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The Perfect Brother
A scandalous liaison. A killer on the loose. Can a young woman save her sibling from going down for murder?
Vancouver, Canada. Software engineer Indira Saraf refuses to march to her traditionalist parents’ old-world drum. Resentful of her brother’s golden-boy acceptance but still a devoted sister, she encourages him to confess his secret affair before he ends up married to a woman he doesn’t want. So she’s horrified when his student and lover is slain and he’s arrested for the gruesome crime.
Repurposing her own AI technology to prove his innocence, the unorthodox rebel scours the dead college girl's life for clues. But when Indira discovers another missing co-ed and the suspects pile up, she learns the hard way that her digging has drawn deadly attention…
Can she hunt down the culprit before she takes a fatal fall?
The Perfect Brother is a chilling standalone suspense thriller. If you like dogged heroines, complex family relationships, and dangerous twists, then you’ll adore USA Today bestselling author Chris Patchell’s riveting tale.
Vancouver, Canada. Software engineer Indira Saraf refuses to march to her traditionalist parents’ old-world drum. Resentful of her brother’s golden-boy acceptance but still a devoted sister, she encourages him to confess his secret affair before he ends up married to a woman he doesn’t want. So she’s horrified when his student and lover is slain and he’s arrested for the gruesome crime.
Repurposing her own AI technology to prove his innocence, the unorthodox rebel scours the dead college girl's life for clues. But when Indira discovers another missing co-ed and the suspects pile up, she learns the hard way that her digging has drawn deadly attention…
Can she hunt down the culprit before she takes a fatal fall?
The Perfect Brother is a chilling standalone suspense thriller. If you like dogged heroines, complex family relationships, and dangerous twists, then you’ll adore USA Today bestselling author Chris Patchell’s riveting tale.
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 27, 2022
26 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Chris Patchell
22 books275 followers Chris Patchell is an award-winning USA Today Bestselling Author who started writing to curb the homicidal urges she experienced during her Seattle commute. She writes gripping suspense thrillers set in the Pacific Northwest, including bestsellers Deadly Lies, In the Dark, and her most recent collection of small-town crime thrillers, the Lacey James Series. Her writing has won several awards, including a Next Generation Indie Book Award, several Readers’ Favorite Awards, a BookFest Award, an IndieReader Discovery Award, and a Pacific Northwest Literary Award.
When she’s not writing, you can find Chris reading, hanging out with her family, watching football, and struggling to keep up with her workout regime, all while shushing her incessantly yapping Yorkies. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two kids.
Connect with Chris through her author newsletter: https://www.chrispatchell.com/newslet...
When she’s not writing, you can find Chris reading, hanging out with her family, watching football, and struggling to keep up with her workout regime, all while shushing her incessantly yapping Yorkies. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two kids.
Connect with Chris through her author newsletter: https://www.chrispatchell.com/newslet...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 30, 2022
Liz and Kee have the opposite taste in men. From the opening pages, they had me busting out with laughter with their funny dialogue.
Indira works for a company that harvests your data and uses it against you. I mean, you do need that 20th pair of shoes, don’t you? Privacy? Pshaw. What’s that? (my thought)
Mallory Riggins works at the Daily Grind. She knew Tim and his missing girlfriend, Katie Lord, from them being customers. She attended college, taking business classes. She was also dating the teacher.
Amar is Indira’s brother. They are from India and she battles her mother’s attempts to marry her off. She wants freedom, eats meat, and drinks beer. Amar toes the line, sort of. He’s vegetarian, soon to be wed. I am sure they are not allowed to have affairs, even if their culture believes in arranged marriages.
I have my eye on a couple of suspects for Katie being missing.They both act suspiciously. I feel it’s too obvious for a Chris Patchell novel, so I am still on the lookout. I have a feeling the police will go in a wrong direction.
At page 152…Oh No! I felt this coming, yet I am so bummed about it. A woman is found murdered. I usually don’t get to know a murder victim as well as I got to know her. I knew it was coming, but that doesn’t change how bummed I am about it.
I feel The Perfect Brother is different from other Chris Patchell novels I have read. I didn’t find it full of action packed, in your face, suspense and thrills. The dangers were more subtle with gross injustice and a bit of vigilantism on the technical side. A terrifying glimpse into how easy it is for someone to access your information and stalk you, all because of a company gathering your data, sharing your patterns, and is too easily accessed.
The investigation, if you could call it that, is tunnel visioned. They found a suspect and never looked any further. I have had a spidey sense feeling since early on, but I have no clues to use against him. Another suspect arises and I think I now have my eyes on the murderer.
Unputdownable, because I HAD TO KNOW. Chris Patchell sure did weave a tangled web. I found The Perfect Brother to be more of a mystery, than thriller. This ARC had 433 pages of deliciousness. I only stopped when necessary. Though I rated it a 4, I think when it has been polished it could be a 5.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Perfect Brother by Chris Patchell.
Indira works for a company that harvests your data and uses it against you. I mean, you do need that 20th pair of shoes, don’t you? Privacy? Pshaw. What’s that? (my thought)
Mallory Riggins works at the Daily Grind. She knew Tim and his missing girlfriend, Katie Lord, from them being customers. She attended college, taking business classes. She was also dating the teacher.
Amar is Indira’s brother. They are from India and she battles her mother’s attempts to marry her off. She wants freedom, eats meat, and drinks beer. Amar toes the line, sort of. He’s vegetarian, soon to be wed. I am sure they are not allowed to have affairs, even if their culture believes in arranged marriages.
I have my eye on a couple of suspects for Katie being missing.They both act suspiciously. I feel it’s too obvious for a Chris Patchell novel, so I am still on the lookout. I have a feeling the police will go in a wrong direction.
At page 152…Oh No! I felt this coming, yet I am so bummed about it. A woman is found murdered. I usually don’t get to know a murder victim as well as I got to know her. I knew it was coming, but that doesn’t change how bummed I am about it.
I feel The Perfect Brother is different from other Chris Patchell novels I have read. I didn’t find it full of action packed, in your face, suspense and thrills. The dangers were more subtle with gross injustice and a bit of vigilantism on the technical side. A terrifying glimpse into how easy it is for someone to access your information and stalk you, all because of a company gathering your data, sharing your patterns, and is too easily accessed.
The investigation, if you could call it that, is tunnel visioned. They found a suspect and never looked any further. I have had a spidey sense feeling since early on, but I have no clues to use against him. Another suspect arises and I think I now have my eyes on the murderer.
Unputdownable, because I HAD TO KNOW. Chris Patchell sure did weave a tangled web. I found The Perfect Brother to be more of a mystery, than thriller. This ARC had 433 pages of deliciousness. I only stopped when necessary. Though I rated it a 4, I think when it has been polished it could be a 5.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Perfect Brother by Chris Patchell.
September 26, 2022
This novel has a very slow build. It was not until about half way through that I really became engaged. The last quarter was captivating, all the way to the suspense filled end. The characters started out unlikable. Amar was having an affair with a student. Indira got drunk at all the wrong times. While Amar never did grab me, Indira did develop as a character to become a brave heroine.
Patchell explores some side issues, including the marriage and other cultural traditions of immigrants from India. An issue that caught my attention was data collection and its use. Some of the possibilities shown in this novel are truly scary.
This is a good novel of mystery and suspense showing what can happen when lies pave the way for murderous intent. Don't be impatient during the methodical plot set up in the first half of the book. The second half is worth the wait.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Patchell explores some side issues, including the marriage and other cultural traditions of immigrants from India. An issue that caught my attention was data collection and its use. Some of the possibilities shown in this novel are truly scary.
This is a good novel of mystery and suspense showing what can happen when lies pave the way for murderous intent. Don't be impatient during the methodical plot set up in the first half of the book. The second half is worth the wait.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 27, 2022
The Perfect Brother is slow-burn, thoughtful suspense tackling some compelling topics.
Indira is an independent woman from a traditional Indian family. She lives on her own, works in IT, and mostly ignores her mother’s constant attempts to set her up with the ideal Indian man.
Amar, Indira’s brother, is the golden child. He’s engaged to an Indian woman he barely knows, having agreed to his parents’ arranged marriage. He’s respectful of tradition and follows the rules.
Or so they thought. It all comes tumbling down when he’s arrested for the murder of a female student at the college where he teaches.
While the murder mystery keeps us guessing, we also delve into the pressures caused by family expectations, the secrets we keep, and the illusion of privacy in our electronic world.
*I received an ARC for the Partners in Crime book tour.*
Indira is an independent woman from a traditional Indian family. She lives on her own, works in IT, and mostly ignores her mother’s constant attempts to set her up with the ideal Indian man.
Amar, Indira’s brother, is the golden child. He’s engaged to an Indian woman he barely knows, having agreed to his parents’ arranged marriage. He’s respectful of tradition and follows the rules.
Or so they thought. It all comes tumbling down when he’s arrested for the murder of a female student at the college where he teaches.
While the murder mystery keeps us guessing, we also delve into the pressures caused by family expectations, the secrets we keep, and the illusion of privacy in our electronic world.
*I received an ARC for the Partners in Crime book tour.*
October 6, 2022
The perfect Brother.
By Chris Patchell’s.
A thrilling standalone suspense story that will Keeps you On the edge of your seat, Deep into the night. Turning those pages faster than you ever thought. Because there is a need to know. Who the killer is. a Fabulous read...
This is a new author for me. But oh will not be the last read. Looking forward to more from this author...
One man's life is on the line because of things that went down, His family thinks he should do one thing when he feels he should do another..
He comes from a family believing the old ways.
Murder has happened, Sometimes you're in the wrong place at the right time. It can be deadly.
People go missing, but what's really happening.
Will blow your mind..
Man what a fabulous read..
By Chris Patchell’s.
A thrilling standalone suspense story that will Keeps you On the edge of your seat, Deep into the night. Turning those pages faster than you ever thought. Because there is a need to know. Who the killer is. a Fabulous read...
This is a new author for me. But oh will not be the last read. Looking forward to more from this author...
One man's life is on the line because of things that went down, His family thinks he should do one thing when he feels he should do another..
He comes from a family believing the old ways.
Murder has happened, Sometimes you're in the wrong place at the right time. It can be deadly.
People go missing, but what's really happening.
Will blow your mind..
Man what a fabulous read..
June 28, 2025
Think sibling drama meets high-tech murder mystery with a sprinkle of cultural flair. Indira’s brother Amar gets arrested for killing his secret lover, and she’s not buying it. Using her AI skills, she dives into a dangerous game of secrets, lies, and some seriously shady stuff happening in rainy Vancouver.
Indira is smart, fierce, and not afraid to ruffle some feathers to clear her brother’s name. The twists keep coming, and the family dynamics add extra spice to the suspense.
If you love a brainy heroine, techy detective vibes, and a thriller that’s equal parts heart and edge-of-your-seat tension, this one’s for you. Just brace yourself for some slow-burn family drama before the mystery fully kicks in
Indira is smart, fierce, and not afraid to ruffle some feathers to clear her brother’s name. The twists keep coming, and the family dynamics add extra spice to the suspense.
If you love a brainy heroine, techy detective vibes, and a thriller that’s equal parts heart and edge-of-your-seat tension, this one’s for you. Just brace yourself for some slow-burn family drama before the mystery fully kicks in
August 24, 2022
I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.
Amar Saraf is a professor at a university. Indira is his sister, who specializes in writing code - the particular code she is writing gathers geodata. Indira struggles with this for various reasons.
Mallory is a student at the university and works at a local coffee shop where her path crosses daily with Tim. Katie Lord goes missing. Katie also happens to be the fiancée of Tim.
Brock Sinclair - a student who attends the same university and wants more from Mallory.
Rani and Falguni - a daughter and a mother. Complicated relationship.
Amar and Indira, Rani and Falguni come from a culture that still believes in arranged marriages. This is how Amar and Rani become engaged, much to Amar’s disappointment and Rani’s giddiness. Rani is a complicated lady; she shows absolutely no emotion. Amar makes the mistake of getting involved with Mallory. While he does not have tenure, it’s still a bad idea but the two of them cannot ignore their attraction. Katie Lord’s disappearance rattles cages. The obvious suspects are questioned.
Something terrible happens to Mallory and Amar is the prime suspect. In steps Indira who refuses to give up on her brother. Enter Dylan, Indira’s boss. Enter Jason, a beat cop. Enter the geodata, as the saying goes: “Data doesn’t lie.” While Indira wants to believe in her brother’s innocence, she cannot dismiss what the data shows. The stress of Amar’s situation lends to her parents’ distress. Her mom is not well, and her dad’s business suffers. Rani comes up with a plan to which Amar agrees.
I don’t want to give too much away, but if you’re looking for a new author in the “crime thriller” genre, give Ms. Patchell a shot.
This book shows that finding new authors can be a pleasant surprise. This book trapped me when I first started reading it and for a 400-plus page book, I was done within a week. I enjoyed all the unexpected twists, the family bonds, the broken relationships, the story itself, the link between our geodata and the information it can provide, even if we don’t even think about it. If you’re looking for a book you can curl up with, give this one a try.
Amar Saraf is a professor at a university. Indira is his sister, who specializes in writing code - the particular code she is writing gathers geodata. Indira struggles with this for various reasons.
Mallory is a student at the university and works at a local coffee shop where her path crosses daily with Tim. Katie Lord goes missing. Katie also happens to be the fiancée of Tim.
Brock Sinclair - a student who attends the same university and wants more from Mallory.
Rani and Falguni - a daughter and a mother. Complicated relationship.
Amar and Indira, Rani and Falguni come from a culture that still believes in arranged marriages. This is how Amar and Rani become engaged, much to Amar’s disappointment and Rani’s giddiness. Rani is a complicated lady; she shows absolutely no emotion. Amar makes the mistake of getting involved with Mallory. While he does not have tenure, it’s still a bad idea but the two of them cannot ignore their attraction. Katie Lord’s disappearance rattles cages. The obvious suspects are questioned.
Something terrible happens to Mallory and Amar is the prime suspect. In steps Indira who refuses to give up on her brother. Enter Dylan, Indira’s boss. Enter Jason, a beat cop. Enter the geodata, as the saying goes: “Data doesn’t lie.” While Indira wants to believe in her brother’s innocence, she cannot dismiss what the data shows. The stress of Amar’s situation lends to her parents’ distress. Her mom is not well, and her dad’s business suffers. Rani comes up with a plan to which Amar agrees.
I don’t want to give too much away, but if you’re looking for a new author in the “crime thriller” genre, give Ms. Patchell a shot.
This book shows that finding new authors can be a pleasant surprise. This book trapped me when I first started reading it and for a 400-plus page book, I was done within a week. I enjoyed all the unexpected twists, the family bonds, the broken relationships, the story itself, the link between our geodata and the information it can provide, even if we don’t even think about it. If you’re looking for a book you can curl up with, give this one a try.
September 12, 2022
Absolutely fabulous! When Indira’s brother is accused of murdering his girlfriend, she uses her programming skills to investigate the case. The twisting plot is highly original, the characters are well developed and interesting, and the storytelling is extremely skillful. Riveting & highly recommended! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more from Ms. Patchell. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
May 9, 2023
Tech fright mystery
This is a Tech Use Debate in murder mystery form, with lots more! We also get complex characters we can Feel for. I learned a ton about another culture and a couple of rebellious children who are expected to follow tradition. Exciting, fun, some romance, and a page, turner!
This is a Tech Use Debate in murder mystery form, with lots more! We also get complex characters we can Feel for. I learned a ton about another culture and a couple of rebellious children who are expected to follow tradition. Exciting, fun, some romance, and a page, turner!
September 24, 2022
This story is made up of two parts. The first part is suspense; the second part is amateur sleuth. This one is hard to summarize without giving too much away.
Suspense: In a university area of Vancouver, a college co-ed Katie Lord disappeared during a run. Flyers are up everywhere and the cops like her fiancé for it. Mallory Riggins isn’t thinking about Katie when she discovers her driver’s side window shattered. She’s not thinking about anything except how to pay for the repair. Which is too bad. She really should.
Mystery: Amar Saraf is the college professor his students call Dr. Hottie. His is admired by his students and is the apple of his parents’ eye. Indira is his brilliant, younger sister who bucks tradition and her parents at every turn. But even she admits, Amar is the perfect brother. Which is why, when Amar is arrested for the murder of his lover, Indira puts her software engineering skills to work to catch a killer.
Bottom line: The Perfect Brother is for you if you like suspense, dynamic amateur sleuths, and technology as an integral part of detecting.
Strengths of the story. In the first half of the book, the element of suspense is driven by seeing snippets of characters lives, uncomfortable and imperfect, but not knowing how they all fit together. Ms. Patchell does an excellent job of ensuring you bite your fingernails. Once the victim is dead and the perfect brother arrested (not a spoiler because it’s on the back cover), the story is taken over by Indira Saraf, a talented software engineer who has mad IT skills. While the first half of the story evolves, Indira drives the second half. She is the catalyst that moves her brother’s case forward and in unexpected directions.
The array of characters are all well done. Indira is the hero of this story. She is not only easy to like, she is easy to respect. Like any good detective, she has her supporting cast, each of whom plays a role in the outcome.
I have not read other stories set in the Indian-Canadian culture, making this a nice departure from the usual. The role of family and pressure on both males and females added to the complexity of the story in a way that was natural and complimentary.
The story is cleanly written with no typos or other distractions.
Where the story fell short of ideal: Looking from front to back, this is an excellent suspense turned mystery. Looking back to front, there are questions of the “bad guys” motivation and actions that aren’t fully explained. The story does not give the killer’s confession to allow us to see for ourselves. We are left with the reasoning from Indira and the police, which leaves gaps. Not big ones, but they are there.
This one is a pet peeve. Indira has an awesome dog named Hazel who she is constantly leaving for extended periods of time. I can’t be the only one who reads that someone is staying overnight and thinks “what about the dog?” Go ahead cat people, roll your eyes.
Suspense: In a university area of Vancouver, a college co-ed Katie Lord disappeared during a run. Flyers are up everywhere and the cops like her fiancé for it. Mallory Riggins isn’t thinking about Katie when she discovers her driver’s side window shattered. She’s not thinking about anything except how to pay for the repair. Which is too bad. She really should.
Mystery: Amar Saraf is the college professor his students call Dr. Hottie. His is admired by his students and is the apple of his parents’ eye. Indira is his brilliant, younger sister who bucks tradition and her parents at every turn. But even she admits, Amar is the perfect brother. Which is why, when Amar is arrested for the murder of his lover, Indira puts her software engineering skills to work to catch a killer.
Bottom line: The Perfect Brother is for you if you like suspense, dynamic amateur sleuths, and technology as an integral part of detecting.
Strengths of the story. In the first half of the book, the element of suspense is driven by seeing snippets of characters lives, uncomfortable and imperfect, but not knowing how they all fit together. Ms. Patchell does an excellent job of ensuring you bite your fingernails. Once the victim is dead and the perfect brother arrested (not a spoiler because it’s on the back cover), the story is taken over by Indira Saraf, a talented software engineer who has mad IT skills. While the first half of the story evolves, Indira drives the second half. She is the catalyst that moves her brother’s case forward and in unexpected directions.
The array of characters are all well done. Indira is the hero of this story. She is not only easy to like, she is easy to respect. Like any good detective, she has her supporting cast, each of whom plays a role in the outcome.
I have not read other stories set in the Indian-Canadian culture, making this a nice departure from the usual. The role of family and pressure on both males and females added to the complexity of the story in a way that was natural and complimentary.
The story is cleanly written with no typos or other distractions.
Where the story fell short of ideal: Looking from front to back, this is an excellent suspense turned mystery. Looking back to front, there are questions of the “bad guys” motivation and actions that aren’t fully explained. The story does not give the killer’s confession to allow us to see for ourselves. We are left with the reasoning from Indira and the police, which leaves gaps. Not big ones, but they are there.
This one is a pet peeve. Indira has an awesome dog named Hazel who she is constantly leaving for extended periods of time. I can’t be the only one who reads that someone is staying overnight and thinks “what about the dog?” Go ahead cat people, roll your eyes.
October 17, 2022
What would you do if your brother was charged with murder, and you believe he's innocent?
Amar Saraf is a college professor, and the perfect brother: he follows the Indian tradition of his family ... that is until he has an affair with Mallory Riggins, one of his students, and she ends up murdered.
Indira Saraf is a software engineer who does coding for software development. She is Amar's younger sister and rebels against her family's Indian traditions. When Amar is a suspect and arrested in the murder of Mallory Riggins, Indira uses her engineering background to delve into the murder investigation, and is determined to prove that her brother is innocent and find the real killer. But danger and secrets lurk around every corner, can Indira prove that her once perfect brother is innocent before someone tries to stop her from revealing the truth?
In The Perfect Brother, author Chris Patchell weaves a riveting, slow-building, and complex multi-layered suspense thriller that takes the reader on an exhilarating roller coaster ride.
Set in Vancouver, Canada, this intriguing tale has enough family drama, gripping suspense, and intriguing twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing, and sitting on the edge of their seat.
You can't help but follow along as the author weaves a complex and multi-layered story that involves family drama when family traditional expectation is bucked by the younger generation and the consequences when secrets are revealed. Then mix in the suspense and mystery of the murder of Mallory Riggins, and the reader is kept guessing with every riveting twist and turn that unfolds in the story, and the intensity and suspense mounts until the surprising ending that will leave them completely spent.
If you are fan of gripping suspense thrillers, then The Perfect Brother is a must read. You won't be disappointed!
Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
Amar Saraf is a college professor, and the perfect brother: he follows the Indian tradition of his family ... that is until he has an affair with Mallory Riggins, one of his students, and she ends up murdered.
Indira Saraf is a software engineer who does coding for software development. She is Amar's younger sister and rebels against her family's Indian traditions. When Amar is a suspect and arrested in the murder of Mallory Riggins, Indira uses her engineering background to delve into the murder investigation, and is determined to prove that her brother is innocent and find the real killer. But danger and secrets lurk around every corner, can Indira prove that her once perfect brother is innocent before someone tries to stop her from revealing the truth?
In The Perfect Brother, author Chris Patchell weaves a riveting, slow-building, and complex multi-layered suspense thriller that takes the reader on an exhilarating roller coaster ride.
Set in Vancouver, Canada, this intriguing tale has enough family drama, gripping suspense, and intriguing twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing, and sitting on the edge of their seat.
You can't help but follow along as the author weaves a complex and multi-layered story that involves family drama when family traditional expectation is bucked by the younger generation and the consequences when secrets are revealed. Then mix in the suspense and mystery of the murder of Mallory Riggins, and the reader is kept guessing with every riveting twist and turn that unfolds in the story, and the intensity and suspense mounts until the surprising ending that will leave them completely spent.
If you are fan of gripping suspense thrillers, then The Perfect Brother is a must read. You won't be disappointed!
Disclaimer: I received a paperback copy from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
May 9, 2023
A brilliant twisty mystery with family dynamics
Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
Tracy Patchell has delivered a smart, absorbing, standalone mystery/suspense with steady pacing. I started listening and was immediately hooked by the wonderful writing and narration. I like the 13-hour length for a really meaty mystery with marvelous character development and a fascinating cast of characters. The atmosphere of the novel is suspenseful, but I wouldn’t call it a thriller because such a small percentage of the book has thriller-type scenes. I was also really impressed by the multiple twists in this mystery plot.
The reader really gets to know Indira, her brother Amar, and their family. The Indian-Canadian culture in Vancouver is very interesting and lends extra depth to the story. Indira is an admirable and slightly flawed heroine. Once her brother is arrested for murder, she sets her brilliant computer engineer’s mind to the problem of proving him innocent. I sometimes rolled my eyes at the “perfect brother” Amar being pompous or stupid, but the story is totally worth persevering through his scenes.
I am very impressed with the dual narration by Allyson Voller, who did all the chapters from female perspectives, and Stacy Carolan, who narrated the chapters of male characters. They both were excellent at accents, pacing, emoting, versatility at male and female voices, and everything. Allyson Voller narrated about 70 percent of the novel. At first I wasn’t sure if I liked the voice that Ms. Voller chose for non-dialogue parts with its careful enunciation, but then I realized it was a perfect Vancouver accent that was appropriate for the setting. I am listening to another one of her works, and she does perfect Australian accents in that one, so Allyson Voller is very talented. I plan to look for more of these two narrators’ previous work.
I requested and received a free review copy, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam #FiresideAudio
Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
Tracy Patchell has delivered a smart, absorbing, standalone mystery/suspense with steady pacing. I started listening and was immediately hooked by the wonderful writing and narration. I like the 13-hour length for a really meaty mystery with marvelous character development and a fascinating cast of characters. The atmosphere of the novel is suspenseful, but I wouldn’t call it a thriller because such a small percentage of the book has thriller-type scenes. I was also really impressed by the multiple twists in this mystery plot.
The reader really gets to know Indira, her brother Amar, and their family. The Indian-Canadian culture in Vancouver is very interesting and lends extra depth to the story. Indira is an admirable and slightly flawed heroine. Once her brother is arrested for murder, she sets her brilliant computer engineer’s mind to the problem of proving him innocent. I sometimes rolled my eyes at the “perfect brother” Amar being pompous or stupid, but the story is totally worth persevering through his scenes.
I am very impressed with the dual narration by Allyson Voller, who did all the chapters from female perspectives, and Stacy Carolan, who narrated the chapters of male characters. They both were excellent at accents, pacing, emoting, versatility at male and female voices, and everything. Allyson Voller narrated about 70 percent of the novel. At first I wasn’t sure if I liked the voice that Ms. Voller chose for non-dialogue parts with its careful enunciation, but then I realized it was a perfect Vancouver accent that was appropriate for the setting. I am listening to another one of her works, and she does perfect Australian accents in that one, so Allyson Voller is very talented. I plan to look for more of these two narrators’ previous work.
I requested and received a free review copy, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam #FiresideAudio
October 26, 2022
The Perfect Brother is the perfect choice it you're looking for a smart, thrilling, suspense-filled mystery!
The Perfect Brother is a page-turner extraordinaire! With a plot that has twists upon twists, I didn’t want to put this book down! The story is suspenseful from the beginning, starting with the disappearance of a young female student, and doesn’t let up until the final page.
The author has created an atmospheric setting for the story, with the chill and rain of Vancouver and much of the action occurring at night adding to the moodiness. When characters said they felt like someone was watching them, I felt it, too.The main character, Indira Saraf, is a very strong female protagonist. She loves her family but doesn’t let her parents or her more compliant brother run her life. She refuses to go with the flow as her traditional Indian parents lean on her to marry or move home and chafes at being treated as second-rate because she’s female. I really enjoyed how she took matters into her own hands to help clear her brother’s name. And although I usually roll my eyes when amateur sleuths confront possibly dangerous suspects alone, with Indira, I almost felt like she could handle it. I liked both of the romantic interests in the story and approved of her final choice. Her bestie, Sabina, was a true ride-or-die friend.
As I mentioned, the plot had several twists and turns, most of which were shocking! There were also some good alternate suspects for Indira and her friends to weed through, making for some excellent red herrings. I didn’t guess the killer until the actual reveal. In addition, the moral and ethical dilemmas Indira faced regarding the software she was working on and then used in her investigation were thought-provoking.With its clever plot and relatable main characters, I recommend THE PERFECT BROTHER to mystery and thriller readers, especially those who enjoy a touch of romance, fascinating and entertaining cultural aspects, or a setting in Vancouver.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.
September 14, 2022
“Well worth giving it a go!”
A hard book to give an honest and open opinion on as the story took ages to get going for me and I nearly gave up. Luckily I didn’t and eventually it was an intriguing and enjoyable story with a good ending.
The story revolves around a brother Amar who is a professor at the Simon Fraser University teaching business and his sister Indira a computer expert who writes Algorithm’s and recently designed one that was special. Both living in Vancouver Canada and from Indian decent and whose parents were forcing them into arrange marriages but both rebelling against their wishes.
Amar who has become involved with one of his students is suddenly in an nightmare situation when his girlfriend student Mallory is savagely and brutally murdered being stabbed reputedly to her death. With all evidence points to Amar and the investigation and evidence builds against. On top of this prior to the death of Mallory another girl Katie Lord who is also from his class had suddenly disappeared and the obvious culprit and evidence is “yes” Amar!
With no one believing Amar his family disowning and being arrested for the murder only his sister Indira believes him. So starts her analyst skills and newly designed algorithms system Indira sets about in proving his innocence. Indira uses her source code and quickly starts building a case against two possible persons of interest.
The story builds up and has so many twists and turns; dead ends and romance you can’t help but to get engaged and quickly turn the pages to get to the truth and great ending! Give it a go and get past the long intro it is worth it!
A hard book to give an honest and open opinion on as the story took ages to get going for me and I nearly gave up. Luckily I didn’t and eventually it was an intriguing and enjoyable story with a good ending.
The story revolves around a brother Amar who is a professor at the Simon Fraser University teaching business and his sister Indira a computer expert who writes Algorithm’s and recently designed one that was special. Both living in Vancouver Canada and from Indian decent and whose parents were forcing them into arrange marriages but both rebelling against their wishes.
Amar who has become involved with one of his students is suddenly in an nightmare situation when his girlfriend student Mallory is savagely and brutally murdered being stabbed reputedly to her death. With all evidence points to Amar and the investigation and evidence builds against. On top of this prior to the death of Mallory another girl Katie Lord who is also from his class had suddenly disappeared and the obvious culprit and evidence is “yes” Amar!
With no one believing Amar his family disowning and being arrested for the murder only his sister Indira believes him. So starts her analyst skills and newly designed algorithms system Indira sets about in proving his innocence. Indira uses her source code and quickly starts building a case against two possible persons of interest.
The story builds up and has so many twists and turns; dead ends and romance you can’t help but to get engaged and quickly turn the pages to get to the truth and great ending! Give it a go and get past the long intro it is worth it!
February 2, 2023
There may be several backstories hidden underneath the actual scenes, so what we see may not always be genuine. Before knowing it, we cannot pass judgment on anyone. Life throws us into circumstances when thinking stops and compels us to kneel. But fortunately, we have relatives that believe in us even when others doubt us. Let us read and experience the above, introducing CHRIS PATCHELL's THE PERFECT BROTHER. The cover page has a captivating and engaging design. Suspense, thriller, and murder mystery made up the genre.
Amar Saraf, a professor at a university, and her sister Indira Saraf, a software engineer, are the main characters in the narrative. Amar was leading a flawlessly traditional Indian life, but he was having a secret affair with Mallory Riggins, one of her students. Indira urged him to reveal it, but he was lagging far behind. The situation quickly changed dramatically, and Mallory got brutally murdered. Amar was the first to be arrested because scraps of evidence pointed to him. Indira disregarded the evidence and relied only on her brother's word as to what was true. She began preparing to show his innocence!
How will she reveal it? What events are hidden by the wall? Who is the slayer? What was driving it? Read on to learn more!
The author does a nice job of describing the novel, keeping the reader guessing right up to the very end. Some of the situations might cause readers to get out of their chairs because of how skillfully she weaved the storyline with the characters. The language is simple with a very suspenseful explanation throughout. It also features a decent package of family drama, which lightens the tone.
Amar Saraf, a professor at a university, and her sister Indira Saraf, a software engineer, are the main characters in the narrative. Amar was leading a flawlessly traditional Indian life, but he was having a secret affair with Mallory Riggins, one of her students. Indira urged him to reveal it, but he was lagging far behind. The situation quickly changed dramatically, and Mallory got brutally murdered. Amar was the first to be arrested because scraps of evidence pointed to him. Indira disregarded the evidence and relied only on her brother's word as to what was true. She began preparing to show his innocence!
How will she reveal it? What events are hidden by the wall? Who is the slayer? What was driving it? Read on to learn more!
The author does a nice job of describing the novel, keeping the reader guessing right up to the very end. Some of the situations might cause readers to get out of their chairs because of how skillfully she weaved the storyline with the characters. The language is simple with a very suspenseful explanation throughout. It also features a decent package of family drama, which lightens the tone.
September 24, 2022
This book is an engaging mystery with a shocking ending. It is also a study of the conflicts between the old world and the new with some ethical dilemmas thrown in. College professor Amar Saraf is the "perfect brother" who can do no wrong, always the peacekeeper in his Indian family with their Old Country ways, even agreeing to a marriage arranged by his parents. His sister Indira is the rebel younger sister who gets a tattoo and cuts her hair to shock her traditional Indian parents. She is a computer programmer working on code to track people's shopping preferences through their cell phones, code that she thinks is an invasion of privacy. Even though he is engaged Amar is dating a student in one of his classes, something that is always frowned upon. When she is killed, all the evidence points to Amar. Can Indira use her programming skills and the code she thinks is wrong to prove his innocence? The characters in this book are well developed and so real I hated to leave them at the end of the book. I could feel the conflict between the old and the new within the family, Amar's despair as he sits in jail, and Indira angst in trying to help him. Ms Patchell did an excellent job of explaining the old country traditions of Indian immigrants and the difficulties they pose for their children The computer code was explained well and was really rather scary in its capabilities. The ending came as a complete surprise, always the hallmark of a good mystery. I received a copy of this book from the author but I am leaving this review voluntarily. I highly recommend this book.
September 27, 2022
Indira Saraf (software engineer) refuses to live by her traditional minded parents in which she has no choice in who to marry, where to live etc.
Her brother Amar seems to have accepted his parents choice in marrying Rani, a young woman of the same culture and traditions.
He has an affair with Malory, a student of him and Indira encourage amar to confess to his parents that he isn't in love with Rani and that he doesn't want to marry her.
But then Malory gets killed after she and Amar were together. He gets arrested for the cruesome crime.
Now Indira uses her own Al technology to prove his innocence. Will she succeed and can she withstand the secrets being exposed?
The perfect brother is a gripping thriller that keeps you at the edge of your seat. The feelings of anger, despair, uncertainty but also love are palpable and enters deep within your body.
The plot is well build with some unexpected twists and most chapters ends with a cliffhanger which keeps you reading to discover what happens next.
The characters are well portrayed but could have been developed a little more.
Sometimes the book leans towards the young adult section but that is not disturbing and does not detract from the building tension.
Topics such as the geodata, the Al technology, family traditions and bonds are very well incorporated into the story and make the book easy to read.
With The perfect brother, Chris Patchell wrote a readable thriller with all a book needs to keep you reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Her brother Amar seems to have accepted his parents choice in marrying Rani, a young woman of the same culture and traditions.
He has an affair with Malory, a student of him and Indira encourage amar to confess to his parents that he isn't in love with Rani and that he doesn't want to marry her.
But then Malory gets killed after she and Amar were together. He gets arrested for the cruesome crime.
Now Indira uses her own Al technology to prove his innocence. Will she succeed and can she withstand the secrets being exposed?
The perfect brother is a gripping thriller that keeps you at the edge of your seat. The feelings of anger, despair, uncertainty but also love are palpable and enters deep within your body.
The plot is well build with some unexpected twists and most chapters ends with a cliffhanger which keeps you reading to discover what happens next.
The characters are well portrayed but could have been developed a little more.
Sometimes the book leans towards the young adult section but that is not disturbing and does not detract from the building tension.
Topics such as the geodata, the Al technology, family traditions and bonds are very well incorporated into the story and make the book easy to read.
With The perfect brother, Chris Patchell wrote a readable thriller with all a book needs to keep you reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
October 1, 2022
An Indian family living in Canada but still full of the Indian tradition reasonably wealthy 2 highly educated children of marriageable age but the children are not so traditional. we have a) a dutiful daughter whose parents want to marry off, & b) the dutiful son and his parents have found the perfect wife for him.
Of course in this modern world, children want to live their lives and marry their own choice, Amar a professor is having flings with other women while engaged to Rani, and Indira is an AI Technology guru clever and has also managed to live outside the family home. The brother supposedly good-looking and clever loves himself which is off-putting and Indira is clever and bold but neither can I take to they are both too self-righteous.
The book is a very slow burner to start with but from about halfway it does liven up, Amar's girlfriend gets murdered and is arrested, and the police have their man DNA to prove it, although Amar has never denied not being in his girlfriend's house or have had sex, so it's definitely up to Indira to prove it as she has got this new system where and what you can predict where why when
you could have or have not done the deed and who else could have done it?
I do not like these armchair sleuths as what do we have a police force for and apart from making the police like idiots?
Really not sure about this one have read this author many times and really enjoy her works but as stated it only opens up about halfway thru and as I don't like to be beaten I persevered but others would have given up.
Of course in this modern world, children want to live their lives and marry their own choice, Amar a professor is having flings with other women while engaged to Rani, and Indira is an AI Technology guru clever and has also managed to live outside the family home. The brother supposedly good-looking and clever loves himself which is off-putting and Indira is clever and bold but neither can I take to they are both too self-righteous.
The book is a very slow burner to start with but from about halfway it does liven up, Amar's girlfriend gets murdered and is arrested, and the police have their man DNA to prove it, although Amar has never denied not being in his girlfriend's house or have had sex, so it's definitely up to Indira to prove it as she has got this new system where and what you can predict where why when
you could have or have not done the deed and who else could have done it?
I do not like these armchair sleuths as what do we have a police force for and apart from making the police like idiots?
Really not sure about this one have read this author many times and really enjoy her works but as stated it only opens up about halfway thru and as I don't like to be beaten I persevered but others would have given up.
September 26, 2022
Siblings Indira and Amar could not be more different. Amar is the perfect one. He has done everything his family expects of him, right down to the lovely fiance handpicked by his family. Indira is the rebel, refusing to marry and raise a family instead she insists on building her career. So why is Amar under investigation in the death of one of his students? He seems to be the sole suspect in the case. Indira cannot accept that her brother could be responsible for the crime but no one will listen to her even though she has found others who should be considered.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that Indira and Amar are so close and that Indira had so much faith in her brother that she was determined to get him set free. When even her parents appeared to be turning their backs on him, she went to bat for him insisting the family must present a united front for him. I also liked that Amar tried to take some of the pressure off Indira whenever her parents would start in on her about finding a husband.
Even though this is a mystery it is also about family and the relationships within it. The characters are well developed. The plot was very good! The mystery was well thought out and kept me on my toes trying to figure out who was responsible for the death. The story had me in a tug of war going back and forth until it was finally revealed.
I received an ARC of this book for which I am voluntarily giving my opinion in this review.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that Indira and Amar are so close and that Indira had so much faith in her brother that she was determined to get him set free. When even her parents appeared to be turning their backs on him, she went to bat for him insisting the family must present a united front for him. I also liked that Amar tried to take some of the pressure off Indira whenever her parents would start in on her about finding a husband.
Even though this is a mystery it is also about family and the relationships within it. The characters are well developed. The plot was very good! The mystery was well thought out and kept me on my toes trying to figure out who was responsible for the death. The story had me in a tug of war going back and forth until it was finally revealed.
I received an ARC of this book for which I am voluntarily giving my opinion in this review.
October 3, 2022
The Perfect Brother by Chris Patchell is different than most. It featured characters of a different culture and how they and their family survived an investigation. This Indian family is like any other that still follows the traditional customs and ways of Indian life. Yet, due to the modern times, things take on another toll. The son is seen as the perfect child. He appears perfect to his family. Then, all his secrets come out to light. When that happens, he is then a suspect for murder and his family is torn.
The lead female heroine is the sister with a determination to prove her brother's innocence. She does not follow a traditional path for women like her family wants. However, due to her skill and knowledge, she finds the answers the police could not find. There is the danger and risks that come with finding out who the real killer is and why. Indira is a tough yet brave young woman. She is not afraid to be herself. I love that about her. The pacing in the beginning was a bit slow but it is necessary. With every page, the suspense, drama, and danger intensify.
Chris Patchell is a new writer to me. She writes a story that engages and keeps readers like me hooked. I enjoyed reading this thriller suspense novel. The Perfect Brother is entertaining both emotionally and by its amazing characters.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
The lead female heroine is the sister with a determination to prove her brother's innocence. She does not follow a traditional path for women like her family wants. However, due to her skill and knowledge, she finds the answers the police could not find. There is the danger and risks that come with finding out who the real killer is and why. Indira is a tough yet brave young woman. She is not afraid to be herself. I love that about her. The pacing in the beginning was a bit slow but it is necessary. With every page, the suspense, drama, and danger intensify.
Chris Patchell is a new writer to me. She writes a story that engages and keeps readers like me hooked. I enjoyed reading this thriller suspense novel. The Perfect Brother is entertaining both emotionally and by its amazing characters.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
October 19, 2022
MY THOUGHTS -
😱😱😱 This was such a great book!!! I was absolutely hooked right the start. Let me begin by telling you that I am a longtime fan of this author and I was so excited to see a new book come out. I am very glad and not at all surprised that I was not disappointed.
This story was INTERESTING! I found all the techy stuff fascinating. This is not my world at all LOL. I am not a techy person. I know how to use a computer and I know my way around my iPhone, but that's about it. And yet, I was so drawn in by all the computer tracking info in here and how it was used to solve the crime!! Some very interesting and scary stuff.
The characters... Loved! I loved Indira. She was such a great female superhero. Yes, superhero. She would not give up. She believed in her brother's innocence and did everything to prove it. Even getting herself in trouble. I loved this about her. There were also a lot of equally great minor characters, but she was my favorite. Bonus... a little touch of romance, just a touch - perfect!
This book was so intense and suspenseful. I DID NOT WANT TO STOP READING! I only stopped when I had to - such as fixing dinner. UGH! I should have just ordered takeout.
I very highly recommend this book, and pretty much anything Chris Patchell writes!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!
😱😱😱 This was such a great book!!! I was absolutely hooked right the start. Let me begin by telling you that I am a longtime fan of this author and I was so excited to see a new book come out. I am very glad and not at all surprised that I was not disappointed.
This story was INTERESTING! I found all the techy stuff fascinating. This is not my world at all LOL. I am not a techy person. I know how to use a computer and I know my way around my iPhone, but that's about it. And yet, I was so drawn in by all the computer tracking info in here and how it was used to solve the crime!! Some very interesting and scary stuff.
The characters... Loved! I loved Indira. She was such a great female superhero. Yes, superhero. She would not give up. She believed in her brother's innocence and did everything to prove it. Even getting herself in trouble. I loved this about her. There were also a lot of equally great minor characters, but she was my favorite. Bonus... a little touch of romance, just a touch - perfect!
This book was so intense and suspenseful. I DID NOT WANT TO STOP READING! I only stopped when I had to - such as fixing dinner. UGH! I should have just ordered takeout.
I very highly recommend this book, and pretty much anything Chris Patchell writes!
I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from Partners in Crime Tours - Thank You!
April 4, 2023
The Perfect Brother
By: Chris Patchell
Narrated by: Allyson Voller, Stacy Carolan
Starting this in the car with my husband, we listened carefully. New characters, a kidnapped girl, a few possible suspects but nothing concrete enough to go on yet. That leads us to our main characters, Indira and Amar. Siblings, pulled in different directions by their parents to carry on the family traditions, their closeness never stops. But a murder accusation throws everyone and everything into a whirlwind of grief, fear and guilt. Now it's up to those that believe in Amar's innocence to connect the dots and find the killer. Indira is hot on the trail, but will she find the answers? Twists, turns, traditions, passion, taboos, you name it, Chris Patchell throws it all in, and the best part? I had no idea until the end who the killer was! This is best kind of mystery/suspense book, keeping me riveted with new technology, and all that goes with cyber stalking as well as a list of characters I needed to analyze and eliminate as suspects. This is a fabulous listen if you love a book that makes your heart race and challenges your mind.
Allyson Voller and Stacy Carolan bring out the best voices for this thriller. Each character, the perfect sound, using accents and cadence to bring a realistic feel to each one. I was captivated by their narration and could not stop listening. They delivered a fantastic performance.
By: Chris Patchell
Narrated by: Allyson Voller, Stacy Carolan
Starting this in the car with my husband, we listened carefully. New characters, a kidnapped girl, a few possible suspects but nothing concrete enough to go on yet. That leads us to our main characters, Indira and Amar. Siblings, pulled in different directions by their parents to carry on the family traditions, their closeness never stops. But a murder accusation throws everyone and everything into a whirlwind of grief, fear and guilt. Now it's up to those that believe in Amar's innocence to connect the dots and find the killer. Indira is hot on the trail, but will she find the answers? Twists, turns, traditions, passion, taboos, you name it, Chris Patchell throws it all in, and the best part? I had no idea until the end who the killer was! This is best kind of mystery/suspense book, keeping me riveted with new technology, and all that goes with cyber stalking as well as a list of characters I needed to analyze and eliminate as suspects. This is a fabulous listen if you love a book that makes your heart race and challenges your mind.
Allyson Voller and Stacy Carolan bring out the best voices for this thriller. Each character, the perfect sound, using accents and cadence to bring a realistic feel to each one. I was captivated by their narration and could not stop listening. They delivered a fantastic performance.
October 11, 2022
I loved everything about this book: the characters, the pace, the intrafamily relationships, the action, the suspense, just everything, even the cover. I was really anxious to find out who the "bad guy" was and even though Ms. Patchell kept me guessing for quite a while, I began to have my suspicions. However, she successfully threw out enough red herrings to keep me from figuring it all out, which is always a win.
I think Indira was my favorite character with Amar coming in a close second. I felt all of Indira's frustrations with her family's expectations and pressures, and the determination she showed to do whatever was necessary to save her brother. And watching Amar struggle with what had happened to him while he knew he had not done anything wrong was heartbreaking. (Ms. Patchell is one of those authors I can expect to make me cry at some point, even in the midst of a thriller/murder mystery.) I enjoyed the fact that Ms. Patchell added a bit of romance to the story but was not heavy-handed about it. The ending gives me hope that there will be more Indira stories in the future. She is a character I wouldn't mind spending time with on a regular basis.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
I think Indira was my favorite character with Amar coming in a close second. I felt all of Indira's frustrations with her family's expectations and pressures, and the determination she showed to do whatever was necessary to save her brother. And watching Amar struggle with what had happened to him while he knew he had not done anything wrong was heartbreaking. (Ms. Patchell is one of those authors I can expect to make me cry at some point, even in the midst of a thriller/murder mystery.) I enjoyed the fact that Ms. Patchell added a bit of romance to the story but was not heavy-handed about it. The ending gives me hope that there will be more Indira stories in the future. She is a character I wouldn't mind spending time with on a regular basis.
I received a review copy from the author at my request and this is my honest opinion.
October 17, 2022
Amar Saraf, Dr. Hottie, a college professor, is having an affair with his student Mallory. When something terrible happens to Mallory, Amar is the prime suspect.
Amar's sister, Indira, who is a coding specialist steps in and uses Mallory's digital footprint to try and figure out more about Mallory and who is truly guilty.
The first 30% of the book was very slow. The introduction of the characters felt disjointed. It was difficult to understand how the players all related to each other. Halfway through the book the storyline picks up and as a reader I was able to become invested in the story.
Amar is flat character with lack of depth. Indira, on the other hand, was a well-developed character. The writing itself has a quick pace and the descriptive style adds to the story. The author is particularly good at creating a feeling about the setting using nature, lighting , weather, etc.
This is the first book I have read by the author and will definitely be looking for other books by her. I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My review of the book is honest and strictly my own opinions.
Amar's sister, Indira, who is a coding specialist steps in and uses Mallory's digital footprint to try and figure out more about Mallory and who is truly guilty.
The first 30% of the book was very slow. The introduction of the characters felt disjointed. It was difficult to understand how the players all related to each other. Halfway through the book the storyline picks up and as a reader I was able to become invested in the story.
Amar is flat character with lack of depth. Indira, on the other hand, was a well-developed character. The writing itself has a quick pace and the descriptive style adds to the story. The author is particularly good at creating a feeling about the setting using nature, lighting , weather, etc.
This is the first book I have read by the author and will definitely be looking for other books by her. I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My review of the book is honest and strictly my own opinions.
October 8, 2022
The Perfect Brother is a book where the suspense kind of sneaks up on you. In the beginning, it feels more like a drama than a mystery. I'll be honest, had this one been by anyone else, I may have set it aside. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't boring by any means, but I was looking for suspense and was finding drama. However, I've never been disappointed by Chris Patchell, so on I went. And she didn't disappoint this time either. The story may have started as a slow burn, but what the author did here with introducing the characters was a great way to pull me in. By the time things took off, I was totally invested. I may not have liked every character, but I wanted to see how things played out for them. So, this one may have started out a little different than I expected from Patchell, but the mystery, the twists, and the reveal were Chris Patchell all the way. In the end, this is more than just a really good murder mystery. It's about how far you'll go to get and keep what you want, how far you'll go to protect someone important to you, and what you're willing to do for either.
December 2, 2022
4.5/5 stars
A scandalous liaison. A killer on the loose. Can a young woman save her sibling from going down for murder?
*
Wow! I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did! Coming in at 450 pages, I feel like I just flew through this one and while I did receive a paperback copy of the book through this tour, I also ended up purchasing the kindle version as well because I did not want to put the book now but needed to take it on the go with me so I could keep reading it at times! This book was filed with suspense and keeps the readers on their toes throughout the book. I absolutely loved how she included the brother and sister relationship in this book and examined how far will you go to save a sibling. Patchell also did such a great job at not only including the sibling relationship but also including the cultural traditions of immigrants from India and how that plays a role in the characters relationships. Overall, I thought this was a fantastic book that would be perfect for anyone who loves to stay on the edge of their seat while reading.
A scandalous liaison. A killer on the loose. Can a young woman save her sibling from going down for murder?
*
Wow! I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did! Coming in at 450 pages, I feel like I just flew through this one and while I did receive a paperback copy of the book through this tour, I also ended up purchasing the kindle version as well because I did not want to put the book now but needed to take it on the go with me so I could keep reading it at times! This book was filed with suspense and keeps the readers on their toes throughout the book. I absolutely loved how she included the brother and sister relationship in this book and examined how far will you go to save a sibling. Patchell also did such a great job at not only including the sibling relationship but also including the cultural traditions of immigrants from India and how that plays a role in the characters relationships. Overall, I thought this was a fantastic book that would be perfect for anyone who loves to stay on the edge of their seat while reading.
September 12, 2022
A suspenseful thriller with an ending I did not see coming! Chris Patchell immersed me in this world, the old competing with the new and how it can tear apart, or strengthen a family. Amplify it with secrets being kept and its one heck of an emotional roller coaster. I will have to say I was being led down the yellow brick road on who was the guilty in the very beginning. The ending I did not expect at all. The in between had me rooting on Indira and feeling for her as she battled her upbringing with the world she lives in. Amar well, the first time we meet him I was with Mallory, wondering what was going on, so that didn't sit well. I don't do spoilers but oh what a tangled web we weave when we first practice to deceive. And that, that sentence in itself, is absolutely nothing. Thank you for the arc! I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #theperfectbrother #chrispatchell #chrispatchellink
September 27, 2022
Chris Patchell has a wonderful way of captivity you straight away into the characters and storylines of her books.
When professor Amar Saraf is accused of killing one of his students of which he was having an affair with not only his but his whole family is torn apart.
Coming from a traditional Indian family that still believes with arranged marriages he and his sister Indira try to keep the peace but Indira has other ideas and will not take the traditional way of life. And she convinced Amar to break off his arranged marriage.
So when Amar is arrested for the murder of Molly Indira uses all her skills as a computer software engineer to find and locate her last movements and to seek out the true killer.
A wonderful and intriguing read with an ending that will blow your mind!
I wish to thank Chris for my advance copy for The Perfect Brother in exchange for my honest feedback.
When professor Amar Saraf is accused of killing one of his students of which he was having an affair with not only his but his whole family is torn apart.
Coming from a traditional Indian family that still believes with arranged marriages he and his sister Indira try to keep the peace but Indira has other ideas and will not take the traditional way of life. And she convinced Amar to break off his arranged marriage.
So when Amar is arrested for the murder of Molly Indira uses all her skills as a computer software engineer to find and locate her last movements and to seek out the true killer.
A wonderful and intriguing read with an ending that will blow your mind!
I wish to thank Chris for my advance copy for The Perfect Brother in exchange for my honest feedback.
September 15, 2022
This was a great book to read. At its core is the pull between family traditions and more modern ideas. Which is better? The main characters are a brother and a sister who are trying to decide what is better for them. Following their parents' traditional values or following their own wants and desires? And what are the consequences of each?
But the book is so much more than just that. How far will a sister go to help her older brother? He's always been the peacekeeper in the family. But when he is accused of a horrendous crime, will anyone be able to save him? Will she be able to continue working at her job and take care of her parents all by herself? It is a mystery thriller with twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages until you reach the conclusion. And then, you will wish that you could read just a little bit more.
But the book is so much more than just that. How far will a sister go to help her older brother? He's always been the peacekeeper in the family. But when he is accused of a horrendous crime, will anyone be able to save him? Will she be able to continue working at her job and take care of her parents all by herself? It is a mystery thriller with twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages until you reach the conclusion. And then, you will wish that you could read just a little bit more.
October 12, 2022
The Perfect Brother by Chris Patchell is my first book by this very talented author. This book grabs you from the start. Ms.Patchell has a lot going on in this one. She combines mystery, intrigue, suspense, murder and then adds some family traditions and cyber stalking that sets up for a very good story. The drama is strong along with lies and manipulation. The twist and turns are engaging that lead to an unforeseeable ending that will knock you off your seat! The family dynamics are strong and will show the wonderful love of a sister for her brother. The characters are compelling and very convincing. I enjoyed reading this one and Ms. Patchell made it very hard to put down.
Many Thanks to Partners in Crime Book Tours and Chris Patchell for the honor to be part of this wonderful book tour. My opinions are my own.
#partnersincrimebooktours #theperfectbrother
#chrispatchell
Many Thanks to Partners in Crime Book Tours and Chris Patchell for the honor to be part of this wonderful book tour. My opinions are my own.
#partnersincrimebooktours #theperfectbrother
#chrispatchell
September 13, 2022
received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Romance, murder, intrigue. Central to this tale is a family that migrated to Canada from India and has successfully integrated and become prosperous in their new home. The father runs a successful business. The son has his PhD and teaches business at the local university. The daughter is a talented computer scientist working on complex programs involving behavior. Major challenge for the kids is their parents' cultural expectations regarding arranged marriages. Chris Patchell has used these characters and several other well developed personalities to tell this tale is a manner that keeps you engaged and guessing what really happened or who really did it. The story is well-crafted and hard to put down.
Romance, murder, intrigue. Central to this tale is a family that migrated to Canada from India and has successfully integrated and become prosperous in their new home. The father runs a successful business. The son has his PhD and teaches business at the local university. The daughter is a talented computer scientist working on complex programs involving behavior. Major challenge for the kids is their parents' cultural expectations regarding arranged marriages. Chris Patchell has used these characters and several other well developed personalities to tell this tale is a manner that keeps you engaged and guessing what really happened or who really did it. The story is well-crafted and hard to put down.
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