"It’s amazing what you don’t see, though. Even when it’s right in front of your eyes."I actually enjoyed Perfect a lot more than the first two books in the series. I feel like while action was happening, a lot of groundwork was being made to develop the four main characters - both who they were in relation to Alison and who they have become in her absence. This definitely paid off for me big time.
I mentioned in my prior reviews that I like how Shepard isolates the girls in the books (in contrast to their quickly re-bonding in the tv series with A's harassment); it feels more real that the girls have to reconcile their pasts that they have all left behind, but A won't let the past lie. Three years is a long time to have been drifted apart and they each have their own lives now. With A drudging up the past and watching their every move, it is inevitable that the girls will rekindle their friendship through this new trauma of A.
The bullying in this series gets really intense here and A manages to drive a wedge between the girls, their families, and their friends. They are completely isolated and alone and it is truly heartbreaking. If you are sensitive to bullying, please tread lightly my friends.
Interestingly enough, the girl's biggest secrets are all related to the mistakes they are making now. And things get really dark for each of the four ex-best friends in this book. Tensions are running high and A is pitting them against one another, sending them clues to what really happened to Ali.
"P.S. I may be a bitch, but I’m not a murderer. Here’s a clue for the clueless: someone wanted something of Ali’s. The killer is closer than you think."These continue to be enjoyable and quick reads, and even though I was obsessed with the tv series, enough is different that I don't trust that I know anything. I was on the edge of my seat while reading and had to start book 4 straight away. I am honestly devouring these and loving everyone moment.
Representation: lgbtqiap+ (f/f romance)
Content/Trigger warnings: bullying, conversion therapy, eating disorder, homophobia, bad parenting (sorry but kicking your daughters out = selfish af in these instances)