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Must-read revenge thrillers starring mom
Gripping thrillers illustrating a known fact: Don’t mess with mom.
Published on April 19, 2023
The Perfect Mother: A Novel
Aimee MolloyWhen it comes to protecting their cubs, mama bears are the fiercest around, except for the moms in this book. The “May Mothers” — a friend group of moms with May-born babies — leave their kids with a sitter for a night out, but the party comes to a halt when Winnie’s son, Midas, is stolen from his crib. Together, and in opposition of the media and law enforcement, they’ll do whatever it takes to bring Midas home.
The Collective: A Novel
Alison GaylinThis gripping suspense novel explores how far grieving mothers will go to see justice done after losing a child. Full of rage at the man she believes responsible for taking her daughter’s life, Camille finds comfort in a chat group on the dark web with other women discussing the revenge they long to exact on their children’s murderers. When she finds out it’s not just talk, but vengeance IRL, she must decide if she’ll turn a blind eye or take an eye for an eye.
Pieces of Her: A Novel
Karin SlaughterThis standalone from master of suspense Slaughter (yes, that’s her given last name) inspired a Netflix series starring Toni Collette and Bella Heathcote. In the novel, 31-year-old Andrea finds out that her mother, Laura, is a completely different person than she led her daughter to believe. The truth comes out after the two women find themselves in a violent situation. This novel screams “don’t mess with mom.”
The Last Thing He Told Me: A Novel
Laura DaveForget fairy tales, this stepmom’s not having it when her stepdaughter is in danger. The thriller begins with a mysterious note, a missing person, and half-a-million dollars of questionable origin. As newlywed Hannah searches for her husband Owen amid growing police suspicion, her one goal is clear: Protect Owen’s daughter at all costs. Apple TV+ adapted this twisty page-turner into a series produced by Reese Witherspoon and starring Jennifer Garner.
The Mother-in-Law: A Novel
Sally HepworthHepworth’s slow-burning whodunnit follows a suspicious suicide that isn’t what it seems. Everybody loved Diana — except her daughter-in-law Lucy, who suffered Diana’s cutting criticisms and disapproving cold shoulder. So when Diana’s death doesn’t add up, Lucy looks like the prime suspect. Family secrets and suspenseful twists (told out of order for spectacular tension) will keep you on the edge of your seat (especially when visiting your in-laws).
The Other Woman: A Novel
Sandie JonesMess around with this mother-in-law and find out. “The Other Woman” pits a would-be wife against a disapproving and conniving mother who will stop at nothing to keep her grown son to herself. A Reese Witherspoon book club pick, this domestic thriller keeps you guessing.
Lying in Wait: A Novel
Liz NugentLydia has a dark secret (actually, she has a few). When her son begins to put two and two together, she’ll stop at nothing to keep her family intact. “Lying in Wait” is a mystery within a mystery, offering snippets from the past until the eerie end. Nugent (“Unraveling Oliver”) doesn’t wrap up her stories in a tidy bow — and that’s what makes them so wonderfully unsettling.
Never Have I Ever: A Novel
Joshilyn JacksonAmy Whey, a mother of two, lives a comfortable, happy suburban life with her family. But when a newcomer moves into the neighborhood, secrets from Amy’s past resurface, threatening to destroy everything she’s built. This fast-paced nail-biter about blackmail in a book club proves there are some mama bears you don’t want to poke.
I Know You
Annabel KantariaDon’t mess with this mom-to-be. Pregnant and new in town, Taylor joins a walking group and book club to stave off loneliness after moving to London with her workaholic husband. But the more she learns about her new friends and neighbors, the more uneasy she grows. Kantaria’s eerie psychological thriller makes you think twice about who you can trust — and what you post online.
Regrets Only
Kieran ScottSingle mom Paige flamed out of her career writing for one of Hollywood’s hottest detective shows. Now, she and her daughter are stuck living with her mom back in her old hometown. When Paige gets wind of shady dealings by the local PTA, she figures her TV experience qualifies her for the real life role of undercover investigator. But things go off-script when her high school boyfriend’s wife ends up dead.
Reconstructing Amelia: A Novel
Kimberly McCreightKate’s structured world dissolves when her daughter dies in an apparent suicide. As Kate uses social media, email, and texts to piece together her daughter’s final days, she realizes the death was not suicide, but murder. Now, she’s out for justice, one way or another.
Then She Was Gone: A Novel
Lisa JewellFans of “don’t mess with mom” thrillers and “Gone Girl,” “The Girl on the Train,” or “The Lovely Bones” need to check out Jewell’s edgy, addictive read. After 15-year-old Ellie disappears suddenly, her mother Laurel is left to pick up the pieces. A decade later, Laurel meets a man whose daughter looks just like Ellie — and decides to take the cold case into her own hands.
The Other Mother: A Novel
Carol GoodmanTwo new mothers, who both happen to have daughters named Chloe, become fast friends. Dealing with a postpartum mood disorder, Daphne’s on the run, desperate to keep her daughter safe from her manipulative husband. She relies more and more on fellow mom Laurel, but the closer the women get, the more intertwined their identities become. Repressed memories, an austere mansion in the woods, and an insane asylum pepper this twisting psychological thriller.
Allegedly
Tiffany D. JacksonAt only nine-years-old, Mary Addison, a Black girl, is convicted of murdering a white infant. Years later, Mary is a teenager living in a group home. When she becomes pregnant, Mary finally speaks out: She didn’t kill the baby, and she wants her freedom. Jackson’s novel includes old police interviews and media articles along with Mary’s narration, all of which help the reader piece together the truth. It’s as much a mystery/thriller as it is a condemnation of the criminal justice system.