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The Good Mother
Amy’s life is picture perfect. Mess with that picture – you’re going to pay.
Amy’s life is close to perfect – two lovely daughters, a wonderful husband and she’s queen bee in her circle of soccer moms. She feels content, like she’s finally put some distance between herself and the terrible events of long ago.
The only fly in the ointment is Charlotte, a recent arrival to this affluent suburban community. The shameless way she dresses, the way the men look at her… it’s not right, she’s just not the kind of person they want around here.
Amy spearheads a drive to exclude Charlotte, to make it clear to her that she’s not welcome here. Infuriatingly, Charlotte doesn’t seem to care… And when her daughter joins the soccer team there’s just no getting away from her.
But Amy knows from bitter experience the kind of trouble a woman like Charlotte can bring. And there is no way on earth that her girls are ever going to be exposed to anything like that. The solution is clear - Charlotte has to go. No matter what it takes.
A gripping domestic thriller for fans of Liane Moriarty, T. M. Logan, and Sally Hepworth.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2020
1520 people are currently reading
1224 people want to read
About the author
Cathryn Grant
81 books388 followersCathryn is the author of over forty novels. She writes psychological thrillers, psychological suspense, and the ALEXANDRA MALLORY series which features a sociopath you can’t help but love. Readers say they're “absolutely addicted” to the series.
The things that cause torment in real life—obsession and revenge, guilt and envy and longing—are endlessly fascinating in fiction and she never grows tired of writing stories about characters struggling to overcome the worst.
Cathryn also writes ghost stories because who knows what lies beyond our senses—The Haunted Ship Trilogy and the Madison Keith series of novellas.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, walking on the beach, or playing golf, going way out of her way to avoid hitting her ball in the sand or the water. She lives on the Central California Coast with her husband and her cat, Cleopatra.
You can get in touch with her by email, find her social media links, or sign up for her monthly newsletter at cathryngrant.com/contact. As a thank you for signing up, you’ll receive a free short story about Alexandra Mallory.
The things that cause torment in real life—obsession and revenge, guilt and envy and longing—are endlessly fascinating in fiction and she never grows tired of writing stories about characters struggling to overcome the worst.
Cathryn also writes ghost stories because who knows what lies beyond our senses—The Haunted Ship Trilogy and the Madison Keith series of novellas.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, walking on the beach, or playing golf, going way out of her way to avoid hitting her ball in the sand or the water. She lives on the Central California Coast with her husband and her cat, Cleopatra.
You can get in touch with her by email, find her social media links, or sign up for her monthly newsletter at cathryngrant.com/contact. As a thank you for signing up, you’ll receive a free short story about Alexandra Mallory.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 150 reviews
January 6, 2020
If Amy had to describe her life in one word, it would be 'perfect.' Her marriage, her home, twin daughters. She feels certain she's the envy of her close-knit circle of friends. Everything was just as she wished it to be—until that shameless woman moved into town and had the audacity to allow her to play soccer on their soccer team. And now her daughter wanted to be friends with that woman's child? Amy decided right then and there that Charlotte had to go... one way or another.
Charlotte is a photographer, forced to raise her daughter alone after a terrible mistake in judgement stole the little girl's father away from them. Returning to her hometown was the last thing she wanted to do, but she had nowhere else to go. Everything would be fine. Or so she thought until Amy tries to rally her soccer-mom friends to help drive Charlotte out of town. When Amy's single-minded mission to get rid of her go from being a mere annoyance to overtly threatening, Charlotte begins to fear how far Amy is willing to go in order to get it done.
The Good Mother was the antithesis of the last book I read—it was SO good! I wish I'd been able to read it from start to finish in one sitting, but the time to do so was a luxury I didn't have. Instead, I read as much as I possibly could whenever I had a chance to get some reading done, and moaned and groaned more than usual whenever I was forced to stop.
Most of the adult characters in this book aren't very likable, with the exception of Charlotte. I felt so badly for her, being so ostracized practically from the moment she steps foot into town. Amy took one look at the way she dressed, the way she carried herself, made a snap judgement about what sort of woman Charlotte "had" to be, and proceeded to make her life a living hell. It infuriated me, and I wanted so badly to leap into the book and smack Amy upside the head and tell her to leave that poor woman alone!
There was a pivotal event in Amy's childhood that shaped the woman she was to become—and tied directly into why she was so outraged by Charlotte's appearance. The fallout from that terrible event drove everything she did from the moment she met Charlotte, as well as being the reason why she did everything in her life. There were times I felt sympathy for her, only to have it disappear when she did the next vindictive thing.
There's a subplot that contributes to the overall story, and it's something all the major characters are aware of, though each of them react to it in vastly different ways. I won't get into what it's about, since it isn't mentioned in the book description. It does tie in to another crucial event in the story in a way that took me by surprise. It perfectly illustrated the mindset of a certain character at that moment in time, adding a greater sense of trepidation to the reader moving forward. I was definitely reading with bated breath from that moment on!
I had an idea of how the story might end, and I'm glad it didn't end that way because it was something I considered for more than half the book. The way Grant chose to wrap it up wasn't at all what I suspected, but it was still very satisfying. Hooray for unpredictability!
This is my first book by Cathryn Grant, but it won't be my last. This was a great introduction to a new-to-me author.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Inkubator Books via Netgalley.
Charlotte is a photographer, forced to raise her daughter alone after a terrible mistake in judgement stole the little girl's father away from them. Returning to her hometown was the last thing she wanted to do, but she had nowhere else to go. Everything would be fine. Or so she thought until Amy tries to rally her soccer-mom friends to help drive Charlotte out of town. When Amy's single-minded mission to get rid of her go from being a mere annoyance to overtly threatening, Charlotte begins to fear how far Amy is willing to go in order to get it done.
The Good Mother was the antithesis of the last book I read—it was SO good! I wish I'd been able to read it from start to finish in one sitting, but the time to do so was a luxury I didn't have. Instead, I read as much as I possibly could whenever I had a chance to get some reading done, and moaned and groaned more than usual whenever I was forced to stop.
Most of the adult characters in this book aren't very likable, with the exception of Charlotte. I felt so badly for her, being so ostracized practically from the moment she steps foot into town. Amy took one look at the way she dressed, the way she carried herself, made a snap judgement about what sort of woman Charlotte "had" to be, and proceeded to make her life a living hell. It infuriated me, and I wanted so badly to leap into the book and smack Amy upside the head and tell her to leave that poor woman alone!
There was a pivotal event in Amy's childhood that shaped the woman she was to become—and tied directly into why she was so outraged by Charlotte's appearance. The fallout from that terrible event drove everything she did from the moment she met Charlotte, as well as being the reason why she did everything in her life. There were times I felt sympathy for her, only to have it disappear when she did the next vindictive thing.
There's a subplot that contributes to the overall story, and it's something all the major characters are aware of, though each of them react to it in vastly different ways. I won't get into what it's about, since it isn't mentioned in the book description. It does tie in to another crucial event in the story in a way that took me by surprise. It perfectly illustrated the mindset of a certain character at that moment in time, adding a greater sense of trepidation to the reader moving forward. I was definitely reading with bated breath from that moment on!
I had an idea of how the story might end, and I'm glad it didn't end that way because it was something I considered for more than half the book. The way Grant chose to wrap it up wasn't at all what I suspected, but it was still very satisfying. Hooray for unpredictability!
This is my first book by Cathryn Grant, but it won't be my last. This was a great introduction to a new-to-me author.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Inkubator Books via Netgalley.
February 8, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This book is focussed on a new lady - Charlotte who moves to the suburbs from the city with her daughter, and a group of women, of which one of the women - Amy , has an immediate problem with Charlotte's presence in their lives and sets out on a mission of vengeance and hatred for Charlotte despite giving her the chance to get to know her. This stems from a traumatic past that Amy has never gotten over.
This book is great but I did find it quite predictable at the end and found it didnt grab my attention as much as I'd hoped.
This book is focussed on a new lady - Charlotte who moves to the suburbs from the city with her daughter, and a group of women, of which one of the women - Amy , has an immediate problem with Charlotte's presence in their lives and sets out on a mission of vengeance and hatred for Charlotte despite giving her the chance to get to know her. This stems from a traumatic past that Amy has never gotten over.
This book is great but I did find it quite predictable at the end and found it didnt grab my attention as much as I'd hoped.
January 23, 2020
Suburban Psychological Twists & THAT finale!
I have been in a reading lull for a few months. You know, you start a book but it's not grabbing you? I've also found so many psych thrillers so...same, similar, unoriginal.
This book got my attention immediately.
It's the plot, the incredibly strong, unique female characters and the dark elements that hooked me. Each character is developed, separate and I found my opinion of each constantly changing.
The plot...awesome. A few photos, soccer mums, fears, insecurities, cliquish mentality all lead up to a very unexpected ending. Truly unpredictable and that's clever writing. The writing is strong and really takes you into the mentality of each character. To be honest the base of the overall dark psychological elements could be reality.
A must read novel. I devoured it and it's broken my reading drought. An author, in this competitive genre who will no doubt rise high. So, now I'm off to grab The Good Neighbour by Cathryn, a new author i really admire. Happy Reading!
Bookmaker Catlady and her two feline reading pals give this a solid 5 paw rating.
I have been in a reading lull for a few months. You know, you start a book but it's not grabbing you? I've also found so many psych thrillers so...same, similar, unoriginal.
This book got my attention immediately.
It's the plot, the incredibly strong, unique female characters and the dark elements that hooked me. Each character is developed, separate and I found my opinion of each constantly changing.
The plot...awesome. A few photos, soccer mums, fears, insecurities, cliquish mentality all lead up to a very unexpected ending. Truly unpredictable and that's clever writing. The writing is strong and really takes you into the mentality of each character. To be honest the base of the overall dark psychological elements could be reality.
A must read novel. I devoured it and it's broken my reading drought. An author, in this competitive genre who will no doubt rise high. So, now I'm off to grab The Good Neighbour by Cathryn, a new author i really admire. Happy Reading!
Bookmaker Catlady and her two feline reading pals give this a solid 5 paw rating.
December 1, 2020
I just could not do this one. These women are awful. This story is just beyond stupid. Amy with her messed up ideas about rape. I get trauma in childhood can mess with us, but we also grow and mature into adults. Her ideals about women are gross. It's hard to believe in any of these ladies. They are forced and false sounding. It's like the writer is making them stupid on purpose. Just couldn't finish this book.
January 5, 2020
The Good Mother is a stark warning that we can all become products of our past. The past can haunt us, and it can keep tiptoeing back into our lives. Is it ever possible to bury the past? This premise is one that sends chills down my spine. Can darkness seep its way into Pleasantville? The characters seem to have the perfect life, the perfect husbands and children but what darkness threatens to tip the scales…is the catalyst a new neighbour? This sets the tone for the entire story. Violence has the capability of ruining the victim, fracturing communities and creating a lifetime of suffering for witnesses- especially child. Mental illness can become an inevitable conclusion.
The opening chapter is a hellish nightmare. No-one wants to live through that experience, especially a child in their informative years…the long-standing effects are cataclysmic. This event was earth-shattering, therefore, this chapter really sets you up for the pace and the concerning tone of the novel.
Fast forward in time. A different location. Worlds away from the past. Amy has forged a completely new existence from the one she had experienced as a child. Therefore, she is determined nothing will be the same. She has the perfect husband, beautiful twin daughters, an immaculate home, affluent neighbourhood and friends that care deeply about her. She has fought from the bottom up, tooth and nail, to create this worlds away from her childhood, life. She has been born again from the ashes. Nothing will stand in her way. Nothing.
Life is sweet, she has absolutely nothing to worry about, that is, until Charlotte moves into her neighbourhood. She somehow transports Amy back to her past…back to darker times. A place that she never wanted to revisit again, as a result the author has captured expertly the fear and the paranoia of past events coming back to haunt her. She begins to feel that scar re-emerge, torn open. It has never fully disappeared. Moving hasn’t altered it, she is living with her very own Pandora’s box.
I don’t particularly think that any of the characters were that likeable. However, Just like in a town you get different spectrums of personalities; this book also examines that. Amy and her friends have moments of kindness, cruelty and deviousness. The author used this to her strength – she developed depth and clarity to the characterisation. Each character pulls a reaction from you, for whatever the situation is. All the topics was handled with respect but brought to life with realism. This was the perfect foundation for this taut domestic thriller.
The Good Mother is smart and ridiculously suspenseful. A story of family, broken pasts with a meticulously laced plot. The perfect thriller. The perfect start to a new year.
The opening chapter is a hellish nightmare. No-one wants to live through that experience, especially a child in their informative years…the long-standing effects are cataclysmic. This event was earth-shattering, therefore, this chapter really sets you up for the pace and the concerning tone of the novel.
Fast forward in time. A different location. Worlds away from the past. Amy has forged a completely new existence from the one she had experienced as a child. Therefore, she is determined nothing will be the same. She has the perfect husband, beautiful twin daughters, an immaculate home, affluent neighbourhood and friends that care deeply about her. She has fought from the bottom up, tooth and nail, to create this worlds away from her childhood, life. She has been born again from the ashes. Nothing will stand in her way. Nothing.
Life is sweet, she has absolutely nothing to worry about, that is, until Charlotte moves into her neighbourhood. She somehow transports Amy back to her past…back to darker times. A place that she never wanted to revisit again, as a result the author has captured expertly the fear and the paranoia of past events coming back to haunt her. She begins to feel that scar re-emerge, torn open. It has never fully disappeared. Moving hasn’t altered it, she is living with her very own Pandora’s box.
I don’t particularly think that any of the characters were that likeable. However, Just like in a town you get different spectrums of personalities; this book also examines that. Amy and her friends have moments of kindness, cruelty and deviousness. The author used this to her strength – she developed depth and clarity to the characterisation. Each character pulls a reaction from you, for whatever the situation is. All the topics was handled with respect but brought to life with realism. This was the perfect foundation for this taut domestic thriller.
The Good Mother is smart and ridiculously suspenseful. A story of family, broken pasts with a meticulously laced plot. The perfect thriller. The perfect start to a new year.
December 13, 2019
Amy is clearly haunted by a traumatic past and is obsessed with keeping complete control of her “perfect” life. The new arrival Charlotte is a single mother, also with a traumatic past, who is looking to raise her daughter in a safe environment. Charlotte is a free, hippy spirit who doesn’t conform to Amy’s standards and that makes her a target when she moves into their neighborhood. Rachel is Amy’s BFF and she would be the follower of the soccer mom group. She has a whole set of her own issues. These three tell the stories through their POV.
This domestic thriller was
Pleasantville meets the Desperate Housewives.
“Everyone has secrets, parts of their lives kept hidden.”
It was like reading a train wreck. Amy started off slightly delusional and grew to off the chart level of crazy. Rachel was incredibly insecure with serious body image issues and needed lots of reassurance. It was painful at times reading about how she hated her body.
It was captivating in the sense that you couldn’t believe how low Amy could stoop to or how ridiculous Rachel was in supporting her. Poor Charlotte was just trying to start fresh and raise her daughter but was constantly the object of Amy’s viciousness.
I found this book to be mainly focusing on relationships. It was somewhat suspenseful at times but without any twists or surprises. I I really felt it had that desperate housewives feel, where the women have their own issues, pretend to be perfect, and take down anyone that threatened them. The reader just watches the main character spiral more and more out of control.
I personally prefer thrillers to have suspense, twists and surprises. This has too much drama for me.
**Trigger warning-rape is discussed often, sometimes pretty detailed**
I received this read from NetGalley.
This domestic thriller was
Pleasantville meets the Desperate Housewives.
“Everyone has secrets, parts of their lives kept hidden.”
It was like reading a train wreck. Amy started off slightly delusional and grew to off the chart level of crazy. Rachel was incredibly insecure with serious body image issues and needed lots of reassurance. It was painful at times reading about how she hated her body.
It was captivating in the sense that you couldn’t believe how low Amy could stoop to or how ridiculous Rachel was in supporting her. Poor Charlotte was just trying to start fresh and raise her daughter but was constantly the object of Amy’s viciousness.
I found this book to be mainly focusing on relationships. It was somewhat suspenseful at times but without any twists or surprises. I I really felt it had that desperate housewives feel, where the women have their own issues, pretend to be perfect, and take down anyone that threatened them. The reader just watches the main character spiral more and more out of control.
I personally prefer thrillers to have suspense, twists and surprises. This has too much drama for me.
**Trigger warning-rape is discussed often, sometimes pretty detailed**
I received this read from NetGalley.
December 17, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book as billed as a psychological thriller, but it is actually a domestic thriller (my favorite kind!) The Good Mother gave me “Big Little Lies” vibes.
We all know that I’m a sucker for soccer mom clique drama. Trashy gossip from suburban white moms is my niche, so this book was right up my alley.
This book is about Amy whom I would give the title of “Head Mom”. She’s the number one rich bitch in the community. Amy has a best friend Rachel, and two other friends that make up a little clique of mean moms.
When Charlotte and her daughter move to town, their perfect life is threatened. Charlotte’s entire being contains something each mother is lacking in their lives. This leads to a jealousy spiral and it all goes on from there.
This book as billed as a psychological thriller, but it is actually a domestic thriller (my favorite kind!) The Good Mother gave me “Big Little Lies” vibes.
We all know that I’m a sucker for soccer mom clique drama. Trashy gossip from suburban white moms is my niche, so this book was right up my alley.
This book is about Amy whom I would give the title of “Head Mom”. She’s the number one rich bitch in the community. Amy has a best friend Rachel, and two other friends that make up a little clique of mean moms.
When Charlotte and her daughter move to town, their perfect life is threatened. Charlotte’s entire being contains something each mother is lacking in their lives. This leads to a jealousy spiral and it all goes on from there.
January 9, 2020
I really wanted to love this book because the premise was interesting. As a mom of 3 kids, one of whom is obsessed with soccer, so I can relate to the cliques and "mean girls" attitudes that come along with elementary and middle school PARENTS and their kids. I empathized with Amy's childhood trauma and understand how that made her obsess over giving her kids an easier life. However, I really couldn't stand her. She was such a mean person who reeked of insecurity and jealousy, and I didn't like her friends either. Pretty much the only likeable character was Charlotte, who is new in town after relocating for a better life for her daughter. I was waiting for a lot of action and thrilling moments, but unfortunately this one just fell flat for me.
3 out of 5 stars for The Good Mother by Cathryn Grant.
Thank you to the author and to Inkubator books for the opportunity to read and review The Good Mother. All comments and opinions are my own.
3 out of 5 stars for The Good Mother by Cathryn Grant.
Thank you to the author and to Inkubator books for the opportunity to read and review The Good Mother. All comments and opinions are my own.
December 31, 2019
I quite liked this domestic drama with a dash of thriller. I felt like a voyeur trying to soak up the gossip in the neighborhood.
4 ladies who were kind of best friends + a newcomer + strange murder and rape happening in the neighborhood + irrational fear due to a childhood event = made this a potboiler of a drama where Amy was in the eye of the cyclone. Rachel was her best friend. Charlotte, the newcomer, was the brunt of Amy's viciousness. And a death occurred.
My first book by author Cathryn Grant, I felt as if I were watching a television series. Each chapter made me chortle with glee wondering what these ladies would dredge up. The death of their friend shocked me and ramped up the wickedness. I loved watching the real faces come out.
Loyalties were tested when they lost a friend. I was eagerly waiting to see who would break down first. For me, the book moved at a delightful pace holding my interest in the story and making me eager to get to the next part.
Overall, a fun breakfast read.
4 ladies who were kind of best friends + a newcomer + strange murder and rape happening in the neighborhood + irrational fear due to a childhood event = made this a potboiler of a drama where Amy was in the eye of the cyclone. Rachel was her best friend. Charlotte, the newcomer, was the brunt of Amy's viciousness. And a death occurred.
My first book by author Cathryn Grant, I felt as if I were watching a television series. Each chapter made me chortle with glee wondering what these ladies would dredge up. The death of their friend shocked me and ramped up the wickedness. I loved watching the real faces come out.
Loyalties were tested when they lost a friend. I was eagerly waiting to see who would break down first. For me, the book moved at a delightful pace holding my interest in the story and making me eager to get to the next part.
Overall, a fun breakfast read.
March 16, 2020
I got this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Never actually thought I would finish with this being as bad as you could possibly imagine. This was terrible, sorry. I really couldn't get into it because the characters are absolutely horrible. I know this was done on purpose so that we wouldn't like Amy or Rachel, but I felt as if the author did a poor job of making even Charlotte likeable. The men had no personality whatsoever, the women were all the same and I'm so tired of the crazy woman trope. Amy needed therapy from the get go and the fact that none of her friends or even her husband suggested that to her blew my mind. The story was boring as well and I don't think I'll ever read anything from Cathryn Grant again.
Never actually thought I would finish with this being as bad as you could possibly imagine. This was terrible, sorry. I really couldn't get into it because the characters are absolutely horrible. I know this was done on purpose so that we wouldn't like Amy or Rachel, but I felt as if the author did a poor job of making even Charlotte likeable. The men had no personality whatsoever, the women were all the same and I'm so tired of the crazy woman trope. Amy needed therapy from the get go and the fact that none of her friends or even her husband suggested that to her blew my mind. The story was boring as well and I don't think I'll ever read anything from Cathryn Grant again.
April 18, 2022
What a fantastic book.
I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I picked this one up. Amazon kept recommending it to me and I liked the cover, so I gave it a shot. I didn't even read the description. And wow. It completely blew me away.
The book is labeled a thriller, and there are most certainly plenty of thriller elements. There is a murderer and rapist on the loose in a quiet neighborhood, an accidental - or maybe not too accidental - death, threats of physical harm, and even some destruction of property. While exciting, the thriller parts aren't actually what made me love this book so much. It was the characters.
These women felt so real to me. All had their own challenges, their own backstory, their own insecurities that had me firmly invested in their part of the story. I especially enjoyed Amy. The author did such a wonderful job balancing Amy's carefully constructed façade of a perfect life with her mental imbalance rooted in childhood trauma. I loved moving along with her step-by-step as she grew more and more unhinged. Don't get me wrong, I disliked Amy immensely, but I also felt like I understood her.
If you like women's fiction with a lot of suspense and a side of thriller, this is the book for you.
I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I picked this one up. Amazon kept recommending it to me and I liked the cover, so I gave it a shot. I didn't even read the description. And wow. It completely blew me away.
The book is labeled a thriller, and there are most certainly plenty of thriller elements. There is a murderer and rapist on the loose in a quiet neighborhood, an accidental - or maybe not too accidental - death, threats of physical harm, and even some destruction of property. While exciting, the thriller parts aren't actually what made me love this book so much. It was the characters.
These women felt so real to me. All had their own challenges, their own backstory, their own insecurities that had me firmly invested in their part of the story. I especially enjoyed Amy. The author did such a wonderful job balancing Amy's carefully constructed façade of a perfect life with her mental imbalance rooted in childhood trauma. I loved moving along with her step-by-step as she grew more and more unhinged. Don't get me wrong, I disliked Amy immensely, but I also felt like I understood her.
If you like women's fiction with a lot of suspense and a side of thriller, this is the book for you.
April 19, 2020
I was sent an Earc of this book from netgalley in exchange for a review.
I dont think I've ever been so infuriated by every character in one book. I get when characters are meant to be made unlikable but I couldn't find one redeemable thing from any of them, especially Amy who, although I do understand how her past influenced her, she was just overall a horrendous person.
I think this story was meant to be a slight examination of rape culture and how it affected each person differently between their actions and their viewpoints but I dont think it came across the way it should. There was so much victim blaming and although there was some discussion from other characters again it was all about Amy and it seemed her option was the one that was being pushed constantly throughout the book.
Unfortunately this one just wasn't for me even though I was looking forward to it.
I dont think I've ever been so infuriated by every character in one book. I get when characters are meant to be made unlikable but I couldn't find one redeemable thing from any of them, especially Amy who, although I do understand how her past influenced her, she was just overall a horrendous person.
I think this story was meant to be a slight examination of rape culture and how it affected each person differently between their actions and their viewpoints but I dont think it came across the way it should. There was so much victim blaming and although there was some discussion from other characters again it was all about Amy and it seemed her option was the one that was being pushed constantly throughout the book.
Unfortunately this one just wasn't for me even though I was looking forward to it.
December 27, 2019
I enjoyed this book even though there were very few likable characters. Of course we sympathize with the protagonist, Amy who is living in a little cocoon of misery and paranoia as she relives the aftermath of her mother's rape years ago and tries to protect her twin daughters. So when newcomer, Charlotte moves to town with her daughter, she becomes Amy's target as she tends to dress seductively and in Amy's mind is "begging" men to notice her. This is basically Mean Girls Grow Up (but don't mature), as the women in Amy's circle attempt to discredit Charlotte any way they can. The end was oddly satisfying although a little too trite to be entirely believable. Overall, it was a good solid read.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
January 27, 2020
I finished the book in one day, in between watching TV and cooking dinner. On the one hand, it was such an easy read I didn’t need to use 100% of my attention to read it. On the other hand, it didn’t captivate me so much I couldn’t do anything else.
I found it a rather strange book and I didn’t like the characters much. All they do (except Charlotte) is argue, fight and drink. And after having drinks, they get into their cars. Which is absolutely very irresponsible and I’m wondering why the author writes about such women. The book is a chronicle of women who lead an absolutely empty life, so it was bound to happen their ‘friendship’ would crack when Charlotte arrives, who is the only one with a career, a nice daughter and no drinking issues.
Thanks to Netgalley and Inkubater books for this review copy.
I found it a rather strange book and I didn’t like the characters much. All they do (except Charlotte) is argue, fight and drink. And after having drinks, they get into their cars. Which is absolutely very irresponsible and I’m wondering why the author writes about such women. The book is a chronicle of women who lead an absolutely empty life, so it was bound to happen their ‘friendship’ would crack when Charlotte arrives, who is the only one with a career, a nice daughter and no drinking issues.
Thanks to Netgalley and Inkubater books for this review copy.
January 7, 2020
Amy has devoted her life to her family. She is the queen bee of a group of soccer moms at her twin daughters' elementary school, married to a successful and handsome man, and living in a beautiful suburban home. But Amy fears that it can all fall apart at any moment, and believes it is her job to protect her family at any cost. As a child, she witnessed a horrific incident that shook her to the core. She has promised herself that this will never happen to her daughters.
Charlotte scares Amy. She's an artistic, attractive newcomer from San Francisco who doesn't dress or act like the other mothers in the neighborhood. Charlotte is trying to keep her own daughter safe after her boyfriend was sent to prison, and has thought they'd find safety in the suburbs. Amy finds her offensive and provocative. She intends to let Charlotte and her daughter know they're unwelcome in every way she can, enlisting her insecure best friend Rachel to help.
At first, the Good Mother drags. It reads like a novelization of the movie "Mean Girls" with crow's feet. Can't a grown woman wear short skirts instead of linen capri pants? Can childrens' soccer really be so important? But, of course, it's not actually the soccer that's ultimately important for Amy, Charlotte, and the other mothers. Cathryn Grant steadily shares the mothers' deeper motivations. As Grant steps away from the soccer field and into the womens' relationships with their husbands, each other, and themselves, the novel blooms into something far more intriguing, even disturbing. The Good Mother is a tale of obsession, the desire for safety, and just how difficult it can be to do one's best.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Charlotte scares Amy. She's an artistic, attractive newcomer from San Francisco who doesn't dress or act like the other mothers in the neighborhood. Charlotte is trying to keep her own daughter safe after her boyfriend was sent to prison, and has thought they'd find safety in the suburbs. Amy finds her offensive and provocative. She intends to let Charlotte and her daughter know they're unwelcome in every way she can, enlisting her insecure best friend Rachel to help.
At first, the Good Mother drags. It reads like a novelization of the movie "Mean Girls" with crow's feet. Can't a grown woman wear short skirts instead of linen capri pants? Can childrens' soccer really be so important? But, of course, it's not actually the soccer that's ultimately important for Amy, Charlotte, and the other mothers. Cathryn Grant steadily shares the mothers' deeper motivations. As Grant steps away from the soccer field and into the womens' relationships with their husbands, each other, and themselves, the novel blooms into something far more intriguing, even disturbing. The Good Mother is a tale of obsession, the desire for safety, and just how difficult it can be to do one's best.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 7, 2020
The Good Mother by Cathryn Grant is the first book I have read from this author and I enjoyed it however, it did not grip me at first like other books I have read recently.
It's a domestic thriller about three friends, Amy, Rachel and Charlotte. Amy and Rachel have been best friends for years and Charlotte is new to the area.
This book is told from their points of view, by all three characters. However, some of the characters within the book were unlikeable and I just wanted a little more information about them.
The beginning of the book was a slow burner and not much happening. Then, all of a sudden the book woke up and became alive!
Big Thank You to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It's a domestic thriller about three friends, Amy, Rachel and Charlotte. Amy and Rachel have been best friends for years and Charlotte is new to the area.
This book is told from their points of view, by all three characters. However, some of the characters within the book were unlikeable and I just wanted a little more information about them.
The beginning of the book was a slow burner and not much happening. Then, all of a sudden the book woke up and became alive!
Big Thank You to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2019
Lots of craziness within this book, guilt, obsession,paranoia, and they all need air conditioning desperately. I probably would have rated this book higher but it was more like reading about teenagers than adults and that became annoying very quickly. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 19, 2020
Awful book, couldn’t finish it. Terrible.
March 6, 2025
Such an incredible read! If I had to sum it up in one sentence, I’d call it Desperate Housewives beneath the surface – a domestic thriller that peels back the layers of suburban life.
One of the reasons I love Cathryn Grant’s books is that you’re bound to recognize someone in them. Maybe even yourself. Or that neighbor you’ve always side-eyed for reasons you can’t quite explain. Or perhaps a friend you secretly envy—just a little, just sometimes. Her characters feel so real that they sometimes frustrate you, yet they’re so honest and raw that you can’t help but sympathize with them—even when they’re in the wrong. But by the end, you realize they need to be exactly who they are—because every person has their own role to play.
The Good Mother (originally The Demise of the Soccer Moms) is Cathryn Grant’s first novel. It follows Amy, who’s enjoying a peaceful suburban life—until Charlotte and her daughter, Meadow, move in. Meadow joins the soccer team, and Charlotte, well… she’s a little too attractive, a little too nonconformist, and has a hobby that rubs the soccer moms the wrong way. Petty rivalries escalate, secrets unravel, and of course—it wouldn’t be a thriller without a death. Who dies and why? You’ll have to read to find out! A must-read!
One of the reasons I love Cathryn Grant’s books is that you’re bound to recognize someone in them. Maybe even yourself. Or that neighbor you’ve always side-eyed for reasons you can’t quite explain. Or perhaps a friend you secretly envy—just a little, just sometimes. Her characters feel so real that they sometimes frustrate you, yet they’re so honest and raw that you can’t help but sympathize with them—even when they’re in the wrong. But by the end, you realize they need to be exactly who they are—because every person has their own role to play.
The Good Mother (originally The Demise of the Soccer Moms) is Cathryn Grant’s first novel. It follows Amy, who’s enjoying a peaceful suburban life—until Charlotte and her daughter, Meadow, move in. Meadow joins the soccer team, and Charlotte, well… she’s a little too attractive, a little too nonconformist, and has a hobby that rubs the soccer moms the wrong way. Petty rivalries escalate, secrets unravel, and of course—it wouldn’t be a thriller without a death. Who dies and why? You’ll have to read to find out! A must-read!
January 6, 2020
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I thought that this was a well written domestic thriller.
I liked the way that the author told the story from the points of view of the three main female characters, Amy, Rachel and Charlotte – this has to be my favourite style at the moment and I thought that the author did a great job with this, the pace was slow and it crept along really well to build up the suspense and the writing style was spot on!
The author has created some great complex characters that show that for what people portray on the surface there is often a lot going on under the surface and behind the scenes – do you really know what is going on in the lives of friends and neighbours too – this book gives you food for thought
It is 4 stars from me for this one – I really enjoyed the suspense and seeing the different plot lines come together and the different characters start to unravel too
I thought that this was a well written domestic thriller.
I liked the way that the author told the story from the points of view of the three main female characters, Amy, Rachel and Charlotte – this has to be my favourite style at the moment and I thought that the author did a great job with this, the pace was slow and it crept along really well to build up the suspense and the writing style was spot on!
The author has created some great complex characters that show that for what people portray on the surface there is often a lot going on under the surface and behind the scenes – do you really know what is going on in the lives of friends and neighbours too – this book gives you food for thought
It is 4 stars from me for this one – I really enjoyed the suspense and seeing the different plot lines come together and the different characters start to unravel too
April 7, 2020
Thank you, Inkubator Books, for the ARC I received via NetGalley!
At the age of eleven, sick in bed with bronchitis, Amy witnesses something no child should be exposed to, and it forever changes the way she sees the world and her role in it. It informs her every decision, fills her both with dread and with determination to be someone different, someone these things don't happen to.
The Good Mother is a gripping thriller set in suburbia, where soccer moms reign supreme and seem to make the rules about what's right or wrong, how to dress, who to talk to, and who gets to fit in. And Charlotte appears to them to stand out like a sore thumb. A single mother in a community where family is sacred is simply unforgivable. From the very first moment Amy sets eyes on her, she knows they're just not going to get along.
Charlotte, on the other hand, wants nothing but a chance for herself and her daughter to heal, a fresh start. Finding hostility and violence when she hoped for peace and acceptance comes as a blow that tests her patience and resolve.
The third voice we hear is that of Rachel, Amy's timid friend, torn between the need to be a part of the pack and nursing her insecurities that make her different from the other soccer moms.
The arrival of Charlotte coincides with a murder/rape case that shakes up the tranquil community and marks the beginning of the end for Amy, who feels inexorably drawn to reliving her painful past and terrified of going through another living nightmare. As the tension between the families escalates, secrets are revealed and suppressed passions start raging.
What is particularly intriguing in this book is how the author effortlessly switches between the voices and perspectives of three very different women, each thought carefully piecing the puzzle together.
I particularly enjoyed Charlotte's approach to art and the believable portrayal of the characters. Despite some slight continuity errors, this is an exciting read with an enjoyable twist, exploring motives of belonging, friendship, marriage, violence, betrayal...and lots of girl soccer!
At the age of eleven, sick in bed with bronchitis, Amy witnesses something no child should be exposed to, and it forever changes the way she sees the world and her role in it. It informs her every decision, fills her both with dread and with determination to be someone different, someone these things don't happen to.
The Good Mother is a gripping thriller set in suburbia, where soccer moms reign supreme and seem to make the rules about what's right or wrong, how to dress, who to talk to, and who gets to fit in. And Charlotte appears to them to stand out like a sore thumb. A single mother in a community where family is sacred is simply unforgivable. From the very first moment Amy sets eyes on her, she knows they're just not going to get along.
Charlotte, on the other hand, wants nothing but a chance for herself and her daughter to heal, a fresh start. Finding hostility and violence when she hoped for peace and acceptance comes as a blow that tests her patience and resolve.
The third voice we hear is that of Rachel, Amy's timid friend, torn between the need to be a part of the pack and nursing her insecurities that make her different from the other soccer moms.
The arrival of Charlotte coincides with a murder/rape case that shakes up the tranquil community and marks the beginning of the end for Amy, who feels inexorably drawn to reliving her painful past and terrified of going through another living nightmare. As the tension between the families escalates, secrets are revealed and suppressed passions start raging.
What is particularly intriguing in this book is how the author effortlessly switches between the voices and perspectives of three very different women, each thought carefully piecing the puzzle together.
I particularly enjoyed Charlotte's approach to art and the believable portrayal of the characters. Despite some slight continuity errors, this is an exciting read with an enjoyable twist, exploring motives of belonging, friendship, marriage, violence, betrayal...and lots of girl soccer!
July 25, 2020
Amy and Charlotte are two very different women! Amy thinks her life is perfect whereas as Charlotte knows her own life is far from perfect. When their daughters become friends it’s hard for Amy to accept Charlotte.
Amy doesn’t want to have Charlotte in her life and has to take matters into her own hands.
I enjoyed this book despite the violent undertones in certain parts. Amy was not a very likeable character but it fitted in with the story! Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
Amy doesn’t want to have Charlotte in her life and has to take matters into her own hands.
I enjoyed this book despite the violent undertones in certain parts. Amy was not a very likeable character but it fitted in with the story! Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
January 2, 2020
This is the story of three friends- Charlotte, Amy and Rachel. Amy and Rachel have been friends for a while and Charlotte is new to the area. The story is told from the POV of all three characters.
Some of the characters were unlikeable but that just made me want to know more about them. The first half of the book was slow with not much happening. The pace picked up in the second book.
The book had suspense but there weren’t any real twists and turns. The ending of the book was satisfying.
An enjoyable read.
Trigger warnings- rape mentioned often.
Some of the characters were unlikeable but that just made me want to know more about them. The first half of the book was slow with not much happening. The pace picked up in the second book.
The book had suspense but there weren’t any real twists and turns. The ending of the book was satisfying.
An enjoyable read.
Trigger warnings- rape mentioned often.
January 27, 2020
Wow, what a book, this book is one of those that grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go until I finished! It is very graphic in the beginning, and disturbing, so if you have triggers with rape I wouldn’t recommend! Well written, chilling, and shocking. Highly recommend to those who like disturbing and dark thrillers!
Will make sure I buzz it up on the different platforms!
Will make sure I buzz it up on the different platforms!
April 26, 2022
It Was Okay
I enjoyed reading this but it wasn't great; just an okay read. The "shocking twist" was not so shocking. I would definitely read another book by this author but my expectations will be a lot lower.
I enjoyed reading this but it wasn't great; just an okay read. The "shocking twist" was not so shocking. I would definitely read another book by this author but my expectations will be a lot lower.
December 11, 2019
Yet another domestic drama billed as a psychological thriller. Bland characters, bland plot and bland writing. Not for me at all I skipped through parts and can't really claim it as read for the yearly challenge hence the DNF here.
March 27, 2021
A mediocre book without any truly likeable characters. Not a bad book, but long and tedious in places.
June 12, 2020
This one took me forever to finish. I just don't know why. It felt dragged and slow. The plot is not bad. Maybe it's just me, but it wasn't my favorite read.
December 27, 2019
The writing was quite good and the story was easy to follow. Each of the characters were defined well. Good imagery for the descriptive material.
The characters were not very nice people for the most part. I saw character development as good; yet Amy needed severe family as well as self-counselling. The men in the story were portrayed as weak. (As was fitting in this book).Amy imagined that all of these men wanted to be with Charlotte. Yet, Amy's perception of everything was extremely jaded. (Especially, her perception of herself). Yes, her mother had gone through an awful experience but she truly did need to somehow "get over it".
The school principal had a difficult time with the parents. I do not think that she should have allowed Charlotte to display her photographs at the school in the first place, either. This was the catalyst for a major turn in the character's hatred and obsession.
I give this read 3 stars - it was quick and easy to follow.
Many Thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for a poignant read.
The characters were not very nice people for the most part. I saw character development as good; yet Amy needed severe family as well as self-counselling. The men in the story were portrayed as weak. (As was fitting in this book).Amy imagined that all of these men wanted to be with Charlotte. Yet, Amy's perception of everything was extremely jaded. (Especially, her perception of herself). Yes, her mother had gone through an awful experience but she truly did need to somehow "get over it".
The school principal had a difficult time with the parents. I do not think that she should have allowed Charlotte to display her photographs at the school in the first place, either. This was the catalyst for a major turn in the character's hatred and obsession.
I give this read 3 stars - it was quick and easy to follow.
Many Thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for a poignant read.
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