Megan and Leah are identical twins, they spent their childhood pretending to be each other to trick their mum, now after finding a photo on her husband's phone which clearly isn't her, Megan decides to confront Leah for answers, Leah has always taken what Megan has and this, it seems, includes her husband Chris. An argument follows, which quickly escalates and ends in murder, can Megan pretend to be Leah again, to cover up killing her twin? She thinks she has it covered but then lockdown is declared and Megan begins to wonder how she can now lead this double life and keep the murder secret.

Her Perfect Twin is told from multiple perspectives, covering some delicate subjects including coercive control, abuse and gaslighting. It's a deliciously dark rollercoaster of a thriller with so many twists you'll feel dizzy and you certainly won't need to scream to go faster on this ride because you'll race through it. It's hard to believe that this is the authors debut, the plot is pure genius, the characters, although unreliable, are totally authentic, I didn't particularly like any of them, although did feel sorry for Megan, the chapters run seamlessly from one to the next and the twists when they come are brilliant, especially that final one. I was so invested in this story from beginning to end that at times I forgot to breathe, I can't wait to read more by this incredible author who is definitely one to watch.

I'd like to thank Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. What an excellent debut! It grabbed my attention from the very beginning and kept me hooked throughout. Gripping and twisty with great characters, not all likeable! This is an excellent book and is well written. I highly recommend it to any psychological thriller fans!

I haven’t read a truly twisting psychological thriller for a long time. Jeez, does this one do it for me, at parts I audibly gasped.
An unrelenting pace, written from various POVs, with little snippets dropped in to the plot that you just know are going to be important later. Will you spot them?
I’m not even going to précis the plot - read the blurb & then read the book. You won’t regret it. This kept me reading well beyond lights out.
A cracker of a read & I can’t wait for the next one. Highly recommended.

Wow. This blew my mind, so enthralling, such a tightly woven thriller about families and the evil twin. A fantastic, engrossing read.

Her perfect twin by Sarah Bonner.
When Megan discovers photographs of her estranged identical twin sister on her husband's phone, she wants answers.
Leah already has everything Megan has ever wanted. Fame, fortune, freedom to do what she wants. And when Megan confronts Leah, an argument turns to murder.
The only way Megan can get away with killing her twin is to become her.
But then lockdown hits. How can she continue living two lives? And what happens if someone else knows her secret too?
This was a very good read with good characters. Different. 4*.

4.5 stars rounded to 5.

Holy moly! That was some seriously insane stuff that messed with my brain!

Clever, mind-bending and eye-popping – best describe “Her Perfect Twin”.

Synopsis -

Megan & Leah are twins who never really got along. So when Megan gets suspicious about her husband, having found Leah’s pictures on his phone, she is hurt, angry & desperate. With lockdown hitting London, things take a dark turn, as Megan decides to take control.

Review -

The book starts with Megan’s narrative and we get glimpses of the twins’ past. Bonner describes their complementing personalities that leads to their strained relationship, eventually opening up a big chasm and estrangement as they become adults.

The plot is so astutely built-up using the isolation and cascading effects of Covid lockdown, to the best possible advantage. The author hits you with so many surprises bang in the face, as she cunningly changes the narrative when you least expect it.

Oh from then on, it’s just deception galore. Confusion and perplexity plagues our brains, leaving us craving for answers, curiosity spiking in our veins. Failing to interpret and discern the things thrown at us, we are simply at the storyline’s mercy to watch the drama unfold.

Though some of the speculations turned out partly correct, thanks to some “hints” the author drops with careful consideration, it’s amazing how the book still manages to blow you mind off, the jaw hitting the floor at the end of it all.

The only niggle for me was the ending which felt a bit cramped, packing some unnecessary details which could’ve been avoided.

Overall, this is a stunning psychological thriller debut, so addictive and all-consuming, that in my opinion should not be missed by thriller lovers!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton, for the e-ARC in exchange of an honest review!

Trigger warnings - physical abuse, mention of Covid

I was intrigued by the premise of Her Perfect Twin. Megan and Leah are identical twins who had a difficult childhood. Now estranged as adults, they lead completely different lives. Megan is married and works as a management consultant, while Leah leads a glamorous lifestyle as a social media influencer and author. Leah made a fortune after writing a book about the twins’ childhood, a book that she and Megan worked on together but Leah stole the idea for her own. Megan resents her for cashing in on their family’s troubled history and stealing her work. When Megan discovers that Leah has been having an affair with her husband, she decides to confront her. When the confrontation turns to murder, Megan must live a double life to hide what she’s done. She decides to become Leah, playing the part of both herself and her sister.

The story was pacey and there were lots of small reveals and twists, which kept the story moving forwards. However, not all of the twists were believable. Plot devices like covert surveillance felt quite flimsy and some of the bigger twists did not feel convincing. That said, if you can suspend your disbelief, you are likely to enjoy the story because it is fast-paced and eventful.

I liked some parts of the characterisation in this book. Leah’s life was described particularly well, especially her social media habits and her relationships with her other semi-famous friends. However, some parts of the characterisation didn’t ring true for me. The first section is told from Megan’s point of view and she didn’t seem to be at all affected by the fact that she had murdered her sister. I felt that she slotted into living a double life without any emotional difficulty and she did not face enough obstacles while trying to pass as someone she didn’t often spend time with. She easily guessed Leah’s passwords, convinced Leah’s close friends that she was genuine, began an affair with one of Leah’s potential love interests and there was no real tension about her being exposed. I would have liked to see some scenes developed more fully with later repercussions, for example the scene where Leah’s friends discover Megan’s engagement ring which she has carelessly left on display. They question it but it’s quickly explained away.

Without giving spoilers, one character was particularly unpleasant, to the extent that I found his section difficult to engage with. I understand he is meant to be an unlikeable, callous character but there were literally no redeeming qualities about him and being inside his head in first-person narration was difficult, particularly when he was describing his abusive behaviour and thoughts.

It was interesting to see lockdown used as a plot device in this book. I know that this device is not popular with all readers but I thought it was used credibly here. Who didn’t wonder what would happen to people leading double lives when lockdown started? The question is explored well and it builds tension, as things become much worse for Megan as a result of the pandemic.

For the most part, I enjoyed this novel. It was well paced with interesting characters and a good premise.

An easy enough read, mainly a twisty domestic thriller. I seem to be in the minority who didn't absolutely love it but I just couldn't really warm to the characters or completely go with the plot. If you like the sound of it then suggest you give it a go!

Wow, this was a twisty book. I couldn’t put it down. My only gripe was the sex in this book. I know it was essential to the story but, sometimes it was far too graphic and was too often. But apart from that I totally loved this book. I loved the twist at the end and I really didn’t know how this one would turn out. Brilliant. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and just flew through reading it. I don't often give 5 stars but this book deserved it.
It grabs the reader from the start and keeps you engaged all the way through, throwing in lots of twists along the way. I appreciate books where you can't predict the ending and this was a fine example.
The characters are well drawn and each narrate a part of the book giving the reader an insight into their thoughts and feelings. I was on team Megan despite her actions but it was a nail biting time for her especially during lockdown which added another complication into the mix.
An original well written book that is hard to believe is a debut novel. I expect it to be a big hit and hope I read more from this author in the future.

Well... this book took me all round the houses and back again as it delivered shock after surprise all the way through. Megan and Leah are identical twins. When we first meet them, they are estranged and have taken very different paths in their lives. One day Megan discovers a photo on her husband's phone. A photo of her which she doesn't remember him taking. Of her wearing lingerie that she doesn't remember owning. Only one explanation comes to mind. It isn't her. It's Leah. So she goes to confront her. And kills her in a fit of passion. Oh My Days. We then move into "how to get away with murdering your identical twin" territory. Obvious really. Just become her for a while to take the heat off and then, when the time is right, abandon the fake life... A tricky enough prospect in itself but one she thinks she can pull off. After all, her sister spent her life on the internet, shouldn't be hard to work it all out. Yeah, should work... Apart from she didn't factor in that virus. And lockdown. How can she be two people when she has to say home...?
This was the book that kept on giving. It starts off simple enough but then things get rather "interesting" and well, I'm still not 100% certain I have it all straight in my head. Not that the ending is ambiguous, although it kind of is, a bit. But it's also so very clever! Especially when we hear from Chris... And things take a very dark turn indeed.
Characterisation is interesting, shall we just say. I really didn't like any of the main characters but that in itself is kudos for the author as, despite my disliking, I did want to find out what happened to them. Ok so it also started off a bit slowly, for me anyway. But there's quite a bit to set up initially - you'll see that gain fruition at the end when it all comes crashing down!
All in all, a cracking read that, although I did have to suspend belief along the way a tad, I thoroughly enjoyed and which left me satisfied (and smiling) at the end. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Is it believable to live a double life? Especially if the life you are taking over is your twin sister?
Megan discovers that her husband has been having an affair with her sister and social media Instagram lover Leah...the complete opposite to her shy self.
But Megan's husband is cruel and brutal and can't wait to get rib of his wife.
When things suddenly take a turn in Megan's favour she takes it with both hands, with deadly consequences.
Who will be alive at the end?

Wow, this book is an absolute must read! I couldn't believe it is the author's debut novel.

It's fairly difficult to say too much about this book without giving anything away. But, the story begins with two estranged identical twin sisters who, meet after many years apart. When Megan discovers Leah has committed the ultimate betrayal, she takes her revenge. But in doing so, opens up a dark, twisted maze of secrets and deceit.

None of the characters here were particularly likeable, although I did find myself rooting for Megan, despite everything she had done. Narrated from various different character's perspectives throughout, the shocks just keep on coming and nothing and no one is as it seems.

It is a very different type of story to what I would normally read, but I'm so glad I did. If you like your psychological thrillers dark, sinister and with a certain edge, I highly recommend this.

Thanks to the author, Sarah Bonner, publishers Hodder and Stoughton and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow Her Perfect Twin had my head in a spin just from the description and that continued throughout the book. It was one hell of a ride which kept me guessing throughout all the way to the shocking ending.
I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more books by Sarah Bonner in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for my ARC.

If Sarah Bonner’s debut, Her Perfect Twin, is an indication of how 2022 is gonna go debuts wise, I can say without fear of being wrong that it’s gonna be awesome.

Megan and Leah are twins, stranged twins after Leah published a book airing all their family’s dirty laundry. When Megan finds a photo of her sister in her husband’s phone she goes to confront her but…oops, she ends up killing her! (just a sisterly little fight!). Can she get away with murder posing as her dead twin? It looks like she will until lockdown hits (yeah, COVID f*cking everyone’s plans once again!).

I was absolutely mesmerized with this story. Could it be cause I’m a twin myself? A not murderous twin, by the way. Yeah, Megan might have killed her sister but I found her character really sympathetic. I just wanted things to go her way. When you think you know what direction the story is going lockdown comes and all her carefully laid plans go to sh*t and that’s when the real fun began (well, not for her! Poor Megan!).

Her Perfect Twin had one of the most despicable characters I’ve read lately that awoke my killing instincts so bad!

The tension kept ratcheting up with several OMG!, WHAAATT??!!, HOLY SH*T! moments that led to a really satisfying scene during which I actually clapped my hands.

The last thirds made my anxiety go through the roof in a final battle of wits that wasn’t solved until the last page.

Her Perfect Twin is a fantastic psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire story. After this amazing debut, I am truly excited to find out what the author has in store for us next. It may be only January, but Her Perfect Twin is already a strong contender to enter my 2022 top ten list.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

sorry to say it wasnt right for me, i tried and tried to like it but alas to no avail

Mind blown!! I cannot believe Her Perfect Twin is Bonner's debut novel!

We all have a fascination with the connection between twins, but what about twins who are estranged? How deep can passion run when one of the twins wants everything the other one has? This is a case of sibling rivalry on steroids! It was fascinating to watch Bonner develop the personalities of each twin, and then show the two overlap to become Megan as Leah. Her characterization of Chris (the husband) as the charming on the outside, yet smug, sleazy, gaslighting and condescending in real life makes him a character you can really get your hate on for. And there are some asides, where each character speaks to the reader, a sort of wink and nod, that lets us know the character knows we're in on it the plot. Are there moments where you'll need to suspend disbelief? Absolutely! Do they contribute to the storyline? Absolutely!

I enjoyed each POV as new characters began their narrative: Megan, Megan's husband, and the lawyer. Bonner's attention to detail as she weaves this intricate tale is impeccable! Every time it looks like there's evidence that will incriminate Megan, there is an explanation that totally exonerates her.

And then there's the coverage of the lockdown. I think we are all far enough into the current health crisis to cringe when we think about seeing it in fiction from this time period, but the author uses the conditions of March 2020 to frame the story as a total nightmare setting - what would you do if you planned the perfect murder....and then were forced into lockdown?

No one is totally blameless in this novel, but if you need someone to root for, then Megan is your person! I predict this totally original, fast-paced, psychological thriller will be THE book of 2022!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton/Hodder Studio for an advance reader's copy for review. An enthusiastic 5 stars!!!

I can’t believe this is a debut novel as it is absolutely brilliant. I think this is going to be one of my favourite reads of 2022 already as it will be hard to top it.

Written in five parts from different character’s points of view, with each part containing several chapters.

If you think this is just another run of the mill twin trope, think again. The main characters were totally believable and pretty much all of them were twisted in their own way and for different reasons,

Megan finds a photo on her husband Chris’ phone which is clearly not her - it’s her identical twin sister dressed in sexy lingerie! Leah has always wanted what Megan has and they haven’t spoken for years after a massive falling out. Chris has never met Leah though so what’s going on?

What follows is an intricate web of deceit, which leaves the reader wondering who to believe! Just as you think you have it all worked out, another twist!

It is set just before COVID hit and during lockdown but this is only mentioned briefly and is relevant to the plot.

Such a cleverly written, fast paced story which I read in one sitting as I couldn’t stop page turning! Before I knew it, I was pretty close to the end so I had to carry on reading.

Many thanks to netgalley, the publishers and the author for an arc. I can’t wait for the author’s next book if this is anything to go by.

A fast read with lots of twists and humor, and a lot of unreliable unlikeable characters. It was a little slow at first but picked up as we watched our heroine, or was it carry out her plan

Let me start off by saying that this was one of those books that I overhyped in my head after loving the premise so much, and I had such high expectations for it that I think I only have myself to blame for my disappointment in this book.

The story is told in three sections. While the first part sets up the brilliant concept, I found it quite slow and uneventful, and as though Megan did a really poor job pretending to be Leah Everything felt too easy for her, and the more difficult obstacles that I wanted to feel the intensity of were often rushed over.

The second part then went in a completely different direction to what I was expecting, so I struggled to engage with everything going on. But then the third part, I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, I just didn't feel a connection to the characters at this point to take anything away from the more exciting finale, as it largely lacked the suspense that I was looking for.

I like how the situation of lockdown kept the story current and allowed for a few extra twists, but I do think the story could have worked without it (because I think we all try to avoid any mentions of Covid-19 where possible!).

As a debut, I think Bonner shows a lot of potential and I will definitely be reading more by her in the future. It is worth mentioning that I seem to be in the minority with my opinion for this one, though, so I'm sure this is going to be a standout thriller to look out for this year.