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The Perfect Wife
The perfect life. The perfect love.
Abbie awakens in a daze with no memory of who she is or how she landed in this unsettling condition. The man by her side claims to be her husband. He's a titan of the tech world, the founder of one of Silicon Valley's most innovative start-ups. He tells Abbie that she is a gifted artist, an avid surfer, a loving mother to their young son, and the perfect wife. He says she had a terrible accident five years ago and that, through a huge technological breakthrough, she has been brought back from the abyss.
She is a miracle of science.
But as Abbie pieces together memories of her marriage, she begins questioning her husband's motives--and his version of events. Can she trust him when he says he wants them to be together forever? And what really happened to Abbie half a decade ago?
Beware the man who calls you . . .
Abbie awakens in a daze with no memory of who she is or how she landed in this unsettling condition. The man by her side claims to be her husband. He's a titan of the tech world, the founder of one of Silicon Valley's most innovative start-ups. He tells Abbie that she is a gifted artist, an avid surfer, a loving mother to their young son, and the perfect wife. He says she had a terrible accident five years ago and that, through a huge technological breakthrough, she has been brought back from the abyss.
She is a miracle of science.
But as Abbie pieces together memories of her marriage, she begins questioning her husband's motives--and his version of events. Can she trust him when he says he wants them to be together forever? And what really happened to Abbie half a decade ago?
Beware the man who calls you . . .
413 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2019
2,682 people are currently reading
47.6k people want to read
About the author
J.P. Delaney
9books5,175followersJ. P. Delaney is the pseudonym of a writer who has previously published best-selling fiction under another name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,041 reviews
April 23, 2025
**3.5-stars rounded up**
When Abbie Cullen mysteriously disappears, her husband, Tim Scott, founder of Scott Robotics, is devastated. Thus, he does what any Titan of Tech would do:
It is clear from the start that you are in for a unique reading experience when you open this book. The writing is strong, but quirky, and it took me a while to get used to the different perspectives.
In particular, you get Abbie's present timeline perspective told in the 2nd person. This seemed a bizarre choice at first, but I did grow to enjoy it as the narrative progressed.
You also get Abbie's past perspective in the days leading up to her disappearance, as well as an unknown narrator, who is an employee at Scott Robotics.
Abbie, as we meet her, is a very likable character, however there is a lot of mystery surrounding her as well. How she came to be and who knows what about her disappearance and apparent regeneration?
A lot of the emotional turmoil of this book comes with Abbie adjusting to her new life. Reintroducing herself to the world. They have an autistic son, Danny, and his schooling and daily care were discussed in some detail.
As a big Sci-Fi fan, I felt this was a pertinent and cutting edge Techno-Thiller. If you are someone who is interested in the advancement of technology, in particular, the future of AI, you should definitely pick this up.
Part psychological thriller, part cautionary tale, I thought Delaney kept this believable enough to really cause the Reader to think about the use of robotics in the home and whether that is a good thing, or a bad thing.
It also explored topics like data ownership and consent, that I think are equally important.
Basically, It is a bit more complicated than that, but you get the gist. In a way, it felt like a modern version of the Stepford Wives.
If it wasn't for the last three or four chapters, this would have been a solid 4-star read for me.
Sadly, I was a little disheartened with the run-up to the conclusion. There were some sharp turns that I would have preferred to go a different way.
Of course this is entirely subjective, but I do have to be honest about the fact that it ultimately did affect my overall enjoyment of the story. With this being said, I still do recommend this one!!!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Ballantine Books, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I truly appreciate the opportunity and did have a lot of fun with my first, but certainly not my last, J.P. Delaney book!
When Abbie Cullen mysteriously disappears, her husband, Tim Scott, founder of Scott Robotics, is devastated. Thus, he does what any Titan of Tech would do:
It is clear from the start that you are in for a unique reading experience when you open this book. The writing is strong, but quirky, and it took me a while to get used to the different perspectives.
In particular, you get Abbie's present timeline perspective told in the 2nd person. This seemed a bizarre choice at first, but I did grow to enjoy it as the narrative progressed.
You also get Abbie's past perspective in the days leading up to her disappearance, as well as an unknown narrator, who is an employee at Scott Robotics.
Abbie, as we meet her, is a very likable character, however there is a lot of mystery surrounding her as well. How she came to be and who knows what about her disappearance and apparent regeneration?
A lot of the emotional turmoil of this book comes with Abbie adjusting to her new life. Reintroducing herself to the world. They have an autistic son, Danny, and his schooling and daily care were discussed in some detail.
As a big Sci-Fi fan, I felt this was a pertinent and cutting edge Techno-Thiller. If you are someone who is interested in the advancement of technology, in particular, the future of AI, you should definitely pick this up.
Part psychological thriller, part cautionary tale, I thought Delaney kept this believable enough to really cause the Reader to think about the use of robotics in the home and whether that is a good thing, or a bad thing.
It also explored topics like data ownership and consent, that I think are equally important.
Basically, It is a bit more complicated than that, but you get the gist. In a way, it felt like a modern version of the Stepford Wives.
If it wasn't for the last three or four chapters, this would have been a solid 4-star read for me.
Sadly, I was a little disheartened with the run-up to the conclusion. There were some sharp turns that I would have preferred to go a different way.
Of course this is entirely subjective, but I do have to be honest about the fact that it ultimately did affect my overall enjoyment of the story. With this being said, I still do recommend this one!!!
Thank you so much to the publisher, Ballantine Books, for providing me with a copy of this to read and review. I truly appreciate the opportunity and did have a lot of fun with my first, but certainly not my last, J.P. Delaney book!
July 19, 2019
I've been guilty of requesting a book without reading the blurb....I mean, not one little bit!
I see an author I know that I enjoy and, “c� goes the request button! Typically I receive my standard, formulary thriller. Some better than others, but in the end, all falling into the same pattern.
Well...let me tell you about the shock on my face as I started in on this read, quickly realizing that finally the mold was officially broken!😳
What if you found the perfect wife...could you really just let her go?
Five stars for originality! This was one of the most ingenious, unique thrillers I’ve read all year! I’m not going to add anything about the premise here. Trust me, go in as blind as possible! (You can thank me later!)
If you’re looking for something different, able to keep an open mind and suspend your believability� Look no further! This is a must read this summer for you!
A shocking buddy read with Susanne! Neither one of us had a clue what was in store for us!
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group Ballantine and J.P. Delaney for an ARC to read and review.
I see an author I know that I enjoy and, “c� goes the request button! Typically I receive my standard, formulary thriller. Some better than others, but in the end, all falling into the same pattern.
Well...let me tell you about the shock on my face as I started in on this read, quickly realizing that finally the mold was officially broken!😳
What if you found the perfect wife...could you really just let her go?
Five stars for originality! This was one of the most ingenious, unique thrillers I’ve read all year! I’m not going to add anything about the premise here. Trust me, go in as blind as possible! (You can thank me later!)
If you’re looking for something different, able to keep an open mind and suspend your believability� Look no further! This is a must read this summer for you!
A shocking buddy read with Susanne! Neither one of us had a clue what was in store for us!
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group Ballantine and J.P. Delaney for an ARC to read and review.
April 8, 2019
If Westworld and The Stepford Wives and Sleeping With the Enemy and Gone Girl had a baby, J.P. Delaney would be the baby daddy.
_________________________________
"You don't change the future without changing the rules."
_________________________________
The last thing I want to do is ruin the experience of reading this book by divulging too much with my review so I'll just say this:
OOOOOOOOMMMMMMMGGGGGG!
aka
I loved it!
aka
I couldn't put it down!
aka
Delaney's best book yet!
*** A gigantical thank you to Random House Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ***
_________________________________
"You don't change the future without changing the rules."
_________________________________
The last thing I want to do is ruin the experience of reading this book by divulging too much with my review so I'll just say this:
OOOOOOOOMMMMMMMGGGGGG!
aka
I loved it!
aka
I couldn't put it down!
aka
Delaney's best book yet!
*** A gigantical thank you to Random House Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ***
July 22, 2019
TWO STARS
Sorry guys. I wanted to like this one. I tried. I did. Lots of ŷ friends are loving this one. Out of JP Delaney’s three novels, I have only given thumbs up for one of them.
is a slick operator when it comes to injecting a cool vibe into his novels. Unfortunately for me, that cool factor comes at an expense. His characters are as flat as cardboard and I struggle to generate any feelings one way or the other about them. I was so tired of being told how “hot� and “sexy� Abbie is. Okay, I get it. She’s hot. Husband Tim is a jerk. All the players wear their labels right on their sleeves. Nothing insightful to find here.
It’s not that I don’t love the unusual sci-fi subject matter. I’m all here for Artificial Intelligence bots. (I love me some WESTWORLD!!!) The first 10% of is thrilling and different. I was immediately hooked. The next 80%? Very slow. Turns into a run of the mill missing wife mystery and, despite the robot thing, it feels generic. I enjoyed the last 10%. Finally, some action!
Delaney touches on so many themes, but it is all superficial. We have robots vs. humans, art vs. technology, autism, human soul, #metoo movement, sexism in Silicon valley. Blah blah blah.
My one last complaint: The novel is written from a second and third person POV, an omniscient narrator. I found this distracting, since it changed without notice and it has the effect of putting the reader even further away from the action. It reads like a voyeur or a group is stalking Abbie and reporting everything on paper. It is weird and I don't understand why Delaney went with it.
Hey, please don’t let me deter you from I seem to be an outlier on this one!
Thank you to Netgalley for my advanced galley. All opinions are mine.
Sorry guys. I wanted to like this one. I tried. I did. Lots of ŷ friends are loving this one. Out of JP Delaney’s three novels, I have only given thumbs up for one of them.
is a slick operator when it comes to injecting a cool vibe into his novels. Unfortunately for me, that cool factor comes at an expense. His characters are as flat as cardboard and I struggle to generate any feelings one way or the other about them. I was so tired of being told how “hot� and “sexy� Abbie is. Okay, I get it. She’s hot. Husband Tim is a jerk. All the players wear their labels right on their sleeves. Nothing insightful to find here.
It’s not that I don’t love the unusual sci-fi subject matter. I’m all here for Artificial Intelligence bots. (I love me some WESTWORLD!!!) The first 10% of is thrilling and different. I was immediately hooked. The next 80%? Very slow. Turns into a run of the mill missing wife mystery and, despite the robot thing, it feels generic. I enjoyed the last 10%. Finally, some action!
Delaney touches on so many themes, but it is all superficial. We have robots vs. humans, art vs. technology, autism, human soul, #metoo movement, sexism in Silicon valley. Blah blah blah.
My one last complaint: The novel is written from a second and third person POV, an omniscient narrator. I found this distracting, since it changed without notice and it has the effect of putting the reader even further away from the action. It reads like a voyeur or a group is stalking Abbie and reporting everything on paper. It is weird and I don't understand why Delaney went with it.
Hey, please don’t let me deter you from I seem to be an outlier on this one!
Thank you to Netgalley for my advanced galley. All opinions are mine.
May 26, 2020
The Perfect Wife by J.P. Delaney is a 2019 Ballantine publication.
Ingenious!
I had no idea what I was getting into when I started reading this book. I did not realize it had a sci-fi element in it, but, I’m glad I chose it without picking up on that, because otherwise I might have passed on it.
The author has constructed a very clever premise in which Abbie, who suddenly awakes- unsure of herself or her surroundings, believes she must have been in an accident of some kind. However, she soon learns, from her husband, Tim, that she is a ‘companion robot� made in the image of his dead wife. She begins to piece together memories and information from the 'real' Abbie as she attempts to connect with her autistic son and be the perfect wife to Tim.
What ensues is an intelligent and darkly imaginative look the consequences of technology, and the possibility of robotic feelings of empathy and maybe even accountability. Some of the characters are almost satirical, but the story is still wildly original. As the mystery deepens, so do the complexities, and the various, and often surprising, emotions that develop with the story.
The format is also unique with both first and second person narratives, which paves the way for an incredibly shocking revelation that made my jaw drop open.
Overall, I really liked this book. It was shocking, and gave my brain a nice workout, and was a nice change of pace for me.
4 stars
Ingenious!
I had no idea what I was getting into when I started reading this book. I did not realize it had a sci-fi element in it, but, I’m glad I chose it without picking up on that, because otherwise I might have passed on it.
The author has constructed a very clever premise in which Abbie, who suddenly awakes- unsure of herself or her surroundings, believes she must have been in an accident of some kind. However, she soon learns, from her husband, Tim, that she is a ‘companion robot� made in the image of his dead wife. She begins to piece together memories and information from the 'real' Abbie as she attempts to connect with her autistic son and be the perfect wife to Tim.
What ensues is an intelligent and darkly imaginative look the consequences of technology, and the possibility of robotic feelings of empathy and maybe even accountability. Some of the characters are almost satirical, but the story is still wildly original. As the mystery deepens, so do the complexities, and the various, and often surprising, emotions that develop with the story.
The format is also unique with both first and second person narratives, which paves the way for an incredibly shocking revelation that made my jaw drop open.
Overall, I really liked this book. It was shocking, and gave my brain a nice workout, and was a nice change of pace for me.
4 stars
July 1, 2019
5 PERFECT STARS!
Oh my Goodness?! What the FRAK did I just read? Like that was Weird, Wild and Completely Crazy and I loved every second of it.
“The Perfect Wife� by J.P. Delaney is a mix of science fiction, suspense and mystery with INSANE twists and turns. Your heart will pound and it will ache. NOTHING will ever be the same again.
Some people strive for perfection daily and will do absolutely anything to achieve it. Tim is that guy. He expects its from his employees and of course, he expects it from Abbie, his wife and perfection is what he gets. How, you ask? It seems impossible doesn’t it? Not quite.
I went into this almost completely blind and boy am I glad I did. I suggest you do the same. It’s exciting, riveting and a bit scary and It’ll keep you turning the pages way past your bedtime.
Another awesome buddy read with Kaceey! So glad you convinced me to grab this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, ŷ, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and J.P. Delaney for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Posted on NetGalley, ŷ on 7.1.19
Will be published on Twitter and Amazon on 8.6.19.
Oh my Goodness?! What the FRAK did I just read? Like that was Weird, Wild and Completely Crazy and I loved every second of it.
“The Perfect Wife� by J.P. Delaney is a mix of science fiction, suspense and mystery with INSANE twists and turns. Your heart will pound and it will ache. NOTHING will ever be the same again.
Some people strive for perfection daily and will do absolutely anything to achieve it. Tim is that guy. He expects its from his employees and of course, he expects it from Abbie, his wife and perfection is what he gets. How, you ask? It seems impossible doesn’t it? Not quite.
I went into this almost completely blind and boy am I glad I did. I suggest you do the same. It’s exciting, riveting and a bit scary and It’ll keep you turning the pages way past your bedtime.
Another awesome buddy read with Kaceey! So glad you convinced me to grab this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, ŷ, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and J.P. Delaney for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Posted on NetGalley, ŷ on 7.1.19
Will be published on Twitter and Amazon on 8.6.19.
April 28, 2019
JP Delaney establishes his reputation for intelligent, complex, thought provoking, beautifully written psychological thrillers with his latest offering. It is a blend of AI with its spectacular groundbreaking, cutting edge scientific breakthroughs and family drama with its sinister and creepy overtones that drive the narrative. Simultaneously, it asks some of the deepest philosophical questions, of ethics and morality, what it is to be human, and the question of what it is that comprises our identity. Abbie is the eponymous 'perfect wife' with its echoes of the Stepford Wives, who awakens in hospital after 5 years, with no memories of who she is and how she came to be here. The man beside her tells her she is his perfect wife, and wonderful mother to their autistic son, Danny, and the victim of a dreadful accident five years ago. He tells her he wants them to be together forever. Can Abbie trust him and his version of events?
Tim Scott is a Silicon Valley tech CEO, a powerful man and billionaire, a socially awkward and tyrannical personality who makes impossible demands of his workforce. Abbie is the polar opposite of Tim, she is a free spirited and impulsive, stunningly beautiful, and artistically creative. Strangely hired by Tim as an artist in residence, her art serves as a social and questioning commentary on Tim's flawed and damaging management style but surprisingly, he is not put out or angered by this. In fact, the two end up getting married, and whilst I know the trope of opposites attracting has a strong foundation in truth, I must admit I struggled to see Tim as a an attractive proposition for any woman, with few traits that could contribute to him being suitable marriage material. Still it takes all sorts to make the world, and they have a son, although there are what might be the expected differences of opinions and perspectives within their marriage, on the autistic Danny, and his future and upbringing.
Delaney introduces the reader to the extraordinary concept of the cobot, the phenomena of AI developments in learning and development, and to the contradictory notion that AI might give us a more humane 'human', juxtaposing this with the human 'inhumanity' of Tim. This an intense and compulsive read that takes the reader into the scary possibilities in technological developments that do not necessarily feel that far fetched. Interweaved with this is the family drama and intrigue, a story of twists and turns, surprising the reader time and time again. This is a suspenseful novel which poses some fundamental questions, touching on misogyny, the nature of marriage, family, autism, what it is to be a parent and asks just how desirable is it to chase the goal of 'perfection'? A fascinating and highly engaging read. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
Tim Scott is a Silicon Valley tech CEO, a powerful man and billionaire, a socially awkward and tyrannical personality who makes impossible demands of his workforce. Abbie is the polar opposite of Tim, she is a free spirited and impulsive, stunningly beautiful, and artistically creative. Strangely hired by Tim as an artist in residence, her art serves as a social and questioning commentary on Tim's flawed and damaging management style but surprisingly, he is not put out or angered by this. In fact, the two end up getting married, and whilst I know the trope of opposites attracting has a strong foundation in truth, I must admit I struggled to see Tim as a an attractive proposition for any woman, with few traits that could contribute to him being suitable marriage material. Still it takes all sorts to make the world, and they have a son, although there are what might be the expected differences of opinions and perspectives within their marriage, on the autistic Danny, and his future and upbringing.
Delaney introduces the reader to the extraordinary concept of the cobot, the phenomena of AI developments in learning and development, and to the contradictory notion that AI might give us a more humane 'human', juxtaposing this with the human 'inhumanity' of Tim. This an intense and compulsive read that takes the reader into the scary possibilities in technological developments that do not necessarily feel that far fetched. Interweaved with this is the family drama and intrigue, a story of twists and turns, surprising the reader time and time again. This is a suspenseful novel which poses some fundamental questions, touching on misogyny, the nature of marriage, family, autism, what it is to be a parent and asks just how desirable is it to chase the goal of 'perfection'? A fascinating and highly engaging read. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.
June 23, 2019
Well that was a thought provoking and fun ride. Nicely done!
Abbie wakes up and wonders where she is and how she got there. A man in the room says he is her husband. He also happens to be the brilliant founder of a tech company in the Silicon Valley. Abbie is not only his wife, she is an avid surfer, an artist and the mother of his child -she is the perfect wife.
When Abbie comes home memories begin to come back to her. She begins to question things. She begins to seek the answers to her questions, and she begins to realize that although she is the perfect "wife" her husband may not be the perfect husband.
This book had quite a few twists and turns thrown in and asks some questions about advancements in science, artificial intelligence, power, marriage, and treatments for autism to name a few. This was another great book by Delaney. I was fully invested in the story and wondering what was going to happen in the end. WOWZA is all I can say. If I had the time, I would have read this in one sitting. I really didn't want to put this book down. High marks for creating a riveting plot with twists, turns and shocking reveals. You may never think about technology the same way again (or sale floor mannequins for that matter). This was a refreshing psychological thriller which did not disappoint.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Abbie wakes up and wonders where she is and how she got there. A man in the room says he is her husband. He also happens to be the brilliant founder of a tech company in the Silicon Valley. Abbie is not only his wife, she is an avid surfer, an artist and the mother of his child -she is the perfect wife.
When Abbie comes home memories begin to come back to her. She begins to question things. She begins to seek the answers to her questions, and she begins to realize that although she is the perfect "wife" her husband may not be the perfect husband.
This book had quite a few twists and turns thrown in and asks some questions about advancements in science, artificial intelligence, power, marriage, and treatments for autism to name a few. This was another great book by Delaney. I was fully invested in the story and wondering what was going to happen in the end. WOWZA is all I can say. If I had the time, I would have read this in one sitting. I really didn't want to put this book down. High marks for creating a riveting plot with twists, turns and shocking reveals. You may never think about technology the same way again (or sale floor mannequins for that matter). This was a refreshing psychological thriller which did not disappoint.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 10, 2019
4.5 stars
What doesn’t come across from the book’s blurb is that this is sci-fi. Abbie awakes from what she thinks has been an accident. Her husband and child are alive, so no worries, until her husband says that she’s actually a cobot, a “companion robot� -that she actually died and what she thinks of as HER memories have been uploaded into her.
Now Abbie maybe a robot, but she’s one with empathy. It was hard to remember that she wasn’t human. And the book contains the best definition of what it means to be the parent of an autistic child I’ve ever read. (The reason why is explained in the Acknowledgments.)
I always find it unusual when a story is told in the second person. But Abbie’s portions are. The historic sections are told in first person but we aren’t told who the narrator is. It’s a very disconcerting approach but it works really well.
The book is an interesting mix between sci-fi and domestic thriller. It raises some fascinating moral questions and will have you thinking about what makes someone human. Abbie is even asked at one point if she thinks she has a soul. As someone who hates that pets are treated as property, I really got into the legal aspects as well.
This book took me places I didn’t expect. It’s one I highly recommend, even for those that think they don’t like sci-fi. My only criticism is that Tim is more caricature than real person. I had trouble buying his simplistic view of women which read like a Freud 101 case.
My thanks to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.
What doesn’t come across from the book’s blurb is that this is sci-fi. Abbie awakes from what she thinks has been an accident. Her husband and child are alive, so no worries, until her husband says that she’s actually a cobot, a “companion robot� -that she actually died and what she thinks of as HER memories have been uploaded into her.
Now Abbie maybe a robot, but she’s one with empathy. It was hard to remember that she wasn’t human. And the book contains the best definition of what it means to be the parent of an autistic child I’ve ever read. (The reason why is explained in the Acknowledgments.)
I always find it unusual when a story is told in the second person. But Abbie’s portions are. The historic sections are told in first person but we aren’t told who the narrator is. It’s a very disconcerting approach but it works really well.
The book is an interesting mix between sci-fi and domestic thriller. It raises some fascinating moral questions and will have you thinking about what makes someone human. Abbie is even asked at one point if she thinks she has a soul. As someone who hates that pets are treated as property, I really got into the legal aspects as well.
This book took me places I didn’t expect. It’s one I highly recommend, even for those that think they don’t like sci-fi. My only criticism is that Tim is more caricature than real person. I had trouble buying his simplistic view of women which read like a Freud 101 case.
My thanks to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book.
May 30, 2019
Imagine all the people......(John Lennon)
But what if the people are really not the people who say they are the people?
J.P. Delaney creates a whirlwind of opposing ideas and characters marching to different drummers and hearing rhythms not privy to all. Buckle your seatbelts. The Perfect Wife is at the wheel and it's gonna be a rough, rough ride.
Abbie Cullen, talented artist and superb surfer, died under strange circumstances over five years ago. Yet, she wakes one morning groggy and trying to sort out her whereabouts. Slivers of memory crash and dive within her confused mind.
Her husband, Tim, is by her side shocked to see her stirring. Tim is the CEO and founder of Scott Robotics in Silicon Valley. He's an absolute wizard at what he does with versions of AI. He dotes on Abbie and their young son, Danny, who is autistic. And it is Tim's obsession with his wife and son that will send this story into the speed cycle. He bought Abbie a multi-million dollar beach house for an engagement gift. He researches every advancement and new technique in regard to autism, sending little Danny to schools he alone deems worthy.
But there's something a bit off with this cozy little family.....way off. And it's best that you peek behind the elegant draperies yourself to see what is amiss. Not going to give away a single nugget here. Just gonna let you trip over a few boulders on your way in.
J.P. Delaney has upped the ante in this one. I've read The Girl Before and Believe Me and enjoyed them both. This one was hit out of the ballpark for sure with its original storyline and features. Delaney presents scenarios that tip the scientific cup of morality and ethics. Just because you can, should you? Hmmmm......
I received a copy of The Perfect Wife through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Ballantine Books and to J.P. Delaney for the opportunity.
But what if the people are really not the people who say they are the people?
J.P. Delaney creates a whirlwind of opposing ideas and characters marching to different drummers and hearing rhythms not privy to all. Buckle your seatbelts. The Perfect Wife is at the wheel and it's gonna be a rough, rough ride.
Abbie Cullen, talented artist and superb surfer, died under strange circumstances over five years ago. Yet, she wakes one morning groggy and trying to sort out her whereabouts. Slivers of memory crash and dive within her confused mind.
Her husband, Tim, is by her side shocked to see her stirring. Tim is the CEO and founder of Scott Robotics in Silicon Valley. He's an absolute wizard at what he does with versions of AI. He dotes on Abbie and their young son, Danny, who is autistic. And it is Tim's obsession with his wife and son that will send this story into the speed cycle. He bought Abbie a multi-million dollar beach house for an engagement gift. He researches every advancement and new technique in regard to autism, sending little Danny to schools he alone deems worthy.
But there's something a bit off with this cozy little family.....way off. And it's best that you peek behind the elegant draperies yourself to see what is amiss. Not going to give away a single nugget here. Just gonna let you trip over a few boulders on your way in.
J.P. Delaney has upped the ante in this one. I've read The Girl Before and Believe Me and enjoyed them both. This one was hit out of the ballpark for sure with its original storyline and features. Delaney presents scenarios that tip the scientific cup of morality and ethics. Just because you can, should you? Hmmmm......
I received a copy of The Perfect Wife through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Ballantine Books and to J.P. Delaney for the opportunity.
September 2, 2019
Original and fast paced psychological thriller with great twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
I really liked this one, it a thriller/sci-fi type novel that really does make you sit up and take notice.
This is my first novel by JP Delaney and it certainly didn't disappoint, I like the Science fiction aspect of this story as it gave it a little edge and the plot is fast paced and really entertaining.
There's something I have to explain, my love," he says, taking your hand in his. "That wasn't a dream. It was an upload."
Abbie wakes in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. The man by her side explains that he's her husband. He's a titan of the tech world, the founder of one of Silicon Valley's most innovative startups. He tells Abbie she's a gifted artist, a doting mother to their young son, and the perfect wife.
I think this is the type of novel that some readers will love and others will find totally ridiculous but for me this really worked as it was different, entertaining, thought provoking and a little scary too.
I really liked this one, it a thriller/sci-fi type novel that really does make you sit up and take notice.
This is my first novel by JP Delaney and it certainly didn't disappoint, I like the Science fiction aspect of this story as it gave it a little edge and the plot is fast paced and really entertaining.
There's something I have to explain, my love," he says, taking your hand in his. "That wasn't a dream. It was an upload."
Abbie wakes in a hospital bed with no memory of how she got there. The man by her side explains that he's her husband. He's a titan of the tech world, the founder of one of Silicon Valley's most innovative startups. He tells Abbie she's a gifted artist, a doting mother to their young son, and the perfect wife.
I think this is the type of novel that some readers will love and others will find totally ridiculous but for me this really worked as it was different, entertaining, thought provoking and a little scary too.
August 22, 2020
The Perfect Wife by J.P.Delaney is set in the near future in a world of tech start ups, AI and robotics. It’s an imaginative novel and a departure from previous thrillers like The Girl Before. Delaney describes the novel as ‘a novel of psychological suspense, one with an unusual speculative element�.
Abbie wakes up from a vivid dream. She’s in hospital, confused and in a lot of pain ....... has she been in an accident?
She’s relieved and happy to find her husband Tim sitting with her, but she’s not so relieved and happy when he tells her that her vivid dream was in fact ......... an upload!
It’s a bit disorientating at first getting used to the central character of a novel being a robot, albeit one with emotional intelligence and empathy. But Abbie becomes a likeable protagonist. She has been created as a companion for Tim, a genius tech millionaire, in the likeness of his dead wife.
The narrative follows an exciting psychological thriller style storyline replete with twists, turns and flashbacks.
I’m a J P Delaney fan and I enjoyed The Perfect Wife but there were a couple of elements that didn’t quite work for me.
There is much interesting and philosophical discussion on the future of robots and AI intelligence as a backdrop to the action. There is also much discussion and detail given on the subject of autism and it’s treatment (Danny, Abbie and Tim’s son is autistic)
One of my reservations was that these two important strands to the story, whilst interesting (and important) in themselves, became a bit cumbersome to the plot and made the pace a little uneven. The ending was also a touch too fanciful for me.
However, There was much I liked about this novel - the writing slick, the characters well developed and the storyline fresh and imaginative. Reservations of The Perfect Wife to one side, I’m looking forward to my next J.P. Delaney novel.
Abbie wakes up from a vivid dream. She’s in hospital, confused and in a lot of pain ....... has she been in an accident?
She’s relieved and happy to find her husband Tim sitting with her, but she’s not so relieved and happy when he tells her that her vivid dream was in fact ......... an upload!
It’s a bit disorientating at first getting used to the central character of a novel being a robot, albeit one with emotional intelligence and empathy. But Abbie becomes a likeable protagonist. She has been created as a companion for Tim, a genius tech millionaire, in the likeness of his dead wife.
The narrative follows an exciting psychological thriller style storyline replete with twists, turns and flashbacks.
I’m a J P Delaney fan and I enjoyed The Perfect Wife but there were a couple of elements that didn’t quite work for me.
There is much interesting and philosophical discussion on the future of robots and AI intelligence as a backdrop to the action. There is also much discussion and detail given on the subject of autism and it’s treatment (Danny, Abbie and Tim’s son is autistic)
One of my reservations was that these two important strands to the story, whilst interesting (and important) in themselves, became a bit cumbersome to the plot and made the pace a little uneven. The ending was also a touch too fanciful for me.
However, There was much I liked about this novel - the writing slick, the characters well developed and the storyline fresh and imaginative. Reservations of The Perfect Wife to one side, I’m looking forward to my next J.P. Delaney novel.
August 9, 2019
EXCERPT: 'Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds,' he quotes. 'Sonnet 116, remember? We read it at our wedding. Four lines each in turn. Then the final couplet together.'
You shake your head. You don't remember that, no.
'It'll come back to you.' You wonder if he means the memory or the sentiment. 'My point is, those weren't just empty words to us. You were always unique, Abbie. Irreplaceable. A perfect wife. A perfect mother. The love of my life. Everyone says that, don't they? But I really meant it. After I lost you, plenty of people told me I should move on, find someone else to spend my life with. But I knew that was never going to happen. So I did this instead. Was I right to? I don't know. But I had to try. And even just talking to you now, for these few minutes - seeing you here, in our house, hearing you speak - makes all the years I put into this worthwhile. I love you, Abs. I will always love you. Forever, just like we promised each other on our wedding day.'
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Abbie awakens in a daze with no memory of who she is or how she landed in this unsettling condition. The man by her side claims to be her husband. He's an icon of the tech world, the founder of a lucrative robotics company. He tells Abbie that she is a gifted artist, an avid surfer, a loving mother to their young son, and the perfect wife. He says she had a terrible accident five years ago, and that, through a huge technological breakthrough, she has been brought back from the abyss. She is a miracle of science.
But as Abbie pieces together memories of her marriage, she begins questioning her husband's motives--and his version of events. Can she trust him when he says he wants them to be together forever? And what really happened to Abbie half a decade ago?
MY THOUGHTS: Fascinating. Creepy. Plausible.
This is not what I was expecting at all. It is unconventionally creepy on many levels, mostly because I can see it happening if it hasn't already done so. That woman in the restaurant who merely pushes the food around her plate? That person who seems too good to be true. How many times have you asked yourself if someone is even real? This book will have you asking that question all over again.
All this is tied in with a 'love story'. He is a visionary, a wunderkind. What Gates was to personal computers, Jobs was to smartphones, or Musk was to electric cars, Tim Scott is to AI. Abbie is a free spirit, artist, surfer. They are opposites who have attracted, who complement each other, two halves of a whole. Until they have a child who develops CDD. Tim sees Danny as a problem to be solved, he just needs reprogramming. Abbie wants to try every alternative therapy. Cracks begin to appear...
The story is told from two points of view, from that of an unknown narrator, and Abbie. Abbie's story is split over two timelines - Abbie now, and Abbie then. The identity of the unknown narrator is revealed at the end of the story, and came as somewhat of a surprise to me.
The story itself keeps the reader slightly off balance. Every time I thought I had something figured out, Delaney tipped me on my head. Her characters are unpredictable and thoroughly believable, even the AI ones.
And I want to applaud Delaney for not reducing the impact of autism on the family, for not stinting on her descriptions of autistic behaviour, and for including the joy that is taken from every little gain, no matter how small, no matter if it is never repeated.
This is an excellent read. An unconventional read. A read that will make you think about the role of robots (or, in this case, cobots - emotionally intelligent companion robots ) in our lives.
#ThePerfectWife #NetGalley
😍🤩🤔🤩😍
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: J. P. Delaney is the pseudonym of a writer who has previously published best-selling fiction under another name.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Quercus Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Perfect Wife by J.P. Delaney for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my ŷ.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage
You shake your head. You don't remember that, no.
'It'll come back to you.' You wonder if he means the memory or the sentiment. 'My point is, those weren't just empty words to us. You were always unique, Abbie. Irreplaceable. A perfect wife. A perfect mother. The love of my life. Everyone says that, don't they? But I really meant it. After I lost you, plenty of people told me I should move on, find someone else to spend my life with. But I knew that was never going to happen. So I did this instead. Was I right to? I don't know. But I had to try. And even just talking to you now, for these few minutes - seeing you here, in our house, hearing you speak - makes all the years I put into this worthwhile. I love you, Abs. I will always love you. Forever, just like we promised each other on our wedding day.'
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Abbie awakens in a daze with no memory of who she is or how she landed in this unsettling condition. The man by her side claims to be her husband. He's an icon of the tech world, the founder of a lucrative robotics company. He tells Abbie that she is a gifted artist, an avid surfer, a loving mother to their young son, and the perfect wife. He says she had a terrible accident five years ago, and that, through a huge technological breakthrough, she has been brought back from the abyss. She is a miracle of science.
But as Abbie pieces together memories of her marriage, she begins questioning her husband's motives--and his version of events. Can she trust him when he says he wants them to be together forever? And what really happened to Abbie half a decade ago?
MY THOUGHTS: Fascinating. Creepy. Plausible.
This is not what I was expecting at all. It is unconventionally creepy on many levels, mostly because I can see it happening if it hasn't already done so. That woman in the restaurant who merely pushes the food around her plate? That person who seems too good to be true. How many times have you asked yourself if someone is even real? This book will have you asking that question all over again.
All this is tied in with a 'love story'. He is a visionary, a wunderkind. What Gates was to personal computers, Jobs was to smartphones, or Musk was to electric cars, Tim Scott is to AI. Abbie is a free spirit, artist, surfer. They are opposites who have attracted, who complement each other, two halves of a whole. Until they have a child who develops CDD. Tim sees Danny as a problem to be solved, he just needs reprogramming. Abbie wants to try every alternative therapy. Cracks begin to appear...
The story is told from two points of view, from that of an unknown narrator, and Abbie. Abbie's story is split over two timelines - Abbie now, and Abbie then. The identity of the unknown narrator is revealed at the end of the story, and came as somewhat of a surprise to me.
The story itself keeps the reader slightly off balance. Every time I thought I had something figured out, Delaney tipped me on my head. Her characters are unpredictable and thoroughly believable, even the AI ones.
And I want to applaud Delaney for not reducing the impact of autism on the family, for not stinting on her descriptions of autistic behaviour, and for including the joy that is taken from every little gain, no matter how small, no matter if it is never repeated.
This is an excellent read. An unconventional read. A read that will make you think about the role of robots (or, in this case, cobots - emotionally intelligent companion robots ) in our lives.
#ThePerfectWife #NetGalley
😍🤩🤔🤩😍
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: J. P. Delaney is the pseudonym of a writer who has previously published best-selling fiction under another name.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Quercus Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Perfect Wife by J.P. Delaney for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my ŷ.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage
September 24, 2019
4.5 stars
Having read both of the author's previous books, I knew going into this one he is a unique storyteller. With The Perfect Wife, he just took it to the next level and I was blown away. I know this review won't do the book justice so just trust me when I say you do not want to miss out on this wild and crazy story! You do not have to be a science fiction fan to enjoy this book. I personally rarely read that genre and yet I still loved the book.
Abbie wakes up feeling confused. And not in a is it Thursday or Friday? type of way. She has no memory. Her husband, a tech wizard, drops a bombshell, and says his wife Abbie died 5 years ago. Wait, what? Here's the science fiction part of the story, the husband, Tim, built a "cobot", a companion robot and this Abbie that just woke up, well she's the cobot. This Abbie (let's just call her Abbie 2.0 so things don't get too confusing) looks like the human Abbie and slowly will be able recall Abbie's memories. And if you think that sounds crazy, well that's just the tip of the iceberg. Buckle up folks! This story will take you on a wild ride! (And yes my synopsis is horrible but I don't want to give too much away.)
I mentioned before how I rarely read science fiction and part of the reason I don't is because I get intimidated and think I won't be able to follow the story. Thankfully, I didn't find this book to be super complicated to understand and I imagine that will be the case for most readers. I was utterly fascinated by all the ethical and moral issues that were explored in the story. It was such a weird but fun reading experience to see things unfold thru the eyes of Abbie 2.0.
The only reason I did not give this a full 5 stars is I never could get into a good flow of reading the book. Maybe it's because it's unlike most books I read and my mind couldn't process too much at once. I basically would read for 20 minutes or so and then set the book down. But then 15 minutes would pass and I would be eager to return to the story so I'd start reading again. This was a constant cycle until I finished. It's weird how much I loved this book even though it wasn't one that I was whipping thru the pages to finish.
In my opinion, J.P. Delaney is one of the most exciting writers out there. I honestly don't know where his imagination will take him for his next book, but I do know it will be a must read for sure! If you haven't read any books by him before, check this one out. It's his best one yet!
Having read both of the author's previous books, I knew going into this one he is a unique storyteller. With The Perfect Wife, he just took it to the next level and I was blown away. I know this review won't do the book justice so just trust me when I say you do not want to miss out on this wild and crazy story! You do not have to be a science fiction fan to enjoy this book. I personally rarely read that genre and yet I still loved the book.
Abbie wakes up feeling confused. And not in a is it Thursday or Friday? type of way. She has no memory. Her husband, a tech wizard, drops a bombshell, and says his wife Abbie died 5 years ago. Wait, what? Here's the science fiction part of the story, the husband, Tim, built a "cobot", a companion robot and this Abbie that just woke up, well she's the cobot. This Abbie (let's just call her Abbie 2.0 so things don't get too confusing) looks like the human Abbie and slowly will be able recall Abbie's memories. And if you think that sounds crazy, well that's just the tip of the iceberg. Buckle up folks! This story will take you on a wild ride! (And yes my synopsis is horrible but I don't want to give too much away.)
I mentioned before how I rarely read science fiction and part of the reason I don't is because I get intimidated and think I won't be able to follow the story. Thankfully, I didn't find this book to be super complicated to understand and I imagine that will be the case for most readers. I was utterly fascinated by all the ethical and moral issues that were explored in the story. It was such a weird but fun reading experience to see things unfold thru the eyes of Abbie 2.0.
The only reason I did not give this a full 5 stars is I never could get into a good flow of reading the book. Maybe it's because it's unlike most books I read and my mind couldn't process too much at once. I basically would read for 20 minutes or so and then set the book down. But then 15 minutes would pass and I would be eager to return to the story so I'd start reading again. This was a constant cycle until I finished. It's weird how much I loved this book even though it wasn't one that I was whipping thru the pages to finish.
In my opinion, J.P. Delaney is one of the most exciting writers out there. I honestly don't know where his imagination will take him for his next book, but I do know it will be a must read for sure! If you haven't read any books by him before, check this one out. It's his best one yet!
May 31, 2020
My reviews can also be seen at:
I've really enjoyed J.P. Delaney's previous novels and had been looking forward to reading this one too. I ended up listening to the audiobook at the beginning of the year. I was pretty sure that I had written a review but it appears I didn't.
Although I can't remember everything that happened in this novel, I do know that I really enjoyed what I heard. The story was very different from what I had been expecting. I don't read very much science fiction, but this book got me thinking that maybe I should. I'm happy that I started listening to it without knowing very much about it beforehand. I listened to it over just a couple of days and recall staying up late to finish it.
A smart and addictive psychological sci-fi thriller filled with twists and surprises and an ending that I did not see coming!
I've really enjoyed J.P. Delaney's previous novels and had been looking forward to reading this one too. I ended up listening to the audiobook at the beginning of the year. I was pretty sure that I had written a review but it appears I didn't.
Although I can't remember everything that happened in this novel, I do know that I really enjoyed what I heard. The story was very different from what I had been expecting. I don't read very much science fiction, but this book got me thinking that maybe I should. I'm happy that I started listening to it without knowing very much about it beforehand. I listened to it over just a couple of days and recall staying up late to finish it.
A smart and addictive psychological sci-fi thriller filled with twists and surprises and an ending that I did not see coming!
July 20, 2019
A captivating, mind-bending, suspenseful read. I loved it!
This is the third book I've read from the author and I feel this story gripped me with the same intensity that it creeped me out.
It explores relationships, AI, automation, marriage, data rights, consent, and more, all in a deeply interesting fictional setting.
I love speculative fiction, specially in a sci-fi setting. It's difficult to compare it other books but most likely you will enjoy it if you likeTV shows like Black Mirror and Humans.
ARC provided by Publisher via Netgalley
This is the third book I've read from the author and I feel this story gripped me with the same intensity that it creeped me out.
It explores relationships, AI, automation, marriage, data rights, consent, and more, all in a deeply interesting fictional setting.
I love speculative fiction, specially in a sci-fi setting. It's difficult to compare it other books but most likely you will enjoy it if you likeTV shows like Black Mirror and Humans.
ARC provided by Publisher via Netgalley
July 24, 2019
Imagine that you are slowly waking up, your body hurts, you hear machines beeping around... Then you see your husband and when he sees your open eyes, relief floods his face. Were you in an accident? What happened? Your husband looks older than you remember and when you look around you realise you are not in a hospital. What is going on?? Your husband looks at you with tears in his eyes and says there's something he has to tell you. He gently takes your hand and then says these words "You are not human... you are artificial."
Insane? Well, that's pretty much what happened to Abbie who was 'revived' by her husband after her tragic death. I found the idea of developing such a highly intelligent and human resembling robot fascinating and thought provoking. Is it morally correct to create a robot with memories, characteristics and physical features based on someone we knew? Whatever your answer is, I bet you get sucked into this story. The narration is cleverly done and the story pieced together nicely. I didn't care much for JP Delaney's , so I was pleasantly surprised how much I was invested in . Even though I was left with some unanswered questions, I'm happy to let go given my overall enjoyment of the book.
Many thanks to Quercus for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Insane? Well, that's pretty much what happened to Abbie who was 'revived' by her husband after her tragic death. I found the idea of developing such a highly intelligent and human resembling robot fascinating and thought provoking. Is it morally correct to create a robot with memories, characteristics and physical features based on someone we knew? Whatever your answer is, I bet you get sucked into this story. The narration is cleverly done and the story pieced together nicely. I didn't care much for JP Delaney's , so I was pleasantly surprised how much I was invested in . Even though I was left with some unanswered questions, I'm happy to let go given my overall enjoyment of the book.
Many thanks to Quercus for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2021
*Spoiler*
Let me get this straight. Tim could read Abbie 2.0's thoughts and even knew the original was dead, so what in the name of Earth Wind & Fire was the point of this story?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2020
What do you get when you cross a part Sci - Fi with a domestic thriller?
You get an amazing book that absolutely bows your mind, i mean i was totally immersed in this from start to finish i just could not put this down for a minute, it was that good.
I will not go into detail on this one but it was an AI & a heartfelt prose about Abbe Cullen who was in hospital not knowing how she got there? she puts all her time into looking after her autistic son's Danny & finding a way to get back to him.
I must say i have never read anything like this before robotics replacing dead wives this is a very ingenious prose that i couldn't get enough of, but at times i had to give my brain a rest to absorb everything i was reading it was a very complex & well written novel by JP Delaney I am a fan of the Sci - Fi Genre so for me this blew me away.
You get an amazing book that absolutely bows your mind, i mean i was totally immersed in this from start to finish i just could not put this down for a minute, it was that good.
I will not go into detail on this one but it was an AI & a heartfelt prose about Abbe Cullen who was in hospital not knowing how she got there? she puts all her time into looking after her autistic son's Danny & finding a way to get back to him.
I must say i have never read anything like this before robotics replacing dead wives this is a very ingenious prose that i couldn't get enough of, but at times i had to give my brain a rest to absorb everything i was reading it was a very complex & well written novel by JP Delaney I am a fan of the Sci - Fi Genre so for me this blew me away.
February 24, 2020
Abbie Cullen Scott awakens to find that five years have elapsed and she’s struggling to figure out what happened to her. Her husband, Tim, is there by her side to help prompt her memory. He’s the brilliant inventor in the Silicon Valley tech world, CEO of Scott Robotics. Abbie learns that her existence is now due to innovations by him and his company. They’re the parents of autistic son, Danny, and she worries that he won’t remember her after such a long absence.
I went into this story blind and certainly recommend others do so if possible. What I’ve described so far can be captured from the first few pages and really don’t divulge much about the essence of the story. It’s a highly thought provoking one that challenges your beliefs about what makes you who you are. Abbie isn’t necessarily the perfect wife based on a set of ideals but seemingly the perfect mate for Tim. That in itself could spawn quite the discussion as he’s far from being a perfect man, intellect notwithstanding.
What really works about this story is how we’re discovering who Abbie was and is right along with her, sifting through what’s true and maybe not, who can be trusted and who maybe not. And, there’s another narrator, someone who works at Scott Robotics but isn’t identified until the end of the book so his reliability is also uncertain. I was never on sure footing and there’s a complete absence of predictability, including the ending which captivated me on many levels. Also important to everything is their son, Danny, and the methods used to educate and train him, some controversial and others enlightening. It made me reconsider what’s normal.
I’m really glad I opted to listen to this book. The use of multiple narrators whenever there are several points of view is always a plus in my opinion. I’m a huge fan of Saskia Maarleveld and she again delivered a great performance, as did the other two, Graham Halstead and Euan Morton (new to me). Fascinating story that I feel would be great for a group discussion with its myriad of conceptual issues. 3.5 stars
Posted on
(Thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
I went into this story blind and certainly recommend others do so if possible. What I’ve described so far can be captured from the first few pages and really don’t divulge much about the essence of the story. It’s a highly thought provoking one that challenges your beliefs about what makes you who you are. Abbie isn’t necessarily the perfect wife based on a set of ideals but seemingly the perfect mate for Tim. That in itself could spawn quite the discussion as he’s far from being a perfect man, intellect notwithstanding.
What really works about this story is how we’re discovering who Abbie was and is right along with her, sifting through what’s true and maybe not, who can be trusted and who maybe not. And, there’s another narrator, someone who works at Scott Robotics but isn’t identified until the end of the book so his reliability is also uncertain. I was never on sure footing and there’s a complete absence of predictability, including the ending which captivated me on many levels. Also important to everything is their son, Danny, and the methods used to educate and train him, some controversial and others enlightening. It made me reconsider what’s normal.
I’m really glad I opted to listen to this book. The use of multiple narrators whenever there are several points of view is always a plus in my opinion. I’m a huge fan of Saskia Maarleveld and she again delivered a great performance, as did the other two, Graham Halstead and Euan Morton (new to me). Fascinating story that I feel would be great for a group discussion with its myriad of conceptual issues. 3.5 stars
Posted on
(Thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
August 7, 2019
8/6/19--Now available!
Don't judge a book by its cover
...or its title or blurb. Thanks to the other ŷ reviewers who alerted me to the fact that this book isn't what it appears to be. If I didn't have any reviews to go on, I would have thought was "women's fiction" with some mystery/suspense thrown in. It's much more like speculative fiction or sci-fi than what it's advertised to be.
The cover--This image looks far too clean and perfect for a book that's ominous.
Maybe a better choice would be a close up on Abbie the AI "cobot" peeling off her manufactured skin?
The title--Despite what "The Perfect Wife" brings to mind, this is no Lifetime or Hallmark movie. I don't have a better suggestion at the moment, but if I do, I'll update my review.
The blurb--As of July 12, 2019, the blurb doesn't mention that Abbie is brought back as an empathetic AI robot. This is not a spoiler, as it's explained in the first few pages of the book. Including this very relevant detail would help give readers a much better idea of what to expect.
If other readers hadn't clued me in to what The Perfect Wife actually is, I honestly doubt I would have picked it up. I'm glad they did, though! It's a fun, unique read, and its short chapters make it easy to read in pieces. I don't want to give away too much about the plot, but there are a few holes. Nevertheless, it's an entertaining read.
Four stars--I hope the publishers fix the way this book is being marketed before publication so that more readers will give it a chance!
Thanks to Random House-Ballantine and NetGalley for giving me a DRC of this book.
Don't judge a book by its cover
...or its title or blurb. Thanks to the other ŷ reviewers who alerted me to the fact that this book isn't what it appears to be. If I didn't have any reviews to go on, I would have thought was "women's fiction" with some mystery/suspense thrown in. It's much more like speculative fiction or sci-fi than what it's advertised to be.
The cover--This image looks far too clean and perfect for a book that's ominous.
Maybe a better choice would be a close up on Abbie the AI "cobot" peeling off her manufactured skin?
The title--Despite what "The Perfect Wife" brings to mind, this is no Lifetime or Hallmark movie. I don't have a better suggestion at the moment, but if I do, I'll update my review.
The blurb--As of July 12, 2019, the blurb doesn't mention that Abbie is brought back as an empathetic AI robot. This is not a spoiler, as it's explained in the first few pages of the book. Including this very relevant detail would help give readers a much better idea of what to expect.
If other readers hadn't clued me in to what The Perfect Wife actually is, I honestly doubt I would have picked it up. I'm glad they did, though! It's a fun, unique read, and its short chapters make it easy to read in pieces. I don't want to give away too much about the plot, but there are a few holes. Nevertheless, it's an entertaining read.
Four stars--I hope the publishers fix the way this book is being marketed before publication so that more readers will give it a chance!
Thanks to Random House-Ballantine and NetGalley for giving me a DRC of this book.
July 4, 2019
Having devoured JP Delaney’s other books “The Girl Before� and “Believe Me� like a thirsty man being offered water in a desert, I knew to get myself comfortable with a drink in the sun and enjoy!!!
I absolutely loved this book and read it practically in 1 go!! It’s so hard to do this amazing book the justice it deserves without giving too much away.
Abbie Cullen wakes up in hospital groggy wondering what has happened. Her husband Tim tells her she is the perfect wife and mother to Danny their Autistic child. But Abbie is not whom she thinks she is as the real Abbie died 5 years ago!!
They seem to be the perfect family with Tim adoring her from their first meeting. But all is not how it seems and there are plenty of secrets to be revealed.
This has to be the best thriller I have read this year and I love the originality of this story which just gives me goosebumps just thinking about it!!
If you have ever seen Black Mirror and liked it then this book is 100% for you.
10 out of 10 from me.
Looking forward to JP Delaney’s next book. Can not begin to imagine what the next 1 will be about!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
I absolutely loved this book and read it practically in 1 go!! It’s so hard to do this amazing book the justice it deserves without giving too much away.
Abbie Cullen wakes up in hospital groggy wondering what has happened. Her husband Tim tells her she is the perfect wife and mother to Danny their Autistic child. But Abbie is not whom she thinks she is as the real Abbie died 5 years ago!!
They seem to be the perfect family with Tim adoring her from their first meeting. But all is not how it seems and there are plenty of secrets to be revealed.
This has to be the best thriller I have read this year and I love the originality of this story which just gives me goosebumps just thinking about it!!
If you have ever seen Black Mirror and liked it then this book is 100% for you.
10 out of 10 from me.
Looking forward to JP Delaney’s next book. Can not begin to imagine what the next 1 will be about!!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
January 20, 2020
J. P. Delaney! WOW! Like nothing I’ve ever read before! I read this book without reading a single review or the blurb and for that I am so grateful! This is a book that’s best gone into completely blind. It was highly original, fairly unbelievable, and brilliant! That’s all you’re getting from me... just read it! Open your mind and enjoy the ride!
*** Big thanks to Random House Valentine for my copy of this book ***
*** Big thanks to Random House Valentine for my copy of this book ***
August 2, 2019
What if you could bring your wife back to life and make her the perfect wife?
SUMMARY
Abbie awakens with no memory of who she is or how she landed in this unsettling condition. The man by her side claims to be her husband. He’s the founder of one of Silicon Valley’s most innovative start-up‘s. He tells Abbie that she is a gifted artist, an avid surfer, a loving mother to their son, and the perfect wife. He says she had a terrible accident five years ago and that, through a huge technological breakthrough, she has been brought back to life. But as Addie pieces together memories of her marriage, she begins questioning her husband‘s motives —and his version of events. Can she trust him?
REVIEW
I love technology and I love how artificial intelligence (AI) has already improved our society. And I thought I would love this book. But instead I struggled with it. The story, while a little intriguing just didn’t work for me. It seems to just fold back on itself.
Chapters alternate between Abbie before the accident and the Abbie after the accident. The narrator and perspective also alternates between second and third person. This was a bit frustrating and confusing. Who exactly was the narrator for Abbie after the accident? Was someone stalking her every move? How did they know where she had been and what she had said?
The writing was mediocre and the character development was limited It was difficult to get a good feel for either of the Abbie’s, and Tim’s character was simply odd, creepy and detestable. The highlight of the book was Danny, Tim and Abbie’s autistic son. He stole my heart with his Thomas The Tank Engine dialog.
J.P. Delaney is a pseudonym for the author of The Girl Before (2017) and Believe Me (2018). I have reviewed both of this previous books and found they had much more to offer than this one.
Thanks to Netgalley, Ballantine and J.P. Delaney for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Ballantine Books
Published August 6, 2019
Review
SUMMARY
Abbie awakens with no memory of who she is or how she landed in this unsettling condition. The man by her side claims to be her husband. He’s the founder of one of Silicon Valley’s most innovative start-up‘s. He tells Abbie that she is a gifted artist, an avid surfer, a loving mother to their son, and the perfect wife. He says she had a terrible accident five years ago and that, through a huge technological breakthrough, she has been brought back to life. But as Addie pieces together memories of her marriage, she begins questioning her husband‘s motives —and his version of events. Can she trust him?
REVIEW
I love technology and I love how artificial intelligence (AI) has already improved our society. And I thought I would love this book. But instead I struggled with it. The story, while a little intriguing just didn’t work for me. It seems to just fold back on itself.
Chapters alternate between Abbie before the accident and the Abbie after the accident. The narrator and perspective also alternates between second and third person. This was a bit frustrating and confusing. Who exactly was the narrator for Abbie after the accident? Was someone stalking her every move? How did they know where she had been and what she had said?
The writing was mediocre and the character development was limited It was difficult to get a good feel for either of the Abbie’s, and Tim’s character was simply odd, creepy and detestable. The highlight of the book was Danny, Tim and Abbie’s autistic son. He stole my heart with his Thomas The Tank Engine dialog.
J.P. Delaney is a pseudonym for the author of The Girl Before (2017) and Believe Me (2018). I have reviewed both of this previous books and found they had much more to offer than this one.
Thanks to Netgalley, Ballantine and J.P. Delaney for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Ballantine Books
Published August 6, 2019
Review
July 10, 2019
When Abbie wakes up in a hospital bed after 5 years she is told she is the wife of the wealthy CEO of a robotics company, Tim Scott and they have a 10 year old autistic son. A technological breakthrough has helped bring Abbie back to life, and although she can never be the same person as she was before, she looks perfect. Abbie's memories slowly return and she remembers how she first met Tim when she became an artist in residence at his company. Although she was stunningly beautiful, fit and strong and a free spirit, she and the nerdy, obessive Tim fell in love and married despite their very different personalities. However, she also starts to remember arguments with Tim over their son's treatment and schooling as well as secrets she was keeping from him before her accident.
This is an inventive and engaging read which raises some philosophical and ethical questions about how far we are prepared to use AI in our lives and what makes us truly human. The work being done by Tim's company seems perfectly feasible with the current advances in AI and does not stretch credibility too much . It's also an intriguing family drama with a mystery surrounding what happened to Abbie five years ago. There's plenty of suspense as the plot twists and turns it's way to the unexpected climax and plenty of food for thought on the nature of perfection. 4.5�
With thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Books for an advanced copy to read.
This is an inventive and engaging read which raises some philosophical and ethical questions about how far we are prepared to use AI in our lives and what makes us truly human. The work being done by Tim's company seems perfectly feasible with the current advances in AI and does not stretch credibility too much . It's also an intriguing family drama with a mystery surrounding what happened to Abbie five years ago. There's plenty of suspense as the plot twists and turns it's way to the unexpected climax and plenty of food for thought on the nature of perfection. 4.5�
With thanks to Netgalley and Quercus Books for an advanced copy to read.
June 30, 2019
"What Gates was to personal computers, Jobs was to smartphones, or Musk was to electric cars, Tim Scott was to AI (Artificial Intelligence); or would be, very soon."
So, when his "Perfect Wife", Abbie, goes missing, and has still not been found, nearly five years later, Tim does what any brilliant CEO of his own Robotics company would do...he recreates her as a "Cobot"-short for "companion robot"-designed to alleviate the loss of a "loved one".
After all, they do have their autistic son, Danny, to raise...and who better to raise him than his own mother?
Naturally, as chapters from the PAST alternate with chapters from the PRESENT, we learn that things are not always as perfect as they seem, and Tim Scott may ulterior motives...
Though I am not a reader of Sci-Fi, JP Delaney manages to seamlessly merge this aspect of the book into the thriller genre, treating readers once again to a UNIQUE and perhaps cautionary tale of things to come!
I grew to care about cobot Abbie, as if she were a human...
Though not a fan of the debut novel, released under this author's pseudonym, I was impressed by the sophomore release, "Believe Me" and again with this book, and cannot wait to see what J.P. Delaney dreams up for us next..
I would like to thank Netgalley, Random House-Ballantine, and the author for the digital ARC, I received in exchange for my candid review!
This title will be released on Aug. 6, 2019!
So, when his "Perfect Wife", Abbie, goes missing, and has still not been found, nearly five years later, Tim does what any brilliant CEO of his own Robotics company would do...he recreates her as a "Cobot"-short for "companion robot"-designed to alleviate the loss of a "loved one".
After all, they do have their autistic son, Danny, to raise...and who better to raise him than his own mother?
Naturally, as chapters from the PAST alternate with chapters from the PRESENT, we learn that things are not always as perfect as they seem, and Tim Scott may ulterior motives...
Though I am not a reader of Sci-Fi, JP Delaney manages to seamlessly merge this aspect of the book into the thriller genre, treating readers once again to a UNIQUE and perhaps cautionary tale of things to come!
I grew to care about cobot Abbie, as if she were a human...
Though not a fan of the debut novel, released under this author's pseudonym, I was impressed by the sophomore release, "Believe Me" and again with this book, and cannot wait to see what J.P. Delaney dreams up for us next..
I would like to thank Netgalley, Random House-Ballantine, and the author for the digital ARC, I received in exchange for my candid review!
This title will be released on Aug. 6, 2019!
July 1, 2020
The Perfect Wife was a wild ride! My first J.P. Delaney book and likely not my last.
Abbie wakes up unsure of where she is or who she is with. She tries to readjust to her life as a wife to tech scion Tim Scott and mother to their autistic son, Danny. Abbie is told she was an artist but other information about her past is hazy. She attempts to retrieve her memories and fill in the mysterious gaps of the last five years.
The Perfect Wife was disturbing and compelling. It raises interesting questions like, how much technology is too much? I stayed guessing and engaged throughout the book and appreciated this original, different story.
Abbie wakes up unsure of where she is or who she is with. She tries to readjust to her life as a wife to tech scion Tim Scott and mother to their autistic son, Danny. Abbie is told she was an artist but other information about her past is hazy. She attempts to retrieve her memories and fill in the mysterious gaps of the last five years.
The Perfect Wife was disturbing and compelling. It raises interesting questions like, how much technology is too much? I stayed guessing and engaged throughout the book and appreciated this original, different story.
June 25, 2020
100% my favourite book so far this year 🎉
It had everything I love in a thriller: twists and turns at every corner that come out of nowhere and slap you round the face. A general feeling of urgency and suspense. A slightly unpredictable character.
PLUS it dipped its toe into the sci-fi world, following a futuristic AI storyline.
This book is just genius 🙌🏻
It had everything I love in a thriller: twists and turns at every corner that come out of nowhere and slap you round the face. A general feeling of urgency and suspense. A slightly unpredictable character.
PLUS it dipped its toe into the sci-fi world, following a futuristic AI storyline.
This book is just genius 🙌🏻
November 13, 2023
J.P. Delaney's "Perfect Wife" delves into the intriguing intersection of artificial intelligence and human identity, crafting a narrative that challenges perceptions and poses existential questions. The story follows Abbie, a woman who awakens to find herself in a life that doesn't align with her memories. As she navigates her AI-driven existence and attempts to reconstruct the fragments of her past, the novel unfolds into a complex exploration of consciousness, morality, and the consequences of playing with the boundaries of humanity.
The strength of Delaney's narrative lies in its ability to weave a gripping psychological thriller while engaging with contemporary themes. The author skillfully navigates the ethical implications of advanced technology and the blurred lines between the artificial and the authentic. The pacing is well-crafted, maintaining a balance between suspenseful moments and introspective exploration.
Delaney's characters are multi-dimensional, each carrying their own secrets and motivations. Abbie, in particular, is a compelling protagonist whose internal struggles mirror larger societal questions about the nature of self. The novel invites readers to ponder the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI and its potential impact on our understanding of identity, relationships, and free will.
While the novel's intricate plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, some may find the complexity of the narrative a challenging aspect. Delaney introduces twists and turns that, at times, border on the surreal, requiring readers to suspend disbelief. However, for those who appreciate speculative fiction with a psychological edge, these elements contribute to the novel's overall immersive experience.
In "Perfect Wife," J.P. Delaney succeeds in creating a thought-provoking exploration of AI and identity, offering readers a compelling blend of suspense, ethical quandaries, and existential reflections. As technology continues to advance, this novel provides a timely examination of the moral landscape we may encounter in the near future (or right now)�
The strength of Delaney's narrative lies in its ability to weave a gripping psychological thriller while engaging with contemporary themes. The author skillfully navigates the ethical implications of advanced technology and the blurred lines between the artificial and the authentic. The pacing is well-crafted, maintaining a balance between suspenseful moments and introspective exploration.
Delaney's characters are multi-dimensional, each carrying their own secrets and motivations. Abbie, in particular, is a compelling protagonist whose internal struggles mirror larger societal questions about the nature of self. The novel invites readers to ponder the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI and its potential impact on our understanding of identity, relationships, and free will.
While the novel's intricate plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats, some may find the complexity of the narrative a challenging aspect. Delaney introduces twists and turns that, at times, border on the surreal, requiring readers to suspend disbelief. However, for those who appreciate speculative fiction with a psychological edge, these elements contribute to the novel's overall immersive experience.
In "Perfect Wife," J.P. Delaney succeeds in creating a thought-provoking exploration of AI and identity, offering readers a compelling blend of suspense, ethical quandaries, and existential reflections. As technology continues to advance, this novel provides a timely examination of the moral landscape we may encounter in the near future (or right now)�
September 4, 2019
Marriage Domestic Noir merged with Artificial Intelligence!
3.5.
Technical whizz Tim Scott was devastated by the loss of his wife Abbie in a surfing accident.
Five years on he's designed the perfect solution to his grief � a world-first companion ‘cDzdz', capable of emotional intelligence � an exact replica of Abbie. But can the replaceable ever live up to the original?
An unconventional, imaginative concept in the form of science fiction applied to a domestic thriller. The legal, moral, and ethical issues regarding AI versus human conscience presented a scary, as well as thought-provoking, reality, and there were questions raised that I hadn't ever considered. Quick, easy-to-follow, and readable � I raced through this in a day.
However, I felt the story dragged, and that the types of POV’s the author chose to use, particularly the unknown third person omniscient narration, contributed to this. None of the twists really surprised me � I had a fair idea where the story was heading.
J.P. Delaney’s first novel The Girl Before really made an impression on me in 2017, but this one just didn't live up to his debut. I'm ‘alone in the crowd� on this one though, as most reviewers loved it.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Quercus Books, and J.P. Delaney for the e-ARC.
US Release Date: 6th August, 2019.
UK Release Date: 8th August, 2019.
3.5.
Technical whizz Tim Scott was devastated by the loss of his wife Abbie in a surfing accident.
Five years on he's designed the perfect solution to his grief � a world-first companion ‘cDzdz', capable of emotional intelligence � an exact replica of Abbie. But can the replaceable ever live up to the original?
An unconventional, imaginative concept in the form of science fiction applied to a domestic thriller. The legal, moral, and ethical issues regarding AI versus human conscience presented a scary, as well as thought-provoking, reality, and there were questions raised that I hadn't ever considered. Quick, easy-to-follow, and readable � I raced through this in a day.
However, I felt the story dragged, and that the types of POV’s the author chose to use, particularly the unknown third person omniscient narration, contributed to this. None of the twists really surprised me � I had a fair idea where the story was heading.
J.P. Delaney’s first novel The Girl Before really made an impression on me in 2017, but this one just didn't live up to his debut. I'm ‘alone in the crowd� on this one though, as most reviewers loved it.
I'd like to thank Netgalley, Quercus Books, and J.P. Delaney for the e-ARC.
US Release Date: 6th August, 2019.
UK Release Date: 8th August, 2019.
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