I’m a Liane Moriarty fan, so jumped at the chance to read her new book, Nine Perfect Strangers. Did it live up to expectations? You bet! By the end I felt I knew all nine perfect strangers really well. There’s the delightful romance writer whose latest offering has just been rejected, the filthy-rich young married couple, gorgeous handsome Lars, mum-of-four who’s been dumped by her husband for a younger woman, a former football star gone to seed, and a grief-stricken family of three. The author has a wonderful writing style that ensures her readers – this one, anyway – become totally invested in her characters, warts and all. The nine are all on a ten-day health retreat, for reasons ranging from saving their marriage to losing weight. Run by the impressive and striking Masha, a kind of Amazonian superwoman, Tranquillum House promises a transformational experience. And delivers! This is a quick, easy read that pulls you in – and then gently plays with your mind. Fabulous!

Firstly I would like to thank Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this read in exchange for a honest review.

This book follows the retreat at health-and-wellness resort Tranquillum House, that promises total transformation. Nine stressed city dwellers are keen to drop their literal and mental baggage, and absorb the meditative ambiance. Miles from anywhere, without cars or phones, they have no way to reach the outside world. Just time to think about themselves, and get to know each other. Watching over them is the resort's director, a woman on a mission. But quite a different one from any of the guests might have imagined. For behind the retreat's glamourous facade lies a dark agenda. These nine perfect strangers have no idea what's about to hit them.

I have really enjoyed most of this author's books so far, but unfortunately this one just wasn't as good as I expected. The plotline is definitely intriguing, mostly because I was in suspense most of the way through, but sadly the ending let this one down. With a rather slow-paced story, I was in wait for a shocking intense reveal but instead got a disappointing far-fetched ending that had no reasoning behind it.

I did, however, enjoy reading about the nine strangers. All came with their own interesting backstory and all are cleverly-written. I just didn't particularly like the staff at the resort.

Overall, a book that is a lot different then this author's usual stories, but unfortunately this one just wasn't for me.

I asked to review this book as I thought that the premise sounded interesting. What could potentially happen to 9 strangers on a spa holiday. It turns out that this was a spa holiday with a difference. I did wonder how it would work flitting back between all the different characters as you follow what happens on the spa holiday.

Overall I enjoyed this book.

It took me along time to read however, the premise behind the story was really interesting. A group of people place in what they think will be idyllic surroundings in the pursuit of wellness. A 'mad woman' that thinks her way is the only way and is even prepared to commit crime to ensure that she is right. Quite a messed up but enthralling theory.

A secluded retreat for stressed-out people complete with the promise to change your life in just ten days, pricy and exclusive and just what the doctor ordered for our willing candidates?

I am a fan of Liane Moriarty, she is one of those authors that has a real eye for shining a light on everyday situations and letting her readers see how absurd they are. In Big Little Lies she took the school gates as her starting point, this time we move to the more exclusive setting of a retreat at health-and-wellness resort Tranquillum House which promises total transformation for those who sign up. This story is completely bonkers but very entertaining.

Tranquillum House is run by Masha, a women we met in the prologue having a heart-attack in her corporate office. Masha is a Russian who moved to Australia as a young woman and following her near-death experience she has become evangelical about saving others from themselves. All the bad things are banned, including any electronics and replaced with healthy smoothies, massages, mindful walking and light fasting.
The first guest we meet is romance author Frances who is not only menopausal but has just had her latest book rejected, readers are falling out of love with romance and she’s obsessing about a bad review. She herself had a thriller in her bag, one which over the days at Tranquillum House she finds less than thrilling… it seems that Liane Moriarty knows her audience!
She is joined by rich young things Ben and Jessica, who come complete with a Lamborghini for him and various surgical enhancements for him. They have signed up for couple counselling in a bid to save their marriage.
There is a family of three, parents Napoleon and Heather along with their twenty-one year old daughter Zoe who are all cloaked in sadness, the cause of which is revealed later in the book. An aging football star Tony, a health junkie Ben and a divorce lawyer Lars complete the guest list. They are all in, and then Masha reveals the start of her innovative treatment plan.

Believe me the thought of being on a retreat doesn’t really appeal to this reader under what I imagine are normal circumstances but this one takes an ominous tone right from the start when the guests are given their orders so perhaps a healthy wariness and lack of funds is a good thing!

This is really a character study, not only of the guests, but of the owner and her chief of staff, former paramedic, Yao. With the guests under the spotlight and in the prime location to reveal their hopes and fears there is so much room for the author’s trademark wry humour, the poking of fun of those earnest health-junkies is tempered by some life-stories that can’t help but tug at the heart-strings! This book should be approached with the aim of enjoying the ride. I said earlier, it’s bonkers, it is but a well-written bonkers book that yet had one foot in reality reflecting society as well as the differences between the generations and one that had me chuckling in delight at regular intervals. If you can’t afford a retreat to make changes in your life Nine Perfect Strangers will go some way to giving you the best medicine, laughter.

I'd like to say a huge thank you to the publishers Penguin UK for allowing me to read a copy of Nine Perfect Strangers prior to publication on 4 October 2018. This unbiased review is my thank you to them, and the author for such an entertaining read.

This is a delightful read. Interesting and endearing characters, a fantastic setting and back stories and tension and excitement. The relationships developing between the various residents at the retreat and the instructions they are given by the fascinating members of staff all make for a great book. I loved it.

Having read a lot of literary fiction lately, this was like coming back to a guilty pleasure.

Big Little Lies is now Moriarty's best-known book and that's no surprise. It was so well-written and well-paced. There were others that did well, but for me didn't quite live up to that title - for example, Truly Madly Guilty. This book however grabs you right from the start.

The different characters are all very clearly drawn so that even though there are so many of them, you're never in doubt as to who is who.

Tranquillum House, the health retreat where the action takes place, is delightfully twisted. There is a sense of foreboding as each character discovers that the place isn't quite what they thought it was going to be...

This is one of Moriarty's best and if you liked Big Little Lies and the reveals in that book, then you will certainly enjoy this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Michael Joseph and the author for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Nine perfect strangers is hands down Liane Moriaty’s best book so far, and the others took some beating.

10 days at a retreat for the mind, body and soul, 9 strangers all there for various different reasons, Liane touches on some difficult subject but handles them very well. Great characters, well written and a fun, easy to read with an element of seriousness added in.

I received this yesterday and managed to read in one day.

I wasn’t a massive fan of this book as it felt quite long and drawn out but the characters were well written. I found myself skimming through the last few chapters to find out what happens

I was looking forward to this one, working my way towards it with quit high expectations but it just didn't hit the spot...

Nine busy people head off to a retreat to revitalise; Tranquillum House promises total transformation but in order to achieve this, each of them has to surrender all devices and submit to the chosen dietary offerings. With some dreading the loss of their phones, others missing their daily glass of wine - or two, and the remainder there for their own different reasons this is a group of people from different walks of life with the exception that they can all afford the exorbitant fees they pay for the privilege. In the remote location, these temporary residents have nothing else to do but get to know each other and the staff of the retreat, including the mysterious director.

This novel started well; we met some of the guests on their journey and, little by little, we find out why they've decided to get out of the rat race, albeit temporarily. The characters are varied and their back stories are interesting. I was enjoying it up until the end of the fifth day and then, for me, it all started to fall apart and I plodded through the rest. The final few pages bringing us up to date on each character after some time had passed tied everything up neatly - and I do enjoy where everything is finished off with no loose ends. However, this didn't make up for the central portion of the novel which didn't gel with me and I intensely disliked. I've tried looking at it from different angles but I just can't get past the uncomfortable feeling I have about the details and how glad I am that I've never found myself in the position these guests did. I wonder if it has something to do with my being claustrophobic? For the most part, I found this a very uncomfortable read.

My thanks to Michael Joseph - and imprint of Penguin UK for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

I have been waiting for a long time for a new novel by Liane Moriarty so I was really excited when I received a book proof of her new novel, NINE PERFECT STRANGERS, for which I’d like to thank Gaby Young at Michael Joseph. This is different from the author’s previous novels, it was nothing at all what I expected, but in a good way, because I loved it and I read the entire novel (more than 400 pages) in less than two days. The plot is full of suspense and there is always a creepy feeling that kept me on the edge the entire time I was reading.

At the center of the story there are nine people, a cast of completely different and complex characters that have one thing in common: they have booked a ten-day stay at the health resort Tranquillum House to improve their health and their minds. There is the married couple hoping to save their marriage, the middle-age woman who wants to forget her problems both in her love and professional life, the mother-of-four divorcée who wants to lose weight, the health junkie lawyer, the grieving family, and the man trying to get his life back on track. These nine people entrust their lives to Masha, the owner of Tranquillum House who, together with her assistants Yao and Delilah, has created a program to improve their physical and mental health. But, between days of complete silence, healthy smoothies, and fasting, these nine strangers start to feel that something is not completely right at Tranquillum House.

The author created well-developed and relatable characters, each with their secrets, fears, and hopes. They are introduced slowly, one by one, so that the pages don’t feel overcrowded and confusing. Each character tells their side of the story so that the readers get the full picture. Even though the readers know exactly what is going on, there are still surprises and a few twists that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

NINE PERFECT STRANGER is a novel about loss, grief, love, addiction, and guilt, but I wouldn’t know how to categorize it. There is suspense, but there is also humor and witticism that will make you laugh and heartbreaking moments that will make you cry. What I can say is that it’s engaging, gripping, well-plotted, and immersive, and it proves, once again, that Liane Moriarty is a brilliant author who knows exactly what she is doing.

I am usually a reader of more hardcore thrillers and have always thought of Liane Moriarty's work as leaning too close to the women's fiction/chick lit genre for my liking, but I thought it was about time I discovered what all the fuss is about given that she's a worldwide #1 bestselling author and has had her novels made into award-winning series'. It certainly falls from outside my comfort zone, but I did enjoy it.

With the number of characters, this has the potential to become confusing, and although I can see why this would happen, I didn't have an issue with that myself. What really makes this book is the author's sharp observations of human nature, its nuances and intricacies and the way our actions affect others. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was immersed in the story and how well Moriarty kept me guessing. Tensions, secrets and lies abound, but essentially the story is character driven. The basics of the story surround a group of nine who are attending health resort Tranquillum House, run by Russian Masha and her minions. But things are not as they seem, and early on they realise that their desire for peace and relaxation is further away than ever.

A fun, relatively easy read that will satisfy both long-term fans and those who may be new to Moriarty's books. I particularly appreciated the black humour interjections as it felt as though it was always placed at exactly the correct time in terms of its effect (is there such a thing as comic timing in written word? If so, Ms Moriarty jumps to the top of that list). Each character is given extraordinary attention to detail, and the dynamic between them is unpredictable and exciting. The author explores some dark themes and does so sensitively - touched on is loss, grief, family/domestic problems and depression - but it never comes across as preachy or heavy in any way. This is likely another bestseller in waiting! Bravo!

Many thanks to Penguin - Michael Joseph for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Nine Perfect Strangers was just puurfect. It had me laughing and crying, sometimes at the same time.. The build up of suspense was stupendous and I could feel my heart beating a little too fast at times.

The characters are all magnificently drawn and I was imagining which actor or actress would play them in a movie or series adaptation particularly Frances.

A brilliant well deserved five star read.

Slightly too many individual characters for me to easily remember what was the history of each one, but I did manage to keep up, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Masha was the most formidable character, and Yeo as her devoted sidekick was great. This was a book that I stayed up late into the night reading "just one more" chapter. Further towards the middle of the book, it was easier for me to remember which of the Nine Perfect Strangers were related, and what their story was, but being a bit confused didn't detract from my enjoyment of this book. Thoroughly recommend.

Liane Moriarty has officially done it again! Another outstanding book that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. Moriarty's ability to write a plot that will keep readers guessing while also immersing them in a world that is easy to find yourself but difficult to want to leave. I cannot get enough of it! Nine Perfect Strangers is filled with tension and plenty of secrets. The characters are excellent, which is good since this is a character-driven story. If you've read Moriarty before, you'll love this one. If this will be your first, it's a great place to start. Don't miss out!

Prior to this book, I had only read one book by this author - Truly Madly Guilty - and I wasn't wholly convinced by it so, initially, I passed on requesting this book. But, a good friend and book buddie of mine who had read this book, recommended it to me and, as I trust her judgement on my reading enjoyment, I thought I'd give it a whirl and I wasn't disappointed.
So, nine people rock up to a health resort. Some individually, a couple and a family (so not all strangers really, perfect or otherwise!?) but all for different reasons. All looking forward to 10 days of peace, tranquillity and general well-being. At the outset they are warned that it won't be easy but that's OK. I mean, you get out what you put in. But little did they know how much work they will be putting in to reach their goals.
After my previous outing with this author, I really didn't know what I was getting myself into when I started reading this book. But I went with it and soon found myself intrigued about what I was reading. The resort is owned and run by Russian transplant, Masha, who quit her own rat race existence when she had a near death experience; ably assisted by her two main staff, Yao and Delilah. The latest set of clients consist of a young married couple, a family of three who are still scarred by the loss of their fourth, a writer, a former footballer, a divorce lawyer and a lady who has just had her husband trade her in for a younger model. All of whom have very different backgrounds and aims for what the retreat can do for them.
As their treatment commences, it becomes apparent that it is vastly different from what they expected. Initially though, they go with the plan. Until however they realise exactly what they signed up for is not what they expected. But can they put their problems and egos aside in time to get them out of the predicament they find themselves in?
This is definitely a character driven book. It's also very funny in places with some rather black humour at times. The nine people who are thrown together are all very different and hold their own secrets and lies and indeed wounds quite close to their chests. They are well drawn and complement each other very well indeed. If there is one thing I have to applaud the author for, it's her eye to detail regarding her characters. Every facet is examined in this book, very well, and the dynamic that the cast brings together is really exciting.
The story itself is a bit bonkers at times, but you know what though, it really works as a whole. I do however admit to nearly putting it down at times as it got even more bizarre but I am really glad I read through that uncertainty and got to the end. It definitely didn't feel as long as the page count suggested.
Being a health resort, starring some wounded characters, there are quite a lot of major issues at discussion throughout the book. All of which are handled very well and respectfully. I could go into detail but, for fear of spoilers, I won't. In fact, despite the means to get to their respective ends, I'm quite impressed by the results that certain individuals got from their experience! Not that I'd advocate the methods utilised!
The ultimate ending, the neat little bow-ing off of certain things did drag out a bit for me but, I can see it working when the story is transferred to the screen. Which I am in no doubt at all will be it's final destination. And it will work really well.
My thanks go to my book buddie for nudging me in the direction of this book and also to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read it early.

Really enjoyed the story behind this, lots of things going on to retain the interest throughout although a slightly disappointing ending but not enough to ruin the book for me

Another great read by Liane Moriarty. Once you get into the story it moves along very nicely. I felt I was living the story which gradually got more tense. Brilliant and I would certainly recommend it to family and friends.

I quite enjoyed this book which was about a group of “nine perfect strangers “ who meet in Tranquillium House, a health resort, run by the mysterious Masha.
This was an interesting book in that it examined some very dark themes including grief, loss difficult parent child relationships and depression. However it was done in a light way and the many twists in the plot were unexpected and added to the enjoyment.
All the characters including Masha and her assistant Yao have compelling back stories which are gradually revealed and even at the end we get to find out more information about them.
My only criticism of the book is that it becomes rather far fetched in the middle and I really had to suspend my belief at some of Masha’s actions.
However the author’s characterisations are very good- I particularly liked Frances, the romantic novelist. Her take on the whole health retreat experience was fun. She also showed a compassionate side towards the others, particularly Zoe who had suffered so much.
I will not reveal too much as it will spoil the story but suffice it to say that this is an interesting read by a well known author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my arc in exchange for an honest review.

10 days that will change everything.... how to hook a person in! I am a big fan of Liane Moriarty and have been for many years. I couldn't wait to read this one and definitely was not disappointed. This book has it all - it is sad, it is fun, it is a bit out there but it all comes together in one fantastic story that has you turning pages way into the night.

Tranquillum House is a health retreat in rural Australia - far from the busy city lives that its guests are used to. Once you arrive you hand in all electronics and your connections to the outside world. It all about making stressed people relax and reconnect with themselves for a better life. When these 9 strangers check in that is what they are expecting...but they get a whole lot more. The retreat is run by a woman on a mission with secrets of her own. Follow the rules and become a better person.

It is hard to write much more about this book without giving anything away. So much happens in this book and you are instantly hooked. Exploring themes of mental illness, guilt, obsession and much more. I became really invested in the guests lives and wanted them to succeed.

A fantastic story by a fabulous Australia writer. Highly recommended. Thank you penguin UK - Michael Joseph for the advanced copy of this book to read and enjoy. All opinions are my own and are in now way biased.