The Perfect Son By Frieda McFadden: Book Review

Warning: This review contains spoilers!

Very similar to my last reviewed book, Gillian McAllister's Wrong Place Wrong Time, this is another book, mummies and daddies might hate or love to read.

Although thank goodness, this one doesn't have a time travel element, so I naturally prefer this book and scored it quite high marks at my book club; I scored it 8 out of 10, and I was really pleased to see that most of the other book club members shared my views on this book

What would you do if you suspected your child was capable of the unthinkable? That’s the question The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden leaves burning in your mind. This story plays on the fears of every parent.

It's a quick read and it is engaging. It pulls you into the life of Erika Cass, a devoted wife and mother forced to confront a horrifying possibility: that her charming, high-achieving teenage son, Liam, might have done something terrible. Erika struggles with her deepest instincts; to protect her child while having to admit a very terrible truth that her child might be evil.

Liam isn’t your average teenager. Even as a young boy, he displayed unsettling behaviours, moments that hinted at something darker beneath his perfect exterior. Erika did everything she could to manage his issues, sending him to therapy and brushing away her lingering doubts. But when Liam becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of Olivia Mercer, a girl from his school, Erika’s faith is tested like never before. He swears he’s innocent. But Erika knows him, really knows him, and she isn’t so sure.

As a mum, I found this premise terrifying. What would I do in Erika’s shoes? Would I turn my child in, knowing he could spend his life behind bars? Or would I fight for him, even if the evidence suggested I was wrong? These are the kinds of moral questions that linger long after you’ve finished the book. McFadden paints Erika as a loving but conflicted mother, one whose internal conflict are both heart-wrenching and believable.

The book is incredibly easy to read. Perfect for lounging by the pool on holiday or curling up with a hot, boozy beverage on a lazy weekend. McFadden keeps the story moving at a brisk pace with short, captivating chapters that make it hard to put down.

The writing style isn’t overly elaborate, which works well for a story driven by suspense and emotion. While some might find the twist at the end predictable, I found it satisfying enough. It ties the story together in a way that feels light-hearted, even if it leans on familiar thriller tropes.

A quote I like in the book comes when Erika reflects on the nature of family: “The perfect family doesn’t exist—it’s just a mask hiding the cracks beneath.” This line stuck with me because it feels so true. No family is without its hidden struggles, and Erika’s family is no exception. As the story unfolds, it’s not just Liam who carries secrets, but others close to Erika as well.

Overall, The Perfect Son delivers an emotional yet accessible thriller, one that raises questions about loyalty, love, and the complexities of motherhood. It’s not meant to be a deeply intricate novel but rather an enjoyable, fast-paced story with enough tension to keep you hooked. If you’re looking for a light read that still packs an emotional punch, I’d highly recommend it.

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