Dear Mother

by Rea Frey

In a tense thriller set deep amid the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a determined 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.

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

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2026

About the author

Rea 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

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Kurryreads (Kerry) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTBFFsH8k/

[Tina Plintz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This engaging mystery/thriller weaves together family drama and buried secrets in a captivating dual-timeline story. Strong character development and a small-town mystery keep you guessing until the very end. Isabelle returns home after her mother’s passing, only to uncover a web of secrets that demand her attention. Her mother was accused of the horrific deaths of her foster siblings, and while she initially believed the rumours, her search reveals far more than she bargained for. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, this one might be a great read for you.

[Kelly Veit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me completely invested from the start! Frey masterfully writes characters that make the reader feel as if they know them first hand. Multiple points of view delve into obsession and trauma and give some back story for the secrets that gradually came to light. The plot is emotionally electrifying and certainly haunting. Through short chapters the reader learns what occured in the past until it merges with the present to reveal the mind-blowing conclusion. This was my first book by Rea Frey. I will definitely be checking out her previous novels and looking forward to her next book!

If you enjoy twisty, creepy stories with characters that have layered personalities and long-buried secrets, then this one is definitely for you. I highly recommend getting this one on your radar!

✨Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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?

[aprilreadsthrillers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reallly enjoyed this read!! I flew through it in 24 hrs and once I got into it I couldn’t put it down all night lol I needed to know what happened. . I really liked the dual time lines and seeing the close relationships between the foster siblings in the past tense scenes. Slow build up of tension, but the momentum is steady and continues to just intensify.
The story builds layer by layer, and even when I thought I had a handle on where things were going, it still managed to surprise me in how everything actually played out

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nobody does dark family-themed suspense quite like Rea Frey. Years after three of Isabelle Archer's foster siblings died in a fire, she returns to her childhood home to deal with the loss of her mother, but the trip raises questions she can't escape: Did Gail have something to do with the children's death? And is there more to her own death than Isabelle knows? This haunting and emotionally resonant thriller will stay with you for a long time.

[Victoria Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Mother follows Isabel, a successful journalist whose life is turned upside down when a mysterious letter leads her to uncover long-buried secrets surrounding her past, her birth mother, and the foster care system. As she digs deeper, she discovers that the truth is far more complicated than she ever imagined, forcing her to confront painful realities about family, identity, and the choices people make.

Overall, this was a good, easy read that kept me turning the pages. While the story was engaging, I found it to be fairly predictable; especially considering Isabel’s profession as an investigative journalist. I kept expecting more twists and surprises, but many of the revelations felt easy to see coming.

What affected me most wasn’t the mystery itself, but the heartbreaking look at the foster care system and the lasting impact it can have on children. It was difficult to understand why so many secrets were protected for a woman who, at times, didn’t seem to care much for her biological child or the foster children placed in her care. The emotional weight of how these children were failed stayed with me long after I finished the book.

While it didn’t completely surprise me, Dear Mother shines in its exploration of family, belonging, and the scars left by childhood trauma. A solid, emotional read that highlights just how much our beginnings can shape the rest of our lives.

[Lauren Self · Rating 4 out of 5]

DEAR MOTHER by Rea Frey
🎧 ALC review
narrated by: Jennifer Jill Araya
length: 8h 3m
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5)

thank you @brilliancepublishing for my gifted ALC

Isabelle returns to her hometown when her mother dies.. someone she hasn’t talked to in years. now she’s trying to solve her mother’s mysterious death.. as well as get some answers from her childhood. this book felt a bit like Darling Girls, one of my favorites, but I wanted more. More mystery, more suspense. The cover gives off immense creepy vibes, and I think there was a missed opportunity as making the story itself give off the same vibes.

what to expect:
•her mother just died
•is it possible her mother killed her former foster siblings?
•is there anybody in this town she can trust?
•a quick read you can easily binge in a few hours
•so many dead people 💀

[McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars!

I really enjoyed this one!

The storyline intrigued me and the pacing was good! I enjoyed the dual timelines of past and present and getting the different siblings POVs during the past timeline.

It was just around 240 pages and had short chapters, so is a quick and easy read. I did guess who the killer was fairly early on, but it didn’t take my enjoyment out of the story or seeing how it unfolded.

This was my first by this author, but I enjoyed her writing style and look forward to reading more!

Be sure to add this to your list if you enjoy cold case thrillers with small town settings!

[Vanessa Farris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Mother is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me listening well into the night. After the death of her mother, investigative journalist Isabelle returns to the home she fled years ago and begins unraveling the truth behind a tragic fire that killed three of her foster siblings. As buried secrets come to light, she is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her family and her own past.

I especially enjoyed the dual timelines and the way Rea Frey slowly revealed clues without giving away too much too soon. The family dynamics were complex, the mystery was compelling, and several twists genuinely surprised me. While some of the characters were difficult to like, their flaws made them feel realistic and added to the tension.

A suspenseful, emotional read that explores family, trauma, and the lasting impact of secrets.

[Kelsey Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars ⭐️
Ate this audio up! The narrator did such a great job bringing the story to life. The plot was captivating and the twists were WILD… one after another. The dual timeline was done really well, slowly revealing clues along the way. And that ending? Absolute icing on the cake. Are monsters made or born? 😱 This was my first book by this author and I’d definitely read more!

[BooksAsDreams (Tiffany) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Milena Loves Books❤️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Amanda Alviz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this one. I was completely hooked and stayed up way too late into the night just to finish it and it was worth every lost hour of sleep.

Set against the eerie, atmospheric backdrop of the Pacific Northwest forests, the story follows Isabelle Archer, an investigative journalist forced to confront the darkest corners of her past. The setting alone adds a constant sense of unease. Those woods feel alive with secrets, and the tension never really lets up.

What makes this book stand out is its emotional depth. Isabelle isn’t just chasing a story—she’s unraveling her own childhood trauma. The tragedy of the fire that killed her foster siblings is haunting enough, but the lingering suspicion surrounding her mother adds an even more chilling layer. The way the narrative slowly peels back the truth kept me completely engrossed.

The pacing is spot-on. Every new discovery raises the stakes, and just when you think you have things figured out, another twist pulls you deeper in. The connection between the past and present is handled so well—it feels both shocking and inevitable by the time everything comes together.

I also really appreciated the dynamic between Isabelle and her ex. Their partnership adds both tension and grounding, giving the story a human element amidst all the suspense and mystery.

By the end, I was completely blown away. The revelations are intense and emotionally charged, challenging everything Isabelle—and the reader—believes to be true.

If you love psychological thrillers with strong character development, dark family secrets, and a gripping, can’t-put-it-down plot, Dear Mother is a must-read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Wesley Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksparks for sending me a copy of Dear Mother! Here are my thoughts.

Isabelle’s childhood home wasn’t very typical. She had 5 foster siblings and would constantly run wild in the beautiful forests that surrounded her home. But one day, 3 of her siblings tragically passed away. The community assumed her mother was at fault and shunned her. Several years later, Isabelle returns to the home that now haunts her after her mother passed away under suspicious circumstances. Will Isabelle finally find the answers she has been seeking for so long?

I loved the way that this story was told. We have present day sections in which Isabelle is investigating with her sister and daughter and also flashbacks from the different siblings’ perspectives on the day that three of them died. There were so many characters involved that felt like they had good reason to be the culprit that I struggled to try to solve this one myself. I did eventually guess at least a part of the ending. There was a lot to unpack, and it was crafted expertly.

I didn’t always love Isabelle. Some of her choices she made, I didn’t feel aligned with the values that the character was described as possessing. This is just me being nit picky and it didn’t take away from the book, just an observation I made.

Another great piece of this story was the pacing and length. It’s about 250 pages and so much happens within those pages that reading it flies by. I was almost disappointed when I finished it because I wanted to spend more time with the book, but I guess that’s what rereads are for!

Check out this thriller. I’ve seen good things about the audio version to. So, if you’ve listened to it let me know! I’d love to hear your opinions on it!

[Nicole Wuthering Vines · Rating 4 out of 5]

A haunting, deeply unsettling thriller where the past refuses to stay buried, literally.

When whispers resurface that your mother may have murdered your foster siblings and buried them in your own backyard, it’s already chilling enough. But when she dies under suspicious circumstances on the anniversary of their deaths, there’s only one thing left to do, return home and start digging up the truth… in every sense of the word.

Told through multiple POVs and dual timelines, Isabelle’s childhood and past are gradually unearthed piece by piece. The short, sharp chapters make it impossible not to keep turning pages, and the relentless pacing ensures the tension never lets up, with revelations hitting one after another.

This psychological thriller dives into themes of guilt, trauma, maternal instinct, mental illness, and obsession. The audiobook, narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya, adds an extra layer of intensity, perfectly capturing the eerie atmosphere and emotional weight of the story.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of this book started out slow/flat to me but hang on! The second half was a page turner! I was a little disappointed in the first half but now understanding the build up to the second half it was worth the wait! I love how each chapter ended with a cliffhanger or had me asking questions. This was a 3 star but going up to a 4 star due to the second half of the book! I love Rea Frey’s writing and how all of her books aren’t the same stories over and over again.

Thank you Rea Frey, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer Publishing for the ARC!

[Kayda Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My goodness was that ending unsettling 💔
The pacing of this book was so good. I loved the transition of not only past
& present, but also multiple pov from the siblings. I did find it a bit predictable as far as the investigation and final reveal came about, but I still had a good time following along. I found Isabelle to be a very likable main character, and found myself rooting for her as she tried to solve these murders. Overall, I had a good time with this. A nice little atmospheric thriller.
Thank you to the author and Booksparks for the gifted ARC ❤️

[Jayla Metzler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those thrillers where you have to pay attention because the twists just keep coming. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another twist changed everything. It definitely keeps you on your toes, and honestly, that’s what I loved most about it.
The dark family secrets, creepy atmosphere, and mystery surrounding the fire pulled me in right away. Isabelle’s journey to uncover the truth about her childhood and her mother kept me hooked from beginning to end. If you enjoy suspenseful thrillers with shocking reveals and constant twists, this one is worth picking up.

[Jamie Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot twists got me! I should have been able to pick up what was going on, but I didn't. Isabelle was adopted as well as 3 other kids by the same woman. After the other 3 kids die in a house fire, everyone feels that the mom killed them. Isabelle is in town because her estranged adopted mother is supposed to be dying. The storyline goes in from there. Very quick, but well written read. Would recommend!

[Jamie Peverill · Rating 4 out of 5]

started out slow but ended with good twists!

I felt like I was a little bored for most of the book and could tell where it was going- but the end and the extent of the twists at the end kept my attention and overall I would rate this a 3.5 if I could. I’m being generous with the 4 stars- but I was pleasantly surprised at the ending and epilogue

[Dawne Mccurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!!

[Maureen Mayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.5 stars

[Chloe Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Figured it out early on but enjoyed the red herrings and twists

[Jess Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Good story, strong premise, but I guessed the twist early and wanted a little more from the payoff. Still an enjoyable read.

[Alex Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisty, kept me guessing!

[CAMILLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Sooo good! I read it in two days I was so hooked! Kept me guessing and wondering what was next!

[Danielle Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

HUGE THANK YOU to @booksparks for this gifted copy…

HOLY SH*T 😵TBH.. “cats got my tongue” bc this left me speechless this morning! This super haunting, dark, chilling, fast-paced thriller, kept me up to the wee hours last night. I could not read fast enough!!! SUPER ORIGINAL!! The writing style flowed so nicely and honestly I was fooled to the end. I really just opened my mind to the depth of these characters and I really felt like I knew them and I was sad when it was over. One crazy twist after another & the ending was total FIRE 🔥 🤯. Absolutely would recommend this one.!