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The Perfect Witness
Then
Ten-year-old Daniel witnesses his friend being murdered by the boy’s father, and dumped in a canal.
Terrified of his friend’s father, scared he won’t be believed by the police, Daniel convinces himself that it was all a nightmare.
Now
Daniel is plagued by memories of that night.
The frightened scream.
The splash of something heavy hitting the water.
What really happened that night?
Daniel has to find out the truth. His new girlfriend, Poppy, promises to help him.
But the more questions they ask the more they dredge up.
Some things are better left hidden under the surface.
Is a deadly past destined to repeat itself?
Ten-year-old Daniel witnesses his friend being murdered by the boy’s father, and dumped in a canal.
Terrified of his friend’s father, scared he won’t be believed by the police, Daniel convinces himself that it was all a nightmare.
Now
Daniel is plagued by memories of that night.
The frightened scream.
The splash of something heavy hitting the water.
What really happened that night?
Daniel has to find out the truth. His new girlfriend, Poppy, promises to help him.
But the more questions they ask the more they dredge up.
Some things are better left hidden under the surface.
Is a deadly past destined to repeat itself?
- GenresFictionContemporary
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2022
280 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
March 24, 2022
Daniel is such an exceptional character. Not only is he dealing with the down sides of life (losing his job, gf, place he lives, etc), he is also suffering with anxiety, depression and dealing with remembering EVERY thing in his life. He seems worn down in the beginning, but by the middle of the story he was my absolute favorite. Such a trooper! His bond with Poppy is unmatched and their worlds are forever changed after that. I loved the suspense along the way, kept me reading to figure out how it was going to play out. Absolutely enjoyed this one!
This ARC was given to me from NetGalley to read and review and give my personal opinions on this book. All statements above are my own and based solely on my own opinions after reading the book.
This ARC was given to me from NetGalley to read and review and give my personal opinions on this book. All statements above are my own and based solely on my own opinions after reading the book.
March 4, 2022
Those of us approaching middle age start to feel frightened when we can remember where we put our keys or the purpose for walking into a certain room in the house. We start making notes for ourselves in fear of losing our minds! Not Daniel, the protagonist in this psychological thriller. What frightens Daniel is that he can’t forget.
Criminal investigators and the judicial system often take into account eyewitness testimony in solving crimes. Cross-examining lawyers attempt to show that it is unreliable. But what if a crime occurred and the only eye-witness was a perfect one? What if he was able to accurately recall specific events from his past - near or far? What if he couldn’t forget? That would make him the perfect witness.
You’ll read about Daniel - a boy who witnessed a crime when he was ten years old. He remembers it every day of his life. Now 19 years later, circumstances have brought him to the place where he needs to tell someone what happened that day. Alone and misunderstood for most of his life, David accidentally meets Poppy walking the canal paths who wants to be his friend and wants him to know that she believes in him. The author explores the relief that acknowledgement and validation bring to anyone who is struggling. Sometimes we don’t need a diagnosis, but rather validation and acceptance.
Poppy helps Daniel see that his brain is special and that his memories are true and correct and it does more in a few days than any single thing in his life. How ironic that Poppy has a clear understanding of what it means to forget and yet she’s the lifeline to someone who can’t forget. Although this wasn’t the nail-biting psychological thriller I was used to, nor was it the intense emotional ride that I am used to, it was still an interesting read. It made me aware of the importance of listening and validating rather than offering help and diagnosing. It also made me more committed to seeing others for who they are, not for who they appear to be. Most of all, it reminded me that we are all suffering and have within us the gift of empathy and the ability to listen. I’m glad I read this quick mystery highlighting a very real phenomenon.
I was gifted this advance copy by Susanna Beard, Joffe Books, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Criminal investigators and the judicial system often take into account eyewitness testimony in solving crimes. Cross-examining lawyers attempt to show that it is unreliable. But what if a crime occurred and the only eye-witness was a perfect one? What if he was able to accurately recall specific events from his past - near or far? What if he couldn’t forget? That would make him the perfect witness.
You’ll read about Daniel - a boy who witnessed a crime when he was ten years old. He remembers it every day of his life. Now 19 years later, circumstances have brought him to the place where he needs to tell someone what happened that day. Alone and misunderstood for most of his life, David accidentally meets Poppy walking the canal paths who wants to be his friend and wants him to know that she believes in him. The author explores the relief that acknowledgement and validation bring to anyone who is struggling. Sometimes we don’t need a diagnosis, but rather validation and acceptance.
Poppy helps Daniel see that his brain is special and that his memories are true and correct and it does more in a few days than any single thing in his life. How ironic that Poppy has a clear understanding of what it means to forget and yet she’s the lifeline to someone who can’t forget. Although this wasn’t the nail-biting psychological thriller I was used to, nor was it the intense emotional ride that I am used to, it was still an interesting read. It made me aware of the importance of listening and validating rather than offering help and diagnosing. It also made me more committed to seeing others for who they are, not for who they appear to be. Most of all, it reminded me that we are all suffering and have within us the gift of empathy and the ability to listen. I’m glad I read this quick mystery highlighting a very real phenomenon.
I was gifted this advance copy by Susanna Beard, Joffe Books, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 11, 2022
Then: Ten year old Daniel witnesses his friend being murdered by the boy's father, and dumped in the canal. Terrified of his friend's father, scared he won't be believed by the police, Daniel convinces himself it was all a nightmare.
Now: Daniel is plagued with memories of that night. The frightened scream. The splash of something heavy hitting the water, What really happed that night? Daniel has to find out the truth. His new friend, Poppy, promises to help him.
Is it really worth opening a can of worms to discover the truth? Daniel did, as he wanted the memories of that day fleshed out. His new friend, Poppy, agrees to help him, along with her rescue dog Beans. I really enjoyed this story. It was a bit different to what I usually read. Some parts in the first half of the book seemed to drag on for a bit. I liked the main characters and the bond they made along the way.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #SusannaBeard for my ARC of #ThePerfectWitness in exchange for an honest review.
Now: Daniel is plagued with memories of that night. The frightened scream. The splash of something heavy hitting the water, What really happed that night? Daniel has to find out the truth. His new friend, Poppy, promises to help him.
Is it really worth opening a can of worms to discover the truth? Daniel did, as he wanted the memories of that day fleshed out. His new friend, Poppy, agrees to help him, along with her rescue dog Beans. I really enjoyed this story. It was a bit different to what I usually read. Some parts in the first half of the book seemed to drag on for a bit. I liked the main characters and the bond they made along the way.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #SusannaBeard for my ARC of #ThePerfectWitness in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this and love the way the author writes. Will definitely be picking up more of her novels.
I felt so attached to the characters.
I felt so attached to the characters.
April 30, 2022
“Do you think your plan to find this man could be more like ... a quest to find the truth about yourself?”
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
Daniel was certainly an interesting protagonist and it was cool to see how that one traumatizing event shaped and essentially ruined his life. He not only remembered it perfectly but his mind would always replay it. I wish his investigating had more actual searching and snooping around. It felt repetitive for him to ask locals the same thing and get similar vague answers so when things were finally happening, it felt rushed. I wished the mystery was more twisted and thrilling instead of how straightforward it actually was.
I was waiting to see how Poppy and Daniel’s stories were connected, even making guesses in my head. Slight I also liked their cute friendship at the start but I wish I had a little more at the end right before the acknowledgements came ... iykyk
Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!
Daniel was certainly an interesting protagonist and it was cool to see how that one traumatizing event shaped and essentially ruined his life. He not only remembered it perfectly but his mind would always replay it. I wish his investigating had more actual searching and snooping around. It felt repetitive for him to ask locals the same thing and get similar vague answers so when things were finally happening, it felt rushed. I wished the mystery was more twisted and thrilling instead of how straightforward it actually was.
I was waiting to see how Poppy and Daniel’s stories were connected, even making guesses in my head. Slight I also liked their cute friendship at the start but I wish I had a little more at the end right before the acknowledgements came ... iykyk
August 10, 2025
Ich checke nicht in welcher Welt des ein Psychothriller is ??? Null spannend leider. Musste mich wirklich krass durchkämpfen und hatte die Hoffnung es wird am Ende nochmal krass aber nope 😃 des is maximal a Roman und selbst da find ich es persönlich nicht so gut einfach
April 5, 2022
This is the first Susanna Beard book that I’d read and once I’d got used to the writing style, a novel mix of first and third person, I loved it.
This story revolves around Daniel, a young man struggling to find his place in the world because of his unusual memory trait (he can’t forget anything he’s personally experienced) and something he’s sure he witnessed as a child. He can’t settle at his job or with a girlfriend as his memories assail him at any time and cause panic attacks.
Eventually, because of family pressures, he tries to do something about what he thinks he saw and sets off to retrace his steps to resolve the traumatic event that has shaped his life.
On the way meets Poppy, a young woman who is walking to raise money in memory of her beloved Grandmother. They strike up a friendship and together they try to get to the bottom of what Daniel thinks he saw, putting them both in danger.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and have read more of Susanna’s since.
Thank you to Joffe Books for an ARC of this book.
This story revolves around Daniel, a young man struggling to find his place in the world because of his unusual memory trait (he can’t forget anything he’s personally experienced) and something he’s sure he witnessed as a child. He can’t settle at his job or with a girlfriend as his memories assail him at any time and cause panic attacks.
Eventually, because of family pressures, he tries to do something about what he thinks he saw and sets off to retrace his steps to resolve the traumatic event that has shaped his life.
On the way meets Poppy, a young woman who is walking to raise money in memory of her beloved Grandmother. They strike up a friendship and together they try to get to the bottom of what Daniel thinks he saw, putting them both in danger.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and have read more of Susanna’s since.
Thank you to Joffe Books for an ARC of this book.
April 2, 2022
Losing your memories would feel like losing apart of yourself but what if you could remember everything that ever happened in your life so clear in your mind it was like watching a movie?! That’s what Daniel struggles with everyday since he was 10 years old. Also image at the age of 10 witnessing your friend being murdered by his father and his body being dumped in the canal. Terrified of his friends father and scared he wouldn’t be believed, Daniel tells himself it was all in his head.
Now in the present, Daniel is plagued by this memory he can’t seem shake the horrible scream of his friend and the splash of something heavy hitting the water. What really happened that night?! Daniel sets out to find out and his new found friend Poppy promises to help him find out!
Although this story is a psychological thriller, it was different than the others I’ve read. In the beginning it was a slow read and I wasn’t sure if I could finish it but it got more interesting. I love the relationship between Daniel and his sister Lauren. She accepts him as he is and through his struggles she helps him and loves him for who he is. I loved the realness of Daniel’s character. He not only deals with so much loss in the beginning (his job, his gf, and the place he lives), but also suffering with his anxiety and depression. He was so lost in the beginning but I could see the hope shining through in the middle. I also love how Poppy is so open and understanding! This was a good read.
This ARC was gifted to me from NetGalley to be read for my honest review and feedback. I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #SusannaBeard for this ARC.
Now in the present, Daniel is plagued by this memory he can’t seem shake the horrible scream of his friend and the splash of something heavy hitting the water. What really happened that night?! Daniel sets out to find out and his new found friend Poppy promises to help him find out!
Although this story is a psychological thriller, it was different than the others I’ve read. In the beginning it was a slow read and I wasn’t sure if I could finish it but it got more interesting. I love the relationship between Daniel and his sister Lauren. She accepts him as he is and through his struggles she helps him and loves him for who he is. I loved the realness of Daniel’s character. He not only deals with so much loss in the beginning (his job, his gf, and the place he lives), but also suffering with his anxiety and depression. He was so lost in the beginning but I could see the hope shining through in the middle. I also love how Poppy is so open and understanding! This was a good read.
This ARC was gifted to me from NetGalley to be read for my honest review and feedback. I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #SusannaBeard for this ARC.
March 14, 2022
If you want to read a murder story with a difference then this may be the one for you. Daniel has a rare gift of being able to remember everything in great detail in his life however this does have an effect on him personally and so when it all starts to go wrong, he realises that he needs to be actively doing something about an incident which happened almost 20 years before. This takes him on a voyage of discovery as he pushes his own personal boundaries along with getting justice for a young boy.
Quite a unique story with lots going on but one which also makes the reader think outside the box at times.
Thanks to Joffe books for the ARC to review.
Quite a unique story with lots going on but one which also makes the reader think outside the box at times.
Thanks to Joffe books for the ARC to review.
March 17, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Unfortunately after several attempts, I could not get into this book. I stopped reading around 25%. I didn't like any of the characters and wasn't willing to find out what happened to them, particularly the main character of Daniel. The writing style just wasn't for me.
Unfortunately after several attempts, I could not get into this book. I stopped reading around 25%. I didn't like any of the characters and wasn't willing to find out what happened to them, particularly the main character of Daniel. The writing style just wasn't for me.
March 5, 2022
Daniel has a gift- not that he sees it like that. For anything personal he can remember the exact day, date and time of whatever it was. Something in his past just won’t go away in his head and when his adult world falls apart he decides he has to try and find out more about what happened that day nineteen years ago and sets off walking the canals to find the “Golden Serpent”- a narrowboat and tattoo man as he thought of him at the time. Hopefully this will clear his head, take him away from people who he struggles with and from technology where he used to bury his head. Poppy loves her grandmother but is sadly losing her to Alzheimers. She works at an animal sanctuary and when her grandmother dies she decides to do a memory walk as she has seen others do for the charity.
I really enjoyed this, for me more of a crime drama than a psychological thriller. I took to both Daniel and Poppy, the characters coming across well. A very different read, one that all depends on one person and their memory from many years beforehand. Someone who has felt outcast by his “gift” and always felt different because of this and hence had little confidence or self esteem. Meeting a real friend who not only understands but is there by his side with empathy, and teaches him that his memory is special, not something to be laughed at, more admired. A touching well thought out read that had me captivated.
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
April 1, 2022
Another excellent novel from the pen (laptop?) of Susanna Beard!
Daniel loses concentration very easily; his brain is permanently in overdrive with events from the past. He can clearly recall the day his friend’s father returned home to find them on his narrowboat and went off on one; Daniel escaped but he’s convinced that Ryan’s father murdered him and dumped the body in the water. The memory is driving him mad – he has lost his job, his girlfriend, his home and he desperately wants to get his life back. At his wit’s end, he decides to walk the canal paths to see if he can track down the boat and the man who was on board all those years ago in the hope of finally finding peace – but doing so puts not only Daniel but also someone he cares about in grave danger . . .
I wasn’t quite sure where this was heading to begin with, but I totally sympathised with Daniel’s plight. We’ve all had sleepless nights when our brains continually replay something which has happened that day, but the thought of remembering the events over the past 19 years with such clarity is quite disturbing! It’s not hard to put yourself in Daniel’s shoes. The story develops into a riveting read and I was desperate to find out where it was going – and I wasn’t disappointed. This author never fails to deliver an excellent read and, in this case, there is the added bonus of learning something I wasn’t aware of before – always a good thing. A terrific read, and one which easily commands a full five stars. A fabulous addition to this authors novels. Highly recommended.
Daniel loses concentration very easily; his brain is permanently in overdrive with events from the past. He can clearly recall the day his friend’s father returned home to find them on his narrowboat and went off on one; Daniel escaped but he’s convinced that Ryan’s father murdered him and dumped the body in the water. The memory is driving him mad – he has lost his job, his girlfriend, his home and he desperately wants to get his life back. At his wit’s end, he decides to walk the canal paths to see if he can track down the boat and the man who was on board all those years ago in the hope of finally finding peace – but doing so puts not only Daniel but also someone he cares about in grave danger . . .
I wasn’t quite sure where this was heading to begin with, but I totally sympathised with Daniel’s plight. We’ve all had sleepless nights when our brains continually replay something which has happened that day, but the thought of remembering the events over the past 19 years with such clarity is quite disturbing! It’s not hard to put yourself in Daniel’s shoes. The story develops into a riveting read and I was desperate to find out where it was going – and I wasn’t disappointed. This author never fails to deliver an excellent read and, in this case, there is the added bonus of learning something I wasn’t aware of before – always a good thing. A terrific read, and one which easily commands a full five stars. A fabulous addition to this authors novels. Highly recommended.
March 9, 2022
Daniel lives in his memories and has a hard time navigating everyday life when those very detailed thoughts of something tragic that happened when he was 20 years old haunt him. He struggles trying to understand why his brain is different than everyone else’s and that most just look at him oddly as he recalls dates from his life and exactly where he was and what he was doing. After hitting rock bottom he decides to on a walking journey to see if he can find pieces of what he saw that fateful day. And so the story unfolds having him meet a quirky Poppy and her dog ( who are also on a walking journey this one for Alzheimer’s research), a few long boaters, the man he was searching for and a professor who lets him know he is not going crazy.
I enjoyed this read, a few parts at the beginning I found dragged on a bit but I enjoyed once he started his journey and Poppy came more into play . I liked how the 2 main characters were both coping with issues associated with our brains and who they function…..
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this read, a few parts at the beginning I found dragged on a bit but I enjoyed once he started his journey and Poppy came more into play . I liked how the 2 main characters were both coping with issues associated with our brains and who they function…..
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
March 17, 2022
When Daniel was 10 years old he believes he’s witnessed a murder. As he grows up he finds it difficult to cope with every day life constantly being held back by this memory. This book tells the story of Daniel’s journey to get to the root of why this particular memory is holding him back. Did he really witness this or is his mind playing tricks on him? I found myself completely engrossed in this story and felt as though I was walking right alongside Daniel. The author gives incredible descriptions and detail throughout the book. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to #netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2022
I certainly got engrossed in this story and didn't want this story to end, would certainly recommend this author.
March 15, 2022
Within a twenty-four hour span, Daniel loses his job and his girlfriend and his apartment. He has a strange medical/mental condition where he can recall personal memories perfectly. Repeatedly. Vividly. Without even wanting to. It makes life difficult. Panic attacks are regular occurrences. Sleep is not. Dealing well with other people isn't a thing that happens easily -- aside from his younger sister who also has difficulty dealing with him at times. He's a mess.
One such memory is the possible murder and disposal of a childhood friend. It has haunted him for almost twenty years and in an attempt to put his life back together and function properly, Daniel decides to revisit this memory and try to piece together what actually happened.
It's definitely a slow burn of a book. We don't find out the details of the memory until a quarter of the way through. He doesn't meet Poppy -- the girlfriend in the description -- until the 56% mark. The reader meets her before then, but it takes a while for the two to cross paths while they're walking and camping along the canal. He's doing it because that is where he last saw Ryan. She's doing it in memory of her recently deceased grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer's.
The two click with each other instantly. They tell each other everything and, much to Daniel's surprise, she doesn't shy away from him and his memories. In fact,, she wants to help him.
The cover and description states that this is a "psychological thriller." I suppose it is, in its own way. Daniel is definitely haunted by what he believes he remembers and that, on its own, is psychological. It is not, however, what I generally think of when I see "psychological thriller." I expect some sort of serial killer and/or constant danger. A bit of danger, yes. Daniel is, after all, chasing after a man believed to have killed his own child ... but nearly as constant as I was expecting.
It was a nice surprise.
I enjoyed getting to know Daniel and Poppy and Beans without the constant panic and angst and threat. They were the focus of the story and, for the most part, the memories took a back burner ... just as Daniel had always hoped that some day they would.
One such memory is the possible murder and disposal of a childhood friend. It has haunted him for almost twenty years and in an attempt to put his life back together and function properly, Daniel decides to revisit this memory and try to piece together what actually happened.
It's definitely a slow burn of a book. We don't find out the details of the memory until a quarter of the way through. He doesn't meet Poppy -- the girlfriend in the description -- until the 56% mark. The reader meets her before then, but it takes a while for the two to cross paths while they're walking and camping along the canal. He's doing it because that is where he last saw Ryan. She's doing it in memory of her recently deceased grandmother who suffered from Alzheimer's.
The two click with each other instantly. They tell each other everything and, much to Daniel's surprise, she doesn't shy away from him and his memories. In fact,, she wants to help him.
The cover and description states that this is a "psychological thriller." I suppose it is, in its own way. Daniel is definitely haunted by what he believes he remembers and that, on its own, is psychological. It is not, however, what I generally think of when I see "psychological thriller." I expect some sort of serial killer and/or constant danger. A bit of danger, yes. Daniel is, after all, chasing after a man believed to have killed his own child ... but nearly as constant as I was expecting.
It was a nice surprise.
I enjoyed getting to know Daniel and Poppy and Beans without the constant panic and angst and threat. They were the focus of the story and, for the most part, the memories took a back burner ... just as Daniel had always hoped that some day they would.
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April 1, 2022Joffe Books 99
April 11, 2022
Thank you, Joffe Books, for a gifted copy of this book for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
"The Perfect Witness" is an exciting and intriguing read based on a child witness that knows all the circumstances of a horrendous incident. It is only 20 years later that Daniel recalls the details held in his photographic memory, helping to seek justice for the victim.
Susanna Beard writes exceptionally well and creates some admirable characters. I loved Poppy, and the support and care that she shows towards Daniel are excellent, bringing a little peace in the chaos. The tense and dark atmosphere of a psychological thriller kept the pages turning for me.
The plot's twists and turns made this enjoyable, and I recommend "The Perfect Witness" to any fans of this genre or author. I will be looking out for more of this author's books in the future, and can not wait to discover what else Sarah Beard has to offer!
"The Perfect Witness" is an exciting and intriguing read based on a child witness that knows all the circumstances of a horrendous incident. It is only 20 years later that Daniel recalls the details held in his photographic memory, helping to seek justice for the victim.
Susanna Beard writes exceptionally well and creates some admirable characters. I loved Poppy, and the support and care that she shows towards Daniel are excellent, bringing a little peace in the chaos. The tense and dark atmosphere of a psychological thriller kept the pages turning for me.
The plot's twists and turns made this enjoyable, and I recommend "The Perfect Witness" to any fans of this genre or author. I will be looking out for more of this author's books in the future, and can not wait to discover what else Sarah Beard has to offer!
April 11, 2022
📚Book Review 📚
First of all I want to thank NetGalley for sending me this ARC which came out on March 30,2022.
When I first started reading this book, I couldn’t see what would come next. This book is a good combination of psychological drama and suspense. At some points of the story I got goosebumps. At another point of the book it gave me an “aww” vibe!! Sometimes the book made me sad too.
Don’t you love a book which gives you sweet, scary, and sad vibes all at once?
Daniel just lost his job, his apartment and his girlfriend. He is not like ordinary people. He has a special kind of brain where he remembers every single details of his young life to adult without missing any dates, location and how incidents happened in his life. His this special brain condition called “highly superior autobiographical memory”, which he didn’t know until he set out for an adventure by walking by the canals to figure out the horrible murder scene that he witnessed near the canals nineteen years ago was just a flashback of blurred memories of a ten-year old or it really happened.
While he was walking he encounters with Poppy, who just lost her grandma because of Alzheimer’s. She was also walking by the canals in the memory of her grandmother and to get some donations for Alzheimer’s patients. At first meeting they found comfort in each other and even though Daniel was set to walk alone to find the murderer, when Poppy offered she would also join him he didn’t decline. So they set out together in this journey.
I was scared to know if they would find the murderer or not. I was scared to know if the memory of Daniel was really true or not. I was scared to know if it’s true and they find the culprit, how would Daniel react. As the story unfold more and more, I got goosebumps. I got sad. Sometimes Daniel and Poppy’s little moments together made me root for them.
I really loved reading this book. I would recommend it to others who likes to read psychological drama with suspense. I would rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First of all I want to thank NetGalley for sending me this ARC which came out on March 30,2022.
When I first started reading this book, I couldn’t see what would come next. This book is a good combination of psychological drama and suspense. At some points of the story I got goosebumps. At another point of the book it gave me an “aww” vibe!! Sometimes the book made me sad too.
Don’t you love a book which gives you sweet, scary, and sad vibes all at once?
Daniel just lost his job, his apartment and his girlfriend. He is not like ordinary people. He has a special kind of brain where he remembers every single details of his young life to adult without missing any dates, location and how incidents happened in his life. His this special brain condition called “highly superior autobiographical memory”, which he didn’t know until he set out for an adventure by walking by the canals to figure out the horrible murder scene that he witnessed near the canals nineteen years ago was just a flashback of blurred memories of a ten-year old or it really happened.
While he was walking he encounters with Poppy, who just lost her grandma because of Alzheimer’s. She was also walking by the canals in the memory of her grandmother and to get some donations for Alzheimer’s patients. At first meeting they found comfort in each other and even though Daniel was set to walk alone to find the murderer, when Poppy offered she would also join him he didn’t decline. So they set out together in this journey.
I was scared to know if they would find the murderer or not. I was scared to know if the memory of Daniel was really true or not. I was scared to know if it’s true and they find the culprit, how would Daniel react. As the story unfold more and more, I got goosebumps. I got sad. Sometimes Daniel and Poppy’s little moments together made me root for them.
I really loved reading this book. I would recommend it to others who likes to read psychological drama with suspense. I would rate this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 18, 2022
An interesting and compelling psychological thriller where we follow the story of Daniel. I was completely engaged in Daniel’s memories. I applaud the author for the way she took to ensure the reader was able to picture the memories and the story.
Daniel is a man who is haunted by his memories. Within 24 hours he lost so much, his job, his girlfriend, his home. Struggling with mental health issues and the haunting memories of what he witnessed when he was 10 years old. The memories of his friend being murdered by the father of the friend and than dumped. Daniel can’t escape it. He lived in fear of the boy’s father, afraid no one would believe. Daniel spent years telling himself it was nothing but a nightmare, that those memories weren’t real.
Daniel seems to have HSAM; highly superior autobiographical memory, a condition where he is able to accurately recall every detail of events in his life. He meets Poppy, his new girlfriend who shows him support, understanding and encourages him to seek the truth.
The emotional rollercoaster is intense. How events or the memories a child carries throughout life can mold them as they become adults. Daniel walks a journey to right what he knows in his memories is not truly a nightmare as he tries to convince himself of but real events. I enjoyed reading as Daniel goes into his memories, the suspense behind what truly happened, watching him grow from there. The strong female characters who stand up to him and guide him.
I recommend this book to those who are into psychological thrillers that take a unique approach ..using memories.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley/Joffe Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Daniel is a man who is haunted by his memories. Within 24 hours he lost so much, his job, his girlfriend, his home. Struggling with mental health issues and the haunting memories of what he witnessed when he was 10 years old. The memories of his friend being murdered by the father of the friend and than dumped. Daniel can’t escape it. He lived in fear of the boy’s father, afraid no one would believe. Daniel spent years telling himself it was nothing but a nightmare, that those memories weren’t real.
Daniel seems to have HSAM; highly superior autobiographical memory, a condition where he is able to accurately recall every detail of events in his life. He meets Poppy, his new girlfriend who shows him support, understanding and encourages him to seek the truth.
The emotional rollercoaster is intense. How events or the memories a child carries throughout life can mold them as they become adults. Daniel walks a journey to right what he knows in his memories is not truly a nightmare as he tries to convince himself of but real events. I enjoyed reading as Daniel goes into his memories, the suspense behind what truly happened, watching him grow from there. The strong female characters who stand up to him and guide him.
I recommend this book to those who are into psychological thrillers that take a unique approach ..using memories.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley/Joffe Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2022
One event will change your life forever. Daniel has never been really good around people so he is surprised that he even has a girlfriend but that is all about to change. He has lost his job, his girlfriend has broken up with him and now he has no apartment. There is only one person that understands him Lauren has always been there for him but he is afraid to burden her with his problems. Daniel hasn't been able to move on from his childhood he knows that his friend was killed but he has tried to block it. He realises that he has nothing and that he needs to get some help before things get even worse.
He knows that he needs to find out the truth about his friend Ryan and what happened to him all those years ago. He decides to start walking the canals in the hope of finding the boat that Ryan lived on. Things don't go to plan. he is mugged but he finds a new friend.
Molly can't believe that her gran is gone she knew that it was coming but she misses her so much. She decides to do a walk in memory of her gran and to raise some money as well. Her three legged dog Beans joins her on the trip. But it isn't plain sailing either as she gets terrible blisters and needs to rest for a couple of days that is when she meets Daniel.
They find that they enjoy each other's company and once Daniel tells her why he is doing this walk she knows that she has to join him in finding the answers that he is looking for.
She believes Daniel and she hopes that he does find someone to help him with his problem she knows that he is perfectly normal.
Will they find the boat that they have been looking for? Will Daniel find out the truth about his friend Ryan?
A great read. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from Netgalley & the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
He knows that he needs to find out the truth about his friend Ryan and what happened to him all those years ago. He decides to start walking the canals in the hope of finding the boat that Ryan lived on. Things don't go to plan. he is mugged but he finds a new friend.
Molly can't believe that her gran is gone she knew that it was coming but she misses her so much. She decides to do a walk in memory of her gran and to raise some money as well. Her three legged dog Beans joins her on the trip. But it isn't plain sailing either as she gets terrible blisters and needs to rest for a couple of days that is when she meets Daniel.
They find that they enjoy each other's company and once Daniel tells her why he is doing this walk she knows that she has to join him in finding the answers that he is looking for.
She believes Daniel and she hopes that he does find someone to help him with his problem she knows that he is perfectly normal.
Will they find the boat that they have been looking for? Will Daniel find out the truth about his friend Ryan?
A great read. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from Netgalley & the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
April 3, 2022
This book is so mismarketed and mislabeled that I feel very sorry for those who expected something else. It is definitely NOT an absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller.
The beginning might be as a thriller or mystery but then it goes into regular fiction and eventually becomes a romantic novel. It is definitely not a thriller because it has very little suspense nor surprises, in the end only arriving to what most readers have figured out already. Thus the title is also super unfitting and the cover is not a good choice.
NEVERTHELESS. I started this book without remembering the synopsis and took it at a face value. It had a great start that gripped me but then the development became quite slow and made me wonder about the genre of the book. I really liked Daniel so I kept reading and would have liked to invest in him even more, to go even deeper into his head if the point of view stayed with him and was not jumping back and forth between him and Poppy's. The whole background about Poppy and her grandmother was not connecting with me, it was actually rather distracting from the main story, so I have skipped most of those chapters just to go back to Daniel. If anything Poppy should have just her own book.
What saved this book is walking along the canals. I am a bit of a hiker myself and I could just imagine the joy of having an opportunity to walk the whole summer along canals especially in the English countryside. This was the best part about the book in addition to Daniel's growth as a person and his overcoming fears that impacted him for so many years. The book was very realistic on this point and I have really enjoyed this part of it.
Thanks Netgalley for the free copy in exchange of an honest review.
The beginning might be as a thriller or mystery but then it goes into regular fiction and eventually becomes a romantic novel. It is definitely not a thriller because it has very little suspense nor surprises, in the end only arriving to what most readers have figured out already. Thus the title is also super unfitting and the cover is not a good choice.
NEVERTHELESS. I started this book without remembering the synopsis and took it at a face value. It had a great start that gripped me but then the development became quite slow and made me wonder about the genre of the book. I really liked Daniel so I kept reading and would have liked to invest in him even more, to go even deeper into his head if the point of view stayed with him and was not jumping back and forth between him and Poppy's. The whole background about Poppy and her grandmother was not connecting with me, it was actually rather distracting from the main story, so I have skipped most of those chapters just to go back to Daniel. If anything Poppy should have just her own book.
What saved this book is walking along the canals. I am a bit of a hiker myself and I could just imagine the joy of having an opportunity to walk the whole summer along canals especially in the English countryside. This was the best part about the book in addition to Daniel's growth as a person and his overcoming fears that impacted him for so many years. The book was very realistic on this point and I have really enjoyed this part of it.
Thanks Netgalley for the free copy in exchange of an honest review.
June 3, 2022
Susanna Beard skillfully explores the darker recesses of the human condition in her engrossing new psychological thriller, The Perfect Witness.
Daniel is a man who seems to have it all: a loving girlfriend, a good job and a beautiful home. But beneath the surface, Daniel is a troubled man who is still haunted by a shocking event he had witnessed twenty years ago that still plagues and terrifies him two decades on. Daniel can still hear the sound of a frightened scream and the splash of a heavy object hitting the water. He has tried his hardest, but the image of his friend being murdered by his father refuses to be erased from his psyche.
Held hostage by his memories, Daniel begins to go slowly mad and his obsession leads him to lose everything. The only way Daniel can move forward with his life is to put the past to rest and try to uncover what really happened that fateful night. As he begins to trawl England’s canals in search of the boat entrenched in his memory, is Daniel ready for what he’s about to uncover? Will he be able to draw a line under his past? Or will solving this mystery endanger the life of the only person he trusts?
Susanna Beard’s The Perfect Witness is a cleverly constructed thriller that grabs readers from the get go and keeps them on edge until the final shocking twist. Susanna Beard expertly blends tension, menace, foreboding and suspense in an addictive chiller that will keep readers turning the pages late into the night unable to put this book down.
Dark, intelligent and terrifying, Susanna Beard’s The Perfect Witness is an enjoyable thriller fans of The Girl on the Train and Before I Go to Sleep will love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Daniel is a man who seems to have it all: a loving girlfriend, a good job and a beautiful home. But beneath the surface, Daniel is a troubled man who is still haunted by a shocking event he had witnessed twenty years ago that still plagues and terrifies him two decades on. Daniel can still hear the sound of a frightened scream and the splash of a heavy object hitting the water. He has tried his hardest, but the image of his friend being murdered by his father refuses to be erased from his psyche.
Held hostage by his memories, Daniel begins to go slowly mad and his obsession leads him to lose everything. The only way Daniel can move forward with his life is to put the past to rest and try to uncover what really happened that fateful night. As he begins to trawl England’s canals in search of the boat entrenched in his memory, is Daniel ready for what he’s about to uncover? Will he be able to draw a line under his past? Or will solving this mystery endanger the life of the only person he trusts?
Susanna Beard’s The Perfect Witness is a cleverly constructed thriller that grabs readers from the get go and keeps them on edge until the final shocking twist. Susanna Beard expertly blends tension, menace, foreboding and suspense in an addictive chiller that will keep readers turning the pages late into the night unable to put this book down.
Dark, intelligent and terrifying, Susanna Beard’s The Perfect Witness is an enjoyable thriller fans of The Girl on the Train and Before I Go to Sleep will love.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 5, 2022
THE PERFECT WITNESS
by Susanna Beard
The premise was great, unfortunately this book was a bit easy to put down, and not so easy to pick back up, for me, at least.
I did finish it and was glad I did.
The beginning bothered me, but well those events had to happen or there would have been no story.
Daniel witnessed something at 10 years old that haunted him to this very day as the book tells.
He can't forget the incident, but he also can't forget anything. Daniel has the opposite of amnesia, he remembers every single thing in his life.
At 29 he decides to look into that event that happened at age 10. He wants to see if he can prevent something like that happening again.
Daniel was ok, I doubt I will remember him in a few weeks.
I preferred his girlfriend for some reason, she was just super sweet.
I don't know if the story could have been shorter, if that would have made it a better book, or if it just well it was NOT a thriller nor fast paced.
The story seemed to drag slowly along until he went back to the canals and then it picked right up.
So overall it was not a bad book, it wasn't super fast nor psychological thriller that it claims to be.
If someone wants a slower paced story with a bit of mystery, then this book would be great for them to read.
3****
This ARC was gifted to me from NetGalley to be read for my honest review and feedback. I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #SusannaBeard for this ARC.
Review on NetGalley, Goodreads, Wordpress and amazon.
April 18, 2023
After a slow start, this book becomes more and more engaging. It is almost a coming-of-age book, even though the protagonist is 29 years old! He has lived a very isolated life, by choice, due to his extremely unusual memory, which replays his past in his head in minute detail and uncontrollably. Of course, this interferes greatly with everyday living and we meet him when he is at his lowest ebb, having lost his job, his girlfriend, and his home. About half way through, the book really picks up the pace when Daniel, the main character, decides to confront his worst fearful memory and try to track down the source of the gruesome scene that plays incessantly in his mind.
How he accomplishes this, and overcomes his own obstacles, forms the crux of this great story. He meets a wonderful girl while walking the canals, who is following her own dream, but who is far more confident and upbeat than Daniel. Together they learn a lot, not only about evil in the world, but about themselves and how to face challenging trials.
Something I really appreciated was that this couple were friends and loyal companions, without any sexual overtones, although the book left their future open-ended. There was some crude language in a few of the beginning chapters and right at the climax of the story, but it was not offensively overdone and always served to indicate rage and cruelty.
All-in-all, I was pleasantly rewarded by reading this book and learning something about a rare brain condition and its far-reaching ramifications.
How he accomplishes this, and overcomes his own obstacles, forms the crux of this great story. He meets a wonderful girl while walking the canals, who is following her own dream, but who is far more confident and upbeat than Daniel. Together they learn a lot, not only about evil in the world, but about themselves and how to face challenging trials.
Something I really appreciated was that this couple were friends and loyal companions, without any sexual overtones, although the book left their future open-ended. There was some crude language in a few of the beginning chapters and right at the climax of the story, but it was not offensively overdone and always served to indicate rage and cruelty.
All-in-all, I was pleasantly rewarded by reading this book and learning something about a rare brain condition and its far-reaching ramifications.
March 21, 2022
Daniel is haunted by images from his past of a childhood friend, Ryan, being killed and disposed of by his father.. After nearly 2 decades of being plagued by these images, Daniel decides to take matters into his own hands and find out what happened to Ryan and determine if these visions were actually real. Along the way, Daniel meets some new friends, gets in some scuffles and trouble, and finds answers to questions he didn't know he had.
While this book is marketed as a thriller, I found it to be more of a coming of age love story instead. The thriller aspect of the book was the most minor plot point of all. Sure the book was spent with Daniel chasing Ryan's killer, but the heart of it was determining what type of closure he was looking for and why.
I found the book to pretty slow paced and in all honesty it was a struggle for me to get through. I found the writing to be very drawn out and repetitive and the chapter formats were tough to follow. It takes about 56% of the book for Daniel to even meet his "new girlfriend" (as phrased in the description, though it seemed instead they were just pals) and for anything to really start happening. The dialogues seemed pretty amateur which is surprising since I know the author has written many other books. The end of the book is tied up nicely.
Overall, if you are looking for a quick read, this may be good, but if you are looking for a solid thriller, this is not it.'
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and provide an honest review.
While this book is marketed as a thriller, I found it to be more of a coming of age love story instead. The thriller aspect of the book was the most minor plot point of all. Sure the book was spent with Daniel chasing Ryan's killer, but the heart of it was determining what type of closure he was looking for and why.
I found the book to pretty slow paced and in all honesty it was a struggle for me to get through. I found the writing to be very drawn out and repetitive and the chapter formats were tough to follow. It takes about 56% of the book for Daniel to even meet his "new girlfriend" (as phrased in the description, though it seemed instead they were just pals) and for anything to really start happening. The dialogues seemed pretty amateur which is surprising since I know the author has written many other books. The end of the book is tied up nicely.
Overall, if you are looking for a quick read, this may be good, but if you are looking for a solid thriller, this is not it.'
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC and provide an honest review.
March 19, 2022
The Perfect Witness by Susanna Beard was an excellent book.
When, Daniel loses his job and his girlfriend and now his apartment. What else can go wrong in his life?
Now he is plagued with memories of when he was just ten years old, he witnessed his close friend being murdered by his friends father and then dumped in the canal. He was scared, if he told anyone including the local Police they would not believe him!.....So this stays with him a secret that is buried deep in his memory forever.
Now, all grown up, every time Daniel closes his eyes the memory resurfaces.........A sound of a slash of water when something heavy hits it, iThis sound always wakes him up..........
Is it a dream?
or
Did it really happen all those years ago?
If I say something now......will people believe me......But Daniel is an adult now?!
Daniel has to find out the truth on what happened to his friend all those years ago! But How?
But, Some things are better left hidden deep in your memory and not to be .opened!
Is Daniel safe as he starts to open his deepest memories of when he was just a young lad!
Wow, this book was excellent and had lots of twists and turns throughout that will have you hooked from the beginning till the end of this new book by Susanne.
I highly recommend this book! Excellent!
Big thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Susanna Beard for my ARC of The Perfect Witness in exchange for an honest review
When, Daniel loses his job and his girlfriend and now his apartment. What else can go wrong in his life?
Now he is plagued with memories of when he was just ten years old, he witnessed his close friend being murdered by his friends father and then dumped in the canal. He was scared, if he told anyone including the local Police they would not believe him!.....So this stays with him a secret that is buried deep in his memory forever.
Now, all grown up, every time Daniel closes his eyes the memory resurfaces.........A sound of a slash of water when something heavy hits it, iThis sound always wakes him up..........
Is it a dream?
or
Did it really happen all those years ago?
If I say something now......will people believe me......But Daniel is an adult now?!
Daniel has to find out the truth on what happened to his friend all those years ago! But How?
But, Some things are better left hidden deep in your memory and not to be .opened!
Is Daniel safe as he starts to open his deepest memories of when he was just a young lad!
Wow, this book was excellent and had lots of twists and turns throughout that will have you hooked from the beginning till the end of this new book by Susanne.
I highly recommend this book! Excellent!
Big thank you to NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Susanna Beard for my ARC of The Perfect Witness in exchange for an honest review
May 10, 2022
The Perfect Witness is the story of Daniel who has an excellent memory but is struggling with life in general. He's lost his job, lost his apartment, also lost his girlfriend. Everything he is experiencing now has to do with what he witnessed as a 10 year old. Finally getting the courage to go to the police to report what he saw, they don't take him seriously.
Poppy meets Daniel walking the canal paths and would like to be his friend. As they get to know one another he shares what he saw with her and she believes him. This is the turning point for Daniel. He has finally found someone that believes in him. Poppy helps Daniel see that his brain is special and encourages him, something that has been lacking in the past.
Daniel and Poppy decide to search for the man he remembers. Poppy falls and loses her memory for a bit. This only helps her to appreciate her grandmother's illness with an understanding most people lack. As they search for the man from Daniel's memory things become more dangerous for them both.
The story dragged a bit for me at the beginning. I was getting annoyed at the pity party Daniel was having. But the story turned itself around and became more interesting once he met Poppy. This was a fast read and worth it as the story unfolds.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Poppy meets Daniel walking the canal paths and would like to be his friend. As they get to know one another he shares what he saw with her and she believes him. This is the turning point for Daniel. He has finally found someone that believes in him. Poppy helps Daniel see that his brain is special and encourages him, something that has been lacking in the past.
Daniel and Poppy decide to search for the man he remembers. Poppy falls and loses her memory for a bit. This only helps her to appreciate her grandmother's illness with an understanding most people lack. As they search for the man from Daniel's memory things become more dangerous for them both.
The story dragged a bit for me at the beginning. I was getting annoyed at the pity party Daniel was having. But the story turned itself around and became more interesting once he met Poppy. This was a fast read and worth it as the story unfolds.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
September 5, 2022
Arrrrrh.... I SO badly wanted to love this book. It had so much going for it.
Great bold cover ✔
Great premise ✔
Original storyline ✔
BUT for some reason I found this was a book that was easy to keep putting down but took some effort to keep picking up again.
At the age of 10 Daniel witnessed a horrific event, something that will then haunt him for the years to come, more so because he has what other could call a gift but for him it is a curse, he remembers EVERYTHING. Everything that has happened in his life in every full colour detail.
At the age of 29 Daniel decides it's time to confront what is haunting him and look further into what he witnessed as a child.
Now, whilst i didn't love the book I didn't hate it. Personally I think its marketed wrong as a thriller it's more of a coming of age love story that's more about facing fears and accepting yourself for who you are than a psychological thriller.
In my honest opinion, I think it should have been shorter. Without the drawn out and repetitive sections it would have had more pace to ot as it was quite slow paced alot of the time which made it hard going. It didnt really seem to be getting anywhere until over 50% by which point I was considering giving up entirely.
I'm glad I finished but I can't say it's one I'd recommend on to others.
2.5*
With thanks to netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC.
Great bold cover ✔
Great premise ✔
Original storyline ✔
BUT for some reason I found this was a book that was easy to keep putting down but took some effort to keep picking up again.
At the age of 10 Daniel witnessed a horrific event, something that will then haunt him for the years to come, more so because he has what other could call a gift but for him it is a curse, he remembers EVERYTHING. Everything that has happened in his life in every full colour detail.
At the age of 29 Daniel decides it's time to confront what is haunting him and look further into what he witnessed as a child.
Now, whilst i didn't love the book I didn't hate it. Personally I think its marketed wrong as a thriller it's more of a coming of age love story that's more about facing fears and accepting yourself for who you are than a psychological thriller.
In my honest opinion, I think it should have been shorter. Without the drawn out and repetitive sections it would have had more pace to ot as it was quite slow paced alot of the time which made it hard going. It didnt really seem to be getting anywhere until over 50% by which point I was considering giving up entirely.
I'm glad I finished but I can't say it's one I'd recommend on to others.
2.5*
With thanks to netgalley and Joffe Books for the ARC.
April 3, 2022
Daniel had the perfect life: a beautiful girlfriend, a great job, a lovely home.
But twenty years ago he witnessed something he never should have seen. And now he’s plagued by memories of that night.
The frightened scream.
The splash of something heavy hitting the water.
His friend being murdered by his father.
It returns again and again and it’s driving him slowly mad. Now he’s lost his girlfriend, his job and his flat.
To get his life back on track, he needs to find out what really happened that night.
Daniel decides to walk the canals of England, to look for the boat he thinks he saw. But what he finds out will put the one person he trusts in danger.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own hone\st voluntary review.
But twenty years ago he witnessed something he never should have seen. And now he’s plagued by memories of that night.
The frightened scream.
The splash of something heavy hitting the water.
His friend being murdered by his father.
It returns again and again and it’s driving him slowly mad. Now he’s lost his girlfriend, his job and his flat.
To get his life back on track, he needs to find out what really happened that night.
Daniel decides to walk the canals of England, to look for the boat he thinks he saw. But what he finds out will put the one person he trusts in danger.
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own hone\st voluntary review.
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