Review: The Favorite Daughter by Kaira Rouda

Title: The Favorite Daughter

Author: Kaira Rouda

Published: May 2019, Graydon House

Format: ARC Paperback, 368 pages

Source: Publisher via Wunderkind PR

Summary: 

From the author of the page-turning domestic suspense Best Day Ever,
comes 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…

My thoughts: I have been a fan of Kaira Rouda for quite a while now and am absolutely loving the new direction she is taking with her books. No one writes crazy characters like Kaira does!

First there was Paul in her last book, Best Day Ever and now we have Jane in The Favorite Daughter. There is just something so unique that Kaira is able to give us by allowing us to get into these sociopaths that she has created as her main characters – characters that you will definitely not be forgetting anytime soon! Jane is a classic unreliable character that is also a narcissist. She’s the type of character that you are going to love to hate…she will absolutely grate on your last nerve. 

I love that this entire book is told from Jane’s point of view. She thinks the world is out to get her, that her family is against her and yet, she is so wonderful! It’s sad and funny at the same time and absolutely bonkers how she justifies her actions. I also like that many times she is talking directly to the readers…this give the book such a personal touch, but at the same time, it also makes you question Jane – is she really crazy and delusional or is she playing us? There were a few times I actually felt a bit sorry for her. I’m telling you, this book, and Jane in particular, will get under your skin!

This is an addictive, binge-worthy read that, while not filled with a ton of action, will keep you glued to the pages as you try to figure out just what is going on. There were some twists that surprised me and some that I did figure out, but that in no way detracted from my enjoyment of this book – I was totally there for the cray-cray of Jane all the way! And I definitely did not see that ending coming for sure!

I cannot wait to see what kind of delusional character Kaira Rouda cooks up next for us…she certainly has a knack for writing these entertaining reads that I just cannot get enough of. If you haven’t read these, I certainly recommend picking them up – especially if you like having a little crazy in your life -these will certainly do the trick!