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We Have Your Daughter
My daughter is gone. She’s been taken. I grip the phone so hard I think it might break, and try to focus on what they’re saying. I realise I’m not crying, even though I feel like I’ve been split in two. And then they say a name that makes my blood run cold…
Suddenly, my past and present collide. My heart pounds in my chest, memories flooding my head. I have to focus on my daughter, Nelle, but I can’t escape the panicked questions rushing in. How do they know about Betty? And what else do they know?
I picture Nelle’s beautiful green eyes and freckled cheeks, knowing that I have a choice to make. Just how far am I willing to go to protect my beloved family—and my secrets?
They give me an address in a tiny lake town upstate. I know another mother, a better mother, would call the police, but in seconds I’m driving as fast as I can away from my perfect white house with its perfect green lawn and the whole perfect life I’ve built since I last heard that name, my knuckles white on the steering wheel.
I’m terrified I’ll never see Nelle again. But I’ve been hiding behind my lies for twenty years. If the truth finally comes out, will my daughter ever forgive me? I don’t know. But I have to save her first to find out.
From bestselling author Matthew Farrell, this unbelievably twisty, unputdownable psychological thriller will keep you guessing right up to the final page! Fans of Freida McFadden, My Lovely Wife and The Couple Next Door will be hooked.
Suddenly, my past and present collide. My heart pounds in my chest, memories flooding my head. I have to focus on my daughter, Nelle, but I can’t escape the panicked questions rushing in. How do they know about Betty? And what else do they know?
I picture Nelle’s beautiful green eyes and freckled cheeks, knowing that I have a choice to make. Just how far am I willing to go to protect my beloved family—and my secrets?
They give me an address in a tiny lake town upstate. I know another mother, a better mother, would call the police, but in seconds I’m driving as fast as I can away from my perfect white house with its perfect green lawn and the whole perfect life I’ve built since I last heard that name, my knuckles white on the steering wheel.
I’m terrified I’ll never see Nelle again. But I’ve been hiding behind my lies for twenty years. If the truth finally comes out, will my daughter ever forgive me? I don’t know. But I have to save her first to find out.
From bestselling author Matthew Farrell, this unbelievably twisty, unputdownable psychological thriller will keep you guessing right up to the final page! Fans of Freida McFadden, My Lovely Wife and The Couple Next Door will be hooked.
321 pages, ebook
First published October 5, 2022
617 people are currently reading
849 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Farrell
10 books614 followersMatthew Farrell lives just outside of New York City in the Hudson Valley with his wife and two daughters. Get caught up on the progress of his next thriller along with his general musings by following him on Twitter @mfarrellwriter or liking his page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mfarrellwriter2.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
September 6, 2022
*4.5 stars*
When Laura answers a call from an unknown number, her worst nightmares are about to be realised.
Her daughter Nelle has been kidnapped, and her abductor mentions a name to Laura that brings back a whole host of memories - memories from the past that she would rather forget.
And so begins the road trip from hell, to an address given by the abductor, who tells Laura that she only has a certain amount of time to reach the address in a tiny lake town upstate to save Nelle’s life. If she’s late Nelle dies!
Secrets are slowly revealed about Laura’s former life, and she’s not really the good and charitable person she likes to portray.
Gosh this is a fast paced thriller, with lots of menace and nail biting moments throughout, and throw in a couple of twists I never saw coming, and it was without question, most enjoyable!
*My thanks to Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
When Laura answers a call from an unknown number, her worst nightmares are about to be realised.
Her daughter Nelle has been kidnapped, and her abductor mentions a name to Laura that brings back a whole host of memories - memories from the past that she would rather forget.
And so begins the road trip from hell, to an address given by the abductor, who tells Laura that she only has a certain amount of time to reach the address in a tiny lake town upstate to save Nelle’s life. If she’s late Nelle dies!
Secrets are slowly revealed about Laura’s former life, and she’s not really the good and charitable person she likes to portray.
Gosh this is a fast paced thriller, with lots of menace and nail biting moments throughout, and throw in a couple of twists I never saw coming, and it was without question, most enjoyable!
*My thanks to Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
October 7, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up
This is an exciting thriller that kept my attention from beginning to end.
Laura finds a strange phone in her glove box when it starts ringing. Upon answering the FaceTime call, the voice on the other end says that they have kidnapped her teen daughter Nelle and that she needs to drive to her mother's house in order to save her. The kidnappers keep calling her Betty. But the problem is--Laura's mother is dead and her name is not Betty. As she frantically drives towards her daughter, the reader begins to realize that nothing is as it seems.
The only character I really liked was Nelle, although I grew to understand Laura's position and dilemma as the book progressed. The way Laura handles things is not how I would have, but I had to let that go and just let myself experience the story.
The book is truly full of twists and turns and I was surprised often. Some of my predictions turned out to be correct, but others were completely wrong and there were a couple of times I was shocked by something.
If you're looking for an incredibly fast-paced thriller with some unpredictable twists, then definitely pick this one up.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
This is an exciting thriller that kept my attention from beginning to end.
Laura finds a strange phone in her glove box when it starts ringing. Upon answering the FaceTime call, the voice on the other end says that they have kidnapped her teen daughter Nelle and that she needs to drive to her mother's house in order to save her. The kidnappers keep calling her Betty. But the problem is--Laura's mother is dead and her name is not Betty. As she frantically drives towards her daughter, the reader begins to realize that nothing is as it seems.
The only character I really liked was Nelle, although I grew to understand Laura's position and dilemma as the book progressed. The way Laura handles things is not how I would have, but I had to let that go and just let myself experience the story.
The book is truly full of twists and turns and I was surprised often. Some of my predictions turned out to be correct, but others were completely wrong and there were a couple of times I was shocked by something.
If you're looking for an incredibly fast-paced thriller with some unpredictable twists, then definitely pick this one up.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
October 6, 2022
This riveting, pulse pounding and hard to put down book had me turning the pages anxious to find out what would happen next. Whew! What a fantastic psychological thriller involving a mother whose daughter has been taken. As the tension mounts in the book, it becomes clear that Laura’s past and present are colliding in shocking and terrible way.
Laura receives a phone call informing her that her daughter, Nelle has been taken and the abductors are not referring to Laura as Laura but by another name. She is informed to do as they say, or harm will come to her daughter.
WOWZA! As the book progresses the tension mounts. I could feel Laura's anxiety oozing from the pages. She is desperate to save her daughter while at the same time, recalling the past.
WHAT A RIDE! This book kept me on my toes! I didn't want to put it down. I loved the tension that kept mounting throughout the book. As the book progressed, readers are given snippets of the past. Just when I thought I had things figured out, I was quickly reminded that I was wrong. Farrell keeps readers attention and curiosity throughout the book. I had several I-did-not-see-that-coming moments while reading this book.
If you love psychological thrillers which keep you on your toes and guessing, this book is for you!
Please excuse me while I go kick myself for not reading a Matthew Farrell book before this!
Seriously, how have I not read one of his books before? Although this was my first book by Farrell, it will not be my last!
Gripping, full of tension, twists and turns, The Perfect Mother was the perfect book for me!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Laura receives a phone call informing her that her daughter, Nelle has been taken and the abductors are not referring to Laura as Laura but by another name. She is informed to do as they say, or harm will come to her daughter.
WOWZA! As the book progresses the tension mounts. I could feel Laura's anxiety oozing from the pages. She is desperate to save her daughter while at the same time, recalling the past.
WHAT A RIDE! This book kept me on my toes! I didn't want to put it down. I loved the tension that kept mounting throughout the book. As the book progressed, readers are given snippets of the past. Just when I thought I had things figured out, I was quickly reminded that I was wrong. Farrell keeps readers attention and curiosity throughout the book. I had several I-did-not-see-that-coming moments while reading this book.
If you love psychological thrillers which keep you on your toes and guessing, this book is for you!
Please excuse me while I go kick myself for not reading a Matthew Farrell book before this!
Seriously, how have I not read one of his books before? Although this was my first book by Farrell, it will not be my last!
Gripping, full of tension, twists and turns, The Perfect Mother was the perfect book for me!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
October 3, 2022
The Perfect Mother, by Matthew Farrell
How would you react if you received a phone call informing you that your daughter had been kidnapped? There are specific instructions you need to follow. If you contact the police or tell anyone, your daughter will be killed. You hear the kidnappers inflicting pain on your child in the background. Would you involve the police or follow the instructions?
The Perfect Mother is a very gripping novel. It is filled with suspense and heart-pounding situations. The novel outlines every parent's deepest nightmare in shocking details. I read the book in one night because I couldn't put it down. I was a tiny bit disappointed that the ending wasn't more detailed, but I hope this means a sequel is on it's way.
The Perfect Mother by Matthew Farrell is available on October 5th.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for sharing this intriguing book with me. This is my first book by Matthew Farrell. I look forward to reading more of his fascinating writing in the future!
#ThePerfectMother
How would you react if you received a phone call informing you that your daughter had been kidnapped? There are specific instructions you need to follow. If you contact the police or tell anyone, your daughter will be killed. You hear the kidnappers inflicting pain on your child in the background. Would you involve the police or follow the instructions?
The Perfect Mother is a very gripping novel. It is filled with suspense and heart-pounding situations. The novel outlines every parent's deepest nightmare in shocking details. I read the book in one night because I couldn't put it down. I was a tiny bit disappointed that the ending wasn't more detailed, but I hope this means a sequel is on it's way.
The Perfect Mother by Matthew Farrell is available on October 5th.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for sharing this intriguing book with me. This is my first book by Matthew Farrell. I look forward to reading more of his fascinating writing in the future!
#ThePerfectMother
September 22, 2022
When I pick up the call from an unknown number my worst fears are realised: someone has kidnapped my daughter Nelle. In an instant, the blissful life I've build is shattered. Distraught, I plead with them to speak to my darling daughter, until the voice on the line makes my blood run cold: Betty Hamms. Suddenly my past and present are colliding. How do they know Betty? And what else do they know?
Laura was quite an intriguing character, sometimes I liked her, other times I loathed her. The drama and suspense built up from the first page. This is a twisted, action packed read. It's a quick read with short chapters. The surprises kept coming. The story has a dual timeline, the past is told in flashbacks and the present day. Hidden secrets are about to be revealed. It's a race against time to find Nelle before anything happens to her.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #MatthewFarrell for my ARC of #WeHaveYourDaughter in exchange for an honest review.
Laura was quite an intriguing character, sometimes I liked her, other times I loathed her. The drama and suspense built up from the first page. This is a twisted, action packed read. It's a quick read with short chapters. The surprises kept coming. The story has a dual timeline, the past is told in flashbacks and the present day. Hidden secrets are about to be revealed. It's a race against time to find Nelle before anything happens to her.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #MatthewFarrell for my ARC of #WeHaveYourDaughter in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this story.... although it did take a few chapters to really understand what was happening. This is often the case when there are multiple timelines. By the middle of the book, or in my case, the audio, the reader/listener, has no problem understanding what was happening, and why. Laura is our protagonist. I loved her and I hated her, all at the same time. I’m pretty sure that was exactly what the author intended from the beginning. Some of the twists and turns are unanticipated and diffidently a surprise but they kept me staying with the book and guessing to the very end. This was my first Matthew Farrell book, but it certainly won’t be my last. If you love a good nail-biting psychological thriller, that’ll keep you engaged and guessing, then you may want to consider trying this one.
Actual Rating 4.5
Actual Rating 4.5
October 20, 2023
Mind Blown!
This is how a thriller is supposed to be done! Matthew Farrell is a new author to me who will undoubtedly be on my radar from now on.
I'll come back and write a detailed review once my thoughts settle.
This is how a thriller is supposed to be done! Matthew Farrell is a new author to me who will undoubtedly be on my radar from now on.
I'll come back and write a detailed review once my thoughts settle.
September 8, 2022
Laura finds herself in a battle against time to get to her teenage daughter after she receives a phone call informing her that her daughter has been taken by a man intent on revenge.
A fast paced thriller with plenty of action.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A fast paced thriller with plenty of action.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2023
Matthew Farrell is now added to my favorite-author list. Such an amazing read.
September 11, 2023
Oh my word…
October 11, 2022
The Perfect Mother is the first book I have read by Matthew Farrell, but I will watch for more. Laura Anderson is on her way home from an event at her church when she gets a call on a burner phone in her car. Nelle, her fifteen year old daughter, has been kidnapped. She must follow the instructions given if she wants to save her daughter. The kidnapper insists in calling her Betty, but she insists they have the wrong person. As the story progresses, Laura finally admits she is Betty, but what did she do that made this man want revenge. Secrets, lies and new identities all come to the forefront of this thriller.
This book had me quickly flipping the pages to see what was going on. There were flashbacks to an earlier time where we get clues to what happened and why Laura, her mother and Nelle are in the position they are in. My heart hurt for Nelle, this innocent child that had become a pawn in the plot to get revenge. Laura's mother, who has dementia, was one who made me teary to see what she was going through. I really liked Laura, at first, but as the story unfolded, my feelings changed. She was definitely a mama bear trying to protect her daughter, but was it all her fault? I had an inkling about what had happened and why Laura's family was being threatened, but I was not prepared for the final twists. If you enjoy a thriller with several twists that will have your jaw dropping, then I recommend you pick up The Perfect Mother.
This book had me quickly flipping the pages to see what was going on. There were flashbacks to an earlier time where we get clues to what happened and why Laura, her mother and Nelle are in the position they are in. My heart hurt for Nelle, this innocent child that had become a pawn in the plot to get revenge. Laura's mother, who has dementia, was one who made me teary to see what she was going through. I really liked Laura, at first, but as the story unfolded, my feelings changed. She was definitely a mama bear trying to protect her daughter, but was it all her fault? I had an inkling about what had happened and why Laura's family was being threatened, but I was not prepared for the final twists. If you enjoy a thriller with several twists that will have your jaw dropping, then I recommend you pick up The Perfect Mother.
September 28, 2022
It starts with a phone call and ends up with the road trip from hell. This book grabs you by the throat and does not let go until the very last page. Brilliant storytelling and this book was definitely not what I was expecting it was so much more!!!! A well deserved five stars and a MUST READ!!!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
September 19, 2022
4.5 stars
This is a gripping page turner (I hated to put it aside!), and I look forward to reading more books by Farrell! There was just one twist after another, and you couldn't help but feel for Laura, her husband, and her daughter at various points in the story. Flashbacks were woven in and added important insight. Overall, strong writing creates a roller coaster ride that reminds the reader that lies and secrets always have a way of coming to light.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
This is a gripping page turner (I hated to put it aside!), and I look forward to reading more books by Farrell! There was just one twist after another, and you couldn't help but feel for Laura, her husband, and her daughter at various points in the story. Flashbacks were woven in and added important insight. Overall, strong writing creates a roller coaster ride that reminds the reader that lies and secrets always have a way of coming to light.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
October 14, 2022
The Perfect Mother is a disturbing, twisty thriller that I absolutely devoured and loved! Imagine driving home after volunteering at your church. All you want is to get home and chill. As you're driving towards home you hear a phone ringing in your car, but it's not your phone. The ringing is coming from the glove box. Laura gets the phone, wondering who it belongs to, and answers it. The person on the other end is using FaceTime and can see Laura, but she can't see anything but blackness. The man tells Laura that he has her daughter, Nelle, and that he knows who she really is and what she's done. He gives Laura an address, one she knows from her past, and tells her to get there within 3 hours or he will kill Nelle. This is how the book begins and it only gets more intense from here......yes, I'm serious! Who is this man on the other end of the phone? Why does he insist that Laura leave the phone on and mounted so that he can see her at all times? Is Nelle really okay? What is the noise in the car trunk as Laura makes turns? Will Laura be able to reach Nelle in time? Who is Betty Hamms? Does the man on the other end have the right person in Laura? He keeps calling her Betty.
I couldn't put this book down and loved Matthew Farrell's writing style. The suspense builds and builds until you think it can't get any worse, but it does. I can't recommend this book highly enough. If you love a good thriller this is the book for you. I rated this book 5 stars and look forward to reading more from Matthew Farrell. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an advanced copy to read in exchange for a fair review.
I couldn't put this book down and loved Matthew Farrell's writing style. The suspense builds and builds until you think it can't get any worse, but it does. I can't recommend this book highly enough. If you love a good thriller this is the book for you. I rated this book 5 stars and look forward to reading more from Matthew Farrell. I'd like to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an advanced copy to read in exchange for a fair review.
June 11, 2023
This book starts out fast, but then it seems to slow down quite a bit. I do like this author, having read 2 of his other books. I just felt like this one was too repetitive at times, and then I was growing impatient for it to end. I also felt like some things should have been better resolved in the end. It’s not a bad book. Just not as good as my 4 star and up reads.
September 20, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, Bookoutore and Matthew Farrell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a solid 4 stars in my book? Why you ask? Because this book was a little nuts in the very best of ways.
We Have Your Daughter is like being in Smokey Mountain National Park and going to see Cades Cove. Your on this path and then there is a turn. Then there is a very sharp turn. Then the turns get super twisty. You take a deep breath because you think you made it and then you're driving slow and taking in the scenery and you get hit in the back end - not once but twice.
This book was well-written, with so many twists and turns and not 1 but 2 slam dunks of an ending. Think Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman. I use a ton of metaphors. The reason is that I don't want to give any hints about anything in the book ~ plus I love metaphors.
Read this book ~ you will LOVE it.
This is a solid 4 stars in my book? Why you ask? Because this book was a little nuts in the very best of ways.
We Have Your Daughter is like being in Smokey Mountain National Park and going to see Cades Cove. Your on this path and then there is a turn. Then there is a very sharp turn. Then the turns get super twisty. You take a deep breath because you think you made it and then you're driving slow and taking in the scenery and you get hit in the back end - not once but twice.
This book was well-written, with so many twists and turns and not 1 but 2 slam dunks of an ending. Think Chicago Bulls with Michael Jordan and Dennis Rodman. I use a ton of metaphors. The reason is that I don't want to give any hints about anything in the book ~ plus I love metaphors.
Read this book ~ you will LOVE it.
June 6, 2023
Wow, what a read!! From the first page, I was hooked. The short chapters meant I didn’t want to put this down, and the flashback scenes kept the narrative super engaging, as we were able to try to piece the story together ourselves.
We were fed pieces of information throughout the book, right to the end. I really enjoyed the pacing of this, as we’d been learning about the mystery surrounding Betty, and Nelle’s kidnappers throughout the whole book, I was very satisfied with the ending.
Laura as a main character was very intriguing. Her poor decision making should make her an extremely unlikable character, yet I was rooting for her the entire story. This made for some interesting debates with myself whilst reading, and really got me thinking deeply about her character, which often I don’t find with thrillers as they are often plot focussed.
Overall, If you’re looking for a fast paced and suspenseful but emotional thriller, I would highly recommend this book, and I will definitely be picking up more Matthew Farrell books in the future.
Thank you to netgalley and Bookouture for this arc!
We were fed pieces of information throughout the book, right to the end. I really enjoyed the pacing of this, as we’d been learning about the mystery surrounding Betty, and Nelle’s kidnappers throughout the whole book, I was very satisfied with the ending.
Laura as a main character was very intriguing. Her poor decision making should make her an extremely unlikable character, yet I was rooting for her the entire story. This made for some interesting debates with myself whilst reading, and really got me thinking deeply about her character, which often I don’t find with thrillers as they are often plot focussed.
Overall, If you’re looking for a fast paced and suspenseful but emotional thriller, I would highly recommend this book, and I will definitely be picking up more Matthew Farrell books in the future.
Thank you to netgalley and Bookouture for this arc!
November 20, 2022
This book is fast paced from beginning to end! It starts out with Laura receiving a call telling her that her daughter has been kidnapped and that she needs to drive hours away to a tiny lakeside town if she has any chance of saving her. They seem to think she is someone else, but as the story continues, more background emerges and the storylines converge.
Laura does not make especially good decisions but she is also smart and scrappy and will stop at nothing to save her daughter. There are a couple good twists in the book that has the reader questioning whether she is a reliable narrator. The pacing of the book is extremely quick with the action literally starting on the first page. When all was said and done I felt kind of sad about how it all worked out but in a way that will ensure the book sticks with me.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I’d recommend it to those who like thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Laura does not make especially good decisions but she is also smart and scrappy and will stop at nothing to save her daughter. There are a couple good twists in the book that has the reader questioning whether she is a reliable narrator. The pacing of the book is extremely quick with the action literally starting on the first page. When all was said and done I felt kind of sad about how it all worked out but in a way that will ensure the book sticks with me.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I’d recommend it to those who like thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 17, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy to read and review. These thoughts are my own!
This is such a fast pace thriller novel. I didn’t once get bored. It had me hooked for the get go and I absolutely loved it. I’m a huge thriller novel junkie and 100% recommend this to people who love this genre. I was literally at the end of my seat the whole time.
The love a mother has for her daughter is unexplainable. Laura would go to the ends of the earth for Nelle and I loved that.
“you kill for the ones you love, always.”
This is such a fast pace thriller novel. I didn’t once get bored. It had me hooked for the get go and I absolutely loved it. I’m a huge thriller novel junkie and 100% recommend this to people who love this genre. I was literally at the end of my seat the whole time.
The love a mother has for her daughter is unexplainable. Laura would go to the ends of the earth for Nelle and I loved that.
“you kill for the ones you love, always.”
July 10, 2025
This book is definitely in my top 10!!
Most of the time I go into a book without having read the synopsis. Not reading the synopsis was probably the absolute best thing I could’ve ever done.
The first five pages were immediately gripping and the hold this book had on me didn’t loosen THE ENTIRE TIME. I didn’t expect anything at all, everything I thought I could theorize in my head flew out the window because so many things kept happening and all I could do was wonder how this author man managed to fit all this emotional turmoil into such a small book. It was amazing.
This is the second best thriller I have read this year.
It was truly a 6/5. I will always recommend.
One piece of advice, DON’T read the synopsis, just dive right in, you won’t regret it!!
Most of the time I go into a book without having read the synopsis. Not reading the synopsis was probably the absolute best thing I could’ve ever done.
The first five pages were immediately gripping and the hold this book had on me didn’t loosen THE ENTIRE TIME. I didn’t expect anything at all, everything I thought I could theorize in my head flew out the window because so many things kept happening and all I could do was wonder how this author man managed to fit all this emotional turmoil into such a small book. It was amazing.
This is the second best thriller I have read this year.
It was truly a 6/5. I will always recommend.
One piece of advice, DON’T read the synopsis, just dive right in, you won’t regret it!!
October 25, 2022
Thanksgiving 2022 Read #1
“'You need to pay for what you did.'”
Laura receives a call from a phone she had no idea was in her car and that she's never seen before. Someone has taken her daughter hostage. The ransom? Laura paying for her past . . .
This story started in such a high-suspense scene, I was immediately hooked and interested. Who was Laura and what had she done? It doesn't let up for a second. I was on the edge of my seat, gripping my kindle.
This had great twists and turns but it could use a goid edit. Several mistakes pulled me out of the story.
“'You need to pay for what you did.'”
Laura receives a call from a phone she had no idea was in her car and that she's never seen before. Someone has taken her daughter hostage. The ransom? Laura paying for her past . . .
This story started in such a high-suspense scene, I was immediately hooked and interested. Who was Laura and what had she done? It doesn't let up for a second. I was on the edge of my seat, gripping my kindle.
This had great twists and turns but it could use a goid edit. Several mistakes pulled me out of the story.
November 9, 2022
Wonderfully thrilling. Packed with twists. An addictive, superbly crafted tale. Absolutely brilliant. I could not put this one down.
October 11, 2022
The title of this one changed between the time I got my ARC and finally got it read, so I was a little confused at first, but I got it all sorted. I struggled to connect with the main character, motivations, actions, thoughts, but eventually I think I got there, even if I didn't like her very much. The action is very non-stop, causing you turn the pages faster and faster. The chapters are short, which I think helps add that breathless feeling, but one surely does get caught up in what's unfolding and how it's all going to come to an end.
September 5, 2022
When “Laura Anderson “gets a call on a phone she found in her glove compartment she is confronted with any mother‘s worst nightmare. Her daughter Nell has been taken and she must keep the phone charged and on because if the call drops they’re going to kill her daughter. Under pressure and with severe alcohol and drug problem she pops Xanax and continually debate whether or not to stop and buy alcohol because just a little treat will help her think right? At one of her first stop signs she hear something roll in her trunk and is soon suspicious and when The strange voice that’s instructing her from the phone tells her to check the trunk she immediately doesn’t want to… After she gets up the courage she opens it only to find what looks like a dead body wrapped in plastic. This is just one of many terrible things the voice will make her do in the whole time insisting her name is Betty Ames and that she killed his mother. Through a series of flashbacks and remembrances the truth comes out but in the end she will not be the only one not willing to go through with it. Can she conquer her demons and save her daughter or will her alcoholism and these monsters be the end for both of them? I have read a lot of thriller books and I have to say this plot was so original I mean imagine your daughter‘s life depending on whether or not you keep the phone on and you drive through a dead zone and the call drops… Truly heart pounding moments in this book and at times it seems getting out of it is going to be impossible I truly enjoyed the book and thought it was awesome! A real thriller an original plot action packed and even the flashbacks were amazing. I received the book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
September 27, 2022
4.5⭐
This is my first introduction to author Matthew Farrell, and if this story is anything to go by it won't be my last.
As The Perfect Mother grabs your attention from the very first page and never lets go.
When Laura takes a face time call from an unknown number. To discover a mechanical voice telling her they've got her daughter Nelle. And she has two and a half hours to get to her mothers house if she is to save her.
The problem is Laura's mother is dead isn't she?
And as Laura sets out to travel to the required destination she discovers more than a few surprises along the way.
As does the reader who learns more about who those holding Nelle hostage think Laura really is.
And as the past and the present converge, Laura is in a race against time to save Nelle and finds she will do anything necessary to make that happen.
However, Laura's life isn't as perfect as she's led everyone to believe and she's holding on to her secrets for a reason.
And with excellent pacing, brilliant characters, big twists and a real feeling of danger. Not to mention lots of edge of your seat moments. This was a great read, and one I'd happily recommend to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
This is my first introduction to author Matthew Farrell, and if this story is anything to go by it won't be my last.
As The Perfect Mother grabs your attention from the very first page and never lets go.
When Laura takes a face time call from an unknown number. To discover a mechanical voice telling her they've got her daughter Nelle. And she has two and a half hours to get to her mothers house if she is to save her.
The problem is Laura's mother is dead isn't she?
And as Laura sets out to travel to the required destination she discovers more than a few surprises along the way.
As does the reader who learns more about who those holding Nelle hostage think Laura really is.
And as the past and the present converge, Laura is in a race against time to save Nelle and finds she will do anything necessary to make that happen.
However, Laura's life isn't as perfect as she's led everyone to believe and she's holding on to her secrets for a reason.
And with excellent pacing, brilliant characters, big twists and a real feeling of danger. Not to mention lots of edge of your seat moments. This was a great read, and one I'd happily recommend to others.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
October 9, 2022
Fast-paced, energetic and twisted. Three words to describe The Perfect Mother by Matthew Farrell. I really enjoyed reading this and raced through it in just a couple of days. It took me a few chapters to work out what was going on, as there are multiple timelines, and there were occasions when I couldn’t remember what was happening in each one. However, by the middle of the book, I’d sussed it out, and was excited to discover what was happening, and why.
Laura is our protagonist, and I loved her and hated her at the same time. The author was brilliant at managing my emotions and I’m pretty sure they were chopping and changing as he’d anticipated.
I definitely hadn’t envisaged some of the twists and turns that just kept coming and I was kept guessing throughout. This is my first venture into Matthew Farrell’s world, but it won’t be my last. If you love a psychological thriller, that’ll keep you on your toes, then put The Perfect Mother on your Christmas list.
I am lucky enough to be a part of Books on Tour for this book, so thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Perfect Mother by Matthew Farrell.
Laura is our protagonist, and I loved her and hated her at the same time. The author was brilliant at managing my emotions and I’m pretty sure they were chopping and changing as he’d anticipated.
I definitely hadn’t envisaged some of the twists and turns that just kept coming and I was kept guessing throughout. This is my first venture into Matthew Farrell’s world, but it won’t be my last. If you love a psychological thriller, that’ll keep you on your toes, then put The Perfect Mother on your Christmas list.
I am lucky enough to be a part of Books on Tour for this book, so thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Perfect Mother by Matthew Farrell.
October 30, 2022
5 ⭐️
Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher of this book for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for a review! The Good Mother is out now for everyone to enjoy.
I really liked this book! The swiftness, with which it was written makes it very easy to read and quite hard to put down. What I particularly loved about it, was the way we switched between POV’s and timelines. That gave the story way more tension: I wanted to scream at detective Estrada to hurry up and explain what was going on the whole time, but obviously, and sadly, I couldn’t. That being said: I liked the suspense in this one a lot, there were quite some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and it was different from a lot of thrillers I have read up until now.
The ending was my favourite part of the book! So many twists and turns that kept me hooked until the very last line. I recommend this one!
Thank you very much to NetGalley and the publisher of this book for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for a review! The Good Mother is out now for everyone to enjoy.
I really liked this book! The swiftness, with which it was written makes it very easy to read and quite hard to put down. What I particularly loved about it, was the way we switched between POV’s and timelines. That gave the story way more tension: I wanted to scream at detective Estrada to hurry up and explain what was going on the whole time, but obviously, and sadly, I couldn’t. That being said: I liked the suspense in this one a lot, there were quite some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and it was different from a lot of thrillers I have read up until now.
The ending was my favourite part of the book! So many twists and turns that kept me hooked until the very last line. I recommend this one!
March 24, 2025
Speaking of an immersive book! From the first page you are on an express train to the end station, but it is a journey that does not run over roses.
The tension can be cut when a mother learns that her daughter has been kidnapped. She starts a battle against the clock where the kidnappers follow every movement, give her heart-pounding instructions and force her to make choices.
You feel every emotion and drive of the mother confronted with her past that she hoped she had buried deep enough. But people who think they have an axe to grind with you are patient and always find a way to do this.
The story is full of excitement and action in which you are dragged along. Putting this book down is an impossible task and certain revelations almost made me fall off my seat.
This book shows how far a person can go when cornered. Sometimes it is to protect themselves, sometimes it is also to protect others.
Great book. Highly recommended in my opinion. 5 stars
Thank you
The tension can be cut when a mother learns that her daughter has been kidnapped. She starts a battle against the clock where the kidnappers follow every movement, give her heart-pounding instructions and force her to make choices.
You feel every emotion and drive of the mother confronted with her past that she hoped she had buried deep enough. But people who think they have an axe to grind with you are patient and always find a way to do this.
The story is full of excitement and action in which you are dragged along. Putting this book down is an impossible task and certain revelations almost made me fall off my seat.
This book shows how far a person can go when cornered. Sometimes it is to protect themselves, sometimes it is also to protect others.
Great book. Highly recommended in my opinion. 5 stars
Thank you
October 14, 2022
Wow!
Another page turning, edge of seat, psychological thriller that kept me up until 5.20am because I simply could not put it down. The action was so perfectly described that it was like watching a top film being played in my head.
If I really had to say something negative it would be that on a couple of occasions I thought ‘really? that wouldn’t happen surely’ but they were explained so well and blended in with the story that it works (a bit like in a Bond film you know that in reality he’d be dead in the first few minutes but the films so good that you can overlook that fact).
I’ve loved all of Matthew Farrell’s books and I’m looking forward to more.
Another page turning, edge of seat, psychological thriller that kept me up until 5.20am because I simply could not put it down. The action was so perfectly described that it was like watching a top film being played in my head.
If I really had to say something negative it would be that on a couple of occasions I thought ‘really? that wouldn’t happen surely’ but they were explained so well and blended in with the story that it works (a bit like in a Bond film you know that in reality he’d be dead in the first few minutes but the films so good that you can overlook that fact).
I’ve loved all of Matthew Farrell’s books and I’m looking forward to more.
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