Matcha & Motifs’ Rating 4/5 

A highly successful defense attorney learns that her husband has been accused of murdering his mistress. 

The storytelling is impeccable! I think this may be my favorite mystery of the year (2025). Maybe it’s a curse to proclaim it so, but this was truly an adventure. This book was captivating. It was fast-paced and engaging. The Perfect Marriage features a hands-on investigative plotline, with Sarah, the defense attorney, as one of our narrators. It feels a bit like an episode of Psych or CSI; like an investigative crime show. This is my first procedural-drama-type book, and I have been thoroughly enjoying it. 

The writing is detailed and clear. It adds to the story’s mystique without being too bland or overly flowery, especially in this genre. Per usual, I like the use of a dual narrative. In this book specifically, it adds so much to the story because it gives us an impression of both Sarah and Adam, as well as their thoughts and opinions of each other. We learn who they think they are and who they think their spouse is. When the narrators flip, I’m in a constant battle over whose perspective is misleading and wondering, “What is the truth?”

This was the type of book I found myself thinking about all day. I was considering possibilities of plot twists, assessing each character and their significance, and predicting the ending.  

Characters 

I loved how each character was so well thought out and easy to describe. Sarah is very Type A, someone who has clearly taken the time to perfect her craft. She has a tight circle of supporters and haters, which makes for such a paintable picture. Whereas Adam feels unseen and emasculated in his marriage, he feels new love and appreciation elsewhere. His mind begins to deteriorate when no one believes him. The author explores just enough from their past to bring forth their traumas and possible explanations to their motives and actions. All of the characters in this book are relevant and play a role in the unraveling and reveal.

 An unpredictable read that makes me so excited to read its sequel, The Perfect Divorce, published this year (2025). 

Please read this book if you are a mystery lover; it won’t disappoint. 

***A portion of spoilers***

I am sheep. 

I was even played by Sarah. I had a slight inclination that maybe she could’ve done it, but it wasn’t a real guess with tangible dots connecting. It was more of a passing thought. But wow, talk about an unreliable narrator, and this whole time I thought it was Adam since he was so jumpy and… unreliable. 

Ah yes, the third set of DNA being Sheriff Stevens is insane. Like, it’s believable, but also, I really thought it would be Deputy Marcus since he was acting so shifty. Rose is pointing us exactly where she wants us. 

I was wondering about the significance of Adam’s mother, Eleanor. Now I see that it’s meant to create this image of Adam’s helplessness and lack of accountability stemming from his upbringing. While simultaneously casting our sympathy to Sarah, who is a strong, independent woman who is constantly degraded and disrespected by a misogynistic boy-mom. It’s another subtle point for trusting Sarah and disliking Adam, but played off in a “ugh, mother-in-laws” way. 

Actually, a note on mothers-in-law: when Sarah said, “Your son is a liar, a cheater, and possibly a murderer. Your coddling and over-the-top mothering has gotten Adam into this mess. The best thing you could do as a mother is to take note from mine and kill yourself.” Sheeshhhhh, what a protagonist. Even this moment (although probably hinting at the ruthlessness of Sarah’s character) felt like a point towards Sarah because she stood up for herself. 

Additionally, the dialogue was so natural! I hate when dialogue is overly slangy, but this felt like a timeless movie! Another part that felt like a movie was the gradual buildup that led to crazy climactic scenes, like when Adam escaped jail. This was the peak moment when he lost his mind- his breaking point. The breaking point. Wow, what a ride.