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The Stepmother
- GenresThriller
536 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2026
269 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Paige Brooks
17 books49 followersHi, I’m Paige Brooks—and I write psychological thrillers that dig deep into memory, fear, and the secrets we bury.
Thrillers have always been my favorite kind of story—the kind that leave you unsettled, second-guessing reality, and flipping pages late into the night. The Cage Within is the first in a growing collection of twisty, emotionally layered suspense stories that I can’t wait to share with readers who love that slow-burn tension and eerie atmosphere.
I’ve been married to my husband for over 30 years, and we have one incredible son and two slightly spoiled dogs. We recently moved from the West Coast to the East Coast—a change that definitely inspired the quiet unease and creeping tension in my writing.
If you enjoy thrillers with sharp turns, emotional depth, and that feeling that something’s just out of reach… then I think we’re going to get along just fine.
Thrillers have always been my favorite kind of story—the kind that leave you unsettled, second-guessing reality, and flipping pages late into the night. The Cage Within is the first in a growing collection of twisty, emotionally layered suspense stories that I can’t wait to share with readers who love that slow-burn tension and eerie atmosphere.
I’ve been married to my husband for over 30 years, and we have one incredible son and two slightly spoiled dogs. We recently moved from the West Coast to the East Coast—a change that definitely inspired the quiet unease and creeping tension in my writing.
If you enjoy thrillers with sharp turns, emotional depth, and that feeling that something’s just out of reach… then I think we’re going to get along just fine.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Review of advance copy
Is the word Stepmother evil...
It comes to me as it is usually referred to as a person that most do not get along with, and the children by marriage think of as 'evil'. That is not always the case, but who is the Stepmother evil to?
Diana is newly married to a very rich man who lives in an estate and has workers do most of everything around the estate. His previous wife died 2 years ago, and the children are still stuck in the sadness of that loss. Diana has her hands full, but her husband, Patrick, encourages her to be harsh with them and get them to move on. Such as when Brie goes off on her, Diana suggests a boarding house... in which Patrick gladly backs.
I was very pulled into this story, wondering how far Diana would go, and why Patrick is so harsh now, but let 2 years go by with no structure, like counseling to help the children cope with the loss.
Then... what is being locked away in the basement? What secrets are hidden there?
So much can be hidden in an estate this large, and so much IS hidden... until it is brought into the light.
This story is good for most ages.
Thank you, Paige Brooks, for a great story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
It comes to me as it is usually referred to as a person that most do not get along with, and the children by marriage think of as 'evil'. That is not always the case, but who is the Stepmother evil to?
Diana is newly married to a very rich man who lives in an estate and has workers do most of everything around the estate. His previous wife died 2 years ago, and the children are still stuck in the sadness of that loss. Diana has her hands full, but her husband, Patrick, encourages her to be harsh with them and get them to move on. Such as when Brie goes off on her, Diana suggests a boarding house... in which Patrick gladly backs.
I was very pulled into this story, wondering how far Diana would go, and why Patrick is so harsh now, but let 2 years go by with no structure, like counseling to help the children cope with the loss.
Then... what is being locked away in the basement? What secrets are hidden there?
So much can be hidden in an estate this large, and so much IS hidden... until it is brought into the light.
This story is good for most ages.
Thank you, Paige Brooks, for a great story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.
March 13, 2026
This book immediately grabbed my attention!
The story centres on Diana, the new wife of the wealthy estate owner, Patrick. Two years after their mother's death, Patrick's children are still struggling with grief. However, Patrick insists they must "move on" and pushes Diana to be strict. This dynamic is highlighted when Patrick supports Diana's idea of sending his daughter, Brie, to a boarding school after her bad behaviour.
The core conflict instantly hooked me. I was constantly curious about when Diana would finally break and why Patrick had become so harsh, especially since he hadn't sought counselling or any help for his grieving children for two years. Adding to the intrigue is the mystery of what's hidden in the estate's basement, waiting to be discovered.
A major highlight was the way the story successfully avoided the predictable "evil stepmother" trope. Packed with twists and turns right up to the end, I'm eagerly looking forward to reading the author's next work!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story centres on Diana, the new wife of the wealthy estate owner, Patrick. Two years after their mother's death, Patrick's children are still struggling with grief. However, Patrick insists they must "move on" and pushes Diana to be strict. This dynamic is highlighted when Patrick supports Diana's idea of sending his daughter, Brie, to a boarding school after her bad behaviour.
The core conflict instantly hooked me. I was constantly curious about when Diana would finally break and why Patrick had become so harsh, especially since he hadn't sought counselling or any help for his grieving children for two years. Adding to the intrigue is the mystery of what's hidden in the estate's basement, waiting to be discovered.
A major highlight was the way the story successfully avoided the predictable "evil stepmother" trope. Packed with twists and turns right up to the end, I'm eagerly looking forward to reading the author's next work!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2026
The Stepmother is a pretty fast paced thriller.
Diana, newly married, gains two step children. And while usually the stepmothers are the evil ones, that isn't the case here. The children despise her. They feel like she's her to replace their mother and she is invading their home.
Diana begins to have some weird things happening to her though. Missing time, saying things she can't remember. But she's noticing locked doors. Secrets being whispered. She's paying attention to every thing while having to play naive innocent to what's going on around her because, as she's learning, asking questions will get you killed. It happened to the last person asking questions.
The story is twisted. Her being a new wife, it's obvious who to suspect, but in this story, I truly didn't know who to suspect. Everyone was suspicious. I loved that intrigue to the story. This story is chilling in a way where you aren't scared from fear, you're scared of the next move and what's to come for Diana.
I thought this was a pretty great, well done thriller and I recommend giving this a read.
Diana, newly married, gains two step children. And while usually the stepmothers are the evil ones, that isn't the case here. The children despise her. They feel like she's her to replace their mother and she is invading their home.
Diana begins to have some weird things happening to her though. Missing time, saying things she can't remember. But she's noticing locked doors. Secrets being whispered. She's paying attention to every thing while having to play naive innocent to what's going on around her because, as she's learning, asking questions will get you killed. It happened to the last person asking questions.
The story is twisted. Her being a new wife, it's obvious who to suspect, but in this story, I truly didn't know who to suspect. Everyone was suspicious. I loved that intrigue to the story. This story is chilling in a way where you aren't scared from fear, you're scared of the next move and what's to come for Diana.
I thought this was a pretty great, well done thriller and I recommend giving this a read.
March 15, 2026
There is 2 children who just lost their mom, their father waste no time getting remarried.
Diana knows the kids hate her she does not want to take place of their mom, their says that she has to set rules for them and that she has to disicpline them when they dont follow them. Which makes the relationship between her and the kids even more hostile.
Then she starts seeing things different patterns, locked rooms, time missing,
waking groggy. Is it just stress or is there family secrets that no one wants her to know.
Then the children's mom why was her death just moved on quickly. Sometimes the bad stepmother is actually just what the children need.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Diana knows the kids hate her she does not want to take place of their mom, their says that she has to set rules for them and that she has to disicpline them when they dont follow them. Which makes the relationship between her and the kids even more hostile.
Then she starts seeing things different patterns, locked rooms, time missing,
waking groggy. Is it just stress or is there family secrets that no one wants her to know.
Then the children's mom why was her death just moved on quickly. Sometimes the bad stepmother is actually just what the children need.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2026
This book annoyed me. First of all, the timeline itself made no sense at all. There were parts that were literally repeated; like the teen showed her a letter and a few pages later, she showed her the letter again. I had to go back and check that I wasn't loosing my mind. This behavior of a former prosecutor was very unrealistic. The author seems to have a horrible view of the legal system. There's one chapter that is POV of the husband. That was random. Being so horrible to the kids was uncalled for. Why was the boarding school deadline a thing? The FMC had no clear motive, it was just strange behavior.
May 9, 2026
Needs serious editing
This book had a decent beginning and fell off target quickly. Poor execution. Not sure if this author had an editor. The amount of copy and paste of the same paragraphs was too many to count. The author also seemed to forget their own story and would repeat parts that didn’t match up. One example is the protagonist finds an unmarked pill she has her friend send into a lab to find out what it was. The author originally said it was an aspirin. Then the next chapter it was a vitamin 🤦🏻♀️ a lot of inconsistencies throughout. A lot of repetition and it dragged. No I do not recommend.
This book had a decent beginning and fell off target quickly. Poor execution. Not sure if this author had an editor. The amount of copy and paste of the same paragraphs was too many to count. The author also seemed to forget their own story and would repeat parts that didn’t match up. One example is the protagonist finds an unmarked pill she has her friend send into a lab to find out what it was. The author originally said it was an aspirin. Then the next chapter it was a vitamin 🤦🏻♀️ a lot of inconsistencies throughout. A lot of repetition and it dragged. No I do not recommend.
March 24, 2026
I have read several books by Paige Brooks and this time she has outdone herself!
When Diana comes into their lives, the children quickly come to believe that she is everything that an evil stepmother could be. Their lives couldn't get any worse. Their mother is dead and their father is not a good man. Their grandmother sits on the sidelines and watches as their lives fall apart. Will there be any salvation?
I read this book in 1 sitting! You can feel the hopelessness and desperation seeping from the pages.
When Diana comes into their lives, the children quickly come to believe that she is everything that an evil stepmother could be. Their lives couldn't get any worse. Their mother is dead and their father is not a good man. Their grandmother sits on the sidelines and watches as their lives fall apart. Will there be any salvation?
I read this book in 1 sitting! You can feel the hopelessness and desperation seeping from the pages.
April 4, 2026
Gripping, satisfying
I did find one passage was repeated in the book as a shocking moment. That was a misprint I am sure. I did wish the final statement made from the judge was explained better. I got it but it was way to simple. The book had me on the edge of my seat and in tears. Well written. I wouldnt mind reading a book just about Patrick though. His overly cocky wqys of thinking. It would be dark but interesting. This would make a great movie. I have the characters in my head. Well done!!
I did find one passage was repeated in the book as a shocking moment. That was a misprint I am sure. I did wish the final statement made from the judge was explained better. I got it but it was way to simple. The book had me on the edge of my seat and in tears. Well written. I wouldnt mind reading a book just about Patrick though. His overly cocky wqys of thinking. It would be dark but interesting. This would make a great movie. I have the characters in my head. Well done!!
March 13, 2026
I read this novel as an ARC. This is my review. Diana marries a man after a fast relationship, from the first date to the three months to the wedding. She becomes the stepmother to Brie and Oliver, Patrick's teenagers.From day one they resented her. The twists are coming fast and furious. Be prepared for the twists, feel Diana's fear, her control slipping. Well written,fast paced, A well presented storyline.
April 3, 2026
A Real Winner!!!!
If you love Frieda McFadden, you will absolitely fall in love with Paige. Her style is compelling and pulls you in from the beginning. I can not get over the depth this book goes with Patrick. All the characters are intimately connected and well crafted. I am so sorry that this book can rate only a five star review, for it truly deserves a 10 or better. Don't hesitate to try out this author. She is one of best, truly.
If you love Frieda McFadden, you will absolitely fall in love with Paige. Her style is compelling and pulls you in from the beginning. I can not get over the depth this book goes with Patrick. All the characters are intimately connected and well crafted. I am so sorry that this book can rate only a five star review, for it truly deserves a 10 or better. Don't hesitate to try out this author. She is one of best, truly.
Review of advance copy
She is the evil stepmother because the kids mother died. With twists at each and every turn you will be knocked down off your feet. I enjoyed the fastly paced chapters. It kept me alert and on guard at all times.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 12, 2026
I really enjoyed this novel. A stepmother is introduced to the children. Rules are introduced for the children to follow making them dislike her. The children's mother died 2 years earlier. Control is what the father wants. A number of twists in the storyline. I could not stop reading as I was captivated from the beginning.
March 12, 2026
Chilling to think how easily we accept what we're told and allow ourselves to be manipulated. Is Diana the good wife? the wicked stepmother? the washed-up prosecutor recovering from a breakdown? a controlling monster? Is Patrick the grieving widower? the loving, understands husband? a controlling monster?A twisty, creepy read that will keep you up all night and make you question stereotypes.
Review of advance copy
I received a advanced copy of this book via Booksprout. It was very fast paced from the beginning! Not your average evil stepmother story, and that was my favorite part about it! So many twists and turns all the way to the end. Looking forward to more by this author!
March 13, 2026
Susan
I started this and as soon as I read the first pages I knew I could not put this down until the end - if you are going to add another book to your list this is one to add right away.
I started this and as soon as I read the first pages I knew I could not put this down until the end - if you are going to add another book to your list this is one to add right away.
March 21, 2026
good read
I really enjoyed the story. Finished it in two days. The characters were all believable and interesting. My only down side to this book was there were a lot of areas I had to reread due to sentence structure.
I really enjoyed the story. Finished it in two days. The characters were all believable and interesting. My only down side to this book was there were a lot of areas I had to reread due to sentence structure.
April 13, 2026
This was my first Paige Brooks book, but it won’t be my last! I LOVED this book!! It’s one of the best books I’ve read in years. I truly did have an evil stepmother, so I was on edge from the beginning of this book. The twists and turns are fantastic!
May 1, 2026
Slow reading(sparked little interest) at beginning. Mid way picks up a bit. End(last chapters) grabbed my interest and held it. Ending twists and reveals were surprising. Overall a very good story. No spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book. I found it to be fast paced and full of twists. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
March 14, 2026
This book is part of the Twisted Secrets collection. It’s fast paced and twisted. Full of drama, suspense and secrets. It’s an interesting and gripping psychological thriller.
March 26, 2026
Amazing read, edge of your seat suspense! Over the top!
It was beautifully written. Anyone who loves suspense will love this book. I look forward to seeing more of her work!
It was beautifully written. Anyone who loves suspense will love this book. I look forward to seeing more of her work!
April 1, 2026
Twisted
I like this story. I like every story. I have read by Paige Brooks. They are un put downable. I can’t wait to read another book by this author.
I like this story. I like every story. I have read by Paige Brooks. They are un put downable. I can’t wait to read another book by this author.
April 5, 2026
Good book
This was a decent book. I got a little distracted and found myself skimming some paragraphs. The story itself was pretty good and interesting.
This was a decent book. I got a little distracted and found myself skimming some paragraphs. The story itself was pretty good and interesting.
April 25, 2026
This was 1st book by this author. Will be reading more from her. The twists kept coming & i really enjoyed this book. Had a different ending than what I expected.
May 8, 2026
Awesome book
I recommend this book to everyone. It kept me captivated until the very end! This is my new favorite author.
I recommend this book to everyone. It kept me captivated until the very end! This is my new favorite author.
March 22, 2026
I just finished this and it was AMAZING! The twists were incredible and it certainly kept my attention! I’d definitely recommend reading this book!
Read
April 16, 2026An annoying amount of repetition. Could absolutely be 200 less pages if there were less repetition of so many sentences. Other than that I really liked it and thought the plot was plausible and thrilling.
March 19, 2026
I received a copy of this book via Book funnel for my honest review
I've seen blurbs that say riveting, gripping,that don't always deliver but that is a good description of this book. It caught me from the very start and held me til the very end. Every time I thought I had something figured out I was wrong. Definitely a good read that I will be suggesting to others
I've seen blurbs that say riveting, gripping,that don't always deliver but that is a good description of this book. It caught me from the very start and held me til the very end. Every time I thought I had something figured out I was wrong. Definitely a good read that I will be suggesting to others
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews