Review: The Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda

Title: The Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda
Publisher: Graydon House
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

From the author of Best Day Ever, another gripping novel of psychological suspense set in an upscale Southern California community, for fans of B.A. Paris and Shari Lapena.

The perfect home. The perfect family. The perfect lie.

Jane Harris lives in a sparkling home in an oceanfront gated community in Orange County. It’s a place that seems too beautiful to be touched by sadness. But exactly one year ago, Jane’s oldest daughter, Mary, died in a tragic accident and Jane has been grief-stricken ever since. Lost in a haze of anti-depressants, she’s barely even left the house. Now that’s all about to change.

It’s time for Jane to reclaim her life and her family. Jane’s husband, David, has planned a memorial service for Mary and three days later, their youngest daughter, Betsy, graduates high school. Yet as Jane reemerges into the world, it’s clear her family has changed without her. Her husband has been working long days—and nights—at the office. Her daughter seems distant, even secretive. And her beloved Mary was always such a good girl—dutiful and loving. But does someone know more about Mary, and about her last day, than they’ve revealed?

The bonds between mothers and daughters, and husbands and wives should never be broken. But you never know how far someone will go to keep a family together…

Review:

The Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda is a deliciously diabolical mystery that is also rather suspenseful.

One year following the death of her oldest daughter, Mary, Jane Harris is ready to reclaim her life. Her youngest daughter, Betsy is on the verge of graduating and Jane is determined to be a part of this momentous event.  She is also hoping to jumpstart her twenty-plus year marriage to David, which was already faltering before their daughter’s death. Just as Jane is setting her plans in motion, she receives a note indicating that Mary’s death might not be an accident. But who would have wanted to murder her daughter?

Jane is a compelling narrator who is initially quite sympathetic. After a year of deeply grieving Mary’s death, she is ready to stop relying on medication to cope with her loss. However, as the story progresses, Jane begins to show her true self in a somewhat shocking manner. She is a complex, deeply flawed woman whose viewpoint of herself and everyone around her is incredibly skewed.  Jane’s reality collides with the truth in a very entertaining manner that is oh, so satisfying!

Narrated in first person from Jane’s perspective, The Favorite Daughter is an utterly captivating mystery.  The well-written storyline is quite clever and the cast of characters is very interesting. This spellbinding novel is full of fascinating reveals that are absolutely outrageous and completely appalling. Kaira Rouda brings her latest release to a twist-filled, unforgettable conclusion. I highly recommend this twisty-turny novel to fans of the genre!