The Good Mother: A Gripping Psychological Thriller

by Alan Petersen

THE GOOD MOTHER is a twisty psychological thriller about betrayal, buried secrets, and a mother’s worst nightmare come true.

Jenna Morrissey appears to have it all—a beautiful home in Marin County, a picture-perfect marriage, and a bright young daughter she’d do anything to protect. But when her high-powered husband is accused of an affair with his paralegal, then fired amidst explosive allegations, Jenna’s world begins to crack.

And then her daughter disappears.

With the police circling and media coverage intensifying, Jenna is thrust into a terrifying race against time. Everyone has questions. Some believe she knows more than she’s saying. Others wonder how far a mother like Jenna might go to keep up appearances.

But as Jenna digs for answers, what she uncovers will force her to confront a past she thought was long buried—and a chilling truth that someone out there wants revenge.

Someone who knows her darkest secret.

Taut, emotional, and impossible to put down, The Good Mother is perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Lisa Jewell, and Kaira Rouda. Pre-order now and discover the shocking secrets that hide behind even the most perfect lives.

Genres: Thriller

316 pages, Paperback

Published December 16, 2025

Reviews

[AGilden · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm quite surprised by this one's current 4.22 rating. There's nothing wrong with it, but there's also nothing particularly great here. The first 60% sets up the plot in a slow, methodical way with fairly little suspense, the climax is bit of an anti-climax, and the ending feels incomplete. I would have liked a lot more action instead of just the one twist halfway through that didn't seem too surprising.

[Kara Huntley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great read!

[Nancy Toomey · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn’t put it down

This was my first book by this author but absolutely not my last.Read this in 2 days and loved all the twists at the end.I highly recommend recommend

[Dixie Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Kept me guessing!!

[Haynie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me interested

I’ve been having such a hard time finding books that keep my interest. This was an easy read and kept me interested the whole time. Had a nice twist towards the end also.

[RALPH BURDICK · Rating 4 out of 5]

six STARS

six stars says all that’s needed. ! The dude writes great. Go for it!
Will read them all if I can find them.

[Ciarra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good! Did not see the twists coming!

[Jeri Ledbetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real page turner for me with a twist I didn’t see coming at all. I look forward to reading more of Alan Petersen’s books!

[Sandi Barter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing Read

Excellent characters and plot woven into a very believable story of terror and revenge on unsuspecting people who never deserved it.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐ I was planning to give it 4 ⭐, but the ending ruined it for me.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read! Fast paced, gripping and succinct! On an Alan Petersen reading streak and loving them all!