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The Surrogate
Lucy will carry Sophie’s child. But she does want something in return…
Sophie should be the happiest woman in the world. A good job. A nice home. Best of all, married to Matt, the love of her life.
But there’s one thing she doesn’t have – a baby. She knows that without a child of her own to love, she will never feel complete. This emptiness at the center of her life is driving her to the edge of madness.
Then Lucy, her best friend forever, comes back to live in their home town - and offers to have a baby for Sophie.
Which sounds wonderful. But Sophie doesn’t realize that Lucy has a sinister agenda of her own. And together they are about to take a journey to the innermost circle of hell.
The Surrogate – the shocking psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden, John Marrs, Kiersten Modglin.
Sophie should be the happiest woman in the world. A good job. A nice home. Best of all, married to Matt, the love of her life.
But there’s one thing she doesn’t have – a baby. She knows that without a child of her own to love, she will never feel complete. This emptiness at the center of her life is driving her to the edge of madness.
Then Lucy, her best friend forever, comes back to live in their home town - and offers to have a baby for Sophie.
Which sounds wonderful. But Sophie doesn’t realize that Lucy has a sinister agenda of her own. And together they are about to take a journey to the innermost circle of hell.
The Surrogate – the shocking psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden, John Marrs, Kiersten Modglin.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2025
379 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Iain Maitland
86 books42 followersIain Maitland has been a professional writer since 1987. He has written over 50 books, mainly on business, and been published as far away as Russia, India, Japan, USA and Australia. He has also written for the Sunday Times, Which? and the Financial Times amongst many others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 19, 2025
Wow! This is the perfect cure for any reading slump. The Surrogate is fast-paced and full of countless twists and turns. Throughout the book, there is a sense that tragedy is about to strike. The big question is how and when. How far would you go to get the thing you want more than anything else? The main character’s answer to that question sparks a chain of events that ignites a rollercoaster of emotions and moral dilemmas. This thriller demonstrates the importance of making wise decisions and listening to your gut. This is the fourth book. I have read by this author. Although I have enjoyed all of them, this is by far my favorite. It’s compelling, character-driven and addictive. I could see this play out on Netflix. It would be a hit! Thank you Booksprout and Inkubator Books for my copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 15, 2025
Thank you to Booksprouts and Inkubator Books for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Surrogate by Iain Maitland. The book started off really well and I was enjoying it. The book was quite unpredictable and quite dark. It was indeed a twisty thriller but too many characters were brought in and the thought in Sophie's mind got too carried away. The cliffhanger ending leaves it open for a sequel which I would probably read as well.
a 3 star rating from me.
a 3 star rating from me.
April 17, 2025
Going by the title of this book i thought id have a rough idea of how this book would go, being an avid crime and thriller reader. Boy could i not have been more wrong.
Iain takes the rule book and rips it up, throwing in shocking twists in at the exact moment you least expect them.
Not being a mother I've never understood the physical craving that some women to have a child, but nonetheless I understand how all consuming it must be. So when an old friend from Lucy's past pops up and offers to carry Sophies child, how can she say no.
As things progress it seems that Sophies gut is telling her something is wrong. Lucy is too smarmy nice to be genuine and I didnt like her at all. Mark is a total sap.
I completely understood Sophies constant mental torture. I can imagine how easy it would be to subject yourself to so many questions without answers. The author has really nailed this. The slow breakdown into near madness.
Some of the story may just about stretch the limits of believability but it absolutely was possible.
It was fast paced and the author managed to keep up just the right about of tension from a third of the way through until the last page. Where you had to remind yourself to breathe occasionally.
I may have called him a naughty word at the end, but if it means there's a sequel, im here for it.
Iain takes the rule book and rips it up, throwing in shocking twists in at the exact moment you least expect them.
Not being a mother I've never understood the physical craving that some women to have a child, but nonetheless I understand how all consuming it must be. So when an old friend from Lucy's past pops up and offers to carry Sophies child, how can she say no.
As things progress it seems that Sophies gut is telling her something is wrong. Lucy is too smarmy nice to be genuine and I didnt like her at all. Mark is a total sap.
I completely understood Sophies constant mental torture. I can imagine how easy it would be to subject yourself to so many questions without answers. The author has really nailed this. The slow breakdown into near madness.
Some of the story may just about stretch the limits of believability but it absolutely was possible.
It was fast paced and the author managed to keep up just the right about of tension from a third of the way through until the last page. Where you had to remind yourself to breathe occasionally.
I may have called him a naughty word at the end, but if it means there's a sequel, im here for it.
April 13, 2025
First, I want to thank Iain Maitland, Inkubator Books and Zooloo Book Tours for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
WOW!! Iain Maitland totally blew my mind with The Surrogate! Iain started it off one way and gave it multiple twists and some major omg bombshells!!! Oh these bombshells you did not see coming at all and I am still in shock over it. This was definitely a fast paced one sitting binge read.
The graphics of the book caught my attention straight away. How could you love a pair of cute little baby shoes and wonder what the book would be about. That and the name caught my eye. It made me want to know what the book was about.
My heart broke for Sophie as she had everything she wanted in life except for a baby to call her own. She and her husband tried everything from the old fashioned way to many rounds of IVF and nothing.
When I say there are so many twists in this story I seriously mean there are so many twists and turn!! There are many jaw dropping storylines as well. If you like action packed scenes well Iain has you covered as well. Safe to say he has a little bit of everything for every reader including sexy bits.
WOW!! Iain Maitland totally blew my mind with The Surrogate! Iain started it off one way and gave it multiple twists and some major omg bombshells!!! Oh these bombshells you did not see coming at all and I am still in shock over it. This was definitely a fast paced one sitting binge read.
The graphics of the book caught my attention straight away. How could you love a pair of cute little baby shoes and wonder what the book would be about. That and the name caught my eye. It made me want to know what the book was about.
My heart broke for Sophie as she had everything she wanted in life except for a baby to call her own. She and her husband tried everything from the old fashioned way to many rounds of IVF and nothing.
When I say there are so many twists in this story I seriously mean there are so many twists and turn!! There are many jaw dropping storylines as well. If you like action packed scenes well Iain has you covered as well. Safe to say he has a little bit of everything for every reader including sexy bits.
April 14, 2025
I flew through this! Sophie and Matt want to have a baby but it hasn't been easy so when her childhood best friend comes back into her life and announces she'll have a baby for them, sounds like the perfect solution, right? RIGHT? Boy oh boy... read more to find out how unhinged this story becomes. This was twisty and I couldn't believe all the crazy stuff that went on! This book had me gripped and the final conclusion left me reeling!
May 16, 2025
This is my fifth read by this author and I couldn't resist grabbing this new release, having loved all the other reads so far.
I'm always drawn to books by the front cover images and this one looked great. The bright pop of that fluorescent against the otherwise dark image, really stands out and makes you look.
Just gave me really creepy vibes before I even started.
As we meet the characters, we soon see what could pan out as a fairly standard surrogacy story with a twist or two, but the atmosphere created and overall disjoint in the characters, made this feel a lot more sinister.
I find that the presentation of unlikable characters is quite common in this author's books - and I totally get it.
They present what looks like the perfect relationship or friendship but there are signs that all is not as it seems and this always puts me on edge from the start.
Don't get me wrong - I love this feeling and am instantly running through scenarios in my head.
As ever, this does contain some wow moments designed to shock - but on the whole, this really felt quite authentic.
I really enjoyed Maitland's writing style which here, is fast-paced and had me totally hooked throughout. I devoured this in just two sittings!
I'm already looking forward to seeing what's next ....
I'm always drawn to books by the front cover images and this one looked great. The bright pop of that fluorescent against the otherwise dark image, really stands out and makes you look.
Just gave me really creepy vibes before I even started.
As we meet the characters, we soon see what could pan out as a fairly standard surrogacy story with a twist or two, but the atmosphere created and overall disjoint in the characters, made this feel a lot more sinister.
I find that the presentation of unlikable characters is quite common in this author's books - and I totally get it.
They present what looks like the perfect relationship or friendship but there are signs that all is not as it seems and this always puts me on edge from the start.
Don't get me wrong - I love this feeling and am instantly running through scenarios in my head.
As ever, this does contain some wow moments designed to shock - but on the whole, this really felt quite authentic.
I really enjoyed Maitland's writing style which here, is fast-paced and had me totally hooked throughout. I devoured this in just two sittings!
I'm already looking forward to seeing what's next ....
September 15, 2025
The Surrogate is a quick read thriller with an interesting premise. The story engaged me right away and I wanted to keep reading to see how it would unfold.
It seemed predictable from the outset that things would not go well but somehow these characters always got caught up in ridiculous scenarios 🙂
Despite knowing that things would go badly I was still very curious to keep reading to find out just how badly it would be and exactly how everything would tie together.
If you are a fan of thrillers you should give this one a shot.
It seemed predictable from the outset that things would not go well but somehow these characters always got caught up in ridiculous scenarios 🙂
Despite knowing that things would go badly I was still very curious to keep reading to find out just how badly it would be and exactly how everything would tie together.
If you are a fan of thrillers you should give this one a shot.
April 28, 2025
The Surrogate by Iain Maitland is a gripping, unsettling psychological thriller that masterfully explores the terrifying intersection of friendship, grief, and betrayal. At the heart of the novel is Sophie, a woman who outwardly has everything—an adoring husband, a stable career, a good life—but who is hollowed out by one unbearable absence: a child of her own. Maitland’s razor-sharp prose peels back the layers of Sophie’s life with chilling precision, revealing how desperation can cloud judgment and open the door to unimaginable consequences.
From the very first chapter, Maitland deftly draws readers into the intense emotional world Sophie inhabits. The reunion between Sophie and her estranged childhood friend Lucy is painted with a deceptively warm palette, echoing memories of teenage camaraderie and innocence. Yet, even in the opening coffee shop scene, there is an undercurrent of unease. “Lucy sits opposite me at the table at the back of the coffee shop, her face all shiny, flushed with excitement,” Sophie notes, hinting that Lucy’s eagerness might run deeper—and darker—than simple nostalgia.
Lucy’s seemingly generous offer—“I’ll have a baby for you”—sets the narrative hurtling toward an inevitable disaster. What makes the story so compelling is the way Maitland portrays the characters with layered complexity. Sophie’s yearning is palpable, and her initial skepticism gives way to a fragile hope that feels all too human. Her internal struggle is captured beautifully: “I’m just blown away, really. I need time to consider it fully, from all sides.”
At the same time, Maitland ensures that Lucy is never cartoonishly villainous. Instead, she comes across as both damaged and dangerous, a woman shaped by deep wounds stemming from a traumatic past involving her abusive father. Lucy’s return to Felixstowe—the very town where her family’s dark secrets once tore lives apart—feels like both a plea for redemption and a strategic move in a twisted game.
The novel’s tension escalates gradually but relentlessly. What begins as a rekindling of friendship slowly deteriorates into manipulation and horror. Maitland excels at pacing, allowing suspicion and dread to seep in at just the right moments. Seemingly innocent moments—like the two women reminiscing about teenage escapades—gain sinister weight when viewed in hindsight. A particularly haunting moment comes when Lucy reassures Sophie, “It’s just me here. Coming back. Not my mum. Nor my sister. And certainly not my father,” subtly underscoring that while Lucy may be alone, her past shadows her every step.
Another strength of The Surrogate is the emotional authenticity with which Maitland portrays Sophie’s descent. Readers will find themselves sympathizing with her even as she makes questionable decisions, blinded by hope and a desperate need for completeness. The portrayal of infertility—its isolating pain, its consuming power—is handled with sensitivity and heartbreaking honesty. Sophie’s reflection, “Without a child of her own to love, she will never feel complete,” captures the depth of her longing in a single, devastating sentence.
Maitland also weaves in powerful symbolism throughout the novel. Felixstowe itself—an aging seaside town with faded charm—mirrors the crumbling façades of the characters’ lives. The recurring imagery of the sea, often vast and unknowable, serves as an apt metaphor for the unseen forces pulling Sophie and Lucy toward disaster.
When the novel finally plunges into its darker revelations, Maitland doesn’t resort to gratuitous shock. Instead, the horrors unfold with an eerie inevitability, grounded in character psychology rather than cheap twists. The final act is taut and harrowing, leaving readers both stunned and haunted by the true cost of misplaced trust.
Overall, The Surrogate is a deeply chilling, elegantly written thriller that lingers long after the final page. Iain Maitland proves once again that the real monsters often hide in plain sight, behind familiar smiles and promises too good to be true. Fans of domestic suspense, psychological thrillers, and character-driven horror will find this novel utterly compelling. It’s not just a story about surrogacy gone wrong; it’s a haunting exploration of loneliness, trauma, and how the past is never truly buried.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the very first chapter, Maitland deftly draws readers into the intense emotional world Sophie inhabits. The reunion between Sophie and her estranged childhood friend Lucy is painted with a deceptively warm palette, echoing memories of teenage camaraderie and innocence. Yet, even in the opening coffee shop scene, there is an undercurrent of unease. “Lucy sits opposite me at the table at the back of the coffee shop, her face all shiny, flushed with excitement,” Sophie notes, hinting that Lucy’s eagerness might run deeper—and darker—than simple nostalgia.
Lucy’s seemingly generous offer—“I’ll have a baby for you”—sets the narrative hurtling toward an inevitable disaster. What makes the story so compelling is the way Maitland portrays the characters with layered complexity. Sophie’s yearning is palpable, and her initial skepticism gives way to a fragile hope that feels all too human. Her internal struggle is captured beautifully: “I’m just blown away, really. I need time to consider it fully, from all sides.”
At the same time, Maitland ensures that Lucy is never cartoonishly villainous. Instead, she comes across as both damaged and dangerous, a woman shaped by deep wounds stemming from a traumatic past involving her abusive father. Lucy’s return to Felixstowe—the very town where her family’s dark secrets once tore lives apart—feels like both a plea for redemption and a strategic move in a twisted game.
The novel’s tension escalates gradually but relentlessly. What begins as a rekindling of friendship slowly deteriorates into manipulation and horror. Maitland excels at pacing, allowing suspicion and dread to seep in at just the right moments. Seemingly innocent moments—like the two women reminiscing about teenage escapades—gain sinister weight when viewed in hindsight. A particularly haunting moment comes when Lucy reassures Sophie, “It’s just me here. Coming back. Not my mum. Nor my sister. And certainly not my father,” subtly underscoring that while Lucy may be alone, her past shadows her every step.
Another strength of The Surrogate is the emotional authenticity with which Maitland portrays Sophie’s descent. Readers will find themselves sympathizing with her even as she makes questionable decisions, blinded by hope and a desperate need for completeness. The portrayal of infertility—its isolating pain, its consuming power—is handled with sensitivity and heartbreaking honesty. Sophie’s reflection, “Without a child of her own to love, she will never feel complete,” captures the depth of her longing in a single, devastating sentence.
Maitland also weaves in powerful symbolism throughout the novel. Felixstowe itself—an aging seaside town with faded charm—mirrors the crumbling façades of the characters’ lives. The recurring imagery of the sea, often vast and unknowable, serves as an apt metaphor for the unseen forces pulling Sophie and Lucy toward disaster.
When the novel finally plunges into its darker revelations, Maitland doesn’t resort to gratuitous shock. Instead, the horrors unfold with an eerie inevitability, grounded in character psychology rather than cheap twists. The final act is taut and harrowing, leaving readers both stunned and haunted by the true cost of misplaced trust.
Overall, The Surrogate is a deeply chilling, elegantly written thriller that lingers long after the final page. Iain Maitland proves once again that the real monsters often hide in plain sight, behind familiar smiles and promises too good to be true. Fans of domestic suspense, psychological thrillers, and character-driven horror will find this novel utterly compelling. It’s not just a story about surrogacy gone wrong; it’s a haunting exploration of loneliness, trauma, and how the past is never truly buried.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 17, 2025
Here is my review for The Surrogate by Iain Maitland
Wow! This was an absolutely brilliant psychological thriller that drew me in from the start and kept me on tenterhooks the entire way through to that ending!!!! Which totally blew me away! The author wrote a masterpiece of a story with suspense, tension, friendship and the offer of an olive branch to Sophie for something she wanted but couldn’t have. Unfortunately, Sophie couldn’t cope with the emotions involved and the fact that Lucy wanted more. She wormed herself into their lives on a bed of lies. Sophie didn’t trust her and wanted her out of their lives and their house but not quite in the way it happened. Sophie and Matt’s lives changed forever that night but they struggled on and the story got darker. I loved reading this terrific story that I just couldn’t put down and I read it through the night! This author is a superb writer and I love reading his stories, he certainly doesn’t disappoint! The story is very detailed and descriptive. The plot is brilliant and has been well thought out. Sophie and Matt are great characters. They have been written really well with a lot of emotion and a lot of thought has been put into their characters. All the characters are great and add to the story. It’s a strong storyline to write about. I’m now looking forward to his next book.
Blurb :
Lucy will carry Sophie’s child. But she does want something in return…
Sophie should be the happiest woman in the world. A good job. A nice home. Best of all, married to Matt, the love of her life.
But there’s one thing she doesn’t have – a baby. She knows that without a child of her own to love, she will never feel complete. This emptiness at the centre of her life is driving her to the edge of madness.
Then Lucy, her best friend forever, comes back to live in their home town - and offers to have a baby for Sophie.
Which sounds wonderful. But Sophie doesn’t realise that Lucy has a sinister agenda of her own. And together they are about to take a journey to the innermost circle of hell.
Wow! This was an absolutely brilliant psychological thriller that drew me in from the start and kept me on tenterhooks the entire way through to that ending!!!! Which totally blew me away! The author wrote a masterpiece of a story with suspense, tension, friendship and the offer of an olive branch to Sophie for something she wanted but couldn’t have. Unfortunately, Sophie couldn’t cope with the emotions involved and the fact that Lucy wanted more. She wormed herself into their lives on a bed of lies. Sophie didn’t trust her and wanted her out of their lives and their house but not quite in the way it happened. Sophie and Matt’s lives changed forever that night but they struggled on and the story got darker. I loved reading this terrific story that I just couldn’t put down and I read it through the night! This author is a superb writer and I love reading his stories, he certainly doesn’t disappoint! The story is very detailed and descriptive. The plot is brilliant and has been well thought out. Sophie and Matt are great characters. They have been written really well with a lot of emotion and a lot of thought has been put into their characters. All the characters are great and add to the story. It’s a strong storyline to write about. I’m now looking forward to his next book.
Blurb :
Lucy will carry Sophie’s child. But she does want something in return…
Sophie should be the happiest woman in the world. A good job. A nice home. Best of all, married to Matt, the love of her life.
But there’s one thing she doesn’t have – a baby. She knows that without a child of her own to love, she will never feel complete. This emptiness at the centre of her life is driving her to the edge of madness.
Then Lucy, her best friend forever, comes back to live in their home town - and offers to have a baby for Sophie.
Which sounds wonderful. But Sophie doesn’t realise that Lucy has a sinister agenda of her own. And together they are about to take a journey to the innermost circle of hell.
April 23, 2025
I’ve definitely got mixed feelings about this one.
I was totally gripped from the outset, and highly suspicious of Lucy’s motives as she suddenly reappeared from the past and immediately ingratiated herself back into Sophie’s life.
I initially felt empathy for Sophie but, as the narrative progressed, I began to see how earlier experiences had affected her outlook on life and was perturbed by her seemingly natural aggression. I did, however, understand the feelings of jealousy and paranoia as events began to unfold., especially given the circumstances of her situation.
I did like the intrigue within the plot. Why was Matt so calm and controlled despite what had taken place? What was really behind Lucy’s sudden reappearance? Was there more to certain characters than met the eye?
I felt like it all got a bit unbelievable at about two thirds of the way through and found myself wanting to claw back a bit of reality. Surely, events wouldn’t have spiralled in that way, even if the characters had their own flaws and demons that they were dealing with? I was increasingly frustrated by this part of the book as it seemed to deviate too far from the initial storyline and became a bit too far fetched for me.
That said, I did want to keep reading until the end in order to see if my many and varied theories about what had taken place were correct! There was so much to unpick and potentially, second guess, that you definitely want to keep reading until the end.
And then, there’s the ending. A cliffhanger seemingly hinting at a sequel…
Not the worst thing in the world, but not what I was expecting and it certainly added a slight frustration as I felt like this was a story that deserved the loose ends to be tied up.
Overall, an enticing plot which kept me interested throughout.
With thanks to the author, Zoe at Zooloo’s Book Tour and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to participate in this book's blog tour.
I was totally gripped from the outset, and highly suspicious of Lucy’s motives as she suddenly reappeared from the past and immediately ingratiated herself back into Sophie’s life.
I initially felt empathy for Sophie but, as the narrative progressed, I began to see how earlier experiences had affected her outlook on life and was perturbed by her seemingly natural aggression. I did, however, understand the feelings of jealousy and paranoia as events began to unfold., especially given the circumstances of her situation.
I did like the intrigue within the plot. Why was Matt so calm and controlled despite what had taken place? What was really behind Lucy’s sudden reappearance? Was there more to certain characters than met the eye?
I felt like it all got a bit unbelievable at about two thirds of the way through and found myself wanting to claw back a bit of reality. Surely, events wouldn’t have spiralled in that way, even if the characters had their own flaws and demons that they were dealing with? I was increasingly frustrated by this part of the book as it seemed to deviate too far from the initial storyline and became a bit too far fetched for me.
That said, I did want to keep reading until the end in order to see if my many and varied theories about what had taken place were correct! There was so much to unpick and potentially, second guess, that you definitely want to keep reading until the end.
And then, there’s the ending. A cliffhanger seemingly hinting at a sequel…
Not the worst thing in the world, but not what I was expecting and it certainly added a slight frustration as I felt like this was a story that deserved the loose ends to be tied up.
Overall, an enticing plot which kept me interested throughout.
With thanks to the author, Zoe at Zooloo’s Book Tour and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to participate in this book's blog tour.
March 11, 2025
I want to extend my sincere thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for allowing me the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
As I dive into this review, I must admit that this was my first experience with this author, which left me both excited and a bit anxious. However, I was genuinely delighted by the unfolding narrative. To kick things off, I have to commend the stunning cover and captivating synopsis that instantly draw readers in and ignite a desire to explore the pages. Moving on, I’m pleased to report that the plot was just as engaging, though there were a few minor elements that slightly detracted from the overall experience. At times, I felt the characters' actions and descriptions lacked depth, but this is a small concern, as the author still managed to craft a fast-paced, twisty thriller that I believe will resonate with many readers. Another point of contention for me was the ending—will there be a sequel, or is this a standalone? The unexpected cliffhanger left me pondering, as it could serve as a fantastic launchpad for further adventures, but if it’s meant to be a standalone, the conclusion feels rather unsatisfactory. In summary, this was an enjoyable and twisty read, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers.
As I dive into this review, I must admit that this was my first experience with this author, which left me both excited and a bit anxious. However, I was genuinely delighted by the unfolding narrative. To kick things off, I have to commend the stunning cover and captivating synopsis that instantly draw readers in and ignite a desire to explore the pages. Moving on, I’m pleased to report that the plot was just as engaging, though there were a few minor elements that slightly detracted from the overall experience. At times, I felt the characters' actions and descriptions lacked depth, but this is a small concern, as the author still managed to craft a fast-paced, twisty thriller that I believe will resonate with many readers. Another point of contention for me was the ending—will there be a sequel, or is this a standalone? The unexpected cliffhanger left me pondering, as it could serve as a fantastic launchpad for further adventures, but if it’s meant to be a standalone, the conclusion feels rather unsatisfactory. In summary, this was an enjoyable and twisty read, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers.
April 16, 2025
This was an amazing thriller. The suspense in The Surrogate kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Sophie and Matt have an almost perfect life. Except, Sophie can't seem to get pregnant. Lucy, an old childhood friend of Sophie's moves back into to town and offers to be have their baby. The only issue is, since money is tight for Sophie and Matt, they would have to do this through unconventional methods. Once Lucy comes into the picture, I started to question Sophie. I thought maybe she is just being a jealous wife and can't move past the "act" that had occurred. That in itself, happened in such a questionable way, had I been Sophie, I would have called off the whole thing the next day. But Sophie does suspect things are off with Lucy and when she starts to dig into what's really going on, one thing leads to another and we end up with several murders. I also spent a lot of this book being angry at Matt. He brought this whole thing down on them. The plot twist, I didn't see coming. And the ending... ahhhh. It left me feeling incomplete and needing more.
This was wonderfully written. The twists came in at perfect times and tension and build up of the plot was great. Definitely check this one out!!!
Sophie and Matt have an almost perfect life. Except, Sophie can't seem to get pregnant. Lucy, an old childhood friend of Sophie's moves back into to town and offers to be have their baby. The only issue is, since money is tight for Sophie and Matt, they would have to do this through unconventional methods. Once Lucy comes into the picture, I started to question Sophie. I thought maybe she is just being a jealous wife and can't move past the "act" that had occurred. That in itself, happened in such a questionable way, had I been Sophie, I would have called off the whole thing the next day. But Sophie does suspect things are off with Lucy and when she starts to dig into what's really going on, one thing leads to another and we end up with several murders. I also spent a lot of this book being angry at Matt. He brought this whole thing down on them. The plot twist, I didn't see coming. And the ending... ahhhh. It left me feeling incomplete and needing more.
This was wonderfully written. The twists came in at perfect times and tension and build up of the plot was great. Definitely check this one out!!!
April 18, 2025
This book is good and it had me hooked from the very start. I will never surrogacy the same again. This book is proof that you need to keep your friends close, not drift apart for years and then try to restart your friendship like it was never interrupted. Over the years people change and you grow older and wiser..so the moral of the story is to keep your friends close and your enemies even closer.
Sophie and Matt are so very happy, they have good jobs, a nice home they love each other deeply. The only thing that they do not have an would complete their happy family is a baby. They have tried for years, gone to lots of doctors, even done fertility treatments and nothing works. Sophie is crushed every time she gets her period and knows she is not pregnant. They can not afford to get anymore fertility treatments or help. So now we just pray that one day I will become pregnant and our dreams will come true.
Then her old best friend Lucy, comes back into their lives and offers to have a baby for Sophie. Oh what a wonderful friend Sophie is to offer such a wonderful gift. Or is she?
Sophie and Matt are so very happy, they have good jobs, a nice home they love each other deeply. The only thing that they do not have an would complete their happy family is a baby. They have tried for years, gone to lots of doctors, even done fertility treatments and nothing works. Sophie is crushed every time she gets her period and knows she is not pregnant. They can not afford to get anymore fertility treatments or help. So now we just pray that one day I will become pregnant and our dreams will come true.
Then her old best friend Lucy, comes back into their lives and offers to have a baby for Sophie. Oh what a wonderful friend Sophie is to offer such a wonderful gift. Or is she?
April 18, 2025
This was quite the wild ride. I did not see any of that coming.
Sophie and Matt don’t have a lot of money, but they have each other. They desperately want a baby. This is their twisty story. It is not a pulse pounding or adrenaline filled, but it is a character driven suspenseful ride.
I liked how it was set up. There were parts that at the end of each part there was a twist that set the stage for the next one. So instead of the twists at the end, they were spread throughout the book always preparing the next section.
What started out as likable and relatable characters, the more I learned about them the more I thought better of that. And the more I read, the darker it became.
I really like the author’s writing style. It made the book so easy to read and between that and the plot, I did not want to put it down.
I’d be remiss not to add that this ends on one heck of a cliffhanger. Not sure if it is meant to let you use your imagination or if there is a sequel on the way, but I read the ending twice to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
It’s a quick, dark tale for anyone that loves domestic suspense.
Sophie and Matt don’t have a lot of money, but they have each other. They desperately want a baby. This is their twisty story. It is not a pulse pounding or adrenaline filled, but it is a character driven suspenseful ride.
I liked how it was set up. There were parts that at the end of each part there was a twist that set the stage for the next one. So instead of the twists at the end, they were spread throughout the book always preparing the next section.
What started out as likable and relatable characters, the more I learned about them the more I thought better of that. And the more I read, the darker it became.
I really like the author’s writing style. It made the book so easy to read and between that and the plot, I did not want to put it down.
I’d be remiss not to add that this ends on one heck of a cliffhanger. Not sure if it is meant to let you use your imagination or if there is a sequel on the way, but I read the ending twice to make sure I didn’t miss anything.
It’s a quick, dark tale for anyone that loves domestic suspense.
April 24, 2025
The Surrogate is one thrilling roller coaster ride of emotions and suspense that I couldn’t put down. From the very beginning, it grips you with an unsettling undertone that keeps building as the story unfolds.
Sophie and Matt appear to have a nearly perfect life, but Sophie's struggle to conceive brings tensions in the relationship. Then we meet Lucy, Sophie’s old childhood friend, who unexpectedly offers to be their surrogate. At first glance, this seems like a generous and life-changing opportunity, but as the story progresses, things take a dark and shocking turn.
As Lucy becomes an integral part of their lives, I found myself questioning everything about her, especially her overly sweet and perfect demeanor. I couldn’t help but empathize with Sophie as she tried to navigate this complicated situation while dealing with doubts and emotional turmoil. I was constantly annoyed with Matt, blaming him for most part of the book, his decisions seemed to make things worse at every turn.
The author does an incredible job of planting seeds of suspicion. While the ending left me hanging and craving more, in a way I didn’t expect.
Sophie and Matt appear to have a nearly perfect life, but Sophie's struggle to conceive brings tensions in the relationship. Then we meet Lucy, Sophie’s old childhood friend, who unexpectedly offers to be their surrogate. At first glance, this seems like a generous and life-changing opportunity, but as the story progresses, things take a dark and shocking turn.
As Lucy becomes an integral part of their lives, I found myself questioning everything about her, especially her overly sweet and perfect demeanor. I couldn’t help but empathize with Sophie as she tried to navigate this complicated situation while dealing with doubts and emotional turmoil. I was constantly annoyed with Matt, blaming him for most part of the book, his decisions seemed to make things worse at every turn.
The author does an incredible job of planting seeds of suspicion. While the ending left me hanging and craving more, in a way I didn’t expect.
May 8, 2025
Husband and wife, Matt and Sophie, just want to be parents. They crave being parents so much that when the opportunity arises they jump without really thinking things through. Lucy, Sophie's best friend, offers to carry their child. Is their dream of being parents finally going to come through?
This book has its share of twists and turns. Just when you think you know what is happening, boom the twist hits. I do have mixed feelings. I enjoyed the story line but it was a bit slow to build up to the end. I feel some parts were rushed, especially the ending, but I was so intrigued with the story, I had to keep reading to know what will happen. The way this book was written makes you feel for the characters. I found myself connecting with Sophie during all her emotions and situations. The book ends like a cliffhanger which leaves the reader with more questions than answers. All in all a good book. If there is a sequel I'm definitely going to read it and check out more books by Iain Maitland.
Thank you, NetGalley, the author and the publisher, for the advance copy for an honest review.
This book has its share of twists and turns. Just when you think you know what is happening, boom the twist hits. I do have mixed feelings. I enjoyed the story line but it was a bit slow to build up to the end. I feel some parts were rushed, especially the ending, but I was so intrigued with the story, I had to keep reading to know what will happen. The way this book was written makes you feel for the characters. I found myself connecting with Sophie during all her emotions and situations. The book ends like a cliffhanger which leaves the reader with more questions than answers. All in all a good book. If there is a sequel I'm definitely going to read it and check out more books by Iain Maitland.
Thank you, NetGalley, the author and the publisher, for the advance copy for an honest review.
February 26, 2025
The Surrogate by Iain Maitland is a dark, twisty, unpredictable and disturbing psychological thriller that will leave you with your jaw on the floor! Oh my, Oh my, Oh my! This was something else!
It started so nicely and innocently and technically based on the name of the book we are expecting things to go wrong but the turn it took was unbelievable! And everything from there was going down like a spiral! This is a complete madhouse!
Sophie and Matt are happily married. They have all they wish minus the baby. They tried everything and nothing worked this is why when Lucy, her childhood best friend, returned to town and offered to be a surrogate, Sophie grabbed this chance with both hands. But things went terribly wrong from the beginning and Sophie soon realised she made the biggest mistake in her life.
The end clearly signals that there is a high possibility that a sequel is coming otherwise I don't see the reason to end the book with this kind of cliffhanger.
Thank you, NetGalley for this copy.
It started so nicely and innocently and technically based on the name of the book we are expecting things to go wrong but the turn it took was unbelievable! And everything from there was going down like a spiral! This is a complete madhouse!
Sophie and Matt are happily married. They have all they wish minus the baby. They tried everything and nothing worked this is why when Lucy, her childhood best friend, returned to town and offered to be a surrogate, Sophie grabbed this chance with both hands. But things went terribly wrong from the beginning and Sophie soon realised she made the biggest mistake in her life.
The end clearly signals that there is a high possibility that a sequel is coming otherwise I don't see the reason to end the book with this kind of cliffhanger.
Thank you, NetGalley for this copy.
April 13, 2025
Talking about a turn of events that I did not see coming!!! This book took a left turn real quick that will give you whiplash, as the drama began with a bang and did not stop.
Sophie and Matt almost have it all, but they are desperate for a child. When Sophie‘s long-lost childhood best friend Lucy offers to be their surrogate, it does not take Sophie nor us readers long to figure out that this was a huge mistake.
This couple was in “bad decision making overload”! As the pages continued, they dug themselves deeper & deeper, but that gave the story a unique feel as the twists unfolded.
Overall, a highly enjoyable read that I would recommend for fans of domestic thrillers. It ended with a bit of a cliffhanger, but with a wild imagination you will come up with your theories as to what happened. The author definitely left it open for a potential sequel, if he chose to. This was my first book by Iain Maitland, but I immediately downloaded more upon finishing this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sophie and Matt almost have it all, but they are desperate for a child. When Sophie‘s long-lost childhood best friend Lucy offers to be their surrogate, it does not take Sophie nor us readers long to figure out that this was a huge mistake.
This couple was in “bad decision making overload”! As the pages continued, they dug themselves deeper & deeper, but that gave the story a unique feel as the twists unfolded.
Overall, a highly enjoyable read that I would recommend for fans of domestic thrillers. It ended with a bit of a cliffhanger, but with a wild imagination you will come up with your theories as to what happened. The author definitely left it open for a potential sequel, if he chose to. This was my first book by Iain Maitland, but I immediately downloaded more upon finishing this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 13, 2025
Sophie has the dream life—loving husband, cozy home, great job. But without a baby, she feels hollowed out. So when her old best friend Lucy shows up and offers to be her surrogate, it feels like fate. Except… Lucy isn’t just back to play fairy godmother. She’s got a secret agenda, and it’s anything but heartwarming.
From the start, there’s this eerie undercurrent—like something’s rotting under the floorboards. Maitland’s writing is sharp, fast-paced, and loaded with just the right amount of dread. You can feel Sophie’s desperation, hear the tension in every sugar-sweet lie, and smell the psychological mess coming.
Sophie is unraveling, Lucy is totally unhinged, and watching their lives twist together is like watching a car crash in slow motion—you can’t look away. It’s dark, disturbing, and addictive.
Rating: 4.5 stars and a firm life rule: never trust someone who offers you everything for free. Especially a baby.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the start, there’s this eerie undercurrent—like something’s rotting under the floorboards. Maitland’s writing is sharp, fast-paced, and loaded with just the right amount of dread. You can feel Sophie’s desperation, hear the tension in every sugar-sweet lie, and smell the psychological mess coming.
Sophie is unraveling, Lucy is totally unhinged, and watching their lives twist together is like watching a car crash in slow motion—you can’t look away. It’s dark, disturbing, and addictive.
Rating: 4.5 stars and a firm life rule: never trust someone who offers you everything for free. Especially a baby.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2025
Iain definitely did a good job with this book and the ending. I'm not going to go into too much detail as I don't want to spoil it for others. Although I will say this…
It is a good read and the storyline is good, but the characters annoyed me.
We have Lucy. She's not someone I'd like as a so-called friend. She's quite manipulative and vindictive. The way she offered to be a surrogate so fast was suspicious to me.
Then there's Sophie. She made me mad with her agreeing to stuff like she did. I was like why oh why would you say that, or agree to that, or do that, or allow that.
It really frustrated me the way they were, But hey that's my way of thinking. I guess if I was in the situation where I was desperate for a baby, but couldn't have one, maybe I'd think differently.
You can tell this book drew me in because the characters got me so frustrated I was shouting at them in my head 😂
It is a good read and the storyline is good, but the characters annoyed me.
We have Lucy. She's not someone I'd like as a so-called friend. She's quite manipulative and vindictive. The way she offered to be a surrogate so fast was suspicious to me.
Then there's Sophie. She made me mad with her agreeing to stuff like she did. I was like why oh why would you say that, or agree to that, or do that, or allow that.
It really frustrated me the way they were, But hey that's my way of thinking. I guess if I was in the situation where I was desperate for a baby, but couldn't have one, maybe I'd think differently.
You can tell this book drew me in because the characters got me so frustrated I was shouting at them in my head 😂
April 17, 2025
Wow what did I just read? This book was so good that I devoured it in one sitting!!! The story was fantastic and I loved the ending. The epilogue felt a bit like a cliffhanger!!!
The story was written perfectly. It kept me on the edge of my seat! It flowed well and was easy to read. It was fast paced which worked well. There were no plot holes. There was only question at the end of the epilogue but that can be left to interpretation.
The characters were so good. The main three Sophie, Matt and Lucy all had qualities that made them unlikable. Particularly Lucy. She made me so angry!! All this worked so well which made it such a good thriller.
The book is written in first person from Sophie's POV. We got to see how the story unfolded through her eyes and this worked perfectly.
I simply cannot recommend this one enough. It was so good and difficult to put down!!
The story was written perfectly. It kept me on the edge of my seat! It flowed well and was easy to read. It was fast paced which worked well. There were no plot holes. There was only question at the end of the epilogue but that can be left to interpretation.
The characters were so good. The main three Sophie, Matt and Lucy all had qualities that made them unlikable. Particularly Lucy. She made me so angry!! All this worked so well which made it such a good thriller.
The book is written in first person from Sophie's POV. We got to see how the story unfolded through her eyes and this worked perfectly.
I simply cannot recommend this one enough. It was so good and difficult to put down!!
April 19, 2025
When something is too good to be true...
Sophie and Lucy were best friends forever, and Lucy offered to carry a baby for Sophie and Matt, who could not have a baby. What could be better than that?!
Since they did not have the money to pay for more IVF, so they were going to do it the regular way... Matt & Lucy have sex. This might have been ok, but Sophie was drugged the first night with the bottle of wine that Lucy brought with her, which was only half full.
Then another time, Sophie found Matt & Lucy having sex in their bed when she got home...
Things then went several ways that blew my mind! I mean, who does some of those things?
All Sophie and Matt wanted was a baby in their life. How could it possibly have gone so wrong?
Thank you, Iain Maitland, for a remarkable story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest answer.
Sophie and Lucy were best friends forever, and Lucy offered to carry a baby for Sophie and Matt, who could not have a baby. What could be better than that?!
Since they did not have the money to pay for more IVF, so they were going to do it the regular way... Matt & Lucy have sex. This might have been ok, but Sophie was drugged the first night with the bottle of wine that Lucy brought with her, which was only half full.
Then another time, Sophie found Matt & Lucy having sex in their bed when she got home...
Things then went several ways that blew my mind! I mean, who does some of those things?
All Sophie and Matt wanted was a baby in their life. How could it possibly have gone so wrong?
Thank you, Iain Maitland, for a remarkable story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest answer.
February 24, 2025
Lucy and Sophie were once best friends, until Lucy and her family moved away.
Sophie and her husband Matt want nothing more than to have a child, but their attempts have failed.
Lucy comes back and reconnects with Sophie, and immediately offers to be the surrogate. What does she have in mind?
Dark and disturbing. Twisty, but unlikeable characters. They are all selfish and self serving. The book made me feel uncomfortable in most places, not sure of what the main characters would do next.
Sophie isn't the brightest of people, but thinks that she is, and that she has everything under control.
I didn't see that ending coming, and wonder if there will be a sequel? If not, it is not a great ending at all. Totally unexpected.
Sophie and her husband Matt want nothing more than to have a child, but their attempts have failed.
Lucy comes back and reconnects with Sophie, and immediately offers to be the surrogate. What does she have in mind?
Dark and disturbing. Twisty, but unlikeable characters. They are all selfish and self serving. The book made me feel uncomfortable in most places, not sure of what the main characters would do next.
Sophie isn't the brightest of people, but thinks that she is, and that she has everything under control.
I didn't see that ending coming, and wonder if there will be a sequel? If not, it is not a great ending at all. Totally unexpected.
April 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this book I just couldn't put it down and read it one sitting.
The book is well written with an utterly compelling story line and well developed characters who were all believable and I found some of them such as Sophie really relatable.
The book is full of tension and suspense and had me on the edge of my seat through pretty much the entirety of the book. It was full of twists and turns that just kept coming and kept me guessing. It was like being on a roller coaster that gave me whiplash and I loved it, I was totally here for it.
I am a big believer in listening to your gut and following it but there are instances that I haven't done it and regretted it and this book captured this perfectly.
I would highly recommend this book
The book is well written with an utterly compelling story line and well developed characters who were all believable and I found some of them such as Sophie really relatable.
The book is full of tension and suspense and had me on the edge of my seat through pretty much the entirety of the book. It was full of twists and turns that just kept coming and kept me guessing. It was like being on a roller coaster that gave me whiplash and I loved it, I was totally here for it.
I am a big believer in listening to your gut and following it but there are instances that I haven't done it and regretted it and this book captured this perfectly.
I would highly recommend this book
April 17, 2025
When you read a good psychological thriller you never really know what to expect, well this one blew me out of the water.
I don’t think twists and turns really cut it, I may have actually swore out loud a few times 😂
A truly great read and a book that you literally cannot put down as you don’t want to miss anything plus you’ll be thinking about it constantly unless you carry on!
Wow! If you want to read a great psychological thriller then pick this up you won’t regret it.
Thank you @zooloosbooktours @inkubatorbooks @iain_maitland_novelist for having me on the tour and for a copy of this ebook.
#thesurrogate #inkubatorbooks #iainmaitland #zooloosbooktours #psycologicalthriller #ebookreview #adpr
I don’t think twists and turns really cut it, I may have actually swore out loud a few times 😂
A truly great read and a book that you literally cannot put down as you don’t want to miss anything plus you’ll be thinking about it constantly unless you carry on!
Wow! If you want to read a great psychological thriller then pick this up you won’t regret it.
Thank you @zooloosbooktours @inkubatorbooks @iain_maitland_novelist for having me on the tour and for a copy of this ebook.
#thesurrogate #inkubatorbooks #iainmaitland #zooloosbooktours #psycologicalthriller #ebookreview #adpr
April 12, 2025
Oh wow, this was really a dark one.
I am not sure if I could ever imagine to offer something like Lucy did - having the baby for her best friend Sophie. It is just blowing my mind, personally. Yet I sort of felt drawn to the story and wanted to read it.
Like I have said, it was pretty dark, with a lot of twists and there were just a little too many characters for me to fully enjoy the book. My head was just spinning at some point. I felt for Sophie, though. This whole thing surely was not easy for her.
The ending was also a little unsatisfying, making me wonder if there will be a sequel at some point, maybe. 3.5 stars from me for this book.
I am not sure if I could ever imagine to offer something like Lucy did - having the baby for her best friend Sophie. It is just blowing my mind, personally. Yet I sort of felt drawn to the story and wanted to read it.
Like I have said, it was pretty dark, with a lot of twists and there were just a little too many characters for me to fully enjoy the book. My head was just spinning at some point. I felt for Sophie, though. This whole thing surely was not easy for her.
The ending was also a little unsatisfying, making me wonder if there will be a sequel at some point, maybe. 3.5 stars from me for this book.
April 15, 2025
Imagine wanting a baby so much that you agree to an old friend whom you haven't seen in years to be your surrogate & carry the baby for you. The question becomes why your friend wants to do this for you & you begin to wonder what she really wants after she seems to infiltrate your life & your marriage. This is what happens to Sophie in Iain Maitland's "The Surrogate" when her childhood friend Lucy comes back to town. They used to be best friends forever when they were kids but now Lucy has come back with a sinister agenda of her own that catapults Sophie into her worst nightmare.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2025
Thank you Inkubator Books and NetGalley for an early copy of The Surrogate. To say this was a weird book is an understatement. I’m not quite sure what I just read. Eerie, weird, anxiousness, mind blowing!!! This story took the plot to another level, one I did NOT expect at all. I have to say I could NOT put this book down, I had to see what was happening. The ending was WHAT JUST HAPPENED? This will stay with me for a loooooong time. The choices the two main characters made were insane. Great read.
February 25, 2025
"The Surrogate" is about a couple, Sophie and Matt, with Sophie having problems conceiving. Sophie's childhood friend, Lucy, comes back to town and instantly offers to be their surrogate.. Things take a turn when they all decide that Matt and Lucy should sleep together as it's the cheaper option, and Lucy has an ulterior motive....
This book is a gripping page turner that I couldn't put down. It has twists and dark sides that made me hold my breath. When I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it and that's how you know it's a great book!
This book is a gripping page turner that I couldn't put down. It has twists and dark sides that made me hold my breath. When I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it and that's how you know it's a great book!
March 16, 2025
Matt and Sophie, our main characters, have been together for 10 years. They really have everything they want in life, and are content with their lives except for one little problem, they can't have kids. They've tried everything, exhausted their money supply in IVF treatments, and have really given up on that front. That is, until Sophie's childhood friend moves back to town, and offers to carry their baby for them.
Check out my full review here!
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Check out my full review here!
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