momobookdiary's reviews
633 reviews

Good Bad Mother by Anya Mora

5.0

✨ Unmissable. Twisted. Addictive. Highly, highly recommended. ✨

Some thrillers grip you. Some thrillers shock you. And then there are those rare books that completely consume you, pulling you into a world so unnerving, so cleverly constructed, that you can’t stop reading until you’ve unraveled every last secret. Good Bad Mother by Anya Mora is one of those books. 

 

I picked it up this afternoon, thinking I’d read a few chapters—and before I knew it, the hours had vanished, and I was still sitting there, utterly transfixed, racing through the final pages, jaw dropped, mind spinning. 

 

At the heart of this gripping story is Amelia, a woman with a past she never speaks of and a present that is growing more suffocating by the day. From the outside, her life on the ultra-exclusive Cutter’s Island appears picture-perfect—wealth, luxury, a beautiful home, a seemingly privileged marriage. But beneath the carefully curated exterior is a woman who does not belong in the world she’s married into, and no matter how hard she tries, she knows it. 

 

The Sterling family—her husband Timothy’s parents, Alexander and Isabelle—practically hum with quiet menace. They don’t want her there, and she knows it. But they have to keep her now—at least for now. 

 

And then her worst nightmare happens. She wakes to find her baby, Clover, gone. The panic is visceral, the tension unbearable. But the terror of that moment is only the beginning. Because nothing in this book is what it seems. 

 

The secrets, the mind games, the shocking truths lurking in the shadows—every time I thought I knew where this story was going, Anya Mora pulled the rug from under me. It’s rare for a book to truly outmaneuver me, but this one did, brilliantly so. The layers of deception are masterfully woven, making you question everything and everyone. 

 

The writing is cinematic—so vivid that I could see every chilling interaction, feel Amelia’s growing sense of unease, hear the whispers of a past she has tried so desperately to bury. Mora’s ability to build atmosphere is stunning; there’s an almost claustrophobic intensity to the way Cutter’s Island is portrayed. It’s not just a setting—it’s a cage, a place where wealth and influence can conceal a multitude of sins, and where the people who hold the power will do anything to keep it. 

 

But what truly sets this book apart is the way it plays with perception. It’s the kind of story that makes you second-guess everything—not just what you’re reading, but even your own instincts as a reader. When the truth finally came to light, I actually had to pause for a moment to take it all in. I wanted to flip back through the pages, retrace my steps, see where I had been so expertly misled. In fact, now that I know how it all unfolds, I’m tempted to reread it immediately just to pick up on all the clever breadcrumbs Mora scattered along the way. 

 

I went into Good Bad Mother expecting a gripping thriller, but what I got was something so much more. It’s psychological suspense at its finest—intelligent, utterly immersive, and with one of the most satisfying twists I’ve read in a long time. If you love books that play mind games with you, that make you question every assumption, that leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the final page—this is an absolute must-read. 

But trust me: don’t assume you know where this book is going. You don’t. And that’s what makes it brilliant. 

The Outsider by C.R. Howell

4.0

The Outsider by C.R. Howell is a beautifully written and emotionally complex novel that explores themes of identity, family, and the weight of secrets. Set in the stunning Welsh countryside, the story revolves around Noah and Megan, whose marriage has been strained by years of financial struggles, the emotional toll of failed IVF attempts, and a sense of disconnect within their rural community. 

 

Megan, despite being born in Wales, has always felt like an outsider in the tight-knit village, struggling with her inability to master the Welsh language. Her longing for a sense of purpose leads her to take a Welsh language course, where she meets Gethin, a younger man with whom she embarks on a passionate affair. This affair not only threatens Megan’s already fragile marriage but also sets off a chain of events that unearth long-buried family tensions and secrets, particularly within Noah’s family. 

 

Noah has poured his heart and soul into making the farm successful, but his commitment is severely tested when he wakes one morning to find a number of his lambs have been slaughtered in the field overnight, an act that almost shatters him emotionally and pushes him to the brink of despair. 

 

The dynamics between Noah, Megan, and his family—including Noah’s sister, Imogen, who lives with schizophrenia—are explored with remarkable sensitivity. Imogen’s struggles with mental health add another layer of complexity to the family’s already fraught relationships, highlighting Howell's compassionate approach to such themes. The novel also touches on broader societal issues, including the clash between preserving local culture and the pressures of tourism. 

 

Howell's descriptions of the Welsh countryside are vivid and evocative, adding an almost atmospheric quality to the story. The pacing, while steady, builds towards a gripping conclusion as secrets come to light, and relationships are tested to their breaking point. 

 

The Outsider is a compelling and thought-provoking read that expertly blends personal drama with larger cultural themes. Howell’s empathetic portrayal of the characters, particularly Megan, Noah, and Imogen, ensures the emotional core of the novel resonates deeply. Though the pacing could have been tighter, the rich setting and complex family dynamics make this a rewarding read. Fans of character-driven stories with emotional depth will find much to appreciate in this evocative and emotionally charged novel.

Never Come Back: An utterly gripping and unputdownable psychological thriller by Cara Reinard

3.0

Cara Reinard’s Never Come Backoffers a wild ride of suspense, secrets, and twists that kept me turning the pages, even when the story ventured into the implausible. 

 

This thriller centres on Rowan, whose husband Wyatt vanishes during a business trip to Mexico, leaving her angry, scared, and ultimately questioning everything when he finally returns. Wyatt comes home a changed man, hiding a mysterious scar and acting distant. The situation escalates when their young son Landon is abducted, plunging Rowan into a nightmare of buried secrets and shocking revelations. 

Told through alternating perspectives of Wyatt and Rowan, the book weaves a layered plot that’s fast-paced and undeniably unique. While the story’s concept was intriguing, parts of it felt over the top, and some twists were too outlandish to fully buy into. At times, the abundance of characters and unnecessary details distracted from the central plot, leaving me wanting more focus and clarity. I also struggled to connect with the main characters, which lessened the emotional impact of the story. 

That said, there were moments of genuine suspense and unexpected surprises that I appreciated. While Never Come Back may not deliver a traditional thriller, it offers plenty of action and drama with an unpredictable edge. If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, slightly out-there read, this one is worth picking up. 

The Only Child by S. Englefield

5.0

Some books are so brilliant that no review can ever fully do them justice. The Only Child by S. Englefield is one such book. I devoured this novel in one sitting, utterly unable to tear myself away. It’s not just a book you read; it’s an experience you live. Englefield has created a gripping, emotional masterpiece that left me awestruck and yearning for more. 

 

The story follows Amelia Simpson, who, after the tragic loss of her parents, finishes university and decides against pursuing a career in graphic design. Instead, she moves to the Isle of Wight to be near her grandmother and opens a flower shop, which brings her great joy. For years, Amelia builds a quiet and fulfilling life on the island, but this peace is shattered after a series of tragic events prompts investigations that gradually bring secrets from her family’s past to light. Detective Inspector Jennifer Stone’s investigation into these events is just as riveting, as she painstakingly follows leads while trying to be present at home for her husband and daughter—a constant struggle for a detective balancing her demanding career with family life. 

 

From the very first page, I felt completely immersed in the world Englefield created. The narrative—shifting seamlessly between past and present, as well as different points of view—was masterfully done. It allowed the story to unfold effortlessly, pulling me deeper and deeper into its layers. Every twist and turn felt natural yet utterly surprising, keeping me on edge and unable to stop reading. 

 

The characters are exceptional. Amelia and Jenny, as well as the supporting cast, felt so real and true to life that it was as though I was standing right there beside them. Their emotions, reactions, and relationships were crafted with such authenticity that I found myself fully invested in their lives. And the way Englefield describes the crime scenes? Utterly vivid and chilling. I could picture every detail so vividly it felt as if I had stepped into the scenes myself. 

 

If I had to critique anything—and believe me, this is nitpicking at its finest—I did notice that characters seemed to spill their tea and coffee quite a bit! As for the cat caught up in the horror, while no specifics are given, I choose to believe it survived unscathed (a comforting narrative I’m sticking to). Neither of these points diminishes the brilliance of this book in the slightest. 

 

The Only Child is, without a doubt, an out-of-this-world debut. Yes, I searched for other books by S. Englefield and came up empty, which only makes me more excited to see what comes next. If this is the standard set by their first book, then we’re in for something truly special in the future. 

 

Is it possible to declare a favourite book of the month on the second day of said month? I’m doing it anyway, because The Only Child deserves all the accolades and more. This book is gripping, emotional, beautifully written, and packed with twists you won’t see coming. If you’re looking for a novel that will leave you breathless, Englefield’s debut is an absolute must-read. 

 

Final thoughts: Wow. Just wow. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time, and I’ll be recommending it to everyone I know. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait too long for the next masterpiece from this incredibly talented author.

The Witness: A totally addictive psychological thriller with a shocking final twist by Sadie Ryan

5.0

What a gripping, fast-paced, and unputdownable thriller! Sadie Ryan masterfully sets the scene with vivid descriptions that bring the lakeside home and tense atmosphere to life. The characters are incredibly well-formed and feel so human; I was completely invested in their lives from start to finish. 

 

We learn that ten years previously, Jane witnessed an unspeakable crime, and her testimony put a man away for manslaughter. For reasons we don’t fully understand at first, Jane didn’t tell anyone about this and has kept it hidden from her family. Over the years, she has built a seemingly perfect life surrounded by good friends and neighbours, all while carrying this heavy secret. 

 

When Jane receives notification that the man has been released from prison, her world begins to unravel. Her spiralling behaviour doesn’t go unnoticed, but without knowing the truth, her husband and daughter suggest she may be working too much and even express concerns about her drinking. This added tension in what was once a strong and loving family creates an even more gripping dynamic. I found myself questioning why Jane would keep such a monumental secret, especially from her husband, who otherwise seemed to be a supportive partner. 

 

The layers of the story are peeled back skilfully, revealing twists and hidden truths at just the right moments. Ryan keeps the tension high throughout, and I was desperate to turn the pages and uncover how everything would resolve. Each revelation added to the complexity of the characters and their relationships, making the story feel incredibly authentic and emotionally charged. 

 

I did feel heartbroken for Jane—she carried so much on her shoulders without the understanding or support of her family, which made her journey all the more emotional and compelling. As a reader, you can’t help but root for her, even as the secrets she’s held threaten to destroy the life she’s built. 

 

While I absolutely loved the book, I do want to mention the scene involving the dog’s death. It was difficult to read, especially as a former owner of a Jack Russell Terrier myself. I understand its narrative purpose, but I feel this part of the book warrants a trigger warning for readers who may find it upsetting. 

 

Despite this, The Witness is a brilliant read—full of tension, twists, and a strong emotional core. Sadie Ryan has delivered a thriller that’s as unforgettable as it is unputdownable. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys suspenseful, character-driven stories with layers of secrets waiting to be revealed!

The Low Road by Alex Walters

5.0

If you're searching for a gripping crime thriller set against the atmospheric backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, look no further than The Low Road by Alex Walters. This is the seventh book in the DI Alec McKay series, but as a newcomer to the series, I can confidently say it works perfectly as a stand-alone. That said, I am now eager to dive into the previous books because Walters' writing is thoroughly compelling — easily on par with the best Rebus novels I’ve read. 

 

Set in and around Inverness, this story immediately caught my attention due to its setting. Having spent years driving the A9 road between West Lothian and Orkney, I was drawn to the vivid and haunting portrayal of this extremely busy route. Walters doesn’t just use the location as a backdrop; he weaves it seamlessly into the narrative, making the A9 almost a character in itself — a road where accidents, often caused by driver error or failure to adapt to conditions, are unfortunately common. But are these recent events really accidents? 

 

DI Alec McKay’s instincts kick in when a series of fatal "accidents" on the A9 feel suspicious. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of corruption, a decades-old murder, and a shadowy killer who will stop at nothing to bury the truth. The layers of this story are masterfully crafted—there’s the intrigue surrounding the A9 accidents, a local newspaper unearthing an old murder case, and a scheming politician looking to exploit the situation for personal gain. Yet, Walters ties it all together brilliantly, keeping the reader hooked from start to finish. 

 

One aspect I particularly appreciated was how well the large cast of characters was handled. Despite the many people involved, each had a distinct voice and purpose, making it easy to follow their roles in the story. This is a feature I rate highly in any book, as too many indistinct characters can often lead to confusion. Here, however, it was not a problem at all. 

 

The tension builds steadily as McKay navigates a labyrinth of deception and betrayal, with danger lurking at every turn. Walters excels at creating a moody, suspenseful atmosphere, and the twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. The pacing is spot on, and the stakes feel incredibly high, especially as McKay’s closest allies come under threat and the killer closes in. 

 

What makes The Low Road stand out is how Walters seamlessly combines a gripping plot with a strong sense of place. The Scottish Highlands are brought vividly to life, and the A9’s reputation as a busy and often hazardous road due to driver behaviour adds an extra layer of authenticity and tension. As someone familiar with the area, I found it easy to visualise the settings, which added to my enjoyment. 

 

Overall, The Low Road is a brilliant, multi-layered crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and evocative setting, it’s a must-read for fans of gritty, atmospheric detective fiction. 

 

I’m excited to explore more of DI Alec McKay’s cases and highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a tightly woven mystery with plenty of twists. If you’re a fan of Ian Rankin’s Rebus series or Peter May’s Lewis trilogy, you’ll find a new favourite in Alex Walters. 

Sincere thanks to Lexi and Bloodhound Books for providing the digital advanced reader copy of this novel.

The Day She Disappeared by Sam Genever

3.0

The Day She Disappeared by Sam Genever is set in apartheid South Africa, a time and place fraught with tension and danger. The story follows Augustine, a young mother fleeing with a dangerous secret, as she seeks refuge and tries to protect her young child. It’s a premise filled with potential. 

 

Winner of the Joffe Books Prize, this novel is described as “the most unputdownable and gripping crime thriller of the year.” While I can see its appeal, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. 

 

The themes of survival, trust, and desperation are compelling, but I struggled to connect with the characters. Augustine’s reliance on leverage over her ex-boyfriend conflicted with the urgency of her situation. The pacing felt slow to me, though this may suit the reflective and detailed style of the book—it simply didn’t match my personal preference for faster-paced storytelling. 

 

The writing style, while unique, sometimes felt disjointed, which made it challenging for me to fully engage with the story. This could reflect the author’s varied literary background, but it didn’t quite land for me as a reader. 

 

Originally self-published, this book has now found a home with Joffe Books, which is a testament to the strength of its concept. While it wasn’t for me, I can see it appealing to readers who enjoy morally complex characters and stories that delve into survival in a historical context. 

 

This novel shows ambition and promise, and I respect the effort and commitment it took to bring it to publication. It just didn’t align with my personal reading preferences. 

His Other Life: A totally heartbreaking, unforgettable and gripping page-turner by Anna E. Collins

4.0

His Other Life by Anna E. Collins is an engaging, emotionally charged story that keeps the reader hooked as it explores love, betrayal, and the pursuit of truth. The mystery around Jonah’s untimely death and the discovery of his secret life, had me intrigued from the start. 

However, I felt the pacing was a bit uneven, with a large chunk of the book focusing on backstory and filler content before diving into the meat of the plot. This made the book feel longer than it needed to be. While the build-up helped set the emotional stage, it did sometimes feel like the story was dragging before reaching the key revelations promised in the blurb.

That said, once the plot started to unfold, I found it to be well thought through and believable. The twist was something I guessed early on, but that didn’t take away from the satisfaction of seeing it play out. The layers of Jonah’s secrets were intricately woven into the narrative, and I found myself invested in uncovering the truth.

As for the characters, I have to admit that they weren’t the most likable at first, especially the protagonist, who struggles with her emotions and memories. But as the story progressed, I began to understand them more, and by the end, they had grown on me. The emotional depth and personal growth of the characters gave the story a satisfying conclusion, even if the journey to get there was a bit slower than I would have liked.

In the end, His Other Life is a solid four-star read. While I felt it could have been more concise, the well-crafted plot and satisfying ending made it worth the read. The book left me with a sense of closure and an appreciation for the journey, even though it took a bit longer than expected to get there.

A Fatal Silence: A Detective Kay Hunter Crime Thriller by Rachel Amphlett

5.0

A Fatal Silence, the 14th book in the Detective Kay Hunter series, was my introduction to Rachel Amphlett's writing. I found this to be an impressive introduction that can be read as a stand-alone without any knowledge of the previous 13 books.

The story begins with the discovery of a young woman’s body at an outdoor music festival. Detective Kay Hunter and her team face an uphill battle as they try to solve a murder with no apparent leads and an unidentified victim. The tension rises as the investigation grapples with media pressure and an overwhelming pool of potential suspects. Amphlett expertly maintains the suspense, with each twist and revelation pulling the reader deeper into the mystery.

What truly makes this book shine is the combination of its vivid scene-setting, well-rounded characters, and perfectly paced narrative. Amphlett’s remarkable ability to set the scene immerses the reader in every detail. The sprawling festival grounds and the grim realities of the murder scene are vividly depicted, placing the reader right in the heart of the action. Meanwhile, the police station, bustling with the murder team’s efforts, serves as a dynamic hub where the investigation unfolds, adding to the authenticity and tension.

Adding to this is the balance Amphlett strikes between Kay’s professional and personal life. Kay is a well-rounded protagonist whose moments at home provide depth and relatability, making her more than just a detective on a case. Her interactions with her team are another highlight, showcasing strong camaraderie and clear dynamics that add richness to the narrative. Amphlett ensures readers can easily follow the roles and personalities within the team, which further enhances the seamless flow of the story.

The novel’s pacing ties everything together beautifully. Fast and gripping, it keeps the pages turning, but Amphlett also incorporates moments of reflection and tension-building, creating a rhythm that feels natural and engaging. It’s the kind of book you can’t put down — the "just one more chapter" effect is in full force here.

The plot is intricately designed, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The killer stayed off my radar for most of the book, but I had the satisfaction of piecing things together just before the big reveal — a testament to Amphlett’s clever storytelling. The final twists are both surprising and satisfying, ensuring a memorable conclusion.

A Fatal Silence has left me eager to explore the rest of the Detective Kay Hunter series, and I’m adding the previous 13 novels to my TBR list after this outstanding introduction to Amphlett’s writing.

If you’re a fan of fast-paced, character-driven crime fiction with an intricate plot and strong attention to detail, A Fatal Silence should be at the top of your reading list. Rachel Amphlett delivers a compelling entry in a series that promises thrills, depth, and unputdownable storytelling. Five stars!

If We Could Turn Back Time by Sian O'Gorman

5.0

If We Could Turn Back Time by Sian O'Gorman is an absolute joy of a read that transported me straight to the heart of Sandycove. The picturesque Irish setting, beautifully described by the author, came alive with such vivid detail that I could almost smell the freshly baked soda bread and hear the chatter in the family store. 

 

From the very first page, I felt immersed in the rhythms of small-town life and completely invested in the Littleton family—three generations of women, each with their own challenges, secrets, and dreams. Alice, Ciara, and Eva felt so real and relatable, with their hopes and struggles interwoven into a heartwarming story of love, resilience, and rediscovery. 

 

Alice’s visit home after heartbreak and her journey of healing were beautifully handled, and I loved watching her reconnect with her family and rediscover her roots. Ciara’s storyline, as a single mother grappling with mid-life, was equally touching and empowering—her decision to restart the disco with her best friend Mary-Marg added a wonderful touch of nostalgia and fun to the story. And Eva, with her gentle wisdom and strong presence, was the glue that held the family together. 

 

The secrets revealed as the story progressed were perfectly paced and added just the right amount of intrigue. Conal’s grandmother’s connection to Eva, and the long-buried history between Ciara and Conal’s father, Paddy, kept me hooked. The emotional depth of these revelations, paired with the light-hearted charm of Sandycove life, created a wonderful balance. 

 

I picked this book up as a break from my usual crime and thriller reads, and it was exactly what I needed. The cover drew me in with its fun and vibrant vibe, and the story delivered on every promise. The descriptive narrative allowed me to envision every scene, and by the end, I felt like a part of this delightful community. I’m now eager to explore more books by Sian O’Gorman. 

 

Finally, a special mention must go to the food descriptions—I’m desperate for a taste of the Irish soda bread! I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming read that resonated deeply with me. If you’re looking for a story brimming with charm, heartfelt moments, and delightful surprises, If We Could Turn Back Time is perfect. Five sparkling stars from me!