Member Reviews
I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review
I really wanted to like this one because I’ve enjoyed the author’s other books, but it dragged for me. I’m not awful but nothing really special. Solid three
Ever since the 1992 film 'The Hand that Rocks the Cradle', evil nannies plotting to exact revenge on their employers for a reason not revealed until later have been creeping into the thriller genre, too, and this is where this novel also sits. The protagonist here is new mother Sophy Pemberton who is collapsing under the weight of constant demands, increased responsibility and sleepless nights that will be familiar to most people who have ever raised a baby. When Liv Granger, whom Sophy knows from a mother-and-baby group, offers to help out and mind the baby, Sophie gratefully accepts, unaware that Liv has had her in her sights for several years and will stop at nothing to destroy her….
I did not think I would enjoy reading more of the 'evil nanny' genre this much, but this book is so skilfully written, and Sophy and Liv are so cleverly depicted, that I raced through page after page, keen to find out what would happen next. My verdict? There is definitely room in the genre for one more ‘the babysitter did it’ book! Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in return for this honest and unbiased review.
This was a tricky and twisty read, full of red herrings and secrets waiting to be revealed. However, while the writing was strong, the plot for me was just too predictable - I found the 'twist ending' about who was really messing with Sophy to be so obvious from about a quarter of the way in that I assumed we were meant to know who it was, and was waiting for another twist. And while there was one, it was quite unsatisfying and far fetched, almost one of those twists where it's only purpose is to make you go OMG rather than because it made sense with the rest of the plot.
So, all in all not one of my favourites. I loved the writing, and really liked the split narrative between Sophy and Liv. But the twists were formulaic, Liv was a manipulative nightmare, and the whole vendetta thing was just not very well done in my opinion. However, the strength of the writing means I would definitely try another of their books, and just hope for a plot that was more my cup of tea.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to be provided with an advance reading copy of this book by NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.
Liv's brother Ben took his own life, resulting in the collapse of her whole family unit. His note led Liv and the family to believe the cause of his suicide was his failed relationship with Sophy, who Liv firmly blames. Seeking revenge, she finds Sophy has moved near to her home, and so she sets out to make her life miserable. However, Sophy's life is already miserable, struggling with a new baby and dominating mother in law.
The plot was just too predictable on all levels. I had worked out what had happened with Ben and was happening to Sophy by 20% into the book (which is very rare for me). Sophy as a character is incredibly weak, her husband is cowed by his mother. Liv is manipulative and damaged, but somehow she did not come over as convincing.
Overall I kept reading - with a surge of frustration as I could not believe the characters could not see what was under their noses. Its well written, but the plot is just too weak.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for my ARC of The Perfect Nanny!
If you are looking for a family drama, look no further! I really enjoyed reading The Perfect Nanny. The characters were flawed and yet, seemed totally real. I felt the grief that Olivia had for her brother and I felt the overwhelming notion of not being the perfect mother that Sophie was dealing with. While I felt that the revenge aspect was a bit too far off from reality, I can understand why someone would want to blame the death of a loved one on another. There were a lot of twists and turns in this story and I enjoyed the wild ride. I also absolutely despised Sophie's MIL and kudos to the author for creating such a despicable character. The ending was perfect and it actually made me want to continue to read about Elizabeth, even though I hated her so.
The only reason I am knocking off a star is that I felt the "friendship" between Olivia's brother and Ryan was glossed over and a bit predictable. I would have loved to read more about Ben and his mental illness or at least given a better explanation of the relationship between Ben and Ryan.
My final rating: 4 stars/5
Fun, quick read with a story told from different perspectives keeping it interesting and suspenseful. The perfect book to curl up on the couch with and devour in one weekend.
Sophy is the kind of woman you want to prop up and then shake. Suffering from possible postpartum depression, liable to blackouts and a crushing despair she doesn’t ask for help for fear of looking weak in the eyes of a disapproving mother-in-law Elizabeth and not wanting not to look perfect in the eyes of her husband Dom. Meanwhile Liv is a woman who is obsessed with finding Sophy and taking revenge on her for causing the suicide of her brother Ben. Liv is the kind of woman you want to shake right away. Their worlds collide in a mothers meetup group and bad things start to happen. The plot held my interest, I began to side with Sophy who was beginning to suspect someone was trying to put a wedge in her marriage but neither she nor I could figure out exactly who that was. A solid four stars.
Liv blames Sophy for her brother's death and wants to take her revenge by ruining her life. She gets a job as Nanny to Finn. But it apoears that someone else also wants to make Sophy's life miserable.
An unputdownable psychological thriller. I received this book from Netgalley and publishers in exchange for an honest review
How far should revenge go? If your sibling commits suicide would you set out destroy the one you held responsible? Liv sets out to do just that. I enjoyed the shifts in the POV in the chapters. The story flowed quickly and there were enough twists to keep me interested although I figured out the plot early on.
The Perfect Nanny by Karen Clarke and Amanda Brittany was a twisty, engaging psychological thriller. The character development was well done. The storyline was easy to get through while still offering tension and suspense. The dual POV’s of Sophy and Liv is a great way to get to know both sides of the situation. Highly recommend.
***** I received an ARC from NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my honest review. *****
“The Perfect Nanny” by Karen Clarke and Amanda Brittany is a tense and fast paced thrilling read.
Told by two view points - the Nanny and a struggling mum we learn how their stories are intertwined.
Many red herrings are spun during the book and numerous people are accused before we come to a heart stopping conclusion.
A fabulous read, which I enjoyed all the more as I used to work as a Nanny and am now a Childminder - I’m just glad I’ve not had such harrowing experiences!
This novel follows The story of Sophie, a struggling new mum and Liv, her nanny. Sounds simple enough but LIV has a hidden agenda for wanting to work for Sophie, she wants to make her suffer for her brother committing suicide 16 years previously.
I enjoyed how this was told in alternating chapters from the perspective of Liv and Sophie and found their characters well developed but annoying at times. I unfortunately found some of the supporting characters to be very Stepford wives, as for the husband and mother in law the less said about them the better.
I solved the main twist very early on, but with so many clues it was hard not too really. I found the twists at the end unfathomable and far fetched and that spoiled the novel for me.
Sophy is a new mum struggling with motherhood. Liv is a nanny. She is struggling to come to terms with the death of her brother some years ago and totally blames sophy for his suicide.
Sophy does not remember Liv from her past but is talked into taking on Liv as nanny to her son. Liv has an agenda of revenge whilst Sophy just needs help to cope as a mother. She is always tired and falling asleep and is feeling over powered by her mother in law.
This story follows Liv s attempts at breaking even. However all is not as it seems when unexpected mishaps occur to Soph.
This is an absolute page turner of a book, with twists and an ending I did not see coming.
Absolutely loved it and highly reco
Loved this so much! Liv blames Sophy for her brother’s death and she wants revenge. How best to get revenge? Get close! It was such a great read. I kept imagining and hoping that one day it will be turned into a movie. I have my fingers crossed.
Liv is a nanny with a plan. Currently a nanny in a family with a lecherous husband she’s biding her time until she can get to know Sophy, a woman who has something to do with her beloved brother’s suicide. Sophy isn’t coping well with motherhood so a nanny would be be perfect right?
This novel is told from both Sophy and Liv’s perspective and is an absolute standout novel of the year already. Thrilling, domestic drama, and more twists than you can imagine. There was not a single moment of this novel I didn’t enjoy and it’s definitely made me a new fan of the author.
A pleasure to read so thank you so much NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Definitely get this!
Very enjoyable domestic crime thriller, ripe for being made into a TV drama`! Liv is a nanny, obsessed with a mother called Sophy for something that's happened in their past. Their two worlds meet and Liv becomes more and more enmeshed in Sophy's world as a new mother, but can Sophy escape her clutches?
A good beach read, entertaining and kept me gripped
The Perfect Nanny by Karen Clarke and Amanda Brittany's main character is Sophy Pemberton, a mother of a nine-month-old baby who seemingly has not recovered from her traumatic birth. Needing help with her baby, she employs Liv Granger as her nanny. Liv lost her brother, Ben, to suicide sixteen years ago and blames Sophy for the tragedy. She sets out to destroy Sophy's perfect life. This book does not disappoint and is a credit to the two best selling authors. The story is told in alternating points of view between Liv and Sophy and captures their personalities and struggles brilliantly. There are many twists in this psychological thriller to keep the book engaging until the final page. I will recommend this book if you are looking for a read that will keep your pulse racing and also because it is well written.
Wow. I was hooked on the book. A real page-turner. of mystery. So many twists and turns I did figure out the drink, but I never saw how it all played out. This was a great read as we are stuck at home, the best I have read since last year.
Really enjoyed this book and all the twists and turns it offered. Not to mention the OMG moment towards the end... Great shocker!
Thank you Net Galley and HQ Digital for the eARC in return for an honest review.
Told in dual POVs - Meet Sophy who is struggling with becoming a new mother and Liv who is out to get revenge on Sophy for being a part of a devastating act that has caused her family a lot of grief. Liv takes on the job as Sophy's nanny and soon realize that she may not be the only one that wants to harm Sophy.
I enjoyed this book very much. It is fast paced and kept me guessing. At one point I felt like everyone was in on Sophy's downfall. I like that the side characters had a bit of a back story as well. It made me feel more connected with them. This book has more twists than a rollercoaster ride so buckle up!