Book Review: The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

Publisher: Bloodhound Books (2020)

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose is a cleverly structured psychological thriller that centers on secrets, betrayal, and the disintegration of trust within a seemingly perfect union. Sarah Morgan, a high-powered defense attorney, finds herself in an unimaginable situation when her husband, Adam, is accused of murdering his mistress. As Sarah takes on the role of his defense attorney, the lines between her professional duty and personal anguish blur, creating a tense and unpredictable narrative.

Summary:

Sarah Morgan is living her dream life as a successful attorney, but her marriage to struggling writer Adam is on shaky ground. When Adam is arrested for the murder of his mistress, Sarah shockingly chooses to defend him in court. As the case unfolds, Sarah is forced to confront devastating secrets and truths about her husband—and herself.

Highlights in this book

I’ve always believed the eyes cannot lie. They hold the truths we are unable or unwilling to speak.

It burns, but a good type of burn, like the small fires we sometimes need in our lives to remind us that we are alive.

Strengths:

• Intriguing Premise: The book’s plot stands out with its unique setup—a wife defending her husband, who is accused of infidelity and murder. This creates an intriguing dynamic between Sarah and Adam, as the personal stakes of the trial add a layer of psychological complexity.
• Suspenseful Pacing: Rose’s pacing is fast and fluid, keeping readers engaged as the courtroom drama intensifies and the mystery of the murder unravels. The shifts between Sarah’s legal battles and personal reflections provide balance, maintaining the reader’s interest throughout.
• Complex Characterization: Sarah, as a driven professional facing personal turmoil, is portrayed with nuance. Her internal conflict as she navigates her loyalty to Adam while wrestling with the emotional betrayal adds depth to the narrative.

Weaknesses:

• Character Depth of Adam: While Sarah is richly developed, Adam’s character comes across as more passive, and his motivations remain somewhat opaque throughout the novel. More insight into his psyche would have enhanced the overall impact, especially given his pivotal role in the story.
• Predictability in the Climax: Although the book builds tension effectively, some of the later twists feel predictable. The resolution, while satisfying, doesn’t quite achieve the shock factor expected from a psychological thriller of this nature.

Conclusion:

The Perfect Marriage delivers an entertaining and fast-paced psychological thriller with a unique premise and strong character development. Though the narrative loses some unpredictability toward the end, Rose successfully keeps the reader hooked with her layered portrayal of a marriage unraveling under the weight of lies and secrets.

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