The Perfect Girlfriend
The Perfect Girlfriend
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Brief
Beta359
Novel • Fiction
•
Mystery & Crime Fiction•
Modern Classic FictionInternational airline routes, including the United States and Japan; present day
2018
Wildfire
Paperback • 2018
Adult
13-17 years
Super Short Summary
Karen Hamilton’s psychological thriller follows Juliette, who refuses to accept that Nate ended their relationship six months ago. Convinced they belong together, she becomes a flight attendant at his airline to watch him more closely. Determined and dangerously obsessed, Juliette builds a plan to reclaim her ex and ensure that nobody interferes with what she considers true love.
Unnerving
Suspenseful
Dark
Exciting
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
30,401 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviewers praise the novel’s gripping, disturbing intimacy: Juliette’s first-person perspective makes an obsessive stalker compelling and even unexpectedly sympathetic. They also applaud the distinctive airline setting, strong characterization, escalating stakes, and faster second half. Criticism centers on uneven pacing and execution. Some find the opening slow or repetitive, the supporting characters flat, and Juliette’s successes too convenient. The most consistent complaint is an abrupt, ambiguous, or anticlimactic ending that leaves major dissatisfaction despite the page-turning suspense.
Who Should Read The Perfect Girlfriend?
This is a strong pick for readers who enjoy dark psychological thrillers told from inside an obsessive, morally unsettling protagonist’s mind. Juliette’s first-person perspective creates immediacy and keeps her next move unpredictable, while her work as a flight attendant provides an unusual airline backdrop. Expect manipulation, revenge, fixation, and an increasingly fast pace rather than a constant barrage of twists. It should especially suit readers who appreciate intense character studies and do not require every thread to be neatly resolved.
30,401 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
An aircraft pilot and Juliette’s ex-boyfriend, whose decision to leave her drives her determined campaign to reclaim their relationship.
Nate’s sister, whom Juliette also fixates upon and manipulates as part of her involvement in Nate’s life.
Juliette’s friend, with a separate social circle that includes flatmate Hannah and friends Oliver, Gabrielle, Lucy, Ben, and Michelle.
Juliette’s mother and Barbara’s sister, placing her within the protagonist’s immediate family alongside Juliette’s brother William.
Juliette’s brother, identified by his full name William Floran Jasmin and also called Will.
Amelia's sister and Juliette's aunt and maternal figure, referred to throughout by both names; Ernie's widow.
Juliette’s best friend, distinct from her long-time friend Michelle Bianchi and her friend Amy.
359
Novel • Fiction
•
Mystery & Crime Fiction•
Modern Classic FictionInternational airline routes, including the United States and Japan; present day
2018
Wildfire
Paperback • 2018
Adult
13-17 years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!