The beautiful beaches and fancy summer weddings of Nantucket are the setting for Elin Hilderbrand's exciting story "The Perfect Couple." This book will be more than just another relaxing beach read. An exciting whodunit mystery is woven into the complicated relationships between family and friends, making this book a summer must-read.

Otis and Winbury's wedding, which will take place at a beautiful house on the ocean in Nantucket, is sure to be the event of the season. However, a body is found in Nantucket Harbor just hours before the wedding, turning the happy event into something awful.

After this shocking event, everyone at the wedding party is caught up in a web of lies and suspicions. Chief of Police Ed Kapenash and his team investigated the mystery and discovered hidden motives and strange links between the guests.

Rich Characters and Intricate Relationships

Kirkus Reviews said that Hilderbrand shines in this book. She is known for creating fascinating characters. The bride, Celeste Otis, loves science and is introverted. Benji Winbury, the groom, is charming. Celeste's mother's deadly illness plays a big role in her decision to get married quickly, which adds an emotional layer to the story.

Greer Garrison Winbury, the groom's mother and a well-known mystery novelist, takes charge of the wedding planning, aiming for perfection. Still, her personal life is not perfect, just like the people Hilderbrand so expertly writes about. The maid of honor, Merritt Monaco, is found floating in the harbor on the morning of the wedding. This starts a sequence of lies and betrayals throughout the novel.

A Mystery as Good as Agatha Christie's

Literary Treats said that Hilderbrand writes a mystery that is both interesting and hard to solve, with some parts that remind them of Agatha Christie. The vivid accounts of Nantucket's charm make the story interesting, almost making the setting a character in and of itself.

With the present-day investigation, flashbacks show the complicated pasts and relationships of the wedding party, giving the story more depth. Hilderbrand's writing keeps readers on edge, wanting to discover what happened with Merritt's death.

By focusing on the characters' problems, Hilderbrand makes the book more dramatic. The story feels real because of the problems between Greer and her husband, Celeste's mother's illness, and the difficulties of friendship and loyalty. Readers will connect with Kapenash, the police chief, and his interactions with his wife, which ground the story in real-life human situations.

READ ALSO: Elin Hilderbrand Announces Retirement From Beach Reads With Release of Final Nantucket Novel 'Swan Song'

A Summer Staple With a Twist

Hilderbrand's decision to write a mystery/thriller instead of her usual type of book works because she skillfully mixes tension with her style. Fans of her other books will enjoy the familiar setting of Nantucket and the characters who show up repeatedly. The interesting plot will draw in new readers, and the fully realized characters will make it a great book to read in the summer because it is about high-class living, secrets, and the final search for the truth. 

Conclusion

There is more to this book than just a beach read. It is a thrilling story with lots of turns and deep emotions. The book's setting, well-developed characters, and complicated story make sure that readers are entertained and moved. Hilderbrand is good at combining the dark intrigue of a murder case with the romance of a summer wedding.

Whether you have read Hilderbrand before or this is your first time reading one of her books, this one is guaranteed to be a great retreat full of mystery, drama, and the wonderful Nantucket vibe.

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