NINE PERFECT STRANGERS (191 POCHE)

Nine Perfect Strangers is the eighth novel by best-selling Australian author, Liane Moriarty. Nine guests arrive at an exclusive, expensive health resort in rural NSW. There is a family of three, and a couple, so not all are strangers to one another; as well, two more are recognised by other guests from their public profiles; nor is any of them perfect (it would be a very short story if they were!)

What they don't realise is that they are the first group to undergo the radical new treatment plan the director has created, one which includes aspects that no small print or disclaimer has mentioned. Nor are all the resort's staff one hundred percent on board.

The range of characters is diverse: a newly-single mother of four who feels discarded; a gay family lawyer faced with a fatherhood dilemma; a divorced romance novelist whose career has stalled; a family plagued by grief and guilt; a couple plagued by too much money; and a disconnected grandfather who's feeling his age.

Tranquillum House is staffed by a paramedic and a PA, both turned wellness consultants, while the director is a former corporate executive determined to share the passion for wellness that her near-death experience ignited in her, years earlier. Masha (Maria) Dmitrichenko is beautiful, green-eyed and very charismatic, and easily able to deflect the scepticism and belligerence with which some of her guests arrive.

With a mix of health drinks, yoga, exercise, fasting, and silence, and a ban on alcohol, junk food and electronic devices, Masha promises that "You will leave Tranquillum House feeling happier, healthier, lighter, freer…In ten days, you will not be the person you are now." If that last statement ultimately proves true, it doesn't happen the way anyone expects.

There are multiple narrative strands covering the perspective of each of the guests as well as the staff and director of the resort. Many of the inner monologues are quite amusing, particularly the observations and assessments of fellow guests, and some of the chemically-enhanced chapters are truly hilarious, especially those of Lars and Frances. A hugely entertaining read with a twist that may have some reconsidering health retreat plans.

This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Pan Macmillan Australia