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She Won't Leave
She has taken over my life.
Everything was perfect until tragedy brought my mother-in-law, Delores Sterling, to my front door with extra baggage at her side. After the sudden death of her husband, she asked if she could live with us temporarily.
I knew that living with my mother-in-law wouldn’t be easy. She’s made it obvious ever since I married her only son, that I’m not worthy of him. After all, I was his housemaid until he fell in love with the ‘help’, as Delores puts it. Because of that, I’ve kept her at arm’s length, which was easy until she knocked at my door.
My husband doesn’t see what she’s doing to us. It’s clear she has it in for me, and is destroying my marriage while living in my home.
But there’s something even worse at play.
As Delores’ presence at my home becomes more suffocating, I begin unraveling her dark secrets. The more I dig into my mother-in-law’s past, the more I realize I’m fighting for more than just my marriage.
There’s only room for one woman in my husband’s life.
Fans of Freida McFadden and Daniel Hurst will love the page-turning suspense in She Won’t Leave.
Everything was perfect until tragedy brought my mother-in-law, Delores Sterling, to my front door with extra baggage at her side. After the sudden death of her husband, she asked if she could live with us temporarily.
I knew that living with my mother-in-law wouldn’t be easy. She’s made it obvious ever since I married her only son, that I’m not worthy of him. After all, I was his housemaid until he fell in love with the ‘help’, as Delores puts it. Because of that, I’ve kept her at arm’s length, which was easy until she knocked at my door.
My husband doesn’t see what she’s doing to us. It’s clear she has it in for me, and is destroying my marriage while living in my home.
But there’s something even worse at play.
As Delores’ presence at my home becomes more suffocating, I begin unraveling her dark secrets. The more I dig into my mother-in-law’s past, the more I realize I’m fighting for more than just my marriage.
There’s only room for one woman in my husband’s life.
Fans of Freida McFadden and Daniel Hurst will love the page-turning suspense in She Won’t Leave.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2024
1244 people are currently reading
1438 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
April 11, 2024
James Caine once again created an original thriller I couldn’t put down! I was hooked immediately. The story has a constant sense of foreboding as twists accumulate. The plot always kept me guessing as I neared the shocking conclusion. Entertaining, suspenseful and fast-paced describe this addictive thriller. Thank you to the author for my copy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 9, 2025
Madelyn was once a house cleaner for wealthy Leo Sterling, now she is married to him. But she has a problem… her overbearing mother-in-law (Delores) has come to live, temporarily, with her and Leo in their new home. Delores is a recent widow, her rich husband Leonard supposedly committed suicide. But the case is being investigated as somewhat suspicious… did Leonard really kill himself? Is Delores possibly a murderer? As time goes by Madelyn is finding it hard to live with her stuck-up mother-in-law who is always putting her down. And, is Delores ever going to leave? This was a highly enjoyable read. Delores was quite a character! I found the plot captivating, with some twists and turns I didn’t expect. Another entertaining read by James Caine.
January 7, 2025
4 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! This one really packed a punch! An evil mother-in-law book? Heck yeah!
This one is a super fun, fast paced thriller that immediately took off and didn’t stop until the very end. Short chapters, unlikable characters, lots of twists and secrets galore!
This is my first - definitely not last - book by James Caine. If you’re a fan of Freida McFadden or Daniel Hurst you should give this one a shot!
Wow! This one really packed a punch! An evil mother-in-law book? Heck yeah!
This one is a super fun, fast paced thriller that immediately took off and didn’t stop until the very end. Short chapters, unlikable characters, lots of twists and secrets galore!
This is my first - definitely not last - book by James Caine. If you’re a fan of Freida McFadden or Daniel Hurst you should give this one a shot!
June 16, 2024
I loved everything about this book. If you like Freida McFaddens housemaid series you will love this book. The twist and turns in this book had me hooked I could not put the book down after about 30% I sat down and didn’t get up until I knew everything ! I love a rich mother in law and husband story especially when it’s this juicy. Thank you so much book sirens for this copy and I will now be adding every book written by James Caine on my TBR
April 3, 2025
Entertaining for sure, but a bit ott
November 18, 2024
This mother-in-law always loves evil mother-in-law books.
❤️❣️❤️
WHY?
Evil mother-in-law books are fabulous self-esteem boosters!
Unfortunately, this evil mother-in-law domestic drama lacked the thrills I was seeking.
Action did not happen until the last chapters.
Although the book was entertaining, it was certainly not the best in its genre.
I listened to the audiobook read by Teri Clark Linden and Imani Jade Powers.
Full-cast narrations are always a treat and both narrators did a superb job.
April 21, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It was a little slow but the ending had all kinds of twists and turns and it was an easy read. I love James Caine's writing and I can't wait for his next book.
April 10, 2024
This book commited the cardinal sin no thriller ever should: it was boring.
It took so long for anything to happen, and then, when it did, I didn't care. None of the characters were likable, even the one you were supposed to be rooting for. Leo and his mother were both very manipulative and gaslightly but so obvious about it, and Madelyn was whiney.
The reason I gave this two stars instead of one is because the plot twist, and one death, did catch me off guard. Whilst I didn't see either coming, I just didn't care enough by the time it did; I was ready for it be finished.
The writing itself was very repetitive, and I wish there had been paragraph serperation within the chapters themselves.
It took so long for anything to happen, and then, when it did, I didn't care. None of the characters were likable, even the one you were supposed to be rooting for. Leo and his mother were both very manipulative and gaslightly but so obvious about it, and Madelyn was whiney.
The reason I gave this two stars instead of one is because the plot twist, and one death, did catch me off guard. Whilst I didn't see either coming, I just didn't care enough by the time it did; I was ready for it be finished.
The writing itself was very repetitive, and I wish there had been paragraph serperation within the chapters themselves.
May 19, 2024
This is my first book by this author, and what a fantastic, psychological ride. This book started with a bang and ended with a bang. Not one chapter was boring.
September 14, 2024
Ummm yeah I’m still processing that ending. Whaaaat?!
More insanity. And pure gold reading. This one will 100% leave your head spinning. If I didn’t already love this author’s work I would at the end of this book.
I still have my suspicions about every character. Can we really trust what the mother-in-law is saying here?
More insanity. And pure gold reading. This one will 100% leave your head spinning. If I didn’t already love this author’s work I would at the end of this book.
I still have my suspicions about every character. Can we really trust what the mother-in-law is saying here?
April 23, 2025
Very Entertaining.
October 27, 2024
Another banger! I don't know how he does it. This one was particularly juicy and action-packed. The twists kept coming and I had no idea what was happening next.
April 12, 2024
3.5⭐️
Publication Date: April 7th
230 pages
Madelyn is new to money. Two years ago, she was Leo's house cleaner. Now, she is his wife. She has the nig mansion in the right part of town. She has everything she wants. She couldn't be happier.
That was until her mother in law came to stay with them after her FIL's death. Everything is suspicious now. Even her husband seems to be shutting her out and being evasive.
My Thoughts
I keep reading this authors books, and I always wonder why I read them. This is why. Is the story great? No. But it held my attention and kept me involved. It's what I refer to as a "filler thriller." Simplistic writing, easy to read, likable characters. Not very deep or needing much energy. It's the perfect read when you don't have time to read! Engaging enough to keep reading but thrilling enough to not be able to put down when life calls. Perfect "between" read.
The ending was perfect. I didn't see it coming. I was sure it was going one way. Then BAM it took a hard left turn and I LOVED it
I get the point of the book was the unbearable mother in law. I get that it's a point of view not to like your mother in law. Seriously, though, the book takes place in about the span of a week. She couldn't grin and bare it for that long? Seemed rather petty and childish even if Delores was a smug self entitled socialite. (She was also every rich stereotype the author could find)
His books are either free for e-readers or available on KU. ( I expect this book will be the same after publication)
Publication Date: April 7th
230 pages
Madelyn is new to money. Two years ago, she was Leo's house cleaner. Now, she is his wife. She has the nig mansion in the right part of town. She has everything she wants. She couldn't be happier.
That was until her mother in law came to stay with them after her FIL's death. Everything is suspicious now. Even her husband seems to be shutting her out and being evasive.
My Thoughts
I keep reading this authors books, and I always wonder why I read them. This is why. Is the story great? No. But it held my attention and kept me involved. It's what I refer to as a "filler thriller." Simplistic writing, easy to read, likable characters. Not very deep or needing much energy. It's the perfect read when you don't have time to read! Engaging enough to keep reading but thrilling enough to not be able to put down when life calls. Perfect "between" read.
The ending was perfect. I didn't see it coming. I was sure it was going one way. Then BAM it took a hard left turn and I LOVED it
I get the point of the book was the unbearable mother in law. I get that it's a point of view not to like your mother in law. Seriously, though, the book takes place in about the span of a week. She couldn't grin and bare it for that long? Seemed rather petty and childish even if Delores was a smug self entitled socialite. (She was also every rich stereotype the author could find)
His books are either free for e-readers or available on KU. ( I expect this book will be the same after publication)
July 19, 2025
Unfortunately without this was a quick read, I found it really boring
December 26, 2025
James Caine is the pen name of the Canadian author who wrote She Won’t Leave. The book begins as a Cinderella story for Madelyn who was working as a maid for Leo Sterling, son of one of the richest men in Canada. Leo falls in love with Madelyn and marries her. Ostensibly a successful businessman himself, Leo builds a magnificent mansion for him and his wife.
For reasons which are unclear, Leo’s father apparently committed suicide. At the time of his death, he left Delores, his wife and Leo’s mother, no money and left Leo a paltry amount. His vast fortune he left to charities. It was also unclear why he had a life insurance policy with Delores as his beneficiary when there was no love between them.
Delores does not like Madelyn. While sometimes pretending to be friendly, she regards the formerly poor Madelyn with disdain and not worthy of her son or her family’s wealth. Destitute because her husband had left her with nothing, and with the life insurance company delaying payment to Delores while investigating her husband’s alleged suicide, she moves into Leo’s new mansion which immediately creates tension between her and Madelyn. Her behavior towards Madelyn is condescending and obnoxious before becoming threatening after Madelyn begins to suspect that she murdered Leo’s father.
The fate of Leo’s father and the true nature of Leo and how he financed his business are all answered in the book’s final chapters. The book was easy to read, but in the end I was asked to suspend too much disbelief and was both disappointed and ultimately underwhelmed.
For reasons which are unclear, Leo’s father apparently committed suicide. At the time of his death, he left Delores, his wife and Leo’s mother, no money and left Leo a paltry amount. His vast fortune he left to charities. It was also unclear why he had a life insurance policy with Delores as his beneficiary when there was no love between them.
Delores does not like Madelyn. While sometimes pretending to be friendly, she regards the formerly poor Madelyn with disdain and not worthy of her son or her family’s wealth. Destitute because her husband had left her with nothing, and with the life insurance company delaying payment to Delores while investigating her husband’s alleged suicide, she moves into Leo’s new mansion which immediately creates tension between her and Madelyn. Her behavior towards Madelyn is condescending and obnoxious before becoming threatening after Madelyn begins to suspect that she murdered Leo’s father.
The fate of Leo’s father and the true nature of Leo and how he financed his business are all answered in the book’s final chapters. The book was easy to read, but in the end I was asked to suspend too much disbelief and was both disappointed and ultimately underwhelmed.
August 13, 2024
Engaging
Very good. Kept me engaged. A little spicy at times but nothing over the top. All in all a good read. 4.5 stars.
Very good. Kept me engaged. A little spicy at times but nothing over the top. All in all a good read. 4.5 stars.
April 19, 2024
My first book by James Caine, and I really enjoyed it! This book was full of drama, twists and turns. It was fast paced and made me feel all the emotions. This story caught me off guard over and over again. What I expected to happen rarely did.
The chapters were short, and the writing style left me wanting more at the end of each chapter. I did feel the ending was slightly rushed. I would’ve loved more development around Leo and his business dealings.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The chapters were short, and the writing style left me wanting more at the end of each chapter. I did feel the ending was slightly rushed. I would’ve loved more development around Leo and his business dealings.
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 17, 2025
I kept reading because I wanted to see why the mother-in law acted like she did, and of course what really happened to her husband. But the ending was not my favorite personally, I was a little disappointed. I think I was just expecting more. BUT I can say the idea of having your mother in law move in with you and always be throwing off on you and your upbringing kept me hooked!
April 14, 2024
I mean… who doesn’t love a good book about a mother in law who won’t leave you alone?!
Madelyn’s mother in law, Delores, moves in after her husband dies. They don’t get along the best, and for some reason moving trucks keep bringing more and more of Delores’ belongings to their house.
When Madelyn finds out the death is being investigated as suspicious, she no longer trusts her mother in law. But it causes tension in her marriage because he just wants the two to get along.
A fun, fast paced read that you can easily binge! I enjoyed this one and definitely think you should give it a read!
Thanks so much to the author for my advanced copy!
Madelyn’s mother in law, Delores, moves in after her husband dies. They don’t get along the best, and for some reason moving trucks keep bringing more and more of Delores’ belongings to their house.
When Madelyn finds out the death is being investigated as suspicious, she no longer trusts her mother in law. But it causes tension in her marriage because he just wants the two to get along.
A fun, fast paced read that you can easily binge! I enjoyed this one and definitely think you should give it a read!
Thanks so much to the author for my advanced copy!
April 9, 2024
Once again, James Caine has pulled another brilliant thriller out of the bag. Not a single part of this book went in the direction I thought it would, which made for a tense read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can't wait to see what the author does next.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can't wait to see what the author does next.
April 21, 2024
James Caine did it again, page turner, captivated my attention from the start! Watch out for your crazy mother-In-law….Thriller, suspenseful, Totally kept me wondering right till the end! The end totally was fitting for the story! I have loved all his books so far! Highly recommend!
July 1, 2024
4 stars ⭐️: I really enjoyed this book! The build up was slow in my opinion, but the plot twist was worth it.
December 26, 2025
This book was so good . Lots of twist and turns 4.5
January 24, 2025
I LOVED this book!! This is my favorite thriller of the year! I couldn’t have been more wrong about the ending…jaw on the floor 🙌🏼🙌🏼 4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
dnf
March 13, 2025DNF at 27% in.
Audio was great.
Story was super typical, nay stereotypical,
to the point of making me laugh (which wasn’t the point of it at all).
Rich sounded like Thurston Howell the 3rd from Gilligan’s Island. 🧐
Just over the top, but not in a fun way.
Audio was great.
Story was super typical, nay stereotypical,
to the point of making me laugh (which wasn’t the point of it at all).
Rich sounded like Thurston Howell the 3rd from Gilligan’s Island. 🧐
Just over the top, but not in a fun way.
April 11, 2024
This is such a phenomenal book, I read it in one sitting. Could not put it down! A mother in law moves in and makes her son’s wife miserable. There are so many bad things happening including murder. But who is responsible for everything happening? Could she be killing people for her gain? I love this story along all of James Caines other books and highly recommend it!
April 29, 2024
Meh. This book was readable enough that I finished it, but not good. It was a fast read, not a whole lot of storyline and the characters were semi-likable. This book is a popcorn thriller for sure. It doesn’t require a lot of thought and finishes as quickly as it began. Also, some of the dialogue seemed very immature. Adults just don’t speak the way these characters spoke and that bothers me.
Thank you to BookSirens and James Caine for an advanced copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to BookSirens and James Caine for an advanced copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 15, 2024
Oh Delores, Delores, Delores what a mother in law you are, you make mine seem mild in comparison.
When Delores sets her claws into her son’s new wife Madelyn, all hell breaks loose and this exciting and twisty page turner will keep you entertained. I’m currently working my way through James Caines work, he always delivers a thrilling quick read that keeps you guessing.
When Delores sets her claws into her son’s new wife Madelyn, all hell breaks loose and this exciting and twisty page turner will keep you entertained. I’m currently working my way through James Caines work, he always delivers a thrilling quick read that keeps you guessing.
April 8, 2024
In the book She Won’t Leave by James Kane we meet Madeline a Canadian house cleaner who was surprised to find her client Mr. Leo Sterling Junior was just as interested in her, as she was secretly of him before she knows it they are married. It has been two years since their wedding win her mother-in-law Dolores calls to say his dad Leo Senior is dead. Madeline has always tried to be nice to Dolores but her mother-in-law thinks her a Golddigger and an upstart and although she says nice things the implications are always ugly. So when she finds out Dolores is moving in something she learns when a knock comes at the door and her mother-in-law is there saying the movers will be round in an hour to bring her bed and the rest of her belongings, needless to say Madeline isn’t happy. She takes solace in the fact her best friend Hannah now works for her and Leo and she can spend every day complaining to her about it but when an insurance investigator tells Hannah her MIL may have killed her husband or possibly her husband himself Madeline doesn’t believe it but when she finds her mother-in-law in an untoward situation she thinks just maybe Dolores did do it. then when someone else dies Madeline thinks she may herself be in trouble is she’s living with a killer and if so is it her mother-in-law or her husband. I love the fact some more there’s you can depend on writing a good book and although this one wasn’t Mr. Cane‘s best it was still pretty good. I didn’t like that Madeline judged Dolores for gossiping yeah that’s exactly what her and Hannah dead but I digress that has nothing to do with the plot in the plot has a really big OMG moment at the end the author always comes up with doozies for his plot lines and this one is no exception. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
October 23, 2025
She Won't Leave by James Caine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Let me kick this off by saying that this audiobook hit me right in the nostalgia bone. James Caine sets his riveting story, She Won't Leave, in Calgary, AB, Canada! As someone who spent their formative years (ages 8 to 16!) stomping those streets, reading a book based in my old YYC haunts made the experience totally immersive. That instant, familiar setting earns this thriller an immediate bonus star from me. I make the rules, sorry not sorry! 🇨🇦
The Plot: Invasion of Privacy (and the Mother-in-Law)
The core story is pure, deliciously chilling domestic suspense. We follow a woman whose life is nothing short of fabulous—we're talking lavish lifestyle, doting rich husband, the whole nine yards. But then, tragedy strikes the in-laws, and suddenly, the husband’s mother is moving in. Not for a weekend. Not for a week. She is seemingly there to stay. 😱
I don't need a sprawling mansion to feel the instant, cold dread of that scenario. Who among us, even those of us who aren't rich (hello, it's me), can't relate to the primal desire for privacy? The sheer nightmare fuel of having your most sacred space invaded is where Caine truly excels. The tension he builds around this seemingly simple premise is excellent, and I found myself fully hooked, despite my own lack of a designer handbag collection.
If you enjoy sharp psychological thrillers that blend a relatable modern scenario with rising dread, this Calgary-based story is a must-listen. It’s got all the makings of a great, claustrophobic read.
Keywords:
She Won't Leave
James Caine
Audiobook Review
Calgary Thriller
Domestic Suspense Books
Psychological Thriller
Mother-in-Law Horror
#YYC #Calgary #YYCLiving #AlbertaBooks #SupportLocalAuthors #DomesticThriller #CalgaryAuthor #BookReview #shewontleave #jamescaine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Let me kick this off by saying that this audiobook hit me right in the nostalgia bone. James Caine sets his riveting story, She Won't Leave, in Calgary, AB, Canada! As someone who spent their formative years (ages 8 to 16!) stomping those streets, reading a book based in my old YYC haunts made the experience totally immersive. That instant, familiar setting earns this thriller an immediate bonus star from me. I make the rules, sorry not sorry! 🇨🇦
The Plot: Invasion of Privacy (and the Mother-in-Law)
The core story is pure, deliciously chilling domestic suspense. We follow a woman whose life is nothing short of fabulous—we're talking lavish lifestyle, doting rich husband, the whole nine yards. But then, tragedy strikes the in-laws, and suddenly, the husband’s mother is moving in. Not for a weekend. Not for a week. She is seemingly there to stay. 😱
I don't need a sprawling mansion to feel the instant, cold dread of that scenario. Who among us, even those of us who aren't rich (hello, it's me), can't relate to the primal desire for privacy? The sheer nightmare fuel of having your most sacred space invaded is where Caine truly excels. The tension he builds around this seemingly simple premise is excellent, and I found myself fully hooked, despite my own lack of a designer handbag collection.
If you enjoy sharp psychological thrillers that blend a relatable modern scenario with rising dread, this Calgary-based story is a must-listen. It’s got all the makings of a great, claustrophobic read.
Keywords:
She Won't Leave
James Caine
Audiobook Review
Calgary Thriller
Domestic Suspense Books
Psychological Thriller
Mother-in-Law Horror
#YYC #Calgary #YYCLiving #AlbertaBooks #SupportLocalAuthors #DomesticThriller #CalgaryAuthor #BookReview #shewontleave #jamescaine
Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews