This is yet another one of those books that left me scratching my head and wondering just what on earth had I just read. 🤔
It started out really well. Successful author, instant bestseller, overnight sensation, and so on. Our heroine is in the process of writing a dark, psychological thriller when suddenly, the plot of said manuscript is played out in real life. Good eh? That would reel you right in, wouldn't it? It certainly reeled me in. 🎣
It kinda went a little bit bonkers just past the halfway point. I had some trouble suspending my belief to accommodate the narrative. 😵‍💫
Things did get slightly back on an even keel further along, and do you know what? Despite that wee tumble down the rabbit hole, I actually enjoyed this book. 🗡️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.

It is hard to say too much about this book without giving some of the brilliant plot twists away. When savi Portman writes a bestseller it throws her, rather uncomfortably, into the public eye. But while she is writing her follow up book, based on her neighbours, some of the things she was written start coming true even though anyone is yet to read it.
This was definitely an engrossing book which will keep you guessing. An easy read and thoroughly enjoyable.

ARC review - pub date 09.18.25

Every time I read an Amanda McKinney book I’m like, okay this one is my favorite! They’re all so good - but seriously, THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE!

Savi is a cozy mystery author who ends up super famous after her lasted novel becomes a New York Times bestseller. But secretly, she is also writing a thriller book because she wants something more. But as she keeps writing, day by day, she keeps happening upon situations that she had wrote about in her book that happened in real life after she had written it. A man stabbed to death in a cabin turns up days after her new FMC Lillian stabs a man in a cabin. Other instances like being fired from a job and passing out while on a run are happening to her, or people she is close to and she can’t make any sense of it.

This book was written FLAWLESSLY and I flew through it! The way the second half of this book had my head spinning and how everything came together 🤯 truly her best work! It’s a book within a book because we are alternating between Savi as an author, and reading Lillian’s story as well — and I was completely hooked.

The true definition of a PSYCHOLOGICAL thriller. I think fans of Kiersten Modglin books will love this one!!

5 ⭐️

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Storm books for my ARC!

Savi Portman has become an instant successful cozy mystery author. As she is suddenly thrust into the spotlight with book tours, giving interviews and signing books she is thrilled, but exhausted. After returning home, she is constantly bombarded with calls and texts for her next manuscript, but she is unable to write another cozy mystery. Instead, her writing turns dark as a thriller begins to emerge. Then real life begins to mimic her writing and Savi spirals into a worrisome psychological state. Fast paced, with good characters and a suspenseful build make this another great book from one of my favorite mystery writers. Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this eARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Comments expressed in this review are my personal opinion.

Savi is becoming a successful author and lives with her best friend Katie. Savi is spending a lot of time thinking about Wealthy Jacob Lockhart and his wife Quinn and is writing a story about them.
Loved this book from start to finish. It is very cleverly written and kept me guessing for most of the book.

Thank you to Storm Books for providing me with a copy of The Perfect Murder in exchange for sharing my opinions.
Psychological thrillers with twists and turns that keep me guessing are my favorite books to read. And The Perfect Murder didn’t disappoint! Multiple times throughout the book I thought I had figured it out, or that at least I was on the right track. Then the author would drop a twist I didn’t see coming that changed everything I was thinking. If you love a twisty psychological thriller I highly recommend you pick up The Perfect Murder and read about Savi’s story. Amanda McKinney did an amazing job with this book!

Holy helicopter!!! Talk about a wild ride through a tsunami of emotions! Never thought I’d have tears running down my face. Twists and turns that kept me constantly wondering and completely on edge! What a trip into this deep, dark, and twisty world! Flawlessly executed, a highly original story with complex characters and genuinely suspenseful. Even though my heart was pounding I literally could not put it down! Nor could I figure out how in the world McKinney was going to pull all the subplots in this story together and then OMG! Think you have it figured out? Uh Nope! You will be so tempted to read ahead but don’t, just don’t:). Another incredible thriller by this phenomenal author. How in the ever loving … does she come up with these plots!! Dang I’m exhausted. Need a 3-day nap! High as the sky recommend!

3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 stars.

I really liked the first 65% of this one. The story was set up well, and I bought into it. Then the "twist" came, and, for me, it just didn't work. I got a little confused following the characters, real and fictional, but I'll take responsibility for that confusion.

The author writes well, and I've enjoyed other books by her. This one was just a little off for me.

Will I read more from the author? Yes.

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

This book was just not for me as I just found it very depressing and didn’t like the way it portrayed mental health

I Just did not Connect with this book. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

The Perfect Murder was quite a trip. It started off and I couldn't help but feel like it was headed in a very predictable direction. I was convinced that I knew what was going on and how things were going to end but figured I'd go ahead and plow through and see if I was right. Spoiler alert, I wasn't. I wasn't anywhere near correct with what was going on. It definitely had a twist that caught me off guard. There were some moments of needing to suspend belief but overall, it was well done. Fast paced and suspenseful!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: 1.4/5

I was drawn to "The Perfect Murder" by its premise, which I thought sounded intriguing and held plenty of potential. Sadly, it wasn't overly long before I started having doubts about that potential ever being realised. The novel starts well enough, but rather than becoming increasingly engrossing, it wasn't long before I was finding it to be corny, trite and unconvincing. This was disappointing enough, but far worse was yet to come!

Shortly after the midway point there is a plot development (yes, let's be kind and call it a "plot development") that is simply loop-the-loop bonkers! You won't be able to miss it when you get there, because it has the same amount of believability as that scene in Dallas where Bobby Ewing, who was killed off a year earlier, emerges from the shower, only to realise that the past twelve months have been nothing but a dream and that he wasn't dead after all. Yes, this "plot development" really is that good!!

There are elements of this book that had potential. The novel is akin to a patchwork of ideas - each of which may have some merit in their own right - but they have been sewn together in such a contrived fashion that the end product lacks any credibility. Make sure you have plenty of salt to hand before you read this, because you are going to need far more than just a pinch!

As ever, I would still like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review. It is a pity I was not in a position to pass more favourable comment on this occasion.

The Perfect Murder is a fast paced read that will have you turning pages as fast as you can.

Be warned this book is hard to put down as you scramble to figure out what is happening as the book is a story within a story.

This works perfectly.

Savi is a best selling author but wants to write a thriller so she uses her neighbours jacob and Quinn in the mysterious mansion to base her story on.

Suddenly the story is coming to life and Savi is a suspect in a brutal murder.

Amanda McKinney has cleverly and plotted the twists and turns and had me fooled right up to the end.

The Perfect Murder is the perfect escape to get lost in. Don't miss out, grab your copy and clear your schedule.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the privilege of reading and reviewing The Perfect Murder.

The Perfect Murder is a taut, twist-filled thriller that demands to be savoured. Amanda McKinney crafts a chilling and clever narrative that lingers long after each chapter, making it impossible not to return for “just one more.”

Savi Portman is a fascinating protagonist—an author whose fictional murder begins to mirror reality in terrifying detail. As the lines between her imagination and the unfolding crime blur, McKinney expertly builds tension, layering suspicion and doubt with every turn. The pacing is deliberate and immersive, allowing the reader to absorb the psychological complexity of Savi’s unravelling world.

The writing is sharp and atmospheric, with a cinematic quality that heightens the suspense. McKinney doesn’t rely on shock alone—her twists are earned, her characters nuanced, and her storytelling deeply satisfying. The final reveal is both unexpected and brilliantly executed, tying together threads that seemed innocuous at first glance.

This is a thriller that rewards patience and attention. It’s not just about the adrenaline—it’s about the slow, creeping dread and the thrill of piecing together the puzzle. Fans of Alice Feeney and Freida McFadden will find much to love, but McKinney’s voice is distinct and confident.

A standout psychological thriller that proves the most dangerous stories are the ones we tell ourselves.

With thanks to Amanda McKinney, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

What a mind bending thriller!!!!!! Loved it !!!! Read a good one after a long time.
Short chapters ✅
Fast paced✅
Plot twist 🤯

Amazing !!!!

I am sure this one will become #1 bestseller

Savi's debut cozy mystery novel has become an overnight success. She is a number one bestseller and has thousands of adoring fans. Savi's in the process of writing her next novel, opting for a thriller instead of a cozy mystery. However, things take a strange turn when the events from her manuscript start playing out in real life, including a murder. The evidence is building against Savi. But she knows she was home the evening of the murder. Now, she needs to prove that she is innocent, despite the overwhelming evidence.

Amanda McKinney has become one of my favourite thriller authors. The Perfect Murder did not disappoint! Talk about some crazy and wild twists! I definitely did not anticipate that the novel was going to head in the direction that it did, but I absolutely loved it! The pacing is excellent, the level of suspense is high, and the twists are clever.

I really liked the main character, Savi, and her bestie, Katie. Both characters are super relatable and real, documenting the struggles of anxiety. McKinney always does an excellent job at creating realistic characters and providing excellent character development.

I would say this one is a little more OTT than McKinney's other novels and you have to suspend your beliefs quite a bit. But it is still an excellent thriller and one that you will be racing to finish.

Thank you Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Here we have a cozy mystery Savi Portman who thinks she is writing a novel about Jacob and Quinn Lockhart. These are Savi’s rich neighbors in their town of Bear’s Creek. Yet as time goes on Savi is trying to figure out what is going on with Quinn Lockhart. With the help of her best friend Katie Savi tries to keep her life as normal as possible or can she. While she wonders about Quinn Savi’s life as she knows it starts to unravel. People are putting her at the scene of a terrible crime. They insist she has been to places she doesn’t remember being in. How does Quinn Lockhart fit into this? She is really unraveling until Jacob Lockhart tells her the truth. Is Savi really losing it?

This book was so well written that every time I thought I knew what will happen it took a total left turn. What a ride you are taken on. The subject of mental was written with affection. Savi was a total train wreck but once everything came out she accepted her fate with the help of her loved ones.
A true murder mystery with my favorite TWIST AND TURNS. The author managed them beautifully. Loved everything about this book!,

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. I look forward to read more from Amanda McKinney.

Savanna Portman's debut cosy mystery novel has catapulted her to fame through a coveted spot on the bestseller lists, and straight into the national limelight. It's the kind of success that authors dream of, and surely everything that a writer could ever want. Or is it?

Because for Savanna, all this is opening up a dark chamber in her brain where past traumas lurk. How can the psychological thriller that she suddenly feels compelled to write apparently be predicting events that include murder?
And what is Savanna's role in these events?

Amanda McKinney has come up with a stunning concept which keeps the reader gripped from start to finish, and delivers some very original story telling in the crowded field of psychological thrillers. Well worth a read!

Thanks to Netgalley for granting me this ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.

★★★★☆ (4.5)

“The Perfect Murder” is the perfect page turner.

This novel had me in a chokehold. For the first half I was constantly coming up with theories and my brain tried to unravel and understand how all of this connected. The reveal, and all the puzzle pieces falling into place was just brilliant.

I loved how this story had a constant pace that made it hard to put down. (I really felt the “Just one more chapter” hard.)
It’s an incredibly layered psychological thriller, that touches on complex emotions and trauma, written with such care that you can’t help but “feel” it.

This wasn’t my first Amanda McKinney novel (but it might be my favourite) and certainly won’t be my last. Make sure to add this one to your TBR!

A novel within a novel. Or at least a novel about a writer telling the story of her novel which seems to becoming reality. This had me hooked from the start. Several characters to keep track of with intertwining stories and then there are the twists. It will keep you on your mental toes. A great read.