What do you think?
Rate this book
Mother Dearest
Not yet published
Expected 9 Mar 27A pulse-pounding, “you have to read it to believe it” domestic suspense novel featuring a young woman writing letters to her estranged mother about the man she’ll marry…except he already has a wife and family.
Imogene always wanted her freedom from her mother, and now she has it.
Mother Dearest,
I am still trying to sift through the events of last night. It all feels very surreal. When I woke up this morning, I hoped it was a dream. I’d even accept it as a nightmare. But it’s not. I’m not with you and that alone feels catastrophic. I can’t believe we had our first fight!
But the tendrils connecting a mother to her daughter will always run deep.
Freedom is a funny thing. It’s something I wanted so badly, but now I’m wondering if what I had with you was better? Is the price of all of this going to be worth it? Do you miss me yet?
What you said was hurtful, but I know I deserved it. I’m still processing my departure, it was rather sudden. I hope you know I haven’t been planning this. It just happened.
Imogene doesn't know how to handle her mother's estrangement. But then she meets the perfect man, the one even her mother would approve of. She just knows that once they get married, her mother will welcome her back with open arms. Except he has a wife and daughter.
As mother always said, a problem is only a problem until you solve it.
A claustrophobic and can’t-look-away thriller, MOTHER DEAREST will have you on the edge of your seat with this sharp story you won’t ever forget.
"Unhinged." - Kelsey Cox
"Chilling." - Alex Finlay
"So addictive it should come with a warning." - #1 New York Times bestselling author Alice Feeney
Imogene always wanted her freedom from her mother, and now she has it.
Mother Dearest,
I am still trying to sift through the events of last night. It all feels very surreal. When I woke up this morning, I hoped it was a dream. I’d even accept it as a nightmare. But it’s not. I’m not with you and that alone feels catastrophic. I can’t believe we had our first fight!
But the tendrils connecting a mother to her daughter will always run deep.
Freedom is a funny thing. It’s something I wanted so badly, but now I’m wondering if what I had with you was better? Is the price of all of this going to be worth it? Do you miss me yet?
What you said was hurtful, but I know I deserved it. I’m still processing my departure, it was rather sudden. I hope you know I haven’t been planning this. It just happened.
Imogene doesn't know how to handle her mother's estrangement. But then she meets the perfect man, the one even her mother would approve of. She just knows that once they get married, her mother will welcome her back with open arms. Except he has a wife and daughter.
As mother always said, a problem is only a problem until you solve it.
A claustrophobic and can’t-look-away thriller, MOTHER DEAREST will have you on the edge of your seat with this sharp story you won’t ever forget.
"Unhinged." - Kelsey Cox
"Chilling." - Alex Finlay
"So addictive it should come with a warning." - #1 New York Times bestselling author Alice Feeney
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 9, 2027
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
September 17, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Ahhhhhhhhh, what a wild ride!
The story is told through a series of completely unhinged letters from daughter Imogene to Mother, and the way it all unfolds is so addicting. I’ve never read a book written quite like this, and the format really worked for me. I love short chapters, so going from letter to letter kept me flying through the pages.
The way Clare Bird takes you through Imogene’s life will grab you and not let go. There were so many moments when I literally stopped and thought, What did I just read??? Just when I thought I knew where things were going, Imogene would give me another reason to question everything.
I can’t wait for release day next year so I can give this book all the hype it deserves. Clare Bird, you have a fan in me!
Ahhhhhhhhh, what a wild ride!
The story is told through a series of completely unhinged letters from daughter Imogene to Mother, and the way it all unfolds is so addicting. I’ve never read a book written quite like this, and the format really worked for me. I love short chapters, so going from letter to letter kept me flying through the pages.
The way Clare Bird takes you through Imogene’s life will grab you and not let go. There were so many moments when I literally stopped and thought, What did I just read??? Just when I thought I knew where things were going, Imogene would give me another reason to question everything.
I can’t wait for release day next year so I can give this book all the hype it deserves. Clare Bird, you have a fan in me!
Read
September 26, 2026ARC provided by St. Martin's Press
The entire story is told through letters, and I honestly loved that format. Every letter gave me a little more of what was going on, and I was hooked waiting for the next piece.
Imagene was such a well-written character. I went from annoyed to upset to completely creeped out by her, and somehow that just made me want to keep reading. I had a pretty good idea of where the story was going, but that didn’t take away from it at all. I still needed to know how everything was going to play out.
This definitely gave me Carrie vibes. It got more unhinged as it went, the pacing kept me hooked, and the letter format made the whole thing even more fun to read. Then the ending brought everything together.
This was just such a fun, creepy, unhinged read.
I recommend this for readers who like psychological horror, unconventional storytelling, and stories that slowly get more disturbing as everything starts coming together.
The entire story is told through letters, and I honestly loved that format. Every letter gave me a little more of what was going on, and I was hooked waiting for the next piece.
Imagene was such a well-written character. I went from annoyed to upset to completely creeped out by her, and somehow that just made me want to keep reading. I had a pretty good idea of where the story was going, but that didn’t take away from it at all. I still needed to know how everything was going to play out.
This definitely gave me Carrie vibes. It got more unhinged as it went, the pacing kept me hooked, and the letter format made the whole thing even more fun to read. Then the ending brought everything together.
This was just such a fun, creepy, unhinged read.
I recommend this for readers who like psychological horror, unconventional storytelling, and stories that slowly get more disturbing as everything starts coming together.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Through letters written to her mother, we learn Imogene finally escaped her controlling, estranged reclusive mother and thinks she’s found the perfect man until she discovers he’s already married with a daughter. Determined to make him hers, Imogene’s idea of fixing the problem quickly turns dark, dangerous, and completely unhinged. YIKES!
It's original, psychological, deranged, dark, twisted, toxic, suspenseful, claustrophobic, and fantastic!! This is the type of story that we see on TV like dateline, 20/20, 60 minutes, cold case, 48hours. The deeper I got, the darker and more unsettling it became, and I never guessed how it would end. I binged this book. I'm not saying anything else because you need to read the craziness yourself. I loved it and I'm looking forward to reading more from Clare Bird.
PRE-ORDER NOW. Release date is 03 / 09 /2027.
Thank you Netgalley, and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
It's original, psychological, deranged, dark, twisted, toxic, suspenseful, claustrophobic, and fantastic!! This is the type of story that we see on TV like dateline, 20/20, 60 minutes, cold case, 48hours. The deeper I got, the darker and more unsettling it became, and I never guessed how it would end. I binged this book. I'm not saying anything else because you need to read the craziness yourself. I loved it and I'm looking forward to reading more from Clare Bird.
PRE-ORDER NOW. Release date is 03 / 09 /2027.
Thank you Netgalley, and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.
May 25, 2026
Composed entirely through letters and newspaper clippings, MOTHER DEAREST is like a beautiful amalgamation of The Last Mrs. Parrish meets Sally Hepworth’s The Good Sister meets Liz Nugent’s Strange Sally Diamond with a narrator that you’ll truly never forget until your dying breath.
Imogene has found the man she’s going to marry, and she’s writing to her mother to share the exciting news… but there’s one problem: he already has a wife and family. Will that stop Imogene? I think it’s safely not a spoiler to say that absolutely nothing will stop her. She may be the most deranged main character I’ve ever encountered in a novel, and yet I still found myself inherently rooting for her.
Clare Bird’s insanely unhinged debut novel immediately puts her on my “one to watch” list for the rest of my reading life. I genuinely fear for anyone who picks up this book with plans afterward, because it is utterly compulsive. With mostly one to two page chapters {letters}, I found myself furiously turning the pages, desperate to reach the compelling ending.
5 deliciously demented stars!
Imogene has found the man she’s going to marry, and she’s writing to her mother to share the exciting news… but there’s one problem: he already has a wife and family. Will that stop Imogene? I think it’s safely not a spoiler to say that absolutely nothing will stop her. She may be the most deranged main character I’ve ever encountered in a novel, and yet I still found myself inherently rooting for her.
Clare Bird’s insanely unhinged debut novel immediately puts her on my “one to watch” list for the rest of my reading life. I genuinely fear for anyone who picks up this book with plans afterward, because it is utterly compulsive. With mostly one to two page chapters {letters}, I found myself furiously turning the pages, desperate to reach the compelling ending.
5 deliciously demented stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4-5 stars rounded up
Mother Dearest,
It’s been hard to get my freedom but now at the age of 26, I have it. You’ll be pleased to know I’ve found the perfect man and I know you’ll approve. There’s a problem or two, but I know how to solve it, as you taught me well.
Making lemonade,
Your daughter,
Imogene Billings
“Unhinged”, “Chilling”, “So addictive it should come with a warning”. Yes, it’s absolutely all of those things and I’m totally there for it. I think my eyes nearly popped out on stalks by page 2, which must be some kind of record and my jaw is bruised with repeatedly hitting the deck. It’s also darkly funny, I know, it shouldn’t be but that’s largely down to Imogene and some of the witty, pithy remarks especially at the end of her letters to her dearest mother.
Imogene has quite the backstory and it’s a shocker and so it means there’s a lot of delusion, as well as naive innocence and a multitude of dark scars and even darker actions. I veer from being appalled to a dawning understanding as more is revealed although there’s horror at what that translates into.
The novel is so well told via the letters and that takes skill. It’s extremely effective and is a cohesive whole as well as being full of atmosphere, although it’s the kind that freezes the blood. It knocks me off kilter on so many occasions which, for me, makes it a compelling read. It’s full of twists, some I can see coming but the end one is one of those unpredictable ones and kudos to the author for that. It’s an addictive fast paced, glide through read which is hard to put down. Highly recommended.
Overall, a jet black novel which is right up my alley.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Simon and Schuster for the much appreciated early copy and return for an honest review.
Mother Dearest,
It’s been hard to get my freedom but now at the age of 26, I have it. You’ll be pleased to know I’ve found the perfect man and I know you’ll approve. There’s a problem or two, but I know how to solve it, as you taught me well.
Making lemonade,
Your daughter,
Imogene Billings
“Unhinged”, “Chilling”, “So addictive it should come with a warning”. Yes, it’s absolutely all of those things and I’m totally there for it. I think my eyes nearly popped out on stalks by page 2, which must be some kind of record and my jaw is bruised with repeatedly hitting the deck. It’s also darkly funny, I know, it shouldn’t be but that’s largely down to Imogene and some of the witty, pithy remarks especially at the end of her letters to her dearest mother.
Imogene has quite the backstory and it’s a shocker and so it means there’s a lot of delusion, as well as naive innocence and a multitude of dark scars and even darker actions. I veer from being appalled to a dawning understanding as more is revealed although there’s horror at what that translates into.
The novel is so well told via the letters and that takes skill. It’s extremely effective and is a cohesive whole as well as being full of atmosphere, although it’s the kind that freezes the blood. It knocks me off kilter on so many occasions which, for me, makes it a compelling read. It’s full of twists, some I can see coming but the end one is one of those unpredictable ones and kudos to the author for that. It’s an addictive fast paced, glide through read which is hard to put down. Highly recommended.
Overall, a jet black novel which is right up my alley.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Simon and Schuster for the much appreciated early copy and return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Mother Dearest,
I must confess: I absconded with the advanced copy of this book that my wife received. I was lured in first by the cover--very compelling--but once I saw the author’s name, I simply had to read it.
You see, Mother, the author is Clare--my sister (your daughter!). When exactly she found the time to write an entire novel remains a mystery to me, though I suspect some combination of late nights, determination, and mild delusion.
Anyway, Mother, the book was great. And I’m not just saying that because I’m related to the author. If I were giving it a biased brother’s rating, it would be a 6 out of 5. My strictly objective, professional, completely impartial rating is a firm 5/5.
I admired Imogene’s perseverance in solving problems and her relentless pursuit of meeting her mother’s expectations. It was also a joy to bring the side characters to life in my mind--Benjamin/Millie, Stevie, The Dream Team, Aunt Janie… and, of course, Mother.
Though, I must admit, Mother, I'm a little bit concerned.
This book was...how shall I put it--unhinged!
Reading the letters and gradually uncovering how Imogene processes the world was, at times, a bit unnerving. She was so likeable(?) that I found myself rooting for her success… while simultaneously wondering if perhaps she should, in fact, be stopped.
Which leads me to a question I feel only you can answer: do you think Clare is okay?
On a separate note, I have added several shows to my TBW list based on Imogene’s recommendations, so the book has already made a meaningful contribution to my personal growth.
Mother, I truly hope Clare writes more books. This is an exceptional debut, but I feel strongly that she should follow it up with, say, ten more--at minimum. Until then, I will be passing the time with episodes of Jeopardy! and quiet anticipation.
Lastly, let me say I am deeply grateful you were nothing like the mother in this book. She was… something else.
Mildly disturbed, deeply impressed,
Max
I must confess: I absconded with the advanced copy of this book that my wife received. I was lured in first by the cover--very compelling--but once I saw the author’s name, I simply had to read it.
You see, Mother, the author is Clare--my sister (your daughter!). When exactly she found the time to write an entire novel remains a mystery to me, though I suspect some combination of late nights, determination, and mild delusion.
Anyway, Mother, the book was great. And I’m not just saying that because I’m related to the author. If I were giving it a biased brother’s rating, it would be a 6 out of 5. My strictly objective, professional, completely impartial rating is a firm 5/5.
I admired Imogene’s perseverance in solving problems and her relentless pursuit of meeting her mother’s expectations. It was also a joy to bring the side characters to life in my mind--Benjamin/Millie, Stevie, The Dream Team, Aunt Janie… and, of course, Mother.
Though, I must admit, Mother, I'm a little bit concerned.
This book was...how shall I put it--unhinged!
Reading the letters and gradually uncovering how Imogene processes the world was, at times, a bit unnerving. She was so likeable(?) that I found myself rooting for her success… while simultaneously wondering if perhaps she should, in fact, be stopped.
Which leads me to a question I feel only you can answer: do you think Clare is okay?
On a separate note, I have added several shows to my TBW list based on Imogene’s recommendations, so the book has already made a meaningful contribution to my personal growth.
Mother, I truly hope Clare writes more books. This is an exceptional debut, but I feel strongly that she should follow it up with, say, ten more--at minimum. Until then, I will be passing the time with episodes of Jeopardy! and quiet anticipation.
Lastly, let me say I am deeply grateful you were nothing like the mother in this book. She was… something else.
Mildly disturbed, deeply impressed,
Max
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an addictive read!!!!
Imogene Billings - as many of the characters will repeatedly tell you in this story - comes across as, well, weird!
What can possibly have caused this disturbing rift between a mother and her obviously devoted daughter? Imogene comes across as such an obliging, loving daughter. Every letter ends with Imogene beseeching her Mother Dearest to forgive her and allow her back into the parental abode.... but as the story progresses, we begin to realize that something is truly very rotten in Casa Billings.
But never fear! Imogene has a plan to regain her mother’s approval and forgiveness: she will move mountains if necessary to liberate The Perfect Man from his current wife and toddler - and make him her own! Mother will surely pardon Imogene for whatever domestic crime she had committed when she sees that her dutiful daughter has captured the heart of her mother's concept of an Ideal Man: Benjamin Kline.
Psychopath is too mild a label for Imogene’s mother – and for Imogene herself. I was cringing with horror so many, many times throughout this engrossing story. No matter how appalling Imogene’s rationalizations can be, I doubt that any reader will be able to put this book down for long. You just have to know! What is this insane woman going to do next?!!!
Highly recommended! Five out of 5 gobsmacked stars. (I did guess the twist, but it was true poetic justice!) My thanks to the author, her publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Well done!
September 2, 2026
This is one of the best debuts I’ve ever read! It is written primarily in letter format with some news sprinkled here and there. It flowed perfectly and there wasn’t a dry moment in this book. Amazing comedians have great comedic timing and in this book I would have to say that Clare Bird had perfect literary timing and prose that I’m nit sure I’ve read before. It was literary genius.
MOTHER DEAREST was the unhinged story of Imogene Billings who has taken to writing her mother’s letters (a lot of letters) after they’ve had a fight. As her mother won’t speak to her and in an effort to win her approval, she sets out to marry the perfect man. Even if he’s already married to someone else.
This was a slow burn that you think you know where it’s going but I’m willing to bet that there’s a good chance you don’t because wow!
Thank you so much to St. Martins Press and Clare Bird for my gifted copy!
MOTHER DEAREST was the unhinged story of Imogene Billings who has taken to writing her mother’s letters (a lot of letters) after they’ve had a fight. As her mother won’t speak to her and in an effort to win her approval, she sets out to marry the perfect man. Even if he’s already married to someone else.
This was a slow burn that you think you know where it’s going but I’m willing to bet that there’s a good chance you don’t because wow!
Thank you so much to St. Martins Press and Clare Bird for my gifted copy!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a wild and unhinged ride! It has been a long time since I read a book in 24 hours. This one was so much fun... 5 shining stars!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you so much to Minotaur Books for the gifted ARC!
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be UNSETTLING. If I could pick a second word it would be UNPUTDOWNABLE. So, the whole time I was reading it, I was enthralled but also terrified because WHAT WAS THAT!!??
I want to tell everyone to read this, but also wow, are you ever in for an unhinged story! I finished a few days ago and still don't have the words to describe it. Told almost entirely in letters from Imogene to her mother, the story slowly reveals the WILD life events that brought Imogene from a child to who she is today. Who she is today is someone that I'm not sure if should pity or be terrified of...the answer is probably both.
This could also be described as a more deranged Eleanor Oliphant meets Strange Sally Diamond. If those comparisons speak to you, then buckle up and go in as blind as possible.
This book will make you THINK. It would be such a good pick to read with your bookclub!! To say I LIKED it would make me a little bit insane, but it was so well-written and thought-provoking that I can't give it anything other than 5 stars.
Content warnings? Yes. All. LOL
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be UNSETTLING. If I could pick a second word it would be UNPUTDOWNABLE. So, the whole time I was reading it, I was enthralled but also terrified because WHAT WAS THAT!!??
I want to tell everyone to read this, but also wow, are you ever in for an unhinged story! I finished a few days ago and still don't have the words to describe it. Told almost entirely in letters from Imogene to her mother, the story slowly reveals the WILD life events that brought Imogene from a child to who she is today. Who she is today is someone that I'm not sure if should pity or be terrified of...the answer is probably both.
This could also be described as a more deranged Eleanor Oliphant meets Strange Sally Diamond. If those comparisons speak to you, then buckle up and go in as blind as possible.
This book will make you THINK. It would be such a good pick to read with your bookclub!! To say I LIKED it would make me a little bit insane, but it was so well-written and thought-provoking that I can't give it anything other than 5 stars.
Content warnings? Yes. All. LOL
Want to Read
October 14, 2026Thank you to Minotaur Books & NetGally for access to this ARC
August 17, 2026
I love a completely unhinged MC!! This book told completely in letters from Imogene to her estranged mother about her upcoming marriage and life since she left her home.
This book is so wild, a total page turner as we see how far Imogene will go. She is completely unhinged and diabolical while retaining a touch of innocence and naïveté. This was a total page turner and my jaw dropped at the same time I found myself chuckling at her absurdity. She reminded me a bit of Strange Sally but I wouldn’t do Sally dirty like that!
This book is so wild, a total page turner as we see how far Imogene will go. She is completely unhinged and diabolical while retaining a touch of innocence and naïveté. This was a total page turner and my jaw dropped at the same time I found myself chuckling at her absurdity. She reminded me a bit of Strange Sally but I wouldn’t do Sally dirty like that!
May 28, 2026
Thank you Minotaur Books for the gifted digital ARC!
The absolute CHOKEHOLD this book had on me, shew! I devoured it in less than 12 hours. Told entirely in letters, social media posts, and newspaper articles, this had so many of my favorite elements on display.
Our female MC, Imogene, is unhinged, unstable, unwell... you get the point. She was a trainwreck in human form, and I simply could not look away. While I was reading, I felt certain events were foregone conclusions, and yet the way the story was told was so riveting I could not put it down. The fact that this is a debut is incredibly impressive.
This is thriller writing at its very, very best. I don't want to say more for fear of spoiling anything!
Don't mind me reviewing this one 8 months before it comes out... oops! Pub date: March 9, 2027.
The absolute CHOKEHOLD this book had on me, shew! I devoured it in less than 12 hours. Told entirely in letters, social media posts, and newspaper articles, this had so many of my favorite elements on display.
Our female MC, Imogene, is unhinged, unstable, unwell... you get the point. She was a trainwreck in human form, and I simply could not look away. While I was reading, I felt certain events were foregone conclusions, and yet the way the story was told was so riveting I could not put it down. The fact that this is a debut is incredibly impressive.
This is thriller writing at its very, very best. I don't want to say more for fear of spoiling anything!
Don't mind me reviewing this one 8 months before it comes out... oops! Pub date: March 9, 2027.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This written in letters and I told myself I could just read 1 more. It was disturbing and compelling!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to have an in with the Author and got my hands on a digital copy of this thriller. To be fair, I have known the author for quite some time. After reading this, it opened up a whole other twisted part of her personality that makes you wonder what will come next from her.
I stayed up late reading this page turner to my wife. I often read to her to help her sleep, but this one kept us awake from the anticipation of finding out what happened next. This is a definite read and a great debut novel for the author.
I stayed up late reading this page turner to my wife. I often read to her to help her sleep, but this one kept us awake from the anticipation of finding out what happened next. This is a definite read and a great debut novel for the author.
September 13, 2026
ARC 5 stars!
I was craving a thriller and this one was blurbed to be “addictive and unhinged”. And GIRL LEMME TELL YOU this was crazy. It was like watching a car crash in slow motion.
I think it’s best to go in blind for thrillers but here’s some things that might entice you to pick it up:
📝 Psychological thriller
📝 Entirely all letters, police transcripts, online forum posts
📝 Obsession & stalking
📝 She’ll do anything to have the perfect husband
📝 Traumatic childhood, might have made her a crazy adult
📝 Dissociation from trauma
📝 Family secrets
I was so captivated by the multimedia aspect of this book. The letters made the chapters short and I devoured them! The last chapter at the end was such a great twist! I was not expecting that at all.
I can’t wait for this one to come out and hear everyone’s opinions on it!
This was an arc from netgalley, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was craving a thriller and this one was blurbed to be “addictive and unhinged”. And GIRL LEMME TELL YOU this was crazy. It was like watching a car crash in slow motion.
I think it’s best to go in blind for thrillers but here’s some things that might entice you to pick it up:
📝 Psychological thriller
📝 Entirely all letters, police transcripts, online forum posts
📝 Obsession & stalking
📝 She’ll do anything to have the perfect husband
📝 Traumatic childhood, might have made her a crazy adult
📝 Dissociation from trauma
📝 Family secrets
I was so captivated by the multimedia aspect of this book. The letters made the chapters short and I devoured them! The last chapter at the end was such a great twist! I was not expecting that at all.
I can’t wait for this one to come out and hear everyone’s opinions on it!
This was an arc from netgalley, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I genuinely can’t remember the last time I read in a book in one sitting, and Mother Dearest by Clare Bird has re-established my fascination of psychological thrillers and confirmed that there are original plotlines out there!
Firstly, I can’t believe this is Clare Bird’s debut novel. It’s slick, addictive, disturbing, uncomfortable and will stay in my thoughts for a very long time.
Mother Dearest is being published in Feb 2027, so many of you will have to wait, but believe me when I say, pre-order it NOW or stick it in your wishlist as this will be one of your top ten books of 2027!
Narrated entirely through letters from Imogene Billings, a twenty-something daughter, who has become estranged from her “controlling” mother, after an argument. It’s fair to say that Mother Dearest got under my skin within the first few pages.
I think I have a “radar” for dysfunctional, disturbed or dark characters and believe me when I say my “radar” was bleeping, flashing and screaming throughout this brilliant book.
I don’t think I was supposed to “like” Imogene or even understand her behaviour, thought-process or beliefs, and it’s quickly apparent to anyone with an ounce of common sense that she has been brought up in a very, very abusive, controlling and damaged environment.
She did, however, make me smile, especially with her unique and often funny sign-offs after each correspondence. Her observations on the real world were often spot-on, sometimes funny and somethings tragic and her utter determination to win back her mother’s love and acceptance was so heart-breaking.
I’m not going to say much more about this book, because the blurb explains what the book is about, my comments above tell you how much I loved this book and all that is left for me to do is wait patiently for Clare Bird to write another book.
Firstly, I can’t believe this is Clare Bird’s debut novel. It’s slick, addictive, disturbing, uncomfortable and will stay in my thoughts for a very long time.
Mother Dearest is being published in Feb 2027, so many of you will have to wait, but believe me when I say, pre-order it NOW or stick it in your wishlist as this will be one of your top ten books of 2027!
Narrated entirely through letters from Imogene Billings, a twenty-something daughter, who has become estranged from her “controlling” mother, after an argument. It’s fair to say that Mother Dearest got under my skin within the first few pages.
I think I have a “radar” for dysfunctional, disturbed or dark characters and believe me when I say my “radar” was bleeping, flashing and screaming throughout this brilliant book.
I don’t think I was supposed to “like” Imogene or even understand her behaviour, thought-process or beliefs, and it’s quickly apparent to anyone with an ounce of common sense that she has been brought up in a very, very abusive, controlling and damaged environment.
She did, however, make me smile, especially with her unique and often funny sign-offs after each correspondence. Her observations on the real world were often spot-on, sometimes funny and somethings tragic and her utter determination to win back her mother’s love and acceptance was so heart-breaking.
I’m not going to say much more about this book, because the blurb explains what the book is about, my comments above tell you how much I loved this book and all that is left for me to do is wait patiently for Clare Bird to write another book.
September 7, 2026
Written primarily through letters, the reader only sees one point of view. However, news articles, online posts, and other information slowly reveal important details. If you love the unhinged, read this. Thank you Net Galley for the ARC!
August 24, 2026
This book was amazing especially being a debut! It’s written in letters and news articles and I really enjoyed the writing style. So thankful for this ARC! Phenomenal book!
July 5, 2026
3.5 Stars!!
This one was good, but also didn’t fully live up to my expectations going into it and I had wanted to like it more than I did.
The premise was very intriguing. The main character was totally unhinged and unpredictable.
I always love mixed media in books, so I was excited and enjoyed that this was all in letters, newspaper clippings, and social media posts/comments. I find that so unique to do (only other book I’ve read like that was The Correspondent). And typically with mixed media I find it so fast to read through, but I have to admit I found the pacing of this book to drag at times and I was wanting to put it down sometimes until the last 25% and then I found it to really pick up.
Overall it was a decently good book, but just didn’t fully grasp my attention, but I think it will for many others. Look forward to seeing what the author writes next after this debut.
This one was good, but also didn’t fully live up to my expectations going into it and I had wanted to like it more than I did.
The premise was very intriguing. The main character was totally unhinged and unpredictable.
I always love mixed media in books, so I was excited and enjoyed that this was all in letters, newspaper clippings, and social media posts/comments. I find that so unique to do (only other book I’ve read like that was The Correspondent). And typically with mixed media I find it so fast to read through, but I have to admit I found the pacing of this book to drag at times and I was wanting to put it down sometimes until the last 25% and then I found it to really pick up.
Overall it was a decently good book, but just didn’t fully grasp my attention, but I think it will for many others. Look forward to seeing what the author writes next after this debut.
July 7, 2026
Thank you so much to the publisher for my eARC. Full review to come but this book is wild and so unhinged and I LOVED IT
I am so impressed and also weirdly obsessed with this story! I knew from the first page, the very first letter, that I would binge this thriller and I certainly did. This has to be one of the most unhinged books I’ve read and devoured in a long time. I honestly felt like I could have read her letters for the rest of her life. I cannot believe this is a debut! Imogene is a MC we can’t help but feel bad for, I mean the way she was raised was atrocious. But you also want to do anything you can to stop her before she makes any more mistakes. Highly recommend!
I am so impressed and also weirdly obsessed with this story! I knew from the first page, the very first letter, that I would binge this thriller and I certainly did. This has to be one of the most unhinged books I’ve read and devoured in a long time. I honestly felt like I could have read her letters for the rest of her life. I cannot believe this is a debut! Imogene is a MC we can’t help but feel bad for, I mean the way she was raised was atrocious. But you also want to do anything you can to stop her before she makes any more mistakes. Highly recommend!
August 23, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Minotaur for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review!
So this was quite unexpected. I didn’t know going into this, that this book is written entirely in letters! That normally would deter me but hear me out. This was VERY well written. I actually had to double check that this actually was this author’s debut because of how well it was paced and how effectively she was able to convey an entire character’s backstory and persona through letters only. The nonchalant way things are written (because Imogene is deranged from years of mental abuse and manipulation) and how info was dropped little by little at perfect pacing.
I think the reason why the writing is so effective is partially due to the fact that it is from the POV of a mentally deranged woman who is deeply confused, due to being abused her whole life. The way she sees the world, her nonchalant attitude towards morally reprehensible actions, that all ties into the readability. If I had to compare it, I’d say it’s somewhat like how Incidents Around the House was a standout horror novel because it was from the POV of a child who had an innocent and incomplete understanding of the horrors of the book. Imogene is like that. She’s so cognitively delayed from her abusive upbringing that she actually just doesn’t get it.
You can’t help but feel bad for Imogene,
despite her being a psycho, because it’s clearly the result of a lifetime of abuse by her mother. She’s a grown adult but has no knowledge of how the world actually operates. She doesn’t understand normal social cues. Which, it’s no wonder, because everything she’s learned was from her mother, with no computers or internet allowed. It doesn’t excuse how insane she acts but if your only source of knowledge is an abusive parent who purposely withholds information as a control tactic, you understand why she doesn’t understand why behaving a certain way is morally reprehensible. Her 26th birthday is her first exposure to a cell phone, texting, social media, news in general, and she barely even understands what the internet is.
Even though this story is told through Imogene’s letters, there’s random breaks of irrelevant articles about a missing boy who was found and only answers questions in Jeopardy format. How these two stories tie together is a huge motivator to read, because I knew it would all eventually make sense! It feels random but it adds to the readability of this because you know it fits into the larger mystery somehow!
A really well written debut that shows how the effects of abuse can go deeper than just one generation. It’s a chain that not only affects your kids, but their kids, and so on. No matter what people claim, many still do end up bringing up their kids in the way they were brought up, I suppose.
So this was quite unexpected. I didn’t know going into this, that this book is written entirely in letters! That normally would deter me but hear me out. This was VERY well written. I actually had to double check that this actually was this author’s debut because of how well it was paced and how effectively she was able to convey an entire character’s backstory and persona through letters only. The nonchalant way things are written (because Imogene is deranged from years of mental abuse and manipulation) and how info was dropped little by little at perfect pacing.
I think the reason why the writing is so effective is partially due to the fact that it is from the POV of a mentally deranged woman who is deeply confused, due to being abused her whole life. The way she sees the world, her nonchalant attitude towards morally reprehensible actions, that all ties into the readability. If I had to compare it, I’d say it’s somewhat like how Incidents Around the House was a standout horror novel because it was from the POV of a child who had an innocent and incomplete understanding of the horrors of the book. Imogene is like that. She’s so cognitively delayed from her abusive upbringing that she actually just doesn’t get it.
You can’t help but feel bad for Imogene,
despite her being a psycho, because it’s clearly the result of a lifetime of abuse by her mother. She’s a grown adult but has no knowledge of how the world actually operates. She doesn’t understand normal social cues. Which, it’s no wonder, because everything she’s learned was from her mother, with no computers or internet allowed. It doesn’t excuse how insane she acts but if your only source of knowledge is an abusive parent who purposely withholds information as a control tactic, you understand why she doesn’t understand why behaving a certain way is morally reprehensible. Her 26th birthday is her first exposure to a cell phone, texting, social media, news in general, and she barely even understands what the internet is.
Even though this story is told through Imogene’s letters, there’s random breaks of irrelevant articles about a missing boy who was found and only answers questions in Jeopardy format. How these two stories tie together is a huge motivator to read, because I knew it would all eventually make sense! It feels random but it adds to the readability of this because you know it fits into the larger mystery somehow!
A really well written debut that shows how the effects of abuse can go deeper than just one generation. It’s a chain that not only affects your kids, but their kids, and so on. No matter what people claim, many still do end up bringing up their kids in the way they were brought up, I suppose.
August 30, 2026
Wow, just WOW! 😱 Thank you, NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and the amazing Clare Bird, for this advanced reader copy. I feel as if I am in on the best kept secret of 2027!
This popcorn thriller blew my mind. I felt as if I knew what was happening but I didn't "know-know", you know? 🤣 how I can care for and love Imogene while also being totally repulsed by her kept blowing my mind. I honestly feel so bad for her and her mentality of the world around her and especially her mother... just yikes! What is even scarier is that Clare Bird put words to real people in our world. At least, all my true crime documentaries have proved this to be true.
I loved all the culture nods throughout that made me smile. My favorite was "vicious trollop" which I'm not sure was a nod to Gilmore Girls, but I'm going to believe it is. Bird knows how to write the most unhinged thriller extremely well. I felt as if I was living it all alongside Imogene and paying witness to all the horrible happenings. I can't wait to pick up my physical copy in March 🔪🥀
P.S. I finished 60% of this book in less than 24 hours, so I'd say that along with the incredible ending automatically gives it 5 ✨
This popcorn thriller blew my mind. I felt as if I knew what was happening but I didn't "know-know", you know? 🤣 how I can care for and love Imogene while also being totally repulsed by her kept blowing my mind. I honestly feel so bad for her and her mentality of the world around her and especially her mother... just yikes! What is even scarier is that Clare Bird put words to real people in our world. At least, all my true crime documentaries have proved this to be true.
I loved all the culture nods throughout that made me smile. My favorite was "vicious trollop" which I'm not sure was a nod to Gilmore Girls, but I'm going to believe it is. Bird knows how to write the most unhinged thriller extremely well. I felt as if I was living it all alongside Imogene and paying witness to all the horrible happenings. I can't wait to pick up my physical copy in March 🔪🥀
P.S. I finished 60% of this book in less than 24 hours, so I'd say that along with the incredible ending automatically gives it 5 ✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Unhinged, immersive, and impossible to put down!
I really, really liked this one! The writing style is quite different, as the story is told entirely through an epistolary format—using letters from Imogene to her estranged mother, mixed with media clips and transcripts. At first, I wasn't sure how a whole book would hold my attention written this way, but it didn't take me long to get used to the unique formatting. Once the rhythm clicked, it actually made the reading experience so much more immersive and fast-paced.
Imogene's perspective is deeply unsettling, dark, and unhinged. Watching her try to handle her mother’s estrangement while calculatingly trying to win back her approval by chasing a man who already has a family was like watching a runaway train heading for a cliff. The letters slow-burn their way through years of manipulation and secrets, building up a crazy amount of tension.
A really good, gripping debut thriller. Highly recommend if you want a psychological thriller that tries something a bit different with its storytelling!
I really, really liked this one! The writing style is quite different, as the story is told entirely through an epistolary format—using letters from Imogene to her estranged mother, mixed with media clips and transcripts. At first, I wasn't sure how a whole book would hold my attention written this way, but it didn't take me long to get used to the unique formatting. Once the rhythm clicked, it actually made the reading experience so much more immersive and fast-paced.
Imogene's perspective is deeply unsettling, dark, and unhinged. Watching her try to handle her mother’s estrangement while calculatingly trying to win back her approval by chasing a man who already has a family was like watching a runaway train heading for a cliff. The letters slow-burn their way through years of manipulation and secrets, building up a crazy amount of tension.
A really good, gripping debut thriller. Highly recommend if you want a psychological thriller that tries something a bit different with its storytelling!
August 26, 2026
ARC review - thank you NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🖤 Dysfunctional family
🤫 Family secrets
🧠 Psychological suspense
💌 Letters & correspondence
This book was definitely a different kind of read for me! I wasn’t completely sure how I felt about the letters going back and forth and the news updates throughout the story. I didn’t hate that format, but it took me a little while to get used to it but it kept me coming back to see what happened next. The storyline was pulled together nicely and it all wrapped up in the end that answered the questions I had.
That said, the mystery kept me intrigued and wanting to know how everything would come together. There were plenty of secrets, questionable characters, and moments that had me second-guessing what I thought I knew. 👀
Overall, I really enjoyed it! The unique format wasn’t necessarily my favorite, but it worked for the story and made this one stand out from other thrillers I’ve read.
I would definitely recommend to add to your TBR.
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🖤 Dysfunctional family
🤫 Family secrets
🧠 Psychological suspense
💌 Letters & correspondence
This book was definitely a different kind of read for me! I wasn’t completely sure how I felt about the letters going back and forth and the news updates throughout the story. I didn’t hate that format, but it took me a little while to get used to it but it kept me coming back to see what happened next. The storyline was pulled together nicely and it all wrapped up in the end that answered the questions I had.
That said, the mystery kept me intrigued and wanting to know how everything would come together. There were plenty of secrets, questionable characters, and moments that had me second-guessing what I thought I knew. 👀
Overall, I really enjoyed it! The unique format wasn’t necessarily my favorite, but it worked for the story and made this one stand out from other thrillers I’ve read.
I would definitely recommend to add to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an advance reader copy of Mother Dearest.
This was an excellent and thoroughly entertaining read that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The pacing was particularly well done, with the story unfolding at just the right speed while continually building suspense. The main character is complex and well developed, adding depth to an already compelling story.
The twists kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had a sense of where the story was heading, another unexpected development changed everything. The surprising ending was especially effective and left a lasting impression.
Mother Dearest is an original, unique, engaging, and genuinely unsettling thriller. Clare Bird has crafted a story that is both entertaining and suspenseful, making this an easy five-star read for me.
This was an excellent and thoroughly entertaining read that kept me engaged from beginning to end. The pacing was particularly well done, with the story unfolding at just the right speed while continually building suspense. The main character is complex and well developed, adding depth to an already compelling story.
The twists kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had a sense of where the story was heading, another unexpected development changed everything. The surprising ending was especially effective and left a lasting impression.
Mother Dearest is an original, unique, engaging, and genuinely unsettling thriller. Clare Bird has crafted a story that is both entertaining and suspenseful, making this an easy five-star read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was a wild ride and deliciously dark! The story unfolds through letters, and it’s a page-turner. So incredibly proud of her and this book! Put this one on your list!
August 8, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Mother Dearest by Clare Bird.
Mother Dearest is such a captivating psychological thriller that had me hooked from the beginning all the way to the very end. The story is told by the main character, Imogene, through her letters to her mother, as well as news articles, documentation from social workers and social media posts. As you read each letter, this dark and twisted story unfolds, leaving you wanting more. As an avid reader who especially loves thrillers, I have to say that I found it hard to put this book down. If I had the time, I would have read this book in one sitting. Mother Dearest is THAT good!
5 star read all the way for me! I look forward to reading more by Clare Bird in the future!
Mother Dearest is such a captivating psychological thriller that had me hooked from the beginning all the way to the very end. The story is told by the main character, Imogene, through her letters to her mother, as well as news articles, documentation from social workers and social media posts. As you read each letter, this dark and twisted story unfolds, leaving you wanting more. As an avid reader who especially loves thrillers, I have to say that I found it hard to put this book down. If I had the time, I would have read this book in one sitting. Mother Dearest is THAT good!
5 star read all the way for me! I look forward to reading more by Clare Bird in the future!
August 14, 2026
Unhinged familial chaos
Flew through it! Suspense/Mystery told all through letters. Only a tad less heartwarming than The Correspondent 🫠🫠🫠
Not out until March but have a feeling people will love this one & that the audiobook will end up being phenomenal
Thank you Minotaur books for the advanced e copy!
Flew through it! Suspense/Mystery told all through letters. Only a tad less heartwarming than The Correspondent 🫠🫠🫠
Not out until March but have a feeling people will love this one & that the audiobook will end up being phenomenal
Thank you Minotaur books for the advanced e copy!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow. This honestly ventured into psychological horror territory. I say that because I was thoroughly disturbed and it really stuck with me. Very very well done. Clear your schedules when you start this one, folks. It’s a “finish in one sitting” type of book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews