Lisa and Mike Grey live in Dragonfly Close with their two children, Holly and Jack. Across the street are their good friends, Victoria and Russell. They have spent many years enjoyed one another’s company.

One day, the police come to the door and arrest Lisa for the hit and run death of Russell a few days earlier. Lisa is terrified and upon the advice of an attorney, she responds with “no comment” to the questions put to her by the detectives. After an overnight in jail, Lisa is allowed to go home but is still considered a suspect.

Victoria has always been a stay-at-home housewife and she and Russell never had children. She is convinced that Lisa is innocent and ensures Mike and the children of that fact.

When Lisa is arrested again, Victoria steps in and begins to take over Lisa’s kitchen and loves caring for her family wishing they were her own.

An interesting read yet I couldn’t ever decide if Lisa was innocent or someone else killed Russell. That left me confused. I wish I could have discovered that one way or another.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Lisa and Mike and their children live next door to Victoria and Russell
Neighbors and fast friends, BBQs and hanging out until Russell ends up dead.
He has been hit by a car and to make matters worse, Lisa has been arrested under suspicion for being the one to run Russell over. After all her car was used ro comment the crime
Will Lisa go to jail forever? What will become of Victoria? Will they all remain happy Neighbors and good friends

Very thankful to have been given the chance to read an ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
I really enjoyed The Guilty Mother and how it portrayed such important issues surrounding women affected by the patriarchy in our society.
A fast-paced and easy-to-read book that touches on trauma, abuse, and ethical dilemmas. I can not say more without spoilers but I would highly suggest this book if you like thriller mysteries this is the book for you.

Ive never read anything by this author before but it sounded my kind of book. Unfortunately I found it very slow going and it struggled to keep my attention

I was interested from the start. Told in dual POVs of Lisa, the accused, and Victoria, the wife of the guy that was killed, the reader is left guessing what happened. The prologue piqued my interest followed by the arrest in chapter one. Since both Lisa and Vic seem to be so sure that Lisa is innocent while the police had enough evidence to arrest Lisa, I wondered who was reliable. There are twists and turns throughout the book as everyone’s secrets come out.

I think you are better off not knowing much about this one before you read. Go blindly on the journey the author has planned and know she always delivers a high drama book that will make you think about things. I always enjoy her books and this one was no exception. And I did not see that last twist coming.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
Wow! What a fabulous read. I was gripped from page one and just binge read this one.
Two couples, Lisa and Mike and Victoria and Russel, they are neighbours, socialise by having dinner or family barbecue. Mike and Lisa have two teenage kids, the kids refer to Victoria as Aunty.
Russell has been killed in a hit and run accident and Lisa has just been arrested on suspicion of causing his death!
Mike and the kids are in shock as is Victoria. The police seem confident, but Lisa is released pending further enquires, but a few days later is re arrested and charged with Russell’s murder!
Whilst Lisa is locked up, Victoria is making herself indispensable in Lisa’s home, cooking, cleaning, laundry, drinking wine with Mike in the evening. When Lisa learns this she decides it is time to give her solicitor her rock solid alibi. Mike and the kids are relieved and joyous to have Lisa home, Victoria not so much, she was enjoying the company and being needed, she has always secretly been jealous of Lisa and her marriage to Mike. Russell was a domineering husband, not easy to live with. Victoria has also discovered evidence which looks like Russell was having an affair, she suspects Lisa maybe the other woman. Victoria wants the perfect life that Lisa has.
As the story unfolds more secrets are revealed. If Lisa didn’t murder Russell who did?
This is a rollercoaster addictive read, jealousy,betrayal, blackmail, revenge and love are all covered.
My first book by this author- I will definitely be reading more.
5 stars for this fabulous page turner.

Wonderfully thrilling. Tense and full of twists. I read this amazing, fast paced, absolutely brilliant book in one sitting. Very highly recommended

Thriller from beginning to end… Omg the twists!!!… One of the most gripping unputdownable nerve wracking psychological thriller. I liked Lisa and Victoria's characters both. Intriguing and chilling book.

You've all just down for a family meal, the doorbell chimes, it's the police and before you know it you're handcuffed and being arrested on suspicion of murdering your neighbour.

It's all going on down in Dragonfly Close, as Lisa tries to prove her innocence...but is she?

I've read several of Vickery's novels now and have found them an enjoyable experience.

The Guilty Mother is a twisty, suspense filled thriller, it flows at a moderate pace and has some seriously flawed characters.

Many thanks to Bookouture for my tour spot.

Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

BLOG TOUR REVIEW 

Review for 'The Guilty Mother' by Sam Vickery. 

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Sam Vickery, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous 

Publication date 25th April 2023

This is the fifth book I have read by this author. I have previously read 'One Last Second', 'My Only Child', 'Her Silent Husband' and 'Save My Daughter' which I highly recommend. 

I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Liane Moriarty, Nicole Trope and Linda Green will love this completely gripping page-turner, with a twist that will make your heart stop.' I am a huge fan of all three of these amazing authors so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Sam Vickery and if this is half as good as 'One Last Second', 'My Only Child', 'Her Silent Husband' and 'Save My Daughter' it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture  that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue, 46 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are  medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is set in Kent, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture .I have actually holidayed in England several times so am intrigued to see if I recognise places based on anywhere I visited while there

 

This book is written in first perspective and the main protagonists are Lisa Grey and Victoria. The benefits of books written in first person perspective with multiple protagonists are, as long as they are well written, it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on.

'The Guilty Mother' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Sam discusses sexu@l @ss@uIt & r@p3.

Well, Well, Well, Sam Vickery you have done it again!!! Congratulations on yet another breathe taking novel!! 

This book is extremely well written and the layout with the past and present chapters are perfect. They drip feed you information of what has gone on in the past with just the right amount of information to give you an idea of what is going on but not too much so that you work it all out. The cover and blurb work perfectly with the storyline. 

Wow!! What an absolutely breathe taking and heart stopping storyline. LThis book is different to the other books I have previously read by this authour as it has more of a crime theme going on so I was intrigued to see how well Sam would do with a genre change and she did a brilliant job, which to be honest I can't say I'm surprised at as she is such a talented author!! Lisa and Victoria are neighbours and good friends so when Victoria's husband Russell is killed in a hit and run and Lisa is the police's number one suspect it is intriguing to see how Victoria as well as Lisa's family will react to this news!! The storyline was set at a perfect pace, not too fast and not too slow. It gave just the right amount of time for you to be able to take everything in as it was happening and question yourself about what you would do. It really is thought provoking. It is an absolute roller-coaster ride of emotions and filled with love, deceit, friendship, twists and turns turns, secrets, tension and trust. It was one of those books that I genuinely could not put down as I just had to know what was going to happen next!! Each and every time I told myself one more chapter and then bed that chapter ended in a way I just had to know what happened so I had to read one more and then it kept happening until I was walking around with my kindle glued to my hand and devouring the book in a few hours. I must admit I was completely shocked when certain events were revealed but please don't let this out you off as it is getting harder and harder to surprise me after reading so many crime and psychological books. However, I was shocked at the twist at the end which I absolutely loved and more than made up for what I had worked out previously. I won't say any more as I don't want to spoil it for others but needless to say another emotionally packed page turner by this fantastic author!!

Another page turning read by a very talented author!!

I would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie!!! Another congratulations to Sam Vickery. Looking forward to her next gripping, and going by all her previous work, what promises to be heart rendering. 

Just like the storyline the characters came to life with Sam's evocative writing skills and I could feel how they were feeling throughout the storyline. It is quite hard to say how I truly felt about each of the characters without giving too much away so I will try my best with what I can say. I really liked Lisa and as a mother myself my heart broke for her when she was seperate from her children not knowing when she was going too see them again but for other reasons also which I won't be going into. I absolutely admired how strong she was and how much of a good mother and loving wife. I also really liked her husband Mike who was also realistic, was sweet but also a bit drippy lol!! He is one of those men who are good looking and kind but no idea how this may make women want him. Again, I can't say much more about him. Then we have Victoria which I must admit I wasn't a fan of at all and could have (actually I did a few times 😂) shouted at her for how she was acting. However, I will admit that I did also have sympathy towards her but, yet again and I'm very sorry, I really can't go into any more details!! However, regardless of how I felt about each of the characters they each played their roles perfectly to make this an absolutely fantastic, gripping and emotional page turner!!

Overall an intriguing who dunnit page turner filled with friendship, deceit secrets and everything you could ask for in an addictive read. 

Genres covered in this novel include Women's Crime Fiction, Friendship Fiction, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Suspense, Women Writers & Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Women's Domestic Life Fiction, Sagas, Women's Psychological Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Crime Fiction, Mystery,  Women's Sagas, Domestic Thriller, Women's Friendship Fiction and Psychological Fiction amongst others. 

I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of  Liane Moriarty, Nicole Trope, Linda Green ,Jodi Picoult, Kelly Rimmer and Diane Chamberlain. 

 

337 pages.

This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £8.99 in paperback via Amazon or free on kindle unlimited which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!! 

Rated 5/5 (I loved it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook. 

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I enjoyed this twisting thriller and the vast number of secrets that weave through the story. Although I had predicted some of the plot developments, this did not stop me becoming intrigued to understand whether Lisa was really as innocent as she claims to be.

When I first started this book, I could not help but wonder if this was going to be a similar story to recent reads: either a neighbour taking over a family home, or the story of an abused wife. Whilst Vickery does use these elements, it still became an original read and I liked how the writer combines these ideas to create a different plot.

I was never fully convinced that Lisa is innocent, especially seeing as the police arrest her and seem very confident about their evidence. I do wish that Vickery had included some parts of the police investigation, wanting to know exactly what it was they had on this character to lead them to suspecting her of Russell’s death. On the other hand, this reader blindness reflects exactly how Lisa feels when she is being held, adding to her sense of disorientation and confusion. I admired her stoic attitude in not responding to the police questioning, but could not understand why she did not protest strongly about her innocence.

Yet, this just adds to the story and Victoria’s own suspicions. The narrative switches between the two women, as well as moving back to the events leading up to Russell’s death. Vickery depicts two very contrasting families and I found the more I learned about Victoria, the less I liked her. Even though there are aspects that are supposed to garner reader sympathy, I felt her character was manipulative and unnerving: definitely not someone who can be trusted. Victoria’s marriage is exposed to readers in the flashbacks and I liked seeing how Vickery illustrates the antithesis between the two households: open and loving (Lisa), versus underhand and controlling (Victoria). It is clear to see why Victoria is drawn to Lisa’s family.

At times I found the pace of the story to be quite slow, with lengthy descriptions that could have been condensed. There are times when I thought this lessened the tension of the narrative, particularly scenes with Victoria, and I think the writer would have benefitted from making these sections punchier. Furthermore, I thought the closing Epilogue to be equally prolonged and, whilst this gives the readers the answers they have been waiting for, I again wanted this to be fuelling the suspense and uncertainty that the characters experienced. This would have made the overall story more impactful.

I liked discovering the truth about these female protagonists in this story. Wife, mother and many secrets lurk under the surface, showing that behind closed doors, you never know what is really going on.

With thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC!

The Guilty Mother was such a thrilling whodunit! This domestic thriller was filled with twists, suspense, and had me flipping through the pages with ALL the different theories of who the killer could be. I devoured this book in a day. I enjoyed Sam Vickery’s writing style and the satisfying ending!

The Guilty Mother is unputdownable domestic thriller that had me completely hooked from the very start. Packed full of twists and turns this is a book that I highly recommend to fans of domestic /psychological thrillers. This is the first book I had read by Sam Vickery but as soon as I’d finished it off I went to Amazon to download some more.

Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

Having not read any of Sam Vickery's books before I was not sure what his writing would be like. The front cover of the book was very enticing and looked forward to reading it.
The story was good and the author kept the reader wanting to read page after page! The book was an easy read although I managed to work out just what happened prior to completing the book! The story is based on the friendship between the 2 female friends and the relationship 1 had with her male counterpart!
I look forward to reading more by this author as I enjoyed his writing and story line.

Perfect housewife? Or perfect killer?

I wasn't sure what to expect from my first outing with Sam Vickery but I think it was something a little different to what was delivered. That's not to say that it wasn't a good thriller...it was just a little too slow for my liking. But that's just my personal preference. I know many others have devoured this book and loved every single second of it. I found it a little predictable in parts though that never ruins my enjoyment...it's the delivery and execution of a good story that I come for. I'm not entirely sure I got it while at the same time...in a way I think I kind of did.

Lisa and Mike's world is rocked one Sunday evening as they are sitting down to delicious lamb roast I could almost taste, such was the description, when there is a knock at the door. Their son Jack answers the door, thinking it to be some salesman trying their luck, but instead he returns with the police in tow. They have come to arrest Lisa for the hit and run death of their friend and neighbour Russell Fox, killed last weekend. Lisa has expected their impending arrival, has almost prepared for it. Unfortunately, her family didn't get the memo. They are left speechless as Lisa is lead away and driven away in a police car.

Russell and Victoria moved into the house across the street from Lisa and Mike and Lisa was pregnant with their daughter Holly, who is now seventeen. They quickly became friends, sharing backyard barbeques, drinks, laughs and many happy memories. Holly and Jack even call Victoria "Aunty Vic". The families are so closely bound that it comes as a shock to everyone involved when Lisa is arrested for Russell's death. Even Victoria doesn't believe her friend could be guilty.

As Lisa is lead away, she ponders about everything that has lead up to this moment. Her children, her marriage, her family...and the last time she and Russell met and the argument that ensued. She knows the police don't have anything on her and refuses to co-operate, giving a no comment interview on the advice of her lawyer. The police continue to hold her as they continue their investigations, as the hours turn into days and Lisa longs to hold her family once again.

Meanwhile, Victoria knows her friend is innocent and takes it upon herself to make herself available to her family. They need her now more than ever at this terrible time. Plus it will help keep her mind off Russell and the void his death has left behind after twenty two years of marriage. But little by little, we learn that Russell wasn't the perfect husband everyone was lead to believe. Instead he was cruel, coercive, controlling, overbearing and abusive with his timid wife who wanted nothing but his love and a family. Now, she turns to Lisa's family to offer them comfort whilst seeking it for herself also...and one has to wonder, what exactly are her motives? Is she the innocent wife she has lead us all to believe? Which of these two women is the guilty wife?

A domestic thriller told through the alternating perspectives of Lisa and Victoria, THE GUILTY MOTHER is tense and emotionally charged throughout with several twists along the way...albeit somewhat predictable. Not exactly what I was expecting but not entirely unpleasant either, I did find the story a tad drawn out in places and far too wordy with so much description that I was a little lost in it all wondering just where I was up to. But overall, a okayish domestic thriller.

I would like to thank #SamVickery, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheGuiltyMother in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this one.

This was a quick read, riddled with neighborhood drama. It was fine, and met it's purpose though isn't one that will stick with me long term.

Told from alternating perspectives, we learn about the lives and of Victoria and Lisa. Late one night, Victoria's husband is killed in a hit and run and then just days later the police arrive to arrest family friend Lisa for the murder. Did Lisa kill him? If so why, he was like an uncle to her kids.

A book that tugs at the heartstrings and makes you wonder how you'd react in similar circumstances. I thought the ending was a bit predictable but still enjoyed the book.

Lisa and Mike’s neighbor Russell has been killed in a hit-and-run accident. One night while having dinner with their two teenaged children, the police knock on their door and Lisa is arrested. Did she kill Russell? If it was an accident, why didn’t she report it?

In this latest book by Sam Vickery, nothing is as it seems. In fact, secrets and lies abound. Will the truth be revealed if indeed Lisa is guilty? Then there is Victoria, Russell’s wife. Is she the grieving widow? Well, she plays an important role as well.

What an intense read with surprising twists, sad drama and trauma, and more! Just when it seemed that I had figured things out and if there was a probable motive, I found myself quite stunned. Loved this book and can’t wait to read her next book.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

The Guilty Mother is a fast paced story full of secrets and lies. There were enough twists to keep me guessing and I really enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.

Sam Vickery's THE GUILTY MOTHER is an emotionally felt, dark, twisty domestic thriller of two couples, friends, and neighbors. Two women with huge secrets. A victim. A protective mother. A MURDER. How far will they go to protect their own?

Heartfelt, gripping, intense, and binge-worthy! From an array of emotions—jealousy, envy, longing, obsession, abuse, betrayal, blackmail, secrets, love, belonging, and revenge.

Lisa and Mike Grey have lived across the street from Victoria and Russell Fox on Dragonfly Close for seventeen years. They are friends and have had many great times in their backyards with BBQs, drinks, dinners, and laughs. Lisa's kids even call Victoria 'Auntie.'

Told from POVs Lisa and Victoria. Then and now, we slowly learn their secrets and how far they will go to protect them.

The doorbell rings, and DS McCormac is arresting Lisa Grey on suspicion of causing the death of Russell Fox for dangerous driving.

Their friend had been killed in a car accident (hit and run) the previous weekend. Lisa was in total shock when she realized, sitting in the back seat of the police car she might never be home again.

Russell had been dressed in black, drunk, walking along the road in the middle of the night. How could Lisa, Victoria's closest friend for twenty years, be behind a jail cell for the murder of her husband?

Lisa was funny, clever, beautiful, and the perfect wife. She is the mother of two wonderful teenagers, Holly and Jack.

Russell was controlling, abusive, and demanding. He wanted a wife who was always around and went nowhere without him. He did not want her working. Victoria is a victim, but will she turn into a monster?

Lisa cannot stop thinking about the last time she and Russell met secretly and the argument. Lisa refuses to cooperate with the police.

Lisa's car was missing that evening. Everyone is shocked. Victoria doesn't believe her friend could be guilty; there must be some terrible mistake, but then she changes.

Later Lisa is charged with MURDER. Does this make Victoria happy getting all cozy with Mike? Lisa must warn Mike. Someone on Dragonfly Close is getting away with murder… the question is, who?

And how far are they willing to go to keep their terrible secret safe?

The dark secrets and layers are unraveled in the lives of both couples. Victoria often envied Lisa, and she wanted what she had. Cracks in a marriage are revealed.

What will a mother do to protect her child? How far will she go? What goes on behind closed doors? Nothing is as it appears.

As the story moves along, we learn more and more. It becomes obvious one woman wants what she cannot have. Lisa had the perfect family.

She will manipulate everyone around her to get it.
The other will stop at nothing to protect and fight for what is hers.
Even if it means lying and betraying those close to her.

It gets exciting and intense around 59% to the satisfying ending, when things change with jaw-dropping surprises—a captivating tale of lies and deceit that unfolds piece by devastating piece.

My first book by author Sam Vickery and I was impressed. I look forward to reading more. I enjoyed her writing style told with emotion and compassion, blended with suspense. A yummy thriller! Riveting suspense, surprising revelations, and smooth writing.

I love the front cover and the way the book is laid out with the POVs marked with titles of chapters and then and now— for fans of authors BA Paris and Kimberly Belle.

Lisa was my favorite character and was rooting to the end for her! Russell was one evil man and Victoria, even though a victim was not very nice with her manipulation and bribery. I enjoy thrillers with heart.

THE GUILTY MOTHER is both heartbreaking and thrilling at the same time.

Thanks to #Bookouture for a gifted eARC via #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: April 25, 2023
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