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The Midwives
She'd kill to be a mother.Leila has been waiting to be a mother – ever since she lost her own. Now she’s pregnant, it’s bittersweet. Her partner isn’t sure he’s ready for fatherhood and she doesn’t know if she can have this baby by herself.
Erica is used to being a tower of strength for other it’s a privilege to help children into this world. When she’s assigned to Leila, though, a chance conversation reveals a secret connection between the two women.
Living far from the closest hospital, Erica suggests a homebirth – but as they start to build a birth-plan, Leila begins to realise her midwife has a very different idea of what’s going to happen. As the weeks tick down, Erica always seems to be at Leila’s side. Caring, watching, waiting…
When the day finally comes and Erica turns the dial on the gas and air she’s brought along, Leila realises she’s left it far too late to run.
Erica is used to being a tower of strength for other it’s a privilege to help children into this world. When she’s assigned to Leila, though, a chance conversation reveals a secret connection between the two women.
Living far from the closest hospital, Erica suggests a homebirth – but as they start to build a birth-plan, Leila begins to realise her midwife has a very different idea of what’s going to happen. As the weeks tick down, Erica always seems to be at Leila’s side. Caring, watching, waiting…
When the day finally comes and Erica turns the dial on the gas and air she’s brought along, Leila realises she’s left it far too late to run.
320 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2025
10 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 11, 2024
"The Midwives" delivered.
Big time.
Three midwives are beloved heroes in Darkford General Hospital's maternity ward.
One midwife is accused of drugging patients and attempting to abduct a baby.
Was she guilty?
This fast-paced thriller sizzled and soared.
Unfolding from three POVs (two midwives, one patient), the book was pacey and intricately plotted, with strong character development.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook read by Deryn Edwards, Rose Robinson, and Charlie Sanderson.
Full-cast audiobooks are always a treat and two of the narrators did a superb job.
The narrator reading the patient's POV had a grating voice that wasn't always easy on the ears.
This was my first book by author Anna Schofield and I will be looking forward to future releases by this talented author.
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The GR cover of this book says THE MIDWIFE but Libby and Audible's cover says THE MIDWIVES.
(Perhaps the book's title was changed?)
4.5 stars, rounded up.
January 13, 2025
A bit like an hour glass - the story seemed to run slowly at the start but then went quickly at the end.
3.5 stars rounded up. Solid main characters but I didn’t really connect with them. The plot was believable and had some good surprise twists towards the end, but I did figure out the culprit early on.
All in all an enjoyable, quick read if you have some spare time.
3.5 stars rounded up. Solid main characters but I didn’t really connect with them. The plot was believable and had some good surprise twists towards the end, but I did figure out the culprit early on.
All in all an enjoyable, quick read if you have some spare time.
October 16, 2024
Such a good book, as a student midwife this had me feeling all kinds of emotions and it was difficult to put the book down. At certain point audibke gasps came out my mouth. Highly recommend giving this book a read.
November 18, 2024
I couldn't put the book down, and I finished it in less than 24 hours. The unexpected twists and turns kept my heart racing, and my mind engaged from the very first chapter to the thrilling conclusion!
At the heart of this riveting story are three women whose lives become irrevocably intertwined following a shocking incident of mothers being overdosed on medication. As the investigation progresses, chilling evidence emerges, pointing to one midwife as a possible participant in the heinous crime. This unsettling revelation ignites a whirlwind of tensions and suspicions among the characters, creating a complex web of intrigue that is both captivating and profoundly unsettling.
The author has expertly crafted the narrative, layering it with deep secrets, unexpected betrayals, and an escalating sense of suspense that made me desperate to uncover the truth. Each character is meticulously developed, with backstories that add richness and complexity to the unfolding drama. As Katie, Erica, and Sue navigate their intertwined lives amidst the chaos, the stakes rise dramatically, leading to heart-wrenching and thought-provoking moments.
The story's emotional depth is palpable; I formed an intense attachment to the characters as they grappled with their fears, regrets, and hopes. The exploration of trust in the maternity services offered to the expectant mothers made the narrative resonate personally, further enhancing my investment in their fates.
This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who enjoys psychological crime thrillers. It does more than entertain; it skilfully weaves a tale rich with intrigue and emotional complexity, creating an unforgettable experience long after turning the last page.
Whether you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat suspense, character-driven drama, or classic who-done-it mysteries, this story promises to leave you captivated and pondering its themes long after you finish it!
At the heart of this riveting story are three women whose lives become irrevocably intertwined following a shocking incident of mothers being overdosed on medication. As the investigation progresses, chilling evidence emerges, pointing to one midwife as a possible participant in the heinous crime. This unsettling revelation ignites a whirlwind of tensions and suspicions among the characters, creating a complex web of intrigue that is both captivating and profoundly unsettling.
The author has expertly crafted the narrative, layering it with deep secrets, unexpected betrayals, and an escalating sense of suspense that made me desperate to uncover the truth. Each character is meticulously developed, with backstories that add richness and complexity to the unfolding drama. As Katie, Erica, and Sue navigate their intertwined lives amidst the chaos, the stakes rise dramatically, leading to heart-wrenching and thought-provoking moments.
The story's emotional depth is palpable; I formed an intense attachment to the characters as they grappled with their fears, regrets, and hopes. The exploration of trust in the maternity services offered to the expectant mothers made the narrative resonate personally, further enhancing my investment in their fates.
This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who enjoys psychological crime thrillers. It does more than entertain; it skilfully weaves a tale rich with intrigue and emotional complexity, creating an unforgettable experience long after turning the last page.
Whether you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat suspense, character-driven drama, or classic who-done-it mysteries, this story promises to leave you captivated and pondering its themes long after you finish it!
December 23, 2024
Anna Schofield delivers a tense and gripping thriller with The Midwives, a story that masterfully combines the raw emotions of motherhood with the chilling reality of betrayal and obsession.The Midwives explores themes of trust, obsession, and the psychological toll of unfulfilled desires. It also raises questions about the lengths people will go to achieve their dreams and the blurred lines between care and control. The Midwives is a compelling and atmospheric thriller that keeps readers on edge while delving into the emotional complexities of motherhood and trust. Anna Schofield crafts a chilling narrative where every character harbors secrets, and no one is above suspicion.
A must-read for fans of domestic suspense and psychological thrillers with unique settings and emotionally charged plots.
A must-read for fans of domestic suspense and psychological thrillers with unique settings and emotionally charged plots.
December 7, 2024
Katie, Erica and Sue are used to being heroes, not villains, as colleagues on the labour ward, so when one of them is arrested, the others must protect and reassure the pregnant women in their care that the danger has passed.
But has this danger passed. how do you convince anyone that you are not there to harm anyone and only there to help. Eyes are looking at all staff, a trusting profession, surely one of them has not turned rouge.
A really interesting read. Not sure what I was expecting from this book but as it turns out I really did enjoy it. A gripping yet horrifying story to follow.. Really did keep me guessing and wondering.
Very well written and a book that tugs at your emotions while reading.
But has this danger passed. how do you convince anyone that you are not there to harm anyone and only there to help. Eyes are looking at all staff, a trusting profession, surely one of them has not turned rouge.
A really interesting read. Not sure what I was expecting from this book but as it turns out I really did enjoy it. A gripping yet horrifying story to follow.. Really did keep me guessing and wondering.
Very well written and a book that tugs at your emotions while reading.
October 12, 2024
Many thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.
I tore through this book at a rate of knots after quickly becoming absorbed in the story.
The Midwives is a fast paced, twisty thriller which focuses on Sue, Katie and Erica who are all midwives at the same hospital working alongside each other who become embroiled in a scandal after one is accused of drugging young mothers whilst on the wards but which one of them is telling the truth?
Gripping, suspenseful and at various points creepy with a side order of betrayal this book had everything I enjoy in a book-I've already recommended it to a friend and will continue to do so.
I tore through this book at a rate of knots after quickly becoming absorbed in the story.
The Midwives is a fast paced, twisty thriller which focuses on Sue, Katie and Erica who are all midwives at the same hospital working alongside each other who become embroiled in a scandal after one is accused of drugging young mothers whilst on the wards but which one of them is telling the truth?
Gripping, suspenseful and at various points creepy with a side order of betrayal this book had everything I enjoy in a book-I've already recommended it to a friend and will continue to do so.
November 29, 2025
This was my first time reading this author, and what a discovery! From the very first chapter I was completely drawn in, the story is gripping, the pacing relentless, and the characters so vividly written.
I genuinely couldn’t put it down; I read through the night and didn’t sleep because I had to know what happened next. Schofield balances tension and emotion beautifully, making every twist feel both shocking and believable.
If you’re looking for a novel that will keep you hooked from start to finish, this is it. I’ll definitely be seeking out more of her work.
I genuinely couldn’t put it down; I read through the night and didn’t sleep because I had to know what happened next. Schofield balances tension and emotion beautifully, making every twist feel both shocking and believable.
If you’re looking for a novel that will keep you hooked from start to finish, this is it. I’ll definitely be seeking out more of her work.
October 18, 2024
I feel,like I’m the odd one out with this book but I just found it too predictable. I can’t say that I bonded with any of the characters and it was so obvious what was going on almost from the beginning.
November 12, 2024
Enjoyed this book.
Yes, there was a predictably about it but that didn’t ruin the enjoyment.
Yes, there was a predictably about it but that didn’t ruin the enjoyment.
December 15, 2024
Listened to the audiobook. Easy to follow, not too complex, a little predictable but enjoyable
May 8, 2025
Pretty good read this one 😊
July 17, 2025
Loved this book !!!
Great book and great characters!
New Author and I will definitely read more of her !
Checking now to see what else she has published !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great book and great characters!
New Author and I will definitely read more of her !
Checking now to see what else she has published !
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews