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The Perfect Escape
The perfect girls' weekend turns deadly in this twisty unforgettable thriller that is perfect for fans of Shari Lapena and Riley Sager.
A girls' weekend to die for.
New friends Sam, Margaret and Diana are thrilled to be getting out of the city for a girls’ weekend—they’ve bonded over their messy divorces, and every mile on the odometer feels like another step towards putting their exes in the past. But when car trouble halfway into their trip strands them in the most unlikely of mountain towns, they come face-to-face with the hurts and betrayals they were so desperate to leave behind.
When Diana doesn't return home after a night out, Sam and Margaret's search for her reveals just how little they know about their friend. As eerie coincidences and secrets begin to pile up, and an ex-boyfriend arrives in the tiny town, the women realize that their detour may not have been a mistake...and that someone wants to guarantee that they never make it out.
A girls' weekend to die for.
New friends Sam, Margaret and Diana are thrilled to be getting out of the city for a girls’ weekend—they’ve bonded over their messy divorces, and every mile on the odometer feels like another step towards putting their exes in the past. But when car trouble halfway into their trip strands them in the most unlikely of mountain towns, they come face-to-face with the hurts and betrayals they were so desperate to leave behind.
When Diana doesn't return home after a night out, Sam and Margaret's search for her reveals just how little they know about their friend. As eerie coincidences and secrets begin to pile up, and an ex-boyfriend arrives in the tiny town, the women realize that their detour may not have been a mistake...and that someone wants to guarantee that they never make it out.
357 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2022
388 people are currently reading
25192 people want to read
About the author
Leah Konen
14 books870 followersLeah Konen is the author of The Last Room on the Left, Keep Your Friends Close, You Should Have Told Me, The Perfect Escape, All the Broken People, and several young adult novels, including Love and Other Train Wrecks and The Romantics. Her books have been featured in Vogue, Rolling Stone, Marie Claire, Reader’s Digest and The NY Post, among others. She lives in Brooklyn and the Catskills with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,132 reviews
January 12, 2022
Another exciting, thrilling, addictive wild ride for the fans of mind blowing thrillers!
A relaxing vacation in the Adirondack where three women who suffered from relationships with men find their escape way from reality ! What could go wrong?
Cons: those women are perfectly punchable! You keep asking yourself why those thirty something women get a backbone to make better choices for their lives instead of sticking around those very irritating losers! And why they insist to talk like teenagers?
Pros: smart plot line, fast-riveting pacing, unforeseeable twists( especially the last one gives you the final scene of Usual Suspects vibes. I just dropped down my coffee mug and kept looking at my house walls for a few minutes after reading the final words) Cabin in the woods theme never gets old. It gives those creepy, unputdownable vibes and keeps you hooked up!
This quick, easy to read, heart pounding, extremely interesting, popcorn& IPA or nachos&margarita read ( I take the latter) You keep jumping up and down from your seat, screaming when you read those delicious twists and turns of the plot you never see them coming!
Summary of plot: Sam, Margaret and Diana are three close friends with relationship problems. Sam’s marriage is about to end. Diana is finally divorced and Margaret is close to break up!
Their visit to Adirondack takes awkward turn when they lose their car keys at the gas station and decide to stay at the cabin in the woods on their way.
They want to celebrate their new freedom at the bar with couple of margaritas just like I’m doing during my reading journey! Salute!
But when Sam’s ex decides to show up and Margaret hooks up with a stranger during their bizarre celebration night. Guess what happened next day? They realize Diane never came home. What the hell happened to their dear friend?
From that point things get escalated a little more than we expected! This the exact point : I have to shut my mouth and let the readers enjoy their own wild ride!
Did I enjoy this wild, smart, complex journey? Hell yeah I did! I absolutely recommend you to read it!
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM / G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
A relaxing vacation in the Adirondack where three women who suffered from relationships with men find their escape way from reality ! What could go wrong?
Cons: those women are perfectly punchable! You keep asking yourself why those thirty something women get a backbone to make better choices for their lives instead of sticking around those very irritating losers! And why they insist to talk like teenagers?
Pros: smart plot line, fast-riveting pacing, unforeseeable twists( especially the last one gives you the final scene of Usual Suspects vibes. I just dropped down my coffee mug and kept looking at my house walls for a few minutes after reading the final words) Cabin in the woods theme never gets old. It gives those creepy, unputdownable vibes and keeps you hooked up!
This quick, easy to read, heart pounding, extremely interesting, popcorn& IPA or nachos&margarita read ( I take the latter) You keep jumping up and down from your seat, screaming when you read those delicious twists and turns of the plot you never see them coming!
Summary of plot: Sam, Margaret and Diana are three close friends with relationship problems. Sam’s marriage is about to end. Diana is finally divorced and Margaret is close to break up!
Their visit to Adirondack takes awkward turn when they lose their car keys at the gas station and decide to stay at the cabin in the woods on their way.
They want to celebrate their new freedom at the bar with couple of margaritas just like I’m doing during my reading journey! Salute!
But when Sam’s ex decides to show up and Margaret hooks up with a stranger during their bizarre celebration night. Guess what happened next day? They realize Diane never came home. What the hell happened to their dear friend?
From that point things get escalated a little more than we expected! This the exact point : I have to shut my mouth and let the readers enjoy their own wild ride!
Did I enjoy this wild, smart, complex journey? Hell yeah I did! I absolutely recommend you to read it!
Special thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP PUTNAM / G. P. Putnam’s Sons for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
January 4, 2022
4+
There are three members of ‘Sergeant Diana’s Lonely Hearts Club’, there’s Sam whose marriage to Harry is over almost before it’s properly started, Margaret whose marriage to Lars can only be described as ‘on the rocks’ and finally there’s Diana who is separated from husband Brandon. They set off for a perfect escape to Saratoga Springs for unwinding, relaxation, a hot tub, a glass or three of wine all designed to enable Sam the chance to accept things, embrace the acceptance and move on. However, a couple of hours into the drive it all starts to go wrong beginning with a set of car keys in Catskill, New York. Sam thinks this is serendipity but is it manipulation?
Currently there are a lot of books with ‘perfect’ in the title and some are less than perfect. However, not so with this one as it’s action packed from start to finish. We have so many debacles starting with the Great Car Key Debacle, there’s a twilight zone of exes and the moving on debacle, the who can we trust debacle and the who is the big fat liar debacle. The characterisation is very good, all the characters are interestingly flawed, some more than others, all carry baggage some of which is weighty. Emotions run high, we run the whole gamut with everything from sadness, hurt, bitterness, regret and lust. There’s plenty of tension, it’s a bit creepy at times, there are a number of shocks and the revelations keep coming and oh boy, do they keep coming!! We have duping and manipulation by the bucketload in the creation of a perfect plan with a perfect escape and one individual who has performed a major number! The twists keep coming right to the end which makes it so darn entertaining and unpredictable even to my devious mind! I do figure one thing out but that’s about it!!!
Overall, if you want an enjoyable, well written psychological thriller then look no further.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
There are three members of ‘Sergeant Diana’s Lonely Hearts Club’, there’s Sam whose marriage to Harry is over almost before it’s properly started, Margaret whose marriage to Lars can only be described as ‘on the rocks’ and finally there’s Diana who is separated from husband Brandon. They set off for a perfect escape to Saratoga Springs for unwinding, relaxation, a hot tub, a glass or three of wine all designed to enable Sam the chance to accept things, embrace the acceptance and move on. However, a couple of hours into the drive it all starts to go wrong beginning with a set of car keys in Catskill, New York. Sam thinks this is serendipity but is it manipulation?
Currently there are a lot of books with ‘perfect’ in the title and some are less than perfect. However, not so with this one as it’s action packed from start to finish. We have so many debacles starting with the Great Car Key Debacle, there’s a twilight zone of exes and the moving on debacle, the who can we trust debacle and the who is the big fat liar debacle. The characterisation is very good, all the characters are interestingly flawed, some more than others, all carry baggage some of which is weighty. Emotions run high, we run the whole gamut with everything from sadness, hurt, bitterness, regret and lust. There’s plenty of tension, it’s a bit creepy at times, there are a number of shocks and the revelations keep coming and oh boy, do they keep coming!! We have duping and manipulation by the bucketload in the creation of a perfect plan with a perfect escape and one individual who has performed a major number! The twists keep coming right to the end which makes it so darn entertaining and unpredictable even to my devious mind! I do figure one thing out but that’s about it!!!
Overall, if you want an enjoyable, well written psychological thriller then look no further.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Penguin Michael Joseph for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
January 5, 2022
A girls' weekend to die for.
Getting out of the city sounds like a wonderful thing to do! Three new friends, Sam, Margaret, and Diana are happy to do just that. Road trips sometimes come with bumps in the road. When the keys to their rental car are missing after a quick stop. They must stop for the night and stay at a lovely rental.
They are not going to let a little car trouble get in the way of them having fun. They need this. They have all suffered losses in their personal lives. They will soon learn that although they have left the city, their past hurts and betrayals have come with them.
This was a fun book and I enjoyed doing some super sleuthing to try and figure things out. Soon, they car keys are not the only thing that has gone missing. When one of the women does not return from their drunken night out, the tension mounts, as does the mystery and suspense.
What a mess this becomes! An enjoyable tension filled mess full of twists, deception, lies and lust. The author had me from the very first page. Word to the wise - Do Not go on a road trip with someone who have not known for long. Seriously, if you don't know their last name, maybe it’s not a wise idea.
But I digress, this was an absorbing, tension filled mystery which had my turning the pages, glued to my seat, wanting answers. I have to say, I did not see the twists or reveal coming! I love when that happens.
Gripping, shocking and entertaining!
Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam/ G. P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Getting out of the city sounds like a wonderful thing to do! Three new friends, Sam, Margaret, and Diana are happy to do just that. Road trips sometimes come with bumps in the road. When the keys to their rental car are missing after a quick stop. They must stop for the night and stay at a lovely rental.
They are not going to let a little car trouble get in the way of them having fun. They need this. They have all suffered losses in their personal lives. They will soon learn that although they have left the city, their past hurts and betrayals have come with them.
This was a fun book and I enjoyed doing some super sleuthing to try and figure things out. Soon, they car keys are not the only thing that has gone missing. When one of the women does not return from their drunken night out, the tension mounts, as does the mystery and suspense.
What a mess this becomes! An enjoyable tension filled mess full of twists, deception, lies and lust. The author had me from the very first page. Word to the wise - Do Not go on a road trip with someone who have not known for long. Seriously, if you don't know their last name, maybe it’s not a wise idea.
But I digress, this was an absorbing, tension filled mystery which had my turning the pages, glued to my seat, wanting answers. I have to say, I did not see the twists or reveal coming! I love when that happens.
Gripping, shocking and entertaining!
Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam/ G. P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
May 31, 2021
The Perfect Escape by Leah Konen leads you into the mountains with 3 women on a get-away trip to escape reality of their divorces. What should have been a relaxing vacay in the adirondacks, goes awry. First stop at a gas station, they lose their keys, so they rent a car and stay at a cabin off their path. When Sam, Margaret and Diana, travel to a bar for a night of margaritas, and become inebriated, they lose all track of their senses. Sam's ex shows up for an eventful frolic outside the bar, while Margaret hooks up with a total stranger that brings them both back to the cabin. The next morning with headaches in tow the two of them realize Diana never came home.
Backtracking to the bar, they find blood stains and suspect something has happened to their friend.
It gets a little crazy after this and there are so many people involved. Lies are told and people are not who they say they are. The skeletons are removed from the closets with some unexpected surprises. It is an easy read with a lot of action leading you to a final twist. This gave me the creeps too with the Cabin in the Woods feel.....a car disabled, electricity going off during a storm, a feeling someone is watching you and friends disappearing.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
3.8*
Backtracking to the bar, they find blood stains and suspect something has happened to their friend.
It gets a little crazy after this and there are so many people involved. Lies are told and people are not who they say they are. The skeletons are removed from the closets with some unexpected surprises. It is an easy read with a lot of action leading you to a final twist. This gave me the creeps too with the Cabin in the Woods feel.....a car disabled, electricity going off during a storm, a feeling someone is watching you and friends disappearing.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
3.8*
December 12, 2021
For my darling, Sam. From your darling, Harry.
Sam takes her wedding rings off, looks at that inscription one more time, and sticks the rings in her pocket. She is ready to forget that Harry left her. She is ready for a girls' weekend with buddies Margaret and Sam. How well does she really know these travel buddies? How well do they know her? Before the three even reach their destination of Sarasota Springs, the trip will go horribly awry. I give Leah Konen high points for creativity. Our narrators deliver one surprise after another. It is hard to know WHO to trust. Will this trio of travelers unravel the mystery of what happens on the first night of their trip? Too many margaritas and secrets definitely make things more complicated. This is a thriller that keeps you up at night turning pages to see what happens next. And there is a cute dog named Rosie, too. = )
Thank you to GP Putnam and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Sam takes her wedding rings off, looks at that inscription one more time, and sticks the rings in her pocket. She is ready to forget that Harry left her. She is ready for a girls' weekend with buddies Margaret and Sam. How well does she really know these travel buddies? How well do they know her? Before the three even reach their destination of Sarasota Springs, the trip will go horribly awry. I give Leah Konen high points for creativity. Our narrators deliver one surprise after another. It is hard to know WHO to trust. Will this trio of travelers unravel the mystery of what happens on the first night of their trip? Too many margaritas and secrets definitely make things more complicated. This is a thriller that keeps you up at night turning pages to see what happens next. And there is a cute dog named Rosie, too. = )
Thank you to GP Putnam and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2021
How well do you really know your friends?
Sam, Margaret, and Diana have had a bit of a whirlwind of a friendship, where heartbreak and relationship problems caused them to bond much quicker than normal. Each eager for an escape, they set out for a weekend getaway where they can drink and laugh away their woes. But when the only key to their rental car somehow winds up lost at a rest stop, the three are forced to unexpectedly spend the night in a small town. Attempting to make the best of the situation, they head out to a local bar. It’s not drinking wine in the hot tub as planned, but hey, margaritas with the girls is still a fun diversion. One of the three doesn’t make it back to their rental that night, and soon it becomes clear the three all have been keeping secrets. They started out thinking this trip would be the perfect escape, but it turns out it’s the getaway itself they need escaping from.
This was a fun little escape. The who was pretty obvious but the why definitely had me curious enough to furiously flip the pages. I think seasoned mystery readers will see a few things coming, but sometimes it’s fun to wait for the characters to catch up to our knowledge, and I found that to be the case here. Some suspension of disbelief is required, but overall I was mostly able to go with the flow and just enjoy the twists and turns as they came along, all the while set against the increasingly creepy atmosphere of the mysterious rental.
The last chapter of this one was really something, and caused me to round up from 3.5 to 4. I found it to be quite clever and it’s going to provide some great fodder for discussion for those who read this with friends or as a part of a book club.
CW: Those who struggle with fertility or who are strongly pro-life may find parts of one storyline tough to read. I felt it was handled with care, but as someone who has never wanted children, I acknowledge I am in no way qualified to make that determination for others.
Expected publication date: January 4, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an advanced copy of this title for review.
Sam, Margaret, and Diana have had a bit of a whirlwind of a friendship, where heartbreak and relationship problems caused them to bond much quicker than normal. Each eager for an escape, they set out for a weekend getaway where they can drink and laugh away their woes. But when the only key to their rental car somehow winds up lost at a rest stop, the three are forced to unexpectedly spend the night in a small town. Attempting to make the best of the situation, they head out to a local bar. It’s not drinking wine in the hot tub as planned, but hey, margaritas with the girls is still a fun diversion. One of the three doesn’t make it back to their rental that night, and soon it becomes clear the three all have been keeping secrets. They started out thinking this trip would be the perfect escape, but it turns out it’s the getaway itself they need escaping from.
This was a fun little escape. The who was pretty obvious but the why definitely had me curious enough to furiously flip the pages. I think seasoned mystery readers will see a few things coming, but sometimes it’s fun to wait for the characters to catch up to our knowledge, and I found that to be the case here. Some suspension of disbelief is required, but overall I was mostly able to go with the flow and just enjoy the twists and turns as they came along, all the while set against the increasingly creepy atmosphere of the mysterious rental.
The last chapter of this one was really something, and caused me to round up from 3.5 to 4. I found it to be quite clever and it’s going to provide some great fodder for discussion for those who read this with friends or as a part of a book club.
CW: Those who struggle with fertility or who are strongly pro-life may find parts of one storyline tough to read. I felt it was handled with care, but as someone who has never wanted children, I acknowledge I am in no way qualified to make that determination for others.
Expected publication date: January 4, 2022
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for an advanced copy of this title for review.
January 10, 2022
The reading gods are smiling on me thus far in 2022, as this was another winner!
Sam, Diana and Margaret are three "newish" friends who are all recently separated from their husbands. They decide on a girls' road trip to Margaret's friend's cabin to commiserate over their lost relationships, drink some (or a lot) of wine, and soak in a hot tub. Things start going awry from the time they stop at their first pit stop on the trip. All three have secrets, and when one of them seemingly disappears into thin air after a drunken night out, cracks in their relationship come to light and they begin to wonder how they ended up where they did, and who can be trusted.
I've read so many friends-weekend-gone-wrong thrillers, and most of them are just okay; but for the most part, this one knocked it out of the park. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something would come out of nowhere and totally thwart my theory. The twists and secrets don't stop coming - to the very last page. Were some of them a tad unbelievable? Yes. Did some of the decisions the women made want to make my face palm? Yes. Did I still race through every single page to find out "whodunnit"? God, yes.
Words to the wise: (A) don't start this one until you have plenty of time to sit and read because you won't want to put it down, and (B) before you go on a girls' trip with friends you barely know, do a damn background check on them!
Seriously though, this book was "the perfect escape" for my snowy Friday in New England. Kudos, Leah Konen. 4 stars!
Sam, Diana and Margaret are three "newish" friends who are all recently separated from their husbands. They decide on a girls' road trip to Margaret's friend's cabin to commiserate over their lost relationships, drink some (or a lot) of wine, and soak in a hot tub. Things start going awry from the time they stop at their first pit stop on the trip. All three have secrets, and when one of them seemingly disappears into thin air after a drunken night out, cracks in their relationship come to light and they begin to wonder how they ended up where they did, and who can be trusted.
I've read so many friends-weekend-gone-wrong thrillers, and most of them are just okay; but for the most part, this one knocked it out of the park. Every time I thought I had it figured out, something would come out of nowhere and totally thwart my theory. The twists and secrets don't stop coming - to the very last page. Were some of them a tad unbelievable? Yes. Did some of the decisions the women made want to make my face palm? Yes. Did I still race through every single page to find out "whodunnit"? God, yes.
Words to the wise: (A) don't start this one until you have plenty of time to sit and read because you won't want to put it down, and (B) before you go on a girls' trip with friends you barely know, do a damn background check on them!
Seriously though, this book was "the perfect escape" for my snowy Friday in New England. Kudos, Leah Konen. 4 stars!
August 6, 2023
Sam, Margaret and Diana, three friends whose marriages are on the rocks, rent a vacation property in Saratoga Springs in upper New York State for a girls' weekend. Sounds like the perfect escape doesn't it? Think again! We've got missing car keys, missing people, a dead body and a bit of romance.
This was my second experience with an audiobook and, although the narration was much better than the first book I tried, I just don't think I'm the audiobook type. Maybe it's the books I'm selecting but I just don't enjoy listening to a book as much as I like reading one plus if I was the least bit comfortable I found myself dozing off, sometimes for 2 or 3 chapters. This is an okay story told from the viewpoints of Sam and Margaret in alternating chapters but I didn't like any of the characters. I found the story too drawn out and didn't find it especially twisty or thrilling. (Please note that the name Sam has popped up once again!)
Thanks to Libby via the London Public Library for the loan of this audiobook.
This was my second experience with an audiobook and, although the narration was much better than the first book I tried, I just don't think I'm the audiobook type. Maybe it's the books I'm selecting but I just don't enjoy listening to a book as much as I like reading one plus if I was the least bit comfortable I found myself dozing off, sometimes for 2 or 3 chapters. This is an okay story told from the viewpoints of Sam and Margaret in alternating chapters but I didn't like any of the characters. I found the story too drawn out and didn't find it especially twisty or thrilling. (Please note that the name Sam has popped up once again!)
Thanks to Libby via the London Public Library for the loan of this audiobook.
January 19, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this. While I found it quick, easy to read, and overall enjoyable, I thought the plot was just ok. Although, the last plot twist got me.
Friends Sam, Margaret, and Diana can’t wait to leave their man troubles behind in the city. They drive upstate for a weekend getaway however, after an impromptu stop they don’t make it there. It seems like things keep going wrong. They lose the keys to their rental car and find themselves in the middle of a small mountain town.
Things heat up when Diana goes missing after a night of drinking at the local bar. As Sam and Margaret go over the events of that evening, they realize how little they actually know about their friend.
Told in alternate point if views, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.
Friends Sam, Margaret, and Diana can’t wait to leave their man troubles behind in the city. They drive upstate for a weekend getaway however, after an impromptu stop they don’t make it there. It seems like things keep going wrong. They lose the keys to their rental car and find themselves in the middle of a small mountain town.
Things heat up when Diana goes missing after a night of drinking at the local bar. As Sam and Margaret go over the events of that evening, they realize how little they actually know about their friend.
Told in alternate point if views, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.
February 11, 2022
3.5 stars, graciously rounded up. Three new best friends, each with secrets and turmoil in their respective lives, who absolutely need a break. What could be better than leaving the city for a little vacation?? As one would expect, looks can be very deceiving, and sometimes the people you think you know best in life still aren't exactly who you think they are. When one of the three doesn't return home after a night out, they quickly find out just how little they really know about each other!
For the most part, this was a pretty good 'getaway' trip among three girlfriends in which everything that could possibly go wrong, did go wrong. To start with, they lose their car key and are seemingly stuck in a small mountain town. Then, one of the gals runs into her ex, who she's literally trying to get away from, making the trip a complete bust! Is this in fact just be an unlucky coincidence? When one of the group doesn't return home the next morning, coupled with the fact that she was last seen leaving the club to go speak with the other's ex, panic sets in and escalates to hysterics when shortly thereafter a body is found!
At times it felt like this one was just a tad too farfetched, and towards the end of this one it seemingly turned into a soap opera rather than the thriller I expected, which was a let down for me. The motivations for what was going on felt over-the-top, and even who it was and the secret behind that person's true identity was IMO fantastical. That being said, there were parts that were suspenseful, and I was intrigued throughout, needing to know what exactly was going on. When everything was eventually unraveled, my predictions couldn't have been further off, so that is a definite positive. It's difficult to go into more detail without spoiling, but as a whole I will say this one had great potential, but the latter portion really just didn't do as much for me as I'd hoped. I believe that had the author gone in a different direction, this could have been fantastic. Sadly, it fell just short.
This is my second read by this author, and I'm still a fan, but I do feel her debut was the better of the two. Regardless of my feelings, I do believe this will still receive mostly positive reviews.
Onto the next great read!
For the most part, this was a pretty good 'getaway' trip among three girlfriends in which everything that could possibly go wrong, did go wrong. To start with, they lose their car key and are seemingly stuck in a small mountain town. Then, one of the gals runs into her ex, who she's literally trying to get away from, making the trip a complete bust! Is this in fact just be an unlucky coincidence? When one of the group doesn't return home the next morning, coupled with the fact that she was last seen leaving the club to go speak with the other's ex, panic sets in and escalates to hysterics when shortly thereafter a body is found!
At times it felt like this one was just a tad too farfetched, and towards the end of this one it seemingly turned into a soap opera rather than the thriller I expected, which was a let down for me. The motivations for what was going on felt over-the-top, and even who it was and the secret behind that person's true identity was IMO fantastical. That being said, there were parts that were suspenseful, and I was intrigued throughout, needing to know what exactly was going on. When everything was eventually unraveled, my predictions couldn't have been further off, so that is a definite positive. It's difficult to go into more detail without spoiling, but as a whole I will say this one had great potential, but the latter portion really just didn't do as much for me as I'd hoped. I believe that had the author gone in a different direction, this could have been fantastic. Sadly, it fell just short.
This is my second read by this author, and I'm still a fan, but I do feel her debut was the better of the two. Regardless of my feelings, I do believe this will still receive mostly positive reviews.
Onto the next great read!
January 16, 2022
I loved this book! It had so many twists and turns I was constantly surprised and cared about the characters so much. A top notch thriller.
May 3, 2021
I Nominate Leah Konen, For Sophomore Author Of The Year!
(Her 2nd novel in the Thriller Genre)
Well done.
Intrigue + Suspense + Mystery + Well Defined Characters + A Smart Plot + The Intangible Factor That Only Good Authors Have
=
"The Perfect Escape"
I am beyond pleased with author, Leah Konen's sophomore release.
All the pieces involved had a great possibility of becoming convoluted. That it was all pulled together and flowed perfectly is a total credit to the author.
*Thank you to Penguin Publishing Company via Edelweiss+ for the advanced digital reader copy
(Her 2nd novel in the Thriller Genre)
Well done.
Intrigue + Suspense + Mystery + Well Defined Characters + A Smart Plot + The Intangible Factor That Only Good Authors Have
=
"The Perfect Escape"
I am beyond pleased with author, Leah Konen's sophomore release.
All the pieces involved had a great possibility of becoming convoluted. That it was all pulled together and flowed perfectly is a total credit to the author.
*Thank you to Penguin Publishing Company via Edelweiss+ for the advanced digital reader copy
August 4, 2023
4.5⭐️ this was so good
April 7, 2024
Update: originally 2.5 stars but I sat with my feelings and lowered my rating to just 2 stars 😂
This won't be a rant review. I'm both too exhausted and annoyed to care.
What I liked: The pacing. It had the pacing that I look for in a thriller which is: starts out slow, then builds to madness and mayhem. This book had that. Unfortunately, the mayhem insults the reader's intelligence.
What I didn't like:
HELLA VAGUE SPOILERS BELOW
1. Both main characters did everything that you're not supposed to do during a missing person(s) investigation: tampering with evidence, putting your fingerprints all over a damn crime scene, speaking to detectives without an attorney present. Do the girlies not watch Law and Order anymore?!?
2. The side "romance." As an avid romance reader, I'm always iffy about romance subplots that are written in novels that aren't romance novels. The main reason is that they're RARELY well-written. They're usually shallow and I never buy the connection between the characters. Most of the time, they straight up suck. The romance in this book straight up sucked. The love interest told the dumbest lie that I've ever heard when the truth was may more reasonable. Throw the whole man and his bandana away.
This won't be a rant review. I'm both too exhausted and annoyed to care.
What I liked: The pacing. It had the pacing that I look for in a thriller which is: starts out slow, then builds to madness and mayhem. This book had that. Unfortunately, the mayhem insults the reader's intelligence.
What I didn't like:
HELLA VAGUE SPOILERS BELOW
1. Both main characters did everything that you're not supposed to do during a missing person(s) investigation: tampering with evidence, putting your fingerprints all over a damn crime scene, speaking to detectives without an attorney present. Do the girlies not watch Law and Order anymore?!?
2. The side "romance." As an avid romance reader, I'm always iffy about romance subplots that are written in novels that aren't romance novels. The main reason is that they're RARELY well-written. They're usually shallow and I never buy the connection between the characters. Most of the time, they straight up suck. The romance in this book straight up sucked. The love interest told the dumbest lie that I've ever heard when the truth was may more reasonable. Throw the whole man and his bandana away.
December 3, 2021
This is one of those books that I read late into the night because I couldn't wait to find out what happened. It centers on 3 friends named Sam, Margaret, and Diana who go on a long weekend girls' trip, only to get stranded on the way and have to take a detour, when it becomes clear that there is more to the story than it initially seemed. The story alternates between the POVs of Sam and Margaret, with quick and action-packed chapters.
My only nit with the book was that some of the characters were quick to accept certain events as coincidences when it seemed obvious to me that there was something more sinister going on. It sure took them a long time to get there! That being said, even though I knew there was more to the story, I didn't know what the "more" entailed, and was still surprised but a couple pretty twists as the book went on.
Overall, super fun run that I devoured over a couple of sittings. Good suspense, good characterization, and an overall fun story to read. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My only nit with the book was that some of the characters were quick to accept certain events as coincidences when it seemed obvious to me that there was something more sinister going on. It sure took them a long time to get there! That being said, even though I knew there was more to the story, I didn't know what the "more" entailed, and was still surprised but a couple pretty twists as the book went on.
Overall, super fun run that I devoured over a couple of sittings. Good suspense, good characterization, and an overall fun story to read. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2022
Recent divorcees Sam, Margaret and Diana plan a weekend trip together to Saratoga Springs, but lose their car key during a gas station break on the way there. They have to stay over in small town Catskill, New York. That’s when the CHAOS ensues. They soon find nothing is as it seems, with an uneasiness feeling like they’ve been set-up. There’s a big buildup of mystery, the journey is absolutely insane and is so so much fun. It’s definitely one of those runaway-train-type thrillers that kept me glued to my seat. This is a girls weekend I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy! So good!
Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam via NetGalley for kindly approving an arc in return for an honest review.
Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam via NetGalley for kindly approving an arc in return for an honest review.
January 5, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Perfect Escape.
This was a standard, formulaic be prepared to suspend disbelief tale about three new friends named Sam, Margaret and Diana.
The three of them barely know each other, except they all have lousy taste in men and are on the outs with said men, who decide to go on a girls' weekend.
Naturally, things go awry.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
If you enjoy unbelievable scenarios and have no problems suspending disbelief, then The Perfect Escape was written just for you.
Read about how the women drink themselves to oblivion, whine needlessly about their perfect man (Sam, I'm looking at you) and continue to drink and keep secrets from one another.
Let's not forget the parts where the author oh so kindly omits, purposely keeping vital information from the reader so when the secret is revealed, it sounds like a twist.
It is not a twist. It is a trick, and the author isn't the first (or sadly, the last) to use this writing ploy.
If I don't know what is going on with the characters, then I can't solve the mystery alongside them. Not that it matters.
The writing is fine, but there's no suspense or urgency, and the pacing dragged.
It took forever to get to the point, the characters kept thinking and soliloquy-ing to themselves, and the author kept eking out the 'revelations,' most of which you can guess. I did.
When all is revealed, I was left wondering, "What?" and scratching my head.
The ending is Lifetime HEA hilarious for Margaret, and even for Sam, who continues to make excuses for her lover.
It's highly unlikely I'll read the author's next book.
This was a standard, formulaic be prepared to suspend disbelief tale about three new friends named Sam, Margaret and Diana.
The three of them barely know each other, except they all have lousy taste in men and are on the outs with said men, who decide to go on a girls' weekend.
Naturally, things go awry.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
If you enjoy unbelievable scenarios and have no problems suspending disbelief, then The Perfect Escape was written just for you.
Read about how the women drink themselves to oblivion, whine needlessly about their perfect man (Sam, I'm looking at you) and continue to drink and keep secrets from one another.
Let's not forget the parts where the author oh so kindly omits, purposely keeping vital information from the reader so when the secret is revealed, it sounds like a twist.
It is not a twist. It is a trick, and the author isn't the first (or sadly, the last) to use this writing ploy.
If I don't know what is going on with the characters, then I can't solve the mystery alongside them. Not that it matters.
The writing is fine, but there's no suspense or urgency, and the pacing dragged.
It took forever to get to the point, the characters kept thinking and soliloquy-ing to themselves, and the author kept eking out the 'revelations,' most of which you can guess. I did.
When all is revealed, I was left wondering, "What?" and scratching my head.
The ending is Lifetime HEA hilarious for Margaret, and even for Sam, who continues to make excuses for her lover.
It's highly unlikely I'll read the author's next book.
November 16, 2021
Three friends go on a weekend trip and one goes missing. My worst nightmare! This book grabbed me from the very first page and it did not let up. So many twists and turns that leave you saying “what?” And even down to the last chapter there’s a big twist. Loved it! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published January 2022.
January 10, 2022
Recent divorcees Sam, Margaret and Diana plan a weekend trip together to Saratoga Springs, but lose their car key during a gas station break on the way there. They have to stay over in small town Catskill, New York. That’s when the CHAOS ensues. They soon find nothing is as it seems, with an uneasiness feeling like they’ve been set-up. There’s a big buildup of mystery, the journey is absolutely insane and is so so much fun. It’s definitely one of those runaway-train-type thrillers that kept me glued to my seat. This is a girls weekend I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy! So good!
Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam via NetGalley for kindly approving an arc in return for an honest review.
Thanks to Penguin Group Putnam via NetGalley for kindly approving an arc in return for an honest review.
September 11, 2022
4.25/5
I fell in love with Leah Konen after I read her debut adult novel, and I knew I had to stop waiting and get my hands on The Perfect Escape. There are two main viewpoints which are Sam and Margaret with Diana having only a small part, but I loved that the audiobook still had 3 narrators. I always say how important it is to me for there to be a narrator for each viewpoint and the audio for this did not disappoint. Erin Deward, Karissa Vacker & Kelsey Navarro brought the story and characters alive, and I couldn't have asked for anyone better than them. For this reason, I highly recommend the audio, but make sure to have a copy of the book as well because there is a great conversation with the author at the end that I really appreciated getting a chance to read.
This was a very twisty and pacy read which made me happy, and the end actually ended up giving me chills it was so good! I was surprised by all of the twists and also surprised to learn Konen tackled pregnancy issues in the story as well. I would investigate potential triggers prior to reading The Perfect Escape if this is something you have struggled with. I loved the focus on female friendships as well as how flawed and real the characters were. They don't always make the best decisions, but luckily it wasn't anything that made me want to throw the book across the room! Reading this has made me love Konen even more than I already did, and I would say she has officially become an autobuy author for me. So, who should read this? I recommend it to any thriller and mystery reader who enjoys imperfect characters and mind-blowing twists.
I fell in love with Leah Konen after I read her debut adult novel, and I knew I had to stop waiting and get my hands on The Perfect Escape. There are two main viewpoints which are Sam and Margaret with Diana having only a small part, but I loved that the audiobook still had 3 narrators. I always say how important it is to me for there to be a narrator for each viewpoint and the audio for this did not disappoint. Erin Deward, Karissa Vacker & Kelsey Navarro brought the story and characters alive, and I couldn't have asked for anyone better than them. For this reason, I highly recommend the audio, but make sure to have a copy of the book as well because there is a great conversation with the author at the end that I really appreciated getting a chance to read.
This was a very twisty and pacy read which made me happy, and the end actually ended up giving me chills it was so good! I was surprised by all of the twists and also surprised to learn Konen tackled pregnancy issues in the story as well. I would investigate potential triggers prior to reading The Perfect Escape if this is something you have struggled with. I loved the focus on female friendships as well as how flawed and real the characters were. They don't always make the best decisions, but luckily it wasn't anything that made me want to throw the book across the room! Reading this has made me love Konen even more than I already did, and I would say she has officially become an autobuy author for me. So, who should read this? I recommend it to any thriller and mystery reader who enjoys imperfect characters and mind-blowing twists.
January 12, 2022
A girls’ weekend to die for…
If you are looking for a fun book to get lost in, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 is the book for you. The chapters are short with cliffhanger endings (my favorite for thrillers and mystery books). Every single character is hiding at least one secret. The further I read, the crazier it became. And as a bonus, romance was also included in one of the storylines, which I was not expecting at all! There were so many directions this story could have went. I had my doubts, but trust me it all comes together and works itself out in the end.
The three main characters were also in their 30's going away for a relaxing weekend to escape life. I could relate to their travel destination (rental house with a hot tub), travel style (meticulously planned), and drinking rules (a glass of water after every drink). I 💯 agree that everyone can use a break from our busy lives and slow down. Just know your travel companions. 😉
Thank you to my book friends @alluringworm, @delightfully.brittany, and @emilyisoverbooked for all the fun along the way reading this one together. Also, thank you to @putnambooks and @leahkonen for a copy of this book!
If you are looking for a fun book to get lost in, 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗘𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 is the book for you. The chapters are short with cliffhanger endings (my favorite for thrillers and mystery books). Every single character is hiding at least one secret. The further I read, the crazier it became. And as a bonus, romance was also included in one of the storylines, which I was not expecting at all! There were so many directions this story could have went. I had my doubts, but trust me it all comes together and works itself out in the end.
The three main characters were also in their 30's going away for a relaxing weekend to escape life. I could relate to their travel destination (rental house with a hot tub), travel style (meticulously planned), and drinking rules (a glass of water after every drink). I 💯 agree that everyone can use a break from our busy lives and slow down. Just know your travel companions. 😉
Thank you to my book friends @alluringworm, @delightfully.brittany, and @emilyisoverbooked for all the fun along the way reading this one together. Also, thank you to @putnambooks and @leahkonen for a copy of this book!
December 16, 2021
The Perfect Escape was a really fun read. The story line was fluid and I was easily able to finish this in one sitting. Once you start, you are not going to want to put this one down. I could not wait to find out what happened!
I love stories that circle around "girls night out" or "girls weekend" so this was right up my alley. This story develops around Sam, Diana, and Margaret who plan a weekend getaway but they end up stranded along the way. I loved the fact that the chapters are told from multiple points of view as you are really able to see the story come together and it made the character really come to life.
Between the short chapters that really moved the book along, to the character development, this was an outstanding read.
Five Stars.
I love stories that circle around "girls night out" or "girls weekend" so this was right up my alley. This story develops around Sam, Diana, and Margaret who plan a weekend getaway but they end up stranded along the way. I loved the fact that the chapters are told from multiple points of view as you are really able to see the story come together and it made the character really come to life.
Between the short chapters that really moved the book along, to the character development, this was an outstanding read.
Five Stars.
February 22, 2022
QUICK TAKE: I am a Leah Konen fan! I really enjoyed her previous book, ALL THE BROKEN PEOPLE, and there's a lot to like about THE PERFECT ESCAPE despite it ultimately leaving me a little underwhelmed. The book is fast-paced and propulsive and the mystery is very engaging, but the twists and end reveals left me wanting more. That being said, I look forward to reading what's next from the author!
November 30, 2021
The thing that I struggled with in this one was the writing itself - it often felt rather clunky or as if it were relying on telling rather than showing. Aside from that (which is idiosyncratic to my own "reading ear" for books), I thought that was really fun! We've got a girls weekend gone very, very wrong, with three girlfriends who are bonded by their shared pasts of love gone wrong but who may not know each other as well as they thought. I really enjoyed the final "twists"/way the plot wrapped up, and while it may not have been perfect, it was quite an enjoyable mystery thriller
January 22, 2022
A classic psychological thriller here, featuring a long weekend escape that turns into a secret fuelled twisty mystery.
Definitely a page turner with well rounded characters and an intriguing, dark plot that shows that we can never really know the people around us...
I thoroughly enjoyed it, read it on two sittings and was appreciative of the fact that the plot flowed realistically and unpredictably. Not sure the last minute turn about was required felt a bit shoe horned in but that was my only bugbear.
Overall an excellent and entertaining read.
Definitely a page turner with well rounded characters and an intriguing, dark plot that shows that we can never really know the people around us...
I thoroughly enjoyed it, read it on two sittings and was appreciative of the fact that the plot flowed realistically and unpredictably. Not sure the last minute turn about was required felt a bit shoe horned in but that was my only bugbear.
Overall an excellent and entertaining read.
June 23, 2021
Nobody writes twists like Leah Konen—this woman puts Hitchcock to shame. TPE is somehow even more fantastic than her stunning debut, ATBP; her sophomore effort is a gripping, whip-smart, and unforgettable pulse-pounder that left my head spinning. With its intricate plotting and truly shocking reveals, this thriller is both an addictive page-turner and a brilliant examination of female friendship, shame, and betrayals. Thriller lovers: You need this book.
March 23, 2022
There was one character that made me hate the entire book. Interesting, but draggy
November 12, 2021
If there's a Cabin the the Woods-style book, I'm going to read it! I'm a sucker for this troupe (I blame Sam Raimi), and I'm rarely disappointed.
The Perfect Escape provides all the necessary elements one needs for a story like this.
Three friends go for a weekend away in the mountains. Things turn south pretty quickly when they lose their keys at a gas station, meet some creepy locals and have to stay in an isolated cabin in the woods. You see where this is going? Well...you only think you do. Most of these types of stories, while enjoyable, are rather predictable. This one blew that concept out of the water in a big way! There were twists and turns and shocks. The ending was super unexpected and so good. I recommend this book if you like thrillers, if you like horror movies, if you like drama. It has it all, and it's great!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
The Perfect Escape provides all the necessary elements one needs for a story like this.
Three friends go for a weekend away in the mountains. Things turn south pretty quickly when they lose their keys at a gas station, meet some creepy locals and have to stay in an isolated cabin in the woods. You see where this is going? Well...you only think you do. Most of these types of stories, while enjoyable, are rather predictable. This one blew that concept out of the water in a big way! There were twists and turns and shocks. The ending was super unexpected and so good. I recommend this book if you like thrillers, if you like horror movies, if you like drama. It has it all, and it's great!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
March 15, 2022
The perfect escape is exactly the opposite for three friends who have bonded over their sinking marriages -- Sam, Margaret, Diana.
The prologue details an anonymous person full of rage.
The three friends who leave Friday afternoon for a weekend girls getaway - Sam, two months separated from Harry; Margaret, husband is an alcoholic and sleeping on the couch after tragedy; Diana, leaving man who is obsessed and stalking her. They get halfway to their destination when they stop and lose the key to the car. Diana manages to find a rental for them to stay the night. After they party that evening, Diana doesn't come back. Things really get messy after this as so many secrets come to light.
I liked the writing style. After that prologue, my mind was whirling with all the possibilities. I felt like the author gave clues but also led readers down some wrong paths, on purpose of course. A couple of people I had doubts about were actually clear. Lot of twists in this one.
The prologue details an anonymous person full of rage.
The three friends who leave Friday afternoon for a weekend girls getaway - Sam, two months separated from Harry; Margaret, husband is an alcoholic and sleeping on the couch after tragedy; Diana, leaving man who is obsessed and stalking her. They get halfway to their destination when they stop and lose the key to the car. Diana manages to find a rental for them to stay the night. After they party that evening, Diana doesn't come back. Things really get messy after this as so many secrets come to light.
I liked the writing style. After that prologue, my mind was whirling with all the possibilities. I felt like the author gave clues but also led readers down some wrong paths, on purpose of course. A couple of people I had doubts about were actually clear. Lot of twists in this one.
November 30, 2022
This was an entertaining read, but towards the end of the book I was having trouble keeping up with whose ex-wife and husband were with whom. The location is excellent, upstate New York, and you can just feel the paranoia creep in when the one friend goes missing. Overall, I'd recommend it for some escapist reading.
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