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Mother Knows Best
She would do anything for her son. Even if it’s against his wishes.
Adam and Beth live a modest but happy married life in Portland, Oregon. The tranquility is shattered when Adam receives a phone call from the His mother has suffered an accident and needs him. Incapacitated by her broken hip, Adam and Beth extend their invitation to her during her recovery.
At first, the arrangement seems idyllic. Home-cooked meals grace their table, laundry is effortlessly managed, and a newfound harmony blossoms between Beth and Adam’s mom. However, the peaceful interlude is short-lived. The presence of Adam’s mom soon ignites a series of small problems that escalate into conflicts, creating a rift between Adam and Beth. Caught between two fires, Adam must pick a side. Hoping to salvage their marriage, he makes the difficult decision of sending his mom home.
But peace eludes them even after that. The departure of Adam’s mom does not stem the tide of misfortunes that continue berating them. With each passing day, something bad happens to the couple. Is it a coincidence, or are they facing a deliberate act of sabotage?
Adam and Beth live a modest but happy married life in Portland, Oregon. The tranquility is shattered when Adam receives a phone call from the His mother has suffered an accident and needs him. Incapacitated by her broken hip, Adam and Beth extend their invitation to her during her recovery.
At first, the arrangement seems idyllic. Home-cooked meals grace their table, laundry is effortlessly managed, and a newfound harmony blossoms between Beth and Adam’s mom. However, the peaceful interlude is short-lived. The presence of Adam’s mom soon ignites a series of small problems that escalate into conflicts, creating a rift between Adam and Beth. Caught between two fires, Adam must pick a side. Hoping to salvage their marriage, he makes the difficult decision of sending his mom home.
But peace eludes them even after that. The departure of Adam’s mom does not stem the tide of misfortunes that continue berating them. With each passing day, something bad happens to the couple. Is it a coincidence, or are they facing a deliberate act of sabotage?
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2024
269 people are currently reading
277 people want to read
About the author
Boris Bacic
54 books467 followers"Boris is my favorite author on Nosleep, he's always killing it with his stories!"
"The security guard series is the best one ever!!"
"I love the subtle connection between each story."
"Like R.L. Stine, but better."
"I want to see this book as a Netflix mini-series!"
"No one can scare me like Boris."
Both traditionally and self-published, Boris is a prolific writer whose horror novels often find themselves on the #1 bestselling ranks. With the books he has published, he is quickly becoming a big name in the horror community.
His stories have been narrated by famous YouTube and podcast narrators, including MrCreepypasta, CreepsMcPasta, DrCreepen, etc. His book, Tales of a Security Guard, is currently in the works to become a short film.
"The security guard series is the best one ever!!"
"I love the subtle connection between each story."
"Like R.L. Stine, but better."
"I want to see this book as a Netflix mini-series!"
"No one can scare me like Boris."
Both traditionally and self-published, Boris is a prolific writer whose horror novels often find themselves on the #1 bestselling ranks. With the books he has published, he is quickly becoming a big name in the horror community.
His stories have been narrated by famous YouTube and podcast narrators, including MrCreepypasta, CreepsMcPasta, DrCreepen, etc. His book, Tales of a Security Guard, is currently in the works to become a short film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 12, 2025
3.5 stars. This was a real-life horror scenario that I have nightmares about. My in-laws are some of the nastiest, hurtful, and unsavory people that I’ve ever met. Horribly abusive to my wife and towards my family, which is why they’re no longer in contact with us. And, full disclosure, I wouldn’t piss on either of them if they were engulfed in flames. So, the thought of my mother-in-law living in my house makes me shiver to the core. Now, in this story, we have our leads, Adam and Beth, a newly married couple, forced to take Adam’s overbearing mother in after an injury. And there was some slick maneuvering here, with Adam’s mother slipping in snide comments, unnecessary critiques, and pushy suggestions, on her son’s wife and their relationship. Again, the stuff that would make any married couple’s skin crawl. Adam’s character really drove me nuts. Not saying that Beth wasn’t responsible for some of the mishaps, but Adam was absolutely the root cause of the majority of the issues. He continually put his mother ahead of his wife, which was not right. Beth strived to support him and his questionable thoughts and decisions, but he kept reverting back to momma. And at the halfway mark, something significant happened and I literally blurted out, “Oh God, no.” It just took him way too long to begin to take action, making me, as a husband and father, want to slug him. On the critique side, I wanted to know much more about Beth’s troubled past. She needed some additional layering, before everything at the end happened. And the shift from Adam’s mother going from annoying to hurtful to evil was a bit of a stretch, so I also wanted some more development on her character to ease those quick transitions, too. There is an abrupt twist towards the end, which I really disliked. It just didn’t make a ton of sense and felt very unnecessary, subduing all of the plot points up to that point. If anything, it hurt the entire experience, rather than enhancing it. Still providing some good cringe-worthy and nerve-racking moments, it’s a decent enough psychological thriller to entertain most fans of the genre.
April 29, 2024
One of the most ridiculous endings I've ever read
I'm never one to do this but oh my god what utter rubbish did I just read?! Please do not waste your time with this book. The ending wasn't a twist.. it was absolutely stupid. I wish I could go back and not read it in the first place!
I'm never one to do this but oh my god what utter rubbish did I just read?! Please do not waste your time with this book. The ending wasn't a twist.. it was absolutely stupid. I wish I could go back and not read it in the first place!
February 23, 2025
While the twist was gripping the MMC was insufferable.
March 29, 2024
Great storyline, BUT...
54 years old/Gen X is NOT the geriatric generation you made this woman out to be. A broken hip? Surprise at her owning a flat screen TV? Total unawareness of any health consciousness whatsoever? All the "in my day" stories? Women meeting the girls out for a drink after work being unheard of for that generation? Oh and my personal favorite, no concept of remote work?
DUDE. WTF? I would have given 5 stars if I wasn't, as a 49 y/o woman, so GD insulted.
54 years old/Gen X is NOT the geriatric generation you made this woman out to be. A broken hip? Surprise at her owning a flat screen TV? Total unawareness of any health consciousness whatsoever? All the "in my day" stories? Women meeting the girls out for a drink after work being unheard of for that generation? Oh and my personal favorite, no concept of remote work?
DUDE. WTF? I would have given 5 stars if I wasn't, as a 49 y/o woman, so GD insulted.
April 19, 2024
This one was a nail biter!!
April 22, 2025
Never disappoints! Great read!!!
July 10, 2024
There were three main things that bothered me about this book:
1. The writing style is so simplistic and repetitive that at some points I almost thought I was rereading a page by accident. And, to be fair, I believe the author is Serbian, so I am assuming English is not his native language and I understand why it is that way, but it's a bit boring to read.
2. The main characters, especially Adam, are so wildly inconsistent. This man goes from defending his wife to deciding it's her fault in half a page without gathering any new information to make him change his mind at all.
3. The twist in this book does not only come flying out of left field, leaving you with what feels like an entirely different book afterwards, it is also a book that I predicted the twist of by guessing what would be the most random choice that could be made.
1. The writing style is so simplistic and repetitive that at some points I almost thought I was rereading a page by accident. And, to be fair, I believe the author is Serbian, so I am assuming English is not his native language and I understand why it is that way, but it's a bit boring to read.
2. The main characters, especially Adam, are so wildly inconsistent. This man goes from defending his wife to deciding it's her fault in half a page without gathering any new information to make him change his mind at all.
3. The twist in this book does not only come flying out of left field, leaving you with what feels like an entirely different book afterwards, it is also a book that I predicted the twist of by guessing what would be the most random choice that could be made.
April 9, 2024
Fun, thrilling, twisty/twisted, wild & crazy, tantalizing read! (No spoilers.. ever…)
You know what? I just seem to love everything author Boris Bacic crafts.
And here again, I found Mother Knows Best to be extremely entertaining. As well as creative, especially pertaining to the unique & much appreciated “not your average psych triller” plot, the characters’ personalities, thoughts, & actions, the truly mind bending & shocking twists, & lastly - the ending.
The conclusion is 100% satisfying.
Bacic is exceptionally skilled in the use of emotive language. Readers have no option but to (enthusiastically) join the story’s characters on their emotional & psychological journeys.
Their experiences span the gamut of human feelings & thoughts. And right along with them, I often felt empathy, love, anger & even fury, confusion, compassion, vindictiveness, grief, joy, regret, patience, the urge to be passive aggressive, suspicious, frustration, life being just short of within my control, loyalty, self righteous, hope, cornered into doing the wrong things for the right reasons, & so much more.
Add in Bacic’s master level writing ability in general - often shinning bright within his character development, comprehensive & logical histories, colorful & crystal clear world building, & lively dialogue which really drives the perfect pacing of this story - & it’s an all around brilliant read.
I highly recommend Mother Knows Best, as well as any book written by Bacic.
Readers who favor specific types of stories - spanning far too many genres to list here - will enjoy Bacic’s work. He offers up a bit of everything, which fans of Boris Bacic (& soon to be fans ;) appreciate & find ceaselessly tantalizing.
Absolutely worthy of inclusion within even the most limited of people’s available reading time.
5 Psych Triller Stars
You know what? I just seem to love everything author Boris Bacic crafts.
And here again, I found Mother Knows Best to be extremely entertaining. As well as creative, especially pertaining to the unique & much appreciated “not your average psych triller” plot, the characters’ personalities, thoughts, & actions, the truly mind bending & shocking twists, & lastly - the ending.
The conclusion is 100% satisfying.
Bacic is exceptionally skilled in the use of emotive language. Readers have no option but to (enthusiastically) join the story’s characters on their emotional & psychological journeys.
Their experiences span the gamut of human feelings & thoughts. And right along with them, I often felt empathy, love, anger & even fury, confusion, compassion, vindictiveness, grief, joy, regret, patience, the urge to be passive aggressive, suspicious, frustration, life being just short of within my control, loyalty, self righteous, hope, cornered into doing the wrong things for the right reasons, & so much more.
Add in Bacic’s master level writing ability in general - often shinning bright within his character development, comprehensive & logical histories, colorful & crystal clear world building, & lively dialogue which really drives the perfect pacing of this story - & it’s an all around brilliant read.
I highly recommend Mother Knows Best, as well as any book written by Bacic.
Readers who favor specific types of stories - spanning far too many genres to list here - will enjoy Bacic’s work. He offers up a bit of everything, which fans of Boris Bacic (& soon to be fans ;) appreciate & find ceaselessly tantalizing.
Absolutely worthy of inclusion within even the most limited of people’s available reading time.
5 Psych Triller Stars
March 17, 2024
A Protective Mother
Adam feels he is very fortunate to have such a caring mother who is good to his wife as well. However, when his mother has an accident Adam invites her to stay with them for four weeks much against his wife's wishes. Why is Beth not happy with this arrangement? Is it because his mother becomes such a controlling force in their lives? Finally, Adam and Beth are tired of her domination and he asks her to go back to her house. Unfortunately, circumstances change for the worse for Adam and Beth and they are forced to live with his mother. For Beth, it is a nightmare. A page turner with jaw dropping twists and an ending which is shocking. I like the author's graphic portrayal of each character, especially the mother.
Adam feels he is very fortunate to have such a caring mother who is good to his wife as well. However, when his mother has an accident Adam invites her to stay with them for four weeks much against his wife's wishes. Why is Beth not happy with this arrangement? Is it because his mother becomes such a controlling force in their lives? Finally, Adam and Beth are tired of her domination and he asks her to go back to her house. Unfortunately, circumstances change for the worse for Adam and Beth and they are forced to live with his mother. For Beth, it is a nightmare. A page turner with jaw dropping twists and an ending which is shocking. I like the author's graphic portrayal of each character, especially the mother.
April 27, 2024
“You’d be surprised at the kinds of parents that exist out there.”
“Not my mom. She’s not like that.”
Set in Portland, Oregon and Casper, Wyoming.
Adam and Beth Miller (both late twenties) have been together for three years: dating for two years, and now married for one.
Adam is a physics professor at the university. Beth does coding in a remote, WFH position.
When Adam’s mother (54) falls and breaks her hip, the couple face a dilemma.
Beth is a cult survivor. She has a mysterious tattoo on her wrist.
Adam has always been extremely close with his mother. He does not think he has mommy issues.
This book starts out super tame for a Boris Bacic novel.
Very absorbing. Well paced, with smooth flow of information and reveals.
Realizations begin to creep in for Adam.
A series of unfortunate events coincide with mom’s departure.
85% borders on too late for a Big Reveal…
Twists and turns continue, right up until the conclusion.
A killer ending. Even better epilogue.
“Oh, Bethany. You’ve been up to no good, haven’t you?”
“Not my mom. She’s not like that.”
Set in Portland, Oregon and Casper, Wyoming.
Adam and Beth Miller (both late twenties) have been together for three years: dating for two years, and now married for one.
Adam is a physics professor at the university. Beth does coding in a remote, WFH position.
When Adam’s mother (54) falls and breaks her hip, the couple face a dilemma.
Beth is a cult survivor. She has a mysterious tattoo on her wrist.
Adam has always been extremely close with his mother. He does not think he has mommy issues.
This book starts out super tame for a Boris Bacic novel.
Very absorbing. Well paced, with smooth flow of information and reveals.
Realizations begin to creep in for Adam.
A series of unfortunate events coincide with mom’s departure.
85% borders on too late for a Big Reveal…
Twists and turns continue, right up until the conclusion.
A killer ending. Even better epilogue.
“Oh, Bethany. You’ve been up to no good, haven’t you?”
January 3, 2025
A young married couple does the right thing by bringing in his mom to live with them after breaking her hip but as soon as she's up and moving around the house she starts to create havoc for the wife. Adam and Beth were a happy couple, just starting out and excited to start a family. Beth had a rough childhood being raised in a cult that she was able to escape from to start her healing journey with Adam, her college professor husband. But Adam's mom is far from supportive of Beth and once she got in their house she cooked meals that made Beth ill and she almost killed her by putting nuts in cake fully knowing that Beth had a deathly allergy. Of course I hated the mom and was totally team Beth but you have to wait for the ending... Maybe Mother does know best! Chilling psychological thrill ride
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May 8, 2025
"Some people only understand the language of violence."
WHERE DO I EVEN START?!
It was so unexpectedly good! (At least to me.) Though 60% felt like romance fiction mixed with drama, and the ending was so out of place, I believe other aspects of the story can make up for that. For example, the writing is great, liked it very much; Adam was stupid and silly sometimes, but reasonable at times and "cute" towards his wife most of the time... and they felt real, like real people who commit mistakes.
There are some plot holes and I would've like to know more after the ending, I didn't expect to be so invested. 3 stars!
"But most of all, he's crying because he misses his mom..."
WHERE DO I EVEN START?!
It was so unexpectedly good! (At least to me.) Though 60% felt like romance fiction mixed with drama, and the ending was so out of place, I believe other aspects of the story can make up for that. For example, the writing is great, liked it very much; Adam was stupid and silly sometimes, but reasonable at times and "cute" towards his wife most of the time... and they felt real, like real people who commit mistakes.
There are some plot holes and I would've like to know more after the ending, I didn't expect to be so invested. 3 stars!
"But most of all, he's crying because he misses his mom..."
June 23, 2024
Boris Bacic is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. His ability to create unique, dynamic characters keeps the books he writes entertaining and fresh. When you are an avid reader, you find that some books just kind of follow similar story lines and twists. Boris, like with this book, keeps you reeled in and invested in what is going on. He uses relatable scenarios to truly instill trepidation in the reader.
With 'Mother Knows Best,' it was so relatable. The issues the main character face are things we actually deal with. Boris just expertly adds a new hidden layer in it to really tie it all together in a shocking reveal. I loved this book!
With 'Mother Knows Best,' it was so relatable. The issues the main character face are things we actually deal with. Boris just expertly adds a new hidden layer in it to really tie it all together in a shocking reveal. I loved this book!
March 17, 2024
Mr Bacic strikes again with another nail-biting thriller!
Boris Bacic is one of my favourite authors for a reason- his books consistently hook me in and I can say the same for ‘Mother Knows Best’. I read this in ONE SITTING!!
I love a ‘monster-in-law’ story, but this had twists that I could never have even imagined!
If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller filled with deception, gaslighting and some pain in the a$$ family- this is for you!!
Boris Bacic is one of my favourite authors for a reason- his books consistently hook me in and I can say the same for ‘Mother Knows Best’. I read this in ONE SITTING!!
I love a ‘monster-in-law’ story, but this had twists that I could never have even imagined!
If you are looking for a fast-paced thriller filled with deception, gaslighting and some pain in the a$$ family- this is for you!!
March 29, 2024
This one is definitely a slow burn thriller! I do have to say some of the twists are predictable, but the twist at the end was worth it!! 👏
The MMC though had me angry and yelling (literally) at the book, hurling every insult I could think of at him!!! 😂😂😂 Boy did he have me mad!! 🤬😂
I would say more but I’d ruin key plot points! 😂 Anywho, I definitely recommend this one, particularly to those who enjoy slow burns! 🤓
The MMC though had me angry and yelling (literally) at the book, hurling every insult I could think of at him!!! 😂😂😂 Boy did he have me mad!! 🤬😂
I would say more but I’d ruin key plot points! 😂 Anywho, I definitely recommend this one, particularly to those who enjoy slow burns! 🤓
April 8, 2024
WOW! Didn’t set that coming!
Once again, I finished this book in one sitting. It seems like it always happens when I read Boris Bacic books. What a twist! Great job Mr. Bacic! I’ve contacted you before and you did respond back but that was a while ago. Always delighted with your books.
Once again, I finished this book in one sitting. It seems like it always happens when I read Boris Bacic books. What a twist! Great job Mr. Bacic! I’ve contacted you before and you did respond back but that was a while ago. Always delighted with your books.
May 1, 2024
Absolutely Gripping!!
I have only recently come across this author when I stumbled across 'Maria' which I highly recommend in addition to this one!! The beautiful prose is addictive, unputdownable and so absorbing. There is nothing to dislike but plenty to like!
Grab this author's books, I promise you won't be disappointed!!!
Thank you Boris 🙂 Next please......
I have only recently come across this author when I stumbled across 'Maria' which I highly recommend in addition to this one!! The beautiful prose is addictive, unputdownable and so absorbing. There is nothing to dislike but plenty to like!
Grab this author's books, I promise you won't be disappointed!!!
Thank you Boris 🙂 Next please......
May 7, 2024
Finding out that Bacic is an author on r/NoSleep made everything suddenly make sense. There’s too much focus on the twist being ‘shocking’ without consideration for what it actually contributes or how it affects the story. It’s all about Bacic having a ‘gotcha, I’m smarter than you’ moment that completely falls flat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2024
Shocking
Loved this! A mother really does know best. Adam and Beth have it all until mother's accident and then the mother-in-law from help comes to live with them.
Do people not say that a daughter wraps her father around her little finger but a son is the Apple of his mother's eye, forever bound by the only the knot of her tied apron.
Loved this! A mother really does know best. Adam and Beth have it all until mother's accident and then the mother-in-law from help comes to live with them.
Do people not say that a daughter wraps her father around her little finger but a son is the Apple of his mother's eye, forever bound by the only the knot of her tied apron.
July 25, 2024
Pretty good read. If you have a mother-in-law from hell, I would recommend reading this. Adam was/is a mama’s boy. He marries Beth and moves away but after an accident, his mother comes to live with them for a month. He begins to see a lot of negativity between his mother and Beth and feels he has to take a side. Whose side does his take ? Read the book. Very surprising ending.
September 4, 2024
This will definitely give me nightmares as it’s relatable unfortunately. This book can really make you think of trauma dealing w in-laws. As far as thrillers go it was okay, the twist towards the end was pointless and did nothing to add to the emotion of the storyline. The end just left me annoyed and frustrated.
December 17, 2024
Mother Knows Best - to be determined!
If you've read the book 'Mommie Dearest' or not, 'Mother Knows Best' is chip off of the same ole block of crazy. Writer Boris Bacic has created a story that never lets you feel comfortable with the characters. This book lives up to its subtitle, (Gripping Psychology Thrillers). Don't miss this book! - Mr.Bill
If you've read the book 'Mommie Dearest' or not, 'Mother Knows Best' is chip off of the same ole block of crazy. Writer Boris Bacic has created a story that never lets you feel comfortable with the characters. This book lives up to its subtitle, (Gripping Psychology Thrillers). Don't miss this book! - Mr.Bill
March 22, 2025
The best book of the series for me !! I felt so much emotion reading this book : happiness, sadness, shock, anger, wanting to scream “why” so many time !!!
It was the most addictive book I’ve read in a long time !!! Still think of it, especially the end !!!
Rating : 5⭐️
Yes all the series was 5⭐️ it was soooo amazing!!!
It was the most addictive book I’ve read in a long time !!! Still think of it, especially the end !!!
Rating : 5⭐️
Yes all the series was 5⭐️ it was soooo amazing!!!
March 21, 2024
Mother
Adam Miller has a perfect life. A great job,loving wife, everything is perfect. Things change when his mother comes to stay. Then things get even worse. Unexpected ending, fast-paced tension filled read. How far would you go for the ones you love?
Adam Miller has a perfect life. A great job,loving wife, everything is perfect. Things change when his mother comes to stay. Then things get even worse. Unexpected ending, fast-paced tension filled read. How far would you go for the ones you love?
March 28, 2024
Brilliant
This is one of these books where it captures your attention for the whole book. You know something weird and wonderful is going to happen but you can't make out what it is. It was very easy to read and follow. A great story from start to finish
This is one of these books where it captures your attention for the whole book. You know something weird and wonderful is going to happen but you can't make out what it is. It was very easy to read and follow. A great story from start to finish
May 19, 2024
Interesting
This book about an overbearing mother was worth reading and I enjoyed it. The ending was a surprise but not realistic at all. What I got from this is that things are never what they seem and don’t trust anyone!
This book about an overbearing mother was worth reading and I enjoyed it. The ending was a surprise but not realistic at all. What I got from this is that things are never what they seem and don’t trust anyone!
August 13, 2024
So disappointed in this book. It had a lot of promise and at times I was completely furious with the characters decisions, however I completely despised the plot twist. I found it unrealistic and it ruined the rest of the book completely.
November 20, 2024
There's nothing wrong with this, and I had a pretty good time reading, but the story is very simple. There are only three characters, only one possible direction from which a surprise might come, and the title actually gives it all away.
January 16, 2025
This was awful. Truly a terrible book. Like a wreck I couldn’t stop watching. I really could have used the 7 1/2 hours of this audio book listening to my garden grow. And the last five chapters seem like the author didn’t know how to finish and passed it to someone else to finish.
March 26, 2024
Good story, but that Adam was one dumb bozo🤣
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews