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A review by whimsicalyme
The Second Mother by Jenny Milchman
4.0
The Second Mother appealed to me a great deal when I saw the synopsis. It read, “Opportunity: Teacher needed in one-room classroom schoolhouse on remote. Island in Maine. Certification in grades K-8 a must.” After experiencing the loss of a child and a failed marriage, Julie weathers thinks this teaching position is her chance at a fresh start.
The setting is a remote island with no cars allowed, spotty cell service and wi-fi limited to the area around the library. The people on Mercy Island seem to enjoy a simpler way of life that appeals to Julie. The setting is isolated, rustic, full of cliffs, rocks, rain and thick fog. I was fully prepared for this setting to be the perfect backdrop for a creepy thriller.
I loved Julie, though flawed she recognizes her faults but truly wanted to improve herself and help the children of mercy. I was really cheering Julie on as she worked through the mysteries and secrecy that surrounded the Hempstead family that seem to run the island through some nefarious means.
This book had a lot of potential to blow me away. I felt like it was too long and didn’t have quite the action or tension I expect from a thriller. I feel like it ultimately was more of a slow burn mystery. The author spent a great deal of time building the setting and less on continuing suspenseful moments and plot twists. I think if I had been expecting more mystery and slow burn I would have enjoyed it more.
Overall I give this one 3.5/5 stars., if you enjoy atmospheric slow burns you will lovvve this book! It is worth a read! Thank you to Sourcebooks and @booksforwardpr for an advanced digital copy to review.
The setting is a remote island with no cars allowed, spotty cell service and wi-fi limited to the area around the library. The people on Mercy Island seem to enjoy a simpler way of life that appeals to Julie. The setting is isolated, rustic, full of cliffs, rocks, rain and thick fog. I was fully prepared for this setting to be the perfect backdrop for a creepy thriller.
I loved Julie, though flawed she recognizes her faults but truly wanted to improve herself and help the children of mercy. I was really cheering Julie on as she worked through the mysteries and secrecy that surrounded the Hempstead family that seem to run the island through some nefarious means.
This book had a lot of potential to blow me away. I felt like it was too long and didn’t have quite the action or tension I expect from a thriller. I feel like it ultimately was more of a slow burn mystery. The author spent a great deal of time building the setting and less on continuing suspenseful moments and plot twists. I think if I had been expecting more mystery and slow burn I would have enjoyed it more.
Overall I give this one 3.5/5 stars., if you enjoy atmospheric slow burns you will lovvve this book! It is worth a read! Thank you to Sourcebooks and @booksforwardpr for an advanced digital copy to review.