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Not My Mother
Jake’s mom went to hospital. Someone else came back.Carly has a complicated personal life. She’s been the mistress of famous artist Nelson Carter for the past five years. Now Nelson has finally left his wife Amanda, but instead of committing to Carly, he’s indulging in a series of one-night stands.She has had enough and is about to leave him when a vicious attack on Amanda means Carly has to put her plans on hold to care for Nelson’s traumatized ten-year-old son, Jake.Only when Amanda is released from hospital can Carly finally move on with her life.But then a frightened Jake confides a disturbing secret - ‘That’s not my mom’. He is convinced the woman who came home from hospital is an imposter.Carly tries to brush this off, but she can see that Amanda’s behavior does seem strange. And when someone targets Jake, Carly realizes she has to get to the truth of what’s happening.A decision that leads her step by terrifying step towards a dark secret that will change her life forever.Not My Mother – the terrifying psychological thriller perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Kiersten Modglin, Daniel Hurst.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2024
847 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
April 19, 2024
This thriller was fast-paced with characters that I grew to care about. I loved the heartwarming relationship between Carly and Jake. The author did a masterful job showing their close bond. I always enjoy when thrillers can entertain, keep me on the edge of my seat, and also touch my heart. This book could easily be enjoyed in a single sitting. I think this would make an amazing mini-series on Netflix. The plot was suspenseful and intense with twists I never saw coming. This is not the first book I have read by this author and definitely will not be the last. Thank you Booksprout for my copy.
April 12, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Inkubator Books for this book in exchange for my honest review.
Jake’s mom went to hospital. Someone else came back.
Carly has a complicated personal life. She’s been the mistress of famous artist Nelson Carter for the past five years. Now Nelson has finally left his wife Amanda, but instead of committing to Carly, he’s indulging in a series of one-night stands.
She has had enough and is about to leave him when a vicious attack on Amanda means Carly has to put her plans on hold to care for Nelson’s traumatized ten-year-old son, Jake.
Only when Amanda is released from hospital can Carly finally move on with her life.
But then a frightened Jake confides a disturbing secret – ‘That’s not my mom’. He is convinced the woman who came home from hospital is an imposter.
Carly tries to brush this off, but she can see that Amanda’s behavior does seem strange. And when someone targets Jake, Carly realizes she has to get to the truth of what’s happening.
A decision that leads her step by terrifying step towards a dark secret that will change her life forever.
This book was slow to start but once it got started, it never stopped. I absolutely fell in love with Jake just like the main character did. I found myself pissed off with half of the characters and I wanted to slap them for only caring about themselves.
I was blown away with the plot and really didn't guess where it was going. Maybe others guessed it but I sure didn't. I am excited to read more by them.
Jake’s mom went to hospital. Someone else came back.
Carly has a complicated personal life. She’s been the mistress of famous artist Nelson Carter for the past five years. Now Nelson has finally left his wife Amanda, but instead of committing to Carly, he’s indulging in a series of one-night stands.
She has had enough and is about to leave him when a vicious attack on Amanda means Carly has to put her plans on hold to care for Nelson’s traumatized ten-year-old son, Jake.
Only when Amanda is released from hospital can Carly finally move on with her life.
But then a frightened Jake confides a disturbing secret – ‘That’s not my mom’. He is convinced the woman who came home from hospital is an imposter.
Carly tries to brush this off, but she can see that Amanda’s behavior does seem strange. And when someone targets Jake, Carly realizes she has to get to the truth of what’s happening.
A decision that leads her step by terrifying step towards a dark secret that will change her life forever.
This book was slow to start but once it got started, it never stopped. I absolutely fell in love with Jake just like the main character did. I found myself pissed off with half of the characters and I wanted to slap them for only caring about themselves.
I was blown away with the plot and really didn't guess where it was going. Maybe others guessed it but I sure didn't. I am excited to read more by them.
April 27, 2024
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Carly Michaelson unwittingly entangled herself in the lives of Nelson Carter’s family. As the threads tightened, dark secrets started to emerge. But it might be too late to save his innocent son, Jake, and herself.
The prologue intrigued me, but unfortunately, it went downhill from that point forward. The writing was dull and lacked the intensity needed for the genre. The characters were one-dimensional, and everyone seemed asinine and incompetent. The only thing I liked about the book was Jake.
Not My Mother had a promising premise but regrettably lacked in the execution.
🔹️⚜️🔹️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🔹️⚜️🔹️
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
Type: Standalone
POV: First Person - Female
Rating:
Carly Michaelson unwittingly entangled herself in the lives of Nelson Carter’s family. As the threads tightened, dark secrets started to emerge. But it might be too late to save his innocent son, Jake, and herself.
The prologue intrigued me, but unfortunately, it went downhill from that point forward. The writing was dull and lacked the intensity needed for the genre. The characters were one-dimensional, and everyone seemed asinine and incompetent. The only thing I liked about the book was Jake.
Not My Mother had a promising premise but regrettably lacked in the execution.
🔹️⚜️🔹️. . . (F)BR with Twinsie CC . . . 🔹️⚜️🔹️
For more reviews/interviews/book talk/promo visit:
For graphics, trailers & author services visit Warhawke Design Studio.
April 27, 2024
This book was gripping. From the first page, the action started, and it kept up until the end. There was a predictable twist, but that did not take away from the story at all. There were unexpected twists throughout the book, and at times, I wasn't sure what or who to believe. The drama was intense, and the suspense building was palpable in this book. I loved Carly and Jake's relationship. It was endearing to see how much they cared for each other. Watching their relationship develop was the highlight of this book for me. This could definitely be turned into a movie script!
Thank you NetGalley, Booksprout and Inkubator Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley, Booksprout and Inkubator Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 15, 2025
Not My Mother by Theo Baxter is a twisty suspenseful thriller that will draw you in quickly and won’t let you go until the end. Carly has a busy life. She illustrates books, is trying to become an artist displayed in galleries, and spending time with her long time boyfriend Nelson and his son Jake. When she finally realizes that she’s only staying with Nelson, a serial cheater who is also married to Jake’s mom, she decides to distance herself. But when she gets a call asking her to pick up Jake because his mother has been in an accident, she finds herself pulled back in. Loving Jake is easy, and she finds it impossible to stay away, and as Jake’s mother slowly recovers from her accident which has caused amnesia, she finds it impossible to stay away. Especially after Jake tells her in tears, that this woman is Not My Mother.
This fast paced twisted thriller will keep you holding on tight, because it’s a bumpy ride. Theo Baxter quickly draws you in, upping the suspense and drama, while delivering mouth dropping surprises. I definitely recommend this book to fans of Freida McFadden and Kiersten Modglin.
This fast paced twisted thriller will keep you holding on tight, because it’s a bumpy ride. Theo Baxter quickly draws you in, upping the suspense and drama, while delivering mouth dropping surprises. I definitely recommend this book to fans of Freida McFadden and Kiersten Modglin.
April 30, 2024
This is the first time reading book by this author but it definitely won't be my last. This book was really good.
Never underestimate the words of children. Children may have active imaginations but they are a good judges of character. Jake knew his parents were irresponsible and didn't really care about him but he always found comfort in his father's mistress.
I don't condone cheating but Carly was willing to walk through fire for Jake and protect him from everything including his parents.
When Jake's mom Amanda suffered amnesia from an attack; Jake noticed his "mother" acting out of character. In fact, Amanda was so different that Jake was convinced that she was not his mother. With no one to turn to he confides in Carly and the after some stealth detective work by her and Jake they found that Jake's assumptions held merit.
Time was of the essence with Carly hiring a PI to investigate and the findings proved to be deadly. Now Carly is Jake's only hope.
Can she save her former lover's son before it's to late?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Never underestimate the words of children. Children may have active imaginations but they are a good judges of character. Jake knew his parents were irresponsible and didn't really care about him but he always found comfort in his father's mistress.
I don't condone cheating but Carly was willing to walk through fire for Jake and protect him from everything including his parents.
When Jake's mom Amanda suffered amnesia from an attack; Jake noticed his "mother" acting out of character. In fact, Amanda was so different that Jake was convinced that she was not his mother. With no one to turn to he confides in Carly and the after some stealth detective work by her and Jake they found that Jake's assumptions held merit.
Time was of the essence with Carly hiring a PI to investigate and the findings proved to be deadly. Now Carly is Jake's only hope.
Can she save her former lover's son before it's to late?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2025
Wow. Not My Mother is not for the weak of heart.
This book had me just as angry as Carly. Truly wondering why Jake was being as neglected and abused by BOTH parents.
It’s crazy how the only person that even took the time to listen to the concerns Jake had about his mother, Amanda was Carly. And that Nelson did everything in his power to land him exactly where he ended up.
The trauma, the darkness & the rage.
The ending got me. Almost had me here sobbing
This book had me just as angry as Carly. Truly wondering why Jake was being as neglected and abused by BOTH parents.
It’s crazy how the only person that even took the time to listen to the concerns Jake had about his mother, Amanda was Carly. And that Nelson did everything in his power to land him exactly where he ended up.
The trauma, the darkness & the rage.
The ending got me. Almost had me here sobbing
May 22, 2024
This is one wild book! I loved the little boy Jake who was both kind and smart. While his parents won’t win any parenting awards, he later insists that the woman who returned from the hospital is not his mom. She is even nastier than the mom before her attack! And the dad is about as bad. The prior mistress of the dad is determined to take care of the boy and find out the truth! And Hans just sounds delicious!
May 7, 2024
First, I want to thank Theo Baxter, Inkubator Books and Zooloo Book Tours for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
WOW!! Theo Baxter’s books keep getting better and better! I absolutely adored his latest fast paced suspenseful psychological thriller Not My Mother! This is a book that will really keep you on your toes! It is a definite must read.
Within the first line of the book I was drawed into the storyline as the beginning was so intense! I knew right from that first page that I was going to love this book and I did!
Jake pulled hard on my heart strings big time! Such a young kid dealing so much with his parents and Carley. No child should have to feel all the feels he did.
I was team Carly all along!! I totally empathize with the relationship she had with Nelson as I was in a similar one years ago. The more I learned about Nelson and how he treated Carly, Jake and Amanda the more I despised him. Oh there were times I was yelling at my Kindle because of him!
The whole time I am reading this I questioned is Amanda really that dumb?! Hello her husband has been cheating on you for years, she is taking care of your child, and you are clueless about who she really is to him?! For this fact and many other reasons Amanda irked me!
This is another book that reminds me that being single is not so bad after all!
Carly’s career as an artist interested me especially the fact that she designed book covers.
Oh there were shocking jaw dropping moments that left me absolutely speechless! So many wicked twists, turns and unbelievable outcomes to everything going on. My main question is how did Theo come up with this storyline! It was brilliant!
WOW!! Theo Baxter’s books keep getting better and better! I absolutely adored his latest fast paced suspenseful psychological thriller Not My Mother! This is a book that will really keep you on your toes! It is a definite must read.
Within the first line of the book I was drawed into the storyline as the beginning was so intense! I knew right from that first page that I was going to love this book and I did!
Jake pulled hard on my heart strings big time! Such a young kid dealing so much with his parents and Carley. No child should have to feel all the feels he did.
I was team Carly all along!! I totally empathize with the relationship she had with Nelson as I was in a similar one years ago. The more I learned about Nelson and how he treated Carly, Jake and Amanda the more I despised him. Oh there were times I was yelling at my Kindle because of him!
The whole time I am reading this I questioned is Amanda really that dumb?! Hello her husband has been cheating on you for years, she is taking care of your child, and you are clueless about who she really is to him?! For this fact and many other reasons Amanda irked me!
This is another book that reminds me that being single is not so bad after all!
Carly’s career as an artist interested me especially the fact that she designed book covers.
Oh there were shocking jaw dropping moments that left me absolutely speechless! So many wicked twists, turns and unbelievable outcomes to everything going on. My main question is how did Theo come up with this storyline! It was brilliant!
May 9, 2024
Jake's Mom went to hospital - but it wasn't his Mom that came home.
What a rollercoaster ride this was!! Amanda and Nelson would definitely win the award for being the worst parents. Being a Mam myself I never understand parents who will pass their kids off to anyone that will have them. I really felt for Jake, bless him. He was so grown up for a 10 year old - but then I guess he had to be. I'm so glad he had Carly looking out for him. She showed so much more maternal love than both his parents put together.
I knew there was something with Amanda, but I just couldn't put my finger on what it was. When it was revealed it was like a lightbulb moment and I could have kicked myself for not guessing. My heart was in my mouth quite a few times fearing for Jake and Carly.
Nelson gave me the creeps, the way he used to still slime around Carly even though she told them they were over. Not gonna lie I did have doubts about Hans and a few times wondered if he was too good to be true.
This was a brilliant, fast paced read and Theo Baxter is fast becoming a favourite author.
What a rollercoaster ride this was!! Amanda and Nelson would definitely win the award for being the worst parents. Being a Mam myself I never understand parents who will pass their kids off to anyone that will have them. I really felt for Jake, bless him. He was so grown up for a 10 year old - but then I guess he had to be. I'm so glad he had Carly looking out for him. She showed so much more maternal love than both his parents put together.
I knew there was something with Amanda, but I just couldn't put my finger on what it was. When it was revealed it was like a lightbulb moment and I could have kicked myself for not guessing. My heart was in my mouth quite a few times fearing for Jake and Carly.
Nelson gave me the creeps, the way he used to still slime around Carly even though she told them they were over. Not gonna lie I did have doubts about Hans and a few times wondered if he was too good to be true.
This was a brilliant, fast paced read and Theo Baxter is fast becoming a favourite author.
March 30, 2024
Giving it a solid 2.4 stars because rounding up to 3 feels too generous.
The narrative is fast-paced and engaging, revolving around Carly, who shares a special bond with Jake, the son of her ex-boyfriend. Despite ending their relationship due to dissatisfaction with her role as his mistress, Carly remains a key figure in Jake's life as the only responsible adult. Their lives take a tumultuous turn when Jake's mother suffers an accident, resulting in amnesia.
As the title and blurb suggest, Jake refuses to believe that the woman claiming to be his mother is genuine. Carly is compelled to investigate after a series of peculiar and perilous events.
However, I encountered some issues with the story. The portrayal of the police as lazy and indifferent to compelling evidence felt exaggerated and unrealistic. Similarly, the trivial concern about finding a parking space during a crisis undermined the urgency of the situation. Venturing alone into dangerous situations without adequate protection seemed imprudent and implausible. How will you protect somebody else when you are yourself unprotected and unarmed?
Additionally, the trope of evil monologues serving as distractions felt unnecessary and clichéd. The unresolved storyline regarding Carly's dissatisfaction with her agent added further disappointment. Why drop bread crumbs for a particular subplot and then drop it midway?
There is romance in this book and some supporting characters. But they were all pretty one-dimensional. Her relationship with her new love interest felt hasty and didn't leave any impressions about Hans, the boyfriend. I understand that he is not the focal point, but a few more details would have been appreciated. His character feels blank currently.
While I devoured the book in one sitting, I couldn't shake the feeling of it falling victim to clichés, resulting in a forgettable reading experience. Despite its entertainment value as a one-time read, the lack of originality left me underwhelmed.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for providing me with an advanced digital copy of this book.
The narrative is fast-paced and engaging, revolving around Carly, who shares a special bond with Jake, the son of her ex-boyfriend. Despite ending their relationship due to dissatisfaction with her role as his mistress, Carly remains a key figure in Jake's life as the only responsible adult. Their lives take a tumultuous turn when Jake's mother suffers an accident, resulting in amnesia.
As the title and blurb suggest, Jake refuses to believe that the woman claiming to be his mother is genuine. Carly is compelled to investigate after a series of peculiar and perilous events.
However, I encountered some issues with the story. The portrayal of the police as lazy and indifferent to compelling evidence felt exaggerated and unrealistic. Similarly, the trivial concern about finding a parking space during a crisis undermined the urgency of the situation. Venturing alone into dangerous situations without adequate protection seemed imprudent and implausible. How will you protect somebody else when you are yourself unprotected and unarmed?
Additionally, the trope of evil monologues serving as distractions felt unnecessary and clichéd. The unresolved storyline regarding Carly's dissatisfaction with her agent added further disappointment. Why drop bread crumbs for a particular subplot and then drop it midway?
There is romance in this book and some supporting characters. But they were all pretty one-dimensional. Her relationship with her new love interest felt hasty and didn't leave any impressions about Hans, the boyfriend. I understand that he is not the focal point, but a few more details would have been appreciated. His character feels blank currently.
While I devoured the book in one sitting, I couldn't shake the feeling of it falling victim to clichés, resulting in a forgettable reading experience. Despite its entertainment value as a one-time read, the lack of originality left me underwhelmed.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for providing me with an advanced digital copy of this book.
April 6, 2024
The premise of this book was intriguing but it uncertainly didn’t live up to my expectations. The plot was okay, but it did feel cliche and boring.
The characters also felt under developed and most of the relationships didn’t feel authentic. I didn’t like the romance subplot. I’m not a romance fan so this is just my preference but I felt it was focused too much on it, which also didn’t work for me. The relationships didn’t feel authentic.
The writing was also really bland. There was no emotion and tended to tell us what was happened rather than showing us.
Overall, I am not saying this is a bad book, but it just wasn’t for me. Saying that i was intrigued enough to finish until the end, despite the problems.
The characters also felt under developed and most of the relationships didn’t feel authentic. I didn’t like the romance subplot. I’m not a romance fan so this is just my preference but I felt it was focused too much on it, which also didn’t work for me. The relationships didn’t feel authentic.
The writing was also really bland. There was no emotion and tended to tell us what was happened rather than showing us.
Overall, I am not saying this is a bad book, but it just wasn’t for me. Saying that i was intrigued enough to finish until the end, despite the problems.
April 26, 2024
For once I can say “pulse pounding” is a perfect way to describe this book. I demolished this in one day, staying up past my bedtime to finish it. This one had me guessing, and wondering if I could trust anyone in this story. It’s a work of FICTION and some reviews gasp at the thought of a mom & dad giving their child over freely to someone they don’t really know that well (but come on, how well do you really know your child’s caregiver, teacher, coach, after school caregiver, etc - it’s not that far fetched). The book is sad, as far as the child and what is happening, but it’s so magical how caring and heartfelt the MC is, and I’m glad she was portrayed how she was (flaws and all).
March 29, 2024
3 1/2 stars
April 8, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this!
This was a good, quick read. I thought the main character was very likable and found myself very much rooting for her. I will say, however, I was hoping for one final twist at the end to really spoil that “happy ending”. Overall I thought it was a good read, just thought it could’ve been “twistier”.
This was a good, quick read. I thought the main character was very likable and found myself very much rooting for her. I will say, however, I was hoping for one final twist at the end to really spoil that “happy ending”. Overall I thought it was a good read, just thought it could’ve been “twistier”.
August 12, 2024
started off great and the plot was good but the whole concept of the book was just explained by a pi at the end ?? was an easy read but good for a ‘thriller’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2025
This was so stupid
May 10, 2024
This one seemed a little all over the place and thrown together quickly - the slower pace at the beginning did not match the end nor did the characters match motives. The son in the beginning was a nuisance and within two chapters because the most important thing in the book. Overall not a fave from me but could be for someone else
March 30, 2024
This book was great! I was hooked from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down. I read the entire thing in one afternoon, because I couldn't wait to find out more. I loved the ending as well! Overall, I enjoyed this book very much, and would recommend to other readers.
May 28, 2024
I'm building up quite the collection of books by this author now and if there's one thing that I've learned, it's that we're in for one heck of a read!
I often like to go into books blind anyway - but certainly with an author that I've grown to trust, like Baxter.
Other than the title and cover image, I had no clue what to expect - and I loved it!
As ever, Baxter writes some super intriguing characters and I couldn't help loving Carly and Jake - especially the caring relationship they had together, despite the circumstances.
I don't always love the characters - in this case, Nelson, but have to admit that I do still become engrossed in their lives and stories and enjoy the part that they play within the storylines.
This was a super twisty one and will definitely keep you guessing throughout.
I found that I was on the edge of my seat and racing to find the answers.
Being a mum, I was obviously worried for and rooting for Jake, but there were some moments where I just didn't have a clue where the story would end up.
This was another great read and I honestly don't know how they do it! I've still a fair few books to catch up with....but also can't wait to see what's coming next from this author!
I often like to go into books blind anyway - but certainly with an author that I've grown to trust, like Baxter.
Other than the title and cover image, I had no clue what to expect - and I loved it!
As ever, Baxter writes some super intriguing characters and I couldn't help loving Carly and Jake - especially the caring relationship they had together, despite the circumstances.
I don't always love the characters - in this case, Nelson, but have to admit that I do still become engrossed in their lives and stories and enjoy the part that they play within the storylines.
This was a super twisty one and will definitely keep you guessing throughout.
I found that I was on the edge of my seat and racing to find the answers.
Being a mum, I was obviously worried for and rooting for Jake, but there were some moments where I just didn't have a clue where the story would end up.
This was another great read and I honestly don't know how they do it! I've still a fair few books to catch up with....but also can't wait to see what's coming next from this author!
May 12, 2024
I don’t know how Theo manages to write another corker. He is a firm favourite of mine now, with every book he creates, I am never disappointed.
I don’t have much understanding of imposter syndrome, but I cannot imagine how their family members or themselves would feel.
I really liked Carly, but I do think she definitely needs to be more careful and not be gullible as such. Nelson is just a pig full stop, he started to annoy me. Which is a compliment to the author. I also did find Jake slightly annoying after a while, yes it can’t be nice to be in his position, he’s very young. But he seemed to me, very clingy.
I loved this book, fantastic story plot with fantastic characters.
I don’t have much understanding of imposter syndrome, but I cannot imagine how their family members or themselves would feel.
I really liked Carly, but I do think she definitely needs to be more careful and not be gullible as such. Nelson is just a pig full stop, he started to annoy me. Which is a compliment to the author. I also did find Jake slightly annoying after a while, yes it can’t be nice to be in his position, he’s very young. But he seemed to me, very clingy.
I loved this book, fantastic story plot with fantastic characters.
May 8, 2024
When I see the name of this author I always feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.
This book began with a bang with an intense car chase and from then on in I was hooked. This is gripping a read as Carly finds herself looking after her ex-lover’s son, Jake when his mother, after being attacked can’t remember who he is. There’s a constant sense of menace as Jake is sure that his mother isn’t who she says she is. I felt a deep sense of sympathy for Jake but also admired his bravery, and I loved Carly, with how she stands up to Nelson and her devotion to the young boy. There are enough twists which kept me wondering throughout and at times I felt like the threats were very real. There are truly despicable characters as well, and at one point although I should have felt some pity, I really didn’t.
This is another great book by Theo and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to discover this brilliant author.
This book began with a bang with an intense car chase and from then on in I was hooked. This is gripping a read as Carly finds herself looking after her ex-lover’s son, Jake when his mother, after being attacked can’t remember who he is. There’s a constant sense of menace as Jake is sure that his mother isn’t who she says she is. I felt a deep sense of sympathy for Jake but also admired his bravery, and I loved Carly, with how she stands up to Nelson and her devotion to the young boy. There are enough twists which kept me wondering throughout and at times I felt like the threats were very real. There are truly despicable characters as well, and at one point although I should have felt some pity, I really didn’t.
This is another great book by Theo and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to discover this brilliant author.
May 11, 2024
This is a fast paced thriller that will keep you guessing. There were several times in the book I wondered why the author wrote the story this way and it made me think was this person involved? One example is the main characters brother runs a PI business and the main character needs a PI. Her brother is too busy so recommends her to someone else. Why wouldn’t the brother help? This was a quick read that kept me thinking after finished the book.
May 12, 2024
Not My Mother by Theo Baxter.
I did enjoy this book. I love this author books. This is book 6 I have read. I loved the cover and blurb. Twisty and gripping. Couldn't put it down. I really didn't guess how it was going to go. I was surprised. I love the writing style. I can't wait to read more from Theo. 5*.
I did enjoy this book. I love this author books. This is book 6 I have read. I loved the cover and blurb. Twisty and gripping. Couldn't put it down. I really didn't guess how it was going to go. I was surprised. I love the writing style. I can't wait to read more from Theo. 5*.
May 10, 2024
This book kept me completely hooked throughout and I needed to know what on earth was going on. I found the whole situation that Carly found herself in so bizarre but it also felt terrifyingly real. The plot idea was very clever and brilliantly executed. I didn’t really see some of the parts coming and enjoyed all the twists and turns. A definite recommendation for all thriller lovers!
May 1, 2024
Jake’s mom went to the hospital. Someone else came back. Carly’s personal life is quite complex. For the past five years, she has been in a relationship with renowned artist Nelson Carter. Despite ending his marriage with Amanda, Nelson has not committed to Carly and is instead enjoying a series of casual flings. Carly’s plans to leave him are interrupted when a brutal attack on Amanda requires her to care for Nelson’s traumatized ten-year-old son, Jake. Carly’s life can only move forward once Amanda is discharged from the hospital. Nevertheless, a frightened Jake shares a troubling secret - ‘My mom is not who she appears to be’.
That is a great premise, it really hooked me from the beginning!!
‘Not My Mother’ was a captivating and fast-paced read that held my attention throughout. The lack of concern from the police was the only thing that bothered me. It was a little hard to believe. Yet, I was captivated by the book’s swift tempo and found the ending to be immensely fulfilling. This book by Theo Baxter, was my first, and I’m eager to read more from him.
Many thanks to Theo Baxter @inkubatorbooks & @booksprout for a review copy.
That is a great premise, it really hooked me from the beginning!!
‘Not My Mother’ was a captivating and fast-paced read that held my attention throughout. The lack of concern from the police was the only thing that bothered me. It was a little hard to believe. Yet, I was captivated by the book’s swift tempo and found the ending to be immensely fulfilling. This book by Theo Baxter, was my first, and I’m eager to read more from him.
Many thanks to Theo Baxter @inkubatorbooks & @booksprout for a review copy.
April 26, 2024
1.5 stars rounded up
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for giving me this free eARC for an honest review.
Unfortunately, I did not like this book. One of the main characters is a 10-year-old kid. No one treats him like a kid. Maybe because all the other characters, who are adults by the way, act like children. Nelson is one of the most ridiculous characters I’ve come across. He could have been forgiven if the character dynamics were explained better. Or explained much at all really. We see very little of how things were before Amanda’s accident. As a result, there’s little for readers to go off of for her as a character. It’s also unclear how her relationship was with Nelson, Carly, and Jake before the amnesia. I have so many questions and none of them are even about this “fake mom” fiasco.
The writing is drawn out. Majority of the scenes are unnecessary to the story. The narration follows every little detail of Carly’s everyday life. Hence, we would get boring descriptions of the simplest things like—deciding to get pizza, calling pizza place, placing order, hanging up the phone… The whole book is written like this. If transitions are difficult, doing hard scene breaks would still be better than this type of overwriting. Interestingly enough, certain scenes that should’ve been described in great detail are just glossed over or summarized in 1-2 sentences.
To end on a more positive note, I do think that it’s nice to see “the other woman” as the kind main character—the mom who stepped up. If the dynamics were done well, this could have been a great rep in a Modern Family way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for giving me this free eARC for an honest review.
Unfortunately, I did not like this book. One of the main characters is a 10-year-old kid. No one treats him like a kid. Maybe because all the other characters, who are adults by the way, act like children. Nelson is one of the most ridiculous characters I’ve come across. He could have been forgiven if the character dynamics were explained better. Or explained much at all really. We see very little of how things were before Amanda’s accident. As a result, there’s little for readers to go off of for her as a character. It’s also unclear how her relationship was with Nelson, Carly, and Jake before the amnesia. I have so many questions and none of them are even about this “fake mom” fiasco.
The writing is drawn out. Majority of the scenes are unnecessary to the story. The narration follows every little detail of Carly’s everyday life. Hence, we would get boring descriptions of the simplest things like—deciding to get pizza, calling pizza place, placing order, hanging up the phone… The whole book is written like this. If transitions are difficult, doing hard scene breaks would still be better than this type of overwriting. Interestingly enough, certain scenes that should’ve been described in great detail are just glossed over or summarized in 1-2 sentences.
To end on a more positive note, I do think that it’s nice to see “the other woman” as the kind main character—the mom who stepped up. If the dynamics were done well, this could have been a great rep in a Modern Family way.
April 29, 2024
This author is probably one of my favourites at the moment. He writes stories that are gripping and make you engrossed in the plot and characters' lives. This one was no different. I was absorbed in this book, i read it in a day, and it had a few shocking twists. I felt sorry for Jake and Carly. They went through so much. I loved how much love Carly had for Jake and took no nonsense from Nelson. It was hard to read at times due to the content, but I'm so glad I read it. One of Theos best.
April 19, 2025
Not My Mother had so much potential to be a WTF thriller... but the writing really let it down.
The dialogue felt inauthentic, and not in the slightest bit realistic: Her (adult) brother repeatedly calls her 'Sis' every other sentence? Which I don't think any real siblings actually do... do they? And I lost count of how many times she called Jake 'kiddo' in one conversation like she's a 90 year old man talking to his neighbours kids.
Also, why was everyone so incompetent?? The police watch footage of her being chased by a knife wielding maniac and... do nothing except say she could have staged it and owning a knife isn't illegal... what??
I skim read the majority of the book because it wasn't doing a good job of capturing my imagination and putting me *there* with the characters the way a good thriller should.
I probably should have DNFd it to be honest but I can't deny that I did want to know what was going on with Amanda (was it completely Sci Fi, or something else?) so there's that I guess.
The dialogue felt inauthentic, and not in the slightest bit realistic: Her (adult) brother repeatedly calls her 'Sis' every other sentence? Which I don't think any real siblings actually do... do they? And I lost count of how many times she called Jake 'kiddo' in one conversation like she's a 90 year old man talking to his neighbours kids.
Also, why was everyone so incompetent?? The police watch footage of her being chased by a knife wielding maniac and... do nothing except say she could have staged it and owning a knife isn't illegal... what??
I skim read the majority of the book because it wasn't doing a good job of capturing my imagination and putting me *there* with the characters the way a good thriller should.
I probably should have DNFd it to be honest but I can't deny that I did want to know what was going on with Amanda (was it completely Sci Fi, or something else?) so there's that I guess.
June 16, 2025
Fair play, this novel's crackers! I read it in one sitting, and it's not just because it's short and easy to get through. It's a proper gripping and thrilling read that'll keep you hooked from the start. I loved how the main character's love for the kid is just so genuine and heartfelt. And the parents and authorities in this book are proper awful. The plot's not exactly hard to follow, (you can predict it) and the ending's a bit simple, and I was hoping for a bit more. Nonetheless, I loved the ride.
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