Wow. I really enjoyed reading this book, and the author hooked me from the very beginning and kept me on my toes!

Two next door neighbors become best friends after both wives become pregnant at the same time. Milo and Maxine, the sons of the couples, become best friends and the couples and children are inseparable. The families even talk about putting a fence between the hedges so they can go back and forth between the houses. Maxine is killed in an accident and all their lives are shattered. The parents of Maxine begin acting hostile towards Milo’s parents, and what follows is a twisted story of revenge.

This was one of the most twisted and disturbing stories I have ever read. The author really takes you into the minds of these two families, their friendship, and specifically the love both mothers had for their sons. I could feel Maxime’s mother’s distress and heartbreak and I could understand why Milo’s mother felt the way she did. This was such a tragic story, and it honestly left me speechless and very sad. I will be looking forward to it coming to the big screen in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-ARC.

This book caught my eye because it's soon to be a movie, starring Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain.
Whew! This thriller takes it to the next level. Two couples live next door to each other, and their lives are intertwined: they are best friends, they were pregnant together, and the young boys are best friends as well.
When a tragic accident occurs, (kudos for making it unusual rather than a car accident or similar)
With this, the families are shattered, as are the ties they had. Yet, they still live literally over the hedge from each other, and "accidents" begin to happen to the boy who lived. While his mom, Laetitia, thinks her former friend is targeting her son, Milo, her husband is supportive, but begins to think she's imagining things. This ia an American debut from a Belgian author, and I just noticed it was translated from French. Do not let that sway you at all...it was perfectly translated, and I loved it. The end...OMG...I'm still reeling a bit from it, having finished it a few hours ago. This book was so well done, and I loved it.
Thank you to HarperVia, NetGalley and the author for an e-ARC of this title, Mother's Instinct, in exchange for my honest review.
All opinions are my own.

#HarperVia, #NetGalley #must read #MothersInstinct #Thriller

This is a tough one to rate. It was such a mixed bag. There were parts that I read on the edge of my seat, so captivated and engrossed in the thrilling drama unfolding. But there were other parts I found myself rolling my eyes and skimming because it was so repetitive and utterly boring. All in all, it was good. It was a fairly unique domestic thriller with interesting twists and an unreliable narrator.

Wow! This book is golden! Loved the suspense! I was totally taken in by the characters. I did not expect that ending! Great read!

Enjoyed this domestic drama by Barbara Abel. Lots of tension and super dark situations. Characters were great! Kept me totally invested in the story.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book

Amazing book! I went into this totally blind and I was not disappointed. If you enjoy twisty, domestic thrillers, this book is for you!

A great mystery thriller. This was a great quick read that kept me involved in the characters' story through the entire book. I can see why it would be a great movie adaptation. I highly suggest this book to thriller lovers.

Mothers' Instinct
A Novel
by Barbara Abel
Description
Soon to be a major US motion picture starring Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain, Mothers’ Instinct is a dark, twisty domestic thriller in which the bond between two couples—best friends and next-door neighbors—mutates in dangerous and deadly ways in the wake of a tragic accident.
David and Laetitia Brunelle and Sylvain and Tiphaine Geniot are inseparable friends and next-door neighbors in a pretty, tranquil suburb. Their sons Milo and Maxime, born in the same year, grow up together as close as brothers. But when Maxime is killed in an accident, their idyllic world shatters. Maxime's parents, Sylvain and Tiphaine, are consumed by grief and bitterness, while David and Laetitia are wracked with guilt for their role in the tragedy. Soon the couples are barely speaking, although they maintain a polite façade.


OH MY ! This was a wild ride. It was not the same old neighbors having a fallout at all. Things change very quickly with death. the big and small funds begin. Yet, this is a real punch you in the gut read. I simply devoured the book for hours. I cannot wait for the motion picture to come out. Brillianty book.

Extremely well written thriller, on the edge of your seat the entire time you’re reading it wondering what will transpire. I absolutely loved it.. I can’t wait to see what else this writer will come up with!

Mothers' Instinct by Barbara Abel was completely insane and so worth the read!
It's an intense thriller you will not want to put down!
Fantastic story and so many unexpected twists and turns that just when you think you have figured it out you will be shocked by a new direct.
This is an easy to read, entertaining story that I really enjoyed.
I was too excited about this one. And jumped at the amazing opportunity to open it up immediately and I'm so glad I did.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperVia for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review-
WHAT A BOOK!
Two couples, neighbours, and best friends and each have a son who are as close as brothers until Maxine is killed in an accident
The relationship between the couples changes after the boys death.
When accidents begin to happen to Milo- the feeling is the parents are jealous and punishing them as their child is alive,
Is this their imagination? How far will a mother go after suffering grief?
And then —- the startling conclusion!

When I started this, I was expecting yet another story about two feuding neighbors/moms with the usual drama. Man, was I wrong. This was different, darker and more disturbing in so many ways to say the least. I can't even begin to imagine what the movie is going to be like. When you start this one, be fully prepared and brace yourself. I can't even count how many times I was like, "Wait, what? Did that really just happen?". This is going to be a hit and I can't wait to see the reaction. Five Stars.

Thank you Netgalley and Harper Via for this ARC

WTH?WTH? What the freaking heck? This is craziest, wildest thing I’ve read for long time! Normally I would devour this kid of fast pacing page turner in one sitting but I had at least 10 times scream breaks! My blood ran cold! I wrap myself with extra three blankets to stop my shivering! I turned myself shaking human burrito! Especially last third was over the edge! My eyes literally popped out from their sockets, turning myself new version of Haley Joel Osment murmuring the same words: “ I read crazy people! They’re everywhere! They’re at your next door!”

Well, I cannot wait to watch American series adaptation of this book starting Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway! I’m so sure those brilliant women will give lives to the troubled characters as perfect as possible.

I think this book will give me nightmares for a long time. This bone chilling, earth shattering, bleak, unconventional, horrifying domestic thriller was one of the greatest things I’ve read! Each time I remember a detail about the story, I want to start screaming again, hiding under my bed! Trust me! Some of the characters in this book are scarier than the monsters!

I will give a quick summary of the plot: David - Laetitia Brunelle and Sylvain- Tiphaine Geniot are next door neighbors, bonding with 10 years long friendship. Laetitia and Tiphaine got pregnant at the same time, giving births to their sons Milo and Maxime. The boys were best friends just like their parents.

But one day six years of old Maxime gets sick, stays at home and….. an accident takes his life! Tiphaine and Sylvain lose themselves, suffering from grief! Their tight bonding gets broken! Emotions are everywhere!

Two families keep threatening each other. Tiphaine thinks Laetitia is responsible of her child’s death. Laetitia thinks Tiphaine is the reason of the incidents keep threatening her son Milo’s life! And…. Things get escalated! Shit hits the fan! All hell breaks loose! I’m stopping right here! Just expect the unexpected! Get ready to thrill with fast building pressure! Join me to scream a little louder!

I loved it! It scared me! It disturbed me! But it’s worth to thrill!

Quick note: I need more translations of Barbara Abel’s works! I hope publishing company will release more books of her! I wish I know French!

Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperVia for sharing this brilliant digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.