Lyla’s life is not going as planned. Her post-doctoral research job is looking like a dead end and her relationship with her actor-boyfriend Nico is running out of steam. When he suggests that they try out for a reality show called One Perfect Couple in order to help out his career she reluctantly agrees. They will compete with four other couples in order to win a cash prize while on a deserted island. After the first challenge the contestants are left feeling angry and after a storm blows through that night they find themselves facing more reality than they’d counted on. Not able to reach the production team or the mainland, they have only enough water to survive a few weeks and the stakes have risen to life or death.

This is the second time I’ve listened to one of Ruth Ware’s novels and again I had trouble going about my work day without wanting to plug in and hear the next chapter. Imogen Church’s narration was amazing and her characterizations of each individual really gave them life. I knew who each person was by the sound of their voice, which kept me immersed in the story instead of trying to figure out who was saying what line.

This was one of those mysteries that wasn’t very mysterious, but despite the reader being in on who were the good guys and bad guys, Ruth Ware still did a great job at building the tension in each chapter and I still wanted to know what was going to happen next and how these characters were going to save themselves from a murderer, but also get off the island. I loved that Lyla’s POV was used for the narration because even though she was one of the more timid characters, she was also a realist and her voice gave insight into some of the characters actions and reactions. I personally identified the most with her as well, which is probably the case for a lot of the readers of this book.

I really don’t want to get into any of the intricacies of the plot or even talk about individual characters too much because it would give too much of the story away and truthfully, even though the reader is let into who the murderer is, the build-up to that moment is just too good to spoil it for everyone- so open the book, or click the start button and enjoy the ride. This is a good one!

❤️❤️❤️❤️❣️

Click this link to purchase this book!* One Perfect Couple

Copyright 2025 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.

Yeah, yeah, I know, I’m way behind on reading this bestseller. It came out in 2016 and I think I must’ve purchased the audio book with a credit and had it sitting there since then. Why I decided to listen to this book now? I’ve gotten into a mystery kick with my audible books and have quite a few of them purchased already. I’ve heard both good and bad things about his one but luckily couldn’t remember much else although I know the author is well renowned. What a fun surprise!

Lo Blacklock is a journalist writing for a travel magazine. She is booked to go on an exclusive cruise targeting the upper income travelers when her flat is broken into the night before, while she is sleeping in it. Needlessly rattled, she doesn’t want to give up her trip feeling like this is her opportunity to prove to her editor that she’s ready for that next leap in her career. She arrives for the cruise, her nerves are shot, she’s drinking too much, oh and she thinks she see’s someone dump a body off the boat. Needless to say, this is not the relaxing trip that she was looking for, in fact, as she reports it to the crew she begins to wonder if it’s all just in her head.

Narrated by Imogen Church with a natty British accent, she imbues Lo with that perfect mix of nerves and fortitude. The tension ratcheting with every interview. I was glued to this book not wanting to go to work, take a shower, and cook dinner for the family. I just wanted to know what happened! Isn’t that the best feeling in the world?

Lo was a heroine with a ton of flaws and in the beginning, not very likable. Every time she took I drink I cringed, wanting her to stop drinking and just take a rest and recover her nerves. The cast of characters on the ship were stereotypes and kind of one dimensional but they gave the reader a break from the always layered reactions from our heroine and were kind of a shelter from the tension. As the novel moved forward and Lo gained strength in body and mind, I grew to admire her fortitude and definitely rooted for a resolution that would find her safe and happy. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Click this link to purchase this book!* The Woman in Cabin 10

Copyright 2024 The Reading Chick All Rights Reserved

*Amazon Associate- if you purchase this book through the above link I’ll receive a small stipend.