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The Silent Mother
‘I’m so very sorry. But your son is dead.’
As I hear the words every mother dreads my pulse races and I go cold. But even as my world turns upside down I know the things I’m being told just don’t add up. I have to find out what really happened the night my beautiful boy died…
The police tell me it was a tragedy no one could have prevented. But then they reveal the terrible things Tom was keeping from me. The person they describe is nothing like the decent, honest man I raised. Newly qualified as a doctor, Tom had such a bright future ahead of him.
A mother knows her own child. And I’m determined to prove my son’s innocence.
It’s the last thing I will ever be able to do for him. So I have come to the city where he lived and moved into his empty flat under a different name.
When I discover his diary, it becomes clear his death wasn’t an accident.
And as I get to know Tom’s friends and neighbours I realise they’re all keeping secrets.
But as I get closer to the truth, I realise my life is in danger too…
As I hear the words every mother dreads my pulse races and I go cold. But even as my world turns upside down I know the things I’m being told just don’t add up. I have to find out what really happened the night my beautiful boy died…
The police tell me it was a tragedy no one could have prevented. But then they reveal the terrible things Tom was keeping from me. The person they describe is nothing like the decent, honest man I raised. Newly qualified as a doctor, Tom had such a bright future ahead of him.
A mother knows her own child. And I’m determined to prove my son’s innocence.
It’s the last thing I will ever be able to do for him. So I have come to the city where he lived and moved into his empty flat under a different name.
When I discover his diary, it becomes clear his death wasn’t an accident.
And as I get to know Tom’s friends and neighbours I realise they’re all keeping secrets.
But as I get closer to the truth, I realise my life is in danger too…
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2021
659 people are currently reading
572 people want to read
About the author
Liz Lawler
8 books414 followersLiz Lawler had a 20-year career as a nurse and later became a general manager of a five star hotel, followed by a stint as a flight attendant with British Airways.
Born in Kent, Liz was part of a large family having 11 siblings. She discovered the solitude of writing, after coming home from a busy nightshift in the emergency department, was a place where she could step away from an emotionally and physically demanding job.
She now lives in Bath with her family and writes in any place that has a quiet space.
Born in Kent, Liz was part of a large family having 11 siblings. She discovered the solitude of writing, after coming home from a busy nightshift in the emergency department, was a place where she could step away from an emotionally and physically demanding job.
She now lives in Bath with her family and writes in any place that has a quiet space.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
October 19, 2021
The Silent Mother by Liz Lawler is a thriller novel that is the type that seems to be two stories that come together in the end. This style of course means that the point of view will be changing between the characters and there is also flashes back to an earlier timeline.
Ruth has just been told by her son that he is appearing in court accused of a crime she doesn’t believe he could have ever committed. Waiting at the court Ruth finds out that her son has already pleaded guilty to stealing drugs from the hospital where he worked. This is not the son that Ruth knows.
When Ruth’s son does not appear at the court it’s found that apparently he killed himself unable to deal with his crimes. Devastated Ruth comes up with a plan to move to her son’s apartment and search out the truth behind his death and the crime he was accused of herself.
The Silent Mother by Liz Lawler was a book that for me as a reader had it’s ups and downs along the way. This one seemed to move at a very slow pace in which I’m not a huge fan but the story did interest me to continue reading but felt it could have used some editing down to increase the pace. Personally I was more invested in Ruth’s point of view and think it would have worked just as well without the side story but as it is this one landed at three and a half stars for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Ruth has just been told by her son that he is appearing in court accused of a crime she doesn’t believe he could have ever committed. Waiting at the court Ruth finds out that her son has already pleaded guilty to stealing drugs from the hospital where he worked. This is not the son that Ruth knows.
When Ruth’s son does not appear at the court it’s found that apparently he killed himself unable to deal with his crimes. Devastated Ruth comes up with a plan to move to her son’s apartment and search out the truth behind his death and the crime he was accused of herself.
The Silent Mother by Liz Lawler was a book that for me as a reader had it’s ups and downs along the way. This one seemed to move at a very slow pace in which I’m not a huge fan but the story did interest me to continue reading but felt it could have used some editing down to increase the pace. Personally I was more invested in Ruth’s point of view and think it would have worked just as well without the side story but as it is this one landed at three and a half stars for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 19, 2021
As a story, this is among the best that I have read this year. However, the story is only one aspect of the reading experience and there are aspects of the book which detract from what could have been an excellent read.
Dr Ruth Bennett is shocked to learn that her son Thomas (also a doctor) is to appear in court the following day in Bournemouth on charges of siphoning drugs from the hospital, and also minor assault. Ruth arrives in Bournemouth to be told soon after that Thomas has taken his life. The evidence against him is very strong – drugs in the locker, in a bag in his rented apartment and many witnesses to his recent erratic behaviour. A nurse finally takes the call to inform the police after an altercation at the hospital.
Ruth cannot believe this can be the case. She joins the hospital at Bournemouth as a general practitioner without informing the hospital management (since she still uses her maiden name, it is not difficult), hoping to uncover the circumstances leading to her son’s death. She stays in the same apartment as Thomas did, and the owner Henry is supportive. He shares her belief that lot of what has been said is completely out of character for Thomas. Thomas’ diary writings indicate there were some relationship issues but the tone indicated that he was as taken aback by many of the events as well. There are a further set of characters some supportive, some odd – neighbours – Kim, Tilly, Akito, sister Pauline, a patient Rosie, her friend Anabel, Thomas’ girlfriend Catherine & ex-cop Tim Wiley. It appears that someone is keeping an eye on Ruth and she could be in danger as well.
The strength of the book is the story, which has very strong legs. All threads converge very well at the end. The main weakness though is that there is a side thread which moves very slowly, each time only incrementally adding minor details.
My rating: 3.75 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture & the author for a free electronic review copy.
Dr Ruth Bennett is shocked to learn that her son Thomas (also a doctor) is to appear in court the following day in Bournemouth on charges of siphoning drugs from the hospital, and also minor assault. Ruth arrives in Bournemouth to be told soon after that Thomas has taken his life. The evidence against him is very strong – drugs in the locker, in a bag in his rented apartment and many witnesses to his recent erratic behaviour. A nurse finally takes the call to inform the police after an altercation at the hospital.
Ruth cannot believe this can be the case. She joins the hospital at Bournemouth as a general practitioner without informing the hospital management (since she still uses her maiden name, it is not difficult), hoping to uncover the circumstances leading to her son’s death. She stays in the same apartment as Thomas did, and the owner Henry is supportive. He shares her belief that lot of what has been said is completely out of character for Thomas. Thomas’ diary writings indicate there were some relationship issues but the tone indicated that he was as taken aback by many of the events as well. There are a further set of characters some supportive, some odd – neighbours – Kim, Tilly, Akito, sister Pauline, a patient Rosie, her friend Anabel, Thomas’ girlfriend Catherine & ex-cop Tim Wiley. It appears that someone is keeping an eye on Ruth and she could be in danger as well.
The strength of the book is the story, which has very strong legs. All threads converge very well at the end. The main weakness though is that there is a side thread which moves very slowly, each time only incrementally adding minor details.
My rating: 3.75 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture & the author for a free electronic review copy.
January 30, 2022
THE SILENT MOTHER is a psychological thriller by Liz Lawler.
Her novels include:
Don't Wake Up (2017)
I'll Find You (2019)
The Next Wife (2020)
The Silent Mother (2021)
Dr. Ruth Bennett’s twenty-five-year-old son, Thomas (also a doctor), contacts her to tell her he is in a bit of a bind, and could do with her support. He explains that he had to go before a magistrate’s court and now must go before a judge tomorrow at Bournemouth Crown Court. His lawyer is Jacob Cadell. Ruth would be there…but she was very worried. She was his “warrior” and would support her son.
Thomas had been arrested for assault and theft of hospital medicines. There wasn’t a trial as Thomas had pleaded guilty.
Ruth arrives in Bournemouth and when Thomas fails to show up in court, someone is sent to check his flat, to find that it appears that Thomas had taken his own life. Ruth is beside herself and doesn’t understand why he would commit suicide. It appears the evidence against him was very strong, with drugs in the locker, in a bag in his rented apartment and a noted change in his behavior at work. The police are informed and he is taken into custody, questioned and charged.
But Ruth is determined to prove her son’s innocence. So in order to do this, she moves to the city where he lived and moved into his empty flat under a different name.
When Ruth discovers her son’s diary, it becomes clear his death wasn’t an accident.
There are two separate parts to the storyline, with alternating chapters by Ruth and Rosie, a patient at the hospital being treated for depression, anxiety an insomnia. Both ladies have something to hide…
This is a well-structured storyline, with well- developed characters, information being released on a need-to-know basis. Lots of red herrings and twists and turns along the way. All threads congregate very well at the end.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Net Galley for my digital copy.
Her novels include:
Don't Wake Up (2017)
I'll Find You (2019)
The Next Wife (2020)
The Silent Mother (2021)
Dr. Ruth Bennett’s twenty-five-year-old son, Thomas (also a doctor), contacts her to tell her he is in a bit of a bind, and could do with her support. He explains that he had to go before a magistrate’s court and now must go before a judge tomorrow at Bournemouth Crown Court. His lawyer is Jacob Cadell. Ruth would be there…but she was very worried. She was his “warrior” and would support her son.
Thomas had been arrested for assault and theft of hospital medicines. There wasn’t a trial as Thomas had pleaded guilty.
Ruth arrives in Bournemouth and when Thomas fails to show up in court, someone is sent to check his flat, to find that it appears that Thomas had taken his own life. Ruth is beside herself and doesn’t understand why he would commit suicide. It appears the evidence against him was very strong, with drugs in the locker, in a bag in his rented apartment and a noted change in his behavior at work. The police are informed and he is taken into custody, questioned and charged.
But Ruth is determined to prove her son’s innocence. So in order to do this, she moves to the city where he lived and moved into his empty flat under a different name.
When Ruth discovers her son’s diary, it becomes clear his death wasn’t an accident.
There are two separate parts to the storyline, with alternating chapters by Ruth and Rosie, a patient at the hospital being treated for depression, anxiety an insomnia. Both ladies have something to hide…
This is a well-structured storyline, with well- developed characters, information being released on a need-to-know basis. Lots of red herrings and twists and turns along the way. All threads congregate very well at the end.
Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Net Galley for my digital copy.
September 27, 2021
A terrific premise of a Mum ( a Dr) receiving a text from her son ( a trainee Dr ) saying he is in court the next day to be sentenced for stealing drugs from the hospital he was working at…..when she gets to the Court to support/find him, she can’t, he is missing
And the mystery starts
Ruth, the Mum is portrayed and written brilliantly, you can feel her anger, frustration, hurt and love for her son as she fights to clear, what she thinks/knows, is his innocent name
Intertwined with this is another narration/ story from Rosie ( a nurse ) re her best friend who has gone missing and a disturbing life event secret they keep….it does all come together, to explain more would spoil it but I found it exciting and challenging to work it all out
Set in BourneMouth which is always great and some of it in hospitals/GP practices where you can tell the author had former work experience and also in Police Stations ( this side was non boring and not too OTT procedural ) the whole experience was enjoyable
I am not sure why the title was chosen tbh as she was anything but Silent and also why an inclusion of a sweary ( not that I mind swearing in books but this was her personality trait and felt forced and way overused ) Sister of Ruth was needed ( thankfully she only featured once ) that aside a really well written, different read
8/10
4 Stars
And the mystery starts
Ruth, the Mum is portrayed and written brilliantly, you can feel her anger, frustration, hurt and love for her son as she fights to clear, what she thinks/knows, is his innocent name
Intertwined with this is another narration/ story from Rosie ( a nurse ) re her best friend who has gone missing and a disturbing life event secret they keep….it does all come together, to explain more would spoil it but I found it exciting and challenging to work it all out
Set in BourneMouth which is always great and some of it in hospitals/GP practices where you can tell the author had former work experience and also in Police Stations ( this side was non boring and not too OTT procedural ) the whole experience was enjoyable
I am not sure why the title was chosen tbh as she was anything but Silent and also why an inclusion of a sweary ( not that I mind swearing in books but this was her personality trait and felt forced and way overused ) Sister of Ruth was needed ( thankfully she only featured once ) that aside a really well written, different read
8/10
4 Stars
December 10, 2021
“Your child is dead… Are you next?”
This is my first Liz Lawler book, but it most definitely won’t be my last, although in my mind, I did mark this story down a little, as I had worked out what I thought was happening quite early on. I was still taken on quite a journey of discovery though, as I was left to wonder exactly how Liz was going to unmask the guilty party and tie up all those annoying loose ends, which I failed miserably to do, so I was still more than satisfied with this as a 5 star rating, as I always enjoy a complex plot which has me thinking outside of the box!
There were essentially two separate strands to this storyline, which little by little were drawn inexorably closer together, although they never really completely converged right until the very last minute. This seamless story was narrated in alternating chapters, which were short and well signposted, by Rosie and Ruth. Both ladies with something to hide, although for one there is only grief and loss, the wish to uncover the truth, the need clear and cleanse her son’s name and professional reputation, and her hope to be able to set her own troubled mind to rest. Whilst for the other, there is only jealousy, vengeance, revenge and hatred in her heart and she will go to any lengths to save herself, whatever the cost to anyone else. By the time this is all over, one will be vindicated, the other vilified.
A multi-layered, well structured storyline, which is intense, immersive, slowly evolving and highly textured. Replete with red herrings, one or two shocking revelations and with multiple twists being thrown into the mix right until the very end. Keeping track of all the medical staff involved in a gripping and disturbing plot, where the stakes are so high and where so many personal and professional reputations are at risk, keeps everyone on their toes, eager to say and do the right things to make a good impression.
I don’t want to give away any specific spoilers, however, suffice to say that I felt this story also served to highlight the many guises in which mental health issues can manifest themselves and how unstable individuals can suffer in silence for so long, because of the unseen hidden nature of the illness.
Also brought to the fore, is the way in which most of us will blindly and often misguidedly accept, without question or challenge, the power of those people in trusted professions, who we deem to have authority and integrity over our day to day lives. This storyline blows many of those perceptions out of the water, even though the transgressions might have been taken with the most honest of intentions and motives. How far can you bend the truth before it breaks, leaving misery and devastation in its wake?
Liz has developed a well drawn cast of characters, who whilst all complex, emotionally starved and vulnerable, with little or no synergy or dynamism between them, really divided my feelings and emotions right down the middle. Many were raw and passionate, yet still authentic, genuine and believable. Others were unreliable, volatile, manipulative and duplicitous. I’m not sure that I really connected with, related to, or invested in, any of them totally. Often dour and lugubrious, none of them really offered me a compelling reason to identify with them, which made uncovering and exposing their many hidden motives so difficult, just as I am certain, Liz intended. Not all of them were given a strong voice with which to tell their story either, so there was a lot of reading between the lines to do and emotional attachments to be unravelled and analysed, before any kind of truth or justice was revealed. When two like minds meet, there just might be the spark of a happy ending and new beginnings for two of the protagonists, which I was pleased about, even though my enthusiasm might have been a little tempered by the means and cost taken to get the eventual end and closure.
“Oh! what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive”
I am a big fan of the cover art for this story and if you check out Liz’s previous three novels, you can immediately spot the common theme running through their respective covers, making them a good looking, eye-catching suite of books (no pun intended!)
To check out more of those favourite extracts from my reading and to meet the author, visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
This is my first Liz Lawler book, but it most definitely won’t be my last, although in my mind, I did mark this story down a little, as I had worked out what I thought was happening quite early on. I was still taken on quite a journey of discovery though, as I was left to wonder exactly how Liz was going to unmask the guilty party and tie up all those annoying loose ends, which I failed miserably to do, so I was still more than satisfied with this as a 5 star rating, as I always enjoy a complex plot which has me thinking outside of the box!
There were essentially two separate strands to this storyline, which little by little were drawn inexorably closer together, although they never really completely converged right until the very last minute. This seamless story was narrated in alternating chapters, which were short and well signposted, by Rosie and Ruth. Both ladies with something to hide, although for one there is only grief and loss, the wish to uncover the truth, the need clear and cleanse her son’s name and professional reputation, and her hope to be able to set her own troubled mind to rest. Whilst for the other, there is only jealousy, vengeance, revenge and hatred in her heart and she will go to any lengths to save herself, whatever the cost to anyone else. By the time this is all over, one will be vindicated, the other vilified.
A multi-layered, well structured storyline, which is intense, immersive, slowly evolving and highly textured. Replete with red herrings, one or two shocking revelations and with multiple twists being thrown into the mix right until the very end. Keeping track of all the medical staff involved in a gripping and disturbing plot, where the stakes are so high and where so many personal and professional reputations are at risk, keeps everyone on their toes, eager to say and do the right things to make a good impression.
I don’t want to give away any specific spoilers, however, suffice to say that I felt this story also served to highlight the many guises in which mental health issues can manifest themselves and how unstable individuals can suffer in silence for so long, because of the unseen hidden nature of the illness.
Also brought to the fore, is the way in which most of us will blindly and often misguidedly accept, without question or challenge, the power of those people in trusted professions, who we deem to have authority and integrity over our day to day lives. This storyline blows many of those perceptions out of the water, even though the transgressions might have been taken with the most honest of intentions and motives. How far can you bend the truth before it breaks, leaving misery and devastation in its wake?
Liz has developed a well drawn cast of characters, who whilst all complex, emotionally starved and vulnerable, with little or no synergy or dynamism between them, really divided my feelings and emotions right down the middle. Many were raw and passionate, yet still authentic, genuine and believable. Others were unreliable, volatile, manipulative and duplicitous. I’m not sure that I really connected with, related to, or invested in, any of them totally. Often dour and lugubrious, none of them really offered me a compelling reason to identify with them, which made uncovering and exposing their many hidden motives so difficult, just as I am certain, Liz intended. Not all of them were given a strong voice with which to tell their story either, so there was a lot of reading between the lines to do and emotional attachments to be unravelled and analysed, before any kind of truth or justice was revealed. When two like minds meet, there just might be the spark of a happy ending and new beginnings for two of the protagonists, which I was pleased about, even though my enthusiasm might have been a little tempered by the means and cost taken to get the eventual end and closure.
“Oh! what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive”
I am a big fan of the cover art for this story and if you check out Liz’s previous three novels, you can immediately spot the common theme running through their respective covers, making them a good looking, eye-catching suite of books (no pun intended!)
To check out more of those favourite extracts from my reading and to meet the author, visit...
https://www.fiction-books.biz/reviews...
October 2, 2021
I found this book to be somewhat likable but very slow paced. It centers primarily on Ruth, whose doctor son has recently committed suicide after pleading guilty to stealing drugs from the hospital at which he worked. Ruth, convinced of his innocence, drops everything to stay in his flat and investigate what really happened. There is also an alternate storyline centered on Rosie, a patient of Ruth’s who is looking for her runaway friend Anabel while keeping a dark secret. The 2 storylines eventually converge.
I enjoyed the characters in this book and felt inspired by Ruth’s belief in her son, as well as the support she received from those around her. This book was filled with many genuinely nice (and believable) characters. I’m not exactly sure why it was called “the Silent Mother” because Ruth didn’t seem to be silent to me- I guess it was because she initially hid her identity, but I thought she was relentless in her pursuit of the truth.
When the book finally gets to the resolution, I wasn’t all that surprised and felt a little let down that it took so long to get there and didn’t even give me a twist. I generally liked the way it ended, as it tied up loose ends well, but I would’ve enjoyed the story a lot more if it was 25% shorter and packed with more surprises.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the characters in this book and felt inspired by Ruth’s belief in her son, as well as the support she received from those around her. This book was filled with many genuinely nice (and believable) characters. I’m not exactly sure why it was called “the Silent Mother” because Ruth didn’t seem to be silent to me- I guess it was because she initially hid her identity, but I thought she was relentless in her pursuit of the truth.
When the book finally gets to the resolution, I wasn’t all that surprised and felt a little let down that it took so long to get there and didn’t even give me a twist. I generally liked the way it ended, as it tied up loose ends well, but I would’ve enjoyed the story a lot more if it was 25% shorter and packed with more surprises.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
As I hear the words every mother dreads my pulse races and I go cold. But even as my world is turned upside down I know the things I'm being told just don't add up. I have to find out what really happened the night my beautiful boy died.
Ruth can't believe that her son, Tom, would take his own life. The police tell her that he did bad things, but Tom wasn't like that. Ruth is set on proving her sons innocence but quickly realises that her life could be in danger.
This is a fast paced psychological thriller. It's that well written you can feel the emotion dripping from the pages. The different perspectives made you aware of everyone's emotional attachment. There's plenty of twists to keep your attention. All the loose ends were neatly tied up. This is an enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #LizLawler for my ARC of #TheSilentMother in exchange for an honest review.
As I hear the words every mother dreads my pulse races and I go cold. But even as my world is turned upside down I know the things I'm being told just don't add up. I have to find out what really happened the night my beautiful boy died.
Ruth can't believe that her son, Tom, would take his own life. The police tell her that he did bad things, but Tom wasn't like that. Ruth is set on proving her sons innocence but quickly realises that her life could be in danger.
This is a fast paced psychological thriller. It's that well written you can feel the emotion dripping from the pages. The different perspectives made you aware of everyone's emotional attachment. There's plenty of twists to keep your attention. All the loose ends were neatly tied up. This is an enjoyable read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #LizLawler for my ARC of #TheSilentMother in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2023
Ruth Bennett is a GP living in Bath when she receives a text message from her son Thomas asking for her support as he’s due to appear in Court the following day. Ruth arrives the following morning not knowing what he’s accused of, and is shocked with what his barrister has to tell her. Thomas doesn’t put in an appearance so the police visit his flat and find him dead, presumably having taken his own life, but Ruth doesn’t believe he’d do it, just as she doesn’t believe him guilty of common assault or the theft of hospital medicines. But can she find enough evidence to prove him innocent?
It recounts what happens when Ruth moves into Thomas’s flat and finds his diary and learns more of what happens to her son in the months leading up to when he dies.
It recounts what happens when Ruth moves into Thomas’s flat and finds his diary and learns more of what happens to her son in the months leading up to when he dies.
August 25, 2021
Ruth Bennett is a doctor and a mother. She receives a call from her son Thomas one day saying he has to appear in court in Bournemouth and not to worry, just please come. Of course Ruth is very concerned but does show up in court as requested. She has no idea what the charges are against her son. She quickly learns that he is accused of assault and stealing hospital medicines. While waiting for Thomas to appear, she is told her son had taken his own life. As a mother, she knows her son worked hard to become a doctor and would never do these things he is accused of. So Ruth decides to investigate what really happened on her own.
This was my first book by Liz Lawler. I found the story to be quite engaging. There was a nice twist that surprised me at the end. I would recommend this to fans of thrillers and mysteries. But be prepared to stay up late, as it is a hard one to put down. I will be looking forward to reading more books from this author.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
This was my first book by Liz Lawler. I found the story to be quite engaging. There was a nice twist that surprised me at the end. I would recommend this to fans of thrillers and mysteries. But be prepared to stay up late, as it is a hard one to put down. I will be looking forward to reading more books from this author.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This review will be posted to my Instagram Blog (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
October 7, 2021
3.5 stars
This is a good read but is a bit of a slow burner.
Ruth receives a message from her son asking her to come and see him as he’s in court.
Ruth has no idea why until she gets there.
She then receives the news that Thomas has taken his own life.
Ruth cannot believe her son would do this so leaves her job in Bath and takes over Thomas’ flat in Bournemouth, so she can investigate what really happened.
I guessed quite early on who was responsible for framing Thomas but I still enjoyed watching it all unfold.
Overall, a good read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a good read but is a bit of a slow burner.
Ruth receives a message from her son asking her to come and see him as he’s in court.
Ruth has no idea why until she gets there.
She then receives the news that Thomas has taken his own life.
Ruth cannot believe her son would do this so leaves her job in Bath and takes over Thomas’ flat in Bournemouth, so she can investigate what really happened.
I guessed quite early on who was responsible for framing Thomas but I still enjoyed watching it all unfold.
Overall, a good read.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
September 25, 2021
Which is worse - finding out your only son is dead or hearing that he was involved with stealing drugs? His mother barely arrived in time when she was contacted by Tom before his scheduled court date. However, she never got the opportunity see him or even to speak to him. In fact, he never made it to court and that is when Ruth was informed of his sudden death. The fact that Tom was a doctor makes his accusation that much harder to swallow for Dr. Ruth Bennett. Tom's death is shocking enough. Him having a bad name, well, that is just too much.
Ruth develops a plan. She moves into Tom's flat and takes a job at the hospital where he worked. She does this under a different name with hopes of asking the right questions - and searching hospital records - without tipping anyone off that she is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Tom.
If Tom hadn't died, that court date for the charges surrounding the drug, as well as being accused of minor assault, could have landed him in jail. These facts are true about her Tom? Ruth really cannot believe it. Neither does she believe he killed himself. Foul play has to have been involved and she will turn over every stone until she discovers the truth.
Having taken the new job under her maiden name affords Ruth the opportunity to snoop around. She does find support, and this includes her son's landlord Henry. She has more than that, Tom's journals. The more Ruth reads them, the more she begins to understand some of the things Tom had been experiencing. Talking to some of his friends and neighbors help to support the fact that Tom was an upstanding person. If all of the things about Tom that Ruth believes are true, then someone is responsible for his death. Will Ruth digging into these matters in fact place her in danger?
The Silent Mother proves an excellent read. This thrilling book is full of twists and turns and a few red herrings. Then there are a bevy of characters each telling their own story, and some are conflicting stories. I love how the points of view are written in this book as this gave rise to more than Tom's drama. All of this comes together with an ending that packs a wallop.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Ruth develops a plan. She moves into Tom's flat and takes a job at the hospital where he worked. She does this under a different name with hopes of asking the right questions - and searching hospital records - without tipping anyone off that she is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to Tom.
If Tom hadn't died, that court date for the charges surrounding the drug, as well as being accused of minor assault, could have landed him in jail. These facts are true about her Tom? Ruth really cannot believe it. Neither does she believe he killed himself. Foul play has to have been involved and she will turn over every stone until she discovers the truth.
Having taken the new job under her maiden name affords Ruth the opportunity to snoop around. She does find support, and this includes her son's landlord Henry. She has more than that, Tom's journals. The more Ruth reads them, the more she begins to understand some of the things Tom had been experiencing. Talking to some of his friends and neighbors help to support the fact that Tom was an upstanding person. If all of the things about Tom that Ruth believes are true, then someone is responsible for his death. Will Ruth digging into these matters in fact place her in danger?
The Silent Mother proves an excellent read. This thrilling book is full of twists and turns and a few red herrings. Then there are a bevy of characters each telling their own story, and some are conflicting stories. I love how the points of view are written in this book as this gave rise to more than Tom's drama. All of this comes together with an ending that packs a wallop.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 3, 2021
I hate to report that this book just didn’t hit the bullseye for me. It was a bit too long, slightly convoluted and it took ages to finally get to the somewhat-lackluster ending. I really liked some parts, but others I felt didn’t really need to be written for the story to have been complete.
The main story was great - Dr. Ruth (haha) gets last-minute notice from her son, Dr. Thomas, that he has a court date, but he doesn’t want her to worry. Of course the mother is worried - her son just finished medical school, is very proud of his accomplishments and has never been in trouble before - what could he have done? She immediately travels to attend his court appearance and find out what’s going on.
She gets to court, and waits. And waits. Her son is a no-show and she’s furious. How did he get in trouble in the first place, and why would he skip court knowing there would be a warrant for his arrest? Soon, the police approach her and give her the worst news a parent could hear. They went to his house to execute the warrant and found her son dead, seemingly having killed himself.
Ruth instinctively knows this isn’t right. When the officers tell her that his charge was drug possession (hundreds of pills from the hospital he worked at were in his home, loaded with his fingerprints) she knows this almost seems impossible. She knows a lot of parents are in the dark about their children, but she’s not one of them. Her son, stealing drugs? According to the autopsy, taking drugs? And suicide? She soon decides to stay in his town and try to figure out what happened.
The second half of the book is about a girl named Rosie. Rosie coincidentally becomes Ruth’s patient after Ruth gets a job in town. Rosie is anorexic, obviously abusing her mental health medications, and is having a hard time trying to find her friend, Anabel. Most of her story is her trying to find Anabel, and being distraught about not speaking to her in months. I knew the two stories would eventually converge, but it wasn’t until the very end that they did, so her role was confusing at first.
The ending was fine. The whole book was fine, but it was very slow to get to the point. I think just Ruth’s story would’ve sufficed, but that’s a personal preference. Overall, I think this was a decent but overdrawn book, thus the average three star rating.
(I’d like to thank Bookouture, Liz Lawler and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
The main story was great - Dr. Ruth (haha) gets last-minute notice from her son, Dr. Thomas, that he has a court date, but he doesn’t want her to worry. Of course the mother is worried - her son just finished medical school, is very proud of his accomplishments and has never been in trouble before - what could he have done? She immediately travels to attend his court appearance and find out what’s going on.
She gets to court, and waits. And waits. Her son is a no-show and she’s furious. How did he get in trouble in the first place, and why would he skip court knowing there would be a warrant for his arrest? Soon, the police approach her and give her the worst news a parent could hear. They went to his house to execute the warrant and found her son dead, seemingly having killed himself.
Ruth instinctively knows this isn’t right. When the officers tell her that his charge was drug possession (hundreds of pills from the hospital he worked at were in his home, loaded with his fingerprints) she knows this almost seems impossible. She knows a lot of parents are in the dark about their children, but she’s not one of them. Her son, stealing drugs? According to the autopsy, taking drugs? And suicide? She soon decides to stay in his town and try to figure out what happened.
The second half of the book is about a girl named Rosie. Rosie coincidentally becomes Ruth’s patient after Ruth gets a job in town. Rosie is anorexic, obviously abusing her mental health medications, and is having a hard time trying to find her friend, Anabel. Most of her story is her trying to find Anabel, and being distraught about not speaking to her in months. I knew the two stories would eventually converge, but it wasn’t until the very end that they did, so her role was confusing at first.
The ending was fine. The whole book was fine, but it was very slow to get to the point. I think just Ruth’s story would’ve sufficed, but that’s a personal preference. Overall, I think this was a decent but overdrawn book, thus the average three star rating.
(I’d like to thank Bookouture, Liz Lawler and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
October 2, 2021
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Liz Lawler's engrossing thriller THE SILENT MOTHER.
Firstly, I'm not sure where the title comes from as the mother is anything but silent as she endeavours to clear her son's name. However, the journey upon which she embarks to do so is fraught with obstacles along the way drawing the tale out a little bit too much. That said, it was an engrossing read but not entirely addictive.
The story begins with Ruth, a doctor and partner of a practice in Bath, receiving a text from her son Thomas, a junior doctor, outlining his appearance in court the following day and asking her to be there. Ruth knows nothing of the crime with which he's been charged or what to expect from the hearing, so she embarks on the trip to Bournemouth a day early in the hope of catching Thomas that he might further explain his predicament. Unfortunately she wasn't able to raise him and spent a restless night in the hotel adjacent to the Crown Court in which he was to appear the following day.
Arriving at court, she meets his Barrister and his solicitor who fill her in on the details of his case. Thomas, it appears, was arrested for not only stealing drugs from the hospital in which he worked but for the assault of a security guard who had tried to restrain him when he became aggressive. Ruth is shocked. This doesn't sound like her son at all. Not because she's his mother, but because anyone who knew him would know it was completely out of character. His behaviour explained by the amount of midazolam in his system at the time of his arrest. Believing this to be the beginning of a trial, Ruth is further shocked to learn that Thomas had plead guilty and that this was in fact a sentencing hearing. What had happened to her sweet placid boy to turn him into someone she doesn't recognise?
But this is just the beginning of the mystery because Thomas, it seems, has failed to turn up for court and the natives are growing restless. Just as Ruth was losing all hope that things might turn around for her son, she sees the look pass between the barrister and solicitor...and her day, her world, goes from bad to worse. Thomas has been found in his flat having taken his own life.
Four months later, Ruth returns to Bournemouth in search of answers. She had received an anonymous letter pleading with her to come and clear Thomas' name though she has no idea who it is from. Having kept the rent paid up on his flat, she moves in and takes a job as a locum GP at a nearby thriving practice for the interim. No one knows she is Thomas' mother, having not married his father she retained her maiden name, Bennett, whilst Thomas was given his father's name of DeLuca. Her first port of call was to find the nurse who had reported the incident that had kicked off at the hospital resulting in Thomas being arrested in the first place. But when she tried knocking on her door, there was no answer. This nurse would hold the answers as to what happened to Thomas that day.
Throughout the course of her enquiries, Ruth meets her neighbours - Kim, Akito and Tilly - and her landlord Henry, with whom she begins a friendship. He is supportive and shares her belief that all that was alleged about Thomas was completely out of character for him. She comes across his diary and as painful as it is, she finds solace in his writings...despite some of them being drunken ramblings of frustration at an incident that had occurred with another nurse. It is through this diary she learns of his girlfriend referred to only as C. Talking to his friends and neighbours, Ruth discovers that they too saw Tom as an upstanding person full of compassion and integrity. So if all this that Ruth believes to be true, then someone else may well be responsible for his death...whether directly or indirectly. But will her digging put her in danger as well?
Alongside the main story is one of Rosie Carlyle, a nurse and also a patient of Ruth's at the clinic where she now practices. Rosie suffers from deep anxiety and depression, possibly resulting in a disturbing event that took place when she was a teenager and a secret which she and her best friend Anabel kept. Now Anabel has gone missing and Rosie is frantic with worry over what may have happened to her friend and sets about looking for her. Rosie's narrative is somewhat unreliable as her convoluted thoughts spill out with justifications for her behaviour and those of Anabel, who was apparently threatening to reveal the secret they had kept for fourteen years.
Initially, it isn't clear how these two storylines intersect but it soon becomes clear as Ruth continues to seek justice for her son and Rosie searches for Anabel. The two characters are as different as each other - Ruth is a strong character searching for the truth whilst Rosie is unstable, untrustworthy and unreliable. But does that make her a bad person? Or is she just caught up in something over which she has no control? Both women were complementing of the other in their vast extremes while they each had their own foibles. The supporting characters were an interesting bunch - Kim (mistrusting at first), Akito (engineering whizz), Tilly (not sure where she fits in but she's there), Joan (a staunch and loyal advocate), Drs Campbell, Raj and Miller (supportive colleagues in whom Ruth found trust), Pauline (whose mouth seriously needed washing out), Tim Wiley (a PC with a secret), Anabel (the missing best friend who seemed more like a ghost throughout) and Henry Thorpe (the landlord-come-friend-come-confidante-come-something more perhaps?) - and certainly a colourful cast.
It is worth mentioning that the story does touch on suicide, though it isn't a huge focus it may be a trigger for some readers. Overall the book covers themes of grief, loss and relationships - both toxic and fulfilling. A psychological thriller focusing on family drama, THE SILENT MOTHER is a twisted tale that will leave you shocked and somewhat disturbed by the outcome.
Although engrossing, THE SILENT MOTHER is not entirely addictive as I found the story just a little too drawn out. I became impatient with Rosie's convoluted narrative thinking her bonkers, if not deluded. But I just had to find out what happened with Tom and why. I have to admit, I did figure some of it out but was left a little puzzled by other parts. Yes, there were a few niggles, my main one being that I felt the story just went too long but overall it was still engrossing enough to make me want to read to the end. I wasn't disappointed but I wasn't completely satisfied either.
THE SILENT MOTHER is a psychological thriller of a different kind but a reasonably good read nonetheless.
I would like to thank #LizLawler, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheSilentMother in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Firstly, I'm not sure where the title comes from as the mother is anything but silent as she endeavours to clear her son's name. However, the journey upon which she embarks to do so is fraught with obstacles along the way drawing the tale out a little bit too much. That said, it was an engrossing read but not entirely addictive.
The story begins with Ruth, a doctor and partner of a practice in Bath, receiving a text from her son Thomas, a junior doctor, outlining his appearance in court the following day and asking her to be there. Ruth knows nothing of the crime with which he's been charged or what to expect from the hearing, so she embarks on the trip to Bournemouth a day early in the hope of catching Thomas that he might further explain his predicament. Unfortunately she wasn't able to raise him and spent a restless night in the hotel adjacent to the Crown Court in which he was to appear the following day.
Arriving at court, she meets his Barrister and his solicitor who fill her in on the details of his case. Thomas, it appears, was arrested for not only stealing drugs from the hospital in which he worked but for the assault of a security guard who had tried to restrain him when he became aggressive. Ruth is shocked. This doesn't sound like her son at all. Not because she's his mother, but because anyone who knew him would know it was completely out of character. His behaviour explained by the amount of midazolam in his system at the time of his arrest. Believing this to be the beginning of a trial, Ruth is further shocked to learn that Thomas had plead guilty and that this was in fact a sentencing hearing. What had happened to her sweet placid boy to turn him into someone she doesn't recognise?
But this is just the beginning of the mystery because Thomas, it seems, has failed to turn up for court and the natives are growing restless. Just as Ruth was losing all hope that things might turn around for her son, she sees the look pass between the barrister and solicitor...and her day, her world, goes from bad to worse. Thomas has been found in his flat having taken his own life.
Four months later, Ruth returns to Bournemouth in search of answers. She had received an anonymous letter pleading with her to come and clear Thomas' name though she has no idea who it is from. Having kept the rent paid up on his flat, she moves in and takes a job as a locum GP at a nearby thriving practice for the interim. No one knows she is Thomas' mother, having not married his father she retained her maiden name, Bennett, whilst Thomas was given his father's name of DeLuca. Her first port of call was to find the nurse who had reported the incident that had kicked off at the hospital resulting in Thomas being arrested in the first place. But when she tried knocking on her door, there was no answer. This nurse would hold the answers as to what happened to Thomas that day.
Throughout the course of her enquiries, Ruth meets her neighbours - Kim, Akito and Tilly - and her landlord Henry, with whom she begins a friendship. He is supportive and shares her belief that all that was alleged about Thomas was completely out of character for him. She comes across his diary and as painful as it is, she finds solace in his writings...despite some of them being drunken ramblings of frustration at an incident that had occurred with another nurse. It is through this diary she learns of his girlfriend referred to only as C. Talking to his friends and neighbours, Ruth discovers that they too saw Tom as an upstanding person full of compassion and integrity. So if all this that Ruth believes to be true, then someone else may well be responsible for his death...whether directly or indirectly. But will her digging put her in danger as well?
Alongside the main story is one of Rosie Carlyle, a nurse and also a patient of Ruth's at the clinic where she now practices. Rosie suffers from deep anxiety and depression, possibly resulting in a disturbing event that took place when she was a teenager and a secret which she and her best friend Anabel kept. Now Anabel has gone missing and Rosie is frantic with worry over what may have happened to her friend and sets about looking for her. Rosie's narrative is somewhat unreliable as her convoluted thoughts spill out with justifications for her behaviour and those of Anabel, who was apparently threatening to reveal the secret they had kept for fourteen years.
Initially, it isn't clear how these two storylines intersect but it soon becomes clear as Ruth continues to seek justice for her son and Rosie searches for Anabel. The two characters are as different as each other - Ruth is a strong character searching for the truth whilst Rosie is unstable, untrustworthy and unreliable. But does that make her a bad person? Or is she just caught up in something over which she has no control? Both women were complementing of the other in their vast extremes while they each had their own foibles. The supporting characters were an interesting bunch - Kim (mistrusting at first), Akito (engineering whizz), Tilly (not sure where she fits in but she's there), Joan (a staunch and loyal advocate), Drs Campbell, Raj and Miller (supportive colleagues in whom Ruth found trust), Pauline (whose mouth seriously needed washing out), Tim Wiley (a PC with a secret), Anabel (the missing best friend who seemed more like a ghost throughout) and Henry Thorpe (the landlord-come-friend-come-confidante-come-something more perhaps?) - and certainly a colourful cast.
It is worth mentioning that the story does touch on suicide, though it isn't a huge focus it may be a trigger for some readers. Overall the book covers themes of grief, loss and relationships - both toxic and fulfilling. A psychological thriller focusing on family drama, THE SILENT MOTHER is a twisted tale that will leave you shocked and somewhat disturbed by the outcome.
Although engrossing, THE SILENT MOTHER is not entirely addictive as I found the story just a little too drawn out. I became impatient with Rosie's convoluted narrative thinking her bonkers, if not deluded. But I just had to find out what happened with Tom and why. I have to admit, I did figure some of it out but was left a little puzzled by other parts. Yes, there were a few niggles, my main one being that I felt the story just went too long but overall it was still engrossing enough to make me want to read to the end. I wasn't disappointed but I wasn't completely satisfied either.
THE SILENT MOTHER is a psychological thriller of a different kind but a reasonably good read nonetheless.
I would like to thank #LizLawler, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheSilentMother in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 26, 2021
A mother searching for answers of her son’s death in circumstances where none was forthcoming. This was a gripping story where the plot had me running around in circles trying to figure out how the two POVs that ran down the book would be connected.
Ruth was told to come to the court for her son’s pre-sentencing. Apparently he had assaulted someone and stolen hundreds of painkillers and other drugs. And had pled guilty of the act. With no trial. The mother now needed answers because she knew her son and believed in his innocence. Then there was Rosie who was hiding a big secret along with her friend, who was missing.
Quite a twisty read, author Liz Lawler wrote a smooth prose, filled with emotions that a mother would feel on being told about her son. Anger, helplessness, desperation, and finally a need to prove his innocence. Ruth’s character touched my heart on all fronts. Contrary to the storyline, Ruth was anything but silent.
The story was slow-paced in some sections with Rosie’s POV adding minimal truths to the storyline. A sharper prose and more twists would have uplifted the thrill. The author tied up the parallel plotlines well, just like I liked, with a neat bow.
An engaging breakfast thriller, I would say.
Ruth was told to come to the court for her son’s pre-sentencing. Apparently he had assaulted someone and stolen hundreds of painkillers and other drugs. And had pled guilty of the act. With no trial. The mother now needed answers because she knew her son and believed in his innocence. Then there was Rosie who was hiding a big secret along with her friend, who was missing.
Quite a twisty read, author Liz Lawler wrote a smooth prose, filled with emotions that a mother would feel on being told about her son. Anger, helplessness, desperation, and finally a need to prove his innocence. Ruth’s character touched my heart on all fronts. Contrary to the storyline, Ruth was anything but silent.
The story was slow-paced in some sections with Rosie’s POV adding minimal truths to the storyline. A sharper prose and more twists would have uplifted the thrill. The author tied up the parallel plotlines well, just like I liked, with a neat bow.
An engaging breakfast thriller, I would say.
February 11, 2023
Every mother’s nightmare! Ruth Bennett receives a horrible shock when she is informed of her doctor son’s sudden death. Ruth will not rest until she uncovers how this could have happened and what she finds may be much more sinister than she imagined and her amateur detective work could put her life in danger. Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. Available now
October 8, 2021
If I say that I did not like this story, I would be lying. The plot of the book is a very interesting one and an unfamiliar one, at least to me. I have read books about mother looking for answers after the disappearance or sudden death of their child. What I have not read yet, until now, is a mother and professional in the healthcare area, with a good relationship with her son, seemly unaware of the hardships her son is enduruing and she comes to find out when the worst already happen.
That is the story of Ruth Bennet. She receives a voicemail from her son Thomas DeLuca, asking her to please visit him because he is meant to show up at court to be sentenced. He tells her to not worry, that non of it is true but he has been accused of stealing drugs from the hospital. You see, Tom is newly qualified doctor. Dr. Bennet leaves everything and shows up at the court as expected and sits to wait for her son. He never comes… His lawyer gives her the terrible news, that her son Tom was found earlier in the morning and that unfortunately he has died.
To say that Ruth Bennet was heartbroken it doesn’t do justice to what this mother was feeling.
Four months later she receives a letter asking her to please go back to the town where everything happened and to please undo what it has been done. Basically asking her to uncover the truth about Tom’s sudden death. Ruth gave it a lot of thought and some things just didn’t match. No one asked too many questions, only the police, and they obviously asked the pertinent questions to be able to make the arrest.
Ruth goes back to the town and she was not ready for everything she uncovered trying to clear her son’s name.
What I love the most about this story is seeing what a desperate mother is willing to do to protect her own, in this case the memory of Tom. In her heart she knew that Tom was innocent. What the police was telling her did not fit in what she already knew. What his coworkers were telling her was also a different story. Too many different point of views of the same person, you can say that Ruth was beginning to get a very clear picture of what was Tom’s true personality and character.
The things she was willing to do, putting herself and career in danger because she just needed to know the truth. WOW. Bravo. It takes more than love and courage.
There is also another point of view in the story, the point of view of Rosie Carlyle… but I won’t say anymore to leave you wanting to know more. Her side of the story makes up for the wholes in Ruth’s POV and definitely adds to the suspense and introduces the good ol’ doubt about everything you think you know. It is a very good story. It ties everything nicely at the end and it does not leave you with questions.
I give it ★★★★.5
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this good book and give my honest opinion.
That is the story of Ruth Bennet. She receives a voicemail from her son Thomas DeLuca, asking her to please visit him because he is meant to show up at court to be sentenced. He tells her to not worry, that non of it is true but he has been accused of stealing drugs from the hospital. You see, Tom is newly qualified doctor. Dr. Bennet leaves everything and shows up at the court as expected and sits to wait for her son. He never comes… His lawyer gives her the terrible news, that her son Tom was found earlier in the morning and that unfortunately he has died.
To say that Ruth Bennet was heartbroken it doesn’t do justice to what this mother was feeling.
Four months later she receives a letter asking her to please go back to the town where everything happened and to please undo what it has been done. Basically asking her to uncover the truth about Tom’s sudden death. Ruth gave it a lot of thought and some things just didn’t match. No one asked too many questions, only the police, and they obviously asked the pertinent questions to be able to make the arrest.
Ruth goes back to the town and she was not ready for everything she uncovered trying to clear her son’s name.
What I love the most about this story is seeing what a desperate mother is willing to do to protect her own, in this case the memory of Tom. In her heart she knew that Tom was innocent. What the police was telling her did not fit in what she already knew. What his coworkers were telling her was also a different story. Too many different point of views of the same person, you can say that Ruth was beginning to get a very clear picture of what was Tom’s true personality and character.
The things she was willing to do, putting herself and career in danger because she just needed to know the truth. WOW. Bravo. It takes more than love and courage.
There is also another point of view in the story, the point of view of Rosie Carlyle… but I won’t say anymore to leave you wanting to know more. Her side of the story makes up for the wholes in Ruth’s POV and definitely adds to the suspense and introduces the good ol’ doubt about everything you think you know. It is a very good story. It ties everything nicely at the end and it does not leave you with questions.
I give it ★★★★.5
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this good book and give my honest opinion.
August 24, 2021
The ending will leave you flabbergasted.
A mother would go the ends of this earth to protect her children. But sadly it's not the case with Ruth, mom of Thomas who wrote her and asked her to come to Bournemouth because he had to appear in front of the judge at Bournemouth Crown Court. He didn't tell her what for.
Ruth came there just to find that her son was going to prison for assault and medicine theft. She waited for him in the court but he didn't come and then the news came that Thomas is found dead in his room.
Broken Ruth decided to prove him innocent and therefore rented his room so she can investigate about what really had happened to Thomas. Someone sent her an anonymous message to come there and find out. She found Thomas diary entries in which he'd describe what had happened to him since January. But her sister, Pauline told her that those letters had another meaning if she'd put commas and full stops in the sentences.
On the other hand, Rosie Carlyle, a girl who's suffering from insomnia and depression is telling her story. Her best friend, Anabel Whiting. Isn't talking to her and now she's gone somewhere. Her mom, Meg is worried about her. Rosie is also worried about another thing, a terrible secret which they both were hiding but now Anabel is threatening Rosie that she'd tell their secret, there wasn't any point in getting away with it.
At first, I thought the two stories were different but slowly-slowly Liz Lawler showed her skills and connected the dots so beautifully that I was awestruck.
Told from two POV's of Ruth and Rosie, this story was extremely satisfying. It showed me the lengths to which a mother would go to save her son.
Characters were deeply written, especially of Ruth, Rosie, Anabel and Thomas. Although Anabel's character is a ghost, appeared mostly in flash back scenes. Henry, Kim, Fredy, Akito, Tilly, Pauline were good too but my favourite one was Rosie, she was pathetic and clever at the same time.
What I Liked ? :-
1 Narration of the story. How slowly-slowly every character showed their grey shade.
2 Cinematic writing with brilliant characters.
3 Psychological Thriller with family drama and emotions in it. What happened to Ruth and Rosie was bad but they were so different characters.
4 Detailing of the tiny things that other authors miss. It's necessary to describe each and every detail which Liz did wonderfully.
5 The ending, which leaves you flabbergasted. I didn't expect that one.
What I Didn't Like ? :-
1 I personally felt that if those letters and diary entries were less in number then it would be more crisp. But each story is different. Ignore this and this book is a wonderful psychological thriller.
Read this story and you'd know why it's different and brilliant from others in the market.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an advanced copy of this psychological thriller.
A mother would go the ends of this earth to protect her children. But sadly it's not the case with Ruth, mom of Thomas who wrote her and asked her to come to Bournemouth because he had to appear in front of the judge at Bournemouth Crown Court. He didn't tell her what for.
Ruth came there just to find that her son was going to prison for assault and medicine theft. She waited for him in the court but he didn't come and then the news came that Thomas is found dead in his room.
Broken Ruth decided to prove him innocent and therefore rented his room so she can investigate about what really had happened to Thomas. Someone sent her an anonymous message to come there and find out. She found Thomas diary entries in which he'd describe what had happened to him since January. But her sister, Pauline told her that those letters had another meaning if she'd put commas and full stops in the sentences.
On the other hand, Rosie Carlyle, a girl who's suffering from insomnia and depression is telling her story. Her best friend, Anabel Whiting. Isn't talking to her and now she's gone somewhere. Her mom, Meg is worried about her. Rosie is also worried about another thing, a terrible secret which they both were hiding but now Anabel is threatening Rosie that she'd tell their secret, there wasn't any point in getting away with it.
At first, I thought the two stories were different but slowly-slowly Liz Lawler showed her skills and connected the dots so beautifully that I was awestruck.
Told from two POV's of Ruth and Rosie, this story was extremely satisfying. It showed me the lengths to which a mother would go to save her son.
Characters were deeply written, especially of Ruth, Rosie, Anabel and Thomas. Although Anabel's character is a ghost, appeared mostly in flash back scenes. Henry, Kim, Fredy, Akito, Tilly, Pauline were good too but my favourite one was Rosie, she was pathetic and clever at the same time.
What I Liked ? :-
1 Narration of the story. How slowly-slowly every character showed their grey shade.
2 Cinematic writing with brilliant characters.
3 Psychological Thriller with family drama and emotions in it. What happened to Ruth and Rosie was bad but they were so different characters.
4 Detailing of the tiny things that other authors miss. It's necessary to describe each and every detail which Liz did wonderfully.
5 The ending, which leaves you flabbergasted. I didn't expect that one.
What I Didn't Like ? :-
1 I personally felt that if those letters and diary entries were less in number then it would be more crisp. But each story is different. Ignore this and this book is a wonderful psychological thriller.
Read this story and you'd know why it's different and brilliant from others in the market.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an advanced copy of this psychological thriller.
October 10, 2021
'The Silent Mother' by Liz Lawler is a psychological thriller that I was so looking forward to reading. Liz Lawler is an excellent author, I have read previous books by her and always loved them, I never even considered that I wouldn't enjoy 'The Silent Mother'.
Ruth Bennett is a G.P who lives in Bath. She receives a text from Thomas her son, asking for her support the next day as he is due in court. Ruth goes to the courts, not knowing exactly what Thomas is in court for and receives a shock when his barrister tells her why. Thomas is a no show in court so the police go to his flat and discover him dead, first impressions being he has taken his own life. Ruth won't accept he has killed himself or that he has done the things he is being accused of, but can she find proof to clear his name?
Set in Bournemouth this is the story of a Mother's relationship with her son. Liz Lawler has handled the issue of grief with such sensitivity and created the character of Ruth so well. I could sense her hurt, frustration, love and anger for Thomas at every turn in the story as she fights her case to clear his name.
Liz Lawler has brilliantly created a chilling thriller that has you second guessing everything. The pacing of 'The Silent Mother' is perfect and I appreciated the red herrings and twists to the story which helped the tension build rather nicely too. Every character played their own part in the story with each one unique in their own way, which made me feel like they could have been real and I could have been with them while reading this book.
An author I do highly recommend if you live a twisty, tense and rather chilling psychological thriller.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for my place on the tour and the copy of this excellent book.
Ruth Bennett is a G.P who lives in Bath. She receives a text from Thomas her son, asking for her support the next day as he is due in court. Ruth goes to the courts, not knowing exactly what Thomas is in court for and receives a shock when his barrister tells her why. Thomas is a no show in court so the police go to his flat and discover him dead, first impressions being he has taken his own life. Ruth won't accept he has killed himself or that he has done the things he is being accused of, but can she find proof to clear his name?
Set in Bournemouth this is the story of a Mother's relationship with her son. Liz Lawler has handled the issue of grief with such sensitivity and created the character of Ruth so well. I could sense her hurt, frustration, love and anger for Thomas at every turn in the story as she fights her case to clear his name.
Liz Lawler has brilliantly created a chilling thriller that has you second guessing everything. The pacing of 'The Silent Mother' is perfect and I appreciated the red herrings and twists to the story which helped the tension build rather nicely too. Every character played their own part in the story with each one unique in their own way, which made me feel like they could have been real and I could have been with them while reading this book.
An author I do highly recommend if you live a twisty, tense and rather chilling psychological thriller.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for my place on the tour and the copy of this excellent book.
August 30, 2021
You know that you've got a good thriller on your hands when you just can't put it down. The silent mother sucked me in from the moment that I started it and I couldn't resist the urge to keep reading until I had discovered everything that happened.
The Silent Mother tells the story of Ruth who sets out to find out the truth about her son. He was due to appear in court to face charges of stealing drugs from the hospital that he worked as a doctor, but he was found dead, apparently from suicide, the morning he was due to appear. Ruth is sure that he must be innocent and is determined to get to the bottom of what happened.
There are many twists and turns in this story and I'll admit that I suspected almost every character of being involved one way or another at some point. I did manage to work everything out long before Ruth though, who seemed to be spectacularly slow as we neared the end.
This was a gripping read and one that I didn't want to put down. The only reason that it's not a five star read for me, is that there were one or two little things that just didn't seem to make sense. Too much interest in something the police find that just didn't ring true for me and I wasn't convinced by some of Tom, the son's, actions. These were only minor niggles though and overall this was a great read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Silent Mother tells the story of Ruth who sets out to find out the truth about her son. He was due to appear in court to face charges of stealing drugs from the hospital that he worked as a doctor, but he was found dead, apparently from suicide, the morning he was due to appear. Ruth is sure that he must be innocent and is determined to get to the bottom of what happened.
There are many twists and turns in this story and I'll admit that I suspected almost every character of being involved one way or another at some point. I did manage to work everything out long before Ruth though, who seemed to be spectacularly slow as we neared the end.
This was a gripping read and one that I didn't want to put down. The only reason that it's not a five star read for me, is that there were one or two little things that just didn't seem to make sense. Too much interest in something the police find that just didn't ring true for me and I wasn't convinced by some of Tom, the son's, actions. These were only minor niggles though and overall this was a great read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 9, 2021
This book by Liz Lawler is a dark domestic thriller with the themes of grief and loss.
The Silent Mother really packs a punch with its twists and misdirections. Ruth Bennett is a doctor and the mother of Thomas, also a doctor. She receives a call from him advising her he is appearing in the crown court in Bournemouth and needs some moral support. Ruth arrives and Thomas's solicitor, Christine Pelham and barrister, Jacob Cadell inform her that Thomas will be sentenced. When her son doesn't turn up Ruth rings him but there's no answer. Then Jacob delivers the news that Thomas has taken his own life...
In some clever narration, Liz Lawler does a first-class job portraying the chilling aspects of the story and I soon found myself pondering and questioning all sorts. The plot and storyline were excellent and I was impressed by Liz Lawler’s style of writing which was perfectly paced. This thrilling book was full of twists and a few red herrings and the assemblage of characters all told their stories, with some of them conflicting. The ending was a humdinger! This is my second book by this talented author and I will be reading more from her. An electrifying psychological thriller that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
The Silent Mother really packs a punch with its twists and misdirections. Ruth Bennett is a doctor and the mother of Thomas, also a doctor. She receives a call from him advising her he is appearing in the crown court in Bournemouth and needs some moral support. Ruth arrives and Thomas's solicitor, Christine Pelham and barrister, Jacob Cadell inform her that Thomas will be sentenced. When her son doesn't turn up Ruth rings him but there's no answer. Then Jacob delivers the news that Thomas has taken his own life...
In some clever narration, Liz Lawler does a first-class job portraying the chilling aspects of the story and I soon found myself pondering and questioning all sorts. The plot and storyline were excellent and I was impressed by Liz Lawler’s style of writing which was perfectly paced. This thrilling book was full of twists and a few red herrings and the assemblage of characters all told their stories, with some of them conflicting. The ending was a humdinger! This is my second book by this talented author and I will be reading more from her. An electrifying psychological thriller that I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 1, 2021
I couldn’t finish this book. Was this even Liz Lawler’s writing?!? I loved her other books, but this? Well, I am in the minority for my rating (which is good!) but I just didn’t love it.
Synopsis of story I did read; woman’s son commits suicide over a court case he pleaded guilty to but she believes he’s innocent. Then woman moves into dead sons apartment and plans a not to secret or covert operation to uncover the truth. Breaks numerous patient confidentiality laws and places job on the line rather than just trying the old ‘being honest about your intentions’ route. Reads dead sons diary (but not in order) takes everything written as absolute truth.
Needless to say this book was just all over the place. Repetitive and felt like it was clutching at straws for a twist or hook to pull you in. I didn’t feel like i bonded with the main character, she came across as a bit odd for someone so gifted intellectually.
I read half but didn’t fancy reading the remainder. I never like to quit a book, but having read so many and with so many yet to read… life is too short to read a book you aren’t loving!
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Synopsis of story I did read; woman’s son commits suicide over a court case he pleaded guilty to but she believes he’s innocent. Then woman moves into dead sons apartment and plans a not to secret or covert operation to uncover the truth. Breaks numerous patient confidentiality laws and places job on the line rather than just trying the old ‘being honest about your intentions’ route. Reads dead sons diary (but not in order) takes everything written as absolute truth.
Needless to say this book was just all over the place. Repetitive and felt like it was clutching at straws for a twist or hook to pull you in. I didn’t feel like i bonded with the main character, she came across as a bit odd for someone so gifted intellectually.
I read half but didn’t fancy reading the remainder. I never like to quit a book, but having read so many and with so many yet to read… life is too short to read a book you aren’t loving!
Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 6, 2022
I didn't find this as gripping as I see other reviewers have. It seemed a little long winded with some back stories going on which were a bit confusing. I also felt that the title and the tagline weren't really appropriate. The mother wasn't staying silent at all, in fact she was determined to find out what had happened, which I could completely empathise with. The tagline says 'your child is dead....Are you next?' so I was expecting mum to be in mortal danger, but things never seemed that threatening for her.
November 11, 2022
The Silent Mother by Liz Lawler was another brilliant book by Liz. i loved it especially as it was a good strong story with good strong characters. It had lots of great twists and turns that had you hooked form the beginning till the end. I highly recommend all of Liz's books they never disappoint. I love them
October 13, 2024
Wasn’t the biggest fan of this book but did manage to finish it.
January 8, 2022
Read this is you like a good story with an exciting twist.
Ruth's journey to prove her son innocent from a crime he did not commit was a battle of love, grief and confusion, the twists and turns made it extra exciting and when the plot finally all comes together, it'll make you want to read it all over again in case you missed any details. I really enjoyed this book, even though it felt to me, to be very long winded. I think this was because of all the attention to detail and not the story itself.
Ruth's journey to prove her son innocent from a crime he did not commit was a battle of love, grief and confusion, the twists and turns made it extra exciting and when the plot finally all comes together, it'll make you want to read it all over again in case you missed any details. I really enjoyed this book, even though it felt to me, to be very long winded. I think this was because of all the attention to detail and not the story itself.
September 22, 2021
This is my favorite genre, and the summary caught my eye. While I liked the story, it didn't fully hit the mark for me. The plot had a few lulls, yet there were some unexpected twist that I enjoyed. However, I never felt much of a connection to the characters. The conclusion was too long. That, and a few other sections, could've benefitted from a tighter edit.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
April 4, 2022
I have read many of Liz Lawler’s books and loved them all, but this one sadly just couldn’t get off the ground for me. It moved so slow that I couldn’t get into it or finish it, it was that slow. I’m very patient and give books quite a lot of time, but this one just failed to peak my interest. Hopefully her next will be better.
October 10, 2021
4.5 Stars
A spine-chilling thriller that will keep readers up all night, Liz Lawler’s The Silent Mother is a tense and terrifying tale that is hard to put down.
When Ruth gets the news every parent dreads, her world is shattered into a million tiny pieces. Her beloved son Tom has died and Ruth is naturally inconsolable. Grief-stricken, dejected and heart-broken, Ruth cannot bear the thought that she will never see her dear boy again or that she will never hold him close. She doesn’t think that there could be anything worse than your child dying, but there is another shock in store for her: an anonymous letter claiming that Tom’s death was not an accident. Should Ruth dismiss it as a cruel practical joke by somebody with a sick mind? Or could there be some truth to this letter?
Tom’s death makes absolutely no sense. He had just qualified as a doctor, had a bright future ahead of him and a great social life. Something clearly does not add up here and as Ruth begin to look into Tom’s death, she uncovers shocking secrets that force her to believe that the anonymous letter she had received might actually be true. But is Ruth just clinging on to false hope? Or did someone cruelly murder her son?
With Tom’s girlfriend having kept her pregnancy a secret, his best friend betraying him and his shifty neighbours, Ruth wonders whether his murderer could have been someone he knew and trusted. But Ruth is getting far too close to the truth – and the killer now has her in his sights.
A nerve-twisting and heart-clenching thriller that is dark, disturbing and addictive, The Silent Mother is a creepy page-turner full of shocking surprises that will keep readers gripped all through the night. Liz Lawler knows how to explore her characters’ psyches and the darkness within and in The Silent Mother will make readers jump out of their skin as they go on a sinister journey where they will be barely able to catch their breath.
A masterclass in domestic nor, Liz Lawler’s The Silent Mother is a thriller readers will not want to miss.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A spine-chilling thriller that will keep readers up all night, Liz Lawler’s The Silent Mother is a tense and terrifying tale that is hard to put down.
When Ruth gets the news every parent dreads, her world is shattered into a million tiny pieces. Her beloved son Tom has died and Ruth is naturally inconsolable. Grief-stricken, dejected and heart-broken, Ruth cannot bear the thought that she will never see her dear boy again or that she will never hold him close. She doesn’t think that there could be anything worse than your child dying, but there is another shock in store for her: an anonymous letter claiming that Tom’s death was not an accident. Should Ruth dismiss it as a cruel practical joke by somebody with a sick mind? Or could there be some truth to this letter?
Tom’s death makes absolutely no sense. He had just qualified as a doctor, had a bright future ahead of him and a great social life. Something clearly does not add up here and as Ruth begin to look into Tom’s death, she uncovers shocking secrets that force her to believe that the anonymous letter she had received might actually be true. But is Ruth just clinging on to false hope? Or did someone cruelly murder her son?
With Tom’s girlfriend having kept her pregnancy a secret, his best friend betraying him and his shifty neighbours, Ruth wonders whether his murderer could have been someone he knew and trusted. But Ruth is getting far too close to the truth – and the killer now has her in his sights.
A nerve-twisting and heart-clenching thriller that is dark, disturbing and addictive, The Silent Mother is a creepy page-turner full of shocking surprises that will keep readers gripped all through the night. Liz Lawler knows how to explore her characters’ psyches and the darkness within and in The Silent Mother will make readers jump out of their skin as they go on a sinister journey where they will be barely able to catch their breath.
A masterclass in domestic nor, Liz Lawler’s The Silent Mother is a thriller readers will not want to miss.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 18, 2021
Absolutely brilliant, great story line.
December 19, 2021
Remarkable book. I love the twist at the end of the book. I couldn't stop reading.
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