Thanks to Penguin for inviting me onto the blog tour for ‘The Perfect Escape’ by Leah Konen and for the book for review. As always, opinions are my own.
This book is published in February 2022 by Penguin.
The story is about three friends who leave New York in search of a perfect getaway in Saratoga Springs. All three are newly single, with Sam particularly needing some TLC after a recent marriage failure. When car trouble forces them to stay overnight en route, it seems coincidental that they find themselves in Sam’s ex-husband’s town – where an impromptu night out will have far-reaching consequences…
The story is narrated alternately by Sam and another of the friends, Margaret – both likeable characters who have had a tough time and who are buoyed along on the trip by Diana, the last of the trio. I thought of many reasons why Diana didn’t narrate a share…but – no spoilers – let’s just say that this is one book where you should never assume anything!
I absolutely raced through this book in order to get to the bottom of what happened on the disastrous girls’ holiday. Every assumption or guess I made along the way was wrong and there were more twists than I could have ever foreseen – and the pacing was pretty speedy too. Best to just go with the flow on this one as it is a crazy ride!
I found that I really began to warm to the characters. I felt sorry for Sam, grappling with her failed marriage but also pitifully seeking her ex’s attention when they end up in his town. Her shock and bafflement at the subsequent events is palpable, and the reader is caught up in her story. Margaret is equally engaging as a narrator as snippets of her backstory come though – and events with Alex. Diana is more of an unknown, but I liked her joie de vivre and impulsiveness. There’s always one in a friendship group who will order the margaritas (Diana), plus the group’s mum figure (Margaret), so I appreciated the dynamic and realism of the relationship. All together, an engaging cast.
If you like your thrillers with plenty of twists and a pacey plot, this may just be the one for you! It’s unpredictable, tense and packed with secrets which will keep you hooked as all is revealed.
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