What do you think?
Rate this book
No Conscience
There’s something wrong with this family.
Mary Shaw’s the doting mother, showering her children with gifts from the heart and the pocketbook. Wes Shaw’s different than his siblings - darker, awkward, the perpetual ne’er-do-well.
The Shaws have survived divorce and death, but something sinister is in their midst. The truth threatens to tear them apart. The lies threaten to tear them apart.
There’s no neutral ground, no place to hide. Ultimately, each family member must make a choice with irreversible consequences.
Adult language and sexual content.
Mary Shaw’s the doting mother, showering her children with gifts from the heart and the pocketbook. Wes Shaw’s different than his siblings - darker, awkward, the perpetual ne’er-do-well.
The Shaws have survived divorce and death, but something sinister is in their midst. The truth threatens to tear them apart. The lies threaten to tear them apart.
There’s no neutral ground, no place to hide. Ultimately, each family member must make a choice with irreversible consequences.
Adult language and sexual content.
Audible Audio
First published March 14, 2017
2636 people are currently reading
1654 people want to read
About the author
Phil M. Williams
42 books362 followersPhil M. Williams is the author of twenty-five books primarily in the thriller genre. His thrillers span many subgenres, such as: murder mysteries, political, domestic, dystopian, legal, psychological, and technothrillers. His stories often feature regular Joes and Janes in extraordinary situations that are ripped from today’s headlines.
Williams lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, Denise. When not writing, he can be found tending their permaculture farm.
If you’d like to read two of his thriller novels for free. Go to http://PhilWBooks.com.
Williams lives in central Pennsylvania with his wife, Denise. When not writing, he can be found tending their permaculture farm.
If you’d like to read two of his thriller novels for free. Go to http://PhilWBooks.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews
April 27, 2020
This book was one I struggled to finish. It was just too quirky—too far left of center for me to find any real pleasure in the reading. The characters, particularly Wes and his mother Mary, are, from the start, just a shade of strange. There’s initially nothing overt, though Wes is portrayed as a spineless, immature young man with anger issues bubbling just below the surface, always threatening to boil over and destroy him. It’s more than that though. He was written in a way that made it near to impossible to either find interest or fully invest in him. As a reader, I found myself stepping back, fearing that he was about to implode. Mary Shaw, Wes’ mother, is also vaguely disturbing. It’s as if the author merged the perfect mother with a smidge of Joan Crawford, then threw in a little Norma Bates for good measure. It’s difficult to explain without spoilers, but the discomfort while reading is real, making this one unenjoyable and off-putting. The conclusion was just the icing on the “hell no” cake.
January 15, 2019
I read this book in less than 24 hours during a slump, however, this wasn’t a particularly spectacular book, it was simply an easy read that didn’t require too much brain power. I’m also glad I got this one for free, however, I would definitely consider reading more of Williams’ books in the future! Especially is I find myself in a slump again (which no doubt I will).
I didn’t read the synopsis before going into this, so I thought the book was going to be something completely different from what I got. They say to not judge a book by its cover! What I thought I was going to get was a dark book about family abuse, but it wasn’t quite that, at least not in the way that immediately comes to mind.
This definitely has a really interesting and reasonably dark plot but I couldn’t quite take it seriously due to the characters. While the story was rather serious in nature, the characters felt childish in comparison. As the plot went on to tackle some tricky subjects, the joviality of Wes and his family made everything feel far less serious than it should have been and I feel like this took away from the aim of the whole story.
Apart from enjoying this enough to speed through it in 24 hours, I don’t really have much else to say about it. I will probably forget about the story in a few months. I would recommend this only as a quick binge read for a time when you’re not looking for anything to difficult to read or maybe you’re just chilling out on holiday.
I didn’t read the synopsis before going into this, so I thought the book was going to be something completely different from what I got. They say to not judge a book by its cover! What I thought I was going to get was a dark book about family abuse, but it wasn’t quite that, at least not in the way that immediately comes to mind.
This definitely has a really interesting and reasonably dark plot but I couldn’t quite take it seriously due to the characters. While the story was rather serious in nature, the characters felt childish in comparison. As the plot went on to tackle some tricky subjects, the joviality of Wes and his family made everything feel far less serious than it should have been and I feel like this took away from the aim of the whole story.
Apart from enjoying this enough to speed through it in 24 hours, I don’t really have much else to say about it. I will probably forget about the story in a few months. I would recommend this only as a quick binge read for a time when you’re not looking for anything to difficult to read or maybe you’re just chilling out on holiday.
September 21, 2017
Very good book couldn't put it down, not impressed with the ending. It's not what I was expecting, I would have liked more of an ending.
October 21, 2020
Author Phil M. Williams likes to think of his books as “thought provoking” (his words), though the only thought the three I’ve read have provoked in me was “Thank goodness I got them for free” (courtesy of BookBub). I would hate to have paid for them.
His latest effort, No Conscience, is about Mary Shaw, a serial liar and thief who is eventually exposed by her eldest son Wesley. In Mary Shaw, Phil M. Williams aspires to portray a woman with ... well, no conscience, the primary characteristic of a sociopath.
Those of his readers who are literate and educated know that such a portrayal had been classically done before and infinitely better by John Steinbeck in East of Eden. In Chapter 8, Steinbeck introduces the perfectly named Cathy Ames, one of American Literature’s most fascinating characters, and manages to accomplish in 20 pages what Phil M. Williams was unable to accomplish in 300.
Instead, not having the skill to rely on his own words, Phil M. Williams refers extensively in No Conscience to a non-fiction book by psychologist Martha Stout about sociopathology, claiming that about 4% of the population are sociopaths, or 13 million people in the US alone.
Now, I don’t believe that in my 70 years I’ve led an especially sheltered life or have been blessed with excessively good luck, but as an adult I’ve only come across one, maybe two individuals who have caused harm to others with no conscience. I don’t know where Martha Stout got her staggering numbers, but Phil M. Williams accepts and repeats them without reservation.
That’s not all Mr. Williams repeats. Like his other two books I’ve read for free, Mr. Williams displays a very limited vocabulary. Thus, his characters purse their lips, show their palms, grin, scowl, smirk and exhale over 160 times, meaning that’s what they’re doing at least every second page.
If Mr. Williams would concentrate more on entertaining his readers than in “exploring” (his word again) what he considers Important Social Issues, he might not have written a better book, but he might have written a less pretentious one.
His latest effort, No Conscience, is about Mary Shaw, a serial liar and thief who is eventually exposed by her eldest son Wesley. In Mary Shaw, Phil M. Williams aspires to portray a woman with ... well, no conscience, the primary characteristic of a sociopath.
Those of his readers who are literate and educated know that such a portrayal had been classically done before and infinitely better by John Steinbeck in East of Eden. In Chapter 8, Steinbeck introduces the perfectly named Cathy Ames, one of American Literature’s most fascinating characters, and manages to accomplish in 20 pages what Phil M. Williams was unable to accomplish in 300.
Instead, not having the skill to rely on his own words, Phil M. Williams refers extensively in No Conscience to a non-fiction book by psychologist Martha Stout about sociopathology, claiming that about 4% of the population are sociopaths, or 13 million people in the US alone.
Now, I don’t believe that in my 70 years I’ve led an especially sheltered life or have been blessed with excessively good luck, but as an adult I’ve only come across one, maybe two individuals who have caused harm to others with no conscience. I don’t know where Martha Stout got her staggering numbers, but Phil M. Williams accepts and repeats them without reservation.
That’s not all Mr. Williams repeats. Like his other two books I’ve read for free, Mr. Williams displays a very limited vocabulary. Thus, his characters purse their lips, show their palms, grin, scowl, smirk and exhale over 160 times, meaning that’s what they’re doing at least every second page.
If Mr. Williams would concentrate more on entertaining his readers than in “exploring” (his word again) what he considers Important Social Issues, he might not have written a better book, but he might have written a less pretentious one.
September 23, 2021
I can’t really pin down how I feel about this book, I enjoyed it and the dynamics of this “perfect” family were definitely interesting. Almost all the characters are horrible, but if the identity of the sociopath was supposed to be a big twist, they should’ve at least changed the cover art. In any case I guessed quite early. Could Mary really have gotten away with all of the shit she pulled over her lifetime and no one ever caught on or saw beneath her perfect facade?
Thr character of Wes was so weak and pathetic in the beginning of the novel it was difficult to change gears and believe his evolution at the end, although it is nice to think that change is possible at any age. If a sociopath tendency can run in the family, Rich and Matt seemed like they might have traces of it.
I will definitely read another book by Phil M. Williams. The story was different and thought-provoking and his writing style made for an immediately engaging read.
ETA: As usual, I just read through others reviews after I wrote mine. I noticed many people felt the ending was abrupt and lacked closure. To me it was clear that most of her children had been given all the information they needed to identify that their mother was a sociopath, and had caused each of them real harm, but decided to turn a blind eye and continue to have her in their lives. This seems believable to me. Wes made a different choice, but there was a price to that as well. Meanwhile Mary will go on and continue to manipulate and cause chaos, as she can’t do anything else - it’s her nature.
Thr character of Wes was so weak and pathetic in the beginning of the novel it was difficult to change gears and believe his evolution at the end, although it is nice to think that change is possible at any age. If a sociopath tendency can run in the family, Rich and Matt seemed like they might have traces of it.
I will definitely read another book by Phil M. Williams. The story was different and thought-provoking and his writing style made for an immediately engaging read.
ETA: As usual, I just read through others reviews after I wrote mine. I noticed many people felt the ending was abrupt and lacked closure. To me it was clear that most of her children had been given all the information they needed to identify that their mother was a sociopath, and had caused each of them real harm, but decided to turn a blind eye and continue to have her in their lives. This seems believable to me. Wes made a different choice, but there was a price to that as well. Meanwhile Mary will go on and continue to manipulate and cause chaos, as she can’t do anything else - it’s her nature.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2017
The ending sucked
It was good until the end. All these things were happening that would expose the mom.... and it just didn't. I was super disappointed. I doubt I'll read another of his books.
It was good until the end. All these things were happening that would expose the mom.... and it just didn't. I was super disappointed. I doubt I'll read another of his books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2019
The dark side of a family.
This book was something of a slow burner, but it built to an interesting narrative and had some great lurking secrets. Poor Wes Shaw is such a victim, always on the receiving end. I really felt for him, while at the same time wanting to give him a push in the right direction (kick up the backside!). His mad-cap family were hard work, not at all a comfortable crowd to be around.
I don't want to give too much away and spoil the story, so it's a bit hard to review this book. I would say that it would be advisable not to read any more reviews as many of them do give away too much.
There are a couple of sexually descriptive chapters, which would normally put me off, but in fact they were lighthearted, even comedic, and that seemed to make it OK.
The narration of the audio version was excellent, with Sarah Grace Wright playing the female parts and Tristan Wright playing the men, which meant I never had to listen to squeaky females or deep-voiced women. I wish more books would be narrated in this way.
My only problem was was that although I was listening to an excellently narrated audio copy, the chapter where we meet everyone at a family party was just too full-on to assimilate. It's not possible to rewind an audiobook while driving, but even after I'd listened to that chapter again, I was still a bit confused as to who was who and where the grudges lay.
The ending did leave a few things unresolved, maybe a bit frustrating, maybe true to life. You can draw your own conclusions.
I shouldn't have had this on the tbr for so long, I'm glad I finally brought it to the top.
This book was something of a slow burner, but it built to an interesting narrative and had some great lurking secrets. Poor Wes Shaw is such a victim, always on the receiving end. I really felt for him, while at the same time wanting to give him a push in the right direction (kick up the backside!). His mad-cap family were hard work, not at all a comfortable crowd to be around.
I don't want to give too much away and spoil the story, so it's a bit hard to review this book. I would say that it would be advisable not to read any more reviews as many of them do give away too much.
There are a couple of sexually descriptive chapters, which would normally put me off, but in fact they were lighthearted, even comedic, and that seemed to make it OK.
The narration of the audio version was excellent, with Sarah Grace Wright playing the female parts and Tristan Wright playing the men, which meant I never had to listen to squeaky females or deep-voiced women. I wish more books would be narrated in this way.
My only problem was was that although I was listening to an excellently narrated audio copy, the chapter where we meet everyone at a family party was just too full-on to assimilate. It's not possible to rewind an audiobook while driving, but even after I'd listened to that chapter again, I was still a bit confused as to who was who and where the grudges lay.
The ending did leave a few things unresolved, maybe a bit frustrating, maybe true to life. You can draw your own conclusions.
I shouldn't have had this on the tbr for so long, I'm glad I finally brought it to the top.
September 20, 2017
Excellent writing in this book
I never give positive reviews for books with swearing or sexual situations. Mainly because t don't read past the first 10 pgs.
This writer had a bit in the beginning but just enough of the real story to keep my attention. Don't be turned off by it because , as I kept reading, it stopped. It was there to make a point.
The story is informative. You don't know where it's going. By the time the book is done , you want more. Your eyes are opened and you believe in the message.
I never give positive reviews for books with swearing or sexual situations. Mainly because t don't read past the first 10 pgs.
This writer had a bit in the beginning but just enough of the real story to keep my attention. Don't be turned off by it because , as I kept reading, it stopped. It was there to make a point.
The story is informative. You don't know where it's going. By the time the book is done , you want more. Your eyes are opened and you believe in the message.
September 22, 2017
Fascinating
This book was very thought provoking. I think there may be varying degrees of this condition, because I've known people like Mary, but not her level.
Wonderful to see Wes's growth as he works thru to the truth
This book was very thought provoking. I think there may be varying degrees of this condition, because I've known people like Mary, but not her level.
Wonderful to see Wes's growth as he works thru to the truth
July 27, 2021
I could see what the author was trying to do with this story, portraying two characters the way he did, to confuse you about who was being truthful, but I think it could have been done in a different way.
I finished the book as there was enough of it to hold my interest, but some parts did seem to drag unnecessarily. Some other reviewers though that the ending was poor, but I actually thought that it was the best part of the story, as it emphasises just how messed up one character's head is, and how well they've fooled those around them.
Just a word of caution - the book description states that there's adult themes and sexual content. I wasn't expecting that content to include graphic descriptions of non-consensual and violent pornography.
I finished the book as there was enough of it to hold my interest, but some parts did seem to drag unnecessarily. Some other reviewers though that the ending was poor, but I actually thought that it was the best part of the story, as it emphasises just how messed up one character's head is, and how well they've fooled those around them.
Just a word of caution - the book description states that there's adult themes and sexual content. I wasn't expecting that content to include graphic descriptions of non-consensual and violent pornography.
January 31, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book, but was surprised by its abrupt end. Suddenly the book was just over with no real sense of completion. Had the characters been more fleshed out (maybe less characters with more attention to detail) and the ending more satisfying, it would have easily gained another star for its entertainment factor.
August 17, 2019
This was a new author for me and now I'm hooked! I love the fact that he could make a subject that we've all pondered in our life into an entertaining book. He has my support from here on out!
I cruised through this book in two days and the characters have already stuck with me. Great writing! Great Author!
I cruised through this book in two days and the characters have already stuck with me. Great writing! Great Author!
February 28, 2018
Great book
I really enjoyed this book but I felt the ending lacked closure. I wish there would've been a few more chapters where the family finally figures out that they do in fact have a sociopath in their midst.
I really enjoyed this book but I felt the ending lacked closure. I wish there would've been a few more chapters where the family finally figures out that they do in fact have a sociopath in their midst.
September 22, 2019
This is a real surprise. The main character seems like a weak one until he discovers he isn't the one with a problem. The issues of this family and the mother were well drawn. I wasn't entirely satisfied with the ending, but many people will like it. It fit with the plot.
September 22, 2017
This book held my attention from beginning to the end
Love the characters. Very interesting to read. Never boring. Fun to read. Finished in one day wanting more
Great title
Love the characters. Very interesting to read. Never boring. Fun to read. Finished in one day wanting more
Great title
January 30, 2018
I wish Mary would have been found out by her kids in the end. I would have liked to have known why Conner was so afraid of Mary also. Good book though. Just wished the ending would have been better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2025
It was interesting, but only a drama. I like there to be a murder or something tragic, but, nope, not this one. I do like this author’s writing style and have read other books by him.
dnf-and-or-wnr
September 3, 2019I started to read it and it was page after page of someone killing a cat. I couldn’t go on.
February 24, 2020
MARVELOUS NOVEL!
“No Conscience” is another great read from Phil Williams!
Wes Shaw starts out as an underdog type of character. His brother Matt belittles him. Even his school-age brother (a stoner) has no respect for him. Wes’s girlfriend Tara treats him like garbage while she lives off his largesse. After Wes is fired from his job in the technology department of the school he works at (where, as usual, he’s treated like s**t), he’s got plenty of time to research his mother Mary’s life.
Mary is the saint of the family. She helps her son Matt & her daughter Colleen pay part of the mortages on their lavish homes. She allows her youngest son to live in her basement apartment while he goes to high school & stays stoned all day.
Meanwhile, Wes uncovers evidence that his mother is not who she appears to be. When Wes shares this information with his brothers & sister, they don’t believe him. The author leaves it to the reader to decide if Wes is right or wrong.
This novel was terrific! The characters are realistic & the plot is smooth & polished. If you like family dramas & psychological suspense, this novel is worth reading.
“No Conscience” is another great read from Phil Williams!
Wes Shaw starts out as an underdog type of character. His brother Matt belittles him. Even his school-age brother (a stoner) has no respect for him. Wes’s girlfriend Tara treats him like garbage while she lives off his largesse. After Wes is fired from his job in the technology department of the school he works at (where, as usual, he’s treated like s**t), he’s got plenty of time to research his mother Mary’s life.
Mary is the saint of the family. She helps her son Matt & her daughter Colleen pay part of the mortages on their lavish homes. She allows her youngest son to live in her basement apartment while he goes to high school & stays stoned all day.
Meanwhile, Wes uncovers evidence that his mother is not who she appears to be. When Wes shares this information with his brothers & sister, they don’t believe him. The author leaves it to the reader to decide if Wes is right or wrong.
This novel was terrific! The characters are realistic & the plot is smooth & polished. If you like family dramas & psychological suspense, this novel is worth reading.
May 28, 2022
Poor Mom!!
This story takes you on a journey of discovery, betrayal, and a trail of lies. Wes has felt out of place his entire life and decides to track down his past. What he finds is the opposite of what he’s been told and he’s confused about who to believe. Well written, attention grabbing book worth reading!
This story takes you on a journey of discovery, betrayal, and a trail of lies. Wes has felt out of place his entire life and decides to track down his past. What he finds is the opposite of what he’s been told and he’s confused about who to believe. Well written, attention grabbing book worth reading!
October 7, 2017
Just ended abruptly
Started out well. You did not know who the bad guy was. Then it just stopped mid thought almost. There was a beginning and middle but no end.
Started out well. You did not know who the bad guy was. Then it just stopped mid thought almost. There was a beginning and middle but no end.
October 11, 2017
It was an interesting story. But really, really hated the ending. It wasn’t a cliff hanger, but....just stopped!
October 13, 2017
I loved everything about this book except the abrupt ending. The characters were not likable, but they were well-drawn and believable.
July 1, 2025
If you don't like fat people, just say that instead of constantly referring to the "fat" characters as "girthy," "meaty," "waddling," etc...
This book just wasn't it, I didn't have a good time reading it. None of the characters were all that likable (except maybe Daisy and Allison) but it's hard to tell since everything was so one-dimensional and flat.
Also, I'm not a prude by any means but I can only read about someone's flaccid penis so many times, especially when it isn't particularly relevant to the story.
This book just wasn't it, I didn't have a good time reading it. None of the characters were all that likable (except maybe Daisy and Allison) but it's hard to tell since everything was so one-dimensional and flat.
Also, I'm not a prude by any means but I can only read about someone's flaccid penis so many times, especially when it isn't particularly relevant to the story.
November 9, 2019
The story revolves around Wes and explores his relationship with his dysfunctional family and his coworkers. An engaging book filled with an interesting mix of odd characters. Mary reminds me of Janine Cody in the Animal Kingdom series
September 13, 2019
What a Refreshing Change!
When I started reading this book, my thought was that it was another book about a deranged killer. What a refreshing surprise as I continued reading. I couldn't put the book down and it was fun seeing the main character evolve. I will definitely read more of Mr. Williams' novels.
When I started reading this book, my thought was that it was another book about a deranged killer. What a refreshing surprise as I continued reading. I couldn't put the book down and it was fun seeing the main character evolve. I will definitely read more of Mr. Williams' novels.
January 8, 2020
Hard to put down,
Reminds me of a family member - the sociopath next door. Good read. Roll out controlled but then smacks you in the face./Submitted by P. Fox
Reminds me of a family member - the sociopath next door. Good read. Roll out controlled but then smacks you in the face./Submitted by P. Fox
September 20, 2017
This is a must read!
The characters are real, the plot suspenseful and the story is first rate. Each one of us has met such a person. Yet it takes a really strong gut reaction and using your own life experiences to weed these people out. Love the book! Kudos to the author! This is a really authentic story with physiologic overtones skillfully crafted into the plot!
The characters are real, the plot suspenseful and the story is first rate. Each one of us has met such a person. Yet it takes a really strong gut reaction and using your own life experiences to weed these people out. Love the book! Kudos to the author! This is a really authentic story with physiologic overtones skillfully crafted into the plot!
September 22, 2017
Fascinating!
Brilliantly written, I couldnt put it down. Cant wait to read his previous and future books as they come out.
Brilliantly written, I couldnt put it down. Cant wait to read his previous and future books as they come out.
September 22, 2017
Page turner
I couldn't stop reading this book. It really makes you wonder about people. I'm sure I have met people like Mary,
I couldn't stop reading this book. It really makes you wonder about people. I'm sure I have met people like Mary,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 327 reviews