The Birth Mother

by A.J. Carter

She’s taking her child back.

My name is Lizzie, and five years ago I adopted a beautiful baby girl. Our little family has been perfect ever since, but when a mysterious woman arrives and introduces herself as Amy’s birth mother, all that goes out the window. I’m kind to Ruby at first, but the more time goes by, the more I wonder… is our daughter safe?

My name is Ruby, and five years ago I gave my baby up for adoption. I don’t care what the forms say – that girl is mine, and I’ll do anything to take her back.

Anything.

THE BIRTH MOTHER is the new psychological thriller from Bristol author AJ Carter, whose books are bursting with mystery, danger, and multiple dark twists.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Ebooks, Thriller Suspense

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2024

About the author

AJ Carter is a psychological thriller author from Bristol, England. His first book, The Family Secret, is praised by critics around the world, and he continues to regularly deliver suspenseful novels you can’t put down.

Sign up to his mailing list today and be the first to hear about upcoming releases and hot new deals for existing books. You’ll also receive a FREE digital copy of The Couple Downstairs – an unputdownable domestic thriller you won’t find anywhere else in the world: https://BookHip.com/WAXFLLP

Reviews

[Lauren McNeill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t usually leave reviews if I have a negative opinion on a book but this was bad enough that I feel I need to say something. One character is a five year old and I am convinced that the author has never met a five year old because it was the most unrealistic, ludicrous depiction I have ever read. In fact, I would almost believe that the author has never met a human as every character is so flat, two-dimensional, and completely unrealistic. The story was unbelievable. The writing was subpar, and that is generous. The only reason I am giving two stars instead is one is because I know the effort it takes to write anything, and I don’t want to dismiss that. But I would highly recommend saving your time and intelligence by passing this ridiculous story of a birth mother trying to kidnap her five year old daughter to sell into sex slavery and the world’s most useless adoptive mother who does nothing to stop it. I am dumber for having read this.

[Beth Roger aka Katiebella_Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

5 years ago, Ruby gave up her baby for adoption. Today, she has come back.


3⭐️
Available on Kindle Unlimited

‘I’m here for Amy,’ she says matter-of-factly. ‘I’m her birth mother.’

5 years ago, Ruby gave up her baby for adoption. Today, she has come back.

My Thoughts

The story is told from two POVs. Ruby, the birth mother, and Lizzy, the adoptive mother. They both feel like the mother of Amy. Every other chapter switches between them, allowing the reader to form a connection to both main characters.

The writing style is simplistic. Similar to the style of McFadden without as many plot twists. The author does seem to try a little too hard. Throwing random sarcasm in that doesn't quite work. It held all the comedic value of a fart joke.

Someone in one of my book groups had posted a screenshot of the prologue, and i found it so hilarious that i skipped to Kindle to grab it. ( i included my own screen grab of the prologue, lol) I did find the book easy to read and a pleasant distraction to preoccupy myself with. I read it in a sitting over dinner.

From the very start, I thought Lizzy was an idiot. A strange woman shows up on her door, claiming to be Amy's birth mom, and Lizzy just invites her to come back the next day and meet Amy? Dosnt do any checking to see if she really is who she claims. Doesn't do any checking to see if she is a criminal. Nope, nothing, just
‘Come back tomorrow. It will be a one-off supervised visit.'
What?! I couldn't imagine. That is only the beginning. From giving her FIVE YEAR OLD money to run off to buy something at a vendor stall to inviting a STRANGER into their home to stay and allowing Ruby to BABYSIT Amy, I wanted to reach through the pages and shake her! Despite all her bad feelings about it, she still lets the woman stay!
She is weak and trusting and doesn't think things through.

Ruby, who is supposed to be the "villain" of the story, is a lot more likable. She is cunning and crafty and willing to bide her time to get what she wants. She is also real and raw, just missing her daughter and wanting her back. Lizzy's naivety actually had me rooting for Ruby. That is until the end...............

BIG plot hole........ How did Ruby find Lizzy and Amy? How did she know Amy was her girl? She abandoned her in the hospital. She never had anything to do with the adoption, and the original birth certificate said mother unknow. How did she track them down?

Trigger warnings ⚠️
Child endangerment
Sexual abuse
Prostitution
Child Prostitution
Child sexual abuse
All are lightly eluded to, but you know it is going on.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating story mixing suspense, unexpected twist, and an exciting sense of anticipation. AJ writes addictive on the edge of your seat thrillers. The books pacing is relentless, propelling us forward with each revelation. The characters are vividly drawn, and the emotional journey they undergo adds layers to the plot. AJ skillfully weaves a compelling thriller, keeping me engaged throughout. It is truly a thriller full of curveballs, multidimensional realistic characters, and palable emotions. Suspense from the first chapter is perfect and skillfully laid out, which leaves the reader second guessing until the very end. The book exceeds expectations and delivers a fantastic read. Another excellent book by the author.

[Emily Hicks · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️

🍂Warning ⚠️ spoilers 🍂
I picked this book up after seeing such good reviews on it for so long. However, unfortunately I didn’t find myself enjoying it as much as I would have liked to.

Firstly, can we talk about how utterly insufferably stupid Lizzie was! I was literally banging the book against my head, how can you be so stupid to allow a stranger in to meet your daughter, then when you find out she is in-fact a prostitute allow her to stay in your house for free!!!!
I worked out fairly early on the chances of ‘Ruby Wishes’ being her actual name was far fetched and figured she make true of her word to take Amy! I also had an inkling she knew Chris however I did think he was the person messaging her all the time.
And when it came to the final chapter I can say I was far from surprised with the amount of times Lizzie ‘violent side’ was mentioned!

All that being said it was a quick read and I wanted to keep reading to see if I was right or not just didn’t meet my expectations unfortunately 😞

[Lana Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annoying

I am so tired of reading books that portray women as complete mindless idiots and this one did not disappoint. A woman allows a total stranger into her life and home? Who does that? A complete, mindless idiot. That being said, it did have somewhat of a twist at the end although it was not realistic, and what happens to the child now?

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

How on earth does this book have good reviews? The writing is so amateur, and the story is so unrealistic. There were so many inconsistencies. What a waste of time, the ending wasn’t even that good.

[courtney small · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Birth Mother by: @ajcarterbooks Lizzie is a good mother, but definitely not a smart one. She allows so many dangers into her 5 year olds life you will be screaming at her by the end of the book! Who would think the neighbor would be looking out for her best…but he had very deep secrets of his own. Lizzie trusts all the wrong people and doesn’t listen to her gut feelings. The tale of mother vs mother!

[Thomas Fanie van der Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

This book was had a well constructed plot. I never saw the twists and turns coming even though you know who the "had guy" is from the beginning

[Lucy Parker 🍓 · Rating 3 out of 5]

bit boring but easy to read

[Tweetyz123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from this author...but still trying to process whether or not I like the ending.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a strange one. The plot was okay but I just could not get to grips with the writing style so it put me off a bit. I kept with it because a lot of reviews said that the twist at the end was brilliant - was also okay and I’d guessed part of it.

I didn’t really gel with the characters; it was all a little far-fetched to me and I certainly haven’t heard any five year old talk in the way that Amy does. Too many holes in the story and a year 11 student could have probably written it.

Sorry AJ Carter but only 3⭐️ from me and I don’t think I’ll be picking up any more of your books.

Description
She’s taking her child back.

My name is Lizzie, and five years ago I adopted a beautiful baby girl. Our little family has been perfect ever since, but when a mysterious woman arrives and introduces herself as Amy’s birth mother, all that goes out the window. I’m kind to Ruby at first, but the more time goes by, the more I wonder… is our daughter safe?

My name is Ruby, and five years ago I gave my baby up for adoption. I don’t care what the forms say – that girl is mine, and I’ll do anything to take her back.

[Alyssa Dalrymple · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can’t believe I managed to finish this book. The pace was so slow and the characters, ESPECIALLY Lizzie, were unbearable. So so so bad, I’m sorry.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good grief, there were enough despicable people in this book to fill a ... um, ... well to fill a large basin! Okay that didn't make sense, and neither did a lot of this book with so many nefarious plots colliding all around one 5-year-old girl, Amy.

Five years ago, Lizzie adopted Amy because she always wanted a child. She then met and married Chris and they became a family. Chris travels a lot for his job, driving around the country, so she often functions as a single mother.

One day, Lizzie starts to notice a frazzled, frizzy-haired woman who seems to be staring at her, watching her. Their neighbor, Ed, also alerts her to this woman who seems to be stalking them. Then she comes to the door, introduces herself as Ruby, and says she is Amy's birth mother. She wants to meet her. Just to talk to her, find out how she is doing, get to know her.

At first Lizzie says no, but then she agrees, but Ruby must abide by several rules including that she not reveal she is her mother. Ruby agrees, of course, and they spend an hour or so talking and getting to know each other.

When Lizzie tells Chris about this that night when he calls, he is angry and simply hangs up on her for making the decision by herself (um, red flag?!). I also wondered why Lizzie did not investigate with any of the agencies involved about Ruby to confirm she truly is the mom. I also wondered how and why she so easily allowed Ruby to infiltrate their lives without being suspicious at all at how Ruby is manipulating Lizzie and the situation to Ruby's benefit.

And then, it feels like the book really goes off the rails. Ruby steals Amy (of course!) and plans to sell her (yuck!) to get money that she'd never earn so easily. Amy would be sold to a man or someone who would groom her and she would be gone, into the sordid system of pedophilia. Somehow Ruby is able to turn the tables or stall long enough for help to arrive and Amy is saved.

Ruby runs, escapes yet again. And then contacts Lizzie to tell her how disgusting Lizzie's husband is, the sex he had with Ruby and also involved in pedophilia. At the very end, she takes a paperweight and smacks her husband in the head with it, killing him. And The End. :!:!??!!

This was just totally not for me.

[Monica Mil-Homens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tal como em todos os livros do autor, este não é exceção no que toca a reviravoltas. Mais uma vez li no dia em que saiu e de forma muito rápida, porque a escrita deste autor assim nos impele, a ler tudo até ao final para sabermos que reviravolta vai ter. Neste livro, a mãe biológica duma criança adotada por um casal, prostituta e sem abrigo tenta a todo o custo reaver a filha, mas não porque a ama, apenas porque precisa dela. E precisa dela para quê? Têm que ler para saber. A meio do livro obviamente que me senti bastante frustrada com a Lizzie, a mãe adoptiva, porque parece que não vê o que está à vista, no entanto, as reviravoltas finais fazem com que sinta uma grande empatia pela mesma e que lhe deseje o melhor. Adoro a Amy, a criança desta estória, uma menina de cinco anos super educada, que usa citações de livros (a menina está sempre de cara enfiada num livro) para responder às pessoas. Recomendo a leitura, porque já como vem sendo habitual, os Thrillers psicológicos/domésticos deste autor são incrivelmente bem, escritos e não desiludem.

Eng Review: This new book is no exception when it comes to plot twists and turns. Once again I read it the day it came out and very quickly, because this author's writing compels us to read everything until the end to know what twist it will take. In this book, the biological mother of a child adopted by a couple, who is a prostitute and homeless, tries at all costs to get her daughter back, but not because she loves her, just because she needs her. And why does she need that child for? You have to read it to find out. Halfway through the book I obviously felt quite frustrated with Lizzie, the adoptive mother, because she doesn't seem to see what's in sight, however, the final twists and turns make me feel great empathy for her and wish her the best. . I love Amy, the child in this story, a super polite five-year-old girl, who uses quotes from books (the girl always has always her face buried in a book) to answer people. I recommend reading it, because as usual, this author's psychological/domestic Thrillers are incredibly well written and do not disappoint.

@bibliotecamil_insta

[Mrs. Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reviewing early because.....

I am reviewing this book early, before I have read the end because although the plot is really good and I am enjoying the story and drama unfolding, I am however disappointed already and it is distracting me from believing or enjoying the novel because of the credibility of the child in the middle of it all.
The child is 5 years old, but the author has written her part as though she is much older when it comes to phrasing her sentences and understanding her parent's business.
It's a shame because I love the thriller's storyline, it is different and exciting, it is just being spoilt by a child character who is not believable, 5 year old who comes across as more like 15.

I would suggest perhaps that maybe the author spends some time (or more time) around children for a while before bringing any more young child characters into a future novel.
I have been around children most of my life, ASD children too, who are highly intelligent, but none of them at aged 5, or even almost 6 have ever tried to sort out the adults' problems or relationships, they just don't have the emotional intelligence or deep enough understanding at that age. It is all about them, their world revolves around their needs. They can show empathy obviously but they just wouldn't be developed enough mentally or emotionally to give advice to adults or quote advanced long sentences from an adult's book. Unless said child was a genius, maybe, but this little girl character has not been depicted as or stated to be a genius child.
It is distracting me from getting lost in the plot and I am only half way through. :/

Sorry to the author for the criticism but I think it's important for authors to know if there is an area that needs tightening up for future reference.
Thank you.

[Lenn ♡ | anatomyofabooknerd (IG) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

This is my first book by this author and even though the main character is irritatingly annoying, this is surprisingly unputdownable. I love trying and discovering new-to-me authors and I'm glad I found out about Aj Carter.

In The Birth Mother, we follow Lizzie Hughes as she makes the most out of everyday with her legally adopted 5-year-old daughter, Amy. She wants nothing more than to have a child of her own, but when she found out she couldn't conceive, she adopted an infant girl. She loves Amy more than anything and despite the stress that she sometimes feel, she's still grateful for her little girl. And everything is perfect in their lives, until Amy's birth mother, Ruby, arrives in their doorstep asking to meet her daughter.

To be perfectly honest, Lizzie's personality is so frustrating that in my mind, I see her as dumb. It's crazy how kind she is and how she puts herself in everyone's shoes even if it's obvious how her decisions can lead to danger, not only for her, but for her whole family. But despite all of that, there's just something about the author's writing-style that captivates me. I mean, if this were some other book, I probably DNF-ed it already because of how annoying Lizzie is, but I just couldn't stop turning the pages. I didn't really see that one thing happening towards the ending! It was such a sudden turn of events and I like that there wasn't really a clue that it would have ended that way throughout the book.

I heard that he's written better books and I am really looking forward to that. Overall, I will definitely read more from this author because it was still such a fun time kahit shunga si Lizzie. 😆

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant story by the talented Mr Carter. I really couldn’t wait to start this book and it was definitely worth the wait!

Lizzie & Chris seem to have the perfect life. Plenty of money, nice house and their adorable 5 year old daughter, Amy. Life is great !
Lizzie feels like she’s being watched. She manages to catch and confront the woman whose being watching her, and her fears are confirmed, Ruby Wishes is the biological mother of their daughter, Amy, whom they adopted when Lizzie couldn’t conceive. At first, she warns her off, but with Ruby’s persistence she allows her in to her home to meet Amy. Stupidly, Lizzie begins to trust Ruby and when she finds out she’s sleeping rough in her car, she invites her into her home to stay for a while. Has Lizzie made the worst mistake of her life and is Amy in danger?

A brilliant storyline, which was very engaging and drew me straight in from the get go. I was gripped to the story throughout. There was plenty of suspense and twists along the way. It got so fast paced that I just kept reading because I needed to know what was going to happen next! AJ writes brilliant and captivating books and I always look forward to reading his fantastic work.
Congratulations AJ on another brilliant book and thank you so much for allowing me an ARC of this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Karan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a poorly written book with the worst characters I have encountered. I started it and was immediately convinced it was written by an AI. We have a couple, Lizzie and Chris, with an adopted child named Amy. Chris is never home, he's a trucker, and Lizzie's whole life is Amy, who's picture perfect. So when Amy's birth mother, a prostitute named Ruby, comes to the door asking to meet her, Lizzie not only allows it, but invites Ruby to stay with them - without even consulting her absent husband.
Never mind, the husband is just fine with it, and they play happy families while Ruby plans to steal Amy the first chance she gets. What will they do, though seeing as Ruby lives in her car. None of the characters seems to be able to settle between being a good or bad person/character and change sides again and again.
The whole thing strains credibility and I only forced myself to finish it because a friend at work gave me a copy. She loved it. Go figure.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a dark tale this is
Meet Lizzie, Amy’s Mum, everything you could want in a Mum and everything Amy needs for a safe secure upbringing….then meet Ruby, Amy’s Birth Mother,literally everything you don’t want in a Mum with nothing to give Amy for a safe secure upbringing
And never the twain shall meet, until they do
Now have to say Lizzie is naive, she wants to do the right thing for everyone and ends up causing the opposite but she means well, Ruby is everything but naive and wants her evil selfish disgusting plan to work, at all costs
As for Chris Lizzie’s husband…well make of him what you will, and you will
A truly psychologically terrifying story, told very well in narrative character form and left me shaking my head at how low people will stoop
Brilliantly written again by this edge of your seat/bed/wherever author who really lands a punch with his stories

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Birth Mother (Standalone Psychological Thrillers)

Lizzie is married to Chris and they are quite well off financially. They have adopted Amy five years ago and Amy feels like her own flesh and blood until one day out of the blue Amy's birth Mother Ruby appears on the scene and is on a mission to get her daughter back.

Chris works is away on business quite a lot of the time and Lizzie is single handely bringing up Amy by herself.

I did not think that this thriller was as good as the author's other books as it lacked credulity concerning how Lizzie's neighbour had tried to warn her about Ruby in the first place and the way Lizzie gave Amy a bit too much independence for her young age and also Lizzie was so naieve in not seeking credentials in the first place as any normal Mother would have done.

[Diane Wensley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this author but I may have over done it. This book started off well- a mother with a single child who spends a lot of time alone. She befriends a woman, and seeing her plight invites her to stay in their home. The behaviours which then develop would lead any mother to ask the visitor to leave, and yet, she does not. It becomes unbelievable to the point of farce as the story moves on. I thoroughly enjoyed this author and have read a great many of their books, but sadly, I am now finding the stories formulaic and in the last one- I had worked out very quickly who the protagonist in the "twist" was, and indeed, what that twist would be. Sadly, I will need to move on from him.

[Gem Woodroofe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, emotional, and gripping.

The Birth Mother by A.J. Carter really took me by surprise. I was expecting a tense drama about adoption and identity, but I wasn’t prepared for just how dark some of the themes would get—especially the inclusion of sex trafficking involving a 5-year-old. That genuinely shocked me. It’s a heavy topic, and while it added weight to the story, it definitely made some parts difficult to read.

That said, the book was well-written and emotionally powerful. The characters felt real, and the plot kept me hooked from start to finish. There were a few predictable moments near the end, which is why I’m giving it 4 instead of 5 stars, but overall it was a compelling and impactful read.

Not an easy book, but definitely one that stays with you.

[Lisa Cornetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby Wishes was a scumbag. She had no good reason for wanting her child back, and for that, she’s scum. She even got Chris in on her scheme, and he played Lizzie for years. And Lizzie was just trying to be a good Mom to Amy and raise her right. She was too cute though, with the formal, rich talk she adapted. I’d have loved to meet that child in real life! I was happy Lizzie got Amy back in the end. As for the writing style, it was . . . different in this book. It seemed like the author let his thoughts “fly loose” at times, and those thoughts found their way into this book. It made for a creative, different read.

[Kyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story, it was a quick engaging read and there were some twists I didn't fully see coming! The only thing that I didn't like is that there is a character who is supposed to be 5 years old, and she was just SO unrealistic and unbelievable that at times it almost took me out of the story. I'm 28 and this 5 year old has a wider vocabulary than I do. Other reviews mentioned this as well, but it really drove me nuts! Overall it didn't stop me from enjoying the book as a whole, I just had to kind of look past it and accept that there is no way a 5 year old would speak or act like that.

[Just-j · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable Amy and her two mothers

Lizzie and Chris have the most adorable daughter, Amy. Her adorableness hooked me onto the story. One day someone like a ghost comes along making her presence known. Her name is Ruby, the birth mother of adorable Amy. Admitting to the reader that she’s a bad person, she manipulates her way in to get close to Amy. One day Ruby finally gets the chance to abduct her child. What follows are unexpected turns. The ending leaves you with your mouth gaping open.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the whole it was disappointing but it did have a certain level of entertainment. The author is quite good at creating suspense in a storyline however it lacked believability on numerous accounts. That's some five year old child, wow! Curiosity killed the cat so I finished it.
Have an open mind when reading this, it is fiction afterall. This is the third book I've read by this author, the first one was really good but things are going downhill for me. I'll maybe give one more book a chance (but not for a while) and hope for the best.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT


Good story. This author always writes stories that keep me interested until the end. The ending of this one left me conflicted though. By doing what she did at the end, she is essentially choosing to leave her daughter parentless, as she will be arrested for murder. The whole story is about how much she loves her daughter, so I don't like this final choice. There are many other ways that it might have looked like self defense or accidental death, which would make more sense to me.

[Shelley Whipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. I have to say I truly did not expect the ending that materialised. The book kept me captivated so much so, that I finished it within 24 hours. I really do love this authors writing. Thriller writing at its best. Cannot wait for any more future books!! Totally recommend! Must have for thriller readers!!

[Janine Roussouw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five years ago Lizzie adopted a baby girl, Amy and everything was perfect until a strange woman knocks on her door claiming to be Amy's birth mother. Lizzie takes pity on the birth mother Ruby and welcomes her into her home. Little does Lizzie know that Ruby has her own hidden agenda, an agenda so dark and disturbing that it could ruin Lizzie's marriage and Amy's future. A deep, dark twist in the plot that AJ Carter does so well with his psychological thrillers. A must-read.

[Ann Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trusting?

When Lizzie is confronted with the truth, or possibility of it with Amy and her loving husband Chris. Who does she really believe? The familiarity of his touch and strength keep her going in the unbelievable. Can she trust and believe in the truth? You must read to the very end to know what is real.