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The Third Parent
No one knows where he came from. No one knows what he wants. No one dares ask about his strange physical abnormalities. For a quiet suburban neighborhood, things are about to change. And it starts with a knock at the door. Follow his rules. Don't call the police. Listen to his lessons. That's what Jack and his family were told. Held captive in their own house, they must face a growing storm of mental and physical trauma as they try to just stay alive. But even if Jack can survive the horror of his childhood, will his tormentor ever leave him alone? And who is he really? Who is Tommy Taffy?
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2017
121 people are currently reading
3054 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
February 4, 2025
When I read The Black Farm and Return to the Black Farm, I claimed that they were the two best books that I've ever read. And I still stand by that proclamation. I spent months avoiding another Elias Witherow book, partly because I was afraid that it wouldn't be of the same caliber and I'd be let down. However, The Third Parent sounded like such a bizarre tale that I decided to finally give in and read it. Much like with the both Farm books, Witherow weaves you right into his story with a powerful opener. From there, things just proceed to get uglier, more intense, and unbearably uncomfortable. His writing is so poignant and crisp, that you can feel yourself in each emotion, action, and setting. The crazy thing is that this story wasn't as gruesome as the Farm books, despite having many vulgar and downright disgusting scenes. So if you do not have a strong stomach and desire to push your boundaries a bit, I would not suggest reading this. I, being a known deviant and horror-monger (Did I just coin that?), read it all in one sitting, unable to take a break, which is a rarity for me. Tommy Taffy is truly horrifying and is the absolute epitome of a nightmare. I imagined myself in the position of both Jack and Mike, and was frozen in fear at the mere thought of being completely unable to save my family from someone as evil as Tommy. Possibly the scariest thing I could imagine. Now this wasn't a traditional horror story, but created its own cosmic twist with an already original terrifying concept. So be prepared for something like you've never witnessed before. Elias Witherow is so talented that it makes me feel unworthy of ever putting another word on paper again, especially when it comes to horror. As a side note, I believe Tommy Taffy was originally in some other short story, or stories, before this was written, but you do not need to read any of that prior. I went in fresh and felt like nothing was missed.
August 13, 2025
Fucking hell, I loved it. More thoughts to come later.
August 12, 2025
OH MY GOD!
That was probably one of the best and scariest books I have EVER read in my whole entire life😭😭😭
I've read two books by this author and while they were disgusting and traumatizing, I wasn't scared. THIS ONE THOUGH???? I WAS TERRIFIED! This book actually gave me a nightmare and that has never happened to me! NEVER!
This is about life-size Ken-doll looking creature that suddenly shows up and barges into a family's life and says he's there to help raise the kids. I'M SORRY THAT IS ACTUALLY HORRIFYING 😭😭 This book does not let you breathe; like it didn't let up from page one. I broke the cardinal rule while reading a horror which was not to get attached to anyone... but I did😭 I gasped, I screamed and I almost threw my phone across the room 😭
I think if you are a horror fan, you would absolutely love this book! In my eyes, this was a perfect horror novel, from the wildly unique plot, to the character development to the pacing and even the gory elements damn🤢 This really isn't for the faint of heart💀
Also, just found out this will be a movie and pre-production starts this month😭😭 obviously I'm gonna watch it because what's one more nightmare??🤣
That was probably one of the best and scariest books I have EVER read in my whole entire life😭😭😭
I've read two books by this author and while they were disgusting and traumatizing, I wasn't scared. THIS ONE THOUGH???? I WAS TERRIFIED! This book actually gave me a nightmare and that has never happened to me! NEVER!
This is about life-size Ken-doll looking creature that suddenly shows up and barges into a family's life and says he's there to help raise the kids. I'M SORRY THAT IS ACTUALLY HORRIFYING 😭😭 This book does not let you breathe; like it didn't let up from page one. I broke the cardinal rule while reading a horror which was not to get attached to anyone... but I did😭 I gasped, I screamed and I almost threw my phone across the room 😭
I think if you are a horror fan, you would absolutely love this book! In my eyes, this was a perfect horror novel, from the wildly unique plot, to the character development to the pacing and even the gory elements damn🤢 This really isn't for the faint of heart💀
Also, just found out this will be a movie and pre-production starts this month😭😭 obviously I'm gonna watch it because what's one more nightmare??🤣
January 6, 2022
Tommy Taffy has taken it upon himself to help you "raise" your children. Follow his rules or suffer his punishments. The last thing you want to do is make Tommy angry. You won't like it if Tommy gets angry. There is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide. Tommy is going to raise wholesome boys and girls, with or without you.
Well, this was terrifying. To have someone stroll up in your house and just take it over. Any questions are met with brute force. I don't think I could have lasted as long as the parents did. I probably would have checked myself out of life by the end of the first year.
Well, this was terrifying. To have someone stroll up in your house and just take it over. Any questions are met with brute force. I don't think I could have lasted as long as the parents did. I probably would have checked myself out of life by the end of the first year.
August 16, 2025
Tommy Taffy is the persistent, relentless spirit of domestic abuse, upon which generations are inflicted; verbal, physical, and sexual. He is the omnipresent, hopeless cycle made uncannily manifest. None of this is handled ideologically, which is complimentary.
Further thoughts forthcoming…
Further thoughts forthcoming…
September 4, 2025
Talk about unhinged. Just, wow. More to follow.
August 9, 2025
Parent’s Worst Nightmare!
I’ve loved every book I’ve read by Elias Witherow, and this one is no exception. He has a gift for weaving themes of death, religion, and the unknown into original, gripping horror tales. His imagination is boundless, keeping you guessing at every turn, and once I start one of his stories, I simply can’t stop. While a few parts could have used more depth, the sheer originality makes this a captivating read from start to finish.
I’ve loved every book I’ve read by Elias Witherow, and this one is no exception. He has a gift for weaving themes of death, religion, and the unknown into original, gripping horror tales. His imagination is boundless, keeping you guessing at every turn, and once I start one of his stories, I simply can’t stop. While a few parts could have used more depth, the sheer originality makes this a captivating read from start to finish.
March 25, 2024
My therapist will hear of this.
December 3, 2025
Closer to a 1.5. I really, really want to believe that Tommy Taffy as a character might represent something more than he ultimately does. I’ve spent too much time reading Tommy Taffy media and I think there really isn’t anything much going on under the surface. He’s just a violent creature that commits acts of abuse on families. He doesn’t represent familial abuse, his actions are far too cartoonish for that. He has a backstory given at the end of this book that feels so out of left field and makes little to no sense. It exists as a deus ex machina moment so we can have an action packed conclusion. The main character of the book is pretty much devoid of any redeemable traits. He loves smoking, drinking, and threatening people with physical violence. He’s presented as a hardened, antisocial, violent loner in one paragraph and then suddenly becomes a tender, loving man when the story needs him to be. The only redeeming qualities I found here are that the writing isn’t terrible. You can definitely tell this is adapted from a no sleep story, though. I also think some of the shocking violence was interesting, notably a moment near the end of the novel when a character is killed in a claustrophobic way. I just wish that character didn’t end up in that situation through the most idiotic decision making of all time that had me rolling my eyes. I want to believe that Tommy Taffy could be something more interesting than a slasher villain, but it seems like the author isn’t interested in saying anything with this character. I found it a little ironic that in the “about the author” section, the author notes that he “believes the horror genre has grown stale”. I suggest that he read some more contemporary horror by the host of amazing authors that are working today. You could argue the horror genre has never been stronger with so many inspired creatives adding their unique voices to what was once (falsely) considered a genre with no artistic merit. If the horror genre has truly grown stale then I see nothing in this novel that could hope to change that.
Having said all that, I am curious to give the author another chance and see what they are able to do when not tied down to an IP they created a decade ago.
Having said all that, I am curious to give the author another chance and see what they are able to do when not tied down to an IP they created a decade ago.
January 20, 2021
As a father how would you feel if another man waltzed into your house and announced that they are now going to be the man of the house?
Would you try to make him leave?
Would you try to physically assault him for disrespecting you and your family?
Now what would you do if this individual had superhuman strength, was invincible and threatened to murder you and your family in horrible ways if you didn't oblige to his rules?
These are the questions that you'll ask yourself while reading this book and it makes for a very uncomfortable, but exciting and thrilling read. 4/5 stars.
For in-depth video reviews please subscribe to my YouTube channel:
https://youtube.com/c/UptownHorrorRev...
Would you try to make him leave?
Would you try to physically assault him for disrespecting you and your family?
Now what would you do if this individual had superhuman strength, was invincible and threatened to murder you and your family in horrible ways if you didn't oblige to his rules?
These are the questions that you'll ask yourself while reading this book and it makes for a very uncomfortable, but exciting and thrilling read. 4/5 stars.
For in-depth video reviews please subscribe to my YouTube channel:
https://youtube.com/c/UptownHorrorRev...
August 11, 2025
"The Third Parent" by Elias Witherow isn't the kind of book you build a shrine to - no incense, no framed dust jacket on the wall - but lately, I’ll take anything that doesn’t taste like fucking cardboard. And in the last six-seven months? Slim pickings. Then this thing lands in my lap, all grinning teeth and bad intentions, and suddenly I’m up past midnight muttering "just one more chapter" like a druggo who's found the good stuff again.
It’s mean. Not playground mean, I’m talking rats-in-a-barrel mean. There’s a chapter in the first half that had me physically scrunching my face, like maybe if I made myself small enough the scene couldn't get to me. Didn't work. Witherow's merciless, and Tommy Taffy - retarded name, terrifying maniac - operates on that special wavelength where cruelty becomes a kind of performance art. As for the characters...they’re not just suffering, they're enduring, and the line between those two words is where the horror actually lives.
Extreme horror can be risky in that sometimes it’s genius, sometimes it’s just a sadist with a thesaurus and some time on their hands. But Witherow's got the nerve and the craft. He knows when to twist the knife and when to just let you sit there, staring at the page, feeling gross for looking. And the thing is, you start caring. Against your better judgment, you're in it with these people, praying maybe the universe will give the poor bastards a break (but it fucking won't) while Tommy hovers like the guillotine(*).
And then, just when the credits should roll, he drops in a little science fiction flourish. Not the full "ray guns and aliens" treatment, just enough to nudge the whole mess into stranger territory. Five stars. Sure, why the fuck not? Nice work, Witherow: I'm not ready to forgive you, but I’ll recommend the hell out of you.
Next!
(*) I was this close to spoiling the whole thing, wheew...
It’s mean. Not playground mean, I’m talking rats-in-a-barrel mean. There’s a chapter in the first half that had me physically scrunching my face, like maybe if I made myself small enough the scene couldn't get to me. Didn't work. Witherow's merciless, and Tommy Taffy - retarded name, terrifying maniac - operates on that special wavelength where cruelty becomes a kind of performance art. As for the characters...they’re not just suffering, they're enduring, and the line between those two words is where the horror actually lives.
Extreme horror can be risky in that sometimes it’s genius, sometimes it’s just a sadist with a thesaurus and some time on their hands. But Witherow's got the nerve and the craft. He knows when to twist the knife and when to just let you sit there, staring at the page, feeling gross for looking. And the thing is, you start caring. Against your better judgment, you're in it with these people, praying maybe the universe will give the poor bastards a break (but it fucking won't) while Tommy hovers like the guillotine(*).
And then, just when the credits should roll, he drops in a little science fiction flourish. Not the full "ray guns and aliens" treatment, just enough to nudge the whole mess into stranger territory. Five stars. Sure, why the fuck not? Nice work, Witherow: I'm not ready to forgive you, but I’ll recommend the hell out of you.
Next!
(*) I was this close to spoiling the whole thing, wheew...
October 18, 2025
A breezy creepypasta-style yarn whose moments of tension are undone by distractingly amateurish writing and an escalation of third act silliness.
September 23, 2025
I wasn’t aware when I purchased this (with actual currency I earned from my actual job) that it was “creepypasta” Reddit nonsense. I can honestly say this is one of the dumbest things I’ve ever read, and I’m certain someone paid for the positive reviews. Also, someone greenlit a movie? Christ almighty. 😮💨
June 15, 2024
Isaiah and Hunter, I blame you two
September 22, 2025
WOW, this hit hard. Like my experiences with The Black Farm duology by this author, I was amazed at how well he could write these incredibly vicious, graphic scenes of cruelty AND still pack so much heart and depth into the characters, to the point that I actually choked up over one scene in particular. I have barely been able to stop thinking about this book since finishing it a couple of days ago. Elias is such an underrated gem in the indie horror crowd.
This is what extreme horror should look like.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted audio copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
This is what extreme horror should look like.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted audio copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
October 8, 2024
TOMMY TAFFY A NIGHT MARE. I DIDN'T READ THIS BOOK AT NIGHT CAUSE I KNOW I WAS GONNA BE AFRAID *that's the point biatch but anyways I didn't read at night*
Read
December 20, 2025RTC
March 29, 2018
Tommy Taffy is one of my favourite nosleep stories of all time so when I heard about this book I was so excited!
Sadly it's a terrible written book that ruined one of the only characters I've found scary. It's like someone wrote a parody of the original Third Parent story. Don't bother buying it, not worth the hype.
Sadly it's a terrible written book that ruined one of the only characters I've found scary. It's like someone wrote a parody of the original Third Parent story. Don't bother buying it, not worth the hype.
February 29, 2024
Holy shit this book was quite the ride, definitely will be reading more from this author.
December 14, 2025
ALL THE TRIGGERS
So much love to @shadow.in.my.pages for the surprise book mail! One of our favorite authors - I read it as soon as it came and loved every second of this book.
If you haven’t read the Black Farm duology you NEED to! If you have but haven’t read this book YOU NEED TO.
The Third Parent
“It's scary how quickly you can become accustomed to misery. Instead of fearing it, you embrace it as something that's always been there waiting for you,” (p. 41).
“…I began to lose faith in humanity. It was then that I came to the cruel realization that people
just don't give a shit. Sure, they may ask if you're doing ok, but those words rang hollow in my skull like the clang of a cracking bell,” (p. 62).
From the very beginning of time there has always been a war between good and evil, and sometimes that battle shows up right inside your own home.
One day, Tommy arrives. He isn’t a guest. He isn’t optional. He’s there to help raise the children, and there is no escape from what’s been decided. If anyone in the family tries to tell the truth about him, the consequences will be devastating. Tommy is here to be the third parent.
Oof. Witherow absolutely nails the feeling of helplessness in this book. The kind that seeps in slowly and leaves you feeling trapped right alongside the characters. What stood out most was how the story highlights indifference - teachers and adults who sense something is wrong but don’t care enough to dig deeper or intervene. That quiet neglect is just as horrifying - but just as real - as the more explicit moments.
At its core, this is a brutal examination of how childhood shapes who we become, how trauma never really lets go, and how unspeakable horrors can exist behind closed doors while the world looks the other way. If it doesn’t directly affect them, most people simply don’t want to see it.
This book is dark, disturbing, and at times genuinely gruesome - but it’s also impossible to put down. A brutal, unforgettable read that I never wanted to end.
Elias Witherow is incredibly talented, and his ability to come up with such chilling, original concepts continues to impress me. He’s able to express pure despair and hopelessness - I can’t wait to see what he writes next.
It’s really hard to find good horror books these days. They either really suck or are just not scary. We need more books from Witherow. So so good! Horror books that truly scare.
And I’m beyond excited to see this story come to the screen. Stay tuned… 👀
So much love to @shadow.in.my.pages for the surprise book mail! One of our favorite authors - I read it as soon as it came and loved every second of this book.
If you haven’t read the Black Farm duology you NEED to! If you have but haven’t read this book YOU NEED TO.
The Third Parent
“It's scary how quickly you can become accustomed to misery. Instead of fearing it, you embrace it as something that's always been there waiting for you,” (p. 41).
“…I began to lose faith in humanity. It was then that I came to the cruel realization that people
just don't give a shit. Sure, they may ask if you're doing ok, but those words rang hollow in my skull like the clang of a cracking bell,” (p. 62).
From the very beginning of time there has always been a war between good and evil, and sometimes that battle shows up right inside your own home.
One day, Tommy arrives. He isn’t a guest. He isn’t optional. He’s there to help raise the children, and there is no escape from what’s been decided. If anyone in the family tries to tell the truth about him, the consequences will be devastating. Tommy is here to be the third parent.
Oof. Witherow absolutely nails the feeling of helplessness in this book. The kind that seeps in slowly and leaves you feeling trapped right alongside the characters. What stood out most was how the story highlights indifference - teachers and adults who sense something is wrong but don’t care enough to dig deeper or intervene. That quiet neglect is just as horrifying - but just as real - as the more explicit moments.
At its core, this is a brutal examination of how childhood shapes who we become, how trauma never really lets go, and how unspeakable horrors can exist behind closed doors while the world looks the other way. If it doesn’t directly affect them, most people simply don’t want to see it.
This book is dark, disturbing, and at times genuinely gruesome - but it’s also impossible to put down. A brutal, unforgettable read that I never wanted to end.
Elias Witherow is incredibly talented, and his ability to come up with such chilling, original concepts continues to impress me. He’s able to express pure despair and hopelessness - I can’t wait to see what he writes next.
It’s really hard to find good horror books these days. They either really suck or are just not scary. We need more books from Witherow. So so good! Horror books that truly scare.
And I’m beyond excited to see this story come to the screen. Stay tuned… 👀
November 20, 2017
I read this in one sitting, it was that crazy and I had to know how it ended!
Definitely recommended to horror fans!
Definitely recommended to horror fans!
December 21, 2025
.
.
“Some monsters just can’t be forgotten.”
.
.
WOW people just …wow. Have you heard of 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓 by @eliaswitherow ?? I hadn’t. It started out on the Nosleep subreddit and is now currently in development for a film adaptation!
.
After the creativity invested in 𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘉𝘓𝘈𝘊𝘒 𝘍𝘈𝘙𝘔 duology, I was curious if Witherow had any other interesting works and this one TOTALLY surpassed my expectations. This story is drenched with a deeply unsettling premise & an absolutely terrifying antagonist that will remain in my nightmares for years to come. Imagine this unnervingly tall 7 ft figure with unnaturally flawless features arrives at your doorstep telling you he’s now the third parent to your children and forces himself inside. You want to call the cops or fight him off, but he subjects you and your loved ones to psychological and physical torment if you do not do what he says. What if the worst part is- you’ve met him before in YOUR childhood🤯
.
Talk about generational trauma! Neighborhood trauma!? The layers of sadism and depravity know no ends; I know the climax is going to be 𝘚𝘖 triggering for so many people. I found myself able to empathize with Matt’s decision ONLY because I would die without my sibling. But wow. Such a harrowing yet cathartic final confrontation, I was in utter disbelief that Witherow WENT THERE but he did, allowing Matt to break free from the cycle of abuse.
.
𝘛𝘖𝘔𝘔𝘠 𝘛𝘈𝘍𝘍𝘠 is such an insidious, cosmically brutal entity, consuming any and all who stand in his way. He EMBODIES existential dread through the sheer inevitability of his control, combined with his inhuman perfection and otherworldly nature. Tommy isn’t just a threat to individuals; he represents an unstoppable force that dismantles the concept of safety and autonomy on a terrifyingly grand scale. I could talk about Tommy all day because it’s RARE that words on paper can make me feel genuinely “scared!”
.
Part psychological horror, part cosmic terror, coupled with Witherow’s graphic depictions and evocative prose, made 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓 is one of the most menacing adversaries I could ever imagine. The way I will be r u n n i n g to the theaters for this! I had to own the book because it was so amazing, but I HIGHLY suggest listening to it on YouTube, @darksomnium did a phenomenal job bringing this nightmare to life! (click his YouTube link then search the title, it’s 2hrs long)
.
.
Rating: 500!+★
.
.
.
“Some monsters just can’t be forgotten.”
.
.
WOW people just …wow. Have you heard of 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓 by @eliaswitherow ?? I hadn’t. It started out on the Nosleep subreddit and is now currently in development for a film adaptation!
.
After the creativity invested in 𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘉𝘓𝘈𝘊𝘒 𝘍𝘈𝘙𝘔 duology, I was curious if Witherow had any other interesting works and this one TOTALLY surpassed my expectations. This story is drenched with a deeply unsettling premise & an absolutely terrifying antagonist that will remain in my nightmares for years to come. Imagine this unnervingly tall 7 ft figure with unnaturally flawless features arrives at your doorstep telling you he’s now the third parent to your children and forces himself inside. You want to call the cops or fight him off, but he subjects you and your loved ones to psychological and physical torment if you do not do what he says. What if the worst part is- you’ve met him before in YOUR childhood🤯
.
Talk about generational trauma! Neighborhood trauma!? The layers of sadism and depravity know no ends; I know the climax is going to be 𝘚𝘖 triggering for so many people. I found myself able to empathize with Matt’s decision ONLY because I would die without my sibling. But wow. Such a harrowing yet cathartic final confrontation, I was in utter disbelief that Witherow WENT THERE but he did, allowing Matt to break free from the cycle of abuse.
.
𝘛𝘖𝘔𝘔𝘠 𝘛𝘈𝘍𝘍𝘠 is such an insidious, cosmically brutal entity, consuming any and all who stand in his way. He EMBODIES existential dread through the sheer inevitability of his control, combined with his inhuman perfection and otherworldly nature. Tommy isn’t just a threat to individuals; he represents an unstoppable force that dismantles the concept of safety and autonomy on a terrifyingly grand scale. I could talk about Tommy all day because it’s RARE that words on paper can make me feel genuinely “scared!”
.
Part psychological horror, part cosmic terror, coupled with Witherow’s graphic depictions and evocative prose, made 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓 is one of the most menacing adversaries I could ever imagine. The way I will be r u n n i n g to the theaters for this! I had to own the book because it was so amazing, but I HIGHLY suggest listening to it on YouTube, @darksomnium did a phenomenal job bringing this nightmare to life! (click his YouTube link then search the title, it’s 2hrs long)
.
.
Rating: 500!+★
.
.
October 11, 2017
Wow.
I'm at a loss for words. Having a 3 year old son myself... at some points I had to walk away from this book. It's so graphic and gruesome. But I found myself right back within minutes. If you don't have a weak stomach I highly recommend reading. This is my first book by Elias Witherow and certainly won't be my last
I'm a fan for life now.
I'm at a loss for words. Having a 3 year old son myself... at some points I had to walk away from this book. It's so graphic and gruesome. But I found myself right back within minutes. If you don't have a weak stomach I highly recommend reading. This is my first book by Elias Witherow and certainly won't be my last
I'm a fan for life now.
November 23, 2024
Listen… was this book perfectly written? No. Was this book one of the scariest ones I’ve read this year…. YES! I couldn’t stop thinking about Tommy Taffy’s smile. Wow! This is SO underrated!
June 29, 2025
Well this was a really unique book that had my heart rate through the roof basically the entire time
February 8, 2023
Amazing
This was truly a great read. I loved every bit of it from beginning to start. It hard my gripping my tablet as I read along, gritting my teeth in pain or in frustration at help not coming for them, to tears from the empathy I felt as I read. It truly catches you and pulls you into the whole story, every word giving you more reason to be thrilled or for you to be devastated. Tommy is one character I definitely wouldn't want to meet in any shape or form. He is the most wicked and evil person that you could ever dream up. And what's worse is he never leaves. Definitely recommend that you give it a read, you will love it as long as your not squeamish or easily offended. Otherwise you won't be disappointed. Amazing storyline, great characters and even better plot..
This was truly a great read. I loved every bit of it from beginning to start. It hard my gripping my tablet as I read along, gritting my teeth in pain or in frustration at help not coming for them, to tears from the empathy I felt as I read. It truly catches you and pulls you into the whole story, every word giving you more reason to be thrilled or for you to be devastated. Tommy is one character I definitely wouldn't want to meet in any shape or form. He is the most wicked and evil person that you could ever dream up. And what's worse is he never leaves. Definitely recommend that you give it a read, you will love it as long as your not squeamish or easily offended. Otherwise you won't be disappointed. Amazing storyline, great characters and even better plot..
August 16, 2025
Such a good read. Had me gripped, I didn't want it to end. 5 stars. Creepiest shit I've read in a while. Brilliant.
July 30, 2019
I originally read The Third Parent from r/NoSleep. It was actually what got me re-addicted to the sub. Let me tell you, this book it a lot more brutal than the Reddit posts. There is even one part, which i couldn't stand to read any more and just skipped over it The only part that bothers me is . Overall, horrific story that will stick with me for a long time, which is what a good Horror novel should do.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2022
This book was absolutely unbelievable. I can’t really describe how I feel right now because although I couldn’t tear my eyes away and the writing was just incredible, I’m not sure I actually enjoyed the process of reading it. I have never felt so intensely for the characters in a fictional book and wow, it was really something.
This is the only book in my 26 years of living in which the second hand dread I was feeling through sympathising with the main character actually caused me to have a panic attack at one point (Chapter 8) and I also had to take a serious emotional break at THAT heartbreaking scene at somewhere around page 347. I don’t think reading this as a mother to two babies helped with that.
Will I recommend this? Absolutely!!! Over and over again. Truly like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Elias Witherow has very quickly become one of my favourite authors and that only seems to be solidified as I read more of his work.
This is the only book in my 26 years of living in which the second hand dread I was feeling through sympathising with the main character actually caused me to have a panic attack at one point (Chapter 8) and I also had to take a serious emotional break at THAT heartbreaking scene at somewhere around page 347. I don’t think reading this as a mother to two babies helped with that.
Will I recommend this? Absolutely!!! Over and over again. Truly like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Elias Witherow has very quickly become one of my favourite authors and that only seems to be solidified as I read more of his work.
August 28, 2019
One of the only books that I've ever had to put down for a moment to really think about what I just witnessed. The Third Parent takes you into a life you could never imagine, and not in a good way. Excellent writing and story telling on the authors part, he created realistic characters that you get attached to, and when something bad happens to them, you feel it. Elias Witherow really knows how to write stories that pack an emotional punch, and you'll need a strong stomach and a steel heart to make it through this book.
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