Her Perfect Family

In "Her Perfect Family" by Teresa Driscoll, the Hartley family's joyous occasion turns tragic when their daughter, Gemma, is shot during her graduation ceremony. As private investigator Matthew Hill delves into the incident, a cryptic message hints at hidden truths within the family. Suspicion grows, revealing layers of deception among the Hartleys. With Gemma in a coma, Matthew races against time to uncover the family's secrets before the assailant strikes again. The novel is a suspenseful exploration of a family's tangled past and the urgent quest for the truth. 1. **Plot and Storytelling:** 4/5 It captured my interest from the onset, especially after the initial 25%. While it presented a compelling thriller, the frequent shifts in POV occasionally caused confusion. The well-executed hook stands out, though it's worth noting that skipping the epilogue might leave readers perplexed. 2. **Characterization:** 4/5 The characters exhibited realistic flaws and strengths, contributing to the overall authenticity of the narrative. Some of the backstories bordered on the eccentric, adding an intriguing layer to the thriller's dynamics. 3. **Writing Style:** Driscoll's writing style deserves a perfect 5/5. The story was not only enjoyable but also remarkably readable, making it a binge-worthy experience. 4. **Originality:** 5/5 in originality. The thriller presented a unique twist, and its ability to sustain engagement throughout was a testament to its distinctiveness. I hadn't encountered a thriller quite like this before. 5. **Emotional Impact and Resolution:** Achieving a full score of 5/5 in this category, the thriller took me on an emotional rollercoaster. It stirred a range of feelings – from concern to excitement, occasionally inducing a sense of unease, yet ultimately leaving me thoroughly satisfied. The resolution was well-crafted, neatly tying up loose ends and enhancing the overall impact of the story. Overall score: 4.6/5 If you enjoyed "Her Perfect Family" and are looking for similar reads i’d recommend checking out, Ruth Ware’s "The Woman in Cabin 10" (another psychological thriller involving a woman who believes she witnessed a crime while on a luxury cruise) or “In a Dark, Dark Wood" (a psychological thriller set during a bachelorette weekend that takes a sinister turn.)