This is every parents worst nightmare, Emma and Robert’s 6 year old daughter is brutally murdered and the killer has yet to be caught 6 months later when the story picks back up.
It’s told from multiple POV’s, Emma, Robert, DCI and PC’s. The chapters are short, switching perspective quickly which really keeps you gripped to the unfolding events.
The police’s failings to capture the killer lead to the death of another poor girl. The investigation ramps up significantly but alongside this so does Emma and Robert’s determination to bring justice for their daughter.
Bravo Nicky 👏 I love your writing style and you will easily be an author I gravitate towards in future. I’m going to be reading your back catalogue too!
Thank you NetGalley, the Nicky Downes and the Storm Publishing for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I usually enjoy a good thriller, but this one felt disjointed and a bit contrived in places. It was told from multiple points-of-view, which is sometimes to the best possible benefit of a novel, but here it just served to make things more confusing and less enjoyable.

The plot also didn't follow what I expected, but not so much in a fun way, and more so in a confusing way. I just wish that the characters were more fleshed out and a bit less random in the way that they popped up throughout the story. Additionally, I found myself looking for a motive for the killer - which is never a good sign when given a murder mystery! The motive wasn't clear even at the end, and it was just a bit disjointed as a whole.

This one just did not do it for me, sadly. Hopefully the next one I pick up will be a bit better!

3.5-4 stars

I can't decide my exact rating so I'm just going to give an estimate. This was a unique book to read because the chapters were so short, but contained what felt like so much detail. There was a lot that went on throughout the pages. When I saw how many chapters there were I had to do a double take. I thought it was going to take forever to finish, but the chapters were shorter than any other book I've read and I loved it. It made it super easy for me to just continue reading because I didn't have to dread long chapters.

We follow from about six-seven perspectives, but because the chapters are short, the author made it rather simple to remember who each character was.

It's a very sad plot. It deals with the murder of children. It deals with grieving parents. It's honestly a beautiful book. There's not too many books that really focus on grieving parents, but I liked the realistic part about that.

There was lots of mystery and plot twists. The only thing that I would mention about the book that made me rate it lower was the ending. It just felt a bit rushed; there was this huge build up and then the plot was executed too quickly. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the book and I recommend it to the thriller, suspense, and mystery-loving community.

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. I read this in a matter of hours. 'Her Perfect Girl' was creepy, emotive, and utterly absorbing. Downes told the story through multiple characters' perspectives well, clearly capturing their voices and slowly (but well-paced) revealing the killer. Although the killer's motivations could have been more thoroughly explored, this was a compelling read.

Thank you NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for my free and honest review. This was a great thriller with a perfect set of characters and details to pull a reader into the story. Loved the main characters. Definitely recommend.

This book had me hooked right away, the pace and suspense was really well done to pull me into the search and want to know the truth about Charly's disappearance.

Wow this book really delves deep into what it must be like to have your child murdered. It explores the relationships between the parents whilst also being a police procedural story. I was somewhat horrified to see on the contents page that there were nearly 200 chapters, but actually most of them are very short. I liked the different voices of each parent and some of the police team mixed in with the murder’s point of view.

Ellie and Robert are still trying to cope with the abduction and murder of their daughter some 6 months ago when another 6 year old goes missing and, likewise, murdered. Although there is some detection going on, most of the story revolves around Ellie and Robert's relationship. The chapters are very short and each from a different point of view, although always clear as to that pov. I assume the shortness was meant to instil a sense of urgency, tautness and so on, but just felt bitty and frustrating to me I'm afraid. Even though one of the POV's was that of the murderer we ended with little idea as to why. Very disappointing. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

When six year old Charly Dean goes missing from the park her parents promise they will stop at nothing to find her, then her body is found, now her parents are determined to find her killer. When another young girl goes missing and is found near the same tree as Charly, police realize they have a serial killer stalking little girls with blonde hair.
The story is told from Charly's parents point of view along with the police and the killer. I hated to have to put this book down even for a minute. Although a sensitive topic it was told with a lot of compassion and respect. I couldn't get through the pages fast enough because I was so involved in it. Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and the author for the opportunity to read an arc of this book. It was great.

An excellent read. A parent's worst nightmare, their child abducted and murdered, followed by another a few months later. The story is well written and pulls on the heart strings. I felt the pain of the parents and liked the way they all got together in their grief. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Six year old Charly goes missing on a Friday night whilst being looked after by her Grandmother, her parents Emma and Robert are devastated to learn she has been murdered. Six months later the same fate befalls six year old Samantha and Robert and Emma want to support her parents as best they can and help find the person responsible for these brutal crimes. This is every parents worst nightmare and the pain and emotion can be felt throughout the pages. As details of the crimes come to the surface the police are working on theory after theory on potential suspects which we learn of throughout the book.

There are 190 chapters in this 388 page book, short, snappy and it works really well, multiple pov, snippets of what’s going on from all angles at the same time and the book flows great, this urged me read much faster aswell as I didn’t want to stop and the storyline was compelling and fast paced. I was pleasantly surprised as I wasn’t expecting this to be such a good read if I’m honest, but I was fully invested from page 1. The ending fell a bit flat for me but all in all a decent book.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for my eARC.

This one was absolutely twisty and I loved it! This one was so thrilling, in more ways than one, told in multiple POVs!! This is a must read!!

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an arc of Her Perfect Girl. It's told from multiple POV's and in short chapters which keep the momentum going. I liked the back stories and secrets of the main characters but for me the ending of this thriller was a bit of a let down.

Fast paced, edge of seat reading!
Charly goes missing whilst her parents enjoy a rare night out and from their the world implodes for them. The characters are very real, the emotional turbulence, bickering and blame laying exactly how you would imagine a real life scenario would play out and then the horror of a second body found in the same place shocks both the family and the police investigating the case.
The police elements are well written without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail, keeping the pace frantic.

Thanks to Net Galley for allowing me to read this book. It had me on the edge of my seat constantly. The chapters are very short and there are a lot of them. However, this book did not disappoint and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

In "Her Perfect Girl", Nicky Downes delivers a gripping and chilling mystery/thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The novel centers on the harrowing disappearance and subsequent murder of Charly Dean, a case that sends shockwaves through her small town and leaves her family shattered.

The story opens with a jolt, thrusting readers into the lives of Robert and Emma Dean six months prior to the present day. They are enjoying a rare night out at the only music venue in the small town of Stanton when their evening is abruptly interrupted by the police. The devastating news about their six-year-old daughter, Charly, sets the stage for the events that follow, catapulting both the readers and the characters into a frantic search for the serial killer who is turning their small town upside down.

As the investigation unfolds, a dog walker discovers Charly's body in the woods, revealing a chilling detail that suggests the presence of a serial killer. Downes masterfully creates an atmosphere of tension and dread, pulling readers into the intricate investigation led by the local police. The unsettling detail at the crime scene not only serves as a grim signature of the killer but also sets the stage for a series of disturbing events.

Months pass with no leads, leaving Charly’s parents grappling with their grief and guilt, their marriage strained to the breaking point. The raw portrayal of their emotional turmoil adds depth to the narrative, making their quest for justice both heartbreaking and compelling. When a second victim is found in the same woods, the urgency of solving Charly’s murder intensifies. The revelation that Charly was specifically targeted, and that the reason lies buried in the family's past, propels the plot into even darker and more suspenseful territory.

Downes excels in character development, creating multi-dimensional individuals who are both relatable and flawed. Charly’s parents, in particular, are portrayed with a realistic complexity that highlights their pain and desperation. Their interactions and personal struggles add a layer of emotional resonance to the thriller, grounding the high-stakes mystery in a poignant human story.

The plot is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Downes deftly weaves together the investigation and the personal lives of the characters, maintaining a brisk pace that ensures the narrative never loses momentum. The revelation of the killer's motive, tied intricately to the family's past, is both shocking and satisfying, providing a resolution that feels earned and impactful.

What sets "Her Perfect Girl" apart in the mystery/thriller genre is its ability to balance the procedural elements of the investigation with the profound emotional journey of its characters. Downes’ writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the suspense of the hunt for a serial killer while also delving into the psychological scars left on those affected by the crime.

Fans of the genre will appreciate the novel’s intricate plotting, well-drawn characters, and the palpable tension that runs throughout. "Her Perfect Girl" is a testament to Nicky Downes’ skill as a storyteller, offering a thriller that is as emotionally engaging as it is suspenseful. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a meticulously crafted mystery that explores the darkest corners of human nature and the enduring strength of those seeking justice.

The tranquility of the town is shattered by a brutal murder that sends shockwaves through the community. The newspapers and TV screens are inundated with images of the missing girl, Charly Dean, until her lifeless body is stumbled upon by a dog walker in the nearby woods. A chilling detail uncovered at the crime scene hints at the presence of a calculated killer, sending the local authorities on a frantic search for answers as they fear the emergence of a serial murderer in their midst. The novel delves into themes of grief, guilt, and the enigmatic circumstances surrounding their daughter's tragic fate. Central to the narrative is the unsettling revelation that Charly's victimization was not random, injecting a sense of urgency and dread into the unfolding drama. Downes deftly navigates through a maze of secrets, building suspense and intrigue as characters and readers alike are compelled to confront the shadows of the past. The novel's climax delivers a shocking yet gratifying twist, weaving together the narrative strands in a manner that is both surprising and inevitable.

While "Her Perfect Girl" excels as a riveting page-turner, it occasionally relies on genre conventions such as the archetype of the tormented detective and the grief-stricken parents. Nonetheless, these familiar elements are executed with finesse and emotional depth, preventing them from descending into cliché. The narrative pacing is generally adept, though certain segments could benefit from tighter editing to sustain the story's momentum. In conclusion, "Her Perfect Girl" stands as a compelling and emotionally charged literary offering that will resonate with aficionados of mystery and suspense. Nicky Downes showcases her talent in crafting a nuanced mystery replete with well-rounded characters and an enigmatic plot that keeps readers guessing until the final revelation. This four-star novel leaves an indelible impact, underscoring Downes' prowess in crafting engaging and thought-provoking thrillers. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

This multiple pov thriller will keep you long up into the night as you read throught the mixture of emotions. A parents worse nightmare their daughter goes missing from a relatives home and turns up dead. 6 month on and dead on the inside they are just going through the motions of life until a second young girl is found murdered. Everything is brought back to the front and now as they try desperately to help people find the killer before anyone dies they find their deep oast may have sonething to do with it.
A teal page turner with little snippets from the killer made it compelling. All characters were written honestly and realistically. The chapters were short and engaging so although it was long it fidnt feel long. The investigation felt very fast and perhaps a bit unrealistic. I loved every minute of this as I was fully invested in the characters and tried alongside them to work out the identity. The only thing was the ending seemed very quick and I gueese I wanted a more detailed explanation of why from the killer .
Highly recommended to all thrillers readers. Thank you netgallery and publisher and author fir this cracking 5 star read.

"Her Perfect Girl" by Nicky Downes is a gripping and chilling thriller that hooks readers from the very first page. The story begins with the heart-wrenching disappearance and subsequent murder of young Charly Dean, a case that shocks a small town and devastates her family. The narrative masterfully explores the deep emotional turmoil of Charly’s parents as they grapple with their grief, guilt, and the haunting mystery of their daughter’s death.

Downes paints a vivid picture of a town gripped by fear and suspicion, as the discovery of Charly’s body leads local police to suspect a serial killer is on the loose. The tension escalates when a second victim is found in the same woods, intensifying the parents' desperate quest for justice and answers. The portrayal of their raw, painful journey is both poignant and compelling, making it easy for readers to empathize with their plight.

The strength of "Her Perfect Girl" lies in its well-developed characters and the intricate web of secrets that slowly unravels. Downes skillfully delves into the psychological impact of tragedy on a family, showcasing how grief can both divide and unite. The parents' determination to find the truth, despite their own inner battles and the mounting pressure from the investigation, adds depth to the story and keeps the reader emotionally invested.

One of the most captivating aspects of the book is the sinister revelation that Charly was not a random victim. This chilling twist propels the narrative forward, as the characters—and readers—are forced to confront the dark secrets of the past. Downes expertly weaves in clues and red herrings, maintaining a high level of suspense throughout the novel. The final twist is both shocking and satisfying, tying together the intricate plot threads in a way that feels both surprising and inevitable.

While "Her Perfect Girl" is a gripping page-turner, it occasionally relies on familiar tropes of the genre, such as the tortured detective and the grieving parents. However, these elements are executed with enough finesse and emotional depth to keep them from feeling overly clichéd. The pacing is generally well-maintained, though a few sections could have been tightened to enhance the story's momentum.

Overall, "Her Perfect Girl" is a thrilling and emotionally charged read that will appeal to fans of Cara Hunter, Rachel Abbott, K. L. Slater, and Clare Mackintosh. Nicky Downes delivers a compelling mystery with well-drawn characters and a plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end. It's a solid four-star novel that leaves a lasting impression and reinforces Downes' talent for crafting suspenseful and thought-provoking thrillers.

I liked the story it was very well written but I couldn't keep up with the story and I didn't know who the murderer was throughout, which I feel defeats the purpose of the story.