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The Perfect Family
‘Mummy, she’s gone…’
Gemma Ballantine is getting ready for work one morning when her eldest child comes running down the stairs, saying the words every mother dreads.
The front door is open. And her six-year-old daughter has disappeared. Frantic with fear, Gemma starts a nail-biting search for her little girl.
After what feels like forever, her mother-in-law Diane finds Katie wandering lost a few streets away. Relieved to have her youngest child back in her arms, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair, Gemma thinks the nightmare is over.
But then her perfect family starts to fall apart.
And she realises it’s only just beginning…
From the top ten bestselling author of The Secret Mother and The Child Next Door, this completely addictive psychological thriller of secrets, lies and betrayal will make you gasp out loud at the heart-stopping final twist. If you loved Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train and The Sister this book is for you.
Gemma Ballantine is getting ready for work one morning when her eldest child comes running down the stairs, saying the words every mother dreads.
The front door is open. And her six-year-old daughter has disappeared. Frantic with fear, Gemma starts a nail-biting search for her little girl.
After what feels like forever, her mother-in-law Diane finds Katie wandering lost a few streets away. Relieved to have her youngest child back in her arms, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair, Gemma thinks the nightmare is over.
But then her perfect family starts to fall apart.
And she realises it’s only just beginning…
From the top ten bestselling author of The Secret Mother and The Child Next Door, this completely addictive psychological thriller of secrets, lies and betrayal will make you gasp out loud at the heart-stopping final twist. If you loved Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train and The Sister this book is for you.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2018
8447 people are currently reading
10157 people want to read
About the author
Shalini Boland
45 books3,469 followersShalini Boland is the USA-Today bestselling author of twenty psychological thrillers. With three million copies sold, her titles are published by Amazon Publishing, Audible, Bookouture, and Grand Central Publishing.
Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).
She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.
www.shaliniboland.com
Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure
Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).
She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series.
www.shaliniboland.com
Now available:
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
THE HONEYMOON
THE SCHOOL REUNION
THE SILENT BRIDE
THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
A PERFECT STRANGER
THE FAMILY HOLIDAY
THE COUPLE UPSTAIRS
MY LITTLE GIRL
THE WIFE
ONE OF US IS LYING
THE OTHER DAUGHTER
THE MARRIAGE BETRAYAL
THE PERFECT FAMILY
THE SILENT SISTER
THE CHILD NEXT DOOR
THE SECRET MOTHER
THE MILLIONAIRE'S WIFE
THE BEST FRIEND
THE GIRL FROM THE SEA
The OUTSIDE SERIES - a thrilling dystopian adventure
The VAMPIRES OF MARCHWOOD series - a romantic fantasy adventure
A SHIRTFUL OF FROGS - an evacuee timeslip adventure
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 828 reviews
November 10, 2018
Wow! Wow! Wow! This was one fabulously twisted psychological thriller!
Shalini Boland Has a way with taking the ordinary and turning it on its head... this was a well-crafted psychological thriller that completely sucked me in from the very first page! A book about the “perfect“ family finding themselves on one crazy twisted ride!
The book starts out with Gemma frantically searching for her youngest daughter Katie... katie is soon found wandering down the street by her grandmother and Gemma’s mother-in-law, Diane.... I don’t know about you but if anyone found my child wandering down the street much less my mother-in-law I would be mortified.... although there was the one time I found my youngest playing in the gutter across the street from our house, but he is my third kid😉
As anyone who has ever lost sight of their child those are some pretty long minutes in your life, and when you find your child you feel relieved, then a little angry, but the nightmare is over! Not in this case though Gemma’s nightmare has just begun... a vandalized car and a key that won’t quite fit are just the beginning... already doubting her capabilities as a mother Gemma is convinced to hire a tutor/nanny to watch the girls and help Ava with her entrance exams... Sadie comes with some strong recommendations, but Gemma is highly suspicious.... The girls seem too absolutely adore Sadie, but strange things start to happen and Gemma becomes more and more suspicious.... i’m sure you think you know where this story is going, And yet you’d be SO wrong! Can’t say much more about the plot, certainly don’t want to ruin it for you... just know that it is full of twists and turns that will definitely keep you furiously turning those pages!
This is a can’t miss psychological thriller buy one of my favorite authors... if you have read anything by Shalini Boland before this might be her best, and if you haven’t what are you waiting for? Perfect place to start!
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
Shalini Boland Has a way with taking the ordinary and turning it on its head... this was a well-crafted psychological thriller that completely sucked me in from the very first page! A book about the “perfect“ family finding themselves on one crazy twisted ride!
The book starts out with Gemma frantically searching for her youngest daughter Katie... katie is soon found wandering down the street by her grandmother and Gemma’s mother-in-law, Diane.... I don’t know about you but if anyone found my child wandering down the street much less my mother-in-law I would be mortified.... although there was the one time I found my youngest playing in the gutter across the street from our house, but he is my third kid😉
As anyone who has ever lost sight of their child those are some pretty long minutes in your life, and when you find your child you feel relieved, then a little angry, but the nightmare is over! Not in this case though Gemma’s nightmare has just begun... a vandalized car and a key that won’t quite fit are just the beginning... already doubting her capabilities as a mother Gemma is convinced to hire a tutor/nanny to watch the girls and help Ava with her entrance exams... Sadie comes with some strong recommendations, but Gemma is highly suspicious.... The girls seem too absolutely adore Sadie, but strange things start to happen and Gemma becomes more and more suspicious.... i’m sure you think you know where this story is going, And yet you’d be SO wrong! Can’t say much more about the plot, certainly don’t want to ruin it for you... just know that it is full of twists and turns that will definitely keep you furiously turning those pages!
This is a can’t miss psychological thriller buy one of my favorite authors... if you have read anything by Shalini Boland before this might be her best, and if you haven’t what are you waiting for? Perfect place to start!
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this book ***
November 1, 2018
Yep, she’s done it again folks! The Perfect Family by Shalini Boland is yet another page turning psychological thriller that may lull you into sense of familiarity only to completely change the game.
Gemma Ballantine is a busy working mother of two little girls that keep her on her toes. She and her husband do pretty well sharing the responsibilities of home but it always feels as if there’s something more to be done. When on another rushed morning Gemma looks everywhere for her youngest but she’s no where to be found Gemma begins to become frantic with worry.
Before Gemma is even able to phone the police her mother in law shows up with Katie in tow having wandered out alone. This event leads to a few others that make Gemma question her perfect family and give into the suggestion of hiring a nanny. Things at first are great but Gemma begins to feel things just aren’t quite right at home…
One thing I’ve come to expect from a book from Shalini Boland is being pulled into her stories right away and The Perfect Family was no exception. With a bit of an early twist we are sucked into a missing child situation which is quickly resolved to make way for the real psychological games. The story afterward had a familiar feel to it, the nanny with secrets in the family home but boy was I ever wrong with where it headed with those final twists and turns surprising even me. Definitely one I’d recommend checking out.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Gemma Ballantine is a busy working mother of two little girls that keep her on her toes. She and her husband do pretty well sharing the responsibilities of home but it always feels as if there’s something more to be done. When on another rushed morning Gemma looks everywhere for her youngest but she’s no where to be found Gemma begins to become frantic with worry.
Before Gemma is even able to phone the police her mother in law shows up with Katie in tow having wandered out alone. This event leads to a few others that make Gemma question her perfect family and give into the suggestion of hiring a nanny. Things at first are great but Gemma begins to feel things just aren’t quite right at home…
One thing I’ve come to expect from a book from Shalini Boland is being pulled into her stories right away and The Perfect Family was no exception. With a bit of an early twist we are sucked into a missing child situation which is quickly resolved to make way for the real psychological games. The story afterward had a familiar feel to it, the nanny with secrets in the family home but boy was I ever wrong with where it headed with those final twists and turns surprising even me. Definitely one I’d recommend checking out.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 5, 2022
Gemma and Robert Ballantine have busy work schedules. He is a personnel trainer while she owns her own business. While Gemma is getting ready for work one morning, her eldest daughter tells her that her little sister, Katie, is missing. Gemma discovers the front door is open and frantically searches outside. Luckily, after a few minutes, Eva appears with her grandmother, Diane. But things just go from bad to worse after this. Diane talks them into getting a live-in nanny/tutor for the girls and recommends Sadie to them.
This is another book where you can't say too much about it as it would contain too many spoilers. I thought I knew where this story was going, even with the twists, it was easy to see. But I was so very wrong. I liked Robert and Gemma, like most married couples they have their ups and downs, juggling family life with their work commitments. Shalini Boland has quickly become one of my favourite authors. This book is gripping from the start and I read it in one sitting. The final twist, I never saw coming and boy, it's a good one. I highly recommend this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Shalini Boland for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is another book where you can't say too much about it as it would contain too many spoilers. I thought I knew where this story was going, even with the twists, it was easy to see. But I was so very wrong. I liked Robert and Gemma, like most married couples they have their ups and downs, juggling family life with their work commitments. Shalini Boland has quickly become one of my favourite authors. This book is gripping from the start and I read it in one sitting. The final twist, I never saw coming and boy, it's a good one. I highly recommend this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Shalini Boland for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2018
4 Stars
The story is about a mother of two girls. She has her own business and that takes most of her time and she can’t take care of the girls as much as she wants and her husband can’t help her much either! One day when she wakes up, there are some incidents that make her think she’s not really a good mother. So she makes a decision but what if her decision makes everything worse and her perfect family starts to fall apart?!?
This was my first read by this author and it won’t my last since I have another of her books! The story is well-written and the characters are well-developed. It’s slow-paced but it still is a page-turner. Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s a standalone novel. Overall, it was a good read and hope you like it as well!
Thanks to Shalini Boland, Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
The story is about a mother of two girls. She has her own business and that takes most of her time and she can’t take care of the girls as much as she wants and her husband can’t help her much either! One day when she wakes up, there are some incidents that make her think she’s not really a good mother. So she makes a decision but what if her decision makes everything worse and her perfect family starts to fall apart?!?
This was my first read by this author and it won’t my last since I have another of her books! The story is well-written and the characters are well-developed. It’s slow-paced but it still is a page-turner. Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s a standalone novel. Overall, it was a good read and hope you like it as well!
Thanks to Shalini Boland, Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
October 17, 2018
I received a free e-copy of The Perfect Family by Shalini Boland from NetGalley for my honest review.
This is the first book I have read by Shalini Boland but it will not be the last. From the first chapter of this book, I was hooked. A fantastic psychological thriller with great characters.
Gemma, has the perfect life. The perfect husband and two wonderful children. She has beautiful home, a brilliant job, life couldn't be more amazing. Then a series of events happen to Gemma that makes her life start spiraling out of control. She works all the time and is overwhelmed so she is convinced by her over-bearing mother-in-law to hire a live-in nanny. She finally meets Sadie and is convinced that she is the one. Sadie moves in and life is much easier with her around, or is it? Sadie has secrets of her own but what are they and what are her intentions? A wonderfully written and intriguing read.
This is the first book I have read by Shalini Boland but it will not be the last. From the first chapter of this book, I was hooked. A fantastic psychological thriller with great characters.
Gemma, has the perfect life. The perfect husband and two wonderful children. She has beautiful home, a brilliant job, life couldn't be more amazing. Then a series of events happen to Gemma that makes her life start spiraling out of control. She works all the time and is overwhelmed so she is convinced by her over-bearing mother-in-law to hire a live-in nanny. She finally meets Sadie and is convinced that she is the one. Sadie moves in and life is much easier with her around, or is it? Sadie has secrets of her own but what are they and what are her intentions? A wonderfully written and intriguing read.
November 8, 2018
Gemma Ballantine seems to have it all - the perfect husband who loves her, two lively little girls, her own home and a successful business. But lately she's been feeling stretched trying to make time for her family and her work. When her youngest daughter is found wandering the streets before school and her older daughter is suspended from school, she gives in and hires a live-in nanny who can look after getting the girls to school and help out with their homework. The nanny looks quite plain and sensible and seems friendly and helpful, but Gemma soon learns that nothing is quite as it seems.
The horrible things that happen to Gemma just keep mounting up and this becomes a real page turner as you try to work out what is going on before Gemma's family and marriage are totally destroyed. Gemma is a strong woman who is determined not to let that happen, but just when you think she has it all worked out an unexpected twist lays the whole plot bare. This is my first novel by Shalini Boland and I will certainly be looking forward to reading more. 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital copy to read
The horrible things that happen to Gemma just keep mounting up and this becomes a real page turner as you try to work out what is going on before Gemma's family and marriage are totally destroyed. Gemma is a strong woman who is determined not to let that happen, but just when you think she has it all worked out an unexpected twist lays the whole plot bare. This is my first novel by Shalini Boland and I will certainly be looking forward to reading more. 4.5★
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital copy to read
October 5, 2018
I really enjoy the writing of Author Shalini Boland, she is one of those writers that grab your attention early on and then keep cranking up the tension to the very end. I found this book an absorbing quick read, especially when you decide to stay up all night until you finish it. I just couldn't put it down.
Gemma Ballantine is the mother of a perfect family, but when her life starts falling apart she turns to a live in nanny named Sadie to help but this just seems to make things worse.
I don't want to say too much about the plot in case I give it away but a gripping story and a novel packed with tension and interesting characters.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Gemma Ballantine is the mother of a perfect family, but when her life starts falling apart she turns to a live in nanny named Sadie to help but this just seems to make things worse.
I don't want to say too much about the plot in case I give it away but a gripping story and a novel packed with tension and interesting characters.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2018
I always enjoy reading Shalini Boland's books and was delighted to receive a copy of her new book The Perfect Family. I really enjoyed this book, I could not put it down and read it in one day.
Gemma is a working mother with two young daughters. She is finding it difficult to juggle working with looking after her home and family. Her husband and mother in law suggest a nanny and against her better judgement she agrees.
Sadie the nanny arrives to help with the children and housework and soon becomes a great asset but Gemma does not trust her.
Lots of twists and turns in this psychological thriller to keep you hooked.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for my e- copy in exchange for an honest review.
Gemma is a working mother with two young daughters. She is finding it difficult to juggle working with looking after her home and family. Her husband and mother in law suggest a nanny and against her better judgement she agrees.
Sadie the nanny arrives to help with the children and housework and soon becomes a great asset but Gemma does not trust her.
Lots of twists and turns in this psychological thriller to keep you hooked.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for my e- copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2018
Shalini Boland delivers again! I read this book in a day, dreading what was going to happen next. The story was addictive and I just had to keep reading. I could sympathise with the main character and her life as I am sure a lot of us could. The author had us seeing what she wanted us to without working out what was really going on which I loved!
Gemma is a self employed working mother. Her and her husband are struggling to keep up with work and being good parents to their 2 daughters. The eldest daughter needs a tutor but mother in law Diane find them a live in nanny and tutor to help make their lives easier. But things start to happen that are not normal and Gemma starts to wonder if the new nanny Sadie really is good for them. A twist at the end that I didn't see coming.. this is a fantastic read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
Gemma is a self employed working mother. Her and her husband are struggling to keep up with work and being good parents to their 2 daughters. The eldest daughter needs a tutor but mother in law Diane find them a live in nanny and tutor to help make their lives easier. But things start to happen that are not normal and Gemma starts to wonder if the new nanny Sadie really is good for them. A twist at the end that I didn't see coming.. this is a fantastic read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased
November 5, 2018
The Perfect Family is another enjoyable and well-plotted mystery by Shalini Boland, I'm happy to report. The pace is quick and the plot engaging from start to finish. I always like Boland's books because she is good at writing characters who seem real, and she did so again here. Gemma's life, which appears quite perfect to begin with, starts slowly to unravel and she is forced to confront who around her would wish her any harm. I thought Gemma was an interesting, likable character and I could feel her growing unease as the story progressed. I did guess the solution, but that didn't detract from my reading pleasure.
I would recommend this book and this author to fans of clever domestic suspense!
Thanks to Netgalley for supplying me with a copy of The Perfect Family in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
I would recommend this book and this author to fans of clever domestic suspense!
Thanks to Netgalley for supplying me with a copy of The Perfect Family in exchange for an honest review.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
October 10, 2018
ALL the stars!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A super crazy page turner psycho party! I finished this in less than a day because It had my heart pounding with all its WTF moments!
I just love Shalini Boland’s writing. She has a way with writing that pulls you in and sets you right smack dab in the middle of the plot where you literally feel your palms sweating and heart racing along with the characters. I’ve read a lot of her books and she never disappoints and #ThePerfectFamily is a 5 star winner! Gripping and fast paced and OH THAT ending!!
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author and the publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
A super crazy page turner psycho party! I finished this in less than a day because It had my heart pounding with all its WTF moments!
I just love Shalini Boland’s writing. She has a way with writing that pulls you in and sets you right smack dab in the middle of the plot where you literally feel your palms sweating and heart racing along with the characters. I’ve read a lot of her books and she never disappoints and #ThePerfectFamily is a 5 star winner! Gripping and fast paced and OH THAT ending!!
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author and the publisher for my free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 24, 2019
To the outside world, Gemma has it all. The gorgeous, fit husband, two adorable daughters and a booming career. But Gemma is quickly becoming overwhelmed by her overly busy life. It starts when like any morning, Gemma is preparing to take Eva and Katie to school, but before leaving, she realizes Katie is nowhere to be found. Luckily, Katie’s found, but Gemma is rattled to her core. Then, Gemma’s car is vandalized, playing on her deepest insecurity. And to top the day off, Eva’s teacher reveals to Gemma that Eva has assaulted another schoolmate, leading to a temporary suspension.
Gemma knows she must get a handle on her life, or else everything will go to shambles. Her mother-in-law, Diana, who is extremely traditional, has always looked down upon Gemma for not focusing more efforts to the home and her family. Diane insists that Gemma and Robert get a nanny, to help with the kids, household and tutoring Eva. Even though it feels like a personal defeat, Gemma agrees. Before long, their new nanny, Sadie, is living with them and Gemma is more than thankful to have the extra set of hands. Sadie is the puzzle piece their family has been missing—finally Gemma’s life is on the up and up.
But we know that Sadie’s intentions are less than pure. As soon as Gemma’s life seems improved, things are falling apart again. And when Gemma believes it has to do with Sadie, no one believes her. She starts to question who is this stranger she’s invited into her home?
The Perfect Family is yet another twisty psychological thriller from Shalini Boland. This domestic suspense had me hooked from the start and I blazed through it. I love how Boland’s books are short and fast-paced—I never feel bogged down by unnecessary information or slow sections. And the double twist at the end surprised me—Boland knows how to time twists well. Shalini Boland continues to impress me with her clever thrillers—4/5 stars.
Gemma knows she must get a handle on her life, or else everything will go to shambles. Her mother-in-law, Diana, who is extremely traditional, has always looked down upon Gemma for not focusing more efforts to the home and her family. Diane insists that Gemma and Robert get a nanny, to help with the kids, household and tutoring Eva. Even though it feels like a personal defeat, Gemma agrees. Before long, their new nanny, Sadie, is living with them and Gemma is more than thankful to have the extra set of hands. Sadie is the puzzle piece their family has been missing—finally Gemma’s life is on the up and up.
But we know that Sadie’s intentions are less than pure. As soon as Gemma’s life seems improved, things are falling apart again. And when Gemma believes it has to do with Sadie, no one believes her. She starts to question who is this stranger she’s invited into her home?
The Perfect Family is yet another twisty psychological thriller from Shalini Boland. This domestic suspense had me hooked from the start and I blazed through it. I love how Boland’s books are short and fast-paced—I never feel bogged down by unnecessary information or slow sections. And the double twist at the end surprised me—Boland knows how to time twists well. Shalini Boland continues to impress me with her clever thrillers—4/5 stars.
November 7, 2018
Gemma Ballantine appears to have a picture perfect life. She is a successful business owner, married to her wonderful handsome husband Robert. Together they have two little girls, Eva and Katie. What more could you ask for? Except Gemma seems to be burning the candle at both ends and can't seem to keep up the pace any longer.
Slowly things begin to fall apart making her question her ability to meet the needs of her family. Her 6 year old Katie is found wandering the streets, Gemma often misses school events, has no clean uniforms for the children, just to name a few of her struggles. Living in a posh suburban area where she is getting quite a bit of criticism for being a working mom, she begins to question if she is a bad mother.
Then along comes Sadie Lewis, a highly recommended nanny. Her mother in law Diane even offers to pay her salary to help Gemma out. Unsure at first, Gemma is pleasantly surprised at how well Sadie fits in with her perfect little family. Except it is almost too perfect. Is the nanny trying to win over her kids, friends, mother in law and lastly her husband? Is Sadie trying to steal her life? It sure appears that way to Gemma. Or is Gemma just paranoid after hearing her friends say don't hire a pretty nanny you will be sorry? After finding Sadie's hair in her bed (yes you heard me right) and catching some flirty behavior going on, I too began to wonder.
This is the perfect psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. I could feel the tension building as I was waiting for the truth to unfold. I felt myself wanting to scream, get rid of this nanny! What are you waiting for? I loved The Silent Sister so I had high expectations of Shalini Boland's latest and let me tell you she exceeded them! She knows how to write a twisted story that will leave your mouth hanging open. Oh that ending, you just wait for that ending!
5 stars all the way!!
Slowly things begin to fall apart making her question her ability to meet the needs of her family. Her 6 year old Katie is found wandering the streets, Gemma often misses school events, has no clean uniforms for the children, just to name a few of her struggles. Living in a posh suburban area where she is getting quite a bit of criticism for being a working mom, she begins to question if she is a bad mother.
Then along comes Sadie Lewis, a highly recommended nanny. Her mother in law Diane even offers to pay her salary to help Gemma out. Unsure at first, Gemma is pleasantly surprised at how well Sadie fits in with her perfect little family. Except it is almost too perfect. Is the nanny trying to win over her kids, friends, mother in law and lastly her husband? Is Sadie trying to steal her life? It sure appears that way to Gemma. Or is Gemma just paranoid after hearing her friends say don't hire a pretty nanny you will be sorry? After finding Sadie's hair in her bed (yes you heard me right) and catching some flirty behavior going on, I too began to wonder.
This is the perfect psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. I could feel the tension building as I was waiting for the truth to unfold. I felt myself wanting to scream, get rid of this nanny! What are you waiting for? I loved The Silent Sister so I had high expectations of Shalini Boland's latest and let me tell you she exceeded them! She knows how to write a twisted story that will leave your mouth hanging open. Oh that ending, you just wait for that ending!
5 stars all the way!!
December 1, 2018
Wow... Shalini Boland has done it again by giving us another fabulous psychological thriller. Boland definitely has a way of drawing you in to her stories - once you are in you can't let go.
Gemma Ballantine seems to have the perfect life - a successful business, the perfect husband, two beautiful girls, and the perfect dream home. What more could she ask for?
But soon her perfect life starts to fall apart. Her youngest daughter, Katie, disappears. Gemma starts a frantic search for her little girl. Soon after, her mother-in-law, Diane, finds Katie wandering all alone and lost a few streets away from their home. Gemma thinks her nightmare is over... But it's only just begun!
I truly enjoyed reading this book. Fast paced and full of twists and turns... this one does not disappoint! Highly recommend!
*Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
Gemma Ballantine seems to have the perfect life - a successful business, the perfect husband, two beautiful girls, and the perfect dream home. What more could she ask for?
But soon her perfect life starts to fall apart. Her youngest daughter, Katie, disappears. Gemma starts a frantic search for her little girl. Soon after, her mother-in-law, Diane, finds Katie wandering all alone and lost a few streets away from their home. Gemma thinks her nightmare is over... But it's only just begun!
I truly enjoyed reading this book. Fast paced and full of twists and turns... this one does not disappoint! Highly recommend!
*Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
October 5, 2018
I somehow had a feeling that this book by author Shalini Boland was going to be a fabulous read. I hadn't liked her previous 2 books. And my intuition proved correct. This was one heck of a ride!!
The story started with an absolute heart stopping bang - little Katie was missing with mother Gemma and elder daughter Eva frantically searching for her. I thought that would be the beginning of a missing child arc. But nooooo... That was a feint by Ms. Boland. And story went on to become so much deeper and better.
Gemma and Robert were a busy working couple, who needed a tutor for Eva, and mother in law Diane found nanny Sadie for them. And the story started rolling...
I thought I knew where the plot was going but somewhere in my mind, I had a feeling that the author wouldn't be giving us a straightforward oft-repeated trope. And boy, was I right!! The plot took a deep swerve and landed where I least expected.
It was a great finish but I knew this time the epilogue would pack a wallop. And so it did... Well played, Ms. Bolland. Game, set, and match all to you!!
My niggles were some unanswered questions, and I kind of suspected the last truth. But the story kept me gripped from start to finish. I hardly took time to breathe. The book did cause a fervored brow and a spike in my heart rate. Overall a great thriller!!
The story started with an absolute heart stopping bang - little Katie was missing with mother Gemma and elder daughter Eva frantically searching for her. I thought that would be the beginning of a missing child arc. But nooooo... That was a feint by Ms. Boland. And story went on to become so much deeper and better.
Gemma and Robert were a busy working couple, who needed a tutor for Eva, and mother in law Diane found nanny Sadie for them. And the story started rolling...
I thought I knew where the plot was going but somewhere in my mind, I had a feeling that the author wouldn't be giving us a straightforward oft-repeated trope. And boy, was I right!! The plot took a deep swerve and landed where I least expected.
It was a great finish but I knew this time the epilogue would pack a wallop. And so it did... Well played, Ms. Bolland. Game, set, and match all to you!!
My niggles were some unanswered questions, and I kind of suspected the last truth. But the story kept me gripped from start to finish. I hardly took time to breathe. The book did cause a fervored brow and a spike in my heart rate. Overall a great thriller!!
November 13, 2018
2.5 stars. This was a perfectly adequate psychological thriller, and a mildly entertaining way to spend an evening, but not much more than that. Nothing was particularly surprising if you've read any other books in the genre. This was the second book I've read by Shalini Boland and I don't think I'll be seeking out anymore. Not only were both relatively predictable, but her books are very motherhood-centered, which is just not my thing. This one was okay, but I can't really recommend it when there are so many other better psychological thrillers out there.
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2025
This book was listed in Freida McFaddens top 20 books. If you enjoy Freida books you will love this one!
November 5, 2018
Boy...this book had me glued from the first page! A mother is frantically searching for her missing daughter! All the thoughts going through her mind are so real...is she just hiding, do I call my husband, should I call the police?
Gemma is a stressed-out mother who is torn between her career and guilt over not spending enough time with her family. As she’s preparing to head out with her two girls, she realizes the youngest isn’t in the house. Thankfully, Katie is found quickly and unharmed. After a few other bizarre incidents, Gemma realizes that her and her husband need some help. Her mother-in-law recommends Sadie—a live-in nanny and tutor—and she’s hired. Then the nightmare really starts!
Shalini threw in some twists that come out of nowhere and no one was above suspicion by the end of this book! It was so good...I’ve purchased two more of her books.
Thank you to NetGalley / Bookouture / Shalini Boland for this digital ARC / in exchange for my honest review.
#ThePerfectFamily #NetGalley
Gemma is a stressed-out mother who is torn between her career and guilt over not spending enough time with her family. As she’s preparing to head out with her two girls, she realizes the youngest isn’t in the house. Thankfully, Katie is found quickly and unharmed. After a few other bizarre incidents, Gemma realizes that her and her husband need some help. Her mother-in-law recommends Sadie—a live-in nanny and tutor—and she’s hired. Then the nightmare really starts!
Shalini threw in some twists that come out of nowhere and no one was above suspicion by the end of this book! It was so good...I’ve purchased two more of her books.
Thank you to NetGalley / Bookouture / Shalini Boland for this digital ARC / in exchange for my honest review.
#ThePerfectFamily #NetGalley
March 19, 2019
This was another excellent book by Shalini Boland. I’ve read most of her books now and they’ve all been amazing. This was full of twists and turns that definitely shocked me. You think one thing and then another twist comes which makes the story even better. I really felt bad for Gemma throughout the book. She was trying her best for her family but people were out to get her and I felt awful for her when Robert took the kids away from her. It must have been heartbreaking to be away from her kids so I disliked Robert for that. He should have had more of a backbone instead of running away. I thought Sadie was really interesting and I was looking forward to find out what she would do next. The ending was brilliant and definitely what I didn’t expect. I recommend this and any Shalini Boland book. A fantastic read.
November 6, 2018
Please see all of my reviews on my blog at www.robinlovesreading.com.
Gemma Ballantine’s car was defaced with the words “bad mother” Her daughter is suspended from school. Her house key doesn’t work. If only those were the worst things Gemma was dealing with, then maybe she could have worked things out. But, no, it was much, much more. How did it all begin?
Gemma’s six-year-old daughter Katie has seemingly disappeared into thin air. This happens just before Gemma was to take Katie and her sister Eva to school. After frantically searching for several moments, Gemma heads to her car to look some more. However, she hears the voice of her mother-in-law and suddenly sees the tear-stained face of little Katie! Where was she? Why was Katie with her grandmother?
Gemma’s perfect little family may just be beginning to unravel. Before the reader is even able to see the drama unfold, another perspective is presented. This is by an unnamed narrator. As always with stories delivered by multiple points of view, many questions immediately begin to pop up.
Gemma is a busy wife and mother. She has a very demanding job and in some ways it is interfering with her family. She has been pressured by her mother-in-law to hire a nanny. It has come up before, but now more than ever. Would hiring a nanny to take the load off help Gemma so that she doesn’t doubt herself as a mother so much?
While Gemma is trying to sort things out, she has a critical business meeting. As if things weren’t interesting enough up until this point, there was a particular scene that made me say aloud, “Oh Snap!” That is the vein in which this story is delivered. Shocker after shocker.
As if my attention wasn’t riveted enough in this absolutely thrilling story by Shalini Boland, let me tell you that I literally could not put this book down. It kind of reminded me of a snowball being rolled down a hill. Well, what happens? The snowball gets bigger and bigger. Well, in comparison, this story gets better and better. At this point I felt like I was about to put the pieces of a 1,000 piece puzzle together.
Needless to say, not only is this book full of twists and turns, but boy, are the red herrings incredibly well thought out. All I can say at this point is that I was wrong in my guesses. Every. Time. Yes. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Well done Shalini Boland!
Run - do not walk - and get your copy of The Perfect Family . I have recommended many psychological thrillers this year. This is definitely one of them. Yes, indeed, this book is most certainly one of my favorites. This is the second book that I’ve read by the author, and I rated it 5 Stars as I did this one.
Gemma Ballantine’s car was defaced with the words “bad mother” Her daughter is suspended from school. Her house key doesn’t work. If only those were the worst things Gemma was dealing with, then maybe she could have worked things out. But, no, it was much, much more. How did it all begin?
Gemma’s six-year-old daughter Katie has seemingly disappeared into thin air. This happens just before Gemma was to take Katie and her sister Eva to school. After frantically searching for several moments, Gemma heads to her car to look some more. However, she hears the voice of her mother-in-law and suddenly sees the tear-stained face of little Katie! Where was she? Why was Katie with her grandmother?
Gemma’s perfect little family may just be beginning to unravel. Before the reader is even able to see the drama unfold, another perspective is presented. This is by an unnamed narrator. As always with stories delivered by multiple points of view, many questions immediately begin to pop up.
Gemma is a busy wife and mother. She has a very demanding job and in some ways it is interfering with her family. She has been pressured by her mother-in-law to hire a nanny. It has come up before, but now more than ever. Would hiring a nanny to take the load off help Gemma so that she doesn’t doubt herself as a mother so much?
While Gemma is trying to sort things out, she has a critical business meeting. As if things weren’t interesting enough up until this point, there was a particular scene that made me say aloud, “Oh Snap!” That is the vein in which this story is delivered. Shocker after shocker.
As if my attention wasn’t riveted enough in this absolutely thrilling story by Shalini Boland, let me tell you that I literally could not put this book down. It kind of reminded me of a snowball being rolled down a hill. Well, what happens? The snowball gets bigger and bigger. Well, in comparison, this story gets better and better. At this point I felt like I was about to put the pieces of a 1,000 piece puzzle together.
Needless to say, not only is this book full of twists and turns, but boy, are the red herrings incredibly well thought out. All I can say at this point is that I was wrong in my guesses. Every. Time. Yes. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Well done Shalini Boland!
Run - do not walk - and get your copy of The Perfect Family . I have recommended many psychological thrillers this year. This is definitely one of them. Yes, indeed, this book is most certainly one of my favorites. This is the second book that I’ve read by the author, and I rated it 5 Stars as I did this one.
May 8, 2023
Don't let this nanny into your house!
It seems that everyone is using the word "twist" to describe a psychological thriller and domestic drama these days, but here is one that really fits. I was completely unable to put it down as I raced through the pages. The tension ratcheted up with almost every chapter and, even though I thought I KNEW where this one was going, I was wrong!
Gemma is a busy wife and mother. With her own business, a facilities management firm, requiring much of her attention and long hours, she finds herself in need of some help. Her husband, Robert, and their two little girls (Katie and Eva) can really do with someone to do some child care, cooking, and tutoring. When Sadie Lewis, recommended by Gemma's mother-in-law, arrives for an interview, both Gemma and Robert think she will be perfect. But that's when the real trouble begins...NO SPOILERS.
I really enjoyed this standalone novel and have also read two other books by this very talented author. She has a way of immediately setting the stage, drawing you in, and keeping you totally hooked until the SHOCKER. If you read a lot of this genre, as I do, then you probably can usually figure out what's up early on, but this one will take you a bit longer, I promise. It was fast and fun and I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I can't wait for Shalini Boland's next book!
It seems that everyone is using the word "twist" to describe a psychological thriller and domestic drama these days, but here is one that really fits. I was completely unable to put it down as I raced through the pages. The tension ratcheted up with almost every chapter and, even though I thought I KNEW where this one was going, I was wrong!
Gemma is a busy wife and mother. With her own business, a facilities management firm, requiring much of her attention and long hours, she finds herself in need of some help. Her husband, Robert, and their two little girls (Katie and Eva) can really do with someone to do some child care, cooking, and tutoring. When Sadie Lewis, recommended by Gemma's mother-in-law, arrives for an interview, both Gemma and Robert think she will be perfect. But that's when the real trouble begins...NO SPOILERS.
I really enjoyed this standalone novel and have also read two other books by this very talented author. She has a way of immediately setting the stage, drawing you in, and keeping you totally hooked until the SHOCKER. If you read a lot of this genre, as I do, then you probably can usually figure out what's up early on, but this one will take you a bit longer, I promise. It was fast and fun and I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this e-book ARC to read and review. I can't wait for Shalini Boland's next book!
November 30, 2018
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT!! One of Shalini Boland's best books to date.
This is my 4th book by this author so I've come to know that the big twist isn't what you think and you end up getting a few shockers along the way. So, although I had my theories, I was still left shocked and giddy AF at the outcome. I just love this authors mind.
It's a bloody great twisty read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
This is my 4th book by this author so I've come to know that the big twist isn't what you think and you end up getting a few shockers along the way. So, although I had my theories, I was still left shocked and giddy AF at the outcome. I just love this authors mind.
It's a bloody great twisty read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
November 8, 2018
If you want a book that you can not put down, then look no further.
When the Ballantine family feel like passing ships in the night and work and personal life becomes to much to juggle, Gemma decides the best thing for the whole family would be to hire a nanny.
When Sadie is offered the job as the Ballantines, she sees it as the perfect opportunity to get what she wants and does not care who steps in the way. She is there to do a job and that is what she will do.
When the Ballantine family feel like passing ships in the night and work and personal life becomes to much to juggle, Gemma decides the best thing for the whole family would be to hire a nanny.
When Sadie is offered the job as the Ballantines, she sees it as the perfect opportunity to get what she wants and does not care who steps in the way. She is there to do a job and that is what she will do.
November 9, 2018
Gemma, a busy working mom of two little girls along with her husband Robert are trying to balance work and family life but always fall short. After a few mishaps Genna finally gives into her mother-in-law’s suggestion of hiring a nanny for the kids. At first everything seems to work out great but when strange events seem to happen Gemma soon realizes things might not be so perfect in her perfect family after all.
The Perfect Family is a fast addictive psychological thriller by Shalini Boland with a twist I didn’t see coming. I have always enjoyed her books and this one was no exception.A must read for all mystery lovers and am eagerly waiting for her next book.
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
The Perfect Family is a fast addictive psychological thriller by Shalini Boland with a twist I didn’t see coming. I have always enjoyed her books and this one was no exception.A must read for all mystery lovers and am eagerly waiting for her next book.
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 19, 2020
Gemma Ballantine is a businesswoman, who is trying to do too much and she is spreading herself too thinly. She is trying to be a successful businesswoman, who is trying to be a good wife and she is also trying to be a fantastic mother. It’s not surprising that something has got to give. At the beginning of the book she faces everybody’s worst nightmare when one of her children disappears and leaves behind no indication as to where she has gone. On this occasion the little girl is found and returned home. Shortly after this happens, little incidences happen which understandably scares and unnerves Gemma a bit. Eventually Gemma agrees to hire a live in nanny, although she is not totally happy about doing so. Gemma thinks that there is something not quite right about the nanny but she can’t put her finger on exactly what it is.
October 5, 2018
O...M...G The queen of killer twists has done it again!!!!
Gemma is a character who represents a lot of women. A working mother who is constantly juggling work and family life. I think many of us can relate to her. The fact that she is the main bread winner puts added pressure on her and when the chance of a live in nanny comes up, Gemma thinks it's the answer that will solve all their prayers.
It's really hard to say to much about the story without spoiling it for others. I did think it was going to go one way only for the author to take me by surprise and send me in a different direction.
This was such a refreshing story that really stands out on it's own. The author had me tearing through the pages and oh my goodness, that tension! The build up is almost electrifying and my heart was pounding. The story delivers lots of thrills right up until the last page.
The Perfect Family is an exhilarating page turner of a read. A story that will take you by surprise and have you hooked until the very last word. The author cleverly steers you in one direction to then send you spiralling in another. A psychological thriller at the top of it's genre.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Gemma is a character who represents a lot of women. A working mother who is constantly juggling work and family life. I think many of us can relate to her. The fact that she is the main bread winner puts added pressure on her and when the chance of a live in nanny comes up, Gemma thinks it's the answer that will solve all their prayers.
It's really hard to say to much about the story without spoiling it for others. I did think it was going to go one way only for the author to take me by surprise and send me in a different direction.
This was such a refreshing story that really stands out on it's own. The author had me tearing through the pages and oh my goodness, that tension! The build up is almost electrifying and my heart was pounding. The story delivers lots of thrills right up until the last page.
The Perfect Family is an exhilarating page turner of a read. A story that will take you by surprise and have you hooked until the very last word. The author cleverly steers you in one direction to then send you spiralling in another. A psychological thriller at the top of it's genre.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
November 29, 2018
This is the second book I have enjoyed by this author! Her twists can be shocking and the endings are fantastic! Recommended for an easy read that is highly entertaining. 4.5 stars
February 13, 2019
I couldn't stop reading this thriller.
October 3, 2018
Hey, its no secret that I am a fan of this author, she writes brilliant psychological thriller’s, thats not in question, BUT this time she has surpassed herself with what I think is her best yet
Gemma has her own business, loving hubby and 2 girls, PERFECT.....but she cant do everything in 24 hours...enter Sadie a nanny/tutor who enters their house and brings a whirlwind of chaos...but who is she? How has she ‘landed’ seemingly just at the right time in their lives and what is she really doing there?
And no, its not as you think! I cant say too much about the story without giving away the ‘crux’ of it all except to say you wont see it coming, pretty much guaranteed....the story cleverly draws you in and you THINK you know and have it all worked out....then the shocks start
Effortless in its suspense and quick to introduce the good and not so good characters...I detested Sadie as her crafty plan started to work, so sly but of course thats why she was so good in the book!
A book you wont even think of putting down unless really have to as you NEED to know what is going to happen next
Tense, Exciting, Dark and Thrilling
A flawless read imo and can only recommend you read it
10/10 5 Stars
August 16, 2020
5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me overall - I absolutely loved the twist at the end and did not see it coming! Gemma and Robert have the perfect marriage and perfect family or so they think. But when nanny Sadie Jones comes into their lives and into their home, cracks start to appear and their perfect life is threatened by a woman with a dark agenda. This was my first novel by Shalini Boland and definitely won’t be the last! Highly recommended to those who love a psychological thriller with a shocking twist! 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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