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Dear Mother: A Thriller
Not yet published
Expected 28 Apr 26In a tense thriller set deep amid the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a young mother works to uncover the secrets of her family’s dark past, fearful of what their history may reveal.
After a childhood riddled with trauma and unanswered questions, Isabelle Archer vows to chase down the truth. So when her estranged mother dies, the investigative journalist returns to the one story that still haunts her.
Isabelle was thirteen when her three foster siblings died tragically in a fire. The blaze was ruled an accident, and despite the neglect, Isabelle never wanted to believe her mother was a killer. But twenty-five years later, the accusations linger.
Back in Cedarloch to settle the estate, Isabelle revisits her childhood home. A familiar dread permeates the surrounding woods. And when autopsy reports cast new suspicions, Isabelle unearths much more than just terrifying memories.
With help from her ex, Isabelle frantically digs for answers. What really happened the night of the fire? How did her mother die? And are the two somehow connected? What they find could poison long-held memories—and incinerate everything she thought to be true.
After a childhood riddled with trauma and unanswered questions, Isabelle Archer vows to chase down the truth. So when her estranged mother dies, the investigative journalist returns to the one story that still haunts her.
Isabelle was thirteen when her three foster siblings died tragically in a fire. The blaze was ruled an accident, and despite the neglect, Isabelle never wanted to believe her mother was a killer. But twenty-five years later, the accusations linger.
Back in Cedarloch to settle the estate, Isabelle revisits her childhood home. A familiar dread permeates the surrounding woods. And when autopsy reports cast new suspicions, Isabelle unearths much more than just terrifying memories.
With help from her ex, Isabelle frantically digs for answers. What really happened the night of the fire? How did her mother die? And are the two somehow connected? What they find could poison long-held memories—and incinerate everything she thought to be true.
253 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 28, 2026
202 people want to read
About the author
Rea Frey
16 books1,017 followersRea Frey is the #1 bestselling author of several suspense, thriller, and contemporary fiction novels.
Known as The Book Doula, Rea helps other writers birth their books into the world. To learn more, visit reafrey.com
Known as The Book Doula, Rea helps other writers birth their books into the world. To learn more, visit reafrey.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 14, 2026
This was a short read and fairly predictable. With the setting, the author really missed an opportunity to make this an atmospheric read. More of the setting was needed, since the setting was a huge part of the book. This felt very surface and while it kept my attention, it left a lot to be desired.
November 29, 2025
Isabelle is an investigative journalist who returns home after her mother passes away. She hasn't been there in decades, because she could never shake the doubt that her mother was involved in the deaths of her foster siblings. Now she figures she can put some ghosts to death by clearing out the family home and ridding herself of lingering suspicions once and for all. Unfortunately, it won't be that easy, because evidence shows that her mother was murdered. Maybe the past isn't done with Isabelle after all.
The story is told in alternating narratives of Isabelle in the present and she and her foster siblings in the past, the night they perished in a fire. Unlike in many foster homes, these kids formed a strong bond, and they truly loved and cared for one another, even though they were together for just a few years. Isabelle was the only biological child, and she and Harper (the sibling she had been with the longest) were the only ones who survived that night. Her mother, Gail, was hard on all the kids, but Isabelle couldn't help but feel that she was treated differently as the biological child. And she never understood why she was the only sibling who hadn't been seriously sick in the time period before their deaths. She always believed Gail had something to do with it. Especially because this wasn't the first time she lost a foster sibling.
So there's the mystery of her siblings' deaths and her mother's death to deal with, and Isabelle tries her hardest to get answers. She's helped by her daughter's father, another investigative journalist who Isabelle keeps at arm's length because of the old 'I lose everyone I get close to' trope in stories like this. No matter that he's handsome and famous and successful, i.e., the perfect man, who totally worships her, she still treats him terribly and pushes him away. Ugh, you know she'll change her mind anyway, which of course, she does.
Now, I happened to know pretty early on who was responsible, and I think the author made it a little too obvious. Consider that the story is about the strength of family and the lengths we go to for those we love. Whether you figure it out or not, the story is compelling enough to keep you engaged until the end, where the hint of uneasiness in Isabelle hits just the right tone. Will it ever really be over for her?
The story is told in alternating narratives of Isabelle in the present and she and her foster siblings in the past, the night they perished in a fire. Unlike in many foster homes, these kids formed a strong bond, and they truly loved and cared for one another, even though they were together for just a few years. Isabelle was the only biological child, and she and Harper (the sibling she had been with the longest) were the only ones who survived that night. Her mother, Gail, was hard on all the kids, but Isabelle couldn't help but feel that she was treated differently as the biological child. And she never understood why she was the only sibling who hadn't been seriously sick in the time period before their deaths. She always believed Gail had something to do with it. Especially because this wasn't the first time she lost a foster sibling.
So there's the mystery of her siblings' deaths and her mother's death to deal with, and Isabelle tries her hardest to get answers. She's helped by her daughter's father, another investigative journalist who Isabelle keeps at arm's length because of the old 'I lose everyone I get close to' trope in stories like this. No matter that he's handsome and famous and successful, i.e., the perfect man, who totally worships her, she still treats him terribly and pushes him away. Ugh, you know she'll change her mind anyway, which of course, she does.
Now, I happened to know pretty early on who was responsible, and I think the author made it a little too obvious. Consider that the story is about the strength of family and the lengths we go to for those we love. Whether you figure it out or not, the story is compelling enough to keep you engaged until the end, where the hint of uneasiness in Isabelle hits just the right tone. Will it ever really be over for her?
January 13, 2026
I really enjoyed this. It’s a fast, twisty thriller that kept me turning the pages and wanting to know what would happen next. The pace never slowed down, and there was always something new going on. I did manage to guess a couple of the twists, which knocked a star off for me, but it didn’t ruin the read at all. Overall, I really loved it and would still recommend it if you’re in the mood for a gripping, easy to read thriller.
Thank you NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer for the early arc!
Thank you NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer for the early arc!
November 28, 2025
I love reading stories about mothers. While my own is amazing, I know some are not. This author has the same interest in mothers who are off-kilter, cold-hearted, and heartless. There are many great elements in this book that pull the reader in and through it. Pretty predictable, though.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the second book I’ve read from this author— Don't Forget Me was a fantastic read... and I’m starting to notice some themes in her work: complex mother–daughter dynamics and mental illness.
The story follows Isabelle, a journalist who returns to her small hometown after learning that her estranged mother has died. She hasn’t set foot in her childhood home for twenty years, not since her foster siblings were killed in a fire that was officially ruled accidental. Still, Isabelle and most of the town always suspected her mother, Gail, had something to do with it. Now back home, Isabelle is determined to uncover what really happened all those years ago.
I usually try to avoid books that involve children. To be honest, every time a chapter focused on the kids and their internal dialogue, it was tough for me to get through. Those sections were some of the most honest and realistic in the book, but they were still difficult to read, and I often found myself skipping them.
The book blends emotional introspection with suspense in a way that works well. I appreciated that it doesn’t shy away from messy emotions or morally gray situations; it makes the journey feel more authentic and less polished. Frey’s writing remains smooth and easy to sink into. The dual timeline is clear, the twists are solid, and she creates atmosphere beautifully.
That said, the predictability held it back for me. Some dialogue felt off and repetitive, a few plot holes stood out, and the ending felt rushed. As the story went on, I found myself gradually losing some of the initial intrigue...Releases May 12, 2026.
Thank you, NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Isabelle, a journalist who returns to her small hometown after learning that her estranged mother has died. She hasn’t set foot in her childhood home for twenty years, not since her foster siblings were killed in a fire that was officially ruled accidental. Still, Isabelle and most of the town always suspected her mother, Gail, had something to do with it. Now back home, Isabelle is determined to uncover what really happened all those years ago.
I usually try to avoid books that involve children. To be honest, every time a chapter focused on the kids and their internal dialogue, it was tough for me to get through. Those sections were some of the most honest and realistic in the book, but they were still difficult to read, and I often found myself skipping them.
The book blends emotional introspection with suspense in a way that works well. I appreciated that it doesn’t shy away from messy emotions or morally gray situations; it makes the journey feel more authentic and less polished. Frey’s writing remains smooth and easy to sink into. The dual timeline is clear, the twists are solid, and she creates atmosphere beautifully.
That said, the predictability held it back for me. Some dialogue felt off and repetitive, a few plot holes stood out, and the ending felt rushed. As the story went on, I found myself gradually losing some of the initial intrigue...Releases May 12, 2026.
Thank you, NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2026
I have loved everything that Rea Frey has written and this book does not disappoint. I love a good mystery/thriller with a twist but the many many twists and turns in this book kept me guessing until the end!!! I am really really hoping Rea will continue this story!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: Dear Mother: A Thriller
Author: Rea Frey
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: April 28, 2026
My Rating: 4 + Stars
Pages: 251
Story is told - Then and Now.
Then twenty--five years ago ~ We get a background on the foster children including Marcus who ran away before the fire happen.
Now, of course, is current.
Now ~ Story begins when the ‘The Cedarloch Sentinel’ reports on May 11, 2026 that Gail Archer dies under mysterious circumstances.
Isabelle Archer returns home to Cedarloch, Washington to settle her mother’s estate.
She hasn't been there in twenty-five, as she has always feared her mother - a foster mother was involved in the deaths of her foster siblings.
Isabelle was thirteen when her three foster siblings Celia, Ben and Jude died tragically in a fire that was ruled an accident.
Now that Isabelle and her eight year old daughter Maisy returned they stay at the family farm where her foster sister Harper has managed. Harper has a daughter Ivy the same age as Maisy.
Since Isabelle is an investigative journalist and wants to know what happened that night.
When the autopsy reports comes in, Isabelle calls Jack Pearce her ex (they are still friends plus are co-parenting Maisy). Jack is an award winning journalist and although away on assignment he wants to help. Together they search as to what really happen that night.
This story was unputdownable!!!!
I read a lot of thrillers so my arm chair investigative skills were on high alert. I had my suspicions right away but then changed my mind!!
In the end I was correct but certainly didn’t have the details!
This was my fifth novel by Rea Frey I especially liked Don’t Forget me and Until I Find You.
About the Author~Rea Frey is the #1 bestselling author of several suspense, thriller, and contemporary fiction novels. She is also known as “The Book Doula” Ms. Frey helps other writers birth their books into the world. To learn more, visit reafrey.com
I always love reading the author’s notes. In this case ~ Acknowledgements” As she is thanks the many who helped her. She tells us she has always been obsessed with writing stories about mothers.
Her debut novel was “Not her Daughter” – and she hoped to write a sequel entitled “What happened to Emma Townsen" but it never happened. She mentioned her desire to her Thomas & Mercer editor Jessica Tribble White and “Dear Mother” began.
I did read “Not Her Daughter” seven years ago. At the end of my comments I said
“This story was a fast read but totally gave me sleepless nights.
I will give Rea Frey next novel another try- as she seems to be a good writer”
Yes, I did read another in fact this was my fifth Rea Frey novel! I especially liked Don’t Forget me and Until I Find You.
Now I can add this one!
Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this great early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 28, 2026.
Author: Rea Frey
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: April 28, 2026
My Rating: 4 + Stars
Pages: 251
Story is told - Then and Now.
Then twenty--five years ago ~ We get a background on the foster children including Marcus who ran away before the fire happen.
Now, of course, is current.
Now ~ Story begins when the ‘The Cedarloch Sentinel’ reports on May 11, 2026 that Gail Archer dies under mysterious circumstances.
Isabelle Archer returns home to Cedarloch, Washington to settle her mother’s estate.
She hasn't been there in twenty-five, as she has always feared her mother - a foster mother was involved in the deaths of her foster siblings.
Isabelle was thirteen when her three foster siblings Celia, Ben and Jude died tragically in a fire that was ruled an accident.
Now that Isabelle and her eight year old daughter Maisy returned they stay at the family farm where her foster sister Harper has managed. Harper has a daughter Ivy the same age as Maisy.
Since Isabelle is an investigative journalist and wants to know what happened that night.
When the autopsy reports comes in, Isabelle calls Jack Pearce her ex (they are still friends plus are co-parenting Maisy). Jack is an award winning journalist and although away on assignment he wants to help. Together they search as to what really happen that night.
This story was unputdownable!!!!
I read a lot of thrillers so my arm chair investigative skills were on high alert. I had my suspicions right away but then changed my mind!!
In the end I was correct but certainly didn’t have the details!
This was my fifth novel by Rea Frey I especially liked Don’t Forget me and Until I Find You.
About the Author~Rea Frey is the #1 bestselling author of several suspense, thriller, and contemporary fiction novels. She is also known as “The Book Doula” Ms. Frey helps other writers birth their books into the world. To learn more, visit reafrey.com
I always love reading the author’s notes. In this case ~ Acknowledgements” As she is thanks the many who helped her. She tells us she has always been obsessed with writing stories about mothers.
Her debut novel was “Not her Daughter” – and she hoped to write a sequel entitled “What happened to Emma Townsen" but it never happened. She mentioned her desire to her Thomas & Mercer editor Jessica Tribble White and “Dear Mother” began.
I did read “Not Her Daughter” seven years ago. At the end of my comments I said
“This story was a fast read but totally gave me sleepless nights.
I will give Rea Frey next novel another try- as she seems to be a good writer”
Yes, I did read another in fact this was my fifth Rea Frey novel! I especially liked Don’t Forget me and Until I Find You.
Now I can add this one!
Want to thank NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this great early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 28, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Isabelle Archer is many things at once: an investigative journalist trained to chase truth, a mother trying to protect her own child, and a daughter shaped by a childhood that never offered safety or simplicity. Raised in a home full of foster siblings, her past is marked by one child who vanished and three more lost in a devastating fire—an “accident” that never sat right. Illness, fear, and whispered theories trailed the family, all tightly controlled by her mother, Gail, whose grip on the narrative was as suffocating as it was unwavering. When Gail dies, Isabelle returns home expecting paperwork and closure. Instead, she finds autopsy results that crack open the past. What follows is a reckoning—across dual timelines and shifting POVs—that forces Isabelle to relive what she survived and confront what may have been deliberately hidden all along.
This is the kind of book you fall into fast and don’t surface from easily. Rea Frey doesn’t sanitize motherhood, mental illness, or abuse; she leans into the discomfort and lets the mess breathe. The emotional tension is sharp, the atmosphere heavy, and the mystery unfolds with quiet control rather than cheap shock tactics. Isabelle’s love for her mother exists right alongside fear and suspicion, which makes her feel achingly real. The structure is clean, the twists land, and the emotional stakes never feel manufactured. Frey remains an auto-read for me because she understands how to braid psychology and suspense without losing the human core. Dear Mother is proof that family secrets don’t fade—they ferment, and when they finally surface, they demand to be faced.
This is the kind of book you fall into fast and don’t surface from easily. Rea Frey doesn’t sanitize motherhood, mental illness, or abuse; she leans into the discomfort and lets the mess breathe. The emotional tension is sharp, the atmosphere heavy, and the mystery unfolds with quiet control rather than cheap shock tactics. Isabelle’s love for her mother exists right alongside fear and suspicion, which makes her feel achingly real. The structure is clean, the twists land, and the emotional stakes never feel manufactured. Frey remains an auto-read for me because she understands how to braid psychology and suspense without losing the human core. Dear Mother is proof that family secrets don’t fade—they ferment, and when they finally surface, they demand to be faced.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dear Mother is one of those thrillers that sticks with you more for the emotional impact than the twists. While there is a mystery at the center of the story, the real focus is on family, especially the complicated bond between mothers and daughters, and the idea that family can be so much more than blood.
Isabelle returns home after her estranged mother dies, still haunted by a fire from her childhood that killed three foster children her mother had taken in. Even though the fire was ruled an accident, Isabelle has never believed that was the full truth. As she starts digging into the past, old wounds resurface and long-buried emotions come rushing back.
What really worked for me was how Rea Frey portrayed family relationships. Isabelle’s bond with her foster siblings felt genuine and deep, showing how quickly chosen family can become just as important, if not more so, than biological ties. Those relationships give the story its heart and explain why Isabelle cannot let the past stay buried.
The mother and daughter relationship is messy, painful, and very real. Isabelle loves her mother but also resents her, and that push and pull felt incredibly authentic. The book does a great job of showing how daughters struggle with the versions of their mothers they remember versus the truth they are afraid to face.
Some of the mystery elements felt familiar, and a few twists were easy to see coming, but the emotional weight of the story kept me invested. If you enjoy thrillers that lean heavily into family drama and psychological tension, this one is worth picking up.
Isabelle returns home after her estranged mother dies, still haunted by a fire from her childhood that killed three foster children her mother had taken in. Even though the fire was ruled an accident, Isabelle has never believed that was the full truth. As she starts digging into the past, old wounds resurface and long-buried emotions come rushing back.
What really worked for me was how Rea Frey portrayed family relationships. Isabelle’s bond with her foster siblings felt genuine and deep, showing how quickly chosen family can become just as important, if not more so, than biological ties. Those relationships give the story its heart and explain why Isabelle cannot let the past stay buried.
The mother and daughter relationship is messy, painful, and very real. Isabelle loves her mother but also resents her, and that push and pull felt incredibly authentic. The book does a great job of showing how daughters struggle with the versions of their mothers they remember versus the truth they are afraid to face.
Some of the mystery elements felt familiar, and a few twists were easy to see coming, but the emotional weight of the story kept me invested. If you enjoy thrillers that lean heavily into family drama and psychological tension, this one is worth picking up.
January 1, 2026
4.5 Stars
I received a digital copy of the ARC of this book from Netgalley.
I don’t know where to start, I have so many feelings..
In “Dear Mother” we follow the POV of Isabelle, a journalist who returns home to a small town after hearing that her estranged mother has passed away. Isabelle hasn’t been back to her childhood home for 20 years after her foster siblings died in an accidental fire. Or at least it was ruled accidental, Isabelle, along with the whole town, believed Isabelle’s mother Gail was somehow responsible. Now home to pack up her mother’s things, Isabelle is determined to find out what happened to her siblings all those years ago, and the truth will shock her.
I had so many feelings throughout this book. Characters I liked and ones that I did not trust, just didn’t know why. As the story unfolded it led to more and more questions that I just wanted to get answers to, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wouldn’t like the answers.
The closer you get to the end, the more twists there were, and my god they were whiplash inducing! I was on the edge of my seat, my stomach in knots of excited anxiety for the last handful of chapters.
All I can say is Rea Frey, where have you been all of my life, and will there be another book following this one, because, I have so many more questions! This is the first book of this author, but I am going to be adding the rest of her work to my TBR as soon as this review is done, holy moly.
I received a digital copy of the ARC of this book from Netgalley.
I don’t know where to start, I have so many feelings..
In “Dear Mother” we follow the POV of Isabelle, a journalist who returns home to a small town after hearing that her estranged mother has passed away. Isabelle hasn’t been back to her childhood home for 20 years after her foster siblings died in an accidental fire. Or at least it was ruled accidental, Isabelle, along with the whole town, believed Isabelle’s mother Gail was somehow responsible. Now home to pack up her mother’s things, Isabelle is determined to find out what happened to her siblings all those years ago, and the truth will shock her.
I had so many feelings throughout this book. Characters I liked and ones that I did not trust, just didn’t know why. As the story unfolded it led to more and more questions that I just wanted to get answers to, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wouldn’t like the answers.
The closer you get to the end, the more twists there were, and my god they were whiplash inducing! I was on the edge of my seat, my stomach in knots of excited anxiety for the last handful of chapters.
All I can say is Rea Frey, where have you been all of my life, and will there be another book following this one, because, I have so many more questions! This is the first book of this author, but I am going to be adding the rest of her work to my TBR as soon as this review is done, holy moly.
December 7, 2025
* Thank you NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for an honest review *
Dear Mother is a thriller following Isabelle as she returns home after the death of her estranged mother. Having believed her mother a killer of her siblings, Isabelle is ready to sell the house and move on - until she discovers that not everything is as it seems. Her mother might not have killed her siblings, and her mother may not have died of natural causes.
I will start with this: I guessed the whodunnit in the first chapter. That said, I really enjoyed this read, and despite knowing the bad guy from the start, I was still curious to see how everything would play out. I also found myself really drawn to Isabelle. Complicated but tough, she wanted to find out the truth, even if it hurt, even if it was something she'd rather not know, and I admired her for that.
If I had any not-so-positive notes... I'd say that despite being set in a supposedly little Pacific Northwest town, I didn't totally get that small town vibe. You don't interact with a ton of townspeople (perhaps because there aren't many in general) and the setting of the town itself could use a little work. That didn't really impact my overall rating very much, because the mystery really does take center stage in this story.
I definitely recommend this to lovers of complicated, strange mysteries.
Dear Mother is a thriller following Isabelle as she returns home after the death of her estranged mother. Having believed her mother a killer of her siblings, Isabelle is ready to sell the house and move on - until she discovers that not everything is as it seems. Her mother might not have killed her siblings, and her mother may not have died of natural causes.
I will start with this: I guessed the whodunnit in the first chapter. That said, I really enjoyed this read, and despite knowing the bad guy from the start, I was still curious to see how everything would play out. I also found myself really drawn to Isabelle. Complicated but tough, she wanted to find out the truth, even if it hurt, even if it was something she'd rather not know, and I admired her for that.
If I had any not-so-positive notes... I'd say that despite being set in a supposedly little Pacific Northwest town, I didn't totally get that small town vibe. You don't interact with a ton of townspeople (perhaps because there aren't many in general) and the setting of the town itself could use a little work. That didn't really impact my overall rating very much, because the mystery really does take center stage in this story.
I definitely recommend this to lovers of complicated, strange mysteries.
December 6, 2025
I am grateful to Netgalley and Thomas&Mercer for approving an advance copy of “Dear Mother” for my review. This is my first novel from Rea and I absolutely loved it.
I got drawn to the book by the title and the description provided. I am a sucker for thrillers and the description promised a good dose of it. The book lived up completely to that description. The story brings in a lot of emotions, reality and intrigue with the central plot - that of a suspected mom killing her foster children. But the story rapidly blooms into a lot more when the protagonist, Isabelle, returns to receive the house and plans to dispose of it. New details emerge which draw at Isabelle’s job as an investigative reporter to delve deeper into the past. The mystery unravels very well at the end. And Rea has thought through the plot very well. I started having suspicions about a character at around 75% of the book and they did turn out to be the antagonist - wont reveal anything more coz spoiler!
I also loved Rea’s writing style - which moves between the present and the past from POV of the children in the tragic events. It never becomes challenging to the reader to keep track. Kudos to her for this.
Highly recommend this book for people who love psychological thrillers!
I got drawn to the book by the title and the description provided. I am a sucker for thrillers and the description promised a good dose of it. The book lived up completely to that description. The story brings in a lot of emotions, reality and intrigue with the central plot - that of a suspected mom killing her foster children. But the story rapidly blooms into a lot more when the protagonist, Isabelle, returns to receive the house and plans to dispose of it. New details emerge which draw at Isabelle’s job as an investigative reporter to delve deeper into the past. The mystery unravels very well at the end. And Rea has thought through the plot very well. I started having suspicions about a character at around 75% of the book and they did turn out to be the antagonist - wont reveal anything more coz spoiler!
I also loved Rea’s writing style - which moves between the present and the past from POV of the children in the tragic events. It never becomes challenging to the reader to keep track. Kudos to her for this.
Highly recommend this book for people who love psychological thrillers!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Isabelle is an investigative journalist. She grew up in a small town named Cedarloch with her mother and several foster siblings. Isabelle is called to return home after her mother passes away, but she hasn’t been home in decades. Isabelle never could shake the doubt that her mother was involved in the deaths of her foster siblings all those years ago. When evidence shows that her mother was murdered, Isabelle and her ex begin frantically digging for answers. What really happened the night her foster siblings died, and did that same person who killed them also kill Isabelle’s mother? Isabelle and her ex, Jack, are determined to uncover the truth.
This was my first book by Rea Frey, and it certainly won’t be my last. It was fast-paced and twisty and had me wanting to read more to find out what would happen next. I enjoyed the dual timeline and felt it really added to the story. I did guess a couple of the twists, as they were somewhat predictable. For that reason, I rate this one 3.5 out of 5 stars. I still recommend this one to fans of twisty thrillers!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was my first book by Rea Frey, and it certainly won’t be my last. It was fast-paced and twisty and had me wanting to read more to find out what would happen next. I enjoyed the dual timeline and felt it really added to the story. I did guess a couple of the twists, as they were somewhat predictable. For that reason, I rate this one 3.5 out of 5 stars. I still recommend this one to fans of twisty thrillers!
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 3, 2025
This story is going to haunt me for the rest of my life in the best way possible. From the very first page it sucked me in and didn’t release me. It was one of those books that even when you take a break from reading, it lives on, stalking your imagination. It felt very Old Hollywood somehow, like a black and white suspense film in the vein of The Bad Seed or some Alfred Hitchcock thriller. The setting was mysterious and yet fully fleshed out, the main character was realistic and relatable. The ending was satisfying even though it was intensely unsettling. I recommend this to fans of books like The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware. Thank you to the author for giving me an advance copy for review purposes. I truly enjoyed reading this book.
December 4, 2025
This story had me hooked from the start-hanging on the edge of my seat! I liked how the chapters went back between Now and Then and how the reader learns what was going on in the past until it merges with the present to finally reveal the mind-blowing conclusion. This was my first book by Rea Frey. I will definitely be checking out her previous books and looking forward to her next best seller! If you enjoy twisty, sometimes creepy, stories with characters that have secrets and layered personalities then this one is definitely for you. I highly recommend putting this one at the top of your TBR! Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas & Mercer for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First of all - this cover, I saw it, I had to have it and I’m so glad I did! It was available for immediate consumption and I absolutely devoured it in a single sitting!
When Isabell’s estranged mother passes, she finds herself returning to her childhood home, after so many years away. To the place where her siblings lost their lives in a tragic fire 25 years ago. Ruled an accident, but always considered suspicious where many never stopped suspecting her mother.
Now Isabella is back, with her own young daughter, to button up loose ends and things aren’t adding up.
This book contained so many incredibly dark and tragic family secrets for Isabelle to unpack, so many unresolved questions resurfacing upon return.
When Isabell’s estranged mother passes, she finds herself returning to her childhood home, after so many years away. To the place where her siblings lost their lives in a tragic fire 25 years ago. Ruled an accident, but always considered suspicious where many never stopped suspecting her mother.
Now Isabella is back, with her own young daughter, to button up loose ends and things aren’t adding up.
This book contained so many incredibly dark and tragic family secrets for Isabelle to unpack, so many unresolved questions resurfacing upon return.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5/5 stars rounded to 4.
When Isabelle was 13 three of her foster siblings died in a fire. It was ruled an accident but Isabelle always suspected her mother was the culprit. When her mother dies, Isabelle returns home to settle the estate and begins her own investigation.
I found this to be a bit predictable. I knew who done it within the first ~20%. That doesn't mean it wasn't engaging. I still found myself wanting to know how we got there and enjoyed the process. But I would recommend this more to beginner thriller readers.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Isabelle was 13 three of her foster siblings died in a fire. It was ruled an accident but Isabelle always suspected her mother was the culprit. When her mother dies, Isabelle returns home to settle the estate and begins her own investigation.
I found this to be a bit predictable. I knew who done it within the first ~20%. That doesn't mean it wasn't engaging. I still found myself wanting to know how we got there and enjoyed the process. But I would recommend this more to beginner thriller readers.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This!! This had me completely in a choke hold. I devoured this in a day (would have been one sitting if you know life didn’t get in the way) I absolutely loved this. I was hooked from the very first page. It had me completely enthralled the entire time, never feeling bored or like the story was drawn out. The story is told in dual timelines of now and then having the reading learn what happens in the past as it merges with the present. This was packed with so many surprises I didn’t see coming. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Isabelle Archer is an investigative journalist who is about to probe into the most challenging story of her career. What role - if any - her mother really played in the fire that claimed the lives of her foster siblings.
But this time, with new evidence surfacing, Isabelle may have bitten off more than she can chew...
An atmospheric and mysterious story, this will appeal to most thriller readers. It easily earns 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But this time, with new evidence surfacing, Isabelle may have bitten off more than she can chew...
An atmospheric and mysterious story, this will appeal to most thriller readers. It easily earns 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What an amazing thriller!
This is a small town mystery thriller, that uncovers the death of a group of foster children in the past. We follow Isabell who returns to the town she grew up in after the death of her estranged mother, when the past comes back to the surface. The past is explored in flashback chapters from different POVs.
The writing is well done. The plot twists and turns and you soon don't know who to trust anymore. Many seem to have their secrets they don't want to be uncovered.
I recived an ARC of this book trough NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a small town mystery thriller, that uncovers the death of a group of foster children in the past. We follow Isabell who returns to the town she grew up in after the death of her estranged mother, when the past comes back to the surface. The past is explored in flashback chapters from different POVs.
The writing is well done. The plot twists and turns and you soon don't know who to trust anymore. Many seem to have their secrets they don't want to be uncovered.
I recived an ARC of this book trough NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
When Isabelle's estranged mother dies, she's drawn back to her small Pacific Northwest town. When she was 13, she had foster siblings that died under mysterious circumstances and small town gossip always suspected Isabelle's mom. As Isabelle is working through what is left behind, things start to point to something else going on. There are a lot of twists and this one makes you wonder who you can trust. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for a chance to read this one early in exchange for an honest review.
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
4 stars
When Isabelle's estranged mother dies, she's drawn back to her small Pacific Northwest town. When she was 13, she had foster siblings that died under mysterious circumstances and small town gossip always suspected Isabelle's mom. As Isabelle is working through what is left behind, things start to point to something else going on. There are a lot of twists and this one makes you wonder who you can trust. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for a chance to read this one early in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2025
Dear Mother by Rea Frey is a thriller published by Thomas & Mercer.
The author of Don't Forget Me delivered an incredible fast paced thriller. Nailbiting, goosebumping, unputdownable.
Isabelle is a journalist who's already through a lot. And she's investigating her family, especially her mother's secret and takes the reader on an adventure par excellence.
I read the book hanging on the edge of my seat breathlessly waiting for the other shoe to drop.
5 stars.
The author of Don't Forget Me delivered an incredible fast paced thriller. Nailbiting, goosebumping, unputdownable.
Isabelle is a journalist who's already through a lot. And she's investigating her family, especially her mother's secret and takes the reader on an adventure par excellence.
I read the book hanging on the edge of my seat breathlessly waiting for the other shoe to drop.
5 stars.
December 2, 2025
This was such a twisty thriller with lots of surprises I didn’t see coming! When Isabelle returns home after her estranged mother’s death, she is determined to learn the truth once and for all. It’s been 25 years, but she still doesn’t know how her foster siblings died in a tragic fire.
Now a reporter, she realizes she can’t leave without finding out what happened all those years ago. She blames her mother but was her mother responsible?
Such a quick read and I really enjoyed it!
Now a reporter, she realizes she can’t leave without finding out what happened all those years ago. She blames her mother but was her mother responsible?
Such a quick read and I really enjoyed it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a NetGalley review but the opinions expressed below are my own and honest thoughts. #NetGalley Dear Mother by Rea Frey received 11-30-25 and reviewed on 12-16-25
Completely hooked on this twisty book. I enjoyed reading the past and future chapters and the slow build up and reveal of what happened and when I thought I knew who was responsible and what happened boom surprise! This was a page turner for me and I looked forward to my time reading it 4/5
Completely hooked on this twisty book. I enjoyed reading the past and future chapters and the slow build up and reveal of what happened and when I thought I knew who was responsible and what happened boom surprise! This was a page turner for me and I looked forward to my time reading it 4/5
December 25, 2025
Dear Mother is a dark and twisty tale about an investigative journalist who goes back to her childhood home to sort through her traumatic past in hopes of discovering the truth behind the disappearance and deaths of several of her foster siblings.
Though I did find the storyline to be a bit predictable at times, I still enjoyed the ride! Definitely recommend to those who like page turning popcorn thrillers that are easy to devour in one to two sittings!
3.5 rounded up to 4 ⭐️
Though I did find the storyline to be a bit predictable at times, I still enjoyed the ride! Definitely recommend to those who like page turning popcorn thrillers that are easy to devour in one to two sittings!
3.5 rounded up to 4 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Twisty, dark, compulsive.
That’s all I’m going to say about a book that grabbed hold of me and didn’t let go till the end.
A short thriller (250 pages or so) that is bat shit crazy even though I had a sneaky feeling who or what the evil lurking was.
I love how this author dips into genres, pushing herself to try new things… and more recently into “mother dearest” stories that always seem to keep you guessing
That’s all I’m going to say about a book that grabbed hold of me and didn’t let go till the end.
A short thriller (250 pages or so) that is bat shit crazy even though I had a sneaky feeling who or what the evil lurking was.
I love how this author dips into genres, pushing herself to try new things… and more recently into “mother dearest” stories that always seem to keep you guessing
January 21, 2026
This was such a pleasant surprise. The premise felt genuinely unique, and the story moved at a great pace without dragging or feeling rushed. Everything fit together cleanly, and I didn’t find myself distracted by plot holes which honestly feels rare these days.
The ending was one of my favorite parts. I’m a big fan of stories that leave you thinking about what happens next, and this one stuck the landing. Would absolutely recommend.
TY to NetGalley + Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!
The ending was one of my favorite parts. I’m a big fan of stories that leave you thinking about what happens next, and this one stuck the landing. Would absolutely recommend.
TY to NetGalley + Thomas & Mercer for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dear Mother is a whirlwind of emotions, twists, jaw dropping moments, suspense, & obsession! Rea Frey did her thing with this book, I couldn't put it down. Reading about this family & being able to feel these intense scenarios as if they happened to you, is an absolute work of art. The moment I thought, no, no, no, it can't be...i was thrown for a loop again! Obsession will cause any normal individual to do some wild things, but this....this is just unhinged, IN A GOOD WAY!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank You Thomas and Mercer for having sent me a gifted copy of Dear Mother. This was my first by this author and I definitely think she did a great job with this Mystery Thriller and Im sure i will read more by her in the future. I like that the story was short and fast paced as well so that made for a quicker yet still enjoyable read. You could kinda guess what was going on and what might happen so that was a kinda downfall but I still overall enjoyed it. Giving this one 3.5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for providing the copy of Dear Mother by Rea Frey. I love Frey’s books and her unique stories. I enjoyed how well the relationships were defined, and how I really got to know the characters. The spooky woods were a great setting. I loved this quick, snappy book, and I’m still thinking about the reveal that makes me long for a sequel 5 stars!
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