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This book is a really absorbing psychological thriller where Haley is accused of abducting a baby she dint not even know existed - this accusation sets of a chain of events which over again follow open-mouthed!
Its really edge-of-your-seat stuff which had me questioning my judgment over what i though was happening!
Great thriller, would highly recommend
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★★★★ 3.5 stars (rounded up)
They say I took their baby...but I didn't know she was there...
Well this is a convoluted tale if ever I heard one. What started out as a compelling mystery that flipped everything on its head got just a little bit drawn out into the ridiculous. I could kind of see where the author was going but some of it was just a little out of left field to be believable. I did enjoy the Psychology dissertation case study, as it was a clever touch to the story, but was disappointed with the outcome of that.
Haley Vaughn is a twenty seven year old psychology student on the cusp of a promising career. But first she just needs to complete her degree and get her doctorate and until then, money doesn't grow on trees. She'll be paying off her student loans by the time her own children graduate.
And so she places an ad in the local classifieds seeking a nanny position for the summer while her rich bestie plans on returning home at her parents' expense. When Lara Smith responds to Haley's ad, she's surprised when the mother of 9 year old twins books and pays for her to partake in a first aid certification course...followed by her $40 an hour rate to care for her twins for the evening as a trial run for the summer.
When Haley arrives at their multi-million home on the water, she is introduced to twins Madden and Blakely, before given a brief run-down of things. No entering their parents' bedroom and no hide and seek. Why this is not allowed Haley has no idea. But Corbin Smith was clear. And so Haley settles the twins down in front of a movie about mermaids (Madden's obsession) with two bowls of popcorn.
With the exception of the slight hiccup when the girls "tricked" Haley into a game of hide and seek without her knowledge, the evening goes along smoothly. Until Lara and Corbin return home from their gala event and frantically begin searching the house while asking Haley what the hell has she done with their 15 month old baby daughter Fallon.
Baby? What baby? No one mentioned a baby when she took this job. Lara Smith clearly stated her 9 year old twins. She never ever mentioned a baby.
Haley finds herself arrested and accused of kidnapping the baby she claims she never knew existed. Soon Haley finds herself questioning everyone and everything around her. And she isn't sure who she can trust. But in this game of manipulation, just where does the truth end and the lies begin?
This is a well plotted psychological thriller but it did end up a bit of convoluted tale that lost me a little along the way. I enjoyed it though I could see where it was going and the potential it had. It will have you second guessing everyone and everything too.
So why was Haley the perfect nanny? Where was baby Fallon, if she ever existed? You'll have to read it to find out. But be warned, you will have to suspend belief a little as it stretches the imagination with a little too much elasticity. But an entertaining read all the same.
I would like to thank #ShariJRyan, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #ThePerfectNanny in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
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This was fantastic, i was on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages to unravel the mystery. With its clever twists and dynamic characters, this novel is a must-read for fans of the genre.
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This book started out really promising, but became very convoluted as it continued. Haley is hired to nanny for twin girls but is then accused of kidnapping the baby of the family, who she claims she didn’t know existed. This was a fascinating storyline and I liked where Haley was going as she tried to defend her innocence. The book then twists into a more complex story where we find out there is history between the various players and that many characters aren’t who they seem to be.
I like an unreliable narrator and I did enjoy the author’s way of making the reader unsure of whether Haley was one or not. I also liked the alternating chapters told from 13 years ago that helped set the stage for the current happenings. What I didn’t like were the psychology studies dispersed throughout the book that confused me and took me away from the action, as well as a storyline that got more and more convoluted and unrealistic as it continued. While there were definitely surprise twists, the whole thing just kind of felt like it went off the rails to me.
Overall, it’s certainly a twisty read but just ended up being very different from how it started. It was decent overall but I wish it wouldn’t have required me to suspend my disbelief to this extent. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC in return for an honest review.
The Perfect Nanny by Shari J Ryan was a twisty psychological thriller that I found hard to put down. When Haley is accused of abducting a baby she didn't know existed while babysitting, it sets in motion a cascade of events each more crazy than the next.
This kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I had no idea what to expect next and each time I thought I had figured it out something else popped up to make me question everything all over again.
Such a crazy ride and I loved it!
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In The Perfect Nanny, Shari J. Ryan delivers a heart-pounding psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Intriguing Premise: The story begins with Haley, a babysitter, accused of kidnapping. As she’s taken away in handcuffs, the tension escalates. The mystery surrounding the missing baby and Haley’s involvement is brilliantly set up.
Twists and Turns: Ryan masterfully weaves unexpected twists throughout the narrative. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the plot takes a sharp turn,
Character Depth: Haley’s character is complex and relatable. Her fear and confusion are palpable, drawing readers into her world. The Smiths, with their secrets and hidden agendas, add layers to the story.
Engaging Writing: She captures the panic, desperation, and paranoia with precision. The pacing keeps you flipping pages late into the night.
The Perfect Nanny is a rollercoaster ride of suspense and deception. If you love psychological thrillers with jaw-dropping twists, this one is a must-read. Ryan’s storytelling prowess shines through, making it a gripping addition to the genre.
Whether you’re a seasoned thriller enthusiast or a newcomer, buckle up for an exhilarating journey through secrets and betrayal.
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The Perfect Nanny started out with a good premise. PhD student Haley Vaughn, in need of a summer job, agrees to babysit nine-year-old twins. Only when their parents return later that evening does she realize that there is a third child that she was also supposed to care for. The only problem is that the parents never told her about the fifteen-month-old in her bedroom in the attic. Worse yet, the little girl has disappeared and the parents accuse Haley of taking her.
OK – this could work and it would be an interesting story. But sadly, for me, it didn’t work. Instead, The Perfect Nanny quickly devolved into a convoluted story that is erratic and mostly unbelievable. Some events have very little explanation, and facts and occurrences seem to randomly pop up.
Interspersed with the story are awkwardly placed tidbits about human psychology, childhood trauma, and human behavior. They seem to resemble a stream of consciousness and they sound like they’ve been lifted from a psych 101 text book. In addition, there are several chapters devoted to the protagonist’s summer case study as and are presented as the final paper for her summer class. These random departures didn’t enhance this book for me and I found it all very distracting. The Perfect Nanny isn’t a book I enjoyed. NetGalley provided an advance copy.
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The plot for this story was so promising but by halfway through I just gave up on it.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
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This book was entertaining and with a different plot than the many thrillers I have read. There's a nice plot twist that was worth it and a movie-worthy ending. Unfortunately I had little time to read in this month and it took me a long time, which I think made me enjoy it less.
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This was definitely a wild ride. I loved the author’s writing style. It made it such an easy to read book. Of course warning bells go off when Haley stumbles into things so easily. I’m a believer that if it is too good to be true, maybe I should rethink things, but then there wouldn’t be a book.
When the girls started to play hide and seek when they weren’t really allowed to I knew there would be trouble. And then also gave me the creepy tingles up my spine. Perfectly set the atmosphere for the rest of the book.
I couldn’t read this one fast enough wanting to know who was the most nuts. A missing baby that you didn’t know you were watching. So many twists to uncover. Some I saw and some I did not. This one does hit on the edge of believability when it all unfolds, but I am believer in it is fiction and it is all made up. It is a complex and layered plot that comes together and ties up all the loose strings.
Just know when you think you have it all figured out, keep reading cuz the story goes into overdrive.
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The Perfect Nanny had me intrigued and my heart racing from the description alone and the book did not disappoint. It was full of jaw dropping twists and turns and I just could not put it down so I didn't and finished it in one sitting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.
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Overall, this book was ok. Nothing super spectacular, but I still enjoyed it. The beginning and middle were pretty strong, but the end became a little far-fetched and difficult to follow. All in all. not a bad book.
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Well this is an interesting one. The beginning and middle was very strong. Then we get to the end… overall disappointing.
It was convoluted and felt messy and forced. I don’t know how else to explain that. The nanny turns into a mental Hospital escapee that kidnaps a child to get revenge and kills her roommate? Yeah not my thing
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I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
So much secrets and plot- twists till the very end.
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BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Perfect Nanny' by Shari J Ryan.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Shari J Ryan, Bookouture publishers, Bookouture Audio and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 9th February.
This is the third book I have read by this author. I have also read 'The Girl With The Diary', 'The Stolen Twins' and 'The Homemaker' and I would highly recommend them all!!
This novel consists of 61 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVED IT!! Well I must say Shari you are very talented woman!!! What another absolutely addictive read!! I am already eagerly awaiting your next book regardless of the genre!! You are a woman of many talents!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that places you write in the heart of the storyline and leaves you feeling your heart race. The title, cover and synopsis work perfectly with the storyline.
This is the fourth book I have read by SJ Ryan and he is one of those rare authors who books are fantastic and yet also keep getting better and better. Some of her previous books I have read by her were set around Auschwitz. They were heartbreaking and I shed many tears but they were fantastic books. Shari then stepped out of her comfort zone and crept into the psychological thriller genre and OMG I am so glad that she did!!!! I previously read her fantastic thriller 'The Homemaker' which I loved and this book is just as blooming amazing and gripping!!! This storyline is definitely unique which I loved. I'm a big fan of crime but it can be tedious reading similar storylines so this one was a nice refreshing change. I was absolutely hooked throughout and was reading this book anywhere and everywhere from dentist appointments to school runs and constantly around the house until I completely devoured it in one 'standing'. Haley is a student studying child psychology but needs to get a summer job to pay for the bills. She puts an advert out as a Nanny job and is contacted by Lara who is looking for help with her 9 year old twin girls. Haley goes to Lara's home where she meets Lara and her husband Corbin along with the twins Madden and Blakely. Lara and Corbin go out for the evening and all is going well. However when they arrive home they end up phoning the police when they say their 15 month old girl Fallon is missing. Haley is placed under arrest for kidnapping a minor. Haley was only told she was looking after Madden and Blakely not three children. What is going on and why didn't they mention a third child? Will she be able to prove her innocence? This book is an absolutely gripping page turner from start to finish leaving you questioning yourself and the characters every time you turn a page. Filled with suspense, revenge, psychology, twists and so much more this is one of the best psychological thrillers I've read in a long time!! I absolutely loved the addition of Haley's psychological notes which I found intriguing and thought was a nice touch so well done for that Shari, definitely a unique and nice touch! Well, I would tell you more but that would be spoiling the story so you'll just have to grab your copy to find out yourselves!!! This book is an absolute rollercoaster ride of twists, turns, emotions, suspense and shockers that had me hooked throughout. I had no idea who to trust and what was going on until the explosive ending!!! I have read hundreds of psychological thrillers and it is not easy to shock me but you absolutely smashed it Shari so a MASSIVE WELL DONE!!! I was constantly trying to work out who the "good" and "bad" characters were and my mind kept flipping from one to the other throughout as each secret was revealed. Every single chapter ended on a point where I just had to know what happened next and I just could not put it down which ended up with me devouring it in one sitting!! I absolutely love the multiple timelines as it gives us so much insight into who was doing what and when and it brings the whole story to life leaving you feeling like you are actually in tyhe book with Haley and the rest of the characters. There were so many twists and turns throughout leading you to one red herring and then another whilst constantly questioning yourself who is actually behind everything all along and if you can trust any of the characters. I really couldn't recommend this book to anyone and everyone more and I would absolutely love to see this made into a movie! Congratulations Shari on yet another amazing psychological thriller!!
It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture
Clear your schedules before even turning a page in this book as it is utterly addictive and you will not be able to put it down!!
Each of the main characters were strong, realistic and each had their own unique personalities. I was completely invested in them all. However, this is one of those fantastic books where you minute you think one thing of each of the characters and the next the opposite and the next again you just have no idea what to think of them so it is hard to say too much as how I felt at the start changed by the end and I don't want to risk giving anything away. I will say I was intrigued by Haley's character especially in regards to the fact that she had studied child psychology, which I also studied on a short course so I loved the extra psychology entries throughout! All of the characters are realistic and Shari's brilliant descriptions brings each and every one of them to life in front of your eyes. You are left not knowing who to trust , who to believe or who is telling the truth which left me constantly questioning myself throughout the book!! The storyline is very character focused and it drip feeds you just enough information for you to try and work out what each of them is up to without giving too much away. wish I could go into more details about how I felt about them but now that I know who was doing what and why I would be too worried about letting anything out and spoiling things for future readers so I will have to leave it there and leave you grab your copy now!!! Another fantastic page turner from the extremely talented Shari with a brilliant group of characters that will have you questioning them and yourself throughout!!!
Congratulations Shari, a lady of many talents, on yet another absolutely fantastic explosive page turner!! This is why you are my favourite authors and here is to yet another guaranteed success!!!
Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the preface and first two chapters of Shari's 'The Homemaker' which I have read myself and would highly recommend it!!!
Overall an absolutely addictive, unique and unputdownable psychological thriller that you will devour in one sitting!!
398 pages
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.99 for the paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
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I received an arc copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest opinion of it. I did not like anything about this book. Nothing at all. It was so very long and I almost gave up a few times. The twists were just one after another and just too many. So many were ridiculous too.
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Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
The Perfect Nanny was a very fast paced, addictive psychological thriller. It did focus on psychology but not too much. The synopsis is what really drew me in. The book starts off with a bang and grabs you right away. It did kind of fade a little for me and that could be the writing style, it was confusing at times however it picked up quickly.
Haley gets a job as a nanny and all is going well until the parents come home and ask "Where is my Baby?" An investigation starts and Haley learns the past is not really in the past. The twists and turns begin as the story begins to unravel.
I do wish the ending could of been explained better. I found myself confused on how it ended but overall I enjoyed the book.
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Well written but a very confusing read, haley is a complex being, initially feeling sorry for her, she’s accused of the kidnap of a child, you learn about her, her friends, psychology classes, family and relationships. I found myself going back and forth trying to understand what was going on. There were some unnecessary case notes that made very little sense - overall a good but confusing read
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The Perfect Nanny by Shari Ryan was not her usual genre, but this was a very good book! The story centers around the main character, Haley Vaughn. Haley is working on her master's degree in child psychology. She applies for a summer job as a nanny for a family with nine-year old twin girls. Prior to the family employing her for the summer, Haley comes to the home to babysit for one evening. When the parents arrive home they ask Haley, 'Where's the baby?' Haley has no clue about a baby because the parents never mentioned anything about a baby. Mr. & Mrs. Smith immediately call the police and Haley is taken to the police department for questioning about a missing baby. They even find something in her car. Haley doesn't have any money to hire an attorney and so the mystery thriller begins!
This fast-paced book has so many twists and turns to keep you guessing til the very end! Who can you even trust in this story? Did Haley take the baby? Did the twin girls have something to do with their baby sister? Were the parents involved? Is there even a baby? Lots of family secrets are unveiled and the ending is a whirlwind reveal. I highly recommend this book, especially if you love a good mystery thriller.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I read this one so fast because it was hard to put down and kept me guessing
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Wow. a creepily suspenseful book that had my heart racing as I was reading. Just wow. Amazing. A brilliant read.