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The Perfect Couple
When Emily applies for a job as a housekeeper for widower Rupert, it’s a chance to start over – a steady job and regular money means she can work towards her own place, not sharing a grimy flat with old mate, Mags.
As Emily gets to know more about Rupert’s world – how he likes his supper when he comes in from work, who his friends are – she can make sure everything runs like clockwork for him.
Soon there’s a spark between them; Rupert likes Emily and invites her to stay. For good.
To the outside world, they really seem to be a perfect match. There’s just the small issue of what really happened to Rupert’s first wife…
A gripping, razor-sharp game of cat and mouse, from the bestselling author, Lisa Hall.
As Emily gets to know more about Rupert’s world – how he likes his supper when he comes in from work, who his friends are – she can make sure everything runs like clockwork for him.
Soon there’s a spark between them; Rupert likes Emily and invites her to stay. For good.
To the outside world, they really seem to be a perfect match. There’s just the small issue of what really happened to Rupert’s first wife…
A gripping, razor-sharp game of cat and mouse, from the bestselling author, Lisa Hall.
384 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2020
622 people are currently reading
2390 people want to read
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October 14, 2020
Emily accepts a housekeeping job from recently widowed, Rupert. It seems like the perfect fit. Emily has been staying with her friend, Mags and welcomes the chance to have enough money to get her own flat.
Rupert is horrible at housekeeping and is house is a mess. At his friend's suggestion, he agrees to hire a housekeeper, not knowing that this would change everything for him.
Soon both feel a mutual attraction and their relationship goes from professional to personal. Are they moving too fast? Are they the perfect couple?
This was my first book by Lisa Hall, and it will not be my last! I thought I had things figured out, but there are some twists and turns as secrets and lies are discovered.
My advice is to go into this knowing as little as possible. After a couple of chapters I was drawn into the plot and deciding who I liked and who I did not. I found this to be a fast-paced page tuner which does not disappoint. Another plus was getting both Rupert and Emily's POV. This helps move the story along and we get some insight into each character’s thoughts, feelings and emotions.
A riveting page turner that kept me on my toes.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rupert is horrible at housekeeping and is house is a mess. At his friend's suggestion, he agrees to hire a housekeeper, not knowing that this would change everything for him.
Soon both feel a mutual attraction and their relationship goes from professional to personal. Are they moving too fast? Are they the perfect couple?
This was my first book by Lisa Hall, and it will not be my last! I thought I had things figured out, but there are some twists and turns as secrets and lies are discovered.
My advice is to go into this knowing as little as possible. After a couple of chapters I was drawn into the plot and deciding who I liked and who I did not. I found this to be a fast-paced page tuner which does not disappoint. Another plus was getting both Rupert and Emily's POV. This helps move the story along and we get some insight into each character’s thoughts, feelings and emotions.
A riveting page turner that kept me on my toes.
Thank you to Harper Collins and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 26, 2020
Revised to Include Disturbing Content Warning
Not the Perfect Book For Me
The Perfect Couple occupied the highest setting on my Edelweiss anticipation shelf so when it became available, I grabbed it and quickly began reading.
I was attracted to the premise based on a love triangle: a deceased wife, a widower, and a new wife. I was ripe for the inevitable upending. So much promise!
However, my reading experience soon deflated as the execution didn’t work for me…
The biggest problem was that I was blindsided when a kitten was killed in the story. Horrors for any animal killed in a book, but a huge Bah Humbug (!) to the author for the murder of an innocent kitten.
This is the second book recently that killed pets and I view this as a downward trend.
I finished the book but have revised my review to explain the low rating and alert others who this may upset.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Lisa Hall, and Harper Collins for my advanced electronic review copy.
Not the Perfect Book For Me
The Perfect Couple occupied the highest setting on my Edelweiss anticipation shelf so when it became available, I grabbed it and quickly began reading.
I was attracted to the premise based on a love triangle: a deceased wife, a widower, and a new wife. I was ripe for the inevitable upending. So much promise!
However, my reading experience soon deflated as the execution didn’t work for me…
The biggest problem was that I was blindsided when a kitten was killed in the story. Horrors for any animal killed in a book, but a huge Bah Humbug (!) to the author for the murder of an innocent kitten.
This is the second book recently that killed pets and I view this as a downward trend.
I finished the book but have revised my review to explain the low rating and alert others who this may upset.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Lisa Hall, and Harper Collins for my advanced electronic review copy.
October 22, 2020
The Perfect Couple by Lisa Hall is a great domestic thriller.
I really enjoyed The Perfect Couple. There was so much drama between the couple. I feel like Emily always comparing herself to Caro and her relationship with Rupert was very realistic. It was interesting how concerned Emily was over everything.
Emily and Rupert have so many secrets they are hiding. Nobody can be trusted. The characters will learn that nothing is as it seems. The people they thought they could trust are the least trustworthy of all.
The end is absolutely crazy and was a surprise! I didn’t see it coming! I was convinced for most of the book I knew exactly what was going to happen and was so glad to be wrong.
Thank you Edelweiss and HQ/Harper Collins for The Perfect Couple.
Full review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
I really enjoyed The Perfect Couple. There was so much drama between the couple. I feel like Emily always comparing herself to Caro and her relationship with Rupert was very realistic. It was interesting how concerned Emily was over everything.
Emily and Rupert have so many secrets they are hiding. Nobody can be trusted. The characters will learn that nothing is as it seems. The people they thought they could trust are the least trustworthy of all.
The end is absolutely crazy and was a surprise! I didn’t see it coming! I was convinced for most of the book I knew exactly what was going to happen and was so glad to be wrong.
Thank you Edelweiss and HQ/Harper Collins for The Perfect Couple.
Full review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
June 5, 2020
Lisa Hall does it again
I have loved all her previous books and this one now joins them
Emily and Rupert both find themselves alone, struggling and not where they want to be in life
Rupert alone in luxury
Emily not quite in poverty but not where she envisaged
Rupert advertises for a housekeeper
Emily applies
The die is cast
And we then have a dark and drama filled tale of secrets, surprises, lies, goody’s and baddy’s and a story to keep you fixated
There are many ‘A-HA’ moments and I LOVED the fact when one ‘secret’ was hinted at I was like ‘ohhhh really, well that was obvious bla bla’ only to have my indignation swiped away about 5 mins later as I was proven wrong 😁
The characters are super, 2 female friends of Rupert’s who are the bitchiest, fiendishish women you could hope for in a book and an unusual bezzie of Emily that conjured up all kinda of images
The ending is a classic and the whole book a readers ( well this readers ) dream of a fine exciting read
10/10
5 Stars
I have loved all her previous books and this one now joins them
Emily and Rupert both find themselves alone, struggling and not where they want to be in life
Rupert alone in luxury
Emily not quite in poverty but not where she envisaged
Rupert advertises for a housekeeper
Emily applies
The die is cast
And we then have a dark and drama filled tale of secrets, surprises, lies, goody’s and baddy’s and a story to keep you fixated
There are many ‘A-HA’ moments and I LOVED the fact when one ‘secret’ was hinted at I was like ‘ohhhh really, well that was obvious bla bla’ only to have my indignation swiped away about 5 mins later as I was proven wrong 😁
The characters are super, 2 female friends of Rupert’s who are the bitchiest, fiendishish women you could hope for in a book and an unusual bezzie of Emily that conjured up all kinda of images
The ending is a classic and the whole book a readers ( well this readers ) dream of a fine exciting read
10/10
5 Stars
June 14, 2020
I have read several of Lisa Hall’s books so was very excited to start this.
When Rupert applies for a housekeeper after losing his wife Caro, along comes Emily who is getting over an abusive relationship and is desperate for a new start. They are instantly attracted to one another and are soon married.
Well that’s the fairytale bit out the way!! They come back from their honeymoon all loved up, but
Emily starts to receive threatening texts and notes, she hear strange noises in the house. It’s hard being the second wife when Rupert’s friends keep reminiscing about the past and his first wife Caro. What did happen to his wife?
The chapters alternate between Rupert and Emily each giving their perspectives.
I loved the twists along the way and the OMG twist at the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
When Rupert applies for a housekeeper after losing his wife Caro, along comes Emily who is getting over an abusive relationship and is desperate for a new start. They are instantly attracted to one another and are soon married.
Well that’s the fairytale bit out the way!! They come back from their honeymoon all loved up, but
Emily starts to receive threatening texts and notes, she hear strange noises in the house. It’s hard being the second wife when Rupert’s friends keep reminiscing about the past and his first wife Caro. What did happen to his wife?
The chapters alternate between Rupert and Emily each giving their perspectives.
I loved the twists along the way and the OMG twist at the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
August 24, 2020
It seems like the perfect match as Emily applies for the housekeeping vacancy of widower Richard.
She has been staying with friend Mags having escaped an abusive relationship, whilst Richard has struggled to cope with the suicide of wife Caro a year ago.
Richard had been heavily drinking but finally took some advise of getting his life back on track by advertising the position.
The two damaged soles instantly connect and a whirlwind romance soon sees the pair married.
But the instant happiness doesn't last, Emily starts receiving threats and she starts to feel suffocated in the relationship as Richard continually takes her to all the same places where he and Caro had been, they even went to the same honeymoon destination!
The chapters weave between the pairs point of view as the reader wonders if Emily is being gaslight or Richard just being naive as it's been a while since he has had a partner and thus going to places he feels comfortable.
The novel certainly pulls you in different directions, I was constantly changing my mind in how I felt about Richard.
One thing is clear that the ghost of Caro hangs over the whole, even her clothes still remain in the house.
A gripping page turner that kept me guessing throughout.
She has been staying with friend Mags having escaped an abusive relationship, whilst Richard has struggled to cope with the suicide of wife Caro a year ago.
Richard had been heavily drinking but finally took some advise of getting his life back on track by advertising the position.
The two damaged soles instantly connect and a whirlwind romance soon sees the pair married.
But the instant happiness doesn't last, Emily starts receiving threats and she starts to feel suffocated in the relationship as Richard continually takes her to all the same places where he and Caro had been, they even went to the same honeymoon destination!
The chapters weave between the pairs point of view as the reader wonders if Emily is being gaslight or Richard just being naive as it's been a while since he has had a partner and thus going to places he feels comfortable.
The novel certainly pulls you in different directions, I was constantly changing my mind in how I felt about Richard.
One thing is clear that the ghost of Caro hangs over the whole, even her clothes still remain in the house.
A gripping page turner that kept me guessing throughout.
October 11, 2023
3.5⭐
Genre ~ domestic thriller
Publication date ~ June 22, 2020
Page Count ~ 347 (35 chapters + p)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 10 minutes
Narrator ~ Georgia Maguire
POV ~ single 1st & 3rd
*older read mini review*
Rupert (told in 3rd) has been on his own since his wife's passing a year ago. Housekeeping is too much for him, so he hires Emily (told in 1st). They fall for each other pretty quickly and soon marry.
A bit predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ domestic thriller
Publication date ~ June 22, 2020
Page Count ~ 347 (35 chapters + p)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 10 minutes
Narrator ~ Georgia Maguire
POV ~ single 1st & 3rd
*older read mini review*
Rupert (told in 3rd) has been on his own since his wife's passing a year ago. Housekeeping is too much for him, so he hires Emily (told in 1st). They fall for each other pretty quickly and soon marry.
A bit predictable, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
May 10, 2021
This was a quick read and worked as long as I didn't think about the details too much once I reached the end. Told in two POVs the story quickly unfurls to show us the titular perfect couple, Emily and Rupert. He's a recent widower and she's reentering life after a very bad break up with an abusive ex. She takes a job as his house cleaner and from there they develop a romantic relationship. And that's when the weird things start happening and also when the fate of Rupert's first wife Caro, begins to niggle in the back of Emily's brain. There are some wild twists and turns (some I did not see coming) and the end was quite the page flipper. I would not have guessed things were going to end that way and I liked that.
I have one big question about Emily but it's a complete spoiler so I won't add it here. It makes me wonder if there could be another part of her story in the future. I'd probably read it.
Definitely good for a weekend read. Recommended.
I have one big question about Emily but it's a complete spoiler so I won't add it here. It makes me wonder if there could be another part of her story in the future. I'd probably read it.
Definitely good for a weekend read. Recommended.
June 5, 2020
Emiky has a new job as a housekeeper for widowed Rupert. Emily had been in an abusive relationship. Rupert is still coming to terms with the death of his wife, Caro. It's not long before Rupert and Emily fall for each other and they marry. But its ot all hearts and flowers. Nasty things soon start to happen around Emily. Nasty hand delivered notes start arriving for Emily, threatening text messages and strange noises can be heard around the house. Emilymstarts to wonder what happened to Rupert's first wife.
The chapters alternate between Rupert and Emily giving us their perspectives. It's quite clear where the plot is going and there were a few elements that were unbelievable. There's a few twists. *Trigger Warning* there's a kitten killed in the story. I know this can upset some readers. Theres a lot going on in the book. The pace is steady. An enjoyable domestic thriller.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HQ and the author Lisa Hall for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The chapters alternate between Rupert and Emily giving us their perspectives. It's quite clear where the plot is going and there were a few elements that were unbelievable. There's a few twists. *Trigger Warning* there's a kitten killed in the story. I know this can upset some readers. Theres a lot going on in the book. The pace is steady. An enjoyable domestic thriller.
I would like to thank NetGalley, HQ and the author Lisa Hall for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2020
I enjoyed this one! I did struggle slightly to start with as I it felt like a lot of characters were being thrown at me at once so I was struggling to remember who was who and who was married to who/related to who etc. However I'm glad I stuck this one out, the double whammy twists at the end made it worth it!
July 4, 2020
Loved this. A twisty Rebecca esque psychological thriller from Lisa Hall. A read in one sitting delight with a brilliantly inventive ending. Highly recommended.
May 1, 2021
Just a average read for me. Interesting enough, but was not dying to know what would happen next
October 16, 2020
This was a twisty one but I picked it early on. Little bit too obvious for me
July 29, 2020
Bit formulaic (is that even a word) but with a good twist at the end
December 27, 2020
Emily finds a housekeeping job at the house of recently widowed Rupert who is veey rich and handsome. Rupert is haunted by the death of his wife and Emily makes his life a little easier to live. They become attracted to each other and decide to marry.
As soon as Emily starts living in the house, she feels like someone is watching them all the time. Also there are Rupert's friends who are jealous of Emily. Emily feels so lost among those people who belong to a higher social status than her. She is constantly reminded of Rupert's love for his first wife.
What happened to Rupert's first wife? Who is watching and following them? Why are Rupert's friends eager to hurt her? Emily needs answers..
This book has so many subtle references to Rebecca and it is a fast paced read. I liked the ending too. This book is much better than most of the other Domestic Thrillers.
As soon as Emily starts living in the house, she feels like someone is watching them all the time. Also there are Rupert's friends who are jealous of Emily. Emily feels so lost among those people who belong to a higher social status than her. She is constantly reminded of Rupert's love for his first wife.
What happened to Rupert's first wife? Who is watching and following them? Why are Rupert's friends eager to hurt her? Emily needs answers..
This book has so many subtle references to Rebecca and it is a fast paced read. I liked the ending too. This book is much better than most of the other Domestic Thrillers.
April 14, 2020
*I received a free copy of The Perfect Couple. This has in no way influenced my review which is honest and unbiased.*
This was my first book by Lisa Hall, and I'm sorry to say it didn't work for me. There are several reasons for this - one is the writing. The story switches between first person point of view for Emily and third person point of view for Rupert. However, when Emily thinks about Rupert, that, too, is in third person. It doesn't really become confusing, but it is a bit jarring.
I also found the characters and their voices to be juvenile, whereas Emily is in her twenties and Rupert is over forty.
Another thing that didn't work for me is that the characters were so unreliable it was impossible to get to know them, which meant I didn't really care about what would happen to either of them. And because I didn't really care, I didn't find the suspense to be suspenseful - at all.
I'm sure there will be readers who will enjoy The Perfect Couple, even if it was not the story for me.
This was my first book by Lisa Hall, and I'm sorry to say it didn't work for me. There are several reasons for this - one is the writing. The story switches between first person point of view for Emily and third person point of view for Rupert. However, when Emily thinks about Rupert, that, too, is in third person. It doesn't really become confusing, but it is a bit jarring.
I also found the characters and their voices to be juvenile, whereas Emily is in her twenties and Rupert is over forty.
Another thing that didn't work for me is that the characters were so unreliable it was impossible to get to know them, which meant I didn't really care about what would happen to either of them. And because I didn't really care, I didn't find the suspense to be suspenseful - at all.
I'm sure there will be readers who will enjoy The Perfect Couple, even if it was not the story for me.
August 12, 2020
Another average domestic thriller...
I've read quite a few domestic thrillers and this one was just okay. It wasn't particularly original or different.
The writing was fine. It was pretty average. Although I was interested enough to read till the end
I would say this thriller is probably more suited to people who haven't read a lot of thrillers before.
There wasn't many shocks or twists and it was quite obvious to me where the story was going.
I didn't really care for any of the characters. None of them were particularly likeable.
It was a pretty quick and easy book to read. Although, there were some dark and distressing parts.
One thing I did like about this book was that in parts there was some pretty tense and suspenseful parts.
Overall, this was just an okay domestic thriller, nothing particularly special
TW: gaslighting, domestic abuse, suicide references, bipolar, murder, animal violence and violence
I've read quite a few domestic thrillers and this one was just okay. It wasn't particularly original or different.
The writing was fine. It was pretty average. Although I was interested enough to read till the end
I would say this thriller is probably more suited to people who haven't read a lot of thrillers before.
There wasn't many shocks or twists and it was quite obvious to me where the story was going.
I didn't really care for any of the characters. None of them were particularly likeable.
It was a pretty quick and easy book to read. Although, there were some dark and distressing parts.
One thing I did like about this book was that in parts there was some pretty tense and suspenseful parts.
Overall, this was just an okay domestic thriller, nothing particularly special
TW: gaslighting, domestic abuse, suicide references, bipolar, murder, animal violence and violence
April 6, 2021
After leaving an abusive relationship and temporarily flat-sharing, Emily applies for a housekeeping job at a large property in Somerville. It seems to be too good an opportunity to miss. Rupert, the house owner, is a young widower, and is happy to offer Emily the position. It doesn’t take long for them to become attracted to each other and after a whirlwind relationship Rupert makes a surprise proposal.. His previous wife, Caro’s family and friends have mixed feeling about the situation and it is a baptism of fire for Emily. What really happened to his first wife and what secrets are being hidden and by whom?
May 22, 2020
This is fabulous. Didn't quite know where it was going until the end, and I found shades of Rebecca, Gaslight, and Body Heat throughout. Definitely a fan of Lisa Hall from this point forward.
I do hope readers won't shy away from a solid mystery with classic noir elements because of an absurd one-star review (apparently downrated because the reader insists all authors avoid any animal-killing in their stories). This is a thriller, folks. Expect thriller-style plot elements. Or else pick up a copy of The Gruffalo.
I do hope readers won't shy away from a solid mystery with classic noir elements because of an absurd one-star review (apparently downrated because the reader insists all authors avoid any animal-killing in their stories). This is a thriller, folks. Expect thriller-style plot elements. Or else pick up a copy of The Gruffalo.
June 14, 2020
The death of Rupert's wife Caro has left him distraught. His house is a mess, he drinks too much, and even his wife's best friend Sadie is pushing him to move forward. Deciding that he must do something to get his life together, he places an ad for a housekeeper figuring it is a good first step.
Emily has been staying with her friend Mags since she fled an abusive relationship. She fears her ex Harry might find her, but knows that she must get a job, any job, and rebuild her life. When she sees an ad for a housekeeper, it feels right to Emily and she quickly applies. When she is called for an interview she is immediately drawn to Rupert and his lovely home.
It seems that fate has smiled on these two, as their professional relationship soon turns personal. There is a saying that all good things come to those who wait, and perhaps Emily and Rupert should have waited a bit before saying “I do”. Emily feels like she is being followed, starts receiving threatening text messages, and odd things start happening in Rupert's house. He thinks she is imagining everything and becomes frustrated when Emily is not behaving like the woman he married. As Emily feels more and more disconnected from Rupert, she begins to wonder what happened to the first Mrs. Osbourne-Milligan.
I thought that I was so clever as The Perfect Couple progressed, quite pleased with myself for having worked out what was happening. I was surprised when the author went left while I was going right, never guessing the direction this story would take. Saying more would propel me into spoiler territory and I think this would be best enjoyed by knowing as little as possible. It is the first book I have read by Lisa Hall and it is a good one. Secrets and lies, and a killer twist made this an intriguing, page-flipping book.
Emily has been staying with her friend Mags since she fled an abusive relationship. She fears her ex Harry might find her, but knows that she must get a job, any job, and rebuild her life. When she sees an ad for a housekeeper, it feels right to Emily and she quickly applies. When she is called for an interview she is immediately drawn to Rupert and his lovely home.
It seems that fate has smiled on these two, as their professional relationship soon turns personal. There is a saying that all good things come to those who wait, and perhaps Emily and Rupert should have waited a bit before saying “I do”. Emily feels like she is being followed, starts receiving threatening text messages, and odd things start happening in Rupert's house. He thinks she is imagining everything and becomes frustrated when Emily is not behaving like the woman he married. As Emily feels more and more disconnected from Rupert, she begins to wonder what happened to the first Mrs. Osbourne-Milligan.
I thought that I was so clever as The Perfect Couple progressed, quite pleased with myself for having worked out what was happening. I was surprised when the author went left while I was going right, never guessing the direction this story would take. Saying more would propel me into spoiler territory and I think this would be best enjoyed by knowing as little as possible. It is the first book I have read by Lisa Hall and it is a good one. Secrets and lies, and a killer twist made this an intriguing, page-flipping book.
January 5, 2021
Unbelievable and wildly illogical.
September 8, 2022
Another book with a blowing mind twist !!!🤯
Finally I can take a break and give this book a properly review... If you are fans of Rebecca you will totally love this one!
So I started this book because recently I am into domestic thrillers and this book was on my TBR for so long and finally grabbed my hands on it , well of the audiobook and it did not disappoint. The story follows Rupert whose wife dies by suicide that hires a house cleaner named Emily, a girl who was abused by her ex boyfriend. The two form a bond and sooner then you expect they are getting married but as the prologue, which was a brilliant way to begin this book in my opinion, everyone is not what it seems at first sight which applies for both characters.
The only thing I can tell you is that the little synopsis on the cover highlights the ending and what an ending was...the book in general is a typical domestic thriller with chemistry and fights between the couple but with a touch of mystery about Rupert's first wife but the reason I gave this book 4 stars was the ENDING!
Finally I can take a break and give this book a properly review... If you are fans of Rebecca you will totally love this one!
So I started this book because recently I am into domestic thrillers and this book was on my TBR for so long and finally grabbed my hands on it , well of the audiobook and it did not disappoint. The story follows Rupert whose wife dies by suicide that hires a house cleaner named Emily, a girl who was abused by her ex boyfriend. The two form a bond and sooner then you expect they are getting married but as the prologue, which was a brilliant way to begin this book in my opinion, everyone is not what it seems at first sight which applies for both characters.
The only thing I can tell you is that the little synopsis on the cover highlights the ending and what an ending was...the book in general is a typical domestic thriller with chemistry and fights between the couple but with a touch of mystery about Rupert's first wife but the reason I gave this book 4 stars was the ENDING!
March 26, 2021
Another great read from Lisa Hall in her latest thriller. This is the story of Rupert who has lost his wife a year ago and Emily who becomes Rupert's' housekeeper. Its not long before sparks fly and Emily moves in and very quickly they get married. Emily is whisked into a new world of wealthy and interesting new friends and settles in well, although someone is playing with her mind, leaving things of Rupert's ex wife lying around and empty phone calls. Who is behind it? What happened to Rupert's first wife? Is Emily who she seems to be? Are they the perfect couple after all?
May 13, 2020
The Perfect couple from Lisa hall is another gripping read from the author.
Emily is staying at her friend Mags flat rent free, after fleeing her abusive ex-partner and losing her job. She is grateful for what Mags has done but, decides it is time to move on. When she gets a job as a Housekeeper for Rupert a widower, In an upmarket part of town. The house is beautiful a far cry from the dingy, cramped flat she lives with Mags.
After a few weeks working for Rupert she falls in love and after the world wind romance they decide to get married. Even though Rupert friend Sadie thinks it is just too early and Emily wonders how she can compete with Rupert’s late Caro. As she moves in, she sees all her things are still left in the house.
Thank you, HQ and the author, for a copy of The perfect Couple. This is a creepy thrilling read. It was told by two points of view switching between each other all they way through which kept you guessing throughout. Who was sending Emily the text messages and who was responsible for the weird things going on in the house? I really liked the premise of the story and the surprising twist at the end 4 stars from me.
Emily is staying at her friend Mags flat rent free, after fleeing her abusive ex-partner and losing her job. She is grateful for what Mags has done but, decides it is time to move on. When she gets a job as a Housekeeper for Rupert a widower, In an upmarket part of town. The house is beautiful a far cry from the dingy, cramped flat she lives with Mags.
After a few weeks working for Rupert she falls in love and after the world wind romance they decide to get married. Even though Rupert friend Sadie thinks it is just too early and Emily wonders how she can compete with Rupert’s late Caro. As she moves in, she sees all her things are still left in the house.
Thank you, HQ and the author, for a copy of The perfect Couple. This is a creepy thrilling read. It was told by two points of view switching between each other all they way through which kept you guessing throughout. Who was sending Emily the text messages and who was responsible for the weird things going on in the house? I really liked the premise of the story and the surprising twist at the end 4 stars from me.
April 28, 2020
Oh, that Lisa Hall. I swear, if she was a sat nav you wouldn't trust her to get you to the end of the road. She'll tell you there's this shortcut you can take and before you know what's happening you're miles away from where you thought you'd be. If you've read any of her books, you'll know exactly what I mean. She did it to me with 'Between You and Me', challenging my lazy assumptions and then blindsiding me in the final chapter with a revelation I just hadn't seen coming. No way was she going to do it again.
Except she did.
In 'The Perfect Couple', I actually got it right . . . I honestly did. Maybe I didn't have it all worked out but I was close enough to feel pretty damned pleased with myself. Problem was, I was only halfway through the book and all it took was a touch of misdirection, the odd bit of sleight of hand and all of a sudden I was charging off in another direction altogether.
This time it's something of a nod to Du Maurier's Rebecca - there's even a brief mention of Mrs Danvers early on - and the Joan Fontaine ingenue, dazzled by the bright lights of a world she's only dreamt of, is Emily who has been swept off her feet by Rupert as she tries to rebuild her life after a previous relationship has ended badly. Initially out of her depth in a totally alien environment, she finds herself increasingly isolated from her previous life and prey to a series of anonymous and increasingly hostile messages.
It's impossible to say anything about the new cast of characters who make up her social life without giving anything away so it's better just to leave you to read it for yourself . . . with one warning. If Lisa Hall offers you directions to the Scottish Highlands, make sure you take your swimsuit with you. You'll hit Penzance by mid-afternoon.
Except she did.
In 'The Perfect Couple', I actually got it right . . . I honestly did. Maybe I didn't have it all worked out but I was close enough to feel pretty damned pleased with myself. Problem was, I was only halfway through the book and all it took was a touch of misdirection, the odd bit of sleight of hand and all of a sudden I was charging off in another direction altogether.
This time it's something of a nod to Du Maurier's Rebecca - there's even a brief mention of Mrs Danvers early on - and the Joan Fontaine ingenue, dazzled by the bright lights of a world she's only dreamt of, is Emily who has been swept off her feet by Rupert as she tries to rebuild her life after a previous relationship has ended badly. Initially out of her depth in a totally alien environment, she finds herself increasingly isolated from her previous life and prey to a series of anonymous and increasingly hostile messages.
It's impossible to say anything about the new cast of characters who make up her social life without giving anything away so it's better just to leave you to read it for yourself . . . with one warning. If Lisa Hall offers you directions to the Scottish Highlands, make sure you take your swimsuit with you. You'll hit Penzance by mid-afternoon.
October 5, 2020
This is a really depressing story. I couldn’t find anything to like in all the characters be them leading and secondary ones, male and female. They were some dishonest bunch; keeping something important close to their chest and didn’t really communicate one another. Considering the romance was very instant - they are recipe to disaster!!
I found it really hard to like either Rupert or Emily. And why the different perspective (first and third person) for the alternate POVs between the MCs? Personally, it’s annoying to switch between the two while reading.
I’m a newbie to the author’s book so there’s a probability that my expectation didn’t click with what appeared before my eye. These guys are just too shallow and superficial; and the fact that I failed to warm up to them causing me not to like the book in general.
What a bummer.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via Edelweiss + in exchange for an honest review.
I found it really hard to like either Rupert or Emily. And why the different perspective (first and third person) for the alternate POVs between the MCs? Personally, it’s annoying to switch between the two while reading.
I’m a newbie to the author’s book so there’s a probability that my expectation didn’t click with what appeared before my eye. These guys are just too shallow and superficial; and the fact that I failed to warm up to them causing me not to like the book in general.
What a bummer.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via Edelweiss + in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2020
4.5 stars
There are books that you find easy to read, predictable and maybe even boring but there are also stories that keep you on the edge throughout the novel and you want to read more with each chapter.
I enjoyed this suspenseful story quite a bit. It’s fast paced and I found the characters well depicted. The ending had me shocked though because even if the author managed to lead us to a great ending, I haven’t seen that coming my way at all and that twist definitely made my reading more enjoyable and the stars rating went up in seconds.
Many thanks to the publisher HQ for my review copy.
There are books that you find easy to read, predictable and maybe even boring but there are also stories that keep you on the edge throughout the novel and you want to read more with each chapter.
I enjoyed this suspenseful story quite a bit. It’s fast paced and I found the characters well depicted. The ending had me shocked though because even if the author managed to lead us to a great ending, I haven’t seen that coming my way at all and that twist definitely made my reading more enjoyable and the stars rating went up in seconds.
Many thanks to the publisher HQ for my review copy.
February 10, 2023
Brilliant domestic thriller- it is the story of Emily and Rupert. I had so many theories about what was happening and they constantly changed. So clever and unpredictable.
It was audio book. Highly recommend
It was audio book. Highly recommend
April 22, 2020
I read this book in record time! This was my first Lisa Hall book but it won't be my last!!!
Emily has the chance to start over as a housekeeper for a widower. They soon become close and Emily is asked to stay. They seem like "The Perfect Couple" Suddenly, Emily wants to know what happened to wife #1? This was an ultimate thrilling and suspenseful read with characters I enjoyed and an ending that made the book all worth it. It takes a lot for a thriller to impress me!
Thanks to the author &Netgalley for my advanced ebook copy.
Emily has the chance to start over as a housekeeper for a widower. They soon become close and Emily is asked to stay. They seem like "The Perfect Couple" Suddenly, Emily wants to know what happened to wife #1? This was an ultimate thrilling and suspenseful read with characters I enjoyed and an ending that made the book all worth it. It takes a lot for a thriller to impress me!
Thanks to the author &Netgalley for my advanced ebook copy.
April 1, 2021
Premise: Emily goes to work as a housekeeper for a man named Rupert and they fall in love. However, he is a widower, and the memory of his ex wife starts creeping within the couple in unexpected ways.
***
I am currently in chapter 20 and UGH.
Yes, I get it, they had a lot of sex and were very much in love. And Caro this, Caro that (what kind of name is Caro anyway?) but at the end of the day, the "suspense" just isn't there.
Is it supposed to be chilling that someone called Emily a bitch? Oh boo hoo.
I am getting sick of this boring book, just hoping it ends soon.
UPDATE: I just finished it. Added 1 star because the ending at least got interesting. However, the author seems like she'd be better off writing erotica, because unnecessary descriptions of sex seem to be her main interest. I'm not a prude, but I thought it was a domestic thriller, not a romance - erotic novel.
Anyway, the ending was actually what you would expect from this kind of book to be, although the "twists" were super easy to figure out.
And another bad note is the author's portrayal of bipolar people. Surely "Caro", with all the money she had, could have been in treatment for her disorder and act pretty much normally, but no, according to this author, bipolars are just lost cases, crazy messes, and human ticking time bombs waiting to explode.
This is ignorant and frankly, quite disgusting. Obviously I reduced one star because of that alone.
***
I am currently in chapter 20 and UGH.
Yes, I get it, they had a lot of sex and were very much in love. And Caro this, Caro that (what kind of name is Caro anyway?) but at the end of the day, the "suspense" just isn't there.
Is it supposed to be chilling that someone called Emily a bitch? Oh boo hoo.
I am getting sick of this boring book, just hoping it ends soon.
UPDATE: I just finished it. Added 1 star because the ending at least got interesting. However, the author seems like she'd be better off writing erotica, because unnecessary descriptions of sex seem to be her main interest. I'm not a prude, but I thought it was a domestic thriller, not a romance - erotic novel.
Anyway, the ending was actually what you would expect from this kind of book to be, although the "twists" were super easy to figure out.
And another bad note is the author's portrayal of bipolar people. Surely "Caro", with all the money she had, could have been in treatment for her disorder and act pretty much normally, but no, according to this author, bipolars are just lost cases, crazy messes, and human ticking time bombs waiting to explode.
This is ignorant and frankly, quite disgusting. Obviously I reduced one star because of that alone.
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