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Such a Perfect Family
A man with a deadly past marries into the perfect, most respectable family in this riveting thriller from New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh. . . .
A woman buried.
A woman broken.
A woman crashed.
A woman burned.
And the man who knew them all.
Love at first sight, a whirlwind Vegas wedding, a fairy-tale romance.
For forty-three days, Tavish Advani has been the happiest man in the world—until his new life turns to ash, his wealthy in-laws’ house going up in a fiery explosion. His badly injured wife lies in a coma, her family all but annihilated.
Tavish thought he'd left the sins of his Los Angeles life behind, but it’s not so easy to leave behind an investigation into the deaths of several high-profile women—all of whom he'd professed to love. Tragedy and death follow him no matter where he goes . . . but this time, he knows he’s innocent.
Desperately trying to clear his name as the authorities zero in, Tavish begins his own investigation into the fire—and learns that his wife’s picture-perfect family may have been nothing but a meticulously constructed mirage. The truth is much darker than anything Tavish could’ve imagined. . . .
A woman buried.
A woman broken.
A woman crashed.
A woman burned.
And the man who knew them all.
Love at first sight, a whirlwind Vegas wedding, a fairy-tale romance.
For forty-three days, Tavish Advani has been the happiest man in the world—until his new life turns to ash, his wealthy in-laws’ house going up in a fiery explosion. His badly injured wife lies in a coma, her family all but annihilated.
Tavish thought he'd left the sins of his Los Angeles life behind, but it’s not so easy to leave behind an investigation into the deaths of several high-profile women—all of whom he'd professed to love. Tragedy and death follow him no matter where he goes . . . but this time, he knows he’s innocent.
Desperately trying to clear his name as the authorities zero in, Tavish begins his own investigation into the fire—and learns that his wife’s picture-perfect family may have been nothing but a meticulously constructed mirage. The truth is much darker than anything Tavish could’ve imagined. . . .
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First published January 27, 2026
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About the author
Nalini Singh
251 books26.8k followersI've been writing as long as I can remember and all of my stories always held a thread of romance (even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes). I love creating unique characters, love giving them happy endings and I even love the voices in my head. There's no other job I would rather be doing. In September 2002, when I got the call that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I also spent three years living and working in Japan, during which time I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page (updated every month).
So far, I've worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher and not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency but I call it grist for the writer's mill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went from not trusting our first-person narrator, to not trusting the cops, to not trusting his brother-in-law, to not trusting his wife. And then the big reveal happened and my jaw was on the floor.
I've read and loved another of Nalini's thrillers, and liked a few from the GUILD HUNTER series. May re-read and continue those. I hear PSY-CHANGELING is great?
🥃 Take a shot every time I enjoy a non-white domestic thriller
rep: Indian American, Indo Fijian
tw: attempted murder, domestic violence, murder, obsession, stalking
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
I've read and loved another of Nalini's thrillers, and liked a few from the GUILD HUNTER series. May re-read and continue those. I hear PSY-CHANGELING is great?
🥃 Take a shot every time I enjoy a non-white domestic thriller
rep: Indian American, Indo Fijian
tw: attempted murder, domestic violence, murder, obsession, stalking
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley
February 10, 2026
3.5 Stars, rounded up. Lots of thoughts to come!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
this was my first nalini singh book ever! i liked the prose, but the mystery was mid.
if vou're someone who doesn't read or watch a lot of thriller/mvstery you might be blown away by this story. i, however, am a south asian girl who grew up on all kinds of asian drama serials so i can see a plot twist from across state lines. the one in this book would be the minor reveal in season 3 of a 45 season indian drama serial so I sat there like "yeah, ok sure, go to jail already".
the set up is great but the development and payoff was diminished.
i will be pivoting and giving nalini singh's fantasy works a try!
if vou're someone who doesn't read or watch a lot of thriller/mvstery you might be blown away by this story. i, however, am a south asian girl who grew up on all kinds of asian drama serials so i can see a plot twist from across state lines. the one in this book would be the minor reveal in season 3 of a 45 season indian drama serial so I sat there like "yeah, ok sure, go to jail already".
the set up is great but the development and payoff was diminished.
i will be pivoting and giving nalini singh's fantasy works a try!
February 12, 2026
Such a Perfect Family was my first time reading Nalini Singh, and I really appreciated how deeply rich in Indian culture this book is, and the fact that this book takes place in New Zealand, the US, and Fiji at various points in the narrative!
I mostly enjoyed this, but the parts I didn't like, I really didn't like. I understand, theoretically, the subplot of Tavish's past and how it interweaves with his present nightmare, but I think so much of the narrative was spent on stuff that ultimately only vaguely pertained to the overall story and the progression of the plot. I think Tavish's mommy issues were very well developed in the sense that they didn't seem contrived, but it was also presented in a way that made him feel so dangerous and toxic LOL. His relationship with Diya fit his impulsivity and also fit with how she was developed—that her family dynamics felt oppressive and resulted in some poor decision-making on her end, but I also think that she didn't quite have the opportunity to develop beyond that due to the happenings in the first half of the novel.
I feel like I can't really get into the weeds reviewing this because it would result in some spoilers, but I will say I think, overall, it was a lot of fun and was craftily pieced together when it wasn't twisting and turning needlessly. The villain in this book was truly crazy!
Thanks so much to @berkleypub for the free book! #BerkleyPartner
3.5 ⭐️s
I mostly enjoyed this, but the parts I didn't like, I really didn't like. I understand, theoretically, the subplot of Tavish's past and how it interweaves with his present nightmare, but I think so much of the narrative was spent on stuff that ultimately only vaguely pertained to the overall story and the progression of the plot. I think Tavish's mommy issues were very well developed in the sense that they didn't seem contrived, but it was also presented in a way that made him feel so dangerous and toxic LOL. His relationship with Diya fit his impulsivity and also fit with how she was developed—that her family dynamics felt oppressive and resulted in some poor decision-making on her end, but I also think that she didn't quite have the opportunity to develop beyond that due to the happenings in the first half of the novel.
I feel like I can't really get into the weeds reviewing this because it would result in some spoilers, but I will say I think, overall, it was a lot of fun and was craftily pieced together when it wasn't twisting and turning needlessly. The villain in this book was truly crazy!
Thanks so much to @berkleypub for the free book! #BerkleyPartner
3.5 ⭐️s
February 1, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ | This story hit the ground running, wasting no time dropping you into a family where it was obvious from the start that everyone had secrets. The premise of a supposed fire being used to cover up a m*rder was intriguing and kept me curious about what really happened behind closed doors.
Tavish was fascinating to watch, very much giving male black widower energy and I enjoyed how his character unfolded as suspicion followed him from all sides. I also
enjoyed the in between chapters from the detective’s POV as we get to see exactly what he thinks of Tavish. Alternating between the detective investigating Tavish and Tavish’s own POV as he tried to clear his name added tension and kept the story moving.
Overall, an engaging read with an intriguing mystery and layered characters that will keep you invested. Thank you NetGalley & Berkley Publishing Group for an advanced reader copy.
Publication 🗓️ : 01.27.26
Tavish was fascinating to watch, very much giving male black widower energy and I enjoyed how his character unfolded as suspicion followed him from all sides. I also
enjoyed the in between chapters from the detective’s POV as we get to see exactly what he thinks of Tavish. Alternating between the detective investigating Tavish and Tavish’s own POV as he tried to clear his name added tension and kept the story moving.
Overall, an engaging read with an intriguing mystery and layered characters that will keep you invested. Thank you NetGalley & Berkley Publishing Group for an advanced reader copy.
Publication 🗓️ : 01.27.26
February 3, 2026
3.5 Stars
Tavish and Diya Prasad fall hard and fast, eloping in Las Vegas before he follows her home to New Zealand to start their new life together. But their honeymoon bliss shatters when a fire destroys the Prasad family home and leaves Diya in critical condition. Almost immediately, Tavish becomes the prime suspect, especially once police uncover his unsettling connection to three women who died under suspicious circumstances. Is he a devoted husband caught in a terrible coincidence, or is there something far darker in his past?
I adore Nalini Singh’s Psy Changeling series, and her standalone thrillers have been just as compelling for me. Such a Perfect Family is an engrossing mystery, though I found the flashbacks to Diya’s past a bit drawn out, slowing the momentum. I was far more captivated by the threads involving the three women linked to Tavish and the question of whether he was responsible. I genuinely couldn’t predict the truth behind the present day crimes, but Singh pulls everything together in a satisfying way by the end.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
Tavish and Diya Prasad fall hard and fast, eloping in Las Vegas before he follows her home to New Zealand to start their new life together. But their honeymoon bliss shatters when a fire destroys the Prasad family home and leaves Diya in critical condition. Almost immediately, Tavish becomes the prime suspect, especially once police uncover his unsettling connection to three women who died under suspicious circumstances. Is he a devoted husband caught in a terrible coincidence, or is there something far darker in his past?
I adore Nalini Singh’s Psy Changeling series, and her standalone thrillers have been just as compelling for me. Such a Perfect Family is an engrossing mystery, though I found the flashbacks to Diya’s past a bit drawn out, slowing the momentum. I was far more captivated by the threads involving the three women linked to Tavish and the question of whether he was responsible. I genuinely couldn’t predict the truth behind the present day crimes, but Singh pulls everything together in a satisfying way by the end.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher. These are my thoughts and opinions.
February 7, 2026
4 Stars ⭐️
January 25, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up. I don’t read a lot of mystery but I love Nalini Singh so I was willing to give this a try. I found this story to be twisty and well written. The entire story is in the POV of Tavish, whose last three girlfriends have all died mysteriously. He’s now married and living in New Zealand only to come home to his wife stabbed and the home set on fire. He sets out to solve what’s happening as he knows he is a prime suspect. Frankly, I suspected him for quite a bit of the book. I had a lot of suspects. The ending was not exactly what I predicted but it was satisfying. I love being surprised in a good way. The author includes little excerpts from police notes and a random memory from other people in the story to slowly drop clues and secrets. I loved that format and I truly think this book would make a great movie.
I LOVED the diversity of this story. The story centers on a family of Fijian Indians who now live in New Zealand. I love that this group is getting representation and I loved how the setting of New Zealand and Fiji were used in the books. The smoke, steam and water were a constant element that created mystery and were always a sign of danger.
I would recommend this story for anyone looking for a diverse mystery read that may surprise you. I received this book as an ARC from the Berkley Hub for Underrepresented Voices.
I LOVED the diversity of this story. The story centers on a family of Fijian Indians who now live in New Zealand. I love that this group is getting representation and I loved how the setting of New Zealand and Fiji were used in the books. The smoke, steam and water were a constant element that created mystery and were always a sign of danger.
I would recommend this story for anyone looking for a diverse mystery read that may surprise you. I received this book as an ARC from the Berkley Hub for Underrepresented Voices.
January 28, 2026
I pre-ordered this book way back when. The day it arrived, I devoured the entire thing in a few hours... because Nalini Singh never disappoints. I couldn't help but get lost in the pages of this incredibly layered story.
I love how she brought different aspects of the South Asian diaspora into this story; especially her Indo-Fijian background.
The way she flipped between characters and timelines was seamless.
She had me going there for a moment but I did figure it out. 😝 The reveal was brilliant.
I love how she brought different aspects of the South Asian diaspora into this story; especially her Indo-Fijian background.
The way she flipped between characters and timelines was seamless.
She had me going there for a moment but I did figure it out. 😝 The reveal was brilliant.
February 6, 2026
Story 4 stars. Narration by 5 stars(full cast)
Tavish has just married his dream woman in Vegas. When she wants to move home to New Zealand he doesn’t hesitate-partially because he adores his wife and partially due to a detective in Los Angeles trying to pin the death of a couple of older woman on him. He is known there for the older women he romanced and the money and gifts he received. He’s also known for his addiction to gambling. So right away, the main character isn’t exactly squeaky clean although he really did love one of the women. After an engagement party at his new and very wealthy in-laws sprawling lakeside home the previous night, he leaves on an errand for his wife. He arrives back home to a nightmare. Death and destruction. Due to his background of course police think he did it.
I enjoyed the full cast narration which even includes the detective in Los Angeles as he obsessively tries to prove at least two murders by Tavish. So there’s two investigations going on at the same time by police. Tavish starts his own investigation. It was a good mystery with a very intricate plot. Lots of twists and turns. I did figure out the whodunnit part before the end, but not the why. I was also interested in the Indian culture that is talked about as there are many characters from India. Part of the story takes place in Figi so that added even more to the story. I like this author’s mysteries, romances and even some of her paranormal books and don’t hesitate recommending her work. Good listen!
Trigger warning
For murder of a child off the page, but talked about throughout the book.
Tavish has just married his dream woman in Vegas. When she wants to move home to New Zealand he doesn’t hesitate-partially because he adores his wife and partially due to a detective in Los Angeles trying to pin the death of a couple of older woman on him. He is known there for the older women he romanced and the money and gifts he received. He’s also known for his addiction to gambling. So right away, the main character isn’t exactly squeaky clean although he really did love one of the women. After an engagement party at his new and very wealthy in-laws sprawling lakeside home the previous night, he leaves on an errand for his wife. He arrives back home to a nightmare. Death and destruction. Due to his background of course police think he did it.
I enjoyed the full cast narration which even includes the detective in Los Angeles as he obsessively tries to prove at least two murders by Tavish. So there’s two investigations going on at the same time by police. Tavish starts his own investigation. It was a good mystery with a very intricate plot. Lots of twists and turns. I did figure out the whodunnit part before the end, but not the why. I was also interested in the Indian culture that is talked about as there are many characters from India. Part of the story takes place in Figi so that added even more to the story. I like this author’s mysteries, romances and even some of her paranormal books and don’t hesitate recommending her work. Good listen!
Trigger warning
For murder of a child off the page, but talked about throughout the book.
January 27, 2026
I had no idea who to trust and finished this one in a single day because I just had to know what happened. The story follows Tavish, whose dream marriage turns into a nightmare when a tragic fire exposes dark family secrets. The tension kept me on edge the whole way and the descriptive writing really brought the story to life. I also loved the South Asian rep, it felt authentic and natural. A gripping, page-turning thriller I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to Berkley Pub for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Berkley Pub for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 29, 2026
A twisted thriller. Full RTC
February 5, 2026
Not for me 😑
February 21, 2026
What a fast-paced and immersive story. I love when a story makes me question everything the entire way through, and answers the questions in a surprising, but satisfying way. I liked the different perspectives and the cultural references that taught me as much as it entertained me.
January 8, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own.
📖 Book Review 📖 At some point in our life, the glimmers surrounding our notion of a perfect family fade; it’s just a matter of how far our perception falls from that pedestal. Nalini Singh is here with the perfect atmospheric read where the destructive flames are only the beginning that uncover a web of lies waiting to be uncovered. Tavish Advani is no stranger to mayhem and investigations into suspicious deaths - he just wanted a clean slate when he married Diya and left the States. But can our past ever really stay buried? Such a Perfect Family unpacks a haunting tale that leaves you on the edge of your seat.
📖 Book Review 📖 At some point in our life, the glimmers surrounding our notion of a perfect family fade; it’s just a matter of how far our perception falls from that pedestal. Nalini Singh is here with the perfect atmospheric read where the destructive flames are only the beginning that uncover a web of lies waiting to be uncovered. Tavish Advani is no stranger to mayhem and investigations into suspicious deaths - he just wanted a clean slate when he married Diya and left the States. But can our past ever really stay buried? Such a Perfect Family unpacks a haunting tale that leaves you on the edge of your seat.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The first chapter had me on the edge of my seat for more. Unfortunately, I didn't stay there.
There were some decent twists. I just felt a little let down that I was able to guess the conclusion so early and felt a lack of connection to the characters.
There were some decent twists. I just felt a little let down that I was able to guess the conclusion so early and felt a lack of connection to the characters.
July 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this book, with my honest review below.
Well that was unexpected. Such a Perfect Family opens with a literal explosion when Tavish, newly married to Diya and moved to New Zealand from a dark past in LA, returns to his new wife’s family home to see it on fire, his wife stabbed, and his in laws presumed still inside when the home explodes. With the only survivors as wife Diya and sister in law Shumi, both in comas due to attacks vs the fire, Tavish is on the hunt to figure out what happened and what his wife’s last sentence before she went under means.
The book is highly fraught as detectives look closely at Tavish due to his history as a bit of a kept man, with his lovers dying while in relationships with him. But the southeastern Asian family he married into had their own set of secrets as well, and the mystery to figure out who did the crime, and if Tavish was up to no good in his past relationships, is hard to tear yourself away from. All in all this is a more action filled mystery than I expected with a lot of ideas laid out but somewhat unnnecessary or unexplored, but with plenty of bright red herrings and surprising turns it stands out in the genre.
Well that was unexpected. Such a Perfect Family opens with a literal explosion when Tavish, newly married to Diya and moved to New Zealand from a dark past in LA, returns to his new wife’s family home to see it on fire, his wife stabbed, and his in laws presumed still inside when the home explodes. With the only survivors as wife Diya and sister in law Shumi, both in comas due to attacks vs the fire, Tavish is on the hunt to figure out what happened and what his wife’s last sentence before she went under means.
The book is highly fraught as detectives look closely at Tavish due to his history as a bit of a kept man, with his lovers dying while in relationships with him. But the southeastern Asian family he married into had their own set of secrets as well, and the mystery to figure out who did the crime, and if Tavish was up to no good in his past relationships, is hard to tear yourself away from. All in all this is a more action filled mystery than I expected with a lot of ideas laid out but somewhat unnnecessary or unexplored, but with plenty of bright red herrings and surprising turns it stands out in the genre.
December 14, 2025
Such a Perfect Family by Nalini Singh is a dark, emotionally charged domestic mystery that peels back the illusion of a fairy-tale life to reveal something far more disturbing underneath. What begins with love at first sight, a whirlwind Vegas wedding, and a picture-perfect future quickly spirals into tragedy when a devastating house fire leaves Tavish Advani’s wife in a coma and her wealthy family nearly wiped out. From there, the story becomes less about what was lost—and more about what was never real to begin with.
As suspicion tightens around Tavish, the narrative smartly leans into themes of identity, perception, and the weight of past sins that refuse to stay buried. His desperate attempt to prove his innocence while uncovering the truth about his wife’s seemingly flawless family creates a constant undercurrent of unease. The mystery unfolds slowly and deliberately, favoring psychological tension and buried secrets over flashy twists, which makes the revelations feel earned—even when they’re unsettling.
While a few stretches felt slightly drawn out, the atmosphere, emotional depth, and creeping sense that everyone is hiding something kept me invested. Nalini Singh does an excellent job exploring how love, guilt, and obsession can blur reality, making this a gripping, character-driven mystery. A solid four-star read for fans of dark domestic suspense and stories where perfection is always a lie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC!
As suspicion tightens around Tavish, the narrative smartly leans into themes of identity, perception, and the weight of past sins that refuse to stay buried. His desperate attempt to prove his innocence while uncovering the truth about his wife’s seemingly flawless family creates a constant undercurrent of unease. The mystery unfolds slowly and deliberately, favoring psychological tension and buried secrets over flashy twists, which makes the revelations feel earned—even when they’re unsettling.
While a few stretches felt slightly drawn out, the atmosphere, emotional depth, and creeping sense that everyone is hiding something kept me invested. Nalini Singh does an excellent job exploring how love, guilt, and obsession can blur reality, making this a gripping, character-driven mystery. A solid four-star read for fans of dark domestic suspense and stories where perfection is always a lie.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this eARC!
January 29, 2026
I guessed the bad guy, but this was still a twisty fun read.
February 14, 2026
Round up to 4.5 stars.
December 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Nalini Singh and Berkeley Publishong group for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really twisty read with so many surprisingly sketchy characters that I did not expect. It was a quick and easy read that was quite unique. I enjoyed the setting of the novel and the characters even though they were all guilty of something.
This was a really twisty read with so many surprisingly sketchy characters that I did not expect. It was a quick and easy read that was quite unique. I enjoyed the setting of the novel and the characters even though they were all guilty of something.
February 9, 2026
This was a solid, fast-paced read that kept me turning pages even when I thought I had things figured out. While parts of the story felt a bit predictable, the twist still managed to catch me off guard, which I really appreciated.
There were some pacing issues along the way, but once things started moving I flew through the book in two sittings. The tension builds steadily, and the unsettling family dynamics were easily the strongest part for me. You’re never really sure who trust the entire way through.
Overall, this isn’t a flawless thriller, but it’s engaging, readable, and satisfying if you’re in the mood for something you can devour quickly. A good pick for readers who like psychological suspense with strong character focus and just enough surprises to keep things interesting.
Thanks to Berkeley for the free book!
There were some pacing issues along the way, but once things started moving I flew through the book in two sittings. The tension builds steadily, and the unsettling family dynamics were easily the strongest part for me. You’re never really sure who trust the entire way through.
Overall, this isn’t a flawless thriller, but it’s engaging, readable, and satisfying if you’re in the mood for something you can devour quickly. A good pick for readers who like psychological suspense with strong character focus and just enough surprises to keep things interesting.
Thanks to Berkeley for the free book!
January 23, 2026
This book was kind of strange. The main character was very weird, and the part of the plot that involved his history was rather unnecessary. It was interesting at first, but it never led to anything of substance in the end.
But I was interested enough to read the whole thing, so that’s good, and it was at least a little bit entertaining. But I can’t say it’s one I’d actively recommend.
Thank you @berkleypub for the free book #berkley #berkleypartner
But I was interested enough to read the whole thing, so that’s good, and it was at least a little bit entertaining. But I can’t say it’s one I’d actively recommend.
Thank you @berkleypub for the free book #berkley #berkleypartner
January 31, 2026
Eh. I was disappointed by the ending, which I’ll get into more in my full review to come.
February 16, 2026
3.5 stars
February 7, 2026
3 stars. This just never really grabbed me. There were some interesting components but it didn’t come together well or bolster the story in the ways it should. Disappointing read
January 4, 2026
Wow this was insanely good. Addicting plot. Plus that twist really, really had me. Honestly a very good thriller and not predictable at all. I enjoyed this read. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this read!
October 18, 2025
WHAT THE HELLLL. I did not see this coming! What an incredibly written thriller!
This was a fun twist on a domestic psychological thriller and I loved it. I found some parts dragged on which is why it lost a star but overall.. WOW. I didn’t see the twists coming.
Absolutely loved the interwoven stories that take place in this book. I also appreciated how complicated our main character was, he really lived through a lot.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
This was a fun twist on a domestic psychological thriller and I loved it. I found some parts dragged on which is why it lost a star but overall.. WOW. I didn’t see the twists coming.
Absolutely loved the interwoven stories that take place in this book. I also appreciated how complicated our main character was, he really lived through a lot.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
November 22, 2025
Tavish Advani had a thing for money and older women-especially older women with money. He had three such relationships, all resulting in a woman's death after each bestowed him money, condos, and other lucrative tidbits. He was extremely good-looking and knew how to make his own money, but he could lose it at the gambling table just as fast. A very flawed character. He had raised suspicion with the LA police, and even when the cases closed without any evidence pointing in his direction, one of the cops wasn't resting until he nailed him. That's how his life was going until he saw Diya at a crowded party. Her name means "light" in Hindi and she absolutely glowed that night-he was smitten with her and she with him, they married in Vegas five weeks later. Diya couldn't wait to introduce Tavish to her family so they flew to New Zealand to start a new life there. This suited Tavish very well as he could escape his American reputation, which Diya knew nothing about.
Her family was extremely wealthy, both were doctors and pillars of their community. Unfortunately, they had their golden son Bobby who could do no wrong, and Diya wasn't allowed to grow into her own person, which was why she stayed in California when she was given a chance to leave her traditional Hindu house. Her parents insisted on the pair not telling anyone that they had already married and were going to throw them a lavish Indian wedding which was fine with the couple. Tavish was sent out to pick up some tasting morsels to choose their wedding cake and when he returned to her parent's house, he found it on fire. He entered the house through broken glass, fire and smoke, and located Diya, who seemed to be wearing a flowered dress, but when he pulled her out he saw that she had been stabbed multiple times. Shumi, Diya's sister-in-law, had always loved Bobby and had grown up with Diya and her brother in Fiji. She was also out of the house with stab wounds, but Diya's parents and their son Bobby were not so lucky-no one else escaped. Then the house exploded.
Diya and Shumi were brought to the hospital, both unconscious and in the ICU. While Tavish stayed at his wife's bedside, a detective was assigned to get to the bottom of the attacks, and Tavish was the prime suspect. He knew his reputation was tarnished but he also knew that he didn't set the fire. His task was to find out who set the fire, and why before he was hauled away by the police. If Diya or Shumi woke up, he was sure that they could clear him. Unless they had lost their memories.
Nalini Singh is the author of many books, including thrillers, paranormal romance, and series novels. This is the first that I've read by this wildly popular writer and it was a real treat. As readers follow Tavish as he tries to unearth the truth, they will also experience the beauty of New Zealand and Fiji, places where Singh grew up and knows well. A perfect escapist novel.
Her family was extremely wealthy, both were doctors and pillars of their community. Unfortunately, they had their golden son Bobby who could do no wrong, and Diya wasn't allowed to grow into her own person, which was why she stayed in California when she was given a chance to leave her traditional Hindu house. Her parents insisted on the pair not telling anyone that they had already married and were going to throw them a lavish Indian wedding which was fine with the couple. Tavish was sent out to pick up some tasting morsels to choose their wedding cake and when he returned to her parent's house, he found it on fire. He entered the house through broken glass, fire and smoke, and located Diya, who seemed to be wearing a flowered dress, but when he pulled her out he saw that she had been stabbed multiple times. Shumi, Diya's sister-in-law, had always loved Bobby and had grown up with Diya and her brother in Fiji. She was also out of the house with stab wounds, but Diya's parents and their son Bobby were not so lucky-no one else escaped. Then the house exploded.
Diya and Shumi were brought to the hospital, both unconscious and in the ICU. While Tavish stayed at his wife's bedside, a detective was assigned to get to the bottom of the attacks, and Tavish was the prime suspect. He knew his reputation was tarnished but he also knew that he didn't set the fire. His task was to find out who set the fire, and why before he was hauled away by the police. If Diya or Shumi woke up, he was sure that they could clear him. Unless they had lost their memories.
Nalini Singh is the author of many books, including thrillers, paranormal romance, and series novels. This is the first that I've read by this wildly popular writer and it was a real treat. As readers follow Tavish as he tries to unearth the truth, they will also experience the beauty of New Zealand and Fiji, places where Singh grew up and knows well. A perfect escapist novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Nalini Singh's latest psychological thriller, Such A Perfect Family takes readers on a search for dark truths where none are expected—and each is darker than the next.
Tavish and Diya had a whirlwind courtship and a Vegas wedding. The two moved to New Zealand to be near her family, safe in the knowledge that they'd have their entire lives to get to really learn about each other. But before they can get too settled, tragedy strikes. Tavish comes home to find the family home in flames, Diya and her sister-in-law Shumi the only survivors of a vicious knife attack and barely alive. Tavish becomes the logical suspect—especially when the cops begin to uncover his connections to the deaths of several wealthy women back in L.A. With Diya and Shumi in comas and no one to tell the cops he's innocent, Tavish tries to discover who could have hated his picture-perfect in-laws so much that they would commit such a crime. With little to go on, he begins uncovering secrets darker than anything he could have imagined behind the family he thought he knew.
Brilliantly constructed to alternate between Tavish's narrative and the private case notes of an L.A. cop obsessed with figuring out how Tavish could have killed a woman he wasn't anywhere near, the book unfolds in ways that give readers all the clues, but misdirect them perfectly. Past, present, and multiple secrets blend together without becoming confusing—not always an easy thing to do—as the past shapes the present crimes. The reader sees how each person became who they are, how heartbreaking choices each step along the way led inevitably to the violent present.
And the entire time you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat wondering: is Tavish a reliable narrator? Is he lying to us or to himself? Is he innocent and going to be blamed to something he didn't do? Can he figure it out and get the cops to believe him? How many angles is the danger coming from?
When Singh lands the final twist I thought I saw it coming one way and was surprised when it came from somewhere else entirely. This was a powerful and excellent book, full of tension.
If you only read one thriller this year, it needs to be Such A Perfect Family.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Tavish and Diya had a whirlwind courtship and a Vegas wedding. The two moved to New Zealand to be near her family, safe in the knowledge that they'd have their entire lives to get to really learn about each other. But before they can get too settled, tragedy strikes. Tavish comes home to find the family home in flames, Diya and her sister-in-law Shumi the only survivors of a vicious knife attack and barely alive. Tavish becomes the logical suspect—especially when the cops begin to uncover his connections to the deaths of several wealthy women back in L.A. With Diya and Shumi in comas and no one to tell the cops he's innocent, Tavish tries to discover who could have hated his picture-perfect in-laws so much that they would commit such a crime. With little to go on, he begins uncovering secrets darker than anything he could have imagined behind the family he thought he knew.
Brilliantly constructed to alternate between Tavish's narrative and the private case notes of an L.A. cop obsessed with figuring out how Tavish could have killed a woman he wasn't anywhere near, the book unfolds in ways that give readers all the clues, but misdirect them perfectly. Past, present, and multiple secrets blend together without becoming confusing—not always an easy thing to do—as the past shapes the present crimes. The reader sees how each person became who they are, how heartbreaking choices each step along the way led inevitably to the violent present.
And the entire time you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat wondering: is Tavish a reliable narrator? Is he lying to us or to himself? Is he innocent and going to be blamed to something he didn't do? Can he figure it out and get the cops to believe him? How many angles is the danger coming from?
When Singh lands the final twist I thought I saw it coming one way and was surprised when it came from somewhere else entirely. This was a powerful and excellent book, full of tension.
If you only read one thriller this year, it needs to be Such A Perfect Family.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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