I know that Liane Moriarty is pretty big right now, but I’d never read any of her books before. So when I saw Nine Perfect Strangers for a good price in Sainsbury’s, I though I would give it a go. And I wasn’t disappointed.
Nine strangers (although technically they’re no all strangers from each other as some are married or family) go to a luxury retreat, trying to change their lives. They want to get healthy, get slim or improve their relationships. For 10 days, they are unable to leave Tranquillum House.
Frances has a bad back and a bad cold and wants to feel better about herself. Ben and Jessica want to save their marriage. But why does a man as cheerful as Napoleon need to be there, with his active wife and his young daughter?
Right from the start, Nine Perfect Strangers has quite a sinister feel, and it gets increasingly sinister as it goes along. With a cast of lead characters, rather than just one, it is told from several perspectives. Over the course of 10 days, we get to know the guests and staff of Tranquillum House, and they get to know each other. And they soon learn that there is no perfection and that changing their lives might be more brutal than they were expecting…
This is an intriguing and well written story, with characters you come to care about, even if they’re not always likeable. It actually features one of the scariest characters I’ve come across in a long time. There are plenty of twists along the way and I surprised myself by shedding a tear at the end. It’s really not the sort of book where you expect to shed a tear, but I think that just shows how invested in the characters I became.
If you enjoy a psychological thriller, like I do, I would definitely recommend Nine Perfect Strangers. I will certainly be looking out for more Liane Moriarty to read this year.
May 24, 2019
I’ve just finished a book called Sleep, with a group of people stranded in a hotel on a remote island, with a serial killer on the loose. I enjoy the isolated/stranded scenario in thrillers. Had a look at this book a few times in the bookshop, and it does sound good. Will try to get it in Sainsbury’s too.
May 25, 2019
That sounds really good! I think you would enjoy this one in that case. I do like to buy books in Sainsbury’s every now and then as they are much better value.
May 27, 2019
I bought this a few weeks ago, and it’s the third book I have purchased by Liane Moriarty. Both Big Little Lies and My Husband’s Secret are really good books. It’s next on my list, but a few people have said it’s hard to get into at first x
May 27, 2019
I didn’t actually find it hard to get into, but I must say I didn’t like some of the characters at first, but I grew to like them. I will definitely read more of her books now. x
May 27, 2019
You’re the first person I’ve heard who liked this book. I’ve just finished reading it and found it really hard work – too many characters that I just couldn’t warm to and too long for the story to get going. I much preferred her other books x
May 28, 2019
That’s interesting. Even though I enjoyed it, I do understand what you mean. I wasn’t sure that I was going to like it for the first couple of chapters. That’s good to hear about the other books though, because that means I should definitely enjoy them!
June 17, 2019
I have so many of her books on my tbr list (including this one) but like you, I haven’t actually read any of her books yet. Must rectify that! #readwithme
June 17, 2019
If this one is anything to go by, I’m sure you would enjoy them! I need to read some more, although I do currently have rather a big pile of books waiting to be read.
June 18, 2019
Not tried this author. Seems to be mixed opinions but I think sounds like one I would like to try
June 19, 2019
This one is definitely worth a try! I’m going to look for more of her books on r I’ve got through my current big pile of books!
June 18, 2019
I’ve never read any of Liane Moriarty’s books but I’m intrigued to read this one after reading your review, especially to find out more about the really scary character!
#ReadWithMe
June 19, 2019
That character is so scary! I’m going to look out for more of her books once I’ve made it through my current pile.
June 19, 2019
I have this book but haven’t read it yet. I can’t wait to read it now after your review. I do like her books and I have this one, Three Wishes and The Husband’s Secret on my list to read this year.
June 21, 2019
I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one! I need to get more of her books now, but I have a rather large pile to get through first!
June 22, 2019
I’ve never read any Liane Moriarty either but this sounds really interesting! I might have to give it a go x
#readwithme
June 23, 2019
It’s definitely worth giving it a go!