more and a climatic ending.
I’m a devoted follower of Nicola’s thriller reads, if Nicola is going to write it, I’m going to read it.
Told from the three lead perspectives this compelling plot makes the reader flip the pages fast, wanting to know the facts and how everything ends up.
Questionable decisions, intricate drama, suspicious behaviour and unexpected surprises.
It’s all here to give you a wicked entertaining experience.

[Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not even sure where to start with this review. There was A LOT going on!! This family seemed deceptively normal...thriving... from the outside, but when a compromising picture of Mia, the teenage daughter, goes viral among her classmates, all of this family 's skeletons come flowing out.

There were many characters in this psych thriller, including Mia, her dad, her mom, and two classmates Greg and newcomer Matt. The perspectives involved the former three characters, but the latter two also played big roles in the plot. There was also the added dual timeline of then and now. With so much happening, it kept the story suspenseful as I had no idea where it was going. I also found it surprisingly easy to keep track of all the characters and time frames. Kudos to the author in accomplishing that!

The elephant in the room was that the plot was way OTT! Like soap opera crazy with elements thrown in that didn't seem to make sense or add to the plot aside from adding drama. I'm okay with some moments of eye rolling, but this one took it to a new level. The need to seemingly get an audience reaction overshadowed what could've been a more realistic and relatable plot.

However, this book kept me engaged and curious. It was a fast, entertaining listen. The audio performance was super with multiple narrators representing the various character perspectives.

Thank you #NetGalley for an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicola Marsh]

Dear Readers,
If you're looking for a feel-good warm and fuzzy book, keep scrolling.
This story is twisted.
If you like:
-unreliable narrators
-secrets simmering beneath the illusion of perfection
-a small town where everyone is hiding something
-revenge
then you'll really enjoy this book!
This is the 86th book I've written and it's a favourite. I hope you give it a read.

It will be available in paperback August 26th and ebook September 2nd (free in Kindle Unlimited!) and the audiobook is out now.

I hope you have as much fun reading it as I did writing it. And thanks to the reviewers who've shown this book love. Much appreciated!

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

Our Perfect Family, by Nicola Marsh and narrated by Andrew Cutcliffe, Danny Collins and the brilliant Jody Harris, they all gave such an awesome performance. dad Austin, mom Katie and teenage daughter Maya make up this popular family in their little enclave tucked away in small town, Australia. there is way too much going on for me to give a really good summary without giving key plot points away so what I will say is, mom Katie makes a party faux pas at the barbecue, Maya makes a teenage mistake at a party with her friends and dad Austin does something more than once that will change the family‘s future forever. A well respected family that are like big fish and a small pond dad Austin is a very beloved teacher mom Katie is the perfect host and Maya is the perfect daughter but events started long before she was even born that are going to change that. if you wanna book that’s going to suck you in and not let you go until the end, then you definitely need to listen to this audiobook. I thought it was awesome! You absolutely know who’s talking when they’re talking because each voice is done by a different narrator which I thought made it much better. I usually do not like multiple POV’s because when they do the other characters their voice is different but with this one for some reason it didn’t bother me at all what a great read.#NetGalley, #DreamscapeFirst, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #NicolaMarsh, #OurPerfectFamily,

[Susan Crowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.
It was really good
I listened continuously with only sleep getting in the way.
I'll definitely be recommending to friends.
The narration was excellent.

[Julee McKFly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author and the Berry agency for sending me an ARC to read.
I flew through this book. The plot was masterful and the character development was fantastic. I genuinely enjoyed every page, even when I guessed the twist, it still got me. Highly recommend this book for a mystery fan. Looking forward to reading more books from this author.

[Trina 🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great domestic thriller about a family with lots to hide. Lies upon lies upon lies. Deceit, secrets, murder, revenge… Some twisted characters make things interesting. Watch out for the dropping twists I didn’t see coming! This book proves you never really know anyone, just what they want you to know.

I enjoyed listening to this ALC provided by NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.

[Savannah (chapters_of_mayhem) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a real page turner. I read it in one sitting and couldn’t stop, I needed to know what was going to happen next.

Our perfect family is a fast paced, easy to digest, psychological thriller that has great characters that really help to drive the story forward.

I liked that we had Mia, a high school students, perspective and an unassuming catalyst for a series of events that were years in the making. Her unfortunate situation, while helping ease us into the book, set a precedent for the morals of her parents who’d made every attempt to ensure she lived a normal, happy life.

Kate and Austin were both insufferable and entirely predictable. I will say I did see the big plot twist coming which was slightly disappointing but enjoyed the writing style enough to appreciate the story. I think it may have tried to involve too many twists at times and started to feel a bit convoluted.

Overall I think this is a really solid thriller. The Australian setting was fun for me and I enjoyed the little nods to our culture through the book. I will definitely be picking up more Nicola Marsh books in the future.

Thank you to the Berry Agency and Nicola Marsh for an ARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every one has secrets in this story! The book focuses on one family (Austin, his wife Kate, and their daughter Mia), and the current issues and secrets they keep. Alternates between past and present timelines (it stays in the present for the most part). There is a small cast of characters and the story flows nicely alternating between each person. A few surprise twists sprinkled throughout. The narration is easy to follow along with multiple narrators as the cast of characters. The writing and audio are well done, and I felt I was right alongside each character. Short, quick chapters make this a good afternoon read.

[Jen Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook rating 4⭐. What fun, listening to an audiobook with Australian narrators!
The story itself is from the perspective of 3 characters:
A daughter, dealing with the trauma of a leaked photograph at highschool.
A husband with a lot of secrets (past and present).
And a supportive wife, who has a few secrets of her own..

Nicola Marsh never fails to write fun and intriguing thrillers that keep you guessing, and this one was no different. I found myself thinking about the story even when I wasn't actively reading the book.
Before the epilogue, I found myself wondering if there would be even more to their stories and extra secrets unfolding...

I guess you'll have to read it to find out!

[Ella Egan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to The Berry Agency and the author for an Arc copy of this book!

Wow! So many secrets and twists in this one!

I will admit, I wasn’t sure where it was going in the first half and it didn’t hook me immediately. But it really picked up in the second half of the book and I couldn’t put it down with the way the suspense was building!

I’m not a huge thriller reader. But I have seen that the author describes this sub-genre of thriller as ‘domestic suspense’ which is very accurate with the family secrets and dynamics in the book.

I really enjoyed the multiple povs and hearing each characters thoughts as we uncovered these secrets alongside them. I also think this is the kind of book that would be a great thriller TV show!

[Corporate Mum Loves Coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Perfect Family by Nicola Marsh is exactly what I want from a domestic thriller. It's fast paced, full of tension, and with enough twists to keep me turning the pages late into the night. Each character has their own distinct storyline, yet everything ties together seamlessly through one common thread... secrets. And as always, secrets never stay buried.

Nicola Marsh knows how to keep you hooked... drip-feeding just enough information to make you second guess everything.

Our Perfect Family is sharp, addictive, and impossible to put down, proving once again that behind every “perfect” family, there’s always a whole lot of chaos waiting to be exposed.

[Lura999 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Le iba a poner 3 estrellas, porque hubo una parte algo predecible y no me gusta eso en este tipo de libros, pero cambié de idea por el final. La verdad es que es un libro que se lee rápido y te mantiene intrigado.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Our Perfect Family”
Was definitely a rollercoaster! 🎢
I absolutely loved the multiple POVs, exploring multiple different sides to the story.
the secrets and the deception of being perfect but you never know what happens behind closed doors

It was a real page turner and insane plot 🤯🤯

Thanks to Nicola & The Berry Agency for the opportunity to read this one!

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a multi-narrated audiobook which is part of Dreamscape Audios First collection where they release the titles as an audiobook before any other format.
To be honest, that was what pulled me in without reading what it was actually about except for the genre of Mystery/Thriller.

I’m glad I requested it as it was a fast paced engaging thriller!
I also enjoyed the teenage perspective as it gave a well rounded feel to telling the story. All three narrators did a great job with their recitations including speaking at a reasonable pace at the 1x speed.

The book itself was well written with a lot of twists and turns that will keep the reader entertained from chapter one.

The audiobook is out now!

I am thankful to have gotten the audio ALC for free from Dreamscape Media through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

[kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

easy read, well developed characters. a great psychological suspense read

[Brittnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book had everything I love in a thriller, messed up characters that would do everything to cover for each other but also hide their own secrets 😩 the pacing of this book was perfect, keeping me locked in while telling a detailed recount of this ‘perfect families’ dirty secrets. if you enjoy thrillers that keeps you guessing, would recommend it

[Rina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Respected high school teacher Austin Yates is a devoted family man. But when a cruel online attack leaves his teenage daughter traumatized, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect her. Kate is a good wife and doting mother. But when whispers of accusations against Austin ripple through their small town, Kate faces an impossible choice: defend the man she owes everything to or protect the family she’s sworn to hold together. Mia wanted to complete her final year at school unscathed. But an incriminating photo changes everything and as the world around her closes in, her next move could destroy her family—or save it.

This domestic thriller proposed an intriguing question - in the current world of misinformations, who would you trust? I thought the comparisons and similarities between the scandals in Kate x Austin’s past vs. Mia’s present were intriguing. That anyone could accuse someone of anything and public judgements ran wild was horrifying and unfortunately, not unrealistic.

The main fun I had from this book was figuring out who was telling the truth and who wasn’t. None of the characters was likeable, nor a good person. They all made questionable decisions at some point and then spent a lot of time and effort covering up. These made a good drama though!

The multi-cast audiobook narration was great. The performance was well done and I flew through it in a day. Would recommend this if you’re in the mood for a popcorn domestic thriller.

(Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for a gifted review copy)

See my bookstagram review.

[TheLisaD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Niccola Marsh delivers a gripping domestic thriller in Our Perfect Family, a novel that masterfully unravels the facade of perfection to reveal a web of secrets, drama, and unexpected twists. From the outset, everything appears picture-perfect, but as the story unfolds, the cracks begin to show, and what lies beneath is far darker than it seems.

Marsh excels at building suspense, drawing readers in with a seemingly idyllic family dynamic before slowly peeling back the layers of deception. The pacing is expertly handled, ensuring that each revelation lands with impact while maintaining a steady sense of intrigue. Just when you think you have everything figured out, another twist comes along to keep you guessing.

What makes Our Perfect Family so compelling is its well-developed characters, each harboring their own hidden truths. Their relationships, motivations, and conflicts feel authentic, adding depth to the novel’s emotional core. As secrets come to light, the tension escalates, making it impossible to put the book down.

For fans of domestic suspense, Our Perfect Family is a must-read. Marsh crafts a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, proving once again her talent for delivering page-turning drama. After finishing this novel, readers will undoubtedly be eager to dive into more of her work.

[Callie Blanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate wants to be the perfect wife in the perfect wealthy neighborhood, with the perfect daughter, and perfect husband. But not once in her marriage has she attained that goal, and now her constructed veneer seems to be falling apart. Her husband, Austin, is always stressed out, cold, and distant, and Kate is certain he’s cheating on her. Now their daughter, Mia, is caught up in some scandal at school involving two boys, a party, and a picture making its way around campus. Kate can’t stop the old feelings of inadequacy from coming to haunt her again. They are deep seated from a rough childhood of poverty and neglectful parents, then when she met Austin in college, his affluent family never approved of her. Now with the state of her family, how could things get much worse? Cue in Austin’s many secrets, and the violent past that is coming back to get him and maybe his whole family as well.

This was a classic thriller with a fun tangle of deceptions to untangle. There’s no whodunit kind of mystery in this, instead, you as the reader always are a little ahead of the characters, but even then, the ending has a few surprises left to shock you. I listened to the audiobook version, and felt the narrators for each character were perfect. It made the listening experience much more immersive and enjoyable. I’d absolutely recommend picking up the audio version of this book, even if you’re just going to use it as you read along with the text.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’m not a violent person. I’m a confirmed pacifist. But if you threaten what’s mine… you won’t see me coming”

That line set the tone perfectly and trust me, Nicola Marsh does not hold back in peeling back those layers of lies and half truths.

From the very first chapter, I was hooked. You think you’re being handed the full story upfront - multiple perspectives, whispered secrets, carefully curated memories. But very quickly it becomes clear that not everything is as reliable as it seems. Everyone has their own version of events, and the truth? It’s buried deep beneath the surface.

What I loved most is how expertly Marsh keeps you teetering on the edge. Just when I thought I’d figured it all out, another twist knocked me sideways. It’s a sharp reminder of how far people will go, and what lines they’ll cross, when it comes to protecting their family.

The pacing never falters. It’s slick and gripping without ever feeling rushed. The characters are messy, flawed, and frustratingly human, which made the unfolding drama all the more believable. And that ending? Equal parts satisfying and unsettling - exactly what I want from a psychological thriller.

If you enjoy thrillers that toy with your trust, keep you second guessing every chapter, and prove that “perfect” families are anything but, Our Perfect Family needs a spot on your shelf.

[Charlotte Towle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narration & Performance
One of the standout features of this audiobook is the use of multiple narrators for different characters. This really helped distinguish them, making it easier to follow the story despite the large cast. Initially, I found it a bit confusing, but the narration style made a big difference in placing everyone. The Australian accents added an extra layer of authenticity and enjoyment—I was hooked on them!

Story & Pacing
The plot itself was relatively easy to follow, but it didn’t have the gripping tension I’d expect from a thriller. By about 30% in, it felt more like a teen drama than a psychological suspense novel. While there were moments of intrigue, the stakes didn’t feel particularly high. That being said, if you enjoy family dramas with a mystery element, this could still be an engaging listen.

Overall Thoughts
As an audiobook, Our Perfect Family shines through its strong narration, making it an immersive listening experience. However, the storyline may not satisfy those looking for a deeply thrilling or twist-filled read. If you enjoy lighter mysteries with a focus on family dynamics, this might be worth a listen!

[aims.readsalot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can’t tell you how long it’s been since I read something other than a romance… 🩷

So to pick up this thriller over the weekend, was an actual thrill!

Thank you to Nicola Marsh and The Berry Agency for sending me a copy ahead of its release tomorrow.

‘Our Perfect Family’ is, as the title suggests, about a family whose seemingly perfect facade hides a web of dark secrets. I don’t do spoilers so I’ll keep the details short and sweet, but there’s a huge scandal, and it’s only a matter of time before Austin, Kate, and their teenage daughter Mia’s lives are changed forever.

This was a really interesting read, and I was so invested in where the story was going that I flew through it in two sittings!

I particularly liked the alternating POVs of the three main characters and the way the story moves between past and present. It helped me understand who they all are and how they all came to be, but the lies are next level - so you never really feel like you can trust anyone.

Like any good thriller, it’s full of twists, and the pacing kept me turning the pages the whole way through.

If you enjoy books that keep you guessing until the end, I recommend that you check this out.

It’ll be on KU!

[Melissa Suslowicz Bartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed!!!!! Another fantastic read by this awesome author. I couldn’t put this one down for the life of me. I read it in just a few sittings. I did have to adult somewhat today but as soon as I was done I made sure no one bothered me and picked up where I left off. I don’t know where to begin. So this book had so many hot button topics in it. I loved that. It kept the book interesting and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I will say though that the main theme throughout was bullying which I know we can all relate to. What I also loved was that the whole book was told from multiple point of views of one family. So we got three characters perspective. I don’t want to say too much more and give away the whole book. The last thing I will say is that ending was crazy good. I was speechless and would’ve never guessed it. This one definitely left me shocked and I know it will leave you that way too. I highly recommend this book along with this authors other books. They are all brilliant. I can’t wait for her next read.

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our Perfect Family is a twisty family drama that was entertaining throughout. It did have some highs and lows, but it managed to keep my attention until the end. It was told through multiple POV’s and past and present timelines which I really enjoyed. It made the book more engaging and helped keep me intrigued.

The characters were truly hard to love, which made it hard to root for any of them. The plot was fast paced but it was pretty predictable. There are a few twists throughout and I had the majority figured out. I still ended up enjoying it.

Overall, it is a fast paced domestic drama that is easily bingeable and entertaining. Perfect for a light, easy weekend suspenseful read.

🎧 The narration by Jodie Harris, Nikki Thomas & Andrew Cutcliffe was fun. I had a blast listening to the multiple cast narrators. I loved their Australian accents, it was really nice. They each played their parts well, and conveyed the emotions perfectly. Fun listen !

✨️Thank you to @netgalley, @dreamscapemedia & Nicola Marsh for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.