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The Perfect Life
How far would you go to maintain the illusion of The Perfect Life?
Appearances can be deceptive…
Molly Chatwell has a beautiful house, a handsome husband, two children and a job she likes. It all seems so perfect but when her two children leave for university, she realises her life has become dull and empty. When her husband refuses to go away with her, Molly decides to go alone.
But what should have been a relaxing break turns into a nightmare.
Back at home in London, Molly tries to put it all behind her but when the police arrive at her door and tell her that a body has been found with connections to her, Molly realises that her perfect life is under threat…
Appearances can be deceptive…
Molly Chatwell has a beautiful house, a handsome husband, two children and a job she likes. It all seems so perfect but when her two children leave for university, she realises her life has become dull and empty. When her husband refuses to go away with her, Molly decides to go alone.
But what should have been a relaxing break turns into a nightmare.
Back at home in London, Molly tries to put it all behind her but when the police arrive at her door and tell her that a body has been found with connections to her, Molly realises that her perfect life is under threat…
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2020
3015 people are currently reading
1845 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Keogh
44 books811 followersValerie started to write several years ago. She self-published eight crime novels and one psychological thriller before signing a two book contract with Bookouture in March 2018. The first of these, Secrets Between Us, is available now and the second is due in Feb 2019. She is a registered nurse with a degree in English and a Masters in American Literature. Recently she has given up nursing to concentrate on her writing career.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
June 25, 2020
THE PERFECT LIFE is a gripping psychological thriller by international bestselling author Valerie Keogh, author of The Three Women and The Dublin Murder Mystery Series. The Perfect Life is full of twists and turns which will keep you guessing until the very end
Molly Chatwell, an Account Manager in a Marketing firm has it all-a beautiful house, a handsome husband, Jack and two grown children Freya and Remi off at university. It should be perfect, empty-nesters ready to enjoy their life, but with an empty quite house and a void left by her two children, she realizes her life has become dull and empty.
Jack has become more distant, working later in the evenings and some weekends, which he had never done before, Molly suspects he might be having an affair. When she asks him what is wrong, he says that he is so busy and under stress at work.
Amelia asks Molly to join her and her husband, Tristan with Jack for a holiday weekend away in a country resort, for golfing and relaxation.
When Jack refuses to go away with her, Molly decides to go alone.
But this is when everything turns into a nightmare!
Back at home in London, Molly tries to put it all behind her but when the police arrive at her door and tell her that a body has been found with connections to her, Molly realizes that her perfect life no longer perfect.
This is an excellent, fast-paced psychological suspense thriller that is bound to please. The characters are well defined, the drama rich with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
Molly Chatwell, an Account Manager in a Marketing firm has it all-a beautiful house, a handsome husband, Jack and two grown children Freya and Remi off at university. It should be perfect, empty-nesters ready to enjoy their life, but with an empty quite house and a void left by her two children, she realizes her life has become dull and empty.
Jack has become more distant, working later in the evenings and some weekends, which he had never done before, Molly suspects he might be having an affair. When she asks him what is wrong, he says that he is so busy and under stress at work.
Amelia asks Molly to join her and her husband, Tristan with Jack for a holiday weekend away in a country resort, for golfing and relaxation.
When Jack refuses to go away with her, Molly decides to go alone.
But this is when everything turns into a nightmare!
Back at home in London, Molly tries to put it all behind her but when the police arrive at her door and tell her that a body has been found with connections to her, Molly realizes that her perfect life no longer perfect.
This is an excellent, fast-paced psychological suspense thriller that is bound to please. The characters are well defined, the drama rich with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
March 29, 2024
A perfect summer read...light and quick!
Molly & Jack find themselves with an empty house after both children head off to college. She’s missing her kids more than she lets on and wants to reconnect with Jack, now that it’s just the two of them in the house. But secrets slowly surface, and she realizes that Jack isn’t the husband she married and her life isn’t as perfect as she thought.
Thank you to Valerie and The Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this digital ARC, in exchange for my honest review!
My Rating: 3.5 ⭐️’s (rounding down)
Published: June 24th 2020
Pages: 264
Recommend: Yes, if you like slow burns.
@ValerieKeogh1 @Bloodhoundbook
#psychologicalthriller #SlowBurn #ThePigeonhole
After publication, my reviews can also be found:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amz...
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/takemeaway21
BN.com, BookBub
More on the author: https://www.facebook.com/valeriekeogh...
Molly & Jack find themselves with an empty house after both children head off to college. She’s missing her kids more than she lets on and wants to reconnect with Jack, now that it’s just the two of them in the house. But secrets slowly surface, and she realizes that Jack isn’t the husband she married and her life isn’t as perfect as she thought.
Thank you to Valerie and The Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this digital ARC, in exchange for my honest review!
My Rating: 3.5 ⭐️’s (rounding down)
Published: June 24th 2020
Pages: 264
Recommend: Yes, if you like slow burns.
@ValerieKeogh1 @Bloodhoundbook
#psychologicalthriller #SlowBurn #ThePigeonhole
After publication, my reviews can also be found:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/amz...
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/takemeaway21
BN.com, BookBub
More on the author: https://www.facebook.com/valeriekeogh...
June 23, 2020
Having been introduced to Keogh‘s writing only recently, I can easily say she writes very good books. I think her stand-alone thrillers are far more gripping than the Dublin murder series, but still, this is certainly an author I would recommend. With this latest offering, I could easily envisage this on the big screen and found myself repeatedly returning to the story, desperate to see events unfold.
The central character, Molly, is experiencing that time of her life that many parents dread: the season when children leave home to go and experience world. In Molly’s case, it’s both of her children leaving the country to study at university: one in the States, the other in Paris. Immediately, Molly has noticed the empty space that is left and realises how much she misses her children. However, almost as a celebration of the new time she and her husband, Jack, can now have together, she decides to hold a party. This is the moment when her life changes, never to be the same again.
Although Molly thought she and Jack would have more couple time, this is not the case. From the early stages of the novel, Molly is presented with an opportunity of a couples spa weekend with one of her closest friends. Jack declines and Molly is forced to go on her own. As events unfold, Molly realises that she actually knows very little about her husband and, upon returning from her weekend, accepts that now, not only does she have secrets from Jack, that he is also hiding things from her.
I loved the pace of this story. Keogh’s storytelling manipulates the reader into believing certain things and, whilst some of those clues were obvious, there was still plenty of mystery and uncertainty to be had. Piece by piece, it seems that Molly’s world is gradually collapsing around her; it’s as if with her children’s departure, all her known, solid foundations have crumbled to ruins.
The characters are believable and the situations are exciting. I was quickly drawn into this narrative and wanted to see if Molly would be a survivor. It is different to previous books by Keogh and I am excited to see what she releases next.
With thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The central character, Molly, is experiencing that time of her life that many parents dread: the season when children leave home to go and experience world. In Molly’s case, it’s both of her children leaving the country to study at university: one in the States, the other in Paris. Immediately, Molly has noticed the empty space that is left and realises how much she misses her children. However, almost as a celebration of the new time she and her husband, Jack, can now have together, she decides to hold a party. This is the moment when her life changes, never to be the same again.
Although Molly thought she and Jack would have more couple time, this is not the case. From the early stages of the novel, Molly is presented with an opportunity of a couples spa weekend with one of her closest friends. Jack declines and Molly is forced to go on her own. As events unfold, Molly realises that she actually knows very little about her husband and, upon returning from her weekend, accepts that now, not only does she have secrets from Jack, that he is also hiding things from her.
I loved the pace of this story. Keogh’s storytelling manipulates the reader into believing certain things and, whilst some of those clues were obvious, there was still plenty of mystery and uncertainty to be had. Piece by piece, it seems that Molly’s world is gradually collapsing around her; it’s as if with her children’s departure, all her known, solid foundations have crumbled to ruins.
The characters are believable and the situations are exciting. I was quickly drawn into this narrative and wanted to see if Molly would be a survivor. It is different to previous books by Keogh and I am excited to see what she releases next.
With thanks to Bloodhound Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2020
Molly is finding life a bit quiet at home now that her two children are overseas attending different universities. Instead of a noisy active household there are just two adults living in the house with little more than work schedules to contemplate. She has even lost her much loved housekeeper and feels adrift, panicking as a party looms. It is at this party, hosted by Molly and Jack, where the intrigue really begins.
Up until now Molly has been fortunate enough to lead a cushioned and charmed existence but lately her relationship with husband Jack is causing her a lot of concern. Not just because of the party but a whole host of niggling questions about her husband’s behaviour.
Plagued by worry and doubts Molly does something very out of character whilst on a spa break with friend Amelia and has no idea of the trouble her actions will bring to her front door.
The story is fast paced and keeps you guessing. Just what on earth is going on and will Molly find herself found guilty of a crime she didn’t commit?
The plot continues to bubble and thicken, and although Molly might escape being accused of something she hasn’t done, life becomes more uncomfortable and complicated. In fact it becomes downright dangerous and unpredictable.
Who can Molly trust? Anyone?
Her once seemingly golden and perfect life is unravelling dramatically as Molly finds herself swept up into a darkness that is confusing, bewildering and very far from domestic bliss. And the outcome will be deadly.
With engaging characters, credible events and a constant sense of foreboding this domestic thriller is an incredibly engaging read. I aim to read more of the author’s work, secure in the knowledge that I am going to enjoy the reading experience immensely. And for anyone who has already known the delights of Valerie Keogh’s novels, this latest offering is guaranteed to keep fans happy whilst appealing to many new readers.
Up until now Molly has been fortunate enough to lead a cushioned and charmed existence but lately her relationship with husband Jack is causing her a lot of concern. Not just because of the party but a whole host of niggling questions about her husband’s behaviour.
Plagued by worry and doubts Molly does something very out of character whilst on a spa break with friend Amelia and has no idea of the trouble her actions will bring to her front door.
The story is fast paced and keeps you guessing. Just what on earth is going on and will Molly find herself found guilty of a crime she didn’t commit?
The plot continues to bubble and thicken, and although Molly might escape being accused of something she hasn’t done, life becomes more uncomfortable and complicated. In fact it becomes downright dangerous and unpredictable.
Who can Molly trust? Anyone?
Her once seemingly golden and perfect life is unravelling dramatically as Molly finds herself swept up into a darkness that is confusing, bewildering and very far from domestic bliss. And the outcome will be deadly.
With engaging characters, credible events and a constant sense of foreboding this domestic thriller is an incredibly engaging read. I aim to read more of the author’s work, secure in the knowledge that I am going to enjoy the reading experience immensely. And for anyone who has already known the delights of Valerie Keogh’s novels, this latest offering is guaranteed to keep fans happy whilst appealing to many new readers.
February 2, 2021
This couldn't have been more dull. Don't waste your time.
June 30, 2020
I think I must have been reading a different book!
I found this all very predictable with very unlikeable characters. My other problem was the inconsistencies regarding timings, money and behaviours.
I read this through Pigeonhole and only continued because I was reading along with others, as the pace was also inconsistent.
Thank you Pigeonhole and Valerie for the opportunity to read, but sadly this book didn't engage me at all.
I found this all very predictable with very unlikeable characters. My other problem was the inconsistencies regarding timings, money and behaviours.
I read this through Pigeonhole and only continued because I was reading along with others, as the pace was also inconsistent.
Thank you Pigeonhole and Valerie for the opportunity to read, but sadly this book didn't engage me at all.
June 3, 2020
Molly and Jack have it all good jobs no money worries lovely house there two daughters at university abroad . but Molly s life is starting to crumble her husband drinking more is it another woman she thinks .her best friend asks her to join them a weekend away Jack wont go Molly goes on her own that weekend changes her life this is just brilliant greed murder it has it all
November 26, 2022
Much to think about..
June 30, 2020
This was a bit of a disappointing read!
Not just because the characters actions were so ridiculous at times, making you want to give them a good shake and repeatedly shout 'what are you doing?!' at them, but also because of the inconsistencies in the story.
There was a twist towards the end and my initial thought was that it was good it was there because otherwise the story would have been predictable. But then rethinking it, the character involved in the twist actually just seemed totally random. Usually in a book, you might not know who the murderer is, but you've atleast met them consistently throughout the story. Apart from a very brief mention, it really wasn't the case here making it seem like it was just a name picked out at random. It's annoying really because even if a character is a murderer, you still want their back story to understand them.
The pace of the book was a little slow to get going, but then did pick up.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and Valerie Keogh for the chance to read this book.
Not just because the characters actions were so ridiculous at times, making you want to give them a good shake and repeatedly shout 'what are you doing?!' at them, but also because of the inconsistencies in the story.
There was a twist towards the end and my initial thought was that it was good it was there because otherwise the story would have been predictable. But then rethinking it, the character involved in the twist actually just seemed totally random. Usually in a book, you might not know who the murderer is, but you've atleast met them consistently throughout the story. Apart from a very brief mention, it really wasn't the case here making it seem like it was just a name picked out at random. It's annoying really because even if a character is a murderer, you still want their back story to understand them.
The pace of the book was a little slow to get going, but then did pick up.
Thank you to Pigeonhole and Valerie Keogh for the chance to read this book.
July 14, 2020
I really enjoy Valerie Keogh’s psychological thrillers so I was looking forward to this one.
The Perfect Life is a domestic noir story focussing on Molly Chatwell whose life seems perfect. She has a nice house and job. A great husband and two kids off at university. It’s only when she starts to really look at her life that she begins to see the cracks. A chance meeting with a stranger leaves her perfect life under threat.
I always love the way that Valerie Keogh creates such realistic and flawed characters. I really felt for Molly, suffering from empty nest syndrome and her husband is less than sympathetic about it.
There’s plenty of peril for poor Molly along the way but I have to be honest I wasn’t entirely shocked by the ending.
The Perfect Life is a fast paced story with plenty of tension and intrigue, perfect for domestic noir fans.
The Perfect Life is a domestic noir story focussing on Molly Chatwell whose life seems perfect. She has a nice house and job. A great husband and two kids off at university. It’s only when she starts to really look at her life that she begins to see the cracks. A chance meeting with a stranger leaves her perfect life under threat.
I always love the way that Valerie Keogh creates such realistic and flawed characters. I really felt for Molly, suffering from empty nest syndrome and her husband is less than sympathetic about it.
There’s plenty of peril for poor Molly along the way but I have to be honest I wasn’t entirely shocked by the ending.
The Perfect Life is a fast paced story with plenty of tension and intrigue, perfect for domestic noir fans.
February 18, 2022
Absurdalnie głupia historia. Molly, główna bohaterka, jest tak durna, że sama miałam ochotę ją zabić 🙈
January 26, 2022
Szalenie niepokojąca historia! Początkowo bardzo spokojna, fabularnie umiarkowana, a w odczuciu wręcz mocno obyczajowa. Aż do momentu, gdy nieoczekiwanie przybiera kształt prawdziwego thrillera i zaczyna drążyć skałę w zagmatwanych myślach głównej bohaterki. Idealne życie Molly to wyjątkowo charakterna powieść, z pewnością mocno tajemnicza, osobliwa, wciągająca i niebezpieczna. I trudna do rozwiązania – tu naprawdę niełatwo odczytać jest zamiar autorki! Finalne sceny bezsprzecznie szokują, przerażają i potęgują potrzebę społecznej dyskusji. Czuję, że ten tytuł na długo osiądzie w mojej głowie.
July 7, 2020
A reasonable thriller that is let down by the final chapters - it is almost as though the author changed their mind half-way through the book as to who the perpetrator was, and then changed it back again. I found this aspect quite disappointing - as the book promised much but failed to fully deliver.
November 16, 2021
I read the book but for the life of me, i can’t remember the protagonists name. I can only remember her as Mrs. Chatwell.
It’s hard to root for anyone, even the protagonist, because I did not like any one of the characters in here. They’re all irritating. Believe me, all of them are!
It was mentioned, when Mrs. Chatwell is reminiscing about the past, that they were a happy family. And so i wonder, what happened between that and the present? How did the husband got himself tangled to all of that mess. I might’ve miss something or it wasn’t explain in the book.
Mrs. Chatwell…oh boy! She’s a little empty in the brain category for a person who has a good corporate job. I mean how can you still not listen to the DI and just put the freakin security chain thing on the door?! She also has a poor choice of friends, that Amelia person she calls a friend doesn’t look like a friend to me.
Overall, it did not work for me. I do not enjoy the story. But oddly enough, it seems like i like it enough to continue on with the story instead of dnfing it.
It’s hard to root for anyone, even the protagonist, because I did not like any one of the characters in here. They’re all irritating. Believe me, all of them are!
It was mentioned, when Mrs. Chatwell is reminiscing about the past, that they were a happy family. And so i wonder, what happened between that and the present? How did the husband got himself tangled to all of that mess. I might’ve miss something or it wasn’t explain in the book.
Mrs. Chatwell…oh boy! She’s a little empty in the brain category for a person who has a good corporate job. I mean how can you still not listen to the DI and just put the freakin security chain thing on the door?! She also has a poor choice of friends, that Amelia person she calls a friend doesn’t look like a friend to me.
Overall, it did not work for me. I do not enjoy the story. But oddly enough, it seems like i like it enough to continue on with the story instead of dnfing it.
July 1, 2020
To all appearances Molly has the perfect life, she’s happily married to Jack, has two children just starting university, has a good job and is comfortably off. When she decides to have a weekend away with friends without Jack, it all starts to turn disastrously wrong, leading eventually to murder. One morning whilst out for a run, she meets a mysterious man who will have a big impact on her so called perfect life.
I found this story a little slow to start with. It gradually picked up pace and became more intriguing, but mostly it peaked and ‘troughed’ for me. The plot was a little implausible and Molly was quite unbelievably stupid at times. I just wanted to shake her! However, although some of it was predictable, there was a good twist at the end which was what I was hoping for and made it ultimately a worthwhile read.
Thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
I found this story a little slow to start with. It gradually picked up pace and became more intriguing, but mostly it peaked and ‘troughed’ for me. The plot was a little implausible and Molly was quite unbelievably stupid at times. I just wanted to shake her! However, although some of it was predictable, there was a good twist at the end which was what I was hoping for and made it ultimately a worthwhile read.
Thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.
March 2, 2021
Loved it
A great book. Molly and Jack are happy their two children have flew the nest so they decide to hold a party for their friends. After all they work hard. The party is a success. They especially Molly think life is good until Molly goes away with Amelia and her husband for a break in the country. There she meets a young man with turquoise eyes. What does he want. She meets him a second time while jogging. She decides to leave the Hotel and go Home. She notices over time her husband Jack is looking dreadful, but he insists he's ok. Then a few days later she she's the man with the turquoise eyes outside her home.. She hides in a shop, how did he get her address, what does he want. The police show up later with questions and this opens an investigation that I didn't expect. Who killed the man? Is someone after Molly? Just what is going on with Jack? Very enjoyable read.💖
A great book. Molly and Jack are happy their two children have flew the nest so they decide to hold a party for their friends. After all they work hard. The party is a success. They especially Molly think life is good until Molly goes away with Amelia and her husband for a break in the country. There she meets a young man with turquoise eyes. What does he want. She meets him a second time while jogging. She decides to leave the Hotel and go Home. She notices over time her husband Jack is looking dreadful, but he insists he's ok. Then a few days later she she's the man with the turquoise eyes outside her home.. She hides in a shop, how did he get her address, what does he want. The police show up later with questions and this opens an investigation that I didn't expect. Who killed the man? Is someone after Molly? Just what is going on with Jack? Very enjoyable read.💖
July 8, 2020
This is a 3.5* from me which equates to very good. The first 2/3rds would have been 3* but felt the added pace and tension in the last section lifted it.
A new to me author. I was lucky to be gifted this book in a prize draw in an online book club. It is a psychological suspense thriller.
To start with I rarely comment on a cover, but I found this one striking, and relevant to the story. I do prefer the cover to have relevance.
I felt that the ending was suggested to some extent by the tag line on the cover. But it did keep you guessing for a good while.
I found the writing style made for an easy read, I was rooting for Molly, she is pleasant character albeit a little naive for someone in a high paid job. The tension and pace built up very well at the end. The ending managed to incorporate a diversionary twist, but didn’t find it totally convincing.
A new to me author. I was lucky to be gifted this book in a prize draw in an online book club. It is a psychological suspense thriller.
To start with I rarely comment on a cover, but I found this one striking, and relevant to the story. I do prefer the cover to have relevance.
I felt that the ending was suggested to some extent by the tag line on the cover. But it did keep you guessing for a good while.
I found the writing style made for an easy read, I was rooting for Molly, she is pleasant character albeit a little naive for someone in a high paid job. The tension and pace built up very well at the end. The ending managed to incorporate a diversionary twist, but didn’t find it totally convincing.
July 26, 2020
Molly’s children have gone to University, one in France and the other one in the U.S.A. Since then she feels as if things are not right between her and her husband, Jack. She goes away with her friend, Amelia and when she comes back, things seem to have worsened for her.
This was a fast and enjoyable read. I liked the characters throughout the book and I thought the storyline was good. There was a twist that I enjoyed and didn’t see coming, a tale of secrets and deceit.
I have only read a couple of books by this author but I certainly intend to rectify this.
This was a fast and enjoyable read. I liked the characters throughout the book and I thought the storyline was good. There was a twist that I enjoyed and didn’t see coming, a tale of secrets and deceit.
I have only read a couple of books by this author but I certainly intend to rectify this.
June 11, 2020
Wow what a brilliant book from this author, a superb addictive page turner, very well written with good descriptive characters.
I can thoroughly recommend this book and a worthy five stars from me.
I can thoroughly recommend this book and a worthy five stars from me.
June 30, 2020
Well what to say. Very slow start. Got a bit interesting by the middle. Was a little confusing at times. People mentioned once early on in the book suddenly came back by the end. I’d forgotten them. The last two chapters everything happened in a rush. Then it was over
July 18, 2020
Started out good. Lost me mid-book. Seemed like a different writer took over??
May 31, 2021
The cover caught my eye then the author + blurb, so I hastened to download the audiobook as I wanted to know what tiny incident caused Molly’s perfect life to overturn and be caught in the web of a police investigation for MURDER.
Firstly, none of the characters are likable there are 4 or 5 in the entire prose. Molly was innocent, too innocent maybe, facing an empty nest syndrome. A relaxed weekend getaway turned out to be catastrophe when the stress followed her home.
The prose went super fast as the chapters were short. The author had inserted timely suspenseful events to keep the story turbulent. I liked how I deeply invested I was into this audiobook.
This was an absolutely easy listen at 1.4x speed. The narrator, Danielle Cohen, was clear and succinct and that added to my enjoyment. Valerie Keogh’s writing was brought alive by her expressions. I ended up feeling so sorry for the main character.
One of my fastest listen ever.
Firstly, none of the characters are likable there are 4 or 5 in the entire prose. Molly was innocent, too innocent maybe, facing an empty nest syndrome. A relaxed weekend getaway turned out to be catastrophe when the stress followed her home.
The prose went super fast as the chapters were short. The author had inserted timely suspenseful events to keep the story turbulent. I liked how I deeply invested I was into this audiobook.
This was an absolutely easy listen at 1.4x speed. The narrator, Danielle Cohen, was clear and succinct and that added to my enjoyment. Valerie Keogh’s writing was brought alive by her expressions. I ended up feeling so sorry for the main character.
One of my fastest listen ever.
July 2, 2022
3.5 rounded up
July 17, 2020
Couldn’t put this book down.
July 8, 2020
I read The Perfect Life by Valerie Keogh in staves with the other Pigeonholers as part of a group.
Jack and Molly Chatwell have their lovely home all to themselves now that their son Remi and daughter Freya have flown the nest. Molly, in particular, is looking forward to a quieter life and spending more time doing the things she has missed out on. Realising that her life has turned an unappealing shade of vanilla, she plans a trip away with her husband and friends, but Jack doesn't want to go, so Molly goes anyway. What could possibly go wrong?
The Perfect Life is a marvellous example of excellent domestic noir, with a slow-building, creeping sense that something isn't quite right. Valerie Keogh’s storytelling manipulates the reader into making certain assumptions and whilst some pointers were obvious, there was still plenty of ambiguity and uncertainty in evidence. As Molly’s world gradually crumbles around her all that she once took for granted is in serious jeopardy.
This was a great crime drama novel, and the author casually threw out morsels of information, resulting in a desperate need to know what was going on. The twist, when it came, though not entirely unexpected, was shocking in its scale of duplicity. I thoroughly enjoyed The Perfect Life and I am keen to read more from this talented author.
Thank you to Valerie Keogh and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book. This review is my unbiased opinion.
Jack and Molly Chatwell have their lovely home all to themselves now that their son Remi and daughter Freya have flown the nest. Molly, in particular, is looking forward to a quieter life and spending more time doing the things she has missed out on. Realising that her life has turned an unappealing shade of vanilla, she plans a trip away with her husband and friends, but Jack doesn't want to go, so Molly goes anyway. What could possibly go wrong?
The Perfect Life is a marvellous example of excellent domestic noir, with a slow-building, creeping sense that something isn't quite right. Valerie Keogh’s storytelling manipulates the reader into making certain assumptions and whilst some pointers were obvious, there was still plenty of ambiguity and uncertainty in evidence. As Molly’s world gradually crumbles around her all that she once took for granted is in serious jeopardy.
This was a great crime drama novel, and the author casually threw out morsels of information, resulting in a desperate need to know what was going on. The twist, when it came, though not entirely unexpected, was shocking in its scale of duplicity. I thoroughly enjoyed The Perfect Life and I am keen to read more from this talented author.
Thank you to Valerie Keogh and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book. This review is my unbiased opinion.
June 30, 2020
Thanks to the Pigeonhole app and to Valerie Keogh for the opportunity to read this book.
Keogh has created a believable main character - Molly - so believable, in fact, that I found myself actively disliking her in a way that should not be possible with fictional creations! She’s incredibly entitled and dim-witted, and treats many of the minor actors in the story in a supercilious and snobby way.
You know the expression, “I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy”? Well, that’s how I felt for most of the time with regard to Molly. She’s an awful woman, but she doesn’t deserve what happens to her - no-one does.
In the end, it’s a good example of how hard it is to create characters in which readers are sure to invest. Some other readers didn’t dislike Molly so much, sometimes finding her behaviour humorous where I found it appallingly rude. I enjoyed the book well enough, but not as much as those whose class pride was not pricked by her offhand way of dealing with hotel staff, taxi drivers and her housekeeper.
All in all, I’d say this book is good if you are looking for a quick read - just don’t engage too much in Molly’s world view and you’ll be fine.
Keogh has created a believable main character - Molly - so believable, in fact, that I found myself actively disliking her in a way that should not be possible with fictional creations! She’s incredibly entitled and dim-witted, and treats many of the minor actors in the story in a supercilious and snobby way.
You know the expression, “I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy”? Well, that’s how I felt for most of the time with regard to Molly. She’s an awful woman, but she doesn’t deserve what happens to her - no-one does.
In the end, it’s a good example of how hard it is to create characters in which readers are sure to invest. Some other readers didn’t dislike Molly so much, sometimes finding her behaviour humorous where I found it appallingly rude. I enjoyed the book well enough, but not as much as those whose class pride was not pricked by her offhand way of dealing with hotel staff, taxi drivers and her housekeeper.
All in all, I’d say this book is good if you are looking for a quick read - just don’t engage too much in Molly’s world view and you’ll be fine.
June 30, 2020
Thanks to Pigeonhole and Valerie Keogh for the opportunity to read this book. I enjoyed discussing the book with everyone, but unfortunately I found Molly far too self-absorbed and naive to feel much sympathy for her situation. She kept making moves that were glaringly obviously wrong. I did enjoy disliking Jack though - turns out she never knew him at all. The twist at the end, from Charlie to Jack, no Amelia in sight... I liked that, though had you said it was Tristan or Amelia that helped Jack, then I would have taken more notice, unlike Charlie who was just out of nowhere. Also thought a few things were just a bit too convenient — having expensive art & a car around to raise £40k+? I still kept reading, still wanted to know how it ended! The perfect life doesn’t exist. No matter how much you want it.
January 24, 2021
4.5*
A tadge slow to start but the storyline kept my interest and I needed to know what on earth could go wrong in someones perfect life that would turn to mayhem and disaster. It was hard to believe that an educated woman like Molly Chatwell who had everything in life could be so utterly stupid. She had a good job, money, a nice home, two bright children, a loving hard working husband, etc etc....well that's what she thought anyway. You see, that's were she lets herself down...being so flaming niave!
But regardless of her comfy life things were getting a bit dull, so an offer for a weekend break away with friends was just the tonic she needed. Unfortunately, and to her dismay, her husband refused to go with her. Too many work commitments. Going alone was one big mistake that she would later regret!
At this stage in the book the pace really starts to pick up and you are taken through a turmoil of lies and deceit, twists and turns and a punch load of suspense. So quite an exciting read it turned out to be. Valerie Keogh has entertained me once again with her great storytelling and I look forward to reading more.
A tadge slow to start but the storyline kept my interest and I needed to know what on earth could go wrong in someones perfect life that would turn to mayhem and disaster. It was hard to believe that an educated woman like Molly Chatwell who had everything in life could be so utterly stupid. She had a good job, money, a nice home, two bright children, a loving hard working husband, etc etc....well that's what she thought anyway. You see, that's were she lets herself down...being so flaming niave!
But regardless of her comfy life things were getting a bit dull, so an offer for a weekend break away with friends was just the tonic she needed. Unfortunately, and to her dismay, her husband refused to go with her. Too many work commitments. Going alone was one big mistake that she would later regret!
At this stage in the book the pace really starts to pick up and you are taken through a turmoil of lies and deceit, twists and turns and a punch load of suspense. So quite an exciting read it turned out to be. Valerie Keogh has entertained me once again with her great storytelling and I look forward to reading more.
May 19, 2023
This one was something- definitely don’t see why it was called The Perfect Life with how far off it got from where it started. I flew through it because I wanted to see how it ended, and I definitely didn’t guess the ending right. So that was good, but otherwise I was like ??? For majority of the time
June 24, 2020
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites of hers yet. One thing I enjoy most about this author is her ability to pull me into her stories right from the beginning. This one is no different. The twists and turns kept me turning pages fast. The characters brought the story to life and I had no problem connecting with them. They made the story engaging and wanting more. If you are looking for a great suspenseful thriller this is a book diffently for you. I highly recommend this book and this author.
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