Member Reviews
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.
A great book where most of the people you think are awful aren’t actually that bad and all is not as it seems.
Firstly thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this title in return for an honest review.
The Perfect Nanny is a psychological thriller and having read so many, it is quite rare that any really surprise me anymore. And sadly The Perfect Nanny didn't either. I had guessed the plot quite early on, and there weren't any clever red herrings or twists. Having said all that, for someone who hasn't read many thrillers from this genre, it is a perfectly well written and easy read with enough suspense to keep the pages turning. Just a little unoriginal for me.
Deliciously tense and with countless twists and turns, I spent most of this book really not knowing who to trust as the characters built up slowly, revealing secrets bit by bit. There were some really dark themes and the story preyed on every new parents’ worst nightmares so there were some heart stopping moments lots of empathy.
I loved that the book was set in Hertfordshire and I recognised all the places being described. I lived in Stevenage Old town previously and am still in Herts so the familiarity of the place names made me smile a lot.
I was pleased that I was suspicious of those characters it turned out I should’ve been but to be fair I was suspicious off ALL the characters at one point of the story or another. I don’t think I’ll trust anyone ever again now! *looks over shoulder nervously*
Another one sit- oh god I cannot feel my legs- my bladder is about to burst- I feed myself with Chardonnay during my entire read and now book-gover- I think I should grovel to reach the bathroom or could I call Uber to go there- maybe I request the driver just park his car and carry me to the bathroom and give him 5 stars, he will accept to carry me reading!
I entertained a lot during my read and as I try to gather my wits after my intense book-gover experience, I highly recommend this book who looks for something fast pacing, smart with shocking delightful twists!
There are two narrators: Liv ( Olivia) works as nanny, hating her life, trying to avenge her brother’s death, planning her great scheme to be hired by Pemberton family! She thinks Sophy is the one who ruined her entire life and now it’s time for her to pay for it!
Sophy Pemberton is new, struggling mom, trying so hard to cope with motherhood, tired, exhausted, stressful. When she meets with Liv who offers to help her raise her kid as their new employee, she feels so relieved! She thinks she didn’t find only a nanny, she also finds a real confidante! Think again Sophy! Something really goes in your household and somebody plays tricking mind games with you. Who could be the culprit? There is not only Liv to blame on! There are too many suspects confuse the hell of us! Which one of them turn Sophy’s life so miserable instead of herself?
From the beginning I’m on team Sophy. I easily understand her frustration, lack of her coping skills even though she tries so hard to be efficient mother. On the other hand: I hate the guts of Liv and I want to use her my own punching bag. I found her feelings about deceased brother way too much exaggerating!
The conclusion and several twists of the book were witty, unexpected!
Overall: it’s such a great popcorn ( or cheese platter and wine reading- do not try to read it at home with empty stomach just like I did) reading! It’s riveting, exciting, high tension, arm biter, teeth clenching thriller!
Giving my four entertaining stars and jumping to another mystery sooner!
Special thanks to NetGalley and HQ Digital for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
I started this book last night and finished it today by grabbing coffee and staying in bed until midday! It was FABULOUS! I loved it. The writing felt familiar and comfortable and the storyline felt real which is a contrast to a lot of novels in this genre. I found myself suspecting several different characters as the story went along. I would recommend without hesitation.
Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Loved this one! So easy to read and lots of twists and turns along the way. Definitely a quick read and one I recommend.
Wow, this book had me gripped. I read one of Amanda's books, I Lie In Wait last year which I really enjoyed so I jumped at the chance to review a book she was involved in writing.
I found it slightly slow to begin with but it soon picked up pace and the story really unfolded.
I didnt guess the abductor but guessed the other person involved in making Sophys life more difficult.
I'm really excited to read the next joint novel from these two amazingly talented ladies.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this story, it was fast paced and full of suspense. It kept me guessing until the very end and I’m glad I got the opportunity to read it. Would definitely recommend.
The Perfect Nanny isn't really so perfect after all, but she might just surprise you. Sophy is suffering extreme exhaustion since her baby was born. Liv is the nanny out for revenge. However, something is just off about Sophy's family. Throw in an annoying mother in law, a busy husband and some very snobby and nosy neighbors and you've got yourself a good book. Some twists I saw coming and some I did not. The end was a bit creepy too.
Thanks to netgalley and HQ Digital for the arc.
With a title like 'The perfect nanny' you think you know what to expect, well, not this time!
Classic group of 'yummy' mummies who meet up for coffee and chats. One of them is a nanny with a cross to bear, so the nanny wheedles her way into Sophy's life, determined to cause her pain. Sophy is already under lots of pressure anyway and Liv ends up helping her out, rather than hurting her.
The premise is good and the plot unfolds at a good pace. There are moments of suspense and tension especially towards the conclusion. Some of the outcomes are easy to predict others less so. Overall, an entertaining and well written psychological thriller that is easy to read.
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ, HQ Digital for the arc in return for an honest review.
3.5 Stars
This one started off really slow for me, but I did enjoy that it was told by two ponts of view, in alternating chapters. I also liked that every single time I thought I knew who the culprit was...I was proven wrong. I did figure out one of the surprises pretty early on but was left shocked with the big reveal. The ending itself...three years later...was pretty creepy good too!
What I didn't like was Sophy being so ill and no one...not even Sophy herself...did anything about it. She had all those mummy "friends", a husband, her sis-in-law, a nanny and her mother-in-law and not ONE person suggested she go to a hospital when she has fainted a couple times. I found this a little unbelievable...even if it did fit the narrative. All in all a pretty good read in the end, deserving of three and half stars.
This book is brilliant. It’s gripping, twisty, and pacy. It leads you down a few rabbit holes, spins you round a few times and then hits you full force with its greatness.
So, was pretty relaxed about this one, a psychological thriller with the title ‘The Perfect Nanny’, been there, read it but love these kind of books where the ‘cuckoo’ arrives, chaos ensues and then it’s all ‘done and dusted’ so was keen to read this as well.....it was great and unexpected to be caught out
Because of that wont go into the plot at all except to say there are quite a few of them, within the one story, all leading to one big ending, interesting as I so often say when many plots and sub plots I have to stop for a minute and get my head together with this I didn’t, not once, it was all explained really well and seamless for the reader to follow
Character wise, there are good, bad and dubious and I changed my mind throughout, the lead could have done with a touch more backbone but then she had a lot to contend with, I liked the inclusion of a character with disabilities and no real overfuss on that but included and not just ‘spoken of’, the expected ( and wanted ) Mum in Law was present and made quite the impact
As always I love any book that includes houses, streets, neighbours and the workings of them all and this delivered on all of these
A psychological thriller/family drama lovers perfect read I would say
10/10
5 Stars
Nannies are always good territory for thrillers. This one is no exception with one out for revenge for her brother’s murder. But there is more to this thriller than meets the eye. Switching between nanny and potential target the truth and lies are slowly teased out. Im.not sure i like the main characters and at times the pace plods but it unravels to a satisfying if creepy conclusion.
Truly brilliant, the perfect nanny ticked so many boxes for me, I read the book in one sitting and almost growled at the hubby when he tried to speak to me whilst reading haha! Brilliantly written, absolutely gripping story
This was a very enjoyable read. It follows a story about a woman who is dealing with post-partum, Sophy and the search for a new nanny (Liv) when her overbearing mother-in-law becomes too much. The new nanny, Liv, has more of a motive to getting close to this new mother than one would think because Sophy connects to her brothers past and a tragedy.
This book was full of twists and turns throughout. Most of the book’s twists I didn’t see coming, although there were a couple that I did. I loved the varying perspectives between Sophy and Liv to craft the story together nicely. There was also a surprising perspective at the end of the book, which was an interesting way to end the book, leaving with a bit of a cliffhanger, mic-drop moment. I also loved that throughout this story you weren’t sure who was the one behind Sophy being a bit absent-minded and forgetful. Was she struggling just herself? Was Liv sabotaging her? Or was there something even more sinister going on? I also think anyone with an overbearing mother-in-law can relate to this story, although hopefully not dealing with someone like Elizabeth.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read. There were a few parts that were a bit predictable for an avid thriller reader, but it was fast-paced and had me finishing really quickly just to know what was happening! I would recommend this book to anyone especially if you’re looking for a little bit of a “lighter” thriller read.
Thank you so much NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed The Perfect Nanny. It started a little slow, but once I was invested I couldn’t put it down. At times it’s somewhat predictable, but the writing style is top notch.
I really enjoyed this book! It had me hooked from the very beginning and was fast paced and well written. I can see this becoming a book club favorite.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my advanced copy.
I couldn’t get past 30%. It started out intriguing and fell short. I thought the character development was very weak and I didn’t like either one. The whole revenge vendetta was just weak. Maybe this book would have gotten better as I went on but I was bored. I hate giving bad reviews but this wasn’t for me.
Really really good book. I give 5 stars. I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you for allowing me to read this great book.