About the Book:
From the author of Best Day Ever, another gripping novel of psychological suspense set in an upscale Southern California community, for fans of B.A. Paris and Shari Lapena.
The perfect home. The perfect family. The perfect lie.
Jane Harris lives in a sparkling home in an oceanfront gated community in Orange County. It’s a place that seems too beautiful to be touched by sadness. But exactly one year ago, Jane’s oldest daughter, Mary, died in a tragic accident and Jane has been grief-stricken ever since. Lost in a haze of anti-depressants, she’s barely even left the house. Now that’s all about to change.
It’s time for Jane to reclaim her life and her family. Jane’s husband, David, has planned a memorial service for Mary and three days later, their youngest daughter, Betsy, graduates high school. Yet as Jane reemerges into the world, it’s clear her family has changed without her. Her husband has been working long days—and nights—at the office. Her daughter seems distant, even secretive. And her beloved Mary was always such a good girl—dutiful and loving. But does someone know more about Mary, and about her last day, than they’ve revealed?
The bonds between mothers and daughters, and husbands and wives should never be broken. But you never know how far someone will go to keep a family together…
My Review:
“Knowledge is power, they say. And now you know almost the whole story. Almost.”
What fun!! From the beginning of this book, I knew Jane Harris was not your ordinary unreliable narrator. She’s funny, wicked and actually just a tiny little bit likable! Jane was living the perfect Southern California life until a tragic accident claimed the life of her oldest daughter Mary. Now Jane is slowly coming out of her grieving and ready to reclaim her life back.
Jane basically clawed her way into the wealthy lifestyle she enjoyed before Mary’s death and it is clear from the beginning that Jane is a classic narcissist.
“Good old Mom. She taught me everything she knew about how to put yourself first in life. She was ruthless, delighting in bringing others down, including her own daughter. But look around: I’m winning, Mom.”
Jane must always be in control of her family and when they step out of line, well, there’s hell to pay. Even though Jane was a scheming, controlling mother and wife, I actually felt sympathy for her! Her family did not treat her very nicely, and the author did a fantastic job balancing between suspense and dark humor. Although Mary’s death was a tragic accident, Jane remains convinced someone killed Mary. And she’ll stop at nothing to prove it.
Part of the fun of this book was listening to Jane rationalize her behavior towards her family. She’ll literally stop at nothing to stalk her husband and daughter Betsy. The author slowly reveals the facade that Jane was living behind, but Jane really believes that she should be in charge of everyone. Much like Paul from the fantastic ‘The Best Day Ever’, Jane slowly reveals the truth about herself. And it is sinister!
“That’s the power of the bond between mothers and daughters. It can never be broken, even in death.”
Kathleen McInerney did an outstanding job narrating this story, adding just the right touch of humor to this psychological thriller. Although the ending was not a complete surprise, this was one of those stories that was a completely entertaining journey. Jane Harris was one the most most unreliable narrators ever and I enjoyed every minute!
“I am the lead actor in this house, in this family, I’m reminding him. Every mom is.”
