March 2023 Wild Card Group Read Part I: A Perfect Stranger by Shalini

[Danielle The Book Huntress , Literary Adrenaline Junkie]

A Perfect Stranger is our March group read!

[Phillip]

It seems to be a pretty fast read. I started yesterday and already have 25% complete. I will say I'm intrigued, despite thrillers not being in my normal queue. That being said, I notice both POV characters love their exposition dumps. It seems odd because I'm certain most don't matter. Do I really need to know about the babysitter's mother and how she has a good relationship with her teen?

Also, I don't mind first person or present tense, but it does feel off whenever first person is used for multiple POV characters. I consciously have to remember if it's a Dani or Emily chapter. On top of them, there are at least two chapters so far (all in italics) that are another character.

I probably finish this week, but I have higher expectations after the first ten or so chapters.

[Phillip]

I forgot to mention I far prefer the Dani chapters. She can justify anything. She feels pretty authentic as someone who has plenty but can't be happy and sees issues in others. I'm sure we can all relate to someone like that.

[Phillip]

Definitely a slow burn. I'm just over halfway done (53%), and only now are the seedier elements taking priority over pregnancies. Still intrigued, though.

[Phillip]

I finished it last night. It kept my attention until the final 20%, then it failed to stick the landing. The slow burn suspension was paid off with an off page murder and police rescue. The only two "action" scenes weren't even written?! Through in the nine months later last chapters to wash away any PTSD drama, and my opinion somewhat fell. I did like Emily's last chapter revelation, though it made me wish the book started at that point and walked us through her thoughts. I think that story would have been more interesting.

Again, I did enjoy the suspense leading up to the ending; I just wish the resolution had been shown to me versus told in a few offhand sentences.

The good news is I have a month left of Kindle Unlimited. I think I can burn through all the Kloos Frontlines books. I'm already on the third chapter of Terms of Enlistment. I think I can finish them before the fifth. Everyone tells me they are super action packed.