Once again, I was confident I knew what would eventually happen but the author wrong footed me in the end, there were quite a few startling revelations that delighted me. Who is the real Jane?! You’ll have to read to find out, but finding out the truth was one hell of an addictive roller coaster ride. Often she is speaking directly to the reader giving this such a personal touch, I loved that aspect and she is also one of those narrators that constantly keeps you guessing, one minute I was sure she was delusional and a borderline psychopath and then the next I would almost feel sorry for her. The entire story is told from Jane’s perspective and what a character she is. I’m a huge fan of Rouda’s style and am so excited to (hopefully) see her continue writing in the same vein. Both this and Best Day Ever had a really fresh and current vibe that makes you feel like you’re reading something from an author who has found their perfect niche. Well, Rouda has once again shown that psychological thrillers can be both darkly funny and chilling at the same time without feeling cliched. But you never know how far someone will go to keep a family together… The bonds between mothers and daughters, and husbands and wives should never be broken. But does someone know more about Mary, and about her last day, than they’ve revealed? And her beloved Mary was always such a good girl-dutiful and loving. Her daughter seems distant, even secretive.

Her husband has been working long days-and nights-at the office. Yet as Jane reemerges into the world, it’s clear her family has changed without her. Jane’s husband, David, has planned a memorial service for Mary and three days later, their youngest daughter, Betsy, graduates high school. It’s time for Jane to reclaim her life and her family. Lost in a haze of anti-depressants, she’s barely even left the house. But exactly one year ago, Jane’s oldest daughter, Mary, died in a tragic accident and Jane has been grief-stricken ever since. It’s a place that seems too beautiful to be touched by sadness. Jane Harris lives in a sparkling home in an oceanfront gated community in Orange County.

The Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda