The Perfect Son

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of graphic violence, death, mental illness, ableism, and emotional abuse.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What surprised you most about the revelation that Jason, not Liam, was the true killer in The Perfect Son?

2. How does Freida McFadden’s approach to building suspense in The Perfect Son compare to other domestic thrillers, like Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, which also feature unreliable narration and family secrets?

3. The novel ends with Erika hearing about a missing girl near Liam’s debate competition, creating ambiguity about his true nature. What are your thoughts on this unresolved conclusion and its impact on your interpretation of the entire story?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Erika goes to extraordinary lengths to protect Liam, including hiring a private investigator to scare off his romantic interests and telling the police that she killed Jason. Would you have done the same in her situation, or are there limits to how far you would go to protect a loved one?

2. The novel portrays the pressure to maintain perfect appearances, particularly in suburban communities. In what ways have you experienced or observed similar pressures in your own life?

3. Trust and suspicion form major themes in the book, with characters constantly questioning what they believe about each other. When has your trust in someone been significantly challenged?

4. What objects or routines in your life symbolize your dedication to an important role or relationship, similar to how Erika’s egg preparation represents her commitment to motherhood?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. The novel contains stereotypes linking mental health conditions to violence. What responsibilities do authors have when depicting mental health conditions?

2. Suburban communities often maintain unspoken expectations about family dynamics and appearances. Where does the novel suggest these pressures originate, and how do they intersect with broader societal forces?

3. What aspects of contemporary society might explain the domestic thriller genre’s widespread appeal, particularly stories like The Perfect Son or Ashley Audrain’s The Push that focus on the hidden darkness within families?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. McFadden incorporates police interview transcripts alongside traditional narrative chapters. What purpose do these transcripts serve in advancing the plot and developing readers’ understanding of the characters?

2. The Toyota 4Runner serves as a significant symbol throughout the story. How does it evolve in meaning from the beginning to the end of the novel?

3. Character names often carry significance in literature. What might the name “Liam Cass” suggest about his character or role in the story?

4. What clues about Jason’s true nature did McFadden include throughout the novel that readers might overlook on first reading? What purpose do these serve?

5. How does the ambiguous ending contribute to the novel’s exploration of the “nature versus nurture” debate regarding violent tendencies?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If you were to write an additional chapter taking place five years after the Epilogue, what future would you envision for Erika, Liam, and Olivia?

2. The novel focuses primarily on Erika and Olivia’s perspectives. What other character’s perspective would you most want to explore? Write or outline a chapter from their point of view.

3. If The Perfect Son were adapted into a film or television series, which aspects of the story would be most important to preserve, and which elements might need to change for a visual medium?

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