The Perfect Daughter by D.J. Palmer

 Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own. 

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I have been talking a lot about joy and how to find joy in your everyday life. For me, it's about the little things in life like discovering a new author or reading a story that captivates you from the first page. Much like this book did. 

Book Description

Grace never dreamt she’d visit her teenaged daughter Penny in the locked ward of a decaying state psychiatric hospital, charged with a shocking and brutal murder. There was not much question of her daughter’s guilt. Police had her fingerprints on the murder weapon and the victim’s blood on her body and clothes. But they didn’t have a motive.

Grace blames herself, because that’s what mothers do—they look at their choices and wonder, what if? But hindsight offers little more than the chance for regret.

None of this was conceivable the day Penny came into her life. Then, it seemed like a miracle. Penny was found abandoned, with a mysterious past, and it felt like fate brought Penny to her, and her husband Arthur. But as she grew, Penny's actions grew more disturbing, and different "personalities" emerged.

Arthur and Grace took Penny to different psychiatrists until one diagnosed a severe multiple personality disorder. As Penny awaits trial in a state mental hospital, she is treated by Dr. Mitchell McHugh, a psychiatrist battling demons of his own. Grace’s determination to understand the why behind her daughter’s terrible crime fuels Mitch’s resolve to help the Francone family. Together, they set out in search of the truth about Penny, but discover instead a shocking hidden history of secrets, lies, and betrayals that put all their lives in grave danger.

About D.J. Palmer

D.J. Palmer is the author of numerous critically acclaimed suspense novels, including Delirious and Desperate. After receiving his master's degree from Boston University, he spent a decade as an e-commerce pioneer before turning his attention to writing. He lives with his wife and two children in New Hampshire.

My Thoughts

WOW!!!

Yes, this book was a huge wow factor for me. From the first page, Plamer captivates you and does not let go till the very end. This physiological thriller had more twists and turns than then a country back road. I am usually very observant when reading a book and can figure out who did what by mid-way through but with Palmer he kept me guessing right up till the end. 

The book opens with a murder, an arrest, and a girl with some serious mental health issues. Add to that a mysterious past, an unknown birth father and a birth mother who had her own issues and you get the makings of a Lifetime movie or a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat. 

I immediately got caught up in the story and thought for sure, Penny,  the daughter was guilty. After all, she appeared evil and had multiple personalities. However, as the story unfolded and people started to come forward I began to question my own thoughts. Then when Ryan he brother got angry all the time and defensive I started to doubt myself, Then there was the boyfriend before long I was question everyone's motives. When the big reveal came I was totally shocked. 

I must say this has been one of the best books I've read in a long time. It is a heart-stopping keep you on the edge of your seat kind of book. One I would read again curled up by a fire as I try to discover the clues I messed.