Bookquote.net Bookquote.net – Books Review and Quote site
Related Articles
| Categories | Genre Fiction |
| Author | Freida McFadden |
| Publisher | Poisoned Pen Press (August 6, 2024) |
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 320 pages |
| Item Weight | 7.9 ounces |
| Dimensions |
7.72 x 0.94 x 5.04 inches |
I. Book introduction
From Sunday Times bestselling author Freida McFadden comes a dark and twisting psychological thriller about a mother who suspects her son of committing a terrible crime… But how far will she go to protect her family?
***
All families have secrets. But some secrets are deadly.
Erika Cass has a perfect family and a perfect life. Until, one quiet evening, two detectives show up at her front door.
“Mrs. Cass, we were hoping your son could answer a few questions about the girl who disappeared last night…”
A high school girl has vanished from their quiet neighbourhood, and the police suspect the worst. Erika”s teenage son, Liam, was the last person to see the girl alive.
Erika has always sensed something… different in her seemingly perfect oldest child. He’s charming, smart and popular, but mothers have the best instincts. Erika knows there’s more to her son than meets the eye.
She wants to believe he”s innocent, but as the evidence mounts, she can”t deny the truth?Liam may have done the unthinkable.
With The Perfect Son, bestselling author Freida McFadden delivers a twisted, thought-provoking crime thriller about a family’s loyalty pushed to the limits.
Tropes
- Missing Girl
- Suspense
- Psychological Thriller
- Sociopathic Child
- Multiple POVs
- Mother and Son
***
Amazon readers are gripped by this unputdownable psychological thriller:
- “WOW! ABSOLUTELY a must read, one of her best books yet!”
- “I couldn”t put this book down. It kept you guessing and on the edge of your seat. I loved it and can”t wait to read more of her books!”
- “This was an incredible story! I read it in one sitting because I had to know how it ended.”
About the Author (Freida McFadden)
Freida McFadden is the pen name of an American thriller author and practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. Freida’s work has been selected as one of Amazon Editors’ best books of the year, she is the winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for best paperback, and she is a Goodreads Choice Award winner. Her novels have been translated into 40 languages.
From New York City, McFadden attended Harvard University as an undergraduate. She practices medicine in the Boston area. McFadden self-published her first book through Amazon KDP in 2013. Her 2022 book The Housemaid was an international bestseller. A movie adaptation of the book is set to be adapted for Lionsgate with Rebecca Sonnenshine to pen the screenplay, and Hidden Pictures’ Todd Lieberman and Alex Young to produce.
Freida McFadden lives with her family and black cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.
II. Reviewer: The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden
| Here is a summary of the book Review “The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden”. Helps you have the most overview of the book without searching through time. Please access “BookQuote.Net” regularly or save it to keep track and update the latest information. |
1. RI reviews for The Perfect Son
“The Perfect Son” A fantastic thriller book. Definitely a page turner because I couldn’t stop listening to the audiobook. And the way I listened to it every night for 4 days because I’m just messed up like that. I like reading mystery or thriller books at night. It’s just who I am.
This was my first Freida McFadden book and I know I’ll be reading all of her books soon. I was hooked from the very first chapter with her writing, characters’ description and the mystery about the murder and kidnapping of Olivia. And just when I thought I know who did that she proved me wrong. The plot twist literally twisted my brain in the best possible way because I never saw it coming. But I guess we should never believe any character when reading mystery and thriller books.
Freida’s writing was amazing and I liked how she had me thinking both the best and the worst about all the characters even though I couldn’t really believe anyone. I couldn’t help but think what if that person didn’t do it? This was a fast paced story and since I read this as an audiobook the whole experience made everything more interesting. The narration for this book was beautifully done.
Erika was a simple character as simple as one would say with a perfect family like that. She was always anxious about her son Liam and wants to protect him at all costs because he’s her son and since it was written from her and Olivia’s pov so it was easy to know what goes in her head and all the other things. But Liam? I don’t know why but I kind of always believed him that he wasn’t the one who did it. Maybe it was Freida’s constant mention of how perfect he was and how cute he was. It was kind of obvious for me atleast or maybe I’m just kidding myself right now. But Liam was the only character I couldn’t made my mind about. He was good at showing what others always wanted or expected from him and maybe thats why.
I liked the how the mystery about the murderer was finally revealed in the ending chapters and how all the loose ends came together in the end. I never saw it coming and I still don’t believe it. The ending was satisfying but I’m concerned about Liam and his family because this book has an open ending. What if he’s just what his mother always thought about him? Well I guess now we’ll never know.
Freida wanted me to never believe the characters in this book even in the end. And I think I will never believe any of the characters written by her.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. So if you want something fast paced and a good mystery thriller? Definitely go for this book.
2. TRACY reviews for The Perfect Son
Another fun, suspenseful and exceptionally twisty listen from Freida McFadden.
After the half way point of The Perfect Son, I was almost certain my keen detective skills had honed in on the what the big reveal was and how it would all come together at the end. Now, it was time to just sit back and wait for confirmation.
Fast-forward to end . . . I must humbly admit Ms. McFadden has duly succeeded in foiling me again. Yay. This is why she always keeps me coming back for more.
Narrators Suzie Althens and Daniel Thomas May make a spectacular team. To summarize in two words: “Dynamic Duo.”
3. CHANTAL reviews for The Perfect Son
This is definitely one of my favorites from Freida.
How far will a Mother go to protect her son? From a young age Liam has shown some psychotic tendencies and his Mother has done everything in her power to keep it a secret and to make sure her son stays out of trouble.
But is that a good thing?
With the turn this book takes I would say yes. Absolutely amazing plot line!
4. JAMES reviews for The Perfect Son
While a bit of a formulaic plot, The Perfect Son written by Freida McFadden is still suspenseful and exciting. A 16-year-old with a seemingly psychopathic past is the last to see his girlfriend. Through alternating chapters, we learn she is alive and stuck in the basement of some cabin afraid of “him.” Clearly it’s not the boy, but as we learn things he’s done in the past, we have to wonder if we’re being tricked into thinking it’s not him so we are surprised in the end when it IS him. Right up until the last few chapters, readers will keep guessing, and when the truth comes out, there are a few surprising moments as to the culprit’s identity and reasoning. Lots to consider as we learn about the family history and the friendships of yesteryear. A great reason why I ALWAYS enjoy McFadden’s novels. I’m on a kick to finish them all this month, and she’s been writing 2 to 3 a year for almost a decade!
5. MYTATTEREDPAGES reviews for The Perfect Son
I didn’t see it coming!!
Another McFadden read in a day! She has quickly become a favorite of mine! This book hooked me from the very first page. And the twists were fantastic! I can honestly say that the truth caught me completely off guard. I truly didn’t see that one coming. There are times I can tell half way through the book or even before that but not in this book. I pretty much knew when everybody else figures it out. LOL I love it when a writer can keep me in true suspense.
6. TAYLOR DILLON reviews for The Perfect Son
“The Perfect Son” is an incredible read! The story is deeply moving and beautifully written, with characters that feel so real and relatable. It explores complex family dynamics and the challenges of parenting with such sensitivity and insight. The emotional journey the characters go through is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. If you’re looking for a book that will touch your heart and make you think, this one is definitely worth picking up!
7. NICOLE M WHISNER reviews for The Perfect Son
The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden 4/5 ⭐️
Life is perfect for Erika Cass- a beautiful family, home, and low-stress job. Until she gets a knock on the door from two detectives. A high-school girl is missing and the last person to see this girl alive was Erika’s son, Liam.
Erika loves Liam unconditionally but has known since kindergarten that he has a dark side. Now in high school, Liam seems like the perfect son- well-mannered, smart, and involved at school. Erika wants to believe he is innocent but her heart is filled with doubt. On top of Liam’s troubles, Erika’s mother confesses that she has been lying to Erika for years. The father who Erika thought was dead is actually in jail for murder. Could this be the root of Liam’s dark side? Can Erika sift through all the lies and figure out the truth before it is too late for this missing girl?
The Perfect Son was another great thriller by McFadden. I enjoyed the mix of storytelling and the transcribed police interviews. Freida’s writing is always amazing! She has a way of tricking me into thinking both the best and the worst about all the characters. Erica, the main character, is very relatable but her unconditional love for her children, especially her son plants seeds of doubt in your head. Unfortunately, I was able to figure out the main twist halfway through the book. Although the epilogue was surprisingly entertaining even after everything was revealed. If you are looking for an entertaining, fast-paced thriller this is the book for you.
8. JAMES J. CUDNEY IV (JAY) reviews for The Perfect Son
While a bit of a formulaic plot, The Perfect Son written by Freida McFadden is still suspenseful and exciting. A 16-year-old with a seemingly psychopathic past is the last to see his girlfriend. Through alternating chapters, we learn she is alive and stuck in the basement of some cabin afraid of “him.” Clearly it’s not the boy, but as we learn things he’s done in the past, we have to wonder if we’re being tricked into thinking it’s not him so we are surprised in the end when it IS him. Right up until the last few chapters, readers will keep guessing, and when the truth comes out, there’s a few surprising moments as to the culprits identity and reasoning. Lots to consider as we learn about the family history and the friendships of yesteryear. A great reason why I ALWAYS enjoy McFadden’s novels. I’m on a kick to finish them all this month, and she’s been writing 2 to 3 a year for almost a decade!
9. CASEY READS reviews for The Perfect Son
I could not put this book down. I read it in one day. It is pretty dark at times, so don’t read it if you are not in the mood for a dark thriller. It focuses on psychopath behavior & includes abuse & death of animals (I will say I am glad none of the animals were dogs though, major dog mom here). There is also murder, torture, etc.
I did not expect the twist at all. It’s hard to say too much in a review without giving it away. It was a very surprising twist in my opinion, because there wasn’t really any hints to it.
The ending is also crazy, because you think everything is going to be better, but nope!
10. SHARON reviews for The Perfect Son
Freida McFadden knows how to entertain her readers and keep them guessing right till the end. This was another enjoyable and fast-paced read. And for once I guessed the twist that was coming, but of course, as we know there is never just one twist and of course that took me by surprise.
The Perfect Son was a great read and this author is fast becoming another favourite author of mine. If you enjoy thrillers that keep you up past your bedtime then I highly recommend you read a book by this author.
III. The Perfect Son Quotes by Freida McFadden
The best book quotes from The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden
“I’ve got to figure out who Olivia is. And I’ve got to keep something terrible from happening to her.”
“He said he couldn’t wait to get married, so he could stuff his wife deep in a hole and never let her out.”
“The hardest thing about Liam is that when he says “I love you,” I can’t tell whether that’s a lie too.”
“If you knew what was going on inside that kid’s head, you would be scared too.”
“Hello, Hannah.” His voice fills the room above me. I cringe at the familiar sound of it. “I thought I might find you here.” She’s silent for a moment. When she speaks again, her voice is shaking. “Hi, Daddy.”
“Psychopaths, on the other hand, are excellent actors. They’re intelligent, charming, and fantastic at manipulating emotions. They can make you believe they care, when in fact, they feel nothing.”
“feels no empathy, no remorse, no fear, and is prone to violence. It’s not surprising so many serial killers are diagnosed as psychopaths.”
“Now both terms are used but ‘sociopath’ generally refers to a milder form of the disorder. Psychopaths are much rarer.”
“Now both terms are used but ‘sociopath’ generally refers to a milder form of the disorder. Psychopaths are much rarer.” “So what does that all mean?”
“Did you do anything further?” “I’ll tell you, Detective, there is one thing I did.” “What’s that?” “I gave the kid an A in English. Some things are not worth dying over.”
“I love Hannah. I really do. I love her more than I love my own life. She’s my daughter. She’s my little girl.”
“It’s just so… meaty. It’s like this big hunk of meat.” “Yes, Hannah. That’s the definition of a meatloaf.” She sinks into one of the chairs at the kitchen table. “I’d rather have chicken.” “Well, I’d rather be in the Bahamas.” Jason shrugs. “We don’t always get what we want. Sometimes you have to do horrible things like eating delicious meatloaf.”
“Liam Cass, you are under arrest for the kidnapping and murder of Olivia Mercer.”
“sociopaths don’t have normal human emotions like empathy. They have no concern for the feelings of others. They also have a very high threshold for disgust, which has been measured by a lack of reaction in these patients to photos of mutilated faces. But sociopaths don’t care about faking emotions. Psychopaths, on the other hand, are excellent actors. They’re intelligent, charming, and fantastic at manipulating emotions. They can make you believe they care, when in fact, they feel nothing.”
“He doesn’t feel empathy like you do. He doesn’t feel love. He’s just faking it.”
“As early as the 1800s, doctors who worked with mental health patients noticed some patients demonstrated outwardly normal behavior, but they had no sense of ethics or empathy. These patients were called ‘psychopaths,’ but then it was later changed to ‘sociopaths’ because of the effect these people had on society. Now both terms are used but ‘sociopath’ generally refers to a milder form of the disorder. Psychopaths are much rarer.” “So what does that all mean?” “Well, for starters, sociopaths don’t have normal human emotions like empathy. They have no concern for the feelings of others. They also have a very high threshold for disgust, which has been measured by a lack of reaction in these patients to photos of mutilated faces. But sociopaths don’t care about faking emotions. Psychopaths, on the other hand, are excellent actors. They’re intelligent, charming, and fantastic at manipulating emotions. They can make you believe they care, when in fact, they feel nothing.”
“I flinch as if he hit me. Liam was right. Jason is not the man I thought he was. He’s sick. He’s crazy. And he’s done something horrible. He was planning to kill me, and the only reason I’m alive right now is because my son saved me.”
“just local news, but the national papers have picked up the story as well. They can’t print Liam’s name, because he’s only sixteen, but it doesn’t matter. They”
“I’m so sorry, Erika.” Jason’s eyes fill with tears as he rushes to my side. His hand is on my back. “I tried to save Hannah…” “You liar!” Liam’s face is purple.”
“What are you talking about? Your father is the most normal man I’ve ever met.”
“I told Erika my mother died of cancer and my father had a heart attack, but there was really no way for her to know that was a lie.”
“You’re probably wondering why I married Erika, considering she’s certainly far from my favorite person.”
“But I know one thing: if he is a sociopath, he’s the best actor in the history of the world.”
“he’s finally starting to believe that our son isn’t the perfect child he thought him to be.”
“It’s The Princess Bride. The Princess Bride used to be my favorite movie when I was a kid.”
“I gave the kid an A in English. Some things are not worth dying over.”
“Psychopaths, on the other hand, are excellent actors. They’re intelligent, charming, and fantastic at manipulating emotions. They can make you believe they care, when in fact, they feel nothing.”
“Now both terms are used but ‘sociopath’ generally refers to a milder form of the disorder. Psychopaths are much rarer.”
“A guy who can make that many puns about eggs is not going around murdering people. He just isn’t.”
Excerpted from The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden
….
Note: Above are quotes and excerpts from the book “The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden”. If you find it interesting and useful, don’t forget to buy paper books to support the Author and Publisher!
| The above content has been collected from various sources on the internet. Click the Share button to recommend the book to your friends! |
BookQuote.Net Sincerely Introduced!
