The Mother-in-Law

by Judy Moore

After a whirlwind romance, a young woman from California makes a rash decision and marries a handsome Floridian after knowing him for only one month.
She gives up everything she knows to move cross country to live with her new husband, a widower, and his five-year-old son.
Everything seems idyllic until they arrive at her husband's oceanfront home, and she meets her mother-in-law. There's something strange about the woman and the mother/son relationship.
It's not long before her suspicions begin to overwhelm her as she becomes ensnared in the secrets and lies of her new family.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Drama

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2017

About the author

Judy Moore is the author of the popular thriller, "The Mother-in-Law," described by Kirkus Reviews as “A sharply written, suspenseful, domestic thriller.” She is also the author of three traditional mystery novels: "Somebody in the Neighborhood," "Murder in Vail," and "Murder at the Country Club."
Her latest book is "A Tennis Pro To Die For," the third standalone mystery in the Cozy Mysteries To Die For series set in the Beach Reads bookstore and cafe in the fictional town of Manatee Beach, Florida. The first book in the series, "A Book Signing To Die For," and the second book, "A Beach Wedding To Die For," have been exceptionally well received, both earning ratings of 4.7 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon.com.
She has also written numerous novellas, including the Christmas anthology "Christmas Interrupted," which contains three novellas: "Airport Christmas," "The Holiday House Sitter," and "The Hitchhiker on Christmas Eve." Her two thriller novellas "Pecking Order" and "Accidents Do Happen" are offered perma-free on Amazon.com. "Football Blues" is also available on Amazon.
Ms. Moore has a master's degree in journalism from the University of Florida and worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine feature writer, and publications editor for several years. A former tennis pro, Ms. Moore's writing background also includes sports writing, and athletes from various sports are sprinkled throughout some of her novels. A lifelong resident of Florida, she currently resides in Vero Beach.
Visit Judy Moore’s Amazon site at http://www.amazon.com/Judy-Moore/e/B0...
To sign up for her newsletter of new releases and book discounts, visit her webpage at https://judymooreauthor.com

Reviews

[Diane Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect man! What about his mom? He thinks she’s perfect. She’s not. New husband, town, home and family. This is the dream life Victoria thinks she’s walking into after marrying Brad. Victory’s life slowly turns into a living nightmare.
Suspenseful. Well developed characters.
Page turner. What a plot. The house they live in is so crucial it becomes its own character.

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria meets Brad in Las Vegas and after a month, they get married there. But he lives in Florida, so she packs up everything to move their with him. Little does she know there is a mother-in-law living in the house along with Brad's son. Each day reveals something else about her new mother-in-law that is not only suspicious but also very scary.

As the secrets and lies come out, Victoria finds herself with a decision to stay or leave. But her love for Brad might also put her in danger.

Loved this book because I didnt know what to expect and when I finally got to the end....well, not what I was expecting.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mother In Law by Judy Moore is a great read. From the beginning I was pretty intrigued. This is an easy light read even though some of the content isn’t. I figured some plot stuff out but other things I didn’t until almost the end. I read this pretty quickly and found myself wanting to find out what happened during the day but I just didn’t have time to read it all in one day. I was rooting for Andy, Brad and Victoria and I found it a bit frustrating that he was so blinded by his mother. I kept thinking how can he not see this? Or is he really going to make another excuse for her. I think it ended well even though I was a little sad. Overall I really enjoyed it and would rate it 4 stars.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mother-in-Law
By Judy Moore
4 stars

When I first read the blurb for this book I was intrigued. I knew it probably wasn’t something like I usually read but I was interested. I actually really enjoyed the book; it was a real intriguing read. There were quite a few twists and turns along the way and there was no way I was expecting that ending! I liked the characters and hated some of them! I thought the author wrote a really good, twisty plot line that kept my interest throughout. I had a little love/hate relationship going on with Brad, on one hand I liked the way he was with Victoria, I thought that they had a genuine bond but on the other hand his relationship with his mother was a little creepy! I admired Victoria for standing up for herself and I loved the bond she formed with Andy and he was a pretty sweet little boy. I liked how the author managed to keep what really happened concealed until the end.
This is the first book that I have read by this author but I would like to read something again from her in the future.

[Kim Shofner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I met my mother in law before I married my husband. Granted she's great, but if she'd been like Brad's mom there wouldn't be a wedding until he confiscated his family jewels back. Brad was great to begin with but once he was home he wasn't the same. I think Victoria learned her lesson. Don't blindly marry into a family. The end twisted me up a little. I thought I had it figured out but I was wrong. This author has such a way of describing everything I almost felt like I was there. This was a quick easy read for me. I wouldn't mind reading more from Judy Moore.

[Adele Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really enjoyed this book. Brad's Mother really does live up to the stereotypical traits of a horrible Mother in Law (and then some times a hundred).
Very easy to read.

[Victoria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced and gripping. Very satisfying ending. Read in on sitting. Highly recommend

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

The Mother in Law is a great read from Judy Moore. This is my first book from this author, and after reading this book I would definitely buy more of her work.
I found the book to be a little slow to begin with, as the author laid the foundations to the story- there was some information that really wasn’t needed, a lot of details that slowed the flow and just seemed to draw out/prolong the lead up into the story. The book is promoted as a thriller, but I felt that it was more ‘suspenseful’ and didn’t quite make it to thrilling, because there needed to be more tension, drama, intrigue and gripping developments earlier on in the plot to make it a true ‘thrilling’ experience. Having said that though, this story is still very good, and I would recommend it as I did enjoy reading it. I was shocked at how evil, conniving, deceitful and vicious the mother in law was, and the last half of the book held my attention completely as the story unfolded.
I was rooting for Victoria, Brad and Andy- but Brad frustrated me at times when he couldn’t see how his mother was manipulating everything and everyone. Even when things were revealed, he still didn’t take real decisive action. I just wanted to shake him and tell him to get his act together.
I look forward to reading more from Ms. Moore in the future.

Thank you, Ms. Moore!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mother-In-Law by Judy Moore is suspenseful romance story. This is my first book by this author and I fully enjoyed it. I enjoyed how her writing style was easy flowing and engaging. Her attention to details made me feel like I was right there with the characters. Her characters are both connectable and true to life. They took me on a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming and had me on the edge of my seat a few times. This is the story as a man and woman who meet in Las Vegas. They get married after a short time and he moves her back to his house. What he doesn't tell her is that he has a five year old son and he lives with his mother. There are secrets lurking and they may not be good. Relationships may not be as they seem, what will happen when all is exposed? There are things that he never told her, will she leave when she finds out? At first, I wasn't quite sure what to think about these characters. You have a woman who marries a man and doesn't know him. You have a man who doesn't want to stand up for himself and is willing to be pushed around. Then you have the mother in law who is completely nasty and is out to get the woman. I enjoyed all of them because they made up the story and without these characters the story wouldn't be the same. But I thought maybe there could be a little more to them then there was. Find out if this mother in law will finally get her new daughter in law out of her house or if the daughter in law will convince her husband to leave. I highly recommend this book as it has a little bit of everything in it. I found myself wanting to know what would happen next and you will find yourself the same way.

[Felicia Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mother-In-Law is my first Judy Moore read and likely not my last. This fast paced read is 4 stars in my eyes, the plot was consistent and never over the top while still keeping my interest throughout.
I loved Victoria and found myself cringing throughout much of what she endured while rolling my eyes and thinking “oh come on” at some of the antics she was put through. I wanted to step in and intervene for her sake! I found myself sympathizing with Victoria instantly and hoping that she would stay true to herself throughout the story.
The supporting characters were also well built from friends to those you love to hate. I enjoyed my quick break from reality in this mildly creepy, suspenseful thriller and look forward to more Judy Moore in my to be read list.

[Elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was a good read. It was a little predictable, but at the same time kept me turning each page to find out just out the twists and turns would go. The author did a great job with her descriptions as I could visualize the book in my head as I read each chapter. It was like watching a movie in a way, which is a great writer when they can get that through to the reader. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a good quick read, as it is a good book.

[Donna D. Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!!

Wonderful thriller!!!! Recommend highly!!!!! Could not put it down and believe it or not very realistic!! If you enjoy domestic thrillers I definitely suggest you give it a chance.

[Alex Pearl · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was an effort. The characters are two dimensional. And the plot is predictable. And the writing isn't very sophisticated. Sorry, but this one just didn't do it for me.

[Audrey Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super enjoyable read. Judy Moore writes simple tales that actually pack quite a punch. After a whirlwind romance, our likeable heroine meets and marries the man of her dreams and moves with him to Florida. In a beautiful house by the beach, Victoria comes to realize that the family hides some dark secrets and her new mother in law has evil intent.

[Lynn Vaillancourt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, suspenseful family drama in the style of Liane Moriarty.

[Joyce Stewart Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

.The Mother-in-Law

By Judy Moore

370 pages

📗📘📙MY REVIEW : 📙📘📗

Talk about a page turner ! The Mother-in-Law is a mind blowing, suspenseful ,shocking psychological thriller . I absolutely could not put it down once I started. I just had to know how far Madeline ( the evil Mother -n - law) was willing to go to maintain control over her son and grandson . The whole story was very well-written & interesting right until the very end.This author makes the whole story come alive ( it was as if i was living the story )The places and characters were all well developed. Through out the whole book I wanted to hold and comfort poor little Andy. And the Mother -n law, omg i wanted to smack her til her teeth rattled. She is truley a evil woman. ( kind of like my mother n law )You will be shocked as the secrets come out . Just how many dead x wives does he have ? Where they accidents or murder ? How low will the mother in law go to keep control over her son and grandson ? Not everyone will make it back out of this house alive !!! Even the house seemed to be its own creepy character. This was my first read by Judy Moore and will not be the last. I can absolutely see this book becoming a lifetime movie. I highly recommend this book. If you enjoy gripping psychological thrillers with some suspense and mystery then you definitely should read this one. If you have kindle unlimited you can read it for free .

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY LOVED THE MOTHER-IN-LAW. IT WAS SO GOOD. IT KEPT ME SO ENGROSSED THROUGHOUT THE BOOK. I DID NOT WANT TO PUT IN DOWN. WE MEET VICTORIA WHO MEETS AND MARRIES A MAN SHE BARELY KNOWS. VICTORIA GIVES UP EVERYTHING TO BE WITH THIS MAN AND MOVES CROSS COUNTRY TO LIVE WITH HIM AND HIS SON. THERE SHE MEETS THE CREEPY MOTHER-IN-LAW. HOW FAR WILL THE MOTHER-IN-LAW GO TO DESTROY THEIR MARRIAGE?

FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, THE MOTHER-IN-LAW GAVE ME THE CREEPS. SHE NEVER EVEN GAVE VICTORIA A CHANCE. I THOUGHT VICTORIA WAS VERY PATIENT AND STRONG. SHE DID HER BEST TO GET ALONG WITH BRAD'S MOTHER BUT IT WASN'T HAPPENING. I LOVED THE BOND VICTORIA MADE WITH BRAD'S SON. HE WAS SO CUTE AND ADORED VICTORIA. BRAD IS ANOTHER STORY. THE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS MOTHER WAS VERY WEIRD. SHE WAS VERY CONTROLLING AND HE DID EVERYTHING SHE SAID. IT WAS VERY INTERESTING TO WATCH HOW FAR THE MOTHER-IN-LAW WOULD GO TO DESTROY THEIR MARRIAGE AND THE SECRETS THAT COME OUT. THIS FAMILY WAS DEFINITELY VERY SCREWED UP. I WOULD NEVER GUESS HOW FAR SHE WOULD GO.

THE MOTHER-IN-LAW IS A WELL WRITTEN THRILLER THAT WILL KEEP YOU ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT. THE AUTHOR WILL KEEP YOU GUESS THROUGHOUT THE BOOK WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. THE CHARACTERS ARE VERY WELL WRITTEN AND WELL DEVELOPED. IT WAS A GREAT READ THAT I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND YOU READ.

[Nancy Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading The Mother-in-Law! Such a story of twists and turns; I was thinking I understood the characters and then being completely surprised at changes in their behavior. I liked Victoria for her excitement over meeting Brad; her prospect for a new future in Florida! Brad seemed like the perfect man for her. I found all the characters interesting, however some I became skeptical of, some helpful and insightful, some so very sweet.
Another great book by Judy Moore. I look forward to Judy's next one, Murder in Vail!

[Karen Bullock · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!

5 stars for this intense psychological thriller!
The worst kind of control is manipulative, deceitful when it's a power play.
Madeline is a very evil character whose malicious intent shines through each chapter & her blackened soul just gets darker. Positively spine tingling!
Brad, the son, is an odd character, but believable, in the fact that he lives in fear of his mother & will do anything to keep her happy.
Victoria, grows braver each chapter & that, is a pleasant surprise.
If you like sinister reads with severely dark undertones, this is the book for you!

[A.M. Sommers · Rating 5 out of 5]

FAMILY TOGETHERNESS ISN'T ALWAYS A GOOD THING

Format: Kindle Edition
This mystery/romance kept me guessing all the way through. I had a difficult mother-in-law -- ironically also named Madeline --but she wasn't scary and I didn't have to live with her. Thank God.
This book had Ms. Moore's usual excellent pacing, a heroine easy to root for, difficult to peg characters, and a heart-stopping number of plot twists.

Sit back and prepare to be entertained.

[Judy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read and loved all of Judy Moore's books, but this one is my favorite. Just when you think you've got it figured out, there's a twist. Certainly makes you want to keep reading without putting it down. Great character development and very descriptive scenes, without being too cliche. Sometimes I wanted to just shake Victoria, the main character, and say " Open your eyes and quit being so optimistic." I know you'll enjoy this book as much as I did.

[Lynn Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

Before I started reading this book, I had already started two other books that I didn't finish because the books just couldn't keep me interested. When I began reading this book, I absolutely couldn't put it down.
This is a must read! This book has a great storyline and it keeps you reading because you are trying to figure out what will happen next. It is also a wonderful love story. Anyone who reads this book will be glad they choose to read it!

[Katie Licavoli · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mother-in-Law is a well-written thriller that had me at the edge of my seat with every page. I was hooked before even finishing the first chapter, so much so that I read the entire book cover to cover in less than 48 hours! I simply couldn’t put it down. Judy Moore leads you head first into the inner workings of family bonds and the secrets that lie within. This is a great story that left me guessing, and also, very grateful for my own mother-in-law!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Ms. Moore! Fun, exciting, romantic, mysterious. As always, characters with whom anyone could identify. Mothers-in-law have a certain disdainful reputation, but Ms. Moore's book takes that animus to a new level. Have a great time reading THE MOTHER-IN-LAW by Judy Moore.

[Laura Cohen · Rating 2 out of 5]

A fine if predictable story. Written at a 4th grade level, with so much unnecessary detail on stupid stuff like what was for dinner but lack of detail on, say, why a woman would marry a man she’d known for a month having never met his child from a dead wife. *shrug*

[Giulietta Spudich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting and addictive. I couldn't put it down. It starts seemingly innocent, a tale of new love - then it turns into a deeper and deeper dark tale of manipulation, lies and pure evil. Chilling.

[Irene Marston · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome read has humor mystery romance and action loved it

[Nina Jumps · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had trouble putting it down superb tension throughout. It took me by surprise,
and just kept drawing me further and further in. I will definitely be reading books By Judy Moore.
Nina

[Lorraine Seville · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Mother-in-Law” by Judy Moore.
Victoria and Bradley meet on a course and, after a whirlwind romance, marry. But is it a case of ‘Marry in haste; Repent at Leisure’?
Victoria marries the man of her dreams after a whirlwind romance and gives up her home, friends and family to move with him to his house in Florida. However, she finds that Brad has not been completely open with her and that, amongst other things, he expects her to live in the family home with his over-bearing, domineering mother.
From the first moment they meet she can tell that Madeline (Brad’s mother) doesn’t like her and seems to resent her presence. Brad’s five year old son however, takes to her straight away and within a few hours is calling her ‘Mommy’.
Very shortly, it seems to Victoria that Madeline is purposely undermining everything she does or says and appears to be deliberately sabotaging Victoria’s and Brad’s marriage and relationship with Andy.
Victoria has never lived in a beach house before and, whilst walking along the beach meets William, their closest neighbour. Right from the start William warns Victoria to move out as soon as she can and suggests that Madeline is evil. William also discloses to Victoria facts about Brad and his previous marriage(s) that Victoria was unaware of. When Lana, a colleague of Victoria’s from her new job, who is also an ex-girlfriend of Brad’s also reveals secrets that Brad has kept from her; Victoria starts to feel very worried and threatened.
Brad had given Victoria the impression that he had been married only once before when he has actually been married twice; both of his wives dying in what might be called ‘suspicious circumstances’. With each day that passes under Madeline’s overbearing, critical eye and with more and more previously undisclosed facts about Brad and his mother coming to light, Victoria feels that she has to get out before it’s too late. But will she?

Although I found this book very easy to read I did find the characters’, in my opinion, to be lacking depth and substance. I would have liked more detail of their background and emotions and less detail of what clothes they were all wearing every day. This made the characters seem a little shallow and less likable. I also had trouble believing that Brad’s five year old son Andy would; only an hour or two after meeting Victoria for the first time spontaneously call her ‘Mommy’.
The plot does move along quite nicely, if quite conveniently at times, due to the conversations between Victoria and her neighbour William. Occasionally the dialogue seemed a little stilted and unnatural although I found that this didn’t really take away any enjoyment from the story.
Overall, an enjoyable read worthy of a 4 star rating