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The Island Mother
Midsommar meets White Lotus in this supernatural thriller centered around an emotionally codependent woman on the run from her own life. She finds paradise, but it may come at a cost that she's unable to pay...
Leigh Ramos - a woman on the run from her ex-boyfriend and the dangerous life she left behind - is starting over in Hawaii with a new name and hopes to leave her past behind her.
She’s doing okay. A new job. Great friends. And a love interest in her new boss. But something seems off. The itch to run is back and the island seems to be rejecting her at every turn.
"An edge of your seat page-turner."
"An intriguing supernatural thriller with lots of horror elements, keeping THIS reader flipping pages till the very end."
There’s a darkness looming on the island and it seems that the only thing that will save them is a sacrifice that will cost a little bit of something from everyone.
Will this new life be all that she’s ever wished for or is the island going to claim her too?
From author Jon Cohn, comes the next great horror book that blends danger, supernatural creatures, and the unknown into an unforgettable read.
Leigh Ramos - a woman on the run from her ex-boyfriend and the dangerous life she left behind - is starting over in Hawaii with a new name and hopes to leave her past behind her.
She’s doing okay. A new job. Great friends. And a love interest in her new boss. But something seems off. The itch to run is back and the island seems to be rejecting her at every turn.
"An edge of your seat page-turner."
"An intriguing supernatural thriller with lots of horror elements, keeping THIS reader flipping pages till the very end."
There’s a darkness looming on the island and it seems that the only thing that will save them is a sacrifice that will cost a little bit of something from everyone.
Will this new life be all that she’s ever wished for or is the island going to claim her too?
From author Jon Cohn, comes the next great horror book that blends danger, supernatural creatures, and the unknown into an unforgettable read.
- GenresHorror
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 13, 2022
About the author
Jon Cohn
20 books471 followersJon Cohn is the award winning author of "The Island Mother." His latest novel, "Slashtag," is a horror-satire currently available on ebook, paperback, KU, and Audiobook! For more info visit www.slashtaginsider.com
Writer, Board Game Designer & Horror Fanatic
Jon has been a member of the games community since 2016, designing narrative-focused horror experiences like Grind House, and having the absolute joy of contributing to his favorite franchises like Ghostbusters and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter @joncohnauthor.
He would also love to give you free stuff like stories, audiobooks, and games by signing up for his mailing list at joncohnauthor.com.
He lives in San Diego with his incredibly supportive wife Delaney, and two little monsters named Gizmo and Luna.
Writer, Board Game Designer & Horror Fanatic
Jon has been a member of the games community since 2016, designing narrative-focused horror experiences like Grind House, and having the absolute joy of contributing to his favorite franchises like Ghostbusters and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter @joncohnauthor.
He would also love to give you free stuff like stories, audiobooks, and games by signing up for his mailing list at joncohnauthor.com.
He lives in San Diego with his incredibly supportive wife Delaney, and two little monsters named Gizmo and Luna.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 11, 2022
Well, while I pretty much exclusively read romance books these days, I took a chance on this when I saw it on Booksprout as it's set in Hawai‘i, and I'm so glad I did!
First of all, huge kudos to the author for all of the research he must have done and the way he included all of these small details in the dialogue and descriptions to make Hawai‘i feel authentic. I'm Hawaiian and was born and raised on the Big Island where this story happens to take place, and it's very difficult for authors to make Hawai‘i feel real. While there were still some moments where phrases/actions seemed unrealistic, for the most part, he had it all down. I seriously had to LOL when the pidgin just came out of nowhere, in addition to the quip about smacking the geckos with a broom (that was amazing).
Along similar lines, the characterization was incredibly good. There were subtle differences in the speech patterns depending on who was speaking (like the pidgin) and it really made all of the characters feel distinct. It's also written through Kai, Lani, and Jesse's POVs so the differences in tone when switching between the characters made them feel really dimensional.
As for the plot, it was incredibly intriguing and I loved the blend of mystery, suspense, and the small hint of romance. I was able to guess a couple of things correctly by the time we got to the final reveal, but definitely not all of it. Also, thank f*ck for that epilogue because as I was reading the end of the final chapter I was nearly ready to throw the book out the window in frustration, but then I read the epilogue and all was right in the world again.
The main thing that's keeping this at 4-stars for me is that I still have some questions about why certain things happened. Just to name a few, I'm still not entirely sure what Charlotte's whole deal was and the Howards still seemed a bit out of place for me.
Finally, on an additional side note (I'm not factoring this into my rating though as it's not really something anyone else would really notice or care about), the spelling of the Hawaiian words was a little inconsistent. The most obvious case is that "Hawai‘i" is sometimes spelled with the diacritical mark (although the actual keystroke for the ‘ is incorrect in the book), and in some cases it's omitted and spelled as "Hawaii." While I definitely appreciate the thought given to including the ‘okina, it feels weird to only see it some of the time. Following that train of thought, if the author wants to include the ‘okinas then I feel like it should also be included in the other Hawaiian words? ‘Ohana, for instance, also has the diacritical mark but it's omitted in the book. Other Hawaiian words (like Nāmako) are also missing kahakōs but I've found that most published works tend not to include them so I don't know if that's standard practice. Either way, in my opinion, if you're going to use the Americanized versions of the word then I would do it consistently, and if you're going to go with the actual Hawaiian spellings then I feel you should also use that consistently. It was just a little weird to see the mix of the two in the story.
But overall, this was a great read; I was so intrigued by the story that I read it all in one sitting and I think the author did such an excellent job. I am leaving this review coluntarily.
First of all, huge kudos to the author for all of the research he must have done and the way he included all of these small details in the dialogue and descriptions to make Hawai‘i feel authentic. I'm Hawaiian and was born and raised on the Big Island where this story happens to take place, and it's very difficult for authors to make Hawai‘i feel real. While there were still some moments where phrases/actions seemed unrealistic, for the most part, he had it all down. I seriously had to LOL when the pidgin just came out of nowhere, in addition to the quip about smacking the geckos with a broom (that was amazing).
Along similar lines, the characterization was incredibly good. There were subtle differences in the speech patterns depending on who was speaking (like the pidgin) and it really made all of the characters feel distinct. It's also written through Kai, Lani, and Jesse's POVs so the differences in tone when switching between the characters made them feel really dimensional.
As for the plot, it was incredibly intriguing and I loved the blend of mystery, suspense, and the small hint of romance. I was able to guess a couple of things correctly by the time we got to the final reveal, but definitely not all of it. Also, thank f*ck for that epilogue because as I was reading the end of the final chapter I was nearly ready to throw the book out the window in frustration, but then I read the epilogue and all was right in the world again.
The main thing that's keeping this at 4-stars for me is that I still have some questions about why certain things happened. Just to name a few, I'm still not entirely sure what Charlotte's whole deal was and the Howards still seemed a bit out of place for me.
Finally, on an additional side note (I'm not factoring this into my rating though as it's not really something anyone else would really notice or care about), the spelling of the Hawaiian words was a little inconsistent. The most obvious case is that "Hawai‘i" is sometimes spelled with the diacritical mark (although the actual keystroke for the ‘ is incorrect in the book), and in some cases it's omitted and spelled as "Hawaii." While I definitely appreciate the thought given to including the ‘okina, it feels weird to only see it some of the time. Following that train of thought, if the author wants to include the ‘okinas then I feel like it should also be included in the other Hawaiian words? ‘Ohana, for instance, also has the diacritical mark but it's omitted in the book. Other Hawaiian words (like Nāmako) are also missing kahakōs but I've found that most published works tend not to include them so I don't know if that's standard practice. Either way, in my opinion, if you're going to use the Americanized versions of the word then I would do it consistently, and if you're going to go with the actual Hawaiian spellings then I feel you should also use that consistently. It was just a little weird to see the mix of the two in the story.
But overall, this was a great read; I was so intrigued by the story that I read it all in one sitting and I think the author did such an excellent job. I am leaving this review coluntarily.
December 19, 2023
i was either bored out of my mind while reading this or having 'wtf am i reading' moment (not in a good way), but at least the writing wasn't terrible, so do with that as you will😅
May 27, 2022
A story about a woman who is running from her past and a bad relationship. A mystery story with horror and supernatural themes thrown in. It’s an exciting read and keeps the reader at the edge of their seat until the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this one - I liked that it has mystery, horror, and supernatural elements. It's very intriguing from the start and keeps your interest throughout. Entertaining read. A page-turner. This is the first I've read from Jon Cohn and look forward to reading more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2022
Loved all the characters. The story was unique. Horror meets White Lotus.
March 16, 2026
When Leigh is sent on a dangerous delivery for her drug-dealer boyfriend, she decides it’s the perfect moment to start a completely new life. Not just a new life—one as far away from her current home as possible: Hawaii. At first, everything seems perfect. New job, new beau, new identity. But then the nightmares begin, and she quickly realizes she’s not the only one leading a double life.
I have a habit of diving into books without reading the synopsis, and with Jon Cohn’s work, that approach is always a thrill. I never know where the story will take me, and I rarely predict what will happen next. The Island Mother was no exception. I had absolutely no idea what Kai’s true intentions were when he took Leigh under his wing, and I’m still stunned by Leigh’s choices at the end.
Island horror is fun on its own, but Jon Cohn’s take on it? Absolutely perfect. If you’re craving a tropical adventure layered with psychological dread, this book is an absolute must-read.
I have a habit of diving into books without reading the synopsis, and with Jon Cohn’s work, that approach is always a thrill. I never know where the story will take me, and I rarely predict what will happen next. The Island Mother was no exception. I had absolutely no idea what Kai’s true intentions were when he took Leigh under his wing, and I’m still stunned by Leigh’s choices at the end.
Island horror is fun on its own, but Jon Cohn’s take on it? Absolutely perfect. If you’re craving a tropical adventure layered with psychological dread, this book is an absolute must-read.
Read
July 22, 2022A edge of your seat good read!!! I feel sorry for Leigh and her struggles, even though she is in Hawaii...well, I don't want to give any spoilers. Read this book soon but be warned, you can't put it down!!
June 26, 2023
This book is unlike anything I've read before. It's well written and the imagery is amazing. There's a good balance between thriller, and super natural horror. The characters are relatable and well developed and overall it's a quality read! I can't wait to check out more by this author. Highly recommend!
August 26, 2022
This book was amazing! It had a lot of twists and turns and you never knew what to expect! It had me on the edge of my seat and once I started it, I refused to put it down until I finished it!.
July 12, 2022
I am a big fan of all things horror and this book does not disappoint! It’s a slow tension build but the payoff is totally worth it. Very fast easy read. Even though it is set In 2004 it still feels very relevant to todays world climate. Perfect little horror story for a vacation read.
February 25, 2023
I received this book as an ARC in 2022. I read it and wrote a review, but somehow it was missing on my Goodreads, as the author asked me for it.
Thinking I still had the review saved, I said I would post it later. However it was missing from my files as well.
Before getting to the review I want to apologize for the delay, Jon. I’ve been going through a lot of personal bs. & certain things about Leigh Ramos’s backstory were triggering to reread.
I still don’t know what happened and why a review wasn’t posted when I thought I originally submitted it.
But, to the review:
The book starts with just the right pacing. I like how the main characters each have chapters from their points of view.
As the book progresses, I’m glad it doesn’t immediately jump into the “supernatural horrors,” but gives just enough to raise the hairs and give you goose flesh, knowing something is off.
As I neared the end, I thought wait when will we get the “supernatural horrors,” but by the book’s conclusion, I’m surprised that it ended the way it did.
Thinking I still had the review saved, I said I would post it later. However it was missing from my files as well.
Before getting to the review I want to apologize for the delay, Jon. I’ve been going through a lot of personal bs. & certain things about Leigh Ramos’s backstory were triggering to reread.
I still don’t know what happened and why a review wasn’t posted when I thought I originally submitted it.
But, to the review:
The book starts with just the right pacing. I like how the main characters each have chapters from their points of view.
As the book progresses, I’m glad it doesn’t immediately jump into the “supernatural horrors,” but gives just enough to raise the hairs and give you goose flesh, knowing something is off.
As I neared the end, I thought wait when will we get the “supernatural horrors,” but by the book’s conclusion, I’m surprised that it ended the way it did.
July 19, 2022
The book is Amazing
This book is excellent. It’s really well written. More important, it's pure excitement. When reading the book, I can almost hear the southern twang in the heroin’s’ voice. This book got my attention almost immediately, and it kept that attention until I finished it. I have no idea how long it took me to read it. All I know is that I read it in one sitting and I then immediately looked for other books he has written. I guess he doesn't have any right now but there will be another soon. I most strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Whether you are a PhD in philosophy or a senior in high school (some of the terms are a bit raunchy but well placed) you will love this book. I am sure of it. The last book that grabbed all of my attention like this was the DaVinci Code. That was also a good one.
This book is excellent. It’s really well written. More important, it's pure excitement. When reading the book, I can almost hear the southern twang in the heroin’s’ voice. This book got my attention almost immediately, and it kept that attention until I finished it. I have no idea how long it took me to read it. All I know is that I read it in one sitting and I then immediately looked for other books he has written. I guess he doesn't have any right now but there will be another soon. I most strongly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Whether you are a PhD in philosophy or a senior in high school (some of the terms are a bit raunchy but well placed) you will love this book. I am sure of it. The last book that grabbed all of my attention like this was the DaVinci Code. That was also a good one.
May 26, 2025
I hear a familiar voice whisper out to me. It’s you.
What I would like to do here at the beginning of my review of Jon Cohn's "The Island Mother" - which I want everyone to understand I thoroughly enjoyed before I go much further - is to try and summarize my reactions as astutely and perhaps even with great serendipity as euphoniously (great gods of sea and lava but I love adverbs!) as I possibly can. With that in mind, friends, here goes, see if you can understand where I'm going with my thought process: What. The. Actual. Fvck. Was. THAT?
The Island Mother. Fuck me sideways with a chainsaw.
It should be no surprise to anyone that for someone that reads as much as I do, that often the thought of maybe, just maybe, writing something myself pops into my head. My handicap, if you will, is neither a lack of training or perhaps better said, exposure to languages or even vocabulary. And I can definitely still type so fast that I am available to take dictation if you can meet my price (hint: you can't). No, my reluctance to try the art myself lies primarily with the whole invention side of things, including plot, characters, and to continue my bout of elegance, "all that jazz". But honestly, I am amazed at how writers come up with ideas that deserve more than a brief paragraph of discussion and wonder quite often how they manage to do so, sometimes with such abundance as to - gasp - even release more than one book within a given lifetime.
Ohana means family … Family means taking care of everyone.
However, I think if I took every course - on-line or with "live" humans involved - available to me on how one goes about this creative process, I wouldn't even fathom how Cohn managed to come up with the plot of "TIM" (and if that makes it sound like some dystopian-worthy and all-powerful AI being, all the better!). Just to QUICKLY summarize: young lost soul always running, selling meth in Kentucky, holy cow RUN! them toothless freaks ain't right, Hawai'i you say?, aloha, oh hello Goddess, baby's here, holy cow RUN SOME MORE! Got that? And I didn't even begin to scratch the surface of all the available and interesting wildlife including dead rotting whales - noting 'There’s beauty in everything if you know where to look - even in a rotting whale' - scads and scads of self-sacrificing rats, finger-eating chicken tender thieves, picnic table scorpions, and thumb-eating eels.
I only hope this hasn’t also forever tainted chicken fingers for those poor kids.
Yet Cohn really pulls things off no less than extremely well. The characters - despite the plot (or because of it? he asked sagaciously) [yeah, I'm googling these words faster than I can think of their most basic forms!] - are almost all without exception extremely believable. Is everyone likeable? Hardly… and I think that includes our protagonist, too. Mysterious? In many ways, sure, it definitely grows into a major deal as we progress. I mean, while this whole extremely weird combination of Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" plus some parts of "Fantasia" with some of the good bits in "Constantine" thrown in is just so, so, SO out there! I keep seeing other reviewers compare it to some, well, meth-fueled version of "White Lotus". But I've never seen that so naturally that means I have to disagree and scream about muh freedum. Oh and speaking of Disney, I counted 26 uses of the word 'ohana resp. Ohana' which was really cool for me because that's my dog's name. That's gotta be worth a couple of stars, right?
Family doesn’t tie each other up and feed them to fish monsters!
Overall then, the execution is just about as perfect as it could be. The pacing is lightning fast - like when you realize just how fast surfboards actually go fast - and all the locations we come across seem more than plausible and well-researched. And I'm sure I'd go ahead and add a lot more to this review, but I'm still sort of shaking my head at what started off as a good suspense story, kept right on chugging along with same, threw in some unexpected fantasy bits and then kicked us fully in the Great Kahunas - or giggle berries, your call - in terms of wrapping things up with a wee truckload full of horror. I think. Honestly when that conglomeration of lifeforms crawls out of the surf, it was definitely pee yourself time in that regard.
I shudder under a shroud of death and ecstasy.
OK, I hoped that help. In conclusion: read this book. But damn, I could really go for a piña colada or seven right about now. No wait, let me check the ingredients. Nope, sorry, no can do (I'm deathly allergic to coconut, go figure). Kanapapiki!
P.S.
Bee kicky sticky, ooh tokey dokey. La migo, say papa heynoo.
What I would like to do here at the beginning of my review of Jon Cohn's "The Island Mother" - which I want everyone to understand I thoroughly enjoyed before I go much further - is to try and summarize my reactions as astutely and perhaps even with great serendipity as euphoniously (great gods of sea and lava but I love adverbs!) as I possibly can. With that in mind, friends, here goes, see if you can understand where I'm going with my thought process: What. The. Actual. Fvck. Was. THAT?
The Island Mother. Fuck me sideways with a chainsaw.
It should be no surprise to anyone that for someone that reads as much as I do, that often the thought of maybe, just maybe, writing something myself pops into my head. My handicap, if you will, is neither a lack of training or perhaps better said, exposure to languages or even vocabulary. And I can definitely still type so fast that I am available to take dictation if you can meet my price (hint: you can't). No, my reluctance to try the art myself lies primarily with the whole invention side of things, including plot, characters, and to continue my bout of elegance, "all that jazz". But honestly, I am amazed at how writers come up with ideas that deserve more than a brief paragraph of discussion and wonder quite often how they manage to do so, sometimes with such abundance as to - gasp - even release more than one book within a given lifetime.
Ohana means family … Family means taking care of everyone.
However, I think if I took every course - on-line or with "live" humans involved - available to me on how one goes about this creative process, I wouldn't even fathom how Cohn managed to come up with the plot of "TIM" (and if that makes it sound like some dystopian-worthy and all-powerful AI being, all the better!). Just to QUICKLY summarize: young lost soul always running, selling meth in Kentucky, holy cow RUN! them toothless freaks ain't right, Hawai'i you say?, aloha, oh hello Goddess, baby's here, holy cow RUN SOME MORE! Got that? And I didn't even begin to scratch the surface of all the available and interesting wildlife including dead rotting whales - noting 'There’s beauty in everything if you know where to look - even in a rotting whale' - scads and scads of self-sacrificing rats, finger-eating chicken tender thieves, picnic table scorpions, and thumb-eating eels.
I only hope this hasn’t also forever tainted chicken fingers for those poor kids.
Yet Cohn really pulls things off no less than extremely well. The characters - despite the plot (or because of it? he asked sagaciously) [yeah, I'm googling these words faster than I can think of their most basic forms!] - are almost all without exception extremely believable. Is everyone likeable? Hardly… and I think that includes our protagonist, too. Mysterious? In many ways, sure, it definitely grows into a major deal as we progress. I mean, while this whole extremely weird combination of Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" plus some parts of "Fantasia" with some of the good bits in "Constantine" thrown in is just so, so, SO out there! I keep seeing other reviewers compare it to some, well, meth-fueled version of "White Lotus". But I've never seen that so naturally that means I have to disagree and scream about muh freedum. Oh and speaking of Disney, I counted 26 uses of the word 'ohana resp. Ohana' which was really cool for me because that's my dog's name. That's gotta be worth a couple of stars, right?
Family doesn’t tie each other up and feed them to fish monsters!
Overall then, the execution is just about as perfect as it could be. The pacing is lightning fast - like when you realize just how fast surfboards actually go fast - and all the locations we come across seem more than plausible and well-researched. And I'm sure I'd go ahead and add a lot more to this review, but I'm still sort of shaking my head at what started off as a good suspense story, kept right on chugging along with same, threw in some unexpected fantasy bits and then kicked us fully in the Great Kahunas - or giggle berries, your call - in terms of wrapping things up with a wee truckload full of horror. I think. Honestly when that conglomeration of lifeforms crawls out of the surf, it was definitely pee yourself time in that regard.
I shudder under a shroud of death and ecstasy.
OK, I hoped that help. In conclusion: read this book. But damn, I could really go for a piña colada or seven right about now. No wait, let me check the ingredients. Nope, sorry, no can do (I'm deathly allergic to coconut, go figure). Kanapapiki!
P.S.
Bee kicky sticky, ooh tokey dokey. La migo, say papa heynoo.
September 1, 2022
Then another realization hits me: I’d rather die than go back to that life.
Holy shit (excuse the language) what can I say about this book. I haven't read many horror stories lately and this one did not disappoint. It had a few moments where I was left waiting for the plot to move along, but boy when it did... everything happened all at once!
The Island Mother is told through three different perspectives. Leigh (Lani), Jesse and Kai. Each person's story leaves you gripping your seat because the chapters shift to another POV at the most intense moments of the story. I spent a lot of time on the edge of my seat with this one.
The story starts out intensely and only lets up, momentarily, when our main character arrives in Hawaii after deciding to leave her meth dealing boyfriend and start a new life. Leigh decides to start over in Hawaii by naming herself Lani. She finds a job at an island resort, but things appear a little strange about the people working there. Lani soon learns that not everything is as it seems. Will she trust the itch that tells her it's time to leave? Or is it already too late for her? Is the new love that she developed enough to survive the weirdness coming from her time on the island? Is it enough to save her from Jesse?
I was chosen for a higher purpose, spent a whole life running so that I could end up here... This is my ohana, and I am the Island Mother.
The creep factor of this book is so well written at times I found myself spooked out in broad daylight! Also, I have developed a new fear of birds thanks to Jon Cohn. The book masterfully creates a beautiful island getaway which is not at all what it appears to be. I have to say though I saw some of the events coming in this book they were written so wonderfully that I did not mind! The characters are so well rounded that it's impossible not to fall into the story. A perfect read for the spooky season for sure.
Holy shit (excuse the language) what can I say about this book. I haven't read many horror stories lately and this one did not disappoint. It had a few moments where I was left waiting for the plot to move along, but boy when it did... everything happened all at once!
The Island Mother is told through three different perspectives. Leigh (Lani), Jesse and Kai. Each person's story leaves you gripping your seat because the chapters shift to another POV at the most intense moments of the story. I spent a lot of time on the edge of my seat with this one.
The story starts out intensely and only lets up, momentarily, when our main character arrives in Hawaii after deciding to leave her meth dealing boyfriend and start a new life. Leigh decides to start over in Hawaii by naming herself Lani. She finds a job at an island resort, but things appear a little strange about the people working there. Lani soon learns that not everything is as it seems. Will she trust the itch that tells her it's time to leave? Or is it already too late for her? Is the new love that she developed enough to survive the weirdness coming from her time on the island? Is it enough to save her from Jesse?
I was chosen for a higher purpose, spent a whole life running so that I could end up here... This is my ohana, and I am the Island Mother.
The creep factor of this book is so well written at times I found myself spooked out in broad daylight! Also, I have developed a new fear of birds thanks to Jon Cohn. The book masterfully creates a beautiful island getaway which is not at all what it appears to be. I have to say though I saw some of the events coming in this book they were written so wonderfully that I did not mind! The characters are so well rounded that it's impossible not to fall into the story. A perfect read for the spooky season for sure.
August 10, 2024
I swear Jon Cohn cannot write a bad book. Everything I've read from this man I've fallen in love with, and The Island Mother is now a very happy addition to that list!
Let's talk characters: Jesse is the classic charming, Southern gentleman who will protect his woman from anything, but abusers always show their true colours in the end. Kai is a golden retriever who says all the right things and takes care of everyone, but you can never trust the pretty ones. Leigh has been running her entire life and bouncing from one bad decision to the next, but now she's done running.
Jon wrote these characters so well; I'm actually a little mad about it (read as very mad). I really liked Kai a lot for most of the book but he absolutely sucks! I kind of liked Jesse off and on then he'd say something and I'd be reminded how actually terrible he is and hate myself for ever even liking him at all. I was getting frustrated with Leigh for some of her decisions, but she turned out to be the best character in the book! And I've been singing Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride in my head for hours! See, I'm definitely not mad at all....
I'm not really familiar with much of Hawaiian legend, so I liked getting to know a little piece of their culture and legends through The Island Mother. The story of Pele and Namaka was presented with a lot of love and respect for the culture, and I enjoyed getting to learn more about Hawaiian creation myth, which then sent me on a deep dive through various mythologies while I considered the Creation/Destruction dichotomy in this myth.
The ending was one of the most satisfying I've ever read, truth be told. Leigh's character grew so much and she took that final step to completely put her past behind her and move forward in a way she never could before; it was a crazy poetic moment. I loved it for her character and it brought her life in Kentucky and Hawaii together in a truly spectacular way.
Jon is an instant buy for me. No matter what I'm in the mood for, I really can't go wrong with a Jon Cohn book.
Let's talk characters: Jesse is the classic charming, Southern gentleman who will protect his woman from anything, but abusers always show their true colours in the end. Kai is a golden retriever who says all the right things and takes care of everyone, but you can never trust the pretty ones. Leigh has been running her entire life and bouncing from one bad decision to the next, but now she's done running.
Jon wrote these characters so well; I'm actually a little mad about it (read as very mad). I really liked Kai a lot for most of the book but he absolutely sucks! I kind of liked Jesse off and on then he'd say something and I'd be reminded how actually terrible he is and hate myself for ever even liking him at all. I was getting frustrated with Leigh for some of her decisions, but she turned out to be the best character in the book! And I've been singing Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride in my head for hours! See, I'm definitely not mad at all....
I'm not really familiar with much of Hawaiian legend, so I liked getting to know a little piece of their culture and legends through The Island Mother. The story of Pele and Namaka was presented with a lot of love and respect for the culture, and I enjoyed getting to learn more about Hawaiian creation myth, which then sent me on a deep dive through various mythologies while I considered the Creation/Destruction dichotomy in this myth.
The ending was one of the most satisfying I've ever read, truth be told. Leigh's character grew so much and she took that final step to completely put her past behind her and move forward in a way she never could before; it was a crazy poetic moment. I loved it for her character and it brought her life in Kentucky and Hawaii together in a truly spectacular way.
Jon is an instant buy for me. No matter what I'm in the mood for, I really can't go wrong with a Jon Cohn book.
June 14, 2023
“𝒮𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓊𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓇𝓊𝓃𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝒮𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓊𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓇𝓊𝓃𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝒮𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓇𝓊𝓃𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓁𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝓅𝒶𝓉𝒽."
I’m so speechless, terrified and shocked! Wow I did not expect that ending, it was perfect but wow!
The Island Mother is the perfect horror book for the summer with the Hawaiian setting, fast paced and action packed story.
Leigh Ramos is running from a life she never wanted. After she escaped from her drug dealer boyfriend Leigh ended up fleeing to Hawaii where her life is going to turn upside down the way she would never expected…
I don’t even know how to express how perfect and unexpected this story was! It was emotional, terrifying and shocking in the same time. Loved the storyline, the writing and these amazing characters. Leigh is such a strong character!
Now it’s official that Jon Cohn is became my new favorite author! He writes the most craziest and unforgettable scenes! Like the chicken finger incident. If you know you know! It was both gruesome and fun in the same time, it was insane!
I couldn’t put the book down it was incredible and addicting like Jon’s books! I’m obsessed with the stories his writing. The Island Mother just like Slashtag became my new favorite books!
I highly recommend reading this book! You’re not going regret reading it if you want a fascinating, fast paced horror novel.
What are you waiting for it’s a perfect read for the summer!
I had such a fun time reading this book!
I’m so speechless, terrified and shocked! Wow I did not expect that ending, it was perfect but wow!
The Island Mother is the perfect horror book for the summer with the Hawaiian setting, fast paced and action packed story.
Leigh Ramos is running from a life she never wanted. After she escaped from her drug dealer boyfriend Leigh ended up fleeing to Hawaii where her life is going to turn upside down the way she would never expected…
I don’t even know how to express how perfect and unexpected this story was! It was emotional, terrifying and shocking in the same time. Loved the storyline, the writing and these amazing characters. Leigh is such a strong character!
Now it’s official that Jon Cohn is became my new favorite author! He writes the most craziest and unforgettable scenes! Like the chicken finger incident. If you know you know! It was both gruesome and fun in the same time, it was insane!
I couldn’t put the book down it was incredible and addicting like Jon’s books! I’m obsessed with the stories his writing. The Island Mother just like Slashtag became my new favorite books!
I highly recommend reading this book! You’re not going regret reading it if you want a fascinating, fast paced horror novel.
What are you waiting for it’s a perfect read for the summer!
I had such a fun time reading this book!
April 11, 2024
Another great book from John Cohn!
This book is a slow burn. Our main character Leigh/Lani runs away from her boyfriend and picks Hawaii to go to. She finds a resort to work at and everything seems slightly off. People will make comments about how something that shouldn't impact them all that much will be bad news for everyone but when Lani asks about it, they say "never mind" and walk away. It's very well done since nothing is obviously wrong but something is wrong. And then interspersed, you get really weird things happening, which everyone else just brushes off.
And then towards the end, everything goes nuts as we (finally) find out what's going on. And the ending was so satisfying. I was a bit "meh" at first with where I thought the author was taking us, but it went in a different direction and I loved it.
This book is a slow burn. Our main character Leigh/Lani runs away from her boyfriend and picks Hawaii to go to. She finds a resort to work at and everything seems slightly off. People will make comments about how something that shouldn't impact them all that much will be bad news for everyone but when Lani asks about it, they say "never mind" and walk away. It's very well done since nothing is obviously wrong but something is wrong. And then interspersed, you get really weird things happening, which everyone else just brushes off.
And then towards the end, everything goes nuts as we (finally) find out what's going on. And the ending was so satisfying. I was a bit "meh" at first with where I thought the author was taking us, but it went in a different direction and I loved it.
July 25, 2022
We have decided to choose The Island Mother by Jon Cohn for our "Thrillers, Chillers, & Wine" book club! I was first introduced to his book by Bunny during his book tour and was not quite sure if it was a good fit. After reading it all through on launch day I am now hooked. Don't be fooled by the cover it is much more then just a beach read. You will be surprised by some of the horror aspects. It is very much similar to a White Lotus and Southern Book Club guide, do not miss this one if you are a genre nerd like me 8)
July 27, 2022
I have been following this author for awhile, I was waiting for him to drop this book, as soon as he did I ran to amazon and got myself a copy...
Leigh Ramos is my favorite character, she is so cool. I love that the author added so many little details about the Island and the characters.
If you like horror books you can't miss this one, for sure! If you haven't tried this genre, this is an amazing book to get you started and hooked. You will be at the edge of your seat until you turn the last page
Leigh Ramos is my favorite character, she is so cool. I love that the author added so many little details about the Island and the characters.
If you like horror books you can't miss this one, for sure! If you haven't tried this genre, this is an amazing book to get you started and hooked. You will be at the edge of your seat until you turn the last page
September 14, 2022
A page-turning horror novel where the heroine thought all she had to worry about was a drug-dealing boyfriend, but she finds that paradise wears a mask where nothing is what it seems, but hides terrifying gods and monsters that are frighteningly real, especially when they demand sacrifices to keep paradise beautiful and tourist-friendly.
Read the rest of the review at http://www.ismellsheep.com/2022/08/bo...
Read the rest of the review at http://www.ismellsheep.com/2022/08/bo...
August 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I thought the characters were interesting and well written. Seeing different parts of the story from the POV of different characters was really interesting, and added to the development of the plot. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the narrators. I often don't like books with multiple narrators but I thought this one was really well done. I'm impressed at how Tim Dadabo made the characters of Kai and Jesse sound so different! A thoroughly entertaining book! I'm looking forward to more Jon Cohn!
July 29, 2022
Amazing read!
I can say that this book gave me nightmares, it felt so real. Spoiler alert!: Leigh is running from her ex boyfriend and the life they were living together, she was tired of getting in harm's way. Super risky since him and his family are dangerous. Their cat and mouse game kept me super interested and entertained. John knows how to keep his readers glued to his book. I can't wait to read more from this author 😀
I can say that this book gave me nightmares, it felt so real. Spoiler alert!: Leigh is running from her ex boyfriend and the life they were living together, she was tired of getting in harm's way. Super risky since him and his family are dangerous. Their cat and mouse game kept me super interested and entertained. John knows how to keep his readers glued to his book. I can't wait to read more from this author 😀
August 31, 2022
The author does a great job of world-building, and setting the novel in a fantastical place and time.
There is a lot of Nature vs Nurture in this tale, and somehow the final answer is a bit of both.
I liked the ups and downs and the way the author didn't shy away from darker moments.
Meanwhile, the background and back story are compelling and draw you in. It all leads up to an epic conclusion is absolutely right for the book. Well done indeed.
There is a lot of Nature vs Nurture in this tale, and somehow the final answer is a bit of both.
I liked the ups and downs and the way the author didn't shy away from darker moments.
Meanwhile, the background and back story are compelling and draw you in. It all leads up to an epic conclusion is absolutely right for the book. Well done indeed.
July 25, 2022
I love horror novels but "The Island Mother" takes the cake! Super interesting and unpredictable. I was hit with the unexpected over and over again. The author knows how to keep you on your toes, it's so addictive that I had to finish the book before I was able to put it down. No spoilers but Leigh Ramos is a tough cookie
April 22, 2023
Jon Cohn's Island Mother is a creepy, horrific foray into one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Our main character, Leigh, is trying desperately to escape from a life she never wanted. Isolated from the world by her meth dealer boyfriend, Leigh flees to sunny Hawaii, where she lucks in to a job at an exclusive resort. Although pandering to rich clients may not be ideal, her surroundings more than make up for it.
Except...things aren't all as sunny and bright as Leigh may wish to believe. Weird occurrences, hostile workers, and the fear that her boyfriend may find her keep Leigh on edge. And that's before the supernatural rears its ugly head.
As I said, Island Mother is great fun to read. While there are errors, Mr. Cohn clearly did some research into Hawaiian lifestyle and myths, although in the end he creates something very much his own. It felt like it was written by a seasoned horror author, with definite notes of Bentley Little. I was very fortunate in picking up review copies of this and one of Jon Cohn's others, which I'll be eagerly reading next month.
Except...things aren't all as sunny and bright as Leigh may wish to believe. Weird occurrences, hostile workers, and the fear that her boyfriend may find her keep Leigh on edge. And that's before the supernatural rears its ugly head.
As I said, Island Mother is great fun to read. While there are errors, Mr. Cohn clearly did some research into Hawaiian lifestyle and myths, although in the end he creates something very much his own. It felt like it was written by a seasoned horror author, with definite notes of Bentley Little. I was very fortunate in picking up review copies of this and one of Jon Cohn's others, which I'll be eagerly reading next month.
June 20, 2024
Jon Cohn is an amazingly gifted writer, and The Island Mother is just one more book that proves that. This is beautifully written. It grabbed my attention immediately and held on until I finished. My only complaint is that I lost sleep because I couldn't wait to finish. The Island Mother starts as a gripping thriller and lands with a perfectly executed horror ending.
January 18, 2025
I was worried the story was going to revolve around a bunch of migrants moving to Hawaii to "start new lives" but once I realized the MC and MV were natives I appreciated it much more. This is a horrific tale of destiny that played on my deepest fears of pregnancy. Kai is an awesome guy... For the most part.
March 27, 2026
3.5/5
This book got me like this 🤔 at first, I thought it was going to be a romance after leaving an abusive situation. Then it took a turn. Like a real turn. And at first, I liked it. Then got bored and annoyed. I still managed to finish the book. Still sitting here thinking wtf so I guess theres that.
This book got me like this 🤔 at first, I thought it was going to be a romance after leaving an abusive situation. Then it took a turn. Like a real turn. And at first, I liked it. Then got bored and annoyed. I still managed to finish the book. Still sitting here thinking wtf so I guess theres that.
February 3, 2023
I would call The Island Mother more thriller than horror, until the last third of the book. Then things escalate quite quickly, leading up to the very satisfying conclusion. I sympathized quite a lot with Leigh by the end of the book. Then I wanted to stand up and cheer for her in the epilogue.
June 15, 2023
What a story! I love when things turn like that. It adds so much intrigue to it. Keep you on your toes trying to figure it out! So good!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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