Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book officially publishes on 11/19/24!

To me, this book reads like a retro slasher film (in a good way!). I will say that, as an older reader, I wasn’t entirely invested in the characters and their motivations as they are teenagers; however, I was able to appreciate the author’s ability to recreate the teenage thought process in a way that seemed realistic. This is unique to me, however, and others who more commonly read YA may not have this disconnect with the characters. Despite this, I think the twist in this book was a good one, and not one that I saw coming. I also enjoyed how the author wove two different storylines together to make one cohesive plot. If YA is your chosen genre, I would recommend giving this one a read!

Rating: 3 stars

I received a digital copy of this book through the publisher on NetGalley for an honest review.

Perfect Girl was a simple read that I enjoyed. It’s a young adult thriller about teenagers spending the night together when the power goes out and chaos reigns. I enjoyed it because it wasn’t too difficult to read.

I also enjoyed the before-and-after chapters. These chapters were interesting because they gave me, as a reader, insight into aspects of the story that I didn’t expect to read. I also enjoyed the setting of the story in Perfect Girl because it felt like just the right atmosphere for the story to take place in. This story's thriller and spooky aspects were great, too, because I felt like I was reading the perfect book for a night in.

However, there are several things about this book I didn’t quite enjoy too. For one, I felt like the main character in Perfect Girl Jessa was too boring. When I first started reading this book, I wanted to get to know her and her friends but as the story went on, I found myself more interested in learning more about her friends than I did her. It was like she was too much of a goody-two-shoes to the point where her choices in the story were a detriment to her and her friends. A lot of the story, I found myself more frustrated with her character than anything because of how stressed she was about the simplest of things.

Speaking of characters, I felt like the characters in this book were one-dimensional. There was also very little character development in Perfect Girl because the only time Jessa does something outside of her normal behavior is close to the end of the book when she and her friends are in immediate danger. For most of the book though, I felt like I knew what was going on before Jessa even though I wasn’t the one anything was happening to. I don’t know if it was because there were moments in the story where events started becoming too predictable that I already knew what was going to happen. Either way though, finding out who was behind everything Jessa and her friends experienced in this book wasn’t too much of a surprise to me because I had a feeling pretty early on. Luckily, it didn’t take away from me enjoying this book as it allowed me to see how the characters responsible caused the events that happened in this book.

As a whole, Perfect Girl is an enjoyable read. I recommend this book to anyone looking to read a young adult thriller story that you can get through really quickly as this book was very easy to finish reading. Perfect Girl was published on November 19, 2024 for those interested in checking out this book.

Perfect Girl by Tracy Banghart is a gripping young adult novel that dives into the complexities of high school life, family expectations, and self-discovery. The protagonist, Ella, is seen as the "perfect girl" by those around her—straight-A student, talented musician, and seemingly flawless daughter. However, beneath her polished exterior, she struggles with the pressure to meet the unrealistic standards set by her family and society.

Banghart’s writing is accessible and engaging, with a fast-paced narrative that captures the emotional highs and lows of teenage life. Themes of identity, independence, and mental health are woven throughout the story, offering readers an authentic portrayal of the challenges of growing up. The novel also explores the impact of toxic relationships and the importance of finding one's voice.

While the story's core message about self-acceptance and resilience is empowering, some readers may find the plot points slightly predictable. However, Banghart’s ability to create relatable characters and a thought-provoking narrative makes Perfect Girl a worthwhile read for fans of contemporary young adult fiction.

Perfect girl is a great example of a story that translates better to film than as a novel. It's still an entertaining read, but it's a bit too predictable at times and without the campy elements that a movie would provide, the writing isn't strong enough to fully capture the readers interest. With that in mind, the main character is endearing enough that the ending is still satisfying, even if you already see it coming.

3.5⭐️

Jessa has always been the perfect girl: always polite, always responsible, and always follows the rules. That's how she convinces her parents to let her have a sleepover when they are out of town, mostly because she's afraid of their creepy old house. Things started out well, but between her brother and his best friend coming home, a round game of truth or dare, and a storm that kills the power the night takes a turn. As members of the party start to go missing, Jessa soon learns that you can't always trust your neighbors.

I was surprised at how one the edge of my seat this kept me. The evening taking part in the middle of a storm in a supposed haunted house in the middle of nowhere made it that much creepy. Having grown up someplace where the cell signal isn't always great, this would have been my worst nightmare. The neighbor also gave me Norman Bates meets that one episode of Criminal Minds that I can't describe without spoiling things and that was fascinating.

I did struggle with how naive Jessa was about things. Having been the "perfect" child, she was so trusting that everyone else was going to do the right thing and that felt wildly unrealistic. There were also some times where I questioned everyone priorities throughout this whole drama. Like, why are you more focused on kissing Ryan in the woods than finding your missing friends? Those are more just character flaws than anything. I did also find the back and forth timeline to be a bit confusing at times.

Thanks Netgalley and Feiwel & Friends for providing this ARC to me!

This is a gripping and suspenseful read that will captivate fans of dark, fast-paced mysteries and young adult thrillers who enjoy stories about self-discovery, rebellion, and the complexities of societal expectations.

For fans of classic slasher films and stories, this book follows a group of friends who must survive the night filled with storms, unexpected guests, and things definitely not going to plan. "Perfect Girl" Jessa must push aside her people-pleasing tendencies to keep herself and her friends alive in this sleepover-gone-wrong story. I thought this was a fun book with some dark twists and some sweet moments to soften it up.

A fast-paced thriller that constantly had me guessing. Perfect vibes for the fall season and Halloween time. Jessa was a relatable character to those of us that maybe didn't want to push the boundaries too much in high school, but always wondered what would happen if we did. While the overall plot seemed a bit farfetched, sometimes the best stories are the ones that could happen but seem too absurd to be real. Perfect for the YA reader that maybe enjoyed Pretty Little Liars. Overall, a little bit of escapism that had me double checking the locks on my doors that night.

Look, I could not put this book down. Literally, I read it in one evening because I just had to know what was going to happen. And look, parts of it were a tiny bit predictable, but it was still tons of fun and provided plenty of excitement. I don't even want to say much because it is a thriller, after all, and you should go in knowing very little. Just know that I was hooked, from start to finish. Adored the characters, and could not put the book down because it was exciting and compulsively readable.

Bottom Line: Everything a thriller should be- exciting, and unputdownable. Bonus for the great characters!

Jessa has a reputation for being a perfect girl. She makes perfect grades, she makes sure her house is perfectly clean, and she is perfectly annoyed by her older brother. She is nice to everyone she meets, including the ghost that haunts her house. When she can not be the perfect best friend, she tries to make up for it with a sleepover. With her creepy neighbor lingering around, her friend's boyfriend popping up, and the threat of a murderer, with a thing for beautiful girls, being in her town, Jessa's night promises to be nothing less than perfectly scary.

I really liked this book. It gave Criminal Minds: High School edition vibes. The characters were realistic and their relationships gave the story a little more depth. This thriller gave just enough jump scares to keep you guessing at what would happen next. The paranormal aspect helped round out the story very well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Feiwel & Friends for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

"The Perfect Girl" by Tracy Banghart is a gripping read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, especially in the last few chapters. While I wouldn’t classify it as a horror story, it certainly contains thrilling elements that create a suspenseful atmosphere. The plot is well-structured, though I noticed a few issues that could improve clarity. The story is narrated by Jessa, an unreliable narrator, whose seemingly perfect life is put to the test. Throughout the story, you'll find yourself questioning her perspective. Overall, I enjoyed the unique narrative and found it to be a decent story. I would give it a solid 3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I read it in 2 days. I want to thank NetGalley for letting me read this one

I was excited to read this as it sounded like it would be a highly rated book but while reading I was getting low star feels as I really wasn't taken by Jessa to me she was okay as an main character. But as the atmosphere was cranked up and plot got darker I was drawn more into the story and I kind of liked the before and after. I was more fascinated by Tiny and thought she literally stole the scenes in the Book.

For all the above reasons Perfect Girl receives 4 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @macmillanusa for the ARC!! This was exactly what I needed to read this month!

Idk about y’all but I’ve been seeing far too many men get comfortable online and spout the most misogynistic rhetoric I’ve ever seen in my life. Absolutely foul shit. This book, gives me hope that today’s teen girls will not put up with it.

This YA thriller was perfect for fans of Pretty Little Liars and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Overall, it’s giving a classic teen slasher film in the best way. I found it be a quick and easy read, with a very satisfying ending. Loved the female empowerment, and I loved the message.

Hey if you were looking for a book that would help get all your rage out by all the creeps online telling women “your body my choice.” TBH this might be the book to read. This was a quick read, that really healed the young girl in me that was harassed at a very young age by boys who wouldn’t take no for an answer. This of course, was much more extreme, but it does a great job of highlighting bad behavior in young men being aided by their parents.

Jessa defines perfection, while her brother Josh is the exact opposite. With a serial killer on the loose, their parents decide to let Jessa’s friends stay overnight while they go out for the evening. Josh and his best friend join them. However, when a storm causes a power outage, and someone appears to be lurking outside, Jessa's idea of perfection may not be enough to keep her alive.

This fast-paced popcorn thriller delivers some genuinely creepy vibes—you might want to avoid reading it at night! It’s the kind of book you can easily finish in one or two sittings. The atmosphere is immersive, with power outages and a looming storm creating a sense of claustrophobia. I don’t want to give too much away, but I loved the elements of a lurking stalker, “survive the night,” and the "final girl" trope. The story also includes a touch of the paranormal with ghosts (love Betty!) and a forbidden crush on the brother's best friend. And from one glass-wearing chick to another - Jessa, I understand your panic and frustration.

If you're a fan of audiobooks and need a popcorn thriller, this one's a must-add! Angie Kane is fantastic as Jessa, bringing depth to the character and heightening the tension. Her performance keeps you on the edge of your seat! Truly a voice actress!

Based on a group of friends, a sleepover, a thunder storm, power outage, and a potential stalker? This was a super quick, easy read! It gave off Pretty Little Liars, written by Freida McFadden vibes. It was an interesting, fast-paced, YA thriller. It wasn't my favorite thriller, but it kept my attention!

{ℙ𝕖𝕣𝕗𝕖𝕔𝕥 𝔾𝕚𝕣𝕝 by Tracy Banghart}
•
•
Narrator(s): Angie Kane
Length: 7h 33m, 304p
Source: ALC/ARC - NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, Macmillan, TBR & Beyond
Release Date: November 19, 2024
•
•
Jessa is the “perfect girl” and she’s okay with it…
…until a sleepover turns into a nightmare and the Perfect Girl becomes the target of a deadly stalker.

Think 90s slasher/thriller vibes, y’all.
The FMC, Jessa, was naive and a bit too much of a people pleaser.
It took about 77% of the story for her to catch on and start doing something.
The twists and turns were a bit predictable but nevertheless fun and thrilling.

The sweet little side romance was done well and added depth to the story.
Tiny’s side story also added quite a bit of drama as well.
I liked most of the characters and they each had just enough to bring them to life.

A quick, fun, reminiscent flashback to my youth and the pop culture phenomenon that gripped us all with urban legends and survival horror films.

🎧 NARRATION:
Angie Kane was fantastic!
I thought her voice paired well with our characters and she brought Jessa to life.
Well done production and all around 5 stars on the narration side.

{I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook & book. All reviews are my own.}

With a string of missing girls on the news, Jessa was too scared to stay home alone and planned a sleepover that quickly went wrong. The group quickly had to figure out how they were going to survive—and maintain their friendship along the way. As the layers of the story unfolded, the tension built and we were left to wonder if they would all make it through the night. It was such a chilling narrative that had me so worried for them the entire time.

Meanwhile Jessa was contending with her obsession with perfection and how it affected her relationship with everyone else—especially with her brother Josh, who can seemingly do no wrong in her parents’ eyes. Through this intense journey, she and the rest of the group all had some sort of a breakthrough and learned to focus on what really matters.

I definitely would have loved to explore a little more of the relationship between Jessa and her mother and maybe understand the villain’s origin story. Still! It had just the right balance of spooky and light moments that I loved reading it.

Thought I'm not usually one for YA horror/thriller - I have to admit that I kind of loved this book.

The story line gripped me immediately and the action was non-stop. And to add in a little teenage/high school romance?! Why not?

**Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.**

Perfect Girl
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫(3.25)

I have received this as an eARC from Netgalley. I want to say thank you Netgalley & Macmillan Children’s Publishing & the author Tracy Banghart for the opportunity to read this before release!

This was a very quick read. It is a YA horror novel, which normally I don’t read this genre much, but it was a good read. It kept me on the edge waiting to find out what’s next, etc. This book was all kinds of what the f ?? at times. In a way I kind of already knew the answer of who was behind things but this was still a decent read even regarding that you kind of get an idea already of who it is.

I did enjoy the FMC because she had there internal battles of dealing with this whole perfect persona she has built for herself that everyone is aware of. She’s afraid of disappointing everyone when she realizes she doesn’t have her life planned out etc. (I related quite a lot to this part of her character which made her easy to like for me)

One thing that kind of rubbed me off the wrong way is how the one bisexual character is like written as dishonest in a way just because she isn’t out with her parents. Just cause someone isn’t out with everyone doesn’t mean they’re not bisexual or that they even owe it to tell everyone.

I think for me since this isn’t my normal genre of choice is why it wasn’t like a full 5 star rating, but if you enjoy horror/thriller a lot I can definitely see it being a higher rating for those who frequent in the genre.

Thank you again to Netgalley, Tracy, and Macmillan Children’s Publishing for the opportunity to read before release!