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The Mother's Fault
I am cooking spaghetti, his favourite, while he plays in the garden. But when I look up, he’s gone. I call the police, my hands shaking so much that I hit the wrong digits twice. ‘My son is missing.’
When the police turn up, I’m trapped in the web of my lies.
I have hidden the truth from eight-year-old Riley, my little boy who loves climbing trees and always has scraped knees. I have hidden my secret from everyone.
Riley knows his father is dead but he has no idea why. He doesn’t know his dad’s real name, and there are no pictures in the house. Not a single person knows what happened eight years ago.
I love my son more than anything but the truth is, I have always feared for him. When the first gift arrived in our mailbox, wrapped in blue paper with silver stars, I realised I was right to be afraid.
Now, I can see the question in the detectives’ eyes. Am I a mother with a missing child or a mother with a lot to hide? I need them to save my son – but how much can I tell them without losing him forever?
When the police turn up, I’m trapped in the web of my lies.
I have hidden the truth from eight-year-old Riley, my little boy who loves climbing trees and always has scraped knees. I have hidden my secret from everyone.
Riley knows his father is dead but he has no idea why. He doesn’t know his dad’s real name, and there are no pictures in the house. Not a single person knows what happened eight years ago.
I love my son more than anything but the truth is, I have always feared for him. When the first gift arrived in our mailbox, wrapped in blue paper with silver stars, I realised I was right to be afraid.
Now, I can see the question in the detectives’ eyes. Am I a mother with a missing child or a mother with a lot to hide? I need them to save my son – but how much can I tell them without losing him forever?
262 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2021
1241 people are currently reading
2135 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Trope
43 books1,891 followersNicole Trope writes psychological thrillers about families in crisis and the secrets we keep from ourselves and others. She has always been fascinated by the stories behind the headlines and published her first novel in 2012. In 2026 she will publish her 20th novel with Bookouture. She is a USA Today and Amazon bestseller in the USA, UK, AUS, Canada and Germany. Her books have been translated into German, Italian, Polish, Hungarian and French and Japanese.
She lives in Sydney with her husband and three children
Current Publication: The Therapist-July 31st 2025
Next Publication: What Have You Done?-October 17th 2025
She lives in Sydney with her husband and three children
Current Publication: The Therapist-July 31st 2025
Next Publication: What Have You Done?-October 17th 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
January 25, 2023
The gifts were beautifully wrapped in blue paper with silver stars.
It was irritating that Ethan would send these gifts to her 8 year old son, Riley, as a way to get her to reconsider their relationship after their recent break-up.
They were from Ethan, weren’t they?
The alternative is not one that Beverly wants to consider. It would mean that her secret is out.
And, then Riley disappears from the back garden, as she cooks spaghetti from the kitchen which overlooks it. She will need the police to help…but how much can she share without risk of losing her son?
The first 50% sucked me right in, as the story unfolds mostly from the alternating POV’s of Beverly, and Riley-both well developed, likable characters. But at 50%, a third narrator takes an equal turn at telling this story, and it stalled a bit for me. Lots of explanation of HOW things got to this point-and it’s a bit CRAZY.
But, the author offers up a satisfying conclusion-told from epilogues from each of our three narrators, which I often don’t like, but which worked for me, this time.
If this were a movie, the “best supporting actor” award goes to: 🐶 Scotty the dog-who does not come to harm so read with ease!
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as my previous read from the author, “The Family Across the Street” , which earned all the stars-but it was definitely engaging enough to have me looking forward to more work from this talented author!
3.5 rounded up!
Available October 15th from Bookouture. Thank you for my gifted copy provided through NetGalley-it was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
It was irritating that Ethan would send these gifts to her 8 year old son, Riley, as a way to get her to reconsider their relationship after their recent break-up.
They were from Ethan, weren’t they?
The alternative is not one that Beverly wants to consider. It would mean that her secret is out.
And, then Riley disappears from the back garden, as she cooks spaghetti from the kitchen which overlooks it. She will need the police to help…but how much can she share without risk of losing her son?
The first 50% sucked me right in, as the story unfolds mostly from the alternating POV’s of Beverly, and Riley-both well developed, likable characters. But at 50%, a third narrator takes an equal turn at telling this story, and it stalled a bit for me. Lots of explanation of HOW things got to this point-and it’s a bit CRAZY.
But, the author offers up a satisfying conclusion-told from epilogues from each of our three narrators, which I often don’t like, but which worked for me, this time.
If this were a movie, the “best supporting actor” award goes to: 🐶 Scotty the dog-who does not come to harm so read with ease!
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as my previous read from the author, “The Family Across the Street” , which earned all the stars-but it was definitely engaging enough to have me looking forward to more work from this talented author!
3.5 rounded up!
Available October 15th from Bookouture. Thank you for my gifted copy provided through NetGalley-it was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
September 19, 2021
Single mother Beverley contemplatively observes her energetic eight year old son Riley as he eats his breakfast. She’s a conscientious and loving mum who doesn’t let anyone get too close. When Riley begins to receive anonymous gifts left at her mailbox she begins to feel very afraid - why? A few days later she cooking Riley his favourite supper, she observes him from her kitchen window as he plays in the garden. The next time she looks, he’s gone .... the story is told principally by Beverley and Riley.
This is another excellent psychological thriller from Nicola Trope. I love the misdirections and unpredictability of this one which keeps you on your toes. I keep thinking I’ve got it all sorted out in my head when another curved ball shatters my thinking which makes this just my kind of book! From start to finish this has you chock full of questions as the plot is immersive and intriguing with a matching brisk pace. The characterisation is excellent particularly that of Riley as it takes some skill to depict and eight year old so authentically and like Beverley I just love this little chap! There’s a good mix of characters, Beverley is a really good character, I have nothing but admiration for her, as is elderly next door neighbour Sam and his adorable dog Scotty and there’s one character that fills you with dread. There are moments of scary creepiness, tension as taut as piano wire and suspense that has your heart racing. There is one storyline that’s a tough one which raises the nature/nurture debate and this is well done. At times you feel a little bit of sympathy even if in your heart you know it’s undeserved. The ending is good as it pulls all the plot threads together skilfully.
Overall, this is a gripping novel and one I recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
This is another excellent psychological thriller from Nicola Trope. I love the misdirections and unpredictability of this one which keeps you on your toes. I keep thinking I’ve got it all sorted out in my head when another curved ball shatters my thinking which makes this just my kind of book! From start to finish this has you chock full of questions as the plot is immersive and intriguing with a matching brisk pace. The characterisation is excellent particularly that of Riley as it takes some skill to depict and eight year old so authentically and like Beverley I just love this little chap! There’s a good mix of characters, Beverley is a really good character, I have nothing but admiration for her, as is elderly next door neighbour Sam and his adorable dog Scotty and there’s one character that fills you with dread. There are moments of scary creepiness, tension as taut as piano wire and suspense that has your heart racing. There is one storyline that’s a tough one which raises the nature/nurture debate and this is well done. At times you feel a little bit of sympathy even if in your heart you know it’s undeserved. The ending is good as it pulls all the plot threads together skilfully.
Overall, this is a gripping novel and one I recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 25, 2021
Fault Finders.
When a friend brought to my attention that a new book by Nicole Trope was available to request, I clicked that button fast.
I don’t normally read books about kidnapped or lost children, but I loved the author’s last book ‘The Family Across the Street’ and wanted to read more by her.
I felt this wasn’t the usual missing child theme and I found it less stressful to read about. While the plot-line wasn’t exactly secondary to the twists and family drama, it blended as a whole resulting in my angst being spread out a bit.
I connected with several likable characters including a senior and his cute Scottie dog. Of course there were a few “baddies” and the text includes scenes of past child abuse and some family violence. So heads-up for possible trigger warnings.
Thank you to Nikole Trope, Bookouture, and NetGalley for my electronic copy in advance of publication October 15, 2021.
When a friend brought to my attention that a new book by Nicole Trope was available to request, I clicked that button fast.
I don’t normally read books about kidnapped or lost children, but I loved the author’s last book ‘The Family Across the Street’ and wanted to read more by her.
I felt this wasn’t the usual missing child theme and I found it less stressful to read about. While the plot-line wasn’t exactly secondary to the twists and family drama, it blended as a whole resulting in my angst being spread out a bit.
I connected with several likable characters including a senior and his cute Scottie dog. Of course there were a few “baddies” and the text includes scenes of past child abuse and some family violence. So heads-up for possible trigger warnings.
Thank you to Nikole Trope, Bookouture, and NetGalley for my electronic copy in advance of publication October 15, 2021.
October 16, 2021
EXCERPT: His teachers call him 'spirited', or 'full of energy', sometimes 'boisterous'. They have a lot of different words for what he really is in class, which is disruptive and occasionally rude. Too disruptive? Too rude? She feels like there's some sort of memo she missed on raising a child. The other mothers at the school gates seem to know exactly what to do in any situation. She watches them, listens to them, while she waits for Riley, her ears tuned for exchanges of information she's reluctant to ask for. They would be friendly enough, she supposes, if she just stepped forward and said 'Hello,' but she worries about saying the wrong thing, about giving too much away.
She can see the way they look at her when Riley calls her 'Mum'. 'My goodness,' his teacher from last year said on parent-teacher night, 'and how old-'
'Twenty,' Beverley replied before the teacher could finish the question. 'I was twenty when I had him.' It's a lie. She was actually only eighteen, but people tend to look at teenage mothers a certain way, make an assessment a certain way. A single teenage mother is met with pursed lips and narrowed eyes. It's why she works so hard at getting everything right, at making sure Riley arrives at school with a full lunch box and a clean uniform every day. She makes sure that he never leaves homework undone and that he's always got his hat and sports kit on sports days. Things that other mothers brush off, like forgetting to send in money for an excursion, bother Beverley because they make her feel that she's falling. She cannot fail at this.
ABOUT 'THE MOTHER'S FAULT': I am cooking spaghetti, his favourite, while he plays in the garden. But when I look up, he’s gone. I call the police, my hands shaking so much that I hit the wrong digits twice. ‘My son is missing.’
When the police turn up, I’m trapped in the web of my lies.
I have hidden the truth from eight-year-old Riley, my little boy who loves climbing trees and always has scraped knees. I have hidden my secret from everyone.
Riley knows his father is dead but he has no idea why. He doesn’t know his dad’s real name, and there are no pictures in the house. Not a single person knows what happened eight years ago.
I love my son more than anything but the truth is, I have always feared for him. When the first gift arrived in our mailbox, wrapped in blue paper with silver stars, I realised I was right to be afraid.
Now, I can see the question in the detectives’ eyes. Am I a mother with a missing child or a mother with a lot to hide? I need them to save my son – but how much can I tell them without losing him forever?
MY THOUGHTS: A quick, easy and enjoyable read that certainly won't overwork the little grey cells, although there was one twist that I was not expecting.
The story is told mainly by Beverley, her son Riley, and in latter parts, an unknown narrator. There is plenty of misdirection to keep the reader on their toes, and although the perpetrator is decidedly 'unbalanced' I am not convinced that this is a true psychological thriller. Personally I would have liked a little more subtle manipulation to ramp up the tension and a little less of the soap-opera style drama.
Sam and his dog 'Scotty' were my favourite characters.
I know that I can always rely on Nicole Trope for a good read, and The Mother's Fault definitely doesn't disappoint, although I do feel that it would have been better titled 'The Mother's Lie.' This is a book that will fly off the shelves.
⭐⭐⭐.6
#TheMothersFault #Bookouture
I: @nicoletropeauthor @bookouture
T: @nicoletrope @Bookouture
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #familydrama #mentalhealth
THE AUTHOR: Nicole Trope went to university to study Law but realised the error of her ways when she did very badly on her first law essay because-as her professor pointed out- ‘It’s not meant to be a story.’ She studied teaching instead and used her holidays to work on her writing career and complete a Masters’ degree in Children’s Literature. After the birth of her first child she stayed home full time to write and raise children, renovate houses and build a business with her husband.
The idea for her first published novel, The Boy under the Table, was so scary that it took a year for her to find the courage to write the emotional story.
She lives in Sydney with her husband and three children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Mother's Fault by Nicole Trope for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
She can see the way they look at her when Riley calls her 'Mum'. 'My goodness,' his teacher from last year said on parent-teacher night, 'and how old-'
'Twenty,' Beverley replied before the teacher could finish the question. 'I was twenty when I had him.' It's a lie. She was actually only eighteen, but people tend to look at teenage mothers a certain way, make an assessment a certain way. A single teenage mother is met with pursed lips and narrowed eyes. It's why she works so hard at getting everything right, at making sure Riley arrives at school with a full lunch box and a clean uniform every day. She makes sure that he never leaves homework undone and that he's always got his hat and sports kit on sports days. Things that other mothers brush off, like forgetting to send in money for an excursion, bother Beverley because they make her feel that she's falling. She cannot fail at this.
ABOUT 'THE MOTHER'S FAULT': I am cooking spaghetti, his favourite, while he plays in the garden. But when I look up, he’s gone. I call the police, my hands shaking so much that I hit the wrong digits twice. ‘My son is missing.’
When the police turn up, I’m trapped in the web of my lies.
I have hidden the truth from eight-year-old Riley, my little boy who loves climbing trees and always has scraped knees. I have hidden my secret from everyone.
Riley knows his father is dead but he has no idea why. He doesn’t know his dad’s real name, and there are no pictures in the house. Not a single person knows what happened eight years ago.
I love my son more than anything but the truth is, I have always feared for him. When the first gift arrived in our mailbox, wrapped in blue paper with silver stars, I realised I was right to be afraid.
Now, I can see the question in the detectives’ eyes. Am I a mother with a missing child or a mother with a lot to hide? I need them to save my son – but how much can I tell them without losing him forever?
MY THOUGHTS: A quick, easy and enjoyable read that certainly won't overwork the little grey cells, although there was one twist that I was not expecting.
The story is told mainly by Beverley, her son Riley, and in latter parts, an unknown narrator. There is plenty of misdirection to keep the reader on their toes, and although the perpetrator is decidedly 'unbalanced' I am not convinced that this is a true psychological thriller. Personally I would have liked a little more subtle manipulation to ramp up the tension and a little less of the soap-opera style drama.
Sam and his dog 'Scotty' were my favourite characters.
I know that I can always rely on Nicole Trope for a good read, and The Mother's Fault definitely doesn't disappoint, although I do feel that it would have been better titled 'The Mother's Lie.' This is a book that will fly off the shelves.
⭐⭐⭐.6
#TheMothersFault #Bookouture
I: @nicoletropeauthor @bookouture
T: @nicoletrope @Bookouture
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #familydrama #mentalhealth
THE AUTHOR: Nicole Trope went to university to study Law but realised the error of her ways when she did very badly on her first law essay because-as her professor pointed out- ‘It’s not meant to be a story.’ She studied teaching instead and used her holidays to work on her writing career and complete a Masters’ degree in Children’s Literature. After the birth of her first child she stayed home full time to write and raise children, renovate houses and build a business with her husband.
The idea for her first published novel, The Boy under the Table, was so scary that it took a year for her to find the courage to write the emotional story.
She lives in Sydney with her husband and three children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Mother's Fault by Nicole Trope for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 21, 2021
Single mother, Beverly, adores her 8 year old son, Riley, but things are not as straightforward as they seem. Her boyfriend Ethan also loves Riley and wants to marry Beverly and settle down as a family. So what’s the problem you might wonder? Beverley has pushed Ethan away as she has secrets that she simply cannot share now.
But when a series of increasingly expensive, anonymous gifts start turning up for Riley she is not happy. She assumes they are from Ethan but her calls and texts to him go unanswered. It’s all very strange but if the gifts are not from Ethan - who then? Nobody else (alive) knows her secret. One night she is making his favourite spaghetti dinner and looks out the window to see he is still in his little loft in the backyard tree. He’ll come in soon when his hunger gets to him. The next time she looks out the window though Riley is longer in sight!
Beverly frantically searches the house and garden and rings his friends and searches again before calling the police. She has no one else to turn to - Riley’s father is dead and her parents are also dead. Where on earth can he be? By now, Beverly is having some niggling concerns that this could be the past rearing it’s ugly head again. We, the reader, know this as the story is told from the POV of both Beverly and the abductor.
I didn’t think this story was quite as good as her previous book The Family Across The Street. By the halfway point I had guessed pretty much what was going. Not all of it mind you as the author left a juicy little twist for us. I think I need a break from books about children being used as pawns in grown up games. It was a sad story really because it could all have been avoided if certain parents had been more loving to their children.
It was easy to root for Beverly as she was being the best parent she could be and loved Riley to bits without complaint about what she was missing out in. She also had enough gumption to do what needed to be done. Riley himself was a great kid and had guts! The elderly neighbour, Sam, was an endearing character and may well have saved the day. The pacing of the story was excellent and it never dragged. All in all it was a compelling story that I can recommend. Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
3.5 stars rounded up.
But when a series of increasingly expensive, anonymous gifts start turning up for Riley she is not happy. She assumes they are from Ethan but her calls and texts to him go unanswered. It’s all very strange but if the gifts are not from Ethan - who then? Nobody else (alive) knows her secret. One night she is making his favourite spaghetti dinner and looks out the window to see he is still in his little loft in the backyard tree. He’ll come in soon when his hunger gets to him. The next time she looks out the window though Riley is longer in sight!
Beverly frantically searches the house and garden and rings his friends and searches again before calling the police. She has no one else to turn to - Riley’s father is dead and her parents are also dead. Where on earth can he be? By now, Beverly is having some niggling concerns that this could be the past rearing it’s ugly head again. We, the reader, know this as the story is told from the POV of both Beverly and the abductor.
I didn’t think this story was quite as good as her previous book The Family Across The Street. By the halfway point I had guessed pretty much what was going. Not all of it mind you as the author left a juicy little twist for us. I think I need a break from books about children being used as pawns in grown up games. It was a sad story really because it could all have been avoided if certain parents had been more loving to their children.
It was easy to root for Beverly as she was being the best parent she could be and loved Riley to bits without complaint about what she was missing out in. She also had enough gumption to do what needed to be done. Riley himself was a great kid and had guts! The elderly neighbour, Sam, was an endearing character and may well have saved the day. The pacing of the story was excellent and it never dragged. All in all it was a compelling story that I can recommend. Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
3.5 stars rounded up.
November 11, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This was my October Audible pick, and while not quite on par with Trope's "The Family Across the Street," it was still an enjoyable read with a fabulous narrator.
From the beginning you know that single mom, Beverly, is hiding something big. She doesn't allow anyone to get too close to her and her eight-year-old son, Riley (although for someone hiding a secret, she was she posting pictures of the two of them on Facebook? Hmm, okay, 'twas a bit of a stretch for me). You also know that unbeknownst to anyone, an uninvited guest has set up quarters in the basement of elderly neighbor, Sam's house and is intently watching Beverly and Riley. Throw in a mysterious student teacher, a radio silent ex-boyfriend, and a bloody baby onesie and there you have the bones of the plot. When Riley disappears from the back yard one night, Beverly's first thought is that he has run away, but it soon becomes obvious that more nefarious dealings are underfoot.
What I liked about this book was that there were so many red herrings that my head was constantly spinning in numerous directions. I also liked the story was told through the POVs of Beverly, the mystery neighbor, and Riley. I thought Riley's voice was a great asset to the plot. Both Beverly and Riley are sympathetic characters, and I found myself rooting for them to have a happy ending. And Sam and Scotty were the best owner/dog duo - I wanted to reach through the pages and hug them both!
What I didn't like was that some of the events were a bit too farfetched for me to accept. Also, there were not any jaw-dropping moments or astounding realizations - I figured out fairly quickly the identity of the mystery neighbor. Not to say that there were not a lot of reveals and plot twists - but nothing that left me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, a solid, memorable thriller/domestic suspense that made for a great audible read. I am most definitely fan girling over Nicole Trope after her last two books!
This was my October Audible pick, and while not quite on par with Trope's "The Family Across the Street," it was still an enjoyable read with a fabulous narrator.
From the beginning you know that single mom, Beverly, is hiding something big. She doesn't allow anyone to get too close to her and her eight-year-old son, Riley (although for someone hiding a secret, she was she posting pictures of the two of them on Facebook? Hmm, okay, 'twas a bit of a stretch for me). You also know that unbeknownst to anyone, an uninvited guest has set up quarters in the basement of elderly neighbor, Sam's house and is intently watching Beverly and Riley. Throw in a mysterious student teacher, a radio silent ex-boyfriend, and a bloody baby onesie and there you have the bones of the plot. When Riley disappears from the back yard one night, Beverly's first thought is that he has run away, but it soon becomes obvious that more nefarious dealings are underfoot.
What I liked about this book was that there were so many red herrings that my head was constantly spinning in numerous directions. I also liked the story was told through the POVs of Beverly, the mystery neighbor, and Riley. I thought Riley's voice was a great asset to the plot. Both Beverly and Riley are sympathetic characters, and I found myself rooting for them to have a happy ending. And Sam and Scotty were the best owner/dog duo - I wanted to reach through the pages and hug them both!
What I didn't like was that some of the events were a bit too farfetched for me to accept. Also, there were not any jaw-dropping moments or astounding realizations - I figured out fairly quickly the identity of the mystery neighbor. Not to say that there were not a lot of reveals and plot twists - but nothing that left me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, a solid, memorable thriller/domestic suspense that made for a great audible read. I am most definitely fan girling over Nicole Trope after her last two books!
September 25, 2021
4 mother’s love stars
We meet single mom Beverly and her 8-year-old son Riley in this fast-paced psychological thriller. I have to give props to the author for writing a realistic point of view from Riley. I enjoyed his chapters and seeing things from his perspective.
Beverly clearly loves her son, even though he’s a handful at times, she often receives notes home from teachers about his behavior. He’s endearing though with his enthusiasm for life, love of climbing trees, and curiosity about his dead father.
Bev recently broke up with Ethan when lots of questions about her past came up. We definitely know that Bev has some big secrets that she will protect with her life. When anonymous gifts for Riley start showing up in the mailbox, I began to wonder if the lies would start to unravel. Was Ethan sending the gifts? Things come to a head when Riley disappears from his backyard. Has he left home on his own or was he kidnapped?
There are some great characters in this one, including lonely neighbor Sam and his dog Scotty,
And Riley’s friend Benji. There’s also the point of view from a mysterious character that got increasingly sinister.
This was my first read from this author and I loved being carried along with the story. The pieces came together in the end, and everything made sense!
I’m looking forward to reading more from this Australian author!
Thank you to Bookoutre and NetGalley for the copy of this one. I'm delighted to share my honest review. This one is set to release 10.15.2021.
We meet single mom Beverly and her 8-year-old son Riley in this fast-paced psychological thriller. I have to give props to the author for writing a realistic point of view from Riley. I enjoyed his chapters and seeing things from his perspective.
Beverly clearly loves her son, even though he’s a handful at times, she often receives notes home from teachers about his behavior. He’s endearing though with his enthusiasm for life, love of climbing trees, and curiosity about his dead father.
Bev recently broke up with Ethan when lots of questions about her past came up. We definitely know that Bev has some big secrets that she will protect with her life. When anonymous gifts for Riley start showing up in the mailbox, I began to wonder if the lies would start to unravel. Was Ethan sending the gifts? Things come to a head when Riley disappears from his backyard. Has he left home on his own or was he kidnapped?
There are some great characters in this one, including lonely neighbor Sam and his dog Scotty,
And Riley’s friend Benji. There’s also the point of view from a mysterious character that got increasingly sinister.
This was my first read from this author and I loved being carried along with the story. The pieces came together in the end, and everything made sense!
I’m looking forward to reading more from this Australian author!
Thank you to Bookoutre and NetGalley for the copy of this one. I'm delighted to share my honest review. This one is set to release 10.15.2021.
October 16, 2021
The Mother's Fault is Aussie author Nicole Trope's follow-up to the well-received The Family Across the Street, released in August 2021. Trope has obviously been using her time during Sydney's lockdown productively!
There are several themes in common between the two books, including a dramatic seige/detainment situation, a character suffering the long-term effects of abusive parenting and a well-imagined point-of-view from a character suffering from a delusional psychosis. There's also the useful - dare I say it - trope (!) of an elderly neighbour of the central character(s), whose involvement adds pathos and moves the action forward. Also similarly to The Family Across the Street, The Mother's Fault is told from alternating perspectives and contains plenty of misdirection, red herrings and surprising twists.
Young single mother Beverley lives in her own childhood home with her 8-year-old son, Riley. Her parents were both killed in a car accident when she was 16. Her only other relative - her older brother James - died two years later, in traumatic circumstances that are slowly revealed over the course of the book. Beverley and Riley are alone in the world, and while there are some financial and social struggles, are a close family unit. But Beverley is nervous that a dreadful secret from her past might one day be revealed and tear them apart. Riley has been told that his father is dead, but Beverley is reluctant to give him any more than scant detail and has hidden all photographs of the man away where Riley can't find them. Perhaps understandably, imaginative Riley entertains fantasies that his father is still alive somewhere and will one day reappear.
One morning, a wrapped parcel appears in their letterbox, addressed to Riley and containing a small gift and a cryptic note. On succeeding days, more - increasingly generous - gifts appear, delighting Riley but causing Beverley deep concern. At first she suspects her former partner, Ethan, with whom she'd recently broken up over her inability to open up about her own and Riley's background. But he's not responding to her repeated texts and phone calls asking him to stop. Then Riley disappears from the back yard one afternoon after school...
While The Mother's Fault contained plenty of tension, good character development and several unexpected twists, I didn't enjoy it as much as I did The Family Across the Street. Perhaps that's because the underlying plot of The Mother's Fault felt just a little too much over the top and there were several plot/character inconsistencies which I felt stretched credibility. That said, it's a fast and engrossing read. At the risk of revealing a spoiler, . Potential trigger warnings for readers include: child abuse (physical and emotional), violence, family trauma and untreated mental illness.
I'd recommend The Mother's Fault to readers who enjoy domestic thrillers with lots of twists and turns.
My thanks to the author, Nicole Trope, publisher Bookouture and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this title in advance of its publication on 15 October 2021.
There are several themes in common between the two books, including a dramatic seige/detainment situation, a character suffering the long-term effects of abusive parenting and a well-imagined point-of-view from a character suffering from a delusional psychosis. There's also the useful - dare I say it - trope (!) of an elderly neighbour of the central character(s), whose involvement adds pathos and moves the action forward. Also similarly to The Family Across the Street, The Mother's Fault is told from alternating perspectives and contains plenty of misdirection, red herrings and surprising twists.
Young single mother Beverley lives in her own childhood home with her 8-year-old son, Riley. Her parents were both killed in a car accident when she was 16. Her only other relative - her older brother James - died two years later, in traumatic circumstances that are slowly revealed over the course of the book. Beverley and Riley are alone in the world, and while there are some financial and social struggles, are a close family unit. But Beverley is nervous that a dreadful secret from her past might one day be revealed and tear them apart. Riley has been told that his father is dead, but Beverley is reluctant to give him any more than scant detail and has hidden all photographs of the man away where Riley can't find them. Perhaps understandably, imaginative Riley entertains fantasies that his father is still alive somewhere and will one day reappear.
One morning, a wrapped parcel appears in their letterbox, addressed to Riley and containing a small gift and a cryptic note. On succeeding days, more - increasingly generous - gifts appear, delighting Riley but causing Beverley deep concern. At first she suspects her former partner, Ethan, with whom she'd recently broken up over her inability to open up about her own and Riley's background. But he's not responding to her repeated texts and phone calls asking him to stop. Then Riley disappears from the back yard one afternoon after school...
While The Mother's Fault contained plenty of tension, good character development and several unexpected twists, I didn't enjoy it as much as I did The Family Across the Street. Perhaps that's because the underlying plot of The Mother's Fault felt just a little too much over the top and there were several plot/character inconsistencies which I felt stretched credibility. That said, it's a fast and engrossing read. At the risk of revealing a spoiler, . Potential trigger warnings for readers include: child abuse (physical and emotional), violence, family trauma and untreated mental illness.
I'd recommend The Mother's Fault to readers who enjoy domestic thrillers with lots of twists and turns.
My thanks to the author, Nicole Trope, publisher Bookouture and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this title in advance of its publication on 15 October 2021.
September 11, 2021
I always love an easy and quick psychology thriller and The Mother's Fault by Nicole Trope is one such read. It was surely a book that I just couldn't put down and I completed it in a couple of days.
The Mother's Fault is the story of Beverly, a single Mother who have a secret and constantly fears for her son eight year old Riley. Riley is a cute boy who loves climbing trees and sharing his feeling with him friend Benji. He knows his father is dead. But when he starts receiving gifts in the mailbox from a anonymous person, he thinks his father is live. When suddenly one evening, he go missing and Beverly fears that she will lose her son, if police turn up. She needs them to save her son but how much truth is she willing to tell the police?
Halfway through the book, I thought I had figured out the plot completely, when the author threw in this twist that I had not seen coming and left me thinking why did this not come to my mind. Like all thrillers, this book too had lovable characters as well as characters that you wished did not exist. I also like the way the author, let the characters tell their story through the chapters dedicated under their name.
This is my first book by the author and I'm hoping to read more books by her in future.
Overall, a good psychology thriller and I total recommend it.
A big Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Author Nicole Trope for this ARC.
The Mother's Fault is the story of Beverly, a single Mother who have a secret and constantly fears for her son eight year old Riley. Riley is a cute boy who loves climbing trees and sharing his feeling with him friend Benji. He knows his father is dead. But when he starts receiving gifts in the mailbox from a anonymous person, he thinks his father is live. When suddenly one evening, he go missing and Beverly fears that she will lose her son, if police turn up. She needs them to save her son but how much truth is she willing to tell the police?
Halfway through the book, I thought I had figured out the plot completely, when the author threw in this twist that I had not seen coming and left me thinking why did this not come to my mind. Like all thrillers, this book too had lovable characters as well as characters that you wished did not exist. I also like the way the author, let the characters tell their story through the chapters dedicated under their name.
This is my first book by the author and I'm hoping to read more books by her in future.
Overall, a good psychology thriller and I total recommend it.
A big Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Author Nicole Trope for this ARC.
October 5, 2021
I'm cooking spaghetti, his favourite, while he plays in the garden. But when I look up, he's gone. I call the police, my hands shaking so much that I hit the wrong digits twice. When the police turn up, I'm trapped in a web of my lies. I've hidden the truth from eight year old Riley, my little boy who loves climbing trees and always has scraped knees. I have hidden my secret from everyone.
Beverley raises her young son Riley who frequently thinks about his dad. But then Riley goes missing from his backyard.
This is a suspense filled read. Things are not what they seem. The pace is slow until around the half way mark where it picks up it's pace. I liked the authors writing style in this twist filled read. The characters are well developed and believable. This is a story that I think you are better reading blind. There's so much I could tell you but I would only spoil it for you. This is another fantastic read by the author.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #NicoleTrope for my ARC of #TheMothersFault in exchange for an honest review.
Beverley raises her young son Riley who frequently thinks about his dad. But then Riley goes missing from his backyard.
This is a suspense filled read. Things are not what they seem. The pace is slow until around the half way mark where it picks up it's pace. I liked the authors writing style in this twist filled read. The characters are well developed and believable. This is a story that I think you are better reading blind. There's so much I could tell you but I would only spoil it for you. This is another fantastic read by the author.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #NicoleTrope for my ARC of #TheMothersFault in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2022
Psychological thriller about single mother Beverley and her eight year old son Riley.
Beverley has kept much of the story of Riley’s short life a secret from everyone in her life, including Riley.
Riley is eight years old now and getting more and more curious about his Dad and what he was like, what did he look like…what work did he do?…and how did he die?
Riley’s best friend has convinced him that his father is probably alive and can’t be known because he is a Spy.
When special gifts addressed to Riley start arriving at random intervals in the mailbox without a senders name, Riley and his best friend are convinced they are from his father who can’t sign them because he is a secret Spy.
Riley’s mum Beverley starts to get suspicious. She believes her ex boyfriend Ethan is responsible because he is still hurt about their sudden breakup and is using her son as a means of getting to her.
Their relationship was going great until Ethan got more serious and wanted to take it to the next step. Beverley felt compelled to break it off before Ethan discovered her secrets…it’s better this way…she adores her son and would do anything to protect him from anything that might threaten to hurt him in any way, so keeping her secrets is best.
After discovering the latest gift was just too expensive a gift for him to keep, especially since they don’t even know who it’s from, Beverley takes it from Riley until they can find out more.
This is way beyond anything she could afford to buy him and to her mind a cruel way to entice her son.
This causes a row between Riley and his mother and he gets resentful. After discussing the conditions of her decision to withhold this latest gift until she knows who it’s from, a slightly mollified Riley goes outside to play in his favourite tree for a short time while Beverley prepares his favourite dinner of spaghetti bolognaise.
Beverley looks out the kitchen window now and again and sees Riley happily playing with his ipad up in the tree.
When a very short time later she once more looks out the kitchen window, she notices that Riley is no longer in the tree…but he hasn’t come inside as is his usual practice…
Riley is gone! Beverley looks all over the house and yard but there is no sign of him.
The search begins and the truth is threatening to come out.
I enjoyed this read, but I wasn’t gripped. There was a lot of early confusion for me around who was actually who and where did they fit in the story. At times I found it unconvincing.
I gave it four stars all the same as it was a good story with potential.
4⭐️s
May 18, 2023
Setting: Sydney, NSW, Australia.
26-year-old Beverly is raising her 8-year-old son, Riley, as a single parent whilst studying for her librarian qualification. She has recently finished a relationship with Ethan, who she loved and who got on well with Riley - but Ethan was asking too many questions about Riley's biological father, questions which Beverly was unwilling to answer. Then Riley starts to receive anonymous presents, left in their post box and increasing in value - Beverly presumes that they are coming from Ethan but is unable to get in touch with him to confirm this. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to her, Beverly's past is catching up with her and the lies she has told look likely to be revealed......
This was yet another totally gripping book from Nicole Trope. As various characters told their story, both in the present and the past, the picture gradually comes together - but still with many unexpected twists and turns, and a couple of red herrings! Read this one in under a day's actual reading as I just didn't want to put it down. Definitely a 5-star read for me - 9.5/10.
26-year-old Beverly is raising her 8-year-old son, Riley, as a single parent whilst studying for her librarian qualification. She has recently finished a relationship with Ethan, who she loved and who got on well with Riley - but Ethan was asking too many questions about Riley's biological father, questions which Beverly was unwilling to answer. Then Riley starts to receive anonymous presents, left in their post box and increasing in value - Beverly presumes that they are coming from Ethan but is unable to get in touch with him to confirm this. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to her, Beverly's past is catching up with her and the lies she has told look likely to be revealed......
This was yet another totally gripping book from Nicole Trope. As various characters told their story, both in the present and the past, the picture gradually comes together - but still with many unexpected twists and turns, and a couple of red herrings! Read this one in under a day's actual reading as I just didn't want to put it down. Definitely a 5-star read for me - 9.5/10.
October 21, 2025
~2.75~
Popcorn thriller; neck-breaking pace; easy read.
Some of the characters' actions toward the end were nonsensical, which dropped my rating. For example: Beverly (the mom of the title) and the police .
Also, it was overly convenient that Ethan, Beverly's ex-boyfriend,
Popcorn thriller; neck-breaking pace; easy read.
Some of the characters' actions toward the end were nonsensical, which dropped my rating. For example: Beverly (the mom of the title) and the police .
Also, it was overly convenient that Ethan, Beverly's ex-boyfriend,
October 15, 2021
Wow! Nicole Trope certainly brings complicated families to life with ease, empathy and mental instability!
Beverley ends things with a good man to protect her secrets. Ethan pushes Beverley to rethink things -but as a single mother, Beverley must put her son first.
And then the gifts start arriving. Expensive gifts with a card, no name. The final gift too expensive to accept - and Beverley rages. How could Ethan embarrass her?
But Ethan isn't answering her phone calls. Or her texts.
This story is told in three voices - Beverley, giving background as well as the guilty weight of her secrets, family tragedies; Riley - lending another perspective to the story, escalating the events.
And an unreliable narrator - the personality shifting while the plot progresses.
Creepy and shocking - quick read.
Beverley ends things with a good man to protect her secrets. Ethan pushes Beverley to rethink things -but as a single mother, Beverley must put her son first.
And then the gifts start arriving. Expensive gifts with a card, no name. The final gift too expensive to accept - and Beverley rages. How could Ethan embarrass her?
But Ethan isn't answering her phone calls. Or her texts.
This story is told in three voices - Beverley, giving background as well as the guilty weight of her secrets, family tragedies; Riley - lending another perspective to the story, escalating the events.
And an unreliable narrator - the personality shifting while the plot progresses.
Creepy and shocking - quick read.
September 8, 2021
My Review:
Loved, loved, loved!!!!! Another great book from a fantastic author. You can not go wrong when you pick up one of Nicole Trope’s books. My world literally stops when I’m reading her books. I will usually finish in just one sitting with a box of Kleenex by my side. Her books get me so emotional and I love it. I look forward to reading more of her books.
I want to start off by saying how great this author is. I have read almost all her books now and she sure does not disappoint in any of them. Every book I have read has felt like I was right there with the characters living their happiness and in some cases their worse nightmares. In this book I really felt the pain and tragedy that all of these characters went through. Each character in the book had it rough in some way, shape or form. Now on to my favorite part, that ending. There were so many secrets throughout the whole book and I loved how it all came out in the end. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. When you get to the end you think you know where it is all going but you don’t. You are in for a shock of all shockers. I love the fact that this author continues to shock me with every book I read of hers. I can’t wait for her next book.
Between the plot, characters and all the twists in this book it made it an easy and fast read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Loved, loved, loved!!!!! Another great book from a fantastic author. You can not go wrong when you pick up one of Nicole Trope’s books. My world literally stops when I’m reading her books. I will usually finish in just one sitting with a box of Kleenex by my side. Her books get me so emotional and I love it. I look forward to reading more of her books.
I want to start off by saying how great this author is. I have read almost all her books now and she sure does not disappoint in any of them. Every book I have read has felt like I was right there with the characters living their happiness and in some cases their worse nightmares. In this book I really felt the pain and tragedy that all of these characters went through. Each character in the book had it rough in some way, shape or form. Now on to my favorite part, that ending. There were so many secrets throughout the whole book and I loved how it all came out in the end. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. When you get to the end you think you know where it is all going but you don’t. You are in for a shock of all shockers. I love the fact that this author continues to shock me with every book I read of hers. I can’t wait for her next book.
Between the plot, characters and all the twists in this book it made it an easy and fast read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
October 3, 2021
‘Beverley watches Riley spoon cereal into his mouth ...’
Beverley is a single mother who is deeply protective of her eight-year-old son Riley. Her boyfriend Ethan is very fond of Riley as well, but when he asks Beverley to marry him, she ends the relationship. As much as she loves Ethan, Beverley has secrets she cannot share with him.
But life for Beverley and Riley becomes complicated when a series of expensive anonymous gifts start turning up for Riley. Beverley has told Riley that his father is dead, but he wonders if he is sending the gifts. Beverley assumes that Ethan is responsible for the gifts but her attempts to contact him are unsuccessful.
We (the readers) know that someone is watching Riley and Beverley, but we don’t initially know who.
Then, late one afternoon while Beverley is preparing Riley’s favourite spaghetti dinner, she looks out the window. She cannot see Riley: he has disappeared from the yard. Where could he be? A check with his friends and around the neighbourhood reveals nothing. Beveley calls the police.
‘What kind of mother loses her child?’
The story unfolds through the eyes of Beverley and Riley’s abductor. There are a couple of twists as we learn the truth about Riley’s parentage and the background of both Beverley and the abductor.
While the story held my attention from beginning to end, aspects of the abductor’s story left me uncomfortable. Perhaps that was Ms Trope’s objective: to remind us that parenting is complex and not all parents are good at it.
‘I thought I had a plan, but all I had was an idea and a wish. That’s not the same as a plan, not at all.’
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Beverley is a single mother who is deeply protective of her eight-year-old son Riley. Her boyfriend Ethan is very fond of Riley as well, but when he asks Beverley to marry him, she ends the relationship. As much as she loves Ethan, Beverley has secrets she cannot share with him.
But life for Beverley and Riley becomes complicated when a series of expensive anonymous gifts start turning up for Riley. Beverley has told Riley that his father is dead, but he wonders if he is sending the gifts. Beverley assumes that Ethan is responsible for the gifts but her attempts to contact him are unsuccessful.
We (the readers) know that someone is watching Riley and Beverley, but we don’t initially know who.
Then, late one afternoon while Beverley is preparing Riley’s favourite spaghetti dinner, she looks out the window. She cannot see Riley: he has disappeared from the yard. Where could he be? A check with his friends and around the neighbourhood reveals nothing. Beveley calls the police.
‘What kind of mother loses her child?’
The story unfolds through the eyes of Beverley and Riley’s abductor. There are a couple of twists as we learn the truth about Riley’s parentage and the background of both Beverley and the abductor.
While the story held my attention from beginning to end, aspects of the abductor’s story left me uncomfortable. Perhaps that was Ms Trope’s objective: to remind us that parenting is complex and not all parents are good at it.
‘I thought I had a plan, but all I had was an idea and a wish. That’s not the same as a plan, not at all.’
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
September 26, 2021
A new author to me but was intrigued by the synopsis.
Beverly is a single mother struggling to satisfy the wants and needs of her eight-year-old son Riley as well as keeping her secret. Life is not easy for Beverly, she fears getting too close to anyone in case her secret is discovered and avoids fellow parents at the school gate, scared she will give too much away.
Riley was told that his father died in a car crash eight years ago and now Beverly lives in fear that her secret will be discovered. So when Riley disappears from the garden one afternoon, she knows that he hasn’t just run away.
This was an interesting read but not great, it did hold my attention throughout but would rate it at 3.5 stars.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Beverly is a single mother struggling to satisfy the wants and needs of her eight-year-old son Riley as well as keeping her secret. Life is not easy for Beverly, she fears getting too close to anyone in case her secret is discovered and avoids fellow parents at the school gate, scared she will give too much away.
Riley was told that his father died in a car crash eight years ago and now Beverly lives in fear that her secret will be discovered. So when Riley disappears from the garden one afternoon, she knows that he hasn’t just run away.
This was an interesting read but not great, it did hold my attention throughout but would rate it at 3.5 stars.
I would like to thank both Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2021
Where to begin on reviewing this book? There isn’t a lot that can be said without giving away any spoilers (of which there are a few in this twisty thriller). I thought the beginning was pretty slow, and a little too complicated for a relatively simple book. It had some really good parts, but it also lagged in places too. Overall, I found it to be pretty average, though still an adequate novel.
This is the story of one day in the life of Beverly and her son, Riley. The day was normal and Beverly was making dinner when she realizes Riley is no longer playing in the yard. She has to call the police for help, but she’s terrified. She’s been keeping a lot of secrets and some may be discovered if the police get involved. She has to find her son though…
This wasn’t very fast-paced, and while I was surprised at certain points, I wouldn’t call it a jaw-dropping thriller. It’s a decent story, just a bit slow and far-fetched for me. 3/5 stars for an average thriller/mystery.
(I’d like to thank Bookouture, Nicole Trope and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
This is the story of one day in the life of Beverly and her son, Riley. The day was normal and Beverly was making dinner when she realizes Riley is no longer playing in the yard. She has to call the police for help, but she’s terrified. She’s been keeping a lot of secrets and some may be discovered if the police get involved. She has to find her son though…
This wasn’t very fast-paced, and while I was surprised at certain points, I wouldn’t call it a jaw-dropping thriller. It’s a decent story, just a bit slow and far-fetched for me. 3/5 stars for an average thriller/mystery.
(I’d like to thank Bookouture, Nicole Trope and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.)
October 14, 2021
★★★★ 4.5 stars
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Nicole Trope's exciting domestic thriller THE MOTHER'S FAULT.
Firstly, let me say that I for one am thrilled that Nicole Trope abandoned her law degree in favour of becoming a writer. Imagine all the stories that we would never have enjoyed from her pen? Or, more accurately, her computer these days. All the brilliant tales she's woven that we would have missed? It doesn't bear thinking about. She is one of my most favourite writers that every time one of her books come up, my fingers do the walking and send her latest trope (pun intended) to my kindle. And as always, I was not disappointed.
A quick and easy psychological domestic thriller, THE MOTHER'S FAULT begins with a prologue outlining a gruesome find washed up on a beach, coupled with a bloodied onesie that had been discovered just a week or so before. Then we are delved into the domestic life of a mother and her 8 year old son. But how are the two linked?
Single mother Beverley has a secret. One that, if uncovered, could threaten the life she has built and everything she holds dear. It has given her many a sleepless night and caused her to be incredibly protective her 8 year old son Riley. So much so that whenever anyone starts to get too close she cuts ties with them for fear of being found out.
Eight months ago, Beverley met Ethan who, at thirty years old, was ready to settle down and have a family. She fell in love with him despite all she put at risk by doing so and although Riley didn't take to Ethan immediately, he too grew to love him also. And for a boy who has grown up without a father, Riley longed for one and had thought he had found that in Ethan. But Beverley knew she was risking everything and Ethan, who was like a dog with a bone, kept pursuing the subject of Riley's parentage and the rights of a father. Beverley knew then she had to break up with Ethan before he discovered her secret. The problem then was Riley. He adored Ethan and didn't understand why he suddenly wasn't there anymore...and neither did Ethan.
Then one morning after going through their usual daily routine of breakfast and getting ready for school, they leave the house passing the mailbox as they made their way to her little car. For some reason, despite knowing that the postman didn't deliver until the afternoon, Riley always insists on checking the mailbox every morning on his way to school. Beverley humours him every time with a smile and a heart full of love for her son. Only this time, there is something in the mailbox. A small parcel wrapped in blue paper with silver stars. Riley sees the gift is addressed to him but Beverley is suspicious. Who would send her son gifts and not sign their name? Her thoughts immediately go to Ethan, who has continued to pursue her despite her blocking his every move and refusing to reconcile. Surely he would not try to break her down through her son...would he? Riley opens the gift which is a handball and goes off to school with a spring in his step.
The next morning there is another similarly wrapped gift: this time a for a handbook for a game he and his best friend Benji love to play, Followed by yet another the next morning: this time a robot for Riley to construct. Until the next morning when Riley catches her sneaking out to the mailbox at dawn to intercept an even more expensive gift which turned out to be a games console - the exact same she has been saving up to buy Riley for Christmas. A row between mother and son ensues before she confiscates the console and he sulks all the way to school, refusing to say goodbye to his mum when she drops him off. It's his console, it was addressed to him; she has no right to take it away from him.
But Beverley is angered that Ethan has continued to ply her son with expensive gifts despite her texting him to tell him to stop. He hasn't even answered her calls...and yet he was the one who kept saying they needed to talk. Suddenly, he didn't want to anymore...is that it?
That afternoon, after picking Riley up from school, Beverley had almost acquiesced in allowing him to have the console...but on the condition she speak to Ethan first and Riley send him a thank you email for the generous gift. Riley, thrilled at the prospect of all the games he could play on his new console, raced outside and climbed his tree to sit and play on his iPad until his mum called him for dinner.
Only when Beverley looks up from the chopping of onions and cooking the spaghetti does she find the backyard empty. She looks in the tree to the platform her father had lovingly installed for her older brother James as a child which is Riley's favourite place to be but he isn't there. Frantically, she races outside calling his name. She searches the house, the cupboards, everywhere she could think of but he is nowhere to be found. Calling on friends and neighbours prove to be fruitless also. So with shaky hands she called Triple Zero.
"My son is missing!"
Calling the police was her last resort as she risked them discovering the secret she has fought so hard to keep from seeing the light of day. But she has to find Riley. She couldn't lose him too....not after everything she's been through. But how far will the police delve in their search for her missing son? And just exactly what will they uncover? Could her past be coming back to haunt her? And could she be about to lose Riley just as soon as she finds him again?
THE MOTHER'S FAULT is not the usual missing child story. In fact it occurs a good way into the story that it feels almost secondary to the bigger picture that lurks in the background, blending perfectly as a whole amidst the twists and family drama from both narratives. Beverley and Riley begin as the main narrators to this story with an unnamed person doing their best to tell their side as they see it. About halfway through, the identity of this person seems to become clear...until Nicole throws in another twist big enough to give us whiplash. Many times I thought I had it figured out..until I did upon reveal.
Beverley is an easy-to-like character as we silently cheer her on in her quest to find her son lest the truth be uncovered anyway. She was doing the best she could as a single parent and there was no doubting her love for Riley. As her story gradually unfolded and became clearer, the reader can see why she did what she did and understand her reasoning and motives. But I did question her keeping that truth from Riley. As a child growing up without a father, I think he deserved the truth...even if it was a watered down version of it till he was old enough to understand what happened. The fact that she kept it secret just made things worse as he continued to ask questions about his father - normal questions that any child would ask about an absent parent as to who, what, when, where, how and why? She didn't have to give him every detail...just enough to satisfy his curiosity. Because the tidbits she had fed him in the past were no longer enough to satisfy him as he began to question the truth and imagine his dad out there living his life...as a spy and leaving these awesome gifts for him, as so helpfully suggested by best friend Benji.
Sam, Beverley's neighbour, was another endearing character as was his delightful Scottish Terrier, the highly imaginatively named Scotty. Their inclusion to the story is as enjoyable as it is relevant. Benji is also a delight who we get to meet through Riley's eyes in his narrative which is somewhat entertaining at times. But of course, I have to say the best supporting character award goes to Scotty - who, thankfully, comes to no harm so read with ease! I would have been weeping buckets had he been harmed having just lost my own beloved staffy just three weeks ago...for that loss is still far too raw to be reading about other canines meeting a hasty end.
While I didn't enjoy this as much as my other previous favourites - "The Family Across the Street", "The Boy in the Photo", "The Nowhere Girl" or "The Life She Left Behind" - THE MOTHER'S FAULT is still an engaging and compelling read that will have you turning the pages and keep you guessing right up to the end. The pacing is excellent and the story never lags and I could have quite easily have devoured it in one sitting, had I started it earlier in the evening.
Overall, THE MOTHER'S FAULT is another outstanding offering by Nicole Trope that I have no hesitation in recommending to fans of domestic thrillers and family dramas with a twist.
I would like to thank #NicoleTrope, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheMothersFault in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Nicole Trope's exciting domestic thriller THE MOTHER'S FAULT.
Firstly, let me say that I for one am thrilled that Nicole Trope abandoned her law degree in favour of becoming a writer. Imagine all the stories that we would never have enjoyed from her pen? Or, more accurately, her computer these days. All the brilliant tales she's woven that we would have missed? It doesn't bear thinking about. She is one of my most favourite writers that every time one of her books come up, my fingers do the walking and send her latest trope (pun intended) to my kindle. And as always, I was not disappointed.
A quick and easy psychological domestic thriller, THE MOTHER'S FAULT begins with a prologue outlining a gruesome find washed up on a beach, coupled with a bloodied onesie that had been discovered just a week or so before. Then we are delved into the domestic life of a mother and her 8 year old son. But how are the two linked?
Single mother Beverley has a secret. One that, if uncovered, could threaten the life she has built and everything she holds dear. It has given her many a sleepless night and caused her to be incredibly protective her 8 year old son Riley. So much so that whenever anyone starts to get too close she cuts ties with them for fear of being found out.
Eight months ago, Beverley met Ethan who, at thirty years old, was ready to settle down and have a family. She fell in love with him despite all she put at risk by doing so and although Riley didn't take to Ethan immediately, he too grew to love him also. And for a boy who has grown up without a father, Riley longed for one and had thought he had found that in Ethan. But Beverley knew she was risking everything and Ethan, who was like a dog with a bone, kept pursuing the subject of Riley's parentage and the rights of a father. Beverley knew then she had to break up with Ethan before he discovered her secret. The problem then was Riley. He adored Ethan and didn't understand why he suddenly wasn't there anymore...and neither did Ethan.
Then one morning after going through their usual daily routine of breakfast and getting ready for school, they leave the house passing the mailbox as they made their way to her little car. For some reason, despite knowing that the postman didn't deliver until the afternoon, Riley always insists on checking the mailbox every morning on his way to school. Beverley humours him every time with a smile and a heart full of love for her son. Only this time, there is something in the mailbox. A small parcel wrapped in blue paper with silver stars. Riley sees the gift is addressed to him but Beverley is suspicious. Who would send her son gifts and not sign their name? Her thoughts immediately go to Ethan, who has continued to pursue her despite her blocking his every move and refusing to reconcile. Surely he would not try to break her down through her son...would he? Riley opens the gift which is a handball and goes off to school with a spring in his step.
The next morning there is another similarly wrapped gift: this time a for a handbook for a game he and his best friend Benji love to play, Followed by yet another the next morning: this time a robot for Riley to construct. Until the next morning when Riley catches her sneaking out to the mailbox at dawn to intercept an even more expensive gift which turned out to be a games console - the exact same she has been saving up to buy Riley for Christmas. A row between mother and son ensues before she confiscates the console and he sulks all the way to school, refusing to say goodbye to his mum when she drops him off. It's his console, it was addressed to him; she has no right to take it away from him.
But Beverley is angered that Ethan has continued to ply her son with expensive gifts despite her texting him to tell him to stop. He hasn't even answered her calls...and yet he was the one who kept saying they needed to talk. Suddenly, he didn't want to anymore...is that it?
That afternoon, after picking Riley up from school, Beverley had almost acquiesced in allowing him to have the console...but on the condition she speak to Ethan first and Riley send him a thank you email for the generous gift. Riley, thrilled at the prospect of all the games he could play on his new console, raced outside and climbed his tree to sit and play on his iPad until his mum called him for dinner.
Only when Beverley looks up from the chopping of onions and cooking the spaghetti does she find the backyard empty. She looks in the tree to the platform her father had lovingly installed for her older brother James as a child which is Riley's favourite place to be but he isn't there. Frantically, she races outside calling his name. She searches the house, the cupboards, everywhere she could think of but he is nowhere to be found. Calling on friends and neighbours prove to be fruitless also. So with shaky hands she called Triple Zero.
"My son is missing!"
Calling the police was her last resort as she risked them discovering the secret she has fought so hard to keep from seeing the light of day. But she has to find Riley. She couldn't lose him too....not after everything she's been through. But how far will the police delve in their search for her missing son? And just exactly what will they uncover? Could her past be coming back to haunt her? And could she be about to lose Riley just as soon as she finds him again?
THE MOTHER'S FAULT is not the usual missing child story. In fact it occurs a good way into the story that it feels almost secondary to the bigger picture that lurks in the background, blending perfectly as a whole amidst the twists and family drama from both narratives. Beverley and Riley begin as the main narrators to this story with an unnamed person doing their best to tell their side as they see it. About halfway through, the identity of this person seems to become clear...until Nicole throws in another twist big enough to give us whiplash. Many times I thought I had it figured out..until I did upon reveal.
Beverley is an easy-to-like character as we silently cheer her on in her quest to find her son lest the truth be uncovered anyway. She was doing the best she could as a single parent and there was no doubting her love for Riley. As her story gradually unfolded and became clearer, the reader can see why she did what she did and understand her reasoning and motives. But I did question her keeping that truth from Riley. As a child growing up without a father, I think he deserved the truth...even if it was a watered down version of it till he was old enough to understand what happened. The fact that she kept it secret just made things worse as he continued to ask questions about his father - normal questions that any child would ask about an absent parent as to who, what, when, where, how and why? She didn't have to give him every detail...just enough to satisfy his curiosity. Because the tidbits she had fed him in the past were no longer enough to satisfy him as he began to question the truth and imagine his dad out there living his life...as a spy and leaving these awesome gifts for him, as so helpfully suggested by best friend Benji.
Sam, Beverley's neighbour, was another endearing character as was his delightful Scottish Terrier, the highly imaginatively named Scotty. Their inclusion to the story is as enjoyable as it is relevant. Benji is also a delight who we get to meet through Riley's eyes in his narrative which is somewhat entertaining at times. But of course, I have to say the best supporting character award goes to Scotty - who, thankfully, comes to no harm so read with ease! I would have been weeping buckets had he been harmed having just lost my own beloved staffy just three weeks ago...for that loss is still far too raw to be reading about other canines meeting a hasty end.
While I didn't enjoy this as much as my other previous favourites - "The Family Across the Street", "The Boy in the Photo", "The Nowhere Girl" or "The Life She Left Behind" - THE MOTHER'S FAULT is still an engaging and compelling read that will have you turning the pages and keep you guessing right up to the end. The pacing is excellent and the story never lags and I could have quite easily have devoured it in one sitting, had I started it earlier in the evening.
Overall, THE MOTHER'S FAULT is another outstanding offering by Nicole Trope that I have no hesitation in recommending to fans of domestic thrillers and family dramas with a twist.
I would like to thank #NicoleTrope, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheMothersFault in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
September 15, 2021
Nicole Trope is adept at writing about a family in crisis; an ordinary family going about everyday life when suddenly something changes and then she uses this opportunity to explore how they react. She exposes troubling characters and attempts to redeem them and show readers the motive behind their behaviour. In 'The Mother's Fault,' Trope engages her readers in a fantastic psychological suspense and explores the depths of a mother’s love.
Beverly is a young, single mother with an eight-year-old boy, Riley. Life is anything but ordinary when Riley starts receiving anonymous gifts in the mailbox. Knowing his father is dead and there’s no other male influence in his life at the moment, neither son nor mother can figure out who would be sending such treats. Things escalate until one day Riley goes missing. Beverley knows she has to alert the police and answer their questions, but she’s hesitant about how much she’s willing to reveal. Who is sending the gifts? Why? What is Beverly hiding?
Trope hooks her readers in immediately with her suspenseful prologue and doesn’t let up on the mystery until the final revealing scene. Just as readers think they can predict the ending, she throws in a plot twist and the narrative takes a completely different direction. I love her twists and turns. She has chosen to tell this story from multiple points of view and it’s a terrific way for readers to understand the characters and see their motivation as well as get a better grasp of the situation. She accomplishes her aim of getting readers to relate to each character and this makes the ending so shocking.
Filled to the brim with intrigue and secrets, this story will keep you breathless and racing through the pages until the dramatic conclusion. Running from one’s past is tiring; will Beverly stop or catch her breath in order to keep going? One final reminder: people don’t begin their lives as monsters. Time and circumstance do the dirty work.
Publishes October 15, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Nicole Trope, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Beverly is a young, single mother with an eight-year-old boy, Riley. Life is anything but ordinary when Riley starts receiving anonymous gifts in the mailbox. Knowing his father is dead and there’s no other male influence in his life at the moment, neither son nor mother can figure out who would be sending such treats. Things escalate until one day Riley goes missing. Beverley knows she has to alert the police and answer their questions, but she’s hesitant about how much she’s willing to reveal. Who is sending the gifts? Why? What is Beverly hiding?
Trope hooks her readers in immediately with her suspenseful prologue and doesn’t let up on the mystery until the final revealing scene. Just as readers think they can predict the ending, she throws in a plot twist and the narrative takes a completely different direction. I love her twists and turns. She has chosen to tell this story from multiple points of view and it’s a terrific way for readers to understand the characters and see their motivation as well as get a better grasp of the situation. She accomplishes her aim of getting readers to relate to each character and this makes the ending so shocking.
Filled to the brim with intrigue and secrets, this story will keep you breathless and racing through the pages until the dramatic conclusion. Running from one’s past is tiring; will Beverly stop or catch her breath in order to keep going? One final reminder: people don’t begin their lives as monsters. Time and circumstance do the dirty work.
Publishes October 15, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Nicole Trope, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
September 26, 2021
Crikey this book was intense but brilliant!
Beverly and her son, Riley, live a happy life. Beverly sometimes finds life as a single mother difficult, but she wouldn’t change it for the world. Sadly, she has just spit up with her boyfriend Ethan as she can’t let him get too close as he may discover her big secret. Unfortunately, Beverly doesn’t realise that someone else has their sights on Riley and wants to steal him away from her. Can she keep him safe when she doesn’t know who the enemy is?
This book was so good. Things started heating up in chapter 3 when there was a mysterious narrator. This person reminded me of creepy Joe in “You”, continuously planning and plotting. At around halfway I was sure I knew who the mysterious narrator was, but of course I was wrong as I found out who it really was in the last bit of the book. The changing POV did drive me crazy but in a good way as there was much more suspense that way. The last quarter of the book was extremely intense but also brilliant and I couldn’t put it down. I definitely did not expect the twist!
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t think that the psychopath in the last book I read could be worse, but this book showed me they could! The character was very accurately described as “chilling” by the author, and I whole heartedly agree.
If you love psychological thrillers, you should definitely read this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Nicole Trope for my advanced reading copy. Due out 15th October 2021.
Beverly and her son, Riley, live a happy life. Beverly sometimes finds life as a single mother difficult, but she wouldn’t change it for the world. Sadly, she has just spit up with her boyfriend Ethan as she can’t let him get too close as he may discover her big secret. Unfortunately, Beverly doesn’t realise that someone else has their sights on Riley and wants to steal him away from her. Can she keep him safe when she doesn’t know who the enemy is?
This book was so good. Things started heating up in chapter 3 when there was a mysterious narrator. This person reminded me of creepy Joe in “You”, continuously planning and plotting. At around halfway I was sure I knew who the mysterious narrator was, but of course I was wrong as I found out who it really was in the last bit of the book. The changing POV did drive me crazy but in a good way as there was much more suspense that way. The last quarter of the book was extremely intense but also brilliant and I couldn’t put it down. I definitely did not expect the twist!
All in all, I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t think that the psychopath in the last book I read could be worse, but this book showed me they could! The character was very accurately described as “chilling” by the author, and I whole heartedly agree.
If you love psychological thrillers, you should definitely read this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Nicole Trope for my advanced reading copy. Due out 15th October 2021.
August 28, 2023
Single mother Beverley has a dark and deep secret. If the truth ever came out, there'd be serious consequences. Ever since her son Riley was born, she's been twisting the truth in fear of losing her boy. As a result, Beverley is unable to maintain a romantic relationship and Riley believes that his dad is dead.
One regular morning, a wrapped gift is left anonymously for Riley. Of course, he's delighted but Beverley has her reservations. The theme continues for three more days, each gift more expensive than the other. A wedge between mother and son is formed: something that the gifter was hoping for.
Then, one evening whilst his mother is cooking dinner, Riley disappears. In order to assist the police to safely return her son, Beverley must tell the truth and face up to those consequences she's been running from for so long....
It's been awhile since I last read anything from this author, and The Mother's Fault was a fab re-introduction. Like many of her other books, Nicole cleverly placed red herrings throughout. It's impossible to predict what was going to happen next. Certainly kept me on my toes, guessing til the very end!
4.75 🌟
One regular morning, a wrapped gift is left anonymously for Riley. Of course, he's delighted but Beverley has her reservations. The theme continues for three more days, each gift more expensive than the other. A wedge between mother and son is formed: something that the gifter was hoping for.
Then, one evening whilst his mother is cooking dinner, Riley disappears. In order to assist the police to safely return her son, Beverley must tell the truth and face up to those consequences she's been running from for so long....
It's been awhile since I last read anything from this author, and The Mother's Fault was a fab re-introduction. Like many of her other books, Nicole cleverly placed red herrings throughout. It's impossible to predict what was going to happen next. Certainly kept me on my toes, guessing til the very end!
4.75 🌟
December 7, 2021
Overall, a solid read. Never would have guessed the twist. There were a few little ones in there as well. I did find Beverly irritating at times, overbearing though. I also felt parts were too long and on the slowish side. I did enjoy the child character and I really liked Evan’s role. I’ve rounded up on Goodreads.
February 23, 2023
This one was not my favorite of Nicole's. It's a hard book to discuss without spoilers. Nicole's writing is so intense at times that I feel like it's true crime unfolding, but with this one, there were things that just don't seem plausible. This is a slow paced book. I just thought it was ok.
September 12, 2024
Could not put it down. Had to keep going until the last twist and turn was done.
October 17, 2021
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Mother's Fault' by Nicole Trope.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Nicole Trope, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 15th October 2021.
This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Girl Who Never Came Home' or 'The Family Across The Street' which I also recommend anyone read.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'If you loved The Wife Between Us or The Girl on the Train you’ll be utterly glued to this page-turner.' I am a huge fan of 'The Girl On The Train' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Nicole and if this is half as good as 'The Girl Who Never Came Home' or 'The Family Across The Street' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 50 chapters and 3 epilogues. The chapters medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺.
This book is written in a mix of third and first person perspective and the protagonists are Beverly, Riley and an unknown person. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. To have the benefit of bith first and third person perspective ensures you don't miss out on anything.
'The Mother's Fault' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Nicole discusses/includes mental health.
OMG!!! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! WHAT HAVE I JUST READ!?!?!? Nicole Trope you are a writing legend!!!
This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions that absolutely grip the readers attention and puts them right in the middle of it all listening to the waves on the beach and feeling their heart pounding with Beverly's. This title, cover and synopsis suited it perfectly along with the cover and synopsis.
This book has got to be the most heart racing books I've read I a long time, of not ever!!! It had be hook, line and sinker from the first page and I could not put it down!!! Every time I said one more chapter it ended on a cliffhanger and I just had to know what was going on!!! If you are going to read this then clear your day because it is truly unputdownable. I started this this morning and finished it at 11.30pm reading it in one sitting and although I'm knackered today it was 1000000% worth it!!! I loved that you got to see everything that was going on from Beverly who was in the centre of it all, Riley who was the boy in the middle and an u know person who tells their side of the story. Obviously by the end you discover who it is but I won't say who as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. There were several red herrings as to who this person could be ans I never did guess right. When I found out I was completely shocked which is a huge achievement as Ive read so many books so it is harder and harder to shock me so another HUGE congratulations Nicole!!! It really does make you think how life can change so quickly and different decisions can change a life. It also makes you think how looks can be deceiving. I really liked Beverly from the start and became completely invested in her. Beverly, Riley and all the characters were realistic, well developed and had strong characteristics and personalities. I did absolutely NOT expect that humongous bombshell at all. What an absolute twist!!! I can hand on my heart say that I cannot remember when I was so gobsmacked by a book twist but Nicole you have done just that!!! This book is rammed with suspense and tension and will keep you biting your nails, on the edge of your seat with your heart pounding while your flipping the pages because you just cant stop.
If you read one book on your life, make sure it is this!!!! I would love to see this turned into a movie and Nicole I really hope you are working on your next psychological thriller at this moment because this book will go far!!! A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on what promises to be a MASSIVE success!!!
Overall an absolutely heart racing, nail biting, unputdownable psychological thriller with a bomb shell you will not see coming!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Coming-Of-Age story, Noir Fiction, Crime Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Lisa Jewell, 'Girl On The Train', anyone who has read any of Nicole's previous books AND YOU, YOUR FRIENDS, YOUR FAMILY AND JUST EVERYONE!!! .
302 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheMothersFault #Bookouture #NicoleTrope #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@NicoleTrope @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
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Review for 'The Mother's Fault' by Nicole Trope.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Nicole Trope, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 15th October 2021.
This is the third book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'The Girl Who Never Came Home' or 'The Family Across The Street' which I also recommend anyone read.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'If you loved The Wife Between Us or The Girl on the Train you’ll be utterly glued to this page-turner.' I am a huge fan of 'The Girl On The Train' so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Nicole and if this is half as good as 'The Girl Who Never Came Home' or 'The Family Across The Street' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 50 chapters and 3 epilogues. The chapters medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺.
This book is written in a mix of third and first person perspective and the protagonists are Beverly, Riley and an unknown person. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. To have the benefit of bith first and third person perspective ensures you don't miss out on anything.
'The Mother's Fault' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Nicole discusses/includes mental health.
OMG!!! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! WHAT HAVE I JUST READ!?!?!? Nicole Trope you are a writing legend!!!
This book is fantastically written with vivid descriptions that absolutely grip the readers attention and puts them right in the middle of it all listening to the waves on the beach and feeling their heart pounding with Beverly's. This title, cover and synopsis suited it perfectly along with the cover and synopsis.
This book has got to be the most heart racing books I've read I a long time, of not ever!!! It had be hook, line and sinker from the first page and I could not put it down!!! Every time I said one more chapter it ended on a cliffhanger and I just had to know what was going on!!! If you are going to read this then clear your day because it is truly unputdownable. I started this this morning and finished it at 11.30pm reading it in one sitting and although I'm knackered today it was 1000000% worth it!!! I loved that you got to see everything that was going on from Beverly who was in the centre of it all, Riley who was the boy in the middle and an u know person who tells their side of the story. Obviously by the end you discover who it is but I won't say who as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. There were several red herrings as to who this person could be ans I never did guess right. When I found out I was completely shocked which is a huge achievement as Ive read so many books so it is harder and harder to shock me so another HUGE congratulations Nicole!!! It really does make you think how life can change so quickly and different decisions can change a life. It also makes you think how looks can be deceiving. I really liked Beverly from the start and became completely invested in her. Beverly, Riley and all the characters were realistic, well developed and had strong characteristics and personalities. I did absolutely NOT expect that humongous bombshell at all. What an absolute twist!!! I can hand on my heart say that I cannot remember when I was so gobsmacked by a book twist but Nicole you have done just that!!! This book is rammed with suspense and tension and will keep you biting your nails, on the edge of your seat with your heart pounding while your flipping the pages because you just cant stop.
If you read one book on your life, make sure it is this!!!! I would love to see this turned into a movie and Nicole I really hope you are working on your next psychological thriller at this moment because this book will go far!!! A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on what promises to be a MASSIVE success!!!
Overall an absolutely heart racing, nail biting, unputdownable psychological thriller with a bomb shell you will not see coming!!!
Genres covered in this novel include Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Coming-Of-Age story, Noir Fiction, Crime Fiction and Domestic Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Lisa Jewell, 'Girl On The Train', anyone who has read any of Nicole's previous books AND YOU, YOUR FRIENDS, YOUR FAMILY AND JUST EVERYONE!!! .
302 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheMothersFault #Bookouture #NicoleTrope #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@NicoleTrope @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
October 23, 2021
This was my first book by Nicole Trope so I was very excited to get an early reading copy of The Mother’s Fault and readily jumped in.
It is a tricky one to review without spoilers but in a nutshell our protagonist Beverly and her son Riley are living a quiet life until the day Riley mysteriously disappears from their back yard. The story is told from multiple viewpoints which helps to build the tension as you are taken closer to find out why Riley is missing and can Beverly find him before it’s too late.
After reading reviews I didn’t find it quite as intense as I was expecting but more a slow burn. It was a nice build up to the when the craziness was unleashed and the red herrings that were dropped throughout did a good job of keeping the reader guessing. All in all a great weekend read that will keep you invested until the last page.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the early reading copy.
It is a tricky one to review without spoilers but in a nutshell our protagonist Beverly and her son Riley are living a quiet life until the day Riley mysteriously disappears from their back yard. The story is told from multiple viewpoints which helps to build the tension as you are taken closer to find out why Riley is missing and can Beverly find him before it’s too late.
After reading reviews I didn’t find it quite as intense as I was expecting but more a slow burn. It was a nice build up to the when the craziness was unleashed and the red herrings that were dropped throughout did a good job of keeping the reader guessing. All in all a great weekend read that will keep you invested until the last page.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the early reading copy.
January 21, 2022
I have really enjoyed the majority of this authors books and have given them all five stars bar the last two. The one before this one I gave three and this one unfortunately a two.
The author used to write one really good book a year, now she is churning out a few each year and they just aren’t that good anymore. I really wish she would go back to writing one really good book, I would be happy to wait for it.
It just wasn’t interesting and the twist wasn’t really a twist, more like a mild oh. It wasn’t addictive, thrilling or full of twists.
The author used to write one really good book a year, now she is churning out a few each year and they just aren’t that good anymore. I really wish she would go back to writing one really good book, I would be happy to wait for it.
It just wasn’t interesting and the twist wasn’t really a twist, more like a mild oh. It wasn’t addictive, thrilling or full of twists.
December 18, 2022
The Mother's Fault by Nicole Trope was another superb book and had me gripped from the beginning till the very end. Nicole writes her book with so much care etc that will have you just gripped and is always a great read.
Plus, she is an author I look out for when she has a new book due out.
I highly recommend all her books. They have all been brilliant!
Big thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Plus, she is an author I look out for when she has a new book due out.
I highly recommend all her books. They have all been brilliant!
Big thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2023
Intense, fast paced, twisty and very cleverly written. I thoroughly enjoyed my first book by Nicole Trope and I look forward to more
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