I loved diving into One Perfect Couple, the newest Ruth Ware audiobook narrated by Imogen Church. This time Ware takes us to a tropical island where five couples are competing to be the perfect couple, but after the first challenge things go terribly wrong when a tropical storm hits, cutting them off from civilization. A suspenseful thriller that will keep you on edge.
by Ruth Ware
Narrator: Imogen Church
Length: 14 hours and 9 minutes
Genres: Suspense Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.4x
Harkening to Agatha Christie’s classic And Then There Were None, this high-tension and ingenious thriller follows five couples trapped on a storm-swept island as a killer stalks among them—from Ruth Ware, the New York Times bestselling author who “is turning out to be as ingenious and indefatigable as the Queen of Crime” (The Washington Post).
Lyla is in a bit of a rut. Her post-doctoral research has fizzled out, she’s pretty sure they won’t extend her contract, and things with her boyfriend, Nico, an aspiring actor, aren’t going great. When the opportunity arises for Nico to join the cast of a new reality TV show, The Perfect Couple, she decides to try out with him. A whirlwind audition process later, Lyla find herself whisked off to a tropical paradise with Nico, boating through the Indian Ocean towards Ever After Island, where the two of them will compete against four other couples—Bayer and Angel, Dan and Santana, Joel and Romi, and Conor and Zana—in order to win a cash prize.
But not long after they arrive on the deserted island, things start to go wrong. After the first challenge leaves everyone rattled and angry, an overnight storm takes matters from bad to worse. Cut off from the mainland by miles of ocean, deprived of their phones, and unable to contact the crew that brought them there, the group must band together for survival. As tensions run high and fresh water runs low, Lyla finds that this game show is all too real—and the stakes are life or death.
A fast-paced, spellbinding thriller rife with intrigue and characters that feel so true to life, this novel proves yet again that Ruth Ware is the queen of psychological suspense.
The story begins with Lyla, who is facing challenges in her career and is married to Nico, an aspiring actor. His agent gets them an interview with the reality show, The Perfect Couple. Lyla reluctantly agrees, and the two are chosen.
We met the other contestants aboard the ship carrying them to the remote island off the Indian Ocean, and we get hints of an impending storm. Lyla and Nico are up against four other couples—Bayer and Angel, Dan and Santana, Joel and Romi, and Conor and Zana. The first challenge ends with tempers high, but that night a storm rolls in, leaving them cut off, with crew members dead and a limited supply.
The tale that unfolds as day turns into night, and days turn into weeks. In order to survive, they must unite and ration their supplies. Ware does a great job of introducing the couples and creating tension. When tragedy strikes, Lyla faces uncertainty. Are others in the group looking to help each other or themselves? Ware slowly increased the tension in this tale of survival and hooked me.
Power struggles, deception, demands and the unthinkable happen on this secluded island. I loved the different couples and dynamics at play and watching things unfold. The tension was electric and Ware had me listening into the wee hours. I could taste Lyla’s thirst and hunger as she put together the pieces. If you loved Agatha Christie’s classic And Then There Were None, you’ll enjoy The Perfect Couple. Ware put her own spin on this classic with a twist.
Imogen Church narrates and does so brilliantly. I love what she adds to Ware’s stories. She captures the characters and tone of the story. She enhances the thrillers and suspense. You’ll want to grab your headphones and listen to this engaging thriller!
About Ruth Ware
Ruth Ware grew up in Lewes, in Sussex. After graduating from Manchester University she moved to Paris, before settling in North London. She has worked as a waitress, a bookseller, a teacher of English as a foreign language and a press officer. She is married with two small children, and In a Dark, Dark Wood is her début thriller. Her hen night was very tasteful and nobody got murdered.
About Imogen Church
Imogen Church has worked everywhere, from theatre to film, commercials to cabaret, but her favourite work is in audio, particularly audiobooks, largely so she can eat cake and not bleach her teeth. She has won awards for it and plans to do it to death.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
I absolutely loved the last book by Ruth Ware and I love the sound of this one. I can’t wait to read it.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I’ve read and enjoyed Ruth Ware and this sounds exciting! Will have to look up the audio!
Ethan
Your review has me hooked! The mix of survival drama, character dynamics, and rising tension sounds amazing. Comparing it to Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” makes me even more excited to read it. I’m really curious to see Ware’s unique twist on that classic.
Jonetta | Blue Mood Café
Listening to this now and already hooked.
Mary Kirkland
Being stuck with people because of a storm always makes for an interesting read.
Nadene
This sounds thrilling. I hope to read the author’s work someday.
Anne- Books of My Heart
I’m so excited for this one! I’ll be listening to this next and review next week.