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The Care and Feeding of Dead Mothers
AMAZON BESTSELLER IN CRIME THRILLERS, E.L. Kaltenberg delivers a gripping, psychological debut page-turner leaving readers wanting more.
Some stories refuse to stay on the page. Some come looking for their author.
Margot Hale built a brilliant career on her novels until an anonymous accusation threatened to take it all away. Now she's holed up in a small flat above a dying bakery, nursing a faltering career and a new manuscript that won't stay hers.
Grieving a looming family tragedy and stung by a stack of quiet betrayals, Margot squares off against the people who threaten to take what she loves.
But the real danger is stranger than she ever imagined.
The characters she thought she'd invented – the ones meant to live and die on the page – are slipping into the shadows of her real life. Whispering secrets. Steering stories. Dredging up a memory Margot has spent a lifetime trying to forget.
As fiction bleeds into reality, Margot must decide which stories to keep and which to burn and whether the truth will save her, or drown them all.
Part domestic thriller, part psychological descent, The Care and Feeding of Dead Mothers is an unsettling, ultimately redemptive tale about grief, authorship, and the cost of reclaiming a life and a name.
Perfect for readers of psychological suspense who love unreliable narrators, literary thrillers, and stories where the line between imagination and reality disappears. Scroll up and start reading today.
Some stories refuse to stay on the page. Some come looking for their author.
Margot Hale built a brilliant career on her novels until an anonymous accusation threatened to take it all away. Now she's holed up in a small flat above a dying bakery, nursing a faltering career and a new manuscript that won't stay hers.
Grieving a looming family tragedy and stung by a stack of quiet betrayals, Margot squares off against the people who threaten to take what she loves.
But the real danger is stranger than she ever imagined.
The characters she thought she'd invented – the ones meant to live and die on the page – are slipping into the shadows of her real life. Whispering secrets. Steering stories. Dredging up a memory Margot has spent a lifetime trying to forget.
As fiction bleeds into reality, Margot must decide which stories to keep and which to burn and whether the truth will save her, or drown them all.
Part domestic thriller, part psychological descent, The Care and Feeding of Dead Mothers is an unsettling, ultimately redemptive tale about grief, authorship, and the cost of reclaiming a life and a name.
Perfect for readers of psychological suspense who love unreliable narrators, literary thrillers, and stories where the line between imagination and reality disappears. Scroll up and start reading today.
402 pages, Paperback
Published July 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 23, 2026
This book kept me up all night! This is a thriller, part family drama, part psychological suspense, about a very successful author that spirals into psychological struggle as reality blends with fiction while writing her new manuscript. You need to check it out if you like mind bending thrillers that will have you guessing at every page!
Margo is accused of plagiarism and decides to vanish from the public eye to a small flat on top of an old bakery and near her mother who is dying of cancer. While that dealing with her sister and brother in law who have bad intentions regarding her mothers property. While she’s writing her new manuscript odd things begin to happen, and the stories start to intertwine in a way that you don’t know what’s real and what’s not. It’s an unique story where we have no idea who is actually writing this new manuscript … the author, her fictional characters or someone else entirely?👀
Margo is accused of plagiarism and decides to vanish from the public eye to a small flat on top of an old bakery and near her mother who is dying of cancer. While that dealing with her sister and brother in law who have bad intentions regarding her mothers property. While she’s writing her new manuscript odd things begin to happen, and the stories start to intertwine in a way that you don’t know what’s real and what’s not. It’s an unique story where we have no idea who is actually writing this new manuscript … the author, her fictional characters or someone else entirely?👀
July 23, 2026
This book had some surprising twists that I didn’t see coming. It took a few chapters for the story to fully draw me in, but once it did, I was completely hooked and couldn’t wait to keep turning the pages. Every chapter left me wondering what was going to happen next, and I loved that I could never quite predict where the story was headed.
The characters are incredibly well-developed, making it easy to connect with them and become invested in their journeys. I also appreciated how the author created just enough uncertainty to keep me questioning what was really going on without it feeling frustrating. That sense of mystery made the story even more engaging.
E.L. Kaltenberg has crafted a compelling story that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The ending left me wanting more in the best possible way, and I’m already looking forward to seeing where the story goes next. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with strong character development, suspense, and unexpected twists, I highly recommend giving this book a read.
The characters are incredibly well-developed, making it easy to connect with them and become invested in their journeys. I also appreciated how the author created just enough uncertainty to keep me questioning what was really going on without it feeling frustrating. That sense of mystery made the story even more engaging.
E.L. Kaltenberg has crafted a compelling story that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The ending left me wanting more in the best possible way, and I’m already looking forward to seeing where the story goes next. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with strong character development, suspense, and unexpected twists, I highly recommend giving this book a read.
July 24, 2026
Thank you E.L. Kaltenberg, for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for your debut novel!
This book completely surprised me. Every time I thought I'd figured out where the story was going, it took another unexpected turn. The psychological twists kept me hooked from beginning to end, and I flew through it because I had to know what happened next.
The characters were compelling, and the story left me wanting more. I am already hoping this isn't the last we see of these characters because I would absolutely read a sequel!
This book completely surprised me. Every time I thought I'd figured out where the story was going, it took another unexpected turn. The psychological twists kept me hooked from beginning to end, and I flew through it because I had to know what happened next.
The characters were compelling, and the story left me wanting more. I am already hoping this isn't the last we see of these characters because I would absolutely read a sequel!
August 23, 2026
The Care and Feeding of Dead Mothers is the debut novel from E.L. Kaltenberg, and as a fellow indie author, I have a tremendous amount of respect for what it takes to bring a first novel into the world. The time, energy, persistence, and sheer determination required to write and publish a book are considerable, and that accomplishment shouldn't be overlooked.
And although this particular book didn’t completely align with my personal reading tastes, there is no denying that Kaltenberg can create a scene. There were instances in which her writing painted such vivid pictures that I could see exactly what she was describing, and some of those images will stay with me for a long time.
I hope Kaltenberg continues writing and gives us the opportunity to spend more time with these characters. A debut novel is a significant accomplishment, and I applaud her for seeing this one all the way through. And I have to mention the book's cover, too. Wow... what a striking image! I'm looking forward to seeing where her writing takes her next.
And although this particular book didn’t completely align with my personal reading tastes, there is no denying that Kaltenberg can create a scene. There were instances in which her writing painted such vivid pictures that I could see exactly what she was describing, and some of those images will stay with me for a long time.
I hope Kaltenberg continues writing and gives us the opportunity to spend more time with these characters. A debut novel is a significant accomplishment, and I applaud her for seeing this one all the way through. And I have to mention the book's cover, too. Wow... what a striking image! I'm looking forward to seeing where her writing takes her next.
August 11, 2026
ARC Review: The Care & Feeding of Dead Mothers by E.L. Kaltenberg
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Care & Feeding of Dead Mothers is a haunting, emotionally layered story that explores grief, motherhood, memory, and the complicated ways love continues long after loss. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, this novel quietly pulls you into its emotional landscape, allowing each revelation to settle with surprising weight.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its atmosphere. There is an underlying sense of melancholy woven throughout every chapter, yet it never feels hopeless. The writing is thoughtful and lyrical, capturing both the beauty and the ache of remembering someone who is gone. The emotional moments feel authentic, and the exploration of family dynamics is handled with care and nuance.
I especially appreciated how the novel embraces the messiness of grief. There are no easy answers or perfectly healed characters. Instead, the story acknowledges that loss changes people in lasting ways while still leaving room for growth, healing, and hope.
The pacing is intentionally slow, giving readers time to sit with the characters and their emotions. While that reflective style may not appeal to everyone, it fits the story well and allows its themes to resonate long after the final page.
Overall, The Care & Feeding of Dead Mothers is a poignant, beautifully written novel that examines love, loss, and the enduring bonds between mothers and their children with honesty and compassion. If you enjoy literary fiction centered on character development, emotional depth, and reflective storytelling, this is a book worth picking up.
Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Care & Feeding of Dead Mothers is a haunting, emotionally layered story that explores grief, motherhood, memory, and the complicated ways love continues long after loss. Rather than relying on dramatic twists, this novel quietly pulls you into its emotional landscape, allowing each revelation to settle with surprising weight.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its atmosphere. There is an underlying sense of melancholy woven throughout every chapter, yet it never feels hopeless. The writing is thoughtful and lyrical, capturing both the beauty and the ache of remembering someone who is gone. The emotional moments feel authentic, and the exploration of family dynamics is handled with care and nuance.
I especially appreciated how the novel embraces the messiness of grief. There are no easy answers or perfectly healed characters. Instead, the story acknowledges that loss changes people in lasting ways while still leaving room for growth, healing, and hope.
The pacing is intentionally slow, giving readers time to sit with the characters and their emotions. While that reflective style may not appeal to everyone, it fits the story well and allows its themes to resonate long after the final page.
Overall, The Care & Feeding of Dead Mothers is a poignant, beautifully written novel that examines love, loss, and the enduring bonds between mothers and their children with honesty and compassion. If you enjoy literary fiction centered on character development, emotional depth, and reflective storytelling, this is a book worth picking up.
July 24, 2026
The Care and Feeding of Dead Mothers is a slow burn mystery that incorporates psychological twists and turns that keep you second guessing yourself. The more I read, the more I wanted to read to try and figure out what would happen next, which I could not do.
Margot Hale. The FMC, is trying to stave off parts of her past but unbeknownst to her, while writing a novel, the invented characters in her novel are becoming her reality. Fiction has become her reality and Margo must find the balance between the two or else succumb to the abyss of the most darkest memories of her past.
The Care and Feeding of Dead Mothers is a mystery interlaced with psychological twists and turns keeping you guessing at every turn of the page. It provides tension, high suspense and a craftiness in luring the reader further and further in until the very last page. The saying " just one more chapter " best describes how you will feel while reading this book. I highly recommend this novel for your upcoming current or next read.
Margot Hale. The FMC, is trying to stave off parts of her past but unbeknownst to her, while writing a novel, the invented characters in her novel are becoming her reality. Fiction has become her reality and Margo must find the balance between the two or else succumb to the abyss of the most darkest memories of her past.
The Care and Feeding of Dead Mothers is a mystery interlaced with psychological twists and turns keeping you guessing at every turn of the page. It provides tension, high suspense and a craftiness in luring the reader further and further in until the very last page. The saying " just one more chapter " best describes how you will feel while reading this book. I highly recommend this novel for your upcoming current or next read.
August 30, 2026
I love a good psychological thriller, and this fits the bill. You have multiple POVs, but the main focus is on Margot. I was easily pulled into the mystery surrounding Margot and then that of her family and those connected to it. I'm still unsure of Eliza, the sister, though. She seems to may have more up her sleeve than she put off.
One question at a Q & A starts us off and derails Margot's career. She begins to unravel with the inability to tell what's real. Her new manuscript seems to blend with reality. You also have family drama on the side. I can tell you, you'll think you know what's going on, but you will absolutely be wrong.
There always seems to be an added twist. They're done with purpose, though, and not just put in at random, bringing more to the story.
I wish there was more to it. It was honestly that good. This was a great debut novel, and I'd definitely read more from this author.
“Love sure does breed stupidity.”
‘I call only to bid you farewell. The spell is removed. I see you, as you are. Goodbye.’”
One question at a Q & A starts us off and derails Margot's career. She begins to unravel with the inability to tell what's real. Her new manuscript seems to blend with reality. You also have family drama on the side. I can tell you, you'll think you know what's going on, but you will absolutely be wrong.
There always seems to be an added twist. They're done with purpose, though, and not just put in at random, bringing more to the story.
I wish there was more to it. It was honestly that good. This was a great debut novel, and I'd definitely read more from this author.
“Love sure does breed stupidity.”
‘I call only to bid you farewell. The spell is removed. I see you, as you are. Goodbye.’”
October 6, 2026
“I guess I consider myself a touch mad.”
•
Okay, so… This novel is such a rollercoaster of understanding, emotion, and expectation. Just when you think you know what’s going on, something “gently” blindsides you. I loved the psychological elements, the characteristics you expect in a thriller, the delicate yet overbearing touches of trauma and grief, the undertone of mystery, the family drama… I couldn’t be prouder that this work was produced by a fellow Wisconsin book lady. I cannot wait to cross paths with you (in real life) this weekend and get your signature attached to my copy of your debut! 🖤
•
“I can’t quite tell if the voices I’m hearing and the things I’m seeing are all in my mind. If I’m having a legitimate lapse in sanity. Or an overactive imagination.”
•
Thank you, Emily and Untold Press, for this world-fracturing piece. I’m going to go contemplate my life now.
•
“You buried yourself in us… Piece by piece. Every time you couldn’t face something, you wrote it instead. Me. Him. All of it… You gave us your shame. Your guilt. Your regrets. Your pain! Then you try locking us in fiction and walk away… You are trying to bury me in tragedy. But I deserve a happy ending… We deserve to be happy!”
•
Okay, so… This novel is such a rollercoaster of understanding, emotion, and expectation. Just when you think you know what’s going on, something “gently” blindsides you. I loved the psychological elements, the characteristics you expect in a thriller, the delicate yet overbearing touches of trauma and grief, the undertone of mystery, the family drama… I couldn’t be prouder that this work was produced by a fellow Wisconsin book lady. I cannot wait to cross paths with you (in real life) this weekend and get your signature attached to my copy of your debut! 🖤
•
“I can’t quite tell if the voices I’m hearing and the things I’m seeing are all in my mind. If I’m having a legitimate lapse in sanity. Or an overactive imagination.”
•
Thank you, Emily and Untold Press, for this world-fracturing piece. I’m going to go contemplate my life now.
•
“You buried yourself in us… Piece by piece. Every time you couldn’t face something, you wrote it instead. Me. Him. All of it… You gave us your shame. Your guilt. Your regrets. Your pain! Then you try locking us in fiction and walk away… You are trying to bury me in tragedy. But I deserve a happy ending… We deserve to be happy!”
July 24, 2026
This was a deeply immersive psychological thriller with a core of grief and pain that the layers bloom out of. It’s like a rotting rose, still struggling to live. You get trapped in what you THINK you should do, have to do, what others say to do.
This book feels a lot like that. A sense of familial obligation and becoming trapped; while also following an entirely riveting mystery in its own. Mothers, especially, are complicated beings to me.
Some of the twists were genuinely unexpected; but there’s always the risk of veteran thriller readers knowing a few formulas in advance.
I would also be REMISS if I didn’t mention that the launch party is the first of August! This was gifted as an ARC to me, and I want to try to boost this debut author as much as I can!
This book feels a lot like that. A sense of familial obligation and becoming trapped; while also following an entirely riveting mystery in its own. Mothers, especially, are complicated beings to me.
Some of the twists were genuinely unexpected; but there’s always the risk of veteran thriller readers knowing a few formulas in advance.
I would also be REMISS if I didn’t mention that the launch party is the first of August! This was gifted as an ARC to me, and I want to try to boost this debut author as much as I can!
July 23, 2026
E.L. Kaltenberg’s debut is an immersive psychological drama that grabs your attention immediately. At its heart is a protagonist completely consumed by grief and unable to move forward from a devastating loss. Kaltenberg captures the weight of that emotional pain brilliantly, making the story feel deeply authentic. Instead of relying on cheap tricks or fast pacing, the book succeeds as a slow-burn study of a fractured mind, constantly forcing the reader to question reality. It is a fantastic choice for anyone who appreciates complex family dynamics and haunting, twisty fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
This book was an interesting mix of family drama, grief, secrets, and a touch of the unexpected. I went into it thinking I knew what kind of story I was getting, but The Care and Feeding of Dead Mothers definitely had its own unique vibe.
Overall, this was thought-provoking and I appreciated how different it was. If you enjoy atmospheric stories with messy family relationships and a little bit of the surreal, this one is worth picking up.
This book was an interesting mix of family drama, grief, secrets, and a touch of the unexpected. I went into it thinking I knew what kind of story I was getting, but The Care and Feeding of Dead Mothers definitely had its own unique vibe.
Overall, this was thought-provoking and I appreciated how different it was. If you enjoy atmospheric stories with messy family relationships and a little bit of the surreal, this one is worth picking up.
July 27, 2026
The Care and Feeding of Dead Mothers, is a psychological drama that follows an isolated author "Margo" who is forced to confront her past guilt and traumas, along with coming to terms with the strained relationship between her and her sister. Their tension and unresolved resentment create an emotional undercurrent that keeps building throughout the story. I love that this novel is character driven, and will keep you questioning what is real and what isn't in the best possible way right up to the end. I highly recommend it! 5 ⭐
September 30, 2026
The Care and Feeding of Dead Mothers is a deeply moving and beautifully written book that explores grief, family, memory, and the complicated emotions that come with loss. The writing feels heartfelt and thoughtful, drawing you into the characters’ experiences and leaving you with plenty to reflect on. An emotional and memorable read that stays with you long after the final page.
August 31, 2026
This was a fantastic book! Every time I started reading, I lost myself in the pages and got swept into the story. It is one of those books that sucks you in and you forget you’re even reading. So descriptive and full of moments of anticipation. Loved it!
September 30, 2026
A beautifully written and emotionally resonant story. The Care and Feeding of Dead Mothers handles grief, relationships, and remembrance with honesty and sensitivity. The characters feel real, and the story has a quiet emotional power that makes it difficult to put down.
September 30, 2026
An unforgettable read with thoughtful writing and plenty of emotional depth. The story explores loss and family in a way that feels both intimate and relatable. I especially appreciated how the book captures the complicated feelings surrounding love, memory, and letting go.
August 26, 2026
Loved this twist and turn book
July 25, 2026
This was a very well written book about grief and trauma rolled into a psychological thriller. From the very beginning Kaltenberg draws you in and it is non stop from there. The character depth is amazing and the twists are really strong. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dark and tense psychological thrillers!
September 8, 2026
The Care and Feeding of Dead Mothers is an unsettling and atmospheric psychological thriller that cleverly blurs the boundary between fiction and reality.
What drew me in immediately was the premise of Margot Hale, a struggling novelist whose fictional characters begin appearing in her real life. As she deals with grief, betrayal and a painful past, the distinction between what she has imagined and what is actually happening becomes increasingly difficult to trust.
I particularly enjoyed the way the story uses authorship and storytelling to explore deeper ideas around memory, identity and reclaiming one's own narrative. The characters aren't simply part of a mystery; they become a reflection of the things Margot has spent years trying to suppress.
The psychological tension builds gradually, creating an eerie atmosphere without relying solely on conventional thrills. Just when I thought I understood what was happening, the story made me question my assumptions again.
What makes this more than just a psychological thriller is its exploration of grief and the complicated process of confronting the past. Beneath the unsettling premise is a deeply human story about taking back control of your life and your own story.
A haunting, layered and thought-provoking read for anyone who enjoys literary thrillers where reality, memory and imagination begin to blur
What drew me in immediately was the premise of Margot Hale, a struggling novelist whose fictional characters begin appearing in her real life. As she deals with grief, betrayal and a painful past, the distinction between what she has imagined and what is actually happening becomes increasingly difficult to trust.
I particularly enjoyed the way the story uses authorship and storytelling to explore deeper ideas around memory, identity and reclaiming one's own narrative. The characters aren't simply part of a mystery; they become a reflection of the things Margot has spent years trying to suppress.
The psychological tension builds gradually, creating an eerie atmosphere without relying solely on conventional thrills. Just when I thought I understood what was happening, the story made me question my assumptions again.
What makes this more than just a psychological thriller is its exploration of grief and the complicated process of confronting the past. Beneath the unsettling premise is a deeply human story about taking back control of your life and your own story.
A haunting, layered and thought-provoking read for anyone who enjoys literary thrillers where reality, memory and imagination begin to blur
August 13, 2026
Was that real or just in my head? This slow burn psychological thriller kept me guessing until the last pages. A great debut novel for E.L. Kaltenberg. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
July 31, 2026
This book had me wanting to read more! What a great debut novel! If you like psychological thriller and twists and turns at every corner this is for you! Can't wait for the next book!!!!
Thank you, E.L Kaltenberg and publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC. for my honest review.
Thank you, E.L Kaltenberg and publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC. for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews