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The Perfect House
They’ve finally found their forever home. So why is it tearing them apart?
A fresh start
Ellie knows she has found her dream home – number six Moss Lane. The place she and Tom can settle down, raise their new baby and start again.
A dark secret
But why do their new neighbours think they’re so brave for moving in? Why are Ellie’s keys never where she left them? And why can Ellie hear strange noises in the night that Tom can’t?
A living nightmare
Suddenly their dream house no longer feels so perfect and when Ellie learns the truth about number six’s dark past, a truth that Tom has been keeping secret from her, she no longer knows who she can trust.
Has their perfect home become her worst nightmare?
A gripping new psychological thriller that you won’t be able to put down and will have your heart racing! Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Jackie Kabler.
A fresh start
Ellie knows she has found her dream home – number six Moss Lane. The place she and Tom can settle down, raise their new baby and start again.
A dark secret
But why do their new neighbours think they’re so brave for moving in? Why are Ellie’s keys never where she left them? And why can Ellie hear strange noises in the night that Tom can’t?
A living nightmare
Suddenly their dream house no longer feels so perfect and when Ellie learns the truth about number six’s dark past, a truth that Tom has been keeping secret from her, she no longer knows who she can trust.
Has their perfect home become her worst nightmare?
A gripping new psychological thriller that you won’t be able to put down and will have your heart racing! Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Jackie Kabler.
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2021
78 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 16, 2021
As I always say I love a tale about houses, and this ticked all the boxes when looking at the blurb….a couple moving to a posh secluded street via an auction and a price way below the norm for the area, odd neighbours and unexpected happenings when they move into the house….what can be better than that in a book 😎
The house has a past, not so nice secrets, mysterious and secretive former owners and with the new owners having secrets of their own Ellie wonders if everything that is now happening is linked, could her past she has tried so hard to ‘get over’ be back?
Well written, tense, moves fairly quickly and a good ending made this a worthwhile and enjoyable read
8/10
4 Stars
The house has a past, not so nice secrets, mysterious and secretive former owners and with the new owners having secrets of their own Ellie wonders if everything that is now happening is linked, could her past she has tried so hard to ‘get over’ be back?
Well written, tense, moves fairly quickly and a good ending made this a worthwhile and enjoyable read
8/10
4 Stars
September 17, 2021
Ellie knows she has found her dream home - 6 Moss Lane. The place she and Tom can settle down. raise their new baby and start again. But why do their neighbours think they are brave for moving in? Why are Ellie's keys never where she left them? And why can Ellie hear strange noises in the night that Tom can't? Has their perfect home became their worst nightmare?
I was pulled into this story from the beginning. I needed to know what the history/mystery was surrounding the house. The neighbours were an intriguing bunch. Although I have read books with similar plotlines, there was just something different about this one. The pace is fast in this quick read. I will look out for this author in future.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQDigital and the author #RPBolton for my ARC of #ThePerfectHouse in exchange for an honest review.
I was pulled into this story from the beginning. I needed to know what the history/mystery was surrounding the house. The neighbours were an intriguing bunch. Although I have read books with similar plotlines, there was just something different about this one. The pace is fast in this quick read. I will look out for this author in future.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQDigital and the author #RPBolton for my ARC of #ThePerfectHouse in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2021
6 Moss Lane is the dream home for Tom Hartley and Ellie Wight and they have just moved in. But when strange things keep happening, Ellie discovers that their wonderful home has a secret past.
Although this tale has a well-worn premise I still found it to be engrossing and tense in parts. I adore novels that feature spooky houses, though I have to pick my moments for reading them! The characters had depth, it was well-written and I enjoyed the clever plot twists. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my own request from HQ Digital via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Although this tale has a well-worn premise I still found it to be engrossing and tense in parts. I adore novels that feature spooky houses, though I have to pick my moments for reading them! The characters had depth, it was well-written and I enjoyed the clever plot twists. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my own request from HQ Digital via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 6, 2021
As if moving into a new house is not stressful enough, Ellie needs to deal with having a baby at the same time. Not to forget, she sometimes hears a woman singing inside her own house. Also, the woman seems to be following Ellie everywhere. Is she going crazy? Is it trauma? Shock? Or the house is haunted??
📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
As I was straining my eyes trying to steal some time reading this novel, chasing my work dateline and get some quality sleep, I found the book enjoyable. Honestly, I would love to read more books from this author.
Thank you to the author, publishers and everyone involved in creating this book. I appreciate the hard work 😊❤️📖
📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖📖
As I was straining my eyes trying to steal some time reading this novel, chasing my work dateline and get some quality sleep, I found the book enjoyable. Honestly, I would love to read more books from this author.
Thank you to the author, publishers and everyone involved in creating this book. I appreciate the hard work 😊❤️📖
October 16, 2021
Ellie and Tom find the perfect home to start their new family. When strange things start to happen, Ellie discovers the tragic history that took place there. Can she uncover the mysteries of the house without her loved ones thinking she is losing her mind?
A well written book with some really clever plot twists. I enjoyed this book and I liked the depth of the characters which made them easy to believe in. The writing style is easy to read and keeps you turning the pages. It earns every one of the 5 stars I have given it
A well written book with some really clever plot twists. I enjoyed this book and I liked the depth of the characters which made them easy to believe in. The writing style is easy to read and keeps you turning the pages. It earns every one of the 5 stars I have given it
September 29, 2021
The reason why I thought this was an average read is because I don’t think the idea was very original. In my opinion, it was not as thrilling as I was anticipating and it did not grip me as the plot developed.
Don’t get me wrong: I was completely unprepared for the plot direction but, once I had settled, I felt like it dragged and there was not enough action. The narrative moves from present day to when Ellie was a student at university. Over the story, readers gradually learn what happened to Ellie’s best friend, Mia, and how Ellie is still haunted by such events. With moving home and a new baby, Ellie is struggling to adapt to these significant changes in her life; being reminded of Mia just makes things worse for her.
I struggled to like Ellie’s character. I thought she was rather weak and insipid, making frustrating errors. In my opinion, she was quite whiney and did not seem to pull herself together! I certainly sympathised with her circumstances as a new mum and in a new home; I could recognise several struggles that she faced. The way the writer portrays Ellie’s difficulties definitely reminded myself of being a new mum! From sleep deprivation, constant mess and the hormonal confusion, this description of fresh motherhood was very relatable. However, I thought Ellie could have toughened herself up, especially considering the strain she puts upon her husband.
That being said, I think Ellie’s actions are a gentle acknowledgement of the fragility of our own mental health. This is a theme that underpins the narrative and, whilst I may have been frustrated by Ellie, her character does reinforce the importance of mental well-being. Ellie is undoubtedly feeling isolated and I did feel sorry for her with the fact she believed she had no one to confide in.
There is a lot of atmosphere in this story and it did give me the chills! I was unprepared for the paranormal theme and Bolton definitely creates a spine-tingling mood, particularly with the use of shadows and sounds. As Ellie cannot explain what is going on around her and with her husband doubting Ellie’s actions, the story becomes more erratic as Ellie becomes more frantic. The climax of the story was quite intense and I was pleased to see answers finally coming to the story.
All in all, this was alright for a thriller. There’s a bit of mystery and paranormal thrown in to the plot as well and I like the concept of exploring previous house occupants. However, I don’t think Bolton quite hit the original narrative and this read did echo similar books I have encountered in the past.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Don’t get me wrong: I was completely unprepared for the plot direction but, once I had settled, I felt like it dragged and there was not enough action. The narrative moves from present day to when Ellie was a student at university. Over the story, readers gradually learn what happened to Ellie’s best friend, Mia, and how Ellie is still haunted by such events. With moving home and a new baby, Ellie is struggling to adapt to these significant changes in her life; being reminded of Mia just makes things worse for her.
I struggled to like Ellie’s character. I thought she was rather weak and insipid, making frustrating errors. In my opinion, she was quite whiney and did not seem to pull herself together! I certainly sympathised with her circumstances as a new mum and in a new home; I could recognise several struggles that she faced. The way the writer portrays Ellie’s difficulties definitely reminded myself of being a new mum! From sleep deprivation, constant mess and the hormonal confusion, this description of fresh motherhood was very relatable. However, I thought Ellie could have toughened herself up, especially considering the strain she puts upon her husband.
That being said, I think Ellie’s actions are a gentle acknowledgement of the fragility of our own mental health. This is a theme that underpins the narrative and, whilst I may have been frustrated by Ellie, her character does reinforce the importance of mental well-being. Ellie is undoubtedly feeling isolated and I did feel sorry for her with the fact she believed she had no one to confide in.
There is a lot of atmosphere in this story and it did give me the chills! I was unprepared for the paranormal theme and Bolton definitely creates a spine-tingling mood, particularly with the use of shadows and sounds. As Ellie cannot explain what is going on around her and with her husband doubting Ellie’s actions, the story becomes more erratic as Ellie becomes more frantic. The climax of the story was quite intense and I was pleased to see answers finally coming to the story.
All in all, this was alright for a thriller. There’s a bit of mystery and paranormal thrown in to the plot as well and I like the concept of exploring previous house occupants. However, I don’t think Bolton quite hit the original narrative and this read did echo similar books I have encountered in the past.
With thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2021
This was a bit of a slow burn of a read but saying that it was one that I quite enjoyed. Maybe a little to slow paced and for me I would have preferred it to be a faster pace read.
August 29, 2021
I read this book in a couple of days, it's ok, and I can say that I enjoyed it. I am someone who has read many (too many) psychological thrillers; therefore I found this plot a bit familiar. Things like woman who has baby and starts to see and hear things has been done before, moving to a new house, dead friend ditto, husband who is behaving erratically, ditto. Having said that it's ok, it doesn't have the major twists other thrillers have, but in a way it's different from other thrillers in ways I can't reveal without spoiling it. It's good because the characters are quite interesting, it's a story well told, even if it's not your usual thriller.
Ellie and Tom get a house at an action just before the birth of their baby. After moving in Ellie finds out that the previous owner Mary had died in the house. There is nothing particularly strange about someone dying in a house. But then Ellie finds out more disturbing facts, and she has more strange episodes. Things can only get worse.
I was given an advance copy by NetGalley and HQ in exchange for an honest review.
Ellie and Tom get a house at an action just before the birth of their baby. After moving in Ellie finds out that the previous owner Mary had died in the house. There is nothing particularly strange about someone dying in a house. But then Ellie finds out more disturbing facts, and she has more strange episodes. Things can only get worse.
I was given an advance copy by NetGalley and HQ in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2023
I just finished reading The Woman in The Woods by Lisa Hall... these books have nearly identical plots. New mother with trauma moves into new "haunted house", husband extra busy and while she is left alone experiences paranormal activities. I could draw sooooo many parallels between them. That aside, this was an ok book. Nothing I would go out of my way to recommend but wouldn't hesitate to pass along either.
October 24, 2021
I like it, I just didn't love it and that might only be because I read it as a serialisation with Pigeonhole where 1 stave is released per day. Maybe had I read it as a whole book it might have been more tense but otherwise there were parts which seemed to go round and round in the same vein getting the reader nowhere which ideally you don't want the plot to do.
It was quite a well worn premise, the faded, over used neurotic (post partum pychosis) led mum of one with a disbelieving husband, so busy with his police work, she is left struggling on her own and he seems beyond communicating with. And yet I liked the vividness of early motherhood, that overwhelming tiredness and tedium that can be a part of having babies and raising children, but which so many pretend doesn't exist, and which conspires to create new mums who feel Failures.
So much in a relationship is dependent upon communication and in this novel Ellie and Tom don't ever have the time or inclination. Massively overstretched with a mortgage on a doer-upper, the couple are feeling the strain, financially as well as emotionally as new parents, so that when keys start disappearing and mud appears on the floor, it doesn't take much for Ellie to become twitchy and suspicious.
With a past she feels ashamed of, she doesn't want Tom to suspect all is not well. Is he doing this to her though or is he a true good guy and her imagination has got the better of her?
Six Moss Lane may have been a bargain at the auction house but does the home come with a dark past and more than the couple ever bargained for?
True rating: 3.75 stars
It was quite a well worn premise, the faded, over used neurotic (post partum pychosis) led mum of one with a disbelieving husband, so busy with his police work, she is left struggling on her own and he seems beyond communicating with. And yet I liked the vividness of early motherhood, that overwhelming tiredness and tedium that can be a part of having babies and raising children, but which so many pretend doesn't exist, and which conspires to create new mums who feel Failures.
So much in a relationship is dependent upon communication and in this novel Ellie and Tom don't ever have the time or inclination. Massively overstretched with a mortgage on a doer-upper, the couple are feeling the strain, financially as well as emotionally as new parents, so that when keys start disappearing and mud appears on the floor, it doesn't take much for Ellie to become twitchy and suspicious.
With a past she feels ashamed of, she doesn't want Tom to suspect all is not well. Is he doing this to her though or is he a true good guy and her imagination has got the better of her?
Six Moss Lane may have been a bargain at the auction house but does the home come with a dark past and more than the couple ever bargained for?
True rating: 3.75 stars
October 4, 2021
They’ve finally found their forever home. So why is it tearing them apart?
A fresh start
Ellie knows she has found her dream home – number six Moss Lane. The place she and Tom can settle down, raise their new baby and start again.
A dark secret
But why do their new neighbours think they’re so brave for moving in? Why are Ellie’s keys never where she left them? And why can Ellie hear strange noises in the night that Tom can’t?
A living nightmare
Suddenly their dream house no longer feels so perfect and when Ellie learns the truth about number six’s dark past, a truth that Tom has been keeping secret from her, she no longer knows who she can trust.
Has their perfect home become her worst nightmare?
Wow; this one had me gripped from the start.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that won't let you go.
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 honest voluntary review.
A fresh start
Ellie knows she has found her dream home – number six Moss Lane. The place she and Tom can settle down, raise their new baby and start again.
A dark secret
But why do their new neighbours think they’re so brave for moving in? Why are Ellie’s keys never where she left them? And why can Ellie hear strange noises in the night that Tom can’t?
A living nightmare
Suddenly their dream house no longer feels so perfect and when Ellie learns the truth about number six’s dark past, a truth that Tom has been keeping secret from her, she no longer knows who she can trust.
Has their perfect home become her worst nightmare?
Wow; this one had me gripped from the start.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that won't let you go.
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 honest voluntary review.
September 30, 2021
I really enjoyed this book but I have a couple of reservations. I much preferred the ‘Now’ parts because I felt the ‘Then’ was too long. And I love a good haunting. I really hoped the ghosts were real (as far as ghosts can be) and I wanted her mum (who saw someone in the background on Facetime) to arrive and back Ellie up. Or someone else to see Mary and hear the baby.
Tom is a typical skeptic – not that Ellie really tells him what is going on – in fact I found their lack of communication quite annoying. There are a few red herrings but I’m not giving anything away. Ellie can be a bit difficult to sympathise with at times, but only because she won’t open up and seems to see everyone as trying to undermine her. Take any help where it’s offered, Ellie, and talk to people. You never know, they might even understand.
It’s a brilliant debut novel from a very promising author, but while the writing, the character development of the main protagonists, the tension and the suspense are all excellent, there were elements that could have been even better and we are left with a few unanswered questions at the end. It also needs a bit more light and shade to relieve the tension before it builds again. Just my personal opinion. But well done and I shall certainly look out for more from this author in the future.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
3.5 stars
Tom is a typical skeptic – not that Ellie really tells him what is going on – in fact I found their lack of communication quite annoying. There are a few red herrings but I’m not giving anything away. Ellie can be a bit difficult to sympathise with at times, but only because she won’t open up and seems to see everyone as trying to undermine her. Take any help where it’s offered, Ellie, and talk to people. You never know, they might even understand.
It’s a brilliant debut novel from a very promising author, but while the writing, the character development of the main protagonists, the tension and the suspense are all excellent, there were elements that could have been even better and we are left with a few unanswered questions at the end. It also needs a bit more light and shade to relieve the tension before it builds again. Just my personal opinion. But well done and I shall certainly look out for more from this author in the future.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, the author and my fellow Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
3.5 stars
March 4, 2022
I didn’t realise there was a supernatural element to this book when I picked it out, and I don’t typically pick those kinds of books. Starting off with the positives - really liked the writing, it worked well to create a spooky and sinister atmosphere. I also enjoyed the premise of the book - new family moves in their dream home and then the whole story unravels.
But I found this book to be quite flat overall. Even after finishing it I found that I still had a lot of questions left unanswered. The whole built up didn’t amount to much and the ending was silly. There was a lot of emphasis on how the character’s past and present interlink throughout the book, but when it came to the big reveal it was all very vague and unclear.
Also this could have easily been a short story - I felt that it was dragging on halfway through the book.
But I found this book to be quite flat overall. Even after finishing it I found that I still had a lot of questions left unanswered. The whole built up didn’t amount to much and the ending was silly. There was a lot of emphasis on how the character’s past and present interlink throughout the book, but when it came to the big reveal it was all very vague and unclear.
Also this could have easily been a short story - I felt that it was dragging on halfway through the book.
September 30, 2021
I enjoyed reading this novel but found the conclusion unsatisfying. The main character Ellie was not really convincing, and sometimes did irritate me! The plot was gripping though!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book on Pigeonhole for free in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book on Pigeonhole for free in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2021
This really spooked me and was delightfully creepy.
Ellie's dream house soon enters her nightmares and the backstory is cleverly woven in.
Some scary moments, bit of a trust no one approach too.
Climax didnt disappoint one bit.
Ellie's dream house soon enters her nightmares and the backstory is cleverly woven in.
Some scary moments, bit of a trust no one approach too.
Climax didnt disappoint one bit.
March 23, 2022
The biggest credit I can give R.P Bolton for this book is how thrilling it really is! I read most of my books before going to sleep at night & I can say for sure, I felt a little nervy reading parts of this twisting thriller in the dark at night… Bolton creates a very suspenseful setting in her novel The Perfect House!
Ellie & Tom; new parents & new to the housing world! A life of becoming a family unit in a brand-new area is the dream for every couple in love & ready for the next step into life right!?
Tom not only has his girl & soon to be baby, but he also has the job! A busy & high-end police officer in Manchester. Tom has the experience to seek out solutions to everything & anything. With such a job comes such scenes that others wouldn’t ever want to witness.
Ellie… our protagonist. She is much more enigmatic. Bolton is clever to hide many aspects of Ellie’s life. Although she is our protagonist, I feel we learn more about the personal life of Tom in this novel. Purposefully so, Bolton wants to keep things about Ellie hidden! We are not to know much about Ellie.
Can she be trusted? Is she dangerous to herself or others? Or is she the loving mother & laid-back person she claims to be?
All of these questions & more we constantly ask ourselves as this novel progresses.
I like how Bolton creates Ellie as a person we enjoy reading about but also, sit & question for pro’s & cons! Adding this element to the seemingly supernatural aspects of The Perfect House, many mysteries start to unravel.
As Tom & Ellie start to settle into life in Moss Lane, things that Ellie cannot explain start to happen. The keys. The keys we all come so accustomed to – why does Ellie keep losing them & how on Earth did they reappear in the door when Ellie was nowhere near them?
Of course, this all happens whilst Tom is out on a big police mission that he can’t share information about with even his life partner. Try asking a police officer to explain the potential appearance of a ghost watching your baby sleep? They would always find logical reasons – still scary – as to what it is. Of course, it cannot be a ghost… can it? Ellie does not know anymore & her relationship with Tom is tested when more & more inexplicable things happen that only she notices!
Bolton has created a clever book here! Thrilling in a lot of parts.
Sadly, I feel for me as a reader it was just a little too slow… it took me a long time to read this in comparison to other books. & This is why I would pick it up & only read 5-10 pages at night before losing interest or feeling it tailed off a little & I was happy to put the book down. I never truly got engrossed in the whole story. Yes it has its very exciting parts & when they arise, I was hooked! But once I put the book down, the story itself fled from my mind. It just would not stick & entice me to pick it up & read on at a fast pace…
Bolton nonetheless has written this superbly! She deserves the credit for being a very engaging & thrilling author. I feel this book just was not the genre & pace I enjoy from fictional novels.
Ellie & Tom; new parents & new to the housing world! A life of becoming a family unit in a brand-new area is the dream for every couple in love & ready for the next step into life right!?
Tom not only has his girl & soon to be baby, but he also has the job! A busy & high-end police officer in Manchester. Tom has the experience to seek out solutions to everything & anything. With such a job comes such scenes that others wouldn’t ever want to witness.
Ellie… our protagonist. She is much more enigmatic. Bolton is clever to hide many aspects of Ellie’s life. Although she is our protagonist, I feel we learn more about the personal life of Tom in this novel. Purposefully so, Bolton wants to keep things about Ellie hidden! We are not to know much about Ellie.
Can she be trusted? Is she dangerous to herself or others? Or is she the loving mother & laid-back person she claims to be?
All of these questions & more we constantly ask ourselves as this novel progresses.
I like how Bolton creates Ellie as a person we enjoy reading about but also, sit & question for pro’s & cons! Adding this element to the seemingly supernatural aspects of The Perfect House, many mysteries start to unravel.
As Tom & Ellie start to settle into life in Moss Lane, things that Ellie cannot explain start to happen. The keys. The keys we all come so accustomed to – why does Ellie keep losing them & how on Earth did they reappear in the door when Ellie was nowhere near them?
Of course, this all happens whilst Tom is out on a big police mission that he can’t share information about with even his life partner. Try asking a police officer to explain the potential appearance of a ghost watching your baby sleep? They would always find logical reasons – still scary – as to what it is. Of course, it cannot be a ghost… can it? Ellie does not know anymore & her relationship with Tom is tested when more & more inexplicable things happen that only she notices!
Bolton has created a clever book here! Thrilling in a lot of parts.
Sadly, I feel for me as a reader it was just a little too slow… it took me a long time to read this in comparison to other books. & This is why I would pick it up & only read 5-10 pages at night before losing interest or feeling it tailed off a little & I was happy to put the book down. I never truly got engrossed in the whole story. Yes it has its very exciting parts & when they arise, I was hooked! But once I put the book down, the story itself fled from my mind. It just would not stick & entice me to pick it up & read on at a fast pace…
Bolton nonetheless has written this superbly! She deserves the credit for being a very engaging & thrilling author. I feel this book just was not the genre & pace I enjoy from fictional novels.
September 30, 2021
This made an interesting, easy to read thriller. I really loved the ambiguity of the multiple ways the plot could be heading: is it a psychological thriller where the husband/partner is gaslighting her (Ellie) into thinking she is going mad as he is having an affair? Or is Ellie suffering from post-natal psychosis, compounded by her PTSD and related mental health issues arising from her friend (Mia's) death? Or is it the disturbed spirit of Mary Brennan (previous owner) up to "mischief"?
This had lots of beautiful writing, was incredibly descriptive so you could really imagine yourself in Ellie's shoes, perhaps even the other characters, such as her neighbours who are concerned for her.
However, it did feel very slow pace-wise, to the extent that you felt that you were going around in a circle and not really learning any new information, though this pace could be linked to how Ellie herself was feeling & experiencing. I don't know if the "slow-pacing" feeling was exacerbated by the decision of The Pigeonhole (online book club app I was using to read the book ahead of publication) to split the book into 12 staves instead of the usual 10, dare I say even 9 staves would have been sufficient. I think the lower number of staves may have helped make it feel faster as it was such an easy read I wouldn't have minded the longer staves as I think if I'd had a "complete copy" I would have binge read it over 2 days approximately. After the slow pace, the ending did feel a little bit too rushed though I did like the loose, slightly unfinished/ ambiguous ending.
Recommended reading, read and enjoyed with thanks to the author and The Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
This had lots of beautiful writing, was incredibly descriptive so you could really imagine yourself in Ellie's shoes, perhaps even the other characters, such as her neighbours who are concerned for her.
However, it did feel very slow pace-wise, to the extent that you felt that you were going around in a circle and not really learning any new information, though this pace could be linked to how Ellie herself was feeling & experiencing. I don't know if the "slow-pacing" feeling was exacerbated by the decision of The Pigeonhole (online book club app I was using to read the book ahead of publication) to split the book into 12 staves instead of the usual 10, dare I say even 9 staves would have been sufficient. I think the lower number of staves may have helped make it feel faster as it was such an easy read I wouldn't have minded the longer staves as I think if I'd had a "complete copy" I would have binge read it over 2 days approximately. After the slow pace, the ending did feel a little bit too rushed though I did like the loose, slightly unfinished/ ambiguous ending.
Recommended reading, read and enjoyed with thanks to the author and The Pigeonhole for the opportunity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2024
The Perfect House is a solid psychological thriller that holds its own against big blockbuster movies. The story takes its time to build Ellie, the main protagonist, which is a strength because it allows for much-needed character development—something often lacking in many thrillers.
By the time the plot thickens, you’re already familiar with Ellie’s routine and the challenges she faces as a new mom, which makes her journey all the more relatable.
The story is packed with twists, which kept me constantly questioning everything—the characters’ motives, their secrets, and even how the plot would unfold.
The added supernatural elements enhance the overall tension, making the story even more compelling.
Overall a solid 4/5 star book that totally worth checking it out.
By the time the plot thickens, you’re already familiar with Ellie’s routine and the challenges she faces as a new mom, which makes her journey all the more relatable.
The story is packed with twists, which kept me constantly questioning everything—the characters’ motives, their secrets, and even how the plot would unfold.
The added supernatural elements enhance the overall tension, making the story even more compelling.
Overall a solid 4/5 star book that totally worth checking it out.
August 1, 2025
Well I obviously enjoyed this one seeing as I listened to it in 4 days.
I was expecting a thriller but I think it verges on the ‘horror’ category too because of the creepy/ghostly elements. I liked Ellie as a character and I felt like I was with her on the journey/experience she had.
The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is that parts of it were very predictable even though it was blatantly obvious that the author was trying to build suspense but I felt like we’d already been given the answer because the ‘clues’ were too obvious. Plus I don’t think there were many red herrings which I was surprised about.
Also the open-ending was kind of annoying for me too because I don’t know if I feel satisfied or not…!
I was expecting a thriller but I think it verges on the ‘horror’ category too because of the creepy/ghostly elements. I liked Ellie as a character and I felt like I was with her on the journey/experience she had.
The only reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is that parts of it were very predictable even though it was blatantly obvious that the author was trying to build suspense but I felt like we’d already been given the answer because the ‘clues’ were too obvious. Plus I don’t think there were many red herrings which I was surprised about.
Also the open-ending was kind of annoying for me too because I don’t know if I feel satisfied or not…!
July 22, 2022
When I started this book, didn’t know what to think about it. By by chapter 3 I couldn’t put it down, got so into it. It had a bit of Agatha Christie style in it, about Ellie’s mysterious past, bit of Alfred Hitchcock/Stephen King writing about the going on in the house when she was alone.
At first through it was the mystery of the death of the previous owner but the twist to it was another mystery didn’t see coming. Can’t wait to read another novel by R.P. Bolton ☑️
At first through it was the mystery of the death of the previous owner but the twist to it was another mystery didn’t see coming. Can’t wait to read another novel by R.P. Bolton ☑️
November 6, 2023
Yes there are a lot of similar books like this lately but this worked. It was fast paced and I just really got into it and it worked. This was a definite one session read for me.
I was given a free copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
I was given a free copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
July 12, 2024
Thought when I would be reading there would be lots of suspense and eerie moments but didn’t deliver as a thriller. It felt like plain reading. She would keep seeing odd things at the new house such as moving keys and woman in the garden but that was as far as thriller goes. ‘Because it is the living we need to protect the daughter from, not the dead’.
August 5, 2022
The Perfect House was just okay for me. For avid thriller readers, there isn’t really anything here to make this stand out from your standard thriller. The reveals, and twists fell flat for me. There were a few good moments of suspense, but overall it was just run-of-the-mill.
September 30, 2021
Ellie and Tom buy their dream home, 6 Moss Lane. Before Ellie can move in their baby arrives early.
There are spooky goings on and the house has some very sad memories. Ellie is also suffering from PTSD brought on by the death of her friend Mia when they were at uni.
I read this through Pigeonhole which is delivered in staves. This one was 12 staves and for me I didn't think it worked for the story to have the impact which it should have done. It was too drawn out and seemed like nothing was really happening.
I also thought the ending was quite weak as we had already guessed what happened. There was no twist.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity to read
There are spooky goings on and the house has some very sad memories. Ellie is also suffering from PTSD brought on by the death of her friend Mia when they were at uni.
I read this through Pigeonhole which is delivered in staves. This one was 12 staves and for me I didn't think it worked for the story to have the impact which it should have done. It was too drawn out and seemed like nothing was really happening.
I also thought the ending was quite weak as we had already guessed what happened. There was no twist.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity to read
September 30, 2021
Ellie and Tom think they've found their dream house. It's in an area they covet but for once it seems affordable. What is it they say about a free lunch? Well, there's no such thing as a dream house for a bargain price. They've no seiner moved in than Ellie starts to see and experience strange things and then she found out what happened in the house before they bought it. Exhausted by dealing with a new baby and filled with guilt about something that happened ten years ago she soon starts to fall apart.
I enjoyed this novel although I found Elie exasperating at times and Tom a little too good to be true. But it kept my attention throughout and I would certainly read this author again. A solid 3.5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I enjoyed this novel although I found Elie exasperating at times and Tom a little too good to be true. But it kept my attention throughout and I would certainly read this author again. A solid 3.5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 2, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for my advance copy of this book publishing 29th September 2021.
A chilling intriguing read, one that had me thinking about it when I wasn't reading it!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes physcological thrillers. I really enjoyed it and I give it 4 stars
A chilling intriguing read, one that had me thinking about it when I wasn't reading it!
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes physcological thrillers. I really enjoyed it and I give it 4 stars
September 30, 2021
Review
This book was so cleverly written.
It had me completely hooked from page 1. I was desperate to know more. I kept questioning all the characters, wanting to know if it was them.
It was full of brilliant twists and was really very eerie. I really didnt see it ending the way it did but it was actually a perfect ending.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was so cleverly written.
It had me completely hooked from page 1. I was desperate to know more. I kept questioning all the characters, wanting to know if it was them.
It was full of brilliant twists and was really very eerie. I really didnt see it ending the way it did but it was actually a perfect ending.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 27, 2021
I'm actually baffled by all the glowing reviews for this book. Usually, psychological thrillers grab me from the start. This never really took hold, and I found it very repetitive. I fast forwarded through much of it, waiting to get to the good parts. Plus, they kept teasing about a tragedy from the past, and you never find out what it is until the end. I wouldn't recommend it.
January 6, 2022
Not for me at all😛
Gave it 2stars maybe to much Thought the ending would save it no luck at all save your money pass on this one
Gave it 2stars maybe to much Thought the ending would save it no luck at all save your money pass on this one
December 4, 2021
My thanks to NetGalley and publisher HQ, HQ Digital, for the ARC.
This is an excellent psychological thriller. The star of the show is Ellie Wight with her story being told between two timelines. This is well-written with believable dialogue within an increasingly tense and creepy atmosphere: as a film I think it would be billed as a "horror".
Ellie and Tom are expecting a baby, living in Tom's father Howard's flat saving up for a house. Fate takes a hand in steering them to bid on their dream home at auction - a renovation project at 6 Moss Lane, a quiet and sought-after suburb of Manchester. Howard and Tom start the renovations as the early arrival of baby Trinity sees both Ellie and baby spend weeks at the hospital where she has a troubling hallucination. Once home, Ellie's mind starts to play tricks on her - sinister and strange things start happening and it's not until she can arrange her "baby brain" into meeting neighbours that she discovers secrets about the house and its previous occupants.
Ellie doesn't believe she deserves her baby, nor to be happy; is she losing her mind? Is Tom gaslighting her?
The "Then" narrative of Ellie's past gradually reveals the guilty burden she has been carrying for ten years - things should resolve themselves now, shouldn't they? Except the tension continues to rise towards a solution to the puzzle of 6 Moss Lane.
Character-wise, Tom - a DC on a specialist unit - is overwhelmed by his work and focuses on Ellie's past as an explanation for her present state of mind and her bizarre actions. Carol, Ellie's mother, is in Majorca and can't offer help following breaking her leg. Diane, a neighbour and retired district nurse, gives more insight as to the previous occupant of the house and Norah, a freelance journalist trying to make a name for herself' is focussed on past tragedies.
An intriguing and absorbing read.
This is an excellent psychological thriller. The star of the show is Ellie Wight with her story being told between two timelines. This is well-written with believable dialogue within an increasingly tense and creepy atmosphere: as a film I think it would be billed as a "horror".
Ellie and Tom are expecting a baby, living in Tom's father Howard's flat saving up for a house. Fate takes a hand in steering them to bid on their dream home at auction - a renovation project at 6 Moss Lane, a quiet and sought-after suburb of Manchester. Howard and Tom start the renovations as the early arrival of baby Trinity sees both Ellie and baby spend weeks at the hospital where she has a troubling hallucination. Once home, Ellie's mind starts to play tricks on her - sinister and strange things start happening and it's not until she can arrange her "baby brain" into meeting neighbours that she discovers secrets about the house and its previous occupants.
Ellie doesn't believe she deserves her baby, nor to be happy; is she losing her mind? Is Tom gaslighting her?
The "Then" narrative of Ellie's past gradually reveals the guilty burden she has been carrying for ten years - things should resolve themselves now, shouldn't they? Except the tension continues to rise towards a solution to the puzzle of 6 Moss Lane.
Character-wise, Tom - a DC on a specialist unit - is overwhelmed by his work and focuses on Ellie's past as an explanation for her present state of mind and her bizarre actions. Carol, Ellie's mother, is in Majorca and can't offer help following breaking her leg. Diane, a neighbour and retired district nurse, gives more insight as to the previous occupant of the house and Norah, a freelance journalist trying to make a name for herself' is focussed on past tragedies.
An intriguing and absorbing read.
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