Book Review | The Perfect Couple by Jackie Kabler

Book Description

The perfect couple…or the perfect lie?

​A year and a half ago, Gemma met the love of her life, Danny. Since then, their relationship has been like something out of a dream. But one Friday evening, Gemma returns home to find Danny is nowhere to be seen.

​After two days with no word from her husband, Gemma turns to the police. She is horrified with what she discovers – a serial killer is on the loose in Bristol. When she sees the photos of the victims she is even more stunned…the victims all look just like Danny.

​But, the detectives aren’t convinced by Gemma’s story. Why has no one apart from Gemma seen or heard from Danny in weeks? Why is there barely a trace of him in their flat? Is she telling them the truth, or are there more secrets and lies in this marriage than meets the eye?

My Review

How Tessa Talks about this Book: Raves

This review is on the short side, but don’t think for a minute that it is a reflection of how I feel about the novel. It was just a hard review to write without giving away spoilers, and this book is so good, you won’t want any part of it spoiled.

What I Loved

What I loved most about The Perfect Couple is that it keeps you guessing from start to finish. When you think you have figured out the mystery, you will find out information that makes you question your conclusions. This uncertainty happens throughout the novel and makes it so hard to put down.

The story is very focused on the main character, Gemma O’Conner. A woman in love and very happy with her life until her husband, Danny, turns up missing. Through the ensuing investigation, we learn that Gemma hasn’t always been happy and content. She’s been through hard times that took their toll on her mental health and put into question her part in Danny’s disappearance. She is a character that is as well-developed as the plot will allow without giving anything away before its time. The cast of supporting characters is so far in the background most of the time that their development is never an issue or even a thought.

Mental health is an underlying theme in the novel, with consequences of childhood traumas explored and detailed. Also, the nurture versus nature debate comes into play as pertains to mental health. These are topics that I always find interesting and love hearing other people’s opinions, whether in fiction or reality.

To Read or Not to Read

For people who love a good psychological thriller, you won’t want to miss this page-turner.

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources, NetGalley, and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Don’t miss…

Don’t miss a book club talk with Jackie Kabler on Facebook that can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/0neMoreChapter/videos/2574968202744250/

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About the Author

Jackie Kabler was born in Coventry but spent much of her childhood in Ireland. She worked as a newspaper reporter and then a television news correspondent for twenty years, spending nearly a decade on GMTV followed by stints with ITN and BBC News. During that time, she covered major stories around the world including the Kosovo crisis, the impeachment of President Clinton, the Asian tsunami, famine in Ethiopia, the Soham murders and the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Jackie now divides her time between crime writing and her job as a presenter on shopping channel QVC. She has a degree in zoology, runs long distances for fun and lives in Gloucestershire with her husband.