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The Secrets of Suburbia #1
A Mother's Lie
A mother will do whatever it takes to save her child’s life…
When Clara McNair’s two-year-old son, James, is diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, only a costly experimental treatment can save his life. Clara will do whatever it takes to get the money. Including dredging up painful memories that still haunt her nightmares…
It’s been ten long years since Clara fled west, a fugitive on the run after her parents’ mysterious disappearance. Now, a documentary film crew is offering cold, hard cash—enough to pay for James’s treatment—in exchange for the secrets of her troubled past.
With no choice but to delve into a long-buried tragedy, Clara must unravel the lies surrounding that terrible night, as she fights to clear her name and uncover the truth of what really happened. She’ll plunge into darkness to save her son.
But how far will she go to save herself…
When Clara McNair’s two-year-old son, James, is diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, only a costly experimental treatment can save his life. Clara will do whatever it takes to get the money. Including dredging up painful memories that still haunt her nightmares…
It’s been ten long years since Clara fled west, a fugitive on the run after her parents’ mysterious disappearance. Now, a documentary film crew is offering cold, hard cash—enough to pay for James’s treatment—in exchange for the secrets of her troubled past.
With no choice but to delve into a long-buried tragedy, Clara must unravel the lies surrounding that terrible night, as she fights to clear her name and uncover the truth of what really happened. She’ll plunge into darkness to save her son.
But how far will she go to save herself…
Unknown Binding
First published December 1, 2017
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About the author
Jo Crow
30 books135 followersJo Crow crafts chilling psychological thrillers that delve into the shadows of everyday life, where dark secrets and twisted motives lurk just beneath the surface. Her stories capture the eerie tension of family life, where the familiar can suddenly become dangerous.
When she’s not writing, Jo is a mom of two, often drawing inspiration from the unpredictability of parenthood. She enjoys curling up with a good thriller, taking her golden retriever on misty evening walks, and imagining the hidden fears that keep us awake at night.
Connect with Jo on Facebook, visit her website, or sign up for her mailing list for exclusive sneak peeks and updates.
When she’s not writing, Jo is a mom of two, often drawing inspiration from the unpredictability of parenthood. She enjoys curling up with a good thriller, taking her golden retriever on misty evening walks, and imagining the hidden fears that keep us awake at night.
Connect with Jo on Facebook, visit her website, or sign up for her mailing list for exclusive sneak peeks and updates.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
December 18, 2017
This was an interesting premise. I felt the characters were a little too stereotypical. I pegged whodunnit in the first chapter because the language felt stilted and false between two characters. It was a really quick read and certainly enjoyable so I feel that I would read more from this author.
December 26, 2024
This is a fine thriller/mystery. I enjoyed reading it however, it was a rather slow in parts throughout.
February 8, 2018
Not what I was expecting, but surprised by the twists...
When I came across this book, I was skeptical. I read the synopsis and when it said she had to go back to her past I had originally thought to deal with her parents. I was about to pass on this but kept reading and saw that her parents had disappeared. Okay, something different. Bought it and went right to reading it.
The author did a nice job writing the story. I felt its flow in the words with no hangups. Nicely done. Now, the storyline itself. Overall, it was a well thought out read. Characters for the most part were written well. I did like the turn of events in the end which gave it a new spin.
Now the issues I had with it were a few little things. First, Clara gets into a one-sided fight with an unknown, gets beat up real bad where from the writing you would think she broke her wrist. But then that's it. Doesn't go to the hospital and there is never a mention about it again until the end of the story. Kinda bothered me. For that brief moment, apparently Clara was living in a movie and she recovered quickly. Doesn't happen like that in real life. When it came to who murdered a character Clara went into assumption and blamed her father when there was no evidence, especially for someone who looked up to him, I'd think it would take some time and more than what was shown to convince her. But she obsesses over it to an annoying point. Then the concept just falls from the story and you don't hear anything else until the reveal at the end. There was buildup but no suspense to it. Next, was the level of Clara's son. In the beginning he was two, in the epilogue he was turning four. I'm not sure the author realized. But for a two year, especially with an illness was a little '6 year old status' with his words and interactions. I didn't buy into his age. It made me feel as if the author has not been a mother because of the way that she wrote him. Now, the real big issue I had. I understand that moms are different when it comes to how they interact or react to certain situations. For me, as a mother, I did not like Clara and her so called 'love' for her son. The way the author wrote her she would claim to have this undying love for him, but to me they felt like words and that's it. She never showed it in her actions. Clara returns to her hometown to then trust people she hasn't spoken to in 10 years and is fine with leaving her son who has seizures and has special needs? Umm, no. That would have been the last thing I would have done. Especially, when the entire town has hatred toward her because of her past. All I read was a selfish mother who would occasionally think about her son. It just bothered me in the sense that it didn't seem realistic of a mother who would let for the most part strangers take care of her child so she can run around town trying to clear her name.
Overall, the story was executed well, except for those minor flaws. I give it 3.5 stars.
When I came across this book, I was skeptical. I read the synopsis and when it said she had to go back to her past I had originally thought to deal with her parents. I was about to pass on this but kept reading and saw that her parents had disappeared. Okay, something different. Bought it and went right to reading it.
The author did a nice job writing the story. I felt its flow in the words with no hangups. Nicely done. Now, the storyline itself. Overall, it was a well thought out read. Characters for the most part were written well. I did like the turn of events in the end which gave it a new spin.
Now the issues I had with it were a few little things. First, Clara gets into a one-sided fight with an unknown, gets beat up real bad where from the writing you would think she broke her wrist. But then that's it. Doesn't go to the hospital and there is never a mention about it again until the end of the story. Kinda bothered me. For that brief moment, apparently Clara was living in a movie and she recovered quickly. Doesn't happen like that in real life. When it came to who murdered a character Clara went into assumption and blamed her father when there was no evidence, especially for someone who looked up to him, I'd think it would take some time and more than what was shown to convince her. But she obsesses over it to an annoying point. Then the concept just falls from the story and you don't hear anything else until the reveal at the end. There was buildup but no suspense to it. Next, was the level of Clara's son. In the beginning he was two, in the epilogue he was turning four. I'm not sure the author realized. But for a two year, especially with an illness was a little '6 year old status' with his words and interactions. I didn't buy into his age. It made me feel as if the author has not been a mother because of the way that she wrote him. Now, the real big issue I had. I understand that moms are different when it comes to how they interact or react to certain situations. For me, as a mother, I did not like Clara and her so called 'love' for her son. The way the author wrote her she would claim to have this undying love for him, but to me they felt like words and that's it. She never showed it in her actions. Clara returns to her hometown to then trust people she hasn't spoken to in 10 years and is fine with leaving her son who has seizures and has special needs? Umm, no. That would have been the last thing I would have done. Especially, when the entire town has hatred toward her because of her past. All I read was a selfish mother who would occasionally think about her son. It just bothered me in the sense that it didn't seem realistic of a mother who would let for the most part strangers take care of her child so she can run around town trying to clear her name.
Overall, the story was executed well, except for those minor flaws. I give it 3.5 stars.
June 23, 2018
Clara McNair has returned, with her 2 year old son James, to Hickory Hills on the 10th anniversary of her parents' disappearance and murder. James is in need of experimental Cancer treatment and to obtain the money she agrees to do a documentary on the murders. And maybe in the process, figure out who murdered them. However, the people of Hickory Hills don't want her there because they have always believed that she committed the murders. What was once a closed case, has now been reopened when the remains are found on the McNair property after she returns. And now her and her son's life are in jeopardy. Who wants them dead?
There are so many twists and turns and so engrossing that I had a hard time putting it down. The action and suspense were fluid. The writing exceptional. I thought I had it figured out but was still surprised by the ending.
A thrilling read that I highly recommend!
There are so many twists and turns and so engrossing that I had a hard time putting it down. The action and suspense were fluid. The writing exceptional. I thought I had it figured out but was still surprised by the ending.
A thrilling read that I highly recommend!
March 6, 2018
I figured out the killer early on in the book. I found the dialogue stilted and repetitive. I eventually fast forwarded through the book to the near end just to see if my prediction was correct...and it was. I found it ridiculous when Clara was attacked by the masked man supposedly beaten badly and "face planted" that her "friend" and babysitter, Amanda did not notice any injuries. I also found it unrealistic that she didn't share her need for money nor the reason for that need (her dying son's experimental treatment) with her father's lawyer who most certainly would have helped find a way to find the necessary funds.
March 12, 2018
Predictable
This was boring and very predictable. The main character was hard to like, she just seemed so stupid. Anti climactic ending.
This was boring and very predictable. The main character was hard to like, she just seemed so stupid. Anti climactic ending.
August 31, 2020
I just didn't get on with this book. For some reason, she writes a heck of a lot of paragraphs !! At least 6 per page, which is a lot. I prefer shorter paragraphs myself, but these are short short....I made a note that I found it all pretty fractured. Nothing is really properly explained. We start out with Clara at her documentary's filming with very little explanation as to how we arrived there. I think she thought the synopsis was sufficient and took us straight there with little to no preamble. I didn't understand the solo party cup mention.....perhaps that was lost in translation, since I had to google what they are in the first place.
This sentence used the wrong word altogether, "You operate with such tact it's unbelievable" after talking about how tough Clara has it....we kept being told about how she was running on borrowed time as her son was ill, which we already knew and didn't need constant reminding of.
I got to 21% and a director referred to her dead parents as "good old Mom and Dad" and this just didn't ring true for me, either.
So I didn't like the story at all but there were no grammatical mistakes so it gets an extra star for this alone.
This sentence used the wrong word altogether, "You operate with such tact it's unbelievable" after talking about how tough Clara has it....we kept being told about how she was running on borrowed time as her son was ill, which we already knew and didn't need constant reminding of.
I got to 21% and a director referred to her dead parents as "good old Mom and Dad" and this just didn't ring true for me, either.
So I didn't like the story at all but there were no grammatical mistakes so it gets an extra star for this alone.
July 11, 2020
This is one of the worst books I've read this year. Predictable, slow, repetitive, and frankly, just plain stupid in so many parts. I had an idea who the antagonist was fairly quickly; I was right (although not confirmed until the end). The rest of the book was just ... dumb. I'm sorry, I don't mean to offend, but this was not a well-written "psychological thriller." Clara is so holier-than-thou, I wanted to slap her, and that was before all the townspeople became openly hostile (all of them? really? after all that time?). The whole premise was so over the top, and then throw in a dying child for extra fun; said child being two years old but behaving like a much older child? Perhaps I'm missing something, but page after page after page of drama, conflict, "poor Clara," etc. wore me out. And that's leaving out Clara's (very patient, forgiving, unrealistic) filming crew ... which of course will become a best seller ... which will end all of her problems ... oh, stop!
February 18, 2018
What would a mother do to save her son’s life? That’s the question Clara McNair must answer. Her son has a tumor disorder and may only have a few months to live. There’s a new drug that could possibly help, but insurance won’t cover it. On top of that, it’s the anniversary of her parents’ disappearance, and people want to talk to her, as she had been a prime suspect. However, she need the money the documentary could provide. Could it end up costing her her life?
There are a few lulls in the action, but it’s a solid psychological thriller with numerous twists and turns. There’s not as much character development as I would’ve liked, along with a bit of overdetailing. However, it’s an enjoyable tale overall.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn't required to provide a positive review.
There are a few lulls in the action, but it’s a solid psychological thriller with numerous twists and turns. There’s not as much character development as I would’ve liked, along with a bit of overdetailing. However, it’s an enjoyable tale overall.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley, but I wasn't required to provide a positive review.
January 24, 2018
Gripped My Heart & My Nerves
I really enjoyed this book. So much so that I couldn't' wait to go to bed (where I do most of my reading) to read for another 3-4 hours. 😊 A couple of times I thought I had it figured out, but nope, I didn't. The characters in the book for the most part are believable. Some you like and some, well....not so much. I can't think of anything that I didn't enjoy about the book. This was my first time reading from this author. I will be looking for more from Jo Crow. Thank you Jo!! 😁
I really enjoyed this book. So much so that I couldn't' wait to go to bed (where I do most of my reading) to read for another 3-4 hours. 😊 A couple of times I thought I had it figured out, but nope, I didn't. The characters in the book for the most part are believable. Some you like and some, well....not so much. I can't think of anything that I didn't enjoy about the book. This was my first time reading from this author. I will be looking for more from Jo Crow. Thank you Jo!! 😁
March 8, 2018
A mother's lie by Jo Crow.
Clara McNair is running out of time to save her son, James. When the two-year-old is diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, only an experimental treatment can save his life. She desperately needs money to pay for the surgery, but she’ll have to travel back to the site of her darkest memories to get it.
a very moving yet shocking read. A fantastic read. read this in one go. Couldn't put it down. 5*.
Clara McNair is running out of time to save her son, James. When the two-year-old is diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, only an experimental treatment can save his life. She desperately needs money to pay for the surgery, but she’ll have to travel back to the site of her darkest memories to get it.
a very moving yet shocking read. A fantastic read. read this in one go. Couldn't put it down. 5*.
December 25, 2017
A Mother's Lie is a psychological thriller with good enough twists to keep you hooked and a writing that you can devour.
The plot follows a mother, Clara McNair's, desperation to fund her only son, James', cancer treatment and is left with no choice but to head back to the town where her parent's had disappeared ten years ago...and she had become a lead suspect then. She's approached to film a documentary in the same house of her hometown, but is once again being pointed at when bones appear there. The plot as such is quite well plotted with the twists and turns peaking the graph at the right places, though expected at places. It's a good enough story to not put the book down but the ending became a bit evident, for me, which kind of let down my high presuppositions.
The characters are yet another one of my problems. They aren't absolutely terrible or haven't been developed at all, but they remain under-developed and that's about the same thing for me. Clara has gone through a ton in her life, already, yet when she's thrown in this situation, she ends up making mistakes that nobody
Why did I give it 3 stars then? Mostly for the writing. Despite the foreseeable ending, the book was gripping for most parts only because of the steadily-paced writing. There are certainly unneeded big words that often irritated me and a little too many descriptions but it was actually very well written.
Though the book didn't impress me much, I would certainly recommend it to those looking for a thriller narrated in a gripping prose.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley but that in no way influences my rating or opinion about the book. Thank you Relay Publishing and Jo Crow!
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July 23, 2019
This book was excellent and I would highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in a edge of your seat spine tingling
Story of a. Mothers deep and undying love for her son,and the need for financial help to find a cute for his cancer,also trying to prove her innocence in the murder of her parents. A must read.
Story of a. Mothers deep and undying love for her son,and the need for financial help to find a cute for his cancer,also trying to prove her innocence in the murder of her parents. A must read.
November 29, 2017
How far would a mother go to save her son's life? It's a question every parent hopes they never have to figure out but it's a question Clara McNair faces on a daily basis in A Mother's Lie. Her two year old son has been diagnosed with a tumor disorder that may only give him nine more months to live. A new experimental drug is available but with insurance not covering she's got to find a quick way to make enough money to cover it. Not so luckily her parents disappeared and the ten year anniversary is coming up and she's been contacted to do a documentary on the disappearance and how it's effected her. Sounds pretty easy except she has to go back to her hometown for filming and all anyone remembers of Clara is her wild teen years and the fact she was the prime suspect in her parents disappearance. How far will the town push to get Clara out? How far will Clara push to find out the truth? Will she find out the truth before it kills Her?
I haven't been this impressed by a debut from an author since Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris. The author really nailed making you feel just how isolated Clara was and just how desperate she was. Too many times while reading this I was gasping out loud due to a turn I hadn't seen coming or an injustice I just couldn't believe. It usually takes me about seven days to read a book due to work and kids but I devoured this in a little over 24 hours. I can't wait to spread the word about this knockout debut.
I received an ARC egalley of this book from the website Hidden Gems for an honest review.
I haven't been this impressed by a debut from an author since Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris. The author really nailed making you feel just how isolated Clara was and just how desperate she was. Too many times while reading this I was gasping out loud due to a turn I hadn't seen coming or an injustice I just couldn't believe. It usually takes me about seven days to read a book due to work and kids but I devoured this in a little over 24 hours. I can't wait to spread the word about this knockout debut.
I received an ARC egalley of this book from the website Hidden Gems for an honest review.
November 18, 2020
Ten years ago Clara's parents disappeared and although there was no evidence, the police and the people of the town thought Clara was responsible for murdering her parents. Clara has since returned to her hometown to do a documentary on what is to be the anniversary of her parents disappearance. Clara is doing this for the money because her son needs experimental drugs for his failing health. I thought it was a good mystery. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 4, 2018
Wow absolutely thrilling story
This book grabs you by the throat and takes you on an absolutely amazing rollercoaster ride from start to finish! I couldn't read it fast enough. Great story with wild twists and turns that will leave you breathless at the end!
This book grabs you by the throat and takes you on an absolutely amazing rollercoaster ride from start to finish! I couldn't read it fast enough. Great story with wild twists and turns that will leave you breathless at the end!
July 6, 2020
Unbelievable
From start to finish this book was unbelievable. The story line, the characters and the writing were all of a very poor standard. The only shocking thing about this book is that it got published.
From start to finish this book was unbelievable. The story line, the characters and the writing were all of a very poor standard. The only shocking thing about this book is that it got published.
January 31, 2021
Die Vergangenheit vergisst nicht!
Der spannende Psychothriller "Die Lüge einer Mutter" von Jo Crow erscheint am zweiten Februar 2021 als E-Book.
Spannende Unterhaltung und rasanter Nervenkitzel haben mich erwartet, und zwar von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite.
Wer den Nervenkitzel und das Gänsehautfeeling liebt, wird hier garantiert nicht enttäuscht.
Als das Leben des Kindes von Clara auf dem Spiel steht, ist sie bereit, alles zu tun, um es zu retten.
Denn Clara McNair hat nicht mehr viel Zeit, um ihren Sohn James zu retten. Als bei dem Zweijährigen eine seltene Form von Hirnkrebs diagnostiziert wird, kann er nur mithilfe einer experimentellen Behandlung überleben. Sie braucht verzweifelt Geld, um die Operation zu bezahlen. Aber um es zu bekommen, muss sie an den Ort ihrer dunkelsten Erinnerungen zurückkehren.
Clara ist den Dämonen ihrer Jugend entkommen, zumindest glaubt sie das. Zehn Jahre sind seit dem mysteriösen Verschwinden ihrer Eltern vergangen. Damals stand Clara weithin unter dem Verdacht, ihre Mutter und ihren Vater ermordet zu haben, und floh an die Westküste, um ein neues Leben zu beginnen. Jetzt bietet ihr eine Dokumentarfilmcrew genug Geld für James‘ Behandlung im Gegenzug für die schmutzigen Geheimnisse ihrer Vergangenheit.
Clara hat keine andere Wahl, als in eine lang vergangene Tragödie einzutauchen und die Lügen zu entwirren, die jene schreckliche Nacht umgeben. Sie stellt sich bösartigem Klatsch entgegen und kämpft darum, ihre Unschuld zu beweisen und endlich die Wahrheit darüber herauszufinden, was wirklich passiert ist. Aber wie weit wird sie sich in die Dunkelheit wagen, um ihren Sohn zu retten, und vor allem sich selbst?
Die Autorin hat mich auf eine psychologische Reise entführt, um einer grausamen Wahrheit auf die Spur zu kommen. Hier herrschen unglaubliche Spannung und schockierende Wendungen, die teilweise meinen Atem angehalten haben.
Der Hauptschauplatz ist das Dorf Hickory Hills in den USA, wo das McNair-Anwesen in der Vergangenheit sehr viel Einfluss auf die Bewohner hatte. Claras Rückkehr hat die Dorfgemeinschaft nicht akzeptiert und ihre Situationen, die sie bis aufs letzte fordern, werden in diesem Psychothriller detailliert, lebendig und schonungslos grausam beschrieben.
Sie muss ihren Sohn retten, aber es werden ihr nur Steine in den Weg gelegt. Trotzdem gibt sie nicht auf und sie lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Sie erlebt gefährliche Situationen, auch körperlich wird sie angegriffen. Ihr Leben besteht aus Drohungen, Mobbing und Gewalt, nebenbei muss sie sich auch noch ihrer Vergangenheit und ihren Ängsten stellen, um Frieden in ihr Leben zu bekommen.
Der rasante und authentische Schreibstil hat mich begeistert, denn diese grausame Geschichte erzeugt während des Lesens ein perfektes Kopfkino. Claras Emotionen konnte ich klar und deutlich spüren. Ihre Gegenwart hat eine düstere Geschichte erzeugt, die Vergangenheit hat nach und nach ihr schreckliches Gesicht gezeigt. Am Ende haben sich alle Puzzleteile zu einem ganzen Bild zusammengefügt, womit ich nicht gerechnet habe.
Manipulationen und eine Kindheit ohne Erinnerungen ergeben, einen exzellenten Plot, der mich nicht kaltgelassen hat.
Ich habe Clara bei ihrer Suche nach der Wahrheit begleitet, dabei wusste ich irgendwann selbst nicht mehr, wer Feind und wer Freund ist.
Der Titel „Die Lüge einer Mutter" passt zu 100 Prozent zum Inhalt, denn wer das Buch gelesen hat, wird sich diesbezüglich bestimmt noch einmal ein paar Gedanken machen.
Auch das Cover könnte nicht passender sein.
Diese fesselnde Geschichte hat mich außerdem zum Miträtseln animiert. Auch wenn ich mit meinem Verdacht kurz vor Ende richtig lag, hat die Autorin nochmal ein spannendes Ende präsentiert.
Ein weiterer Pluspunkt sind die gut dargestellten Protagonisten, besonders von Clara, ihrem Sohn und ihrer Freundin Amanda. Ich hatte viele Einblicke in dessen Persönlichkeiten, sodass ich sie sehr gut kennenlernen konnte. Sie kommen lebendig rüber und in Clara konnte ich mich sofort hineinversetzen und ihre Handlungen komplett nachvollziehen.
Cliffhanger wurden gekonnt an den richtigen Stellen eingesetzt, sodass mir das Weglegen des Buches sehr schwergefallen ist.
Clara und ich als Leserin wurden mehrmals geschickt getäuscht, sodass die Suche nach der Wahrheit an unseren Nerven gezerrt hat.
Ein wahnsinnig spannender Thriller mit hohem Gänsehautfaktor und meisterhaftem Schreibstil!
Der spannende Psychothriller "Die Lüge einer Mutter" von Jo Crow erscheint am zweiten Februar 2021 als E-Book.
Spannende Unterhaltung und rasanter Nervenkitzel haben mich erwartet, und zwar von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite.
Wer den Nervenkitzel und das Gänsehautfeeling liebt, wird hier garantiert nicht enttäuscht.
Als das Leben des Kindes von Clara auf dem Spiel steht, ist sie bereit, alles zu tun, um es zu retten.
Denn Clara McNair hat nicht mehr viel Zeit, um ihren Sohn James zu retten. Als bei dem Zweijährigen eine seltene Form von Hirnkrebs diagnostiziert wird, kann er nur mithilfe einer experimentellen Behandlung überleben. Sie braucht verzweifelt Geld, um die Operation zu bezahlen. Aber um es zu bekommen, muss sie an den Ort ihrer dunkelsten Erinnerungen zurückkehren.
Clara ist den Dämonen ihrer Jugend entkommen, zumindest glaubt sie das. Zehn Jahre sind seit dem mysteriösen Verschwinden ihrer Eltern vergangen. Damals stand Clara weithin unter dem Verdacht, ihre Mutter und ihren Vater ermordet zu haben, und floh an die Westküste, um ein neues Leben zu beginnen. Jetzt bietet ihr eine Dokumentarfilmcrew genug Geld für James‘ Behandlung im Gegenzug für die schmutzigen Geheimnisse ihrer Vergangenheit.
Clara hat keine andere Wahl, als in eine lang vergangene Tragödie einzutauchen und die Lügen zu entwirren, die jene schreckliche Nacht umgeben. Sie stellt sich bösartigem Klatsch entgegen und kämpft darum, ihre Unschuld zu beweisen und endlich die Wahrheit darüber herauszufinden, was wirklich passiert ist. Aber wie weit wird sie sich in die Dunkelheit wagen, um ihren Sohn zu retten, und vor allem sich selbst?
Die Autorin hat mich auf eine psychologische Reise entführt, um einer grausamen Wahrheit auf die Spur zu kommen. Hier herrschen unglaubliche Spannung und schockierende Wendungen, die teilweise meinen Atem angehalten haben.
Der Hauptschauplatz ist das Dorf Hickory Hills in den USA, wo das McNair-Anwesen in der Vergangenheit sehr viel Einfluss auf die Bewohner hatte. Claras Rückkehr hat die Dorfgemeinschaft nicht akzeptiert und ihre Situationen, die sie bis aufs letzte fordern, werden in diesem Psychothriller detailliert, lebendig und schonungslos grausam beschrieben.
Sie muss ihren Sohn retten, aber es werden ihr nur Steine in den Weg gelegt. Trotzdem gibt sie nicht auf und sie lässt sich nicht unterkriegen. Sie erlebt gefährliche Situationen, auch körperlich wird sie angegriffen. Ihr Leben besteht aus Drohungen, Mobbing und Gewalt, nebenbei muss sie sich auch noch ihrer Vergangenheit und ihren Ängsten stellen, um Frieden in ihr Leben zu bekommen.
Der rasante und authentische Schreibstil hat mich begeistert, denn diese grausame Geschichte erzeugt während des Lesens ein perfektes Kopfkino. Claras Emotionen konnte ich klar und deutlich spüren. Ihre Gegenwart hat eine düstere Geschichte erzeugt, die Vergangenheit hat nach und nach ihr schreckliches Gesicht gezeigt. Am Ende haben sich alle Puzzleteile zu einem ganzen Bild zusammengefügt, womit ich nicht gerechnet habe.
Manipulationen und eine Kindheit ohne Erinnerungen ergeben, einen exzellenten Plot, der mich nicht kaltgelassen hat.
Ich habe Clara bei ihrer Suche nach der Wahrheit begleitet, dabei wusste ich irgendwann selbst nicht mehr, wer Feind und wer Freund ist.
Der Titel „Die Lüge einer Mutter" passt zu 100 Prozent zum Inhalt, denn wer das Buch gelesen hat, wird sich diesbezüglich bestimmt noch einmal ein paar Gedanken machen.
Auch das Cover könnte nicht passender sein.
Diese fesselnde Geschichte hat mich außerdem zum Miträtseln animiert. Auch wenn ich mit meinem Verdacht kurz vor Ende richtig lag, hat die Autorin nochmal ein spannendes Ende präsentiert.
Ein weiterer Pluspunkt sind die gut dargestellten Protagonisten, besonders von Clara, ihrem Sohn und ihrer Freundin Amanda. Ich hatte viele Einblicke in dessen Persönlichkeiten, sodass ich sie sehr gut kennenlernen konnte. Sie kommen lebendig rüber und in Clara konnte ich mich sofort hineinversetzen und ihre Handlungen komplett nachvollziehen.
Cliffhanger wurden gekonnt an den richtigen Stellen eingesetzt, sodass mir das Weglegen des Buches sehr schwergefallen ist.
Clara und ich als Leserin wurden mehrmals geschickt getäuscht, sodass die Suche nach der Wahrheit an unseren Nerven gezerrt hat.
Ein wahnsinnig spannender Thriller mit hohem Gänsehautfaktor und meisterhaftem Schreibstil!
October 2, 2018
3.5 Stars
Desperation leads Clara McNair to return to the small town where her reputation is less than stellar and she’s believed to be a murderer.
Clara left Hickory Hills, North Carolina under suspicion ten years ago after the disappearance of her parents.
Now a college-educated single-mom, Clara is desperate to raise the money for her terminally ill son’s treatment and agrees to a documentary back in her hometown about her parents’ disappearance as the tenth anniversary approaches.
However, their “disappearance” becomes murder when Richard and Glenda McNair’s remains are found on the property of their estate—and show signs of having been buried so someone dug them up to place the remains on the property.
And daughter, Clara McNair is the number one suspect. Still.
Barring evidence at a crime scene that points in a different direction, law enforcement always looks at those closest to the victims first… family, so I have no issue with a then-eighteen-year-old Clara being investigated but I am concerned that she’s still a prime suspect.
Children can and do kill their parents, however, I had a hard time suspending belief that an eighteen-year-old, rebellious, wild child out-smarted an entire police investigation. The McNairs went missing in 2007 and forensics were used in every area of police investigations. Is Hickory Hills anywhere near Mayberry? Is Detective Tony Elkins actually Barney Fife? If Clara McNair was the killer, would she dig up her parents’ remain and plant them in her former home to incriminate herself and pick at old wounds that have never healed?
Clara has no one except James, her two-year-old son, and a bizarre clause in her grandfather’s estate will not allow her to sell home or property. The documentary is her last chance to make the money for the experimental treatment which could save her baby from the fatal brain tumors.
An old friend from the past reaches out to help Clara and give her some respite. Of course, there’s no such thing as a free lunch or unconditional friendship. Clara’s already tumultuous life spirals out of control and she could lose her freedom, her son, and her life.
Excellent plot twists! I figured out the first one but didn’t see that second one coming! Forensics did flash through my mind again though because even the most out-of-date law enforcement agencies have access to crime scene support.
Some interesting characters pass through A Mother’s Lie, but it’s the town itself which is the most interesting. Their hatred of Clara runs as hot and deep as it did ten years ago. They don’t just believe her a murderer, but the disappearance of Richard McNair brought the downfall and closure the McNair Furniture Factory—the area’s largest employer—so Clara McNair is also blamed for the economic hardships visited on Hickory Hills.
Though she takes the town’s rejection and verbal abuse in stride, Clara is at wit’s end when events begin to escalate and it’s obvious she… and James are in danger. She spends too much time in her own head and makes the world’s worst decisions. Even though the Mayberry, er, I mean Hickory Hills police department couldn’t even consider a suspect other than Clara, she missed many opportunities to help herself.
To be fair to Clara though, everyone in this story is hiding something or lying and it does hinder Clara looking into her own past. But when a ten-year-old mystery turns into a twenty-year-old coverup, Clara’s sanity could be yet another casualty in Hickory Hills.
Help does come from an unlikely source when Clara needs it most, but crazy people can be counted on to make mistakes and get too cocky.
I reviewed the audiobook version of A Mother’s Lie. While the narrator did a wonderful job with inflections, emotions, and different characters, I personally feel her voice is too soft for Clara McNair and even when Clara was angry, she sounded weak. I must confess here I also purchased the book and highlighted and re-read certain scenes for clarity in my mind.
Fans of mysteries and psychological thrillers will find an enjoyable read in A Mother’s Lie.
Enjoy!
Desperation leads Clara McNair to return to the small town where her reputation is less than stellar and she’s believed to be a murderer.
Clara left Hickory Hills, North Carolina under suspicion ten years ago after the disappearance of her parents.
Now a college-educated single-mom, Clara is desperate to raise the money for her terminally ill son’s treatment and agrees to a documentary back in her hometown about her parents’ disappearance as the tenth anniversary approaches.
However, their “disappearance” becomes murder when Richard and Glenda McNair’s remains are found on the property of their estate—and show signs of having been buried so someone dug them up to place the remains on the property.
And daughter, Clara McNair is the number one suspect. Still.
Barring evidence at a crime scene that points in a different direction, law enforcement always looks at those closest to the victims first… family, so I have no issue with a then-eighteen-year-old Clara being investigated but I am concerned that she’s still a prime suspect.
Children can and do kill their parents, however, I had a hard time suspending belief that an eighteen-year-old, rebellious, wild child out-smarted an entire police investigation. The McNairs went missing in 2007 and forensics were used in every area of police investigations. Is Hickory Hills anywhere near Mayberry? Is Detective Tony Elkins actually Barney Fife? If Clara McNair was the killer, would she dig up her parents’ remain and plant them in her former home to incriminate herself and pick at old wounds that have never healed?
Clara has no one except James, her two-year-old son, and a bizarre clause in her grandfather’s estate will not allow her to sell home or property. The documentary is her last chance to make the money for the experimental treatment which could save her baby from the fatal brain tumors.
An old friend from the past reaches out to help Clara and give her some respite. Of course, there’s no such thing as a free lunch or unconditional friendship. Clara’s already tumultuous life spirals out of control and she could lose her freedom, her son, and her life.
Excellent plot twists! I figured out the first one but didn’t see that second one coming! Forensics did flash through my mind again though because even the most out-of-date law enforcement agencies have access to crime scene support.
Some interesting characters pass through A Mother’s Lie, but it’s the town itself which is the most interesting. Their hatred of Clara runs as hot and deep as it did ten years ago. They don’t just believe her a murderer, but the disappearance of Richard McNair brought the downfall and closure the McNair Furniture Factory—the area’s largest employer—so Clara McNair is also blamed for the economic hardships visited on Hickory Hills.
Though she takes the town’s rejection and verbal abuse in stride, Clara is at wit’s end when events begin to escalate and it’s obvious she… and James are in danger. She spends too much time in her own head and makes the world’s worst decisions. Even though the Mayberry, er, I mean Hickory Hills police department couldn’t even consider a suspect other than Clara, she missed many opportunities to help herself.
To be fair to Clara though, everyone in this story is hiding something or lying and it does hinder Clara looking into her own past. But when a ten-year-old mystery turns into a twenty-year-old coverup, Clara’s sanity could be yet another casualty in Hickory Hills.
Help does come from an unlikely source when Clara needs it most, but crazy people can be counted on to make mistakes and get too cocky.
I reviewed the audiobook version of A Mother’s Lie. While the narrator did a wonderful job with inflections, emotions, and different characters, I personally feel her voice is too soft for Clara McNair and even when Clara was angry, she sounded weak. I must confess here I also purchased the book and highlighted and re-read certain scenes for clarity in my mind.
Fans of mysteries and psychological thrillers will find an enjoyable read in A Mother’s Lie.
Enjoy!
November 30, 2017
I was given an ARC for an unbiased review of A Mother’s Lie by Jo Crow.
What would you be willing to do to save your child’s life? Would you be willing to return to a town that hates you? Return to your childhood home and the scene of your parent’s disappearance; to the location where it was clear your parents were physically tortured and maybe killed? Would you return to a town where law enforcement and most inhabitants hate you because they believe you killed your parents, and even if they don’t hate you and believe you are guilty, hate you for leaving them to go to university in Europe following the unsolved investigation and causing the town’s primary employer, the McNair factory, to close down? Claire McNair is faced with these very questions. With a very sick young son and an experimental treatment out of her financial reach, Claire is offered the chance to be part of a documentary about her parents’ disappearance and expected murder on the 10-year anniversary of the crime. The pay is great; it’s enough to get her 2 year old son James the treatment he needs to likely save his life but she must relive and narrate the circumstances surrounding the crime and return to her hometown of Hickory Hills, the same small NC where the crime was committed. It’s an easy choice to make for a mother who truly loves her son but a difficult choice to live through.
Claire was a troubled child and teen. She was wild and promiscuous and a little crazy growing up; getting into all sorts of trouble with her BFF Amanda. It is easy to see why, without any other evidence or potential suspects, the townspeople and police detectives believe Claire is guilty despite Claire, our narrator, insisting she is not and anxious to find the guilty party.
The book opens with bones being dug up and left on the McNair property (in a trust so it can not be sold). We quickly learn the bones belong to Claire’s parents. The story and mystery progress from there. Claire is threatened, physically and emotionally taunted. Claire continues to remind herself why she is doing this. She's here for her son but it seems she is also looking for closure and to know what happened to her parents, who she clearly loved, and why.
The book is well written. Claire in particular is well developed though imperfect. I wanted to like her, but for such a smart young women she was pretty dumb and thick in many of her actions and decisions. Pretty early on I figured out who was guilty and struggled to understand why Claire was not at least a little suspicious. A few characters come and go and could have been more fully developed to add more depth to the story as well as provide more potential suspects. To wrap the story to its conclusion the author took a few liberties with characters who suddenly become unhinged and detectives who bounce between doing what is right and acting one dimensionally. Overall I enjoyed reading A Mother’s Lie and despite its heavy subject found it to be an enjoyable, easy read. 4 STARS.
What would you be willing to do to save your child’s life? Would you be willing to return to a town that hates you? Return to your childhood home and the scene of your parent’s disappearance; to the location where it was clear your parents were physically tortured and maybe killed? Would you return to a town where law enforcement and most inhabitants hate you because they believe you killed your parents, and even if they don’t hate you and believe you are guilty, hate you for leaving them to go to university in Europe following the unsolved investigation and causing the town’s primary employer, the McNair factory, to close down? Claire McNair is faced with these very questions. With a very sick young son and an experimental treatment out of her financial reach, Claire is offered the chance to be part of a documentary about her parents’ disappearance and expected murder on the 10-year anniversary of the crime. The pay is great; it’s enough to get her 2 year old son James the treatment he needs to likely save his life but she must relive and narrate the circumstances surrounding the crime and return to her hometown of Hickory Hills, the same small NC where the crime was committed. It’s an easy choice to make for a mother who truly loves her son but a difficult choice to live through.
Claire was a troubled child and teen. She was wild and promiscuous and a little crazy growing up; getting into all sorts of trouble with her BFF Amanda. It is easy to see why, without any other evidence or potential suspects, the townspeople and police detectives believe Claire is guilty despite Claire, our narrator, insisting she is not and anxious to find the guilty party.
The book opens with bones being dug up and left on the McNair property (in a trust so it can not be sold). We quickly learn the bones belong to Claire’s parents. The story and mystery progress from there. Claire is threatened, physically and emotionally taunted. Claire continues to remind herself why she is doing this. She's here for her son but it seems she is also looking for closure and to know what happened to her parents, who she clearly loved, and why.
The book is well written. Claire in particular is well developed though imperfect. I wanted to like her, but for such a smart young women she was pretty dumb and thick in many of her actions and decisions. Pretty early on I figured out who was guilty and struggled to understand why Claire was not at least a little suspicious. A few characters come and go and could have been more fully developed to add more depth to the story as well as provide more potential suspects. To wrap the story to its conclusion the author took a few liberties with characters who suddenly become unhinged and detectives who bounce between doing what is right and acting one dimensionally. Overall I enjoyed reading A Mother’s Lie and despite its heavy subject found it to be an enjoyable, easy read. 4 STARS.
December 2, 2017
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of the book*** Well I liked the concept of the book. However, the execution needs some work. The cover is amazing and as a mother myself I was eager to see where this little boy was wandering off to.
We follow Clara as she returns to her childhood home in hopes to complete a documentary for funds to get the medical treatment her little boy needs. Returning home isn't so bad... for normal people. As for Clara, the whole town is convinced she is the killer of her own parents. One of them being a main reason that the town has any money coming in at all. You see where their grudge would be raised pretty good. As the case is reopened with her return, she races the police to prove that she is innocent. Clara brings to light the old saying, "one step forward, two steps back". Everything she does to clear her own name just digs her into a deeper hole as more and more evidence is stacked against her.
I was sucked in early in the book but found myself distracted about half way through. I felt as though Crow's writing style had changed. It was as if "big words" were trying to be inserted to make things more interesting, however, I found them highly distracting. Then the writing goes back to being like it was in the beginning and not as intense with the amount of odd words being used. As a sucker for most thrillers, I like when a book pulls you in and can really give you the feeling that you're there. However, I found Crow's need to describe EVERYTHING annoying. I felt like each detail had five words to describe it and found myself just wanting to skim to get it over with. Crow did a good job with the ending and pulling me back in. I am glad I stuck with it and finished.
I'm indifferent as to recommending this book.
3 out of 5 stars.
We follow Clara as she returns to her childhood home in hopes to complete a documentary for funds to get the medical treatment her little boy needs. Returning home isn't so bad... for normal people. As for Clara, the whole town is convinced she is the killer of her own parents. One of them being a main reason that the town has any money coming in at all. You see where their grudge would be raised pretty good. As the case is reopened with her return, she races the police to prove that she is innocent. Clara brings to light the old saying, "one step forward, two steps back". Everything she does to clear her own name just digs her into a deeper hole as more and more evidence is stacked against her.
I was sucked in early in the book but found myself distracted about half way through. I felt as though Crow's writing style had changed. It was as if "big words" were trying to be inserted to make things more interesting, however, I found them highly distracting. Then the writing goes back to being like it was in the beginning and not as intense with the amount of odd words being used. As a sucker for most thrillers, I like when a book pulls you in and can really give you the feeling that you're there. However, I found Crow's need to describe EVERYTHING annoying. I felt like each detail had five words to describe it and found myself just wanting to skim to get it over with. Crow did a good job with the ending and pulling me back in. I am glad I stuck with it and finished.
I'm indifferent as to recommending this book.
3 out of 5 stars.
July 12, 2020
Everywhere the protagonist Clair McNair goes she is met with anger and hatred. I found it difficult to understand why a town would be so aggressive towards a young mother. Clair has a young son with a rare disease that can only be treated with an experimental drug. The cost is very expensive and the only way to get enough money to afford the treatment is by doing a documentary about the death of her parents.
The local detective Elkins has concluded that she is the killer of her parents and his job is to prove it. He is vitriolic and has no compassion for a young woman who he “knows” has killed her parents. The killing was done in a particularly brutal manner. Remarkably, some of the bones show up behind a shed on her father’s property after she returns to town. It would seem the detective should have questioned this as the place the bones were found was thoroughly searched ten years ago.
Events continue to happen to Claire through the entire book that surely would have made a good detective question why. However, this author skillfully avoided the issue and let the detective doggedly pursue his pre-ascertained verdict.
Twists and turns build suspense throughout this tale. Jo Crow masterfully exposes a surprising end plot. Who was causing all of the turmoil and danger for Claire? Meanwhile, her son is getting sicker every day and she needs to rely upon her few friends to allow her to make the documentary to earn the money she needs.
A twist at the end is a classic maneuver totally unexpected! Read this well-crafted novel and discover the duplicity at the climax. The book builds tension and will not disappoint! C.E. Williams Free from Bookbub. 3.5/5 stars
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
The local detective Elkins has concluded that she is the killer of her parents and his job is to prove it. He is vitriolic and has no compassion for a young woman who he “knows” has killed her parents. The killing was done in a particularly brutal manner. Remarkably, some of the bones show up behind a shed on her father’s property after she returns to town. It would seem the detective should have questioned this as the place the bones were found was thoroughly searched ten years ago.
Events continue to happen to Claire through the entire book that surely would have made a good detective question why. However, this author skillfully avoided the issue and let the detective doggedly pursue his pre-ascertained verdict.
Twists and turns build suspense throughout this tale. Jo Crow masterfully exposes a surprising end plot. Who was causing all of the turmoil and danger for Claire? Meanwhile, her son is getting sicker every day and she needs to rely upon her few friends to allow her to make the documentary to earn the money she needs.
A twist at the end is a classic maneuver totally unexpected! Read this well-crafted novel and discover the duplicity at the climax. The book builds tension and will not disappoint! C.E. Williams Free from Bookbub. 3.5/5 stars
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2020/...
November 29, 2017
Ten years ago, Clara McNair’s parents disappeared and she became the lead suspect, causing her to run away from the whispers and threatening townspeople. Today, she’s back in her hometown recording a documentary in anticipation of the ten year anniversary. Despite the townspeople following her every move and making their desire for her to leave obvious, she sticks with the film in order to make enough money to pay for her two year old son’s, James’, cancer treatment. But when bones are found on her parents’ property and attempts are taken on her life, is she strong enough to endure it all for her son?
Clara was a little frustrating. She’s a highly educated woman with a sordid past that has experienced quite a bit in her young life, so when she just keeps making dumb decision after dumb decision, I stopped caring. A lot of the secondary characters were kind of cookie cutter and it was easy to predict their actions.
The writing is spotless and the story moves steadily (despite being a longer read) and is difficult to put down. It is a psychological thriller, so of course there’s a twist, and I really want to say I didn’t see it coming, but to an extent I did. I don’t want to give anything away but *not really a spoiler but SPOILER* when a character is presented as nothing but good and perfect and 100% on the main character’s side, I get suspicious. And so when the villain was revealed, I just had a ‘yup, knew it’ reaction when I really wanted a ‘NO EFFING WAY’ reaction.
Despite my hang-ups, the author has a lot of potential and I’ll be keeping an eye out for her future works.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Clara was a little frustrating. She’s a highly educated woman with a sordid past that has experienced quite a bit in her young life, so when she just keeps making dumb decision after dumb decision, I stopped caring. A lot of the secondary characters were kind of cookie cutter and it was easy to predict their actions.
The writing is spotless and the story moves steadily (despite being a longer read) and is difficult to put down. It is a psychological thriller, so of course there’s a twist, and I really want to say I didn’t see it coming, but to an extent I did. I don’t want to give anything away but *not really a spoiler but SPOILER* when a character is presented as nothing but good and perfect and 100% on the main character’s side, I get suspicious. And so when the villain was revealed, I just had a ‘yup, knew it’ reaction when I really wanted a ‘NO EFFING WAY’ reaction.
Despite my hang-ups, the author has a lot of potential and I’ll be keeping an eye out for her future works.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2018
I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
Clara McNair has returned to her hometown to star in a documentary about the disappearance of her parents 10 years ago. It’s the last thing she wants to do but she needs money for medical treatment for her son James, and they’ll pay her enough to cover those expenses.
Clara knows that most people in Hickory Hills believe she murdered her parents but she was just a wild teenager who actually loved them dearly. Unfortunately, when she returns she learns that her father wasn’t the pillar of the community that she thought. Someone else in town must think that she knows more about her father than she does because she’s receiving threats, someone is following her, and her safety is in peril.
She decides to take matters into her own hands and find out what she can about the past. There were a couple surprises and a couple twists but the murderer wasn’t much of a surprise. I didn’t feel that Clara was portrayed realistically because a mom, especially one who would do anything to save her son, wouldn’t leave her son with someone he didn’t know. Even though Amanda was Clara’s best friend 10 years ago, 10 years is a long time. James is known to have seizures and she left him with her overnight!
The narrator did a good job. Her pace was good and I was able to follow easily and always knew who was speaking.
I enjoyed reading (listening to) A Mother’s Lie and look forward to reading more by this author.
Clara McNair has returned to her hometown to star in a documentary about the disappearance of her parents 10 years ago. It’s the last thing she wants to do but she needs money for medical treatment for her son James, and they’ll pay her enough to cover those expenses.
Clara knows that most people in Hickory Hills believe she murdered her parents but she was just a wild teenager who actually loved them dearly. Unfortunately, when she returns she learns that her father wasn’t the pillar of the community that she thought. Someone else in town must think that she knows more about her father than she does because she’s receiving threats, someone is following her, and her safety is in peril.
She decides to take matters into her own hands and find out what she can about the past. There were a couple surprises and a couple twists but the murderer wasn’t much of a surprise. I didn’t feel that Clara was portrayed realistically because a mom, especially one who would do anything to save her son, wouldn’t leave her son with someone he didn’t know. Even though Amanda was Clara’s best friend 10 years ago, 10 years is a long time. James is known to have seizures and she left him with her overnight!
The narrator did a good job. Her pace was good and I was able to follow easily and always knew who was speaking.
I enjoyed reading (listening to) A Mother’s Lie and look forward to reading more by this author.
June 27, 2018
While A Mother's Lie was an enjoyable read, I found it to be pretty average. The story centers around Clara McNair, a young woman revisiting her home town to film a documentary about her parents murder in the hopes of raising enough money to fund an experimental treatment for her ill son. A prime suspect in the case, the town harbors quite a bit of resentment towards her and it soon becomes abundantly clear that someone will do anything to make her go away.
As with most reading experiences, enjoyment of this book is all about expectations. A Mother's Lie is definitely more of a beach read than a dark and gritty novel. While that isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's definitely a far cry from the thriller that I was hoping for. If I had had the right expectations going in, I honestly believe I would have enjoyed this one a lot more.
Key elements of the read fell pretty flat for me as I was constantly waiting for a massive twist to kick things into gear. I actually figured out who was behind the attacks on Clara fairly early...and then just forgot about it. The tension that I needed to elevate the novel just wasn't there for me.
Overall, the read was a fun one, but it just didn't work for me the way I had hoped it would. That being said, this might just be the perfect book for you if you're looking for a vacation read that doesn't require noticing lots of intricate details.
As with most reading experiences, enjoyment of this book is all about expectations. A Mother's Lie is definitely more of a beach read than a dark and gritty novel. While that isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's definitely a far cry from the thriller that I was hoping for. If I had had the right expectations going in, I honestly believe I would have enjoyed this one a lot more.
Key elements of the read fell pretty flat for me as I was constantly waiting for a massive twist to kick things into gear. I actually figured out who was behind the attacks on Clara fairly early...and then just forgot about it. The tension that I needed to elevate the novel just wasn't there for me.
Overall, the read was a fun one, but it just didn't work for me the way I had hoped it would. That being said, this might just be the perfect book for you if you're looking for a vacation read that doesn't require noticing lots of intricate details.
October 17, 2020
This story felt ridiculous. It was touted as a psychological thriller with a shocking twist and that's usually right up my alley. I finished this book quickly because I always need to know the conclusion and let me tell you, I've read a lot of suspense and whodunnit stories and this one was the least shocking by far. I figured out the killer within a few chapters and then got frustrated that the protagonist was so dense that she didn't even have a suspicion. The protagonist's higher education was continually brought up and yet she never used any critical thinking or skills from her work into play. Even when the killer revealed their latest plot after the protagonist survived, she couldn't make *any* sense of it and went on for another chapter not understanding what any possible motive for the killer was.
There was an extreme overuse of detail and it felt like the author was trying to reach a word count in a high school essay. For example, a quote from the epilogue (since it's freshest in my mind):
"James had finished his cake, and he’d started to bring the plastic container back toward the house to be recycled."
If I edited this book, it'd be half the size it is now. I also noticed a few instances of awkward wording and sentence structure. Overall, the interesting premise and basic plot reminded me of a nostalgic Scream movie. With more thorough editing and tightening of the plot and character development, this could've been a hit.
There was an extreme overuse of detail and it felt like the author was trying to reach a word count in a high school essay. For example, a quote from the epilogue (since it's freshest in my mind):
"James had finished his cake, and he’d started to bring the plastic container back toward the house to be recycled."
If I edited this book, it'd be half the size it is now. I also noticed a few instances of awkward wording and sentence structure. Overall, the interesting premise and basic plot reminded me of a nostalgic Scream movie. With more thorough editing and tightening of the plot and character development, this could've been a hit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2021
A Mother’s Lie is about a mother who must face her past in order to help her sick two year old son. James has been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer and Clara needs money. A documentary crew offers to pay for his treatments as long as Clara relives the tragedy of the disappearance of her parents from ten years ago. At that time. Clara was suspected of killing her parents, but the police had no evidence to prove it. At eighteen, she moved to Europe to start a new life.
With her return to Hickory Hills comes threats and gossip. Clara’s in danger and she doesn’t have many people to turn to who she trusts.
My one complaint is A Mother’s Lie reads like a screenplay laying out all the minute details. While these details might play out well onscreen they don’t work well on paper. These types of details overcrowded the story bogging it down.
The story takes place in Hickory Hills, North Carolina. The McNair’s owned a furniture store that thrived employing a good majority of its people. The furniture store was the glue holding this town together. This is a character driven story with an array of characters being introduced throughout. This is a slow percolating story with Clara hunting for answers while danger lurks in every corner. This was an entertaining read with some good suspense scenes. Overall it was okay. I was slightly disappointed with the big reveal. The way it played out was lackluster.
With her return to Hickory Hills comes threats and gossip. Clara’s in danger and she doesn’t have many people to turn to who she trusts.
My one complaint is A Mother’s Lie reads like a screenplay laying out all the minute details. While these details might play out well onscreen they don’t work well on paper. These types of details overcrowded the story bogging it down.
The story takes place in Hickory Hills, North Carolina. The McNair’s owned a furniture store that thrived employing a good majority of its people. The furniture store was the glue holding this town together. This is a character driven story with an array of characters being introduced throughout. This is a slow percolating story with Clara hunting for answers while danger lurks in every corner. This was an entertaining read with some good suspense scenes. Overall it was okay. I was slightly disappointed with the big reveal. The way it played out was lackluster.
November 29, 2017
Received this book for free for my honest review.
The start of this book was wonderful and got me hooked. After that it went down hill. Clara was a rebellious teenager who bonded with their housekeepers daughter. They both did things that they weren't proud of, but one night Clara's parents disappeared and Clara moved on to Europe to get away from the accusations that she did something to her parents. After 10 years and a sick child later, Clara comes back home to do a documentary on what happened 10 years ago so she can make enough money to afford her child's medical care for an experimental treatment. Detective Elkins was the officer back then and is still the officer now investigating Clara's parents murder when both of their skeletons show up on the backyard of their home. Clara does some digging into her parents background and found things she wasn't expecting.
There was a piece in the book where Clara got a voicemail from someone watching her son saying that her son got taken away but Clara thought to herself that if she didn't get a whole bunch of calls and txts things must be ok. You have a sick kid and the babysitter is saying someone took him away but yet you do nothing? There are a few weird hiccups like that in the book.
Her best friend Amanda is one of the only ones that try helping her through out the book but is she as good as she seems?
The start of this book was wonderful and got me hooked. After that it went down hill. Clara was a rebellious teenager who bonded with their housekeepers daughter. They both did things that they weren't proud of, but one night Clara's parents disappeared and Clara moved on to Europe to get away from the accusations that she did something to her parents. After 10 years and a sick child later, Clara comes back home to do a documentary on what happened 10 years ago so she can make enough money to afford her child's medical care for an experimental treatment. Detective Elkins was the officer back then and is still the officer now investigating Clara's parents murder when both of their skeletons show up on the backyard of their home. Clara does some digging into her parents background and found things she wasn't expecting.
There was a piece in the book where Clara got a voicemail from someone watching her son saying that her son got taken away but Clara thought to herself that if she didn't get a whole bunch of calls and txts things must be ok. You have a sick kid and the babysitter is saying someone took him away but yet you do nothing? There are a few weird hiccups like that in the book.
Her best friend Amanda is one of the only ones that try helping her through out the book but is she as good as she seems?
February 17, 2023
Ten years ago, Clara McNair's parents disappeared. Going to school abroad allowed Clara to escape the pain & mystery of their disappearance. The anniversary of their death draws curiosity about the mystery that's never been resolved. Clara accepts the offer of a documentarian to return to town so that she can make money to pay for the cancer treatments her son James so desperately needs. The people of Hickory Hills have always blamed Clara for the disappearance of her parents and, therefore, the closing of the McNair furniture business. With it seeming that even the police are against her, will the real culprit be found before it's too late for Clara and James?
Plot threads were thrown out & not picked up again on a pretty regular basis throughout the book. For all the experiences of Clara - losing her parents, studying abroad, moving away, and earning a degree in neuropsychology - Clara maintains an air of naivety that borders on obliviousness or even willful ignorance. The dialogue is clunky. Multiple times things happen that would necessitate a visit to the er & they are just brushed aside.
If you can suspend disbelief, the book will be an okay enough diversion.
Plot threads were thrown out & not picked up again on a pretty regular basis throughout the book. For all the experiences of Clara - losing her parents, studying abroad, moving away, and earning a degree in neuropsychology - Clara maintains an air of naivety that borders on obliviousness or even willful ignorance. The dialogue is clunky. Multiple times things happen that would necessitate a visit to the er & they are just brushed aside.
If you can suspend disbelief, the book will be an okay enough diversion.
March 7, 2018
I would like to thank NetGalley and Relay Publishing for a free copy.
I was drawn to this book by the excerpt. A desperate mother trying to save her two year old son, who has a rare form of brain cancer.
Clara McNair returns to Hickory Hills, North Carolina to partake in a documentary surrounding the mysterious disappearance of her parents. At eighteen, Clara fled, leaving unanswered questions, and suspicions regarding her. Clara is only back to get money to pay for her son's treatment, but the town's people are not happy having her back. Then, Detective Tony Elkins shows up with some unexpected news. Someone isn't happy that Clara is back, and she starts to become a target. Clara will have to confront many issues, but the biggest one is a long buried tragedy.
I enjoyed this thriller. It kept me guessing on who Clara could trust and the lengths a mother will go to save her child.
I was drawn to this book by the excerpt. A desperate mother trying to save her two year old son, who has a rare form of brain cancer.
Clara McNair returns to Hickory Hills, North Carolina to partake in a documentary surrounding the mysterious disappearance of her parents. At eighteen, Clara fled, leaving unanswered questions, and suspicions regarding her. Clara is only back to get money to pay for her son's treatment, but the town's people are not happy having her back. Then, Detective Tony Elkins shows up with some unexpected news. Someone isn't happy that Clara is back, and she starts to become a target. Clara will have to confront many issues, but the biggest one is a long buried tragedy.
I enjoyed this thriller. It kept me guessing on who Clara could trust and the lengths a mother will go to save her child.
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