So many "perfect couple" books, so little time!

(There are 12 "The Perfect Couple" books listed on GoodReads!)

This "perfect couple" book was fast-paced, entertaining, twisty, and unputdownable.

WHY NOT 5 STARS?
Until the last two chapters, N.J. Cracknell's "The Perfect Couple" was a crackin' good read.

Yes, in the beginning, "The Perfect Couple" was perfect.

The book's bizarre and implausible ending was the reason for the absence of that fifth star.

The book's last two chapters included waaay too many eye-rolling and "shock factor" reveals.

I listened to the audiobook read by Dennis Kleinman and Hannah Curtis.

Both narrators did a superb job with the narration.30 s16 comments Mickey438 323

From the outside, Nevin and Gloria seem the perfect couple. They lived in a beautiful seaside cottage, had great careers, and two kids. However, not everything is as perfect as it seems.
I felt this one started off pretty strong, but at some point, it just seemed to lose its flow. All three of the main characters were flawed and unable, and some of their actions just seemed a little bizarre.
There were a few twists throughout, and it was filled with unreliable narrators.3 s Sonja Charters1,333 78

This was a deliciously dark read with twists aplenty.

Gloria and Nevin appear to have the perfect marriage - good jobs, 2 lovely children and beautiful cottage by the sea.
But as we learn more about them, we soon see that things are not quite as they seem.

I didn't particularly love our main characters, but this is definitely how we're meant to think.
Nevin wants out of the marriage, and as he sets his plan to work, he realises that Gloria has her own agenda.
Nevin's best friend Felix adds some interest and colour, but we soon find that he's also manipulating the situation.

The events seem a little odd as I'm sure the couple really could have just split up and divorced - but all the same, I got sucked into their world and raced through to the surprising end.

The writing style worked well and I loved the short chapters which helped to create a fast paced read.

This author is new to me, but definitely one I'd read again.1 Lori Jean Zuber44 2

Nevin and Gloria appear to have a perfect marriage. Nevin is an author and Gloria is a literary agent. They have two children and their house is right by the sea. As Nevin’s 40th birthday draws near, he realizes that he is unhappy in his marriage and develops a plan to change everything. He wants to get away from her and have a quiet life with his two children. Nevin’s flamboyant friend arrives for the party, and we learn he is directly in the middle of this conflict.

The thread woven through the tapestry of this novel is remarkable. The narrative is divided between Nevin, Gloria and Felix. Each of them has their own agenda. NJ Cracknell has done a wonderful job switching us between characters. The novel is fast-paced, and the twists and turns are incredible. Just when you think you have everything figured out, you will find you are wrong! I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it!. Marte Haga306 14

Ok. Not excellent and not bad. Writing is fine, not too repetitive and no unnecessary details and descriptions. Plot is also fine, but just fine as in okay: nothing very original and nothing that will stick with me after closing the book. A wife, a husband and the husbands friend. A pregnancy. And a plan to get rid of people holding you back, but there are several plans and several people that are in the way and someone is in on all the plans ... All in all, maybe a bit too twisty with a little lacking of credibility as not one of the narrators can be trusted to tell the truth. And, this might be just me, but I'm really getting a bit sick of the whole concept of "unreliable narrators". It can be fun, once in a while, but lately it seems nearly every single thriller has narrators that are either unreliable or have a psychopath diagnosis. I miss thrillers with more "average" people2024 british-authors crime-thrillers Jacqueline Moxon54 4

A very well written and gripping novel. Felix has shades of Mr Ripley. Spoilt, amoral and entitled, though definitely charming and captivating. Gloria and Nevin, on the other hand, are far from the perfect couple. If their relationship was so unhappy, why on earth did they not simply separate? Were all these complicated machinations really necessary? An entertaining story, if you don’t take it too seriously, but very dark and rather unreal. I definitely felt very sorry for the two unfortunate children of the marriage. I enjoyed reading it for its excellent writing style more than for the rather grim story itself. It is a pleasure to read such fluent use of language. Lots of twists and turns and very satisfying eventual end. Caroline336 5

This book didn't live up to expectations for me. There seemed to be big holes in the plot, and things that just happened with no realistic consequences.
The 3 main characters were all fairly disable, and didn't feel real to me - perhaps I'm just lucky never to have met people this.
On the plus, the story moved along at a pretty good pace, and there were cliff hangers at the end of many chapters which kept the pages turning. There were several twists in the plot, the main one I had spotted but forgotten about so that was good. Emma Langford131 2

I found the first 111-120 pages really engaging and loved the fact that all 3 characters had their own agenda and were all lying/plotting about destroying the other. I found after this point the story took a turn but not for the better. Although none of the characters were particularly able, I found I disd Felix the most. The twist at the end did not wow me. It was a quick read and fairly enjoyable, and loved the viewpoints of different characters, unfortunately it lacked something for me at the end. Jill Coates80 3

I really enjoyed this book, I grew with what other reviewers have said that none of the main characters were particularly able but that seemed to add to it as you didn’t root for any of them. Were it real life I would feel very sorry for the children involved.
The short, snappy chapters suited me and I d seeing things from each character’s perspective. The end very good although I did have an inkling that was where it was heading so not a complete surprise.
All in all I enjoyed it and would recommend to you. Nicola Richardson377 4

I didn't enjoy this book and really wanted it to end. The main characters were not able and none of them seemed to have any redeeming qualities at all, so I didn't actually care who did what to who and why. They were all as ridiculous as each other and it was never obvious who was telling the truth or just being manipulative. I was glad to get to the end and forget about them!
I read a review copy Vivian503 24

They are the perfect couple, or aren't they? In the surface everything seem as is supposed to be, they look very happy together, but appearances can be deceiving, what you think it is truly is not.
What started as a sweet story ends up as a horror one. With lots of twists and turn on every chapter the story will keep you on your toes, wanting to keep reading to figure out what is going on.
Very good psychological thriller. Crystal Jones27 2

To start, I would to thank the author & Bloodhound Books for this amazing ARC read. ?
All i can say is prepare for whiplash because this one will keep you guessing and glued to your seat. I absolutely loved how it was told from three different perspectives and how all those intertwined to form one giant web of mysteries that had me engrossed to figure it out.
I think if you this genre of books, you will not be disappointed when it comes to this one! Bev3,100 90

The story was nothing what I expected. Not sure who the bad guy really is, even after reading it, there were at least three of them. I did feel sorry for the children, but the adults...nope. I didn't really the ending all that much, but it had to end somehow. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.have-read Anitra Mansson25 5

Just as I thought I had it figured out there was a new twist revealed. I must say I, I personally, did not expect the last twist. It was easy to sympathize with Nevin, who always seemed on step behind. This book is a great read, more surprising rather than a thriller. I would definitely recommend. Kathy Platt81

I received this from Bloodhound books as an ARC. I really enjoyed this book. I love a good psychological thriller and this hit the mark for me. There were a lot of twists and turns to this story that is what kept me interested. If you psychological thriller then you should read this book. Yvette Salmon356 16

I thought this book would be better than it was. I didn’t most of the characters couldn’t warm to them. Also there was chunks of the book where I found the story was missing something. Sorry not a great fan.
Melissa27

It takes a special skill to take three utterly unable, selfish and manipulating characters and weave a compelling thriller that keeps the reader engaged to the end. But that's exactly what the author managed superbly in this fast-paced, page-turner. It's twisted perfection!
Sophie Bristow Harris356 55

“The Perfect Couple” by N.J. Cracknell is a book filled with secrets, lies and deceit.
The characters are all pretty unable and it’s hard to show them any empathy or compassion.
A well put together story with lots of interesting plot elements.
Highly enjoyed and recommend reading this one. Julie Warren16

A bit different

A well-written novel with attractive characters. It was a bit different from other books of a similar genre. But even if you can guess some parts of the plot, there are definitely some unexpected twists. Would recommend
Erin190 10

This book was an interesting premise, I definitely had a few of the twists figured out, especially a large one, but I enjoyed it anyway. This was definitely not my favorite book, and all of the characters seemed unable to me, but it was twisty and interesting.arcs Janet372 9

Total rating 4 1/2 stars Alison Bryant92 7

Good read with pace and short chapters that kept me reading. Non of the characters were particularly able so it was hard to feel a connection with them. It just got to 4 stars for me. Eleanor Jordan O'Farrell59 5

This story is narrated by three characters. Each of which have their own agenda, which quickly becomes clear. Slightly different to your usual thriller and a thoroughly enjoyable read. Clare27

Gripping! So many twists & turns! Just when you think you know what’s going on, another twist appears. One you won’t want to put down. Highly recommend! Ranette2,843

Excellent mystery and I can't wait to read more by this author. A married couple and his best friend have a love triangle, with the men planing to get rid of the wife.around-the-world best family ...more Sara Harris48 1 followerRead

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