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Twisted Family Mysteries #5
My Mother-in-Law Must Die
My name is Raven Crowley-Lopez and I plan to murder Mercedes Crowley, my mother-in-law.
My family was forced to move into her estate after we lost our own home because of a severe personal crisis. Now, I’m facing a living nightmare because I’m convinced that my mother-in-law is plotting to get rid of me, and perhaps even plans to murder me. It happened once before and it will happen again, even if no one believes me.
She’s always hated me and will stop at nothing to have her “perfect” son marry Celina Cervantes, the privileged heir to a family fortune that’s older than all of us combined.
It’s my husband’s fault that we’re in this mess and I will do everything in my power to secure my daughter’s future.
Everyone has their fair share of secrets and lies. I plan to unravel it all and I will uncover my mother-in-law’s plot to ruin me forever…even if it must end with her life being cut short.
My family was forced to move into her estate after we lost our own home because of a severe personal crisis. Now, I’m facing a living nightmare because I’m convinced that my mother-in-law is plotting to get rid of me, and perhaps even plans to murder me. It happened once before and it will happen again, even if no one believes me.
She’s always hated me and will stop at nothing to have her “perfect” son marry Celina Cervantes, the privileged heir to a family fortune that’s older than all of us combined.
It’s my husband’s fault that we’re in this mess and I will do everything in my power to secure my daughter’s future.
Everyone has their fair share of secrets and lies. I plan to unravel it all and I will uncover my mother-in-law’s plot to ruin me forever…even if it must end with her life being cut short.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2025
254 people are currently reading
3397 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
January 8, 2025
This book is about a Mother-In-Law and she must die. Isn’t that great? 😀😀
January 3, 2025
Wow! This book is a total thrill ride. If you're a fan of the "rich behaving badly" trope in thrillers, you're in for an absolute treat. Spencer Guerrero has once again delivered a gripping, action packed ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The twists and turns will have you guessing through out the book.
I was hooked from the very first page, and the pace never lets up. With each chapter, the suspense just keeps building, and you’ll find yourself racing to the end. The way Guerrero weaves those unexpected twists is pure genius. The Authors storytelling gets better with each book.
Thank you, Spencer Guerrero, for yet another absolutely fantastic read that I couldn’t put down! If you’re looking for a fast-paced, "whodunit" Then this is the book for you.
I was hooked from the very first page, and the pace never lets up. With each chapter, the suspense just keeps building, and you’ll find yourself racing to the end. The way Guerrero weaves those unexpected twists is pure genius. The Authors storytelling gets better with each book.
Thank you, Spencer Guerrero, for yet another absolutely fantastic read that I couldn’t put down! If you’re looking for a fast-paced, "whodunit" Then this is the book for you.
December 17, 2024
The plot had potential but it was difficult to stay engaged due to the simplistic writing and excessive adjectives. Characters lacked depth as well. Sadly, this book does not live up to this author’s previous works in my opinion.
December 26, 2024
This is going to be a short review because I don’t want to give any of it away.
Just know that it’s faced paced, twisty as hell, it will have your heart racing with anticipation and maybe even fear. I highly recommend it to all of my thriller lovers 🤎
Thank you to the author Spencer for gifting me this ARC.
Just know that it’s faced paced, twisty as hell, it will have your heart racing with anticipation and maybe even fear. I highly recommend it to all of my thriller lovers 🤎
Thank you to the author Spencer for gifting me this ARC.
January 14, 2025
This book is sooooo trash. The writing was horrible.
December 31, 2024
What a wild thriller! I read this fairly quickly but once I got down to the last 30ish pages I refused to get up for anything, I had to finish!
Hats off to Spencer, his books get better and better each time!!
Hats off to Spencer, his books get better and better each time!!
January 22, 2025
Oof! This one just wasn't it for me. I've read his other books and LOVED them but this one? I don't what it was but it was a struggle. Something about the prologue turned me off but I pushed through anyway. Then the writing on this one just seemed super simple and almost rushed together. The dialogue was terrible imo. One thing I like about his other books is I don't see the ending coming. This one I pretty much knew what was going on and the twist at the end in the final showdown was ehh and ohh at the same time lol it had potential but I just didn't like this one.
January 10, 2025
Should’ve DNF’d. This was purely awful.
December 5, 2024
This book was a difficult read for me.
I feel like the story/plot had potential to do great.
However, the characters and dialogue ruined it in my opinion. The dialogue between characters felt very immature and was hard to enjoy. It also felt like all of the characters were childish and didn't have anything that made me feel emotionally connected to them.
There were quite a few typos and grammatical mistakes in the book as well. I didn't deduct that in my rating, but I'm hoping they get fixed before publication of the final book.
This is my first book by this author, and I will try another to see if I feel this way about his other novels.
I feel like the story/plot had potential to do great.
However, the characters and dialogue ruined it in my opinion. The dialogue between characters felt very immature and was hard to enjoy. It also felt like all of the characters were childish and didn't have anything that made me feel emotionally connected to them.
There were quite a few typos and grammatical mistakes in the book as well. I didn't deduct that in my rating, but I'm hoping they get fixed before publication of the final book.
This is my first book by this author, and I will try another to see if I feel this way about his other novels.
April 14, 2025
the dialogue was robotic and just sloppy, I almost couldn't get through it
November 26, 2024
Wow Spencer! Fantastic job with this story! Thank you for having me a part of your Beta team and trusting me with your work!
This book is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions and suspense! Raven the MC's struggle is vividly portrayed, evoking feelings of desperation and fear. The tension between her and her mother-in-law, Mercedes, is crafted masterfully, immersing the reader her nightmare. Let's not forget her husband, Callum. What a piece of work he is. How Raven put up with him, I don't know!
The plot is a tangled web of secrets and lies, with each turn of the page delivering new shocks and twists. Spencer did an amazing job with Mercedes, creating a brilliantly sinister character that leaves you questioning her every move.
The writing is gripping and the pacing is relentless. If you're looking for a fast-paced book, look no further! Just when you think you've figured it out, another twist hits you out of nowhere. The explosive climax makes this book a must-read.
And let's be honest, if you're looking for a story that will keep you up all night, questioning every character's motives and fearing for the main character's safety, this is the book for you.
P.S. If you ever needed a reason to reconsider moving in with your mother-in-law or inviting her to live with you, this book is it!
This book is an absolute rollercoaster of emotions and suspense! Raven the MC's struggle is vividly portrayed, evoking feelings of desperation and fear. The tension between her and her mother-in-law, Mercedes, is crafted masterfully, immersing the reader her nightmare. Let's not forget her husband, Callum. What a piece of work he is. How Raven put up with him, I don't know!
The plot is a tangled web of secrets and lies, with each turn of the page delivering new shocks and twists. Spencer did an amazing job with Mercedes, creating a brilliantly sinister character that leaves you questioning her every move.
The writing is gripping and the pacing is relentless. If you're looking for a fast-paced book, look no further! Just when you think you've figured it out, another twist hits you out of nowhere. The explosive climax makes this book a must-read.
And let's be honest, if you're looking for a story that will keep you up all night, questioning every character's motives and fearing for the main character's safety, this is the book for you.
P.S. If you ever needed a reason to reconsider moving in with your mother-in-law or inviting her to live with you, this book is it!
November 26, 2024
I downloaded this book as an ARC reader and I am giving my honest opinions in this review.
I truly enjoyed this book and thought it was very well written. The tangled webs woven in this book were well thought out and tied up nicely in the end. The only minor negative is I did feel the book moved a bit slowly at times. Overall, I thought it was fantastic and I recommend it!
I truly enjoyed this book and thought it was very well written. The tangled webs woven in this book were well thought out and tied up nicely in the end. The only minor negative is I did feel the book moved a bit slowly at times. Overall, I thought it was fantastic and I recommend it!
November 30, 2024
What a wild rollercoaster!!! 🎢
I’m shook 😱
Them twists and turns caught me off guard!
Thank you Spencer for letting me read this arc copy.
Guys I highly highly recommend this book or any others of Spencer’s work. Check them out, you won’t regret it! 🙌🏻📚
I’m shook 😱
Them twists and turns caught me off guard!
Thank you Spencer for letting me read this arc copy.
Guys I highly highly recommend this book or any others of Spencer’s work. Check them out, you won’t regret it! 🙌🏻📚
November 30, 2024
This kept me on my toes throughout the entire book. The complex connections among the characters were great and the ending! Wow! A must read by all!
December 30, 2024
I think this may be my new favorite by Mr Spencer the ending of this book was chefs 😘. Seriously, I don’t even know how to describe it without giving it away. So we’ll leave it at chefs 😘. Seriously your books never disappoint, always keep me on edge of my seat guessing incorrectly. This one I was like ooooh maybe just maybe. Nope I was wrong again.
December 21, 2024
I just finished an ARC of this book! Well, it DEFINITELY took me longer than I expected and it was to no fault of its own. This book is GREAT! So as an ARC reader, I wanted to make this review as honest as possible. I am giving it 5 stars and would recommend anyone that likes thrillers to definitely give this one a go! I did NOT expect the ending and it definitely had me by surprise. There was times I literally caught myself with my mouth wide open! I’m a person that likes short chapters, and although this book did not have short chapters, it definitely had you flipping (clicking, in my case) through the pages as quick as possible. It was very suspenseful and then at about 75%, it became to where I couldn’t put it down! The only thing that I would’ve changed would’ve been Raven’s weakness. She kept going back and back and back again. Which I know only led to the suspense, but she was very weak in my opinion. Overall, I would definitely say it’s a 5 star book and I would recommend it to anyone! Definitely has twists and turns you will NOT expect!
January 3, 2025
Raven is married to Callum, a rich guy who is under his mothers thumb. When he loses his job, they, along with their daughter, are forced to move in with his mother in his hometown. Raven is sure her mother in law is behind the random attempts on her life. Especially when she finds out Callums last serious girlfriend was found dead under suspicious circumstances. How is she ever going to get her family away from this woman?
I really really struggled with this book. I felt the writing was childish, and it reminded me of those little badly written stories that pop up on Facebook and expect you to pay to read on.
I hated all the characters, every single one of them were just irritating. But Callum was awful. Fair enough, being raised by a single mum, he was a huge Mummy's boy. But the most annoying thing was that he was a grown man talking like a four year old child. It made me cringe so hard I had a headache.
However, having said all of that. The story was actually okay. It certainly wasn't the worst I've ever read. Unfortunately, the writing just ruined it for me.
I really really struggled with this book. I felt the writing was childish, and it reminded me of those little badly written stories that pop up on Facebook and expect you to pay to read on.
I hated all the characters, every single one of them were just irritating. But Callum was awful. Fair enough, being raised by a single mum, he was a huge Mummy's boy. But the most annoying thing was that he was a grown man talking like a four year old child. It made me cringe so hard I had a headache.
However, having said all of that. The story was actually okay. It certainly wasn't the worst I've ever read. Unfortunately, the writing just ruined it for me.
December 8, 2024
Reading this novel has confirmed that the 'rich, controlling mother and spoiled mama's boy' trope is just not for me. I’ve also realized I’m not a big fan of the 'poor girl marries rich boy' premise.
That said, I did give it 3 stars because the twists and turns kept me hooked enough to see it through to the end.
Unfortunately, while the potential was there, it just didn’t fully land for me.
That said, I did give it 3 stars because the twists and turns kept me hooked enough to see it through to the end.
Unfortunately, while the potential was there, it just didn’t fully land for me.
December 5, 2024
This was a quick and easy read full of twists and surprises.
February 9, 2025
Skip it
I guess there was sort of a story here, but there was lots of circling around and ridiculous, unnatural conversations. There was so much bad grammar it was distracting. It really had a college creative writing class or Wattpad feel. I talked myself into finishing it but should have just put it down.
I guess there was sort of a story here, but there was lots of circling around and ridiculous, unnatural conversations. There was so much bad grammar it was distracting. It really had a college creative writing class or Wattpad feel. I talked myself into finishing it but should have just put it down.
December 18, 2024
Title- My mother in law must die by @spencergauthor
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A dark and twisted ride! Spencer Guerrero delivers a sharp and gripping story with My Mother-in-Law Must Die. The title alone grabbed my attention, and the story did not disappoint. The characters were flawed and messy (in the best way), and the tension kept building with every chapter. If you’re looking for a fast read, this one is right up your alley!
Synopsis:
My name is Raven Crowley-Lopez and I plan to murder Mercedes Crowley, my mother-in-law.
My family was forced to move into her estate after we lost our own home because of a severe personal crisis. Now, I’m facing a living nightmare because I’m convinced that my mother-in-law is plotting to get rid of me, and perhaps even plans to murder me. It happened once before and it will happen again, even if no one believes me.
She’s always hated me and will stop at nothing to have her “perfect” son marry Celina Cervantes, the privileged heir to a family fortune that’s older than all of us combined.
It’s my husband’s fault that we’re in this mess and I will do everything in my power to secure my daughter’s future.
Everyone has their fair share of secrets and lies. I plan to unravel it all and I will uncover my mother-in-law’s plot to ruin me forever…even if it must end with her life being cut short.
This one will be available January 6,2025 ✨
Rating-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A dark and twisted ride! Spencer Guerrero delivers a sharp and gripping story with My Mother-in-Law Must Die. The title alone grabbed my attention, and the story did not disappoint. The characters were flawed and messy (in the best way), and the tension kept building with every chapter. If you’re looking for a fast read, this one is right up your alley!
Synopsis:
My name is Raven Crowley-Lopez and I plan to murder Mercedes Crowley, my mother-in-law.
My family was forced to move into her estate after we lost our own home because of a severe personal crisis. Now, I’m facing a living nightmare because I’m convinced that my mother-in-law is plotting to get rid of me, and perhaps even plans to murder me. It happened once before and it will happen again, even if no one believes me.
She’s always hated me and will stop at nothing to have her “perfect” son marry Celina Cervantes, the privileged heir to a family fortune that’s older than all of us combined.
It’s my husband’s fault that we’re in this mess and I will do everything in my power to secure my daughter’s future.
Everyone has their fair share of secrets and lies. I plan to unravel it all and I will uncover my mother-in-law’s plot to ruin me forever…even if it must end with her life being cut short.
This one will be available January 6,2025 ✨
December 15, 2024
This story is a masterclass in psychological thrillers, weaving a story so intricately layered that it demands your complete attention.
What sets this book apart are the constant twists and turns. Just as you think you’ve pieced together what’s happening, Guerrero pulls the rug out from under you, leaving you questioning what you thought you knew about the characters.
The story digs deep into themes of trauma, memory, and identity, evoking a rollercoaster of emotions—from shock to sorrow to awe at the human capacity for survival.
If you’re looking for a thriller that challenges your perceptions, and keeps you guessing until the very last page, this is the one for you.
Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC for this book and experience your art. Truly grateful. One of the best reads this year!
What sets this book apart are the constant twists and turns. Just as you think you’ve pieced together what’s happening, Guerrero pulls the rug out from under you, leaving you questioning what you thought you knew about the characters.
The story digs deep into themes of trauma, memory, and identity, evoking a rollercoaster of emotions—from shock to sorrow to awe at the human capacity for survival.
If you’re looking for a thriller that challenges your perceptions, and keeps you guessing until the very last page, this is the one for you.
Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC for this book and experience your art. Truly grateful. One of the best reads this year!
January 2, 2025
My Mother-in-law Must Die by Spencer Guerrero is a fast paced Psychological Thriller that will keep you engaged until the very last word.
Raven Crowley-Lopez would do almost anything for her family, including moving in with her mother-in-law after her husband loses his job. While this may seem ideal, with the grand house, meals provided without any effort on her part, and maids to handle all the housework, it is far from perfect. The first day begins with a peculiar set of rules, more suitable for a teenage couple than a married one with a child. However, this is only the start of the eccentricities of this woman. As the secrets unfold, you find yourself unable to put down this thrilling story, eagerly anticipating what will happen next.
Spencer Guerrero takes you on a fast paced thrill ride that rivals the fastest roller coasters, keeping you clinging to the book like a safety bar as the loops approach. I enjoyed this book so much that i stayed up just to finish reading, needing to know what would happen next. If you enjoy thrillers or are a fan of Kiersten Modglin, Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, or Nicole Trope, add Spencer Guerrero to your list. You won't be disappointed.
Raven Crowley-Lopez would do almost anything for her family, including moving in with her mother-in-law after her husband loses his job. While this may seem ideal, with the grand house, meals provided without any effort on her part, and maids to handle all the housework, it is far from perfect. The first day begins with a peculiar set of rules, more suitable for a teenage couple than a married one with a child. However, this is only the start of the eccentricities of this woman. As the secrets unfold, you find yourself unable to put down this thrilling story, eagerly anticipating what will happen next.
Spencer Guerrero takes you on a fast paced thrill ride that rivals the fastest roller coasters, keeping you clinging to the book like a safety bar as the loops approach. I enjoyed this book so much that i stayed up just to finish reading, needing to know what would happen next. If you enjoy thrillers or are a fan of Kiersten Modglin, Freida McFadden, Daniel Hurst, or Nicole Trope, add Spencer Guerrero to your list. You won't be disappointed.
January 3, 2025
My Mother-in-Law Must Die
by Spencer Guerrero - Author
Release date 12/06/2024
Set against the backdrop of an ordinary suburban life, this story revolves around, Raven Crowley-Lopez, who finds themselves entangled in a tense and hilariously absurd conflict with their overbearing mother-in-law. Guerrero masterfully blends satire, suspense, and wit, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. One of the novel’s standout elements is its exceptional character development. The mother-in-law is a delightfully complex antagonist. Guerrero avoids one-dimensional stereotypes by giving her a rich backstory, motivations, and moments of surprising vulnerability. The author’s ability to balance dark humor with poignant moments is remarkable. His vivid world-building brings the suburban setting to life and amplifies the absurdity of the situation.
Spencer Guerrero’s skillful character development and witty writing style make this book a must-read for fans of dark humor and compelling fiction.
Trigger warnings!!
Reader Discretion is advised
by Spencer Guerrero - Author
Release date 12/06/2024
Set against the backdrop of an ordinary suburban life, this story revolves around, Raven Crowley-Lopez, who finds themselves entangled in a tense and hilariously absurd conflict with their overbearing mother-in-law. Guerrero masterfully blends satire, suspense, and wit, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. One of the novel’s standout elements is its exceptional character development. The mother-in-law is a delightfully complex antagonist. Guerrero avoids one-dimensional stereotypes by giving her a rich backstory, motivations, and moments of surprising vulnerability. The author’s ability to balance dark humor with poignant moments is remarkable. His vivid world-building brings the suburban setting to life and amplifies the absurdity of the situation.
Spencer Guerrero’s skillful character development and witty writing style make this book a must-read for fans of dark humor and compelling fiction.
Trigger warnings!!
Reader Discretion is advised
January 18, 2025
This book is a riveting psychological thriller that plunges readers into a world of family secrets and deadly intentions. The author masterfully weaves a narrative that keeps readers on edge, questioning the boundaries between paranoia and reality. What makes this book truly captivating is the dynamic between Raven and Mercedes, highlighting the intense animosity and power struggles within a family torn apart by secrets and lies. As Raven fights to protect her daughter and secure her future, the stakes are high, and the tension is palpable. With unexpected twists and turns, this book explores themes of betrayal, resilience, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth and ensure their survival. This thrilling novel will leave readers breathless and eagerly turning pages until the very end.
January 12, 2025
Wow! My brain feels like it just ran a marathon after reading My Mother-In-Law Must Die by Spencer Guerrero. First of all, it feels like most of the characters in this book could benefit from some serious anger management classes, or maybe writing this book was Spencer's own form of anger management therapy! (Kidding, of course.)
Second, if you enjoy a story packed with secrets, murder, lies, unhinged characters, and a guessing game of who’s killing, being killed, or planning to kill, then this book is definitely for you.
Third, I have to say, I found the mother-in-law so infuriating that I felt like pulling her straight out of the book and offing her myself. She was that frustrating!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from this author.
Second, if you enjoy a story packed with secrets, murder, lies, unhinged characters, and a guessing game of who’s killing, being killed, or planning to kill, then this book is definitely for you.
Third, I have to say, I found the mother-in-law so infuriating that I felt like pulling her straight out of the book and offing her myself. She was that frustrating!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from this author.
January 6, 2025
Mercedes is Callum's mom, and she gets Callum out of trouble when he needs her too but after his boss beat him up and now he is out his job he has no choice but to go back to his mom with his wife Raven and their 7 year old daughter Juno. But Raven wants to get rid of her mother in law Mercedes before Mercedes has a chance to get rid of Raven they can't stand each other. So the game of cat and mouse begins who will get who first. This book has lots of twists and turns with so many secrets that u never saw comin. U will be questioning everything and everyone's safety. Wow, o wow, is all I can say what a fantastic read.
May 5, 2025
This is a fast-paced domestic thriller that builds to a shocking finish. The villainous mother-in-law reminds me of the one in the movie Kindergarten Cop. That meek heroine was lucky enough to have Arnold Schwarzenegger and his tough female cop sidekick come into town to do the heavy lifting regarding the MiL, but this heroine not so much! She is a more modern woman with a penchant for fact-finding and truth-telling, aspects that don’t always work in her favor. The suspense builds to a final crescendo that will have you finally releasing that breath you didn’t know you were holding! Read today!
November 30, 2024
*ARC reader* This story takes a chapter by chapter approach and clearly labels the time period and what character we're following. Raven (one of the characters we follow) puts on a no nonsense attitude and tries to get to the bottom of all of the secrets surrounding her husband, but mostly her mother in law. She keeps pursuing the truth no matter what happens or who tries to stop her efforts. It's definitely a twisty, messed up story! I gave it 4 stars because of the grammar and punctuation issues throughout. With revisions, it'll be even better!
January 27, 2025
WOW. This story was craaazy in the best way possible! The pictures at the very beginning of the book matched my expressions perfectly while reading!! 🤣 With 245 pages and a fast paced twisty storyline, it was a quick read for me! At one point it seemed like the end of every chapter had some shocking revelation/event that made it very hard to pause reading. 😅 And that ending!! 😱😵💫🫨 Will definitely add the author's other books to my TBR. Looks like he's got a lot of other great psychological thrillers and they're on Kindle Unlimited!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews