The Perfect Couple: A gripping USA Today psychological crime thriller with a twist you won’t see coming! Paperback – May 4, 2021

I read this on my IPad, the Kindle ebook I had gotten from Amazon for $0.99.... one of the best dollars I ever spent. I also listened to it via Audiobook from my local library on Overdrive.The Audiobook was narrated with a English and Irish accents... because the characters were English and Irish. The narration was very good. Was very enjoyable to listen to and understand.The scene took place in Bristol and London England. There were enough characters in the book to make it very interesting, but not too many that I couldn’t remember who was who.My favorite character of coarse was Albert!Book was very well done, was a very fast read. Amazon had it down as a Domestic Thriller and Women’s Detective Fiction, they hit that description right on (for once).I guess all I can say.... I guess you never really know anyone.... not even those closest to you! And, I know who I would want to plan any complicated event I had to perform, you will have to read this book to figure that out.I will certainly be reading more books by Jackie Kabler.

I was sufficiently drawn into this original story, never figuring out the mysteries of the plot until they were revealed, nor did I see the final twist coming. For those reasons alone "The Perfect Couple" deserved four stars. Lesser ratings (of which I've read several) harp on lack of character development and plot plausibility, but I'm willing to set those aside for an engaging story and a didn't-see-it-coming ending. The main character is thoroughly developed and explored. If you're not into her you're not going to enjoy this book. Since she is the focus of the story from start to finish the secondary characters don't need to be as fleshed out or even believable. The only irritant for me was noting odd behaviors or actions, and sensing they were necessary to make the overall story work. At the same time I commend the author, not only for building a complex mystery inside of a relatively simple context, but also revealing the bits and pieces carefully, so as not to give away critical developments before they were meant to happen. Content warnings: Other reviews have been critical of the use of foul language and references to homosexuality and I agree; they simply weren't necessary. Foul language did not make the characters or their statements any more believable. Homosexuality had no bearing on the plot, and felt like sideline references simply to aim to be politically correct.

Gemma and Danny are the perfect married couple.Then Danny disappears.Did Gemma have something to do with his disappearance?Was Danny a loving and faithful husband, or was he a lying cheater?Or was he a victim of domestic violence?Or....was Danny just a figment of Gemma's imagination? (Why did the neighbors think Gemma was single and living alone?)And another question(s): Are the murder victims that have shown up recently related in some way? Or is it just a coincidence that they all have a strong physical resemblance to Danny?And last but not least: Are the two police officers on the case really as clueless as they seem?This book has a 4.2 rating on Amazon. For me, it's about a 3.5. It started out pretty good. An interesting enough plot, but the writing was mediocre. I could describe the story was mildly entertaining. I could also say it was mildly boring. Certainly not on a par with Lisa Jewell or Tana French. The ending was acceptable (satisfactory). Although it left the story open for a continuation in a second book, I didn't feel it "left me hanging" (which I find maddening.) But the thing is, if there is a volume 2, I don't care about the characters and storyline enough to want to read it. So I'm giving this book 3.0 stars.

This kept my attention far later than I should have been reading... I kept needing to know what twist was coming next.

I really enjoyed this book because it kept me interested all the way through and the ending was not predictable. Characters were mostly believable as were events. I restrict 5 star ratings for writing that is excellent, meaning extremely literate. This was excellent and I recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.

An amazing book! Intriguing, twisted, unexpected!Held my interest to the very last page! I loved it!One of the greatest mysteries I’ve ever read!Thank you Jackie Kabler, you are one of a kind author!Highly recommended!🥂

From the very beginning, things seemed a bit off as Gemma O'Connor realized that her husband, Danny, had gone missing. But when she involves the police in her frantic search to find him, Gemma is swept down a surreal rabbit hole where her story becomes increasingly unbelievable. She begins to look like the prime suspect in a serial killer case where all the victims look eerily similar to her missing husband. Eventually she is charged as the serial killer and named as the prime suspect in the murder of her husband, even though no body has been found. The storyline was complicated, but it was presented cleanly. The loose ends were tied up and all the unexplained details were accounted for to make it chillingly believable. With each new revelation, I found myself doubting Gemma's story and I began to question her mental stability. The suspense builds with almost claustrophobic intensity until the shocking resolution reveals the cold and calculating perpetrator whose cruel plot came very near to driving Gemma insane.Psychological thrillers are not my favorite genre, and I can't say that I loved this book, but ... it kept my attention and I could hardly put it down as I read well into the night to get to the final scenes.

Great book. Slow start but once you get into it then my god it gets good. Unexpected twists with likeable characters

A psychological thriller, Amazing nail biting twists and plot lines, the end just takes your breath away, had to finish it in one go👍

This is a plot driven story and it worked for me in that it kept me guessing throughout the entire book. That's what I want in this type of story. The cop characters were relatable and human, making mistakes, derailed by the implausibilities of the case set out for them to solve. The main character, Gemma's, confusion was palpable but I don't think her fear was evident enough but perhaps that was misdirection on the author's part. Overall a solid read. When I culprit was revealed I slapped myself for not figuring it out but I that is testament to the author's storytelling talent.

The book was delivered in perfect condition. I definitely recommend this buy also the synopsis is really interesting! Do give it a shot!

This is book I couldn’t put down. The plot kept me guessing and kept unfolding. One surprise after another. The writing style is engaging and maintains interest. It was easy to imagine that this scenario could happen to anyone and how vulnerable we are when we’re in love.