I have read a few books from this author and enjoyed most of them, but this one didn't quite hit the mark for me.

It is a fast paced and exciting novel with a gripping plot. Told from the povs of Lisa and Victoria, the book kept me hooked till the end. With unreliable narrators and a twisted storyline, I was left guessing as to who the real culprit, till the very end. The characters are layered and made me both like and hate them at the same time. Victoria did get on my nerves more than I would have liked but I could understand the cause of her behaviour. Deeply moving, this is a well executed psychological thriller that is a must read.

Told from Lisa and Victoria’s perspectives, one arrested on suspicion of murder, the other widowed and looking for that perfect family life, whilst playing her own detective on who killed her husband. Many secrets, but will they come out in the wash?…

A slow burner but overall good read, you get to a certain point then don’t want to put the book down.

This book was great! I couldn’t put it down! We meet Russell and Victoria who are neighbors of Mike and Lisa. The door bell rings and chills run through Lisa as she’s arrested for the Murder of Russell. But did she do it? She doesn’t think the cops would be believe her. I know I wasn’t sure who did it. I was not expecting the ending. I’m looking forward to reading more books by Sam!Thank you Bookouture, Sam Vickery and Netgalley for the ARC!

A interesting dark psychological thriller that had me all mixed up and thoroughly intrigued.
The story starts off strong with a mysterious hit and run.
So many secrets being withheld.
So much drama and intrigue.
What will a mother do to protect her child?
If you are in the mood to read an intense domestic thriller, The Guilty Mother is the book you should pick up.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you NetGalley for sending me my first book to review!

This book did not have me engaged at any point other than the very end when the whole confrontation was going on. I didn’t really expect the “twist” but wasn’t very shocked by it. I felt it had way too much dialogue with no action to go with it and the ending was so abrupt. I do think the story itself had promise and enjoyed the epilogue as it wasn’t really the ending anyone would hope for, but also can understand. TW: rape, murder.

Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/readswithcab/

Thankyou to netgalley for allowing me to read this book before publishing

It really wasn't for me. I couldn't get past 10% of the book without giving up. I felt like it didn't draw me in at all

I enjoyed The Guilty Mother. I enjoyed the characters and how they developed. I was not expecting the ending and I feel that it kept me guessing throughout the story. I definitely recommend this book.

Domestic thriller with lots of red herrings to keep you guessing.
Fast paced in some places, more steady in others.
Loved this story, kept me on suspense and wanting to know more and to keep reading.

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Guilty Mother’ by Sam Vickery in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

As Lisa and Mike sit around their table with their children Jack and Holly enjoying a perfectly cooked roast dinner, the police arrive to arrest Lisa for causing the death of their neighbour Russell Fox by dangerous driving. As Lisa is interviewed she refuses to comment and is released pending further investigation, but the second time she’s arrested and charged with murder and she knows that this time she needs to give them her alibi so they know she couldn’t possibly have been involved in Russell’s death.

I’ve enjoyed every novel I’ve read by this author and ‘The Guilty Mother’ is no exception. The story is narrated in alternate chapters by Lisa and Russell’s wife Victoria who throughout her marriage has had to endure his malicious comments and controlling behaviour. I’ve been totally involved from page one as more is revealed of these perfectly described characters, and tensions increase as Lisa is kept locked in a cell until it’s obvious she’s keeping secrets, and it seems she’s not the only one! I’ve felt a warmth towards Lisa, Mike and the children but although I found it easy to dislike Victoria I couldn’t help but sympathise with her for how she’d been treated throughout her marriage by Russell and his family. This novel has been brilliantly written with a depth that pulls at the heartstrings, and I can recommend it without reservation.

3.5 stars rounded up.

Taking off my favourite stripped apron to sit down for our family evening meal, I know something is wrong the moment the doorbell rings. A chill runs through me as the police officer places handcuffs around my wrists and I see my husbands shocked face. They're arresting me for murder. We've been best friends with Victoria and Russell since they first moved to Dragonfly Close. My children call her Auntie Vic. We spend long summer evenings together, laughing, chatting and sharing everything. Now I'm accused of murdering Russell.

The pace kept fluctuating between slow and steady. It's also predictable in places, but none of that spoiled by enjoyment of the book. The evidence mounts up against Lisa making her responsible for Russell's murder. The story is told from Lisa and Victoria's perspectives. I was pulled in from the beginning and there's plenty of twist and turns. I think this is one of those books where the less you know before reading is the best option. All I will say is - I was shocked by the last twist.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #SamVickery for my ARC of #TheGuiltyMother in exchange for an honest review.

I tried really hard to get into this book and after 3 or 4 attempts at reading it I couldn't get to even 50%.

Vickery’s book focuses on jealousy of one woman, Victoria, who covets another woman’s, Lisa, life. Lisa has a family and a devoted husband. The story gets complicated when Victoria assumes that Lisa is having an affair with her husband. The book was predictable, and as the story continued I came to detest Victoria, rather than feel sorry for her. Even the end, which I assume was to be a twist, was expected and not at all a surprise. It is a quick read, but it didn’t have me on the edge of my seat, or completely shocked by the twist at the end. I think students wouldn’t identify with the older protagonists.

4.5 stars that I'm rounding up to 5 because they're my stars and I can do what I want with them!!! This was quite the pulse pounding psychological family drama thriller starring Lisa, a mama bear, her loving husband Mike, and their two older teenage children. Add in across the street neighbors Victoria (who needs enemies when you have Victoria for a neighbor) and her husband, Russell, who was recently killed in a hit and run accident?? Well, let me just say that I would gladly sign up to take turn at the wheel of the car that killed him and back up and do it again a few times just for good measure. Lisa has been arrested for Russell's murder and soon secrets are revealed left and right, motives are examined, and the result is a book I could barely put down.

3.5 stars rounded up.
This is the first book I have read by this author but definitely won’t be the last.

The book starts out at a family dinner where there is a knock at the door and Lisa, the mother is placed under arrest for murder. Russell’s body has been found on the side of the road and Lisa is arrested for his murder but she claims her innocence and Russell’s wife, Victoria believes her.

This book is told from two POV - Lisa and Victoria. I found this book very enjoyable and there was a it a ton of timeline jumping. At points of the book I found myself hating Victoria for her choices and needed to remind myself she to is suffering from Russell’s anger. This book makes you think how far would you go for your kids - Lisa will go
To the ends of the Earth for hers. I throughly enjoyed this book and will be recommending it to others.

Thank you NetGallery for providing me with an ARC of the Guilty Mother in return for an honest review.

The Guilty Mother is a story that focuses on two women, Vic and Lisa. Vic’s husband Russel is killed in a hit and run. Lisa is the prime suspect in the hit and run and is arrested by police.

This domestic thriller is a great read and well written. I did find it to be predictable. I enjoyed this book and will be recommending it.

Review in progress and to come.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

3.5 Stars rounded up!

This is the first book I’ve read from Sam and I’m not sure it’ll be my last. While I absolutely figured out who the culprit was in the beginning, I enjoyed the ride. And was also delighted for the twist in the epilogue.

The story is told from two perspectives- Victoria and Lisa. There’s very little timeline hopping but the hopping we did was enjoyable and insightful.

Victoria’s husband has been found dead on the side of a road. Lisa is arrested and charged with his murder. No one believes she did it-including Victoria.

We see Victoria’s marriage through the rose colored glasses her husband, Russell, would like us to see. And then we’re shown the reality of their marriage. He’s an abusive, piece of shit. No mincing words here. Victoria is also not what she seems. And while I found myself feeling bad for her, I was also incredibly frustrated with her chameleon tendencies. Until I remembered that she’s a victim (still hated her tho).

Lisa has the perfect marriage to her husband, Mike, and two kiddos - teenagers, actually - Holly and Jack. She delights in being a SAHM/W and truly loves doing for her family. She sees glimpses of Victoria’s “other side” during their solo outings but realizes that Victoria rarely shows this side of herself to anyone else. Which is why Lisa sees her creeping in on her life and her family when she’s placed in custody for the murder of Russell. (Side note - my husband’s name is also Mike and he is SO MUCH LIKE this Mike it isn’t even funny. Like learn to read the room, bud.)

As I mentioned, I figured this one out pretty quickly but Adam made it a fun / enjoyable read nonetheless.

Thank you to NetGalley for this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Never underestimate what a mother will do to protect her child. Another heartbreaking story from Sam Vickery. Well-paced with plenty of twists and turns as we race to the finish. Beautifully rendered!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

How far would you go to protect a child? For Lisa there was only one answer, she would do anything within her power to ensure her daughter was safe.
Lisa, Mike and their two children Holly and Jack have known their neighbours Russell and Victoria since the children were born - they have socialised superficially but have never considered they were great friends, at least not as far as Lisa was concerned.
Their relationship takes a dramatic turn when Russell is killed in a hit and run accident. The dynamic between the remaining adults and children is closely scrutinised especially when Lisa finds herself under suspicion.
I read this in almost one go, acutely observed - highly recommend