Book Review: The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden – A Twisty Thriller That Almost Stuck the Landing

Book Review: The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden

After devouring Do Not Disturb and falling headfirst into Freida McFadden’s twisty storytelling style, I couldn’t wait to pick up another one of her books. Enter: The Perfect Son. And let me tell you — I was hooked from the very first chapter.

This is my second book by Freida McFadden, and she has firmly planted herself on my “must-read-everything-by-this-author” list. McFadden has a way of building suspense and dropping reveals that feel like emotional whiplash — in the best possible way.

⚠️ No Spoilers Ahead — Just Enthusiastic Praise (and a Tiny Rant)

🔍 The Setup

The Perfect Son centers around a family with secrets, a seemingly perfect child who may not be so perfect after all, and a mother who begins to question everything she thought she knew. That’s all I’ll say — going in blind is part of the fun. Just know that from the very beginning, you’ll be questioning everyone’s motives… and you’ll probably be wrong. (I was. Repeatedly.)

🎢 Let’s Talk Twists

If there’s one thing Freida McFadden consistently delivers, it’s a twist that snatches the rug right out from under you. I had my little theories going, as any thriller-lover does — and McFadden played me like a fiddle. Every chapter led me one way, only to tear my logic apart the next. The ultimate twist? Mind-blowing. My brain did a full 365 — twisted by the twist, if you will.

This book was on track to be a solid five-star thriller for me. The pacing was tight, the characters were layered, and the tension kept building in such a satisfying way. I adored the reading experience.

😬 The Ending… Let’s Talk About It

So why the 4-star rating?

The ending.

Now, don’t get me wrong — I love a good cliffhanger or ambiguous twist when it serves the story (and if there's a sequel). But The Perfect Son is a standalone. And this ending? It felt like stopping a roller coaster just before the final drop. I was waiting for one more chapter, even just one more paragraph — something to close it off. Instead, it left me dangling in mid-air.

It was clever. It was haunting. And yes, it made me think — but for a thriller, I personally crave closure. I want to walk away with answers, not more questions. That said, this was a brilliant move from an author who knows how to keep readers talking — and craving more.

✅ Final Thoughts

Despite my gripes with the ending, I still highly recommend The Perfect Son to any fan of psychological thrillers. It’s gripping, addictive, and filled with expertly executed tension and surprises. Freida McFadden has such a distinct voice as a thriller writer, and I can't wait to dive into more of her books.

Whether you're new to her work or already obsessed, this is a title worth adding to your TBR — just be prepared for an ending that might leave you shouting at the last page.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)Perfect for readers who love: Unreliable narrators, family secrets, jaw-dropping twists, and fast-paced thrillers with a dark edge.