Will hit you right in the heart” — Bustle
A PopSugar Best Book of Spring!
“An exceptional psychological thriller.” — Publishers Weekly STARRED review
“Leaves you wanting more.” — Liv Constantine, author of the national bestseller The Last Mrs. Parrish
“A smart, wickedly plotted psychological thriller brimming with dark surprises” — Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author
“Intense, creepy, and classic Rouda. A chilling story, told so well. Don’t miss it!” — J. T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author
“B.A. Paris and Shari Lapena fans will fall head over heels for this suspenseful psychological thriller set in an upscale Southern California community.” -PopSugar
“The Gone Girl-style domestic suspense novel follows Jane, a narcissistic perfectionist dealing with the death of her daughter.” — Washington Post
“Rouda’s portrayal of Jane is fabulously compelling and darkly hilarious…The resolution is satisfying, but the ride is so diabolically twisted and entertaining that readers will be sorry when it come to a stop.” -Shelf Awareness
“No one creates a narcissist like Rouda…. A wow read that will have you floored.” -Bookstr
From the author of Best Day Ever, another gripping novel of psychological suspense set in an upscale Southern California community, for fans of B.A. Paris and Shari Lapena.
The perfect home. The perfect family. The perfect lie.
Jane Harris lives in a sparkling home in an oceanfront gated community in Orange County. It’s a place that seems too beautiful to be touched by sadness. But exactly one year ago, Jane’s oldest daughter, Mary, died in a tragic accident and Jane has been grief-stricken ever since. Lost in a haze of anti-depressants, she’s barely even left the house. Now that’s all about to change.
It’s time for Jane to reclaim her life and her family. Jane’s husband, David, has planned a memorial service for Mary and three days later, their youngest daughter, Betsy, graduates high school. Yet as Jane reemerges into the world, it’s clear her family has changed without her. Her husband has been working long days—and nights—at the office. Her daughter seems distant, even secretive. And her beloved Mary was always such a good girl—dutiful and loving. But does someone know more about Mary, and about her last day, than they’ve revealed?
The bonds between mothers and daughters, and husbands and wives should never be broken. But you never know how far someone will go to keep a family together…
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Sexual Content - 0/5
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Violence - 0/5
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Language - 0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 2/5
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Summary
The Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda is a psychological thriller with a cast of unlikeable characters. The story is told by Jane the mother who is coming out of her grieving and trying to get her life back. The author does a fascinating job of revealing the characters through Jane’s thoughts and memories.
Jane’s husband has been working late with his assistant. One of my favorite scenes is when Jane shares a little more about the dear sweet assistant.
If you are not familiar with narcissist behavior; this is a classic case of it. You get swept up into the story and I think I read it in 24 hours.
I consider this book a clean secular thriller.
Sexual content - everything is behind closed doors. this is NOT a romance.
Violence - we are not sure if there was violence or just accidents
drugs/alcohol use - she is sneaking wine, possibly still taking her narcotics.
language - I don't recall language, but I was so wrapped up in the story I may have missed some.