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The Perfect Alibi
Not yet published
Expected 22 Mar 26Nina is a nobody.
She cleans other people's houses, drives a dying car, and goes home to a boyfriend who'd rather complete anonymous tasks for an app that pays cash and asks no questions. She has learned not to expect much from anyone.
Until the day she crashes into Florence.
Florence is wealthy, magnetic, and unsettlingly calm. She takes the blame. She offers Nina a job. She takes her under her wing. And Nina, who has never once been chosen by anyone, lets her.
It is the worst decision she has ever made.
Because Florence's world has locked doors. The closer Nina gets, the darker it becomes, until one night something happens that binds them together in a way that cannot be spoken of, reported, or ever undone.
But someone knows.
Someone who has been watching far longer than either of them realise, piecing together every lie, every loose end, every moment they thought they were safe. Someone who will stop at nothing to expose them both, and doesn't care how much damage they do in the process.
The Perfect Alibi is a razor-sharp thriller about obsession, manipulation, and the devastating consequences of being noticed by the wrong person, set against the rain-soaked backstreets of Manchester, where nobody is who they claim to be.
She cleans other people's houses, drives a dying car, and goes home to a boyfriend who'd rather complete anonymous tasks for an app that pays cash and asks no questions. She has learned not to expect much from anyone.
Until the day she crashes into Florence.
Florence is wealthy, magnetic, and unsettlingly calm. She takes the blame. She offers Nina a job. She takes her under her wing. And Nina, who has never once been chosen by anyone, lets her.
It is the worst decision she has ever made.
Because Florence's world has locked doors. The closer Nina gets, the darker it becomes, until one night something happens that binds them together in a way that cannot be spoken of, reported, or ever undone.
But someone knows.
Someone who has been watching far longer than either of them realise, piecing together every lie, every loose end, every moment they thought they were safe. Someone who will stop at nothing to expose them both, and doesn't care how much damage they do in the process.
The Perfect Alibi is a razor-sharp thriller about obsession, manipulation, and the devastating consequences of being noticed by the wrong person, set against the rain-soaked backstreets of Manchester, where nobody is who they claim to be.
Unknown Binding
Expected publication March 22, 2026
9 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Philip Anthony Smith
18 books118 followersGet a free book by clicking here! Philip Anthony Smith made his debut as an author in 2024 with his first psychological thriller, 'Run For Your Life', which released in April of the same year.
As a first time author, he has no accolades or awards to show off, but boasts a lifetime of desire to become an acclaimed story teller.
After a long string of seemingly unrelated professions including window cleaner, SMS psychic and small business owner, Philip decided 2024 was the year to bring his stories to life.
As a first time author, he has no accolades or awards to show off, but boasts a lifetime of desire to become an acclaimed story teller.
After a long string of seemingly unrelated professions including window cleaner, SMS psychic and small business owner, Philip decided 2024 was the year to bring his stories to life.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 12, 2026
Well Philip outdone himself with this one and definitely summoned his inner Freida (McFadden). It’s her level of unhinged. The extremes someone will go to for jealousy/revenge. Very much has The Housemaid/ The Housemaid’s Secret vibes. This meant I actually saw some of the twists coming. But it was still an engaging binge worthy read for those that enjoy a messed up psychological thriller!
March 13, 2026
Perfect Alibi by Philip Anthony Smith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much for sending me an arc copy of this book @philipsmithfiction 💜 I will definitely be purchasing a copy for my bookshelf.
This book had definite Housemaid vibes but in my opinion was much better.
I loved all the twists and turns and my favourite character was definitely Florence 💜
I was hooked from the very beginning and will definitely be picking up more of this author’s books 🥳
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much for sending me an arc copy of this book @philipsmithfiction 💜 I will definitely be purchasing a copy for my bookshelf.
This book had definite Housemaid vibes but in my opinion was much better.
I loved all the twists and turns and my favourite character was definitely Florence 💜
I was hooked from the very beginning and will definitely be picking up more of this author’s books 🥳
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Price of a Better Life
The Perfect Alibi by Philip Anthony Smith is a sharp, fast-paced psychological thriller about desperation, power, and the dangerous allure of stepping into someone else’s world.
Nina Stevenson is barely surviving — stuck in a dead-end relationship, cleaning houses for cash, and watching her options disappear one by one. Then a car accident on a rain-soaked Manchester road changes everything. The woman she hits isn’t furious or shaken — she’s calm, polished, and unsettlingly kind. Florence Harrow is wealthy, composed, and completely in control. When she offers Nina a real opportunity — a way into her glamorous world — it feels like a lifeline.
But Florence’s generosity comes with strings. The deeper Nina is pulled into a world of influence, secrets, and carefully curated perfection, the clearer it becomes that nothing is accidental — and no one is innocent. By the time Nina realises what she’s truly involved in, it may already be too late.
Oh. My. Word. What did I just read?!
From the very first word of the prologue — murder — I was hooked. Instantly thrown into the middle of it all. This book completely blew my mind. I couldn’t put it down. It’s super-fast-paced with constant tension and suspense running through every chapter.
I connected with Nina immediately. Following her descent — the choices she makes, the fear, the doubt — felt natural and gripping. Florence, on the other hand, was fascinating and dodgy from the start. I did not trust her for a single second. Even when things seemed straightforward, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
The side characters — Cal, Jean, Victor, Marcus — all felt real and added weight to the story. This is a thriller through and through.
The writing flows effortlessly. It’s clever, sharp, and incredibly easy to read. Fun, tense, suspenseful, and completely unhinged in the best way. Deep, dark, twisted — exactly the kind of psychological chaos I thrive on. This is what I’m talking about when I say I want something intense.
I also loved that each chapter had a title that fit perfectly with the story — such a small detail, but it added so much.
And can we talk about that cover? Stunning. One of my favourites. It pulls you in immediately.
If you loved The Housemaid, you are absolutely going to love this one — and dare I say… it might even be better.
I think this is my favourite book of 2026 so far — and that’s saying something.
Thank you to Philip for the ARC. The Perfect Alibi releases 22/03.
The Perfect Alibi by Philip Anthony Smith is a sharp, fast-paced psychological thriller about desperation, power, and the dangerous allure of stepping into someone else’s world.
Nina Stevenson is barely surviving — stuck in a dead-end relationship, cleaning houses for cash, and watching her options disappear one by one. Then a car accident on a rain-soaked Manchester road changes everything. The woman she hits isn’t furious or shaken — she’s calm, polished, and unsettlingly kind. Florence Harrow is wealthy, composed, and completely in control. When she offers Nina a real opportunity — a way into her glamorous world — it feels like a lifeline.
But Florence’s generosity comes with strings. The deeper Nina is pulled into a world of influence, secrets, and carefully curated perfection, the clearer it becomes that nothing is accidental — and no one is innocent. By the time Nina realises what she’s truly involved in, it may already be too late.
Oh. My. Word. What did I just read?!
From the very first word of the prologue — murder — I was hooked. Instantly thrown into the middle of it all. This book completely blew my mind. I couldn’t put it down. It’s super-fast-paced with constant tension and suspense running through every chapter.
I connected with Nina immediately. Following her descent — the choices she makes, the fear, the doubt — felt natural and gripping. Florence, on the other hand, was fascinating and dodgy from the start. I did not trust her for a single second. Even when things seemed straightforward, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.
The side characters — Cal, Jean, Victor, Marcus — all felt real and added weight to the story. This is a thriller through and through.
The writing flows effortlessly. It’s clever, sharp, and incredibly easy to read. Fun, tense, suspenseful, and completely unhinged in the best way. Deep, dark, twisted — exactly the kind of psychological chaos I thrive on. This is what I’m talking about when I say I want something intense.
I also loved that each chapter had a title that fit perfectly with the story — such a small detail, but it added so much.
And can we talk about that cover? Stunning. One of my favourites. It pulls you in immediately.
If you loved The Housemaid, you are absolutely going to love this one — and dare I say… it might even be better.
I think this is my favourite book of 2026 so far — and that’s saying something.
Thank you to Philip for the ARC. The Perfect Alibi releases 22/03.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nina is struggling to make a living as a cleaner, with a no-hoper for a boyfriend and a past she’s trying to keep hidden from her clients. Everything changes when she crashes into the back of the rich Florence’s car. Florence takes her under her wing, fixes up her car and gives her a job.
Then something terrible happens one day when Nina is at Florence’s house, and she becomes indebted to Florence. But it’s not only Florence she needs to be worried about, because someone else knows what happened. And now Nina is trapped in a web of lies and doesn’t know who to trust.
So, the elephant in the room - Nina, cleaner, domestic lies and trust issues and yes! The Housemaid! I struggled to stop thinking about The Housemaid! 😆 BUT it is a different story - albeit a similar style, and if you did love The Housemaid, you’ll love this too! I wish Nina had been given a different name though, because it made it so hard for me to stop comparing the two stories.
Anyway! That aside, this was fully gripping, relentlessly paced, highly entertaining and just so much fun to read! I really liked Nina and kept feeling so sorry for her (terrible boyfriend, terrible ex, bad thing after bad thing happening to her when she was just trying to be happy!)
I couldn’t figure out who to trust anymore than Nina could (although when all was revealed, couldn’t help but spot a rather large hole in the baddy’s plan..!) and it was great fun seeing it explained at the end.
If you love Freida, you really must check out Philip’s books, they’re consistently good!
Oh and I so loved the little nod to Patrick Bateman with the description of Florence’s luxurious business cards! 🤣
Then something terrible happens one day when Nina is at Florence’s house, and she becomes indebted to Florence. But it’s not only Florence she needs to be worried about, because someone else knows what happened. And now Nina is trapped in a web of lies and doesn’t know who to trust.
So, the elephant in the room - Nina, cleaner, domestic lies and trust issues and yes! The Housemaid! I struggled to stop thinking about The Housemaid! 😆 BUT it is a different story - albeit a similar style, and if you did love The Housemaid, you’ll love this too! I wish Nina had been given a different name though, because it made it so hard for me to stop comparing the two stories.
Anyway! That aside, this was fully gripping, relentlessly paced, highly entertaining and just so much fun to read! I really liked Nina and kept feeling so sorry for her (terrible boyfriend, terrible ex, bad thing after bad thing happening to her when she was just trying to be happy!)
I couldn’t figure out who to trust anymore than Nina could (although when all was revealed, couldn’t help but spot a rather large hole in the baddy’s plan..!) and it was great fun seeing it explained at the end.
If you love Freida, you really must check out Philip’s books, they’re consistently good!
Oh and I so loved the little nod to Patrick Bateman with the description of Florence’s luxurious business cards! 🤣
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m so happy I had the chance to read this before publication.
The Perfect Alibi by Philip Anthony Smith is yet another brilliant addition to Philip’s ever-growing list of amazing books. They never disappoint, and this one is a tale of manipulation and deception that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. I took to Nina straight away and really enjoyed following her journey throughout the story. I also liked that there aren’t too many characters to keep track of. The smaller cast works really well because the storyline itself is strong, engaging, and very well paced. Just when you think you can trust certain people, the story suddenly takes a U-turn and you’re back to square one wondering where it’s all heading. It definitely proves you should never mess with a woman scorned! The twists and turns throughout make this such a fun and addictive read. The ending was great and brought everything together really well.
Highly recommended and completely binge-worthy. I’m already excited for Philip’s next book as they just keep getting better and better. I’m a massive fan.
The Perfect Alibi by Philip Anthony Smith is yet another brilliant addition to Philip’s ever-growing list of amazing books. They never disappoint, and this one is a tale of manipulation and deception that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. I took to Nina straight away and really enjoyed following her journey throughout the story. I also liked that there aren’t too many characters to keep track of. The smaller cast works really well because the storyline itself is strong, engaging, and very well paced. Just when you think you can trust certain people, the story suddenly takes a U-turn and you’re back to square one wondering where it’s all heading. It definitely proves you should never mess with a woman scorned! The twists and turns throughout make this such a fun and addictive read. The ending was great and brought everything together really well.
Highly recommended and completely binge-worthy. I’m already excited for Philip’s next book as they just keep getting better and better. I’m a massive fan.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nina Stevenson, a woman just trying to get by in life, a boyfriend who doesnt pull his weight when it comes to a job and an opportunity arises for Nina that seems too good to miss.
Totally The Housemaid vibes but, unlike Nina in The Housemaid, the Nina in this is just a normal woman, albeit with a record, but one who wants to make her life better.
Then she bumps - literally - into Florence and her life completely changes.
I liked Nina from the start, her determination shines through and its nice to see. The side characters in this really come into their own, Cal, Jean, Marcus and Victor all play their parts and it all flows nicely. Pinq is also a great addition, reminds me of the film Nerve.
Another brilliant book by Anthony, I've read a few now and I think this is one of my favourites, twists and turns and one that makes you wonder who you can trust!
Totally The Housemaid vibes but, unlike Nina in The Housemaid, the Nina in this is just a normal woman, albeit with a record, but one who wants to make her life better.
Then she bumps - literally - into Florence and her life completely changes.
I liked Nina from the start, her determination shines through and its nice to see. The side characters in this really come into their own, Cal, Jean, Marcus and Victor all play their parts and it all flows nicely. Pinq is also a great addition, reminds me of the film Nerve.
Another brilliant book by Anthony, I've read a few now and I think this is one of my favourites, twists and turns and one that makes you wonder who you can trust!
March 5, 2026
Poor Nina but wow how bloody clever!! Don’t mess with a woman scored and all that! A thrilling tale of a toxic relationship or two, a money being thrown around while people go against their morals out of sheer desperation! You MUST read this out 22nd March!!
Amazing book to finish to celebrate world book day. Genuinely think you’re the best author I’ve read, right up there to TM Logan and AJ Campbell!! I love your work!! Amazing story that had me
Gripped with huge mind blowing 3 twists
I think it’s your best although that’s hard to say bcos I do love others!! I’m snuggled in bed but there is only one thing to do and that’s go to the garage for a review photo with the chest freezer!! IYKYK! Phil congratulations again, i know i sound like a broken record but you’ve smashed it and if you were my relation I’d be eternally proud of you!
Amazing book to finish to celebrate world book day. Genuinely think you’re the best author I’ve read, right up there to TM Logan and AJ Campbell!! I love your work!! Amazing story that had me
Gripped with huge mind blowing 3 twists
I think it’s your best although that’s hard to say bcos I do love others!! I’m snuggled in bed but there is only one thing to do and that’s go to the garage for a review photo with the chest freezer!! IYKYK! Phil congratulations again, i know i sound like a broken record but you’ve smashed it and if you were my relation I’d be eternally proud of you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for sending me an e-read ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
When fed-up, broke cleaner Nina, hits the back of rich business woman Florence's car, the last thing she expects is kindness. Far from getting angry, Florence drops Nina home, having promised to have her mechanic look at Ninas car, and offered her work cleaning for her. Her jobless and Lazy gamer boyfriend Cal is suspicious but with Florence insisting there's no catch, what could possibly go wrong?
In true psychological thriller style, if someone's being too nice, the warning sign blinks on and its not too long before the mask starts to slip. However, this one had so many excuses for the slips that it was had to work out what was truth or lie. Before long I'd ran out of theories and had to wait impatiently for the reveal. There's lots of shocks and surprises in store and an ending I hadn't seen coming!
When fed-up, broke cleaner Nina, hits the back of rich business woman Florence's car, the last thing she expects is kindness. Far from getting angry, Florence drops Nina home, having promised to have her mechanic look at Ninas car, and offered her work cleaning for her. Her jobless and Lazy gamer boyfriend Cal is suspicious but with Florence insisting there's no catch, what could possibly go wrong?
In true psychological thriller style, if someone's being too nice, the warning sign blinks on and its not too long before the mask starts to slip. However, this one had so many excuses for the slips that it was had to work out what was truth or lie. Before long I'd ran out of theories and had to wait impatiently for the reveal. There's lots of shocks and surprises in store and an ending I hadn't seen coming!
March 14, 2026
This felt a little different compared to Phil’s previous books, however it was still a great book that I really enjoyed. This one took me a little longer to read than normal, as the first half felt a little slow and took a while at building up the storyline. There was a great midway twist though that left my jaw on the floor! 😱 You do still get those classic twists towards the end too that had me gripped.
The writing didn’t feel as emotional or deep as some of his other books, and I did struggle connecting with the characters at first. Despite this, it was a still another fantastic book by this author and one I recommend!
A huge thank you to Phil for having me on his ARC team and the chance to read this one early ahead of publication. Out 22nd March.
All opinions here are my own.
The writing didn’t feel as emotional or deep as some of his other books, and I did struggle connecting with the characters at first. Despite this, it was a still another fantastic book by this author and one I recommend!
A huge thank you to Phil for having me on his ARC team and the chance to read this one early ahead of publication. Out 22nd March.
All opinions here are my own.
March 10, 2026
I’ve loved all of Phil’s work I’ve read so far and this wasn’t any different, I flew through it! As the story unfolds, the tension is increasingly palpable, littered with unreliable narrators and manipulation, we are wound into a chilling game of cat and mouse. Nina is a brilliantly crafted FMC, with grit and determination although in need of a bit of a shake now and again, then we have some unlikeable characters who really get under your skin.
If you love Kitty Collins / Sweetpea / The Housemaid then you’ll love this!
If you love Kitty Collins / Sweetpea / The Housemaid then you’ll love this!
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March 9, 2026Here we follow Nina Stevenson who distractedly bumped into the back of wealthy and glamorous Florence Harrow's car. Florence didn't seem too bothered by this accident and took Nina under her wing by offering her a well paid cleaning job amongst other things, but why is Florence keen to be so generous towards plain old Nina. A well written and constructed storyline from start to finish. Thank you Phil for an ARC in return for my honest review
March 16, 2026
Nina is down on her luck before Florence comes into her life. Before she knows it, her life is unravelling, she is falling out with her boyfriend and things just seem a bit suspicious. Is Florence a decent friend/employer or does she have an alternative motive?
Another fantastic book by Philip! I had absolutely no idea where it was going to go and every twist had me gasping! Nina as a character is okay while Florence is just despicable and I disliked her from the first moment we are introduced to her! Excellent pacing, with a story that will genuinely shock you! Would I recommend? Absolutely!
Another fantastic book by Philip! I had absolutely no idea where it was going to go and every twist had me gasping! Nina as a character is okay while Florence is just despicable and I disliked her from the first moment we are introduced to her! Excellent pacing, with a story that will genuinely shock you! Would I recommend? Absolutely!
March 15, 2026
Nina is barely scraping by cleaning houses and hoping her car starts. But then she meets Florence who offers her a job too good to refuse. But it turns menacing and scary. This is an intense thriller with obsession and manipulation!
If you haven’t read any books by Philip Anthony Smith, now is the time!
Release date March 22, 2026
If you haven’t read any books by Philip Anthony Smith, now is the time!
Release date March 22, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW what did I just read .. this book is absolutely 💯 brilliant. As with all of Phils books this had you totally sucked in from the start to the end. Im so pleased I got to read this early before its release date 22nd March. Totally recommend another book I really enjoyed 😉 x
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this fast paced thriller, a woman scorned is not one to be messed with, and the plot was full of twists and turns that I did not see coming. Definitely one to keep you reading late into the night!
March 9, 2026
Yet another great read of Phil’s! I was sucked in from the start until the very end! Loved the characters & the whole storyline, if you love psychological thrillers like me then you’ll absolutely love Philip’s books!
I’m so grateful I was able to read this book early!!
I’m so grateful I was able to read this book early!!
March 7, 2026
Oh my god!!!!
What a fantastic ride this book is
What a fantastic ride this book is
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews