‘There’s a Body in My Swimming Pool’ — Read an Excerpt From New Novel “Perfect Life ”(Exclusive)

As the annual National Pool Opening Day approaches, readers are invited to dive into an intriguing new mystery by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores, titled “Perfect Life.” This suspenseful novel immerses readers in the elite community of Winter Park, Florida, where the façade of luxury often conceals dark secrets.

The narrative centres around Este Walker, a woman who relocated from California to Florida five years ago, in search of a fresh start among the opulence of lakefront estates. Portrayed as living a life of privilege, Este enjoys financial security, a nurturing relationship with her husband, Beau, and a close friendship with Nora. However, her seemingly idyllic existence begins to crumble with the unexpected return of a person from her past, coupled with a mysterious death that sends shockwaves through the community.

As the story unfolds, Este finds herself embroiled in a high-stakes murder investigation that forces her to confront the secrets she has escaped and the reality she tries to maintain. The plot thickens when Beau, her seemingly supportive husband, is implicated, leaving Este grappling with the dual pressures of protecting her family and uncovering the truth. The synopsis teases readers with the question: what happened in California, and is Este’s past now haunting her?

The novel presents a compelling exploration of wealth and privilege, amidst a backdrop of suspense and tension. Lavender and Shores provide a “whip-smart” critique of the lifestyles of the affluent, while also weaving a complex love story that simmers beneath the surface of the central mystery. Readers are promised a fast-paced narrative that delivers both chills and emotional depth.

Extracted from the opening of the book, the narrative plunges readers into an urgent moment experienced by Este. As she frantically contacts emergency services, it’s evident that her seemingly perfect world has been shattered. The chaos wrought by a hurricane serves as a metaphor for the untamed nature of her life; under the shimmering exterior of luxury lies a tumultuous reality. The gripping description of debris scattered across her lawn and the sinister figure outlined by the pool introduces an atmosphere of dread that pervades the text.

Through Este’s eyes, readers witness the stark reality of living in a glamorous community fraught with peril. The imagery of a once-beautiful landscape turned chaotic after a hurricane mirrors Este’s own internal turmoil. The juxtaposition of the established social order and the hidden darkness lurking within it sets the stage for a riveting search for truth and redemption.

As she navigates this treacherous web of lies, Este’s character becomes increasingly complex. The reader is invited to ponder her motivations—what sacrifices has she made to craft a perfect life? With every turn of the page, the stakes elevate, drawing readers deeper into her plight. The chilling revelation that there is a body in her swimming pool compels readers to ask how she will extricate herself from the impending crisis.

“Perfect Life” is set for release on July 7 and is currently available for pre-order at various booksellers. It promises to be a gripping read just in time for the summer, appealing to fans of mystery and suspense. With its unique blend of themes, readers are likely to find themselves thoroughly engaged in Este’s journey through deception and the fight to reclaim her life.

In a literary landscape buzzing with thrillers, Lavender and Shores have crafted a tale that is both timely and timeless, capturing the fragility of appearances and the weight of the past on one’s present. As National Pool Opening Day beckons, “Perfect Life” reminds us that beneath even the most serene surfaces, tumultuous waters may dwell.