This book is nothing like I was expecting but I actually still really enjoyed it. The opening of The Perfect Daughter not only shocked me but it also had me hooked. I found myself devouring this book in order to find out how it ended. I honestly never figured out who the anonymous person was and I actually thought it was one of two other characters. That twist at the end was brilliant and it has left me wanting to know what happened next.

"I know what you did"

Rain, darkness, and windy county roads are not a good mix. But what if you know this road like the back of your hand? What if you are in a hurry? What if you hear a crunch? What if you hear a thud? What happens if you leave the scene?

Jen is driving to pick her daughter up from football practice. She is driving down a road she has driven countless times, but unfortunately this time does not go quite so well. In fact, it ends horrifically.

Jen needs to pick up her daughter, Katie, and reeling from her decision goes home to watch TV. Soon the messages begin "I know what you did. Now you’re going to do something for me…" Jen must do as she is asked, doesn't she? She has her daughter to think of after all. Her husband left and is living with another woman. Her daughter will soon be taking her exams and going to college. Plus, Katie has a secret as well. What happens if that secret comes out?

How long can Jen keep this up? How long could you live with what you did and the decision you made?

So obviously there is a BIG moral element in this book! The old can you live with the choice(s) you made? What are you willing to do to keep a secret?

This was a quick read with a twist or two thrown into the mix. The beginning sets the stage and the suspense mounts throughout the book. Even though we are privy to what Jen did and the choice she made, we do not know the identity of the person sending her the messages. Toward the end, I had my suspicions and got it right but that did not take away from my enjoyment of the book.

Fans of Wilkinson and quick entertaining reads will not be disappointed.


3.5 stars

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’ve made no secret of how much of a fan I am of this author. And while I still feel like After the Accident is his best novel, this one is another solid entry.
It is safe to say that Jennifer has a very bad day to kick off the plot…and things just get steadily worse from there. As always, the blurb gives away part of the story, so I don’t need to recap it. But I thought it was mostly plausible.
The author did a great job of portraying Jennifer’s desperation as one thing after another just rains down on her. It seemed relentless at times. Anyone might crumble with one or two of the things, but with all of it, there is no wonder that she often seemed at loose ends, barely hanging on.
One thing that struck me about this book is that it clipped along on the surface, which was good for the pace. It added to the frantic nature of Jennifer’s life over the few days this covered. But we never really got a lot of depth about motivations or other characters, which I think could have added to the tension.
For example, we know from the opening scenes that Josh is volatile. And that plays a big part in the rest of the story. However, we just keep hearing that he’s a bully and not a nice guy…but (unless I missed it) I never really saw why he was so bad and what made him do the things he did.
In that manner, I thought that Jennifer’s daughter Katie wasn’t very deep either. She seemed like a typical teen for most of the story, so when there were revelations near the end, they didn’t exactly seem realistic. I think also because some of the attempts at twists and to throw shade on her character fell short.
And that’s another thing about this book. From the title, I would have thought that there would be a lot more about Katie herself. And while she figures in it, the story is really about Jennifer. It’s almost as if the author meant to go one way with it all, then switched, but didn’t change the title.
There were a few other parts that didn’t seem to do much except illustrate how badly Jennifer’s life had changed. For example, the scenes with her (separated) husband didn’t add much (except to her frustration). And the ones establishing her job just were kind of…there.
One of the things that surprised me the most, however, was how abrupt the ending was. The tension was building, and Jennifer was asked to do something completely outrageous…her choice started a new avenue for the plot but then it all just ended. I get where the author was going with her musings and thinking about what had happened.
I just wish there had been a little bit more to the resolution because the tension and frantic pace that Jennifer carried through the plot deserved it.
Regardless, as I mentioned at the outset, this was still a solid entry. I didn’t guess who the culprit was, and some of the things I thought would happen, didn’t. So, the author kept me guessing and interested right to the very end.

Another great read from Kerry Wilkinson.
Jennifer is running late to pick her teenage daughter up. She’s driving down a country lane, the weather is awful and as she glances at her phone her car hits something.
Jennifer thinks she’s hit a wheelie bin so goes to check, but is not prepared to see a woman’s body in the ditch.
Panic sets in and Jennifer flees the scene.
Later that night messages on a community message say a woman has been the victim of a hit and run and is in a critical condition. It later materialises that her baby was also badly hurt.
Jennifer is devastated but can’t face a prison sentence if they were to die. The guilt is eating her up but she can’t bring herself to own up to what she did.
She then receives a text saying “I know what you did.”
This starts a blackmail campaign against her until the demands go too far.
This is a gripping thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This is a psychological thriller that delves into the topic of how far a mother will go to protect her relationship with her daughter. Katie is going to school, exhausted all the time and with little time to spend with her mom. Jen misses their fun times together, but she attributes Katie’s distance to Jen’s divorcing her dad and to the stress of having tests to take and to her having a relationship with Richard, a young man who seems to be a never-do-well but who also seems to really love Katie. When Jen is involved in a hit and run accident, her nightmare begins. And that is when the realism of the story began to go downhill for me. I could not believe that someone in their right mind would hide their guilt for so long. There were several twists in the book, but the ending was not really one of them. It was actually kind of a letdown for me since I had figured out who the bad guy was for over half of the book. The themes of bitterness and lack of trust are prevalent and well-written into the plot. The characters were kind of monochromatic, though, with not much excitement and one threatening text following another. Although the premise was good, the ending was too blah and predictable.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookoutre via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

This is the first time I've read a book from this author. I'm really sorry but if I am, to be honest I'd have to say that I didn't really feel it. There were times when I wanted to DNF it but I pushed on. I felt like it did start off strong but just. the development of each character just wasn't there for me.

I would still recommend this to people who like mystery and slight twists. It might just be me but some readers might like it too. Also, I didn't understand the title. Why was it called The Perfect Daughter?

What I liked about this book though was it had short chapters and it had a very strong start. It made me curious as to what was going to happen but then as the story went on I got disappointed. I felt like there were a lot of plot holes too. But still, thank you to #NetGalley, #Bookouture, and #KerryWilkinson for an advanced reader's copy of The Perfect Daughter in exchange for a genuine review.

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Perfect Daughter’ written by Kerry Wilkinson in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

It’s a pitch-black windswept evening with the rain pouring down and as Jennifer drives along Green Road to meet her daughter Katie from college she stops as she feels a thud against her car. Minutes later that she discovers a body lying in the gully and does what seems at the time to be for the best, she gets in her car and drives away. Before long she gets a text message from an unknown person saying ‘I know what you did’ and asking for money to keep quiet. It’s just Jennifer and Katie so has no choice but to obey but as the messages continue the demands are accelerating until she needs to make a decision.

‘The Perfect Daughter’ is an entertaining thriller with a gripping plot, interesting characters and some clever twists and turns. As soon as I started reading I knew I was going to enjoy it and I wasn’t disappointed as the tension kept increasing and I was unable to stop reading. I had my list of suspects but I was wrong as usual, so when I reached the conclusion it came as a big surprise and completely unexpected. This is a very enjoyable book, easy to read, and one I can recommend.

I usually devour every book this author writes. Not so much this time. It's a good story but it just didn't grip me. I wasn't invested in the characters. There was a lot of tension which I appreciated. There were also some surprises. Overall it's a good read it.

Jen is running late to pick up her daughter as most parents feel as though they are shuttle drivers always running late! But a decision Jen makes while on the way will forever alter both her life and others as she made a decision that could cost her her life or someone else's.

I liked that Jen was neither unreliable or reliable as a character. I both questioned and believed her when she was describing the events in this book. The author nicely danced the line of presenting her as a reliable mother who cares for her daughter, but is also possibly going through something that could affect her reacting to events in the best way.

I love when a book surprises me until the very end and while I thought I had it all figured out a quick turn at the end made me second guessing myself and I enjoyed that I wasn't so sure until the final page! I appreciate when a mystery book makes me want to immediately reread it so I can look at the clues through a different lens and wonder if I would make a different guess earlier with more knowledge. This was an eery ride that I enjoyed and would suggest for a great fall weekend during the upcoming spooky season.

This was my third Kerry Wilkinson read and have enjoyed each of them, so I am close to declaring fan status and hope for many more to come from this author.

I am a big fan of this author and usually his books are 5 stars all the way. Sadly this book didn't quite get there for me. He is usually spot on with his characterisation. In fact he is one of the best male authors writing female leads but I was never wholly convinced by Jen, her actions and, well everything that went after what happened that fateful night. Maybe the fact that I guessed something quite significant early on had something to do with my lack of connection with cast and plot but I have been wrong before...
So, Jen is on her way to collect her daughter when she has a car accident, hitting a woman with her car. Instead of stopping and reporting it, she continues on to collect her daughter from practice. Next day, someone starts blackmailing her. Saying they know what she did. The suspects mount up and it isn't until the end that the whole truth is out. Actually, to be honest, the ending was the thing that tipped this book from a 3 star read to the four I have given it. I don't usually like that kind of ending, but this author does this stuff very well and I actually believe that, for me anyway, it saved the book. Especially given that I had already guessed some stuff.
The banter and observational stuff were front and centre and high quality as per usual, and the story did get on with itself very nicely. Plot was on the whole ok, if a little off at places. Occasionally it appeared a little forced rather than flowing. And I am also a bit confused about the title...
All in all, a decent enough read but not one of his strongest. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Not Wilkinson's best for sure but still a solid novel. Well written and with a good pace that makes the reader engaged till the end.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was "OK" have read better by this author this one just fell short for me.

I struggled with this one I just felt that it was very drawn out/flat and that I was waiting for something to WOW me but the suspense just wasn't there for me.

First, I want to thank Kerry Wilkinson, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

OHH Kerry Wilkinson you never fail to disappoint me and one of the reasons you are one of my go to authors!! His latest The Perfect Daughter is another incredibly creative and twisted storyline that needs to be added to your tbr list!

One thing that I noticed about Kerry’s writing in The Perfect Daughter and totally appreciated is at times how comical could be. I actually found myself totally relating to some of the situations and that cracked me up. I liked seeing this side of him.

Kerry also incorporates many issues into his storylines that many of his readers can relate to.

I loved how much detail he put into many different scenes.

Kerry starts the book off with a terrible accident that leaves the whole community talking! I loved how Kerry incorporated the social media aspect into the storyline for this. It made the storyline more interesting.

The crazy part of the story is that someone knows what Jennifer did!! As the story goes on she gets some creepy texts from some anonymous person!! They not only freaked Jennifer out but me as well.

WOW!! Never did I see that climatic ending coming!! It totally shocked me with the incredible twists and turns leading up to it! WOW!! Just WOW!!

Another WHOPPER of a twist filled book from the amazing Kerry Wilkinson. I loved it, it's full of twists and turns which leave you breathless and you have no choice but to read the whole book in one sitting. It grabs hold of you from the first page and then it's just unputdownable. Jennifer the protagonist is a brilliant character who loves her daughter Katie and she will do anything to protect her and that includes allowing herself to be blackmailed, well she has no choice really and that's where the twists start happening , they just keep coming and the suspense is just chilling to the bone and it made the hairs stand up on my arms, especially when Jennifer starts getting the text messages from the blackmailer. All the characters have depth and the plot is consistent. The only trouble with Kerry's book's is that he leaves the reader asking questions because his books just end and I don't want them too, I always want to read more, it's classic Kerry in my eyes. I also think he doesn't like Piers Morgan, the plasticine face just made me laugh. It's a brilliant book and I loved every page, I can't wait to see what Kerry comes up with next.

This was an entertaining book, I enjoyed the plot and thought it was a little different than the expected storyline.

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Kerry Wilkinson's tension-filled thriller THE PERFECT DAUGHTER.

As a long time fan of Kerry Wilkinson's standalone thrillers, I was excited to dive into THE PERFECT DAUGHTER and I must say, the title puzzles me as it will other readers. And while Jennifer's daughter is anything but perfect, it would have been better off titled "I Know What You Did" as that is far more fitting with the whole story without giving anything away. But that aside, Kerry's ability to bring humour and wit into a psychological thriller that's filled with tension throughout, is something that keeps me coming back for more.

This description when Jennifer is at the supermarket over recycled shopping bags had me chuckling: "It doesn't help that today's plastic bags are thinner than Polly from three doors down after she had the gastric band fitted." But the witty descriptions don't stop there...the book, like his many others, are riddled with them.

The story begins not with a THEN scenario prologue as many others do, but rather the day before the incident. Jennifer is at the supermarket doing a shop, mentally chastising herself for forgetting the bags for life she always forgets and having to purchase more to bag her groceries with, when she sees 16 year old Josh Tanner using every inch of his 6' 4" size to tower and intimidate a much smaller and inevitably younger child. She calls him out on it and he just glares at her. That's when she sees his mother Sharon with her two year old toddler Frank sidle up to her own car with her groceries and upon noticing Jennifer looking at her, she glares back and yells what the hell is she looking at. Jennifer tells her what she saw and his mother turns to Josh who was now approaching the car "Is that right?" to which she just receives a shrug in answer. Not content with that, Sharon then tells Jennifer to keep her nose out of other people's business and drives off, leaving Jennifer wondering what the hell just happened.

But the real story doesn't begin there...it's the following night in the pouring rain on her way to pick up her daughter Katie from football practice that it happens. A text, a second text, then another causing Jennifer to take her eyes off the road for a mere two seconds and then THUMP! she hit something. Slamming on her brakes, she looks out into the dead of night through the pouring rain and sees nothing. She gets out thinking she hit a bin that was placed too close to the road and it's not until she is about to get back in the car that she sees a darkened form on the verge. She recognises her instantly as Sharon Tanner. She speaks to her and receives no response. What should she do? She should call an ambulance...but then she would be charged with dangerous driving...and what if Sharon's dead? She could end up in prison and what would happen to Katie? These thoughts and more flood her mind as she climbs back into her car and drives off to pick up Katie.

The next morning, the news had the village all agog. Did you hear about the hit and run last night on Green Road? Sharon Tanner and her little boy were hit! Jennifer is shocked. She never saw a child. Or even a buggy! What if she's killed them both? She should hand herself in...but isn't it too late? She left the scene of an accident. She'd be in even worse trouble. And so Jennifer's choice is made.

But then she receives the text...

"I know what you did. Now you’re going to do something for me...."

Someone saw her? But the road was dead. Nothing and no one was out there. Sharon and her son shouldn't have been either...but they were. And now things go from bad to worse as Jennifer finds herself at the mercy of a blackmailer. It begins with a small request followed by another before threats are made towards her daughter and then the blackmailer's final request. Which goes against everything she believes in. But then she also hit a woman and her child and left them to die on the side of the road... Jennifer knows whoever is blackmailing and threatening her has her over a barrel. She has no choice but to do their bidding.

As the mysterious texts continue, Jennifer wonders if she made the right decision. Certainly it's too late to own up now but as her life begins to erode piece by piece, she wonders is there anything she can salvage from the dire situation in which she finds herself before it's too late?

THE PERFECT DAUGHTER is a fast paced addictive thriller that I read in a day as I pondered Jennifer's bad decisions and her predicament. The well-written plot is certainly compelling and tension-filled from start to finish though it does lag a little in the middle with Jennifer consumed with mainly thoughts about her and how her decisions affect her. She wasn't someone I was endeared to but I could understand her predicament should I ever find myself in the same situation...although I would like to think that I would do the right thing regardless of the outcome. Because it would be far worse in the long run if I didn't...as Jennifer is surely bound to find out.

The story also serves as a perfect reminder as to the dangers of using your mobile phone when driving. It's an offence to do so and yet so many people still do it. Why? And Jennifer certainly was old enough to know better. Like me, she grew up in an era before they were a customary accessory so why even glance at her phone whilst driving in the dark with no street lights in the pouring rain? Your concentration is even more paramount in such circumstances and such a drop in that concentration - even for one second, or two in Jennifer's case - can be deadly...for you and anyone else.

Kerry's skillful writing will have you turning yourself inside out trying to pick up the clues that may be drip-fed along the way and identify Jennifer's mystery texter. There are a couple of massive clues that, while I noticed them, I didn't pick up on at the time...very unlike me. But when the final reveal came, I found I wasn't at all surprised as the culprit was on my list of possible suspects anyway. And the ending was something very different from what I expected.

While THE PERFECT DAUGHTER isn't my favourite of Kerry's thrillers, it is still a tense read that is as enjoyable as it is disturbing. When it comes down to it, Jennifer's life hinges on two seconds. What can happen in two seconds and how much can change in two seconds. With all the red herrings peppered throughout when all is revealed, you don't see it coming.

Overall, a tension-filled suspense-driven thriller unfolding through the guilt-ridden narrative of Jennifer caught up in a moral dilemma. There are some great twists making THE PERFECT DAUGHTER an intriguing read and a real page-turner.

I would like to thank #KerryWilkinson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ThePerfectDaughter in exchange for an honest review.

A well written book about a moment of panic and a life of regrets, lies and what if’s. Well written and well thought out. A great plot. Well written characters. This book was a good read. The title confused me as the book itself was more about the main incident and the daughters “secret” was a minor piece in the story.

The Perfect Daughter is another page turning masterpiece from Kerry Wilkinson. This one tells the tale of a momentary lapse in concentration and the guilt which comes with it. It kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through until the extremely satisfying ending. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

One single moment in time can alter the course of your life forever.

For Jennifer, that cold day in December felt like every other day. Late to pick up her daughter from football practice and distracted by her phone while driving was “that moment”. From that point on, Jennifer’s life would never be the same.

When she begins to receive anonymous text messages from someone claiming to know “what she did”, she begins complying with their demands.

Anon: I know what you did.

Jennifer made a split second decision to walk away after she knew she was guilty of a horrific crime.
Someone knows what she did.
Jennifer is scared.
Don’t be like Jennifer…
Anon: Everyone is safe and will stay that way if you do as you’re told. Do it today.

It isn’t until many things go terribly wrong for Jennifer that she begins to realize …

This is my fault…

Two seconds…

All because of two seconds…

When you really think about it, one single moment in time can alter the course of your life forever.

For Jennifer, that cold day in December felt like every other day. Late to pick up her daughter from football practice and distracted by her phone while driving was “that moment”. From that point on, Jennifer’s life would never be the same.

When she begins to receive anonymous text messages from someone claiming to know “what she did”, she begins complying with their demands.

Anon: I know what you did.

Jennifer made a split second decision to walk away after she knew she was guilty of a horrific crime.
Someone knows what she did.
Jennifer is scared.
Don’t be like Jennifer…
Anon: Everyone is safe and will stay that way if you do as you’re told. Do it today.

It isn’t until many things go terribly wrong for Jennifer that she begins to realize …

This is my fault…

Two seconds…

All because of two seconds…

So readers… what will Jennifer do? Will she comply with the most absurd request of all from her anonymous texter to save her own arse? Or will she come clean to save her daughter despite her own fate?