Mutter: Ein unglaublich spannender Psychothriller voller Twists

by S.E. Lynes, Veronika Kallus (translator)

Wie weit würdest du für eine perfekte Familie gehen?

Jedes Kind verdient es, von seiner Mutter geliebt zu werden. Aber meine Kindheit war von Einsamkeit und Vernachlässigung geprägt.

Aber eines Tages finde ich auf dem staubigen Dachboden meiner Familie in einem alten, abgenutzten Koffer einen Brief. Als ich ihn lese, beginnt mein Herz zu Der Brief offenbart ein dunkles Geheimnis über meine Mutter, das mein ganzes Leben verändern könnte.

Endlich besteht für mich die Chance auf ein glückliches Leben. Und um diese Chance ergreifen zu können, würde ich alles tun …

Ein unmöglich wegzulegender Thriller über die Lügen, die wir erzählen, und die Geheimnisse, die wir hüten. Perfekt für Fans von Nicole Trope, Malin Stehn und Joy Fielding.

Was über Mutter

»Es fällt mir schwer, in Worte zu fassen, wie gut dieses Buch ist … pure Gänsehaut … Ich kann ihr nächstes kaum erwarten!! … Fünf RIESIGE Sterne.« Goodreads-Rezension

»Hat Gänsehaut verursacht, mein Herz zum Rasen gebracht und das Blut in meine Adern gefrieren lassen … einfach genial … ganz klare fünf Sterne von mir, ich würde mehr vergeben, wenn es möglich wäre.« Goodreads-Rezension

»Wow! Was für ein Buch! … So viele Twists, keinen davon habe ich kommen sehen! … Einer der besten Thriller, die ich je gelesen habe!« Renita D’Silva

»Ich war so im Sog, dass ich durch das Buch gerast bin und es in einem Tag durchgelesen habe … ausgezeichnet. Ich empfehle es wärmstens.« Goodreads-Rezension

»Ich habe Mutter gestern Abend beendet und bin immer noch aufgewühlt … Ich war von Anfang an gefesselt … Ich kann kaum erwarten zu sehen, was S.E. Lynes als Nächstes bringt!« Goodreads-Rezension

»Aufregend, düster, rasant und spannend.« Goodreads-Rezension

»Du musst dieses Buch lesen … gruselig und unvorhersehbar, du musst es für dich selbst sehen … wirklich ein düsterer, wendungsreicher, süchtig machender Psychothriller.« A Haven for Book Lovers

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Audiobook

388 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 2017

About the author

S. E. Lynes is the #1 Amazon best selling author of THE HOUSEWARMING, and 'intelligent and haunting' psychological thrillers, VALENTINA, MOTHER, THE PACT, THE PROPOSAL, THE WOMEN, THE LIES WE HIDE, CAN YOU SEE HER? and HER SISTER'S SECRET
Formerly a BBC producer, after gaining an MA in Creative Writing, she became a Creative Writing Tutor at Richmond Adult Community College and now combines writing, mentoring and lecturing. She has also published three children's books in Italy.

Reviews

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 3 out of 5]

EXCERPT: He worried these things would make him sound wierd, and with that monster on the loose - and in Yorkshire - she might think it was him. The idea filled him with a cold, sick feeling. The Ripper's victims: bodies mutilated and abandoned in wasteland, behind cemeteries or left to rot in parks. When he thought of these women, these murders, these bodies, something dark niggled away at any peace, however short lived, he might feel. He thought he knew what they meant by 'bodies', the fathomless dark the term concealed. All around him,he could sense the terror that still permeated the female student population, judging by the frenzied conversations he had overheard in the shuffle of the lecture halls, the squash of the corridors and the clatter of the university canteen. Normal women had been murdered. Normal women, just like them.

And if the victims included normal women, he wondered, was the Ripper a normal man, a man as normal or as troubled as any other man - a man like him.

THE BLURB: Christopher would never hurt anyone. Not intentionally. Even after everything that’s happened I still believe that…

Christopher Harris is a lonely boy. A boy who has never fitted into his family. Who has always felt something was missing from his life. Until one day, when he discovers a suitcase in his family’s attic. And a secret about his mother that changes everything. What price would you pay for the perfect family?

Christopher finally has a chance at happiness. A happiness that he will do anything to protect…

MY THOUGHTS: Mother by S. E. Lynes is told from three points of view. That of Christopher, Ben, and someone not identified until almost the end of the book. Which was kind of frustrating/annoying. The change in narrator was never announced - headings on the chapters would have been useful. Several times I had to go back to the beginning of a chapter and reread it once I realised that the narrator was different.

While the idea behind the plot is good, the full potential was not tapped. The first half of the book dragged, the second half was more interesting, but at no time did I feel a real connection to any of the characters and, in the end, I didn't really care about the outcome. It all felt rather contrived and somewhat overdone. Like a good steak that has been ruined by overcooking.

The most interesting part of the book for me, was the references to the Yorkshire Ripper. It was this that provided the atmosphere, a little suspense.

A grudging ☆☆☆ for a book that I suspect could have been a lot better. But I adore the cover!

Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Mother by S. E. Lynes for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions. A lot of people will like this book more than I did, therefore if you enjoyed the excerpt and like the sound of the blurb, please take a chance and read Mother. I will enjoy reading your reviews.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

[Sunflowerbooklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well... where do I start with this one? I was of course shopping on Netgalley one morning (like usual with my obsession) and came across S.E Lynes second book. I was so excited because I had NO idea she came out with a new book. After reading her debut novel Valentina (which she knocked out of the park) I was so utterly excited to get my hands on Mother.

“What do any of us believe? How much of what we believe is in fact lies we tell ourselves, and how much is the truth?”

This was one of my fav quotes in this book and summed up this novel pretty well!

Mother follows the story of eighteen year old Christopher who was adopted at a young age. Christopher has struggled for years trying to "fit" in with his family. He felt second best to all his siblings and never truly felt a connection. Before Christopher leaves for university, he finds a letter in a suitcase in his adoptive parents basement and everything begins to shift/fall into place for Christopher.

Christopher finds his real mother and becomes OBSESSED. This is where it got a little strange for me. I thought at moments in the novel.... it was almost going to lead to incest... but no thankfully haha it did not. As the reader, you start feeling something is a little darker/off about Christopher......

The story is told from an unknown narrator telling us Christopher's point of view of his dark and sinister obsession with his mother. I have to say this is what I did not like at all. I found myself so focused on trying to figure out WHAT character was telling Christopher's point of view that I was lost in the storyline. Now, many readers may enjoy this mystery aspect but for me it just did not work AT ALL. I had to go back and re-read because I was pretty lost with confusion. Towards the middle the story became a little more clear, but unfortunately the narration just didn't do it for me.

I felt the storyline with Christopher and his mother was pretty predictable at the end. I was kind of able to guess the storyline in some ways but was still surprised here and there. S.E. Lynes floored me with her twists/gasps in her debut novel and unfortunately I felt they were lacking big time in this one.

I did really enjoy Christopher's character. I think he was one messed up/dsyfunctional kid... wow haha. Props to Lynes for her characterization :).

I was torn between how to rate this book because I loved S.E Lynes debut.
Overall, I think this one gets a 3.5 for me. I did still enjoy this novel... but in my opinion not Lynes best work.
But, I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!! :)

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookuture for an advanced arc in exchange for an honest review.
Expected pub date is 11/22/17.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher found a letter in a suitcase in the attic on the day he was going off to university, the consequences of this will alter his life. This was a dark psychological thriller that I could not put down and read it in one day. I really enjoyed this book and felt great sympathy for Christopher. This is the first book from this author that I have read and I'm eagerly awaiting her next book. I would like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this last night. Oh my goodness, what a book!!! I'm still feeling a little bit traumatised by it, eek!

I’ll be honest, it did take me a while to get into. Due to working long hours and being exhausted, it actually took me six nights to reach halfway, and I was unsure what direction the story was going to take. I gave myself the evening off yesterday, and sat and read the second half in one sitting (I even managed to hold off going for a wee), and flippin’ ‘eck, what a second half that was. Bloody brilliant!!!

Mother has quite a dark and somewhat sinister feel to it. Set during the time of the Yorkshire Ripper, some of the characters are either afraid for their lives or concerned they’ll be accused of being the killer. This gave the book an unnerving and edgy atmosphere, as it made me suspect the characters even more than I normally would.

The other main focus is on adoption and the strong desire to connect with birth relatives. My husband is adopted, so this book had my mind doing overtime when it came to considering all sorts of less than pleasant reunion scenarios. Don’t think I’ll be encouraging him to hunt down his birth parents in the near future after reading this. Especially as he’s from Yorkshire and born in the late 1970s, so I’ve now linked the Yorkshire Ripper to my whole imaginary meeting of family scenario. Shudder!

This is definitely one of my favourite psychological thrillers this year. What I will say, is if you find it a little slow or unclear at first, it is well worth it for the second half. Just think of the first half as introducing you to the characters and their lives. Then things start to fall into place later on in the book.

I started off intrigued and ended up shocked and had tears in my eyes. My heart physically ached near the end of this book. I went from such intense emotions to a sort of deflated feeling of grief and regret, almost desperate to change the ending to make it easier to cope with.

My review is also available on my blog here:
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...

[Nazanin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

This story is about Christopher who finds out that his parents aren’t his real family. So when he left his home for university, he tries to find his real mother. He finds her but…

My major problem was the writing; the story is told from Christopher's POV (3rd person) but through an anonymous (1st person). Well it was a bit hard for me and I don’t use to it. My other problem was it wasn’t really mysterious or complicated! So it became a little boring!

Thanks to S.E. Lynes, Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Christopher Harris finds out the day he goes to university that he is adopted. He has always felt he has never fitted in. He had always felt something was missing from his life. Christopher finally has a chance at happiness - or has he!!!

I think everyone has told lies at some point. Most of us tell little white lies, these are exceptable, they don't hurt anyone. A small amount tell lies to make them sound better than they are. These are liars who will eventually get caught out. At first, and it took me a while, to discover where this story was going. The second part of the is a bit more tense and started to show promise of something good. And it did. There's not much else I can write as I would give the plot away. The last few chapters, for me, could have been left out the book. I would have given the book 4* if they had changed the ending.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author SE Lynes for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Zoeytron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copy furnished by Net Galley for the price of a review.

Something is dreadfully off about Christopher Harris. Even he knows he's not normal. But is he a monster? To be sure, his obsession with his mother his "real" mother borders on something past obsession, something almost unholy. Looping thoughts, rope knots, and a snarled tangle of lies.

Say sorry, I am aware the use of quotes from ARCs is verboten, but I cannot help myself. This old woman might just as well be standing at my doorway. She dug in the sleeve of her cardigan and pulled out the shrivelled tissue that lived there, in the darkness, like a shrew. Can you see her?

[Angela Marsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I absolutely LOVED this book. From the very first moment I was eased in to the smooth narrative and was instantly drawn to Christopher, a lonely complex character so brilliantly drawn I felt he was sitting next to me on the sofa. I initially wondered if the unknown narrator would form a barrier between me and the story but the skilful weaving of this as an additional menace into the fabric of the story was pure genius. Set in Leeds I felt that this author was referencing my own childhood, so accurate was her portrayal of the Yorkshire Ripper era and the sense of fear that coloured those years. No spoilers about plot here but I will say that this author has the ability to hold me captive with the sinister undertones that crawl unnoticed across every page like a shadow of dread and fear. Highly recommended and am already looking forward to her next book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mother was the type of book where you never know quite where it’s heading and even when you think you have things figured out, you’re probably not totally right. This was a chilling story of deception, betrayal and obsession that I throughly enjoyed.

This was a slow burning thriller, the kind that takes a bit to gain momentum but be patient because when things come to a head it’s all worthwhile. It centers on Christopher, a young man who has felt like an outsider in his own family so when he finds out he was adopted as a baby, it’s not altogether surprising for him. I did sympathize with him, he’s sort of odd but he just wants to belong and everyone really longs for that I think. There are also chapters from an unknown narrator as well as a few from a man named Benjamin who lives in the US. I struggled to see how these separate threads would connect and when they did converge I was shocked!

This wound up being quite emotional for a psychological thriller, especially towards the end. I found myself sadder than I had expected to be and there was something dark and melancholy about how things were left in the end. Strong characterization, a well thought out plot and fantastic writing made for a really distinctive, sinister read.

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book started off a bit slow and I started to get a little confused.... but oh my goodness what an ending! Christopher has always been a bit different and when he discovers a letter in the attic he starts to understand why. His search for his roots starts a very tangled web of lies right til the end. Do yourself a favour and read this book !! Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book to read and review

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a slow burn kind of thriller. Nothing really happens until the very end but this had the sense of forboarding throughout the novel. This is told in 3 pov,s--Christopher , Ben, and an unknown narrator. While Chris begins packing for university, he comes across something that will change his life. What he does with this knowledge may have devastating consequences. I actually really enjoyed this even though it isn't action packed. I thought the author did a great job with just giving you enough that made you want to keep reading. This was a surprise for me, enjoyed it a lot.

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Adrian Dooley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well this felt like one long read. Longer than it should have. Interesting premise but not a particularly interesting read unfortunately.

Christopher Harris is a loner. Doesn’t really fit in with his family and always felt like an outsider in his own home. When he discovers a letter in his mother’s loft, it reinforces all his suspicions. He’s an adopted child. He is determined to find his real mother. She will make his life whole, make him fit into the world, love him unconditionally as he will her.

As he moves out of home and starts college he starts to track down his birth mother and make contact. She is married now with two children. He has no interest in them at all. All he wants is his mother. He wants the perfect life with her and nothing or no one will get in the way.

As he abandons his adoptive family and becomes part of his birth mothers, his obsession with her starts to become a little unnerving as he wants to spend more and more time with her, delighted when her husband and other children are out of the house and he has her to himself. Just how far will he go to protect the perfect relationship he has developed with his new mother?

The whole story is told by an unknown person who had a close relationship with Christoper for four years and who loved him. The mystery of who it is, is kept until the very end of the book and to be honest it just became an annoyance having this annonymous narrative.

The book itself felt extremely long despite being only 300 pages odd. It’s very wordy, meandering on without any real progress or pacing. It’s extemely slow moving, to the point of annoyance. I’ve no problem with a slow burner but this felt more like a short story or novella being fleshed out into a novel.

The other problem was Christopher. He’s our central “disturbed” character and he just isn’t that likable or interesting. We get pages upon pages of fairly repetitive musings from him about his mother and how she is perfect and how he just wants himself and her in the world. There’s also his fairly boring college life and his room mate which takes up large chunks of this book. I really struggled to keep going with it.

As you can tell I didn’t really enjoy this one too much. I found myself ultimately bored throughout a lot of it and it seemed to move at a snails pace with a lot being written without much being said. I was glad when I finished, purely because it was finished.

Sorry to say this one wasn’t at all for me.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and S.E. Lynes for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Valentina by this author I was eager to jump into this.

It covers adoptions and struggling to find your identity. I’m not sure how I’d feel or react to be sat down at an older age over a cuppa to be told I’d been adopted.

It’s also based around the time of Jack the Ripper where women are scared.

I need to say, the first half of this Read was extremely difficult to get my mind into. I really struggled, I put it down several times today. I did preserve with it though because I enjoyed Valentina so much. Plus I hate giving up on a book. I might miss something! And I certainly would have here.

The second part of the book was well worth waiting for. Hence a 3 star becoming 4.

Thank you Bookoutour via Net Galley for my copy.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes when you want something so badly and it lands in your hands - you see what you need to see and feel how you expect to feel to satisfy your fantasy.

I am struggling to put into words exactly how good this book is - For the first few chapters you need to have your wits about you but read carefully and listen to the unknown narrator telling us what they know of Christopher's story. As well as being a well researched social history of life in Leeds during the truly scary Ripper era, we see an awkward young man coming of age and gaining the acceptance he has craved all his life. A truly wonderful story which brought back many memories of growing up in those times, beautifully written, heart wrenching, with an undercurrent of unease which the writer ramped up to be downright chilling at times.

This book stole my heart, stole my breath and is now consuming my thoughts.

First Valentina, now Mother ... S.E. Lynes is fast becoming one of my very favourite authors, I almost wish I'd waited a few years to discover her and that there were more books already out there for me to read - I truly can't wait for her next one!!

I have no doubt that this will be in my top reads of 2017! 5 MASSIVE stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the authors debut novel so was very excited when I heard she had another book coming out.

Christopher I wasn’t quite sure whether I was supposed to like him or not. He is very much a loner and feels like an outsider. He certainly isn’t a typical teenager. Even though he has come from a solid family up bringing, he feels like there should be more to it.

In a way I think his prayers are answered when he stumbles across the letter that tells of his adoption. For him it’s a new start and to form the sort of relationship that he has always dreamed of with his mother.

I do have to say I really felt for Christopher’s family that had raised him from a baby. They are forgotten about in Christopher’s mind whilst he concentrates on his relationship with his new mother Phyllis.

The relationship between Christopher and Phyllis was quite heart warming but it does start to feel like they are an old married couple settling into a routine when he moves in with her and her family. It left me feeling a bit uncomfortable as it didn’t quite feel right.

It’s hard to say to much more without giving the story away. It’s hard not to have compassion for Christopher. To be loved is something that we all crave, especially by our nearest and dearest. It’s just what lengths some people will go to in making that happen.

Mother is one of those reads where you feel like something is brewing. Like waiting for a storm to appear and unleash it’s wrath on you. It certainly had me hooked and I read it in one day. I loved how it’s set around the time of the Yorkshire Ripper murders and that it is in part set in Leeds which is where I live. It really adds to the intrigue and brought it very much to life.

A dark and brooding read that had me gripped throughout.

My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Shalini Boland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those novels that sucks you in. The era and setting were described so beautifully that I felt like I was actually IN the book, living in that time and that place. Christopher is a truly complex character and I wasn't quite sure if I was on his side or not. I felt for him, but cringed at the same time. The story unfolded gradually, making me think it was going to go one way and then it totally blindsided me - I love it when that happens! When I realised what was going on, I got chills! Am so looking forward to her next book. Roll on February!

[Jess☺️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mother I thought was very slow starter and just dragged along it's not what I expected at all it's not something that I would recommend to any friends who like me love something to keep you on the edge of your seat.maybe it wasn't the best book to read to introduce myself to this author.

[Joanne Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was worried about reading this book, and I mean REALLY worried! I was such a huge fan of Valentina, which was one of my books of 2016, that I was apprehensive about reading Mother and comparing it to Valentina. I felt such a personal connection to that book that I thought nothing COULD compare to it! Then I remembered that even though you love your first born child, you always worry that you won’t love the next baby quite so much! But of course once they are arrive, that sentiment is quickly forgotten as you fall madly in love with your new born. And it’s rather like that here -there will always be a special place in my heart for that first love but this is  different book and deserves to be loved for itself – NO comparisons allowed!

First thing I will say about Mother is….stay with it!!! When I started I had absolutely no clue as to what was happening or where it was going. The prologue was dark, brutal and shocking but then the tone changed. That’s when we meet an unknown narrator who starts to tell us about a man named Christopher, relating his life story through their own written “therapy”. I had no idea who this person was but I then started to involve myself into Christopher’s family life. The prologue starts us off in 1981 but then we are thrown back to the seventies, an era where everyone lived through the reign of terror created by the Yorkshire Ripper attacks. Due to the Leeds setting, the murders he committed were very close to home for the characters here and their presence cast a shadow over the narrative that gave me goosebumps. It’s a time I remember well coming at a point in my childhood when I was starting to see the real life horrors of the world after being protected from them for so long by my parents.

It wasn’t until about half way through that I started to get an idea of where it was going but even then I wasn’t prepared for quite how shocking some of the plot twists were going to be! The author certainly knows how to create very disturbing scenarios that creep up on you unexpectedly filling you with a sense of pure dread at what is about to happen next. I  felt torn over my feelings for Christopher too. I felt so desperately sad for him watching him struggling to fit in and feeling like an outcast within his own family and any social setting he found himself in. But his lack of empathy and his general behaviour also concerned me as to what he was actually capable of. And that unknown narrator was doing their spine chilling best to keep me from finding out!

This is much more of a slow burner than Valentina, deeply disturbing in places but still utterly addictive. It’s perfectly pitched plotline creeps up on you so gradually that by the time it’s shocking finale occurs, you will be so wrapped up in its dark and sinister world that you will find it difficult to let go.  So do make sure you stick with it, the payoff will leave you very glad that you did!

[Ann Girdharry · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

First of all, this is the type of book where you can't say much about it because it will spoil it for other readers.

In summary, Christopher finds out he is adopted and begins searching for his birth parents. At the same time, he is leaving home to study at University in Leeds.

Basically, from the beginning until the end of the book, we don't know who the narrator is. Then at the end, we find out that some of the facts that have been told to us by the narrator were actually lies told to the narrator by Christopher. I think that really killed the book for me.

The writing is good. There's plenty of tension as we explore the world of the students which is being rocked by the news of the Yorkshire ripper rapes.

Christopher and Phyllis are believable characters. I liked the idea of Christopher searching for his birth mother and it's believable that he dumps his adoptive parents as soon as he thinks he's found his 'real' mother. The problem for me was that I didn't like Christopher nor his 'birth' mother, Phyllis. Phyllis is willing (it seems) to ignore her husband and 12-year old twins and flirt with Christopher. There are hints that the two of them will cross the line. This makes for disturbing reading and keeps the tension up.

The ending and the twist is unexpected and vicious, and in some ways, I found it sad.

In the end, I have to say that, unfortunately, I didn't feel satisfied with the story, though, as I say, the actual writing was really good. I guess this one just wasn't for me.

[Vicki Willis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off slow. The second half was much more exciting than the first half. I spent the entire beginning trying to figure out who was narrating and what was going on. There was some build up of tension during the second part of the book which did make me want to know what was going on. The ending was not what I expected and it had a good twist. It was finally explained, but I didn't find it that satisfying.

[Tracy Shephard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh My..

This gripping and very tense read.

Christopher feels as if he never quite fits within his family, being adopted it’s natural to feel like the black sheep.

Starting life at University, he finds a letter, and suddenly everything seems to make sense.

Just the title alone, gives you a thought that Christopher’s life is going to be a tough and sinister journey, and as he becomes obsessed with his birth mother, this book, for me, is a startling and realistic tale.

Mother, is not an easy read, at times I was lost. The narrative is strange in that we don’t really know who is telling Christophers story, and when fiction meets fact I found this a mesmerising read.

I loved ‘Valentina’ by the same author, but S.E Lynes has given us a book that is amazingly gripping. It also will appeal to readers who have ‘felt like Christopher’ within their own family.

It is a good read, but I don’t think it will be for every reader. I loved it.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not all adoptions lead to happy relationships and/or improvement in family life, which is unfortunate. “Mother” written by British novelist S. E. Lynes is a chilling novel of psychological intrigue in a twisted tale of adoption and family life that resulted in lies and betrayals that eventually led to some shocking and unexpected consequences.

The story began in the late 1970’s before Christopher Harris was admitted to the University of Leeds. After accidently discovering he was adopted, he registered at NORCAP in Liverpool to find his biological mother. From the start, we realize that Christopher isn’t quite a typical college student. For starters, although he is handsome, he is socially awkward and his roommate Adam helped him adjust to his new college surroundings, he needed it.
After Christopher met and became connected to his biological mother Phyllis, he became unnaturally obsessed with her. It was strange that he simply turned his back on his adoptive family; the Harris’s had loved Christopher as their own, providing him a supportive comfortable home. When most young men were doing things with their buddies, drinking in the pubs and chasing women, Christopher wrote Phyllis long adoring letters wanting to spend as much time with her as possible. He even resented his half-brothers and Phyllis husband David when they needed Phyllis attention during his visits with his biological family.

The storyline featured music from the disco era, Lynes introduced a serial killer, later identified in the media as the “Yorkshire Ripper”. A female student from Leed’s (in Christopher’s social circle) was murdered, and all adult males were suspect, including Christopher. This development seemed injected and forced, and wasn’t a central story element. There were additional complexities and narratives that weren’t as believable or easy to follow as the story took a dramatic turn reaching a unique and unusual conclusion.
**With thanks to bookouture via NetGalley for the DDC for the purpose of review.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve not read this authors previous book but I’ve added it to my wish list after reading Mother.

So let me get the negative out of the way. All my reviews are totally truthful and I do believe I need to say this. I found this book hard going at the start. I saw a few early readers saying to stick with it and so I did. Usually I can jump into a book and read it pretty quickly. However this book didn’t suck me in straight away.

The positive is once I reached a part of this story any negativity I had for this book went out of the window. I became obsessed with wanting to know what was gonna happen next. I needed to know.

This is a brilliant storyline. It’s written in such a way that you can see the story enfold in front of you.
I will certainly be recommending this book to my friends with a bit of advice- stick with it as it’s definitely worth it.

[Devi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 100 pages were a struggle for me to get through. I was this 🤏🏾 close to Dnfing this many times. But I stuck it out. This was ok-ok. Nowhere near as good as her other books.

[Teresa Nikolic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, where do I start? After reading this author's debut novel, Valentina, earlier this year and loving it, I couldn't wait to see what she would deliver next! When I heard that she had written her second one, Mother, I knew I had to drop everything and read it straight away and I'm so glad I did!

Mother follows the story of eighteen year old Christopher who never felt he fit in within his family unit, always treated second best to his siblings so, when getting ready to pack to go off to university he finds a letter in a suitcase, everything falls into place. The journey that follows for Christopher is one of hope that he can finally find a place where he really belongs, and be happy but everything is not as it seems.

This book requires your FULL attention, I struggled to take in the first couple of chapters because I kept getting distracted by life around me and had to re-read them to ingest it fully and understand what was happening. I even took myself off somewhere quieter a couple of times to read in peace. Once I'd got it into my head what was happening I sailed through this amazing piece of writing, even though I hadn't got a clue where it was heading and each time I thought I'd figured it out, something else happened to blow my theory right out of the water.

Susie has once again written a piece of art, this book gave me goosebumps, made my heart race and my blood run cold at times, it is pure genius and I know I said this after Valentina but I'm saying it again, I can't wait to see what this brilliant author has in store for us next! A very easy five stars from me, I'd give it more if I could.

I would like to thank Bookouture for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon and Twitter on publication day.

[Wendi Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christopher always knew he didn't belong. He didn't have much in common with his parents or younger siblings, so when, right before college, he finds out that he's actually adopted, he feels relieved. He finds his birth mother, and the intensity of the emotions he feels toward her ... well, that's the heart of the story.

But something is also not right about Christopher. There's a coldness to him, a proneness to violence. He has no real connections to anyone other than his mother and his roommate -- and there is a serial killer stalking young women. Who is the real Christopher? And what lengths will he go to be with his mother?

This was a very engrossing read. You can't help but be intrigued by Christopher's story, and at times even feel sorry for him. Yet you are always aware that things just aren't right beneath the surface.

I enjoyed this psychological thriller a lot. I will definitely read Lynes' other work, as I was impressed by Mother and its immersive character study.

*Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC*

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a book! One of the most original and thrilling stories I have read! So many twists, none of which I saw coming! SO beautifully written! This author is a magician, conjuring up a world where nothing is as it seems, weaving magic with her words, telling an absolutely unique and unputdownable, masterpiece of a tale! Loved it! One of the best thrillers I have read! One I will not easily forget! Highly recommended! I wish I could give it more than five stars! One of my favourite reads of 2017!

[Louise Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynes is one of those truly gifted writers who can weave a taut and gripping plot, and yet tell a beautiful story, in gorgeous language. And that means all the reading needs are satiated. This slow-burning, rich novel builds to such a glorious climax - by the time the reveals come (I don't want to say twists here because that lessens the novel, like easy punchlines) the characters have been so real, and their journey so absorbing, that it all hits you, hard. A fantastic novel that I can't recommend enough.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christopher Harrison has always felt like the odd one out in his family. He looks different, acts different. He just feels like he doesn't fit. It's only when he's leaving home he finds out the truth from a dusty old suitcase. He's adopted and suddenly it's as if his whole life has been explained to him. Surely that was why he felt this way? He tracks down his real mother and she's everything he could have hoped for and more. He just wants to be with her all the time, just the two of them....

The suprise for me of this book was the time it was set. When it started and it was obviously set in the seventies I thought we were going to have a typical flash back and forth scenario. But no it stays firmly in that time, only moving forward an unspecified time for the mystery person who is recounting the story. It's set against a back drop of the terror of the reign of the Yorkshire Ripper and feels very evocative of the time. The other side is how your sympathy for Christopher swings back and forth. I think it's reasonably obvious where the book is headed but it almost feels as if the reader has been set up as a jury and the mystery narrator is giving evidence. It's a stretch to call this a psychological thriller as well it's not particularly thrilling - but it is a damned good story that kept me hooked from page 1.

I received this from Netgalley for an honest review.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know where to start with this review; I finished Mother yesterday evening and am still reeling. I loved Valentina and was excited as to what would be next from this author, I was not disappointed in the slightest. I was hooked from the start as we are introduced via an anonymous narrator to Christoper; it's obvious from this that we should not expect a happy conclusion to the tale but there are no clues as to where we will end up. The story wound itself around my emotions like the rope that Christopher feels tightening and loosening inside himself.

I invested a lot of heart into Christopher and his desperation for a family and to be loved/accepted. How malleable he is broke my heart at times while also feeling an undercurrent of unease. There were surprises along the way and I never guessed where I was being taken as a reader. I could say a lot more about Christopher but wouldn't want to spoil anyone else's enjoyment. Suffice to say this book will remain on my mind for a long time and I can't wait to see what S.E Lynes has in store next!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy of Mother.