The Perfect Daughter by DJ Palmer is a study in strength and horror. The book contains hard information about dissociative identity disorder (DID) and the conditions of a state run facility. Where this diagnosis is controversial, the pain for the family and the patient is clearly evident. However, this book also contains a mystery and a couple of amazing twists that really play with your brain. The story is written in the present with flashbacks about various scenes in their lives.
In the past, Arthur and Grace adopted a four year old girl that was found abandoned in the park. Grace felt so attached and needed by the little on. She did not answer to her name, so she was named Penny. As time went on Penny’s parents realized something was not quite “right” and searched out various doctors etc for help, especially after she got into serious trouble with her friend.
In the present, Penny is accused of killing her birth mom in a horrific bloodbath and has been remanded to a hospital for the criminally insane run by the state. Grace believes her daughter has DID as did some of the doctors. Penny’s lawyer is willing to take some chances and find ways to help Grace. The new doctor at the institution is willing to try to help. Only secrets lead to more secrets and more confusion.
The book was not an easy read, but it was fascinating. I found that I struggled to put the book down especially as the book got closer to the end. The twists and turns of the case and the determination of Grace held my attention totally. The Perfect Daughter by DJ Palmer was a twisted psychological thriller with secrets…