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The Perfect Father
From the author of Unfollow Me comes a dark, surprising suspense of toxic relationships and family secrets . . .
The perfect husband...
After a difficult pregnancy, Esther is grateful that her forward-thinking husband Robin offers to put his career on hold so that she can return to the job she loves.
The perfect father...
Robin flourishes in his new role of stay-at-home parent, but Esther finds leaving her daughter behind to go to work more challenging than she'd thought, and soon the imbalance in their relationship brings old tensions to the surface.
A perfect lie?
Then one day Esther arrives home from work to find Robin and Riley are missing. As the police investigate their disappearance, it becomes clear that nothing about this modern- day family is what it seems...
Was Robin the perfect father everyone thought he was? Or was it all a perfect lie?
The perfect husband...
After a difficult pregnancy, Esther is grateful that her forward-thinking husband Robin offers to put his career on hold so that she can return to the job she loves.
The perfect father...
Robin flourishes in his new role of stay-at-home parent, but Esther finds leaving her daughter behind to go to work more challenging than she'd thought, and soon the imbalance in their relationship brings old tensions to the surface.
A perfect lie?
Then one day Esther arrives home from work to find Robin and Riley are missing. As the police investigate their disappearance, it becomes clear that nothing about this modern- day family is what it seems...
Was Robin the perfect father everyone thought he was? Or was it all a perfect lie?
400 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 283 reviews
February 4, 2021
The first sentence of this book is just
"Sorry."
and that's kinda fitting because I'm sorry I have to write this review.
I'd have preferred to DNF it and say "not for me, no rating" but I was kindly given a copy from NetGalley so I felt compelled to finish it.
I found the characters ridiculous. Robin and Ester spend the entire book learning the nasty things about each other - she's snobby and judgemental, he has the mentality of an incel - that they really would have discovered before getting married and making a baby.
Also, how some of the topics were handled rubbed me the wrong way.
2.5⭐
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺.
"Sorry."
and that's kinda fitting because I'm sorry I have to write this review.
I'd have preferred to DNF it and say "not for me, no rating" but I was kindly given a copy from NetGalley so I felt compelled to finish it.
I found the characters ridiculous. Robin and Ester spend the entire book learning the nasty things about each other - she's snobby and judgemental, he has the mentality of an incel - that they really would have discovered before getting married and making a baby.
Also, how some of the topics were handled rubbed me the wrong way.
2.5⭐
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺.
December 29, 2020
"Sorry"
That is the text message that Esther receives from her husband Robin. Having no idea what he is talking about or referring to she flies home to find the front door ajar and Robin and their little girl Riley missing.
Then the police come knocking informing Esther that Robin has been in a car accident and is in the hospital on life support. No sign of Riley. What happened to their little girl?
Having read many mixed reviews from friends I was hesitant to pick this one up but having loved Ms. Duckworth's previous endeavors I decided to bite the bullet and I'm glad that I did. I definitely found this more enjoyable than many of my friends. The biggest complaint they had was in regards to not liking either main character, Esther or Robin. I didn't like them either but I found them strangely compelling and I couldn't stop turning the pages. Others found the ending to be lackluster but I found it really satisfying and I turned the final page with a smile on my face. I love how books are so subjective and what might not work on page for one can be wholly satisfying to another. The world would be a bore if we all felt the same all the time. Well done, Ms. Duckworth, I will be eagerly anticipating your next book. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for my digital copy.
That is the text message that Esther receives from her husband Robin. Having no idea what he is talking about or referring to she flies home to find the front door ajar and Robin and their little girl Riley missing.
Then the police come knocking informing Esther that Robin has been in a car accident and is in the hospital on life support. No sign of Riley. What happened to their little girl?
Having read many mixed reviews from friends I was hesitant to pick this one up but having loved Ms. Duckworth's previous endeavors I decided to bite the bullet and I'm glad that I did. I definitely found this more enjoyable than many of my friends. The biggest complaint they had was in regards to not liking either main character, Esther or Robin. I didn't like them either but I found them strangely compelling and I couldn't stop turning the pages. Others found the ending to be lackluster but I found it really satisfying and I turned the final page with a smile on my face. I love how books are so subjective and what might not work on page for one can be wholly satisfying to another. The world would be a bore if we all felt the same all the time. Well done, Ms. Duckworth, I will be eagerly anticipating your next book. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for my digital copy.
November 4, 2020
Sorry.
No, it's not a quote from the book. It’s me wishing this book had snatched my attention but regrettably, I had a hard time liking this one.
My main problem with The Perfect Father is that I disliked both main characters. They were selfish, egotistical, and to a point not quite believable.
The novel begins with a successful businesswoman, Esther, receiving a cryptic message from her husband, Robin. Ester immediately knows something is wrong. She hurries home to talk to her husband, to see her 2-year-old baby, Riley, and to reassure herself that there is nothing wrong.
Robin is a stay at home dad. After Riley was born, Esther returned to work as the sole breadwinner which is nothing new, since Robin has not had a stable job since Esther met him.
When Esther arrives home, there is no sign of Robin or Riley. Her husband has taken her. Why and for what purpose? Esther doesn't know. She's desperate but she has no clue where to start looking.
Then, the police come knocking.
Through past and present passages, and with Esther and Robin voicing their parts, we learn about all the lies, deceits, and unforgivable behaviors.
I didn’t like Robin from the very beginning. I thought he was despicable. In my opinion, there was not a trace of antihero or a drop of redeemability in him.
Cliffhanger: No
2/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Quercus Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
No, it's not a quote from the book. It’s me wishing this book had snatched my attention but regrettably, I had a hard time liking this one.
My main problem with The Perfect Father is that I disliked both main characters. They were selfish, egotistical, and to a point not quite believable.
The novel begins with a successful businesswoman, Esther, receiving a cryptic message from her husband, Robin. Ester immediately knows something is wrong. She hurries home to talk to her husband, to see her 2-year-old baby, Riley, and to reassure herself that there is nothing wrong.
Robin is a stay at home dad. After Riley was born, Esther returned to work as the sole breadwinner which is nothing new, since Robin has not had a stable job since Esther met him.
When Esther arrives home, there is no sign of Robin or Riley. Her husband has taken her. Why and for what purpose? Esther doesn't know. She's desperate but she has no clue where to start looking.
Then, the police come knocking.
Through past and present passages, and with Esther and Robin voicing their parts, we learn about all the lies, deceits, and unforgivable behaviors.
I didn’t like Robin from the very beginning. I thought he was despicable. In my opinion, there was not a trace of antihero or a drop of redeemability in him.
Cliffhanger: No
2/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Quercus Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
November 8, 2020
I found this book terribly entertaining.
Now here comes the BUT...
...parts of it were really off the wall.
If you don't mind one totally implausible storyline, then I'd recommend The Perfect Father. It was good fun, and there was one twist I did NOT see coming. I enjoyed the way the story bounced back and forth in time with our two narrators, Esther and Robin. My opinion of Robin totally changed from the beginning of the book to the ending...to me, that indicates good writing.
I will say the ending seemed way too convenient, but it was satisfying.
3.5 stars
Available December 1, 2020
My sincere appreciation to NetGalley and Quercus Books for my review copy.
Now here comes the BUT...
...parts of it were really off the wall.
If you don't mind one totally implausible storyline, then I'd recommend The Perfect Father. It was good fun, and there was one twist I did NOT see coming. I enjoyed the way the story bounced back and forth in time with our two narrators, Esther and Robin. My opinion of Robin totally changed from the beginning of the book to the ending...to me, that indicates good writing.
I will say the ending seemed way too convenient, but it was satisfying.
3.5 stars
Available December 1, 2020
My sincere appreciation to NetGalley and Quercus Books for my review copy.
October 27, 2020
Sorry
That’s what the text message says.
But, sorry, for what?
When Esther, the breadwinner of the family, returns home after receiving this message, she discovers that her husband Robin, a stay at home Dad, and their two year old daughter, Riley, are missing.
And, then the police arrive.
The story unfolds from the perspectives of both Esther and Robin, past and present, until all is revealed.
Clearly, Robin was not the PERFECT FATHER he appeared to be.
But, he was perfect at the art of manipulation. (One thing in particular was really distasteful to me)
Sorry
I wish I could recommend this one, because I REALLY enjoyed “Unfollow Me” which I read last year.
But the ending to this story is attained when TWO things CONVENIENTLY occur.
One involved the story arc I mentioned, which I found to be in poor taste.
The other, although still convenient, was FITTING.
I would like to thank the Publisher for my gifted copy.
It was my pleasure to provide a candid review!
Available Dec. 1, 2020
That’s what the text message says.
But, sorry, for what?
When Esther, the breadwinner of the family, returns home after receiving this message, she discovers that her husband Robin, a stay at home Dad, and their two year old daughter, Riley, are missing.
And, then the police arrive.
The story unfolds from the perspectives of both Esther and Robin, past and present, until all is revealed.
Clearly, Robin was not the PERFECT FATHER he appeared to be.
But, he was perfect at the art of manipulation. (One thing in particular was really distasteful to me)
Sorry
I wish I could recommend this one, because I REALLY enjoyed “Unfollow Me” which I read last year.
But the ending to this story is attained when TWO things CONVENIENTLY occur.
One involved the story arc I mentioned, which I found to be in poor taste.
The other, although still convenient, was FITTING.
I would like to thank the Publisher for my gifted copy.
It was my pleasure to provide a candid review!
Available Dec. 1, 2020
November 3, 2020
Color me unimpressed!
Robin, a.k.a. “The perfect father”, sends her wife Esther a message saying “Sorry”. When she gets home, he and their daughter Riley are missing, so when police knocks on her door she fears the worst.
I’m sorry too. Sorry for having to write the next review, cause I don’t have many good things to say about this one. In one word...
I had big issues with both Esther and Robin, being the most important one I didn’t like them. I don’t know what I hated more, Robin’s behavior (I won’t go into it cause I don’t wanna give away any spoiler) or Esther trying to justify it, even blaming herself for some of it. Girl, if you can’t respect yourself, how in the hell you’re gonna get somebody else’s respect?
For all her business savvy she was pretty gullible in her personal life, taking at face value everything her husband told her. I don’t think any mother in her situation would be so uninterested.
On the good side, the story brought to light a medical condition I hadn’t read about so that was interesting. On the very bad side, the author used a character’s health as the means for another to manipulate and lie.
The ending was plain and simply disappointing. I think it was a lazy and convenient way of wrapping everything up without giving much explanations.
I had heard so many good things about “Unfollow me” that I was excited to read this author. Sadly, this time the story didn’t deliver.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Robin, a.k.a. “The perfect father”, sends her wife Esther a message saying “Sorry”. When she gets home, he and their daughter Riley are missing, so when police knocks on her door she fears the worst.
I’m sorry too. Sorry for having to write the next review, cause I don’t have many good things to say about this one. In one word...
I had big issues with both Esther and Robin, being the most important one I didn’t like them. I don’t know what I hated more, Robin’s behavior (I won’t go into it cause I don’t wanna give away any spoiler) or Esther trying to justify it, even blaming herself for some of it. Girl, if you can’t respect yourself, how in the hell you’re gonna get somebody else’s respect?
For all her business savvy she was pretty gullible in her personal life, taking at face value everything her husband told her. I don’t think any mother in her situation would be so uninterested.
On the good side, the story brought to light a medical condition I hadn’t read about so that was interesting. On the very bad side, the author used a character’s health as the means for another to manipulate and lie.
The ending was plain and simply disappointing. I think it was a lazy and convenient way of wrapping everything up without giving much explanations.
I had heard so many good things about “Unfollow me” that I was excited to read this author. Sadly, this time the story didn’t deliver.
Thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 8, 2020
3.5 stars
Esther gets a cryptic message from husband Robin which simply says ‘Sorry’ which throws her into a blind panic. Where is Robin and her infant daughter Riley? What does Robin have to be sorry for? A knock at the door reveals two police officers.... the story is told alternately by Esther and Robin and in different timelines which at times is a bit confusing.
Although this is a decent psychological thriller it does not captivate, enthral or shock to quite the same degree as the authors previous books which I loved. First of all, I dislike the characters especially perfect father Robin who has few redeeming features as he’s a manipulative lying worm. Esther is rather dull and a closed book and I find her infuriating as it takes her so long to wake up to reality. However, it is a good character study and it isn’t a requisite in storytelling that characters should be liked! The author has created a good analysis of a problematic relationship but from about half way through it’s easy to see it for what it is. There are some good reveals dropped into the unfolding storyline but nothing that is especially shocking. I think the novel deserves a better ending which would have placed it in the four star category but it feels rather too convenient.
Overall, it’s an easy to read page turner with a good premise.
With thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the arc in return for an honest review.
Esther gets a cryptic message from husband Robin which simply says ‘Sorry’ which throws her into a blind panic. Where is Robin and her infant daughter Riley? What does Robin have to be sorry for? A knock at the door reveals two police officers.... the story is told alternately by Esther and Robin and in different timelines which at times is a bit confusing.
Although this is a decent psychological thriller it does not captivate, enthral or shock to quite the same degree as the authors previous books which I loved. First of all, I dislike the characters especially perfect father Robin who has few redeeming features as he’s a manipulative lying worm. Esther is rather dull and a closed book and I find her infuriating as it takes her so long to wake up to reality. However, it is a good character study and it isn’t a requisite in storytelling that characters should be liked! The author has created a good analysis of a problematic relationship but from about half way through it’s easy to see it for what it is. There are some good reveals dropped into the unfolding storyline but nothing that is especially shocking. I think the novel deserves a better ending which would have placed it in the four star category but it feels rather too convenient.
Overall, it’s an easy to read page turner with a good premise.
With thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for the arc in return for an honest review.
November 12, 2020
I absolutely loved and inhaled Charlotte Duckworth's previous books, Unfollow Me and The Rival, so I was excited to read The Perfect Father. This one didn't capture me me the way the previous books had but it was a quick and easy read.
Esther gets a text message from her husband that just says Sorry. She races home to discover that he has gone, taking their young daughter with him. And then the police arrive at the door. The story then jumps back and forward from the points of view of both Esther and Robin. We learn how they get to this point and about their fractured relationship.
None of the characters were particularly likeable and some of the twists predictable. It is a good psychological thriller, focusing ore on the characters and their actions.
Thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. .
Esther gets a text message from her husband that just says Sorry. She races home to discover that he has gone, taking their young daughter with him. And then the police arrive at the door. The story then jumps back and forward from the points of view of both Esther and Robin. We learn how they get to this point and about their fractured relationship.
None of the characters were particularly likeable and some of the twists predictable. It is a good psychological thriller, focusing ore on the characters and their actions.
Thanks to Quercus Books and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. .
November 30, 2020
Esther is married to Robin, the perfect father. He has put his career on hold while Esther returns to work and he stays home with their baby. When Esther returns home one day to discover Robin and their daughter missing, her world is turned upside down and she questions how well she knew her husband.
Told with alternating points of view and alternating timelines. Both Esther and Robin tell their story, and neither character was all that likable. Unlikable characters can work in a book, but it wasn’t working for me in this one. The plot was intriguing; however, it had some predictable moments.
This is the second book by Charlotte Duckworth that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed her novel Unfollow Me, so I was excited to read her latest book. While I enjoyed Unfollow Me more, The Perfect Father is still an enjoyable domestic thriller.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Told with alternating points of view and alternating timelines. Both Esther and Robin tell their story, and neither character was all that likable. Unlikable characters can work in a book, but it wasn’t working for me in this one. The plot was intriguing; however, it had some predictable moments.
This is the second book by Charlotte Duckworth that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed her novel Unfollow Me, so I was excited to read her latest book. While I enjoyed Unfollow Me more, The Perfect Father is still an enjoyable domestic thriller.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 24, 2020
Author of 2 books this year that I have loved ‘Unfollow Me’ and ‘The Rival’, I wondered if it was to be a ‘hat trick’with this new book
It was 😎
Although I have to say not an immediate ‘fall in love’ with book this story ‘got me’ and I was invested in it by a quarter through
Esther and Robin are married and to their relief Esther finds herself pregnant, she then suffers with ‘Hyperemisis Gravidarum’ which when I have read about it before ( even with Kate ) I kinda thought was just ‘a touch of bad morning sickness’, reading about it in this book has opened my mind and you can only admire any woman who can cope with this, the emotional torment and physical symptoms she endures are horrendous, but she does and well, to say anymore would be to ruin the plot but Robin and Esther have their baby
And then the chaos starts
Robin goes from being a very UN funny comedian and a bit of a wet lettuce tbh to a narcissistic monster but subtly, if that makes sense?, he never physically harms Esther but harms her and manipulates her in every other way
Yet, he is the ‘Perfect Father’
Various back stories become apparent and other characters seen as ‘extras’ suddenly step out and you realise why they are there and it really, for me, turned into a very enjoyable psychological ‘battle’ thriller with an unexpected sadness added via one character that until then had really disliked, a real revelation in how you can change your view of a character with one sentence
Well written and taut, the odd ‘far fetchediness’ forgiven as was so good
Broaches difficult subjects and unusual ones, all done without ‘going over the head’ of the reader
Superb
10/10
5 Stars
It was 😎
Although I have to say not an immediate ‘fall in love’ with book this story ‘got me’ and I was invested in it by a quarter through
Esther and Robin are married and to their relief Esther finds herself pregnant, she then suffers with ‘Hyperemisis Gravidarum’ which when I have read about it before ( even with Kate ) I kinda thought was just ‘a touch of bad morning sickness’, reading about it in this book has opened my mind and you can only admire any woman who can cope with this, the emotional torment and physical symptoms she endures are horrendous, but she does and well, to say anymore would be to ruin the plot but Robin and Esther have their baby
And then the chaos starts
Robin goes from being a very UN funny comedian and a bit of a wet lettuce tbh to a narcissistic monster but subtly, if that makes sense?, he never physically harms Esther but harms her and manipulates her in every other way
Yet, he is the ‘Perfect Father’
Various back stories become apparent and other characters seen as ‘extras’ suddenly step out and you realise why they are there and it really, for me, turned into a very enjoyable psychological ‘battle’ thriller with an unexpected sadness added via one character that until then had really disliked, a real revelation in how you can change your view of a character with one sentence
Well written and taut, the odd ‘far fetchediness’ forgiven as was so good
Broaches difficult subjects and unusual ones, all done without ‘going over the head’ of the reader
Superb
10/10
5 Stars
January 22, 2022
Esther and Robin have been happily married for some time, so having a baby seems like the logical next step. There marriage isn’t typical - Esther is holds a senior position in a major charity and Robin is still chasing his big break on the comedy scene. They’ll make it work though and when daughter, Riley, comes into their life it makes sense for Robin to be a stay at home Dad. He’s the perfect father...or is he?
Esther is at work when she receives a text message from her husband Robin saying the one word ‘Sorry’ and rushes home to find Robin and two year old Riley missing. When the police arrive at her door they give her the bad news that there’s been an accident and although Riley’s been found safe and well, Robin’s in hospital badly injured and on a ventilator. Esther world is upended and she questions how well she knew her husband.
The story unfolds via alternating chapters between Robin and Esther and in two timelines, the present and three years ago.
Esther is at work when she receives a text message from her husband Robin saying the one word ‘Sorry’ and rushes home to find Robin and two year old Riley missing. When the police arrive at her door they give her the bad news that there’s been an accident and although Riley’s been found safe and well, Robin’s in hospital badly injured and on a ventilator. Esther world is upended and she questions how well she knew her husband.
The story unfolds via alternating chapters between Robin and Esther and in two timelines, the present and three years ago.
December 8, 2020
It is more a family drama story, than a thriller. I did not like the Now-Then, it was a bit hard to connect with the story, but in the end, I got it. Everything you read is not what it seems it is really complicated. Esther is getting a strange message from her husband, Robin: ""Sorry"'. From that moment the action begins.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.
Thank you Netgalley for this book.
December 8, 2020
Robin is driving when he sends his wife, Esther a text message saying "Sorry". He has their two year old daughter, Riley in the car with him. Esther is determined to find them.
There's small clues that let the reader know that everything is not what it seems. I did not like Robin or Esther for several reasons. The story is told from Robin and Esther's perspectives over a dual timeline. It also covers PTSD. I never saw the ending coming but it was satisfactory.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #QuercusBooks and the author #CharlotteDuckworth for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There's small clues that let the reader know that everything is not what it seems. I did not like Robin or Esther for several reasons. The story is told from Robin and Esther's perspectives over a dual timeline. It also covers PTSD. I never saw the ending coming but it was satisfactory.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #QuercusBooks and the author #CharlotteDuckworth for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2020
Esther loves her job so after having a difficult pregnancy was relieved when her husband Robin offered to put his career on hold to look after their daughter Riley. On arriving home from work one day Esther finds that both her husband and daughter are missing and the police are called. Once the police start making investigations it becomes clear that all is not as it seems and dark secrets are uncovered.
The story is told by both Esther and Robin and shuffles between past and present which unveils a very different picture to the one most people see.
The characters are very strong but not likeable but nevertheless make interesting reading. Nicely written with lots of twists and turns some of which I saw coming but a good read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Quercus Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told by both Esther and Robin and shuffles between past and present which unveils a very different picture to the one most people see.
The characters are very strong but not likeable but nevertheless make interesting reading. Nicely written with lots of twists and turns some of which I saw coming but a good read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Quercus Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2021
Oh my freak!! This was the book that kept calling my name all through the day until I finished it.
I read four chapters of it in the afternoon, and I was in a trance. I wanted to read the book at one go. But work and life forced their way into my reading time, and I had to let go of my kindle. But fear not!! The shadowy tendrils of the intriguing plotline beckoned me all through. Full credit to author Charlotte Duckworth.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum – a condition which led to difficult pregnancy. Post that Esther was happy when her husband decided to be a stay at home dad to look after Riley. Everything seemed wonderful. Rob was the perfect father. Until she received a message with just a word. Sorry.
My second book by this author, I loved if far more. Filled with suspense and intrigue, the book kept giving spikes to my heart rate. The twists started early on, and the author knew how to keep inciting my curiosity. I was shocked at how addicted I was to this book.
The day was filled with stress due to adult life and this book – yes, this very book – provided me the best escape route. Just when I knew what was happening in the story, the author pulled the rug from under my feet. Everything I knew went for a toss, and there was a new interpretation to all the lines I had read in the chapters bygone.
I read the book with my breath hitched in my throat, wanting to know how it would all end. And let me tell you one last thing…
Omg this was so freaking awesome.
I loved everything in the book.
I read four chapters of it in the afternoon, and I was in a trance. I wanted to read the book at one go. But work and life forced their way into my reading time, and I had to let go of my kindle. But fear not!! The shadowy tendrils of the intriguing plotline beckoned me all through. Full credit to author Charlotte Duckworth.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum – a condition which led to difficult pregnancy. Post that Esther was happy when her husband decided to be a stay at home dad to look after Riley. Everything seemed wonderful. Rob was the perfect father. Until she received a message with just a word. Sorry.
My second book by this author, I loved if far more. Filled with suspense and intrigue, the book kept giving spikes to my heart rate. The twists started early on, and the author knew how to keep inciting my curiosity. I was shocked at how addicted I was to this book.
The day was filled with stress due to adult life and this book – yes, this very book – provided me the best escape route. Just when I knew what was happening in the story, the author pulled the rug from under my feet. Everything I knew went for a toss, and there was a new interpretation to all the lines I had read in the chapters bygone.
I read the book with my breath hitched in my throat, wanting to know how it would all end. And let me tell you one last thing…
Omg this was so freaking awesome.
I loved everything in the book.
November 28, 2020
This is a unique read, which starts out seeming pretty straightforward but shifts gears and throws twists at you once you get about a third of the way through. The book opens with Robin kidnapping his daughter, Riley, but the reader doesn't know why. The rest of the book is told primarily from his wife Esther's point of view, both in real time and flashbacks, as we work our way to what happened in the prologue. This is a style of writing I enjoy.
The first part of the book is just a little slow- I couldn't figure out what the mystery was. It picks up after that and provides a unique twist on a story that you think you've seen before. This is a psychological thriller, through and through, but also touches on parental bonds and friendships, making for an overall satisfying read.
I struggled a little bit with understanding Esther and Robin's marriage, and do wish a little more attention had been paid to what drew them to each other to begin with. We are told that Robin is this great dad who was willing to stay home with their daughter while Esther is the primary breadwinner. but I didn't really see their connection, or what it was that made Robin so great that Esther would suffer some injustices in order to keep him.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and thought it was a well-thought out story that mixed mystery and emotion. I have read all of Duckworth's books and think this one was another hit. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The first part of the book is just a little slow- I couldn't figure out what the mystery was. It picks up after that and provides a unique twist on a story that you think you've seen before. This is a psychological thriller, through and through, but also touches on parental bonds and friendships, making for an overall satisfying read.
I struggled a little bit with understanding Esther and Robin's marriage, and do wish a little more attention had been paid to what drew them to each other to begin with. We are told that Robin is this great dad who was willing to stay home with their daughter while Esther is the primary breadwinner. but I didn't really see their connection, or what it was that made Robin so great that Esther would suffer some injustices in order to keep him.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and thought it was a well-thought out story that mixed mystery and emotion. I have read all of Duckworth's books and think this one was another hit. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2020
The Perfect Father by Charlotte Duckworth is another compelling read from an author who sets the bar high and then shatters all expectations. This one is fast-paced and suspenseful from the outset, and I was kept guessing until the very end.
Esther and Robin have longed for a child of their own and are finally blessed with a daughter, Riley. Esther is progressing well in her career, and as Robin is floundering a bit in his aspirations to break into comedy, the couple decide that he will be the one to commit his days to Riley's care. It is a selfless act, and Esther feels blessed by her good fortune. But soon tensions arise in the relationship, and resentments on both sides start to creep in. When Esther returns home one night to find that Robin and Riley have gone missing, her world will be shaken to the core, and she will question everything she thought she knew about the man with whom she shares her life.
This is a gripping read, full of palpable tension and intrigue. Well played Ms Duckworth, you have done it again. 4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for this ARC.
Esther and Robin have longed for a child of their own and are finally blessed with a daughter, Riley. Esther is progressing well in her career, and as Robin is floundering a bit in his aspirations to break into comedy, the couple decide that he will be the one to commit his days to Riley's care. It is a selfless act, and Esther feels blessed by her good fortune. But soon tensions arise in the relationship, and resentments on both sides start to creep in. When Esther returns home one night to find that Robin and Riley have gone missing, her world will be shaken to the core, and she will question everything she thought she knew about the man with whom she shares her life.
This is a gripping read, full of palpable tension and intrigue. Well played Ms Duckworth, you have done it again. 4.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for this ARC.
December 13, 2020
Esther loves her job so after having a difficult pregnancy was relieved when her husband Robin offered to put his career on hold to look after their daughter Riley. On arriving home from work one day Esther finds that both her husband and daughter are missing and the police are called. Once the police start making investigations it becomes clear that all is not as it seems and dark secrets are uncovered.
The story is told by both Esther and Robin and shuffles between past and present which unveils a very different picture to the one most people see.
The characters are very strong but not likeable but nevertheless make interesting reading. Nicely written with lots of twists and turns some of which I saw coming but a good read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Quercus Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The story is told by both Esther and Robin and shuffles between past and present which unveils a very different picture to the one most people see.
The characters are very strong but not likeable but nevertheless make interesting reading. Nicely written with lots of twists and turns some of which I saw coming but a good read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Quercus Books for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 26, 2022
This one kept me reading, wondering what the final result would be. I didn’t completely like these people and I think that was probably the point. Who do you root for in that situation? I guess baby Riley was the best character. It wasn’t totally shocking and I was thoroughly exasperated with Robin near the end. But then …. Karma! Truthfully this would get 3 and 1/2 stars if that were possible. The style reminded me a little of a Lisa Jewel book I read, Invisible Girl. Ironically I rated that book the same. You want to know what’s happening but you also want to stop being in these people’s lives. But it did have entertainment value and it was well written. Thanks for the freebie, Snag-A-Read!
October 31, 2021
So new author for me and well it certainly won’t be the last book I read of hers, as this book has been a wonder of the read to the point that it has made me want to read her previous books too.
So this book The Perfect Father has been an absolutely brilliant, entertaining read from start to finish, really enjoyable. I thought it was brilliantly well written, with such amazing characters, who came across as so alive and believable, to the point that I almost forgot I was reading a fiction story.
It was addictive and gripping stuff, definitely had me sitting on the edge of my seat in eager anticipation as to what will happen next. I literally whizzed through the pages.
Some readers might think what happened to Rob was convenient given the circumstances but personally I’m really pleased and satisfied with how his story played out. I was routing for Esther right from the beginning as she really didn’t have it easy, all that she had to go through. I’m so glad and happy with how things ended and turned out for her.
Well last words, I’m already looking looking forward to reading another book by this author Charlotte Duckworth.
So this book The Perfect Father has been an absolutely brilliant, entertaining read from start to finish, really enjoyable. I thought it was brilliantly well written, with such amazing characters, who came across as so alive and believable, to the point that I almost forgot I was reading a fiction story.
It was addictive and gripping stuff, definitely had me sitting on the edge of my seat in eager anticipation as to what will happen next. I literally whizzed through the pages.
Some readers might think what happened to Rob was convenient given the circumstances but personally I’m really pleased and satisfied with how his story played out. I was routing for Esther right from the beginning as she really didn’t have it easy, all that she had to go through. I’m so glad and happy with how things ended and turned out for her.
Well last words, I’m already looking looking forward to reading another book by this author Charlotte Duckworth.
June 28, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The
Perfect Father.
I've never read a book by the author before so when my request was approved, I went into it with an open mind.
My review is an outlier. I didn't like it. Are you shocked?
The Perfect Father isn't a mystery or that suspenseful.
It's similar to many books of this genre; the husband is a liar and adulterer, the wife suffers from PTSD and a reliable character; there is a secret surrounding the parentage of their daughter, which I figured out early on.
But, I read a lot of books like this.
I didn't like any of the characters; the wife is the breadwinner and holds an important position in a charity but her personality and behavior is subservient to her husband, who tells the readers (often) is hot and out of her league.
Of course he's hot; in books, nearly everyone is smokingggg.
Her husband is a scumbag; easily duping his wife with copious lies and a drug habit she's apparently never sussed out after X number of years of marriage.
This is just one of the many hard to suspend disbelief moments.
The narrative flips flop back and forth between wife and husband; this wasn't distracting but there was a lot of info dumping and not much drama/action moving the narrative forward.
There's a lot of repetition as Robin obsesses over his ex-girlfriend, cares for his daughter and meets up with his baby mama; his wife naturally glosses over Robin's indiscretions because she's to blame and she loves him. Loser!!!
The ending wasn't a surprise, a bit too pat for me.
The writing was okay, but it felt longer than it should have, which is not a good sign.
I was disappointed and may consider trying the author's next book. Maybe.
I've never read a book by the author before so when my request was approved, I went into it with an open mind.
My review is an outlier. I didn't like it. Are you shocked?
The Perfect Father isn't a mystery or that suspenseful.
It's similar to many books of this genre; the husband is a liar and adulterer, the wife suffers from PTSD and a reliable character; there is a secret surrounding the parentage of their daughter, which I figured out early on.
But, I read a lot of books like this.
I didn't like any of the characters; the wife is the breadwinner and holds an important position in a charity but her personality and behavior is subservient to her husband, who tells the readers (often) is hot and out of her league.
Of course he's hot; in books, nearly everyone is smokingggg.
Her husband is a scumbag; easily duping his wife with copious lies and a drug habit she's apparently never sussed out after X number of years of marriage.
This is just one of the many hard to suspend disbelief moments.
The narrative flips flop back and forth between wife and husband; this wasn't distracting but there was a lot of info dumping and not much drama/action moving the narrative forward.
There's a lot of repetition as Robin obsesses over his ex-girlfriend, cares for his daughter and meets up with his baby mama; his wife naturally glosses over Robin's indiscretions because she's to blame and she loves him. Loser!!!
The ending wasn't a surprise, a bit too pat for me.
The writing was okay, but it felt longer than it should have, which is not a good sign.
I was disappointed and may consider trying the author's next book. Maybe.
June 18, 2021
This book was easily a 4.5 star read! This book was fantastic! In the perfect father, we follow Esther who after receiving a suspicious "sorry" text from her husband she finds him and her daughter both missing. This book had me reaching for more and I thought it to be thrilling but not overboard, highly recommend!
*Thank you to net galley and the author and publishers!
*Thank you to net galley and the author and publishers!
November 28, 2023
Triggers ‼️infertility, domestic abuse, infidelity
What was it about this one that didn’t get me rating above 3 stars? I found the ‘father’ to be a douchebag and Ester to be both irritating and infuriating. I couldn’t sympathise with her, and I found at least two of her actions annoying!! It’s pretty much game over for me if I find the MC unlikeable 😂 The first introduction of the ‘twist’ was actually a tad confusing and I had wondered if I should have reread 5-10 pages before it because it left me thinking, did I loose pages or not read that right? The whole idea of Robin and his rendezvous with the female friend and how she gets involved, and her story at the end was… lame. But then, I find of of the triggers in this… extra triggering 🤣 so that could very well be why I marked it down a bit! It was good but not more for me.
What was it about this one that didn’t get me rating above 3 stars? I found the ‘father’ to be a douchebag and Ester to be both irritating and infuriating. I couldn’t sympathise with her, and I found at least two of her actions annoying!! It’s pretty much game over for me if I find the MC unlikeable 😂 The first introduction of the ‘twist’ was actually a tad confusing and I had wondered if I should have reread 5-10 pages before it because it left me thinking, did I loose pages or not read that right? The whole idea of Robin and his rendezvous with the female friend and how she gets involved, and her story at the end was… lame. But then, I find of of the triggers in this… extra triggering 🤣 so that could very well be why I marked it down a bit! It was good but not more for me.
October 26, 2020
Wow....wow - Buckle up Buttercup, this is one emotional roller coaster ride! But wait....he’s the perfect father right? Or is he a perfect liar? Does one really know the person you live with, your husband? He adores you, he’s sacrificed his career for you to take care of the baby...for the well being of you, for the love and well being of your child. Twists and turns - the revelations in this story I’m still thinking about after reading the last page! OMGoodness, I feel emotionally raw and drained (in a good way).
On another note, kudos to Ms. Duckworth, for bringing a very real, and serious, medical condition to light (hyperemesis gravidarum), that sometimes occurs during pregnancy.
The one thing I didn't care for, was the frequent use of profanity in the book.
My profound thanks to NetGalley, and the publisher, for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
On another note, kudos to Ms. Duckworth, for bringing a very real, and serious, medical condition to light (hyperemesis gravidarum), that sometimes occurs during pregnancy.
The one thing I didn't care for, was the frequent use of profanity in the book.
My profound thanks to NetGalley, and the publisher, for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 31, 2021
Simply the best fictional representation I have come across of Narcissistic Personality Disorder and what it is like to be the partner of someone who has it.
January 5, 2021
Robin, married to Esther, is the perfect father. He has put his career on hold while Esther returns to work and he stays at home to look after their baby daughter, Riley. When Esther arrives back one day to discover Robin and Riley missing, her world is upended and she questions how well she knew her husband.
The story unfolds via alternating chapters between Robin and Esther and in two timelines, the present and three years ago. A delightfully absorbing story, I just had to figure out what was going on. Lies, deceits, and unforgivable behaviours are revealed and although the characters were well-drawn, they were difficult to like but for me, it made the story all the richer. Full of palpable tension and intrigue my desire to know how things closed out was so great that I finished The Perfect Father in a couple of sittings and I definitely fell victim to 'just one more page' syndrome! Charlotte Duckworth continues to wow me with her impressive writing style and I really need to read The Rival.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel, at my request, from Quercus via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
The story unfolds via alternating chapters between Robin and Esther and in two timelines, the present and three years ago. A delightfully absorbing story, I just had to figure out what was going on. Lies, deceits, and unforgivable behaviours are revealed and although the characters were well-drawn, they were difficult to like but for me, it made the story all the richer. Full of palpable tension and intrigue my desire to know how things closed out was so great that I finished The Perfect Father in a couple of sittings and I definitely fell victim to 'just one more page' syndrome! Charlotte Duckworth continues to wow me with her impressive writing style and I really need to read The Rival.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel, at my request, from Quercus via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
March 20, 2021
The story goes between Robin and Esther, who are husband and wife. They both tell different parts of the story from past and present. I really enjoyed the writing style as it kept me guessing.
As the book goes on there are a lot of twists, some leaving me gobsmacked as I honestly didn’t see them coming. You know from the start that Robin and his daughter are missing but you honestly won’t have any idea why.
A good thriller, I must read more from Charlotte!
As the book goes on there are a lot of twists, some leaving me gobsmacked as I honestly didn’t see them coming. You know from the start that Robin and his daughter are missing but you honestly won’t have any idea why.
A good thriller, I must read more from Charlotte!
December 30, 2021
I enjoyed this story. Was written well and the story flows well. It was just a basic story, I was expecting the perfect father to have been scary and awful! He’s actually nothing like what I thought. I was not on the edge of my seat so I dropped it a star down, however if you want a light read, I recommend. I will be looking into more of Charlotte Duckworths books due to the great writing.
November 1, 2020
Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for this arc. I've adored Duckworth's previous novels, she's an absolute auto-buy author for me, and The Perfect Father was simply a too-be-read-in-one-sitting kind of read, a complete unputdownable binge-read. It's pacy with compelling characters.
This starts off with a prologue - Robin has taken his daughter away. He's driving with her in the backseat and texts his wife one word: sorry. Esther, Robin's wife, receives this text unable to comprehend what is happening, when the doorbell rings: it's the police.
Rewind three years back and we see Esther and Robin, the perfect couple. They balance each other out. The story is narrated from both their POVs. Esther is the breadwinner of the family and Robin is self-employed, trying to become a comedian. After failed pregnancies Esther finally becomes pregnant, only to be heartbroken when she discovers her husband's betrayal. We see their marriage stumble along, until they've finally given birth to a baby girl. Robin becomes the stay-at-home dad, much to his family's disdain (the story explores the toxic male attitude and stigma around men who are primary caregivers as slouches) while Esther continues to work. But someone is hiding a secret that can wreck their lives...
This is a tricky book to review without giving any spoilers away. The first half was a bit of a slow-burn, but then at the 35% mark there was a killer twist that had my jaw on the floor, and I was utterly hooked from that point on. The second of the book is much stronger and worth the patience. This is breathtakingly paced, with fleshed out characters who appear one way at first but then surprise you. The latter half of the novel has plenty of reveals and twists and the story comes together nicely in a satisfying conclusion. A perfect domestic suspense/mystery read. 5/5.
This starts off with a prologue - Robin has taken his daughter away. He's driving with her in the backseat and texts his wife one word: sorry. Esther, Robin's wife, receives this text unable to comprehend what is happening, when the doorbell rings: it's the police.
Rewind three years back and we see Esther and Robin, the perfect couple. They balance each other out. The story is narrated from both their POVs. Esther is the breadwinner of the family and Robin is self-employed, trying to become a comedian. After failed pregnancies Esther finally becomes pregnant, only to be heartbroken when she discovers her husband's betrayal. We see their marriage stumble along, until they've finally given birth to a baby girl. Robin becomes the stay-at-home dad, much to his family's disdain (the story explores the toxic male attitude and stigma around men who are primary caregivers as slouches) while Esther continues to work. But someone is hiding a secret that can wreck their lives...
This is a tricky book to review without giving any spoilers away. The first half was a bit of a slow-burn, but then at the 35% mark there was a killer twist that had my jaw on the floor, and I was utterly hooked from that point on. The second of the book is much stronger and worth the patience. This is breathtakingly paced, with fleshed out characters who appear one way at first but then surprise you. The latter half of the novel has plenty of reveals and twists and the story comes together nicely in a satisfying conclusion. A perfect domestic suspense/mystery read. 5/5.
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