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My Darling Girl
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Horror (2023)The New York Times bestselling author of the “otherworldly treat” ( People ) The Drowning Kind and The Children on the Hill returns with a spine-tingling psychological thriller about a woman who, after taking in her dying, alcoholic mother, begins to suspect demonic possession is haunting her family.
Alison has never been a fan of Christmas. But with it right around the corner and her husband busily decorating their cozy Vermont home, she has no choice but to face it. Then she gets the call.
Mavis, Alison’s estranged mother, has been diagnosed with cancer and has only weeks to live. She wants to spend her remaining days with her daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters. But Alison grew up with her mother’s alcoholism and violent abuse and is reluctant to unearth these traumatic memories. Still, she eventually agrees to take in Mavis, hoping that she and her mother could finally heal and have the relationship she’s always dreamed of.
But when mysterious and otherworldly things start happening upon Mavis’s arrival, Alison begins to suspect her mother is not quite who she seems. And as the holiday festivities turn into a nightmare, she must confront just how far she is willing to go to protect her family.
Alison has never been a fan of Christmas. But with it right around the corner and her husband busily decorating their cozy Vermont home, she has no choice but to face it. Then she gets the call.
Mavis, Alison’s estranged mother, has been diagnosed with cancer and has only weeks to live. She wants to spend her remaining days with her daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters. But Alison grew up with her mother’s alcoholism and violent abuse and is reluctant to unearth these traumatic memories. Still, she eventually agrees to take in Mavis, hoping that she and her mother could finally heal and have the relationship she’s always dreamed of.
But when mysterious and otherworldly things start happening upon Mavis’s arrival, Alison begins to suspect her mother is not quite who she seems. And as the holiday festivities turn into a nightmare, she must confront just how far she is willing to go to protect her family.
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First published October 3, 2023
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About the author
Jennifer McMahon
20 books11.5k followers I'm the author of nine suspense novels, including Promise Not to Telll, The Winter People, and my newest, The Drowning Kind. I live in central Vermont with my partner and daughter, in an old Victorian that some neighbors call The Addams Family house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,479 reviews
October 3, 2023
Alison O’Connor has survived her TOXIC abusive childhood and is now thriving as a successful author and illustrator of the children’s book, “Moxie Saves Christmas”, modeled after her own wonderful dog.
Her supportive husband, Mark is a lover of ALL things Christmas including sappy Hallmark Christmas movies, and along with Alison and their two daughters, Izzy and Olivia (little mouse), they are busy turning their cozy Vermont home into a winter wonderland for the holidays, when the phone call comes…
Her mother Mavis is dying of stage 4 Cancer.
“I have something to ask you, something I have no right to ask, but I am going to ask it anyway..Promise you”ll think about it, my darling girl…”
Mavis wants to spend her last days with her family.
Hoping to put the past behind them before it’s too late, Alison moves her mother into the guest room, and at first, Mavis seems as sweet as “ Mrs. Claus” herself, but then there are the moments when Mavis seems to KNOW things she shouldn’t.
And, when strange things begin to HAPPEN, Alison begins to wonder if demonic possession is haunting her otherwise normal, happy family, residing in her frail mother’s body, even as the logical part of her brain insists that demons only exist in the pages of horror novels, and late night horror movies.
Right?
As I flipped the pages, I felt the foreboding, and I started to feel as tense and as nervous as Alison did!
Could she save her family from the woman she barely escaped?
Labeled as HORROR and as a “spine tingling psychological thriller”, Jennifer McMahon’s books work for me because she somehow makes her plots believable despite the genre!
Available NOW-just in time for “spooky season” or maybe, if you are more of a Grinch, you can save it for Christmas…😉
TW: Cancer, End of Life Care, Suicide
But, MOXIE is fine, although one bluebird is not as lucky.
Thank You to Gallery/Scout Press for the gifted ARC provided through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Her supportive husband, Mark is a lover of ALL things Christmas including sappy Hallmark Christmas movies, and along with Alison and their two daughters, Izzy and Olivia (little mouse), they are busy turning their cozy Vermont home into a winter wonderland for the holidays, when the phone call comes…
Her mother Mavis is dying of stage 4 Cancer.
“I have something to ask you, something I have no right to ask, but I am going to ask it anyway..Promise you”ll think about it, my darling girl…”
Mavis wants to spend her last days with her family.
Hoping to put the past behind them before it’s too late, Alison moves her mother into the guest room, and at first, Mavis seems as sweet as “ Mrs. Claus” herself, but then there are the moments when Mavis seems to KNOW things she shouldn’t.
And, when strange things begin to HAPPEN, Alison begins to wonder if demonic possession is haunting her otherwise normal, happy family, residing in her frail mother’s body, even as the logical part of her brain insists that demons only exist in the pages of horror novels, and late night horror movies.
Right?
As I flipped the pages, I felt the foreboding, and I started to feel as tense and as nervous as Alison did!
Could she save her family from the woman she barely escaped?
Labeled as HORROR and as a “spine tingling psychological thriller”, Jennifer McMahon’s books work for me because she somehow makes her plots believable despite the genre!
Available NOW-just in time for “spooky season” or maybe, if you are more of a Grinch, you can save it for Christmas…😉
TW: Cancer, End of Life Care, Suicide
But, MOXIE is fine, although one bluebird is not as lucky.
Thank You to Gallery/Scout Press for the gifted ARC provided through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
January 10, 2026
I had the pleasure of Buddy Reading My Darling Girl, the latest from Jennifer McMahon, with my fabulous niece, Lyss.
Having both loved earlier McMahon works, we were stoked to get to this one. Happily, it didn't disappoint. I found this to be wickedly atmospheric. McMahon sure knows how to deliver the creep-factor I desire.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm an Atmosphere Girlie first and foremost. That's what I am looking for when I open the pages of a book. I want to be transported and I want to be unsettled by it.
In this novel, we mainly follow Allison, an artist and children's author, who lives with her husband, two daughters and family dog in a cozy farmhouse in Vermont.
As Christmas approaches, Allison receives a phone call that's about to shake things up.
Allison's estranged mother, Mavis, also an artist, is gravely ill with cancer. Mavis is expected to live for only a few more weeks and she has requested that she spend her last days in hospice care in her daughter's home.
Allison is surprised her mother would make this request. Their relationship has been troubled for many, many years, to say the least. Perhaps her mother wants to repair their bond prior to her death?
Allison's husband knows about his wife's traumatic childhood and he's a little worried her mom's presence could trigger her, but he also feels like it could be very important to her healing process.
After a family discussion, Allison agrees. They're going to do it. They're going to open up their home to Mavis, providing her a safe and loving space for her last days.
Shortly after Mavis is settled in though, mysterious things start happening. Things Allison can't explain. Mavis is barely recognizable to Allison, her behavior is so different.
What is going on here? She's being nice to the girls, particularly the youngest, Olivia? Is Mavis suddenly a nurturing old woman who wants to spend time with her grandchildren and daughter, or is this all a deception?
Allison feels it, she knows something is off, but what?
This story was so enjoyable to watch unfold. It begins with a little section, set 27-years in the past, that sort of provides the building blocks for Allison's relationship with Mavis. That section took my breath away. It freaked me out.
It was so unsettling. I needed answers. That sense of unease that McMahon captured there, in those first few pages, never left me. I never got that scene out of my head and it truly set the stage for this entire story.
I feel like McMahon has a knack for setting an ominous tone. I'm frequently scared and I don't even know of what. I absolutely LOVE that feeling!
As mentioned in the synopsis, Allison suspects demonic possession and the way McMahon played with that idea and allowed it to evolve in the story was fantastic. Possession stories are one of my favorite subgenres of Horror, so I was intrigued and elated to read that idea explored here.
There are some sections from Mavis's perspective, reflecting back on her life and earlier relationships. The back-and-forth was interesting and definitely helped to build out the overall narrative in a pleasing way.
The events in the second-half of the book definitely accelerate in speed. Before you know it, you're racing towards the conclusion, and what a conclusion it is.
There was a twist at the end that I didn't see coming and it made me ridiculously giddy. I loved it. McMahon continues to slay. You know I will be picking up all future works.
I definitely recommend this one to anyone who has enjoyed McMahon's work in the past. Also, to anyone who loves a overriding feeling of dread that lasts throughout the story. Finally, to anyone who enjoys a dark and creepy atmosphere. This one is for you!
Having both loved earlier McMahon works, we were stoked to get to this one. Happily, it didn't disappoint. I found this to be wickedly atmospheric. McMahon sure knows how to deliver the creep-factor I desire.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm an Atmosphere Girlie first and foremost. That's what I am looking for when I open the pages of a book. I want to be transported and I want to be unsettled by it.
In this novel, we mainly follow Allison, an artist and children's author, who lives with her husband, two daughters and family dog in a cozy farmhouse in Vermont.
As Christmas approaches, Allison receives a phone call that's about to shake things up.
Allison's estranged mother, Mavis, also an artist, is gravely ill with cancer. Mavis is expected to live for only a few more weeks and she has requested that she spend her last days in hospice care in her daughter's home.
Allison is surprised her mother would make this request. Their relationship has been troubled for many, many years, to say the least. Perhaps her mother wants to repair their bond prior to her death?
Allison's husband knows about his wife's traumatic childhood and he's a little worried her mom's presence could trigger her, but he also feels like it could be very important to her healing process.
After a family discussion, Allison agrees. They're going to do it. They're going to open up their home to Mavis, providing her a safe and loving space for her last days.
Shortly after Mavis is settled in though, mysterious things start happening. Things Allison can't explain. Mavis is barely recognizable to Allison, her behavior is so different.
What is going on here? She's being nice to the girls, particularly the youngest, Olivia? Is Mavis suddenly a nurturing old woman who wants to spend time with her grandchildren and daughter, or is this all a deception?
Allison feels it, she knows something is off, but what?
This story was so enjoyable to watch unfold. It begins with a little section, set 27-years in the past, that sort of provides the building blocks for Allison's relationship with Mavis. That section took my breath away. It freaked me out.
It was so unsettling. I needed answers. That sense of unease that McMahon captured there, in those first few pages, never left me. I never got that scene out of my head and it truly set the stage for this entire story.
I feel like McMahon has a knack for setting an ominous tone. I'm frequently scared and I don't even know of what. I absolutely LOVE that feeling!
As mentioned in the synopsis, Allison suspects demonic possession and the way McMahon played with that idea and allowed it to evolve in the story was fantastic. Possession stories are one of my favorite subgenres of Horror, so I was intrigued and elated to read that idea explored here.
There are some sections from Mavis's perspective, reflecting back on her life and earlier relationships. The back-and-forth was interesting and definitely helped to build out the overall narrative in a pleasing way.
The events in the second-half of the book definitely accelerate in speed. Before you know it, you're racing towards the conclusion, and what a conclusion it is.
There was a twist at the end that I didn't see coming and it made me ridiculously giddy. I loved it. McMahon continues to slay. You know I will be picking up all future works.
I definitely recommend this one to anyone who has enjoyed McMahon's work in the past. Also, to anyone who loves a overriding feeling of dread that lasts throughout the story. Finally, to anyone who enjoys a dark and creepy atmosphere. This one is for you!
July 24, 2023
My darling Jennifer Mcmahon as long as you keep writing it, I will keep reading it -every single creepy, chilling, eerie, captivating page!
WOWZA!
I had no idea where this book was heading but I enjoyed the ride McMahon took me on! As we grow older, many of us become caregivers for our parents. But what if your mother was not the mother of the year? What if she wasn't even close? Alison and her brother grew up with their mother's alcoholism, her bouts of violent abuse. Both were happy to leave home and not look back.
But Mavis, Alison's estranged mother, is dying of cancer and has very little time left. Reluctantly she agrees to bring her mother into her home where she and her husband, Marc and two daughters will care for her. Alison is hoping that this time will allow for closure........
Not so fast, Alison!
Disturbing and bizarre things begin to happen with no explanation. A sense of unease begins to creep in. Alison has always had a tense and uneasy relationship with her mother but can't help but shake the feeling that something isn't quite right with her mother.... that maybe there is something more sinister happening.
This book is eerie, chilling and has a nice amount of tension and unease flowing throughout. With McMahon's other books, this book was well written, gripping, well thought out and took me by surprise. What a great book for the fall season! This book would make a fantastic movie. Hint hint... just putting it out there.
Fans of McMahon's previous books will enjoy this one immensely. It is so well done and perfectly paced. Nothing is rushed or drawn out. As the plot unfolded, I was enveloped in a sense of dread, unease, and tension. Just how I enjoy fall horror(ish) books.
Chilling, tense, gripping and well written.
Thank you to Gallery/Scout Press and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
WOWZA!
I had no idea where this book was heading but I enjoyed the ride McMahon took me on! As we grow older, many of us become caregivers for our parents. But what if your mother was not the mother of the year? What if she wasn't even close? Alison and her brother grew up with their mother's alcoholism, her bouts of violent abuse. Both were happy to leave home and not look back.
But Mavis, Alison's estranged mother, is dying of cancer and has very little time left. Reluctantly she agrees to bring her mother into her home where she and her husband, Marc and two daughters will care for her. Alison is hoping that this time will allow for closure........
Not so fast, Alison!
Disturbing and bizarre things begin to happen with no explanation. A sense of unease begins to creep in. Alison has always had a tense and uneasy relationship with her mother but can't help but shake the feeling that something isn't quite right with her mother.... that maybe there is something more sinister happening.
This book is eerie, chilling and has a nice amount of tension and unease flowing throughout. With McMahon's other books, this book was well written, gripping, well thought out and took me by surprise. What a great book for the fall season! This book would make a fantastic movie. Hint hint... just putting it out there.
Fans of McMahon's previous books will enjoy this one immensely. It is so well done and perfectly paced. Nothing is rushed or drawn out. As the plot unfolded, I was enveloped in a sense of dread, unease, and tension. Just how I enjoy fall horror(ish) books.
Chilling, tense, gripping and well written.
Thank you to Gallery/Scout Press and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
October 29, 2023
OK THAT ENDING!?!! If Jennifer McMahon writes it, I will read it. Tbh I was feeling sort of indifferent about this one up until the last few chapters but overall I will say that it was very eerie and sooo worth the ride. 🥲
October 3, 2023
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
“You’re the one in danger. It’s always been you.”
In My Darling Girl, Jennifer McMahon finds a way to make an old story new. As much as I enjoy new plots and adventures from fiction books, this familiar story worked for me. Remember The Exorcist? Somehow my prior knowledge didn’t matter, as I easily became lost in this plot and couldn’t look away.
Alison lives a cozy life with her husband and two daughters in Vermont. As a popular author and illustrator of the Moxie Saves Christmas series, she is content and happy. However, when she learns that her mother has terminal cancer and is dying, her whole world is turned upside down. She and her brother Ben have been estranged from Mavis, after they escaped their abusive childhood years ago. But Mavis insists upon dying surrounded by her family. Hoping to make amends with Mavis before she passes away, Alison allows her into her home. But is it really Mavis? Did she just let the devil inside? Or is it all in her head?
As always, Jennifer McMahon’s character-driven thriller taunts the reader with creepy undertones of the supernatural. Her phenomenal writing makes you feel like you are right there with the characters experiencing everything along side them. The ending will get your heart racing and leave you deeply unsettled.
Once again, McMahon delivers a superb gothic thriller that is not to be missed!
4.5/5 stars rounded down
Expected publication date: 10/3/23
Trigger Warning: Suicide
Thank you to Edelweiss and Gallery/Scout Press for the ARC of My Darling Girl in exchange for an honest review.
“You’re the one in danger. It’s always been you.”
In My Darling Girl, Jennifer McMahon finds a way to make an old story new. As much as I enjoy new plots and adventures from fiction books, this familiar story worked for me. Remember The Exorcist? Somehow my prior knowledge didn’t matter, as I easily became lost in this plot and couldn’t look away.
Alison lives a cozy life with her husband and two daughters in Vermont. As a popular author and illustrator of the Moxie Saves Christmas series, she is content and happy. However, when she learns that her mother has terminal cancer and is dying, her whole world is turned upside down. She and her brother Ben have been estranged from Mavis, after they escaped their abusive childhood years ago. But Mavis insists upon dying surrounded by her family. Hoping to make amends with Mavis before she passes away, Alison allows her into her home. But is it really Mavis? Did she just let the devil inside? Or is it all in her head?
As always, Jennifer McMahon’s character-driven thriller taunts the reader with creepy undertones of the supernatural. Her phenomenal writing makes you feel like you are right there with the characters experiencing everything along side them. The ending will get your heart racing and leave you deeply unsettled.
Once again, McMahon delivers a superb gothic thriller that is not to be missed!
4.5/5 stars rounded down
Expected publication date: 10/3/23
Trigger Warning: Suicide
Thank you to Edelweiss and Gallery/Scout Press for the ARC of My Darling Girl in exchange for an honest review.
December 15, 2023
A writer brings home her estranged, terminally ill mother to spend her final days with family. Eerie, mysterious occurances follow, while we learn about events from the past. The plot moves slowly along which suited the story fine, and although was maybe predictable in places, I was keen to keep reading to see how things played out. I really liked this one, with a Christmas setting it was the perfect read for right now.
November 28, 2023
...the sound was coming from my mother's room
Eee-eee-eee
I'm glad I waited to listen to McMahon's new release My Darling Girl. The story starts on December 1st as Alison, Mark, and the girls are decorating their home for Christmas, their "Decorating Day" tradition. With "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!" playing on TV, Mark is full of holiday cheer, but I sense a grinchy vibe from Alison. Interestingly, Alison is a successful artist of "Moxie Saves Christmas" series named after their black Lab, Moxie. She works in a tiny barn office behind their Burlington, Vermont farmhouse.
Then Alison receives a call from Paul, her estranged mother Mavis' long-time assistant that she's dying from cancer and doesn't have much time left. Mavis would love to spend her last days with the family and Alison reluctantly agrees to care for her with the hope of finding closure.
My Darling Girl is a spooky chiller. I sense something isn't quite right once Mavis arrives. The more you read, the more you'll learn about the mother-daughter's past and how that affects their relationship. I don't want to say too much as this kind of story is more enjoyable the lesser you know! There are parts that surprised me but the big reveal was a bit predictable. Regardless, the journey was awesome and if you can get past some gruesome flashbacks, you will enjoy this too!
January 8, 2024
I'm a devoted fan of Jennifer McMahon, having devoured most of her spine-tingling, perfectly crafted, sinister thrillers. When the publishers didn’t hand me an early copy of this book, I bought my own copy to add to my library, saved under my guilty pleasures section. However, with so many amazing ARCs bombarding me, I couldn't find the time (even though I'm a sleep-reader, I still have tons of books to sift through) to dive into it until this weekend when I was in the mood for a dysfunctional family meets haunted house, diabolical existence themes. It turned out to be the perfect match for my restless dark mood!
The plot is intriguing, and the execution is great, just like her previous works. The balanced pacing fits with escalating pressure, pushing you to climb the walls or hide under a bed, closing your eyes to count to ten until you gather your wits (in my case, I never quite achieve it).
The story focuses on Allison O'Connor, living a seemingly happy family life she has built with her caring husband Mark, who enjoys creating the best Christmas-themed house inspired by Hallmark movies, and her two daughters, Izzy and Olivia. She tries to leave her traumatic childhood behind, where the traces of mental and physical abuse created by her mother, Mavis, still affect her well-being after many years.
Now, her mother is suffering from stage 4 cancer and requests to spend time with her daughter and granddaughters as a dying wish. Despite Allison's brother thinking it's a nonsense request she shouldn't entertain, Allison decides to leave the past behind and give her mother a chance for closure.
But as soon as her mother moves into their house, unexplainable things start to occur, pushing Allison to question her own sanity. Could a demonic entity possess her mother to do things that a normal human being would never do? And if it's true, how can she fight against it, and how can she convince people that there's something sinister threatening their family?
The "What The Heck" ending startled me a lot, giving me so many creeps that I screamed and hid the book as if the sinister being could escape from the pages!
This is mostly a great psychological thriller, and I'm not sure why it competed with other books in the horror category for the Goodreads Choice Awards. I guess it truly is one of the standout thrillers of the year that you should give a try, especially if you're a fan of psychological thrillers and paranormal mysteries.
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The plot is intriguing, and the execution is great, just like her previous works. The balanced pacing fits with escalating pressure, pushing you to climb the walls or hide under a bed, closing your eyes to count to ten until you gather your wits (in my case, I never quite achieve it).
The story focuses on Allison O'Connor, living a seemingly happy family life she has built with her caring husband Mark, who enjoys creating the best Christmas-themed house inspired by Hallmark movies, and her two daughters, Izzy and Olivia. She tries to leave her traumatic childhood behind, where the traces of mental and physical abuse created by her mother, Mavis, still affect her well-being after many years.
Now, her mother is suffering from stage 4 cancer and requests to spend time with her daughter and granddaughters as a dying wish. Despite Allison's brother thinking it's a nonsense request she shouldn't entertain, Allison decides to leave the past behind and give her mother a chance for closure.
But as soon as her mother moves into their house, unexplainable things start to occur, pushing Allison to question her own sanity. Could a demonic entity possess her mother to do things that a normal human being would never do? And if it's true, how can she fight against it, and how can she convince people that there's something sinister threatening their family?
The "What The Heck" ending startled me a lot, giving me so many creeps that I screamed and hid the book as if the sinister being could escape from the pages!
This is mostly a great psychological thriller, and I'm not sure why it competed with other books in the horror category for the Goodreads Choice Awards. I guess it truly is one of the standout thrillers of the year that you should give a try, especially if you're a fan of psychological thrillers and paranormal mysteries.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
October 13, 2023
Man this book was bananas. Intense, creepy & if it's not made into a movie that would be a shame.
May 18, 2023
MY DARLING GIRL by Jennifer McMahon
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: Too many to list! The Winter People, The Children on the Hill, Promise Not to Tell, Don’t Breathe A Word
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978166801...
Release Date: October 3, 2023
General Genre: Horror, General-Thrillers, Supernatural, Women
Sub-Genre/Themes: Psychological thriller, mystery, alcoholism, child abuse, mother & daughter relationships, artists, estranged family, secrets, mental institutions, demon possession, hospice, sick parent
Writing Style: a delicate balance of character-driven & plot-driven storytelling, intricately plotted, fast pace
What You Need to Know: You need to know this book will be released October 3rd, 2023 but it would be perfect to wait until Christmas to read it for those “in the Christmas spirit” horror vibes.
My Reading Experience: When Jennifer McMahon is “on” she is full on. One of my favorite storytellers. There is just an ease and accessibility to her writing that triggers my brain to slip into that effortless, uninterrupted reading space that feels like a movie in my mind. I could see every scene in cinematic detail.
The horror creeps in on multiple levels. There is that whole “old people are scary” element right away (think Adam Nevill’s The Vessel or M. Night Shyamalan’s The Visit). There is a well-developed, complicated relationship between mother and daughter that feels authentic. The right amount of tension and anxiety.
The main character, Alison, is front and center as the protagonist–her mother, Mavis as the antagonist and then Alison’s husband and two daughters in supporting roles. I will say that there could have been a little more to Alison’s husband, Mark but was just enough. I have no complaints.
I especially loved Mavis’s backstory and the way McMahon was strategic about peeling back the layers a little at a time. The italisized font signaled to the reader we were getting a section of storytelling from Mavis’s viewpoint and that worked well, I preferred that over getting chapters of varying POVs. It was a good choice for us to stay with Alison the whole time–it keeps readers limited to one POV and wondering the whole time if the narrative is reliable.
I won’t say too much about the demon possession element because the reading discoveries in this book are so entertaining and exciting, so I will just say this is a new favorite demon possession book and I will never stop recommending it.
Final Recommendation: MY DARLING GIRL is a new favorite Jennifer McMahon book. Returning fans will devour this one and new fans should definitely pick this one up for a great introduction to her work. If you love complicated mother/daughter relationships, freaky old people, demon possession, and peak Christmas vibes buy this one and put it at the top of your December TBR pile.
Comps: The Vessel by Adam Nevill, A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay, The Visit (2015)
Other Books I Enjoyed by This Author: Too many to list! The Winter People, The Children on the Hill, Promise Not to Tell, Don’t Breathe A Word
Affiliate Link: https://bookshop.org/a/7576/978166801...
Release Date: October 3, 2023
General Genre: Horror, General-Thrillers, Supernatural, Women
Sub-Genre/Themes: Psychological thriller, mystery, alcoholism, child abuse, mother & daughter relationships, artists, estranged family, secrets, mental institutions, demon possession, hospice, sick parent
Writing Style: a delicate balance of character-driven & plot-driven storytelling, intricately plotted, fast pace
What You Need to Know: You need to know this book will be released October 3rd, 2023 but it would be perfect to wait until Christmas to read it for those “in the Christmas spirit” horror vibes.
My Reading Experience: When Jennifer McMahon is “on” she is full on. One of my favorite storytellers. There is just an ease and accessibility to her writing that triggers my brain to slip into that effortless, uninterrupted reading space that feels like a movie in my mind. I could see every scene in cinematic detail.
The horror creeps in on multiple levels. There is that whole “old people are scary” element right away (think Adam Nevill’s The Vessel or M. Night Shyamalan’s The Visit). There is a well-developed, complicated relationship between mother and daughter that feels authentic. The right amount of tension and anxiety.
The main character, Alison, is front and center as the protagonist–her mother, Mavis as the antagonist and then Alison’s husband and two daughters in supporting roles. I will say that there could have been a little more to Alison’s husband, Mark but was just enough. I have no complaints.
I especially loved Mavis’s backstory and the way McMahon was strategic about peeling back the layers a little at a time. The italisized font signaled to the reader we were getting a section of storytelling from Mavis’s viewpoint and that worked well, I preferred that over getting chapters of varying POVs. It was a good choice for us to stay with Alison the whole time–it keeps readers limited to one POV and wondering the whole time if the narrative is reliable.
I won’t say too much about the demon possession element because the reading discoveries in this book are so entertaining and exciting, so I will just say this is a new favorite demon possession book and I will never stop recommending it.
Final Recommendation: MY DARLING GIRL is a new favorite Jennifer McMahon book. Returning fans will devour this one and new fans should definitely pick this one up for a great introduction to her work. If you love complicated mother/daughter relationships, freaky old people, demon possession, and peak Christmas vibes buy this one and put it at the top of your December TBR pile.
Comps: The Vessel by Adam Nevill, A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay, The Visit (2015)
September 25, 2023
Jennifer McMahon is a very popular modern horror author, but she's never been an author I've really prioritized, until now. MY DARLING GIRL will be one of my favorites of the year for sure.
MY DARLING GIRL is the perfect blend of hororr, psychological thriller, and family drama. The only sad part about my journey with this book is that it's over. Taking place in Vermont, Allison gets a request by her estranged ailing mother about wanting to spend her last days with her and her family. Allison grew up struggling with the relationship she has with her mother, but eventually accepts. As a child, Allison dealt with abuse and alcoholism from her mother Mavis, but she hopes that this time together can help repair the damage before her death. However, once Mavis arrives to Allison's home, she begins to see behavioral issues that she can't just ignore. Something is wrong with her mother and it's not just the behavior she had growing up. Something worse is at play and Allison must confront these issues and keep her family out of harm's way.
Loved this book! Sinister, theatrical, original! By far my favorite read by this author, but also one of my favorite horror novels ever. I hope this becomes a movie! If you like the Conjuring series or the documentary Mother Dead and Dearest, MY DARLING GIRL is your book! I read this book in two sittings and it would've been in one if work didn't get in the way. Can't recommend this book enough - MAKE SURE TO GET A COPY COME PUB DAY! Thank me later. :)
MY DARLING GIRL is the perfect blend of hororr, psychological thriller, and family drama. The only sad part about my journey with this book is that it's over. Taking place in Vermont, Allison gets a request by her estranged ailing mother about wanting to spend her last days with her and her family. Allison grew up struggling with the relationship she has with her mother, but eventually accepts. As a child, Allison dealt with abuse and alcoholism from her mother Mavis, but she hopes that this time together can help repair the damage before her death. However, once Mavis arrives to Allison's home, she begins to see behavioral issues that she can't just ignore. Something is wrong with her mother and it's not just the behavior she had growing up. Something worse is at play and Allison must confront these issues and keep her family out of harm's way.
Loved this book! Sinister, theatrical, original! By far my favorite read by this author, but also one of my favorite horror novels ever. I hope this becomes a movie! If you like the Conjuring series or the documentary Mother Dead and Dearest, MY DARLING GIRL is your book! I read this book in two sittings and it would've been in one if work didn't get in the way. Can't recommend this book enough - MAKE SURE TO GET A COPY COME PUB DAY! Thank me later. :)
December 6, 2023
It’s official- I just love Jennifer McMahon’s writing, and I will read anything that she writes. I believe that this is the fifth or sixth book that I’ve read by McMahon, and each story becomes more captivating and brilliant. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this book, but the ending made this book totally worthwhile. The storyline also gives you something to think about as to how family may not always be there for you…
This story is about Alison O’Conner. Alison is living a wonderful life in Vermont with her husband and two daughters. Out of the blue, she gets a call that her estranged mother is dying of cancer. Alison goes to visit her dying mother in the hospital, and agrees that she can spend her final days at her home with her and her family. Alison is hoping that her and her mother can finally mend the broken relationship between them.
Growing up, Alison’s mother was a bit of a nut case and quite toxic. But what harm could this woman do in her frail condition? Although her mother isn’t getting out of bed, strange and eerie occurrences keep happening in and around the house. Things also start to happen to people that they know. Is it a coincidence? Or is there something more sinister going on?
Was Alison’s mother really trying to protect her all along? Or was Mavis (Alison’s mother) really the toxic, abusive mother Alison portrayed her to be? If you’re ready for the many twists, turns, and head spins- then I highly suggest reading this book now. I definitely recommend!
This story is about Alison O’Conner. Alison is living a wonderful life in Vermont with her husband and two daughters. Out of the blue, she gets a call that her estranged mother is dying of cancer. Alison goes to visit her dying mother in the hospital, and agrees that she can spend her final days at her home with her and her family. Alison is hoping that her and her mother can finally mend the broken relationship between them.
Growing up, Alison’s mother was a bit of a nut case and quite toxic. But what harm could this woman do in her frail condition? Although her mother isn’t getting out of bed, strange and eerie occurrences keep happening in and around the house. Things also start to happen to people that they know. Is it a coincidence? Or is there something more sinister going on?
Was Alison’s mother really trying to protect her all along? Or was Mavis (Alison’s mother) really the toxic, abusive mother Alison portrayed her to be? If you’re ready for the many twists, turns, and head spins- then I highly suggest reading this book now. I definitely recommend!
November 27, 2023
This was fantastic! It was right up my alley! I am so glad the author decided to face her fears and write this book. Previously The Winter People was my favorite by her, but this was even better. This will probably be my favorite book read this year.
October 6, 2023
It pains me to give this book such a low rating but they can't all be winners... This is undoubtedly my least favorite McMahon book that I have read to date (this being my 6th).
I love McMahon—she is one of my favorite authors—because she is the queen of paranormal unease but this book did not feel like her typical writing. In her latest, she chose to go another route- trying on demonic possession and, for me, it was a bit dull. But, to be fair, she admitted in a GoodReads interview question that she was trying something new and it was scary so I give her props for going for it anyways.
The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, it took too long to get to the action, the ending was anti-climatic, and it just felt lazy. In fact, there was about a total of 4 minutes of action in this whole book (an obvious exaggeration, but close enough). A positive is that McMahon’s books are generally pretty short (~300 pages) and this one is no exception so regardless of my lack of interest compared to her others, it was easy to get through.
Others seem to be loving this one so I must be an outlier and, trust me, nobody is more sad about it than I am.
I love McMahon—she is one of my favorite authors—because she is the queen of paranormal unease but this book did not feel like her typical writing. In her latest, she chose to go another route- trying on demonic possession and, for me, it was a bit dull. But, to be fair, she admitted in a GoodReads interview question that she was trying something new and it was scary so I give her props for going for it anyways.
The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, it took too long to get to the action, the ending was anti-climatic, and it just felt lazy. In fact, there was about a total of 4 minutes of action in this whole book (an obvious exaggeration, but close enough). A positive is that McMahon’s books are generally pretty short (~300 pages) and this one is no exception so regardless of my lack of interest compared to her others, it was easy to get through.
Others seem to be loving this one so I must be an outlier and, trust me, nobody is more sad about it than I am.
November 15, 2023
Alison is a happily married mother of two daughters. Christmas is right around the corner and her husband is feeling festive and is decorating their Vermont home into a winter wonderland. Then one day she gets a call. Her mother is ill with cancer and only has a short time left to live. She agrees to visit her mother in the hospital in NY against her own better judgement. Her mother had turned to the bottle after losing her husband and became cruel and abusive to Allison and her brother and she swore once she left home that she would never see her mother again.
Until now.
Mavis wants to spend her final days with Allison and her family to mend old wounds and to make new memories. Allison isn't so sure it's a good idea but after discussing it with her husband they agree that this will be what's best for all involved so they allow her to move in.
At first everything is going well and the girls have really taken to having their grandmother around. Mavis is cordial and friendly, even funny, something Allison doesn't ever recall her mother being. Then she starts to notice her mother acting oddly and she can't help to wonder if something much darker is at play.
This one started out decent and I was enjoying it for the most part even though I didn't really like any of the characters. I was intrigued enough and was eager for some spooky thrills and chills. It does deliver with some eerie scenes but the longer it went on my attention started to wane. I closed this book last Thursday at 90% and didn't bother to pick it up again to finish it until this morning. That should pretty much tell you how my reading experience went. I don't know if the book lost steam or if I lost steam while reading it. I'm certainly an outlier among my friends who all seemed to love this. If you're already a McMahon fan or like horror-lite stories then you'll likely love this book too. It was just missing that special spark for me. 3 stars!
Until now.
Mavis wants to spend her final days with Allison and her family to mend old wounds and to make new memories. Allison isn't so sure it's a good idea but after discussing it with her husband they agree that this will be what's best for all involved so they allow her to move in.
At first everything is going well and the girls have really taken to having their grandmother around. Mavis is cordial and friendly, even funny, something Allison doesn't ever recall her mother being. Then she starts to notice her mother acting oddly and she can't help to wonder if something much darker is at play.
This one started out decent and I was enjoying it for the most part even though I didn't really like any of the characters. I was intrigued enough and was eager for some spooky thrills and chills. It does deliver with some eerie scenes but the longer it went on my attention started to wane. I closed this book last Thursday at 90% and didn't bother to pick it up again to finish it until this morning. That should pretty much tell you how my reading experience went. I don't know if the book lost steam or if I lost steam while reading it. I'm certainly an outlier among my friends who all seemed to love this. If you're already a McMahon fan or like horror-lite stories then you'll likely love this book too. It was just missing that special spark for me. 3 stars!
July 28, 2025
4+ eerie and suspenseful stars!
Alison’s estranged elderly mother who has terminal cancer requests to move into her house so she can spend her dying days with her family. Although hesitant, Alison agrees, trying to block out the years from her childhood revolving around alcoholism and abuse. Strange occurrences start happening as soon as her mother arrives.
I enjoyed all the characters in this eerie and haunting story. From the parents, to the children, to the neighbours, each one brought an interesting layer to the plot. There was the perfect amount of side/back story with each character that I felt invested and engaged in how they enhanced and advanced the plot.
This was an addictive story about demons and possession. Unreliable narratives can be a hit or miss for me and this one worked very well. I didn’t know what to believe and it kept me wanting to read one more chapter to find out. There is a strong and steady sense of unease that had me on edge throughout.
A darling dog is a lovable family pet that added the perfect amount of joy to these haunting and creepy pages.
I have read several books by this author and this is another winner for me. I highly recommend it to thriller lovers who enjoy haunting, creep, horror factor.
Alison’s estranged elderly mother who has terminal cancer requests to move into her house so she can spend her dying days with her family. Although hesitant, Alison agrees, trying to block out the years from her childhood revolving around alcoholism and abuse. Strange occurrences start happening as soon as her mother arrives.
I enjoyed all the characters in this eerie and haunting story. From the parents, to the children, to the neighbours, each one brought an interesting layer to the plot. There was the perfect amount of side/back story with each character that I felt invested and engaged in how they enhanced and advanced the plot.
This was an addictive story about demons and possession. Unreliable narratives can be a hit or miss for me and this one worked very well. I didn’t know what to believe and it kept me wanting to read one more chapter to find out. There is a strong and steady sense of unease that had me on edge throughout.
A darling dog is a lovable family pet that added the perfect amount of joy to these haunting and creepy pages.
I have read several books by this author and this is another winner for me. I highly recommend it to thriller lovers who enjoy haunting, creep, horror factor.
December 14, 2023
it was good, can't give it 5 stars because of two main reasons:
1. Weak motive to keep her mother in the same house in the first place
2. Predictability.
Overall, it was a great horror book, brought nothing new to the table but surely was entertaining.
Oh, and also bonus point for taking place during Christmas!
I recommend it highly. :)
1. Weak motive to keep her mother in the same house in the first place
2. Predictability.
Overall, it was a great horror book, brought nothing new to the table but surely was entertaining.
Oh, and also bonus point for taking place during Christmas!
I recommend it highly. :)
October 18, 2023
My Darling Girl centers around children's book author Alison O’ Conner. Alison is also a wife to a loving husband and a mother to two daughters.
Soon before Christmas, Alison receives an unexpected phone call from her estranged mother Mavis. Mavis has stage 4 pancreatic cancer and only has weeks to live. Her dying wish is to spend her last days in the home of her daughter. Alison has encountered a traumatic history of abuse at the hands of her mother but ultimately she agrees in hopes they can move on and heal from the past.
But Not long after Mavis’s arrival, sinister things start happening and Alison begins to wonder if her mother is not who she seems to be.
As a longtime reader of McMahon (this is my 7th read by her), I always know before I pick up one of her books that will be in for a treat and My Darling Girl is no exception.
The story is told from our protagonist's point of view and alternates between her childhood and the present. My Darling Girl is a mix of character-driven with a strong plot. Filled with creepy, spine-tingling moments and a jaw-dropping ending, My Darling Girl explores the complex mother-daughter relationship as well as childhood trauma. I highly recommend this one, as well as her previous works, to those who enjoy supernatural horror and/or paranormal suspense.
My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon will be available on October 3. Many thanks to Gallery Books/Scout Press for the gifted copy.
Soon before Christmas, Alison receives an unexpected phone call from her estranged mother Mavis. Mavis has stage 4 pancreatic cancer and only has weeks to live. Her dying wish is to spend her last days in the home of her daughter. Alison has encountered a traumatic history of abuse at the hands of her mother but ultimately she agrees in hopes they can move on and heal from the past.
But Not long after Mavis’s arrival, sinister things start happening and Alison begins to wonder if her mother is not who she seems to be.
As a longtime reader of McMahon (this is my 7th read by her), I always know before I pick up one of her books that will be in for a treat and My Darling Girl is no exception.
The story is told from our protagonist's point of view and alternates between her childhood and the present. My Darling Girl is a mix of character-driven with a strong plot. Filled with creepy, spine-tingling moments and a jaw-dropping ending, My Darling Girl explores the complex mother-daughter relationship as well as childhood trauma. I highly recommend this one, as well as her previous works, to those who enjoy supernatural horror and/or paranormal suspense.
My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon will be available on October 3. Many thanks to Gallery Books/Scout Press for the gifted copy.
October 16, 2023
Once again, I pretty much went into this one blind. Jennifer McMahon is an author who I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up to begin with and what I had seen was that people said this was scary and un-put-down-able. I am happy to report that FINALLY in a sea of spooky season specific reads I finally came across a couple of winners this weekend.
The story here (in case you are a person who wants a synopsis) is that Alison has always kept her mother at arm’s length since she moved out of the family home. Mavis was a woman who Alison would have considered a pretty good mom – until her father committed suicide and Mavis fell into a downward spiral of alcohol abuse with a hefty side of emotional and physical child abuse to Alison and her brother Ben to boot. Now Alison has received a call that her mother is dying of pancreatic cancer with only a few weeks to live. Her last request? To spend her remaining days with Alison and her family. But something is off about Mavis. Is it simply the combo of medication and cancer or is it something else?
Okay, this was IT when it comes to Halloween (and so many extra props for this creepy creep taking place in December when the fam has been decking the halls - be still my Christmas lovin' heart!!!). Really my only complaint was the very ending. If you are a freak and watch endless amounts of paranormal shows that “twist” wasn’t twisty whatsoever.
Still, HIGHLY recommended and a 4.5 that I am rounding up because FINALLY a f*^%ing Halloween success!
February 19, 2024
Different than I thought but not in a bad way!
In true McMahon fashion, the writing will be gorgeous as it always is in her books. I usually will grab one of her books if I’m feeling atmospheric and it always hits the right spot.
I’m not from Vermont but my family has property there and we vacation there often. Her books usually take place there in some regard and it’s like reading pieces of my second home. She really nails how quaint and beautiful the Vermont seasons are.
This book was pretty dark and a little twisty, but I especially adored her youngest daughter and her husband. For the dark tones in the book was cute adding a Nutcracker-loving daughter and Hallmark Christmas movie-loving hubby. They were perfect for the story and even the MC and her oldest daughter were exactly who they needed to be for the book. I love a good story that has characters well built-out because it shows the author spent a lot of time figuring out who they are and what their idiosyncrasies are too.
I was going to give this 4 ⭐️ until that last chapter. I should have stopped at chapter 41. 😂
3.5 ⭐️ rounding down because of that darn ending. ❤️
In true McMahon fashion, the writing will be gorgeous as it always is in her books. I usually will grab one of her books if I’m feeling atmospheric and it always hits the right spot.
I’m not from Vermont but my family has property there and we vacation there often. Her books usually take place there in some regard and it’s like reading pieces of my second home. She really nails how quaint and beautiful the Vermont seasons are.
This book was pretty dark and a little twisty, but I especially adored her youngest daughter and her husband. For the dark tones in the book was cute adding a Nutcracker-loving daughter and Hallmark Christmas movie-loving hubby. They were perfect for the story and even the MC and her oldest daughter were exactly who they needed to be for the book. I love a good story that has characters well built-out because it shows the author spent a lot of time figuring out who they are and what their idiosyncrasies are too.
I was going to give this 4 ⭐️ until that last chapter. I should have stopped at chapter 41. 😂
3.5 ⭐️ rounding down because of that darn ending. ❤️
October 31, 2023
My Darling Girl is a must read!! Part psychological thriller, part spine-tingling horror, this was the absolute perfect book to read leading up to Halloween!
Alison has the perfect family. Her husband, Mark, is a Hallmark movie loving sap and the perfect, supportive partner. Her two daughters, Izzy and Olivia, are well-behaved, creative, sensitive girls, and they adore their mother. Everything about her family now is perfection, but it hasn’t always been that way. Alison had a horrible childhood, suffering unending abuse at the hands of her alcoholic mother, Mavis. Alison has put her past, and her mother, behind her and is focused on the future these days, but when she receives a call informing her that her mother is dying of cancer and has requested Alison’s presence, she feels obligated and extends an olive branch, inviting Mavis to move into her home, and spend her last few weeks alive surrounded by family. After all these years, surely the abuse is in the past, and perhaps there’s still hope for the mother and daughter to reconcile and repair what at one time seemed irreparable, before it’s too late.
As the weeks go by, Mavis is seemingly the perfect house guest, establishing a heart-warming relationship with her granddaughters, and has even charmed Mark into giving her a chance. Things are looking hopeful, and just when Alison begins to believe her mother has softened up in her old age, peculiar and increasingly horrific events begin to occur around the house. Events that make Alison increasingly suspicious that her mother isn’t just the abusive sadist she feared as a child, but something even worse. Something dark, evil, and ancient that for some reason wants something from her and her family. Can Alison uncover the truth before it’s too late?!
Holy cow! This book was magnificently horrific, and I couldn’t put it down! The pacing of this one was so incredibly fast I read this in just a couple of sittings, which is virtually unheard of, for myself. This was intense and foreboding throughout and to an extreme I haven’t read in quite some time, making it probably the scariest and most traumatizing book I’ve read in years! If you allow it to, it will mess with your head, and after finishing this one late at night I actually had to watch a light-hearted Hallmark movie Mark’s character would have loved to unwind enough to get to sleep! For someone that watches and reads tons of horror and suspense that’s really saying something! This would make for one phenomenal movie, and I truly hope someone options it, because I’ll be the first in line to watch it!
I highly recommend everyone brave enough and looking for chills and thrills to go out and get this one pronto!!
Alison has the perfect family. Her husband, Mark, is a Hallmark movie loving sap and the perfect, supportive partner. Her two daughters, Izzy and Olivia, are well-behaved, creative, sensitive girls, and they adore their mother. Everything about her family now is perfection, but it hasn’t always been that way. Alison had a horrible childhood, suffering unending abuse at the hands of her alcoholic mother, Mavis. Alison has put her past, and her mother, behind her and is focused on the future these days, but when she receives a call informing her that her mother is dying of cancer and has requested Alison’s presence, she feels obligated and extends an olive branch, inviting Mavis to move into her home, and spend her last few weeks alive surrounded by family. After all these years, surely the abuse is in the past, and perhaps there’s still hope for the mother and daughter to reconcile and repair what at one time seemed irreparable, before it’s too late.
As the weeks go by, Mavis is seemingly the perfect house guest, establishing a heart-warming relationship with her granddaughters, and has even charmed Mark into giving her a chance. Things are looking hopeful, and just when Alison begins to believe her mother has softened up in her old age, peculiar and increasingly horrific events begin to occur around the house. Events that make Alison increasingly suspicious that her mother isn’t just the abusive sadist she feared as a child, but something even worse. Something dark, evil, and ancient that for some reason wants something from her and her family. Can Alison uncover the truth before it’s too late?!
Holy cow! This book was magnificently horrific, and I couldn’t put it down! The pacing of this one was so incredibly fast I read this in just a couple of sittings, which is virtually unheard of, for myself. This was intense and foreboding throughout and to an extreme I haven’t read in quite some time, making it probably the scariest and most traumatizing book I’ve read in years! If you allow it to, it will mess with your head, and after finishing this one late at night I actually had to watch a light-hearted Hallmark movie Mark’s character would have loved to unwind enough to get to sleep! For someone that watches and reads tons of horror and suspense that’s really saying something! This would make for one phenomenal movie, and I truly hope someone options it, because I’ll be the first in line to watch it!
I highly recommend everyone brave enough and looking for chills and thrills to go out and get this one pronto!!
January 21, 2024
I find a lot of my audio reads simply by browsing BorrowBox and Libby, not necessarily off my TBR. Dangerous. It means I don’t get through my list, and I end up reading non favourite genres. This had a paranormal theme, and while I don’t love it normally, it must have been agreeable enough as I rated 4 stars.
A mother returning to spend her dying days with a daughter – they’d been estranged and rightly so. Mavis was an alcoholic mum, prone to mood swings who failed at the parenting gig. Alison decides to let her come and be with her family; her brother thinks she’s mad. Why let this lady back into their lives after causing so much chaos in their lives while they were growing up. They’d lost their dad to suicide, and Alison had made a successful life her herself.
Things go completely awry, we see Alison is not losing her mind though of course she can’t convince her husband of this. To me it seemed like the usual trope, why cannot the loved ones really see what’s going on, while the protagonist of course isn’t going mad.
Sometimes Mavis is her old (nice) self and sometimes an insipid being takes over. I liked Alison’s character, she was gutsy and determined to protect her kids – she was sure she was on the right path. Some great twists and excellent tension, it was propulsive and fast paced listening.
I recommend the audio version. The sinister came across as well as the desperation, and the condescension from Alison’s husband. I so wanted him to believe in her a little more, and equally was suspicious of Alison going about normal Christmas tasks while their lives were clouded by some perilous concoction of weirdness.
Good to step out of my normal reading zone, it was a great companion on my summer holiday driving.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox platform and my public library.
A mother returning to spend her dying days with a daughter – they’d been estranged and rightly so. Mavis was an alcoholic mum, prone to mood swings who failed at the parenting gig. Alison decides to let her come and be with her family; her brother thinks she’s mad. Why let this lady back into their lives after causing so much chaos in their lives while they were growing up. They’d lost their dad to suicide, and Alison had made a successful life her herself.
Things go completely awry, we see Alison is not losing her mind though of course she can’t convince her husband of this. To me it seemed like the usual trope, why cannot the loved ones really see what’s going on, while the protagonist of course isn’t going mad.
Sometimes Mavis is her old (nice) self and sometimes an insipid being takes over. I liked Alison’s character, she was gutsy and determined to protect her kids – she was sure she was on the right path. Some great twists and excellent tension, it was propulsive and fast paced listening.
I recommend the audio version. The sinister came across as well as the desperation, and the condescension from Alison’s husband. I so wanted him to believe in her a little more, and equally was suspicious of Alison going about normal Christmas tasks while their lives were clouded by some perilous concoction of weirdness.
Good to step out of my normal reading zone, it was a great companion on my summer holiday driving.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox platform and my public library.
November 20, 2023
Wow I am so sad. Jennifer McMahon is one of my favourite authors and I've never given one of her books less than 4 stars (most of them 5s). But this felt so cookie-cutter, unlike her usual layered, character-driven, dual timeline stories. There are no surprises here, if you've read this story or seen this movie before, there's nothing new. The characters felt flat and one-dimensional, down to the Rebellious Teen straight out of central casting and the Disbelieving Husband. Dear God, save us all from the disbelieving husband trope. I hate it so fucking much, it's always the same, simultaneously blaming the woman while calling her crazy. "When did you stop telling me the truth?" he demands. Um, maybe when you stopped listening to me and started calling me crazy? Funny how that works.
Look, I get that what's going on in this book would be a hard thing to convince someone of, but I like to think if my husband of over 10 years, who has never sounded crazy before, started telling me something that sounded crazy, I'd at least listen and ask him why he was saying it before booking a bed at the nearest psychiatric hospital, y'know? Seriously fuck all of these people. I kind of hated my experience reading this, but I'm giving it two stars because it is still Jennifer McMahon so it was very easy to read. I zipped through this in a day, and I did enjoy her descriptions of cosy holiday atmosphere. (This does take place at Christmas/Yule if you're looking for that, but that's probably its biggest selling point.)
Look, I get that what's going on in this book would be a hard thing to convince someone of, but I like to think if my husband of over 10 years, who has never sounded crazy before, started telling me something that sounded crazy, I'd at least listen and ask him why he was saying it before booking a bed at the nearest psychiatric hospital, y'know? Seriously fuck all of these people. I kind of hated my experience reading this, but I'm giving it two stars because it is still Jennifer McMahon so it was very easy to read. I zipped through this in a day, and I did enjoy her descriptions of cosy holiday atmosphere. (This does take place at Christmas/Yule if you're looking for that, but that's probably its biggest selling point.)
January 19, 2024
Damn McMahon, you’re going to leave it like that huh?! Brilliant. 👏
My Darling Girl is an entertaining, tense book about a mother/daughter relationship that brings the creep factor and slow slide of insanity to a great ending.
The relationship is unhealthy and perfectly made for a horror book.
I had a blast reading this one and agree on Alison’s hatred of Hallmark Christmas movies. 🤣😂
One last thing, Mark is a wanker.
Just because it sounds crazy doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t at least have an open mind and conversation?!
Definitely check this one out if you enjoy the horror genre and possession tales!
My Darling Girl is an entertaining, tense book about a mother/daughter relationship that brings the creep factor and slow slide of insanity to a great ending.
The relationship is unhealthy and perfectly made for a horror book.
I had a blast reading this one and agree on Alison’s hatred of Hallmark Christmas movies. 🤣😂
One last thing, Mark is a wanker.
Just because it sounds crazy doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t at least have an open mind and conversation?!
Definitely check this one out if you enjoy the horror genre and possession tales!
September 10, 2024
4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! This was my 2nd McMahon book and I think she’s quickly becoming one of my favorite authors to read in the fall season! This book is set at Christmas time so that would’ve worked too!
When Alison gets a phone call that her estranged mother - Mavis - is dying of Stage 4 cancer and is on her death bed, she drives to be by her side. Her mother requests to come live out her final days with her and her family. Mavis was an abusive alcoholic and Alison is unsure about taking her in with two young daughters in the home. Reluctantly, she agrees and her mother moves in. Suddenly, strange things start happening and Alison begins to wonder if her mother is possessed by a demon.
We get some entertaining, yet disturbing backstory to help understand this mother/daughter dynamic. Some parts (the unlucky Blue Jay) were harder to read than others, but I’m thankful that Moxie the pup ended up ok!
This was a super creepy thriller that I skipped reading before bed. I was grabbed from the get-go and was never bored. The big reveal at the end awesome! I didn’t see it coming.
Can’t wait to read my next McMahon book!
Wow! This was my 2nd McMahon book and I think she’s quickly becoming one of my favorite authors to read in the fall season! This book is set at Christmas time so that would’ve worked too!
When Alison gets a phone call that her estranged mother - Mavis - is dying of Stage 4 cancer and is on her death bed, she drives to be by her side. Her mother requests to come live out her final days with her and her family. Mavis was an abusive alcoholic and Alison is unsure about taking her in with two young daughters in the home. Reluctantly, she agrees and her mother moves in. Suddenly, strange things start happening and Alison begins to wonder if her mother is possessed by a demon.
We get some entertaining, yet disturbing backstory to help understand this mother/daughter dynamic. Some parts (the unlucky Blue Jay) were harder to read than others, but I’m thankful that Moxie the pup ended up ok!
This was a super creepy thriller that I skipped reading before bed. I was grabbed from the get-go and was never bored. The big reveal at the end awesome! I didn’t see it coming.
Can’t wait to read my next McMahon book!
June 22, 2023
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway and was so excited about it, but there wasn’t anything I liked about this book. None of the characters were likable and the majority of the book was predictable. I felt like I was one step ahead of the author the whole time. I didn’t find it scary at all either. I felt like it kept trying to push woke agenda and I just can’t get into books like that. Least favorite book I’ve read all year.
October 16, 2023
I.... HATED this book. I hated the husband, I hated the friends, I hated the daughter, and I HATED the ending. I'm actually angry I spent time on this story. I'm done with this author.
September 21, 2023
Thank you so much to Jennifer McMahon and Gallery Books for my copy of My Darling Girl. It’s about Alison’s idyllic life in Vermont. It’s almost Christmas and as a best selling Christmas story author, she should be in bliss. But Alison hates Christmas. She carries trauma from her childhood and now finds out that her dying mother wants to stay with her over the holidays. After growing up with her mother’s alcoholism and abuse, she doesn’t want her mother anywhere near her children. But it’s her dying wish, so she decides to let her come stay.
Soon after her mother arrives, mysterious and otherworldly things start happening. Is her mother who she seems? What is really going on with her and the strange things she is saying? She starts to remember things from her childhood and realizes she needs to protect her family at all costs.
Thoughts: THIS BOOK WAS SO CREEPY. OMG. Mavis is terrifying and GRANDMA NEEDLE? NO THANK YOU. I loved the characters in this story and the plot was perfect. The setting of a beautiful Vermont Christmas against a *SPOILER* trapped demon was amazing and fun to read. I liked Alison and her backstory, as well as the rawness of her past family relationships paired with her current “perfect” family.
McMahon’s books are so well written and this one was no exception. Like most of her books, there is a supernatural element perfect for spooky season that worked really well. She did a great job of slowly sharing Mavis’s backstory and it was so easy to get invested in the story. 4.5 stars for this one!
Soon after her mother arrives, mysterious and otherworldly things start happening. Is her mother who she seems? What is really going on with her and the strange things she is saying? She starts to remember things from her childhood and realizes she needs to protect her family at all costs.
Thoughts: THIS BOOK WAS SO CREEPY. OMG. Mavis is terrifying and GRANDMA NEEDLE? NO THANK YOU. I loved the characters in this story and the plot was perfect. The setting of a beautiful Vermont Christmas against a *SPOILER* trapped demon was amazing and fun to read. I liked Alison and her backstory, as well as the rawness of her past family relationships paired with her current “perfect” family.
McMahon’s books are so well written and this one was no exception. Like most of her books, there is a supernatural element perfect for spooky season that worked really well. She did a great job of slowly sharing Mavis’s backstory and it was so easy to get invested in the story. 4.5 stars for this one!
February 22, 2024
3⭐
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Setting ~ Vermont & Woodstock, NY
Publication date ~ October 3, 2023
Est page Count ~ 317 (p+ 42 chapters)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 12 minutes
Narrators ~ Hillary Huber, Kitty Hendrix
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ ailing estranged parent, cancer, bird death, paranormal
Alison has agreed to let her estranged, dying mother, Mavis, move in with her and family, and live out her last days.
I didn't know what I was getting into with this one. I don't read too much in the paranormal genre, but I thought it was well done on that aspect. I didn't find it overly horrory, though. A bit predictable, yes. I wasn't too fond of Alison or Mavis. Husband, Mark, on the other hand was very supportive and his love of Christmas was over the top, but cute.
This was not a favorite for me, but fine overall. There's a good amount of love for this one, so don't listen to me. It was a Nominee for Best Horror in 2023, so maybe that'll tell you all you need to know.
Side note ~ another area I am acquainted with. There are mentions of Woodstock NY, which is a neighboring town to the one I lived in for years. I did not visit it to often, so I cannot attest to the authenticity of how it was depicted.
Narration notes:
Mostly told by Hillary, who always does a great job. Kitty only read a few pages and she was fine.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ psychological fiction
Setting ~ Vermont & Woodstock, NY
Publication date ~ October 3, 2023
Est page Count ~ 317 (p+ 42 chapters)
Audio length ~ 10 hours 12 minutes
Narrators ~ Hillary Huber, Kitty Hendrix
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ ailing estranged parent, cancer, bird death, paranormal
Alison has agreed to let her estranged, dying mother, Mavis, move in with her and family, and live out her last days.
I didn't know what I was getting into with this one. I don't read too much in the paranormal genre, but I thought it was well done on that aspect. I didn't find it overly horrory, though. A bit predictable, yes. I wasn't too fond of Alison or Mavis. Husband, Mark, on the other hand was very supportive and his love of Christmas was over the top, but cute.
This was not a favorite for me, but fine overall. There's a good amount of love for this one, so don't listen to me. It was a Nominee for Best Horror in 2023, so maybe that'll tell you all you need to know.
Side note ~ another area I am acquainted with. There are mentions of Woodstock NY, which is a neighboring town to the one I lived in for years. I did not visit it to often, so I cannot attest to the authenticity of how it was depicted.
Narration notes:
Mostly told by Hillary, who always does a great job. Kitty only read a few pages and she was fine.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
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