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A Good Mother
A gripping debut thriller about two young mothers, one shocking murder and a court case that puts them both on trial.
When a soldier is found stabbed through the heart at a US Army base, there is no doubt that his wife, Luz, is to blame. But was it an act of self-defense? An attempt to save her infant daughter? Or the cold-blooded murder of an innocent man?
Ambitious public defender Abby is determined to win at all costs. As a new mother herself, she wants to keep Luz out of prison and with her daughter. But when the surprises stack up and shocking new evidence emerges, Abby realizes the task proves far more difficult than she suspected and will require a terrible sacrifice.
As the trial hurtles toward an outcome no one expects, Abby, Luz and a captivated jury are forced to answer the question that will decide everything--what does it mean to be a good mother?
When a soldier is found stabbed through the heart at a US Army base, there is no doubt that his wife, Luz, is to blame. But was it an act of self-defense? An attempt to save her infant daughter? Or the cold-blooded murder of an innocent man?
Ambitious public defender Abby is determined to win at all costs. As a new mother herself, she wants to keep Luz out of prison and with her daughter. But when the surprises stack up and shocking new evidence emerges, Abby realizes the task proves far more difficult than she suspected and will require a terrible sacrifice.
As the trial hurtles toward an outcome no one expects, Abby, Luz and a captivated jury are forced to answer the question that will decide everything--what does it mean to be a good mother?
368 pages, Paperback
First published May 11, 2021
230 people are currently reading
4164 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
April 21, 2021
I very rarely give a book one star, but this one is deserving - it is a flaming pile of poo. I was actually shocked when I read that the author is an attorney, as for a legal thriller, the courtroom scenes and legal descriptions are ridiculously inaccurate and overdramatized. As bad as those were though, the characters were the worst part of the book by far.
I detested every single character in this book (except maybe Abby's friend, Jonathan). Teenage wife and new mother, Luz Rivera Hollis, is accused of stabbing her husband in cold blood on a military base in Germany. Was she simply protecting herself and her infant daughter or was it a revenge killing, carefully plotted and planned by Luz? She is brought back to Los Angeles in order to stand federal trial, and that is where we meet the two public defenders, Abby and Will. Abby is nine months and counting pregnant when she is first assigned to defend Luz. When she has her baby, fellow attorney, Will, is assigned to the case. Will is young, handsome, and newly married to his college sweetheart. Abby cannot let this case go, and she insists on foregoing her maternity leave and returning to work to co-chair with Will. Enter the presiding judge who has a grudge against Abby, and a defendant who is a liar, and there you have the plot.
*Slight Spoiler Alert*
I get the feeling that Bazelon intended for this book to be about empowerment for both womanhood and motherhood (as it is mentioned more than a few times), and maybe I'm in the minority here, but women using their bodies for "empowerment" does not work for me - it is actually rather degrading and a turn-off. At the point that Abby strips in the judge's chamber to try and get him to recuse himself, and Luz stops wearing underwear in her "crime scene recreations" with Will because she knows how he will react, it lost me. And the men in this book don't get a pass either. Will is an awful human being, and the judge is a disgrace to the robe.
I finished the book still skeptical as to motive, as I didn't buy any of what Bazelon was selling regarding Luz's motives. I also could not get past the trial crime scene recreation. There is no courtroom in this country where a judge and DA would sit back and let that hot mess scene unfold in front of jurors. It was reminiscent of a cheesy 80's soap opera.
Overall, don't be fooled by the title. There is no "good mother" to be found in this book, and in the end, it is just a not-so-good waste of time.
I detested every single character in this book (except maybe Abby's friend, Jonathan). Teenage wife and new mother, Luz Rivera Hollis, is accused of stabbing her husband in cold blood on a military base in Germany. Was she simply protecting herself and her infant daughter or was it a revenge killing, carefully plotted and planned by Luz? She is brought back to Los Angeles in order to stand federal trial, and that is where we meet the two public defenders, Abby and Will. Abby is nine months and counting pregnant when she is first assigned to defend Luz. When she has her baby, fellow attorney, Will, is assigned to the case. Will is young, handsome, and newly married to his college sweetheart. Abby cannot let this case go, and she insists on foregoing her maternity leave and returning to work to co-chair with Will. Enter the presiding judge who has a grudge against Abby, and a defendant who is a liar, and there you have the plot.
*Slight Spoiler Alert*
I get the feeling that Bazelon intended for this book to be about empowerment for both womanhood and motherhood (as it is mentioned more than a few times), and maybe I'm in the minority here, but women using their bodies for "empowerment" does not work for me - it is actually rather degrading and a turn-off. At the point that Abby strips in the judge's chamber to try and get him to recuse himself, and Luz stops wearing underwear in her "crime scene recreations" with Will because she knows how he will react, it lost me. And the men in this book don't get a pass either. Will is an awful human being, and the judge is a disgrace to the robe.
I finished the book still skeptical as to motive, as I didn't buy any of what Bazelon was selling regarding Luz's motives. I also could not get past the trial crime scene recreation. There is no courtroom in this country where a judge and DA would sit back and let that hot mess scene unfold in front of jurors. It was reminiscent of a cheesy 80's soap opera.
Overall, don't be fooled by the title. There is no "good mother" to be found in this book, and in the end, it is just a not-so-good waste of time.
July 12, 2021
"There is nothing like the judgment we visit on mothers."
There is so much at stake in this courtroom thriller. Beginning with Luz on trial for stabbing her abusive husband to death, which she states is to apparently save her baby. Abby is her defense attorney with a newborn at home also and escapes her maternity leave to find justice for Luz.
A lot of unethical lines are crossed beginning with Abby, when she creates a question mark in a stigma barrier women are trying to break through. Her co-defender, Will loses his moral compass with an inappropriate defense tactic. Then we find multiple secrets hidden in Luz's marriage that created an irreparable relationship and deadly consequences.
All-in-all as the title suggest, you realize Luz and Abby are both on trial in and outside the courtroom. With their mothering skills under scrutiny, we will define what is a good mother.
You must appreciate the courtroom scenes, which infer peeling the layers of Luz, evaluating the evidence, closing arguments and the jury process helps you respect the author's technique in choosing how to unravel this case.
Thank you NetGalley & Hanover for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
There is so much at stake in this courtroom thriller. Beginning with Luz on trial for stabbing her abusive husband to death, which she states is to apparently save her baby. Abby is her defense attorney with a newborn at home also and escapes her maternity leave to find justice for Luz.
A lot of unethical lines are crossed beginning with Abby, when she creates a question mark in a stigma barrier women are trying to break through. Her co-defender, Will loses his moral compass with an inappropriate defense tactic. Then we find multiple secrets hidden in Luz's marriage that created an irreparable relationship and deadly consequences.
All-in-all as the title suggest, you realize Luz and Abby are both on trial in and outside the courtroom. With their mothering skills under scrutiny, we will define what is a good mother.
You must appreciate the courtroom scenes, which infer peeling the layers of Luz, evaluating the evidence, closing arguments and the jury process helps you respect the author's technique in choosing how to unravel this case.
Thank you NetGalley & Hanover for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion and review.
July 10, 2021
“A Good Mother” by Lara Bazelon is a tense and very readable courtroom thriller. Ms. Bazelon is a law professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law and previously was a federal public defender. Her background provides her with authenticity.
The story revolves around a nineteen-year-old woman, Luz, who is charged with murdering her husband while stationed at a U.S. Air Force base in Germany. She is extradited to Los Angeles, where she will be prosecuted for murder. Abby Rosenberg, a deputy federal public defender, who is heavily pregnant, is assigned her case. Abby’s previous case was won under murky circumstances involving questionably ethical ways. It’s never revealed what she did that was questionable, but the cloud of disrespect hangs over her, and the reader is reminded of this through the novel.
Abby has her baby and wants to represent Luz when Luz goes to trial. Abby cuts her maternity leave short to represent Luz. The question of whether Luz killed her husband in self defense or outright murder is a simmering question through the story. But more than that, for me, it was the courtroom drama that was crazy. I sincerely hope that author Bazelon created the trial antics from fiction and not from reality (meaning things she saw or did). The judge in this story was absurd and there is a lawyer who behaved highly unethically. I do hope these things don’t really happen in reality. It sure did make a fantastic read though. I haven’t before read such crazy courtroom stunts like Bazelon created. Her trial scenes made this novel into a page-turning thriller. I gobbled this novel late into the night.
I recommend this for those times you want a solid thriller that leaves you needing to read to the very end.
The story revolves around a nineteen-year-old woman, Luz, who is charged with murdering her husband while stationed at a U.S. Air Force base in Germany. She is extradited to Los Angeles, where she will be prosecuted for murder. Abby Rosenberg, a deputy federal public defender, who is heavily pregnant, is assigned her case. Abby’s previous case was won under murky circumstances involving questionably ethical ways. It’s never revealed what she did that was questionable, but the cloud of disrespect hangs over her, and the reader is reminded of this through the novel.
Abby has her baby and wants to represent Luz when Luz goes to trial. Abby cuts her maternity leave short to represent Luz. The question of whether Luz killed her husband in self defense or outright murder is a simmering question through the story. But more than that, for me, it was the courtroom drama that was crazy. I sincerely hope that author Bazelon created the trial antics from fiction and not from reality (meaning things she saw or did). The judge in this story was absurd and there is a lawyer who behaved highly unethically. I do hope these things don’t really happen in reality. It sure did make a fantastic read though. I haven’t before read such crazy courtroom stunts like Bazelon created. Her trial scenes made this novel into a page-turning thriller. I gobbled this novel late into the night.
I recommend this for those times you want a solid thriller that leaves you needing to read to the very end.
July 14, 2021
Audiobook….read by Lara Bazelon
….9 hours and 17 minutes
I was curious about this thriller… thinking…. how bad could a legal courtroom novel be? Well…it could be kookie and cheesy! Bad? I don’t know - not great - quite silly at times- but I kept listening.
The suspense kept me listening - wanting to know the outcome….but don’t think for one minute I wasn’t aware of how asinine this bumpy ride was. It’s why it’s called FICTION —- that’s for sure.
The beginning [on a United States Army base in Germany], grabs our attention [liking it or not seems beside the point]….we can’t unhear the facts we were given.
Luz Rivera Hollis (all of 19 years of age; a new mother with a 3-day old baby girl), reported stabbing and killing her husband, Travis, over a 911 call. I was suspicious immediately wondering if that was true or not? Was Luz protecting somebody else was my first thought. However Luz was charged with first-degree murder.
Reliable character/s or not…..
A hop, skip, and a jump….
….the trial takes place on American soil: Los Angeles.
Abby Rosenberg —demigoddess powerhouse-workaholic-- the defending attorney, is also a new mother.
And…. Because Abby was returning to work against the recommendation from everyone close to her (she was still on maternity leave), Abby was assigned an assistant attorney to work the case with her: Will Ellet. (Crumbling breakdowns never wear thin for any of the characters)….it feels like everyone is being ripped to threads.
As Abby and Will begin to work their case that Luz acted out of self-defense - we soon learn ‘partial facts’ that Abby had a reputation for being unconventional in her methods in another case —against Rayshon—that she and Judge Dars were both assigned. We know that the back history between Judge Dars and Abby could possibly jeopardize this case….at least the story hints at this. They are working together again — with friction in the air.
“A Good Mother”, was filled with tons of frivolous subplots—dramatic-nutty-ridiculous-scenarios that made me cringe…..sex stereotyping, silly unrealistic defense measures, racial slants, and an array of assumptions clouded the focus of the main suspense—
“Why did Luz kill her husband and what exactly happened that night?”
We ‘eventually’ find out — but not before so much back story (affairs, abuse, secrets, lies), about every character—you’d think everyone was on trial.
Funny…as in not a -haha- scene: > near the beginning of this story….(which - also- immediately had me suspicious of Abby’s judgement/ qualification to defend Luz in court):
Abby: took a bath with her newborn
Nic Mulvaney, (Abby’s partner says>): “you fell asleep….you could have killed our baby”.
Abby: “But I didn’t - and it was only 1 time”.
So, right away we don’t know who to trust— which can make for a great suspense thriller….
But….
….Toss all morally out the window
….Add in plenty of ‘fuck-you’ -profanities
….Sexual Schlocky scenes….(shake your booty)
….A sexist judge
….Reliable and unreliable characters
….and….
….a ‘little’ look at motherhood
Lara Bazelon is a former public defender, and professor of the University of San Francisco School of Law.
Note: it’s always a thrill for those of us who live in the Bay Area to know the authors who live her.
The book is definitely not without flaws….but I rolled it ….and had a little fun.
3.5 rating.
….9 hours and 17 minutes
I was curious about this thriller… thinking…. how bad could a legal courtroom novel be? Well…it could be kookie and cheesy! Bad? I don’t know - not great - quite silly at times- but I kept listening.
The suspense kept me listening - wanting to know the outcome….but don’t think for one minute I wasn’t aware of how asinine this bumpy ride was. It’s why it’s called FICTION —- that’s for sure.
The beginning [on a United States Army base in Germany], grabs our attention [liking it or not seems beside the point]….we can’t unhear the facts we were given.
Luz Rivera Hollis (all of 19 years of age; a new mother with a 3-day old baby girl), reported stabbing and killing her husband, Travis, over a 911 call. I was suspicious immediately wondering if that was true or not? Was Luz protecting somebody else was my first thought. However Luz was charged with first-degree murder.
Reliable character/s or not…..
A hop, skip, and a jump….
….the trial takes place on American soil: Los Angeles.
Abby Rosenberg —demigoddess powerhouse-workaholic-- the defending attorney, is also a new mother.
And…. Because Abby was returning to work against the recommendation from everyone close to her (she was still on maternity leave), Abby was assigned an assistant attorney to work the case with her: Will Ellet. (Crumbling breakdowns never wear thin for any of the characters)….it feels like everyone is being ripped to threads.
As Abby and Will begin to work their case that Luz acted out of self-defense - we soon learn ‘partial facts’ that Abby had a reputation for being unconventional in her methods in another case —against Rayshon—that she and Judge Dars were both assigned. We know that the back history between Judge Dars and Abby could possibly jeopardize this case….at least the story hints at this. They are working together again — with friction in the air.
“A Good Mother”, was filled with tons of frivolous subplots—dramatic-nutty-ridiculous-scenarios that made me cringe…..sex stereotyping, silly unrealistic defense measures, racial slants, and an array of assumptions clouded the focus of the main suspense—
“Why did Luz kill her husband and what exactly happened that night?”
We ‘eventually’ find out — but not before so much back story (affairs, abuse, secrets, lies), about every character—you’d think everyone was on trial.
Funny…as in not a -haha- scene: > near the beginning of this story….(which - also- immediately had me suspicious of Abby’s judgement/ qualification to defend Luz in court):
Abby: took a bath with her newborn
Nic Mulvaney, (Abby’s partner says>): “you fell asleep….you could have killed our baby”.
Abby: “But I didn’t - and it was only 1 time”.
So, right away we don’t know who to trust— which can make for a great suspense thriller….
But….
….Toss all morally out the window
….Add in plenty of ‘fuck-you’ -profanities
….Sexual Schlocky scenes….(shake your booty)
….A sexist judge
….Reliable and unreliable characters
….and….
….a ‘little’ look at motherhood
Lara Bazelon is a former public defender, and professor of the University of San Francisco School of Law.
Note: it’s always a thrill for those of us who live in the Bay Area to know the authors who live her.
The book is definitely not without flaws….but I rolled it ….and had a little fun.
3.5 rating.
May 4, 2021
A Good Mother by Lara Bazelon is a legal thriller and normally I’m a huge fan when I pick those up so I was excited to get to this one. In this story a young mother is arrested for killing her military husband and her legal team goes to work on proving that their client was only acting in self defense when she was in fear for not only herself but for her young baby.
The idea of the title “A good mother” comes into play when the female defendant, Luz, is on trial for her bigger and stronger husband coming home drunk and her protecting her baby. Then the female public defender, Abby, is also pregnant and goes into labor right as the case is coming to court and instead of staying home with her baby she wants to save Luz from being seperated from hers.
I will admit as a fan of courtroom drama and legal thrillers as this one began I was completely engrossed in the story. However, the glamour of the genre didn’t hold for me as events unfolded in the book that really became way too over the top to be believable. Without including spoilers I will just say I can handle one or maybe two instances where I need to suspend disbelief but when I continue onward thinking there’s just no way this would ever play out in real life I begin to feel the book drag on instead of flying quickly by wanting to know the outcome. I landed on three stars since it did have potential if the characters actions hadn’t gotten over the top making it a bit blah to me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
The idea of the title “A good mother” comes into play when the female defendant, Luz, is on trial for her bigger and stronger husband coming home drunk and her protecting her baby. Then the female public defender, Abby, is also pregnant and goes into labor right as the case is coming to court and instead of staying home with her baby she wants to save Luz from being seperated from hers.
I will admit as a fan of courtroom drama and legal thrillers as this one began I was completely engrossed in the story. However, the glamour of the genre didn’t hold for me as events unfolded in the book that really became way too over the top to be believable. Without including spoilers I will just say I can handle one or maybe two instances where I need to suspend disbelief but when I continue onward thinking there’s just no way this would ever play out in real life I begin to feel the book drag on instead of flying quickly by wanting to know the outcome. I landed on three stars since it did have potential if the characters actions hadn’t gotten over the top making it a bit blah to me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
July 15, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
A Good Mother.
I love police procedurals and/or courtroom drama as much as the next person so I was pleased when my request was approved, but man, oh, man, I did not like this one.
Ridiculous, ludicrous and required way too many moments of belief suspension.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
I was duped. The premise did spark my interest; a young Latina woman is accused of murdering her abusive military husband in cold blood.
An ambitious public defender will do anything to save her client, but at what cost?
The narrative started out fine but my first clue this was going to be a trainwreck of the cheesiest porportions was when Abby, the public defender, performs a demeaning act in order to get the judge sitting on the case to recuse himself.
She calls it 'empowering' but her 'act' is belittling and degrading to all victims of sexual assault and violence.
In case you can't tell, I did not like Abby.
Then, it got worse. How much worse?
Hold on to your horses, I'm just getting started.
When Abby's co-counsel, Will, begins an illicit and inappropriate relationship with the client.
I can't begin to tell you how many shades of wrong this is; perpetuating stereotypes that the client is a hot and feisty Latina woman who is so stunning that nearly every man in her orbit need to have her;
that she comes from a broken childhood and that's why she has poor relationships with the opposite sex;
that Will is so desperately in lust and in love with her despite there no being any rapport, chemistry or exposition on his and Luz's relationship other than a client/attorney one.
And that scene where Luz and Will acted out her final moments with her deceased husband?
Would such a theatrical display be allowed in court, much less a federal court?
No, I could not ever believe such a dramatic and violent demonstration would ever be permitted (and all I know about law comes from Law & Order and its many awesome spinoffs).
There were SOO many scenes even a soap opera would decline from using and I could not suspend disbelief for any of them.
Abby isn't tough, she's delusional and years of being a woman in a male dominated profession has warped her sense of right and wrong.
Don't even get me started on Will.
I hated Abby and Will and I sort of dislike myself for finishing this.
I should have stopped the moment Abby dropped trou. Gross.
I love police procedurals and/or courtroom drama as much as the next person so I was pleased when my request was approved, but man, oh, man, I did not like this one.
Ridiculous, ludicrous and required way too many moments of belief suspension.
** Minor spoilers ahead **
I was duped. The premise did spark my interest; a young Latina woman is accused of murdering her abusive military husband in cold blood.
An ambitious public defender will do anything to save her client, but at what cost?
The narrative started out fine but my first clue this was going to be a trainwreck of the cheesiest porportions was when Abby, the public defender, performs a demeaning act in order to get the judge sitting on the case to recuse himself.
She calls it 'empowering' but her 'act' is belittling and degrading to all victims of sexual assault and violence.
In case you can't tell, I did not like Abby.
Then, it got worse. How much worse?
Hold on to your horses, I'm just getting started.
When Abby's co-counsel, Will, begins an illicit and inappropriate relationship with the client.
I can't begin to tell you how many shades of wrong this is; perpetuating stereotypes that the client is a hot and feisty Latina woman who is so stunning that nearly every man in her orbit need to have her;
that she comes from a broken childhood and that's why she has poor relationships with the opposite sex;
that Will is so desperately in lust and in love with her despite there no being any rapport, chemistry or exposition on his and Luz's relationship other than a client/attorney one.
And that scene where Luz and Will acted out her final moments with her deceased husband?
Would such a theatrical display be allowed in court, much less a federal court?
No, I could not ever believe such a dramatic and violent demonstration would ever be permitted (and all I know about law comes from Law & Order and its many awesome spinoffs).
There were SOO many scenes even a soap opera would decline from using and I could not suspend disbelief for any of them.
Abby isn't tough, she's delusional and years of being a woman in a male dominated profession has warped her sense of right and wrong.
Don't even get me started on Will.
I hated Abby and Will and I sort of dislike myself for finishing this.
I should have stopped the moment Abby dropped trou. Gross.
May 12, 2021
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
A GOOD MOTHER by Lara Bazelon is a legal thriller with a blurb and plot premise that pulled me in by a new author.
I had a difficult time deciding where I would land on the star scale for this book. I kept turning the pages and was surprised by many of the twists in the story and I was compelled to read it until the end, but only to see how the author would end the story and it was disappointing.
Not one of the main characters in this story are likable or truly believable. The characters behaved as if they were in an over-the-top soap opera. I would accept the defendant’s unreliable narrative, but the lawyers and even the judge were all beyond anything I could accept.
I would have loved to read a book with this plot premise written as a true legal thriller. This book is not it.
A GOOD MOTHER by Lara Bazelon is a legal thriller with a blurb and plot premise that pulled me in by a new author.
I had a difficult time deciding where I would land on the star scale for this book. I kept turning the pages and was surprised by many of the twists in the story and I was compelled to read it until the end, but only to see how the author would end the story and it was disappointing.
Not one of the main characters in this story are likable or truly believable. The characters behaved as if they were in an over-the-top soap opera. I would accept the defendant’s unreliable narrative, but the lawyers and even the judge were all beyond anything I could accept.
I would have loved to read a book with this plot premise written as a true legal thriller. This book is not it.
June 10, 2021
When a soldier is found stabbed through the heart at a US Army base, there is no doubt that his wife, Luz, is to blame. But was it an act of self-defense? An attempt to save her infant daughter? Or the cold-blooded murder of an innocent man?
As well as an author, Lara Bazelon is also an attorney. As such, I expected credibility .. and I was not disappointed. This debut novel showcases not only the legalities of the courtroom, but also the differences of the two mothers involved ... one accused of murder ... the other is her defense attorney, herself a new mother.
There are many twists and turns, pointing first in this direction and then at that one. This is not a cut and dried case ... surprises keep stacking up as new evidence is produced. Abby (defense attorney) realizes the task proves far more difficult than she suspected and will require a terrible sacrifice.
It's riveting, a real page turner ...
Many thanks to the author / Hanover Square / Harlequin Trade Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this legal thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
As well as an author, Lara Bazelon is also an attorney. As such, I expected credibility .. and I was not disappointed. This debut novel showcases not only the legalities of the courtroom, but also the differences of the two mothers involved ... one accused of murder ... the other is her defense attorney, herself a new mother.
There are many twists and turns, pointing first in this direction and then at that one. This is not a cut and dried case ... surprises keep stacking up as new evidence is produced. Abby (defense attorney) realizes the task proves far more difficult than she suspected and will require a terrible sacrifice.
It's riveting, a real page turner ...
Many thanks to the author / Hanover Square / Harlequin Trade Publishing / Netgalley for the digital copy of this legal thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 2, 2024
A. How is this a thriller?
B. These characters are insufferable. The main character Abby, who we're following, is the most pretentious acting, annoying FMC I have ever had to read about. I understand what the author was trying to achieve by showcasing her as this mother who is making her career the number 1 driving force in her life, and not the child she just had, but it didn't come off as anything remotely good. She was neglectful and defensive.
The other character we follow is named Will, and at first, he's somewhat of a decent person, but then we get this whole 180° of him turning into this cheating scumbag who is involving himself with a 19 year old victim, that he's supposed to be defending in court. Everything is glossed over. He moves away with his wife (she knows nothing about this) and tada 🙌🏻 happy ending for him? It just felt so weird and manipulative, given the fact he was in a 10+ year relationship and he was 2x older than the girl he was having an affair with.
The rest of the characters aren't even memorable enough to bring up.
C. This plot was so *yawnnn* 🥱 boring...that I had to literally drag myself through this book like a mom dragging her child to Sunday service. This was the epitome of soap opera cringe. Again, with the genre, how is this a thriller? Like yeah, there was a premise involving the death of someone, and we were collectively trying to figure out whether the defendant was guilty or not, but there were no stakes, no shocking turning points, nothing.
D. This is probably the worst book I have read in 2024. I feel like I say that with every 1 star review, but this truly takes the cake.
I am in no way a good reviewer, I wish I had the energy to dive into why I disliked this book more and give in-depth descriptions of everything I've already stated, but I don't really care to. This is about as "detailed" of a review you will receive from me 😅 If you want to know other's opinions on this book, please go check them out. Thank you for reading this discombobulated mess of a "review." If you have read this for yourself, what are your thoughts?
B. These characters are insufferable. The main character Abby, who we're following, is the most pretentious acting, annoying FMC I have ever had to read about. I understand what the author was trying to achieve by showcasing her as this mother who is making her career the number 1 driving force in her life, and not the child she just had, but it didn't come off as anything remotely good. She was neglectful and defensive.
The other character we follow is named Will, and at first, he's somewhat of a decent person, but then we get this whole 180° of him turning into this cheating scumbag who is involving himself with a 19 year old victim, that he's supposed to be defending in court. Everything is glossed over. He moves away with his wife (she knows nothing about this) and tada 🙌🏻 happy ending for him? It just felt so weird and manipulative, given the fact he was in a 10+ year relationship and he was 2x older than the girl he was having an affair with.
The rest of the characters aren't even memorable enough to bring up.
C. This plot was so *yawnnn* 🥱 boring...that I had to literally drag myself through this book like a mom dragging her child to Sunday service. This was the epitome of soap opera cringe. Again, with the genre, how is this a thriller? Like yeah, there was a premise involving the death of someone, and we were collectively trying to figure out whether the defendant was guilty or not, but there were no stakes, no shocking turning points, nothing.
D. This is probably the worst book I have read in 2024. I feel like I say that with every 1 star review, but this truly takes the cake.
I am in no way a good reviewer, I wish I had the energy to dive into why I disliked this book more and give in-depth descriptions of everything I've already stated, but I don't really care to. This is about as "detailed" of a review you will receive from me 😅 If you want to know other's opinions on this book, please go check them out. Thank you for reading this discombobulated mess of a "review." If you have read this for yourself, what are your thoughts?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2021
Hey, I love a legal thriller with courtroom drama! This was not great, but it was very very good. I liked the quick yet in depth character development, because it made the question of “what does it mean to be a good mother” more complex and interesting. But also raises the question of “what makes a good father?”
June 4, 2021
“Sometimes it's hard for people to see what's right in front of them”
If you like legal thrillers you will love this one! I love a book that starts off with a bang and this one did not disappoint.
A 911 call was made by a terrified woman saying her attacker was stabbed. It was actually her husband and she admitted to being the killer. She has a new born baby and swears it was self defense, that her husband was abusive and she had to protect her baby from him.
Ruthless defense attorney, Abby, takes on the case; however, she herself is pregnant. In the interim, a young attorney, Will, handles the case for her. Abby shortens her maternity leave to get Lous off of first degree murder charges.
Twist and turns galore in this book. Will Abby be able to get Lous off of her murder charge and is Lous actually guilty? Read it and see this explosive finish.
If you like legal thrillers you will love this one! I love a book that starts off with a bang and this one did not disappoint.
A 911 call was made by a terrified woman saying her attacker was stabbed. It was actually her husband and she admitted to being the killer. She has a new born baby and swears it was self defense, that her husband was abusive and she had to protect her baby from him.
Ruthless defense attorney, Abby, takes on the case; however, she herself is pregnant. In the interim, a young attorney, Will, handles the case for her. Abby shortens her maternity leave to get Lous off of first degree murder charges.
Twist and turns galore in this book. Will Abby be able to get Lous off of her murder charge and is Lous actually guilty? Read it and see this explosive finish.
November 20, 2022
DNF @ 40%
In description, theme, narrator – this book had everything going for it in terms of what I should love. Instead, I hated it.
Cindy Kay’s spectacular narration and my fervent hope that Bazelon was going somewhere, anywhere redeemable with a single character are the only reason I got as far as I did.
Unfortunately, it’s just really bad. I can’t stand any of the characters. None of them. Not just objectionable or morally gray behavior – I’m fine with loving hating a character. But these were so one dimensional, stereotypical, and unrelatable on all levels. Additionally, the legal thriller aspect was completely lost to a decades worth of day time soap opera drama (see spoilers below). The only “history” the reader is given about the case is some emails between Travis and a girlfriend. All this did was give me more people to dislike and no concern for any kind of justice, moral or legal.
Narration:
This was a narrator motivated pick because I really enjoy Cindy Kay. She was amazing here – the voices, accents, tension. Sadly, she wasn’t able to save the writing.
Specific objections that includes spoilers:
In description, theme, narrator – this book had everything going for it in terms of what I should love. Instead, I hated it.
Cindy Kay’s spectacular narration and my fervent hope that Bazelon was going somewhere, anywhere redeemable with a single character are the only reason I got as far as I did.
Unfortunately, it’s just really bad. I can’t stand any of the characters. None of them. Not just objectionable or morally gray behavior – I’m fine with loving hating a character. But these were so one dimensional, stereotypical, and unrelatable on all levels. Additionally, the legal thriller aspect was completely lost to a decades worth of day time soap opera drama (see spoilers below). The only “history” the reader is given about the case is some emails between Travis and a girlfriend. All this did was give me more people to dislike and no concern for any kind of justice, moral or legal.
Narration:
This was a narrator motivated pick because I really enjoy Cindy Kay. She was amazing here – the voices, accents, tension. Sadly, she wasn’t able to save the writing.
Specific objections that includes spoilers:
April 1, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love good courtroom drama and I also love psychological thrillers. Yep I love the twists and turns.
This story starts off with Luz, a young nineteen year old mother stabbing and killing the baby’s father.
She claims that her husband Travis came home very late and very drunk. He immediately became abusive to her and she feared the safety of their baby. She was planning to leave him and was boxing up her things and was rechecked what she packed so was reopening boxes using a knife. When Travis saw her, he was irate, they struggled and she used the knife she had in her hand.
She claims self-defense … but was it? Perhaps since she was planning to leave, she may have killed him for his insurance?
Although the killing took place on a US Army Military base, Luz is brought back to her home state of California for the trial. Her lawyer Abby Rosenfeld just has a baby and should be on maternity but Abby is drawn to this case and wants to continue as the defense attorney. As the trial continues more secrets are revealed. I was totally glued to my chair turning pages trying to guess what was going to happen next.
Thought I knew but … I was wrong.
I do love courtroom drama but the courtroom theatrics of acting out the murder scene seemed a bit over the top. Would THAT really be allowed?
This story was a surprise read for me. I liked it more than I thought I would.
I am now looking forward to the next Lara Bazelon story!
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin - Trade Publishing (US & Canada) ~ Hanover Square Press for this early release granted to me for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 11, 2021
I love good courtroom drama and I also love psychological thrillers. Yep I love the twists and turns.
This story starts off with Luz, a young nineteen year old mother stabbing and killing the baby’s father.
She claims that her husband Travis came home very late and very drunk. He immediately became abusive to her and she feared the safety of their baby. She was planning to leave him and was boxing up her things and was rechecked what she packed so was reopening boxes using a knife. When Travis saw her, he was irate, they struggled and she used the knife she had in her hand.
She claims self-defense … but was it? Perhaps since she was planning to leave, she may have killed him for his insurance?
Although the killing took place on a US Army Military base, Luz is brought back to her home state of California for the trial. Her lawyer Abby Rosenfeld just has a baby and should be on maternity but Abby is drawn to this case and wants to continue as the defense attorney. As the trial continues more secrets are revealed. I was totally glued to my chair turning pages trying to guess what was going to happen next.
Thought I knew but … I was wrong.
I do love courtroom drama but the courtroom theatrics of acting out the murder scene seemed a bit over the top. Would THAT really be allowed?
This story was a surprise read for me. I liked it more than I thought I would.
I am now looking forward to the next Lara Bazelon story!
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin - Trade Publishing (US & Canada) ~ Hanover Square Press for this early release granted to me for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 11, 2021
May 11, 2021
Thank you Hanover Square Press for my copy of A Good Mother by Lara Bazelon, in exchange for my honest review. This title publishes May 11, 2021.
What a powerful legal thriller debut about what makes someone a “good mother”. Although I didn’t agree with many of the choices both mothers in this book make (Abby and Luz), I really enjoyed this author’s writing and couldn’t put this book down.
Without giving more away, the story follows Abby a prominent attorney who takes on a high profile case of a woman charged with murdering her husband. The courtroom scenes were dramatic and intense. Bazelon really has you feeling like you are in the courtroom while reading.
The premise is a good one but there are some subject areas I would caution readers about: spousal abuse and infidelity. The characters in this one were unlikeable at best, but I think that’s not necessarily a bad thing – it makes for entertaining reading.
Abby’s character truly evolved throughout this story; she starts off as a high profile, career-driven attorney who seems to always put her job first, despite having a family at home. This gets her into hot water, especially with her husband. The trial she takes on is more than she bargained for, and is an uphill battle right to the end. But this case is one that will likely stick with Abby for a while because it taught her some valuable lessons about what is truly important in life. I think by the end of the book, I liked Abby a lot more than I did when I first started reading.
A tension-building storyline that will keep you turning pages, this was an enjoyable read for me. I recommend adding it to your TBR this summer as it will be entertaining.
What a powerful legal thriller debut about what makes someone a “good mother”. Although I didn’t agree with many of the choices both mothers in this book make (Abby and Luz), I really enjoyed this author’s writing and couldn’t put this book down.
Without giving more away, the story follows Abby a prominent attorney who takes on a high profile case of a woman charged with murdering her husband. The courtroom scenes were dramatic and intense. Bazelon really has you feeling like you are in the courtroom while reading.
The premise is a good one but there are some subject areas I would caution readers about: spousal abuse and infidelity. The characters in this one were unlikeable at best, but I think that’s not necessarily a bad thing – it makes for entertaining reading.
Abby’s character truly evolved throughout this story; she starts off as a high profile, career-driven attorney who seems to always put her job first, despite having a family at home. This gets her into hot water, especially with her husband. The trial she takes on is more than she bargained for, and is an uphill battle right to the end. But this case is one that will likely stick with Abby for a while because it taught her some valuable lessons about what is truly important in life. I think by the end of the book, I liked Abby a lot more than I did when I first started reading.
A tension-building storyline that will keep you turning pages, this was an enjoyable read for me. I recommend adding it to your TBR this summer as it will be entertaining.
June 21, 2021
I was looking forward to a good Legal Thriller with some suspenseful courtroom scenes, but I was a bit disappointed with this one. The story starts off well, with a young mother calling 911 to report that she has stabbed her husband. The killing is on a US Army base in Germany, so first, I was surprised to see this case tried in an American courtroom, with a regular jury. Overlooking that, the public defender interested me very much. Abby is a new mother, who is a workaholic. She is supposed to be on maternity leave, but convinces her boss and partner that she should be back at work on this case. Her boss agrees only if she works with another lawyer. Is this a case of self-defence? Was she just protecting her daughter?
This story was full of stereotypes that I really didn't like. The hot, young, latino woman who uses her body to get what she wants. The lawyer who falls for his client. A woman so beautiful that every man she meets wants her. The superwoman who works crazy hours and still comes home to nurse her baby and take care of the family. The service man who is an alcoholic and abusive to his family. You see where I am going with this. If you can overlook all that and just go with the story, it is quite a ride. I was not sure if Luz was a reliable narrator or not, as I read this story, but there was a lot that made me say yes. I wanted to know what really happened that night, so I kept listening. I am not going to share anymore of this plot, you need to pick this one up and decide for yourself. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
This story was full of stereotypes that I really didn't like. The hot, young, latino woman who uses her body to get what she wants. The lawyer who falls for his client. A woman so beautiful that every man she meets wants her. The superwoman who works crazy hours and still comes home to nurse her baby and take care of the family. The service man who is an alcoholic and abusive to his family. You see where I am going with this. If you can overlook all that and just go with the story, it is quite a ride. I was not sure if Luz was a reliable narrator or not, as I read this story, but there was a lot that made me say yes. I wanted to know what really happened that night, so I kept listening. I am not going to share anymore of this plot, you need to pick this one up and decide for yourself. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
June 10, 2021
Luz killed her husband. Of that there is no doubt. She called the police herself and was found cradling his dying body. She maintains that she had no choice. Either it was self defense or him or their infant daughter. Or both. In either case, she killed him.
Abby is a public defender on maternity leave. However, she not only barrels through every obstacle in her path to take the case, she is determined to win right from the start - and all bets are off. In ways that could easily be called unethical, she begins a path of making it so that Luz stays out of prison and with her infant daughter. Part of Abby's reason for fighting for Luz is that they are both young mothers. Is that bond enough for Abby to sweep clear facts under the rug, even niggling doubts of Luz's innocence?
This story definitely would qualify as having unreliable narrators. It doesn't matter whether the reader is considering Luz and her story, and Abby and her methods. In either case, both women prove distasteful almost from the very beginning. However, this is a courtroom drama and that in itself was rather intriguing. But it was more than that. Abby's relationship with the father of her baby is also pivotal as to how this story moves. As a mother, I don't know if I could have left my very young child to spend unending hours, days and weeks defending someone that I didn't even trust, and at great cost. Watching that drama in Abby's personal life unfold was just as interesting as watching Abby desperately try and get Luz a verdict of innocence.
While I did remain intrigued while reading this courtroom thriller, especially as it unfolded as disturbing facts were revealed, the ending definitely shocked me. As a reader not all that familiar with the legal system, watching Abby and others in the course of this story really shook my faith in a system that is part of the fabric and foundation of this uncertain world in which we live.
Many thanks to Hanover Square Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Abby is a public defender on maternity leave. However, she not only barrels through every obstacle in her path to take the case, she is determined to win right from the start - and all bets are off. In ways that could easily be called unethical, she begins a path of making it so that Luz stays out of prison and with her infant daughter. Part of Abby's reason for fighting for Luz is that they are both young mothers. Is that bond enough for Abby to sweep clear facts under the rug, even niggling doubts of Luz's innocence?
This story definitely would qualify as having unreliable narrators. It doesn't matter whether the reader is considering Luz and her story, and Abby and her methods. In either case, both women prove distasteful almost from the very beginning. However, this is a courtroom drama and that in itself was rather intriguing. But it was more than that. Abby's relationship with the father of her baby is also pivotal as to how this story moves. As a mother, I don't know if I could have left my very young child to spend unending hours, days and weeks defending someone that I didn't even trust, and at great cost. Watching that drama in Abby's personal life unfold was just as interesting as watching Abby desperately try and get Luz a verdict of innocence.
While I did remain intrigued while reading this courtroom thriller, especially as it unfolded as disturbing facts were revealed, the ending definitely shocked me. As a reader not all that familiar with the legal system, watching Abby and others in the course of this story really shook my faith in a system that is part of the fabric and foundation of this uncertain world in which we live.
Many thanks to Hanover Square Press and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
June 15, 2022
I love legal thrillers and courtroom dramas so the premise of this one drew me in. However, right from the beginning, I disliked all the characters!
Luz, the 19 yo wife on trial for the murder of her abusive army husband,Abby, the defense attorney who is 9 months pregnant when assigned the case and Will, the co counsel who takes over when Abby has her baby, are all not just Unlikeable but truly detestable!
From the beginning, there is no one I really related to. The actions of Abby in her personal life as well as professional were deplorable. Will was totally unethical to say the least. The way the case was handled in court, the sexist judge, the dramatic and unbelievable antics indulged in required more than a little suspension of disbelief.
Abby also makes several statements that are supposed to be in defense of a woman's right to have it all and show up misogyny but given her extreme behaviour it backfires!
I didn't really care which way the case went but I did want to see what the author would finally do with this cast. Maybe this would have worked better as a soap opera!
Luz, the 19 yo wife on trial for the murder of her abusive army husband,Abby, the defense attorney who is 9 months pregnant when assigned the case and Will, the co counsel who takes over when Abby has her baby, are all not just Unlikeable but truly detestable!
From the beginning, there is no one I really related to. The actions of Abby in her personal life as well as professional were deplorable. Will was totally unethical to say the least. The way the case was handled in court, the sexist judge, the dramatic and unbelievable antics indulged in required more than a little suspension of disbelief.
Abby also makes several statements that are supposed to be in defense of a woman's right to have it all and show up misogyny but given her extreme behaviour it backfires!
I didn't really care which way the case went but I did want to see what the author would finally do with this cast. Maybe this would have worked better as a soap opera!
May 5, 2021
This book features two new mothers, Luz, a young woman on trial for murdering her husband and Abby, the attorney who is defending her. The circumstances surrounding the murder and Abby's backstory is intriguing. Unfortunately, neither Luz nor Abby was easy to connect with and some of the other significant characters in the story are just as hard to like. There are also some disturbing and unbelievable things that take place between Abby and the judge assigned to the case and also between Luz and Abby's co-counsel, Will, that spoil the good things about the book. The dramatic courtroom scenes are what kept my interest and kept me reading the book when I probably would have given up otherwise. I strongly disliked several parts of the story, but since I liked the suspense of the case, I averaged both opinions into an overall 3 star rating of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for providing an advance copy of this ebook. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for providing an advance copy of this ebook. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
April 6, 2021
Had a hard time getting into this one. The characters are just there but the story around them isn't reeling me in. I usually love anything court room. But this one didn't do it for me.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
April 21, 2021
A Good Mother, a debut legal thriller from Lara Bazelon, kicks off with an intriguing 911 transcript that opens the door to murder and sets a solid pace right from the start.
From there, we dive into the first-degree murder trial of the defendant, Luz Rivera Hollis. The legalese and courtroom proceedings throughout this book were really great and seemingly well researched (at least from my lack-luster legal perspective). They were captivating and engaging.
But I think I kind of hated everything else about this book.
We have two defense attorneys, Abby and Will, who both navigate through life with little to no morals, not to mention a very sexist, pompous and—somehow—newly appointed federal judge, who is the worst character of them all—a complete narcissist with a God complex to the highest possible degree. I hated him and wanted to punch him square in the face.
The defendant on trial, Luz (a 19-year-old new mom), is accused of stabbing and killing her Army husband (is it self-defense or pre-meditated murder?) who had a severe drinking problem that often left him angry and abusive. To make matters worse, he couldn’t seem to stay away from his (dare I say it?) very trashy ex-girlfriend.
Not once throughout this book did I like this woman (Luz) or feel the least bit sorry for her…just, not a fan of her at all. She’s the defendant and I shouldn’t necessarily like her anyway—I should question her and doubt her sincerity, right? But still—I felt like I was going to, or at least was supposed to, care about her eventually, but I just didn’t. Aside from the love she had for her daughter, there was literally nothing likable about her.
This entire book is riddled with sexism, racism and mom-shaming (I mean, sure, the title kind of tells us there will be a good mom/bad mom situation here, so you expect a bit of this, but the story doesn’t take it where you might expect). New mom and defense attorney, Abby—who is beyond unlikable for plenty of reasons unrelated to her parenting—is highly criticized for going back to work only 6 weeks post-partum. She’s told repeatedly that what she’s doing (going back to work) is wrong (never mind that she’s the breadwinner in the family) and that a mom should simply stay at home with their baby.
Once that cat comes out of the bag we simply beat the dead horse with it the entire rest of the book. The mom-shaming theme is prevalent all throughout and again, not for reasons you’d think.
I’m over it, next argument, counselor...
Then there’s the whole issue of Abby’s “empowering” act to try and get the a-hole judge to recuse himself from the case. Umm—no. Just no.
Next gripe: every single one of the main characters, in one way or another, cheats on their spouse/significant other. WHAT. THE. F. Umm...really? Was every character in this book cut from the same dirty cloth? There was no depth—just the same or similar actions & cliché backstories for each character.
Then there’s Abby’s gay BFF/coworker, Jonathan, whom I actually really liked at first. Until the two of them do nothing but throw stereotypical insults at each other during an argument that—surprise—is about Abby’s lack of maternal anything. Okay, thanks. Ruined that storyline for me, too. Next!
It felt like the author was trying too hard to use irony as a way to initiate shock-value, and highlight all the negative stereotypes that riddle our nation in order to drive the point home with this story, but it was just...complete overkill and seemed to derail the whole book for me. If this story took place in an earlier decade, maybe I’d feel differently but the book is set in the early 2000s and it just made it all feel so forced to me. Don’t get me wrong—I’m well aware that this stuff exists today—but I kept having to double-check the timeline and confirm that I was really reading a story that was set in the 2000s.
It just didn’t work for me.
Now, here is—perhaps—the most shocking twist of it all (non-spoiler)...somehow, some way, in spite of alllll this...I was so invested in this story. Despite wanting to DNF it several times, I couldn’t walk away from it. I had to know the outcome of this case, as much as I despised every single character and everything they did—I kept reading until the end.
I really wanted to love this book, I’m so bummed that I didn’t and I don’t think I’ve ever grappled so much while writing a book review. This is one that I would’ve normally moved on from without reviewing or even rating, but I just had too much to say...my rating swayed several times, and I’m settling on 3 stars because like I said, I couldn’t stop reading it. Who knows, maybe I was meant to feel this way in the end? Hmm…
“I am so sick of you, of all of you, and your 1950s misogyny.” —Abby
I hear ya, Abby. I hear ya.
Sigh.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Trade Publishing (US & Canada) - Hanover Square Press for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
From there, we dive into the first-degree murder trial of the defendant, Luz Rivera Hollis. The legalese and courtroom proceedings throughout this book were really great and seemingly well researched (at least from my lack-luster legal perspective). They were captivating and engaging.
But I think I kind of hated everything else about this book.
We have two defense attorneys, Abby and Will, who both navigate through life with little to no morals, not to mention a very sexist, pompous and—somehow—newly appointed federal judge, who is the worst character of them all—a complete narcissist with a God complex to the highest possible degree. I hated him and wanted to punch him square in the face.
The defendant on trial, Luz (a 19-year-old new mom), is accused of stabbing and killing her Army husband (is it self-defense or pre-meditated murder?) who had a severe drinking problem that often left him angry and abusive. To make matters worse, he couldn’t seem to stay away from his (dare I say it?) very trashy ex-girlfriend.
Not once throughout this book did I like this woman (Luz) or feel the least bit sorry for her…just, not a fan of her at all. She’s the defendant and I shouldn’t necessarily like her anyway—I should question her and doubt her sincerity, right? But still—I felt like I was going to, or at least was supposed to, care about her eventually, but I just didn’t. Aside from the love she had for her daughter, there was literally nothing likable about her.
This entire book is riddled with sexism, racism and mom-shaming (I mean, sure, the title kind of tells us there will be a good mom/bad mom situation here, so you expect a bit of this, but the story doesn’t take it where you might expect). New mom and defense attorney, Abby—who is beyond unlikable for plenty of reasons unrelated to her parenting—is highly criticized for going back to work only 6 weeks post-partum. She’s told repeatedly that what she’s doing (going back to work) is wrong (never mind that she’s the breadwinner in the family) and that a mom should simply stay at home with their baby.
Once that cat comes out of the bag we simply beat the dead horse with it the entire rest of the book. The mom-shaming theme is prevalent all throughout and again, not for reasons you’d think.
I’m over it, next argument, counselor...
Then there’s the whole issue of Abby’s “empowering” act to try and get the a-hole judge to recuse himself from the case. Umm—no. Just no.
Next gripe: every single one of the main characters, in one way or another, cheats on their spouse/significant other. WHAT. THE. F. Umm...really? Was every character in this book cut from the same dirty cloth? There was no depth—just the same or similar actions & cliché backstories for each character.
Then there’s Abby’s gay BFF/coworker, Jonathan, whom I actually really liked at first. Until the two of them do nothing but throw stereotypical insults at each other during an argument that—surprise—is about Abby’s lack of maternal anything. Okay, thanks. Ruined that storyline for me, too. Next!
It felt like the author was trying too hard to use irony as a way to initiate shock-value, and highlight all the negative stereotypes that riddle our nation in order to drive the point home with this story, but it was just...complete overkill and seemed to derail the whole book for me. If this story took place in an earlier decade, maybe I’d feel differently but the book is set in the early 2000s and it just made it all feel so forced to me. Don’t get me wrong—I’m well aware that this stuff exists today—but I kept having to double-check the timeline and confirm that I was really reading a story that was set in the 2000s.
It just didn’t work for me.
Now, here is—perhaps—the most shocking twist of it all (non-spoiler)...somehow, some way, in spite of alllll this...I was so invested in this story. Despite wanting to DNF it several times, I couldn’t walk away from it. I had to know the outcome of this case, as much as I despised every single character and everything they did—I kept reading until the end.
I really wanted to love this book, I’m so bummed that I didn’t and I don’t think I’ve ever grappled so much while writing a book review. This is one that I would’ve normally moved on from without reviewing or even rating, but I just had too much to say...my rating swayed several times, and I’m settling on 3 stars because like I said, I couldn’t stop reading it. Who knows, maybe I was meant to feel this way in the end? Hmm…
“I am so sick of you, of all of you, and your 1950s misogyny.” —Abby
I hear ya, Abby. I hear ya.
Sigh.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin - Trade Publishing (US & Canada) - Hanover Square Press for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2021
I loved Rectify: A Story of Healing and Redemption After Wrongful Conviction, and I was excited to read Lara Bazelon's fiction debut.
The writing itself is engaging and easy to read. Unfortunately, that's where my enjoyment ended.
All of the characters are intensely unlikable. It's as if every single negative stereotype available was tossed in, magnified, and placed under hot spotlights. If the tone wasn't so serious, these characters would've been a bad comedy skit.
The plot requires a total suspension of disbelief on many levels. I can't express my thoughts on any of this without spoilers, so I'll just leave it at that.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
The writing itself is engaging and easy to read. Unfortunately, that's where my enjoyment ended.
All of the characters are intensely unlikable. It's as if every single negative stereotype available was tossed in, magnified, and placed under hot spotlights. If the tone wasn't so serious, these characters would've been a bad comedy skit.
The plot requires a total suspension of disbelief on many levels. I can't express my thoughts on any of this without spoilers, so I'll just leave it at that.
*I received a review copy from the publisher, via NetGalley.*
May 28, 2021
Hoopla AudioBook: Great narrator. She did very well with the male/female characters. This legal drama is a slow burn that kept my attention. Two mothers are the main characters (an attorney and the person that is on trial for murdering her husband). These women could not be more different. A couple of unbelievable events happened that were hard to accept, but I enjoyed this legal drama. I love it when the title of a book is used in a clever way within the text of the novel itself.
July 6, 2021
Great writing and dialogue. Unfortunately, I didn't like any of the characters, which made it tough to engage. Their dislikability was part of the story, but Abby especially was pretty awful. I understand that her story was supposed to be about women taking control over their own lives, but her actions were both selfish and embarrassing at times. Further, Luz felt like a 2-dimensional character with no development in terms of the reasons behind her actions, and Will's actions were reprehensible as well as unbelievable. Finally, I am all about suspension of disbelief, but some of the actions in this story required just too much of that suspension.
May 28, 2021
Bizarre. Disturbing. Glad I’m finished
May 29, 2021
Well, I love legal tales so this genre was a favorite. I read the book in 2 days (to the angst of my husband who needed me to help him in the garden). Being a good mother--what does it mean and to what lengths will we go to protect our children or those that have children? This book may not be for everyone but if you are enthralled by stories in the courtroom this was a fun one.
May 24, 2021
More like 3.5 stars. A bit melodramatic at times, the premise and the writing were solid. I would guess this is the first in an expected series. I would read the author’s writing again.
August 5, 2021
This was a good courtroom thriller that made me keep reading to find out what happened. There were some issues with the execution of the story; there were references to a prior case but the importance and details weren’t fleshed out well. There was also one court scene that was overly dramatic and not plausible. Overall a 3.5.
September 28, 2021
Rating: 5/5 stars.
“A Good Mother” by Lara Bazelon is an intense legal thriller focused on the theme of motherhood. Juxtaposed throughout the novel is the two mothers; the lawyer, Abby, and the defendant, Luz. Both have very different ideas of just what it means to be a ‘good’ mother. And both face very different challenges. For Abby, it is balancing work with a new baby. For Luz, it is facing the prospect of life in a prison for a crime she may or may not have committed.
The plot is well-paced, and the characters have a lot of depth. Even though they might necessarily not be the best people, their backgrounds and descriptions incite empathy in the reader. The plot quickly ramps up nearing the climax. The build-up from the closing statements of the trial to the jury’s verdict were so intense, that I was sweating as if I myself was on trial.
Overall, I loved this book. It is very solid debut, and I cannot wait to read what the author writes next.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book on NetGalley and have provided an honest review.*
“A Good Mother” by Lara Bazelon is an intense legal thriller focused on the theme of motherhood. Juxtaposed throughout the novel is the two mothers; the lawyer, Abby, and the defendant, Luz. Both have very different ideas of just what it means to be a ‘good’ mother. And both face very different challenges. For Abby, it is balancing work with a new baby. For Luz, it is facing the prospect of life in a prison for a crime she may or may not have committed.
The plot is well-paced, and the characters have a lot of depth. Even though they might necessarily not be the best people, their backgrounds and descriptions incite empathy in the reader. The plot quickly ramps up nearing the climax. The build-up from the closing statements of the trial to the jury’s verdict were so intense, that I was sweating as if I myself was on trial.
Overall, I loved this book. It is very solid debut, and I cannot wait to read what the author writes next.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book on NetGalley and have provided an honest review.*
February 6, 2025
I can’t believe this book was written by a woman. I repeatedly checked to see if the writer was a man, thought I knew her first name to be Lara. I get misogyny in the work place, in relationship, the legal system and even internalized misogyny but A GOOD MOTHER’S level of it rose to the creep -me-out level.
Plus not a sympathetic character in the book.
Plus not a sympathetic character in the book.
March 21, 2021
A definite page turner! From the first page I was hooked into the story of Luz a nineteen year old mother and her lawyer Abby a new mother who is defending Luz as she fights for her life. The structure of the book does a great job of giving you just enough background as you live through the trial without giving away too much and letting the story unfold as you form your opinion of what really happened and what Luz's role was in the murder of her husband. I tore through it in a weekend and was sad to see it end. Looking forward to reading more from Lara!
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