The Perfect Marriage

A Slower Burn

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose had all the right elements to be a gripping psychological thriller, but ultimately, it didn't quite deliver in the way I hoped. I was expecting something similar in terms of intensity to Home is Where the Bodies Are, which I enjoyed for its fast pace and unexpected twists. Unfortunately, The Perfect Marriage unfolds at a slower pace, and while there are some twists along the way, they don't hit with the same force or urgency.

The story centers around a seemingly perfect couple whose lives are upended by a shocking crime. The premise is strong, and the potential for suspense is evident. However, the pacing feels deliberate, which may not appeal to readers who prefer a faster-paced thriller. While I appreciate the author's attempt to develop the characters and their motivations, I found myself wishing for more momentum as the story progressed.

That said, The Perfect Marriage is still an engaging read with enough intrigue to keep me interested. The character development, especially of the central figures, is well-done, and I enjoyed the exploration of moral complexities. The ending, with its surprising twist, was a welcome change of pace. However, by that point, I had already started to anticipate a twist, which slightly diminished its impact.

In conclusion, while The Perfect Marriage has its strengths and will likely appeal to those who enjoy slower, character-driven thrillers, it didn't quite meet my expectations in terms of pacing and excitement. I'm giving it 3 stars—it was good, but not great. I wanted more of the heart-pounding suspense that I found in Home is Where the Bodies Are, but this book, while satisfying in some ways, didn't quite deliver on that front.