I had read both of Beverley's previous novels and really enjoyed them as they are set in a fictional village based on where I live; however psychological thrillers are always far more my cup of tea so I couldn't wait to get stcuk into this one and it really didn't disappoint. Beverley's writing is getting better and better with each book and the premise of this one had me gripped from the outset.

Suzanne and her two best friends, Dale and Evie are all looking forward to a month in the sun at a stunning Tuscan villa. All three women have their own reasons for needing a bit of a break from their own realities and when Suzanne is offered the chance to rent a villa from a neighbour they all jump at the opportunity – even if her young nephew will also be staying there.

However when they arrive Harry is charming, polite and devastatingly handsome. Sharing doesn’t look like it will be such a hardship after all! With endless days of sunning themselves by the pool and feasting on Tuscan food and wine ahead of them it’s shaping up to be the perfect summer. 

However as Suzanne and Harry grow closer tensions begin to rise as they all begin to vie for her attention and Dale and Evie become increasingly suspicious of Harry and his background.

Who exactly is he and what are his motives for developing a relationship with a woman almost twice his age? As the summer progresses it seems Harry really isn’t who he first appeared to be and their idyllic trip turns into a nightmare.

I read the book in two days. There are so many twists towards the end it is really breath-taking reading and I was totally seduced by the atmospheric descriptions throughout. I could almost feel the sun on my back and smell the prosciutto and olives in the air.

An easy read which distracted me without too much effort. The characters were just ok and whilst there were some good surprises I wouldn’t really say it was the thriller it was advertised to be.

I got about halfway through this book.  It was an interesting premise--3 middle-aged friends all need a break and travel to Tuscany to stay at a friend's villa.  Also there is the friend's godson, who is clearly a dreamboat, though much younger than them.  One of the women is a lesbian, and that was OK with me.  But, as the story progressed, it becomes clear that she's in love with her best friend, who is straight.  But her best friend is under the spell of the younger man.  At that point, it seemed more like a soap opera than a novel I wanted to read.  So, unfortunately, I stopped reading.

Another excellent read which had me hooked from the start.
A trio of women end up staying at a friend's villa in Italy in the hope of having a relaxing holiday together. What they get is far from that as a love affair becomes a suspicious entanglement and leads to a terrible truth. In between, events threaten to divide the women and ruin friendships. There is Susie who is missing her fifteen old son Cody, her best friend Dale who is fed up with being stalked by ex-girlfriend Helena, and shy and retiring new addition to the friendship circle, legal secretary Evie.
Evie, reeling from the death of her mother and seriously lacking in confidence is hampered by a terrible sense of shame about her body, but is probably the most likeable character for me, and the most sensible. Dale is very hot-headed and Susie is very privileged.
The book is a psychological thriller which tests the reader's powers of deduction and left me muddled at times with an elaborate plot that stitched me up in knots! There is an unusual ending that also left me gasping and not quite knowing which way was up!
This is also a book about identity and the assumptions we make, in this case, assumptions which lead to devastating consequences and is enough to put anyone off going away on holiday! In fact the book did make me think of TM Logan's book The Holiday at times. Is Harry who he says he is? Does he really love a woman old enough (almost) to be his mother? Who is Star and why is she in a hostel and where on earth does Brandon fit into it all? Has someone gone missing? Has someone had an accident or been killed? And why does any of this happen in the first place?
I have deliberately left you with a glut of questions which cannot be answered unless you read the book. Go on, you know you want to!

This novel is a great read – the pacing is comfortable, it is well-plotted and the story is intriguing.

A month in Tuscany was going to be a much needed, relaxing extended holiday for Susanne and her two friends, Evie and Dale. Charismatic Harry introduces himself, charms Susanne and the two have a holiday fling, but before long Evie and Dale are wondering if Harry is actually the person he presents to the world...

I really enjoyed reading The Perfect Liar and couldn't put it down! With its many twists, I was desperate to reach the end. Even though I struggled to like the characters, especially Susanne who was a bit of an airhead, Beverley Harvey had cast them well and they all contributed to the story. The plot was sound and there were some wonderful descriptions of the Tuscan locale. As the story progressed the suspense levels rose proportionately and the gobsmacking finale was stupendous! All in all The Perfect Liar was a darn good read.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

I was drawn to the book by the cover which hinted at a mysterious, deceitful character and this definitely sums up the character of Harry in this book!

A dream slowly and surely turns into a nightmare for friends Susanne, Evie and Dale as gorgeous, charming Harry turns out not to be as perfect as he first seems… except being the perfect liar, of course.

This wasn’t as fast paced as my usual read but I was definitely intrigued and a little bit creeped out by the character of Harry and wanted to keep reading to find out the truth about him.

Overall, a twisty and compelling read with a clever and original storyline.

⭐⭐⭐

Sometimes we believe what we want to believe because the truth is too painful, or frightening. Other times we can’t let go, and bitterness and hate dominate our lives. These sentiments hold true in The Perfect Liar. Believing a well crafted lie can lead to a fatal conclusion. Living the lie can lead to murder. This book is full of suspense and will have you wondering who is the real liar, and who is telling the truth. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A holiday romance with a twistedly exciting turn of events! 
Susanne, Dale, and Evie are due for a much-needed vacation, a leave of absence from their everyday lives. Luckily for them, a neighbor has the perfect villa available in Tuscany free of charge - the only catch, they've been asked to keep an eye on her twenty-four-year-old godson, Harry. It seems like a small price to pay for the perfect holiday getaway... or is it? 

The book blurb does a fine job depicting "The Perfect Liar"; it surely piqued my interest. Let's not forget that jaw-dropper of an ending! I very much enjoyed reading through as it all unfolded. While it took me a minute to really get into this story and parts of it were predictable, it was certainly worth the read for that twist at the end and the immaculate descriptions held within. The scenery of Tuscany was wonderfully detailed, as was the delicious-sounding foods. I'd have loved to have holidayed at that villa with (just) my family! Harvey's carefully crafted friendships, woven deceits amongst various characters, as well as the narrative told from multiple viewpoints, both past and present, were quite fascinating! 

I'd recommend this read to anyone interested in suspensefully slow-build with a satisfying pay-off! Many thanks to NetGalley, the author Beverley Harvey, and the publishers at Bookouture for my advanced copy of this ebook and my spot on this Books-On-Tour event! I have honestly and voluntarily reviewed this title.

This was a holiday romance gone wrong. Or was it something more nefarious than that? Author Beverley Harvey’s first attempt in a thriller was fun, filled me with a gnawing sense of curiosity to know what would happen next.

Three ladies, in their forties, went on a holiday where they met Harvey, the godson of a neighbor back home, and one of them hooked up with him. The story progressed with the other two women being utterly suspicious of his motives until a mind-boggling finale revealed the truth.

The book was fun in most parts, though the midsection meandered quite a bit. The ladies seemed to hit it off with each other. I liked their emerging friendship as they enjoyed their days in soaking up the sun.

The antagonist kept me on my toes; he was a smooth operator filled with charm and knew how to reel the fish in. The truth was slowly revealed to the reader in the mid section. I kept hoping the ladies got to see it too. Soon.

What stole the show for me was the last couple of chapters. They soothed my need for vengeance and sunk it to the unseen depths. Pun intended. You’ve got to read the book to understand the line.

Another entertaining way to spend my lazy afternoon.

When Susanne gets the chance to use her wealthy neighbours, Eddie and holiday home,she jumps at the chance. She's taking her friends Dale and Evie with her.  The only problem is that Veronica's twenty four year old godson, Harry is already staying there. When they get to the holiday home Harry is  9t what they expected. He's handsome and friendly. 

The story is told from multiple points of view. We get to know the three women well as the story progresses.  They all have different personalities. Harry soon sweeps Susanne off her feet. The first half of the book is basically character building.  Dale is the only one who is suspicious of Harry. My only complaint about the book is that the premise gave too much away. I still enjoyed the book and the ending 2as satisfactory.

Favorite Quotes:

Harry’s accent is warm toffee sauce poured over ice cream. Everything about his demeanour drips wealth, privilege and confidence…

Evie imagines her at the tough south London school where she works, holding the rapt attention of her class. Twenty-odd hormonally charged fourteen-year-olds under her spell, the boys damp with adolescent desire, the girls in awe of her strength and urban style. Evie has never met a lesbian before –well, not that she knows of –and is a little intimidated. Then again, the sensations of wrong-footedness and embarrassment are as familiar to Evie as hunger and thirst.

‘You’re a cracking girl, Evie; I’ve always fancied you,’ Roland growls. ‘Discreet, too,’ he adds, before turning over and snoring like a warthog.

Evie saw the way they looked at each other when they thought no one was watching, like feral teenagers at a disco.

Evie’s so prim and proper, she thinks she’s being radical if she changes the parting of her hair.


My Review:

I enjoyed this well-contrived tale. There were multiple storylines with slowly unfolding yet compelling nuances and sketchy characters who were not altogether likable and difficult to fully appreciate, yet oddly managed to elicit my compassion.  Other than for dear Evie I kept waffling on whom was more deserving of my empathy.  
This was my introduction to the duplicitous word stylings of Beverley Harvey and I was a quick convert.  And for a bonus, Ms. Harvey has provided a new addition to my Brit Words and Phrases List with “kick into touch,” which Mr. Goggle taught me was to halt discussion when it is clear the issue cannot be achieved or solved.  I plan to immediately deploy this handy phrase when anyone mentioned the ever hazardous topics of politics or religion.

The Perfect Liar by Beverley Harvey is a suspense thriller that begins so innocently. Suzanne and her two best friends,Dale and Evie are all going to Veronica's (Suzanne's neighbour) Tuscan home. All they need to do in return is keep an eye on her Godson Harry who will be staying at the Villa with them. Well, off course, why not?! Who would say no to a holiday in the sun, in a gorgeous country? 
They arrive in Tuscany and Beverley Harvey gives us Tuscany in our minds eye, described so beautifully I was transported away from the U.K for a time. Then there is Harry, a handsome and very relaxed 24 year old, who seems to be the ideal person they could have shared the villa with. Then as they settle in Suzanne realises she is attracted to him and he ends up in her bed. Her friends are both shocked as there is a twenty year age gap between them. 
The book begins a little slower than some, but this gives us the time to be introduced to all three women and the story is told from mutliple viewpoints too, so we understand how these women are ticking in their own unique ways. As the story develops things come to a head, we see that Dale is very suspicious of Harry but she can't put her finger on why.  Could it just be jealousy due to the fact he has come between them on their holiday and she is missing the close friendship of the three women? Or could it be that she has a sixth sense about Harry? 
The book moves from the womens point of view and we get to learn more about Harry, and find that all is not as it seems. He isn't the person that Suzanne thinks and we slowly begin to learn the truth and it is more than a bit shocking. 
An intriguing and captivating book that I loved for a few reasons. The setting was beautiful and it was a book I couldn't stop reading, I have to see what happens type of  book.... a definite addictive read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of the book to write my review today.

This book had a great premise, but I can’t help feeling that there was something lacking. 
Don’t get me wrong; I read it one sitting, so it definitely had me engrossed and curious to see what happened. I liked the set up of three women “getting away from it all” and heading to Tuscany, especially since they all seemed to be in disparate places in life. 
Susanne was divorced and missing her teenage son who was off on holiday with her ex-husband. Evie, her new friend, had recently lost her mother, inherited her mother’s house, and was at loose ends. Dale, her long-time best friend, was just ready for a vacation. 
When they get to the villa (owned by a friend of Susanne’s) they find that Harry (the friend’s godson) is already there. Is Harry too good to be true, as he doesn’t seem to mind the company of the older ladies, especially Susanne? 
Or is something else going on?
The author does a good job of casting doubt on each of the character’s motivations. There’s just enough to question about each of them that I was never quite sure if anyone had ulterior motives or not. 
There was also a great twist at the very end that got me. I didn’t see it coming and it was a great way to end the book. 
All of that being said, there were a few things that could have been slightly better. 
I thought that the character development could have been a little bit deeper. It seemed like each woman’s situation was more for the plot than for any development of the character. Even though each woman’s situation was unique, there didn’t seem to be much purpose for the situations. 
Every time I thought each woman’s perspective would produce a new offshoot of interest, it didn’t. There seemed to be quite a few paths that were approached but never taken. 
There was a definite “Talented Mr. Ripley” vibe to the whole thing as well. You’ll understand when you read it. 
At one point in the book, the author also introduces a new point of view. It quickly becomes apparent why that person is contributing to the story, but the arrival was a bit jarring. 
I also felt that Susanne’s decisions in the latter half the book were questionable. I get why the plot needed to go in that direction, but the choices didn’t seem honest and (again) were more to move the story than be true to the character. 
Even though this was a little bit of a mixed bag, I would still recommend it because the author does a nice job of throwing enough questions out there that it made for interesting reading.

I think this is my first book by this author, but most definitely mot my last!  Was a quick, fast paced read, which kept me tense from the suspense!  Lots of the much needed thrills, chills, and shocks!  These types of some of my fav types, so if you like similar ones to me, I’m sure you will love this book.  Highly, highly recommend!

The Perfect Liar is the first book I have read from Beverley Harvey and what a great introduction it was for me to her work. She has produced a thrilling read that I felt I was able to escape into, as the characters that she has created, was able to divert me from my normal day to day and into their world.

The story follows three friends Suzanne, Dale and Evie as they embark on a holiday to Tuscany to get away from their troubles and reconnect with each other. There they meet Harry, whom Suzanne is immediately attracted to and has a fling with, but Dale and Evie are sceptical and feel that there is more to Harry than meets the eye. 

Beverley Harvey goes into detail and gives you good introduction to each of the ladies and their lives, making part of the story so character driven to start with, it is like getting to know a group of new friends. This then leaves you invested into each of them, as the narrative then becomes plot driven further along.

The Tuscan location had me feeling like I was also on the holiday with the ladies, laying by the pool, cocktail in hand watching it all unfold and it made for a perfect backdrop. Lets face it, after in being in lockdown for most of this year in Melbourne, Australia as most of the world has also been, the idea of being able to be transported to Tuscany felt dreamlike.

The Perfect Liar is a slow build to begin and although the outcome was not a huge surprise to me, the epilogue was! This is Beverley Harvey’s first foray into the world of the psychological thriller and as a fanatical reader of the genre myself, I think she had done a really great job with this book and has put together an entertaining read.

Thank you to Beverly Harvey, Bookouture and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Perfect Liar, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Three female friends decide to go on a holiday when they all need a break from everyday life. Their friend Suzanne has the perfect solution, her neighbor has a Tuscan villa which is affordable for the summer and has a great pool. The only stipulation is they have to share it with a young man named Harry, the neighbor's godson.
The vacation starts out well enough, they get to tour the area, shop, and eat tons of great food. However, Suzanne and Harry start hooking up, to the disdain of Suzanne's best friend Dale, who is super suspicious of the lad they have just met, and she has every reason to be! People are not always who they appear to be and this made for a great thriller of a book. I hated how super naive Suzanne was until the very end, but I guess you do stupid things when you are completely smitten. This made a great story to read with an ending that left me hanging on the edge of my seat because where it seems like it was going to end, it did not. A sequel perhaps? I hope the author continues this story and gives it a great conclusion. Thank you NetGalley for another fun read!

Suzanne is divorced from Colin.  They are the parents of Cody, 15 who lives with Suzanne and is the light of her life.  This summer, Colin wants Cody to spend the summer with him and his girlfriend.  This is difficult because being away from her son is really hard on her.  

Suzanne and her friend, Dale, have been good friends for many years.  Recently, Dale opened up to Suzanne telling her that she is a lesbian. Suzanne doesn’t care at all because Dale will always be her friend.

Evie is a young woman who put her career and life aside to care for her terminally ill mother.  Now that the woman has passed away, Evie is striving to exercise and become more healthy.  The gym is where she met Suzanne and they have become close.

Suzanne’s neighbor owns a villa in Tuscany and offers her, Dale, and Evie the use of it for a month this summer.  They are thrilled to accept her offer.  They are told that the woman’s godson will also be at the villa but he is a student and there is lots of room.

When they arrive, they love the location and when they meet Harry, they are surprised to find a handsome man who is quite mannerly.  However, he soon comes onto Suzanne who lets herself go after drinking too much wine.  When Dale discovers this, she is not happy and tells her friend that she is being reckless.  But Suzanne is drawn to this man.  Is Dale’s intuition correct or is she just being silly?

This book has a great plot that builds well.  The characters are perfectly created and the descriptions of the countryside of Tuscany makes the reader feel like they are right there.  I really liked Evie and wanted only the best for her.  Dale and Suzanne play off one another well.  Harry is a smooth operator, but I cringed at Suzanne ready to hop in bed with him.  That was just creepy,  I’m sure readers will enjoy this story and especially its food and countryside descriptions.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Three friends plan a much needed vacation in Tuscany. They didn’t plan for Harry.

Suzanne is wealthy, gorgeous and divorced. Her son is spending the summer with his father so she’s lonely and bored. Her best friend Dale, a teacher, has the summer off. And Evie, a new acquaintance, is still grieving her mother’s death. Suzanne knows her neighbor has a vacation house in Tuscany so, with five weeks free, they’re off on a holiday. 

There is one catch. Harry, her neighbor’s godson, is also staying at the villa. His new job in finance begins in the fall so he’s traveling in Italy learning the language. The house is large enough for all. Harry is 24, tall, charming and incredibly handsome. Suzanne almost immediately begins a passionate affair with him, disappointing and worrying her friends. While Evie is shocked, Dale is suspicious. Why doesn’t he introduce them to his friends Joe and Sander? And who is Star?

The author knows exactly when you will start to realize what is really happening in the villa and introduces a perfectly timed new point of view. The action quickly picks up speed and hurtles toward a totally unexpected conclusion. This is a 5 star read. The weakness is not the author’s fault. The publisher’s description gives too much away. I’m glad I read The Perfect Liar first as that description is a real spoiler.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Beverley Harvey for this ARC.

This was a decent read.  Not as thrilling as led to believe but still good.  Loved the setting of Tuscany and the descriptions of the landscape and food made the book worth it for me.  The characters were good and the mystery was ok.  The pacing was slow until over half way through but picked up nicely then.  Won't be on my must read list of recommendations but good for a distraction from Covid.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it.

The Perfect Liar by Beverley Harvey. Out on November 6 2020.
Skip the synopsis it gives far too much away. If you do read it, unfortunately, you will be more aware of the story's plot.
Susanne, beautiful, divorced and rich, Evie, financially secure, after her mothers passing and Dale a larger than life lesbian (all 40ish-year-old women) are taking a five-week trip to Italy staying at Susanne's neighbour's Veronica's (Ronnie) Villa in Tuscany.
The only disadvantage is Ronnie's much younger Godson, 24-year-old Harry, will also be staying there. Susanne is assured that he won't get in the way as there is plenty of room at the Villa. On the evening they arrive, Harry is out but has left a supper of antipasto and wine.  When they eventually meet him, they are confronted by a Handsome, self-assured man. 
Sparks start to fly between Harry and Susanne, and romance is in the air. Of course, not all is as perfect as it seems.
The dynamic changes upon the arrival of Star, Harry's 18-year-old friend.
I enjoyed how the author was able to capture Italy so wonderfully. 
The visions, aromas, flavours and sounds of Italy were portrayed perfectly, and it was easy to allow yourself to be transported there through her descriptions.
I would not class this as a thriller, but it did have a psychological feel and is a well-written story even though predictable.