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The Perfect Betrayal
After the sudden death of her husband, Tess is drowning in grief. All she has left is her son, Jamie, and she’ll do anything to protect him – but she’s struggling to cope.
When grief counsellor Shelley knocks on their door, everything changes. Shelley is understanding and kind, and promises she can help Tess through the hardest time of her life.
But when a string of unsettling events happens and questions arise over her husband’s death, Tess starts to suspect that Shelley may have an ulterior motive. Tess knows she must do everything she can to keep Jamie safe – but she’s at her most vulnerable, and that’s a dangerous place to be . . .
When grief counsellor Shelley knocks on their door, everything changes. Shelley is understanding and kind, and promises she can help Tess through the hardest time of her life.
But when a string of unsettling events happens and questions arise over her husband’s death, Tess starts to suspect that Shelley may have an ulterior motive. Tess knows she must do everything she can to keep Jamie safe – but she’s at her most vulnerable, and that’s a dangerous place to be . . .
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2019
542 people are currently reading
10530 people want to read
About the author
Lauren North
15 books518 followersLauren writes psychological suspense novels that delve into the darker side of relationships and families. She has a lifelong passion for writing, reading, and all things books. Lauren’s love of psychological suspense has grown since childhood and her dark imagination of always wondering what’s the worst thing that could happen in every situation.
Lauren studied psychology before moving to London where she lived and worked for many years. She now lives with her family in the Suffolk countryside. Readers can follow Lauren on Twitter @Lauren_C_North and Facebook @LaurenNorthAuthor
Lauren studied psychology before moving to London where she lived and worked for many years. She now lives with her family in the Suffolk countryside. Readers can follow Lauren on Twitter @Lauren_C_North and Facebook @LaurenNorthAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 867 reviews
April 22, 2019
Tess is struggling to come to terms with the untimely death of her husband Mark in a plane crash. Meanwhile, her 7 year old son Jamie, (not unnaturally) misses his daddy terribly, but neither of them know how to express their grief without anger - both of them drowning in their loss.
Grief counsellor Shelley Lange is enlisted to help Tess through those tough first few months, but she soon becomes more than a counsellor when Tess begins to look on her as a friend, and they start to spend more and more time together, with Shelley cooking for the three of them when Tess is unable to do even the most menial of household chores - such is the depth of her grief. Although Tess is still in a very dark place, she begins to look forward to Shelley’s visits , and in addition, Jamie enjoys her company too, and for someone as shy as he is with strangers, that’s a really big deal.
There comes a time though when Tess starts to become suspicious of Shelley’s motives, she can see that Shelley and Jamie are becoming a bit too close, to the point where Jamie obviously prefers Shelley’s company to his mum’s. Shelley lost her son a few years ago and Tess believes she’s forming an attachment to Jamie that borders on obsession, trying somehow to replace her loss. Tess’s brother-in-law Ian starts calling at the house too, and as Tess and he have never got on, she imagines that Ian and Shelley are somehow involved in plotting against her, and she fears that the plot involves Jamie. She’s seen them interacting in an overly familiar way when they thought she wasn’t watching, and she knows they were discussing her. One thing’s for sure, Tess is in for some frightening times ahead!
The author’s portrayal of grief is just heart wrenching - the plot is full of suspense, clever and beautifully written, and it had me gripped.
The thing that drew me to this novel initially, was the fact that other reviewers were saying what an amazing climax there was - something they didn’t see coming - so right from the start, (because I wasn’t sure which way this one was heading) I was continually second guessing. The narrative encouraged me to view various characters with suspicion and I imagined different scenarios being played out that might explain why it had such an impact on other reviewers - but I (in company with others) never saw that twist coming!
*My thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Grief counsellor Shelley Lange is enlisted to help Tess through those tough first few months, but she soon becomes more than a counsellor when Tess begins to look on her as a friend, and they start to spend more and more time together, with Shelley cooking for the three of them when Tess is unable to do even the most menial of household chores - such is the depth of her grief. Although Tess is still in a very dark place, she begins to look forward to Shelley’s visits , and in addition, Jamie enjoys her company too, and for someone as shy as he is with strangers, that’s a really big deal.
There comes a time though when Tess starts to become suspicious of Shelley’s motives, she can see that Shelley and Jamie are becoming a bit too close, to the point where Jamie obviously prefers Shelley’s company to his mum’s. Shelley lost her son a few years ago and Tess believes she’s forming an attachment to Jamie that borders on obsession, trying somehow to replace her loss. Tess’s brother-in-law Ian starts calling at the house too, and as Tess and he have never got on, she imagines that Ian and Shelley are somehow involved in plotting against her, and she fears that the plot involves Jamie. She’s seen them interacting in an overly familiar way when they thought she wasn’t watching, and she knows they were discussing her. One thing’s for sure, Tess is in for some frightening times ahead!
The author’s portrayal of grief is just heart wrenching - the plot is full of suspense, clever and beautifully written, and it had me gripped.
The thing that drew me to this novel initially, was the fact that other reviewers were saying what an amazing climax there was - something they didn’t see coming - so right from the start, (because I wasn’t sure which way this one was heading) I was continually second guessing. The narrative encouraged me to view various characters with suspicion and I imagined different scenarios being played out that might explain why it had such an impact on other reviewers - but I (in company with others) never saw that twist coming!
*My thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
June 21, 2019
3.5*
Tess is living a nightmare! Her husband Mark died suddenly and she just can’t pull herself out of her deep grief.
Tess is determined to keep everyone at bay. The more distance, the better. Just going to cocoon herself in her home with her son Jamie in hopes of starting the healing process.
Then, comes a knock on the door. Shelley is a grief counselor bringing with her a glimmer of hope. Maybe there really is a chance for recovery and new life. But soon Tess is pointing her fingers at everyone. Fearing everyone is trying to take something from her. Does Shelley want to steal her son? Is her brother in law Ian after her husband’s life insurance? Can she trust anyone? Is she just becoming paranoid?
This is a debut thriller for Lauren North. And while I thought her writing was captivating and held my interest throughout, I unfortunately had all the twists figured out nearly from the start. So it missed its magic as a shocking thriller for me.
I will be watching for Lauren North’s next release!
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Berkley Publishing for an advanced copy to read and review.
Tess is living a nightmare! Her husband Mark died suddenly and she just can’t pull herself out of her deep grief.
Tess is determined to keep everyone at bay. The more distance, the better. Just going to cocoon herself in her home with her son Jamie in hopes of starting the healing process.
Then, comes a knock on the door. Shelley is a grief counselor bringing with her a glimmer of hope. Maybe there really is a chance for recovery and new life. But soon Tess is pointing her fingers at everyone. Fearing everyone is trying to take something from her. Does Shelley want to steal her son? Is her brother in law Ian after her husband’s life insurance? Can she trust anyone? Is she just becoming paranoid?
This is a debut thriller for Lauren North. And while I thought her writing was captivating and held my interest throughout, I unfortunately had all the twists figured out nearly from the start. So it missed its magic as a shocking thriller for me.
I will be watching for Lauren North’s next release!
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Berkley Publishing for an advanced copy to read and review.
August 19, 2019
*3.5 STARS
A clever psychological, suspense thriller.
This is the author's debut and it reminds me of the writing of B.A.Paris or Louise Candlish a bit. It even reminded me a little of one book in particular. I mostly enjoy their books as well.
The way it starts with Tess Clarke in the hospital (with a fuzzy memory) was very intriguing to me. My curiosity had the best of me and I had to know who stabbed her and where her eight year old son was. She was very concerned about his whereabouts and the police were waiting to interview her.
Really enjoyed the structure of inserting the police interviews and the chapters that described before her accident. The chapters were labeled as a countdown to her son, Jamie's eighth birthday. There is some tension, some suspense and an emotional aspect that was thought provoking.
The ending was unpredictable.
I was guessing and had different theories throughout which would make this a great group read.
Looking forward to the author's next book.
Thanks to Berkley/ NG for my review copy! Out
August 9, 2019
This was a captivating mystery! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Tess Clarke wakes up in the hospital just after her son, Jamie’s, birthday the day before. She has been stabbed and now her son is missing.
Tess’ husband, Mark, passed away in an accident a few months ago, and taking care of Jamie is the only thing getting her out of the bed in the morning. They lean on each other through their grief, and it’s been working okay for them all things considered.
No one is listening to Tess now, though, and her world is completely obliterated. She is trying her best to figure out what happened between Mark’s death and Jamie’s disappearance before it’s too late.
The Perfect Son is a captivating story with an enthralling premise. I had to know what happened to Jamie. To me, it was more mystery than psychological thriller, and that’s ok because I was so invested in the characters. Tess and Jamie are developed with so much heart, you can’t help but love and care for them.
Overall, I found The Perfect Son to be an intriguing and compelling character-driven mystery.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Tess Clarke wakes up in the hospital just after her son, Jamie’s, birthday the day before. She has been stabbed and now her son is missing.
Tess’ husband, Mark, passed away in an accident a few months ago, and taking care of Jamie is the only thing getting her out of the bed in the morning. They lean on each other through their grief, and it’s been working okay for them all things considered.
No one is listening to Tess now, though, and her world is completely obliterated. She is trying her best to figure out what happened between Mark’s death and Jamie’s disappearance before it’s too late.
The Perfect Son is a captivating story with an enthralling premise. I had to know what happened to Jamie. To me, it was more mystery than psychological thriller, and that’s ok because I was so invested in the characters. Tess and Jamie are developed with so much heart, you can’t help but love and care for them.
Overall, I found The Perfect Son to be an intriguing and compelling character-driven mystery.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
March 14, 2019
READ IT
THE END
😎
Seriously I would leave it at that but better say more about this top notch pyschological thriller
Tess and her son Jamie are grieving the loss of their hubby/dad after a plane crash
To say Tess is distraught is an understatement and so her Mum involves a grief counsellor Shelley, she is amazing.....too amazing...who is she really and what does she want?
Ian ( hubby’s brother ) appears on the scene demanding £100,000 that he says he is owed....
Shelley and Ian seem to whisper together, Tess starts to write things down as her suspicion’s get worse.....something is going to happen..................the book starts as she wakes in ICU with stab wounds, the Police are there, Jamie is missing....where are Shelly and Ian???
To say more would be to give too much away but this book is made for devouring, it will get you and when you get to the end you will be shaken
Flawless psychological thriller, involving and shattering
Perfect betrayal, Perfect Book
READ IT!!!
10/10 5 Stars
May 24, 2023
Upon waking in the hospital, Tess Clarke, has one thought on her mind: she must find her son.
Something happened on the day of his birthday party. She can't recall exactly what, but it ended with her being stabbed and Jamie, her son, being gone.
The Perfect Son has an interesting format.
We have excerpts of interviews between Tess and her doctor, interviews with two individuals tied to the incident, and the bulk of the story told through flashbacks of the days leading up to the big event.
We discover that Tess has been struggling the past few months with extreme grief. Her husband was recently killed in a terrible accident and, as you can imagine, she is having a very difficult time coping.
You come to understand fairly quickly that Tess is an unreliable narrator, which is one of my favorite things.
A grief counselor, hired by her family, arrives at her cottage one day and begins to aid Tess with her healing.
The two quickly form a close bond and before you know it, Shelly, seems more of a friend that a professional care provider.
Tess also has her brother-in-law, Ian, sniffing about, seemingly obsessed with his late-brother's estate. He claims that her husband owed him a bunch of money, but Tess can find no evidence of that in their finances.
She begins to suspect Ian could be behind some suspicious activities that have been scaring her. What is he after really?
While I did enjoy the format and the pacing, I was completely bummed that I knew the twist 35% in.
It definitely affected my enjoyment of the story. The writing was good, just extremely predictable.
It hurts my heart as I was looking forward to this so much!
^^^Literally me upon completion: drinking my whiskey, sadly let down by the whole experience.
This being said, while the overall plot and reveal didn't work for me, I did see a lot of promise in North's writing and I would absolutely pick up future works by her.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I appreciate the opportunity!
Something happened on the day of his birthday party. She can't recall exactly what, but it ended with her being stabbed and Jamie, her son, being gone.
The Perfect Son has an interesting format.
We have excerpts of interviews between Tess and her doctor, interviews with two individuals tied to the incident, and the bulk of the story told through flashbacks of the days leading up to the big event.
We discover that Tess has been struggling the past few months with extreme grief. Her husband was recently killed in a terrible accident and, as you can imagine, she is having a very difficult time coping.
You come to understand fairly quickly that Tess is an unreliable narrator, which is one of my favorite things.
A grief counselor, hired by her family, arrives at her cottage one day and begins to aid Tess with her healing.
The two quickly form a close bond and before you know it, Shelly, seems more of a friend that a professional care provider.
Tess also has her brother-in-law, Ian, sniffing about, seemingly obsessed with his late-brother's estate. He claims that her husband owed him a bunch of money, but Tess can find no evidence of that in their finances.
She begins to suspect Ian could be behind some suspicious activities that have been scaring her. What is he after really?
While I did enjoy the format and the pacing, I was completely bummed that I knew the twist 35% in.
It definitely affected my enjoyment of the story. The writing was good, just extremely predictable.
It hurts my heart as I was looking forward to this so much!
^^^Literally me upon completion: drinking my whiskey, sadly let down by the whole experience.
This being said, while the overall plot and reveal didn't work for me, I did see a lot of promise in North's writing and I would absolutely pick up future works by her.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I appreciate the opportunity!
June 3, 2019
This was a worthwhile read for me although I would not say it is among the best in the psychological thriller/suspense genres. I happened to guess correctly early on as to which direction the author was going to go so that was slightly disappointing but the story as a whole was compelling and without a doubt worth my time.
A few months ago, Tess's husband, Mark, died and she has been struggling to keep things together for the sake of their son, Jamie. The day after Jamie's 8th birthday, Tess wakes up in a hospital bed. She doesn't know much other than she was stabbed, her son has gone missing, and her brother-in-law, Ian, and her grief counselor, Shelley, are responsible for everything. The story flips back and forth between the present time as Tess struggles to recall what happened on Jamie's birthday and the past few months as she is dealing with the grief of losing her husband unexpectedly and trying to raise their son.
Right away it was easy to feel invested in the story because your heart just broke for the main character because as if it wasn't bad enough the poor woman had recently lost her husband, but now her son is missing too? It's like the ultimate nightmare. I did have a lucky guess pretty early on as to what happened so when everything is revealed it did feel a bit lackluster. However, I think some of the best writing comes in the last few chapters of the book so I can't even complain too much that I wasn't super shocked.
So to sum it up this is a compelling story but maybe don't go in expecting all these shocking twists so that way you aren't disappointed if you figure things out ahead of time. Would definitely read future books by the author as I was impressed at her ability to really show all the emotions and thoughts of someone dealing with loss.
Thank you to First to Read for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
A few months ago, Tess's husband, Mark, died and she has been struggling to keep things together for the sake of their son, Jamie. The day after Jamie's 8th birthday, Tess wakes up in a hospital bed. She doesn't know much other than she was stabbed, her son has gone missing, and her brother-in-law, Ian, and her grief counselor, Shelley, are responsible for everything. The story flips back and forth between the present time as Tess struggles to recall what happened on Jamie's birthday and the past few months as she is dealing with the grief of losing her husband unexpectedly and trying to raise their son.
Right away it was easy to feel invested in the story because your heart just broke for the main character because as if it wasn't bad enough the poor woman had recently lost her husband, but now her son is missing too? It's like the ultimate nightmare. I did have a lucky guess pretty early on as to what happened so when everything is revealed it did feel a bit lackluster. However, I think some of the best writing comes in the last few chapters of the book so I can't even complain too much that I wasn't super shocked.
So to sum it up this is a compelling story but maybe don't go in expecting all these shocking twists so that way you aren't disappointed if you figure things out ahead of time. Would definitely read future books by the author as I was impressed at her ability to really show all the emotions and thoughts of someone dealing with loss.
Thank you to First to Read for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy! I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
August 26, 2019
Waking up in the hospital after her son's eighth birthday, Tess is confused and doesn't understand what is going on. She's been stabbed, her son is missing, and no one appears to be listening to her. Tess has been at a loss since the death of her husband and struggles to keep things together for her son. Why does everyone in her life, seem to be against her? Why does it as if she can't trust anyone?
The perfect son was a book on the slower side for me - at least the beginning was. The blurb talks about psychological suspense and I guess I did want this to be a bit more suspenseful (and to move just a little bit faster). I feel this was a book that kept building but at a much slower pace, but then that ending. Whew! The ending was the payoff. I have to say, I did not figure that one out. It was a shock. I just wished the book had that punch the entire way through. This one didn't wow me as I had hoped until the ending. It’s a slower burn with a surprise/shocking ending.
I think a reader needs to be in the mood for a slow burn. It's obvious that something isn't quite right, but what? Is Tess being paranoid? Are people really plotting against her? Is her grief affecting her perceptions? She has suffered a tragic loss; her son is her reason for living. So, who stabbed her? Where is her son? Why is no one helping her?
Enjoyable book that had me wanting more for most of the book, then *BAM* that ending. Sigh, it was powerful, and I wish the entire book would have felt this way for me. I will be reading more of North in the future as she shows a lot of promise with this debut novel.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing group 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.
The perfect son was a book on the slower side for me - at least the beginning was. The blurb talks about psychological suspense and I guess I did want this to be a bit more suspenseful (and to move just a little bit faster). I feel this was a book that kept building but at a much slower pace, but then that ending. Whew! The ending was the payoff. I have to say, I did not figure that one out. It was a shock. I just wished the book had that punch the entire way through. This one didn't wow me as I had hoped until the ending. It’s a slower burn with a surprise/shocking ending.
I think a reader needs to be in the mood for a slow burn. It's obvious that something isn't quite right, but what? Is Tess being paranoid? Are people really plotting against her? Is her grief affecting her perceptions? She has suffered a tragic loss; her son is her reason for living. So, who stabbed her? Where is her son? Why is no one helping her?
Enjoyable book that had me wanting more for most of the book, then *BAM* that ending. Sigh, it was powerful, and I wish the entire book would have felt this way for me. I will be reading more of North in the future as she shows a lot of promise with this debut novel.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing group 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.
August 28, 2019
3.5 Stars
Tess was suffering from depression caused by her husband’s death. He died in a plane crash a few months earlier. Now it’s just Tess and Jamie (their son).
The day after Jamie’s eighth birthday, Tess woke up in the hospital, she was stabbed and Jamie was missing! Her memories were disturbed, she just knew that her brother-in-law and her grief counselor were involved! How did she get there? How did it come to this...
Well, this is a very slow-paced psychological thriller but unfortunately nothing new! Yes, it was enjoyable but the plot was something I'd read so many times before and it was obvious/predictable and it’s not that twisty. The first half was focused more on her grief than the mystery and the ending wasn’t something that I could name satisfying! What I liked most in this story was the unreliable narrator. Told in multiple POV, 1st person, it’s a standalone novel and contains flashbacks. Overall, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t really good either, hope you like it as well!
Tess was suffering from depression caused by her husband’s death. He died in a plane crash a few months earlier. Now it’s just Tess and Jamie (their son).
The day after Jamie’s eighth birthday, Tess woke up in the hospital, she was stabbed and Jamie was missing! Her memories were disturbed, she just knew that her brother-in-law and her grief counselor were involved! How did she get there? How did it come to this...
Well, this is a very slow-paced psychological thriller but unfortunately nothing new! Yes, it was enjoyable but the plot was something I'd read so many times before and it was obvious/predictable and it’s not that twisty. The first half was focused more on her grief than the mystery and the ending wasn’t something that I could name satisfying! What I liked most in this story was the unreliable narrator. Told in multiple POV, 1st person, it’s a standalone novel and contains flashbacks. Overall, it wasn’t bad but it wasn’t really good either, hope you like it as well!
April 3, 2019
I have had so much on in real life as I started this book that I’ve been eager to get back to it. I hadn’t been able to read the second part of the book for 2 weeks. Unheard of by me, but there you go.
Tess has a son Jamie, both are grieving the loss of her husband, Jamie’s dad.
This starts off with Tess waking in ICU, she has stab wounds. Of course the Police are there asking questions but......Jamie isn’t there, where is he?
There’s a lot going on and Tess mother things she needs counselling , grief counselling.
We are introduced to Shelley. Shelley seems very helpful, too helpful.
Ian is her late husbands brother who comes to tell Tess he wants his money back that her husband borrowed. She knows nothing about this and is astounded at the amount. And how is she going to pay this?
Shelley becomes her kind of go between and Tess comes across Shelley whispering to Ian many a time.
So Tess starts to write things down.
Is she going slightly mad with grief?
There’s a person who keeps ringing her, following her.
Should she feel afraid?
This was bloody amazing.
The ending was jaw droppingly amazing, I didn’t know where this was going.
I reeled from this stunning climax.
Tess has a son Jamie, both are grieving the loss of her husband, Jamie’s dad.
This starts off with Tess waking in ICU, she has stab wounds. Of course the Police are there asking questions but......Jamie isn’t there, where is he?
There’s a lot going on and Tess mother things she needs counselling , grief counselling.
We are introduced to Shelley. Shelley seems very helpful, too helpful.
Ian is her late husbands brother who comes to tell Tess he wants his money back that her husband borrowed. She knows nothing about this and is astounded at the amount. And how is she going to pay this?
Shelley becomes her kind of go between and Tess comes across Shelley whispering to Ian many a time.
So Tess starts to write things down.
Is she going slightly mad with grief?
There’s a person who keeps ringing her, following her.
Should she feel afraid?
This was bloody amazing.
The ending was jaw droppingly amazing, I didn’t know where this was going.
I reeled from this stunning climax.
April 28, 2024
Tess is struggling with life after losing her husband Mark in a plane crash. She is left to bring up their son Jamie on her own. Tess goes to the Doctors for sleeping pills and comes away with antidepressants and advice for her to see a Grief Councillor.
Along comes Shelley Lange sent by Tess’s mother, she is a Grief Counsellor
Quote ‘Should have seen her coming. Like a siren bright and blue, flashing in the night”
Shelley seems to come along at the right time, a saviour amongst all the grief and despair that Tess is feeling since losing her husband. The 2 women become friends and Tess starts to depend on her.
When Tess starts to get calls where no one speaks, she starts to feel like someone is out to get her and her son Jamie.
Very gripping that sweeps you along and before you know it you have finished the book. It is a sad story of love and loss mixed in with twists that will keep you gripped and guessing until the last page.
Narrated mostly by Jess with snippets by Ian (Marks brother) and Shelley the Grief Counsellor. Loved the countdown to Jamie’s birthday and the tension building as the eventful day approached!!
The Perfect Betrayal is a must read psychological thriller. I finished this book and sat for a while digesting the ending, not what I had predicted!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Along comes Shelley Lange sent by Tess’s mother, she is a Grief Counsellor
Quote ‘Should have seen her coming. Like a siren bright and blue, flashing in the night”
Shelley seems to come along at the right time, a saviour amongst all the grief and despair that Tess is feeling since losing her husband. The 2 women become friends and Tess starts to depend on her.
When Tess starts to get calls where no one speaks, she starts to feel like someone is out to get her and her son Jamie.
Very gripping that sweeps you along and before you know it you have finished the book. It is a sad story of love and loss mixed in with twists that will keep you gripped and guessing until the last page.
Narrated mostly by Jess with snippets by Ian (Marks brother) and Shelley the Grief Counsellor. Loved the countdown to Jamie’s birthday and the tension building as the eventful day approached!!
The Perfect Betrayal is a must read psychological thriller. I finished this book and sat for a while digesting the ending, not what I had predicted!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
July 6, 2019
I started reading The Perfect Son on 6/30/2019 and finished it on 7/6/2019. This book is an okay read. A slow start to the first 300 pages with readers not knowing much of what’s going on. There are little information trickling in and tensions here and there but not enough to know if it’s real or imagination. Reading and not knowing makes me anticipate for an explosive ending. The ending is okay. This book reminds me of The Woman in the Window. Both female main characters talk to their husbands in their her head. The ending is similar, death is what causes depression.
This book is told in the first person point of view following Teresa (Tess) Clarke as she lay in the hospital with a stab wound the day after her son’s (Jamie) birthday. She remembers 4 things, she’s in the hospital, she has been stabbed, you are alive and Jamie is missing. In between there are interviews with a detective. She wants him to look for her son. The story goes back to the past counting 55 days until Jamie’s 8th birthday. Tess is experiencing grief over her husband’s untimely death a month ago. The timeline is past with Tess dealing with griefs, present with detective interviews, and Ian/Shelley’s comments in between. Ian is Tess’ brother-in-law coming around wanting his money his brother borrowed back and Shelley is the grief counselor helping Tess with her grief.
The Perfect Son is a hard read for me. I dislike not knowing what’s going on and it just continues on forever. It’s the anticipation of the ending that kept me reading. I didn’t expect the ending to be this way, especially regarding to Jamie. I do like that in Tess’ stages of griefs, she is smart enough to change the locks to the house when she felt someone broke into her house. I also liked that she noted down everything that happened to her when she couldn’t trust her memory. I feel Shelley is like the blind leading the blind. She supposed to help but she created more problems. Ian is well written in this case because he’s a selfish prick and turns out he truly is.
Pro: anticipation for the ending
Con: readers not knowing much until the last 50 pages
I rate it 3 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
This book is told in the first person point of view following Teresa (Tess) Clarke as she lay in the hospital with a stab wound the day after her son’s (Jamie) birthday. She remembers 4 things, she’s in the hospital, she has been stabbed, you are alive and Jamie is missing. In between there are interviews with a detective. She wants him to look for her son. The story goes back to the past counting 55 days until Jamie’s 8th birthday. Tess is experiencing grief over her husband’s untimely death a month ago. The timeline is past with Tess dealing with griefs, present with detective interviews, and Ian/Shelley’s comments in between. Ian is Tess’ brother-in-law coming around wanting his money his brother borrowed back and Shelley is the grief counselor helping Tess with her grief.
The Perfect Son is a hard read for me. I dislike not knowing what’s going on and it just continues on forever. It’s the anticipation of the ending that kept me reading. I didn’t expect the ending to be this way, especially regarding to Jamie. I do like that in Tess’ stages of griefs, she is smart enough to change the locks to the house when she felt someone broke into her house. I also liked that she noted down everything that happened to her when she couldn’t trust her memory. I feel Shelley is like the blind leading the blind. She supposed to help but she created more problems. Ian is well written in this case because he’s a selfish prick and turns out he truly is.
Pro: anticipation for the ending
Con: readers not knowing much until the last 50 pages
I rate it 3 stars!
***Disclaimer: Many thanks to Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read and review. Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
May 28, 2019
The novel opens with Tess in the hospital. She’s been stabbed and her eight-year-old son is missing. Since her husband Mark died in a plane crash, Tess’s memory is full of holes. Maybe it’s from the depression or grief, or maybe it’s from the medicine she’s been prescribed to deal with the depression, or maybe something more sinister is afoot.
The story itself is a well-done thriller. It goes back in time from when her husband died to the days approaching her son’s birthday when she was stabbed and Jamie goes missing. It flashes to the present day as she’s recovering from her wound when she gets interviewed by a therapist or police officer—it’s not clear which. Those sections didn’t work for me because each one is basically the same: Tess worrying about where her son is and the therapist trying to go back from the death to the night of the birthday and the discussions get cut off after almost no discussion.
However, the rest of the suspense is done well. Shelley volunteers as a grief counselor and she and Tess become fast friends. But after so many calls hanging up or threatening her about something underhanded that Mark was involved with before his death, the cars chasing her, the man in her garden, Tess begins to suspect that Shelley is working with Mark’s brother to steal Jamie and the money that Ian claims Mark owes him.
I recommend this. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 13, 2019.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
The story itself is a well-done thriller. It goes back in time from when her husband died to the days approaching her son’s birthday when she was stabbed and Jamie goes missing. It flashes to the present day as she’s recovering from her wound when she gets interviewed by a therapist or police officer—it’s not clear which. Those sections didn’t work for me because each one is basically the same: Tess worrying about where her son is and the therapist trying to go back from the death to the night of the birthday and the discussions get cut off after almost no discussion.
However, the rest of the suspense is done well. Shelley volunteers as a grief counselor and she and Tess become fast friends. But after so many calls hanging up or threatening her about something underhanded that Mark was involved with before his death, the cars chasing her, the man in her garden, Tess begins to suspect that Shelley is working with Mark’s brother to steal Jamie and the money that Ian claims Mark owes him.
I recommend this. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES AUGUST 13, 2019.
For more reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
August 25, 2019
Lauren North has crafted a clever and compelling psychological thriller. This was an absorbing story packed with tension, suspicion, and heartbreak. Tess has recently lost her husband Mark and now believes that her beloved son has been taken. Tess’s grief and frustration were palpable, drawing you further in as you turn the pages. The book starts off with Tess in the hospital having been stabbed and desperate to know what they are doing to try to find her son Jamie. The book then tells the story of the events leading up to the day of Jamie‘s birthday starting on the day of the fatal accident that killed Mark. Also peppered throughout the book were police interviews with Tess’s brother-in-law Ian and her grief counselor Shelley. I was suspicious of and second guessing everything and everyone. Why was Shelly a virtual stranger such a rock for Tesse? Surely nobody is that kind and supportive to someone they don’t even know. And then there was Ian... he was a little too concerned about life insurance money. I had oh so many theories and all of them wrong! This book left me with my jaw on the floor and a million thoughts running around in my head. An excellent debut that I would absolutely recommend.
*** many thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book ***
*** many thanks to Berkley for my copy of this book ***
August 16, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5
The Perfect Son by Lauren North was so good that I would never have guessed it is a debut novel.
What it's about: Tess Clarke lost her husband in a plane crash a few months before her son Jamie's 8th birthday. After Jamie's birthday she wakes up in a hospital with a stab wound and no one will listen to her or tell her where Jamie is. As Tess tries to piece together what happened between the plane crash and her son's birthday, she might not be able to come to terms with the truth.
The Perfect Son was very fast-paced and it was so easy to read that I was able to read it very quickly. Creepy phone calls and someone following her? Yes please! This book kept me engaged and had me wondering where it was all headed. It jumped around a lot and had different media in it which also kept me interested.
I didn't guess the ending and even when I thought I had things figured out I didn't. There were a few different twists in The Perfect Son and I wasn't expecting any of them. I think this would be a great book for someone that loves a quick read in the thriller/mystery genre.
Final Thought: I am going to keep my review short so I don't give anything away, but when it comes down to it I highly recommend reading this and I simply can't wait for North's second book!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
The Perfect Son by Lauren North was so good that I would never have guessed it is a debut novel.
What it's about: Tess Clarke lost her husband in a plane crash a few months before her son Jamie's 8th birthday. After Jamie's birthday she wakes up in a hospital with a stab wound and no one will listen to her or tell her where Jamie is. As Tess tries to piece together what happened between the plane crash and her son's birthday, she might not be able to come to terms with the truth.
The Perfect Son was very fast-paced and it was so easy to read that I was able to read it very quickly. Creepy phone calls and someone following her? Yes please! This book kept me engaged and had me wondering where it was all headed. It jumped around a lot and had different media in it which also kept me interested.
I didn't guess the ending and even when I thought I had things figured out I didn't. There were a few different twists in The Perfect Son and I wasn't expecting any of them. I think this would be a great book for someone that loves a quick read in the thriller/mystery genre.
Final Thought: I am going to keep my review short so I don't give anything away, but when it comes down to it I highly recommend reading this and I simply can't wait for North's second book!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
May 26, 2019
3.75 rounded up
Tess Clarke wakes up in the hospital, one day after her son Jamie’s eighth birthday. She has been stabbed, her son is missing, and she thinks her brother-in-law, Ian, and her grief counselor, Shelley have had something to do with it.
Why won’t the Detective listen to her?
Perhaps it’s because 55 days ago, her husband was killed in an airplane crash-the one where the pilot chose to commit suicide by crashing the plane he was flying- and Tess has not been coping well?
Excerpt:
“Here’s what they don’t tell you about grieving—-you feel cold. Really Cold. An icy chill froze my body in those first few moments of knowing, and it hasn’t left. Nowhere in the half dozen “Coping with Grief” pamphlets that have been thrust unwanted into my hands in the last month has cold been mentioned. It’s all about the stages of grief: the denial, the anger, acceptance; as if I will ever accept it. The emotions are listed in bold and bulleted as if we, the bereaved, can simply tick them off one by one, and come out on the other side of normal again. ”
As Tess tries to piece together what has occurred from the time of the crash to the present day, she pushes away her family, and begins to rely more and more on Shelley...a grief counselor who has suffered a loss of her own...
But, should she be relying on a woman she has just met?
Initially, I was drawn in by the story, though I was a bit worried that it might be moving in the same direction as a book I read a couple of years ago, with a similar premise. Thankfully, that was not the case.
The pace in the middle did drag a bit and though I never skimmed, I was growing impatient...and wishing things would progress a bit faster- bringing my rating down slightly.
Once I reached the day of Jamie’s birthday, and found out how Tess got stabbed , through final conversations taking place in the hospital, and by hearing the conclusions of the testimonies provided by Ian and Shelley, (which had been interspersed throughout the book) it all came together in a surprising conclusion!
Released abroad in March, under the title “The Perfect Betrayal”, this book will be released in the U.S in August. I would like to thank the “First To Read” program for providing the digital ARC that I received, allowing me to read this title early!!
Tess Clarke wakes up in the hospital, one day after her son Jamie’s eighth birthday. She has been stabbed, her son is missing, and she thinks her brother-in-law, Ian, and her grief counselor, Shelley have had something to do with it.
Why won’t the Detective listen to her?
Perhaps it’s because 55 days ago, her husband was killed in an airplane crash-the one where the pilot chose to commit suicide by crashing the plane he was flying- and Tess has not been coping well?
Excerpt:
“Here’s what they don’t tell you about grieving—-you feel cold. Really Cold. An icy chill froze my body in those first few moments of knowing, and it hasn’t left. Nowhere in the half dozen “Coping with Grief” pamphlets that have been thrust unwanted into my hands in the last month has cold been mentioned. It’s all about the stages of grief: the denial, the anger, acceptance; as if I will ever accept it. The emotions are listed in bold and bulleted as if we, the bereaved, can simply tick them off one by one, and come out on the other side of normal again. ”
As Tess tries to piece together what has occurred from the time of the crash to the present day, she pushes away her family, and begins to rely more and more on Shelley...a grief counselor who has suffered a loss of her own...
But, should she be relying on a woman she has just met?
Initially, I was drawn in by the story, though I was a bit worried that it might be moving in the same direction as a book I read a couple of years ago, with a similar premise. Thankfully, that was not the case.
The pace in the middle did drag a bit and though I never skimmed, I was growing impatient...and wishing things would progress a bit faster- bringing my rating down slightly.
Once I reached the day of Jamie’s birthday, and found out how Tess got stabbed , through final conversations taking place in the hospital, and by hearing the conclusions of the testimonies provided by Ian and Shelley, (which had been interspersed throughout the book) it all came together in a surprising conclusion!
Released abroad in March, under the title “The Perfect Betrayal”, this book will be released in the U.S in August. I would like to thank the “First To Read” program for providing the digital ARC that I received, allowing me to read this title early!!
January 27, 2020
Slow but with an explosive ending! At first I found myself complaining because it felt things are barely happening. There was no progress, at least for me, for the first half of the book. I dnfed this book a lot of times back in 2019. It bummed me out. This year, I decided to continue it. I just wanted to know the story. One can say curiosity kept me glued all the way through. Not the best thriller, but damn the ending. It was crazier than what I was expecting.
August 4, 2019
Wow....twisted till the last page!!!
Great psychological debut...I'm torn with empathy and disbelief in the main character.
You just never know what people go through.
This novel oozes with a cerebral unease from the beginning and throughout. A novel that holds you gripped and leaves you tethered.
Tess is counting down the days until her son Jamie's eighth birthday. Recently widowed, she has lost her husband on a business trip to Germany in a plane crash. Grieving and unable to deal with the demands of the estate affairs and daily chores, she finds herself spiraled down until one day she wakes up in a hospital with her son missing and she has been stabbed.
Living in an inherited historic home from her husbands family, Tess is shutting herself out from family and friends, but she can't stop the ever ringing phone or the noises she hears outside. To her, they are invasive and threatening.
As a contact tells her more insides about her husband's death, she is lead to believe that something sinister is going on. Her brother in law is after her inheritance and someone seems to send her threats.
What is the connection?
At the right or wrong time, a grief counselor, Shelley, comes into her life to help her at home and give her some company. But as Tess's son takes a real liking to her positivity and fun activities he begins to act out around his mother. The loss has been much on him too.
In a culminating moment of suspense, Tess's life is becoming too much to bear and she finds herself stabbed and her son missing. Did the threats against her involve her son? Is the police doing everything they can to find him? She isn't convinced and will take matters into her own hands.
Told in two timelines, Tess is counting down the days till Jamie's birthday as the main plot and the other in segments of interviews after the events. It is up to the reader to knit the clues fully together until reaching the twisted end.
This debut novel by Lauren North held my attention firm in its grips. The cerebral suspense had me edgy and wondering about the outcome of the entire novel. A great slow-burn psychological thriller I'd easily recommend.
Enjoy :)
I received a physical ARC of this novel from Berkeley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!
All opinions are my own.
More of my reviews here:
https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/
Great psychological debut...I'm torn with empathy and disbelief in the main character.
You just never know what people go through.
This novel oozes with a cerebral unease from the beginning and throughout. A novel that holds you gripped and leaves you tethered.
Tess is counting down the days until her son Jamie's eighth birthday. Recently widowed, she has lost her husband on a business trip to Germany in a plane crash. Grieving and unable to deal with the demands of the estate affairs and daily chores, she finds herself spiraled down until one day she wakes up in a hospital with her son missing and she has been stabbed.
Living in an inherited historic home from her husbands family, Tess is shutting herself out from family and friends, but she can't stop the ever ringing phone or the noises she hears outside. To her, they are invasive and threatening.
As a contact tells her more insides about her husband's death, she is lead to believe that something sinister is going on. Her brother in law is after her inheritance and someone seems to send her threats.
What is the connection?
At the right or wrong time, a grief counselor, Shelley, comes into her life to help her at home and give her some company. But as Tess's son takes a real liking to her positivity and fun activities he begins to act out around his mother. The loss has been much on him too.
In a culminating moment of suspense, Tess's life is becoming too much to bear and she finds herself stabbed and her son missing. Did the threats against her involve her son? Is the police doing everything they can to find him? She isn't convinced and will take matters into her own hands.
Told in two timelines, Tess is counting down the days till Jamie's birthday as the main plot and the other in segments of interviews after the events. It is up to the reader to knit the clues fully together until reaching the twisted end.
This debut novel by Lauren North held my attention firm in its grips. The cerebral suspense had me edgy and wondering about the outcome of the entire novel. A great slow-burn psychological thriller I'd easily recommend.
Enjoy :)
I received a physical ARC of this novel from Berkeley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!
All opinions are my own.
More of my reviews here:
https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/
May 24, 2020
Many thanks to Berkely for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review
Phew. This was a challenge to read.
So, what's this book about?
When Tess Clarke wakes up in the hospital the day after her son Jamie's eighth birthday, she's sure of these things: She's been stabbed, her son is missing, her brother-in-law and her grief counselor are involved. But no one is listening to her.
After her husband, Mark, died suddenly in a terrible accident a few months earlier, the only thing keeping Tess together is Jamie. As they struggle to make sense of their new life without Mark, they find joy in brief moments of normalcy like walking to school and watching television together. Life is hard without Mark, but Tess has Jamie, and that's what matters.
But there in the hospital, confused and surrounded by people who won't listen, Tess’s world falls apart. To save her son, she must piece together what happened between Mark's death and Jamie's birthday, but the truth might just be too much for her to bear.
Maybe it's because of the time when I was reading this (a cloudy, raining week) but this book was sooo depressing. There was absolutely zero hope or positivity. NONE! If you are looking for an uplifting book, this most certainly is not it.
That said, it was a pretty enticing thriller. In spite of the fact that it was quite cookie-cutter, it kept my interest until the ending, which—although predictable—was still quite entertaining.
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3.5 stars! A slow build but great ending! Review to come!
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forgot to add this to my "currently reading" shelf! I'm loving it so far
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This cover reminds me of the poster for Happy Death Day.
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April 7, 2020
The book begins after Tess Clarke wakes up in the hospital the day after her son Jamie's 8th birthday. She has been stabbed and Jamie has gone missing. You also learn that Tess's husband, Mark, has died in a plane crash. A grief counselor named Shelly has been helping out and Tess had started to become suspicious of her before the terrible event. Tess was also thinking her brother-in-law was involved.
I really enjoyed how this is told...in almost a count down fashion. Twenty days until Jamie's birthday, three days until Jamie's birthday, etc. In order to find Jamie, Tess has to weave together the events that happened between her husband's death and the stabbing. Also included are some interviews done with Tess after awakening in the hospital dazed and confused.
This is described as "disturbing and shocking"... and I don't really agree. I knew by 10% of the book what the outcome of the story was going to be. I was secretly hoping I was wrong so I could be shocked, but that wasn't the case. The only disturbing thing is having to witness Tess's immense grief from losing her husband. With that being said... I thought this book was well written and it was excellently done on audio by some pretty fantastic narrators! They made me not want to stop listening.
I really enjoyed how this is told...in almost a count down fashion. Twenty days until Jamie's birthday, three days until Jamie's birthday, etc. In order to find Jamie, Tess has to weave together the events that happened between her husband's death and the stabbing. Also included are some interviews done with Tess after awakening in the hospital dazed and confused.
This is described as "disturbing and shocking"... and I don't really agree. I knew by 10% of the book what the outcome of the story was going to be. I was secretly hoping I was wrong so I could be shocked, but that wasn't the case. The only disturbing thing is having to witness Tess's immense grief from losing her husband. With that being said... I thought this book was well written and it was excellently done on audio by some pretty fantastic narrators! They made me not want to stop listening.
July 19, 2019
I received a free e-copy of The Perfect son by Lauren North from NetGalley for my honest review.
Tess, a recent widow, wakes up in a hospital bed the day after her sons (Jamie) 8th birthday. She had been stabbed in her abdomen and her son, Jamie is missing. All Tess feels like she has to live for is her son, Jamie and now he is missing.
Tessa’s husband, Mark was killed in a plane crash months ago and she has been seeing a grief counselor, Shelley about it. Shelley has dealt with her own grief, as she lost her son, Dylan, to cancer. Tess suspects Shelley might have taker her son. She also suspects Marks brother, Ian though. Ian claims that he lent a lot of money to Mark before the accident and wants it back right now.
Tess doesn't think the authorities are doing enough to find her son. How far will she go to find the truth? How far would you go, as a mother?
Tess, a recent widow, wakes up in a hospital bed the day after her sons (Jamie) 8th birthday. She had been stabbed in her abdomen and her son, Jamie is missing. All Tess feels like she has to live for is her son, Jamie and now he is missing.
Tessa’s husband, Mark was killed in a plane crash months ago and she has been seeing a grief counselor, Shelley about it. Shelley has dealt with her own grief, as she lost her son, Dylan, to cancer. Tess suspects Shelley might have taker her son. She also suspects Marks brother, Ian though. Ian claims that he lent a lot of money to Mark before the accident and wants it back right now.
Tess doesn't think the authorities are doing enough to find her son. How far will she go to find the truth? How far would you go, as a mother?
September 2, 2019
I know some peeps really enjoyed this book, but for me it was, no pun intended, imperfect.
Tess has lost her husband in a plane crash caused by suicide by pilot. She has a seven year old son, Jamie, who unexpectedly disappears on his birthday. She wakes up in the hospital from a stab wound, and the entire book is about the month or so leading up to Jamie's disappearance. What happened? Why is she in the hospital? Where is Jamie? Who is responsible and why?
This was an entire novel of uninterrupted hand-wringing. It's all so very exigent. Very, "Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God." It got a bit tedious for me really. I was hoping for a thriller, and I found myself getting bored. Yeah, just not my cup of tea, this one. Oh well.
Tess has lost her husband in a plane crash caused by suicide by pilot. She has a seven year old son, Jamie, who unexpectedly disappears on his birthday. She wakes up in the hospital from a stab wound, and the entire book is about the month or so leading up to Jamie's disappearance. What happened? Why is she in the hospital? Where is Jamie? Who is responsible and why?
This was an entire novel of uninterrupted hand-wringing. It's all so very exigent. Very, "Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God." It got a bit tedious for me really. I was hoping for a thriller, and I found myself getting bored. Yeah, just not my cup of tea, this one. Oh well.
August 22, 2019
The book started really well and was well paced throughout. The central character was Tessa who was grieving for her husband who was killed. A number of disconcerting things happened that seemed very threatening and Tessa does not know who she can trust. The book was written in countdown style to her son Jamie’s birthday and following the birthday the mystery of what has been occurring was resolved.
I really enjoyed this well written thriller. It was also about what grief can lead to and who you can trust.
I really enjoyed this well written thriller. It was also about what grief can lead to and who you can trust.
August 19, 2019
We meet Tess in the hospital after she had an accident at her son's birthday party and after coping with the death of her husband a few weeks ago.
Something is going on since her husband’s death, and Tess doesn’t know what it is. All she knows is that she is happy she has her son.
Her brother-in-law, Ian, says Tess needs to pay back the 100,000 her husband lent him, flowers are left on her doorstep with no note, her son is being very difficult, and an appointment with a social worker that Tess doesn’t remember making do not add up and make things worse for Tess.
We learn of all these things in between the time we meet Tess in the hospital and the flash backs to the days before her son’s eighth birthday party where Tess was stabbed.
There was a lot going on as Tess grieved for Mark, and what was going on wasn’t good. She thought she saw Mark in the grocery store, heard people in her driveway at night, had a social worker stopping by looking through her mail, had questions about what Ian told her, had hang-up phone calls at all hours, and other odd happenings.
You can feel there is something going on and plenty of hints that seem to go in the wrong direction not allowing you to be able to figure out what is really happening.
If you enjoy the feeling of something not quite right growing underneath it all, THE PERFECT SON shouldn’t be missed.
If biting your finger nails keeps you reading because of the choices a character makes and doesn’t make and other characters that don't really have another character's best interest in mind, THE PERFECT SON should be your next read.
THE PERFECT SON will lead you down the wrong path as you read, but a terrific book and a surprise ending await you. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Something is going on since her husband’s death, and Tess doesn’t know what it is. All she knows is that she is happy she has her son.
Her brother-in-law, Ian, says Tess needs to pay back the 100,000 her husband lent him, flowers are left on her doorstep with no note, her son is being very difficult, and an appointment with a social worker that Tess doesn’t remember making do not add up and make things worse for Tess.
We learn of all these things in between the time we meet Tess in the hospital and the flash backs to the days before her son’s eighth birthday party where Tess was stabbed.
There was a lot going on as Tess grieved for Mark, and what was going on wasn’t good. She thought she saw Mark in the grocery store, heard people in her driveway at night, had a social worker stopping by looking through her mail, had questions about what Ian told her, had hang-up phone calls at all hours, and other odd happenings.
You can feel there is something going on and plenty of hints that seem to go in the wrong direction not allowing you to be able to figure out what is really happening.
If you enjoy the feeling of something not quite right growing underneath it all, THE PERFECT SON shouldn’t be missed.
If biting your finger nails keeps you reading because of the choices a character makes and doesn’t make and other characters that don't really have another character's best interest in mind, THE PERFECT SON should be your next read.
THE PERFECT SON will lead you down the wrong path as you read, but a terrific book and a surprise ending await you. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2019
Tess wakes up in a hospital room after being stabbed at her son’s birthday party. Tess is in a frantic state, demanding for her missing son, Jamie to be found.
Several months earlier, Tess’s husband, Mark, died in a plane crash, leaving Tess to parent their 7-year old son, Jamie, alone. Tess is suffering from extreme grief after losing the love of her life, and doesn’t know how to move forward.
Tess’s mom contacts a grief counselor named Shelley who starts paying regular visits to Tess’s house. The two women strike up a friendship as they bond over their shared grief since Shelley herself experienced a devastating loss years earlier. But the more time Tess spends with Shelley, the more she feels Shelley doesn’t have the purest of intentions.
And Tess’s brother-in-law, Ian, keeps visiting their home, demanding a loan be repaid to him. But Tess has no idea what he’s talking about. When things start going missing in her home, she worries Ian is letting himself in and snooping around her and Jamie’s life.
When Tess starts receiving threatening anonymous calls, that’s the final straw for this grieving widow. Now she’s stabbed in a hospital room, desperately wondering where her missing son is. And Tess won’t be able to rest easy, not until Jamie comes back to her.
The Perfect Son by Lauren North is a stand-alone mystery told in alternating chapters—the present via interviews and the months leading up to Jamie’s birthday party. I love mysteries with dual timelines because we somewhat know the outcome and I want to put the pieces together of how we got there. Grief-stricken Tess is quite the unreliable narrator and her life is spiraling out of control right before her eyes. I didn’t guess the big plot twist at the end and I’m glad I didn’t because it made me enjoy the story even more. 4.5/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Books and Lauren North for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Several months earlier, Tess’s husband, Mark, died in a plane crash, leaving Tess to parent their 7-year old son, Jamie, alone. Tess is suffering from extreme grief after losing the love of her life, and doesn’t know how to move forward.
Tess’s mom contacts a grief counselor named Shelley who starts paying regular visits to Tess’s house. The two women strike up a friendship as they bond over their shared grief since Shelley herself experienced a devastating loss years earlier. But the more time Tess spends with Shelley, the more she feels Shelley doesn’t have the purest of intentions.
And Tess’s brother-in-law, Ian, keeps visiting their home, demanding a loan be repaid to him. But Tess has no idea what he’s talking about. When things start going missing in her home, she worries Ian is letting himself in and snooping around her and Jamie’s life.
When Tess starts receiving threatening anonymous calls, that’s the final straw for this grieving widow. Now she’s stabbed in a hospital room, desperately wondering where her missing son is. And Tess won’t be able to rest easy, not until Jamie comes back to her.
The Perfect Son by Lauren North is a stand-alone mystery told in alternating chapters—the present via interviews and the months leading up to Jamie’s birthday party. I love mysteries with dual timelines because we somewhat know the outcome and I want to put the pieces together of how we got there. Grief-stricken Tess is quite the unreliable narrator and her life is spiraling out of control right before her eyes. I didn’t guess the big plot twist at the end and I’m glad I didn’t because it made me enjoy the story even more. 4.5/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Books and Lauren North for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2020
This book left me completely shattered. Not something that is often stated when reading a domestic thriller, but the grief which main protagonist, Tess is going through in the aftermath of the loss of her husband, Mark just drips off the pages. Tess is barely hanging on, trying to figure out life as single mother. But when Mark's brother Ian begins demanding a look into his brother's finances, strange things begin to happen. Who is the man that keeps following Tess around town? Who is calling her house ? And what does Shelley, Tess's grief helper really want?
This book had me frightened but I just couldn't stop reading. As we bounce around in the stories timeline and are offered snippets from other characters in between Tess's narrative, one thing is for sure- I heard the theme song of Unsolved Mysteries many, many times. When the reader's guide asks, "so when did you figure it out?" and I hadn't, I know this was an unforgettable reading experience.
Goodreads review published 17/07/20
This book had me frightened but I just couldn't stop reading. As we bounce around in the stories timeline and are offered snippets from other characters in between Tess's narrative, one thing is for sure- I heard the theme song of Unsolved Mysteries many, many times. When the reader's guide asks, "so when did you figure it out?" and I hadn't, I know this was an unforgettable reading experience.
Goodreads review published 17/07/20
July 23, 2019
Omg, what an unexpected ending. The beginning was very interesting and then the book started to be a little bit dull and then bam!! the big turn around. Great psychological suspend about grieving wife and missing son. What happened on his eighth birthday party? I will be looking for more from Lauren North..
Thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing Group for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Net Galley and Berkley Publishing Group for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2019
Wow what an incredible book. From start to finish it had me hooked and I LOVED the twist and the ending. I felt horrible for Tess throughout the book and all she went through. I won’t go into more detail in case people haven’t read it yet. It was brilliantly written, had very interesting characters and was very addictive and this was easily one of my favourite books. I can’t wait to read more from the author. I loved this book.
January 1, 2020
There is nothing as powerful as a mother’s love - it’s unconditional, endless, bottomless, boundless, fearless. A mother who’s young is threatened can quickly turn into a savage when pushed to far and to hard. Yes friends, trust me when I say, a mother will do anything to ensure their child’s safety.
Tess, recently widowed, wakes up in a hospital. She only knows two things for sure. One, she has been stabbed and is in a hospital. Two, her son, Jamie is missing. Tess quickly realizes she must race against time to solve the mystery surrounding why she was stabbed and who took her son. Will she figure it out before it’s to late? Or will Tess find herself husbandless and childless?
The Perfect Son, is an edge of your seat, nail biting debut by the talented Lauren North that gets my 5star approval. I look forward to reading more of North’s work in the future.❤️❤️
Tess, recently widowed, wakes up in a hospital. She only knows two things for sure. One, she has been stabbed and is in a hospital. Two, her son, Jamie is missing. Tess quickly realizes she must race against time to solve the mystery surrounding why she was stabbed and who took her son. Will she figure it out before it’s to late? Or will Tess find herself husbandless and childless?
The Perfect Son, is an edge of your seat, nail biting debut by the talented Lauren North that gets my 5star approval. I look forward to reading more of North’s work in the future.❤️❤️
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