Family Ties

by Michele Packard

When a nameless woman enters a psychiatric ward, she brings no history—only chaos. Her erratic behavior, cryptic journal entries, and fragmented tales of abandonment, conspiracy, and violence leave the staff on edge. Every whispered word feels like a puzzle piece to something monstrous, yet nothing fits together.Dr. Teresa Brock is determined to peel back the layers, but with every revelation she uncovers, the walls between reality and delusion collapse. Is this patient merely broken—or is she a predator disguised as prey? The deeper Brock digs, the more she realizes the danger may not be confined to padded rooms and locked doors.

Readers have called this story “a book that sucks you in” and admitted “I need therapy after finishing it.” The reason? Each chapter is a descent into a mind as chilling as it is compelling, where every truth hides a darker lie.

Family Ties—or Family Lies? This is more than a psychological thriller—it’s an obsession that will claw at you long after the final page, leaving you questioning not just the story, but your own grip on reality.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

Michele Packard, an award-winning author, draws inspiration from her military upbringing and her career as a cable TV executive in her captivating literary works. After dedicating herself to raising her three children, Packard embarked on a remarkable writing journey that spans both fiction and non-fiction genres.

Growing up in a household where her father devoured the works of acclaimed authors like Patterson, Child, Flynn, Clancy, and Woods, Packard developed an affinity for conspiracy theories and stories featuring resilient protagonists in psychological, political, and military thrillers. With a masterful blend of sarcasm and intricate plotlines, she seamlessly intertwines current and historical events, crafting thought-provoking stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Acknowledged as one of the top political thriller authors of the year, Packard's literary prowess has garnered her widespread recognition and positioned her as an author to watch closely. Embracing every moment of her literary journey, she revels in the acclaim and the joy of sharing her compelling narratives with a growing audience.

When she's not immersed in the world of writing, Packard indulges her passion for exploration as a frequent traveler alongside her husband. Additionally, she lovingly tends to her family's beloved two labs, assuming the role of their primary caretaker.

For more updates on sales and new releases, be sure to follow Michele on Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/miche.... To delve deeper into her captivating works and stay connected, visit her website at www.michelepackard.com. You can also catch a glimpse into her world on Instagram, where she shares captivating stories under the handle @aesopstories.

Packard's literary achievements include a remarkable list of accolades:
• Finalist, American Book Festival (2019)
• Finalist, Independent Author Awards (2019)
• 1st Place, Pencraft Awards (2020)
• Finalist, Eric Hoffer Awards (2020)
• Honorable Mention, Writer's Digest (2021)
• Finalist, BestThrillers.com (2022)

With her unique storytelling abilities and a growing collection of prestigious awards, Michele Packard continues to captivate readers worldwide with her enthralling narratives and thought-provoking tales.

Reviews

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

FAMILY TIES by Michele Packard

Overall Impression: I read this book in one day! It was suspenseful, mysterious, unique, and full of surprises!

Synopsis: A middle-aged woman is admitted to the emergency department with no visible physical symptoms. She is sent to the psychiatric unit due to psychotic symptoms, hallucinations, and disorganized behavior. The mystery patient writes a long personal history about herself and her probable family with a 15-year gap. The psychiatrist prescribes medication and asks the staff to direct the patient to write additional personal history notes while she checks into her background. What you get are two very different stories with the same basic themes and references. It is up to the psychiatrist to figure out what is true and what is a product of the patient's imagination or her very poor mental health.

Detailed Impressions: The main character will have your head spinning as you try to decide what is made up by the patient and what is truth. You will be surprised to read two different versions of a very specific time in the patient's life. You might question your own accounting of the facts. You will try to solve the mystery of who this patient is in relation to the past and what actually happened to her and her alleged family. Is the first story true? Is the second? Are neither true? The patient refers to herself as "baby girl" frequently throughout her writing. Why this particular nickname? As you read the personal histories, some clues are given as to what may have truly happened to this family. I won't give out any spoilers, but the reader will definitely pick up on these nuanced details. By the end of the book, the psychiatrist has her theory. What will yours be?

Who would love this book? I truly think this book is for anyone. It is definitely a psychologically suspenseful story with a mystery to solve. It is also a book about family dynamics, relationships, and the psychology of the human mind. It is a great read if you are looking for something new, exciting, and novel. This is a different kind of book for the writer, but you will find the same quality storytelling and writing that the author consistently delivers to her readers.

I highly recommend this story and easily give it a 5 star rating!

[Scott Lovelace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh me! This book sucks you in and keeps hold! When an unidentified woman is admitted to a psych ward, the staff is bumfuzzled, she is not making any sense. As Dr Brock digs in she is determined to find answers. This was a stark harrowing psychological thriller. The ending will leave you breathless. This is perfect for the approaching spooky season.

[Zoe Kindle Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a page turner, I didn’t want this book to end and stayed up late into the night to finish it. Both Mysterious and suspenseful it keeps you wanting more and more.

An unidentified, middle aged woman is admitted to a psychiatric ward after presenting with psychotic symptoms and hallucinations. She begins a type of journal from her own pov and that of her parents, starting in childhood and carrying on through the years, but the narrative soon begins to change.

If you like books that contain diary entries, this is definitely a book for you, it made me feel like I was intruding in their private thoughts and this is the first book in a long time that I have been thinking about when I wasn’t physically reading it. Easy 4 stars from me.

Thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for my gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[booked.with.julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one totally kept me up past my bedtime! I could not stop flipping the pages.

The patient’s journal entries were equal parts haunting and maddening… you question whether you’re reading truth or a dangerous unraveling of lies.
I’m a huge fan of unreliable narrators and that gave me just that! It will mess with your head and have you questioning everything.
A psychological roller coaster that you will want to add to your TBR!

[Ymbear · Rating 5 out of 5]

What in the world did I just read!!! What happened, oh my goodness! I’ll always wonder what really happened!

I love how this book was written in 3 different voices and then in two different versions. It was super interesting to follow it. Maybe the second version, I read less detailed since it was similar, but I was so drawn to read this book! I read it in 2 sittings! I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC!

[Tina Plintz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok well I’m really confused with the book. Not sure if I got the right book. It starts off with a lady checking into a psych ward, and 3 characters telling their story. Well half way through the book it feels like you’re reading the same thing with parts left out. I thought the story could have been good. But instead was weird and confusing. I’m unsure if I even got a full copy of the story. Cause if I did I can’t recommend it to anyone.

[MKM · Rating 5 out of 5]

One crazy ride. Michele Packard’s sense of humor takes hold though one NEVER knows what to expect. This unreliable narrator takes story telling to new heights. It’s a quick read that left me alternating between laughing and covering my mouth. The moral? Families are never who they appear to be!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read that had me questioning the authenticity of the main character until the very end and to be honest, I’m still questioning the psychiatrists theory.
A quick read that was something different from a normal thriller. Great threads about relationships, families and mental health.
Would recommend

[Wyatt Packard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was able to read an early copy and I really enjoyed it! It’s nice to try and piece together the true story hidden behind all the “family ties”

[Sadie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this wasn't a good fit for me. I found myself feeling confused and frustrated. I'm not sure what exactly I expected, but it wasn't this. The book is about a 50-something lady who is admitted into a psych ward and goes on to tell her story of her life. In the first story, she has siblings and loving parents and moves around a lot due to her dad being in the military. In the second story, you read much of the same things as in the first story, but it's somewhat grittier. She's a single child, her parents lock her in the basement at times and are afraid of her. The book then ends with a synopsis by a psychiatrist, eluding to the fact that neither story is necessarily true and that the woman needs further assessment and medication. I did read the entire book from front to back, and it was a quick read coming in at about 2 hours. I would encourage other readers to pick it up and make their own opinions. As I said, unfortunately, it just wasn't for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Michele Packard for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[VDKeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y’all. Family Ties grabs you by the throat with a manicured hand and whispers, “Buckle up, buttercup.” And whew—I did.

An unidentified woman is admitted to a psych ward, scribbling chaos into a journal and spouting conspiracies that sound just unhinged enough to be true. Enter Dr. Teresa Brock, determined to untangle truth from delusion—but the deeper she digs, the darker it gets.

This book feels like walking through a hall of cracked mirrors—nothing is quite what it seems, and the air practically hums with paranoia. Michele Packard delivers punchy prose, twisty turns, and tension that crawls up your spine. I questioned everyone, including myself, and that final twist? Yeah, it left me reeling.

If you like unreliable narrators, relentless heroines, and stories that mess with your head in the best way, Family Ties belongs on your nightstand. Just maybe don’t read it alone in the dark.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me first start off by saying how grateful I am to have received an ARC from the author. Thank you!

The creepy cover alone had me itching with curiosity and slight unease. It is a HARDBACK copy with the story printed on white premium paper! 6/5 for overall look, feel, and sturdiness.

OK let’s talk about the story. The intro was rolling in hotter than Texas when a questionable female patient was admitted to a hospital with obvious signs of identity confusion or delusions. The bulk of the story was written in journal form with puzzling multiple POVs. I was heavily invested halfway through until I entered the twilight zone. The last half was harder to push through because it seemed to be a rehash of the first half but with differences sprinkled in here and there. Now had this been made into a movie I would definitely buy the popcorn, even with its “what-the…” ending. 🍿

Respect to the author, this book had all the bones and makings of a thrilling psychopathic horror story.

Mental health, Catholicism, Texas were topics of personal interest but to my horror I couldn’t reconcile with the final half so forgive me lord. Amen.




**Stay tuned for my review on Counter-
Intelligence ‼️

[N.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast, entertaining, and twisted read. I enjoyed the author's method of using journal-style entries and physician notes to tell the story. BUT I NEED MORE!! Please write another!

[GG · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes from the blurb but it was underwhelming. I expected much more from the dr and the ‘clues to uncover’. I enjoyed how the journal entries had both agreeing and disagreeing statements to keep you questioning reality. The ending was a bit of a cliff hanger, but I think I would’ve enjoyed the whole story more if that final ‘idea/thought’ was continued through.

[Lily-May · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick read, but unfortunately not for me.
Im unsure what I expected but it wasn't this,
I got a bit confused and although it was good to read from each perspective it felt to repetitive.

thank you netgalley and Michele Packard for the advanced reader copy of this book

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This wasn’t for me. It wasn’t bad by any means, I just didn’t enjoy it. However I do think if you like Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh you might like this too!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚Familly Ties
✍🏻Michele Packard
Blurb:
When a nameless woman enters a psychiatric ward, she brings no history—only chaos. Her erratic behavior, cryptic journal entries, and fragmented tales of abandonment, conspiracy, and violence leave the staff on edge. Every whispered word feels like a puzzle piece to something monstrous, yet nothing fits together.Dr. Teresa Brock is determined to peel back the layers, but with every revelation she uncovers, the walls between reality and delusion collapse. Is this patient merely broken—or is she a predator disguised as prey? The deeper Brock digs, the more she realizes the danger may not be confined to padded rooms and locked doors.

Readers have called this story “a book that sucks you in” and admitted “I need therapy after finishing it.” The reason? Each chapter is a descent into a mind as chilling as it is compelling, where every truth hides a darker lie.

Family Ties—or Family Lies? This is more than a psychological thriller—it’s an obsession that will claw at you long after the final page, leaving you questioning not just the story, but your own grip on reality.
My Thoughts:
An unidentified woman is admitted to a psych ward, scribbling chaos into a journal and spouting conspiracies that sound just unhinged enough to be true. Enter Dr. Teresa Brock, determined to untangle truth from delusion—but the deeper she digs, the darker it gets.

This book feels like walking through a hall of cracked mirrors—nothing is quite what it seems, and the air practically hums with paranoia. Michele Packard delivers punchy prose, twisty turns, and tension that crawls up your spine. I questioned everyone, including myself, and that final twist? Yeah, it left me reeling.

If you like relentless heroines, and stories that mess with your head in the best way, Family Ties belongs on your nightstand. Just maybe don’t read it alone in the dark.
Thanks NetGalley, Publisher and Author Michele Packard for the complimentary copy of "Family Ties" I am leaving a voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Publisher
#MichelePaackard
#FamilyTies
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Eric · Rating 1 out of 5]

The setup is promising: a nameless woman checks into a psychiatric ward, dragging only chaos in with her. Her fragmented journal entries, whispers of conspiracies, and erratic behavior put everyone on edge. Dr. Teresa Brock, determined to untangle the truth, finds that reality itself begins to collapse around the patient. Predator or prey? That’s the hook.
And honestly, I love a good unreliable narrator—when it’s done right, it can keep readers off-balance. Unfortunately, in Family Ties, it felt less like a narrative choice and more like a gimmick. I’d be hard-pressed to even call this a fully fleshed-out book. There were hints of a strong story buried in there, but the author seemed dead-set on forcing the ending into place rather than letting the narrative breathe. Normally, with a book like this, I’d DNF—and I nearly did at the halfway point. I suspect a lot of readers will stop there too. The “mystery” (using the word generously) never really takes shape, and the supposed suspense dissolves into incoherence. Unreliable narrator? More like unreliable author. For me, it made no sense, offered no real payoff, and left me frustrated rather than unsettled. I hope some readers find entertainment in it—I certainly did not.

[Damien Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Family Ties" is an interesting and dark novel from Michele Packard (of 'Matti Baker' infamy).

The story follows a middle-aged woman committed to a psyche ward and the doctor determined to get to the bottom of her health issues. As the mysterious woman begins jotting down details from her life, the story takes a fascinating and mind-bending turn, leaving the reader to question which version of events are true. Is this woman a fantasist, a victim of horrific abuse and neglect, or is she pulling the wool over everyone's eyes for her own gains?

I've had the pleasure of reading Ms. Packard's Matti Baker series and she has a fantastic ability to create a character's voice. For Matti Baker, it's a quirky sense of humour with an unmistakable edge of violence. With this book, it's pure darkness. The two narratives had me constantly leaning from one version to another, constantly question the reality of events, which really sucked me in.

Overall, this is an excellent dark, physiological thriller and like the rest of the author's books, I highly recommend reading it!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

If you are expecting a story like those in the Mattie Baker series, then you will be disappointed. This story is quite different and revolves around a mental patient that has been put on a five day hold. The doctor has little to go on and he gives this person a task of writing what she remembers about her life. The story then reveals this woman's belief from when she was the age of 8. After the doctor reads the multiple pages that were written, he believes that there is something missing. To get a better picture, he once again asks her to write what her life was like. After reviewing the second story, the doctor then made a diagnosis.

To learn what the woman's stories reflected and what the doctor's final diagnosis was, then you need to read this book. Even tho this story was not quite my style, it still kept my interest and had me right till the end of the story.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michele Packard has done it again—but not in the way you’d expect. I’ve read everything she’s written, and Family Ties is not even remotely in the same wheelhouse…and I am absolutely here for it. This book is a barn burner, the perfect genre mashup of psychological thriller and horror, with a tension that grips you by the throat and refuses to let go.


The patient’s journal entries are chilling and disorienting, and the fact that the book is split into two parts only heightens the madness—you’re constantly questioning whether you’re reading the truth, the dangerous unraveling of lies, or if you’re the one losing it. Packard leans hard into the unreliable narrator trope, and she nails it. The ambiguous, unpredictable ending left me reeling and clutching the book with a million questions—will there be more? Can there please be more? Family Ties is the kind of story that makes you want to text your bookish friends at 2 a.m. just to scream, “you are NOT ready for this ending.”

[Ivan Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michele got me on this one!

I am not a fan of thriller books, but since I love her Matti Baker series books, I thought I'd give it a try.

This one had me scared, intrigued, and at the end saying OMG, I didn't see that coming. But the reason I loved it was it was so well written, and I found myself not being able to put it down. And this is coming from someone who doesn't read thriller books too! She might have changed my mind on that one!

Michele takes you down a dark path and you think things are they way they seem, but them she pulls the rug out from under you and it hits you like watching the movie, The Sixth Sense!

Bravo to Michele on an excellent story that was a page turner. I highly recommend Family Ties!

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family Ties is a tense, layered psychological suspense that kept me guessing all the way through. The story begins with a mysterious patient whose disturbing behavior and journal entries raise more questions than answers, and I found myself just as drawn in as Dr. Teresa Brock, who is desperate to uncover the truth. Every new detail added another twist, and I loved how the book blurred the lines between reality, delusion, and manipulation. I enjoyed reading it because it felt like being dropped into a puzzle I couldn’t put down, and the atmosphere kept me turning the pages late into the night

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this book had me playing detective in my own head the whole time! 🕵️‍♀️ Family Ties is a wild ride through secrets, lies, and a psychiatric ward that feels way too real. I couldn’t stop reading because just when I thought I had it figured out—bam!—another curveball smacked me in the face. It’s creepy, twisty, and totally addictive. If you love stories that mess with your mind and keep you second-guessing everything, this is your next binge read. 😱📖

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a strong psychological thriller novel, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. The characters were everything that I wanted in this and had that secrets that I was expecting. It was a strong psychological element that I wanted and was engaged with the suspenseful atmosphere that I was hoping for. Michele Packard wrote this well and was glad I got to read this.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Bloomfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.

I really enjoyed this dark psychological thriller and found it difficult to put down. This book really drew me in as I tried to piece it all together and I'm still questioning which version of events is true even after I've read it.

I'd recommend if you are a psychological thriller fan.

[Tripp Ainsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a killer book. Fun twists and turns. A absolutely reccomend it if you're looking for some good suspence. I'm waiting on Michele to start writing horror becasue of the tapestries she weaves in her narrative.

[Nannette Kreitzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

.

What the heck did I just read?! Packard has created a twisty tale of unnerving ambiguity in Family Ties. What is real? What is imagined? And more importantly, what’s in the basement? If you’re into books that leave you feeling uncomfortable, this one’s for you!

[Aurora Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗖𝗞 𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗞
An unidentified woman is admitted to a psychiatric ward. Dr. Brock asks her to keep a journal of memories, hoping to uncover her identity. Though a diagnosis emerges, uncertainty lingers, leaving Dr Brock questioning what’s real.

𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗡
This fairly short read was suspenseful, mysterious, and unique. I’d suggest avoiding the blurb as I think it’s a bit spoilery.

I loved the journal entries which quickly gave a clear overview of “Baby Girl’s” life (that’s how she’s referred to in the journal). The journals contain 3 POVs - odd but go with it - think quirky, not confusing.

Half way through, the journal stops, then resumes leading to some ‘Groundhog Day” repetition which I enjoyed - it felt a bit like a puzzle with a bunch of uh-huh moments!

The ending is ambiguous, which left me questioning the truth. I usually prefer a resolved ending so I wish there had been more. I appreciate the idea - it’s unique and thought provoking - just felt kinda unsatisfied.

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗?
This was a quick, entertaining, quirky read - as long as you go into it knowing the ending is ambiguous, it definitely deserves a spot on your TBR.

Thank you BookBuzz.net and NetGalley for this #gifted ARC.

🎧 No audiobook available
📖 Publishes 09•09•25 | 252 pages