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The Perfect Home
It’s a beautiful place to live. Or die.
June is very happy in her home. It’s where she raised her two kids – now college age – and every room is filled with memories, some beautiful, some painful. She loves the garden she has worked so hard to create. She likes her neighbours in this pleasant, leafy suburb.
But lately, something has changed.
There’s the new guy across the street. He seems rough, possibly criminal. And he’s been taking a definite interest in June’s rebellious daughter, Cathy.
And there’s June’s son, Sam. He’s always been open and friendly but recently he’s been sullen and secretive.
Even more disturbing, June’s cheating ex-husband suddenly seems to be everywhere. It’s almost as if he’s stalking her.
Then, when someone she knows is murdered, June begins to understand that all these different things are connected. And as she investigates further, she realises that she herself is in terrible danger.
Because someone out there wants June gone. Permanently.
June is very happy in her home. It’s where she raised her two kids – now college age – and every room is filled with memories, some beautiful, some painful. She loves the garden she has worked so hard to create. She likes her neighbours in this pleasant, leafy suburb.
But lately, something has changed.
There’s the new guy across the street. He seems rough, possibly criminal. And he’s been taking a definite interest in June’s rebellious daughter, Cathy.
And there’s June’s son, Sam. He’s always been open and friendly but recently he’s been sullen and secretive.
Even more disturbing, June’s cheating ex-husband suddenly seems to be everywhere. It’s almost as if he’s stalking her.
Then, when someone she knows is murdered, June begins to understand that all these different things are connected. And as she investigates further, she realises that she herself is in terrible danger.
Because someone out there wants June gone. Permanently.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2022
About the author
Kevin Lynch
5 books31 followersI'm a Guidance Counsellor but have always written. I was shortlisted for the Hennessy new Irish Writers award and have won a number of poetry awards. I decided to write a novel about two years ago, set my main character up as a misanthropic, reclusive type, then sent him into the world to solve the mystery of his brother's disappearance. I've enjoyed living with the characters in the book but am glad the editing and proofing is over as that's a harder slog than the initial creation. I am now on my second novel which is a ground level thriller with a hearty dollop of dark humor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
January 26, 2022
The main character is definitely not June Cleaver but June Sweeney. Her attributes were few other than having a beautiful flower garden in her backyard. Her neighborhood appears normal and quiet. Her simple lifestyle includes heartache with a cheating husband …that is moving in with her best friend down the road. To add to her woe she has two arrogant, spoiled college age children that always manage to take dad's side.
When a new neighbor, Steve, moves in, she fills her time snooping and passing judgement on him. Either he is too loud and/or shady for this neighborhood. It soon becomes a snowball effect from all especially when June's daughter, Cathy, becomes involved with him. When a neighbor is brutally murdered, she fears for her own safety.
Strange events begin to occur in her home; a trash can is set ablaze, a snake appears in the toilet, and even concrete is found in her water line. With all the evidence, it spells trouble for her life. With her bets placed on Steve, she becomes even more critical and outspoken in her judgement.
It is not always as it seems. This is a fast read, even though the title and the cover are a perfect alignment for me...it was lacking depth and could be less predictable.
Thank you NetGalley for this title in exchange for my honest review.
When a new neighbor, Steve, moves in, she fills her time snooping and passing judgement on him. Either he is too loud and/or shady for this neighborhood. It soon becomes a snowball effect from all especially when June's daughter, Cathy, becomes involved with him. When a neighbor is brutally murdered, she fears for her own safety.
Strange events begin to occur in her home; a trash can is set ablaze, a snake appears in the toilet, and even concrete is found in her water line. With all the evidence, it spells trouble for her life. With her bets placed on Steve, she becomes even more critical and outspoken in her judgement.
It is not always as it seems. This is a fast read, even though the title and the cover are a perfect alignment for me...it was lacking depth and could be less predictable.
Thank you NetGalley for this title in exchange for my honest review.
January 10, 2022
I was so bored during this predicable whodunnit. I didn’t care about the characters or their numerous neighborhood troubles. Not much more to say..big flop.
June loves her neighborhood, her practically adult children, the garden she’s put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into. Her neighbors are sweet and respectful. That all changes when the rebellious new guy moves in across the street.
This stranger is the neighbor from hell. He’s loud, messy, and is causing a wedge between June and her daughter Cathy. Then weird things start happening: car fire, snake in the toilet, concrete in the plumbing. Who could be behind this?
It’s not until a neighbor is murdered June really panics. Someone is going to great lengths to scare her and now with her neighbor being deceased, June wonders is she and her kids next?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June loves her neighborhood, her practically adult children, the garden she’s put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into. Her neighbors are sweet and respectful. That all changes when the rebellious new guy moves in across the street.
This stranger is the neighbor from hell. He’s loud, messy, and is causing a wedge between June and her daughter Cathy. Then weird things start happening: car fire, snake in the toilet, concrete in the plumbing. Who could be behind this?
It’s not until a neighbor is murdered June really panics. Someone is going to great lengths to scare her and now with her neighbor being deceased, June wonders is she and her kids next?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2022
Thanks to Zooloo's Book Tours for the ebook and my spot on the blog tour.
This was a satisfying read in many ways. A domestic thriller that was a quick read, a strong contender for an introduction to the genre.
The characters weren't all that endearing though, and I did have frustrations against the main character June and her children. Or more so, their treatment of her. But when I see characters who are treated like doormats, I wonder if thats the author's intention? June is just a content woman trying to enjoy her life in her neighbourhood, like most of us! Surely we can identify we that? Keep quiet for an easy life?
The ending was a solid one and has made me interested to read more from the author.
This was a satisfying read in many ways. A domestic thriller that was a quick read, a strong contender for an introduction to the genre.
The characters weren't all that endearing though, and I did have frustrations against the main character June and her children. Or more so, their treatment of her. But when I see characters who are treated like doormats, I wonder if thats the author's intention? June is just a content woman trying to enjoy her life in her neighbourhood, like most of us! Surely we can identify we that? Keep quiet for an easy life?
The ending was a solid one and has made me interested to read more from the author.
February 8, 2022
This beautiful cover, with its eerie vibe, grabbed my attention the minute I saw it.
Book Blurb
It’s a beautiful place to live. Or die. June is very happy in her home. It’s where she raised her two kids – now college age – and every room is filled with memories, some beautiful, some painful. She loves the garden she has worked so hard to create. She likes her neighbours in this pleasant, leafy suburb. But lately, something has changed. There’s the new guy across the street. He seems rough, possibly criminal. And he’s been taking a definite interest in June’s rebellious daughter, Cathy. And there’s June’s son, Sam. He’s always been open and friendly but recently he’s been sullen and secretive. Even more disturbing, June’s cheating ex-husband suddenly seems to be everywhere. It’s almost as if he’s stalking her. Then, when someone she knows is murdered, June begins to understand that all these different things are connected. And as she investigates further, she realises that she herself is in terrible danger. Because someone out there wants June gone. Permanently.
June divorces her husband after he has an affair with her best friend. What a scumbag! Then she gets a new neighbor. Steve is one of those neighbors that no neighborhood wants. This guy is scary. The story has some exciting elements and was interesting, but predictable.
Book Blurb
It’s a beautiful place to live. Or die. June is very happy in her home. It’s where she raised her two kids – now college age – and every room is filled with memories, some beautiful, some painful. She loves the garden she has worked so hard to create. She likes her neighbours in this pleasant, leafy suburb. But lately, something has changed. There’s the new guy across the street. He seems rough, possibly criminal. And he’s been taking a definite interest in June’s rebellious daughter, Cathy. And there’s June’s son, Sam. He’s always been open and friendly but recently he’s been sullen and secretive. Even more disturbing, June’s cheating ex-husband suddenly seems to be everywhere. It’s almost as if he’s stalking her. Then, when someone she knows is murdered, June begins to understand that all these different things are connected. And as she investigates further, she realises that she herself is in terrible danger. Because someone out there wants June gone. Permanently.
June divorces her husband after he has an affair with her best friend. What a scumbag! Then she gets a new neighbor. Steve is one of those neighbors that no neighborhood wants. This guy is scary. The story has some exciting elements and was interesting, but predictable.
February 12, 2022
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.
The Perfect Home is a suspenseful read about June Sweeney who lives a nice, quiet life tucked away in her cul-de-sac with her two college age children, Sam and Cathy. When a new neighbour pulls up one evening, June is concerned - he doesn't seem like the polite, quiet people she's neighbours with. And he seems to have turned his eyes toward her daughter. June gets angry when the cul-de-sac is clogged up with cars that are being worked on at his house and when her and her other neighbours confront him, things turn for the worse! When one of her neighbours is murdered in cold blood, June starts to panic - is she next?!
This wasn't as gripping as I had hoped it would be and I found non of the characters particularly likeable. Hunes children were very disrespectful towards June and her ex husband was disgraceful! Not really a great read for me unfortunately, but there are some good little twists.
The Perfect Home is a suspenseful read about June Sweeney who lives a nice, quiet life tucked away in her cul-de-sac with her two college age children, Sam and Cathy. When a new neighbour pulls up one evening, June is concerned - he doesn't seem like the polite, quiet people she's neighbours with. And he seems to have turned his eyes toward her daughter. June gets angry when the cul-de-sac is clogged up with cars that are being worked on at his house and when her and her other neighbours confront him, things turn for the worse! When one of her neighbours is murdered in cold blood, June starts to panic - is she next?!
This wasn't as gripping as I had hoped it would be and I found non of the characters particularly likeable. Hunes children were very disrespectful towards June and her ex husband was disgraceful! Not really a great read for me unfortunately, but there are some good little twists.
January 30, 2022
On the outside, I was excited to have the opportunity to read this book, but, like a certain housing estate, things aren’t as they seem on the surface.
June, a single mother of two annoying teenagers, and possessed of an ex-husband with no boundaries, however owner of a great garden, which gives ample opportunities to scope out the street/obtain gossip, is perturbed by the new arrival in the street, a guy who doesn’t obviously fit in. Then: domestic drama, neighbour murdered, speculation and danger, yada yada yada, end.
I had zero empathy and relationship to the main character, despite being of an age with her. The book, voiced entirely by June’s words/thoughts/observations was a very slow burn, eventually got interesting in the final 10%, but it’s testament to my tenacity that I got that far. After all, I walked out on the movie Memoria last week because: tedious.
Initially, I found the writing confusing, and it took me a while to settle into scene - for example, June is referred to by her kids variously as Mum/Mom/before finally settling into Mam. I got some soccer/football confusion, likewise the pickup truck, which I associate with the USA. Finally, not sure why she wasn’t fired from her job for accessing confidential information AND telling it to a third party. Surely that’s a big no in any country.
In theory: perhaps for other people, but not for me. And if June moves next to me, I’m getting savage dogs and a heap of old cars to fix.
With thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for a preview.
June, a single mother of two annoying teenagers, and possessed of an ex-husband with no boundaries, however owner of a great garden, which gives ample opportunities to scope out the street/obtain gossip, is perturbed by the new arrival in the street, a guy who doesn’t obviously fit in. Then: domestic drama, neighbour murdered, speculation and danger, yada yada yada, end.
I had zero empathy and relationship to the main character, despite being of an age with her. The book, voiced entirely by June’s words/thoughts/observations was a very slow burn, eventually got interesting in the final 10%, but it’s testament to my tenacity that I got that far. After all, I walked out on the movie Memoria last week because: tedious.
Initially, I found the writing confusing, and it took me a while to settle into scene - for example, June is referred to by her kids variously as Mum/Mom/before finally settling into Mam. I got some soccer/football confusion, likewise the pickup truck, which I associate with the USA. Finally, not sure why she wasn’t fired from her job for accessing confidential information AND telling it to a third party. Surely that’s a big no in any country.
In theory: perhaps for other people, but not for me. And if June moves next to me, I’m getting savage dogs and a heap of old cars to fix.
With thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for a preview.
January 14, 2022
June is put off when numerous weird incidents start happening – the garbage bins being set on fire, a snake loose in her house, and her car alarm going off. However, everything escalates when her neighbour is murdered, and June realizes these incidents are all connected.
The synopsis and the cover lead you to believe this will be a great psychological thriller, but it is entirely disappointing. Why? First off, I was very put off by the authors writing immediately. The flow is strange, and there are random paragraphs included that have nothing to do with anything. Whenever I read, I see what’s happening like a movie, but I was unable to do that with this book because the writing was so off. Now I pushed through because I really wanted to know what the big twist was, but guess what? There is absolutely no twist, and the book literally tells you who is doing everything. This book also rips off the plot from “When No One Is Watching”.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The synopsis and the cover lead you to believe this will be a great psychological thriller, but it is entirely disappointing. Why? First off, I was very put off by the authors writing immediately. The flow is strange, and there are random paragraphs included that have nothing to do with anything. Whenever I read, I see what’s happening like a movie, but I was unable to do that with this book because the writing was so off. Now I pushed through because I really wanted to know what the big twist was, but guess what? There is absolutely no twist, and the book literally tells you who is doing everything. This book also rips off the plot from “When No One Is Watching”.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 10, 2023
June Sweeney a social worker lives in a quiet cul-de-sac with her daughter Cathy and son Sam. June is very happy in the home where she raised her two children and loves to potter about in the garden that she created.
A new neighbour moves in, Steve is a bit rough around the edges and works on repairing cars on his driveway with blaring music playing. He has also got his eye on Cathy and wants her to babysit for his two daughters.
Soon June's quiet life is turned upside down. Steve's moving into her neighbourhood has a domino effect on her life as strange events begin to occur, her bin on fire, a snake in her house and someone she knows is murdered!!
As June starts to investigate she realises that she is in terrible danger.
A quick easy read that had a good twist at the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
A new neighbour moves in, Steve is a bit rough around the edges and works on repairing cars on his driveway with blaring music playing. He has also got his eye on Cathy and wants her to babysit for his two daughters.
Soon June's quiet life is turned upside down. Steve's moving into her neighbourhood has a domino effect on her life as strange events begin to occur, her bin on fire, a snake in her house and someone she knows is murdered!!
As June starts to investigate she realises that she is in terrible danger.
A quick easy read that had a good twist at the end.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2022
Ok, this book literally highlighted my every fear.
How traumatizing would it be if you did not feel safe in your own home/neighborhood? What if you felt like you could not trust the people you should trust with your life, your family?
The Perfect Home, is an immense psychological thriller that will have you questioning pretty much everyone and everything . To say that I lived in a bubble of psychological fear throughout the entire book would be an understatement. I felt the paranoia that was taking place.
If you enjoy a suspenseful thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat, The Perfect Home, is definitely for you. Kevin Lynch, knocked this one out of the park. You will not be disappointed .
How traumatizing would it be if you did not feel safe in your own home/neighborhood? What if you felt like you could not trust the people you should trust with your life, your family?
The Perfect Home, is an immense psychological thriller that will have you questioning pretty much everyone and everything . To say that I lived in a bubble of psychological fear throughout the entire book would be an understatement. I felt the paranoia that was taking place.
If you enjoy a suspenseful thriller that will keep you at the edge of your seat, The Perfect Home, is definitely for you. Kevin Lynch, knocked this one out of the park. You will not be disappointed .
January 8, 2022
“Something sinister had come into our lives and was gutting us from the inside out.”
Nightmare neighbours, we’ve all got them. Just ask June Sweeney.
The thing with neighbours is, like Fred and Paul, they can be worth their weight in gold, or they can be your worst enemy. When Steve Murray moves into the neighbourhood, he ruffles the feathers of the long time residents who aren’t used to noise and untidy properties. The feuding starts immediately and gradually crescendos to a murder. June, tired and feeling besieged, has had enough and considers moving out, knowing that this will probably make Steve happy. The relentless retribution has contributed to her feeling a loss of control of her neatly curated life. Can the neighbours get Steve to move out, or will he be the one to make them move?
I loved this psychological thriller! I had previously enjoyed ‘Somebody Out There,’ and was hoping Lynch would write another book as I love this writing style. Like his previous book, he writes to show how each member of a family reacts to an event. When Steve Murray moves in two doors down it causes tension throughout the Sweeney family. Lynch has created such realistic characters and, in the case of the Sweeney family, each offer June a different way of handling her stress. His stereotypical characters and their actions had me smiling as I recognized myself in some of them. It was a good ‘fish bowl’ moment for me to see how I sometimes blow things out of proportion when I don’t see the big picture. Lynch is spot on with his presentation of challenges and the way in which we react to them. He creates a superb atmosphere and his attention to detail makes it possible for readers to enter the scene. I really did feel uneasy and wondered what else was going to happen in this quiet neighbourhood. Lynch exposes how one single person can affect many with their misplaced anger. The idea that one bad apple can poison the whole box is showcased with perfection!
A quick, easy read with twists you won’t see coming, this one isn’t as dark as his previous novel. If you are looking for a good read that won’t increase your blood pressure too much, check this one out. Lynch is quickly finding his niche and each novel is better than the one before. He masterfully writes to expose our human nature when we are brought to our knees and allows us a peek at how this can affect everyone in our sphere of influence.
I was given this advance copy by Kevin Lynch, Inkubator Books, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Nightmare neighbours, we’ve all got them. Just ask June Sweeney.
The thing with neighbours is, like Fred and Paul, they can be worth their weight in gold, or they can be your worst enemy. When Steve Murray moves into the neighbourhood, he ruffles the feathers of the long time residents who aren’t used to noise and untidy properties. The feuding starts immediately and gradually crescendos to a murder. June, tired and feeling besieged, has had enough and considers moving out, knowing that this will probably make Steve happy. The relentless retribution has contributed to her feeling a loss of control of her neatly curated life. Can the neighbours get Steve to move out, or will he be the one to make them move?
I loved this psychological thriller! I had previously enjoyed ‘Somebody Out There,’ and was hoping Lynch would write another book as I love this writing style. Like his previous book, he writes to show how each member of a family reacts to an event. When Steve Murray moves in two doors down it causes tension throughout the Sweeney family. Lynch has created such realistic characters and, in the case of the Sweeney family, each offer June a different way of handling her stress. His stereotypical characters and their actions had me smiling as I recognized myself in some of them. It was a good ‘fish bowl’ moment for me to see how I sometimes blow things out of proportion when I don’t see the big picture. Lynch is spot on with his presentation of challenges and the way in which we react to them. He creates a superb atmosphere and his attention to detail makes it possible for readers to enter the scene. I really did feel uneasy and wondered what else was going to happen in this quiet neighbourhood. Lynch exposes how one single person can affect many with their misplaced anger. The idea that one bad apple can poison the whole box is showcased with perfection!
A quick, easy read with twists you won’t see coming, this one isn’t as dark as his previous novel. If you are looking for a good read that won’t increase your blood pressure too much, check this one out. Lynch is quickly finding his niche and each novel is better than the one before. He masterfully writes to expose our human nature when we are brought to our knees and allows us a peek at how this can affect everyone in our sphere of influence.
I was given this advance copy by Kevin Lynch, Inkubator Books, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
February 3, 2022
I generally love neighbourhood thrillers. You are given a glimpse into the lives of those you think you know but really you don't and then from out of nowhere you are hit head on with a twist you very probably didn't see coming! However in this case, I could see no twist, no tension and nothing remotely interesting happening in this neighbourhood. And after an interesting presmise I was somewhat disappointed.
I was so bored throughout as far as I read in this so-called thriller. I got as far as 30% before I chucked it in and couldn't be bothered with any of them. Each character was equally unlikeable and none of them gave me an inkling to find out more about them or what they could be hiding...if anything. June is a divorced mum of two equally irritating offspring who show no respect whatsoever to their mother, instead giving her attitude and constantly talking back. And the neighbours?? Elderly Fred looked as if he was about to blow a gasket and Paul would trip over his supply of alcohol he uses to blot out the rest of the world on a daily basis because, well, his own has basically fallen apart.
And then there is Steve Murray, the new neighbour from hell, busy clogging up their normally quiet street with a deluge of cars he is tinkering with and revving on a daily basis accompanied by his very loud choice of music. Cathy, June's twenty year old know-it-all daughter, says he's just tryong to make a living and to give him a break. Her son, Sam, bounces between much of the same and it being next to impossible to study or write his assignments for uni. And then there's Nick...June's ex-husband who has now found a new job as gardener for the letting agent of the properties in their street and therefore sees it as his right to pop in for morning tea and breaks and basically whenever he chooses...regardless of the fact that it is no longer his home. Of course June is seen as the bad guy if she refuses him a spare key, but having Nick in her home and sanctuary is the last thing she wants. Basically, she's a doormat for everyone else and their wishes.
So with 30% of the book consumed I can safely say nothing happens in that time apart from the comings and goings of June to and from work, throwing together something for tea, a few words with the offspring, the new neighbour revving his engines and playing loud music with the other neighbours growing increasingly irritated by his disrespect of his neighbours and Cathy's coming and going to Nick's constantly popping in. It's more like a drop-in centre where nothing really happens except bitching about the neighbours and arguing with your adult children.
Not even the death of a neighbour swayed my waning interest in this book. Sorry, but I couldn't finish it and moved on to greener and more interesting pastures.
I would like to thank #KevinLynch, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #ThePerfectHome in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I was so bored throughout as far as I read in this so-called thriller. I got as far as 30% before I chucked it in and couldn't be bothered with any of them. Each character was equally unlikeable and none of them gave me an inkling to find out more about them or what they could be hiding...if anything. June is a divorced mum of two equally irritating offspring who show no respect whatsoever to their mother, instead giving her attitude and constantly talking back. And the neighbours?? Elderly Fred looked as if he was about to blow a gasket and Paul would trip over his supply of alcohol he uses to blot out the rest of the world on a daily basis because, well, his own has basically fallen apart.
And then there is Steve Murray, the new neighbour from hell, busy clogging up their normally quiet street with a deluge of cars he is tinkering with and revving on a daily basis accompanied by his very loud choice of music. Cathy, June's twenty year old know-it-all daughter, says he's just tryong to make a living and to give him a break. Her son, Sam, bounces between much of the same and it being next to impossible to study or write his assignments for uni. And then there's Nick...June's ex-husband who has now found a new job as gardener for the letting agent of the properties in their street and therefore sees it as his right to pop in for morning tea and breaks and basically whenever he chooses...regardless of the fact that it is no longer his home. Of course June is seen as the bad guy if she refuses him a spare key, but having Nick in her home and sanctuary is the last thing she wants. Basically, she's a doormat for everyone else and their wishes.
So with 30% of the book consumed I can safely say nothing happens in that time apart from the comings and goings of June to and from work, throwing together something for tea, a few words with the offspring, the new neighbour revving his engines and playing loud music with the other neighbours growing increasingly irritated by his disrespect of his neighbours and Cathy's coming and going to Nick's constantly popping in. It's more like a drop-in centre where nothing really happens except bitching about the neighbours and arguing with your adult children.
Not even the death of a neighbour swayed my waning interest in this book. Sorry, but I couldn't finish it and moved on to greener and more interesting pastures.
I would like to thank #KevinLynch, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #ThePerfectHome in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
February 3, 2022
June Sweeney lives in her ideal home in a quiet cul-de-sac, with her children Cathy and Sam, who are both at college. Her husband Nick moved out after she found out he was sleeping with her best friend who he is still with, but they aren’t yet divorced. She has two close neighbours, Fred is an elderly man who has become a bit of a recluse since his wife died, and Paul, an architect who now works from home to try and hide his drinking problems which lost him his practice. When a new neighbour Steve moves in it seems to lower the tone of the street. He is a mechanic and works on cars in his drive way, whilst also having more he leaves parked up on the curb. When working on the cars in his driveway, he leaves music blasting out loudly at all hours, and he also has two rather large and fierce looking dogs. June doesn’t get any good vibes from him and he seems to take a bit too much interest in her daughter, who is in her final year at college and should be focused on that. As Fred and Paul get more worked up about Steve, June tries to give him a chance and have a quiet word with the letting agent, Jim McCann about the cars blocking the way and the loud music. Steve finds out and isn’t best pleased shall we say!
Another house on the street is soon rented out to some students who go to the nearby college. June’s son Sam son starts going there most evenings and coming back stoned, which starts to affect his studies. Cathy starts babysitting for Steve’s two young daughters from his previous relationship, but ends up spending more and more time there each time. At the same time there seems to be some weird things happening around June’s house, with blockages, small acts of vandalism and more. It all culminates with the death of one of her neighbours and the Gardaí are everywhere. June is the unlucky person to find him after he sent her a text saying he had found something out and needed to speak to her. She was too late and he wasn’t able to say anything clearly, dying by the time the ambulance came! She believes Steve may know more than he does and now she has the letting agent around at all hours and getting pally with her ex-husband, and a suspicious couple coming around asking if she was interested in selling her house. Even her ex is pushing her to sell, saying he needs the money as his lease is up and he and his mistress have nowhere to go. He also seems to be round all the time with work he is doing for Jim McCann and turning both her kids against her. She should have told them the truth about why he left and maybe they wouldn’t be so eager to stick up for him now.
It seems everything and everyone is against her and she is getting scared of being in her own home alone in the evenings, wondering what will happen next. The police still haven’t arrested anyone for her neighbour’s death and she is getting to see quite a different face of both Steve and Jim, even some language which could be taken as threats against her. But she has nothing she could take to the police! When her son is suddenly arrested by the police and her daughter moves in with a much older man with a criminal past, she feels like someone is clearly trying to ruin her life, or get rid of her for their own plans to come true. The story is a bit of a slow burn, with some obvious suspects and some really bad behaviour by her ex and even her kids, that doesn’t help. June investigates as much as she can and gets some of it right and doesn’t realise until too late, quite how much danger she puts herself in. It was a bit like an episode of bad neighbours, with one party making as much of a nuisance as they could, to try and drive out someone else. It brings property prices down and leaves the rest for those who can afford it, to pick up the pieces. Someone certainly messes with June and her property, but it didn’t quite draw me completely in and was a slow read for me and didn’t fully engage me. Good effort and a decent twist at the end. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Another house on the street is soon rented out to some students who go to the nearby college. June’s son Sam son starts going there most evenings and coming back stoned, which starts to affect his studies. Cathy starts babysitting for Steve’s two young daughters from his previous relationship, but ends up spending more and more time there each time. At the same time there seems to be some weird things happening around June’s house, with blockages, small acts of vandalism and more. It all culminates with the death of one of her neighbours and the Gardaí are everywhere. June is the unlucky person to find him after he sent her a text saying he had found something out and needed to speak to her. She was too late and he wasn’t able to say anything clearly, dying by the time the ambulance came! She believes Steve may know more than he does and now she has the letting agent around at all hours and getting pally with her ex-husband, and a suspicious couple coming around asking if she was interested in selling her house. Even her ex is pushing her to sell, saying he needs the money as his lease is up and he and his mistress have nowhere to go. He also seems to be round all the time with work he is doing for Jim McCann and turning both her kids against her. She should have told them the truth about why he left and maybe they wouldn’t be so eager to stick up for him now.
It seems everything and everyone is against her and she is getting scared of being in her own home alone in the evenings, wondering what will happen next. The police still haven’t arrested anyone for her neighbour’s death and she is getting to see quite a different face of both Steve and Jim, even some language which could be taken as threats against her. But she has nothing she could take to the police! When her son is suddenly arrested by the police and her daughter moves in with a much older man with a criminal past, she feels like someone is clearly trying to ruin her life, or get rid of her for their own plans to come true. The story is a bit of a slow burn, with some obvious suspects and some really bad behaviour by her ex and even her kids, that doesn’t help. June investigates as much as she can and gets some of it right and doesn’t realise until too late, quite how much danger she puts herself in. It was a bit like an episode of bad neighbours, with one party making as much of a nuisance as they could, to try and drive out someone else. It brings property prices down and leaves the rest for those who can afford it, to pick up the pieces. Someone certainly messes with June and her property, but it didn’t quite draw me completely in and was a slow read for me and didn’t fully engage me. Good effort and a decent twist at the end. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
February 1, 2022
Thank you to Kevin Lynch, Inkubator Books and Netgalley for sending me an ARC of this book.
The Perfect Home was the first book I’ve read by Kevin Lynch. I quite enjoyed my reading. The thing I liked the most was probably Lynch’s writing. His writing style is very flowing and easy to read. I liked the storyline, it was promising, but I have to say I expected a bit more. It could have been deeper and more complex, it had a lot of potential. Overall I still really enjoyed my reading, it was a quick read and I am not against reading one of Lynch’s books again.
The Perfect Home was the first book I’ve read by Kevin Lynch. I quite enjoyed my reading. The thing I liked the most was probably Lynch’s writing. His writing style is very flowing and easy to read. I liked the storyline, it was promising, but I have to say I expected a bit more. It could have been deeper and more complex, it had a lot of potential. Overall I still really enjoyed my reading, it was a quick read and I am not against reading one of Lynch’s books again.
February 7, 2022
It’s a beautiful place to live. Or die…
June Sweeney is a divorced mother of two living in the family home in a quiet cul de sac. Life seems pretty perfect- friendly neighbours, peace and quiet after a hard day as a social worker- but that all comes to an end when Steve moves in a few doors down. Running his garage business just outside his front door and spilling out onto the street, Steve’s loud music, aggressive-sounding dogs and loud music isn’t a match for this quiet neighbourhood. When a neighbour is murdered, June quickly realises that her little piece of heaven isn’t safe and someone wants her gone…permanently.
This is the second book of Lynch’s that I have read (Somebody Out There was published last year). I liked that the book was set in Ireland once again and Lynch is clearly drawing inspiration from the little housing estates that you come across dotted around the larger cities here with the long-established neighbours having to deal with new blood moving into their area. I have read books before with similar plots but I enjoyed how Lynch let the dubious characters infiltrate June’s family and cause tension within her own home/sanctuary.
There are many unlikeable characters in this book- probably the most annoying two are not the ‘bad guys’ but June’s own children. They are self-entitled, lazy and have a serious attitude problem with their mum. Both are adults and yet act so childish throughout this book that I was constantly rolling my eyes and thinking of how my own mum would never have let me speak to her that way (Irish mammies are a strong-minded breed so June wasn’t as convincing for me in this role).
I figured out who the villain was pretty much at the beginning of the story but I enjoyed reading the book and seeing what twists, if any, Lynch would introduce. I would characterise this as a slow-burner and told from a single POV, June’s endless inner stream of questions definitely doesn’t help speed up the story. A predictable outcome with enough suspenseful elements and annoying characters to make it an enjoyable read. However, I think Lynch’s first thriller Somebody Out There was more my kind of book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June Sweeney is a divorced mother of two living in the family home in a quiet cul de sac. Life seems pretty perfect- friendly neighbours, peace and quiet after a hard day as a social worker- but that all comes to an end when Steve moves in a few doors down. Running his garage business just outside his front door and spilling out onto the street, Steve’s loud music, aggressive-sounding dogs and loud music isn’t a match for this quiet neighbourhood. When a neighbour is murdered, June quickly realises that her little piece of heaven isn’t safe and someone wants her gone…permanently.
This is the second book of Lynch’s that I have read (Somebody Out There was published last year). I liked that the book was set in Ireland once again and Lynch is clearly drawing inspiration from the little housing estates that you come across dotted around the larger cities here with the long-established neighbours having to deal with new blood moving into their area. I have read books before with similar plots but I enjoyed how Lynch let the dubious characters infiltrate June’s family and cause tension within her own home/sanctuary.
There are many unlikeable characters in this book- probably the most annoying two are not the ‘bad guys’ but June’s own children. They are self-entitled, lazy and have a serious attitude problem with their mum. Both are adults and yet act so childish throughout this book that I was constantly rolling my eyes and thinking of how my own mum would never have let me speak to her that way (Irish mammies are a strong-minded breed so June wasn’t as convincing for me in this role).
I figured out who the villain was pretty much at the beginning of the story but I enjoyed reading the book and seeing what twists, if any, Lynch would introduce. I would characterise this as a slow-burner and told from a single POV, June’s endless inner stream of questions definitely doesn’t help speed up the story. A predictable outcome with enough suspenseful elements and annoying characters to make it an enjoyable read. However, I think Lynch’s first thriller Somebody Out There was more my kind of book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2022
This one was just barely o.k. for me. June is separated from her husband and living with her two grown, spoiled, and mouthy-ass kids that I just wanted to strangle from beginning to end. A noisy neighbor moves onto the street fixing up cars and playing music and everyone gets made about it. Then June's cheating, deadbeat ex starts hanging around all of the time making things even more nonsensical. But when her neighbor is murdered, June really starts wondering what is going on and decides to play an arm-chair detective.
June was about as unlikeable as a character could be, not because of how her kids and ex and most everyone else disliked her, but because she had no spine. Her two children, Cathy and Sam, should have been thrown out to fend for themselves because they were the most disrespectful and entitled brats that I have ever had the displeasure of reading about. Then her cheating ex-husband Nick comes along wanting a key to the house so he can get a cup of tea throughout the day while he does gardening for the neighbors. I was done at this point.
Why did I finish it? I had a dentist appointment today and they were running over an hour behind.
I knew who was behind everything fairly early on and there were no real surprises. I would normally say I will forget this book within a few days, but unfortunately, the awful, selfish, spoiled characters will haunt me for a while. I cringe at the thought of ever treating my parents the way June's kids treated her, or even worse if my own adult children would have ever treated me that way. Please God I hope those awful children aren't a reflection of the author's actual home life.
*Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June was about as unlikeable as a character could be, not because of how her kids and ex and most everyone else disliked her, but because she had no spine. Her two children, Cathy and Sam, should have been thrown out to fend for themselves because they were the most disrespectful and entitled brats that I have ever had the displeasure of reading about. Then her cheating ex-husband Nick comes along wanting a key to the house so he can get a cup of tea throughout the day while he does gardening for the neighbors. I was done at this point.
Why did I finish it? I had a dentist appointment today and they were running over an hour behind.
I knew who was behind everything fairly early on and there were no real surprises. I would normally say I will forget this book within a few days, but unfortunately, the awful, selfish, spoiled characters will haunt me for a while. I cringe at the thought of ever treating my parents the way June's kids treated her, or even worse if my own adult children would have ever treated me that way. Please God I hope those awful children aren't a reflection of the author's actual home life.
*Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 16, 2022
I would have to give this 1.25 stars rounded down.
I could not wait to finish this book and not in a good way, unfortunately. The writing and descriptions were very repetitive, this was not nor physiological or thrilling, but it did seem like it was a little torturous, as it seemed to go on forever without much to say.
The storyline fell very flat, it was not 'edge of the seat', it was very slow-paced and easily guessable.
I did not enjoy this book at all, unfortunately.
I could not wait to finish this book and not in a good way, unfortunately. The writing and descriptions were very repetitive, this was not nor physiological or thrilling, but it did seem like it was a little torturous, as it seemed to go on forever without much to say.
The storyline fell very flat, it was not 'edge of the seat', it was very slow-paced and easily guessable.
I did not enjoy this book at all, unfortunately.
April 26, 2023
Thank you BookSprout for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was an interesting storyline that could have had real potential. However I don’t think it was delivered as well as it could have been. There was very little emotion from June and it made the story really bland. A little more detail into her work or the rest of her life would have been a better filler than the literal play by play for every single day.
This was an interesting storyline that could have had real potential. However I don’t think it was delivered as well as it could have been. There was very little emotion from June and it made the story really bland. A little more detail into her work or the rest of her life would have been a better filler than the literal play by play for every single day.
November 12, 2025
I did not enjoy this book. The characters were flat, and drove me crazy. I know they made stupid decisions to drive “the story†forward, but it didn't endear them to me. At times I wanted to scream over the obtuseness of the characters. I felt it was a slow read, and I just couldn't connect. I didn't feel that it was twisting or innovative, it felt very run of the mill. Not cute enough to be a cozy, and not hard enough to be called a thriller. And to say I hated the ending is an understatement, the resolution with Cathy and Steve made me angrier than all the other poor decisions combined. I'm not saying I wouldn't give this author another chance, the writing style and voice were fine. It was the story content I couldn't connect to.
*I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) through NetGalley. I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review.*
Merged review:
I did not enjoy this book. The characters were flat, and drove me crazy. I know they made stupid decisions to drive “the story†forward, but it didn't endear them to me. At times I wanted to scream over the obtuseness of the characters. I felt it was a slow read, and I just couldn't connect. I didn't feel that it was twisting or innovative, it felt very run of the mill. Not cute enough to be a cozy, and not hard enough to be called a thriller. And to say I hated the ending is an understatement, the resolution with Cathy and Steve made me angrier than all the other poor decisions combined. I'm not saying I wouldn't give this author another chance, the writing style and voice were fine. It was the story content I couldn't connect to.
*I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) through NetGalley. I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review.*
*I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) through NetGalley. I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review.*
Merged review:
I did not enjoy this book. The characters were flat, and drove me crazy. I know they made stupid decisions to drive “the story†forward, but it didn't endear them to me. At times I wanted to scream over the obtuseness of the characters. I felt it was a slow read, and I just couldn't connect. I didn't feel that it was twisting or innovative, it felt very run of the mill. Not cute enough to be a cozy, and not hard enough to be called a thriller. And to say I hated the ending is an understatement, the resolution with Cathy and Steve made me angrier than all the other poor decisions combined. I'm not saying I wouldn't give this author another chance, the writing style and voice were fine. It was the story content I couldn't connect to.
*I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) through NetGalley. I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review.*
March 29, 2022
don’t waste your time
No thank you. So predictable and slow. I want to like this book but I can’t really think of anything good.
No thank you. So predictable and slow. I want to like this book but I can’t really think of anything good.
February 8, 2022
The Perfect Home is a psychological thriller that follows June as she tries to unmask a killer and find out who is after her. June lives a perfectly good life. She has a good job, her two children who live with her in a wonderfully quiet neighborhood. All this changes with the arrival of a new neighbour, her ex-husband popping up more than expected and her children pulling away.
As time passes, we follow June as she goes about her normal routine while trying to figure out the new people on the block and their motives. The author does a good job in portraying her feelings and fear in many of the situations. I also liked how the plot line developed. It was easy to like some of the characters and dislike some of them. This is a kudos to the style of writing.
There were a few things that did not work for me. Firstly, I was not able to fully connect with June. I found her routine to be mundane and the narration was a little repetitive. Secondly, I was a little confused as to the location of the book which I figured out later. Finally, I found it hard to understand Cathy and her behaviour. It was not something that I could easily relate to.
However, putting this aside, I think the book was interesting and there was a plot twist that I did not see coming. Thus, I admit, despite the mixed feelings, I enjoyed the book and hope to read more by the author! I do recommend this for those who enjoy the genre!
As time passes, we follow June as she goes about her normal routine while trying to figure out the new people on the block and their motives. The author does a good job in portraying her feelings and fear in many of the situations. I also liked how the plot line developed. It was easy to like some of the characters and dislike some of them. This is a kudos to the style of writing.
There were a few things that did not work for me. Firstly, I was not able to fully connect with June. I found her routine to be mundane and the narration was a little repetitive. Secondly, I was a little confused as to the location of the book which I figured out later. Finally, I found it hard to understand Cathy and her behaviour. It was not something that I could easily relate to.
However, putting this aside, I think the book was interesting and there was a plot twist that I did not see coming. Thus, I admit, despite the mixed feelings, I enjoyed the book and hope to read more by the author! I do recommend this for those who enjoy the genre!
January 27, 2022
June lives contentedly in her idyllic estate, with her children, cat, and peaceful garden. She has good neighbors and a quiet street-what more can she ask for?
When a new neighbor begins renting a house, she immediately suspects Steve. He is loud, takes up lots of space with cars, and has a criminal past. As her daughter gets involved with Steve, she grows increasingly wary of him. Steve's property manager Jim McCann initially seems nice to June, but as time goes on, she can't quite figure him out.
When June's closest neighbor is brutally murdered, she knows that something is wrong with all of these changes in her neighborhood-she needs to put her finger on it.
This book was a good read, although I did struggle reading it for a bit. At first, I thought it was because of the book's pace, but then I realized that it was just uncomfortable to read watching June get gaslit by almost everyone in the story. Although, as I was wrapping up with the book, the story's pace felt very deliberate, so I am not mad about the pace.
When a new neighbor begins renting a house, she immediately suspects Steve. He is loud, takes up lots of space with cars, and has a criminal past. As her daughter gets involved with Steve, she grows increasingly wary of him. Steve's property manager Jim McCann initially seems nice to June, but as time goes on, she can't quite figure him out.
When June's closest neighbor is brutally murdered, she knows that something is wrong with all of these changes in her neighborhood-she needs to put her finger on it.
This book was a good read, although I did struggle reading it for a bit. At first, I thought it was because of the book's pace, but then I realized that it was just uncomfortable to read watching June get gaslit by almost everyone in the story. Although, as I was wrapping up with the book, the story's pace felt very deliberate, so I am not mad about the pace.
January 8, 2022
Synopsis:
When June's new neighbor moves in, it's all going downhill from there. He shows a definite interest in June's daughter, even though he's much older than her. Then, her son seems to be involved in some drug stuff, and her ex-husband is moving into the same street with the woman he cheated on June with. And when someone from the neighborhood is murdered, Cathy knows that she's the next one someone wants gone...
My opinion:
I really liked the ominous vibes of this book, and if there's neighborhood secrets, I'm in! I loved how the story was constructed and I was gripped from start to finish. I loved the characters of the book and really felt for them. The ending felt a bit rushed, but that's okay.
Parts of this book reminded me of:
- We Live Next Door by Laura Wolfe
- Somebody's Home by Kaira Rouda
This was my first book by Kevin Lynch, and it won't be my last.
I got a gifted copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When June's new neighbor moves in, it's all going downhill from there. He shows a definite interest in June's daughter, even though he's much older than her. Then, her son seems to be involved in some drug stuff, and her ex-husband is moving into the same street with the woman he cheated on June with. And when someone from the neighborhood is murdered, Cathy knows that she's the next one someone wants gone...
My opinion:
I really liked the ominous vibes of this book, and if there's neighborhood secrets, I'm in! I loved how the story was constructed and I was gripped from start to finish. I loved the characters of the book and really felt for them. The ending felt a bit rushed, but that's okay.
Parts of this book reminded me of:
- We Live Next Door by Laura Wolfe
- Somebody's Home by Kaira Rouda
This was my first book by Kevin Lynch, and it won't be my last.
I got a gifted copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2022
It started off as a slow burn, but pace soon picked up & the race was on to find out who was terrorising June. The twist was a little predictable for me & I'm so glad June gave him a chance to prove that he was worthy of her daughter's love. I think the characters deserved a little more development, as to me they all felt a little one dimensional.
Many thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
Rating 🌟🌟🌟💫
Many thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
Rating 🌟🌟🌟💫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2023
The Perfect Home is a thriller filled with nonstop action.
The Perfect Home had me guessing and second guessing at every possible turn. The novel is truly a page turner and I had a hard time putting it down until I was finished. I would highly recommend to thriller and mystery lovers.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
The Perfect Home had me guessing and second guessing at every possible turn. The novel is truly a page turner and I had a hard time putting it down until I was finished. I would highly recommend to thriller and mystery lovers.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.
February 5, 2024
A family drama and thriller, this was an enjoyable, edge-of-my-seat read. I really enjoyed this one and couldn't put it down. I will definitely be reading more books my Kevin Lynch in the future. Truly an enjoyable read.
January 29, 2022
I tried to like this book.. I really did. It was just so bland, and I unfortunately couldn’t get into it. I DNF’d it at about 10% through.
April 5, 2022
This one had few surprises and few of the characters were likeable. Most were either arrogant, disloyal, mean or up to something, possibly murder. It dragged a bit and it wasn't until near the end, that things heated up.
June loves her little cul-de-sac, her home and garden. She's divorced from her cheating husband, Nick, works hard as a social worker, and provides a home for her ungrateful young adult children. Her kids are spoiled college students, that June cuts a lot of leeway due to the divorce.
It isn't until things start to change on the cul-de-sac, and a new neighbor moves in two houses down, that June's life starts spiraling out of control. The quiet neighborhood now has a single father, who works on cars in his driveway, listens to loud music and is not concerned about disturbing his neighbors. This guy, Steve, also takes a strong interest in June's daughter, which goes over like a lead balloon. The man is older, uncouth and does not care for June or her elderly neighbors. Steve is disruptive, arrogant, noisy and does not fit in the neighborhood, nor does he care about trying to fit in.
Another man, McCann, becomes very interested in the area and immediately, it's not clear if he's friend or foe. Once an elderly neighbor, Fred, is murdered and June starts to experience strange happenings at her house, does she begin to worry in earnest. Someone wants her out of the neighborhood and will do anything, including murder if necessary to make this happen.
No one really believes June about things going bad on the block. Unfortunately, she's made out to be the bad guy and even her children turn on her. She realizes that she has to take matters into her own hands, and she's all alone in this drama, whether she survives it or not.
June loves her little cul-de-sac, her home and garden. She's divorced from her cheating husband, Nick, works hard as a social worker, and provides a home for her ungrateful young adult children. Her kids are spoiled college students, that June cuts a lot of leeway due to the divorce.
It isn't until things start to change on the cul-de-sac, and a new neighbor moves in two houses down, that June's life starts spiraling out of control. The quiet neighborhood now has a single father, who works on cars in his driveway, listens to loud music and is not concerned about disturbing his neighbors. This guy, Steve, also takes a strong interest in June's daughter, which goes over like a lead balloon. The man is older, uncouth and does not care for June or her elderly neighbors. Steve is disruptive, arrogant, noisy and does not fit in the neighborhood, nor does he care about trying to fit in.
Another man, McCann, becomes very interested in the area and immediately, it's not clear if he's friend or foe. Once an elderly neighbor, Fred, is murdered and June starts to experience strange happenings at her house, does she begin to worry in earnest. Someone wants her out of the neighborhood and will do anything, including murder if necessary to make this happen.
No one really believes June about things going bad on the block. Unfortunately, she's made out to be the bad guy and even her children turn on her. She realizes that she has to take matters into her own hands, and she's all alone in this drama, whether she survives it or not.
March 12, 2022
June lives in a quiet street with her teenaged children. She has a strained relationship with her ex but is generally happy. Until a new neighbour arrives, destroying the peace of the street. Things get even worse when another neighbour is murdered and June feels threatened in her own home...
The Perfect Home is a psychological thriller with a strong domestic edge. June's comfortable life is crushed when Steve moves into the street. He has cars everywhere and music blaring out. She is worried that her daughter seems entranced by him. Meanwhile she fears her son is smoking cannabis and her ex husband is trying to get access to the house.
I felt so angry with June's children for repeatedly taking their father's side and acting selfishly. As someone who suffers with noisy neighbours, I was wholeheatedly outraged on her behalf as Steve sweeps in and takes over the road. The book is written from June's first person perspective which is another reason why it is so easy to identify with her.
Events take a sinister turn as strange things start happening to June's house and a neighbour is murdered. The plot itself is a little predictable but it was fun to see how the author lets events unfold. I did guess how the strands would merge together for the conclusion but this did not spoil my enjoyment of the book.
The Perfect Home is a enjoyable and sinister psychological thriller and the domestic side makes the characters and situations relevant and relatable.
The Perfect Home is a psychological thriller with a strong domestic edge. June's comfortable life is crushed when Steve moves into the street. He has cars everywhere and music blaring out. She is worried that her daughter seems entranced by him. Meanwhile she fears her son is smoking cannabis and her ex husband is trying to get access to the house.
I felt so angry with June's children for repeatedly taking their father's side and acting selfishly. As someone who suffers with noisy neighbours, I was wholeheatedly outraged on her behalf as Steve sweeps in and takes over the road. The book is written from June's first person perspective which is another reason why it is so easy to identify with her.
Events take a sinister turn as strange things start happening to June's house and a neighbour is murdered. The plot itself is a little predictable but it was fun to see how the author lets events unfold. I did guess how the strands would merge together for the conclusion but this did not spoil my enjoyment of the book.
The Perfect Home is a enjoyable and sinister psychological thriller and the domestic side makes the characters and situations relevant and relatable.
February 18, 2022
June lives in an idyllic neighbourhood with her two college age children. Perfect homes, gardens and neighbours. Until Steve a new neighbour moves in down the street. He's rough, criminal and loud and definitely a neighbour from hell and he's taken an interest in June's daughter Cathy.
Her son Sam spends his days smoking weed in a house down the street and her cheating ex husband seems to be everywhere she looks. When someone she knows is murdered and strange things start happening to her she begins to realise that everything's connected. Is she going to be next?
The premise of this was so intriguing but it was not executed well. None of the characters were likeable June's children and ex husband were horrible in the way the interacted with her. June was a boring character every chapter filled with the same things of her gardening or heating up food. June was also very judgemental considering she works in social work not believing that people should get a second chance. The twists and turns weren't that shocking and I could've put this down several times but I like to read a book to the end.
I felt the ending got wrapped up too nicely and that more could've been done to make it more shocking.
Overall this was a disappointing read for me which is a shame as I feel with a few changes it could've been really good.
Her son Sam spends his days smoking weed in a house down the street and her cheating ex husband seems to be everywhere she looks. When someone she knows is murdered and strange things start happening to her she begins to realise that everything's connected. Is she going to be next?
The premise of this was so intriguing but it was not executed well. None of the characters were likeable June's children and ex husband were horrible in the way the interacted with her. June was a boring character every chapter filled with the same things of her gardening or heating up food. June was also very judgemental considering she works in social work not believing that people should get a second chance. The twists and turns weren't that shocking and I could've put this down several times but I like to read a book to the end.
I felt the ending got wrapped up too nicely and that more could've been done to make it more shocking.
Overall this was a disappointing read for me which is a shame as I feel with a few changes it could've been really good.
March 10, 2022
With a beginning that makes sure you are hooked from the start, The Perfect Home is a psychological thriller that knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat! I have to say, Inkubator Books is a publisher whose books I have a tendency to enjoy. The perfect Home by Kevin Lynch is no exception.
The story is told from the perspective of June, the main character. She is a woman who has two annoying teenagers and an ex- husband who doesn't grasp the meaning of the word 'boundaries'. She lives in a street where everyone knows everyone...until Steve Murray moves in. He upsets the balance of the neighbourhood. There is trouble on the horizon, but who could consider murder?
This is the second book by this author that I have read. I loved his first and was hoping he would publish another one as soon as he could. His short, snappy chapters keep you in reading as it becomes a 'just one more chapter'. The way he writes means he includes how every single character is affected by the ripple effect of the events we read about. The resulting story makes it so easy to get to know the characters quickly.
A story with plenty of twists and a plot that lets us get under the skin of the characters. Kevin Lynch has a talent for that, and I enjoyed this book as much as his other one. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller .
The story is told from the perspective of June, the main character. She is a woman who has two annoying teenagers and an ex- husband who doesn't grasp the meaning of the word 'boundaries'. She lives in a street where everyone knows everyone...until Steve Murray moves in. He upsets the balance of the neighbourhood. There is trouble on the horizon, but who could consider murder?
This is the second book by this author that I have read. I loved his first and was hoping he would publish another one as soon as he could. His short, snappy chapters keep you in reading as it becomes a 'just one more chapter'. The way he writes means he includes how every single character is affected by the ripple effect of the events we read about. The resulting story makes it so easy to get to know the characters quickly.
A story with plenty of twists and a plot that lets us get under the skin of the characters. Kevin Lynch has a talent for that, and I enjoyed this book as much as his other one. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller .
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