Book Review: Seems Perfect by [Author’s Name]
When I stumbled across an ARC of Seems Perfect, I felt a rush of anticipation. There’s something about a gripping thriller that can send shivers down your spine and keep you turning pages late into the night. Written by [Author’s Name], this narrative seemed destined to be a wild ride, and trust me, it did not disappoint. Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review—it’s set to be published on February 25th, 2025!
The story revolves around Emily Hawthorne, a 32-year-old yoga instructor teetering on the brink of financial disaster. Living in her Aunt Vivian’s condo, she’s drowning in debt and realizes that she needs a roommate to stay afloat. Enter Penelope "Pip" Stone and her daughter Sofie. What initially seems like a solution quickly spirals into a nightmare as Emily’s sanctuary transforms into a battleground. The subplot of a neighbor’s murder amplifies the tension, leaving readers uncertain about whom to trust and what dangers lurk next door.
What really struck me about this thriller was how the mundane elements of Emily’s life—a struggling career and the need for a roommate—could result in such deep unease. The narrative pulls you in not with high-octane action but through the relatable feeling of desperation. I haven’t felt my stomach clench like this during a thriller in ages! Emily’s character, while frustrating at times due to her boneheaded decisions, becomes more than just a pawn; she evolves through her spiral of desperation, making readers root for her escape.
The writing was sleek, fast-paced, and perfectly suited to the story’s escalating tension. I loved the alternating perspectives—especially Pip’s brief POV chapters that added depth to her enigmatic character. This duality transformed the narrative into a wicked chess game, where Emily desperately tries to outmaneuver her unlikely adversary.
One standout moment for me was the line: "The thing that sets my teeth on edge is that I’ve been totally played. That ends now.” It captures a decisive shift in Emily’s mindset, and I found myself echoing her fervor as she resolved to reclaim her life. The storytelling grips you by the collar, making you feel every bit of Emily’s anxiety and resolve.
However, I had a few reservations that prevented me from giving this a full five stars. Emily’s decision-making skills left me scratching my head. Putting out a roommate ad on Craigslist? Seriously? And her naive trust in Pip despite numerous red flags made me want to shake some common sense into her. It was hard to empathize with someone so easily manipulated, even as I admired her tenacity.
As an added layer of intrigue—and perhaps a point of contention—I couldn’t help but critique the portrayal of certain elements due to my background in pharmacy. The subplot involving Sofie and injectable diazepam raised a few eyebrows for me, as it felt unrealistic given the regulations around such drugs, but I digress.
In conclusion, if you’re in search of an engaging, fast-paced thriller that skillfully mixes psychological tension with relatable conflict, Seems Perfect may just be your next favorite read. It caught me off guard with its twists and turns, and while I had my frustrations, the thrill of the journey was undeniably satisfying. If you’ve ever felt desperate or on the edge in a situation, this book could resonate deeply, making you reflect on the thin line between trust and betrayal. I’d say this is a must-read for fans of the genre, and it definitely reinvigorated my love for thrillers!
Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded down to 3)
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