The Perfect Nanny by Shari Ryan is a tense, psychological thriller that grips from the very first page and doesn’t let go. The story follows a young woman, desperate for work, who accepts a nanny position for the seemingly perfect Smith family. What begins as an ordinary job looking after the couple’s twin children soon spirals into a nightmarish situation when the nanny discovers a hidden nursery and is accused of kidnapping a baby she didn’t even know existed.

The novel opens with a scene that instantly pulls readers into its unsettling atmosphere: Lara, the mother of the household, is hysterical, accusing the nanny of stealing her baby. But there’s a problem—the nanny wasn’t hired to care for a baby, and she has no idea where this nursery came from. As she’s thrust into a terrifying situation, handcuffed and accused of a crime she didn’t commit, she is left questioning everything she knows about the Smith family, including their motives and their true intentions.

Ryan does an excellent job of building suspense throughout the novel. The plot is filled with shocking twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. The narrative alternates between the nanny's growing sense of panic and her desperate attempts to piece together what’s going on, all while being trapped in a web of lies and deceit. The cold calculation in Lara’s behavior is particularly chilling, and as the story progresses, you can’t help but wonder: Is the nanny really innocent, or is she hiding something far more dangerous?

The novel plays with themes of trust, betrayal, and the fear of being trapped in a situation beyond your control. The Smiths appear perfect on the surface—wealthy, glamorous, and seemingly ideal—but the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface create a psychological maze for the nanny and the reader alike.

What really sets The Perfect Nanny apart is its addictive pacing and relentless twists. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, Ryan hits you with a mind-blowing revelation that makes you question everything you’ve read. Fans of domestic thrillers like The Housemaid and The Family Upstairs will find The Perfect Nanny to be a captivating, high-stakes ride full of suspense and jaw-dropping moments.

Overall, The Perfect Nanny is an unputdownable psychological thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very last page. With its compelling plot, well-developed characters, and a series of shocking twists, it’s perfect for anyone who loves a gripping, page-turning mystery.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

The Perfect Nanny by Shari J. Ryan had me on edge from the first page. I found myself questioning everyone’s motives, and the twists kept me guessing right until the end. The story taps into the fear of letting someone new into your family, and it’s chilling how easily things can go wrong. This one kept me up late—I couldn’t put it down!

This was a quick and easy book to read, (if my situation had allowed I would have finished it in 2 days). Having said that it was a twisty, thrilling ride and I enjoyed it. I did find the start better than the end but all in all it is a good, entertaining and exciting read. The ending quickly fell apart for me, and became unbelievable, I wish it would have continued the path at the beginning.

Another cracking read from the author. Very twisty and a great premise. Really enjoyed it and can't wait for more.

This was a quick and easy book to read ands I read it in one day. Having said that it was still a twisty, thrilling ride and I enjoyed it. I did find the start better than the end but all in all it is a good, entertaining and exciting read.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

THE PERFECT NANNY was a super quick read and very twisty, with lots of plot shifts and unexpected surprises. However, it quickly became unrealistic as the story unfolded and left me feeling unsatisfied. Not sure I’ll be reading more from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookutoure for the opportunity to read and review THE PERFECT NANNY.

Loved the writing style which kept me engaged throughout this fast-paced thriller. I have read countless thrillers, so you know it's a good one when you can't seem to pick the ending! The end had me gasping, and I look forward to reading more of Shari's books!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was a compelling read! I couldn't put it down and read it in two sittings. The story has some unrealistic parts but that made it even more fun for me.

Perfectly constructed mystery. No spare words, every sentence matters and doesn't let to put the book down. I have a feeling that too many writers nowadays by any means trying to stretch the book to a certain length adding unnecessary words, characters, events but this one isn't anything like that. I definitely will look for other this author's books.

Thank you Netgalley, Shari J Ryan and Bookouture for the eArc of The Perfect Nanny.

This is the first book by Shari and really enjoyed it. The book jumps straight in to the twisty plot in which a Nanny is accused of stealing a young toddler in which she had no knowledge of. From there on, the story twist and turns as this medium paced thriller unfolds. The storyline is well paced and the characters are fleshed out well. I bonded with them straight away, loved and hated them too!

I read this in two sittings and found myself wanting to get on a read until the end!

4 stars

Wow! This book wasted no time. It was shocking start to finish. I can honestly say I was never even close to guessing the ending. I read this mostly in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend!

This book started off well, but then became a bit unrealistic. I found it to be long winded and was losing interest easily.

I could not come up for air until I got to the last page. I was asking myself why they hired the nanny. The answer shocked me so I couldn't breathe! A amazing plotted and thought out book.

Shari J Ryan is a brilliant author and who one knows how to create an addictive and unputdownable read. A masterful storyteller who has once again created a masterpiece.

This is a book that unravels and takes the reader on a journey. It’s one hell of a ride! I have suspected everyone at one point or another in this book. The main character is brilliant!

Ryan has created a book which is gripping, addictive and completely unputdownable. This is a brilliant read. I devoured this in just one sitting.

I was completely engrossed in this book. It’s been a brilliant read. I’ve read a few books by Ryan and I can safely say, they get better and better.

This is everything I had hoped for and more. I loved this book from beginning to end. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to everyone.

“Survival of the fittest has always been the outcome of psychological warfare.”

“Do I chop up the remains or do I bury them in the backyard and make a little cemetery for liars?”

Def a unique take when the MC puts herself into her own case study. I thought I had it figured out until I was past the 70% mark. Then, twist after twist was thrown at me. This book showcases mental illness and what can happen when ignored or when parents think they can “love” it out of their child. Fast paced and easy to read, would recommend!

The premise was so good! The nanny is watching the children but when the parents get home they say the baby is missing -- but there was no baby at the beginning of the night!
And that's where it already started falling apart for me. The police response was unrealistic, the twists were unrealistic, and the way the children spoke was completely unrealistic. The ending was poor and didn't make sense.
Some people will enjoy this, especially if they can suspend disbelief. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Dive into the chaotic world of Haley Vaughn, a psychology student turned nanny for twin girls, in Shari J. Ryan's thrilling tale. But hold on tight as unexpected twists unravel, leaving you puzzled and wanting more.

Despite a promising premise, the storyline feels cluttered with too many characters and confusing events. Sadly, "The Perfect Nanny" falls short of its potential.

Don't let the twists and turns deter you, though—there's still a gripping narrative waiting to be discovered within these pages! ⭐⭐✨ #BookReview #ThePerfectNanny #ShariJRyan #Thriller #NetgalleyARC #Bookworm #PageTurner #MustRead 📖✨

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I have to be in the right mood for these types of book so did take my time picking it up and reading it
I am not familiar with the author but I will definitely be keeping an eye out

This was fantastic
Pacy with lots of twists and turns which I didn't see coming - this hooked me in and kept me engrossed throughout

A fantastic read

Disturbing. If I could sum up this book in one word, that would be it! I didn’t see the twist coming and just when I thought I was getting a hang of the plot, it became super disturbing. Everything I expected not to happen, happened. Awesome job Shari! Thank you so much for this enjoyable read. It was truly unique and heart wrenching.

This book started off as a seemingly normal thriller but it really did a 180 half way through!

It’s twist after twist and you really don’t know who you can trust which I did enjoy.

I did just find the ending very unrealistic, it was entertaining to read but it did feel a little too much.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.