Releasing tomorrow!
Thanks to Dutton Books for the free advanced copies in exchange for our honest reviews
THE PERFECT PLAN – Bryan Reardon
You can see my thoughts on Reardon’s other book, THE REAL MICHAEL SWANN, here!
Chandra’s Thoughts: 3/5 stars
A somber read that is less thriller and more character studies of Drew and Liam. Their sibling relationship and how they grew up affecting their present day decisions.
Their past created two different types of people. Sociopathy runs rampant with no one to help either of them. While the characters are hard to like, I did feel for Liam. His desperate acts to reach a turning point. What happens when there’s no where to turn except for within yourself?
This won’t be a read for everyone. However, the writing is distinctive and extremely well done in showcasing the characters within. I’m having a hard time really putting how I feel about this into words. I do think this is a story worth reading. However, it won’t be the story most thriller readers are expecting to read.
My Thoughts: 3/5 stars
Last year I picked up Reardon’s THE REAL MICHAEL SWANN and it was a gripping psychological thriller that incorporated social media and had a very real feel to it. Going into THE PERFECT PLAN I was anticipating another fast-paced thriller, but what I got was a slower burn that was more of a character study. While there’s nothing wrong with that combination, it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
The author dives into the relationship between Drew and Liam – two brothers – and how their choices in life have brought them to where they are now. Liam is troubled, to say the least, and has convinced himself that he needs to kidnap this woman. The complication to his plan? This woman works for his brother, Drew, who happens to be running for office. Will he be able to stay one step ahead of not only the authorities closing in on him, but also ahead of his older brother?
This is one of those books where it’s hard to like or relate to the characters, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I think this one is definitely worth the read, but go into it knowing it isn’t the thriller that it’s being marketed as. Gotta hate when the marketing does that to a book! Overall, I’ll definitely still pick up more from Reardon in the future, I do really enjoy his writing and how he brings us into the minds of his characters.
