What do you think?
Rate this book
The Perfect Plan
From New York Times bestselling author Bryan Reardon comes a tense, twisting story about two brothers locked together in a dangerous game--and an unforgettable tale of a family's dark secrets.
Liam Brennan teeters on the edge. Early one morning, he snaps, kidnapping a young woman who works for Drew Brennan, Liam's older brother and the upstart candidate in a heated election. This sudden, vicious attack appears to be the beginning of an unthinkable spiral. But when it comes to the Brennan brothers, nothing is what it seems.
To the rest of the world, Liam is the troubled problem child who grew up to be his brother's enforcer, while Drew has always been the perfect son and a charismatic leader who has his sights set on the governor's mansion with his charming and beautiful wife, Patsy, by his side.
Now, as Liam tries to stay one step ahead of the authorities and his brother, every passing minute provides a deeper glimpse into the brothers' past, long hidden behind a picture-perfect suburban veneer. With the threat of the truth surfacing, Liam and Drew are driven toward one final, desperate act...
Liam Brennan teeters on the edge. Early one morning, he snaps, kidnapping a young woman who works for Drew Brennan, Liam's older brother and the upstart candidate in a heated election. This sudden, vicious attack appears to be the beginning of an unthinkable spiral. But when it comes to the Brennan brothers, nothing is what it seems.
To the rest of the world, Liam is the troubled problem child who grew up to be his brother's enforcer, while Drew has always been the perfect son and a charismatic leader who has his sights set on the governor's mansion with his charming and beautiful wife, Patsy, by his side.
Now, as Liam tries to stay one step ahead of the authorities and his brother, every passing minute provides a deeper glimpse into the brothers' past, long hidden behind a picture-perfect suburban veneer. With the threat of the truth surfacing, Liam and Drew are driven toward one final, desperate act...
339 pages, Hardcover
First published June 18, 2019
67 people are currently reading
3924 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Reardon
7 books441 followersI write psychological thrillers. The stories tend to surprise me. Taking a left when I signaled a right. Life when I felt death nearby. The characters are not alive. They do not exist. Yet I try to slip into their skins as I write. Mining for the emotions that flood during times of stress and tragedy and adventure. When the journey ends, a hole opens. A sense of deep mourning. And from those ashes the first line of the next story rises. And I feel better, then.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 24, 2022
4 stars!
A fast paced, dark and twisty tale!
Family secrets can’t stay buried forever. Brothers, Drew and Liam, have a troubled family history. Liam struggles to keep his life in control. One day, he kidnaps a woman who works for Drew, who is a powerful politician running for office. This decision starts a wild journey to uncover who is deceiving who.
This book surprised me with how twisty it was. It was a quick, binge-able read that kept me on my toes from start to finish.
Told from Liam’s perspective, it slowly reveals pieces of his dark family backstory. Each reveal turns the story darker and heavier. Drew and Liam had an extremely difficult childhood that was tough to read. There are some extremely tense and manipulative relationships woven throughout this novel that had my stomach in knots. The overall tone of this story is heavy, dark and depressing, but extremely suspenseful, shocking and addictive.
This was a backlist NetGalley title that I wish I hadn’t waited so long to read. I read and loved a previous book by this author, The Real Michael Swann, and though that remains my favourite from this author, this was highly enjoyable and entertaining.
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
A fast paced, dark and twisty tale!
Family secrets can’t stay buried forever. Brothers, Drew and Liam, have a troubled family history. Liam struggles to keep his life in control. One day, he kidnaps a woman who works for Drew, who is a powerful politician running for office. This decision starts a wild journey to uncover who is deceiving who.
This book surprised me with how twisty it was. It was a quick, binge-able read that kept me on my toes from start to finish.
Told from Liam’s perspective, it slowly reveals pieces of his dark family backstory. Each reveal turns the story darker and heavier. Drew and Liam had an extremely difficult childhood that was tough to read. There are some extremely tense and manipulative relationships woven throughout this novel that had my stomach in knots. The overall tone of this story is heavy, dark and depressing, but extremely suspenseful, shocking and addictive.
This was a backlist NetGalley title that I wish I hadn’t waited so long to read. I read and loved a previous book by this author, The Real Michael Swann, and though that remains my favourite from this author, this was highly enjoyable and entertaining.
Thank you to the publisher for my review copy!
April 22, 2019
When I first heard about Bryan Reardon's upcoming thriller,
The Perfect Plan
, I was so ready to place it at the top of my TBR list. The synopsis: check, the cover: check, the hype: check!
The Perfect Plan
has all the materials you think you need for an exciting thriller read.
The story focuses on Liam Brennan and his struggles with reality. As we learn more about Liam's childhood and family life, the book toggles to the current day where he begins stalking an innocent woman. Liam decides that he needs to kidnap her and eventually does so. We find out this woman actually works for her brother Drew. Drew is a candidate in the running for election, and this kidnapping attempt seeks to put his brother in the spotlight. As Liam runs from his brother and the police with this kidnapping, we see the pain and tribulations that Liam experienced as a child. Liam's family life is just as dark as his current affairs.
I hate to rate books poorly, and just because I didn't enjoy this one, doesn't mean you shouldn't try reading this one if you're still interested. My negative reviews tend to be a lot shorter than my glowingly positive ones, because I don't like to dwell on what's obvious—I didn't love this book. The rationale for my low rating of The Perfect Plan is due to the lack of connectivity I had experienced with both the characters and the plot. One of my main interests when it comes to thriller novels is the level of emotions that drive me to the story. I need a sense of excitement, or an adrenaline boost while reading thrillers. I didn't feel any of that emotion or connection to this novel. I felt like I was always kept at a distant and unfulfilled position while reading The Perfect Plan . I do think this book will resonate with a lot of readers and just because it didn't grip me as much as I'd liked it to, I am happy to have tried this book out.
The story focuses on Liam Brennan and his struggles with reality. As we learn more about Liam's childhood and family life, the book toggles to the current day where he begins stalking an innocent woman. Liam decides that he needs to kidnap her and eventually does so. We find out this woman actually works for her brother Drew. Drew is a candidate in the running for election, and this kidnapping attempt seeks to put his brother in the spotlight. As Liam runs from his brother and the police with this kidnapping, we see the pain and tribulations that Liam experienced as a child. Liam's family life is just as dark as his current affairs.
I hate to rate books poorly, and just because I didn't enjoy this one, doesn't mean you shouldn't try reading this one if you're still interested. My negative reviews tend to be a lot shorter than my glowingly positive ones, because I don't like to dwell on what's obvious—I didn't love this book. The rationale for my low rating of The Perfect Plan is due to the lack of connectivity I had experienced with both the characters and the plot. One of my main interests when it comes to thriller novels is the level of emotions that drive me to the story. I need a sense of excitement, or an adrenaline boost while reading thrillers. I didn't feel any of that emotion or connection to this novel. I felt like I was always kept at a distant and unfulfilled position while reading The Perfect Plan . I do think this book will resonate with a lot of readers and just because it didn't grip me as much as I'd liked it to, I am happy to have tried this book out.
January 5, 2020
3.5 stars for a chilling book about two brothers, Drew and Liam, so very different in character and personality. Their father is a sociopath and actually “grooms” Drew, his favorite son, to follow in his sociopathic footsteps. Their Mom, loving, innocent, gets manipulated and abused by her husband. His coldness comes across through the pages as his wife lies across the kitchen floor with blood dripping from her head, which he ignores, had no feelings about, and closed the door to the basement to shut her out.
So many times Liam, in his love for his mother, came close to revealing what exactly is going on in this dysfunctional house. But all it took was his father and his brother, Drew, to pull him back to silence with abuse or threats or other violence in the home. It was all about showing normal, happy appearances to anyone outside the house. Lies.
Liam, to this day, as an adult, remembers quite clearly the traumatic, difficult passages of his childhood. His distaste for his brother continues to fester. Drew now is up for a political seat, and like their father, has the ability to lie and be grandiose and manipulate others for his own good an for his own elevation in life. He constantly hangs threats (silent or verbal) over Liam, even as an adult. Some things never change.
The book begins with Liam contemplating an abduction of a young woman. Right away, the reader thinks Liam is the sociopath. But as you read on, and snippets of the dysfunctional family come through, you will realize this story is not where you thought it was going. It starts to get even more twisted.
My heart aches for what Liam went through during his childhood. The violence and the abuse. The early loss of his beloved Mother. The Jekyll and Hyde behavior of his brother, sucking up to their father, turning on his brother, and their mother. It was absolutely unbelievable how the father and Drew set up both Liam and Mother for failure, physically and mentally.
Drew, is bad to the bone to end of the book - how can someone who has had this exposure all his life to nastiness and been groomed by his father ever change for the better. It just does not happen. There is no reform. And with this upcoming political campaign/election, we can see how Drew’s poison and corruption would grow and continue and affect so many more.
Liam, to the end of the book, continues to remember and feel the deep pain of his dysfunctional life, but he’d like to be able to change, reveal, or stop his brother; who continues to be the poison in motion. After all, Drew is married to Patsy. And true to form of a narcisstic manipulator, their early relationship was lovey dovey until the true Drew started revealing his vicious self. And she was in fear of him, continuing on the sins of the father. Liam was quite aware of the situation just by observing his brother and wife together. He knows exactly what his brother is capable of. How he does it. It may not be visible to others, but Liam sees it, feels it, just like he did when they were growing up.
A twisted, dark, dysfunctional story, which I read in one sitting!
So many times Liam, in his love for his mother, came close to revealing what exactly is going on in this dysfunctional house. But all it took was his father and his brother, Drew, to pull him back to silence with abuse or threats or other violence in the home. It was all about showing normal, happy appearances to anyone outside the house. Lies.
Liam, to this day, as an adult, remembers quite clearly the traumatic, difficult passages of his childhood. His distaste for his brother continues to fester. Drew now is up for a political seat, and like their father, has the ability to lie and be grandiose and manipulate others for his own good an for his own elevation in life. He constantly hangs threats (silent or verbal) over Liam, even as an adult. Some things never change.
The book begins with Liam contemplating an abduction of a young woman. Right away, the reader thinks Liam is the sociopath. But as you read on, and snippets of the dysfunctional family come through, you will realize this story is not where you thought it was going. It starts to get even more twisted.
My heart aches for what Liam went through during his childhood. The violence and the abuse. The early loss of his beloved Mother. The Jekyll and Hyde behavior of his brother, sucking up to their father, turning on his brother, and their mother. It was absolutely unbelievable how the father and Drew set up both Liam and Mother for failure, physically and mentally.
Drew, is bad to the bone to end of the book - how can someone who has had this exposure all his life to nastiness and been groomed by his father ever change for the better. It just does not happen. There is no reform. And with this upcoming political campaign/election, we can see how Drew’s poison and corruption would grow and continue and affect so many more.
Liam, to the end of the book, continues to remember and feel the deep pain of his dysfunctional life, but he’d like to be able to change, reveal, or stop his brother; who continues to be the poison in motion. After all, Drew is married to Patsy. And true to form of a narcisstic manipulator, their early relationship was lovey dovey until the true Drew started revealing his vicious self. And she was in fear of him, continuing on the sins of the father. Liam was quite aware of the situation just by observing his brother and wife together. He knows exactly what his brother is capable of. How he does it. It may not be visible to others, but Liam sees it, feels it, just like he did when they were growing up.
A twisted, dark, dysfunctional story, which I read in one sitting!
June 20, 2019
A somber read that is less thriller and more character studies of Drew and Liam. Their sibling relationship and how they grew up affecting their present day decisions.
Their past created two different types of people. Sociopathy runs rampant with no one to help either of them. While the characters are hard to like, I did feel for Liam. His desperate acts to reach a turning point. What happens when there's no where to turn except for within yourself?
This won't be a read for everyone. However, the writing is distinctive and extremely well done in showcasing the characters within. I'm having a hard time really putting how i feel about this into words. I do think this is a story worth reading. However, it won't be the story most thriller readers are expecting to read.
Their past created two different types of people. Sociopathy runs rampant with no one to help either of them. While the characters are hard to like, I did feel for Liam. His desperate acts to reach a turning point. What happens when there's no where to turn except for within yourself?
This won't be a read for everyone. However, the writing is distinctive and extremely well done in showcasing the characters within. I'm having a hard time really putting how i feel about this into words. I do think this is a story worth reading. However, it won't be the story most thriller readers are expecting to read.
June 4, 2019
Disclaimer: I was sent an ARC of this novel to review from the publisher. I was not paid for this review. All thoughts are my own and not influenced by the publisher in any way.
I feel I would have liked this better had it not been advertised as a thriller. It read as more of a family drama with thriller elements. The plot dragged for the majority of the book, going from the present to the past often, which I felt bogged the story down. While I didn't predict any of the twists, they also didn't shock me. The writing was decent but I couldn't really connect to the characters or the story itself.
I finished mostly to see if things would get more intense and while I did find the mystery of the father's disappearance to be intriguing, I feel like this story missed the mark as a thriller. Nothing shocked me, even the fate of the father (though I did like how things played out) If I had gone into this expecting a dark family type of story, I feel like I would have probably liked it better since I do enjoy those types of stories but since I was expecting a thriller, I just felt let down. The dark family secrets were intriguing but that's really all this book had going for it.
2.5 stars.
I feel I would have liked this better had it not been advertised as a thriller. It read as more of a family drama with thriller elements. The plot dragged for the majority of the book, going from the present to the past often, which I felt bogged the story down. While I didn't predict any of the twists, they also didn't shock me. The writing was decent but I couldn't really connect to the characters or the story itself.
I finished mostly to see if things would get more intense and while I did find the mystery of the father's disappearance to be intriguing, I feel like this story missed the mark as a thriller. Nothing shocked me, even the fate of the father (though I did like how things played out) If I had gone into this expecting a dark family type of story, I feel like I would have probably liked it better since I do enjoy those types of stories but since I was expecting a thriller, I just felt let down. The dark family secrets were intriguing but that's really all this book had going for it.
2.5 stars.
June 8, 2019
Poor plot - confusing and not well explained. Hated the characters.
May 6, 2019
The Perfect Plan by author Bryan Reardon is a thrill of a book! Lots of heart went into this one!! Family, twists, secrets and dark sides make for a wonderful thriller novel, and that’s what we got here!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of The Perfect Plan in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of The Perfect Plan in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2019
Reading the synopsis of this book had me really intrigued! I am so glad I read this and have to say this book wasn't at all what I was expecting it to be plot wise and that's a good thing! I feel like this is a book I would definitely recommend!
September 5, 2022
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this one enough to stay glued, turning page after page on a relaxing weekend. It was a dark, family drama with some high stakes action. I think it would make a great movie. I at the same time appreciated Reardon's description of Liam's thoughts and actions and found them a tad repetitive by the end. Nevertheless, he does a good job of getting into the head of a man who's traumatic childhood chewed him up, tore him open and continues to haunt him daily.
July 2, 2020
2 1/2 stars
This is my first read from this author. This book tells the story of two brothers from a pathological family. The plot involves the eldest brother who has sociopathic tendencies inherited from Dad who is running an uphill battle to win the governor’s race. Not really my cup of tea. On to the next book 📖
This is my first read from this author. This book tells the story of two brothers from a pathological family. The plot involves the eldest brother who has sociopathic tendencies inherited from Dad who is running an uphill battle to win the governor’s race. Not really my cup of tea. On to the next book 📖
January 24, 2023
Pretty good. I was able to blast through this book pretty quick. I liked the fast pace and the story was interesting.
January 30, 2020
3.5 stars. Drew Brennan is running for governor. Drew is two years older than his brother Liam and touts how he helped raise Liam after their parents died. Why does Liam suddenly kidnap a woman working on his brother's campaign?
Early on, readers are given glimpses of Liam's awful childhood and those memories expand throughout the book. The way Liam has been treated his entire life was heartbreaking. I felt so, so sorry for him. I was sad all the way to the final pages.
The book was well written and fast paced. The author really worked on my emotions. It's a dark family drama. I liked the stark and gloomy cover. Lots of twists! I rounded down instead of up because the story was so sad to me and I can't say it was a pleasure to read.
Early on, readers are given glimpses of Liam's awful childhood and those memories expand throughout the book. The way Liam has been treated his entire life was heartbreaking. I felt so, so sorry for him. I was sad all the way to the final pages.
The book was well written and fast paced. The author really worked on my emotions. It's a dark family drama. I liked the stark and gloomy cover. Lots of twists! I rounded down instead of up because the story was so sad to me and I can't say it was a pleasure to read.
August 28, 2019
The Perfect Plan is the perfect complexity of who did what, when, and why. If this were a movie, it would be the perfect one you can't blink in, for fear of missing a crucial piece of information. My only issue with the book, and I admit it's a personal issue, is the story is a bit drawn out in several places, almost as if the author is giving too much information if that if possible, but not the information you need to solve the crime. I would have to say, this writing would do Stephen King himself proud!
February 25, 2023
The Perfect Plan had a strong start and I loved the dark back story told. It built up the characters really well and I wanted to know more about them. It was mind games and second guessing that was the focus of this book. I'm a big fan of the writing style as well.
However, nearing the end, I was getting tired of the repetitive theme throughout the book and found it to be boring. There wasn't a lot of story happening. I'm also not a fan with how it ended and felt underwhelmed when I finished.
Overall, this was an okay book. I would have loved a different outcome and a faster pace to the story.
However, nearing the end, I was getting tired of the repetitive theme throughout the book and found it to be boring. There wasn't a lot of story happening. I'm also not a fan with how it ended and felt underwhelmed when I finished.
Overall, this was an okay book. I would have loved a different outcome and a faster pace to the story.
May 14, 2019
Dark, unpleasant psychological thriller about dealing with psychopaths - including one running for public office. I can't say that I enjoyed reading this book, but it was very well written, so the pages just flew by anyway. Maybe I just wanted it to be over and the psycho in the book to be stopped. You have to find out whether that happened yourself (no spoilers here!).
[An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through the First to Read program in exchange for an honest review]
[An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through the First to Read program in exchange for an honest review]
February 9, 2020
This book started out so promising for me and then in a very short period of time, it took a nosedive. The book is far less thriller and suspenseful and much more analytics and relationship-focused than I enjoyed. Liam and Drew are brothers. Mom is an alcoholic. Dad favors Drew because in his eyes Drew can do no wrong. Liam grows up still in the shadow of his brother now running for political office again. The story opens with Liam stalking a woman that he intends to kidnap. The woman he's been stalking for this lengthy period of time actually works for his brother, Drew, assisting with his political campaign. We later find out that Liam's diabolical plan is one that Drew helped him concoct. Their plan was to have Liam kidnap this young lady. Drew would quarterback the plan behind the scenes which would inevitably catapult him into the spotlight landing him a successful political election.
"I knew I wouldn't leave. I was still weak. Still hiding behind the weight of my pain. But I knew I would never truly be free. The pain is like flypaper. The more you struggle, the more tangled you become. Until you finally just stop trying."
This story was very involved. Very involved. It was involved enough to the point where I really had to remain focused while reading this. Part of it was terribly confusing. I just didn't care for this elaborate story line that never really went anywhere. I wasn't passionate about this book. Halfway through the book, I just kept waiting for something exciting to happen and it never did. Part of the problem is the book continuously alternates between present day and a period much earlier in the lives of Liam & Drew as elementary school aged boys. The part of the story that focused on the boy's past is very relationship-focused. There were so many tiny little details and an enormous backstory that just didn't hold any relevance to me for the story taking place in the present day. It just felt very convoluted and scatter-brained to me.
Next, despite the enormous back story and all of these details, I felt absolutely no emotional connection to these characters. I didn't feel sorry anyone because everyone seemed to be in on it. The plot twists weren't exciting and the ending was equally uneventful to me. I just really couldn't get into this book. It was a psychological thriller and I was not thrilled at all. There was zero suspense and the psychological study and analytics of the characters just made the whole thing very boring to me. I'm sure this book will resonate with someone. It simply didn't do it for me. I finished it so I can't give it 1-star. I just kept trudging along. It's a notch or two below the "OK" mark, but it's not a story I intend to read again. It just wasn't for me. Perhaps if you're a student looking to get into the behavioral health field, this would be right up your alley.
"I knew I wouldn't leave. I was still weak. Still hiding behind the weight of my pain. But I knew I would never truly be free. The pain is like flypaper. The more you struggle, the more tangled you become. Until you finally just stop trying."
This story was very involved. Very involved. It was involved enough to the point where I really had to remain focused while reading this. Part of it was terribly confusing. I just didn't care for this elaborate story line that never really went anywhere. I wasn't passionate about this book. Halfway through the book, I just kept waiting for something exciting to happen and it never did. Part of the problem is the book continuously alternates between present day and a period much earlier in the lives of Liam & Drew as elementary school aged boys. The part of the story that focused on the boy's past is very relationship-focused. There were so many tiny little details and an enormous backstory that just didn't hold any relevance to me for the story taking place in the present day. It just felt very convoluted and scatter-brained to me.
Next, despite the enormous back story and all of these details, I felt absolutely no emotional connection to these characters. I didn't feel sorry anyone because everyone seemed to be in on it. The plot twists weren't exciting and the ending was equally uneventful to me. I just really couldn't get into this book. It was a psychological thriller and I was not thrilled at all. There was zero suspense and the psychological study and analytics of the characters just made the whole thing very boring to me. I'm sure this book will resonate with someone. It simply didn't do it for me. I finished it so I can't give it 1-star. I just kept trudging along. It's a notch or two below the "OK" mark, but it's not a story I intend to read again. It just wasn't for me. Perhaps if you're a student looking to get into the behavioral health field, this would be right up your alley.
January 2, 2025
stopped reading it because the “perfect plan” was actually a confusing and dumb plan. it’s also an extremely disturbing book about child abuse. i started choking on my own tears
April 12, 2020
I didn't enjoy this story as much as I did the author's previous books - which I simply loved. I am still giving it 4 stars though - because he writes so beautifully and even though I wasn't so crazy about the story itself- I was still gripped by the writing and hypnotized by his words. I was still held captive to keep reading and discover what happens and how it all came to be. The story centers on two brothers - Liam and Drew. Drew is the older brother. Through back and forth narration the story details how the boys grew up in a dark and dysfunctional home. The chapters flip from past to present - revealing how it is that Liam finds himself present day on the verge of a breakdown. One day Liam snaps and kidnaps a woman that works for his brother. Liam was always the problem child, and Drew the smart, successful one. Drew is caught up in his political campaign for governor. With his beautiful wife Patsy - he leads the perfect life. It seems as if he was always cleaning up after his little brothers' messes. The key word is "seems" though. As the story unfolds you will find that there are always 2 sides to stories and rumors. Things are usually not as they appear and the two brothers have unfinished business and long buried secrets and lies that need to surface. As I said - the story is beautifully written, but I just had a hard time getting attached to the characters. I didn't feel as emotionally drawn in to the story like I did his first 2 books. I like when a book is so moving that it affects me - as if I know the characters and care about them like they are real. Maybe I felt the story was not realistic or believable enough for me. Regardless, this author is a gifted writer and I will always be on the lookout for anything by him. I can't wait to see what he gives us next.
July 16, 2019
When I started this, I didn't think I'd like it much, and I actually began to skim. But after a chapter or so, I began reading more carefully (though still quickly) as the book began to draw me in. I'd give this 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 (because I liked it more as I continued).
What I especially liked:
~ the unique approach of writing from a less-than-sympathetic character -- I didn't love Liam at first, but after a while, he became more sympathetic to me, and I began rooting for him.
~ the realism of Liam's life -- the picture painted here isn't pretty, but I found it realistic and haunting (chilling).
~ the ending (no spoilers) -- without clarifying how it ended, I found it the only possible ending for Liam's story, the only satisfying conclusion.
What was mostly good (even if disturbing):
~ the portrayal of Drew -- Drew is not likable, but I could see how he fooled people, and I liked that we got that side of him.
~ the portrayal of Liam's and Drew's parents --
~ the emotional journey -- the tension and pacing through the use of emotions worked for me.
Really, despite not actually liking Liam much, I was engaged after skimming just a couple of chapters, and as always, I enjoy Bryan's writing style.
What I especially liked:
~ the unique approach of writing from a less-than-sympathetic character -- I didn't love Liam at first, but after a while, he became more sympathetic to me, and I began rooting for him.
~ the realism of Liam's life -- the picture painted here isn't pretty, but I found it realistic and haunting (chilling).
~ the ending (no spoilers) -- without clarifying how it ended, I found it the only possible ending for Liam's story, the only satisfying conclusion.
What was mostly good (even if disturbing):
~ the portrayal of Drew -- Drew is not likable, but I could see how he fooled people, and I liked that we got that side of him.
~ the portrayal of Liam's and Drew's parents --
~ the emotional journey -- the tension and pacing through the use of emotions worked for me.
Really, despite not actually liking Liam much, I was engaged after skimming just a couple of chapters, and as always, I enjoy Bryan's writing style.
July 1, 2019
First, I want to thank Bryan Reardon and Dutton an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC for providing me this book so I may bring you this review.
Brian Reardon is back with a new incredible gripping novel entitled The Perfect Plan. I became a fan instantly when I read The Real Michael Swann and Finding Jake. So, when he announced he was coming out with a new book I just had to get my hands on it! I was so glad I did. This book is a must-read book of 2019!!
Kudos to the graphic designer whom did this cover for Bryan it is amazing. The photo, the colors, the fade of his name is just perfect. The cover definitely draws your attention to the book.
One thing I love about Bryan is he thinks outside of the box and comes up with unique and creative story lines for his books. He has a talent for hooking you at the beginning of the story and keeping your interest through the whole story til the end.
In this book Bryan shows you present day about Liam and his twin brother Drew. Plus, it goes back in time to relive the past about his father, mother and Drew. I was blown away by all things that were revealed in the past that made Liam the man he is today.
The book is also divided up into Liam’s side of the story, Drews, and Lauren’s.
Bryan by the looks of it in his writing style looks like he was incredibly passionate about that mother and son relationship with Liam. Those scenes written about his Mom were very strong and powerful. What Liam experienced in the past was heartbreaking and my heart went out to him.
Brian Reardon is back with a new incredible gripping novel entitled The Perfect Plan. I became a fan instantly when I read The Real Michael Swann and Finding Jake. So, when he announced he was coming out with a new book I just had to get my hands on it! I was so glad I did. This book is a must-read book of 2019!!
Kudos to the graphic designer whom did this cover for Bryan it is amazing. The photo, the colors, the fade of his name is just perfect. The cover definitely draws your attention to the book.
One thing I love about Bryan is he thinks outside of the box and comes up with unique and creative story lines for his books. He has a talent for hooking you at the beginning of the story and keeping your interest through the whole story til the end.
In this book Bryan shows you present day about Liam and his twin brother Drew. Plus, it goes back in time to relive the past about his father, mother and Drew. I was blown away by all things that were revealed in the past that made Liam the man he is today.
The book is also divided up into Liam’s side of the story, Drews, and Lauren’s.
Bryan by the looks of it in his writing style looks like he was incredibly passionate about that mother and son relationship with Liam. Those scenes written about his Mom were very strong and powerful. What Liam experienced in the past was heartbreaking and my heart went out to him.
June 29, 2019
I'm 1/3 way into the audio version and am finding it hard to keep my attention on it. The narrator has a flat monotonous voice. He reads like each sentence is a finale of some great paragraph. When in actuality, each paragraph is like a different chapter. The writer continuously jumps from past to present in no particular order in almost every paragraph. It's not only aggravating, but it's making me lose interest in the story. I've started the book over several times and had to rewind chapters. Not because I don't understand, but because my mind keeps drifting to other things. This supposed "thriller " is not thrilling me in the least. The characters aren't likable or unlikable. They're nothing. Just clear, flat, unnoticeable beings. I feel nothing for them, so I'm finding it hard to trudge through this one. It seems like the writer keeps thinking of new lines to add, & just puts them anywhere in the book.
I'll rate it if I finish it. But for now, just know this is not an attention grabber, edge of your seat story. More like a, ugh, why did I start this one.
Well, I did finish the book. Would I recommend it? Nope. The scattered way it's written just makes it hard to enjoy. The story as a whole was depressing. 2 boys who live with a tyrant dad and an alcoholic mom. A younger boy, sad from early on. An older son who is too much like the tyrant dad. Not one good thing happened in the whole story. It was page after page of a jumbled
mess of miserable people either doing sad or bad things.
I'll rate it if I finish it. But for now, just know this is not an attention grabber, edge of your seat story. More like a, ugh, why did I start this one.
Well, I did finish the book. Would I recommend it? Nope. The scattered way it's written just makes it hard to enjoy. The story as a whole was depressing. 2 boys who live with a tyrant dad and an alcoholic mom. A younger boy, sad from early on. An older son who is too much like the tyrant dad. Not one good thing happened in the whole story. It was page after page of a jumbled
mess of miserable people either doing sad or bad things.
January 2, 2023
I personally enjoyed it, but if family tension/drama is not your cup of tea, then this book is going to get really boring really fast.
I’ve heard this is supposed to be a thriller, and to be perfectly honest, it didn’t entirely feel that way. The real thrill comes at the very end, but everything before then is not entirely “thriller.” One reviewer described the book more as a character study, and I wholeheartedly agree with that statement, and not in a bad way. Liam and Drew are two very well-rounded, very dysfunctional and tragic characters. They had a shit-storm of a childhood and now, as adults, are still finding themselves mentally stuck in that situation. Both cope vastly differently. Both are total assholes because of it. Both divert your expectations, really nailing in the message that what lies on the surface is not what is underneath. There are supposed to be elements of political intrigue and thrill, what with Drew running for governor, but that plotline falls through the cracks very early on as Liam takes the reins on the story, and his impulses overshadow his brother’s ambitions. I can’t say much else without spoiling, so I will say this:
If you prefer good-hearted characters or thrillers that are actually thrillers, this is not the book for you. Dysfunction and chaos are things I love to write, so reading about those same toxins feed me, but I can see why others take issue.
I’ve heard this is supposed to be a thriller, and to be perfectly honest, it didn’t entirely feel that way. The real thrill comes at the very end, but everything before then is not entirely “thriller.” One reviewer described the book more as a character study, and I wholeheartedly agree with that statement, and not in a bad way. Liam and Drew are two very well-rounded, very dysfunctional and tragic characters. They had a shit-storm of a childhood and now, as adults, are still finding themselves mentally stuck in that situation. Both cope vastly differently. Both are total assholes because of it. Both divert your expectations, really nailing in the message that what lies on the surface is not what is underneath. There are supposed to be elements of political intrigue and thrill, what with Drew running for governor, but that plotline falls through the cracks very early on as Liam takes the reins on the story, and his impulses overshadow his brother’s ambitions. I can’t say much else without spoiling, so I will say this:
If you prefer good-hearted characters or thrillers that are actually thrillers, this is not the book for you. Dysfunction and chaos are things I love to write, so reading about those same toxins feed me, but I can see why others take issue.
July 11, 2019
Thanks to the publisher for the free copy in exchange for my honest review
Last year I picked up Reardon’s THE REAL MICHAEL SWANN and it was a gripping psychological thriller that incorporated social media and had a very real feel to it. Going into THE PERFECT PLAN I was anticipating another fast-paced thriller, but what I got was a slower burn that was more of a character study. While there’s nothing wrong with that combination, it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
The author dives into the relationship between Drew and Liam – two brothers – and how their choices in life have brought them to where they are now. Liam is troubled, to say the least, and has convinced himself that he needs to kidnap this woman. The complication to his plan? This woman works for his brother, Drew, who happens to be running for office. Will he be able to stay one step ahead of not only the authorities closing in on him, but also ahead of his older brother?
This is one of those books where it’s hard to like or relate to the characters, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I think this one is definitely worth the read, but go into it knowing it isn’t the thriller that it’s being marketed as. Gotta hate when the marketing does that to a book! Overall, I’ll definitely still pick up more from Reardon in the future, I do really enjoy his writing and how he brings us into the minds of his characters.
Last year I picked up Reardon’s THE REAL MICHAEL SWANN and it was a gripping psychological thriller that incorporated social media and had a very real feel to it. Going into THE PERFECT PLAN I was anticipating another fast-paced thriller, but what I got was a slower burn that was more of a character study. While there’s nothing wrong with that combination, it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
The author dives into the relationship between Drew and Liam – two brothers – and how their choices in life have brought them to where they are now. Liam is troubled, to say the least, and has convinced himself that he needs to kidnap this woman. The complication to his plan? This woman works for his brother, Drew, who happens to be running for office. Will he be able to stay one step ahead of not only the authorities closing in on him, but also ahead of his older brother?
This is one of those books where it’s hard to like or relate to the characters, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I think this one is definitely worth the read, but go into it knowing it isn’t the thriller that it’s being marketed as. Gotta hate when the marketing does that to a book! Overall, I’ll definitely still pick up more from Reardon in the future, I do really enjoy his writing and how he brings us into the minds of his characters.
December 23, 2023
Originally was going to rate it a 4 then read some of the reviews and decided to bump it to a 5 instead.
All Liam wanted was to feel like he belonged, that he was accepted by his dad and his brother. Yet he never got it, and though the book starts of with a good memory between the two brothers who apparently looked similar with the older brother teaching him how to tie his shoes, it all went down hill from there.
His mother was an alcoholic, his father was abusive and his brother did his dad's bidding for him. Liam himself had a hard time with controlling his emotions and acting on his impulses.
Which his father did not appreciate and used that against him with his brother who was the one to dole out the discipline for him.
It also shows how broken the system is when abuse is suspected yet there is no enough evidence or cooperation to act on.
Yet there is also this notion that being accepted by your family is the most important thing that one can do. Liam himself was trying to show his own brother that he wasn't anything they believed him to be, though he called an audible on the plan that was in place, he finally was free from his brother even though it meant that his life was taken.
All Liam wanted was to feel like he belonged, that he was accepted by his dad and his brother. Yet he never got it, and though the book starts of with a good memory between the two brothers who apparently looked similar with the older brother teaching him how to tie his shoes, it all went down hill from there.
His mother was an alcoholic, his father was abusive and his brother did his dad's bidding for him. Liam himself had a hard time with controlling his emotions and acting on his impulses.
Which his father did not appreciate and used that against him with his brother who was the one to dole out the discipline for him.
It also shows how broken the system is when abuse is suspected yet there is no enough evidence or cooperation to act on.
Yet there is also this notion that being accepted by your family is the most important thing that one can do. Liam himself was trying to show his own brother that he wasn't anything they believed him to be, though he called an audible on the plan that was in place, he finally was free from his brother even though it meant that his life was taken.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2019
The cover for The Perfect Plan is what caught my eye, and the blurb sounded interesting, familiar but still interesting. In reality, the story wasn't quite what I was hoping for. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, which could be because none of them are likable. Granted, I don't think they were really meant to be likable, and that's not necessarily a deal breaker, especially in a thriller setting. However, I wouldn't consider this one a thriller. It's certainly family drama, there's more family drama than you can shake a stick at. There are a few scenes that hint and even almost touch on thriller elements, but this one just doesn't quite get there. My biggest issue with The Perfect Plan was its complete predictability. There are twists, but not a single one surprised me. The story does have a decent mystery aspect with the disappearance of Liam and Drew's father, but it wasn't too hard to guess at least the gist of that too. No two people read the same book, so take my thoughts for what they're worth. If it sounds good, give it a shot. For me, there were just more cons than pros with this one.
August 12, 2019
This book read quickly, but not well. There was no need for it to be divided into parts because it's from the same perspective the entire book. I get that the author is trying to show that emotional and psychological abuse is just as destructive as physical, but the little allusions to his past and in effort to relate it to current actions falls short. His relationship with his mother, the guilt he feels for not being able to help her, the guilt she feels for not being able to leave his father...it all just got old after a while.
The plot about the abduction was just dumb. It really spoke to the ludicrousness of politics and every woman in this book was a weak victim. The "Perfect" plan was anything but. The book was quickly read and quickly forgotten. There is some semblance of justice which I suppose is a good thing, but overall it was lacking in authenticity. You aren't particularly rooting for any of the characters and I read it because I needed to know what happened so I could be done, not because it was super enjoyable.
The plot about the abduction was just dumb. It really spoke to the ludicrousness of politics and every woman in this book was a weak victim. The "Perfect" plan was anything but. The book was quickly read and quickly forgotten. There is some semblance of justice which I suppose is a good thing, but overall it was lacking in authenticity. You aren't particularly rooting for any of the characters and I read it because I needed to know what happened so I could be done, not because it was super enjoyable.
July 10, 2019
My first read by this author and definitely not my last.
This is the story of two brothers and how their past influences their current relationship. How is this a thriller? Throw in a present day kidnapping and why that crime has happened and that fulfills the thriller component.
The novel alternates between past and present-- the boys growing up and perhaps twenty years later during one of the brother's run for political office. I found this very equally balanced between the thriller components and the intense character study of this family.
I truly enjoyed this book quite a bit. Was anxious to get back and read it at night. This would be a good mainstream thriller for Christian fiction fans as it does not contain graphic sex, profanity, or graphic violence.
Will definitely be reading more from this author. Highly recommended.
This is the story of two brothers and how their past influences their current relationship. How is this a thriller? Throw in a present day kidnapping and why that crime has happened and that fulfills the thriller component.
The novel alternates between past and present-- the boys growing up and perhaps twenty years later during one of the brother's run for political office. I found this very equally balanced between the thriller components and the intense character study of this family.
I truly enjoyed this book quite a bit. Was anxious to get back and read it at night. This would be a good mainstream thriller for Christian fiction fans as it does not contain graphic sex, profanity, or graphic violence.
Will definitely be reading more from this author. Highly recommended.
Read
November 22, 2019If The Perfect Plan was a musical composition, it would set your teeth on edge!
A tormented childhood haunts Liam. His mother was driven to an early death by his father's cruelty and manipulation. His older brother takes sadistic pleasure in eroding Liam's confidence and peace of mind. Physical and psychological abuse abound in their quiet suburban home.
Fast-forward to adulthood. Despite the dysfunction in their relationship, Liam is still emotionally shackled to his brother, Drew. Unable to break the ties that bind him to his past, Liam exists on the fringe of his brother's world. Keep in mind, everyone has a breaking point. It is only when he realizes the next generation may be at the mercy of Drew's twisted agenda that Liam decides to come up with The Perfect Plan.
Reardon's novel will push the limits and keep you guessing until the very last page!
A tormented childhood haunts Liam. His mother was driven to an early death by his father's cruelty and manipulation. His older brother takes sadistic pleasure in eroding Liam's confidence and peace of mind. Physical and psychological abuse abound in their quiet suburban home.
Fast-forward to adulthood. Despite the dysfunction in their relationship, Liam is still emotionally shackled to his brother, Drew. Unable to break the ties that bind him to his past, Liam exists on the fringe of his brother's world. Keep in mind, everyone has a breaking point. It is only when he realizes the next generation may be at the mercy of Drew's twisted agenda that Liam decides to come up with The Perfect Plan.
Reardon's novel will push the limits and keep you guessing until the very last page!
March 25, 2020
This is an extremely sad novel, about 2 brothers who had a childhood that was fraught with sadness. Now, Drew, the elder brother, is running for governor of DE. His wife, Patsy, is a magnetic personality who had dreams of political stardom herself. Liam, the younger brother, watches from the sidelines, but he sees more than most people see about their relationship.
So, a plan is hatched. Liam will abduct Lauren, Drew's campaign manager, to bring publicity to the campaign. At least, that is what everyone thinks. But there is more to the plan than that.
This plan changes over and over until we get to the end of the story, and its extremely heartbreaking ending.
It is a story that tells of horrors felt in a childhood, and the desire to wipe out those memories and keep them from moving forward.
#ThePerfectPlan #BryanReardon
So, a plan is hatched. Liam will abduct Lauren, Drew's campaign manager, to bring publicity to the campaign. At least, that is what everyone thinks. But there is more to the plan than that.
This plan changes over and over until we get to the end of the story, and its extremely heartbreaking ending.
It is a story that tells of horrors felt in a childhood, and the desire to wipe out those memories and keep them from moving forward.
#ThePerfectPlan #BryanReardon
April 8, 2019
A twisty tale of two brothers, bound by blood and divided by hate. Liam is the younger, the screw-up, the out of control violent one as opposed to Drew who is calm, friendly and knows how to manage a situation. A tough childhood with an alcoholic mother and domineering father leaves both brothers changed and relying on each other. Drew is running for Governor and one of them has a plan for boosting his appeal. You think you like one and not the other, you think one is out of control and the other always in control and you think you know how the plan is going to work - you know nothing. Gut-wrenching psychological manipulation and an ending you won't see coming, this is a solid thriller. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews