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Grace Morton #2
A Mother Always Knows
I stare at the photo of my beautiful daughter. Her hair is shining and her face is lit up with a smile. The man with her looks so happy too. But my mother’s instinct is screaming. I know something is terribly, terribly wrong. And I know what I have to do…
I wish I could hold her tight. See if she still wears the same perfume she always wore. But my daughter blames me for her father’s death. She won’t even talk to me… I just know she isn’t really safe with her boyfriend, Garth. I will keep my distance and I will just watch her. For now.
But I tremble with fear when the police knock at her door. Garth has gone missing. And my daughter is accused of his murder.
There’s no evidence that I ever hurt anyone… is there? Do the police know about my past – and what I’ve really been doing?
Only one thing is certain. My beautiful girl is in terrible danger.
But from the man she loves?
From herself?
Or from me?
An absolutely explosive psychological thriller that will have you racing through the pages deep into the night! Fans of Shari Lapena, Freida McFadden and The Perfect Marriage won’t be able to put this down.
I wish I could hold her tight. See if she still wears the same perfume she always wore. But my daughter blames me for her father’s death. She won’t even talk to me… I just know she isn’t really safe with her boyfriend, Garth. I will keep my distance and I will just watch her. For now.
But I tremble with fear when the police knock at her door. Garth has gone missing. And my daughter is accused of his murder.
There’s no evidence that I ever hurt anyone… is there? Do the police know about my past – and what I’ve really been doing?
Only one thing is certain. My beautiful girl is in terrible danger.
But from the man she loves?
From herself?
Or from me?
An absolutely explosive psychological thriller that will have you racing through the pages deep into the night! Fans of Shari Lapena, Freida McFadden and The Perfect Marriage won’t be able to put this down.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2024
1201 people are currently reading
559 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Trope
43 books1,888 followersNicole Trope writes psychological thrillers about families in crisis and the secrets we keep from ourselves and others. She has always been fascinated by the stories behind the headlines and published her first novel in 2012. In 2026 she will publish her 20th novel with Bookouture. She is a USA Today and Amazon bestseller in the USA, UK, AUS, Canada and Germany. Her books have been translated into German, Italian, Polish, Hungarian and French and Japanese.
She lives in Sydney with her husband and three children
Current Publication: The Therapist-July 31st 2025
Next Publication: What Have You Done?-October 17th 2025
She lives in Sydney with her husband and three children
Current Publication: The Therapist-July 31st 2025
Next Publication: What Have You Done?-October 17th 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
December 9, 2024
A Mother Always Knows
By: Nicole Trope
Pub date: December 9, 2024
Publisher: Bookouture
Mothers always seem to know what is best for their children, in most circumstances. Some mothers can be overbearing but well-meaning.
THIS mother will be one of those types of mothers. She knows her daughter’s boyfriend Garth is not what is best for her daughter.
She has GONE OVERBOARD, with disguises, stalking and other erratic behavior. When Garth goes up missing her daughter is beside herself. Little does she know what her mother is up too.
Get ready for one DELICIOUS ride. Trope novels are one I can read in one sitting, because they keep me engaged to find out WHATS NEXT!!!
By: Nicole Trope
Pub date: December 9, 2024
Publisher: Bookouture
Mothers always seem to know what is best for their children, in most circumstances. Some mothers can be overbearing but well-meaning.
THIS mother will be one of those types of mothers. She knows her daughter’s boyfriend Garth is not what is best for her daughter.
She has GONE OVERBOARD, with disguises, stalking and other erratic behavior. When Garth goes up missing her daughter is beside herself. Little does she know what her mother is up too.
Get ready for one DELICIOUS ride. Trope novels are one I can read in one sitting, because they keep me engaged to find out WHATS NEXT!!!
January 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and to Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of A Mother Always Knows (Grace Morton Book 2) by Nicole Trope. I was quite excited to read this book after finishing Not a Good Enough Mother (Grace Morton #1). It did not disappoint! It was a great read and kept me totally engaged. It was fast paced and twisty. I enjoyed this one more than the first one but I would recommend reading them in order. I have read a few books by Nicole Trope now and have enjoyed them all. Looking for a good read, try this one. A 5 star rating from me.
May 31, 2025
~3.5~
A Mother Always Knows is not as twisty as the first Grace Morton book, but it's still fast-paced and addictive. I enjoyed it quite a lot.
Grace is strong, smart, and sly. She's capable of murder (as she's proved more than once), but she's also a good mother and will do anything for her daughters. I love cheering for morally grey characters!
Plus, Grace is in her 50s, and mass media rarely features strong female protagonists of any age, much less women over 40.
The half star deduction is for Cordelia, Grace's daughter, who was whiney, weak, and annoying. She was an exceptionally irritating character with wild mood swings, lashing out at her mom like a toddler. Cordelia had endured trauma, so I tried to dredge up some sympathy, but nope. She was insufferable.
A Mother Always Knows is not as twisty as the first Grace Morton book, but it's still fast-paced and addictive. I enjoyed it quite a lot.
Grace is strong, smart, and sly. She's capable of murder (as she's proved more than once), but she's also a good mother and will do anything for her daughters. I love cheering for morally grey characters!
Plus, Grace is in her 50s, and mass media rarely features strong female protagonists of any age, much less women over 40.
The half star deduction is for Cordelia, Grace's daughter, who was whiney, weak, and annoying. She was an exceptionally irritating character with wild mood swings, lashing out at her mom like a toddler. Cordelia had endured trauma, so I tried to dredge up some sympathy, but nope. She was insufferable.
October 22, 2024
★★★★ 4.5 stars
Mother. Daughter. Killer...?
For those of you who have not yet read the first book, "Not A Good Enough Mother" , go grab yourself a copy and read that first because this one will make a lot more sense alongside that one.
We meet Grace again, picking up from where the first book left off, as she boards the plane from Sydney to Melbourne. This time with her daughter Cordelia firmly on her mind. Since Grace's life imploded six years ago, Cordelia has refused all contact with her mother blaming her for all that had happened. Grace is the first to admit that she certainly made mistakes and has regretted them ever since. But Cordelia refuses to forgive her mother and Grace can hardly blame her.
But a mother always knows when their child is in danger. And sensing that Cordelia was, Grace left Sydney and flew to Melbourne where she knew her daughter was now living. She has remained in the background whilst keeping an eye on Cordelia from afar through her instagram profile, where she noticed here daughter's supposedly devoted boyfriend make some inappropriate comments. Inappropriate in that if he really loved and cared for her daughter, he wouldn't make such snide or backhanded comments to her. Grace didn't trust him and she needed to know that Cordelia was safe with him.
Once again Grace takes on the persona of an assistant, this time in the boyfriend's law firm filling in for a week while the regular admin assistant was on leave. But the moment she steps into his office she knows something is wrong. Garth isn't here and as it is a weekday he is meant to be. After all, he claims to work all the hours God sends, doesn't he? At least that's what he tells Cordelia. But is it the truth?
After her life fell apart so spectacularly six years ago, Cordelia Morton ran. She took herself off to the UK to try and forget for a while. And it did...for a while. Until she met handsome and charming Garth Stanford-Brown. And she confided in him all about her past and he seemed to understand. And she loved him all the more for it. So when she decided to return to Australia, Garth followed her taking up a position in their sister firm down under. And for four and half years, life was perfect. Until it wasn't.
When cracks began to show, Cordelia wiped them away to invisible, devoted as she was to Garth. But then one day he disappears and her anger turns to worry as her texts to him go unanswered.
And then the police knock on her door. And Cordelia realises she's in trouble. There is only one person who can help her. One person who can understand what she's going through. The one person she vowed she would never ever speak to again. Her mother.
"Mum I need you. Please come."
That's all Grace needs to come running when she receives the text from Cordelia. But can Grace unravel the mystery of what happened to Garth in time to save her daughter?
Going overboard with disguises, Grace stalks, waits, watches and a bunch of other erratic behaviours that are questionable at best. Grace knows Garth is not good for her daughter and the deeper she delves, the more she questions what really is at play here. Assume nothing. Believe no one. Question everything.
And get ready for one delicious ride!
I enjoyed this book more than the first one I think because the pace was much faster. I literally devoured it in under a day. There were loads of red herrings, twists and questionable characters. The first book may have had that shocking reveal at the end, but this one had the speedier pace to keep you racing through the pages until the very end.
A quick and easy read that was thoroughly entertaining.
I would like to thank #NicoleTrope, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #AMotherAlwaysKnows in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Mother. Daughter. Killer...?
For those of you who have not yet read the first book, "Not A Good Enough Mother" , go grab yourself a copy and read that first because this one will make a lot more sense alongside that one.
We meet Grace again, picking up from where the first book left off, as she boards the plane from Sydney to Melbourne. This time with her daughter Cordelia firmly on her mind. Since Grace's life imploded six years ago, Cordelia has refused all contact with her mother blaming her for all that had happened. Grace is the first to admit that she certainly made mistakes and has regretted them ever since. But Cordelia refuses to forgive her mother and Grace can hardly blame her.
But a mother always knows when their child is in danger. And sensing that Cordelia was, Grace left Sydney and flew to Melbourne where she knew her daughter was now living. She has remained in the background whilst keeping an eye on Cordelia from afar through her instagram profile, where she noticed here daughter's supposedly devoted boyfriend make some inappropriate comments. Inappropriate in that if he really loved and cared for her daughter, he wouldn't make such snide or backhanded comments to her. Grace didn't trust him and she needed to know that Cordelia was safe with him.
Once again Grace takes on the persona of an assistant, this time in the boyfriend's law firm filling in for a week while the regular admin assistant was on leave. But the moment she steps into his office she knows something is wrong. Garth isn't here and as it is a weekday he is meant to be. After all, he claims to work all the hours God sends, doesn't he? At least that's what he tells Cordelia. But is it the truth?
After her life fell apart so spectacularly six years ago, Cordelia Morton ran. She took herself off to the UK to try and forget for a while. And it did...for a while. Until she met handsome and charming Garth Stanford-Brown. And she confided in him all about her past and he seemed to understand. And she loved him all the more for it. So when she decided to return to Australia, Garth followed her taking up a position in their sister firm down under. And for four and half years, life was perfect. Until it wasn't.
When cracks began to show, Cordelia wiped them away to invisible, devoted as she was to Garth. But then one day he disappears and her anger turns to worry as her texts to him go unanswered.
And then the police knock on her door. And Cordelia realises she's in trouble. There is only one person who can help her. One person who can understand what she's going through. The one person she vowed she would never ever speak to again. Her mother.
"Mum I need you. Please come."
That's all Grace needs to come running when she receives the text from Cordelia. But can Grace unravel the mystery of what happened to Garth in time to save her daughter?
Going overboard with disguises, Grace stalks, waits, watches and a bunch of other erratic behaviours that are questionable at best. Grace knows Garth is not good for her daughter and the deeper she delves, the more she questions what really is at play here. Assume nothing. Believe no one. Question everything.
And get ready for one delicious ride!
I enjoyed this book more than the first one I think because the pace was much faster. I literally devoured it in under a day. There were loads of red herrings, twists and questionable characters. The first book may have had that shocking reveal at the end, but this one had the speedier pace to keep you racing through the pages until the very end.
A quick and easy read that was thoroughly entertaining.
I would like to thank #NicoleTrope, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #AMotherAlwaysKnows in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
November 26, 2024
This is book #6 for me by Nicole Trope and it sure kept me on my toes! I will start off by saying I did not read book #1 in this series and I don’t think I needed to in order for this book to make sense but I want to read book #1 now. Grace seems very over protective with her daughter Cordelia and disguises herself to go work at her job. I thought to myself, how would I not recognize my own mother at work!? Anyhow, lots of secrets and lies throughout with a twist I did not see coming at the end. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review. Looking forward to many more books by Nicole.
August 17, 2025
Nicole Grope is a great thriller writer, and this is the second book I've read from her. Be working through many other books by her. This book was centred around a few characters, Grace and Cordelia particularly took the narrative along its way. The twists were also unexpected. A compelling read. Loved every page. A full 5 stars
January 29, 2025
A MOTHER ALWAYS KNOWS, psychological thriller, is book 2 in the Grace Morton Series by bestselling author Nicole Trope. I was anxious to start book 2 in this series, as I really enjoyed book 1, as well as her standalone novels. While I think that this novel works fine as a stand-alone, I recommend starting with book 1 for clarity and content.
Grace Morton Series Includes:
1. Not a Good Enough Mother (2024)
aka The Assistant
2. A Mother Always Knows (2024)
This is my review of A Mother Always Knows.
This is the story of the love a mother has for her children and the lengths she will go to protect them.
Cordella Morton blames her mother Grace for her father’s death, when their house burned down in Sydney, Australia. Five years ago, Grace Morton was declared not responsible for his death, and ended up in a criminal psychiatric facility until recently. Grace then worked as an assistant for a successful business woman, Ava Green, to help her manage both family life with her husband and two young daughters.
Grace’s twenty-four-year-old daughter, Cordella Morton is living in Melbourne, Australia with her older boyfriend, Garth in his apartment…but she is not happy as she suspects he is cheating on her.
Cordelia started a job at a graphic design firm, while Garth is a partner in a law office.
Cordelia, Grace’s daughter has a trust fund that she will inherit when she turns twenty-five.
But Grace senses all is not right in paradise…and her daughter is not happy, so Grace leaves her job and moves to Melbourne to try to help Cordelia, even though Cordelia wants nothing to do with her mother. Grace knows that Cordelia isn’t really safe with her boyfriend, Garth. Grace decides to watch her and him. She has a plan.
Then Garth is missing and a bloodied knife is found in Cordelia’s car. And immediately Cordelia is accused of his murder.
Grace must step in and save her daughter from this nightmare.
This was an excellent novel, and I found myself flipping the pages to uncover the truth. An amazing read!
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
Grace Morton Series Includes:
1. Not a Good Enough Mother (2024)
aka The Assistant
2. A Mother Always Knows (2024)
This is my review of A Mother Always Knows.
This is the story of the love a mother has for her children and the lengths she will go to protect them.
Cordella Morton blames her mother Grace for her father’s death, when their house burned down in Sydney, Australia. Five years ago, Grace Morton was declared not responsible for his death, and ended up in a criminal psychiatric facility until recently. Grace then worked as an assistant for a successful business woman, Ava Green, to help her manage both family life with her husband and two young daughters.
Grace’s twenty-four-year-old daughter, Cordella Morton is living in Melbourne, Australia with her older boyfriend, Garth in his apartment…but she is not happy as she suspects he is cheating on her.
Cordelia started a job at a graphic design firm, while Garth is a partner in a law office.
Cordelia, Grace’s daughter has a trust fund that she will inherit when she turns twenty-five.
But Grace senses all is not right in paradise…and her daughter is not happy, so Grace leaves her job and moves to Melbourne to try to help Cordelia, even though Cordelia wants nothing to do with her mother. Grace knows that Cordelia isn’t really safe with her boyfriend, Garth. Grace decides to watch her and him. She has a plan.
Then Garth is missing and a bloodied knife is found in Cordelia’s car. And immediately Cordelia is accused of his murder.
Grace must step in and save her daughter from this nightmare.
This was an excellent novel, and I found myself flipping the pages to uncover the truth. An amazing read!
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital copy.
December 29, 2025
This was just as good as the first one! I recommend reading these two books by Trope back-to-back.
Twisted, psych thrillers, nonstop pacing—you will binge read.
I especially loved how the “Mother” was looking out for her daughters in both books…and yet they thought she was initially the enemy.
.
Thanks again for my bday gift books, Jackie!!
Twisted, psych thrillers, nonstop pacing—you will binge read.
I especially loved how the “Mother” was looking out for her daughters in both books…and yet they thought she was initially the enemy.
.
Thanks again for my bday gift books, Jackie!!
December 12, 2024
I have a dark side and reading about Grace satisfies that dark side because Grace has the tenacity and temerity to accomplish what few people have the wherewithal to.
Karma is a b**ch and so is Grace when crossed.
I thought Cordelia was insipid and quite useless. When the chips were down she cried for her mommy who naturally swoops in right everything. That only enables Cordelia but that’s her problem.
I loved how Grace exacted revenge on a person who had done her wrong years ago.
What comes around goes around.
The world doesn’t play fair and neither does Grace.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance read.
Karma is a b**ch and so is Grace when crossed.
I thought Cordelia was insipid and quite useless. When the chips were down she cried for her mommy who naturally swoops in right everything. That only enables Cordelia but that’s her problem.
I loved how Grace exacted revenge on a person who had done her wrong years ago.
What comes around goes around.
The world doesn’t play fair and neither does Grace.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance read.
November 13, 2024
I devoured this book. I was captivated from the start. A fast paced psychological thriller filled with twists and turns throughout this story. I had high expectations of this book because of "Not A Good Enough Mother " and I was not disappointed. I definitely recommend
October 21, 2024
I requested this not realizing I hadn't read the first so ran out and got it...zoomed through it and then zoomed through this one. Was so good!! Every character had a reason and perfectly aligned with each other. Great twist. Loved! Hoping there's more to come. The writing style just draws you in.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
December 1, 2024
This is the second book in the Grace Morton series , book one ‘Not a good enough Mother’ (previously titled The Assistant) was a really good read that I thoroughly enjoyed so I was keen to read this next instalment.
Grace is now in Melbourne and desperate to fix her broken relationship with her daughter Cordelia. When Cordelia’s boyfriend Garth goes missing, the finger of blame is being pointed at Cordelia but Grace knows there’s more to the story. As Garth’s disappearance lingers on Grace soon realises that she is connected to things whether Cordelia wants to believe it or not, and Grace being Grace will stop at nothing to protect her daughter.
A mother’s love knows no limits as Grace proves again and again. I would recommend reading book 1 in the series before this one to get an idea of the characters. I can’t say I enjoyed this one as much as the first one and am undecided if I would read more in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my eARC.
Grace is now in Melbourne and desperate to fix her broken relationship with her daughter Cordelia. When Cordelia’s boyfriend Garth goes missing, the finger of blame is being pointed at Cordelia but Grace knows there’s more to the story. As Garth’s disappearance lingers on Grace soon realises that she is connected to things whether Cordelia wants to believe it or not, and Grace being Grace will stop at nothing to protect her daughter.
A mother’s love knows no limits as Grace proves again and again. I would recommend reading book 1 in the series before this one to get an idea of the characters. I can’t say I enjoyed this one as much as the first one and am undecided if I would read more in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my eARC.
March 12, 2025
Fast paced and a great thriller!
November 1, 2024
2.5 stars
Before I start, I must confess that I haven't read the first book. This showed a lot of promise till the climax and then couldn't just live up to its expectations.
Grace moves to Melbourne to keep a check on her daughter Cordelia who is living with the problematic Gareth. The whole working in disguise was quite fun to read. Cordelia is frantic as she cannot get a hold of breath and unfortunate circumstances get the mother daughter pair meeting up.
The interactions between the pair was realistic but the storyline especially the reveal wasn't anything new. Also the whole stalker part was not required.
On the whole, the book keeps you hooked and it's a good one time read. This was not for me but I am sure there are people who will like it.
I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the E-Arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Before I start, I must confess that I haven't read the first book. This showed a lot of promise till the climax and then couldn't just live up to its expectations.
Grace moves to Melbourne to keep a check on her daughter Cordelia who is living with the problematic Gareth. The whole working in disguise was quite fun to read. Cordelia is frantic as she cannot get a hold of breath and unfortunate circumstances get the mother daughter pair meeting up.
The interactions between the pair was realistic but the storyline especially the reveal wasn't anything new. Also the whole stalker part was not required.
On the whole, the book keeps you hooked and it's a good one time read. This was not for me but I am sure there are people who will like it.
I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the E-Arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 5, 2024
I wish I could hold her tight. See if she still wears the same perfume she always wore. But my daughter blames me for her father’s death. She won’t even talk to me… I just know she isn’t really safe with her boyfriend, Garth. I will keep my distance and I will just watch her. For now.
But I tremble with fear when the police knock at her door. Garth has gone missing. And my daughter is accused of his murder.
There’s no evidence that I ever hurt anyone… is there? Do the police know about my past – and what I’ve really been doing?
Only one thing is certain. My beautiful girl is in terrible danger.
. Cordelia and Ava
You really should read the first book “Not a Good Enough Mother” before you pick this one up. This book will introduce you to the characters, and it sets up the scene for what occurs in this book, book two. In the previous book we learn how Grace set the family home on fire killing her husband. Her daughter Cordelia has never been able to come to terms with this and they have not seen each other for six years.
Grace Morton senses her daughter Cordelia is on trouble so travels to Melbourne to try and see what her daughter is up to. After placing on a disguise Grace finds out that she is not keen on the man in Cordelia’s life and has concerns that the large inheritance that is coming her way in less than twelve months may be why Garth is so keen on her daughter. Then there is her other daughter Ava but even Cordelia knows nothing about her, a complete mystery. I am hopeful that there will be a third book as ava is a mystery.
Next, we know Garth goes missing and the police believe that Cordelia has something to do with his disappearance. This is where the story deepens, and I very much enjoyed it. I am not going to say anymore as the rest of the plot is exciting and very well thought out by the author. I suggest you pick up this series as I do not feel you will be disappointed.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
But I tremble with fear when the police knock at her door. Garth has gone missing. And my daughter is accused of his murder.
There’s no evidence that I ever hurt anyone… is there? Do the police know about my past – and what I’ve really been doing?
Only one thing is certain. My beautiful girl is in terrible danger.
. Cordelia and Ava
You really should read the first book “Not a Good Enough Mother” before you pick this one up. This book will introduce you to the characters, and it sets up the scene for what occurs in this book, book two. In the previous book we learn how Grace set the family home on fire killing her husband. Her daughter Cordelia has never been able to come to terms with this and they have not seen each other for six years.
Grace Morton senses her daughter Cordelia is on trouble so travels to Melbourne to try and see what her daughter is up to. After placing on a disguise Grace finds out that she is not keen on the man in Cordelia’s life and has concerns that the large inheritance that is coming her way in less than twelve months may be why Garth is so keen on her daughter. Then there is her other daughter Ava but even Cordelia knows nothing about her, a complete mystery. I am hopeful that there will be a third book as ava is a mystery.
Next, we know Garth goes missing and the police believe that Cordelia has something to do with his disappearance. This is where the story deepens, and I very much enjoyed it. I am not going to say anymore as the rest of the plot is exciting and very well thought out by the author. I suggest you pick up this series as I do not feel you will be disappointed.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
November 24, 2024
“A Mother Always Knows” by Nicole Trope is a riveting 5-star read! This second installment in the Grace Morton series is a must-read! The first book was originally titled “The Assistant” and later changed to “Not a Good Enough Mother”. In this story, Grace travels to Melbourne to check on her younger daughter, Cordelia, only to uncover that Cordelia might be in deeper trouble than she can handle alone. With their estranged relationship adding tension, Grace must navigate both her past and present to help her daughter.
I recommend starting with the first book to fully appreciate Grace’s fiery backstory and the complexities of her relationship with Cordelia. That said, if you dive straight into this book, Nicole Trope does a great job recapping the key events of Grace’s past. Most chapters are relatively short, making this a fast-paced and engaging read. While some twists might be predictable, they add to the story’s realism rather than feeling far-fetched or implausible.
Another fantastic story by Nicole Trope! I’m already looking forward to her next book.
Thanks to Bookouture, Nicole Trope, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
I recommend starting with the first book to fully appreciate Grace’s fiery backstory and the complexities of her relationship with Cordelia. That said, if you dive straight into this book, Nicole Trope does a great job recapping the key events of Grace’s past. Most chapters are relatively short, making this a fast-paced and engaging read. While some twists might be predictable, they add to the story’s realism rather than feeling far-fetched or implausible.
Another fantastic story by Nicole Trope! I’m already looking forward to her next book.
Thanks to Bookouture, Nicole Trope, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.
June 28, 2025
This was a fanominal duology. Nicole Trope is a fantastic writer. My heart went out to Cordelia, nobody deserves to be trumpled on & taken advantage of like she was. You need to get to know the characters, & Grace herself was constantly trying to make excuses for her drinking, she was an overbearing mother, & many times Grace frustrated her daughters, then she was trying to help. This book definitely had Its twists & sharp turns, keeping you guessing. I am glad that the main calpret got booked into a psychward, so she most certainly got a taste of her own medication.
January 11, 2025
Thank you Bookouture for a copy on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Mother Always Knows is the devilish sequel to Not A Good Enough Mother.
We return to see what happens with the next chapter of Grace Morton’s life.
I suggest you read the first book before this one as you get more insight into plot and characters.
Cordelia has been estranged from her mother, Grace for many years after a tragic event in the past.
Watching her daughter from afar, a mother knows when she is needed.
When Cordelia is the number one suspect in the disappearance of her older possessive boyfriend Garth, Grace is not far away.
Then Cordelia contacts her and Grace is instantly there to help.
And a mother will do anything to protect their child……
Nicole consistently gives her readers enthralling and interesting reads.
I found the character of Grace in both books fascinating.
A heart pounding, domestic suspense that easily read in a sitting.
I don’t think we have seen the last of Grace Morton…..
A Mother Always Knows is the devilish sequel to Not A Good Enough Mother.
We return to see what happens with the next chapter of Grace Morton’s life.
I suggest you read the first book before this one as you get more insight into plot and characters.
Cordelia has been estranged from her mother, Grace for many years after a tragic event in the past.
Watching her daughter from afar, a mother knows when she is needed.
When Cordelia is the number one suspect in the disappearance of her older possessive boyfriend Garth, Grace is not far away.
Then Cordelia contacts her and Grace is instantly there to help.
And a mother will do anything to protect their child……
Nicole consistently gives her readers enthralling and interesting reads.
I found the character of Grace in both books fascinating.
A heart pounding, domestic suspense that easily read in a sitting.
I don’t think we have seen the last of Grace Morton…..
December 30, 2024
This is a fast-paced, tension filled novel full of twists you won't see coming. This book features family drama, secrets, and lies to keep the suspense going. This was a quick, easy, entertaining read for the end of the year!
August 3, 2025
1⭐️
It took me so long to read I was so unmotivated to pick it up some times!
It dragged on and the ending was kind of boring as well as disappointing.
It took me so long to read I was so unmotivated to pick it up some times!
It dragged on and the ending was kind of boring as well as disappointing.
December 30, 2024
A “thriller” about a girl and her boyfriend, who goes missing. This is complicated by the fact that the girl is estranged from her mother who recently was released from jail. I found the main character to be too wishy-washy and was bored with it all. There was a good twist but it was slow getting there.
December 9, 2024
“A Mother Always Knows" by Nicole Trope, is a captivating look at the complex bond between a mother and her daughter, set against a backdrop of trauma and loss. The narrative effectively captures the mother’s desperate need to protect her daughter, while also highlighting the daughter’s deep resentment over her father's death. Trope skillfully builds tension, making me question the characters' motives throughout.
The suspense is extreme, especially as the story unfolds and secrets are revealed. The clever twist adds an unexpected layer that challenges the characters, enhancing the overall impact of the story. Trope's writing is engaging, making this a compelling read for anyone who appreciates psychological dramas centered on family dynamics.
The suspense is extreme, especially as the story unfolds and secrets are revealed. The clever twist adds an unexpected layer that challenges the characters, enhancing the overall impact of the story. Trope's writing is engaging, making this a compelling read for anyone who appreciates psychological dramas centered on family dynamics.
April 23, 2025
Cordelia è la figlia di Grace. Ha 24 anni e il suo fidanzato, Garth, pur essendo più grande di lei, non sembra abbastanza maturo per una relazione seria e duratura.
Quando la ragazza riceve il messaggio: “Solo per dirti che oggi lavoro fino a tardi”, sa che significa soltanto una cosa: “Sarò con lei.”
Eppure, lei non ha prove certe. Potrebbe essere tutto solo nella sua mente. Ci sarebbe una persona che potrebbe rispondere ai suoi sospetti, una persona con la quale Cordelia non vuole più avere niente a che fare: sua madre.
L’autrice fa un breve recap di quanto accaduto nel primo libro, “Una madre non abbastanza brava”. Anche in questo episodio, Grace trova un lavoro a tempo determinato in uno studio legale, non in uno a caso, in quello in cui lavora Garth. Perché una madre sa quando la figlia ha bisogno di lei.
“Che tipo di uomo sta frequentando mia figlia? Devo proteggerla da lui?” Il suo istinto di madre le dice di sì.
Cordelia teme di ripetere, nei confronti del fidanzato, gli errori e le sceneggiate che sua madre faceva a suo padre. Non vuole essere giudicata pazza come lei. È come se la vita della ragazza si fosse fermata a quella terribile mattina in cui perse suo padre.
Quando Garth non fa ritorno a casa e non si presenta nemmeno in ufficio, la vita di Cordelia “inizia a crollare come un castello di carte.”
A quel punto capisce che ha bisogno di sua madre, che deve provare a fidarsi di lei. Soprattutto ora che la giovane risulta essere la principale sospettata della scomparsa del compagno.
Come ha potuto la sua vita andare in frantumi un’altra volta? La disperazione di Cordelia cresce. È mai possibile che niente di ciò che aveva desiderato, si sia realizzato?
Non sarà un percorso di facile riavvicinamento, quello tra madre e figlia. Entrambe sono convinte che l’altra stia mentendo. Grace riuscirà a unire tutti i puntini e ad aiutare sua figlia o peggiorerà solo le cose?
C’è un colpo di scena in questa vicenda che nemmeno la stessa Grace poteva aspettarsi.
“Le tessere del domino disposte in modo tale da formare un disegno collassano tutte nello stesso istante.”
Quando la ragazza riceve il messaggio: “Solo per dirti che oggi lavoro fino a tardi”, sa che significa soltanto una cosa: “Sarò con lei.”
Eppure, lei non ha prove certe. Potrebbe essere tutto solo nella sua mente. Ci sarebbe una persona che potrebbe rispondere ai suoi sospetti, una persona con la quale Cordelia non vuole più avere niente a che fare: sua madre.
L’autrice fa un breve recap di quanto accaduto nel primo libro, “Una madre non abbastanza brava”. Anche in questo episodio, Grace trova un lavoro a tempo determinato in uno studio legale, non in uno a caso, in quello in cui lavora Garth. Perché una madre sa quando la figlia ha bisogno di lei.
“Che tipo di uomo sta frequentando mia figlia? Devo proteggerla da lui?” Il suo istinto di madre le dice di sì.
Cordelia teme di ripetere, nei confronti del fidanzato, gli errori e le sceneggiate che sua madre faceva a suo padre. Non vuole essere giudicata pazza come lei. È come se la vita della ragazza si fosse fermata a quella terribile mattina in cui perse suo padre.
Quando Garth non fa ritorno a casa e non si presenta nemmeno in ufficio, la vita di Cordelia “inizia a crollare come un castello di carte.”
A quel punto capisce che ha bisogno di sua madre, che deve provare a fidarsi di lei. Soprattutto ora che la giovane risulta essere la principale sospettata della scomparsa del compagno.
Come ha potuto la sua vita andare in frantumi un’altra volta? La disperazione di Cordelia cresce. È mai possibile che niente di ciò che aveva desiderato, si sia realizzato?
Non sarà un percorso di facile riavvicinamento, quello tra madre e figlia. Entrambe sono convinte che l’altra stia mentendo. Grace riuscirà a unire tutti i puntini e ad aiutare sua figlia o peggiorerà solo le cose?
C’è un colpo di scena in questa vicenda che nemmeno la stessa Grace poteva aspettarsi.
“Le tessere del domino disposte in modo tale da formare un disegno collassano tutte nello stesso istante.”
April 23, 2025
Questo secondo volume della serie con protagonista Grace Morton, che avevamo lasciato in viaggio verso Melbourne dove vive ora sua figlia Cordelia.
Il suo fidanzato non le piace. Secondo Grace è troppo grande per sua figlia, li spia sui social e ha notato la poca sensibilità nei confronti di Cordelia, perciò vuole vedere da vicino come sta, ma non troppo vicino, perché con Cordelia non si parlano da diversi anni, da quando la madre è stata accusata della morte del padre.
Qualcos'altro però succede durante la sua permanenza a Melbourne, Garth, il fidanzato di Grace sparisce nel nulla.
E' stata Grace? E' stata Cordelia? E' stata un allontanamento volontario? Cos'è successo a Garth?
Anche in questo romanzo ci sono due punti di vista, uno in prima persona che è quello di Grace e uno in terza persona per Cordelia. Ogni capitolo, breve per fortuna, è dedicato alternativamente a Grace e a Cordelia, quindi è stato interessante leggere la psicologia di entrambe, man mano che la storia andava avanti.
A volte mi sono immedesimata in Grace, una madre che controlla i figli con la paura che possa succedere loro qualcosa e intervenire se è il caso, ma al contempo che si frena per non essere troppo invadente, ma cercando sempre di essere una specie di Grande Fratello. Mi sono immedesimata anche in Cordelia, figlia che vuole tenere lontano sua madre per paura di soffrire ancora, ma che comunque vorrebbe il suo appoggio.
Oltre a questo, lo stile narrativo dell'autrice riesce a tenere alta la tensione, tra momenti in cui le protagoniste si fanno mille domande, cercando di risolvere la situazione, facendo anche un lavoro di introspezione e momenti in cui ci sono dei colpi di scena inaspettati!
Mi era piaciuto tanto il primo e riconfermo il mio apprezzamento anche per questo secondo romanzo!
Il suo fidanzato non le piace. Secondo Grace è troppo grande per sua figlia, li spia sui social e ha notato la poca sensibilità nei confronti di Cordelia, perciò vuole vedere da vicino come sta, ma non troppo vicino, perché con Cordelia non si parlano da diversi anni, da quando la madre è stata accusata della morte del padre.
Qualcos'altro però succede durante la sua permanenza a Melbourne, Garth, il fidanzato di Grace sparisce nel nulla.
E' stata Grace? E' stata Cordelia? E' stata un allontanamento volontario? Cos'è successo a Garth?
Anche in questo romanzo ci sono due punti di vista, uno in prima persona che è quello di Grace e uno in terza persona per Cordelia. Ogni capitolo, breve per fortuna, è dedicato alternativamente a Grace e a Cordelia, quindi è stato interessante leggere la psicologia di entrambe, man mano che la storia andava avanti.
A volte mi sono immedesimata in Grace, una madre che controlla i figli con la paura che possa succedere loro qualcosa e intervenire se è il caso, ma al contempo che si frena per non essere troppo invadente, ma cercando sempre di essere una specie di Grande Fratello. Mi sono immedesimata anche in Cordelia, figlia che vuole tenere lontano sua madre per paura di soffrire ancora, ma che comunque vorrebbe il suo appoggio.
Oltre a questo, lo stile narrativo dell'autrice riesce a tenere alta la tensione, tra momenti in cui le protagoniste si fanno mille domande, cercando di risolvere la situazione, facendo anche un lavoro di introspezione e momenti in cui ci sono dei colpi di scena inaspettati!
Mi era piaciuto tanto il primo e riconfermo il mio apprezzamento anche per questo secondo romanzo!
May 12, 2025
Ripetitivo, non all'altezza del primo capitolo della serie.
November 22, 2024
A Mother Always Knows by Nicole Trope is an excellent, very highly recommended psychological thriller. This un-put-downable novel continues the story of Grace Morton found in the book Not a Good Enough Mother. A Mother Always Knows can work as a standalone novel, but reading Not a Good Enough Mother first will provide more insight into the characters backgrounds.
Cordelia, 24, has been estranged from her mother, Grace, for six years, ever since her father's death. Grace loves Cordelia and still texts her daughter daily. She sees in social media that Cordelia's boyfriend, 33 year-old Garth, makes belittling comments and doesn't treat her daughter like he should. Grace decides to travel from Sydney to Melbourne to be closer to Cordelia. She dons a disguise and manages to get a position as a temporary assistant at the law firm where Garth works so she can check him out.
At the same time, Cordelia is concerned that Garth is having an affair because he always seems to be working or need to go out at night. Now he hasn't been home or work for several days and she is concerned, so she talks to the police. Cordelia quickly becomes the main suspect in Garth's disappearance. Cordelia finally turns to her mother for help and Grace quickly figures out that there is more going on than her daughter realizes.
This is an absolutely superb, suspenseful, and intense psychological thriller that will grab your attention immediately and hold it to the twisty, explosive ending. The pace starts out fast and continues throughout the entire novel. There is so much going on and the tension ramps up with each new secret, lie, deception, and twist along the way. You might have to set some disbelief aside, but you will gladly do it to see what happens next.
Grace and Cordelia are both interesting, fully realized characters. There is a whole lot more to Grace than most people will realize while Cordelia is a little too naive and trusting at times. Trope does an exceptional job portraying a mother's devotion even to an adult child. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/1...
Cordelia, 24, has been estranged from her mother, Grace, for six years, ever since her father's death. Grace loves Cordelia and still texts her daughter daily. She sees in social media that Cordelia's boyfriend, 33 year-old Garth, makes belittling comments and doesn't treat her daughter like he should. Grace decides to travel from Sydney to Melbourne to be closer to Cordelia. She dons a disguise and manages to get a position as a temporary assistant at the law firm where Garth works so she can check him out.
At the same time, Cordelia is concerned that Garth is having an affair because he always seems to be working or need to go out at night. Now he hasn't been home or work for several days and she is concerned, so she talks to the police. Cordelia quickly becomes the main suspect in Garth's disappearance. Cordelia finally turns to her mother for help and Grace quickly figures out that there is more going on than her daughter realizes.
This is an absolutely superb, suspenseful, and intense psychological thriller that will grab your attention immediately and hold it to the twisty, explosive ending. The pace starts out fast and continues throughout the entire novel. There is so much going on and the tension ramps up with each new secret, lie, deception, and twist along the way. You might have to set some disbelief aside, but you will gladly do it to see what happens next.
Grace and Cordelia are both interesting, fully realized characters. There is a whole lot more to Grace than most people will realize while Cordelia is a little too naive and trusting at times. Trope does an exceptional job portraying a mother's devotion even to an adult child. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/1...
October 24, 2024
Book Title: A Mother Always Knows
Series: Grace Morton Book #2
Author: Nicole Trope
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: December 9, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 257
In Not a good Enough Mother we are introduced to Grace Enright aka Grace Morton who was Ava Green’s Assistant - we also find out that Ava is her daughter.
In this story we are introduced again to Grace who is being a bit (a bit??) over protective with her daughter Cordelia.
Grace doesn’t like Cordelia’s choice in boyfriend Garth. Cordelia is twenty-four and Garth knows she will come into a nice Trust Fund when she turns twenty-five. He is thirty- three and sometimes treats her like a child
Grace decides to follow him aka stalking him ~ she uses a disguise as he has surely seen pictures of her.
She discovers that Garth has secrets worse than she imagined and she knows Cordelia is in danger.
When Garth goes missing Cordelia is upset however the next thing we know the police are accusing her of his murder.
Grace, of course, goes into protective mode and wants to clear her daughter.
This is my seventh Nicole Trope. I love her psychological thrillers and look forward to the twists and turns and ‘Big Reveal’
Book #1 was a WOW read for me so went into this story with high expectations. Perhaps a little too high as although I enjoyed it was not quite the Big Wow of Not A Good Enough Mother
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for granted me this Great early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 9, 2024.
Series: Grace Morton Book #2
Author: Nicole Trope
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: December 9, 2024
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 257
In Not a good Enough Mother we are introduced to Grace Enright aka Grace Morton who was Ava Green’s Assistant - we also find out that Ava is her daughter.
In this story we are introduced again to Grace who is being a bit (a bit??) over protective with her daughter Cordelia.
Grace doesn’t like Cordelia’s choice in boyfriend Garth. Cordelia is twenty-four and Garth knows she will come into a nice Trust Fund when she turns twenty-five. He is thirty- three and sometimes treats her like a child
Grace decides to follow him aka stalking him ~ she uses a disguise as he has surely seen pictures of her.
She discovers that Garth has secrets worse than she imagined and she knows Cordelia is in danger.
When Garth goes missing Cordelia is upset however the next thing we know the police are accusing her of his murder.
Grace, of course, goes into protective mode and wants to clear her daughter.
This is my seventh Nicole Trope. I love her psychological thrillers and look forward to the twists and turns and ‘Big Reveal’
Book #1 was a WOW read for me so went into this story with high expectations. Perhaps a little too high as although I enjoyed it was not quite the Big Wow of Not A Good Enough Mother
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for granted me this Great early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 9, 2024.
November 17, 2024
A Mother Always Knows by Nicole Trope is a gripping sequel that revisits Grace Morton, a fiercely devoted yet morally complex mother willing to go to any lengths to protect her daughter. This story dives into the fractured relationship between Grace and her daughter, Cordelia, weaving a tale of suspense, secrets, and redemption.
After the events of Not a Good Enough Mother (previously titled The Assistant), Grace and Cordelia have been estranged for six years following Grace’s devastating act of setting fire to their family home, which killed her unfaithful husband. Grace’s daily texts to Cordelia remain unanswered, but she can’t shake the feeling that her daughter is in danger. When Grace learns about Cordelia’s boyfriend Garth, a much older man with a controlling nature and an eye on her upcoming inheritance, she takes matters into her own hands—going undercover at his law firm in Melbourne.
The tension escalates when Garth goes missing, and Cordelia becomes the prime suspect. As Grace steps in to shield her daughter from the police and untangle the truth, the story unfolds with Nicole Trope’s signature red herrings, shocking twists, and deeply emotional stakes.
Grace remains a fascinating character: deeply flawed, cunning, and driven by an unbreakable maternal instinct. Her undercover antics and sharp intuition create a thrilling dynamic, while her fierce love for Cordelia adds a poignant emotional core. Cordelia, too, is given more depth as her vulnerability and resilience come to light.
The pacing is excellent, and the layers of mystery keep the pages turning. While this book can be read as a standalone, reading Not a Good Enough Mother first provides a richer understanding of Grace’s backstory and the motivations driving her actions.
Trigger warnings: emotional abuse, family estrangement, and murder investigation.
Thank you to NetGalley, Nicole Trope, and Bookouture for an advanced copy of this novel. Fans of psychological thrillers and emotionally charged mysteries will find A Mother Always Knows an unputdownable read!
After the events of Not a Good Enough Mother (previously titled The Assistant), Grace and Cordelia have been estranged for six years following Grace’s devastating act of setting fire to their family home, which killed her unfaithful husband. Grace’s daily texts to Cordelia remain unanswered, but she can’t shake the feeling that her daughter is in danger. When Grace learns about Cordelia’s boyfriend Garth, a much older man with a controlling nature and an eye on her upcoming inheritance, she takes matters into her own hands—going undercover at his law firm in Melbourne.
The tension escalates when Garth goes missing, and Cordelia becomes the prime suspect. As Grace steps in to shield her daughter from the police and untangle the truth, the story unfolds with Nicole Trope’s signature red herrings, shocking twists, and deeply emotional stakes.
Grace remains a fascinating character: deeply flawed, cunning, and driven by an unbreakable maternal instinct. Her undercover antics and sharp intuition create a thrilling dynamic, while her fierce love for Cordelia adds a poignant emotional core. Cordelia, too, is given more depth as her vulnerability and resilience come to light.
The pacing is excellent, and the layers of mystery keep the pages turning. While this book can be read as a standalone, reading Not a Good Enough Mother first provides a richer understanding of Grace’s backstory and the motivations driving her actions.
Trigger warnings: emotional abuse, family estrangement, and murder investigation.
Thank you to NetGalley, Nicole Trope, and Bookouture for an advanced copy of this novel. Fans of psychological thrillers and emotionally charged mysteries will find A Mother Always Knows an unputdownable read!
December 2, 2024
Mother knows best....
A Mother Always Knows is gripping, shocking, and kept me on my toes and turning the pages! I had a hard time putting this book down as the twist, turns, revelations, and tension all came into play. I had no idea how things were going to turn out and I was fully invested and intrigued as each reveal came into play!
Grace moved to Melbourne in hopes of rekindling her relationship with her daughter, Cordelia while keeping an eye on Cordelia's boyfriend, Garth. Mother-daughter relationships can be tricky when there is past trauma and blame. I had not read the first book in the series, Not a Good Enough Mother and appreciated how Nicole Trope gave me enough information to understand the dynamic and falling out between Grace and Cordelia. When Garth goes missing and investigators come calling, Cordelia needs her mother!
This book had twists and turns galore! Don't get me started on the secrets and lies which almost gave me whiplash! Just when I thought I had things figured out, Trope pulled the rug out from under me, and I was left reeling with my mouth hanging open!
I loved the fast pacing, the mounting tension, the finger pointing, the devious behavior, and the relationships between the characters. A Mother Always Knows worked very well as a riveting and gripping stand alone for me.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, addictive, and shocking! I can't wait to read what Nicole Trope writes next!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
A Mother Always Knows is gripping, shocking, and kept me on my toes and turning the pages! I had a hard time putting this book down as the twist, turns, revelations, and tension all came into play. I had no idea how things were going to turn out and I was fully invested and intrigued as each reveal came into play!
Grace moved to Melbourne in hopes of rekindling her relationship with her daughter, Cordelia while keeping an eye on Cordelia's boyfriend, Garth. Mother-daughter relationships can be tricky when there is past trauma and blame. I had not read the first book in the series, Not a Good Enough Mother and appreciated how Nicole Trope gave me enough information to understand the dynamic and falling out between Grace and Cordelia. When Garth goes missing and investigators come calling, Cordelia needs her mother!
This book had twists and turns galore! Don't get me started on the secrets and lies which almost gave me whiplash! Just when I thought I had things figured out, Trope pulled the rug out from under me, and I was left reeling with my mouth hanging open!
I loved the fast pacing, the mounting tension, the finger pointing, the devious behavior, and the relationships between the characters. A Mother Always Knows worked very well as a riveting and gripping stand alone for me.
Wonderfully written, well thought out, addictive, and shocking! I can't wait to read what Nicole Trope writes next!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
December 7, 2024
This taut thriller provides a compelling, headlong read. Although it may not contain as many surprises as the author hoped, it will have most readers engaged till the last word.
This book is labelled as the second Grace Morton book, but it’s very readable even if you haven’t read the first. There’s enough information contained in this novel that you feel you know the essentials from the past.
Grace Morton has just been released from a criminal psychiatric facility, and the thing she wants most in the world is to reconnect with her daughter Cordelia. But since Cordelia doesn’t want to see her, she’s limited to gazing at her daughter’s Instagram pictures of her and her partner Garth.
And Grace doesn’t like what she sees. She isn’t at all sure that Garth is good for Cordelia. She needs to find a way to meet him, and see if her instincts are correct.
Meanwhile, Cordelia is having doubts of her own about the relationship…
Trope has written this in a style that makes for a fast read: there’s not too much time for contemplating the plot as incident after incident piles on. I found it the right mix of credible and slightly out there which makes for a good psychological thriller. This was despite seeing a couple of the plot twists coming a mile away (as I think many readers would). However, others took me off guard.
It's a very readable style, and a relatively short novel. It’s just about right for the plot – not too drawn out – and it feels like a lot happens.
Characters were strong, and it was easy to believe their behaviour and thought processes. Cordelia in particular is likely to garner considerable reader empathy and understanding.
Although not a spectacularly original plot, this is extremely well done. It’s well constructed, populated with realistic characters behaving in a (mostly) believable way, and well paced. Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers will enjoy this.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
This book is labelled as the second Grace Morton book, but it’s very readable even if you haven’t read the first. There’s enough information contained in this novel that you feel you know the essentials from the past.
Grace Morton has just been released from a criminal psychiatric facility, and the thing she wants most in the world is to reconnect with her daughter Cordelia. But since Cordelia doesn’t want to see her, she’s limited to gazing at her daughter’s Instagram pictures of her and her partner Garth.
And Grace doesn’t like what she sees. She isn’t at all sure that Garth is good for Cordelia. She needs to find a way to meet him, and see if her instincts are correct.
Meanwhile, Cordelia is having doubts of her own about the relationship…
Trope has written this in a style that makes for a fast read: there’s not too much time for contemplating the plot as incident after incident piles on. I found it the right mix of credible and slightly out there which makes for a good psychological thriller. This was despite seeing a couple of the plot twists coming a mile away (as I think many readers would). However, others took me off guard.
It's a very readable style, and a relatively short novel. It’s just about right for the plot – not too drawn out – and it feels like a lot happens.
Characters were strong, and it was easy to believe their behaviour and thought processes. Cordelia in particular is likely to garner considerable reader empathy and understanding.
Although not a spectacularly original plot, this is extremely well done. It’s well constructed, populated with realistic characters behaving in a (mostly) believable way, and well paced. Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers will enjoy this.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
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