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The Godmother
I’ve just turned forty. My ex dumped me a year ago — and I’m still not over My best friend Maddie has everything I’ve ever wanted. A successful, handsome husband. A designer riverside home. A cleaner. A gardener. A luxury kitchen that cost three times my salary. And Joe, their sixteen-year-old Joe, my strapping, sweet-natured godson, says I’m like his second mum. Sometimes I think I’m closer to him than his real mum. Then, late one night, there’s a hammering at the door. It’s Joe. Visibly upset and angry. He rushes past me before I even get the chance to invite him inside. What he tells me — and what happens next will destroy EVERYTHING.
AN EXHILARATING PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE WITH TWISTS THAT WILL MAKE YOU GASP.This shocking story of family secrets and lies is perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, Patricia MacDonald, Shalini Boland, T.M. Logan and Clare Mackintosh.
AN EXHILARATING PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE WITH TWISTS THAT WILL MAKE YOU GASP.This shocking story of family secrets and lies is perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, Patricia MacDonald, Shalini Boland, T.M. Logan and Clare Mackintosh.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2024
1113 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Jane E. James
18 books250 followersBest selling author, Jane E James creates chilling reads that appeal to fans of psychological thrillers, mysteries and dark fiction. Jane loves to weave tense and haunting tales that stay in the reader's mind. All her books are standalone novels.
An animal lover, who believes ‘all life is precious’ Jane is a vegan and an animal rights advocate. She lives in the UK with her two cats Hero and Halo, who are sometimes featured in her books.
When she isn't writing (or reading) Jane enjoys living 'the good life' in the Rutland countryside, in a small village close to the town of Stamford, Lincolnshire in the UK; known for its quirky tea shops and cobbled streets.
Although born in Cambridgeshire, she is half Welsh and hopes, one day, to retire to the mountains of South Wales, where she feels closest to her late mother, whose maiden name 'James' is where Jane gets her pen name from. Once there, she plans to adopt and rescue all kinds of animals including donkeys, sheep, chickens and goats.
Rebecca, Carrie, The Woman in Black and Wuthering Heights are among some of Jane's favourite reads.
Visit her website www.janeejames.com or catch up with her on facebook and twitter. But bring Monster Munch and wine...
An animal lover, who believes ‘all life is precious’ Jane is a vegan and an animal rights advocate. She lives in the UK with her two cats Hero and Halo, who are sometimes featured in her books.
When she isn't writing (or reading) Jane enjoys living 'the good life' in the Rutland countryside, in a small village close to the town of Stamford, Lincolnshire in the UK; known for its quirky tea shops and cobbled streets.
Although born in Cambridgeshire, she is half Welsh and hopes, one day, to retire to the mountains of South Wales, where she feels closest to her late mother, whose maiden name 'James' is where Jane gets her pen name from. Once there, she plans to adopt and rescue all kinds of animals including donkeys, sheep, chickens and goats.
Rebecca, Carrie, The Woman in Black and Wuthering Heights are among some of Jane's favourite reads.
Visit her website www.janeejames.com or catch up with her on facebook and twitter. But bring Monster Munch and wine...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
October 15, 2025
Yes, there were twists. But the characters were all so vile that it put me off. It was all so extreme!
April 10, 2024
This was a tough read due to the subject matter so hard to give it a high rating……. The ending did shock me and actually the different the storyline went in surprised me too!
I thought the whole thing was really shocking. I love a horror and the gore but this book left a really sour taste in my mouth. The characters were very difficult to like or relate to and the subject was not enjoyable - hard to explain without ruining the book but very triggering subjects covered and it felt like in part skimmed over entirely - like they were just based for shock value
I thought the whole thing was really shocking. I love a horror and the gore but this book left a really sour taste in my mouth. The characters were very difficult to like or relate to and the subject was not enjoyable - hard to explain without ruining the book but very triggering subjects covered and it felt like in part skimmed over entirely - like they were just based for shock value
March 27, 2024
I wasn't sure about this book at the start, but I carried on and found that I liked it. I liked it so much I stayed up late, straining my eyes in bed, to finish it--and then I was totally repulsed by the ending. Why?
I read it as a psychological thriller, and the correct characteristics of the genre were all present. Well-developed characters made their choices, for good or ill, with some very believable moral conflicts driving the story forward. So far, so good.
The cast was an unpleasant bunch, which isn't a problem in such a story. One of them caught my sympathy, however-- a long way from perfect, but more sinned against than sinning on balance, I felt, and which I'm sure was the author’s intention. While the others grew more and more repellent, this one's sufferings provided balance, which kept me reading--because total repulsion from them all would have alienated me and I wouldn't have finished the book.
Finish it I did though, and a bitter ending it was, twisted in both plot and persons--and that's where the problem lay, because it moved genre into horror--and I don't like horror. I've beta-read a few books for a friend, but normally it's a no-no for me.
The characteristics had all been there from the start, I realised. A claustrophobic setting in a small town (I have some happy memories of Stamford) amongst a seemingly close-knit group of characters, all engaged in keeping secrets and/or self-deceiving. There was more than one monster--pretty much all the main characters, in fact, apart from the one who attempted self-honesty and therefore was merely a flawed human being who filled the required role of victim. There was violence, and the familiar made strange through people who behaved 'normally' on the surface but who were so dark and warped inside.
The ending pushed the boundaries of belief, I'm afraid, and gave no sense of hope--fear, rather, for the newest character. I know that human society has its share of psychopaths and sociopaths, I've met my share in my time. This went way beyond, though, because although I don't want to believe it possible, I think it could be--and that's the essence of horror.
Well-written, for the most part-- but I'd keep that ending in mind.
I read it as a psychological thriller, and the correct characteristics of the genre were all present. Well-developed characters made their choices, for good or ill, with some very believable moral conflicts driving the story forward. So far, so good.
The cast was an unpleasant bunch, which isn't a problem in such a story. One of them caught my sympathy, however-- a long way from perfect, but more sinned against than sinning on balance, I felt, and which I'm sure was the author’s intention. While the others grew more and more repellent, this one's sufferings provided balance, which kept me reading--because total repulsion from them all would have alienated me and I wouldn't have finished the book.
Finish it I did though, and a bitter ending it was, twisted in both plot and persons--and that's where the problem lay, because it moved genre into horror--and I don't like horror. I've beta-read a few books for a friend, but normally it's a no-no for me.
The characteristics had all been there from the start, I realised. A claustrophobic setting in a small town (I have some happy memories of Stamford) amongst a seemingly close-knit group of characters, all engaged in keeping secrets and/or self-deceiving. There was more than one monster--pretty much all the main characters, in fact, apart from the one who attempted self-honesty and therefore was merely a flawed human being who filled the required role of victim. There was violence, and the familiar made strange through people who behaved 'normally' on the surface but who were so dark and warped inside.
The ending pushed the boundaries of belief, I'm afraid, and gave no sense of hope--fear, rather, for the newest character. I know that human society has its share of psychopaths and sociopaths, I've met my share in my time. This went way beyond, though, because although I don't want to believe it possible, I think it could be--and that's the essence of horror.
Well-written, for the most part-- but I'd keep that ending in mind.
March 19, 2024
Holy twists & turns! This book BLEW MY MIND! If I could give it six stars, I would! I'm still thinking about it days later, and that never happens. This was my 1st book by James, and i am definitely going on a binge of all of her books real soon.
This book is extremely well written. The character development was on point, and the plot was executed extremely well! There are dual POVs in this story - Zoe and Maggie. The two ladies are best friends, but there are secrets they are keeping from one another. Throw in lies, betrayal, jealousy and deceit, and you have this wild ride!
Every chapter ends on a masterfully crafted cliffhanger, so you can't put this book down. The twists and turns are definitely giving what they need to give! And can we talk about the ending?! So unexpected. My mouth was open for a long time. If you like thrillers with unpredictable twists that you can't put down, please read this book. Such a job well done!
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book is extremely well written. The character development was on point, and the plot was executed extremely well! There are dual POVs in this story - Zoe and Maggie. The two ladies are best friends, but there are secrets they are keeping from one another. Throw in lies, betrayal, jealousy and deceit, and you have this wild ride!
Every chapter ends on a masterfully crafted cliffhanger, so you can't put this book down. The twists and turns are definitely giving what they need to give! And can we talk about the ending?! So unexpected. My mouth was open for a long time. If you like thrillers with unpredictable twists that you can't put down, please read this book. Such a job well done!
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 21, 2024
This book…. WOW!!! Every time I turned around something else crazy was happening! This book was so well written. Dual points of view at the same time switching back and forth each chapter added such a deeper understanding of the characters. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!
March 31, 2024
This psychological thriller deals with the perspectives of best friends Maddie and Zoe, who are not only friends but also go through layers of relationships and personal issues. Maddie is troubled with problems in her marriage and her kid’s safety, and Zoe struggles with the war inside herself. Some of these twists are easy to predict, and others can be a surprise. The storytelling style with a touch of suspense keeps you engrossed and wondering about the characters’ choices. For fans of multi-layered domestic thrillers. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Joffe Books, ZooLoosBt, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
Thank you to Joffe Books, ZooLoosBt, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.
March 29, 2024
The book was shocking, twisted and filled with unexpected twists and turns. The plot twists were shocking and the truth was twisted.
Zoe and Maddie are best friends. Maddie has a perfect life. She married a successful surgeon while Zoe is independent but Maddie’s life makes her jealous. Maddie’s life looks perfect from outside but is it really? While Joe is Maddie’s son and Zoe’s Godchild. Everything was perfect until one night, Joe disappears and his disappearance has something to do with Zoe as he was last seen at her house. The truths were shocking and the author did an amazing job with the plot twists and building the suspense. The ending was jaw dropping but it also raised a question in my mind. The book is addictive, unputdownable and shocking. I would recommend it to thriller readers.
Many Thanks to Author, Publisher and Zooloo’s book tours
Zoe and Maddie are best friends. Maddie has a perfect life. She married a successful surgeon while Zoe is independent but Maddie’s life makes her jealous. Maddie’s life looks perfect from outside but is it really? While Joe is Maddie’s son and Zoe’s Godchild. Everything was perfect until one night, Joe disappears and his disappearance has something to do with Zoe as he was last seen at her house. The truths were shocking and the author did an amazing job with the plot twists and building the suspense. The ending was jaw dropping but it also raised a question in my mind. The book is addictive, unputdownable and shocking. I would recommend it to thriller readers.
Many Thanks to Author, Publisher and Zooloo’s book tours
April 3, 2024
After loving my last couple of reads by this author, I couldn't wait to get stuck into this one, which promised to be another brilliant psychological thriller.
Once again, the writing style just sucks you right in from the first page and this was such a rollercoaster throughout that I literally couldn't put it down!
The story is told from the 2 main characters pov's, Zoe and Maggie.
The long term best friends' story gradually unravels as we learn more about each of their lives.
Maddie has everything Zoe has ever wanted - that is until one night when her Godson, Joe, arrives with news that will change everyone's lives forever.
This was such a unique storyline and it never seemed to go the way I'd imagined. I usually love to make assumptions and theories, but this one really had me guessing right to the end - when, even then, I was totally shocked and hadnt seen that coming at all!
I wasn't too keen on the characters but I think this worked well in the context of the book....and I think I went in with prior knowledge having read previous books - never trust anything!
I loved the tension that built up throughout this story and the almost creepy atmosphere.
The short chapters had me powering through this in just a couple of sittings as I just had to find out what was going on!
Another brilliant read and I can't wait for the next....
Once again, the writing style just sucks you right in from the first page and this was such a rollercoaster throughout that I literally couldn't put it down!
The story is told from the 2 main characters pov's, Zoe and Maggie.
The long term best friends' story gradually unravels as we learn more about each of their lives.
Maddie has everything Zoe has ever wanted - that is until one night when her Godson, Joe, arrives with news that will change everyone's lives forever.
This was such a unique storyline and it never seemed to go the way I'd imagined. I usually love to make assumptions and theories, but this one really had me guessing right to the end - when, even then, I was totally shocked and hadnt seen that coming at all!
I wasn't too keen on the characters but I think this worked well in the context of the book....and I think I went in with prior knowledge having read previous books - never trust anything!
I loved the tension that built up throughout this story and the almost creepy atmosphere.
The short chapters had me powering through this in just a couple of sittings as I just had to find out what was going on!
Another brilliant read and I can't wait for the next....
March 30, 2024
First, I want to thank Jane E. James, Joffe Books and Zooloo Book Tours for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
OMG….OMG….Jane E. James just got a new die hard fan!!! Her creative outside of the box explosive story deserves way more than 5 stars! This by far is the best psychological thriller I have read this year! You must run, not walk to your local bookstore and grab it.
WOW!! Jane E. James needs to be commended for all of her taboo storylines in The Godmother! I just loved how bold she was to write about jaw dropping subjects! It was totally scandalous! Dang…I just can’t believe she went all the places she went in this book!
Jane dropped bombshell after bombshell that will have you glued to your Kindle! Infact once I started reading I couldn’t put it down! It was just soo good!!
The Godmother must be made into a Netflix series!! I need to see this unfold on the small screen!! It is just incredible!!
OMG….OMG….Jane E. James just got a new die hard fan!!! Her creative outside of the box explosive story deserves way more than 5 stars! This by far is the best psychological thriller I have read this year! You must run, not walk to your local bookstore and grab it.
WOW!! Jane E. James needs to be commended for all of her taboo storylines in The Godmother! I just loved how bold she was to write about jaw dropping subjects! It was totally scandalous! Dang…I just can’t believe she went all the places she went in this book!
Jane dropped bombshell after bombshell that will have you glued to your Kindle! Infact once I started reading I couldn’t put it down! It was just soo good!!
The Godmother must be made into a Netflix series!! I need to see this unfold on the small screen!! It is just incredible!!
March 4, 2024
To say this was a freaking mind blowing story is a total understatement! I could not put this down and never imagined it would go the way it did! Shockingly good and twisted! Never read this author before but will definitely keep an eye open for more. I hate that I picked this up to read as a side book instead of with my book bestie because THIS is definitely one to talk about! I’ll be telling her to put this one on her list! Thank you so much for allowing me to read this! Highly recommend!
April 6, 2024
I received this book via NetGalley for an honest review. I went into this book blind. I requested it because the cover and title felt like a psych thriller which is my favorite genre. There wasn’t a single likable character in the book. I rarely guess the twist and since I did in this case, I wouldn’t really call it a twist. Without going into too much to avoid spoilers, the way Zoe handled the situation with Joe was beyond ridiculous and lacked logic. I am in the US so I only know about how evidence is collected here. But I can’t imagine that blood tests aren’t a way to collect evidence in the UK. All of these adults being manipulated by teenagers was unbelievable. Between Gabriella, the phone, the CCTV footage, I could not believe how stupid these adults were.
Lastly, the author’s note kept referring to a book called My Secret Son. Was that the original title or is she referring to a different book that she has written.
Lastly, the author’s note kept referring to a book called My Secret Son. Was that the original title or is she referring to a different book that she has written.
January 25, 2025
Not sure why this one has such high ratings- an example of how a weak story with weaker writing can pass off as a good book simply because of shock value.
The characters are not well defined or likeable, the writing is so weak- with long monologues of the women's repetitive thoughts, and the ending (supposed to be a twist) felt so hurried.
I wish the subjects of SA and the victim's trauma were touched upon in the book were handled more sensitively and realistically.
Do not recommend.
The characters are not well defined or likeable, the writing is so weak- with long monologues of the women's repetitive thoughts, and the ending (supposed to be a twist) felt so hurried.
I wish the subjects of SA and the victim's trauma were touched upon in the book were handled more sensitively and realistically.
Do not recommend.
September 6, 2025
I have often warned myself that if a book has around 1,000 ratings and under 100 reviews and it is rated very highly - don’t trust the ratings system. My theory has been that friends, family, and neighbors of the author and the publisher contacts flood the system with 4 and 5 star ratings and great reviews when a book is first published to help it sell. It is a marketing ploy designed to sell books. Who doesn’t want to find another “Gone Girl”? It’s not until regular people get drawn into this new “5 star” book that we discover we were conned.
This book is a great example of that. It’s my opinion that no one would give this book 4 or 5 stars unless they were doing someone a favor.
This book was filled with awful people. I cannot think of one character that I would even want to sit next to on a bus. In the Acknowledgments, the author writes about the two main characters “Neither were all good or bad, just like the rest of us.”
I can tell you these characters are not like the rest of us at all. Or…..if they are like the rest of people in her circle, remind me to stay on my side of the ocean.
In addition to selfishness and physical abuse, there is rape and murder. No crime goes punished or solved. Everyone gets away with murdering teenagers and rape to name a few of these crimes that are committed by people “just like the rest of us”.
There are also holes in the storyline. I know there are CCTV cameras all over England…..nothing was ever caught? No one ever saw anything? And these characters are not only gross, they are dumb and cannot keep their mouths shut. I can admire smart bad characters. But these characters are just unredeemable. All of them. What about Chris? Will he not notice anything? And the misandry…like “Don’t all men aspire to be gods and create people in their own likeness?” Or “…..what if there are no good guys? Perhaps there never was, and all along, we women were sold a fairytale.” Oh…..cry me a river. I cannot stand women who blame men for everything and just want to be a victim. Grow up.
As I grow older, I do not have as much time to read everything I want to read. And here I was…..wasting precious reading time on this. I am going back to my own theory. I will only read legitimate 4 star books or ones that are recommended by people who can be trusted.
This book is a great example of that. It’s my opinion that no one would give this book 4 or 5 stars unless they were doing someone a favor.
This book was filled with awful people. I cannot think of one character that I would even want to sit next to on a bus. In the Acknowledgments, the author writes about the two main characters “Neither were all good or bad, just like the rest of us.”
I can tell you these characters are not like the rest of us at all. Or…..if they are like the rest of people in her circle, remind me to stay on my side of the ocean.
In addition to selfishness and physical abuse, there is rape and murder. No crime goes punished or solved. Everyone gets away with murdering teenagers and rape to name a few of these crimes that are committed by people “just like the rest of us”.
There are also holes in the storyline. I know there are CCTV cameras all over England…..nothing was ever caught? No one ever saw anything? And these characters are not only gross, they are dumb and cannot keep their mouths shut. I can admire smart bad characters. But these characters are just unredeemable. All of them. What about Chris? Will he not notice anything? And the misandry…like “Don’t all men aspire to be gods and create people in their own likeness?” Or “…..what if there are no good guys? Perhaps there never was, and all along, we women were sold a fairytale.” Oh…..cry me a river. I cannot stand women who blame men for everything and just want to be a victim. Grow up.
As I grow older, I do not have as much time to read everything I want to read. And here I was…..wasting precious reading time on this. I am going back to my own theory. I will only read legitimate 4 star books or ones that are recommended by people who can be trusted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2024
My oh my, this was quite a corker of a story and certainly didn’t turn out like anything I was expecting. It was full on entertaining, drama, intense moments, shocking moments, a bit dark in places, a definite page turner for sure.
The friendship between Zoe and Maggie is a close one, but also a shocking one too, at the truths, lies that begin to show as you get to know each of the characters bit by bit as you progress through the story, and as to the lengths that they will each go so as to get what they want…. Well I’ll say no more on that front as I don’t want to leak any spoilers or risk ruining it for anyone.
What I will say though, is that this is an extremely well written story, a unique one at that, and if you don’t read it, you are truly missing out.
Oh and lastly, I loved that the story was set in Stamford, which is literally just down the road from where I live.
The friendship between Zoe and Maggie is a close one, but also a shocking one too, at the truths, lies that begin to show as you get to know each of the characters bit by bit as you progress through the story, and as to the lengths that they will each go so as to get what they want…. Well I’ll say no more on that front as I don’t want to leak any spoilers or risk ruining it for anyone.
What I will say though, is that this is an extremely well written story, a unique one at that, and if you don’t read it, you are truly missing out.
Oh and lastly, I loved that the story was set in Stamford, which is literally just down the road from where I live.
March 14, 2024
Sooo many secrets and betrayal!!!
The two main characters are Zoe and Maddie and they have been best friends for years. Zoe is a hairdresser, single and trying to make ends meet. Maddie is a nurse, married, has a 16 year old son named Joe, and is filthy rich.
Zoe is Joe’s godmother, and they are very close. One night he shows up at her door - upset, angry and under the influence. What he says and does that night destroys everybody's lives.
This book left me with a gaping mouth, and I needed a few minutes to process everything after I was done reading. There were twists and turns throughout the entire book and the ending was shocking. This was my first Jane E James book and I absolutely loved her writing style. The short chapters and constant events kept me engaged the entire time.
The two main characters are Zoe and Maddie and they have been best friends for years. Zoe is a hairdresser, single and trying to make ends meet. Maddie is a nurse, married, has a 16 year old son named Joe, and is filthy rich.
Zoe is Joe’s godmother, and they are very close. One night he shows up at her door - upset, angry and under the influence. What he says and does that night destroys everybody's lives.
This book left me with a gaping mouth, and I needed a few minutes to process everything after I was done reading. There were twists and turns throughout the entire book and the ending was shocking. This was my first Jane E James book and I absolutely loved her writing style. The short chapters and constant events kept me engaged the entire time.
August 27, 2025
I made it 6% in and it was an automatic hard stop for me due to pedophilia. Especially when the wife of the pedophile knows and is like “well, it’s OK, they’re almost women and it’s consensual”. Just no!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2024
4 ⭐️ Delightfully disturbing; this book will have you hooked from the first to the last page!! The Godmother is a psychological thriller that explores the complexities of toxic relationships and how deep a mother’s love for her child will go.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jane E. James, and Joffe Books for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jane E. James, and Joffe Books for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!
August 10, 2025
Badly written and horrible ending. Unlikable and nasty characters.
March 18, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for this eCopy to review
Firstly, there are a number of themes which could be triggering for some: suicide, rape, abuse, forced caesarean and baby stealing
This was a gripping read told from 2 points of view best friends Zoe and Maddie and how their relationship deteriorates after Zoe's 40th birthday.
Maddie has the perfect life, but behind closed doors her husband is sleeping with underaged girls, her son abuses her and could have even caused another school pupil to commit suicide. He overhears an argument between his parents and goes to Zoe's house. What happens between them causes all their lives to implode.
The end of the book was quite shocking and full of twists, I'm still not 100% sure how much involvement Joe's ex-girlfriend Gabriella had in everything
Firstly, there are a number of themes which could be triggering for some: suicide, rape, abuse, forced caesarean and baby stealing
This was a gripping read told from 2 points of view best friends Zoe and Maddie and how their relationship deteriorates after Zoe's 40th birthday.
Maddie has the perfect life, but behind closed doors her husband is sleeping with underaged girls, her son abuses her and could have even caused another school pupil to commit suicide. He overhears an argument between his parents and goes to Zoe's house. What happens between them causes all their lives to implode.
The end of the book was quite shocking and full of twists, I'm still not 100% sure how much involvement Joe's ex-girlfriend Gabriella had in everything
April 2, 2024
This book started out so strongly with a great story line and strong character development. I was drawn in almost immediately. However, it ended up being poorly paced and was much longer in parts than it needed to be. The ending also fell flat. There wasn’t much of a twist and it left me waiting for so much morr.
March 26, 2024
I am going to stick my neck out and say that The Godmother will still be one of my favourite books by the end of 2024. It is a book I haven’t been able to put down, incredibly well written with a race-along story and phenomenally developed characters.
Perfectly turned-out Zoe has a secret, which has nothing to do with hoping to keep her fortieth birthday under the radar and to escape with nothing more to mark the occasion than a quiet evening meal with best friend, Maddie. Therefore, she’s horrified to arrive at work in the high-end hair and beauty salon, to find her plans have been hijacked with a surprise party, complete with warm Prosecco in paper cups and a 40th candle adorned birthday cake. In her head and as each member of staff comes up to pass on their presents and good wishes, Zoe calls each by their pet name, which includes the thing that makes them most memorable and which ensures she has always got something to talk to them about. This is her and Maddie’s childhood game.
Neither Maddie nor Zoe have perfect lives, despite the outward facade both uphold to each other and to everyone who knows them.
Their million-pound lifestyle seems the only shallow comfort from their dysfunctional lives. Madeline is determined to hang onto this lifestyle at any cost and has determinedly shed
what she sees as the shackles of her council house upbringing. Zoe is the only
person from her past she’s in touch with.
Mealtimes in the Black household are often conducted in silence with the family too afraid to voice an opinion in front of Mike who Joe unwittingly and unwillingly takes after. In personal digs,
Surgeon Mike and Nurse Madeleine both take pot shots at each other based on their medical
knowledge of mental health issues.
Neither Maddie nor Zoe have any idea of what goes on behind the closed doors of each other’s lives, although Zoe has a little hint at her birthday meal in the restaurant that night from Mike’s hugs, which always go on for a little too long.
Mike decides what everyone will eat without consulting anyone and completely overrules Joe’s menu request. It’s clear that Mike’s been drinking before coming out and Zoe knows from Maddie’s expression that she would be equally furious with her best friend if she knew that Zoe had introduced him and Joe to marijuana which Zoe knows both now regularly smoke.
Son Joe is no innocent victim though. In therapy, having lashed out at Maddie the previous year and left her with a bruised face which she would rather people think her husband than her son was responsible for. Joe’s therapist won’t give away any details of their conversations but says that Joe is a pathological liar. Reluctant to take this onboard, together with threats of expulsion from school, Maddie is nonetheless aware of her son’s enjoyment of the torture of innocent creatures and doesn’t know where to go to with this knowledge as she clings to the flimsy materialistic artifice she and Mike have created.
These character details are released in the first four chapters and make this a gripping story where the reader is unsure what the denouement will be but is in no doubt that it will be explosive. I’m not giving any more details away here, but this story is phenomenal and an absolute must-read for fans of psychological fiction.
Perfectly turned-out Zoe has a secret, which has nothing to do with hoping to keep her fortieth birthday under the radar and to escape with nothing more to mark the occasion than a quiet evening meal with best friend, Maddie. Therefore, she’s horrified to arrive at work in the high-end hair and beauty salon, to find her plans have been hijacked with a surprise party, complete with warm Prosecco in paper cups and a 40th candle adorned birthday cake. In her head and as each member of staff comes up to pass on their presents and good wishes, Zoe calls each by their pet name, which includes the thing that makes them most memorable and which ensures she has always got something to talk to them about. This is her and Maddie’s childhood game.
Neither Maddie nor Zoe have perfect lives, despite the outward facade both uphold to each other and to everyone who knows them.
Their million-pound lifestyle seems the only shallow comfort from their dysfunctional lives. Madeline is determined to hang onto this lifestyle at any cost and has determinedly shed
what she sees as the shackles of her council house upbringing. Zoe is the only
person from her past she’s in touch with.
Mealtimes in the Black household are often conducted in silence with the family too afraid to voice an opinion in front of Mike who Joe unwittingly and unwillingly takes after. In personal digs,
Surgeon Mike and Nurse Madeleine both take pot shots at each other based on their medical
knowledge of mental health issues.
Neither Maddie nor Zoe have any idea of what goes on behind the closed doors of each other’s lives, although Zoe has a little hint at her birthday meal in the restaurant that night from Mike’s hugs, which always go on for a little too long.
Mike decides what everyone will eat without consulting anyone and completely overrules Joe’s menu request. It’s clear that Mike’s been drinking before coming out and Zoe knows from Maddie’s expression that she would be equally furious with her best friend if she knew that Zoe had introduced him and Joe to marijuana which Zoe knows both now regularly smoke.
Son Joe is no innocent victim though. In therapy, having lashed out at Maddie the previous year and left her with a bruised face which she would rather people think her husband than her son was responsible for. Joe’s therapist won’t give away any details of their conversations but says that Joe is a pathological liar. Reluctant to take this onboard, together with threats of expulsion from school, Maddie is nonetheless aware of her son’s enjoyment of the torture of innocent creatures and doesn’t know where to go to with this knowledge as she clings to the flimsy materialistic artifice she and Mike have created.
These character details are released in the first four chapters and make this a gripping story where the reader is unsure what the denouement will be but is in no doubt that it will be explosive. I’m not giving any more details away here, but this story is phenomenal and an absolute must-read for fans of psychological fiction.
March 31, 2024
Here is my review for The Godmother by Jane E James
This is such an easy book to get into and I found it to be an enjoyable read. Full of secrets between friends that could break their friendship quite easily. Excellently written and well plotted to bring everything out just so. The descriptive text is good and explains everything really well. It is written in a diary format between two friends, i.e. Zoe and Madeline. They explain everything really well between them. Zoe is mourning turning forty whilst being in the start of the menopause and just being dumped but not over him yet. Her best friend has a big house on the riverside, and Joe, her sixteen year old son. Then one night her life changes forever. This story is full of twists and turns throughout, a brilliant read. Will keep you on the edge of your seat and you won’t want to put the book down until you finish it!
Blurb :
One night can destroy three people’s lives . . .
Me: I’ve just turned forty. My ex dumped me a year ago — and I’m still not over him.
Her: My best friend Maddie has everything I’ve ever wanted. A successful, handsome husband. A designer riverside home. A luxury kitchen that cost three times my salary. And Joe, her sixteen-year-old son.
Him: Joe, my strapping, sweet-natured godson, says I’m like his second mum. Sometimes I think I’m closer to him than his real mum.
Then, late one night, there’s a hammering at the door. It’s Joe. Visibly upset and angry. He rushes past me before I even get the chance to invite him inside.
What he tells me — and what happens next will destroy EVERYTHING.
This is such an easy book to get into and I found it to be an enjoyable read. Full of secrets between friends that could break their friendship quite easily. Excellently written and well plotted to bring everything out just so. The descriptive text is good and explains everything really well. It is written in a diary format between two friends, i.e. Zoe and Madeline. They explain everything really well between them. Zoe is mourning turning forty whilst being in the start of the menopause and just being dumped but not over him yet. Her best friend has a big house on the riverside, and Joe, her sixteen year old son. Then one night her life changes forever. This story is full of twists and turns throughout, a brilliant read. Will keep you on the edge of your seat and you won’t want to put the book down until you finish it!
Blurb :
One night can destroy three people’s lives . . .
Me: I’ve just turned forty. My ex dumped me a year ago — and I’m still not over him.
Her: My best friend Maddie has everything I’ve ever wanted. A successful, handsome husband. A designer riverside home. A luxury kitchen that cost three times my salary. And Joe, her sixteen-year-old son.
Him: Joe, my strapping, sweet-natured godson, says I’m like his second mum. Sometimes I think I’m closer to him than his real mum.
Then, late one night, there’s a hammering at the door. It’s Joe. Visibly upset and angry. He rushes past me before I even get the chance to invite him inside.
What he tells me — and what happens next will destroy EVERYTHING.
October 23, 2024
This book was insane. The funny thing is this was suppose to be my palate cleanser for all the horror books I’ve been reading for Halloween. This turned out to be the most disturbing book I read all throughout October. This is a rare book I’ve read where every single character is extremely hatable. Not like The Godfather, where every character is a criminal but have some morals, none of these characters have morals. Even the closest thing we have to a protagonist/hero is also an unlikable scumbag.
The chapters are extremely short as they alternate between the two leads. This plays out more like a soap opera where each chapter ends on a cliffhanger, yet you have to wait two chapters to find out what happens next cause it alternates between characters. Its plot twist on top of plot twist on top of plot twist. One major knock I have on this story was that so many characters have secrets that, for one reason or another, they decide they can’t tell anyone. If it was just one secret, that’s fine but when each character has about 10 secrets (some of which they keep from the actual readers) it can be annoying to constantly hear the phrase “I can’t tell you, I can’t tell you, I can’t tell you.” Meanwhile you just want to scream at the character “70% of your problems would be fixed if you just confessed to at least one of your secrets!!!!” That aside, I did still enjoy the story, just realize this is NOT a feel good story in any way.
The chapters are extremely short as they alternate between the two leads. This plays out more like a soap opera where each chapter ends on a cliffhanger, yet you have to wait two chapters to find out what happens next cause it alternates between characters. Its plot twist on top of plot twist on top of plot twist. One major knock I have on this story was that so many characters have secrets that, for one reason or another, they decide they can’t tell anyone. If it was just one secret, that’s fine but when each character has about 10 secrets (some of which they keep from the actual readers) it can be annoying to constantly hear the phrase “I can’t tell you, I can’t tell you, I can’t tell you.” Meanwhile you just want to scream at the character “70% of your problems would be fixed if you just confessed to at least one of your secrets!!!!” That aside, I did still enjoy the story, just realize this is NOT a feel good story in any way.
March 9, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+⭐
THE GODMOTHER by Jane E. James was a mad journey with a heartbreaking, gasping-out-loud ending! I believe I will need to think about this book a lot. I literally can't believe that ending!
This book makes you wonder how much we know the people around us.
And I am sitting there for 15 minutes and don't know how to express myself, seriously, that ending left me speechless! This book was full of manipulation, drama, jealousy, trauma, unhealthy obsession, and intense and shocking moments. This is a true example of an unputdownable thriller!
This book is told from Zoe and Maggie's perspective. Despite how different they are they are best friends for years! They are like sisters. Zoe is the godmother of Maggie's sixteen-year-old son Joe.
Things are perfect until one evening destroys everything!
No one's life will be like before... If Zoe had known this - she would never open her doors in that evening... If Maggie had known this - she would have kept the truth deeply hidden... but they didn't know and now it's too late!
Thank you to Netgalley, Joffe Books and the author for this fantastic page turner!
I absolutely recommend this to everyone who loves shocking ending as you will never guess the end!
THE GODMOTHER by Jane E. James was a mad journey with a heartbreaking, gasping-out-loud ending! I believe I will need to think about this book a lot. I literally can't believe that ending!
This book makes you wonder how much we know the people around us.
And I am sitting there for 15 minutes and don't know how to express myself, seriously, that ending left me speechless! This book was full of manipulation, drama, jealousy, trauma, unhealthy obsession, and intense and shocking moments. This is a true example of an unputdownable thriller!
This book is told from Zoe and Maggie's perspective. Despite how different they are they are best friends for years! They are like sisters. Zoe is the godmother of Maggie's sixteen-year-old son Joe.
Things are perfect until one evening destroys everything!
No one's life will be like before... If Zoe had known this - she would never open her doors in that evening... If Maggie had known this - she would have kept the truth deeply hidden... but they didn't know and now it's too late!
Thank you to Netgalley, Joffe Books and the author for this fantastic page turner!
I absolutely recommend this to everyone who loves shocking ending as you will never guess the end!
March 21, 2024
📚 Book Review 📚
Phew 😮💨 let me take a breath!
Twists, turns and flip flops! There was so many twists and reveals in this book, all of which were perfectly crafted and timed. The chapters are well written and short, which meant it was great for bedtime reading.
This story follows the friendship between long term friends, Zoe and Maddie. Maddie suffers a catastrophic loss without the knowledge of the trauma that events have caused in the life of her best friend, Zoe. These events are indelibly linked, which affects them both.
I started off liking the characters and ended up disliking each and every one of them! Usually this might be a problem, but not with this book. It simply adds to to the shocks and revelations.
I loved it. I couldn’t stop reading.
If you enjoy reading the sort of thriller that keeps you turning pages, that makes you bite your lip but keeps you reading (sometimes from behind your hands!) then this is definitely the book for you.
I’m not exaggerating, it’s like old style Eastenders; just listen out for the duff duffs!
I’d like to thank Joffe Publishers, NetGalley and the author for the arc for the fantastic opportunity 😊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Phew 😮💨 let me take a breath!
Twists, turns and flip flops! There was so many twists and reveals in this book, all of which were perfectly crafted and timed. The chapters are well written and short, which meant it was great for bedtime reading.
This story follows the friendship between long term friends, Zoe and Maddie. Maddie suffers a catastrophic loss without the knowledge of the trauma that events have caused in the life of her best friend, Zoe. These events are indelibly linked, which affects them both.
I started off liking the characters and ended up disliking each and every one of them! Usually this might be a problem, but not with this book. It simply adds to to the shocks and revelations.
I loved it. I couldn’t stop reading.
If you enjoy reading the sort of thriller that keeps you turning pages, that makes you bite your lip but keeps you reading (sometimes from behind your hands!) then this is definitely the book for you.
I’m not exaggerating, it’s like old style Eastenders; just listen out for the duff duffs!
I’d like to thank Joffe Publishers, NetGalley and the author for the arc for the fantastic opportunity 😊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 30, 2024
LOVED THIS ONE!
Zoe and Maggie are best friends. Zoe is the godmother of Maggie's 16-year old son, Joe, and like a second mom to him. Despite their different lifestyles, Maggie and Zoe's friendship has stood the test of time. Maggie is wealthy, has a gorgeous house, a successful career, and a handsome husband. Zoe is just scraping by. Her last relationship ended one year ago and she is still not over it.
One night, Joe comes banging on Zoe's door. He is super angry and upset. He marches into Zoe's home. What happens next changes EVERYTHING. I don't want to give away too much more because all the unexpected twists make this novel!
There were so many twists and turns! So wild and crazy in the best way. I was not able to put this one down - I kept saying "just one more chapter" but was unable to stop! Also the ending was INSANE. So so so good! I always love when I find a unique thriller, because I feel like so many plot lines are overdone. This was a new and refreshing story!
Jane E. James did an incredible job writing this book. I always appreciate good character development and James excelled at ensuring there was ample character development. The dual POVs of Maggie and Zoe worked well, giving us insight into their very different lives.
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Zoe and Maggie are best friends. Zoe is the godmother of Maggie's 16-year old son, Joe, and like a second mom to him. Despite their different lifestyles, Maggie and Zoe's friendship has stood the test of time. Maggie is wealthy, has a gorgeous house, a successful career, and a handsome husband. Zoe is just scraping by. Her last relationship ended one year ago and she is still not over it.
One night, Joe comes banging on Zoe's door. He is super angry and upset. He marches into Zoe's home. What happens next changes EVERYTHING. I don't want to give away too much more because all the unexpected twists make this novel!
There were so many twists and turns! So wild and crazy in the best way. I was not able to put this one down - I kept saying "just one more chapter" but was unable to stop! Also the ending was INSANE. So so so good! I always love when I find a unique thriller, because I feel like so many plot lines are overdone. This was a new and refreshing story!
Jane E. James did an incredible job writing this book. I always appreciate good character development and James excelled at ensuring there was ample character development. The dual POVs of Maggie and Zoe worked well, giving us insight into their very different lives.
Thank you Joffe Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2024
WOW!! For me this is a definite contender for best psychological thriller of the year - deliciously dark!!
Zoe is a single woman turning 40, still harbouring a broken heart despite her ex-boyfriend Chris having well and truly moved on with a pregnant new partner. Though she has no close blood relatives, she is as good as family to her best friend Maddie, Maddie's husband Mike, and son, Joe (to whom Zoe is Godmother).
We quickly learn that Joe is a complex character, with characteristics of a narcissist and sociopath, however what Zoe is not prepared for is what will happen on the night of her 40th birthday (Joe's darker streak being key to this). Not wanting to provide spoilers I won't say more, and nor do I feel the need to, given that this fantastic novel should fly off the shelves in its own right!
I love how this novel doesn't shy away from the dark side, it is unapologetically gritty and gratifyingly shuns the Hollywood ending! 110% recommend!
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
Zoe is a single woman turning 40, still harbouring a broken heart despite her ex-boyfriend Chris having well and truly moved on with a pregnant new partner. Though she has no close blood relatives, she is as good as family to her best friend Maddie, Maddie's husband Mike, and son, Joe (to whom Zoe is Godmother).
We quickly learn that Joe is a complex character, with characteristics of a narcissist and sociopath, however what Zoe is not prepared for is what will happen on the night of her 40th birthday (Joe's darker streak being key to this). Not wanting to provide spoilers I won't say more, and nor do I feel the need to, given that this fantastic novel should fly off the shelves in its own right!
I love how this novel doesn't shy away from the dark side, it is unapologetically gritty and gratifyingly shuns the Hollywood ending! 110% recommend!
My thanks to NetGalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an advance copy.
June 24, 2025
3.5 stars, this book is very twisted and tough to read as a true psychological thriller is. I found myself anticipating the “breathtaking” twist which was advertised and when it didn’t come until after 90% in the book I was slightly disappointed although it was pretty good. Overall in this story about friendship I found myself relating to both of the women and mourning their friendship as it ebbed and flowed, even relating to the character who does awful things.
~~~~~
Two best friends, as close as sisters, share the life of Maddie’s sixteen year old son Joe. Told in alternating POV’s, Zoe is the godmother, Joe says they’re sometimes closer than Maddie and her son. It all starts on the night of Zoe’s 40th birthday when Joe helps clasp a necklace and jokingly asks if his godmother will wait for him so they can get married.
Later that night, after Joe and his father have gotten into a huge fight, he shows up on Zoe’s doorstep seeming drunk. She invites him in to talk and something unimaginable to happen next.
~~~~~
Two best friends, as close as sisters, share the life of Maddie’s sixteen year old son Joe. Told in alternating POV’s, Zoe is the godmother, Joe says they’re sometimes closer than Maddie and her son. It all starts on the night of Zoe’s 40th birthday when Joe helps clasp a necklace and jokingly asks if his godmother will wait for him so they can get married.
Later that night, after Joe and his father have gotten into a huge fight, he shows up on Zoe’s doorstep seeming drunk. She invites him in to talk and something unimaginable to happen next.
September 13, 2025
This is the 3rd book that I have read by Jane and they have all been brilliant. Full of twists and turns and suspense. You never quite see what's coming. If you like a psychological thriller you need to check out Jane E James.
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I’ve just turned forty. My ex dumped me a year ago — and I’m still not over My best friend Maddie has everything I’ve ever wanted. A successful, handsome husband. A designer riverside home. A cleaner. A gardener. A luxury kitchen that cost three times my salary. And Joe, their sixteen-year-old Joe, my strapping, sweet-natured godson, says I’m like his second mum. Sometimes I think I’m closer to him than his real mum. Then, late one night, there’s a hammering at the door. It’s Joe. Visibly upset and angry. He rushes past me before I even get the chance to invite him inside. What he tells me — and what happens next will destroy EVERYTHING.
********************************
I’ve just turned forty. My ex dumped me a year ago — and I’m still not over My best friend Maddie has everything I’ve ever wanted. A successful, handsome husband. A designer riverside home. A cleaner. A gardener. A luxury kitchen that cost three times my salary. And Joe, their sixteen-year-old Joe, my strapping, sweet-natured godson, says I’m like his second mum. Sometimes I think I’m closer to him than his real mum. Then, late one night, there’s a hammering at the door. It’s Joe. Visibly upset and angry. He rushes past me before I even get the chance to invite him inside. What he tells me — and what happens next will destroy EVERYTHING.
March 6, 2024
What in the absolute fudge just happened? Mind blown that's what happened! You think you have it all figured out, you are flying along and then the twist trips you up and you end up bewildered and just a little bit fizzy!
The Godmother is my first read from Jane E James and I am very impressed. It was a blinder of a thriller, relatable on so many levels and if ever there was a warning not to compare yourself to others or pine for greener grass, it is this novel.
Writing that is fluid and sharp at the same time, an insightful author and fantastic character development.
Sheesh, an absolute blinder of a thriller and I would give 6 stars if I could!
Thank you to Netgalley, Joffe Books and the author Jane E James for this fantastic ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
The Godmother is my first read from Jane E James and I am very impressed. It was a blinder of a thriller, relatable on so many levels and if ever there was a warning not to compare yourself to others or pine for greener grass, it is this novel.
Writing that is fluid and sharp at the same time, an insightful author and fantastic character development.
Sheesh, an absolute blinder of a thriller and I would give 6 stars if I could!
Thank you to Netgalley, Joffe Books and the author Jane E James for this fantastic ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
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