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The Stepmother
Not yet published
Expected 24 Sep 26'Had more twists than a corkscrew there was always another twist or piece of action that kept my attention. A truly fantastic book!... I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, holding my breath until the nail-biting finale. A must read for psychological thriller fans!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Talk about a whirlwind of a plot! It's fast-paced and most definitely thrilling... A twisty, twisty tale that just rolls with the punches! As it unfolded I was almost inhaling the book!... Fabulous read!!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It is a day like any other when Sarah arrives at the school gate to pick up her two stepchildren, Izzy and Patrick.
But when the twins don't run out to meet her like normal, Sarah knows something must be wrong.
Sarah can't believe what she's hearing when the teacher informs her that their father, Mike, removed them from school earlier in the day. All of Sarah's calls to Mike go to voicemail.
Worse is to come when Sarah is told by police that as she and Mike are not legally married, and he is the children's father, there is nothing they or Sarah can do.
Then she receives a text message from Don't go home. It's not safe.
What has Mike been hiding? Where are their children? How can Sarah get her family back? Before it's too late...
Everyone is gripped by The Stepmother:
'The tension builds brilliantly, and the action never lets up, which kept me completely hooked from start to finish... The twists were genuinely unexpected' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Gripping psychological thriller with strong emotional depth and plenty of suspense... Fantastic' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An action-packed plot... Gripping is an understatement... The kind of book you start, then barely put down until you reach the shocking and unexpected conclusion. A fabulous psychological thriller that fully deserves five stars' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Talk about a whirlwind of a plot! It's fast-paced and most definitely thrilling... A twisty, twisty tale that just rolls with the punches! As it unfolded I was almost inhaling the book!... Fabulous read!!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It is a day like any other when Sarah arrives at the school gate to pick up her two stepchildren, Izzy and Patrick.
But when the twins don't run out to meet her like normal, Sarah knows something must be wrong.
Sarah can't believe what she's hearing when the teacher informs her that their father, Mike, removed them from school earlier in the day. All of Sarah's calls to Mike go to voicemail.
Worse is to come when Sarah is told by police that as she and Mike are not legally married, and he is the children's father, there is nothing they or Sarah can do.
Then she receives a text message from Don't go home. It's not safe.
What has Mike been hiding? Where are their children? How can Sarah get her family back? Before it's too late...
Everyone is gripped by The Stepmother:
'The tension builds brilliantly, and the action never lets up, which kept me completely hooked from start to finish... The twists were genuinely unexpected' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Gripping psychological thriller with strong emotional depth and plenty of suspense... Fantastic' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'An action-packed plot... Gripping is an understatement... The kind of book you start, then barely put down until you reach the shocking and unexpected conclusion. A fabulous psychological thriller that fully deserves five stars' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 24, 2026
About the author
Sheila Bugler
33 books122 followersI'm the author of the Ellen Kelly and Dee Doran crime novels. My first stand alone novel, The Lucky Eight, is published in July 2021.
I grew up in a small town in the west of Ireland. After studying Psychology at University College Galway, I left Ireland and worked in Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland, Argentina and London before finally settling in Eastbourne, where I now live with my husband, Sean, and our two children.
I grew up in a small town in the west of Ireland. After studying Psychology at University College Galway, I left Ireland and worked in Italy, Spain, Germany, Holland, Argentina and London before finally settling in Eastbourne, where I now live with my husband, Sean, and our two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 17, 2026
Some gripping moments. I enjoyed the fact that for once, the stepmother isn’t a crazy witch who wants to get rid of the kids.
June 21, 2026
ARC Review!!!
Genre: Suspense Thriller
Author: @sheilabuglerauthor
Publication: 24/Sep/2026
Book Tropes:
• London Location
• Trust Issues
• Parents Identity Issues
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Suspense that keeps you reading till the end!!!
FMC’s husband and children gone missing all together and it turns out, her husband is the one who takes them from their school. 🏫
Who is the real father or mother of the children???
Well! This book keeps you wondering upon this question over and over again, and that’s exactly what makes it so addictive, that you will be hooked till the end.
This book has a really strong start!!!
It’s written in a way that keeps you awake, the only reason i gave it 3.50 stars is because it feels a little dragged like if it’s a short book or has more elements then it will be more interesting. But overall, It was a good engaging read.
Genre: Suspense Thriller
Author: @sheilabuglerauthor
Publication: 24/Sep/2026
Book Tropes:
• London Location
• Trust Issues
• Parents Identity Issues
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Suspense that keeps you reading till the end!!!
FMC’s husband and children gone missing all together and it turns out, her husband is the one who takes them from their school. 🏫
Who is the real father or mother of the children???
Well! This book keeps you wondering upon this question over and over again, and that’s exactly what makes it so addictive, that you will be hooked till the end.
This book has a really strong start!!!
It’s written in a way that keeps you awake, the only reason i gave it 3.50 stars is because it feels a little dragged like if it’s a short book or has more elements then it will be more interesting. But overall, It was a good engaging read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Some thrillers slowly build tension. This one threw me straight into panic from the very first pages.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sheila Bugler, and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The prologue alone was enough to hook me completely. A terrified pregnant woman quietly planning her escape from an abusive and controlling partner while carefully monitoring every expression, movement, and word she says instantly created this suffocating atmosphere of fear. What made it even more unsettling was the psychological control woven into every interaction.
And before I had even recovered from that tension, Chapter One completely shifted direction.
Sarah is living what seems like a normal life — school runs, work deadlines, family routines. Then she arrives to pick up her twins from school and discovers they’re gone. Mike, her partner, picked them up early after telling the school that Sarah had been in a terrible accident. Then Sarah receives the text: Don’t go home. It’s too dangerous.
That was the exact moment this book fully grabbed me. What I loved most was how the story turned something so ordinary into something terrifying. Sarah’s panic never felt exaggerated or overly dramatic; it felt painfully believable. I especially appreciated how she initially tries to rationalise everything before the fear truly sinks in. You can feel her world slowly beginning to unravel, chapter by chapter.
The pacing was incredibly addictive. Every chapter ended with another revelation, suspicious interaction, or unsettling discovery that made it impossible to stop reading. What made the story even stronger was the constant uncertainty surrounding the characters. I trusted Sarah because her reactions felt emotionally authentic, but almost everyone else made me suspicious at some point. Mike’s presence hangs over the entire story even when he’s absent, creating this constant sense of unease.
Paloma added another interesting layer of tension because even during supportive moments, I was never fully convinced of her intentions. Every time I thought I finally understood what was happening, the story shifted again.
I also liked how the novel explored Sarah’s vulnerability beyond simply fearing for her children. The fact that she and Mike aren’t legally married becomes deeply important once things begin spiralling, forcing Sarah to realise how fragile her position really is.
The atmosphere throughout the novel felt claustrophobic, paranoid, and emotionally intense. Even moments that should have felt comforting carried an underlying sense of danger. The twists genuinely worked for me, too. A lot of thrillers begin strongly and then collapse under ridiculous late-game reveals, but this one stayed emotionally grounded while still delivering shocking turns. The story becomes far darker and more layered than it first appears, moving beyond a missing-children mystery into something involving manipulation, trauma, hidden crimes, and buried secrets.
I also appreciated that the ending didn’t feel rushed or unrealistically neat. It acknowledged the emotional aftermath while still giving a satisfying conclusion.
If I had one small criticism, it’s that at times, absolutely everyone felt suspicious to the point where I was side-eyeing every character who breathed. But honestly, that paranoia also made the reading experience more fun because I genuinely never knew who to trust.
My Perspective:
This was one of those psychological thrillers that completely consumes your attention while reading it. Tense, addictive, emotionally charged, and impossible to put down. If you enjoy domestic thrillers filled with unreliable characters, escalating tension, emotional stakes, and twists that constantly make you question everything, I’d absolutely recommend this one.☝️
Thank you to NetGalley, Sheila Bugler, and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The prologue alone was enough to hook me completely. A terrified pregnant woman quietly planning her escape from an abusive and controlling partner while carefully monitoring every expression, movement, and word she says instantly created this suffocating atmosphere of fear. What made it even more unsettling was the psychological control woven into every interaction.
And before I had even recovered from that tension, Chapter One completely shifted direction.
Sarah is living what seems like a normal life — school runs, work deadlines, family routines. Then she arrives to pick up her twins from school and discovers they’re gone. Mike, her partner, picked them up early after telling the school that Sarah had been in a terrible accident. Then Sarah receives the text: Don’t go home. It’s too dangerous.
That was the exact moment this book fully grabbed me. What I loved most was how the story turned something so ordinary into something terrifying. Sarah’s panic never felt exaggerated or overly dramatic; it felt painfully believable. I especially appreciated how she initially tries to rationalise everything before the fear truly sinks in. You can feel her world slowly beginning to unravel, chapter by chapter.
The pacing was incredibly addictive. Every chapter ended with another revelation, suspicious interaction, or unsettling discovery that made it impossible to stop reading. What made the story even stronger was the constant uncertainty surrounding the characters. I trusted Sarah because her reactions felt emotionally authentic, but almost everyone else made me suspicious at some point. Mike’s presence hangs over the entire story even when he’s absent, creating this constant sense of unease.
Paloma added another interesting layer of tension because even during supportive moments, I was never fully convinced of her intentions. Every time I thought I finally understood what was happening, the story shifted again.
I also liked how the novel explored Sarah’s vulnerability beyond simply fearing for her children. The fact that she and Mike aren’t legally married becomes deeply important once things begin spiralling, forcing Sarah to realise how fragile her position really is.
The atmosphere throughout the novel felt claustrophobic, paranoid, and emotionally intense. Even moments that should have felt comforting carried an underlying sense of danger. The twists genuinely worked for me, too. A lot of thrillers begin strongly and then collapse under ridiculous late-game reveals, but this one stayed emotionally grounded while still delivering shocking turns. The story becomes far darker and more layered than it first appears, moving beyond a missing-children mystery into something involving manipulation, trauma, hidden crimes, and buried secrets.
I also appreciated that the ending didn’t feel rushed or unrealistically neat. It acknowledged the emotional aftermath while still giving a satisfying conclusion.
If I had one small criticism, it’s that at times, absolutely everyone felt suspicious to the point where I was side-eyeing every character who breathed. But honestly, that paranoia also made the reading experience more fun because I genuinely never knew who to trust.
My Perspective:
This was one of those psychological thrillers that completely consumes your attention while reading it. Tense, addictive, emotionally charged, and impossible to put down. If you enjoy domestic thrillers filled with unreliable characters, escalating tension, emotional stakes, and twists that constantly make you question everything, I’d absolutely recommend this one.☝️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Some books ease you in gently. This one grabbed me by the collar in the prologue and said, You're not sleeping tonight. And it was absolutely right.
The story opens with a woman trapped in an abusive, controlling relationship. She’s terrified, newly pregnant, and planning her escape. The tension is immediate, and I was invested before Chapter 1 even began.
Then Chapter 1 shifts to what appears to be a normal day. Sarah is heading out to pick up the kids from school. Her husband Mike is acting a little strange, and she can’t find the car keys. No big deal… except Mike rarely takes the car. When Sarah arrives at school, the kids are gone. Mike picked them up early after telling the school Sarah had been in a terrible accident. Then Sarah receives a text from him: Don’t go home. It’s too dangerous.
And just like that, . From that moment on, I was completely hooked.
What I loved most about this book was the constant uncertainty. Nothing and no one was what they seemed. Every time I thought I had things figured out, something shifted. The pacing was tight, the suspense kept building, and I genuinely didn’t know who to trust.
I trusted Sarah, the stepmother, throughout the entire book. Her reactions felt authentic and grounded, even when her secrets started to surface. I understood why she made the choices she did, which made the emotional stakes even higher.
But everyone else? Suspicious. All of them. Paloma, the helpful friend who sometimes acted ... unexpectedly. Mike, the children’s father. Surely I should trust him ... right? Sarah’s brother, believed dead for twenty years, suddenly reappearing. Helpful? Maybe. Maybe not. Alasdair, the kind, wealthy businessman looking to buy Mike’s company and eager to help. Or is he? Then the children’s godmother, who I absolutely did not trust, is murdered, Sarah becomes the police’s number one suspect, and the entire time I’m thinking:
What the Fuzzy Kitty? There will be no sleep tonight.
This book made me feel tense, suspicious, and completely invested. I kept reading “just one more chapter” and ended up staying up far too late. By the time I finished, I had a full-blown book hangover, which is always the sign of a great psychological thriller. Thank heavens I don't have any responsibilities tomorrow.
The plot itself was twisty and layered, with strong pacing and well-timed reveals. I especially appreciated that the twists felt earned rather than forced. And the ending delivered. It was satisfying, including outside-the-system justice, and best of all, no loose ends.
If I had one small critique, it’s that the sheer number of suspicious characters occasionally made me second-guess everyone at once, but honestly, that also added to the tension and kept me turning pages. So even that worked in the book’s favor.
Content warnings include themes of domestic abuse, controlling relationships, and violence, which may be difficult for some readers.
This is a top-tier psychological thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy twisty plots, unreliable characters, and high emotional stakes. If you like stories where you trust no one and question everything, this one is absolutely worth picking up. Five stars, no question. I am already recommending it.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for providing this advanced copy for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The story opens with a woman trapped in an abusive, controlling relationship. She’s terrified, newly pregnant, and planning her escape. The tension is immediate, and I was invested before Chapter 1 even began.
Then Chapter 1 shifts to what appears to be a normal day. Sarah is heading out to pick up the kids from school. Her husband Mike is acting a little strange, and she can’t find the car keys. No big deal… except Mike rarely takes the car. When Sarah arrives at school, the kids are gone. Mike picked them up early after telling the school Sarah had been in a terrible accident. Then Sarah receives a text from him: Don’t go home. It’s too dangerous.
And just like that, . From that moment on, I was completely hooked.
What I loved most about this book was the constant uncertainty. Nothing and no one was what they seemed. Every time I thought I had things figured out, something shifted. The pacing was tight, the suspense kept building, and I genuinely didn’t know who to trust.
I trusted Sarah, the stepmother, throughout the entire book. Her reactions felt authentic and grounded, even when her secrets started to surface. I understood why she made the choices she did, which made the emotional stakes even higher.
But everyone else? Suspicious. All of them. Paloma, the helpful friend who sometimes acted ... unexpectedly. Mike, the children’s father. Surely I should trust him ... right? Sarah’s brother, believed dead for twenty years, suddenly reappearing. Helpful? Maybe. Maybe not. Alasdair, the kind, wealthy businessman looking to buy Mike’s company and eager to help. Or is he? Then the children’s godmother, who I absolutely did not trust, is murdered, Sarah becomes the police’s number one suspect, and the entire time I’m thinking:
What the Fuzzy Kitty? There will be no sleep tonight.
This book made me feel tense, suspicious, and completely invested. I kept reading “just one more chapter” and ended up staying up far too late. By the time I finished, I had a full-blown book hangover, which is always the sign of a great psychological thriller. Thank heavens I don't have any responsibilities tomorrow.
The plot itself was twisty and layered, with strong pacing and well-timed reveals. I especially appreciated that the twists felt earned rather than forced. And the ending delivered. It was satisfying, including outside-the-system justice, and best of all, no loose ends.
If I had one small critique, it’s that the sheer number of suspicious characters occasionally made me second-guess everyone at once, but honestly, that also added to the tension and kept me turning pages. So even that worked in the book’s favor.
Content warnings include themes of domestic abuse, controlling relationships, and violence, which may be difficult for some readers.
This is a top-tier psychological thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy twisty plots, unreliable characters, and high emotional stakes. If you like stories where you trust no one and question everything, this one is absolutely worth picking up. Five stars, no question. I am already recommending it.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for providing this advanced copy for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story immediately pulled me in with a situation that feels disturbingly ordinary—until it isn’t. What struck me most is how cleverly the narrative transforms a routine moment into a spiraling nightmare. A school pickup, something so mundane and familiar, becomes the point of rupture, and from there, the tension never really loosens its grip.
From my perspective as a reader, I found myself deeply aligned with Sarah. There’s something profoundly unsettling about her position—not just because the children are missing, but because of how quickly her role in their lives is rendered fragile and almost invisible. That detail—that she is not legally married to Mike—hit particularly hard. It introduces a layer of helplessness that goes beyond emotional panic; it becomes institutional. You can feel her desperation intensify not only because she fears for the children, but because she realizes she may not even have the right to fight for them.
The pacing of the story, at least from what this premise promises, feels sharp and anxiety-driven. Each revelation escalates the stakes: first the absence of the children, then Mike’s silence, then the legal dead-end, and finally that chilling message—“Don’t go home. It’s not safe.” That last line, for me, is where the story truly shifts from a domestic thriller into something darker and more psychologically complex. It suggests that the danger isn’t just external; it’s embedded within the life Sarah thought she knew.
What I personally appreciate is how the story seems to play with trust and perception. Mike’s character becomes a haunting presence—absent, yet central. The question isn’t just where is he? but who is he? That sense of betrayal, of living beside someone whose secrets could unravel everything, is something that lingers with me as a reader. It taps into a very real fear: that the people closest to us might be the ones we understand the least.
Emotionally, I imagine this story would be exhausting in the best way. It’s the kind of narrative that keeps your mind racing, constantly trying to piece together clues while also feeling the protagonist’s panic. I find stories like this particularly compelling because they don’t rely solely on action—they thrive on uncertainty, on the slow, suffocating realization that something is deeply wrong.
If I were to reflect critically, I would say the success of the story will ultimately depend on how it resolves these tensions. A premise this strong creates very high expectations. The mystery around Mike, the children’s disappearance, and the ominous warning all demand a payoff that is both surprising and emotionally satisfying. As a reader, I would want the resolution to not only explain the events but also justify the intense psychological buildup.
Overall, from my point of view, this story feels like a gripping domestic thriller that explores vulnerability, legality, trust, and fear in a very intimate way. It’s the kind of narrative that would keep me turning pages late into the night—not just to find out what happens, but to understand how everything that seemed normal could unravel so completely.
From my perspective as a reader, I found myself deeply aligned with Sarah. There’s something profoundly unsettling about her position—not just because the children are missing, but because of how quickly her role in their lives is rendered fragile and almost invisible. That detail—that she is not legally married to Mike—hit particularly hard. It introduces a layer of helplessness that goes beyond emotional panic; it becomes institutional. You can feel her desperation intensify not only because she fears for the children, but because she realizes she may not even have the right to fight for them.
The pacing of the story, at least from what this premise promises, feels sharp and anxiety-driven. Each revelation escalates the stakes: first the absence of the children, then Mike’s silence, then the legal dead-end, and finally that chilling message—“Don’t go home. It’s not safe.” That last line, for me, is where the story truly shifts from a domestic thriller into something darker and more psychologically complex. It suggests that the danger isn’t just external; it’s embedded within the life Sarah thought she knew.
What I personally appreciate is how the story seems to play with trust and perception. Mike’s character becomes a haunting presence—absent, yet central. The question isn’t just where is he? but who is he? That sense of betrayal, of living beside someone whose secrets could unravel everything, is something that lingers with me as a reader. It taps into a very real fear: that the people closest to us might be the ones we understand the least.
Emotionally, I imagine this story would be exhausting in the best way. It’s the kind of narrative that keeps your mind racing, constantly trying to piece together clues while also feeling the protagonist’s panic. I find stories like this particularly compelling because they don’t rely solely on action—they thrive on uncertainty, on the slow, suffocating realization that something is deeply wrong.
If I were to reflect critically, I would say the success of the story will ultimately depend on how it resolves these tensions. A premise this strong creates very high expectations. The mystery around Mike, the children’s disappearance, and the ominous warning all demand a payoff that is both surprising and emotionally satisfying. As a reader, I would want the resolution to not only explain the events but also justify the intense psychological buildup.
Overall, from my point of view, this story feels like a gripping domestic thriller that explores vulnerability, legality, trust, and fear in a very intimate way. It’s the kind of narrative that would keep me turning pages late into the night—not just to find out what happens, but to understand how everything that seemed normal could unravel so completely.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Title: The Stepmother
Author: Sheila Bugler
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: September 24, 2026
My Rating: 4.4 Stars
Pages: 288
Sarah and her partner Mike have lived together for five years and have a lovely home in Cator Estate on a beautiful
tree-lined street. She loves being a Stepmother to his twins, and is happy being a mom doing routine family things.
Sarah had dropped off nine-year-old Lizzy and Patrick at St. Bartholomew Prep (a pricey private school) and
then return home. She is a freelance writer and just got a new assignment that she needs to work on.
She overhears Mike on the phone and he seems upset. He has his own PR business and says something
about an unhappy client then drops the subject. She goes back to working on her job and when she finishes, she is aware
it close to time to pick up the twins from school. This is the last day of the term so she knows they will be anxious.
When she goes downstairs Mike isn’t home, additionally, she notices that her car isn’t in the driveway. Mike
doesn’t like to drive but for some reason he took her car.
She approaches her friend Paloma who is fine with taking her to pick up the kids. However, when they get to school, the children aren’t there. Sarah talks with their teacher Miss Hardy who is surprised to see Sarah and tells her Mr. Williams, their dad picked them up early because she had been in a terrible accident. Sarah wants to speak with the principal Judith Simms who is a long-time friend of Mike’s family and the children’s godmother. When they enter Ms. Simms’ office she is s also surprised to see Sarah and states the same thing as Miss Hardy. Confirming that Mike came around noon upset said there was an emergency and had to take the children.
Confused and wondering if the phone call had something to do with Mike’s behavior.
While in the Principal’s office she receives a text message – Don’t Go Home it is too dangerous!
Of course, she goes home hoping to find Mike but he nor the children are there. But in the middle of the night
she hears someone in the house.
Wow! This story got far more involved than I had expected or anticipated. Great read!
I am already looking forward to my next Sheila Bugler story!
I want to thank NetGalley, and Hodder & Stoughton Publishers for this great eGalley.
Publishing date Scheduled for September 24, 2026.
Author: Sheila Bugler
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: September 24, 2026
My Rating: 4.4 Stars
Pages: 288
Sarah and her partner Mike have lived together for five years and have a lovely home in Cator Estate on a beautiful
tree-lined street. She loves being a Stepmother to his twins, and is happy being a mom doing routine family things.
Sarah had dropped off nine-year-old Lizzy and Patrick at St. Bartholomew Prep (a pricey private school) and
then return home. She is a freelance writer and just got a new assignment that she needs to work on.
She overhears Mike on the phone and he seems upset. He has his own PR business and says something
about an unhappy client then drops the subject. She goes back to working on her job and when she finishes, she is aware
it close to time to pick up the twins from school. This is the last day of the term so she knows they will be anxious.
When she goes downstairs Mike isn’t home, additionally, she notices that her car isn’t in the driveway. Mike
doesn’t like to drive but for some reason he took her car.
She approaches her friend Paloma who is fine with taking her to pick up the kids. However, when they get to school, the children aren’t there. Sarah talks with their teacher Miss Hardy who is surprised to see Sarah and tells her Mr. Williams, their dad picked them up early because she had been in a terrible accident. Sarah wants to speak with the principal Judith Simms who is a long-time friend of Mike’s family and the children’s godmother. When they enter Ms. Simms’ office she is s also surprised to see Sarah and states the same thing as Miss Hardy. Confirming that Mike came around noon upset said there was an emergency and had to take the children.
Confused and wondering if the phone call had something to do with Mike’s behavior.
While in the Principal’s office she receives a text message – Don’t Go Home it is too dangerous!
Of course, she goes home hoping to find Mike but he nor the children are there. But in the middle of the night
she hears someone in the house.
Wow! This story got far more involved than I had expected or anticipated. Great read!
I am already looking forward to my next Sheila Bugler story!
I want to thank NetGalley, and Hodder & Stoughton Publishers for this great eGalley.
Publishing date Scheduled for September 24, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It seems like just another day when Sarah arrives at the school gate to collect her two stepchildren, Izzy and Patrick. But when the twins don’t run out to meet her like normal, Sarah knows something is wrong. She cannot believe what she is hearing when the teacher informs her that their father, Mike, removed them from school earlier in the day. All her calls to him go to voicemail and when she reports them missing, as she has no legal responsibility for the children, there is nothing they nor Sarah can do. She is deflated. Surely Mike hasn’t left her? But then a text message from Mike appears: Don’t go home. It’s not safe.
What has Mike been hiding? Where are their children? As the number of crimes start mounting, can Sarah get her family back before it’s too late?
A strong prologue and the book just continues to get better! The book focuses on Sarah as the main narrator who is really likeable and well developed by SB. Despite us finding out she has told lies about her past, she does seem a reliable, authentic narrator. During her emotional panic, we can sense her desperation and helplessness as well as the legality of Sarah’s relationship with children she has raised as her own. This was a heartbreaking realisation to read.
The involvement of unexpected people from Sarah and Mike’s past was really well done and made the book feel even more claustrophobic! I didn’t know who to trust as thrillers have me doubting everyone! As more clues come to light, it is clear which direction the story is going, but it doesn’t ruin it. The intense build up at towards the ending was so exciting and satisfying!
A fast paced, dark story with a great plot, short chapters, misdirection, paranoia, betrayal and past secrets that bubble to the surface. This is my first read of SB’s work and I would highly recommend this story for those who enjoy psychological thriller with a domestic element.
*TW - discussion of domestic violence throughout the book*
Thank you to NetGallery, Hodder and Stoughton and Sheila Bugler for the ARC of this book!
What has Mike been hiding? Where are their children? As the number of crimes start mounting, can Sarah get her family back before it’s too late?
A strong prologue and the book just continues to get better! The book focuses on Sarah as the main narrator who is really likeable and well developed by SB. Despite us finding out she has told lies about her past, she does seem a reliable, authentic narrator. During her emotional panic, we can sense her desperation and helplessness as well as the legality of Sarah’s relationship with children she has raised as her own. This was a heartbreaking realisation to read.
The involvement of unexpected people from Sarah and Mike’s past was really well done and made the book feel even more claustrophobic! I didn’t know who to trust as thrillers have me doubting everyone! As more clues come to light, it is clear which direction the story is going, but it doesn’t ruin it. The intense build up at towards the ending was so exciting and satisfying!
A fast paced, dark story with a great plot, short chapters, misdirection, paranoia, betrayal and past secrets that bubble to the surface. This is my first read of SB’s work and I would highly recommend this story for those who enjoy psychological thriller with a domestic element.
*TW - discussion of domestic violence throughout the book*
Thank you to NetGallery, Hodder and Stoughton and Sheila Bugler for the ARC of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
- 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓢𝓽𝓮𝓹𝓶𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 [ꜱʜᴇɪʟᴀ ʙᴜɢʟᴇʀ]
Rating: ★★★★
author; @sheilabuglerauthor
My first ARC of 2026 from @netgalley — and what an absolute read! 🤯
This story follows Sarah, who goes to collect her twins from school only to discover they aren’t there. What starts as a normal school pick-up quickly turns into every parent’s worst nightmare, and from that moment the tension never lets up.
This book had me hooked right from the prologue. I devoured it within 24 hours, which honestly doesn’t happen to me very often. It’s been such a long time since I’ve read one that completely pulled me in and refused to let go.
The plot was incredibly well done and the pacing kept me turning the pages constantly. The twists and turns had me questioning absolutely everyone. I didn’t trust a single character except Sarah and even then I found myself wondering if there was more going on. I love a thriller that keeps you guessing, and this one absolutely delivered.
I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” but before I knew it I had finished the book in two sittings because I had to know what was going to happen next. The suspense, the mystery, and the constant sense that something wasn’t quite right made this such an addictive read.
This was my first time reading anything by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last. I loved everything about this book - the plot, the tension, and the way it kept me completely invested in the story from beginning to end.
If you love psychological thrillers that keep you guessing and make you question everyone, this is definitely one to pick up.
🖤 psychological thriller
🖤 trust no-one
🖤 domestic abuse
🖤 hidden secrets
🖤 murder
🖤 estranged siblings
🖤 violence
🖤 revealed truths
🏷️ #bookstagram #homelibrary #booklover #bookshelves bookworm
Rating: ★★★★
author; @sheilabuglerauthor
My first ARC of 2026 from @netgalley — and what an absolute read! 🤯
This story follows Sarah, who goes to collect her twins from school only to discover they aren’t there. What starts as a normal school pick-up quickly turns into every parent’s worst nightmare, and from that moment the tension never lets up.
This book had me hooked right from the prologue. I devoured it within 24 hours, which honestly doesn’t happen to me very often. It’s been such a long time since I’ve read one that completely pulled me in and refused to let go.
The plot was incredibly well done and the pacing kept me turning the pages constantly. The twists and turns had me questioning absolutely everyone. I didn’t trust a single character except Sarah and even then I found myself wondering if there was more going on. I love a thriller that keeps you guessing, and this one absolutely delivered.
I kept telling myself “just one more chapter,” but before I knew it I had finished the book in two sittings because I had to know what was going to happen next. The suspense, the mystery, and the constant sense that something wasn’t quite right made this such an addictive read.
This was my first time reading anything by this author, and it definitely won’t be my last. I loved everything about this book - the plot, the tension, and the way it kept me completely invested in the story from beginning to end.
If you love psychological thrillers that keep you guessing and make you question everyone, this is definitely one to pick up.
🖤 psychological thriller
🖤 trust no-one
🖤 domestic abuse
🖤 hidden secrets
🖤 murder
🖤 estranged siblings
🖤 violence
🖤 revealed truths
🏷️ #bookstagram #homelibrary #booklover #bookshelves bookworm
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Stepmother hooked me from its opening moment of quiet, everyday normality—the kind that feels safe right up until it isn’t. Sarah arriving at the school gates, expecting the familiar rush of Izzy and Patrick into her arms, only to be met with an empty space and a teacher’s uneasy expression… it’s such a simple scene, but it lands with a thud of dread that never quite lets up.
What follows is a tense, spiralling unravelling of a family built on love, trust, and the fragile hope that blended lives can knit together seamlessly. Sarah’s panic feels so raw and immediate, especially as she realises how little power she has in the eyes of the law. The way the ground shifts beneath her—one moment she’s a mother in every way that matters, the next she’s told she has no rights at all—gives the story a sharp emotional edge.
Mike’s disappearance, the unanswered calls, and then that chilling text—Don’t go home. It’s not safe.—turn the novel into a breathless race for answers. I loved how the tension builds not through shock tactics but through the slow, creeping sense that Sarah has been living alongside secrets she never even thought to question. Every revelation feels like a door opening into a darker room.
The pacing is tight, the atmosphere claustrophobic in the best way, and Sarah’s determination to protect the children—despite every obstacle thrown at her—makes her incredibly easy to root for. There’s a real emotional heartbeat beneath the twists, a reminder of how vulnerable love can make us and how fiercely we fight for the people we claim as our own.
Gripping, unsettling, and surprisingly tender in its quieter moments, The Stepmother is the kind of domestic thriller that keeps you reading long after you meant to stop, driven by equal parts fear and hope.
With thanks to Shelia Bugler, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
What follows is a tense, spiralling unravelling of a family built on love, trust, and the fragile hope that blended lives can knit together seamlessly. Sarah’s panic feels so raw and immediate, especially as she realises how little power she has in the eyes of the law. The way the ground shifts beneath her—one moment she’s a mother in every way that matters, the next she’s told she has no rights at all—gives the story a sharp emotional edge.
Mike’s disappearance, the unanswered calls, and then that chilling text—Don’t go home. It’s not safe.—turn the novel into a breathless race for answers. I loved how the tension builds not through shock tactics but through the slow, creeping sense that Sarah has been living alongside secrets she never even thought to question. Every revelation feels like a door opening into a darker room.
The pacing is tight, the atmosphere claustrophobic in the best way, and Sarah’s determination to protect the children—despite every obstacle thrown at her—makes her incredibly easy to root for. There’s a real emotional heartbeat beneath the twists, a reminder of how vulnerable love can make us and how fiercely we fight for the people we claim as our own.
Gripping, unsettling, and surprisingly tender in its quieter moments, The Stepmother is the kind of domestic thriller that keeps you reading long after you meant to stop, driven by equal parts fear and hope.
With thanks to Shelia Bugler, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC!
Everyone has secrets. Some get you killed, others pull you into their mysteries until you find yourself digging for the truth so you can survive. Sarah has a secret, and during the course of the book, she finds out everyone around her has secrets of their own. But those secrets become dangerous when it involves the lives of her step-children.
The book shows us what makes a mother a mom, and to what ends she can go to find and protect her children. No matter who says otherwise, Sarah is a mother who will do anything she can to solve the mystery of her partner's disappearance together with his children.
Everyone in the book acts like their own person, driven by their will and secrets. Some react negatively, others hold on tight to what keeps them human, others make choices based on what they think is right. Sometimes, there is no right or wrong when it comes to decisions, just who is more desperate about making it.
Sarah is a distraught mother and partner, and fighting all odds to find her family, even if that means digging all the secrets her family has hidden. While at times I found her a bit gullible and distant when it comes to some matters, she fights tooth and nail for her loved ones.
The thriller aspect became a whirlwind after the bad guys revealed themselves, and you felt like you had to finish one more page until you find out what exactly is going to happen. I finished the book in a day just to make sure my hypothesis was correct, which was a bit predictable, but still entertaining.
Everyone has secrets. Some get you killed, others pull you into their mysteries until you find yourself digging for the truth so you can survive. Sarah has a secret, and during the course of the book, she finds out everyone around her has secrets of their own. But those secrets become dangerous when it involves the lives of her step-children.
The book shows us what makes a mother a mom, and to what ends she can go to find and protect her children. No matter who says otherwise, Sarah is a mother who will do anything she can to solve the mystery of her partner's disappearance together with his children.
Everyone in the book acts like their own person, driven by their will and secrets. Some react negatively, others hold on tight to what keeps them human, others make choices based on what they think is right. Sometimes, there is no right or wrong when it comes to decisions, just who is more desperate about making it.
Sarah is a distraught mother and partner, and fighting all odds to find her family, even if that means digging all the secrets her family has hidden. While at times I found her a bit gullible and distant when it comes to some matters, she fights tooth and nail for her loved ones.
The thriller aspect became a whirlwind after the bad guys revealed themselves, and you felt like you had to finish one more page until you find out what exactly is going to happen. I finished the book in a day just to make sure my hypothesis was correct, which was a bit predictable, but still entertaining.
May 22, 2026
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
If I had to describe this book in a few points, I would say:
• Fast paced thriller
• Family secrets
• Multiple twists
• Suspense and tension
• Strong setup and payoff
This book honestly helped pull me out of a reading slump. The pacing was fast enough that I kept wanting to know what was going on, and the middle of the story was especially fun because there was so much information unfolding at once that I genuinely did not know how all the pieces connected.
What I enjoyed most was the payoff. The author introduced enough clues, twists, and characters to keep the story interesting without making it too confusing or overcrowded. In the end, most of the threads came together in a satisfying way, and I appreciated how everything connected back to earlier parts of the story.
That said, I think some of the reveals came a little too early. At a certain point, the book suddenly gives a lot of clues at once, and I started figuring things out shortly before the official reveal. I would have preferred the surprise to last a little longer because the buildup before that was done really well.
I also felt the ending was slightly rushed. Some of the biggest moments and action happened very quickly or were explained afterward instead of being fully experienced in real time, which made parts of the resolution feel a bit underwhelming compared to the tension built earlier in the story.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and engaging thriller with enough twists, tension, and family drama to keep me invested until the end
⭐️⭐️⭐️
If I had to describe this book in a few points, I would say:
• Fast paced thriller
• Family secrets
• Multiple twists
• Suspense and tension
• Strong setup and payoff
This book honestly helped pull me out of a reading slump. The pacing was fast enough that I kept wanting to know what was going on, and the middle of the story was especially fun because there was so much information unfolding at once that I genuinely did not know how all the pieces connected.
What I enjoyed most was the payoff. The author introduced enough clues, twists, and characters to keep the story interesting without making it too confusing or overcrowded. In the end, most of the threads came together in a satisfying way, and I appreciated how everything connected back to earlier parts of the story.
That said, I think some of the reveals came a little too early. At a certain point, the book suddenly gives a lot of clues at once, and I started figuring things out shortly before the official reveal. I would have preferred the surprise to last a little longer because the buildup before that was done really well.
I also felt the ending was slightly rushed. Some of the biggest moments and action happened very quickly or were explained afterward instead of being fully experienced in real time, which made parts of the resolution feel a bit underwhelming compared to the tension built earlier in the story.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and engaging thriller with enough twists, tension, and family drama to keep me invested until the end
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and Sheila Bugler for providing me with an advance copy of The Stepmother in exchange for an honest review.
This book was all over the roadway—and surprisingly, that's mostly a compliment.
From the very beginning, The Stepmother throws readers into chaos. Sarah's boyfriend disappears with two children in tow, and from there the story takes one sharp turn after another. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was happening, the plot swerved in a completely different direction. Psychopaths? Check. Wealthy families with secrets? Check. Questionable decisions and increasingly wild schemes? Oh, absolutely.
The pacing kept me engaged, and I genuinely wanted to know where this train wreck was headed. The problem was that after all the twists, tension, and drama, the ending felt a little too neat and sentimental for my taste. It wasn't exactly a romance, but it had the emotional wrap-up of one. After all the darkness and dysfunction, I expected something with a bit more bite.
That said, I can't deny that I was entertained. The mystery kept me guessing, the characters kept me side-eyeing everyone, and the story never stood still long enough for me to get bored.
Overall, The Stepmother is a twisty domestic thriller that delivers plenty of surprises, even if the final destination wasn't quite where I wanted the journey to end.
⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ 4 Stars
Final Verdict: Buckle up, keep your hands inside the vehicle at all times, and don't get too attached to your theories—this one takes the scenic route to crazy.
This book was all over the roadway—and surprisingly, that's mostly a compliment.
From the very beginning, The Stepmother throws readers into chaos. Sarah's boyfriend disappears with two children in tow, and from there the story takes one sharp turn after another. Just when I thought I had a handle on what was happening, the plot swerved in a completely different direction. Psychopaths? Check. Wealthy families with secrets? Check. Questionable decisions and increasingly wild schemes? Oh, absolutely.
The pacing kept me engaged, and I genuinely wanted to know where this train wreck was headed. The problem was that after all the twists, tension, and drama, the ending felt a little too neat and sentimental for my taste. It wasn't exactly a romance, but it had the emotional wrap-up of one. After all the darkness and dysfunction, I expected something with a bit more bite.
That said, I can't deny that I was entertained. The mystery kept me guessing, the characters kept me side-eyeing everyone, and the story never stood still long enough for me to get bored.
Overall, The Stepmother is a twisty domestic thriller that delivers plenty of surprises, even if the final destination wasn't quite where I wanted the journey to end.
⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ 4 Stars
Final Verdict: Buckle up, keep your hands inside the vehicle at all times, and don't get too attached to your theories—this one takes the scenic route to crazy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Review: The Stepmother by Sheila Bugler
Pub Date: 24 September 2026
The Stepmother is a gripping, emotionally charged thriller that hooks you from the very first page and refuses to let go.
What starts as an ordinary school pickup quickly spirals into every parent’s worst nightmare. When Sarah arrives to collect her stepchildren and discovers they’ve been taken by their father, the tension escalates instantly. From that moment on, the story becomes a relentless race against time, layered with secrets, fear, and a growing sense of dread.
Bugler does an exceptional job of capturing Sarah’s vulnerability and frustration—especially the legal helplessness she faces as a stepmother. That emotional realism adds a powerful depth to the story, making it more than just a thriller; it’s a deeply unsettling exploration of family, trust, and how quickly everything can unravel.
The pacing is sharp and addictive, with short, tense chapters that make it almost impossible to put down. Just when you think you have a grasp on what’s happening, another twist pulls you deeper into the mystery. The ominous message—“Don’t go home. It’s not safe.”—lingers long after you’ve read it, setting the tone for a story filled with unease and suspicion.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers packed with tension, emotional stakes, and shocking reveals, The Stepmother is one to add to your list. It’s a compelling reminder that sometimes the people closest to us hold the darkest secrets.
**Rating: 5 🌟
Pub Date: 24 September 2026
The Stepmother is a gripping, emotionally charged thriller that hooks you from the very first page and refuses to let go.
What starts as an ordinary school pickup quickly spirals into every parent’s worst nightmare. When Sarah arrives to collect her stepchildren and discovers they’ve been taken by their father, the tension escalates instantly. From that moment on, the story becomes a relentless race against time, layered with secrets, fear, and a growing sense of dread.
Bugler does an exceptional job of capturing Sarah’s vulnerability and frustration—especially the legal helplessness she faces as a stepmother. That emotional realism adds a powerful depth to the story, making it more than just a thriller; it’s a deeply unsettling exploration of family, trust, and how quickly everything can unravel.
The pacing is sharp and addictive, with short, tense chapters that make it almost impossible to put down. Just when you think you have a grasp on what’s happening, another twist pulls you deeper into the mystery. The ominous message—“Don’t go home. It’s not safe.”—lingers long after you’ve read it, setting the tone for a story filled with unease and suspicion.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers packed with tension, emotional stakes, and shocking reveals, The Stepmother is one to add to your list. It’s a compelling reminder that sometimes the people closest to us hold the darkest secrets.
**Rating: 5 🌟
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review
The Stepmother by Sheila Bugler
Sarah believed she had a wonderful life with her partner and his two children, raising the twins as if they were her own. She loved them all deeply. Then, one day, her life shattered. Mike picked the twins up from school and disappeared without a trace. Terrified and desperate, Sarah searched for them, but no one seemed to know what had happened. The deeper she dug, the more danger she found herself in, and the secrets that slowly came to light shocked her to the core. Would she ever see the children again?
This was an incredible psychological thriller that hooked me from the very first page. The story is fast-paced yet well written, filled with twists that left me speechless. I kept turning the pages, eager to discover what would happen next. So many secrets were revealed along the way, and the characters developed significantly by the end of the novel.
I especially loved Sarah. She was fierce, determined, and willing to fight for the children no matter the cost. The secondary characters also played strong and important roles in shaping the story. Although the ending wasn't exactly what I expected, it fit the plot perfectly.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers packed with suspense and shocking revelations, this is definitely a book worth picking up.
The Stepmother by Sheila Bugler
Sarah believed she had a wonderful life with her partner and his two children, raising the twins as if they were her own. She loved them all deeply. Then, one day, her life shattered. Mike picked the twins up from school and disappeared without a trace. Terrified and desperate, Sarah searched for them, but no one seemed to know what had happened. The deeper she dug, the more danger she found herself in, and the secrets that slowly came to light shocked her to the core. Would she ever see the children again?
This was an incredible psychological thriller that hooked me from the very first page. The story is fast-paced yet well written, filled with twists that left me speechless. I kept turning the pages, eager to discover what would happen next. So many secrets were revealed along the way, and the characters developed significantly by the end of the novel.
I especially loved Sarah. She was fierce, determined, and willing to fight for the children no matter the cost. The secondary characters also played strong and important roles in shaping the story. Although the ending wasn't exactly what I expected, it fit the plot perfectly.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers packed with suspense and shocking revelations, this is definitely a book worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sarah arrives at school one day to pick up twins as normal. But, not normal, the twins are nowhere to be seen. She is told they were picked up earlier by their dad because she had been involved in an accident. After, she receives a text from her husband telling her not to return home because it is not safe. And the story goes from there with Sarah desperate to find her husband and children and understand what is happening.
The author did a great job of providing a story that pulled me in. It did not seem to lag as some tend to do and kept momentum throughout. The storyline itself was not super outlandish although I did have to do a bit of a mental stretch to see how all of the intertwining of characters happened. I am not normally one to figure out what has happened early in a story but this one was the outlier. I pretty quickly picked up on what was happening but I still wanted to finish which is a plus. There are still quite a few typos, etc., that need a good edit but overall the writing was not bad and what I expect from a domestic suspense like this.
I did receive this book as an arc from NetGalley
The author did a great job of providing a story that pulled me in. It did not seem to lag as some tend to do and kept momentum throughout. The storyline itself was not super outlandish although I did have to do a bit of a mental stretch to see how all of the intertwining of characters happened. I am not normally one to figure out what has happened early in a story but this one was the outlier. I pretty quickly picked up on what was happening but I still wanted to finish which is a plus. There are still quite a few typos, etc., that need a good edit but overall the writing was not bad and what I expect from a domestic suspense like this.
I did receive this book as an arc from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Pacy, suspenseful and full of secrets, The Stepmother by Sheila Bugler is a lively read that keeps you hooked.
The novel brilliantly turns the everyday into something nightmarish, tapping into every parent’s worst fear: the abduction of a child. Sarah’s day begins as ordinary and routine, until nine-year-old twins Izzy and Patrick fail to meet her at the school gates. What follows is an increasingly tense story of lies, deceit and withheld truths, constantly raising the question: who can she really trust?
The premise is thoughtful. While it includes classic thriller elements — unfolding events, hidden pasts and undisclosed identities — it also explores the legal and moral complexities of blended families. I particularly appreciated how it delves into the emotional reality of being a step-parent and what that role truly means. Bugler handles this with sensitivity, steering clear of the ‘wicked stepmother’ trope to focus instead on love and belonging.
There are plenty of engaging moments that keep the story moving at a brisk pace. A strong choice for readers who enjoy family drama with a thriller edge.
The novel brilliantly turns the everyday into something nightmarish, tapping into every parent’s worst fear: the abduction of a child. Sarah’s day begins as ordinary and routine, until nine-year-old twins Izzy and Patrick fail to meet her at the school gates. What follows is an increasingly tense story of lies, deceit and withheld truths, constantly raising the question: who can she really trust?
The premise is thoughtful. While it includes classic thriller elements — unfolding events, hidden pasts and undisclosed identities — it also explores the legal and moral complexities of blended families. I particularly appreciated how it delves into the emotional reality of being a step-parent and what that role truly means. Bugler handles this with sensitivity, steering clear of the ‘wicked stepmother’ trope to focus instead on love and belonging.
There are plenty of engaging moments that keep the story moving at a brisk pace. A strong choice for readers who enjoy family drama with a thriller edge.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Sarah falls in love with and marries Mike, she thinks she’s found her happy ending, complete with adorable twins she loves as her own. But when she arrives at school one day to pick them up and discovers Mike already collected the children, panic quickly sets in. As Sarah desperately tries to figure out where her family has gone, the story spirals into a tense domestic mystery full of secrets and suspicion.
One thing I really appreciated was that Sarah wasn’t written as the stereotypical evil stepmother. Her love for the twins felt genuine, and Sheila Bugler did an excellent job capturing the sheer panic and confusion Sarah experiences once they disappear. Those early chapters especially pulled me in and made me anxious right alongside her.
Unfortunately, while the premise was strong, the overall story felt a bit too straightforward for me. I found the twists fairly easy to predict, and the suspense didn’t fully maintain my attention the way I’d hoped. Still, readers who enjoy fast-paced domestic thrillers with unreliable characters and family secrets may have a great time with this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC!
One thing I really appreciated was that Sarah wasn’t written as the stereotypical evil stepmother. Her love for the twins felt genuine, and Sheila Bugler did an excellent job capturing the sheer panic and confusion Sarah experiences once they disappear. Those early chapters especially pulled me in and made me anxious right alongside her.
Unfortunately, while the premise was strong, the overall story felt a bit too straightforward for me. I found the twists fairly easy to predict, and the suspense didn’t fully maintain my attention the way I’d hoped. Still, readers who enjoy fast-paced domestic thrillers with unreliable characters and family secrets may have a great time with this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sarah drives up to the school gates to pick up her two stepchildren twins Izzy and Patrick. Normally they would run up to her, but they are no where to be seen. When Sarah speaks to the Head teacher Judith. She has been told that Mike has already picked them up, earlier that day. When she tried to ring him, the phone goes straight to voicemail and when she goes to report them missing, the Police tell her that she has no legal right as they are not her children and Sarah and Mike are not married. Sarah still worries about the children, as she has raised them since they were babies as their mother Laura died. She then gets a text from Mike saying to not go home as it is not safe.
You know you are going to get a story full of tension when story starts with children go missing as this is no exception. Why has Mike taken the twins and why it’s not safe to go home. As Sarah soon discovers Mike has been keeping things from her. But little does he know Sarah has secrets of her own. This is a multi-layered story full of tension with lots of characters and twists that kept me guessing throughout. But it became clear and a satisfying conclusion at the end. 4 stars.
You know you are going to get a story full of tension when story starts with children go missing as this is no exception. Why has Mike taken the twins and why it’s not safe to go home. As Sarah soon discovers Mike has been keeping things from her. But little does he know Sarah has secrets of her own. This is a multi-layered story full of tension with lots of characters and twists that kept me guessing throughout. But it became clear and a satisfying conclusion at the end. 4 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved The Stepmother by Sheila Bugler—it’s exactly the kind of psychological read I enjoy. The tension builds brilliantly, and the action never lets up, which kept me completely hooked from start to finish. I really appreciated how the story unfolded, with revelations revealed at just the right moments to keep the suspense high. The twists were genuinely unexpected, and the ending didn’t go the way I thought it would at all, but I really liked how everything was wrapped up—it felt both satisfying and impactful.
Sarah was a standout character for me. I loved her fierce, protective nature—like a true tigress fighting for her cubs—and I thought she handled everything thrown at her incredibly well. The characters overall were so well drawn and realistic that I found it easy to picture both them and the scenes as I read.
There are so many secrets woven into the story, and the writing is clear, concise, and perfectly paced. Sheila Bugler does a fantastic job of keeping the reader engaged throughout, and this is definitely an author I want to read more from.
Sarah was a standout character for me. I loved her fierce, protective nature—like a true tigress fighting for her cubs—and I thought she handled everything thrown at her incredibly well. The characters overall were so well drawn and realistic that I found it easy to picture both them and the scenes as I read.
There are so many secrets woven into the story, and the writing is clear, concise, and perfectly paced. Sheila Bugler does a fantastic job of keeping the reader engaged throughout, and this is definitely an author I want to read more from.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a good read, with action that built up as the story continued. It centers on Sarah, who goes to pick her twins up at school only to realize that her partner Mike has already taken them with no explanation. The rest of the book is Sarah trying to get them back while at the same time investigating the secrets Mike was hiding. Of course she has secrets of her own too.
Sarah acted like I would expect of someone in this situation as she untangled the various clues to figure out what was happening. There were some things that I felt she was a little slow to pick up on, but I enjoyed being along for the ride as she figured stuff out. While I thought it was pretty clear who the culprit was early in the book, I enjoyed following the breadcrumbs. I thought the ending of the book was realistic for the story and the characters, though I suspect some won't be satisfied.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I would recommend to those who enjoy psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah acted like I would expect of someone in this situation as she untangled the various clues to figure out what was happening. There were some things that I felt she was a little slow to pick up on, but I enjoyed being along for the ride as she figured stuff out. While I thought it was pretty clear who the culprit was early in the book, I enjoyed following the breadcrumbs. I thought the ending of the book was realistic for the story and the characters, though I suspect some won't be satisfied.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I would recommend to those who enjoy psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
CONTAINS SPOILERS!!
This book is fast‑paced, and I love when a story doesn’t make me wait several chapters for things to unfold. It grabs you immediately and keeps you guessing, answering one question only to raise another.
There were some surprises and some disappointments. Paloma, in particular, made me angry. I suspected something was off with her, but I didn’t love that she played a role in the children’s kidnapping. I also felt a bit unsatisfied with the fate of Munro. Not because of what happened, but because we weren’t there for it; getting the recap secondhand from Bill and Mike felt like a missed moment.
I did appreciate that Mike and Sarah didn’t end up together (and she reconnected with her brother). It felt far more realistic than magically overcoming all those lies and secrets for the happily-ever-after. And with Paloma, if my best friend had done something like that, I wouldn’t be ready to see or speak to her again so quickly either.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy and the opportunity to share my honest thoughts.
This book is fast‑paced, and I love when a story doesn’t make me wait several chapters for things to unfold. It grabs you immediately and keeps you guessing, answering one question only to raise another.
There were some surprises and some disappointments. Paloma, in particular, made me angry. I suspected something was off with her, but I didn’t love that she played a role in the children’s kidnapping. I also felt a bit unsatisfied with the fate of Munro. Not because of what happened, but because we weren’t there for it; getting the recap secondhand from Bill and Mike felt like a missed moment.
I did appreciate that Mike and Sarah didn’t end up together (and she reconnected with her brother). It felt far more realistic than magically overcoming all those lies and secrets for the happily-ever-after. And with Paloma, if my best friend had done something like that, I wouldn’t be ready to see or speak to her again so quickly either.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy and the opportunity to share my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It is a day like any other when Sarah arrives at the school gate to pick up her two stepchildren, Izzy and Patrick.
But when the twins don't run out to meet her like normal, Sarah knows something must be wrong.
Sarah can't believe what she's hearing when the teacher informs her that their father, Mike, removed them from school earlier in the day. All of Sarah's calls to Mike go to voicemail.
This Book had me gripped from the start. It is a domestic thriller, set in what appears to be a very ordinary family and friends’ network. The story started with the school pickup and things just unravelled from there. The characters were well developed and as the plot developed it was exceedingly difficult to know who to trust, with the different lies and twists being woven through the story.
I really enjoyed what was a fast paced, rollercoaster of a book, and now want to read more from this author.
Thank you to #NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and Sheila Bugler for my copy of #TheStepmother
But when the twins don't run out to meet her like normal, Sarah knows something must be wrong.
Sarah can't believe what she's hearing when the teacher informs her that their father, Mike, removed them from school earlier in the day. All of Sarah's calls to Mike go to voicemail.
This Book had me gripped from the start. It is a domestic thriller, set in what appears to be a very ordinary family and friends’ network. The story started with the school pickup and things just unravelled from there. The characters were well developed and as the plot developed it was exceedingly difficult to know who to trust, with the different lies and twists being woven through the story.
I really enjoyed what was a fast paced, rollercoaster of a book, and now want to read more from this author.
Thank you to #NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and Sheila Bugler for my copy of #TheStepmother
April 27, 2026
The Stepmother is a tense, fast~ paced domestic thriller that quickly turns an ordinary family routine into a nightmare. When Sarah arrives to collect her stepchildren from school and discovers they’ve disappeared with their father, the story plunges into a gripping mystery built on secrets, trust and vulnerability. The premise - where Sarah has little legal standing as she isn’t married - adds a chilling layer of realism and urgency.
Sheila Bugler excels at creating unease within familiar domestic settings, gradually revealing hidden tensions beneath what first appears to be a stable family life. The pacing is sharp, with short, suspenseful developments that keep the reader engaged, while the emotional stakes - particularly Sarah’s desperation - give the thriller real depth.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to capture the rising tension and with plenty of unexpected surprises along the way.
A great read, highly recommended.
Sheila Bugler excels at creating unease within familiar domestic settings, gradually revealing hidden tensions beneath what first appears to be a stable family life. The pacing is sharp, with short, suspenseful developments that keep the reader engaged, while the emotional stakes - particularly Sarah’s desperation - give the thriller real depth.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to capture the rising tension and with plenty of unexpected surprises along the way.
A great read, highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Firstly, I just wanted to say thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read this advance copy of The Stepmother by Sheila Bugler. As I'm not a fan of spoilers, there wont be any in this review.
This is the first time I've read anything by Sheila Bugler and I honestly have to say I loved it. The style of writing, vocabulary used and chronological order of the book made it an easy and enjoyable read. The storyline was tense and unbelievably realistic, that at times I felt a sense of unease. The more I got into the book I found that each chapter gave just enough to keep me guessing, and just when I got to grips with that, another twist was introduced so that I was never entirely sure who or what to trust.
In all, this was a refreshingly different storyline where I could never have predicted the end. If you enjoy books where family dynamics are intense and unpredictable, this is the read for you.
This is the first time I've read anything by Sheila Bugler and I honestly have to say I loved it. The style of writing, vocabulary used and chronological order of the book made it an easy and enjoyable read. The storyline was tense and unbelievably realistic, that at times I felt a sense of unease. The more I got into the book I found that each chapter gave just enough to keep me guessing, and just when I got to grips with that, another twist was introduced so that I was never entirely sure who or what to trust.
In all, this was a refreshingly different storyline where I could never have predicted the end. If you enjoy books where family dynamics are intense and unpredictable, this is the read for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Stepmother by Sheila Bugler is a real rollercoaster of a read and kept me turning the pages late into the night. I was hooked from the first few paragraphs and with the fast pace not letting up, I felt a real sense of tension throughout.
I really liked that Sarah wasn’t portrayed as most stepmothers in this genre. Her love for the children and desperation to find them was palpable which made me forgive some of the slightly questionable choices she sometimes made! There’s a lot of books in this genre and this particular take has made this one stand out amongst many for me.
This is the first book I have read by Sheila Bugler and I was delighted to discover there’s quite a back catalogue for me to check out! I can’t wait for this author’s next book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author for an eARC of The Stepmother
I really liked that Sarah wasn’t portrayed as most stepmothers in this genre. Her love for the children and desperation to find them was palpable which made me forgive some of the slightly questionable choices she sometimes made! There’s a lot of books in this genre and this particular take has made this one stand out amongst many for me.
This is the first book I have read by Sheila Bugler and I was delighted to discover there’s quite a back catalogue for me to check out! I can’t wait for this author’s next book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author for an eARC of The Stepmother
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We start with a young, pregnant terrified woman in an abusive relationship plotting her escape. Then pivot to Sarah.
Sarah goes to collect her kids from school on the day before holidays start, they aren’t there. Over some tense reading it transpires their Dad, Mike, has picked them up, wont return Sarah’s call but does send her a text telling her not to go home, it’s too dangerous.
For the remainder we follow Sarah as she frantically searches for her family. Mike’s secrets, Sarah’s secrets slowly reveal themselves.
Look for a tight, gripping, psychological thriller page turner? This is that book, a brilliant engaging book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah goes to collect her kids from school on the day before holidays start, they aren’t there. Over some tense reading it transpires their Dad, Mike, has picked them up, wont return Sarah’s call but does send her a text telling her not to go home, it’s too dangerous.
For the remainder we follow Sarah as she frantically searches for her family. Mike’s secrets, Sarah’s secrets slowly reveal themselves.
Look for a tight, gripping, psychological thriller page turner? This is that book, a brilliant engaging book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved the premise of this book. Strong start with lies and deceit. Who is telling the truth and who is even who they claim to be? Who can be trusted? The reader is well and truly drawn in, especially as two vulnerable children are involved.
However, for me, about half way through, the story begins to lose it's way and becomes drawn out. By the last 25% is is simply silly and a series of coincidences and spoken explanations.
The reader should be able to work out what is happening rather than needing to be told.
Why were doors and gates suddenly left open and how did a nine year old suddenly know the combination to a lock???
A good start but a poor ending.
With thanks to Sheila Bugler, the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
However, for me, about half way through, the story begins to lose it's way and becomes drawn out. By the last 25% is is simply silly and a series of coincidences and spoken explanations.
The reader should be able to work out what is happening rather than needing to be told.
Why were doors and gates suddenly left open and how did a nine year old suddenly know the combination to a lock???
A good start but a poor ending.
With thanks to Sheila Bugler, the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sarah arrives at school to pick up her stepchildren, only to find their biological father has taken them and vanished.
Because she and Mike aren't legally married, the police can't help her.
Then comes the text from Mike: Don't go home. It's not safe.
With tense, short chapters and an immediate hook making this an addictive, one-sitting read, the author captures the emotional and legal vulnerability of being a stepparent. Sarah loves the children deeply but faces legal helplessness because she lacks biological ties.The final act feels a bit rushed, with sudden character shifts and a few too many twists packed into the ending but overall, it is a gripping, popcorn-thriller perfect for fans of domestic suspense.
3.5 stars
Because she and Mike aren't legally married, the police can't help her.
Then comes the text from Mike: Don't go home. It's not safe.
With tense, short chapters and an immediate hook making this an addictive, one-sitting read, the author captures the emotional and legal vulnerability of being a stepparent. Sarah loves the children deeply but faces legal helplessness because she lacks biological ties.The final act feels a bit rushed, with sudden character shifts and a few too many twists packed into the ending but overall, it is a gripping, popcorn-thriller perfect for fans of domestic suspense.
3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A ride you don't want to get off, full of twists and turns, right up to the last page.
Do we really know our partner? A comfortable life, and boom, gone!
Did I suspect the culprits as they are presented, nope! The the author does a great job of hiding and bringing facts out.
In the end there is no one to trust, and those you think you can, the evil one has some control.
I loved the out come of those that perpetrated what happened here, justice?
You will be holding your breath, and find your heart in your throat! All the while I love the twins!
I will say I enjoyed the fast pace read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Hodder & Stoughton, and was not required to give a positive review.
Do we really know our partner? A comfortable life, and boom, gone!
Did I suspect the culprits as they are presented, nope! The the author does a great job of hiding and bringing facts out.
In the end there is no one to trust, and those you think you can, the evil one has some control.
I loved the out come of those that perpetrated what happened here, justice?
You will be holding your breath, and find your heart in your throat! All the while I love the twins!
I will say I enjoyed the fast pace read!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Hodder & Stoughton, and was not required to give a positive review.
March 29, 2026
Well done! This is a solid thriller with lots of action and twists galore. Not earth shattering twists but decent and interesting. You can figure out some of the twists but it is still ok and won’t impact your enjoyment of the book. It’s a fast read with relatively short chapters and good pacing. The characters were consistent and their actions made good sense for the most part. This feels like a fun pulpy beach read for hot summer days. This is my first book by the author but I would definitely pick up her other novels!
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced review copy for honest review!
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced review copy for honest review!
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