Probably one of the CREEPIEST WTFruit books I have read in years...
There is definite cause to pause and ponder nature verses nurture in helping a child to grow.
Suzette is an adoring wife and mother who also lives with an autoimmune disorder. Alex is her workaholic husband who is blind to what their 7 year old daughter Hanna is doing. How do you explain to your husband your daughter who will not talk is slowly tearing you apart? How as a husband do you NOT try to see and understand more? How as a daughter can you play your parents like that? Soo many questions and soo many creepy weird moments. I

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage is one of the most magical books I've read in a long time. The author's ability to look at ordinary things in an everyday world with imagination, and from the perspective of a little girl locked in her inner world of elective mutism, is breathtaking. Have you ever wondered what someone was thinking? Be careful what you wish for! The secret life of Hanna, a precocious and seemingly sweet little girl to everyone but her mom and her teachers, is told through chapters that switch between her mother's fearful misgivings, and Hanna's inner dialogue. Without giving away too much, we see Hanna's dad thoroughly manipulated by Hanna as he becomes almost a co-conspirator in what Hanna has planned next. Because the little girl can't (or won't) talk, her thoughts are open to interpretation. Without a doubt, if I was Hanna's mom I would sleep with the lights on and the door firmly locked.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the free review copy of this novel. All opinions are my own. 

This book was creepy. It was beyond creepy, and I was perfectly okay with that. I am a huge fan of thrillers, horror, and suspense, so this book was right up my alley. It gave off Orphan vibes but was even more disturbing than that movie. 

Hanna is a scary child. The way in which she thinks and her intelligence makes her much more dangerous than the average child. She knows how to manipulate and connive. Her character left me terrified for Suzette during the entire novel. I also hated (in the best way) how she knew she could pit her parents against each other. 

I am fascinated by children that are different than their average counter parts, and this novel delivered. I enjoyed the entire story and how creepy it was. I don't think I'll stop thinking about this for a while to come. 

I hope you'll consider checking this out on July, 17, when it releases. I do recommend this for people who love horror movies and are use to the content that is in them (language, sexual scenes, violence).

First, let’s talk about Hanna. Seven years old, thinks the sun shines out of her daddy, wants to kill her mommy so she and her daddy can live happily ever after, and has summoned a seventeenth century witch to help with the process.

Suzette. Suffering from Crohn’s disease, has had several surgeries and horrible aftereffects, and is the target of Hanna’s psychopathic behaviors. Very insecure because of her upbringing and her illness, and wants the world to see her as a good mother.

Alex. Loves his “lilla gumman,” but is troubled that Hanna won’t talk. Thinks Suzette is over-reacting to Hanna’s actions because he only sees the sweet Hanna who adores him. Doesn’t believe what’s happening until Hanna makes a blatant homicidal attempt at Suzette.

Hanna is smart, no question. She sabotages every school she’s been sent to, she barks like a dog, she manipulates nearly every situation, and she actively hurts others, with everything leading towards her goal of being able to stay at home with Daddy. Even though she’s selectively non-verbal, she manages to communicate quite well about her likes and dislikes, and her active hatred of Suzette. Alex and Suzette have tried almost everything to get Hanna the help she needs, and she always ends up back at home, tormenting Suzette in one way or another.

This is an interesting story, not scary in the horror sense, but definitely creepy. If you believe seven year olds can be full blown psychopaths, this is a story for you. Otherwise, suspend your disbelief and prepare to be horrified by Hanna’s intelligence and determination to get exactly what she wants from her frightened parents.

4.5 stars.

This debut novel is a story is told in alternating POV chapters switching between mother Suzette and daughter Hanna. After finishing this book, I'm excited to see what the author will come out with next.

The story is so intriguing and gripping- I devoured this book! I had to constantly resist the urge to peek at my kindle while at work, and by peek, I mean read the rest of the book. Hanna is so creepy, and I kept wanting to know and simultaneously dreading what new scheme she would cook up next for her poor mother. It was really disturbing reading the Hanna chapters and seeing the language and disturbing things she would imagine. There were a few times where I felt a bit bad for her and wondered whether Suzette was an unreliable narrator, and I don't want to spoil anything, so that's all I'll say about that. The book is fast-paced; I never got bored and was always curious to find out what would happen next. A real page-turner!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

My oh my! What have we here?! To say this book was creepy is an understatement! This is an unusual psychological suspense story like I've never read before. Kudos to author, Zoje Stage, for tackling a complicated psychological concept and having the creative imagination to turn it into an exciting, page turning, looking over your shoulder and under the bed, story.

When your very young child turns from happy – normal, into a non-verbal, mean child . . . . who only acts out against one parent, while appearing to be loving and innocent to the other parent. . .
Is she really vindictive and evil? , is she possessed? – or are you losing your mind?

This book will keep you turning pages, keep you guessing AND keep you worried for the parents safety and sanity.

Move over Chucky and Annabelle, Baby Teeth is here!

Recommended for 18 years old and older. (maybe mature 16 year old).
(This book is NOT rated G or PG)


Thank you to the author, Zoje Stage, for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a disturbing book about a troubled child. With a family that looked perfect from the outside.

Some things I found interesting, especially the parents. First of all, I know the whole premise of this book feeds on a mother's innate fears- is she a bad parent, does her child not love her as much, are people judging her? This child obviously has some issues. The family dynamic looking closer is odd to me, too, though. They never have visitors, they are pretty isolated. The husband chooses to be blissfully unaware, the wife struggles with her own mental health.

Some moments were more suspenseful or even shocking than others. I do wish the ending were a little something more. But overall, an enjoyable read.

Creepy, psychological thriller about a 7 year girl who loves her daddy; a little too much. And hates her mommy. She wants mommy gone; so she can have daddy all to herself and grow up to marry daddy. The novel is a back and forth tug of war between the Suzette & Hanna; fighting for the attention and love of Alex (the father). Hanna is a perfect little angel whenever Alex is around; making Suzette look crazy and paranoid.
When everything finally comes a head; Alex finally is forced to see what he has been denying all along and see what Suzette has been living for the past few years.
Some of the content in the novel is a little disturbing and even far fetched. To think that a 7 year could think and act that way; be that evil; manipulative and be filled with so much hatred.
Overall it was a fast paced; good read.

Thank you to the publisher & net galley in exchange for a fair review.

Anyone who has ever tangled with a willful child will immediately understand the struggles in this book.  Suzette, the mother, is a perfectionist who maintains a spotless house and strict rules.  Hanna, her child, hates her mother's discipline.  The two of them lock horns constantly.  This would be nothing new - after all, pretty much every parent/child relationship involves a power struggle at times - but Hanna is a psychopath.  Even at age seven, she's plotting to destroy her mother.  As in, completely destroy.

I'll be up front on why I'm only giving this book only two stars.  Although I found the story gripping and the character of Suzette compelling and sympathetic, Hanna was sexualized in such a profound way that I stopped reading and very nearly put the book aside for good.  I understood that she was a bizarre and, honestly, evil child.  I also realize that she was smart beyond her years.  However, she was a child.  Not only was the scene lascivious, it was also completely unnecessary.  The story would have been just fine without it.  I don't like gratuitous sex scenes; especially when children are involved.

I also didn't like the ending.  Although there is an explosive scene between mother and daughter, the climax happens about three-quarters of the way in.  That leaves the final quarter of the book with nothing much happening.  I suppose the very end of the book could be considered a twist.  Or, it could be leading up to a sequel.  In either case, I lost interest in reading and, once again, nearly put it down.

The great cover on this book along with the intriguing blurb made me anxious to read it.  Unfortunately, I walked away with a bad taste in my mouth.

Never before have I read such a gripping, psychological thriller centered on a young psychopath.

Brilliant literary execution.

The Electra complex on Steroids! Seven year old Hanna, mute by choice, wants her mommy, Suzette, to disappear or better yet,be dead. She wants daddy, Alex, all for herself. Alex is unobservant and oblivious to the family dynamics. He sees nothing at all wrong with his sweet little baby girl.
The intriguing , yet disturbing story unfolds in alternating narratives of Hanna and Suzette - much of the story takes place in the internal musings of both. We learn of Suzette's developmental bonding issues with her own mother, as well as her continuous battles to deal with the ravages of crohn's disease. She gives up a great deal of autonomy to stay home to nurture and home school her child.
Hanna is continually plotting to get rid of mommy. In her nonchalant narrative... she reveals her innermost callous and unremorseful face , as well as her delusional interpretations of actions around her.
Hanna observes a group of peacocks strutting around. She considers them very arrogant and wants to wrap her fist around their delicate necks and squeeze . She wonders if their heads would crack open like an egg. One of her many attempts at making mommy "disappear" involved placing as slew of tacks next to her bed while she was asleep. Hanna then made a loud ruckus outside her door.... the plan was for mommy to suddenly awake in a startled condition and jump up quickly while impaling herself on the tacks .... "she would then burst into the room and whack away with the hammer until her brains started to ooze out"
Confrontations continue to escalate resulting in more drastic measures to control the ever deteriorating and dangerous situation. Hanna's callous and unemotional traits and violent behavior raises the question if she is a sociopath or psychopath or combination of both. Is she a sociopath who lies to manipulate or a psychopath poised to continue her vicious attacks.
The narrative successfully and quickly drives forward to an unusual but satisfying conclusion. I certainly intend on seeking out further novels of Zoje Stage ... this will not be my first and last taste of her skills. Thanks to both Netgalley and St Martin's Press books for providing an Uncorrected Proof of this most unusual and enjoyable book, in exchange for an honest review. #St Martins' Press .








































































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This book was a fun ride! It kept me guessing as to where it was going. Just when I thought I knew what would happen next, it took a left turn.

As a mother of three very intelligent children, this concept intrigued me. I love the idea of a child being manipulative and controlling of it's parents. This book was interesting & a fast read. I found myself rushing to learn what happened next. Then, in some areas, the story went off the rails. I didn't like the descriptions of sex & nudity of the parents. It wasn't necessary. Any parent would flip out about a child taking a nude photo of them for a project. That part was not believable. This book was well written, just not my cup of tea.

If you like a dash of horror mixed in with your daily domestic family life Baby Teeth delivers. An eye-opening and disturbing suspense that begins with a mother, a father, and Hanna who doesn't and won't speak.
Suzette, a stay at home mom is at her wit's end. Hanna has seen all the doctors, been tested endlessly but no one has any answers as to why she will not speak. Her husband dotes on his daughter and thinks she will talk when she wants to. He also doesn't see how she manipulates Suzette or why she keeps getting kicked out of school after school. Suzette's starting to see it though, she sees so much more too.
Poppy, sweet little Poppy. The daughter of her Daddy's eye. Oh how she loves her Daddy. Poppy is just a child.
From the very beginning you will wonder, what's behind the true Suzette and Poppy?

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is like if Stephen King and Lisa Genova had a baby. It's creepy, it's cerebral, it focuses on how a tiny brain misfiring can wreak havoc on everything in a person's life. In short: it was great.

I'm a huge fan of the horror/thriller genre but I love a good science nonfiction book as well so this one was right up my alley. Zoje Stage's debut novel focuses on a family that has it all -- or at least they appear that way to the outside. However, inside their pristine home, life is a nightmare. Hanna is 7-year-old and has yet to speak. Suzette struggles with the pain of raising a disabled child while she herself is also quite ill. Alex rounds out the family as the handsome bread-winner, the prize possession of both his wife and daughter. Then one day, it all falls apart. Hanna speaks but what comes out of her mouth is devastating and terrifying. From there, things only get worse as Hanna invents dangerous ways to get back at her mother and Alex refuses to see the trouble his daughter creates. Everything comes to a head one fateful evening and nothing is ever the same after that.

The entire book had me on the edge of my seat as I waited for Hanna to concoct her next plan of attack. I felt Suzette's fear, Alex's anguish, and Hanna's confusion. As the parent of an occasionally violent, mostly mute child, I know what it's like to wonder what the day will bring. Luckily, I've never been in fear for my life but I could totally sympathize with Suzette the whole way through. Great read!

I had to write this review as soon as I finished reading the book. Not because it was good but because this was the most anticlimatic book I have ever read.

I struggled to sink my teeth in and at the mid way point I was relieved because the story was finally picking up. I was excited to see what Hanna would bring to the table, what exactly she would inflict upon her mother.

However, the book fell flat. I was left feeling unsatisfied since this book is clearly a set up for a sequel. If another book does get released, I would say skip this one.

I'm sorry, I wanted to like this but it just never really did it for me. The writing is good but I wasn't crazy about the story at all.

I appreciate the ARC I was given from Netgalley as I am always willing to try new authors and new kinds of stories but I am not really digging this one.

Sorry but I couldn't get into the book at all. I tried though, I'm so sorry for my ADD brain.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book kept me on my toes. The alternating points of view between Suzette and Hanna kept the book interesting. Hanna's POV was terrifying at times! If you're looking for a quick read that will keep you guessing, this book is for you!

This book was very good and very well written. Following the search for answers about their daughter Hannah as Suzanne and Alex fought to regain their home, health and happiness was heartbreaking and yet inspirational at the same time. Realizing that your 7 year old daughter is mentally ill as she tries to get rid of her mother...it’s hard to think about, but I’m sure many people are dealing with these issues every day. I highly recommend giving this book a chance.