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A review by shari_russell
Her Perfect Family by Teresa Driscoll
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was the first book by Teresa Driscoll that I have read. I was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that I experienced. I had no idea that I would discover another writer that writes a psychological thriller the way it’s supposed to be. Another “must-read “ author with more books to look forward to.
The story begins with Gemma’s graduation being held in a cathedral. As she is walking up to receive her diploma she seems to trip and fall down to the ground. She actually has been shot by an unknown shooter, causing complete chaos in the cathedral. At the hospital after surgery, Gemma is in a coma with her mom and dad, Rachel and Ed, by her side. Alex, Gemma’s ex-boyfriend, is a person of interest in her shooting. He has shown irrational behavior in days leading up to their break-up and after the shooting. One of Gemma’s professors who is unknown for most of the story, was having an affair with Gemma. He is probably the father of her baby that she is carrying unknown to everyone until the shooting.
Matthew Hill is a private investigator that used to be police. He gets involved by being in the area when the shooting happened and went to assist in the aftermath. He is brought in as a consultant on the case by DI Mel Sanders, the Detective in charge and also a friend and former associate of Matt’s. Sally, Matt’s wife hates that he is back to doing police work because of the danger involved. And now they have a little girl, Amelie, to think of. Strange things have happened that directly affect Sally and Amelie in a bad way and Amelie is scared to the point they have to have her seen by a child therapist. Laura is Ed’s first wife that he had never spoken about with his current wife Rachel. There are secrets surrounding her that start to surface when they find out that she is no longer in Canada, but has been in the UK close to them for a few weeks. Could she be involved in the shooting? As Mel and Matthew are doing everything in their power to track down a shooter, family dynamics are challenged at the hospital, where Ed and Rachel are keeping a vigilant eye on Gemma. Rachel finds out the secret Ed has been keeping from her about his previous marriage. Then she finds Gemma’s diary pages on her computer, realizing that Gemma has kept things from her too. Suspense and tension heighten as more and more suspects are revealed.
The story weaves through 3 different timelines. It begins the day of Gemma’s graduation, and continues on for 9 more days. The narrative during this time is back and forth between Rachel’s 1st person point of view, an unknown narrator that you can only assume is the shooter narrating in 1st person, and Gemma at small intervals with her inner voice as she lies in the hospital unable to wake up. The remaining characters stories are a 3rd person account. The 2nd timeline reveals some of Gemma’s journal notes from her computer that were written in the weeks leading up to the graduation and consequential shooting. This 1st person perspective is Gemma’s voice. Finally, we see a 3rd timeline that occurs in Canada many years ago and tells the story of Ed, Gemma’s father, and his first wife, Laura. This is a 3rd person account that brings to light the secrets that Ed has kept hidden from Rachel and Gemma. And he wonders, does the shooting have anything to do with Canada? These flashbacks keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat by arousing the curiosity.
Character development was important to the plot and theme, and it was done so well. The main characters were believable and realistic to me. They were complex with strengths, weaknesses and back stories that developed to who they are today.
The plot Involves the complicated journey and mystery of catching a shooter. This in itself is enough to grab the reader’s attention and not let it go. So, it’s easy to lose site of the fact that there is an underlying theme unfolding about the dynamic and love between a mother and her daughter.
With perfect pacing that flows seamlessly, the reader is engaged at every turn. Twists and turns keep you intrigued and that is only intensified with the unexpected shocking conclusion.
The stylistic pen of the writer made for such an easy and enjoyable read. While the tone was both intimate and intense in this riveting tale, the writing was concise, fluent, and eloquent.
Rating and Recommendation
This is one of those literary treasures that reminds me why I can’t get enough of suspense and psychological thrillers. I applaud the author and look forward to reading more of her excellent writing. I can only find everything right with this novel so I have to give it 5 well deserved stars.
I highly recommend this book and the author, Teresa Driscoll, to serious psychological thriller fans. This reads the way a psychological thriller should.
Afterthought
Teresa wrote this on her Authors Notes page at the end of the book:
“A mother daughter story. A thriller with love at it’s core.” Authors Note page.
This really resonated with me and made me rethink the story that I just read. I was so captivated by the main storyline and eager to know who the killer was, that I totally missed this at first. Once I really thought about it and remembered the scenes where this was a big part, the book became even more to me. Who wouldn’t appreciate a thriller with love at it’s core?
The story begins with Gemma’s graduation being held in a cathedral. As she is walking up to receive her diploma she seems to trip and fall down to the ground. She actually has been shot by an unknown shooter, causing complete chaos in the cathedral. At the hospital after surgery, Gemma is in a coma with her mom and dad, Rachel and Ed, by her side. Alex, Gemma’s ex-boyfriend, is a person of interest in her shooting. He has shown irrational behavior in days leading up to their break-up and after the shooting. One of Gemma’s professors who is unknown for most of the story, was having an affair with Gemma. He is probably the father of her baby that she is carrying unknown to everyone until the shooting.
Matthew Hill is a private investigator that used to be police. He gets involved by being in the area when the shooting happened and went to assist in the aftermath. He is brought in as a consultant on the case by DI Mel Sanders, the Detective in charge and also a friend and former associate of Matt’s. Sally, Matt’s wife hates that he is back to doing police work because of the danger involved. And now they have a little girl, Amelie, to think of. Strange things have happened that directly affect Sally and Amelie in a bad way and Amelie is scared to the point they have to have her seen by a child therapist. Laura is Ed’s first wife that he had never spoken about with his current wife Rachel. There are secrets surrounding her that start to surface when they find out that she is no longer in Canada, but has been in the UK close to them for a few weeks. Could she be involved in the shooting? As Mel and Matthew are doing everything in their power to track down a shooter, family dynamics are challenged at the hospital, where Ed and Rachel are keeping a vigilant eye on Gemma. Rachel finds out the secret Ed has been keeping from her about his previous marriage. Then she finds Gemma’s diary pages on her computer, realizing that Gemma has kept things from her too. Suspense and tension heighten as more and more suspects are revealed.
The story weaves through 3 different timelines. It begins the day of Gemma’s graduation, and continues on for 9 more days. The narrative during this time is back and forth between Rachel’s 1st person point of view, an unknown narrator that you can only assume is the shooter narrating in 1st person, and Gemma at small intervals with her inner voice as she lies in the hospital unable to wake up. The remaining characters stories are a 3rd person account. The 2nd timeline reveals some of Gemma’s journal notes from her computer that were written in the weeks leading up to the graduation and consequential shooting. This 1st person perspective is Gemma’s voice. Finally, we see a 3rd timeline that occurs in Canada many years ago and tells the story of Ed, Gemma’s father, and his first wife, Laura. This is a 3rd person account that brings to light the secrets that Ed has kept hidden from Rachel and Gemma. And he wonders, does the shooting have anything to do with Canada? These flashbacks keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat by arousing the curiosity.
Character development was important to the plot and theme, and it was done so well. The main characters were believable and realistic to me. They were complex with strengths, weaknesses and back stories that developed to who they are today.
The plot Involves the complicated journey and mystery of catching a shooter. This in itself is enough to grab the reader’s attention and not let it go. So, it’s easy to lose site of the fact that there is an underlying theme unfolding about the dynamic and love between a mother and her daughter.
With perfect pacing that flows seamlessly, the reader is engaged at every turn. Twists and turns keep you intrigued and that is only intensified with the unexpected shocking conclusion.
The stylistic pen of the writer made for such an easy and enjoyable read. While the tone was both intimate and intense in this riveting tale, the writing was concise, fluent, and eloquent.
Rating and Recommendation
This is one of those literary treasures that reminds me why I can’t get enough of suspense and psychological thrillers. I applaud the author and look forward to reading more of her excellent writing. I can only find everything right with this novel so I have to give it 5 well deserved stars.
I highly recommend this book and the author, Teresa Driscoll, to serious psychological thriller fans. This reads the way a psychological thriller should.
Afterthought
Teresa wrote this on her Authors Notes page at the end of the book:
“A mother daughter story. A thriller with love at it’s core.” Authors Note page.
This really resonated with me and made me rethink the story that I just read. I was so captivated by the main storyline and eager to know who the killer was, that I totally missed this at first. Once I really thought about it and remembered the scenes where this was a big part, the book became even more to me. Who wouldn’t appreciate a thriller with love at it’s core?