THE PERFECT COUPLE

by Elin Hilderbrand
 
If you’re an Elin Hilderbrand fan like I am, then you know that all of her 20 previous novels have been set on Nantucket.  The Perfect Couple is no exception.  What sets this 21st novel apart is that Hilderbrand has written a murder mystery.  Not being a particular fan of that genre, I was dubious that her new book would live up to her previous offerings – which I eagerly devour as soon as they’re published.  I’m happy to report that this new novel is right up there with her best.
 
The Perfect Couple takes place at one of the wealthiest summer compounds on the island, on the weekend of a wedding with 350 invited guests.  But when the morning of the wedding arrives, the bride discovers her maid of honor floating face down in the water.  The wedding, of course, is cancelled and a murder investigation ensues.  Hilderbrand is masterful in creating characters and situations that reflect the breach between Nantucket’s wealthy summer people and its year-round residents.  Her characters are multi-dimensional and sometimes unpredictable, which keeps the novel interesting.
 
Hilderbrand does a good job of creating multiple suspects with credible motives for murdering the maid of honor.  I wasn’t sure right up until the end who did it and there were several good, unexpected twists that kept me guessing.  If you’re looking for a light summer read, I recommend The Perfect Couple.  If you haven’t read Elin Hilderbrand before, you’ve got lots of great beach reads waiting for you. (Liz)