Cover

About the Author

Nuala Ellwood is the author of three bestselling novels: My Sister’s Bones, for which she was selected as one of the Observer’s ‘New Faces of Fiction 2017’, Day of the Accident and The House on the Lake. Nuala lives in York with her young son.

Dedication

For my mother

What readers are saying about

The Perfect Life

‘A compelling and twisty thriller – I was hooked’

Joanne, Netgalley

‘A great read – found myself doing that “just one more chapter” thing ’

Stephanie, Netgalley

‘I couldn’t put this down’

Lisa, Netgalley

‘Loved this one! So easy to read and lots of twists and turns along the way ’

Kelly, Netgalley

‘Oh my! Hooks you right from the start. Suspenseful and twisting – simply brilliant’

Cathy, Netgalley

‘Full of mystery and drama’

Shabana, Netgalley

‘Fast-paced and thrilling. Nuala Ellwood knows how to get the reader enthralled from the start’

Julie, Netgalley

‘A truly fantastic book which kept up the pace from beginning to end. Never in a million years did I see the twist coming!’

Lynn, Netgalley

‘Nuala delivers again’

Angela, Netgalley

‘A taut, riveting psychological thriller – thoroughly recommend’

Karen, Netgalley

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Dear Reader,

I wanted to make some content notes available for you to inform yourself, if you wish – but some readers may consider these spoilers, so please skip the rest if you would rather not see.

This story touches on some difficult topics, including sexual assault. I have tried my best to portray these issues delicately and I hope this comes across as you read The Perfect Life.

If these are topics that you are sensitive to, please be aware.

Nuala x

Epigraph

‘Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.’

– G. K. Chesterton, Tremendous Trifles

Prologue

Goring-on-Thames – August 2018

‘What a view,’ says the estate agent. ‘I’d imagine you can see right across the county from here.’

Her eyes flash with delight. She’ll be thinking of the possible commission, a hefty sum on a property this expensive.

‘It’s stunning,’ I say as I look out on to the milky-blue river and clear, unpolluted sky. ‘So tranquil.’

‘Yes,’ she says, stepping away from the window. ‘The only noise you’ll hear is the sound of birdsong and the trickle of water. Quite a change from the bustle of London.’

I nod my head, smiling. How surprisingly easy this has all been.

‘The current owners are retiring and want to downsize,’ says the estate agent as she leads me through to the drawing room. ‘As you can see, this has been a wonderful home for them. Now it’s ready to be passed on to another family.’