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The Mother-in-Law

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Home is where the heart stops…

When Cassie moves into her mother-in-law's house to escape mounting debts, she expects the usual domestic criticism of her marriage, snippy comments about her career choices, and constant comparisons to her husband’s ex. But behind closed doors, something far more sinister lurks in this family's dark past.

As mysterious deaths plague their neighbourhood, Cassie uncovers disturbing lies beneath Margaret's manipulative behaviour. Her mother-in-law isn't just the monster she feared – she's harbouring a shocking truth that puts everyone in terrible danger.

In this gripping psychological thriller, perfect families hide the deadliest secrets of all.

—————

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 2, 2025

1584 people are currently reading
815 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Carter

30 books231 followers
AJ Carter is a psychological thriller author from Bristol, England. His first book, The Family Secret, is praised by critics around the world, and he continues to regularly deliver suspenseful novels you can’t put down.

Sign up to his mailing list today and be the first to hear about upcoming releases and hot new deals for existing books. You’ll also receive a FREE digital copy of The Couple Downstairs – an unputdownable domestic thriller you won’t find anywhere else in the world: https://BookHip.com/WAXFLLP

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5 stars
1,271 (44%)
4 stars
918 (32%)
3 stars
458 (16%)
2 stars
121 (4%)
1 star
61 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Mark.
1,704 reviews
January 2, 2025
I always think I have discovered the worst ( but best ) character and none will surpass

Margaret does

She is unbelievably bad ( good! ) treacherous, deliciously sharp, manipulatively outstanding and can bring fear just by the clacking of her ‘afternoon’ shoes on a polished wooden floor

What Margaret wants, Margaret gets and woe betide any mere mortal who gets in her way, wether presiding over the church flower committee or spiking fear in the local shopkeepers she is more than a force to be reckoned with

I loved loved loved to hate her! The book club fiasco she caused was pure brilliance….

Alongside Margaret there is a dark, well more than one tbh, story that is superbly put together and builds in tension

One part of the book actually had me wanting a character to turn around and run and made me shout ( inside my head 🤗 ) ‘Don’t do it’ rare I feel actually scared for a character but in this book I did

My favourite read by this prolific author who always writes a good story, this time he has excelled

Beware of Margaret…
Profile Image for Emma.
224 reviews8 followers
December 28, 2024
In AJ Carters latest book, The Mother-in-Law, Cassie finds herself in a precarious situation. Moving into her mother-in-law Margaret's house to escape the crushing weight of financial burdens, she anticipates the usual familial discord: the nagging critiques of her marriage, the pointed remarks about her career choices, and the relentless comparisons to her husband’s ex-wife.
However, what Cassie discovers within the walls of this home is far more unsettling than she ever could have imagined.
As she navigates the daily challenges of living with Margaret, Cassie becomes increasingly aware of an underlying tension that permeates their lives.

AJ Carter's mastery of psychological tension is evident in every aspect of his gripping narratives. The unfolding plot twists and unexpected turns ramped up the suspense, making it impossible to put the book down. His skilful use of pacing plays a crucial role in maintaining this tension. Throughout the story, I was drawn into a web of psychological intrigue. Another absolutely brilliant book which I was gripped to from beginning to end.

Thank you so much AJ for having me on your ARC team and for an early copy of your fantastic book.
572 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2025
Oh my gosh! This book was really good and scary! don't read it at night!!!

I definitely recommend this book!

And, no....I'm not THAT kind of Mother-In-Law!!!!
Profile Image for Shanna TheG.
67 reviews
January 16, 2025
This book PMO. So many questions: why not leave the husband immediately?

She knew the mom was a killer because SHE TOLD HER SHE WAS, then Cassie acts surprised and it’s like some huge plot twist when she finds the items in the box.

Why not call the police? Why go into the house from the room when she thought she miraculously left after she tried to kill her?

Why is Nathan allowing Tracey near him at all? Why doesn’t Cassie set boundaries?

Why did Cassie agree to this arrangement in the first place?

How does this frail old lady scare a healthy young woman, physically it’s not even a match like WHAT?

Why do Cassie and the MIL have beef but then Cassie grabs the serving board anyways? And continues to be suspicious toward the MIL but then as soon as the MIL acts kindly toward her she has hope? Like do we not learn from patterns?

Why are we acting like Cassie should be supporting Nathan and that HE deserves better when his shit is the one that crashed and burned while SHE supported HIM?

Cassie had to “figure a way out of this” when the MIL literally OFFERED TO PAY FOR HER TO LEAVE.

She didn’t have anywhere to go while her husband was STAYING IN A HOTEL ROOM ALONE?????

She went into her MIL’s room to “find a box or something” to balance her camera on? Give me a break.

The second plot twist: does not make any sense, how can someone fake being that particular and awful for so long without actually being awful. The MIL also was trying to hook Nathan back up with Tracey, if Nathan was dangerous why would she be doing that 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
March 13, 2025
I hovered between 2- or 3-star review. The writing, itself, was good. There was certainly some enjoyment in choosing up sides and cheering Cassie on. However, the plot was full of holes and simply unbelievable. The ending was certainly a twist, but a very unbelievable, unpleasant and unsatisfying one. It's as if the writer got the end and just decided to write the most unlikely conclusion possible. Throughout the book, I found myself constantly thinking "Why don't you ... " as I wished Cassie would react in a more believable or clever fashion. And allowing the husband to make decisions about her sudden windfall was absolutely unbelievable. The farther into the book that got, the less the plotting rang true. I really wish this writer well, because the writing is good, as I said. But he or she definitely needs to come up with plots that actually make sense. I would love to go into detail, but I can't without introducing spoilers. I would only recommend this book if you like good writing and are unconcerned about believability.
Profile Image for Mary Luna.
9 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2025
sorta dumb….

I plotted through this novel hoping it would get better. Unbelievable circumstances that a woman would subject herself too. Failure to carry through continuity. For instance wonders who is at her door at 9:00 pm, did she forget she had a baby? There was twist at the end but not worth waiting for.
Pass this one.
Profile Image for Shelby Peronace.
28 reviews
January 15, 2025
Very much a slow burn, I found myself struggling and lacking interest. The last 10 chapters picked up a little bit, definitely not my favourite read, much more compelling thrillers out there.
Profile Image for Sam Gutowski.
17 reviews
January 23, 2025
Started off okay…. but oof that was a rough read. The twist was very underwhelming and the ending dragged on.
Profile Image for Charlotte Marshall.
28 reviews
May 27, 2025
I mostly enjoyed this and there was a good twist towards the end but it was a bit repetitive, the same phrases would be used in consecutive chapters - how many times does she need to say that she’s timing her bathroom visits?
Or the police cars that were lighting up the house, and then in the chapter the lights were lighting up the house - even though it had already been said that they’d arrived.
And the damn ring light - they’re like £100, why go on about how expensive it is?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
21 reviews
March 3, 2025
This is yet another twisty tail. I love all the turns. I jumped to the conclusion too quickly. Must read.
Profile Image for Katie Carter.
3 reviews
July 21, 2025
BORING - half way through the book and nothing had even happened. Just the same shit. Sorry to be brutal but what a snooze fest
545 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2025
The Mother-in-Law (kindle edition) a thrilling psychological thriller by AJ Carter which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Cassie and Nathan are in dire straits due to their mounting debts and have no alternative but to move into Nathan's Mother's home in a quaint village called Little Maudsley where four local people have been murdered. Talk about out of the frying pan into the fire comes into play when they give their flat up in London to move into the wicked witch's domain more so for poor Cassie.

Cassie makes money by making beauty tip tutorials but not nearly enough to contribute to the mounting debts and Nathan strives to make a living doing freelance coding jobs.

Poor Cassie has to endure her Mother-in-law Margaret's condescending ways and to top it all Margaret invites Tracey a former ex girl friend to stay over.

Margeret's house becomes like a prison to Cassie as she and Nathan are beholden to Margaret for a roof over their heads until they clear up their outstanding debts.

I love the way AJ Carter describes emotions, menacing sounds of footsteps, the vivid colours of Margaret's roses which symbolise secrets. Cassie too is going to discover secrets which will shock her to her core and put her in danger of her life.

Hold on to your hats for the fantastic twist at the end.
Profile Image for Terri | Twist & Doubt | Bookstagram.
72 reviews6 followers
November 10, 2025
Cassie moves with her husband into his mother’s home, hoping for a fresh start - but instead finds herself trapped in a tense and toxic household.
Secrets surface, relationships crack, and Margaret’s cruelty pushes Cassie to her limits.

It’s an easy, bingeable read that kept me turning the pages, with short, punchy chapters and enough tension to keep things moving. The story definitely has that addictive “just one more chapter” feel, even if the twist itself was a bit predictable. I found myself hoping for something a little more unexpected, but the pacing and drama still made it entertaining. The ending finally gave a hint of the spark I’d been waiting for, though it arrived a touch too late to really wow me.

Overall, it’s a solid, fast-paced domestic thriller that fans of Freida McFadden will probably love - quick to read, engaging, and packed with that blend of family tension and psychological suspense. For me, it landed somewhere between satisfying and safe, but still a fun one to add to your weekend reading stack.
Profile Image for Linda Edmonds Cerullo.
390 reviews
May 18, 2025
This novel is filled with twists and turns and is riveting as long as you can read it purely as enjoyment. Four stars for holding my attention but at times making me wish I could scream at this clueless woman that she needs to stop waiting around and playing victim when she doesn’t have to. Forced to live with her mother-in-law and sort of hopeless husband in his childhood home when their debt becomes too much to handle, Cassie is a makeup artist who offers tutorials on YouTube. Her mother-in-law is an irritating, antagonistic pain who has a menacing quality that both aggravates and terrorizes Cassie. Regrettably her husband is very tied to his mother’s apron strings and takes her advice to heart way too often even when Cassie can clearly see she does not have good intentions. Why she behaves as she does is where the real mystery lies. Satisfying ending if you can overlook Cassie’s stupidity.
84 reviews
March 12, 2025
Mother-in-law from Hell! Or not?

In all of my readings over the years, it seems to me that male authors, who write with females as their major character, lack a bit of perspective in understanding the woman's characteristics and what makes her tick. Not so here! AN Carter has done a great job weaving a tale around three major characters: two women - a mother-in-law, a daughter-in- law, and the husband/son. Nathan & Cassie have been married for six years when they start having money troubles. They go to live with his mother, Margaret, and trouble brews between the women. Margaret is rude, cunning and sad attic to Cassie, but Nathan always seems to side with mother. Three murders have taken place in the small town and Cassie suspects "dear old mum". The plot thickens with twists and turns, leading taken surprise ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
Profile Image for Shiri.
5 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2025
I have not seen this many bonkers characters in one book in a long time.

Cassie - do you know have any self preservation instincts? Why didn't you call the police earlier on? Or, ya know, just leave?

Margaret - what's wrong with you? The switch up from Cruella De Vil to 'oh no I was just trying to protect you' is insane. And why didn't you just kick Nathan out earlier on?

Nathan - You make zero sense. Could you have explained those murders any more terribly? And did you have a start up or not? Did you know your 'not-so-mum' was loaded? so many questions

Tracey - You were ok trying to get back together with a suspected serial killer / brother figure? And are you a software engineer / lawyer combo? what is going on there girl?
Profile Image for Cherihy808.
527 reviews
Read
January 15, 2026
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Well if you are engaged but haven’t met your future mother in law yet, then this story might freak you out a bit! This book was crazy! Margaret was pure evil to Cassie. Nathan annoyed me so much and honestly I didn’t know what to think of Tracey. So I did have two predictions regarding the twist and I’m guessing most people were thinking the same things…one ended up being true. Honestly, I kinda wish my other prediction would have been the outcome because then it could have taken a different turn at the end….BUT there was part of the ending that I did like, so I guess I can see why the author chose the path that he did. Hard to talk about it without giving spoilers. Overall, I really did enjoy this one and look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Mrs B E Woods.
291 reviews6 followers
February 8, 2026
How to describe this book without spoiling the plot?!

A real psychological thriller, in every respect.
Having read all of this author’s books so far, both American crime and British Psychological genres, I am more and more impressed by each new story. The Mother In Law is so gripping and full of truly unexpected twists and turns that, for once, I was unable to even begin to guess where the story twists would suddenly pop up and - when they did - it was impossible to put the book down. One of the most talented young, British authors’ whose writing never fails to keep his readers totally gripped, and all without the need for foul language. Each book can be read alone and every one is a psychological masterpiece. Highly recommended.
1,008 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2025
Another psychological thriller with a twist at the end.
"When Cassie moves into her mother-in-law's house to escape mounting debts, she expects the usual domestic tensions: criticism of her marriage, snippy comments about her career choices, and constant comparisons to her husband’s ex. But behind closed doors, something far more sinister lurks in this family's dark past.

As mysterious deaths plague their neighbourhood, Cassie uncovers disturbing lies beneath Margaret's manipulative behaviour. Her mother-in-law isn't just the monster she feared – she's harbouring a shocking truth that puts everyone in terrible danger." synopsis copied
Profile Image for Janine Roussouw.
141 reviews4 followers
January 4, 2025
Nathan and Cassie are married and struggling with rising debt, as Nathan is struggling with his startup business and Cassie does makeup tutorial videos. So Nathan's mum suggests that Nathan and Cassie move in with her till they get back on their feet financially. Nathan's mum is the mother-in-law from hell for Cassie with her barbed comments and hinting that Nathan's ex's would have been a much better match for her darling son.
For me the book dragged along a bit too long with the animosity between Cassie and Margaret. The plot twist at the end was good with a nice surprise at the end.
18 reviews
January 14, 2025
Not Your Typical Mother in Law

This is a totally heartfelt storyline of a struggling young couple. The love they share and the heartaches they face. He loves his Mum, he loves his wife. When thrown together in “her” perfectly managed home things start to fall apart.
Who do you believe when the seemingly impossible mother-in-law tears at you constantly. Twists that make you gasp! Another well done story.
Profile Image for Vickie Parsons.
27 reviews
April 16, 2025
AJ Carter does it again….

Just wow! Gripping, twists and turns and then an absolute unseen plot twist. When thinking about a psychological thriller this is exactly what I want me more….
Majority of it I was counting my blessings I didn’t have a mother in law like her….
The plot twists started to begin and the chokehold this book had on me intensified.

AJ Carter….thankyou for all you create! Writing genius.
Profile Image for Nan Christine  Borton-Smith.
565 reviews12 followers
April 11, 2025
AJ Carter writes another home run.

AJ Carter writes another home run.

This author is not only a prolific creator but each book is fresh. The settings and characters are well fleshed out and multidimensional. The story arc and pacing 8n this novel kept your fingers turning the pages to jaw-dropping end.
Fans of domestic psych thrillers and suspense, you’ll love this novel.
Profile Image for Kim.
16 reviews
April 12, 2025
Why is the main character so clueless, and the other with the patience of a saint? To be honest, I felt there were too many similar scenes repeating themselves constantly throughout the book. I got bored at one point and felt like it was dragging, had not been for Margaret’s sass. Overall, I do like AJ‘s writing style, but the plot had too many holes for me.
6 reviews
July 5, 2025
The mother-in-law

Not overly impressed sorry to say.
It's rather an unbelievable plot, and, (possible spoiler alert) near the end, only one person gets in trouble but another person who should have done too, for their part in things, doesn't, which I think in reality they would have done.
8 reviews
September 21, 2025
Wow

It is 1 am. I am usually asleep by 10 at least. This book is one of the best, can't put down books I have ever read. I am usually pretty good at figuring out thrillers. This one totally shocked me. I just put his next book in my library. Not going to start it tonight, gotta go to sleep. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves psychological thrillers !
Profile Image for Sandra Tauden.
148 reviews
October 7, 2025
I went into this expecting a thriller — something tense, scary, maybe even chilling. Instead, it was… well, none of that. Honestly, it felt endlessly boring. If you read it as a thriller, it’s a total miss. But if you approach it as a regular novel, it’s actually not that bad — maybe even a decent, thoughtful story. Just not what I signed up for!
68 reviews
December 14, 2025
The MOTHER IN LAW

This book definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. It was filled with twists, turns and a very unexpected end. Marriage not only joins you to your spouse but their family. It can be a pleasant experience or a literal nightmare from hell. Sit back. Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

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