The main story's been done before and since, but at least Lisa Gardner's The Perfect Husband has a few surprises for the reader.

Tess married the perfect guy.  Or, at least she thought she did.  Until about five minutes after the wedding when Jim Beckett's real personality starts to show.  That's when Tess discovers that her husband is a psychopath.  Abusive, manipulative, and cruel barely scratch the surface when describing this man.  And, eventually, "serial killer" gets added to the list.  At this point, Lisa helps the police to put Jim away.  But Jim's too smart to stay locked up for long.  Now he's on the loose, and it's a sure bet that Tess is next on his hit list.

Knowing that neither she, nor the police can possibly beat Jim at his game, Tess invokes the help of a reclusive mercenary.  With J.T.'s help, Tess will learn to defend herself, and take control.  It's just too bad J.T. comes with a closet-full of baggage.

From this point on, there are three main stories.  The first, of course, is the hunt for Jim, and trying to keep Tess safe from the madman.  We will watch this story from several points of view, including that of Jim, himself.  Along the way we'll learn a little bit about how the man thinks, making the story even more fascinating.

Another story is between J.T. and his sister Marion.  These two full-grown adults have unresolved childhood issues that keep them from really being able to connect, today.  Tess will recognize this pattern, and attempt to help them come together, before it's too late.  And, in a nice coincidence, Marion is an FBI agent, available to help Tess in her quest against Jim.

Finally, there's the required romance that develops between J.T. and Tess.  I say "required" because it seems that thriller authors believe that a book's no good unless the two leading characters hook up.  I disagree completely.  I'd even go so far as to say that the romance angle in this particular book was horrible.  I found it inappropriate, unbelievable, and frankly disgusting.  He's supposed to be helping her stay alive, not trying to get her into bed.  She's supposed to be in fear for life, not making googly eyes. Furthermore, the author spends way too much time describing the couples' "bedroom activities" in far more detail than I needed.

Romantic annoyances aside, this is an engaging story, with an unbelievably scary bad guy.  Jim's so clever, and smooth, it's exciting to read about his escapades, even as we root for him to be caught.  There are several murders, some of them quite gruesome, but graphic passages are kept to a minimum. 

There are a few decent surprises along the way.  But also a few really stupid moves made by people who really should have known better.  Stuff like people striking out on their own, without backup.  And people trusting the wrong people.  Stuff that you would hope experienced law enforcers wouldn't do.

Still, it's a pretty good thriller, one that will surely hold your attention.

Also by Lisa Gardner:

Gone

The Next Accident

The Third Victim

Recommended: Yes