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The Perfect Family
In The Perfect Family—which has received starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and Booklist—#1 bestselling author Robyn Harding explores what happens when a seemingly perfect family is pushed to the edge...and beyond.Thomas and Viv Adler have a picture-perfect family. Affluent and attractive, with two well-mannered kids almost out of the nest, they live in a beautifully restored Craftsman house in a well-to-do neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. Their jobs are secure; their children are thriving; the world is their oyster. Until one morning, when they wake up to find that their house and car have been pelted with eggs. Thomas dismisses it as the work of a few out-of-control kids, but when a smoke bomb is tossed on their front lawn, and the tires on their BMW are punctured, he begins to worry. The family installs surveillance cameras but they show nothing but grainy images of shadowy figures in hoodies. Unable to identify the perpetrators, they are helpless as the assaults escalate. The police assure them that this is just the work of bored teenagers. But no one in the Adler family believes it. After all, each of them has a secret—kept not only from the outside world but from each other. Seventeen-year-old Tarryn is dabbling in a seedy online world; her older brother, Eli, has dropped out of college and refuses to tell his parents why; and Thomas and Viv have their own secrets that began as harmless fun and relief from the pressures of everyday life, but have grown into something darker and more dangerous. As the Adlers grapple with their guilt, fear, and shame, the assaults grow deadly. Their “perfect” façade is crumbling, and it may be too late for any of them to do anything about it in this addictive and twisty suspense novel that will keep you turning pages until its explosive ending.
Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2021
955 people are currently reading
38882 people want to read
About the author
Robyn Harding
20 books5,519 followersRobyn Harding is the bestselling author of several books and has written and executive produced an independent film. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her family and two cute but deadly rescue chihuahuas.
To learn more about Robyn's books visit: http://www.robynharding.com. Or follow her on Instagram: @rhardingwriter
or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobynH...
To learn more about Robyn's books visit: http://www.robynharding.com. Or follow her on Instagram: @rhardingwriter
or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRobynH...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,737 reviews
December 26, 2021
It guaranteed its place at my top ten best thriller reads of this year! Wish it happy book birthday 🥳🎉🎈🥂
Wowza! So smart, puzzling, intense, entertaining and absolutely best work of Ms. Harding!
Let’s meet with Adlers! They truly care about their appearances more than anyone. Creative home decorator Viv with perfect taste, workaholic, competitive realtor Thomas and their perfect kids Eli and Tarryn!
Everything in their live seems so perfect: perfect home, perfect yard, drive status-symbol cars! Viv and Thomas dressed the part of attractive, wealthy, stylish couple ! But behind the closed doors their world was falling apart. Each member of the family deals with their own ugly secrets which may easily ruin their reputation, everything they’d worked so hard. If the secrets come out they’ll be shunned and everybody will look at them differently.
And now somebody or a group of random vandals may know their secrets and harass the family! It start with throwing eggs, smearing poop, puncturing tires, throwing smoking bombs! Police thought it was work of a few mischievous kids! But when somebody tried to burn their house down as they sleep inside, things get more escalated than they thought.
Viv keeps her kleptomania as secret. Nobody can threat her family because of her little issue, right?
Thomas is in panic because he did a very bad thing at bachelor party and now somebody is blackmailing him . Can the same guy be the reason of the nightmares his family has been enduring?
Eli wants to drop the college! He witnessed a hate crime. Could the perpetrators of this act also decide to threat his family?
And Tarryn: grumpy, bitchy high school girl in day, sexy Natalia at night for her camming community! Can one of her devoted fans be the reason of the attacks? Could his obsession escalate to do violent things to her family?
Buckle up and go blind for this extremely clever, twisty, mind blowing ride!
Especially the ending was well wrapped up, earned my extra half stars ( I’m giving 5.5 stars to a book for the first time)
Ms. Harding is extremely genius author who plays complex mind games with us during our reading journey. We keep guessing who may be the real culprit and we change our minds at several times because she knows how to misleads us and throws the bomb at our laps. We just sit, mouths agape and keep mumbling WTH just happened, trying to gather our wits after never see it coming conclusion.
Well done. Well played.
Special thanks to Netgalley and Simon&Schuster/ Gallery Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Wowza! So smart, puzzling, intense, entertaining and absolutely best work of Ms. Harding!
Let’s meet with Adlers! They truly care about their appearances more than anyone. Creative home decorator Viv with perfect taste, workaholic, competitive realtor Thomas and their perfect kids Eli and Tarryn!
Everything in their live seems so perfect: perfect home, perfect yard, drive status-symbol cars! Viv and Thomas dressed the part of attractive, wealthy, stylish couple ! But behind the closed doors their world was falling apart. Each member of the family deals with their own ugly secrets which may easily ruin their reputation, everything they’d worked so hard. If the secrets come out they’ll be shunned and everybody will look at them differently.
And now somebody or a group of random vandals may know their secrets and harass the family! It start with throwing eggs, smearing poop, puncturing tires, throwing smoking bombs! Police thought it was work of a few mischievous kids! But when somebody tried to burn their house down as they sleep inside, things get more escalated than they thought.
Viv keeps her kleptomania as secret. Nobody can threat her family because of her little issue, right?
Thomas is in panic because he did a very bad thing at bachelor party and now somebody is blackmailing him . Can the same guy be the reason of the nightmares his family has been enduring?
Eli wants to drop the college! He witnessed a hate crime. Could the perpetrators of this act also decide to threat his family?
And Tarryn: grumpy, bitchy high school girl in day, sexy Natalia at night for her camming community! Can one of her devoted fans be the reason of the attacks? Could his obsession escalate to do violent things to her family?
Buckle up and go blind for this extremely clever, twisty, mind blowing ride!
Especially the ending was well wrapped up, earned my extra half stars ( I’m giving 5.5 stars to a book for the first time)
Ms. Harding is extremely genius author who plays complex mind games with us during our reading journey. We keep guessing who may be the real culprit and we change our minds at several times because she knows how to misleads us and throws the bomb at our laps. We just sit, mouths agape and keep mumbling WTH just happened, trying to gather our wits after never see it coming conclusion.
Well done. Well played.
Special thanks to Netgalley and Simon&Schuster/ Gallery Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
February 17, 2022
The Perfect Family by Robyn Harding (audiobook)
The Perfect Family seemed not so perfect from the moment I knew their inner thoughts. Such unlikeable people who don't seem to like each other very much either. Quick to accuse and blame others, while knowing they are guilty of wrong doings also, this family wallows in their individual and collective miseries while they are attacked by mystery vandals and more.
Each family member has at least one big secret that they make worse. As time goes on things get more muddled because there are too many reasons people might be targeting the family. By the end of the book, some things get less fuzzy but very little has been "fixed" and so much has been left unanswered. In fact, in my eyes there are enough unaddressed secrets and wrongs for another book but I'm not interested in this family's baggage anymore. They aren't really going to change all that much, even the one family member that I felt the most sympathy for was worse than I had thought. Then there is the weirdness of law enforcement spouting "kids will be kids" excuses for increasing acts of violence against the family.
The narration of the audiobook by five narrators was very good. That was what kept me listening to the family members justify their actions. I have no hope for things really getting better for the family after the story is over, especially with all their unresolved issues. Plus, there is that last sentence of the book!
The Perfect Family seemed not so perfect from the moment I knew their inner thoughts. Such unlikeable people who don't seem to like each other very much either. Quick to accuse and blame others, while knowing they are guilty of wrong doings also, this family wallows in their individual and collective miseries while they are attacked by mystery vandals and more.
Each family member has at least one big secret that they make worse. As time goes on things get more muddled because there are too many reasons people might be targeting the family. By the end of the book, some things get less fuzzy but very little has been "fixed" and so much has been left unanswered. In fact, in my eyes there are enough unaddressed secrets and wrongs for another book but I'm not interested in this family's baggage anymore. They aren't really going to change all that much, even the one family member that I felt the most sympathy for was worse than I had thought. Then there is the weirdness of law enforcement spouting "kids will be kids" excuses for increasing acts of violence against the family.
The narration of the audiobook by five narrators was very good. That was what kept me listening to the family members justify their actions. I have no hope for things really getting better for the family after the story is over, especially with all their unresolved issues. Plus, there is that last sentence of the book!
August 10, 2021
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
Are the Adlers the face of the perfect family or the perfect facade?
Thomas and Viv Adler, and their children, Eli and Tarryn, live in a beautiful house, drive fancy cars, have successful jobs. They’re the envy of the Oregon town they live in.
Not everyone seems to care for them though, which becomes apparent when their house is egged one night. Thinking it’s a lame prank by kids, they’re not too perturbed...until things start to escalate in the form of punctured car tires, smoke bombs, and more potentially deadly events.
Who could be doing this to them? Do the Adlers have enemies? One thing is apparent: Each one of them has a secret that they are keeping from each other, and each of their secrets have consequences that could provide a motive for someone wanting to harm the family.
I am a huge fan of Robyn Harding, and was thrilled to read this book. Her writing is smooth and seemingly effortless, and I loved getting to know the characters and their juicy, dark secrets. The suspense ramps up as we learn more and more, and the story is expertly told from the four POVs of the family. At times wicked fun and other times disturbing, I was here for it!
The one slight negative is the ending. I think it will be one that folks either really love or really don’t love. I didn’t love it. I needed to know a bit more. Maybe that’s just me. Regardless, that won’t stop me from recommending this to fans of suspense while eagerly awaiting Harding’s next book.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released on: 8/10/21.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
Are the Adlers the face of the perfect family or the perfect facade?
Thomas and Viv Adler, and their children, Eli and Tarryn, live in a beautiful house, drive fancy cars, have successful jobs. They’re the envy of the Oregon town they live in.
Not everyone seems to care for them though, which becomes apparent when their house is egged one night. Thinking it’s a lame prank by kids, they’re not too perturbed...until things start to escalate in the form of punctured car tires, smoke bombs, and more potentially deadly events.
Who could be doing this to them? Do the Adlers have enemies? One thing is apparent: Each one of them has a secret that they are keeping from each other, and each of their secrets have consequences that could provide a motive for someone wanting to harm the family.
I am a huge fan of Robyn Harding, and was thrilled to read this book. Her writing is smooth and seemingly effortless, and I loved getting to know the characters and their juicy, dark secrets. The suspense ramps up as we learn more and more, and the story is expertly told from the four POVs of the family. At times wicked fun and other times disturbing, I was here for it!
The one slight negative is the ending. I think it will be one that folks either really love or really don’t love. I didn’t love it. I needed to know a bit more. Maybe that’s just me. Regardless, that won’t stop me from recommending this to fans of suspense while eagerly awaiting Harding’s next book.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released on: 8/10/21.
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
November 9, 2022
"There was a chance the porch railing could catch fire, that it could climb the wooden posts an ignite the second story. If the smoke alarms didn't work... Well, the world would be a better place without people like the Adlers. I lit the match. And let it drop."
The first 80% of this story is so suspenseful I could hardly contain myself. I love stories like this one, where there are multiple POVs containing each character's secrets, and only we, the reader, are privy to them. The depth of each secret that the Adler's are keeping is slowly revealed, and we finally see how each secret ties into what is happening with the attacks on their house by the end. Much to my chagrin, I couldn't give this one a higher rating because I found the ending to be so anticlimactic. The resolution behind the secrets was both frustrating and nonsensical. Where was the big showdown? Why were we drawn in so many different directions for the characters to just... get on with their lives with little to no consequences? Overall, an entertaining read, but not my favorite from the author.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
The first 80% of this story is so suspenseful I could hardly contain myself. I love stories like this one, where there are multiple POVs containing each character's secrets, and only we, the reader, are privy to them. The depth of each secret that the Adler's are keeping is slowly revealed, and we finally see how each secret ties into what is happening with the attacks on their house by the end. Much to my chagrin, I couldn't give this one a higher rating because I found the ending to be so anticlimactic. The resolution behind the secrets was both frustrating and nonsensical. Where was the big showdown? Why were we drawn in so many different directions for the characters to just... get on with their lives with little to no consequences? Overall, an entertaining read, but not my favorite from the author.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
March 8, 2021
The Perfect family has perfect mess on their hands!
Thomas and Viv Adler appear to have it all, a beautiful home, two healthy children, careers that they enjoy, and secrets! Let us not forget about the secrets! We all have them, right? Some secrets are big, and some are small, and some are dangerous!!! In this book, each member of the Adler family has secrets. But where does the egg throwing come in??? Youthful pranksters must be responsible; Thomas insists. But when the pranks begin to escalate, they begin pointing the finger at each other. Maybe their daughter upset someone at school, or perhaps their son did something to someone one, or perhaps.... you get the picture.
Like an onion (which was not thrown at the house) this book is multi-layered. Just when you think you have it figured out, another layer is peeled back. With each family member keeping a secret the plot thickens. Soon, each family member begins to wonder if the escalating pranks are geared toward him/her. Each begins to wonder who knows his/her secret?
As I mentioned, the reader is privy to each character’s secrets and I enjoyed reading and waiting to see if each character's secrets would be exposed. Do not worry about knowing their secrets, this will not affect your enjoyment of the book at all. For me, the fun was reading and wondering when/if their secrets would be known. If their secrets are spilled, their careers, lives and futures could be affected! As the book delves deeper into each character, it had me wondering if any of them would come clean and if they did, would it change things? Would the pranks stop? Would they get worse?
This quickly became a juicy and fun thriller. Why is this family being targeted? Who is behind it all? Will they get away with it? Robyn Harding throws everything but the kitchen sink at this family. There is a lot going on in this book, but nothing feels muddled down or glossed over. Each character is given ample page time, and each is interesting. As the family became more stressed with the escalating pranks, we begin to see the clinks in their armour. They become even more human as they begin to fall apart.
You think you know someone! Will you figure this book out? I loved that there were several things to figure out in this book! It kept me engaged, on the edge of my seat and going through my suspect list. What a delicious and clever whodunit!
Gripping, captivating, clever with a touch of danger! It is no secret that I really enjoyed this book! Btw, that ending!!!!
Highly Recommend!
Thank you to Gallery Books 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.
Thomas and Viv Adler appear to have it all, a beautiful home, two healthy children, careers that they enjoy, and secrets! Let us not forget about the secrets! We all have them, right? Some secrets are big, and some are small, and some are dangerous!!! In this book, each member of the Adler family has secrets. But where does the egg throwing come in??? Youthful pranksters must be responsible; Thomas insists. But when the pranks begin to escalate, they begin pointing the finger at each other. Maybe their daughter upset someone at school, or perhaps their son did something to someone one, or perhaps.... you get the picture.
Like an onion (which was not thrown at the house) this book is multi-layered. Just when you think you have it figured out, another layer is peeled back. With each family member keeping a secret the plot thickens. Soon, each family member begins to wonder if the escalating pranks are geared toward him/her. Each begins to wonder who knows his/her secret?
As I mentioned, the reader is privy to each character’s secrets and I enjoyed reading and waiting to see if each character's secrets would be exposed. Do not worry about knowing their secrets, this will not affect your enjoyment of the book at all. For me, the fun was reading and wondering when/if their secrets would be known. If their secrets are spilled, their careers, lives and futures could be affected! As the book delves deeper into each character, it had me wondering if any of them would come clean and if they did, would it change things? Would the pranks stop? Would they get worse?
This quickly became a juicy and fun thriller. Why is this family being targeted? Who is behind it all? Will they get away with it? Robyn Harding throws everything but the kitchen sink at this family. There is a lot going on in this book, but nothing feels muddled down or glossed over. Each character is given ample page time, and each is interesting. As the family became more stressed with the escalating pranks, we begin to see the clinks in their armour. They become even more human as they begin to fall apart.
You think you know someone! Will you figure this book out? I loved that there were several things to figure out in this book! It kept me engaged, on the edge of my seat and going through my suspect list. What a delicious and clever whodunit!
Gripping, captivating, clever with a touch of danger! It is no secret that I really enjoyed this book! Btw, that ending!!!!
Highly Recommend!
Thank you to Gallery Books 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.
November 4, 2023
I can appreciate a thriller that doesn’t use death to drive a plot forward.
There were plenty of secrets and scenarios that kept me entranced in this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The characters were all flawed. I liked some more than others and some had harder to forgive secrets than others did. It was definitely a twisty web to keep the reader guessing how everything ties together and what’s happening. I really liked that.
I wasn’t totally crazy for the very end. There was an unanswered question that the daughter posed and the last line of the book made things seem a bit unanswered or contradictory as well.
All in all, I really liked this story but I probably would have liked it more if it weren’t for those two loose ends.
A great thriller and pretty quick read.
4⭐️
There were plenty of secrets and scenarios that kept me entranced in this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
The characters were all flawed. I liked some more than others and some had harder to forgive secrets than others did. It was definitely a twisty web to keep the reader guessing how everything ties together and what’s happening. I really liked that.
I wasn’t totally crazy for the very end. There was an unanswered question that the daughter posed and the last line of the book made things seem a bit unanswered or contradictory as well.
All in all, I really liked this story but I probably would have liked it more if it weren’t for those two loose ends.
A great thriller and pretty quick read.
4⭐️
August 10, 2021
Your home is supposed to be your haven...a safe place...But it has become anything BUT that for the Adler family.
Told from the alternating POV’s of the parents, Vivian (Viv) and Thomas, and their teenaged children, Eli and Tarryn.
6 WEEKS AGO
The house is pelted with eggs.
Just an annoying prank by some neighborhood boys, right?
That’s what the Adlers’ thought until the next attack was lobbed.
Could it have anything to do with Vivian’s private little habit?
Or perhaps, it’s a warning from the person who just sent photos to Thomas.
Maybe, it is has something to do with the reason that Eli dropped out of college so suddenly and without explanation.
Or perhaps, the assault is because of what Tarryn has been doing late at night..
Each family member harbors a SECRET, and as the pranks escalate to dangerous levels, each will wonder if it is because of what they are hiding, as things
S
P
I
R
A
L OUT-OF-CONTROL!
This was my first read of a Robyn Harding novel, but it won’t be my last! I have to be honest-when reading about Sugar Babies was all the rage, I didn’t think her books would be for me!
Apparently, I was mistaken!
I read this addictive PAGE-TURNER in a day!
It was definitely FUN, Domestic Suspense, and I look forward to reading more by this author!
Thank You to Gallery Books for the gifted ARC, provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
NOW AVAILABLE!
Told from the alternating POV’s of the parents, Vivian (Viv) and Thomas, and their teenaged children, Eli and Tarryn.
6 WEEKS AGO
The house is pelted with eggs.
Just an annoying prank by some neighborhood boys, right?
That’s what the Adlers’ thought until the next attack was lobbed.
Could it have anything to do with Vivian’s private little habit?
Or perhaps, it’s a warning from the person who just sent photos to Thomas.
Maybe, it is has something to do with the reason that Eli dropped out of college so suddenly and without explanation.
Or perhaps, the assault is because of what Tarryn has been doing late at night..
Each family member harbors a SECRET, and as the pranks escalate to dangerous levels, each will wonder if it is because of what they are hiding, as things
S
P
I
R
A
L OUT-OF-CONTROL!
This was my first read of a Robyn Harding novel, but it won’t be my last! I have to be honest-when reading about Sugar Babies was all the rage, I didn’t think her books would be for me!
Apparently, I was mistaken!
I read this addictive PAGE-TURNER in a day!
It was definitely FUN, Domestic Suspense, and I look forward to reading more by this author!
Thank You to Gallery Books for the gifted ARC, provided through NetGalley! It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
NOW AVAILABLE!
August 11, 2021
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
4.5 Stars!!
I’ve really enjoyed Robyn Harding’s previous novels and was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this novel too.
Everyone seems to love Thomas and Viv Adler. Happily married for twenty-two years, the Adler's appear to have it all. They are attractive and successful. They have a beautiful home. To top it all off they have well adjusted and wonderful children. Their loving family is happy and healthy.
At least that's how it appears to be.
But the family isn't so perfect. Apparently, the Adler's have done some very bad things. They are all keeping secrets. Even from each other.
Other people don't know the things the Adler's have done and the secrets they are keeping. At least not yet.
The pranks start out relatively benign. Annoying but harmless. Eggs on their porch etc. Random attacks that they don't take personally. But the pranks quickly escalate, becoming more aggressive and violent. The Adler's don't know if the attacks are random or if they are being targeted. When they try to get the police involved, it isn't taken seriously. They are told it's probably just local kids.
Now someone is happily watching this "perfect" family falling apart. Someone who thinks the world would be a much better place WITHOUT them.
Who is doing these things? Why?
The family is afraid and their fear grows with each attack. And if their secrets become public...it might destroy them all!
Appearances can REALLY be deceiving!!!
A thought-provoking and entertaining read!!
I love how Robyn Harding tells a story. Everything was revealed in a way that held my attention and had me saying just one more chapter again and again. While I may not have loved all the characters, they were well-written and I was invested in seeing how things would turn out for them all.
Another very satisfying psychological suspense novel by Robyn Harding!!
I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
4.5 Stars!!
I’ve really enjoyed Robyn Harding’s previous novels and was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this novel too.
Everyone seems to love Thomas and Viv Adler. Happily married for twenty-two years, the Adler's appear to have it all. They are attractive and successful. They have a beautiful home. To top it all off they have well adjusted and wonderful children. Their loving family is happy and healthy.
At least that's how it appears to be.
But the family isn't so perfect. Apparently, the Adler's have done some very bad things. They are all keeping secrets. Even from each other.
Other people don't know the things the Adler's have done and the secrets they are keeping. At least not yet.
The pranks start out relatively benign. Annoying but harmless. Eggs on their porch etc. Random attacks that they don't take personally. But the pranks quickly escalate, becoming more aggressive and violent. The Adler's don't know if the attacks are random or if they are being targeted. When they try to get the police involved, it isn't taken seriously. They are told it's probably just local kids.
Now someone is happily watching this "perfect" family falling apart. Someone who thinks the world would be a much better place WITHOUT them.
Who is doing these things? Why?
The family is afraid and their fear grows with each attack. And if their secrets become public...it might destroy them all!
Appearances can REALLY be deceiving!!!
A thought-provoking and entertaining read!!
I love how Robyn Harding tells a story. Everything was revealed in a way that held my attention and had me saying just one more chapter again and again. While I may not have loved all the characters, they were well-written and I was invested in seeing how things would turn out for them all.
Another very satisfying psychological suspense novel by Robyn Harding!!
I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
February 23, 2021
I want to express my sincere thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Ca for this utterly compelling ARC. The plot was bonkers but unputdownable and very entertaining. I neglected everything to read it one day. The writing was clear and concise and kept me in suspense throughout. All of the characters were flawed and unlikeable, but I was drawn into their emotional state and their fear.
The Adler family lives in a fine home with a well-manicured lawn and lovely yard in an affluent Portland, Oregan neighbourhood. They present themselves as a perfect family to others but it is all a facade dedicated to keeping up appearances. Thomas Adler, the husband and father, works in real estate. His wife, Viv, has her own home decorating company. Their son has dropped out of University, is estranged from his friends, and spends too much time in his room. He refuses to discuss why he will not return to University. The daughter, a senior in High School has become sullen and angry. She is skipping classes and secretly stays up late at night on her computer.
One day, their house is egged, and the harassment escalates to a smoke bomb, a fire endangering their home, an intruder who leaves a mutilated rat in their fridge, a wasps nest placed in their garbage bin, and other damaging or disgusting acts. The police dismiss all this as pranks played by naughty teenagers.
The Adler family has installed security cameras throughout their property, but they only capture shadowy, grainy images of hooded people trespassing in their yard. Family dynamics shift as they become increasingly fearful and suspicious. Both the mother and father conceal deep, dark secrets, not only from friends and co-workers but from each other. Due to hidden secrets and lies, it is probable that they all have accumulated enemies. As their children become more sullen and withdrawn, each family member has reason to believe they themselves may be the targets of the harassment. They brush off their own guilty feelings and begin to suspect and blame each other.
In addition to the damage to their home, there is now a lawsuit against them, online threats, and blackmail that they are unable to pay. It is possible that what started out as attacks by drunken teenaged pranksters has now added more dangerous enemies to the mix in order to avenge some perceived past wrongdoings.
The suspense is maintained throughout the book with many twists and revelations. The conclusion is shocking and satisfying. Recommended to readers who enjoy domestic thrillers with engaging but flawed characters. I was highly entertained.
The Adler family lives in a fine home with a well-manicured lawn and lovely yard in an affluent Portland, Oregan neighbourhood. They present themselves as a perfect family to others but it is all a facade dedicated to keeping up appearances. Thomas Adler, the husband and father, works in real estate. His wife, Viv, has her own home decorating company. Their son has dropped out of University, is estranged from his friends, and spends too much time in his room. He refuses to discuss why he will not return to University. The daughter, a senior in High School has become sullen and angry. She is skipping classes and secretly stays up late at night on her computer.
One day, their house is egged, and the harassment escalates to a smoke bomb, a fire endangering their home, an intruder who leaves a mutilated rat in their fridge, a wasps nest placed in their garbage bin, and other damaging or disgusting acts. The police dismiss all this as pranks played by naughty teenagers.
The Adler family has installed security cameras throughout their property, but they only capture shadowy, grainy images of hooded people trespassing in their yard. Family dynamics shift as they become increasingly fearful and suspicious. Both the mother and father conceal deep, dark secrets, not only from friends and co-workers but from each other. Due to hidden secrets and lies, it is probable that they all have accumulated enemies. As their children become more sullen and withdrawn, each family member has reason to believe they themselves may be the targets of the harassment. They brush off their own guilty feelings and begin to suspect and blame each other.
In addition to the damage to their home, there is now a lawsuit against them, online threats, and blackmail that they are unable to pay. It is possible that what started out as attacks by drunken teenaged pranksters has now added more dangerous enemies to the mix in order to avenge some perceived past wrongdoings.
The suspense is maintained throughout the book with many twists and revelations. The conclusion is shocking and satisfying. Recommended to readers who enjoy domestic thrillers with engaging but flawed characters. I was highly entertained.
August 17, 2021
3.5 stars. Easy, entertaining, suspenseful and twisty!
Everyone in this family has a HUGE secret!
This novel follows one well-to-do family through a tangled web of secrets, lies and deceit. From the outside they seem to have it all, but underneath they all have something to hide.
There is something so smooth and addictive about Robyn Harding’s writing. Her books grab me from the start and keep me flipping the pages while following the lives of crazy characters I love to hate.
This book has a lot going on! But not in a way that makes it complicated or hard to follow. There is a major crisis within each family members life that they are struggling through. There are several heavy topics addressed yet none are truly explored which prevented me from maintaining a strong connection and investment in the storyline. There were some eye rolling moments, but they were fun and entertaining.
Overall, an enjoyable, easy and entertaining, suspenseful and mindless read that you don’t have to think too hard about. While this isn’t my favourite from this author, I continue to be a fan of her writing and look forward to what she comes out with next!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for the review copy!
Everyone in this family has a HUGE secret!
This novel follows one well-to-do family through a tangled web of secrets, lies and deceit. From the outside they seem to have it all, but underneath they all have something to hide.
There is something so smooth and addictive about Robyn Harding’s writing. Her books grab me from the start and keep me flipping the pages while following the lives of crazy characters I love to hate.
This book has a lot going on! But not in a way that makes it complicated or hard to follow. There is a major crisis within each family members life that they are struggling through. There are several heavy topics addressed yet none are truly explored which prevented me from maintaining a strong connection and investment in the storyline. There were some eye rolling moments, but they were fun and entertaining.
Overall, an enjoyable, easy and entertaining, suspenseful and mindless read that you don’t have to think too hard about. While this isn’t my favourite from this author, I continue to be a fan of her writing and look forward to what she comes out with next!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for the review copy!
April 2, 2021
A family domestic drama that was a quick, "popcorn" read!
I really enjoyed having all the family member point of views and each one had some kind of issue. Yep, plenty of secrets to keep you guessing. There is someone "out there" that isn't very happy with one of them and that is where the mystery comes in..... Who is it? and Why,why,why?
Although the pace is good, I was frustrated with some of the characters (okay, all of the characters)! and their implausible actions. At one point, (was this the twist)?? I'm not even sure!! I was shaking my head and not sure whether to gasp or LOL!!
Definitely different from the other two novels I've read by Harding, probably my least favorite, but still a good little read with a little something to sip for the day. Cheers!
Thanks to Gallery Books and NG for my review copy!! OUT on August 10, 2021
I really enjoyed having all the family member point of views and each one had some kind of issue. Yep, plenty of secrets to keep you guessing. There is someone "out there" that isn't very happy with one of them and that is where the mystery comes in..... Who is it? and Why,why,why?
Although the pace is good, I was frustrated with some of the characters (okay, all of the characters)! and their implausible actions. At one point, (was this the twist)?? I'm not even sure!! I was shaking my head and not sure whether to gasp or LOL!!
Definitely different from the other two novels I've read by Harding, probably my least favorite, but still a good little read with a little something to sip for the day. Cheers!
Thanks to Gallery Books and NG for my review copy!! OUT on August 10, 2021
May 1, 2021
Every family has its share of secrets...
Welcome to the Adler household. Thomas and Viv give the impression of being in a very happy marriage. But do we really know what goes on behind closed doors? Even the two of them may have no idea as secrets are rampant!
Their two teenage children are keeping their lives shrouded in secrecy too.
When the home starts to be vandalized at night each family member starts to speculate which member of the family is somehow responsible
Told from all four perspectives. Each character had a very distinct voice and all were very well developed.
This is the third book I’ve read from this author. Once again Robyn Harding delivers a captivating and suspenseful domestic thriller that will keep you guessing.
Already looking forward to more from this author!
A buddy read with Susanne
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an ARC to read and review.
Welcome to the Adler household. Thomas and Viv give the impression of being in a very happy marriage. But do we really know what goes on behind closed doors? Even the two of them may have no idea as secrets are rampant!
Their two teenage children are keeping their lives shrouded in secrecy too.
When the home starts to be vandalized at night each family member starts to speculate which member of the family is somehow responsible
Told from all four perspectives. Each character had a very distinct voice and all were very well developed.
This is the third book I’ve read from this author. Once again Robyn Harding delivers a captivating and suspenseful domestic thriller that will keep you guessing.
Already looking forward to more from this author!
A buddy read with Susanne
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an ARC to read and review.
July 13, 2021
Two stars for the fact that this book was just okay and I did read it through to the end, although once or twice I was tempted to stop. I found the characters unappealing and the story repetitive. I also guessed quite early on who the person was actually causing the problems.
The only surprise for me was the very last sentence of the book. What did it mean? Please explain it to me if you understand!
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The only surprise for me was the very last sentence of the book. What did it mean? Please explain it to me if you understand!
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 19, 2021
3.5 stars
Might be my favorite Robyn Harding so far!
Reading vlog with more thoughts: https://youtu.be/v0v5yTpWtig
Might be my favorite Robyn Harding so far!
Reading vlog with more thoughts: https://youtu.be/v0v5yTpWtig
May 2, 2021
Review posted on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Whoever said keeping secrets from your family members couldn’t hurt wasn’t a part of “The Perfect Family.”
Simply Unputdownable!
Thomas and Viv Adler are married with two children, Eli and Tarryn. All four of them are keeping secrets from each other and because of it, harm has come to them.
You see, someone is out to get the Adlers and they are becoming the talk of the neighborhood.
It starts with eggshells on the window, progresses to a smoke bomb in the front yard, the slashing of tires, the burning of a bush on their stoop, and keeps progressing from there. It’s been escalating and yet, no one in the family is fessing up.
Dangerous, delectable, and wholly suspenseful, “The Perfect Family” was twisty, turny, and quite unpredictable.
This was the Perfect Buddy Read with Ms. Kaceey!
Thank you to Gallery Books, NetGalley, and Robyn Harding for the arc.
Published on Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram.
Whoever said keeping secrets from your family members couldn’t hurt wasn’t a part of “The Perfect Family.”
Simply Unputdownable!
Thomas and Viv Adler are married with two children, Eli and Tarryn. All four of them are keeping secrets from each other and because of it, harm has come to them.
You see, someone is out to get the Adlers and they are becoming the talk of the neighborhood.
It starts with eggshells on the window, progresses to a smoke bomb in the front yard, the slashing of tires, the burning of a bush on their stoop, and keeps progressing from there. It’s been escalating and yet, no one in the family is fessing up.
Dangerous, delectable, and wholly suspenseful, “The Perfect Family” was twisty, turny, and quite unpredictable.
This was the Perfect Buddy Read with Ms. Kaceey!
Thank you to Gallery Books, NetGalley, and Robyn Harding for the arc.
Published on Goodreads, Twitter, and Instagram.
September 1, 2021
Who lives at the corner of Misfunction Junction and Cuckoo Avenue, you ask?
Why, the Adler family, of course!
Robyn Harding has created another group of addictive yet semi-toxic personalities...all under one roof.
But oh how fun they were to read!
Mother Viv stages for properties, but her real passion lies elsewhere...and she is terrified her husband and kids will find out her ugly secret sooner rather than later. Thomas leads the household, a successful businessman who also is keeping activities outside of the home from the inquisitive eyes of the rest of his family...especially that ONE night. Son Eli has left college and his parent's aspirations for his future in the dust...and wishes he could un-see the travesty that drove him away, but he can't tell a soul. And seemingly introverted and 'plain' daughter Tarryn is leading a VERY private life of her own...but is it private to everyone she knows?
When an egg hits the Adlers home, it seems like the work of your typical rowdy neighborhood ruffians. But then a smoke bomb comes next. Slashed tires. As the 'pranks' escalate, each member of the family feels the paranoia creep in...has someone discovered their secrets? And which Adler will crack under the ever-looming pressure first...or will it be too little, too late?
Ever since The Swap (another fast-paced thriller with multiple POVs and toxic folks that you just couldn't WAIT to know better!), I've been anxiously awaiting Harding's next book, hoping it would give me that same intoxicating feeling...and this one takes the cake! This book effortlessly bounces from POV to POV, giving you breadcrumbs of different plot points along the way to keep you effortlessly flipping the pages. At the end of one chapter in particular, I remember saying "WHAT?!" out loud, which is always such a good sign (and a great feeling), as if you've just been clued into the world's juiciest news and you simply can't wait to tell someone else! (I don't like gossip, but it is SO fun to feel like you have it while reading!) 😉
The only aspect that kept this one from being a solid 5 star read for me was the improbability of a couple of the reveals (where characters discovered or told each other their secrets). Everything fell a little bit TOO neatly into place at times, but if you can quiet that voice of reason, this is such a fun ride from beginning to end! I also was a little miffed by the ending, because it was one of those endings that COULD hint at a sequel...but probably doesn't, so it just felt like Harding didn't quite know how to end it and just went with it, leaving the true ending in the mind of the reader. I'm all for this device, but I didn't really feel this story NEEDED a continuation per se, so I could have lived without it in this case.
These few caveats aside, I had such a blast reading about the wild and crazy antics of the seemingly picture-perfect Adlers and this one kept me guessing from start to finish! I can't remember the last time I've finished a book in two days because I couldn't tear myself away, but clear your schedules, grab a beverage, and make sure you're well rested...you won't be able to leave this one until the dust (or maybe the ash! 🔥 😉) settles for good!
4 ⭐, rounded up to 4.5 for being the page-turning thriller I absolutely needed!
Why, the Adler family, of course!
Robyn Harding has created another group of addictive yet semi-toxic personalities...all under one roof.
But oh how fun they were to read!
Mother Viv stages for properties, but her real passion lies elsewhere...and she is terrified her husband and kids will find out her ugly secret sooner rather than later. Thomas leads the household, a successful businessman who also is keeping activities outside of the home from the inquisitive eyes of the rest of his family...especially that ONE night. Son Eli has left college and his parent's aspirations for his future in the dust...and wishes he could un-see the travesty that drove him away, but he can't tell a soul. And seemingly introverted and 'plain' daughter Tarryn is leading a VERY private life of her own...but is it private to everyone she knows?
When an egg hits the Adlers home, it seems like the work of your typical rowdy neighborhood ruffians. But then a smoke bomb comes next. Slashed tires. As the 'pranks' escalate, each member of the family feels the paranoia creep in...has someone discovered their secrets? And which Adler will crack under the ever-looming pressure first...or will it be too little, too late?
Ever since The Swap (another fast-paced thriller with multiple POVs and toxic folks that you just couldn't WAIT to know better!), I've been anxiously awaiting Harding's next book, hoping it would give me that same intoxicating feeling...and this one takes the cake! This book effortlessly bounces from POV to POV, giving you breadcrumbs of different plot points along the way to keep you effortlessly flipping the pages. At the end of one chapter in particular, I remember saying "WHAT?!" out loud, which is always such a good sign (and a great feeling), as if you've just been clued into the world's juiciest news and you simply can't wait to tell someone else! (I don't like gossip, but it is SO fun to feel like you have it while reading!) 😉
The only aspect that kept this one from being a solid 5 star read for me was the improbability of a couple of the reveals (where characters discovered or told each other their secrets). Everything fell a little bit TOO neatly into place at times, but if you can quiet that voice of reason, this is such a fun ride from beginning to end! I also was a little miffed by the ending, because it was one of those endings that COULD hint at a sequel...but probably doesn't, so it just felt like Harding didn't quite know how to end it and just went with it, leaving the true ending in the mind of the reader. I'm all for this device, but I didn't really feel this story NEEDED a continuation per se, so I could have lived without it in this case.
These few caveats aside, I had such a blast reading about the wild and crazy antics of the seemingly picture-perfect Adlers and this one kept me guessing from start to finish! I can't remember the last time I've finished a book in two days because I couldn't tear myself away, but clear your schedules, grab a beverage, and make sure you're well rested...you won't be able to leave this one until the dust (or maybe the ash! 🔥 😉) settles for good!
4 ⭐, rounded up to 4.5 for being the page-turning thriller I absolutely needed!
March 30, 2021
I’ve never met a Robyn Harding book I didn’t like, and this book is no exception. In The Perfect Family, domestic thriller queen Harding brings the drama and deception when a seemingly “perfect family” begins to fall apart at the seams after an escalating series of vandalism attacks on their suburban home.
The Adlers are, by their own description, “house proud,” and they care a lot about appearances. Patriarch Thomas is a real estate agent, selling homes to other well-off residents of Portland, and mom Viv is an interior decorator. So it hits them especially heard when their picture perfect home comes under repeated attack by vandals. (What do the neighbors think?)
It’s through this series of attacks that we learn that everyone in the Adler family has a dark secret under their perfect, golden surface. Harding’s skill in characterization really shines here, as we learn why all four members of the family think the attacks are directed at them because of something they’ve done. The book tackles tough and timely issues like rape, blackmail, sex work, kleptomania, and more. As always, Harding provides an open, conversational and thoughtful-provoking examination of issues that are causing shame within the family.
I must confess that my favorite character by far was the budding young feminist, daughter Tarryn. Tarryn is the only one whose secret doesn’t cause her shame, but it does place her potentially in harm’s way. All four of the characters are extremely well-drawn and sympathetic even when they are doing ridiculously stupid things. I really enjoyed meeting all of them and spending some time in their heads with their thoughts and fears as they alternated narration of the book.
Overall, this is less of a traditional thriller and more of a family drama, but unlike the many lesser books in this category these days, there is plenty of suspense, mystery and intrigue throughout. I think one reason I love Harding’s work so much is that she taps into the imperfection and messiness that all of us have in our lives. In this book, as in her others, she shows that, in the words of Norman Bates, “we all go a little crazy sometimes.” She invites us to empathize with the messiness and fears of her characters. Her books also always touch on important and timely social issues and have something worthwhile to say, if you’re listening.
This book may not be your jam if you’re looking for a traditional murder mystery, but then again, I can’t see any suspense fan putting this one down. I definitely couldn’t. I really enjoyed losing myself in the Adlers’ perfect-looking but in fact very messy family as it was exposed to the world step by step, symbolically through the public destruction of their house.
Harding is an exceptionally talented and thought-provoking suspense writer who has quickly become one of my favorites. I look forward to reading her next book as soon as possible. (Can’t she write like, a book a month for me to read? I don’t think that’s unreasonable.)
Many thanks to Gallery Books, NetGalley and Robyn Harding for the ARC. 4+ thoughtful and drama-filled stars!
The Adlers are, by their own description, “house proud,” and they care a lot about appearances. Patriarch Thomas is a real estate agent, selling homes to other well-off residents of Portland, and mom Viv is an interior decorator. So it hits them especially heard when their picture perfect home comes under repeated attack by vandals. (What do the neighbors think?)
It’s through this series of attacks that we learn that everyone in the Adler family has a dark secret under their perfect, golden surface. Harding’s skill in characterization really shines here, as we learn why all four members of the family think the attacks are directed at them because of something they’ve done. The book tackles tough and timely issues like rape, blackmail, sex work, kleptomania, and more. As always, Harding provides an open, conversational and thoughtful-provoking examination of issues that are causing shame within the family.
I must confess that my favorite character by far was the budding young feminist, daughter Tarryn. Tarryn is the only one whose secret doesn’t cause her shame, but it does place her potentially in harm’s way. All four of the characters are extremely well-drawn and sympathetic even when they are doing ridiculously stupid things. I really enjoyed meeting all of them and spending some time in their heads with their thoughts and fears as they alternated narration of the book.
Overall, this is less of a traditional thriller and more of a family drama, but unlike the many lesser books in this category these days, there is plenty of suspense, mystery and intrigue throughout. I think one reason I love Harding’s work so much is that she taps into the imperfection and messiness that all of us have in our lives. In this book, as in her others, she shows that, in the words of Norman Bates, “we all go a little crazy sometimes.” She invites us to empathize with the messiness and fears of her characters. Her books also always touch on important and timely social issues and have something worthwhile to say, if you’re listening.
This book may not be your jam if you’re looking for a traditional murder mystery, but then again, I can’t see any suspense fan putting this one down. I definitely couldn’t. I really enjoyed losing myself in the Adlers’ perfect-looking but in fact very messy family as it was exposed to the world step by step, symbolically through the public destruction of their house.
Harding is an exceptionally talented and thought-provoking suspense writer who has quickly become one of my favorites. I look forward to reading her next book as soon as possible. (Can’t she write like, a book a month for me to read? I don’t think that’s unreasonable.)
Many thanks to Gallery Books, NetGalley and Robyn Harding for the ARC. 4+ thoughtful and drama-filled stars!
April 23, 2021
For some of us, when a new movie gets released with popular actresses such as Meg Ryan, Jennifer Aniston, or Reese Witherspoon .... we feel a happy endorphin buzz.
Grab a girlfriend and some popcorn. Some of us look forward to these endearing psychologically savvy stories—a little overly dramatic —that cuts close to the truth of possibilities.
For Robin Harding fans, looking forward to her new release books- gives us that happy-breezy enjoyment buzz. Harding fans don’t need to read one review - they know they’re already sold!
I’m a little ‘already sold’ myself.
I have fun with her books!
“The Perfect Family”.... was perfectly what I was in the mood for. Being a little injured and frustrated that I’m needing to curtail my hiking - to heel - these days -
just starting a *Robin Harding* novel had me humming along with the many other Harding fans.
For the Adler family...
[Thomas, Viv, Eli and Tarryn]....
trying to keep up a façade of perfection—a stylized image - resisting humiliation- comes with a price for each member of the family.
A book club discussion about “Educated”, was slipped into a sentence.
I smiled ( great choice). Harding knew that readers were so familiar with “Educated”, mentioning the authors name, Tara Westover, wasn’t even necessary.
Say whatever you will about Robin Harding, but she knows how to mode American obsessions of modern present day fashionably. Spin classes, Lululemon sweat attire, Instagram, camming, Tofu stirfry, heated towel racks, the BMW, home decorating, the oversized, beyond budget, walk-in closet, and other prestigious driven goals.
It was no accident son Eli was the front line goalie on the soccer team at his college.
Fact is Robin Harding does contemporary well!
“Viv and I curated the appearances of wealth, with our big house, the luxury cars, and our sons fancy college. But I’d bought the house for a song when it was in foreclosure, and the cars were leases. We were still paying off the bathroom and closet renovations my wife had insisted upon. I married a woman who excelled at making things look pretty and perfect, even when they weren’t. It was her special skill, and she’d turned it into a career. We were just two of millions of Americans living beyond their means”.
Welcome to Portland, Oregon.
Fried pickles? Really? Man... the foods they serve along with thirty-seven kinds of beer in a hipster brewery/restaurant was giving me digestive scream attack-spasm-munching-nausea.
But I also laughed ....
as I said... I have fun with Harding shenanigans.
Random vandals of eggs, apple, poop, and smoke bombs were at the core of the families group gathering discussions.
However...
It was the issues ‘not’ being discussed that were more alarming.
.....a kleptomaniac,
an abuser, an online underage sexually suggestive model, a rape observer...
blackmail, assaulting a stripper?....
College drop out delinquent?
drama, laughs, serious accusations, disenchanted pretense....
it’s all there .... plenty of family drama suspense whodunit entertainment.
Thank you Netgalley, Gallery Books, and Robin Harding.
Grab a girlfriend and some popcorn. Some of us look forward to these endearing psychologically savvy stories—a little overly dramatic —that cuts close to the truth of possibilities.
For Robin Harding fans, looking forward to her new release books- gives us that happy-breezy enjoyment buzz. Harding fans don’t need to read one review - they know they’re already sold!
I’m a little ‘already sold’ myself.
I have fun with her books!
“The Perfect Family”.... was perfectly what I was in the mood for. Being a little injured and frustrated that I’m needing to curtail my hiking - to heel - these days -
just starting a *Robin Harding* novel had me humming along with the many other Harding fans.
For the Adler family...
[Thomas, Viv, Eli and Tarryn]....
trying to keep up a façade of perfection—a stylized image - resisting humiliation- comes with a price for each member of the family.
A book club discussion about “Educated”, was slipped into a sentence.
I smiled ( great choice). Harding knew that readers were so familiar with “Educated”, mentioning the authors name, Tara Westover, wasn’t even necessary.
Say whatever you will about Robin Harding, but she knows how to mode American obsessions of modern present day fashionably. Spin classes, Lululemon sweat attire, Instagram, camming, Tofu stirfry, heated towel racks, the BMW, home decorating, the oversized, beyond budget, walk-in closet, and other prestigious driven goals.
It was no accident son Eli was the front line goalie on the soccer team at his college.
Fact is Robin Harding does contemporary well!
“Viv and I curated the appearances of wealth, with our big house, the luxury cars, and our sons fancy college. But I’d bought the house for a song when it was in foreclosure, and the cars were leases. We were still paying off the bathroom and closet renovations my wife had insisted upon. I married a woman who excelled at making things look pretty and perfect, even when they weren’t. It was her special skill, and she’d turned it into a career. We were just two of millions of Americans living beyond their means”.
Welcome to Portland, Oregon.
Fried pickles? Really? Man... the foods they serve along with thirty-seven kinds of beer in a hipster brewery/restaurant was giving me digestive scream attack-spasm-munching-nausea.
But I also laughed ....
as I said... I have fun with Harding shenanigans.
Random vandals of eggs, apple, poop, and smoke bombs were at the core of the families group gathering discussions.
However...
It was the issues ‘not’ being discussed that were more alarming.
.....a kleptomaniac,
an abuser, an online underage sexually suggestive model, a rape observer...
blackmail, assaulting a stripper?....
College drop out delinquent?
drama, laughs, serious accusations, disenchanted pretense....
it’s all there .... plenty of family drama suspense whodunit entertainment.
Thank you Netgalley, Gallery Books, and Robin Harding.
February 15, 2021
I'm delighted to share this book with you all, and I hope this not-so-perfect family will provide a fun, twisty escape.
September 7, 2021
3.5 stars
Thomas and Viv Adler, along with their teenage children Eli and Tarryn, appear to the outside world to be the “perfect family” but inside the walls of their home it’s a different matter entirely. Of course, we know there is no such thing as a perfect family and normal is just a setting on the washing machine.
There’s a dark underbelly to the family and the façade begins to crumble when a series of pranks against them quickly escalates into far more serious crimes. Each of them has an explosive secret they are keeping from each another that could bring ruin upon the entire family. And each of them thinks it’s their fault their family has been targeted. This plays an important part into how the story progresses.
Told from the POV of all four Adlers, I enjoyed how the story was told in alternating voices, and I also appreciated the underlying message of how toxic it is to maintain the myth of perfection. The story is well-told and engaging as each of the secrets are revealed, and the conclusion was satisfying. An enjoyable, quick read.
* I received a digital copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thomas and Viv Adler, along with their teenage children Eli and Tarryn, appear to the outside world to be the “perfect family” but inside the walls of their home it’s a different matter entirely. Of course, we know there is no such thing as a perfect family and normal is just a setting on the washing machine.
There’s a dark underbelly to the family and the façade begins to crumble when a series of pranks against them quickly escalates into far more serious crimes. Each of them has an explosive secret they are keeping from each another that could bring ruin upon the entire family. And each of them thinks it’s their fault their family has been targeted. This plays an important part into how the story progresses.
Told from the POV of all four Adlers, I enjoyed how the story was told in alternating voices, and I also appreciated the underlying message of how toxic it is to maintain the myth of perfection. The story is well-told and engaging as each of the secrets are revealed, and the conclusion was satisfying. An enjoyable, quick read.
* I received a digital copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 16, 2021
The Perfect Family by Robyn Harding was a fantastic book! I've read one of the author's novels, The Party, in the past, but for some reason, I hadn't continued to read the others since 2018. As I scrolled through NetGalley, I requested the author's latest, and low and behold, it was approved last month. So... when I needed a suspenseful drama this week, I dove right in... flicking myself a few times for not reading the ones in between... now they've been added to my TBR and you'll see some reviews in the coming weeks.
The Perfect Family takes place in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon. Everything seems quite wonderful on the outside, yet the Adlers have some secrets. It seems minor at first, but as the chapters unfold--set in rotating POV between the father, mother, college-aged son and high-school-aged daughter--we realize there are layers of trouble brewing among the different members. Each of the four issues on its own is relatively bad/problematic, but when you toss them together, it's a ticking time bomb. The first 75% of the book is non-stop page-turning insanity... it's almost like a journal entry of comings and goings, highlighting what they've all been up to. When all four secrets are revealed in full depth, I was hooked. I HAD to know who was torturing this family.
It started out light enough... a house being egged. In the end, someone tried to burn the place down. We know it's not the 4 family members either, so what was going on? Loved every minute of it... then in the final chapters, as we learned who it was, and each of the problems entered resolution territory, it was like someone let the gas out of the tires. I needed a huge confrontation, but we got none. It was as if we found answers to questions, but the payoff sorta just hung there. It was still good, and it made sense, and I felt like it was the right answer to solve the larger dilemma, but wow... it had been a 5-star ride all the way until then. We deserved more! LOL
Nonetheless, it's definitely worth reading, but linger in the story and the relationships... see what's not being truly written about, and you might figure it out. But prepare yourself for a slow boil ending. Next up, I think I'll read Her Pretty Face. How about you?
The Perfect Family takes place in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon. Everything seems quite wonderful on the outside, yet the Adlers have some secrets. It seems minor at first, but as the chapters unfold--set in rotating POV between the father, mother, college-aged son and high-school-aged daughter--we realize there are layers of trouble brewing among the different members. Each of the four issues on its own is relatively bad/problematic, but when you toss them together, it's a ticking time bomb. The first 75% of the book is non-stop page-turning insanity... it's almost like a journal entry of comings and goings, highlighting what they've all been up to. When all four secrets are revealed in full depth, I was hooked. I HAD to know who was torturing this family.
It started out light enough... a house being egged. In the end, someone tried to burn the place down. We know it's not the 4 family members either, so what was going on? Loved every minute of it... then in the final chapters, as we learned who it was, and each of the problems entered resolution territory, it was like someone let the gas out of the tires. I needed a huge confrontation, but we got none. It was as if we found answers to questions, but the payoff sorta just hung there. It was still good, and it made sense, and I felt like it was the right answer to solve the larger dilemma, but wow... it had been a 5-star ride all the way until then. We deserved more! LOL
Nonetheless, it's definitely worth reading, but linger in the story and the relationships... see what's not being truly written about, and you might figure it out. But prepare yourself for a slow boil ending. Next up, I think I'll read Her Pretty Face. How about you?
August 17, 2021
The Perfect Family is being targeted, pushed to the edge, and are unraveling at the seams. They all have secrets not just from the outside world but from each other, and that makes for some twisted, dysfunctional family dynamics.
The story is told through each member of this not-so-perfect family while they reveal their secrets and thoughts to us. They have a lot of thoughts to share with us that felt a little too much at times and I might of done a little eye rolling. They share their guilt and shame as well as their fears. They all think they are being targeted because of their secrets, which creates some tension and suspense that drives the story forward.
The Perfect Family is a readable, well-paced, and briskly plotted story that I flew through quite quickly. I won't say this one has Robyn Harding's signature unlikeable characters I love so much, but she does spin a unique twist to that perfect family with secrets trope. On their own, each character has an intriguing secret, which keeps the plot briskly moving, making it a readable story. Each secret is touched on rather than fully fleshed out in that way Robyn does so well. It works here because the suspense and tension build up as the family feels the pressure and each fear they are targeted because of the secrets they are hiding.
While not my favorite from Robyn Harding as it felt a little too much with all the secrets going on here. I liked Tarryn's unique secret and would of liked to see more focus on her character and the outcome for her. However I enjoyed how it all wrapped up and highly recommend this one for an entertaining and fun read!!!
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley
The story is told through each member of this not-so-perfect family while they reveal their secrets and thoughts to us. They have a lot of thoughts to share with us that felt a little too much at times and I might of done a little eye rolling. They share their guilt and shame as well as their fears. They all think they are being targeted because of their secrets, which creates some tension and suspense that drives the story forward.
The Perfect Family is a readable, well-paced, and briskly plotted story that I flew through quite quickly. I won't say this one has Robyn Harding's signature unlikeable characters I love so much, but she does spin a unique twist to that perfect family with secrets trope. On their own, each character has an intriguing secret, which keeps the plot briskly moving, making it a readable story. Each secret is touched on rather than fully fleshed out in that way Robyn does so well. It works here because the suspense and tension build up as the family feels the pressure and each fear they are targeted because of the secrets they are hiding.
While not my favorite from Robyn Harding as it felt a little too much with all the secrets going on here. I liked Tarryn's unique secret and would of liked to see more focus on her character and the outcome for her. However I enjoyed how it all wrapped up and highly recommend this one for an entertaining and fun read!!!
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley
June 23, 2021
To Thomas and Viv Adler appearances are all important. They have the perfect house in an affluent neighbourhood, flashy cars and the perfect family of two seemingly nice children, a boy, Eli, at college and a girl, Tarryn, heading that way when she finishes school in a year or so. Not surprisingly Thomas and Viv both have jobs where a perfect facade is important. Thomas is a realtor, presenting perfectly styled houses to buyers and Vivian is an interior designer.
However, get to know this family and below the surface they are anything but perfect. They all have ugly secrets they are too ashamed to tell the rest of the family. But when their house becomes the target of petty vandalism - pelted with rotten eggs, tomatoes or smoke bombs - they all start to wonder if it's something to do with their actions. As the vandalism ramps up into more sinister pranks, the family starts to fall apart as their fear and anxiety escalates.
This is a deliciously fun character driven domestic drama. I enjoyed learning all the flaws of this far from perfect family. Each of the family has their own distinct voice and gets their turn to have a say as we poor readers try to unravel who is targeting them. As the family starts to fall apart, the suspense builds up to reach a climax that shocks them all. An addictive read for fans of domestic suspense.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia and Netgalley for a copy to read
However, get to know this family and below the surface they are anything but perfect. They all have ugly secrets they are too ashamed to tell the rest of the family. But when their house becomes the target of petty vandalism - pelted with rotten eggs, tomatoes or smoke bombs - they all start to wonder if it's something to do with their actions. As the vandalism ramps up into more sinister pranks, the family starts to fall apart as their fear and anxiety escalates.
This is a deliciously fun character driven domestic drama. I enjoyed learning all the flaws of this far from perfect family. Each of the family has their own distinct voice and gets their turn to have a say as we poor readers try to unravel who is targeting them. As the family starts to fall apart, the suspense builds up to reach a climax that shocks them all. An addictive read for fans of domestic suspense.
With thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia and Netgalley for a copy to read
September 6, 2021
Thomas and Viv are the power couple (along with their kids, a power family) who have it all, at least their neighbors think so. One morning they wake up to find their house has been egged. Next, a smoke bomb is detonated, tires are flattened, and it doesn’t seem to end. Now the family is beginning to be afraid. Cameras don’t give any real clues as to whom is responsible.
The police aren’t much help either. They are certain it’s all just a practical joke by teenagers. Things continue to escalate, including with violence, and each of the Adlers is carrying a secret (or two or three).
I love Robyn Harding’s writing. She writes in a precise style that propels the story forward, making it compulsively readable and tense; just how I love my thrillers. I really loved the ending. There was an opening for me as a reader, and I ran with it. 😂 Highly recommended! The perfect thriller to end summer!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
The police aren’t much help either. They are certain it’s all just a practical joke by teenagers. Things continue to escalate, including with violence, and each of the Adlers is carrying a secret (or two or three).
I love Robyn Harding’s writing. She writes in a precise style that propels the story forward, making it compulsively readable and tense; just how I love my thrillers. I really loved the ending. There was an opening for me as a reader, and I ran with it. 😂 Highly recommended! The perfect thriller to end summer!
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
September 27, 2021
Meet the Adler family of Portland Oregon. Thomas is a successful (fairly) real estate agent who often uses wife Vivian (Viv) to stage his listings. Son Eli is a soccer athlete enrolled in his first year of college and is home for the holidays. Daughter Tarryn is a junior in high school who has a unique personality but is consumed with self confidence. They live in a nice, upscale neighborhood in a lovely home with a well maintained property. That’s what they look like from the outside. Come inside their home and each member of this family is keeping big secrets, all threatening to be exposed when inexplicably pranks and vandalism are unleashed on their property. The police are useless, even when the acts escalate.
Even though the Adlers may seem like one big mess, I always felt like they’re probably typical of a lot of families trying to hold up to a facade they’ve created to conform within these neighborhoods. I tried to weigh which of the Adlers had the worst secret but they were all weighty for different reasons. What I found more frustrating was the lack of assistance they received from law enforcement who were ready to dash the property assaults as harmless pranks by bored teens. Maybe one or two but this family was targeted for weeks. It was hard for me to keep my cool as I felt like I was readying myself for the inevitable train collision.
This was a fascinating story that unfortunately felt realistic, not so much the gravity of their secrets but the pretenses they presented outwardly and to each other. It was a combustible set of circumstances that was destined to implode or explode. I chose to listen to this story and was thrilled that there were multiple narrators used to present each family member’s point of view. All delivered great performances as they helped me visualize the characters consistent with how they appeared to be crafted. I also liked the well timed POV transitions. It enhanced the storytelling. I liked the ending, didn’t love it, but was satisfied nonetheless, despite that last line. I think I “get” it, or at least I choose to. This author has yet to let me down.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Even though the Adlers may seem like one big mess, I always felt like they’re probably typical of a lot of families trying to hold up to a facade they’ve created to conform within these neighborhoods. I tried to weigh which of the Adlers had the worst secret but they were all weighty for different reasons. What I found more frustrating was the lack of assistance they received from law enforcement who were ready to dash the property assaults as harmless pranks by bored teens. Maybe one or two but this family was targeted for weeks. It was hard for me to keep my cool as I felt like I was readying myself for the inevitable train collision.
This was a fascinating story that unfortunately felt realistic, not so much the gravity of their secrets but the pretenses they presented outwardly and to each other. It was a combustible set of circumstances that was destined to implode or explode. I chose to listen to this story and was thrilled that there were multiple narrators used to present each family member’s point of view. All delivered great performances as they helped me visualize the characters consistent with how they appeared to be crafted. I also liked the well timed POV transitions. It enhanced the storytelling. I liked the ending, didn’t love it, but was satisfied nonetheless, despite that last line. I think I “get” it, or at least I choose to. This author has yet to let me down.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
August 17, 2021
Let's face it, Harding is a guaranteed good read, no matter which way you look at it!! I love me some Canadian authors! The Perfect Family is a highly recommended domestic drama that I could not put down! The pacing was lickety split fast, with each member of the Adler family's perspective alternating throughout, making this the type of book you hate to set down in order to get those precious hours of sleep you desperately need.
As we begin reading this recent Harding installment, the Adler family presents as the perfect family; nice house, nice cars, flawless yard, completely beautiful on the outside. Certainly the envy of the neighborhood, and for that reason alone I was not surprised one bit that this family had enemies. Almost immediately, it is made very clear that someone holds a horrible grudge against this family and torments them almost nightly, throwing eggs at their house, in fact a variety of produce meets it's end against the Adler's property, but surely after some time this nightly torment will end?! That is certainly what the Adlers tell each other, but just when it seems things have slowed down the assault suddenly escalates, taking a much darker path! For goodness sake, why is this happening?! I desperately needed to know who it was that hated this family so much, and why! I was chewing my nails, tapping my foot repeatedly while I read this, imagining all sorts of different scenarios as to why these events were happening! Eventually we find out that each family member has a secret (some definitely bigger than others) that they don't want revealed, and I was furiously scratching my head trying to peace together the smaller side mysteries so that I could get a better idea of who / what / why the assaults on their property was occurring! Boy, was I incredibly wrong in pretty much all of my predictions! That being said, this one really kept me guessing up until the very end! If you can believe it, this book did read a bit lighter than her previous work (although I do believe it read more in the vein of her debut, The Party), so even though there were plenty of incredibly tense moments throughout, in my opinion it wasn't quite as suspenseful or thrilling, but it was still incredibly enjoyable for me. As with any other Harding read, the characters in this novel were complex and interesting, and incredibly human. I really enjoyed every members of the Adler family for different reasons. They were all incredibly different in their own way, and while they were very flawed there were positive aspects to them that outweighed the negative, IMO.
I have no doubt this will be one of the top reads of the summer, no matter which genre you prefer! This would be a perfect book club selection, and I'm sure it will make at least one end of the year list. Boy, what a FANTASTIC year of reading 2021 is turning out to be!!!
As we begin reading this recent Harding installment, the Adler family presents as the perfect family; nice house, nice cars, flawless yard, completely beautiful on the outside. Certainly the envy of the neighborhood, and for that reason alone I was not surprised one bit that this family had enemies. Almost immediately, it is made very clear that someone holds a horrible grudge against this family and torments them almost nightly, throwing eggs at their house, in fact a variety of produce meets it's end against the Adler's property, but surely after some time this nightly torment will end?! That is certainly what the Adlers tell each other, but just when it seems things have slowed down the assault suddenly escalates, taking a much darker path! For goodness sake, why is this happening?! I desperately needed to know who it was that hated this family so much, and why! I was chewing my nails, tapping my foot repeatedly while I read this, imagining all sorts of different scenarios as to why these events were happening! Eventually we find out that each family member has a secret (some definitely bigger than others) that they don't want revealed, and I was furiously scratching my head trying to peace together the smaller side mysteries so that I could get a better idea of who / what / why the assaults on their property was occurring! Boy, was I incredibly wrong in pretty much all of my predictions! That being said, this one really kept me guessing up until the very end! If you can believe it, this book did read a bit lighter than her previous work (although I do believe it read more in the vein of her debut, The Party), so even though there were plenty of incredibly tense moments throughout, in my opinion it wasn't quite as suspenseful or thrilling, but it was still incredibly enjoyable for me. As with any other Harding read, the characters in this novel were complex and interesting, and incredibly human. I really enjoyed every members of the Adler family for different reasons. They were all incredibly different in their own way, and while they were very flawed there were positive aspects to them that outweighed the negative, IMO.
I have no doubt this will be one of the top reads of the summer, no matter which genre you prefer! This would be a perfect book club selection, and I'm sure it will make at least one end of the year list. Boy, what a FANTASTIC year of reading 2021 is turning out to be!!!
April 28, 2025
Viv and Thomas Adler and their two children are a well-to-do family living in an upscale, seemingly perfect neighborhood when out of the blue one morning they awake to find their beautiful home being pelted with eggs. Angry and annoyed they assume it's just bored kids pulling a prank. Every few days the pranks are starting to escalate and get more menacing so they contact the police but there isn't anything they can do since the aggressors can't be identified. They realize they are the only family being targeted but can't understand why. Sadly, this is a very dysfunctional family and all four of the Adlers are keeping some serious secrets from one another and it's very likely that someone wants revenge against this family and nothing is going to stop them until they get their payback even if it means wiping out the entire family. Is a family member really hiding a secret that could really cause this much deadly chaos and destruction? There is only one way to find out the answers. You Will Have To Read This Book!
This was a fast and entertaining read for me. Lots of secrets within this very disconnected household. While I did enjoy the story I found that there was a bit too much repetition throughout the chapters and that annoyed me somewhat but it didn't take away from the entertainment factor and the book did have a terrific ending. I have read a couple of other Robyn Harding books and loved them especially "The Arrangement" . I recommend this story to any reader who enjoys domestic/mysteries and I will be looking forward to reading more of Robyn Harding's books.
I want to thank the publisher "Gallery Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given an this story a rating of 3 1/2 DEVASTATING & SECRETIVE 🌟🌟🌟❇ Stars!!
This was a fast and entertaining read for me. Lots of secrets within this very disconnected household. While I did enjoy the story I found that there was a bit too much repetition throughout the chapters and that annoyed me somewhat but it didn't take away from the entertainment factor and the book did have a terrific ending. I have read a couple of other Robyn Harding books and loved them especially "The Arrangement" . I recommend this story to any reader who enjoys domestic/mysteries and I will be looking forward to reading more of Robyn Harding's books.
I want to thank the publisher "Gallery Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given an this story a rating of 3 1/2 DEVASTATING & SECRETIVE 🌟🌟🌟❇ Stars!!
July 28, 2021
You know how if someone says “we need to talk” or “I have to ask you a question” with no further context, your brain immediately goes into crisis mode? Every possible bad thing you might have said or done, no matter how big or small, suddenly flashes before your eyes and said person clearly hates you because they’ve found out about it (no, just me? Am I alone in this mess of anxiety?). Well, welcome to the Adler’s “perfect” family, where a series of pranks puts each family member into that same frantic crisis mode. Clearly someone has found out about his or her deep dark secret and is using it to torment them. Except of course, they are unaware every other member of the family also has a secret they are just as worried about having exposed. Soon the pranks go from harmless kid stuff like egging the house to unsettling and downright dangerous incidents. The Adlers no longer feel safe in their home and take increasingly desperate measures to protect themselves. Who is behind these pranks, which member of the family are they targeting, and just how far are they willing to go..?
This was a super quick read for me, I think my kindle clocked it at just over 3 hours. Part of this was I’m sure because it was a page turner, but also it has a very easy breezy style of writing. That’s not a bad thing, in fact it worked well with the plot, which also stayed fairly surface level and didn’t require much hard work from the reader. This will be perfect if you’re looking for a quick, fairly light read, but with some thriller adjacent excitement.
The good: I think the author was smart with the secrets. None were too outlandish or over the top, and while some were worse than others, none were bad enough to have you totally rooting against a character. The ratcheting up of anxiety was also really well done. As the pranks escalated and the characters got more and more unsettled, I too felt that anxiety and didn’t want to put the book down. There were a lot of red herrings and it was fun to jump from theory to theory as to who was behind the crimes.
The not so good: While I mentioned above that none of the secrets were bad enough to make you root against a character, I still just didn’t like any of them and had trouble caring or having too much sympathy. Part of this may be because there was a huge lack of distinction between character voices. A seventeen year old woman should not sound the same as her father. It never felt like they were real, individual people to me. I also found the police response to be entirely unrealistic. Eggs and apples thrown at the house, sure, they would just humor the rich couple from the good neighborhood. But by the end they’re “kids will be kids”-ing felonies.
The wait, is this good or bad?: I went from being annoyed at how things wrapped up at the end (especially Tarryn's portion which felt frighteningly unresolved to me) to finding it fun the way the author left things. Reading through other reviews, it seems to be quite the polarizing ending. I suppose you’ll just have to see whether you love or hate it, which you can do on August 10, 2021.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advanced copy of this title for review.
This was a super quick read for me, I think my kindle clocked it at just over 3 hours. Part of this was I’m sure because it was a page turner, but also it has a very easy breezy style of writing. That’s not a bad thing, in fact it worked well with the plot, which also stayed fairly surface level and didn’t require much hard work from the reader. This will be perfect if you’re looking for a quick, fairly light read, but with some thriller adjacent excitement.
The good: I think the author was smart with the secrets. None were too outlandish or over the top, and while some were worse than others, none were bad enough to have you totally rooting against a character. The ratcheting up of anxiety was also really well done. As the pranks escalated and the characters got more and more unsettled, I too felt that anxiety and didn’t want to put the book down. There were a lot of red herrings and it was fun to jump from theory to theory as to who was behind the crimes.
The not so good: While I mentioned above that none of the secrets were bad enough to make you root against a character, I still just didn’t like any of them and had trouble caring or having too much sympathy. Part of this may be because there was a huge lack of distinction between character voices. A seventeen year old woman should not sound the same as her father. It never felt like they were real, individual people to me. I also found the police response to be entirely unrealistic. Eggs and apples thrown at the house, sure, they would just humor the rich couple from the good neighborhood. But by the end they’re “kids will be kids”-ing felonies.
The wait, is this good or bad?: I went from being annoyed at how things wrapped up at the end (especially Tarryn's portion which felt frighteningly unresolved to me) to finding it fun the way the author left things. Reading through other reviews, it seems to be quite the polarizing ending. I suppose you’ll just have to see whether you love or hate it, which you can do on August 10, 2021.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advanced copy of this title for review.
August 10, 2021
Are you looking for a delicious summer thriller full of lots of family drama and secrets? If so, this is a great choice for you!
The Perfect Family is about a family whose house is the target of increasingly threatening vandalism. It starts out with eggs being thrown, and progresses daily until the family is scared and is being torn apart. The story is told through multiple POVs, one for each family member. We see Viv, the matriarch who thinks her husband is hiding something but who has a secret of her own, Thomas, the patriarch, who did something bad on a trip, and their children, Eli who came home from college only to say that he wont be going back, and their youngest, Tarryn, who has increasingly become mean and surly.
Gradually we learn more about the secrets each family member is hiding, and how they might be tied into the things that have been happening to the house. This worked really well for me, as the chapters were short and engaging, and I could have seen each of the characters having something to do with the vandalism. They each had their moments where they were likable and moments where they weren't - they were all flawed characters, but none of them were SO irredeemable that I hated them. Personally, I enjoyed that none of them were "innocent" and each could have been the reason their house was being targeted.
This was a five star reed for me up until the very end. While most of the questions were addressed and answered, I did feel like there were a few loose ends that didn't get tied up, and left me with lingering questions, which I wasn't a fan of. It does leave room for a (short?) follow up, however I'm not sure that was the author's intention. If that isn't something that will bother you, definitely pick this one up!
I'd like to thank Gallery Books for my advanced copy of the novel. It was my pleasure to provide an honest review.
The Perfect Family is about a family whose house is the target of increasingly threatening vandalism. It starts out with eggs being thrown, and progresses daily until the family is scared and is being torn apart. The story is told through multiple POVs, one for each family member. We see Viv, the matriarch who thinks her husband is hiding something but who has a secret of her own, Thomas, the patriarch, who did something bad on a trip, and their children, Eli who came home from college only to say that he wont be going back, and their youngest, Tarryn, who has increasingly become mean and surly.
Gradually we learn more about the secrets each family member is hiding, and how they might be tied into the things that have been happening to the house. This worked really well for me, as the chapters were short and engaging, and I could have seen each of the characters having something to do with the vandalism. They each had their moments where they were likable and moments where they weren't - they were all flawed characters, but none of them were SO irredeemable that I hated them. Personally, I enjoyed that none of them were "innocent" and each could have been the reason their house was being targeted.
This was a five star reed for me up until the very end. While most of the questions were addressed and answered, I did feel like there were a few loose ends that didn't get tied up, and left me with lingering questions, which I wasn't a fan of. It does leave room for a (short?) follow up, however I'm not sure that was the author's intention. If that isn't something that will bother you, definitely pick this one up!
I'd like to thank Gallery Books for my advanced copy of the novel. It was my pleasure to provide an honest review.
September 4, 2021
At first glance the Adlers are the epitome of the perfect all American family. Cracks are soon revealed and perfection is only a facade. Everyone in the Adler family is hiding something. Secrets, lies and deception strangle the family bonds and prove that appearances are most definitely deceiving. The story is told from four POVs as secrets are revealed and lives are put in danger. This thriller definitely had me on the edge of my seat! Thank you NetGalley and Gallery Books for my copy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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