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Mummy's Boy
No one can love a son like his mother…
Patricia Mullner is trapped in a nightmare no parent should ever experience. Three years ago, 17-year-old son Andrew vanished without trace. There was no note, no goodbye and no body has ever been found, and now her days are spent in a fog of heartache and alcohol, crying to husband Thomas about their lost boy.
But Patricia is more than just a grieving mother, and as Andrew’s disappearance starts to unravel the perfect family she’s built with Thomas, it seems that the actions of her past may be back to haunt her.
Because someone is watching from the shadows - someone who knows exactly what Patricia is hiding. Someone who will stop at nothing to take revenge – and might just hold the key to Andrew’s disappearance…
An absolutely gripping psychological thriller with a shocking twist in the tale. Readers of My Lovely Wife, KL Slater and B.A. Paris will not be able to put this one down.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2020
92 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Andrews
7 books80 followersJA Andrews is the author of thriller novels and can be found on twitter: @JasonA1980 and on BlueSky as @jasona.co.uk
As well as writing fiction, JA Andrews enjoys reading a mix of genres, watching various reality TV and spending time with family and friends.
As well as writing fiction, JA Andrews enjoys reading a mix of genres, watching various reality TV and spending time with family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
April 4, 2020
4☆ A Gripping Thriller, that will Hold Your Attention till the Very End!
Mummy's Boy is a gritty psychological thriller.
What would you do if your teenage child went missing?
Well that's the devastating situation Patricia and husband Thomas find themselves in.
Seventeen Year Old Andrew has disappeared, without a trace of evidence as to where or why he has gone. Has he been taken? Did he run away? Is he Alive?
No one knows.... or do they?
Patricia is beside herself with worry and as the minutes turn into days and days turn into weeks, they are still no closer to finding Andrew!
Time has passed with no leads or news. Patricia and Thomas are struggling to stay strong for each other. Patricia turns to alcohol to get her through her heartache whilst pushing Thomas further and further away!
But where is Andrew?.... and who is The Watcher?.... and why do they seek revenge?
Mummy's Boy is a debut novel and I have to say you wouldn't of known. It was really well written.
It was a gripping, slightly dark, domestic psychological thriller that is full of secrets, deceit, abuse, obsession and some well placed twists.
The characters were well developed, flawed and complex which fitted really well with the plot.
I quite liked the slower pace start it built tension nicely as the plot thickened.
Overall a gripping thriller, that will hold your attention till the very end! Enjoy!
Thank you to BOTBS Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
Mummy's Boy is a gritty psychological thriller.
What would you do if your teenage child went missing?
Well that's the devastating situation Patricia and husband Thomas find themselves in.
Seventeen Year Old Andrew has disappeared, without a trace of evidence as to where or why he has gone. Has he been taken? Did he run away? Is he Alive?
No one knows.... or do they?
Patricia is beside herself with worry and as the minutes turn into days and days turn into weeks, they are still no closer to finding Andrew!
Time has passed with no leads or news. Patricia and Thomas are struggling to stay strong for each other. Patricia turns to alcohol to get her through her heartache whilst pushing Thomas further and further away!
But where is Andrew?.... and who is The Watcher?.... and why do they seek revenge?
Mummy's Boy is a debut novel and I have to say you wouldn't of known. It was really well written.
It was a gripping, slightly dark, domestic psychological thriller that is full of secrets, deceit, abuse, obsession and some well placed twists.
The characters were well developed, flawed and complex which fitted really well with the plot.
I quite liked the slower pace start it built tension nicely as the plot thickened.
Overall a gripping thriller, that will hold your attention till the very end! Enjoy!
Thank you to BOTBS Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
November 22, 2021
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 3 Stars
Story - 3 Stars
March 29, 2021
Mummy's Boy by J.A. Andrews is a disturbingly shocking psychological thriller about another twisted mother.
This book is going to constantly give you whiplash with how much it twists and turns.
A boy missing, a mother/wife cracking fast than the speed of light and a husband/dad without a clue and the secrets, these are the main characters and trust me it gets dark.
I definitely recommend this 📖
This book is going to constantly give you whiplash with how much it twists and turns.
A boy missing, a mother/wife cracking fast than the speed of light and a husband/dad without a clue and the secrets, these are the main characters and trust me it gets dark.
I definitely recommend this 📖
April 2, 2020
Mummy’s Boy is JA Andrews’s debut psychological thriller revolving around a precarious set of domestic circumstances and the most nightmarish situation you could find yourself in as a mother: dealing with the disappearance of a child. However, this time the missing youngster, Andrew Mullner, is a little older than usual, seventeen years old to be exact, but that same unending feeling of not knowing whether he's dead or alive or what happened consumes his mother who is still seemingly desperately searching for answers and some form of closure. But is it destroying her due to the lack of answers, as Trish would have everyone believe, or is there something much more sinister as the underlying cause? The Mullner’s try to rebuild but find their lives and patience with each other crumbling beyond repair, and there's only so much time before everything unravels spectacularly revealing disturbing secrets and intense betrayal.
This in many ways sounds a lot like a whole plethora of other domestic-based thrillers where a missing child is at the centre of the plot, but I thought it was written in such a way that it captures your attention from the outset, holds onto it throughout and spins a yarn filled with exciting developments and chilling, twisty surprises better than some similar books. You soon learn that you should take everything the entire cast utters with a rather large pinch of salt in a story simply overflowing with secrets, lies, betrayal and duplicity, and although the role-call of characters is quite limited this allows the author to give plenty of attention to detail creating an engaging if wholly detestable cast in the process. It's a pacy, compulsive and difficult to put down offering from a new writer on the crime scene who is certainly one to watch for the future. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Hera Books for an ARC.
This in many ways sounds a lot like a whole plethora of other domestic-based thrillers where a missing child is at the centre of the plot, but I thought it was written in such a way that it captures your attention from the outset, holds onto it throughout and spins a yarn filled with exciting developments and chilling, twisty surprises better than some similar books. You soon learn that you should take everything the entire cast utters with a rather large pinch of salt in a story simply overflowing with secrets, lies, betrayal and duplicity, and although the role-call of characters is quite limited this allows the author to give plenty of attention to detail creating an engaging if wholly detestable cast in the process. It's a pacy, compulsive and difficult to put down offering from a new writer on the crime scene who is certainly one to watch for the future. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Hera Books for an ARC.
March 18, 2020
I knew I wanted to read this book from the compelling title and the intriguing blurb. Especially being a mother myself to a seventeen year old boy.
The story alternates between Patricia, her husband Thomas and a mysterious character that is known to us as The Watcher. Obviously my heart rate upped a level at The Watcher chapters as I was on edge as to who this person is and why they want revenge.
The cast of characters is small and none are overly likeable. Thomas, I probably had the most empathy for as he has tried his best to be a good father and husband but is quite weak in character. Patricia, obviously to start with my heart went out to this woman who had no idea whether her beloved son was dead or alive. I couldn’t think of anything worse.
The more into the story I got, the less straight forward things seemed to be. Patricia is on a road of self destruct, depending on alcohol to get her through the days. The tension and mystery surrounding Andrew’s disappearance starts mounting, making the pace pick up and having me racing through the pages.
Mummy’s Boy is the authors debut novel and as debut’s go, this is a darn good one. It’s a dark and tense read, of which the author had no problem pulling me into the story and keeping me there. There are some nice little twists that gives the reader bursts of adrenaline rushes as they take them in. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story alternates between Patricia, her husband Thomas and a mysterious character that is known to us as The Watcher. Obviously my heart rate upped a level at The Watcher chapters as I was on edge as to who this person is and why they want revenge.
The cast of characters is small and none are overly likeable. Thomas, I probably had the most empathy for as he has tried his best to be a good father and husband but is quite weak in character. Patricia, obviously to start with my heart went out to this woman who had no idea whether her beloved son was dead or alive. I couldn’t think of anything worse.
The more into the story I got, the less straight forward things seemed to be. Patricia is on a road of self destruct, depending on alcohol to get her through the days. The tension and mystery surrounding Andrew’s disappearance starts mounting, making the pace pick up and having me racing through the pages.
Mummy’s Boy is the authors debut novel and as debut’s go, this is a darn good one. It’s a dark and tense read, of which the author had no problem pulling me into the story and keeping me there. There are some nice little twists that gives the reader bursts of adrenaline rushes as they take them in. Highly recommended.
My thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
November 22, 2021
5 stars audio
3 stars story
3 stars story
April 14, 2020
Took me a while to finish this one for many reasons. I felt like the writing style was a mixture of rambling and repeating the same plot details over and over again. Drove me crazy most of the time. This book should’ve been half the length because so many feelings from characters were repeated!
I suppose the twist and ending of this book couldn’t have been predicted but I wanted lots more thriller aspects. I also couldn’t like any of the characters in this book. But maybe that was done on purpose. Not sure.
*I received free to review
I suppose the twist and ending of this book couldn’t have been predicted but I wanted lots more thriller aspects. I also couldn’t like any of the characters in this book. But maybe that was done on purpose. Not sure.
*I received free to review
March 30, 2020
Suspense and a sense of mystery dogged my steps, dread and fear filled my heart as I read the debut by author J A Andrews.
A family of three and the sun disappeared. It had been three years and the mother Patricia was slowly sinking into the world of alcohol. Father Thomas could only try to keep his wife stable until he was unsucceful. Luckily, they had a Watcher who was keeping an eye on that family… Secrets swirled around.
The story was easy to guess and as the author had peppered the prose with clues. The loving to obsessive nature of the mother beautifully evelved down the prose. Subtle hints were at play in the entire book in the first half of the story.
The second half was more about each secret being revealed with layers of the past and what really happened. I could feel slight pathos for all the characters as each steps of their past had led to the darkness of their mind to expand and surround and finally vanquish those they loved.
A good reveal of the human psyche and the dark abyss of self destruction was shown by the author. An entertaining tale over breakfast.
A family of three and the sun disappeared. It had been three years and the mother Patricia was slowly sinking into the world of alcohol. Father Thomas could only try to keep his wife stable until he was unsucceful. Luckily, they had a Watcher who was keeping an eye on that family… Secrets swirled around.
The story was easy to guess and as the author had peppered the prose with clues. The loving to obsessive nature of the mother beautifully evelved down the prose. Subtle hints were at play in the entire book in the first half of the story.
The second half was more about each secret being revealed with layers of the past and what really happened. I could feel slight pathos for all the characters as each steps of their past had led to the darkness of their mind to expand and surround and finally vanquish those they loved.
A good reveal of the human psyche and the dark abyss of self destruction was shown by the author. An entertaining tale over breakfast.
April 21, 2020
A sinister and menacing thriller that explores every parent’s worst nightmare, J A Andrews’ Mummy’s Boy is a shocking, compulsive and twisted tale sure to chill readers to the bone and delight domestic noir readers everywhere.
The bottom had fallen out of Patricia Mulner’s world three years ago when her beloved seventeen year old son Andrew had vanished without a trace. Patricia had been completely and utterly shocked when her son disappeared off the face of the earth without leaving a note or saying goodbye. Patricia cannot shake off this feeling deep within her core that there is more to Andrew’s disappearance than meets the eye and with no body having ever been found, Patricia constantly wonders what happened to her boy. Grieving for a son who may not even be dead and absolutely broken by his disappearance, Patricia’s days are spent in a foggy haze of alcohol and heartbreak with only her husband Thomas to hear her cry about her missing boy.
Patricia and Thomas had a life and a family most people would have envied. Theirs was a world that from the outside looking in seemed absolutely perfect, but it turns out that Patricia’s past was not as perfect as she had made it out to be. Could it be that the past which she has tried so hard to bury has come back to haunt her in the shape of Andrew’s shocking disappearance? Are the two connected? Who has been watching Patricia from the shadows for all of this time? And who has waited this long to wreak this ultimate act of revenge? Can Patricia’s journey back into her past lead her into discovering what really happened to her son? Or will she spend the rest of her life wondering what happened to Andrew?
With more twists than a rollercoaster, Mummy’s Boy is a nerve-twisting and gut-wrenching thriller that is brilliantly plotted and so wonderfully layered readers will have absolutely no clue about what is going to happen next. J A Andrews knows how to ratchet up the tension and amp up the suspense and his twisted and terrifying narrative will have readers on the edge of their seats almost too scared to turn the pages.
A book that brilliantly plumbs the dark depths of the human soul, Mummy’s Boy is a jaw-droppingly good thriller from J A Andrews that is a must-read.
The bottom had fallen out of Patricia Mulner’s world three years ago when her beloved seventeen year old son Andrew had vanished without a trace. Patricia had been completely and utterly shocked when her son disappeared off the face of the earth without leaving a note or saying goodbye. Patricia cannot shake off this feeling deep within her core that there is more to Andrew’s disappearance than meets the eye and with no body having ever been found, Patricia constantly wonders what happened to her boy. Grieving for a son who may not even be dead and absolutely broken by his disappearance, Patricia’s days are spent in a foggy haze of alcohol and heartbreak with only her husband Thomas to hear her cry about her missing boy.
Patricia and Thomas had a life and a family most people would have envied. Theirs was a world that from the outside looking in seemed absolutely perfect, but it turns out that Patricia’s past was not as perfect as she had made it out to be. Could it be that the past which she has tried so hard to bury has come back to haunt her in the shape of Andrew’s shocking disappearance? Are the two connected? Who has been watching Patricia from the shadows for all of this time? And who has waited this long to wreak this ultimate act of revenge? Can Patricia’s journey back into her past lead her into discovering what really happened to her son? Or will she spend the rest of her life wondering what happened to Andrew?
With more twists than a rollercoaster, Mummy’s Boy is a nerve-twisting and gut-wrenching thriller that is brilliantly plotted and so wonderfully layered readers will have absolutely no clue about what is going to happen next. J A Andrews knows how to ratchet up the tension and amp up the suspense and his twisted and terrifying narrative will have readers on the edge of their seats almost too scared to turn the pages.
A book that brilliantly plumbs the dark depths of the human soul, Mummy’s Boy is a jaw-droppingly good thriller from J A Andrews that is a must-read.
April 6, 2020
Three years have passed since Patricia Mullner's beloved seventeen year old son Andrew vanished without a trace. He didn't leave a note or say goodbye and no body has ever been found. Now she spends her days in a fog of heartache,alcohol and painkillers,crying to her husband Thomas about their lost son.
But Patricia is more than a grieving mother,she has a secret and lives in fear of Thomas ever learning the truth about her deception and leaving her,just like her son did despite everything she had done for him.
Little does she realise that her past actions are about to catch up with her because someone knows her secret,someone who is watching from the shadows and will stop at nothing to take revenge. Someone who's end game is Patricia's death.
The chapters of this domestic drama/mystery flip back and forth between Then and Now and are voiced from the alternating perspectives of Patricia and Thomas. Patricia was a complex,not very likeable character who had some serious issues that she constantly blamed on the abuse that she had suffered in the past from her parents,especially her evil,cruel mother. Patricia kept insisting that she would never repeat that abuse when it came to her own son but that was exactly what she had been doing. She reminded me so much of my own mother with her everything is about me,woe is me attitude and she definitely didn't have any redeemable qualities. Thomas reminded me of my own wonderful hubby,a man who stands by his marriage vows and supports his partner through the ups and downs of married life. Some people would probably label him a wimp for loving his wife so much that he stayed loyal to her despite her terrible behaviour but I just thought that made him more likeable. Their marriage was a perfect example of how one person can be completely oblivious of another person's behaviour despite the two people living under the same roof. And also how easy it is to pass judgement on someone,completely misread their behaviour and get so wrapped up in your own worries that you fail to comprehend that maybe there is a reason behind their behaviour. I felt so much sympathy for poor Andrew as we witnessed Patricia's controlling,manipulative behaviour,the question was,what had happened to him? Had Patricia snapped and murdered her beloved son? Had he simply finally had enough and ran away? Had he been abducted or murdered by a unknown stranger? And how did the mysterious watcher fit into the story?
This is a well written tale of manipulation,revenge,abuse,control and mental health that keeps the reader guessing,pulls at your heart strings and plays with your emotions. I will be honest and admit that it did take me a while to get into this book due to the plot containing some personal triggers. But once my anxieties had settled down,I found that it was a very enjoyable read. This is J A Andrews's debut story and I look forward to reading more of his books in the future.
But Patricia is more than a grieving mother,she has a secret and lives in fear of Thomas ever learning the truth about her deception and leaving her,just like her son did despite everything she had done for him.
Little does she realise that her past actions are about to catch up with her because someone knows her secret,someone who is watching from the shadows and will stop at nothing to take revenge. Someone who's end game is Patricia's death.
The chapters of this domestic drama/mystery flip back and forth between Then and Now and are voiced from the alternating perspectives of Patricia and Thomas. Patricia was a complex,not very likeable character who had some serious issues that she constantly blamed on the abuse that she had suffered in the past from her parents,especially her evil,cruel mother. Patricia kept insisting that she would never repeat that abuse when it came to her own son but that was exactly what she had been doing. She reminded me so much of my own mother with her everything is about me,woe is me attitude and she definitely didn't have any redeemable qualities. Thomas reminded me of my own wonderful hubby,a man who stands by his marriage vows and supports his partner through the ups and downs of married life. Some people would probably label him a wimp for loving his wife so much that he stayed loyal to her despite her terrible behaviour but I just thought that made him more likeable. Their marriage was a perfect example of how one person can be completely oblivious of another person's behaviour despite the two people living under the same roof. And also how easy it is to pass judgement on someone,completely misread their behaviour and get so wrapped up in your own worries that you fail to comprehend that maybe there is a reason behind their behaviour. I felt so much sympathy for poor Andrew as we witnessed Patricia's controlling,manipulative behaviour,the question was,what had happened to him? Had Patricia snapped and murdered her beloved son? Had he simply finally had enough and ran away? Had he been abducted or murdered by a unknown stranger? And how did the mysterious watcher fit into the story?
This is a well written tale of manipulation,revenge,abuse,control and mental health that keeps the reader guessing,pulls at your heart strings and plays with your emotions. I will be honest and admit that it did take me a while to get into this book due to the plot containing some personal triggers. But once my anxieties had settled down,I found that it was a very enjoyable read. This is J A Andrews's debut story and I look forward to reading more of his books in the future.
March 14, 2020
First, I want to thank JA Andrews, Hera Books,NetGalley and BOTBSPublicity for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
WOW!!! JA Andrews has an incredible gift of writing psychological thrillers in the debut novel of Mummy’s Boy! I was just blown away by everything in this book and need to read more by this author. Needless to say I am an instant huge fan!!
Dedicated to my mother, Susan Barry, and to my sister, Sarah Parker. Two great mothers in their own right.
The cover on this book was so eerie and evil looking. I totally loved it!! You just knew by looking at this cover it was going to be a twisted book.
This book dealt with some serious issues that may trigger some readers. Mummy’s Boy dealt with suicide, alcoholism, physical abuse, runaways, stalkers, drug abuse, etc.
I loved this book from the prologue when she was so happy to have the baby and love just poured out for him. My heart just melted for Trish!
Then the book jumps to modern day and you learn Andrew ran away and never came home! For most of the book my heart ached for Trish. However, her true colors were revealed as you went deeper into the book. Oh the twists and turns in this book were shocking, mind blowing, and devastating for all of those involved!!
JA did an incredible job making her readers wondering what really happened to Andrew!! The suspense with that storyline was killing me.
The book goes from modern day to back in the day. You also have chapters that is from Trish’s perspective to Thomas’s.
WOW!!! JA Andrews has an incredible gift of writing psychological thrillers in the debut novel of Mummy’s Boy! I was just blown away by everything in this book and need to read more by this author. Needless to say I am an instant huge fan!!
Dedicated to my mother, Susan Barry, and to my sister, Sarah Parker. Two great mothers in their own right.
The cover on this book was so eerie and evil looking. I totally loved it!! You just knew by looking at this cover it was going to be a twisted book.
This book dealt with some serious issues that may trigger some readers. Mummy’s Boy dealt with suicide, alcoholism, physical abuse, runaways, stalkers, drug abuse, etc.
I loved this book from the prologue when she was so happy to have the baby and love just poured out for him. My heart just melted for Trish!
Then the book jumps to modern day and you learn Andrew ran away and never came home! For most of the book my heart ached for Trish. However, her true colors were revealed as you went deeper into the book. Oh the twists and turns in this book were shocking, mind blowing, and devastating for all of those involved!!
JA did an incredible job making her readers wondering what really happened to Andrew!! The suspense with that storyline was killing me.
The book goes from modern day to back in the day. You also have chapters that is from Trish’s perspective to Thomas’s.
April 1, 2020
Starting with the scene of the birth and the love that pours out of Patricia towards her newborn son you would think she would make the perfect mother. Don’t let that fool you as she soon begins the alcohol fuelled road to self destruction, it always starts with just one to take the edge off. At seventeen Andrew vanishes and with no note or body we are helpless to watch as Patricia unravels before our very eyes. This book is not just a thriller it is a very character driven book showing the collapse of a person who has made their child their life’s obsession and what happens when they are gone.
Told from the perspectives of the mother, father and the watcher, we learn there are many secrets at play behind Andrew’s disappearance. This is one dark read covering many sensitive subjects but the tension is palpable as each secret is revealed.
I loved the character of the watcher and her narration was by far my favourite. Who is she? How does she know so much about this family? So much to be revealed and trust me you will keep reading until you get the answers behind the mystery.
With some great twists and a few clues scattered throughout this is a great debut and I look forward to his next book.
Told from the perspectives of the mother, father and the watcher, we learn there are many secrets at play behind Andrew’s disappearance. This is one dark read covering many sensitive subjects but the tension is palpable as each secret is revealed.
I loved the character of the watcher and her narration was by far my favourite. Who is she? How does she know so much about this family? So much to be revealed and trust me you will keep reading until you get the answers behind the mystery.
With some great twists and a few clues scattered throughout this is a great debut and I look forward to his next book.
March 4, 2020
“No one can love a son like his mother…”
Trish lives with her husband Thomas and is celebrating their son Andrew’s birthday. She has made a cake (but slightly burnt it) and yet again is having “just a little drink to take the edge off”. Patricia herself had a troubled childhood with a cruel mother and a father that didn’t care and she has always been determined that her son wouldn't be brought up the same way. She sees herself as evil as that's what her mother always told her and that she wouldn't amount to anything and no one would want her. We get glimpses of Andrew as a child, some odd goings on and Patricia as a very caring albeit rather overbearing, controlling mother. Andrew walked out of their lives three years beforehand without a note or clue as to where he was going. There was a search for him and he was reported missing but absolutely nothing has come to light. We also get occasional chapters from “The Watcher” who knows the family well. This is rather a dark tale at times and anyone who has had a controlling parent may find it bringing back memories. That said I admired Andrew for what he did (I'm not giving anything away by saying that) and only wish that I too had made that step. An interesting read and a clever plot written very well.
Trish lives with her husband Thomas and is celebrating their son Andrew’s birthday. She has made a cake (but slightly burnt it) and yet again is having “just a little drink to take the edge off”. Patricia herself had a troubled childhood with a cruel mother and a father that didn’t care and she has always been determined that her son wouldn't be brought up the same way. She sees herself as evil as that's what her mother always told her and that she wouldn't amount to anything and no one would want her. We get glimpses of Andrew as a child, some odd goings on and Patricia as a very caring albeit rather overbearing, controlling mother. Andrew walked out of their lives three years beforehand without a note or clue as to where he was going. There was a search for him and he was reported missing but absolutely nothing has come to light. We also get occasional chapters from “The Watcher” who knows the family well. This is rather a dark tale at times and anyone who has had a controlling parent may find it bringing back memories. That said I admired Andrew for what he did (I'm not giving anything away by saying that) and only wish that I too had made that step. An interesting read and a clever plot written very well.
March 9, 2020
Wow! Started & finished this in several hours as it was such a compelling storyline. Patricia appears to be the doting, caring mother, who infact had caused the demise of her own parents due to the psychological & sexual abuse she had endured as a child, who is hellbent on making her sons life a misery. Her 'unsuspecting' husband who it turns out is keeping his own BIG secret from his wife, whilst Melanie 'the Watcher' just wants her baby boy back. Fantastic storyline, loved the ending. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2020
This was brilliant and I believe it is the author's debut novel.
I enjoyed the dual perspectives because it was a story within a story within a story. There were twist, turns, paranoia, and lots of different emotions. As a mom myself, I had so many feelings while reading this. It had all the checkboxes of a strong psychological thriller. Unique, twisted and very well written.
Thank you for my free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed the dual perspectives because it was a story within a story within a story. There were twist, turns, paranoia, and lots of different emotions. As a mom myself, I had so many feelings while reading this. It had all the checkboxes of a strong psychological thriller. Unique, twisted and very well written.
Thank you for my free ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
April 2, 2020
I really wanted to like this book but sadly I didn't. The storyline had a lot of promise but because I read a lot I found it very predictable and also a bit repetitive. I'm sure there will be a lot of people who will like this.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hera Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley and Hera Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 24, 2023
Interesting enough story premise, but the writing style let it down. Rambling and incredibly repetitive. I was interested to discover what happened, but had to skim-read some of it as it was the same old, same old.
July 2, 2021
Patricia Mullner is trapped in a nightmare no parent should ever experience. Three years ago, 17-year-old son Andrew vanished without trace. There was no note, no goodbye and no body has ever been found, and now her days are spent in a fog of heartache and alcohol, crying to husband Thomas about their lost boy.
But Patricia is more than just a grieving mother, and as Andrew’s disappearance starts to unravel the perfect family she’s built with Thomas, it seems that the actions of her past may be back to haunt her.
Because someone is watching from the shadows - someone who knows exactly what Patricia is hiding. Someone who will stop at nothing to take revenge – and might just hold the key to Andrew’s disappearance…
You would never have thought that this was a debut novel, it was really well written, and I was hooked after the few pages.
The story switches between "then" and "now", and has three main narrators, Patricia, Thomas and The Watcher. It can be a little confusing to begin with, as to which time you are reading about, and who is narrating, but I think that it really worked, and helped pace the story well., and build up the suspense.
I didn't particularly like any of the characters in this book, but then I think that is the authors intention, and I think it helped add to the suspense that was being built.
The main revelation wasn't overly shocking, and I had half guessed what was going to be revealed. I found it quite fast paced, although at times possibly a little repetitive, as we see the same scenes being told by two of the narrators. I also feel that the ending, with the final chapter told from Andrews point of view, could have possibly been handled a little better, i just felt like something was missing.
Trigger Warning: alcoholism, drug abuse, suicide and physical abuse.
But Patricia is more than just a grieving mother, and as Andrew’s disappearance starts to unravel the perfect family she’s built with Thomas, it seems that the actions of her past may be back to haunt her.
Because someone is watching from the shadows - someone who knows exactly what Patricia is hiding. Someone who will stop at nothing to take revenge – and might just hold the key to Andrew’s disappearance…
You would never have thought that this was a debut novel, it was really well written, and I was hooked after the few pages.
The story switches between "then" and "now", and has three main narrators, Patricia, Thomas and The Watcher. It can be a little confusing to begin with, as to which time you are reading about, and who is narrating, but I think that it really worked, and helped pace the story well., and build up the suspense.
I didn't particularly like any of the characters in this book, but then I think that is the authors intention, and I think it helped add to the suspense that was being built.
The main revelation wasn't overly shocking, and I had half guessed what was going to be revealed. I found it quite fast paced, although at times possibly a little repetitive, as we see the same scenes being told by two of the narrators. I also feel that the ending, with the final chapter told from Andrews point of view, could have possibly been handled a little better, i just felt like something was missing.
Trigger Warning: alcoholism, drug abuse, suicide and physical abuse.
September 21, 2021
3.5 🌟
This book was a bit of a slow burner and it took me a while to get used to the writing style because of the repetition in sentences (which is what reduced my rating slightly).
However, the book had a really good plot and the storyline was quite gripping. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives from the family and 'the watcher'.
I thought the ending worked really well, I set myself up to think we were going to have lots of missing answers but in the end it was wrapped up perfectly and succinctly.
I did find it difficult to connect with any of the characters, but I liked that the author made note to the fact that these people had their demons, and their ill mental health was being overlooked and prejudged.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author as this was a good debut novel.
This book was a bit of a slow burner and it took me a while to get used to the writing style because of the repetition in sentences (which is what reduced my rating slightly).
However, the book had a really good plot and the storyline was quite gripping. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives from the family and 'the watcher'.
I thought the ending worked really well, I set myself up to think we were going to have lots of missing answers but in the end it was wrapped up perfectly and succinctly.
I did find it difficult to connect with any of the characters, but I liked that the author made note to the fact that these people had their demons, and their ill mental health was being overlooked and prejudged.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author as this was a good debut novel.
December 7, 2021
Three years ago, Patricia's son Andrew disappointed, no note and no body ever found. Patricia is grieving, whilst trying to hide secrets from her past. Because someone is watching Patricia. Someone who knows exactly what Patricia is hiding - and they are determined to make her pay...
I started reading this book thinking it sounded okay, the bit of information at the back didn't exactly grip me, but sounded worth a read. I can confirm this is MORE than just worth a read. This is a book that gives and gives. The secrets and lies, the twists, the short chapters. So much fantastic in such short amount of pages!
I started reading this book thinking it sounded okay, the bit of information at the back didn't exactly grip me, but sounded worth a read. I can confirm this is MORE than just worth a read. This is a book that gives and gives. The secrets and lies, the twists, the short chapters. So much fantastic in such short amount of pages!
April 6, 2020
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I really enjoyed this story and it was one that had me gripped to the very end!
I thought that the storyline was well developed and I loved the suspense that the author built up. The pace for the book was great and the writing style was perfect too for the book. As soon as I started reading I know it was a book that I would want to carry on reading and I stayed up later to finish it as I didn’t have to worry about getting up for work the next day.
I thought that the characters were well developed, I can only imagine what it must be like to have a child go missing it is something I would never wish to experience and I think the author did a great job getting over the thoughts and feelings of the characters. I must admit that the chapters featuring The Watcher were the ones that really made the story for me.
I found the book to be a great psychological thriller and it is 4 stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed the plot and thought that it was well written – highly recommended!!
I really enjoyed this story and it was one that had me gripped to the very end!
I thought that the storyline was well developed and I loved the suspense that the author built up. The pace for the book was great and the writing style was perfect too for the book. As soon as I started reading I know it was a book that I would want to carry on reading and I stayed up later to finish it as I didn’t have to worry about getting up for work the next day.
I thought that the characters were well developed, I can only imagine what it must be like to have a child go missing it is something I would never wish to experience and I think the author did a great job getting over the thoughts and feelings of the characters. I must admit that the chapters featuring The Watcher were the ones that really made the story for me.
I found the book to be a great psychological thriller and it is 4 stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed the plot and thought that it was well written – highly recommended!!
March 24, 2021
Very enjoyable thriller with some awful characters in it. Despite the fact that this book is not very thick, it still managed to be a bit repetitive which is why I knocked off a star.
A good twist too, that comes quite early on as twists go.
A good twist too, that comes quite early on as twists go.
January 31, 2023
Loved this first book from J.A Andrew will definitely be reading more
October 13, 2022
Was good to read! A really interesting ending! I did feel like it was left on a cliffhanger which is always frustrating.
There was a bit of repetition which was a little confusing, but it was interesting to see the same events from someone else’s point of view
B x
There was a bit of repetition which was a little confusing, but it was interesting to see the same events from someone else’s point of view
B x
September 26, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Definitely a twisty psychological thriller … I caught on about mid-ship, but even that didn’t stop the twists from being intriguing!
I didn’t really love the writing style, it seemed choppy & repetitive, and I didn’t like a single character 🤣 - but I actually think that’s what made this one good.
Sometimes I really wanna be a bat shit crazy mom, just so my kids can see how good they have it.. this lady was WHACKEDDDDDD!
All in all I wish there had been a little more back story & descriptive events .. but it was pretty good.
Book 111/2022
Definitely a twisty psychological thriller … I caught on about mid-ship, but even that didn’t stop the twists from being intriguing!
I didn’t really love the writing style, it seemed choppy & repetitive, and I didn’t like a single character 🤣 - but I actually think that’s what made this one good.
Sometimes I really wanna be a bat shit crazy mom, just so my kids can see how good they have it.. this lady was WHACKEDDDDDD!
All in all I wish there had been a little more back story & descriptive events .. but it was pretty good.
Book 111/2022
June 28, 2020
Talk about your dark and twisty read. With a line like this:
"Normal seems like a historical reminiscence now; if I ever really knew what normal was to begin with," you know you're in for a thrill ride. Can't say much about Mummy's Boy without giving the plot away, but I recommend you snap up a copy and read it for yourself.
"Normal seems like a historical reminiscence now; if I ever really knew what normal was to begin with," you know you're in for a thrill ride. Can't say much about Mummy's Boy without giving the plot away, but I recommend you snap up a copy and read it for yourself.
September 21, 2022
Another 5 star book!!! One of my favourite authors, so glad I found them this year! I cannot wait to read more, the perfect thrillers. IN LOVE!!
July 8, 2023
I wouldn't class this as psychological thriller. It is more about emotional pain and how abuse passes along the family line. There is a very prolonged graphic description of suicide using prescription tablets with alcohol - and at the very least - let that be a warning that this is not an easy way to do it, if painfully effective over days/weeks of Intensive Care - I get the feeling the author has personal knowledge of this. It is quite harrowing to read. And was probably equally harrowing to write.
Very well written, and leaves you with 'Food for Thought'. Not a book I will forget but only because it brought up memories.
Very well written, and leaves you with 'Food for Thought'. Not a book I will forget but only because it brought up memories.
March 12, 2020
I'm afraid I wasnt a fan of this book. I didnt like any of the characters and found it very repetitive. Also I think the "dark family secret " trope has been overdone lately, and its far tooeasy to work out where the book is heading
April 16, 2021
Bit repetitive, kept going over some parts over and over again, nice little twist near the end
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