Why Did Abby Kill Merritt In The Perfect Couple Book: The Real Reason
Okay, so we need to talk about The Perfect Couple. You know, Elin Hilderbrand's juicy summer read. Specifically, we need to dive into the big question. The one that has everyone whispering. Why did Abby kill Merritt?
It’s the question that keeps us up at night. Well, maybe not up at night, but definitely makes our commutes more interesting. It’s the ultimate whodunit, set against a backdrop of Nantucket’s swankiest wedding. Think champagne, family drama, and a body. A very unexpected body.
Merritt. Poor, complicated, rich Merritt. She’s the bride’s older sister. And let’s just say, she wasn’t exactly winning any popularity contests. Not with the groom, not with the family, and definitely not with… well, you get the picture.
So, Abby. The sister-in-law. The quiet one. The one you’d least suspect, right? That’s what makes it so good! It’s like that one friend who’s always super nice, and then BAM! Turns out they’re secretly a master strategist. Or maybe a killer. Who knew?
The Setup: A Wedding, A Secret, A Shocker
The scene is set for a dream wedding. Celeste and Ben. All the who’s who of Nantucket are there. Tuxedos. Flowing dresses. Expensive flowers. The whole nine yards. But underneath all that glitz? A whole lot of simmering resentment. And secrets. So many secrets.
Merritt is kind of the elephant in the room. She’s got her own baggage. And she’s not afraid to air it out. Especially when it involves her soon-to-be brother-in-law, Ben. Oof.
And then, the unthinkable happens. Merritt is found dead. On her wedding day. Talk about a buzzkill, right? The party’s over. The champagne’s flat. And everyone’s looking around, pointing fingers. It’s pure, unadulterated drama.
Abby's Motive: Was It All About Ben?
Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. Why Abby? What was her deal? The book dangles a lot of possibilities. It keeps you guessing. Like a good magician, Elin Hilderbrand is a master of misdirection.
The prime suspect, for a while, is Ben. He and Merritt had a… complicated history. Let’s just say it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. There were whispers. Rumors. And a whole lot of awkward silences at family gatherings.
But then Abby comes into the picture. She’s Ben’s sister. She’s supposed to be the supportive one. The one who has his back. So, what’s her angle?
Here’s where it gets fun. The book hints at a deep, protective streak in Abby. A fierce loyalty to her brother. And Merritt? Merritt was a threat. A big, shiny, manipulative threat.
Think about it. Merritt was pulling Ben’s strings. She was messing with his life. And Abby saw it. She felt it. It was like watching a slow-motion train wreck, and Abby decided to stop it. Permanently.
The “Quirky” Details That Make You Go "Hmm"
Elin Hilderbrand is amazing at weaving in these little details. The ones you almost miss, but they’re crucial. Like the way Merritt always wore those ridiculously expensive scarves. Or the fact that Abby has a secret stash of emergency snacks. You know, for those very stressful situations. Like, say, a murder investigation.
And what about the timing? The wedding. It’s the perfect cover. Everyone is distracted. Everyone is celebrating. Who’s going to notice if one person slips away for a… chat with Merritt? A very final chat.
There’s also the whole element of Merritt’s own behavior. She wasn’t exactly a saint. She pushed buttons. She reveled in the chaos she created. It’s like she was daring someone to react. And Abby, bless her heart, took the bait. Or maybe she just saw an opportunity. A very dark opportunity.
The "Real" Reason: It's Complicated, People!
So, what’s the real reason? Is it a simple case of sisterly protection? Or is there something more? The beauty of this book is that it’s not black and white. It’s a whole lot of gray. Like a foggy Nantucket morning.
The book suggests that Abby acted out of a twisted sense of love. Love for her brother. Love for her family. She saw Merritt as a cancer. And she decided to cut it out. Ouch.
It's not about a grand, elaborate plan. It’s about a moment. A snap. A realization that something had to be done. And Abby, in her own quiet way, decided she was the one to do it.
Think of it like this: you’re at a party, and someone is being obnoxious. You might roll your eyes. You might try to ignore them. But what if they’re actively ruining everything? What if they’re poisoning the mood, the relationships, the very air you’re breathing? Sometimes, you just have to take drastic measures.
Why This is Just Fun to Talk About
Honestly, why wouldn’t we talk about this? It’s a murder mystery wrapped in a wedding! It’s got everything we love: secrets, lies, wealthy people with questionable morals, and a shocker of an ending. It’s the perfect blend of escapism and human drama.
Plus, it makes us feel a little bit smarter, doesn’t it? Trying to piece together the clues. Playing detective from the comfort of our own couches. We’re basically Elin Hilderbrand in training.
And the fact that it’s Abby? The seemingly sweet, unassuming Abby? That’s the cherry on top. It’s the twist that makes you reread chapters. It’s the detail that makes you go, "OMG, I should have seen it!"
It’s also a great conversation starter. "So, have you read The Perfect Couple? What did you think about Abby? Do you think she was justified?" Instant party icebreaker. Or, you know, great for dissecting with your book club.
Ultimately, the "real" reason Abby killed Merritt isn't just about one thing. It’s a cocktail of protection, desperation, and Merritt's own, shall we say, difficult personality. It’s a reminder that even in the most picture-perfect settings, things can get messy. And sometimes, the quietest people have the loudest secrets.
So, next time you’re at a fancy event, maybe keep an eye on the seemingly harmless ones. You never know who might be harboring a dark secret. And who’s ready to make a very permanent change to the guest list.