1 / 3The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden, 320-page novel
The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden is a psychological thriller about a family under scrutiny after a high school girl disappears and the police question the Cass family's teenage son. Its 320-page English-language print edition centres on suspicion, family loyalty and a mother's doubts about her child.
At a glance
- A missing girl is last seen with teenage Liam Cass, bringing detectives to his family's door.
- The plot follows Liam's mother, Erika, as she weighs her instincts against evidence and her wish to believe her son is innocent.
- The listing presents family loyalty and secrets as central themes.
Reference price: $26.99
Price checked: Nov 12, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- The family-centred mystery has a clear source of tension: a mother must confront growing suspicion about her son.
- A 320-page print length offers a defined reading commitment for thriller readers.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Poisoned Pen Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | Aug. 6 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 320 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1464227292 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1464227295 |
| Dimensions | 12.7 x 2.03 x 20.32 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 249 g |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers looking for a family-focused psychological thriller with a missing-person investigation.
- Readers interested in stories about parental instinct, suspicion and loyalty under pressure.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a light or low-stakes family story, as the premise centres on a disappearance and possible serious wrongdoing.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
47% 47% - 4 stars
37% 37% - 3 stars
14% 14% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
0% 0%
Customer feedback describes the story as engaging and hard to put down, with readers praising its fast pace, writing and final twist. That response may appeal to thriller readers seeking momentum and a mystery that keeps its central question open. Aggregate ratings are generally favourable but include a notable middle range, so reactions are not uniformly positive. These opinions describe reader experience, not a guarantee that every reader will find the plot surprising.
Positive themes
- Readers praise the engaging story, brisk pacing and writing style.
- Feedback highlights a twist and an ending that readers say kept them guessing.
Mixed feedback
- The aggregate rating distribution includes a substantial share of three-star ratings alongside many four- and five-star ratings, indicating some variation in overall satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Perfect Son about?
A high school girl disappears, and detectives question teenager Liam Cass, who was the last person to see her. His mother Erika must grapple with her suspicions and her hope that he is innocent.
Who wrote The Perfect Son?
The listing identifies Freida McFadden as the author.
How long is the listed edition?
The product details give a print length of 320 pages.
What language is this edition in?
The listing specifies English.
