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A review by jesscoast
The Perfect Stranger by Megan Miranda
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is exactly the fast paced, twisted, straightforward mystery I've been looking for. The threads of the story weave themselves in a way that was satisfying to watch come together. I loved speculating and guessing how the trajectory of each character would end, and who I could trust. The element of newcommers vs old timers added a layer of consideration and tension.
The characters' intentions drove the story, though I wish a few characters had a bit more of a developed backstory and convictions than mainly Leah. I also wish the credibility of the police was questioned a little more, I wasn't a huge fan of the reader taking for granted that the police investigation was conducted properly, with just a few small slips that aided them in the long run. There were certainly complex relationships with police embedded in the story, but the local police force seemed too straightforward and morally upright to me. I was waiting to find out that it was one of the officers who was stalking Leah or was dating Emmy but that line was never crossed.
In the beginning I didn't understand why this book was about roommates when it would have been more convincing if the relationship were lovers or family members. I understood by the end why the structure was this way though and I was able to appreciate the dynamic a little more.
Overall, I found it the perfect page turner that covered a lot of ground. I tore through this book in a few days, it created a great story to jump into and get absorbed into. I'll definitely read more of Miranda's books soon.
The characters' intentions drove the story, though I wish a few characters had a bit more of a developed backstory and convictions than mainly Leah. I also wish the credibility of the police was questioned a little more, I wasn't a huge fan of the reader taking for granted that the police investigation was conducted properly, with just a few small slips that aided them in the long run. There were certainly complex relationships with police embedded in the story, but the local police force seemed too straightforward and morally upright to me. I was waiting to find out that it was one of the officers who was stalking Leah or was dating Emmy but that line was never crossed.
In the beginning I didn't understand why this book was about roommates when it would have been more convincing if the relationship were lovers or family members. I understood by the end why the structure was this way though and I was able to appreciate the dynamic a little more.
Overall, I found it the perfect page turner that covered a lot of ground. I tore through this book in a few days, it created a great story to jump into and get absorbed into. I'll definitely read more of Miranda's books soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Suicide and Stalking