Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 9/22/2008 + 947 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

Lisa Gardner's thriller debut is an impressive one. Young bride Tess weds a local cop, who quickly turns abusive. When she suspects that her husband Jim Beckett may be responsible for a series of violent murders, she goes to the police for help. The police apprehend her husband as he makes an attempt on Tess' life, but after Beckett escapes from prison she knows that she and her young daughter will not be safe until her husband is dead.

Tess turns to a former marine turned burned out mercenary in hopes of learning the gun and combat skills necessary to protect herself. In Iris Johansen fashion, her story melts the heart of the hardened soldier, and he becomes her protector as she and the police hunt down Beckett.

While the plot suggests that this book will be typical thriller fare, Gardner's writing makes it stand out from similar books. She finds a good balance between making sure the action does not let up, while still allowing the reader to get to know and understand her characters. The major players all have interesting back stories, and Jim Beckett is very, very scary. Gardner distinguishes herself from other romantic suspense authors such as Mariah Stewart by not shying away from violent scenes and grisly descriptions of killing. If you are a Karin Slaughter fan you will likely become a Lisa Gardner fan too after reading The Perfect Husband.

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