Killer Moms: True Stories

by Amanda R Woomer

A murder at the hands of a mother is a heartbreaking deviation and a crime against nature! How can a mother commit such an appalling crime? How can she end the lives of the innocents she so recently bore and nurtured?



A mother is supposed to be loving, protective, caring, and kind. She’s supposed to nurture and guide her children from infancy into childhood and adolescence. The very thought of murdering a child—much less their own child—is not only bizarre but perhaps the most disturbing thought a parent could have! Exploring the ultimate betrayal of a mother’s duty, Killer True Stories recounts 31 harrowing tales of motherhood gone wrong, including …


Rachel David, who believed she was married to God
Andrea Yates, who systemically executed each of her five children by drowning them
Magda Goebbels, one of the most powerful women in Nazi Germany, the propaganda minister’s wife and a Hitler favorite
The ambiguous Casey Anthony case, whose acquittal shocked the public
Melissa Drexler, aka “The Prom Mom,” who hid her pregnancy from everyone
Rosemary West, one of England’s most notorious serial killers
Lindsey Nicole Blansett, whose solution to ensuring her children wouldn’t suffer in the future was to make sure they did not have a future
Nannie Doss, the “Giggling Granny,” who managed to murder four generations of her family in a killing spree that lasted 30 years
Angela Camacho, who helped her husband murder her three young children because he believed they were possessed by witches.



An unflinching look into humanity’s dark side, Killer Moms is an unnerving read that delves into the twisted paths, the chilling motives, and the devastating consequences of maternal malice!

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Audiobook

304 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Krystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrated by Courtney Patterson
Presented by Highbridge Audio

Some interesting stories here, though some are quite dated.

This book compiles cases where mothers have killed their child/children sorted by reasons - for love, for money, for the child's sake, etc.

Some of the tales are gruesome, some heartbreaking, and all tragic. The death of a child is always sad, but at the hands of a parent? Unspeakable horror.

I really enjoyed how this broke down the details and took and empathetic view when needed. For example, some of the stories detail a psychosis in the mother which convinced them their child needed to die - this book tells the story while expressing how much the woman needed help and support. I liked that, while this presented the facts of the cases, it also took time to consider perspectives and the greater emotional and psychological experiences.

I did find some of the older cases a little frustrating just in how dated they were, and how little could be known. Some frustrate purely just because of far technology has advanced in order to catch criminals, and the comparison of, 'If this happened today ...' was quite brutal in its implications.

The narrator did a great job of presenting the cases with empathy but not overactive emotion. A great balance of factual delivery and considerate tones. I quite enjoyed the listen.

There are a LOT of stories, and I feel like this could have benefited from less stories with more details. That said, I acknowledge I'm not sure how much extra detail there might be available. But with this many cases, they do begin to blend, and the quantity means they lose a bit of the impact. I did find my thoughts wandering if I listened for too long at a time. It may be better to read/listen to only a few cases in one go.

Still, an insightful look at some of the most heinous crimes, and why mothers might be driven to such extreme ends as murdering their children.

With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC

[✩｡°⋆ Lala ⋆｡°✩ · Rating 5 out of 5]

•𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝘄•

[Killer Moms]
🔥 Release Date: Mar 24 2026 🔥
Thank you to Highbridge Audio, Amanda Woomer, and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
★★★★★

Killer Moms was a fascinating listen for someone like me who loves true crime. The book covers multiple cases of infanticide, exploring the disturbing reality of mothers who committed unthinkable crimes against their own children.

I loved how informative the book was without ever feeling overwhelming. The pacing felt just right, not too slow and not too rushed, which kept my ADHD riddled brain fully engaged the whole time. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator’s calm, steady voice fit the material really well, adding a level of seriousness and balance to such heavy subject matter.

I really hope Amanda Woomer writes more true crime books in the future. Her research into each case is thorough, nuanced, and presented in a way that makes the psychology and context of each story clear without ever feeling sensationalized. Overall, this was an informative and engaging true crime read that I think many true crime fans will appreciate.

[reesejwear · Rating 3 out of 5]

This true crime collection dives into multiple cases of mothers who became killers- each with different backgrounds, motives, and circumstances. The variety of stories kept things interesting, and it’s clear this book is incredibly well researched.

That said, I found myself wishing there were fewer cases with a deeper dive into each one. Some stories felt a little too quick, and I wanted more detail.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narration felt a little robotic at first, but oddly enough, it ended up working well with the podcast-y style of the book.

Overall very informative, though a bit dry at times. Definitely would still recommend for true crime fans. I guarantee there will be at least one killer mom aren’t familiar with!

Thanks to RBmedia, NetGalley and Amanda Woomer for this ALC!

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crimes against children... especially one's own child is something I have never been able to wrap my head around. I just don't get it. It's unnatural and heartbreaking. As a parent and specifically as a mother our role is to nurture and nourish our children.

Killer Moms: True stories is a collection of 31 cases where motherhood took a devastating and deadly turn. I think it did an excellent job not just detailing the cases but also trying to glimpse into the why behind the acts and the consequences. There were a few cases where I can admit that my heart ached for the mothers, but at the end of the day...I can't bring myself to ever fully justify or forgive their actions.

I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Ava Michelle]

A Chilling, Unflinching Dive into the Darkest Corners of Motherhood

Amanda R. Woomer doesn’t just tell true crime stories, she dares to look into the emotional and psychological abyss most of us would rather avoid. Killer Moms: True Stories is as haunting as it is heartbreaking. It's not just about murder it's about the betrayal of one of the most sacred roles in human experience: motherhood.

Each story is carefully selected and laid out with just the right balance of fact, narrative, and psychological insight. You’re not just reading about these crimes you’re confronting them, trying to understand the twisted logic and emotional devastation behind them. From infamous cases like Andrea Yates and Casey Anthony to lesser-known but equally disturbing figures, Amanda brings humanity and horror to every page.

What really sets this book apart is the tone. It never feels exploitative or sensational. Instead, Woomer writes with a mix of empathy and eerie fascination that makes the book incredibly compelling. She’s not here to judge, she’s here to help us understand.

If you're a fan of true crime but crave something deeper, darker, and more emotionally resonant, Killer Moms is essential reading. It's the kind of book that lingers in your thoughts and maybe even makes you look at the world just a little differently.

Amanda R. Woomer is a voice to watch in the world of true crime and horror nonfiction. And this book? This one hurts in all the right ways.

[Lisa Heil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy received from NetGalley



Killer Moms: True Stories
By: Amanda R. Woomer
Published by HighBridge Audio 🎧
Publication Date: March 24, 2026
Narrator: Courtney Patterson
True Crime
4/5 Stars


True Crime stories can be interpretive by each reader differently but being a mom and reading/listening to these stories will make you think about what motherhood means to you. A mother is loving, caring and nurturing to your child but these stories rocked me to my core. Thinking how could someone kill a child nevertheless their own.

These stories explore thirty-one different accounts of motherhood gone bad.

Including:

Rachel David, who thought she was married to God.
Andrea Yates, who systematically executed each of her five children by drowning them.
The Ambiguous Casey Anthony whose acquittal left us all speechless.
Melissa Drexler Aka “TheProm Mom” who was able to hide her pregnancy from all.

These stories were twisted, unnerving and full of what the heck just happened moments! I had the opportunity to listen to the stories on audio narrated by Courtney Patterson who did a great job and brought these unthinkable crimes to the surface. Between the brutal subject matter and her calm voice she compels the audience to listen closer to it all with the conversational tone similar to a true crime podcaster or your favorite person telling a scary bedtime story. If you know what I mean…

Amanda Woomer did a great job with so many different stories but I wish some had just a little more depth in their story. Somewhere we’re quick-telling yet I wanted more information of the situation.

Overall, I thought Woomer rewrote these stories with poise and was a compassionate observation by examining the darkness with a humanizing lens.
She was able to blend the brutal realism with grace and sensitivity to the sadness.


I would like to thank NetGalley, HighBridge Audio and Amanda Woomer for the ALC copy in exchange for an honest review.

#NetGalley, #KillerMoms, #AmandaR.Woomer, #HighBridgeAudio, #CourtneyPatterson, #TrueCrime,

[Marguerite Blanchard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I came into Killer Moms with a great deal of interest, expecting a deeper exploration of the psychological and social factors that might lead a mother to harm her child. Given the subject matter, I had hoped for analysis grounded in interviews, expert insight, or at least a clear attempt to synthesize patterns across cases.
Instead, the book reads more as a collection of brief biographical accounts. While these case summaries are informative on a surface level, they are presented largely without deeper analysis or sustained reflection. As a result, the central question—what could drive a mother to commit such acts—remains mostly unexamined.
The scope of the book also feels somewhat unfocused. In addition to cases involving mothers who killed their children, the inclusion of women who were mothers but committed unrelated murders blurs the thematic line. This broader approach may work for some readers, but for those expecting a more targeted study, it can feel inconsistent.
Another challenge is the wide historical range, which spans from ancient history to modern cases. While ambitious, this breadth makes meaningful comparison difficult, as the vastly different social, cultural, and psychological contexts are not fully addressed.
That said, the book does demonstrate solid effort in research and may appeal to readers looking for an accessible overview of various cases. The audiobook narration, in particular, adds a documentary-like tone that enhances the listening experience.
Overall, while Killer Moms presents an intriguing premise, it may leave readers seeking deeper analysis or professional insight wanting more. I would recommend it to those interested in introductory true crime case summaries, but not as a comprehensive exploration of the topic.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Carrie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for expanding my true crime and nonfiction reading—this was a difficult but important listen.
Killer Moms tackles an incredibly controversial and emotionally challenging topic: the history and reality of infanticide, neonaticide, and maternal filicide. Rather than sensationalizing these crimes, the book attempts to explore the why behind them, asking readers to consider the psychological, emotional, and societal factors that lead to these tragedies.
Through cases such as Rachel David, who believed she was married to God, and Lindsey Nicole Blansett, who believed killing her children would save them from future suffering, the book examines whether these mothers were suffering from severe mental illness, untreated postpartum disorders, delusions, or a devastating lack of support. These stories are heartbreaking, disturbing, and impossible to listen to without discomfort—but that discomfort feels necessary.
What stood out most to me was how clearly this book highlights the lack of support offered to new mothers—not only during postpartum depression, but also postpartum trauma. Time and again, these cases reveal gaps in mental health care, warning signs that went unaddressed, and women who were overwhelmed, isolated, or ignored at their most vulnerable moments.
This is not an easy read or listen, but it is an important one. I hope stories like these continue to spark conversation about maternal mental health and bring awareness to how profoundly pregnancy and childbirth can alter a woman—whether through hormones, trauma, or lack of support.
Thank you to Highbridge Audio and NetGalley for the ARC. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion.

[June ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for this ARC.

What an interesting read. From time to time, I dip my foot into the true crime pool, and in the last year, I have been trying to read more non-fiction books, so when this popped up on NetGalley, I just had to pick it up.

This book is extremely well written and researched. It felt like I was listening to very well-structured podcasts (in the best way possible). I really appreciated how the book was structured, with plenty of background given for each case, whilst simultaneously remaining succinct.

Something this book does really well is provide the reader with range; the wide range of cases from various eras and years throughout history (I love it when I get a mini history lesson), and a range of circumstances, factors contributing to murder, etc. I also appreciated how Amanda R. Woomer explains the mothers' circumstances as a way to explain but not to justify murder. Furthermore, I learned a lot about post-partum depression and psychosis.

This book shows us just how much society, the government, the health system, etc., have failed mothers and women who are going through a hard time after giving birth. In that way, Woomer calls for more awareness to surround issues of motherhood and women's health, including post-partum depression and psychosis. I will definitely be looking forward to reading Amanda R. Woomer's other books and picking up more non-fiction books in general even if it means listening to them like podcasts.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Killer Moms by Amanda Woomer explores a chilling collection of true crime cases involving mothers who committed shocking crimes against their own children. Through detailed research, Woomer examines the backgrounds of these cases, the psychological and social factors involved, and how these tragedies unfolded. The book provides an in-depth look at several disturbing stories that highlight the darker side of human behavior.

As someone who generally enjoys true crime, I expected this book to fully capture my interest. While the content is undeniably fascinating and incredibly well researched, I found it somewhat difficult to stay fully engaged as I worked my way through it. The author clearly put significant effort into researching these cases, and the information presented is thorough and informative.

I also appreciated that Woomer included clear content warnings at the beginning of the book. They are absolutely appropriate given the heavy and disturbing subject matter discussed.

I listened to the audiobook version, and the narrator was very easy to listen to, which made the experience more pleasant overall. While the book is thoughtfully written and carefully researched, it ultimately wasn’t a topic that held my personal interest as much as I expected it would. That said, readers who enjoy deeply researched true crime—especially those interested in the psychological aspects of these cases—may find this book compelling.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

i got to listen to an audio copy of this book and i must say, i liked the way the author expose the stories, it was a bit like the lady killers by Tori Telfer, my only complain is that i felt the bias leaking through in some of the stories, and it wasnt the person reading but how the story was told, so it rests on the author.

That being said, its still a good book and i enjoyed listening to the person reading it, she did a good job.

This is not an innocent story book, this is a dive into some stories that felt like some belonged to an horror story book, mothers are supposed to be the protectors, the ones shielding their kids from the world horrors, not bringing gloom and doom for her kids.. there's a bit of everything in here, from mothers that had really bad cases of Postpartum psychosis, and let me be honest, if there where cases in this book that hurt me, were these ones.. but this is for me to know and for you to find out... in my opinion I liked lady killers a little bit more, but this book was almost as good, and I really recommend to everyone who likes to dwell into the human mind, and if you liked the other book I mentioned, its almost sure thing that you'll also like this one.

Thank you Netgalley and HighBridge | Highbridge Audio, for the free AAC and this is my honest opinion.

[Rachel Godfrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer Moms follows the many different stories, ways, and reasons mothers commit murder against their children. This audiobook listens just like a podcast, and I would consider a must listen for anyone who enjoys true crime. This book hits the popular stories of current times (Andrea Yates, Casey Anthony), but also sends listeners/readers back into the past with ancient stories. Heartbreakingly, the tale of a killer mom is a tale as old as time.

I really enjoyed how this book was broken up thematically. Each section looked at a reason why mothers kill. It was a very thoughtful way to organizing the book and made it more impactful. I would say that if it had been chronologically some stories would have been forgotten, but with the themes binding together the old and the new, it brought a new perspective.

The audio quality of the book was great, and it really listened just like a podcast. It was shorter snippets of the stories, but an avid true crime listener will know the details and appreciate on the connections between the stories. I would highly recommend this as an audiobook.

I give this book 4 stars, and I will recommend it to my true crime loving friends! Thank you Net Galley, the publisher, and author for the advanced listener copy

[Nikki]

"A murder at the hands of a mother is a heartbreaking deviation and a crime against nature! How can a mother commit such an appalling crime? How can she end the lives of the innocents she so recently bore and nurtured?"

I want to thank Highbridge Audio, NetGalley & Amanda Woomer for allowing me to listen to this advanced copy of Killer Moms.

I am a huge fan of true crime books and documentaries so this audiobook intrigued me right away.
It has quite a few cases from over the world, spanning hundreds of years.
The historical crimes were fascinating as well as the more modern ones. It is glaringly obvious that even after all this time, women's mental health is not a priority.
I am not taking blame from these women, however, many of them were very obviously quite mentally ill.

Who Would I Recommend This To: Those who like true crime, especially historical crimes. It is quite triggering and doesn't hold back on the details of the murders of children, be warned.

Audio Book Notes: The narrator was very good. She told the stories with respect and an even amount of emotions.

Overall: Very interesting and heartbreaking. Very well written and researched.

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the audiobook of Killer Moms. As someone who loves anything true crime, the moment I saw this one pop up I knew I had to check it out… so the audiobook it was.

What I appreciated most about this book was how well it was written and how many of the cases were completely new to me. Each chapter focuses on a different case, which made it easy to listen to in chunks and kept things feeling fresh the whole way through.

Another thing that stood out was the way the author approached the stories. Nothing felt overly sensationalised or dragged out just for the sake of drama, which can sometimes happen with true crime. Instead, the cases were presented in a pretty neutral, straightforward way. It felt like the author really took the time to lay out the facts and background clearly, making it more informative rather than just shocking.

Because of that, it almost felt like you were able to come to your own conclusions about each case based on the information presented, which I really liked.

Overall, this was a really solid true crime listen, especially if you enjoy learning about lesser-known cases. Definitely worth checking out if you’re a true crime fan.

[When Books Speak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer Moms by Amanda R. Woomer is a chilling and thought-provoking dive into one of the darkest corners of true crime. What I loved most was how the cases were organized by motive rather than just presented one after another. It made the whole reading experience feel intentional and gave each story real context.

The mix of well-known cases alongside ones I had never heard of before kept things fresh and genuinely interesting throughout. And what sets this apart from other true crime books is how Woomer weaves in the psychological insight behind each crime. It never felt exploitative; instead, it felt like a genuine attempt to understand the how and the why.

My only nitpicks are that some of the cases felt a little too brief and surface-level, leaving me wanting to dig deeper. I also wished there were more modern cases included, as these crimes unfortunately still happen today, and that angle could have added even more weight.

Overall, though, a really compelling and informative read for any true crime fan.

Pub Day: March 24, 2026
Categories: True Crime

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the ALC.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just don't understand how a person can carry and birth a child and then kill them. PPD is wild, along with other mental illnesses. As a forensic psych nurse, I have had to care for these kinds of people and it is very challenging. I love true crime and I love learning about topics people don't like discussing so I zoomed through this on my night shift.

This book was very well written and introduced cases I wouldn't have otherwise heard of. This is a hard read because of the content but Amanda made this informative and educational. She mentions the crime, the motivations, and the repercussions. Each chapter was a new case with a very wide timeline. I did enjoy that the cases weren't overly presented in crazy detail, that kept me motivated to keep listening. There was not a lot of repetition which I appreciated. I also liked how this author presented numerous reasons that these crimes occurred, relationships, trauma, PPD, mental illnesses, etc. I think it's important that these books exist because it creates awareness to potential signs and may lead to intervention and assistance early to prevent these crimes from occurring. I think this author did a terrific job while remaining sensitive and respectful to the topic.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced audio edition of Killer Moms by Amanda R. Woomer.

My skin immediately started crawling as soon as I read this book, and then I thought, "Teresa, what the heck did you think this book was going to be about??"

It's a terrible topic, and a terrible occurrence. But what I did appreciate was that, while the book doesn't necessarily deep dive into the psychological phenomenology behind filicide, it does give a wide range of reasons why a mother might kill. From postpartum psychosis, to mercy killing to avoid a slow death from a horrific disease, to cruelty and depravity, most likely as a result of one's own abuse and trauma. Either way, it's not a cut-and-dry event; there are so many psychological, social, emotional, and cultural factors that could play a role in these crimes. I thought the author did do a good job digging a wide, albeit shallow well of explanations behind this upsetting cause. It's written well and clearly, but be sure to keep up because some of the stories go by very quickly.

[Bonnie Kernene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about moms. The kind of moms you really don't want to have or even know. Unfortunately there are and have been these moms in our society. And they are not good moms. The titles says it all. Each of the moms in this book had different motives for what they did. They all believed the motives were good reasons, but no, no they weren't. Not one was reasonable. Some of them were very high profile and most readers will recognize their stories. Not all of them. One mom, Rachel David, was known here where I live. I remember this happening because I was a candy striper and was at the children's hospital that very day when the children were brought in. It was very surreal to me that a mom would do that. I don't recall seeing her in any other book so it was nice to see a new name. There were others not normally named, so this book is not just the same names just redone. It is a reallly nice book written nicely.

[Justyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Killer Moms: True Stories by Amanda R. Woomer offers an intriguing survey of maternal child‑killer cases across history, and I appreciated how Woomer touches on each woman’s background and mental state. The problem is that it never goes much deeper than that. The cases are compelling, but the analysis feels surface‑level—more like a collection of summaries than a true exploration. I also found myself wishing for more modern examples; it’s unsettling that these crimes still happen in the 21st century, and that angle could have added real weight. Still, I enjoyed learning about cases I hadn’t heard of before, and the topic remains endlessly fascinating, even if this book only scratches the surface.
I enjoyed this as an audiobook and appreciated being able to listen to it. Narrator Courtney Patterson did a great job.

Thank you NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the audiobook arc (available Mar 24, 2026).

[Kathryn Card · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer Moms by Amanda R. Woomer is a fascinating and unsettling nonfiction read that explores one of the darkest aspects of motherhood, women who kill their children or kill for their children. This book spans centuries and cultures, which I really appreciated because it shows that these disturbing cases are not limited to one place or time in history.

I enjoyed how Woomer blended well-known cases with lesser-known stories. The mix kept the book engaging and gave me several cases I had never heard of before, which made the reading experience feel fresh even for someone who enjoys true crime and historical nonfiction.

One thing I did wish had been explained more clearly was the author’s methodology for grouping the stories and how certain cases were selected. At times I found myself curious about the reasoning behind the organization of the narratives.

Overall, Killer Moms is an extremely thought-provoking read that will definitely spark conversation. It shines a light on complicated, disturbing histories and challenges readers to think about motherhood, crime, and societal expectations in a deeper way.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy true crime and the idea of nature vs nurture, that women are born maternal and have that spark inside them that makes them natural mothers and caretakers has been a long contention, even more so now when women are beginning to become insistent in their desire to not have children.
The question “how could a mother kill their own children” is highlighted and laid out in this book. They are separated in sections: for love of a man, for money, for religion, for love of the children and others. The Cases of women killing their children are discussed with facts and information from trials and accounts of other people. Women like Andrea Yates and Casey Anthony are discussed. Of Magda Goebbels, a woman who was so brainwashed by her ideals that she would rather kill her children than allow them to live outside the Nazi ideology they grew up in.
Margaret "Peggy" Garner, who murdered her daughters so they wouldn’t have to suffer the same fate as a female slave as she did.
This book was a fascinating read on the thoughts that might have gone through these women’s minds as they planned murder. Some are just downright evil and cruel. Others, one could make an argument that these women were doing what they thought best with the circumstances they had, no matter how barbaric and cruel it seems to the outsider.
I finished this book in four days. Amanda Woomer has created a fascinating and engaging case study. If you’re interested in true crime, this is a hard, yet very good read.

[Jacynthe · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

I went into this audiobook expecting a chilling true crime read, and while it definitely had its moments, it ended up being just okay for me.

The book covers over 30 cases of mothers who committed horrific crimes, including well known names like Andrea Yates and Casey Anthony, along with some lesser-known stories. The topic itself is disturbing and intriguing, and a few cases really stood out and stuck with me.

However, the format felt pretty repetitive after a while. Since there are so many cases packed in, most of them don’t go very deep, which made it harder to stay fully engaged. I found my attention drifting in parts, and the pacing felt a bit slow overall.

It’s not a bad book it’s informative and definitely unsettling but it didn’t fully hold my interest the whole way through. I think it’ll work better for readers who prefer quick true crime overviews rather than deep dives.

[Kristina K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Highbridge Audio for the advance copy of the audiobook.

It was a very interesting read from start to finish, it examines many different true stories, across many different eras. Each chapter focuses on a different case and examines all the facts to each case. There are a wide variety of different true stories, very well written and thoroughly researched. I am a lover of true crime but some of the stories were very difficult to read but they are important to reflect on the mental struggles each of these mothers were faced with. There are many different reasons that these murders happen and it is thought provoking to investigate what is going though each mother's internal thoughts. There needs to be more support for mothers and the mental health struggles many of them faced in their post partum journey.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for audiobook of Killer Moms: True Stories by Amanda R. Woomer. Narrated by Courtney Patterson.

I’m a true crime fan and I’ve never understood how a mother could kill her children. This book has 31 cases of mothers killing. They killed for a variety of reasons - sometimes because the children were in the way, sometimes they had the misguided belief that they were saving their children, among other reasons. I’ve heard of some of the cases in this book, but most were new to me. The narration was good, and I liked that these stories weren’t presented in a sensational, tabloid type style. It was factual, but not dry and boring.

Thank you to the author, Highbridge Audio, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Keiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was such a fascinating read. Delving into mother's who have murdered their children for a multitudes of reasons, from love, money, honour or mercy killing. It delved into cases going back centuries and across cultures which I loved learning about. It highlighted many women who were failed by service around them such as Andrea Yates which lead to her drowning her 5 children in the bath. Some stories were definitely more harrowing than others. Learning that 1/5 women suffer from post-partum depression, (which I definitely didn't realise it was that common!) and 1/200 suffer from post-partum psychosis. This book wouldn't be for everyone, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone who would be interested in reading it!

[Eva Edge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer Moms by Amanda R. Woomer is a chilling, meticulously researched collection that feels like a high-quality true crime podcast bound in a book.
Audiobook narrated with impressive clarity by Courtney Patterson, each chapter serves as a deep-dive "episode" into the backgrounds, mental states, and crimes of women who committed the unthinkable.

This is an anthology of dark history best consumed in small doses rather than in a single sitting. Though true crime isn't my usual "cup of tea," the author’s focus on the psychology behind the headlines is fascinating. A "terrifying" 4-star pick that is absolutely essential for podcast fans, even if the sheer volume of cases can make your head spin!

[Kailee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yikes, how do you even rate and review such heavy material.

Okay, I enjoyed the structure: cases sorted by "motivation" to show the complex reasons such tragic events occur. I enjoyed the narration, very passionate about the subject. Good research into the lives of the mothers and the events that led to their....situation. Very shocking and emotional cases. If you have a weak stomach (like I do!) it is a little vivid at times and hard to handle.

It did sort of feel like just listening to a full season of a podcast, but that's more to do with the mass amount of true crime podcasts out there, and less to do with the book itself.

Thanks to Netgalley and HighBridge for the chance to listen to this.

[Debbie Vandorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a true crime fan, this audiobook was right up my alley! I can easily spend an entire afternoon watching (or listening in this case) to true crime, so I was really curious and excited about this one.
Killer Moms introduces you to dozens of women who committed the unthinkable, murdering their own child(ren). The stories span different time periods and explore a wide range of motives. What makes it even more chilling is that every single case is real, no matter how shocking or unbelievable it may seem.
Some stories affected me more than others. The more recent cases and especially those involving multiple children, were truly heartbreaking and these lingered with me longer.

Overall, this was a gripping and disturbing listen that true crime lovers will definitely appreciate.

[Amber Nay🖤💫 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars! I really did like the premise but this was kind of weird for a true crime novel. Some stories were glossed over while some had lots of detail. I also kind of just wanted the facts, and there seemed to be a lot of personal opinion involved. Also, when the author wrote about Casey Anthony, she wrote like it was possible that she didn’t kill her daughter(let’s be real, we all know she did it). If you aren’t going to actually consider someone a “killer mom” then why put them in the story? I dunno, like I said, kind of weird for true crime, but overall it was informative and a decent read. The narrator did a wonderful job.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating but gruesome at times. True crime stories, and the motivations for why crimes are committed are so interesting to me but sometimes podcasts, while entertaining, draw the stories out too much and add extraneous details when all I want are the facts. This book does a great job of giving me the facts without embellishment. Tons of research brings the stories to life, and the narrator does a terrific job of balancing the gruesome facts with equal parts sensitivity and seriousness. Highly recommended if you want to know more about these crimes without added supposition.

Thank you to NetGalley and Highbridge Audio for the review copy.