Best Day Ever

A Novel

By: Kaira Rouda

Narrated by: Graham Halstead, Amy McFadden

Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's Summary

"As I opened the door and stepped into the humid night, her scream followed me out. But I knew there was still love for me in her heart....

"I'm unforgettable."

Paul Strom has the perfect life: a glittering career as an advertising executive, a beautiful wife, two healthy boys, and a big house in a wealthy suburb. And he's the perfect husband: breadwinner, protector, provider. That's why he's planned a romantic weekend for his wife, Mia, at their lake house, just the two of them. And he's promised today will be the best day ever.

But as Paul and Mia drive out of the city and toward the countryside, a spike of tension begins to wedge itself between them, and doubts start to arise. How perfect is their marriage, or any marriage, really? How much do they trust each other? Is Paul the person he seems to be? And what are his secret plans for their weekend at the cottage?

Forcing us to ask ourselves just how well we know those who are closest to us, Best Day Ever crackles with dark energy, spinning ever tighter toward its shocking conclusion. In the best-selling vein of The Couple Next Door and The Dinner, Kaira Rouda weaves a gripping, tautly suspenseful tale of deception and betrayal dark enough to destroy a marriage...or a life.

©2017 Kaira Rouda (P)2017 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited.

Graham Halstead gave life to character!

The story, intriguing in some ways, predictable in others, was given a jolt of life by the creative, snarky voice behind Paul. A great example of how much more the story can engage you when experienced through the audible version. A few surprises kept the plot from being as predictable as it could have been. But I enjoyed the sound of this book very much.

If Holden Caulfield GrewUp to be a Sociopathic Dad

In this book, the main character, Paul, reminds me of a sociopathic Holden Caulfield (from The Catcher in the Rye) - but as an adult with a wife and two young kids. But even more so he really mirrors the main character, Joe, of Caroline Kepnes’ “You” or “Hidden Bodies”, due to the first person narration and Joe who also reminds me of a sociopathic but poor/working-class, Holden Caulfield. These comparisons encompass Paul’s arrogance, entitlement and disregard for everyone but himself. With that said, I think I particularly liked the book because I had these other books to relate with, otherwise, I’m not sure how much I would’ve appreciated it. The book is interesting from the beginning - not from the VERY start but it does move along quickly and keeps you wondering. The author does a good job of maintaining an awkward tension between the characters - like they both know that the other person knows but they both aren't admitting it. The ending was somewhat satisfying and worth the credit. If you do end up liking the book and haven’t read The Catcher in the Rye or Caroline Kepnes’ two books (“You” or “Hidden Bodies”), I recommend them and in turn, if you liked any of those 3, you’ll most likely appreciate this book.

A riveting, fast-paced psychological thriller

WARNING! Best Day Ever is addictive - a riveting, fast-paced psychological thriller that will pull you in immediately. Rouda obviously did her research. Her character development is brilliant. The more I listened, the more I hated Paul (the narrator) - a despicable narcissistic sociopath. A sign of a great book is when you can't stop thinking about the characters! It's been hours since I finished the book and Mia and Paul are still stuck in my head.

There are some crazy people out there!

Best Day Ever: A Psychological Thriller by Kaira Rouda, narrated by Graham Halstead and Amy McFadden was one I had on pre-order and couldn't wait to listen to! I was so excited when it finally appeared on my Audible app! I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy thrillers and books about psycho, crazy people...husbands, in particular! It is well-written, and every time when I thought this man (husband) couldn't get any more looney, he did!

The performance by Graham Halstead was controlled and consistent. He played the part well, and his calm demeanor, overall, made the main character seem even more psycho! We only heard from Amy McFadden at the end (in the Epilogue), which disappointed me a little because I really enjoy listening to her narrate books! I thought we would get to listen to both of them throughout the entire book, but, sadly, that was not the case. :-(

Overall, I would rate this audiobook between 4-4.5 stars. It kept me fully engaged, and I couldn't wait to continue listening the second I got out of work. This was my first book from Kaira Rouda, and I 100% plan to check out more of her work. I'm also excited to see what she comes up with next!

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)

All the Stars!!

What made the experience of listening to Best Day Ever the most enjoyable?

the narrator was sooooo good.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

No - it was not that kind of a book. It was more of a slow simmer. Didn't take anything away from the book tho.

Which character – as performed by Graham Halstead and Amy McFadden – was your favorite?

I can't really say without giving too much away. It will be obvious later in the book which characters you love and which ones you detest!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

moved ... no. but I was totally invested in this story from beginning to end.

Any additional comments?

This book might not appeal to everyone. There is no big action scenes, no high speed chases. But it was just so darn interesting. I loved it!

Best Narrator Ever!!

Loved this book! Could not put it down- just creepy enough in a subtle way - fantastic narrator brings everything to life without being too graphic. Highly recommend! And- perfect title.

Watered Down

This book started out with so much potential. I thought I was buckling in for one of the best suspenseful I'd heard in a long time. The book was watered down. There was nothing suspenseful about it. It went drab like ugly gray curtains.

Like a balloon liked it at first then was let down

This story went nowhere it was a real let down. At first I was really into it, but then he became a unrealistic. It had no story and no real ending. There was no thrill in it, I could not believe that he got away with this level of behaviour for over ten years.

Very slow moving and not worth the entire read

Any additional comments?

The story was very unbelievable and slow moving, many other comments said it picked up half way so I kept going it had ups and downs but was overall a bit of a let down. It seemed incredibly unbelievable at first however I do like that is shows what a narcissist is especially to those who may not be aware of what they're really like.

Great Book..But Author Quit at the End

First part of book was excellent. But, at the end...when you could get the other characters perspective on events (you REALLY wanted it). It ended. Almost, like half a book. Disappointed.