Such a Good Mom does have a murder, but the book centers around postpartum depression. The murder mystery and investigation take a backseat as we watch Brynn struggle with new motherhood. When her husband is arrested for murder, her depression deepens, but knowing he’s innocent, she’s determined to find out what really happened, even if things go in a direction she wasn’t expecting. As a dual read/ listen this book was contradictory and repetitive in spots, and all in all was just OK. Thank you to Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC and ALC of this book.

I was really drawn to this book based on the summary, and there were several things that I liked. I appreciated the focus on post partum, the converstaion about inequality in division of labor in the home post birth, and the main character finding herself throghout the book. I also love a mystery/thriller, and found parts of the story really intriguing and promising. There were times I didn't understand how the two main themes of post partum & family drama were meshing together, and it seemed more like two different books/genres taking turns telling a sort-of related story. I found myself going back to the summary a few times to see what genre the book had been intended to be, a women's fiction or a mystery thriller, because I couldn't tell from what was going on. I enjoyed the narrator, and there parts of the characters that I liked. I found myself getting really frustrated with the main character, and appreciate that may have been the intent - as commentary on what it's like being inside someone's head with post partum depression/anxiety. I think if we'd had more time with character & story development, these two stories could have woven together more fluidly. Overall, it was a quick read with some twisty turns, with a focus on a difficult topic about post partum. I'm giving 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

Thank you to NetGalley for this Audio ARC. There is my honest review.

This book is about Brynn, a new mom who is struggling with enjoying motherhood. Brynn and their little community on Martha's Vineyard are completely shocked when Brynn's husband Ross is arrested for the murder of a young women. With the mounting evidence against him, Brynn tries to figure out the truth, with only a cryptic clue from her husband.

I was drawn to the title of this novel because as a mom, I enjoy reading about other mothers perspective and experience with motherhood. One thing I did appreciate was the author bringing awareness to postpartum depression and the amount of women who experience it. I also liked the different perspective on motherhood and what it means from the different female characters in the story. Many times as moms we may idolize other mothers or assume they are doing things better than we are, when in reality, every mom struggles and things may not always be as they seem. The audio production was ok. I did have to listen to it at 1.25x speed because normal speed was just too slow.

Unfortunately, there wasn't a lot more that I liked about this storyline. I felt like the story was all over the place. There were things that weren't relevant that could have been left out and there were moments when I felt the author was trying to stretch out the story unnecessarily. Brynn as the main character was very self centered and got a bit annoying. Everything seemed to be about her. She felt like she was responsible for anything that happened to anyone else in the story. Lastly, when the mystery was solved, as a reader I felt like the author thought I was stupid and I needed it to be explained to me three different times. The last 30 minutes I was literally screaming, "I know!! I got it!". This fell flat for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an ARC for my honest review.

Audiobook

Such a Good Mom follows the life of new mom Brynn Nelson as she battles with the struggles and exhaustion of newborn life. Suffering from PPD, losing her sense of self, and feeling disconnected from her husband, Brynn is in despair. Then her husband is arrested for the murder of a local girl, and Brynn spirals further. All the evidence conveniently points at her husband, but she doesn't believe it in her heart. Can she help rescue him?

Representing the reality of newborn life is a breath of fresh air. It's lonely, terrifying, and almost impossible to communicate. Brynn's feelings were relatable, especially the intergenerational feelings and resentment towards one's mother once you become one. The murder and related plot aren't the most substantial parts of the book, but the other parts make up for it.

Thank you, Netgalley and Macmillan Audio, for this early listening copy.

Such a Good Mom had a really compelling premise—a murder mystery set against the backdrop of Martha’s Vineyard, told through the lens of a new mom dealing with postpartum struggles? I was immediately intrigued. Julia Spiro did a great job capturing the raw exhaustion and identity crisis that can come with early motherhood, and Brynn’s inner turmoil felt very real and relatable.

I listened to this one on audio, and the narration was solid—easy to follow and well-paced. The narrator captured Brynn’s exhaustion and uncertainty really well, which added to the emotional weight of her journey. That said, it didn’t necessarily elevate the suspense elements or hook me the way I’d hoped an audiobook might.

The pacing of the story was a bit uneven overall. The first half leaned more heavily into Brynn’s emotional journey and domestic life, while the mystery didn’t really take off until later in the book. I found myself wishing the suspense had been more tightly woven throughout. And while there were definitely some twists and turns—I called the twist pretty early, which took away some of the impact.

The setting was beautifully described, and I appreciated the commentary on privilege and appearances in tight-knit island communities. And while I empathized with Brynn’s experience, I had a harder time connecting with some of the other characters, which made it tougher to feel fully invested.

Overall, a solid listen with some poignant moments and strong emotional depth, especially around motherhood—but it didn’t quite hit the mark as a mystery for me. A decent pick if you’re in the mood for light suspense paired with domestic drama.

Rating: 4.25

Review:

Right off the bat I loved narrator Abigail Reno's voice and will be looking into any other books she has narrated. I enjoyed how the book started out with a "tell me a story feeling". It felt like I was sitting at the kitchen table with the friend group and I was being let in on the inner thoughts of Bryne's take on gossip on the island. As the book progressed, the jumble of her feelings about all the people in her life felt so real, I appreciate author, Julie Spiro's choice to show the flaws in her main character and to give a balanced view of what new motherhood truly feels like. I will say there were one or two moments that it felt a little after school special, but through her characters the author offers coping mechanisms for postpardum depression. It's such an unusual choice for fiction. These paragraphs read more like a self help book but I imagine many women in that stage of their lives would really relate and would benefit from seeing what might be their experience expressed in the story.

As for the mystery, it took a while for that to get going and even longer for what felt like two separate tales to come together into one narrative, but I ultimately feel it was worth the wait.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading from this author in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free listen To the audiobook.

Blurb:

With a healthy newborn baby, a devoted husband, a successful career, and a busy life on Martha’s Vineyard, Brynn Nelson should be the happiest she’s ever been. But Brynn is struggling. Her husband, Ross, grows more distant by the day, and the challenges and exhaustion of postpartum make Brynn feel like she’s slowly losing pieces of herself to motherhood. Pieces that she might never get back.

But it’s summer on the Vineyard, a beacon for wealthy visitors, and a place so beautiful that it seems immune to tragedy and crime. Except for locals, like Brynn, who know all too well that tragedy can strike at any point. And this time, it hits close to home when a friend of the family is found washed ashore dead and Brynn’s already hectic life is turned upside down when Ross is arrested for the crime.

Left reeling with more questions than answers, Brynn’s only path forward is to find out who really killed Cecelia Buckley, even if it means it was her husband. She’s not sure who she’s able to trust anymore. And with the dizzying, endless cycle of sleepless nights, diapers, and bottles, Brynn’s not even sure she can trust herself. She’s not sure of anything anymore, but she won’t stop until she finds the truth.

Bestselling author Julia Spiro is known for writing characters readers instantly connect to. With Such a Good Mom, Spiro brings the real and layered Martha’s Vineyard to life through the eyes of a new mom trying to get her family out of the eye of the storm that is a murder investigation.

This book was real and raw for me as a mom. The thoughts and feelings Brynn had as a new mom are so common but unspoken. I loved how her journey with motherhood paralleled with her navigating her world as her husband gets arrested for murder! I say this time and time again, I love a book with dramatic rich people. When done well it adds a flair to the book.

I would say to all moms new or veteraned this book is a raw fictional take on motherhood and identity. Brynn does have some intrusive thoughts that maybe triggering for some.

I was entertained and sucked into this book the whole time. I loved the audio. Thank MacMillian Audio for this ALC.

This domestic thriller delivered a gripping plot and a solid twist. While I prefer a faster pace, the slow unraveling of Brynn’s life kept me hooked. The author captured the exhaustion and isolation of postpartum life so well—it took me right back to those tough newborn days.

The Martha’s Vineyard setting added to the intrigue, its idyllic beauty clashing with the darkness creeping into Brynn’s world. As she struggles with doubt and the shocking accusations against her husband, the tension builds steadily, making it hard to put down.

Though the pacing lagged at times, the mystery was well-crafted, and the emotional depth made it stand out. A compelling, atmospheric read!

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

DNFing this one at 32%. Bryn's postpartum depression is so vivid that it is triggering me. I may pick this one back up because I am truly engaged, but for now, I am tabling it.

My first book by this author, but certainly not my last. I am a huge Elin Hilderbrand fan, so I knew this book was right up my alley. A murder mystery, taking place on the small, picturesque island of Martha’s Vineyard. Everyone is connected, and there could be a lot of motives, so who did it?
I love the small town feel with an air of mystery. This is a perfect summer, beach read

This author also writes heavily about postpartum and the experience of becoming a first time mom. There were so many times listening that I actually said oh my God or oh wow out loud because of how much it brought me back to a place you almost forget exists once you’re on the other side. At one point in the book, she describes the fact motherhood has you forgetting how hard it actually was at the time. I love being a mom and have more confidence, but I would say most women and I certainly was one of them, were so sad and so unsure for so long in the beginning. Always second-guessing and questioning every decision that got us here and are we enough. I think so many times women are afraid to recall motherhood truthfully because we grow to love our children so much that we feel guilty for ever feeling any other way. Makes complete sense, but it is also refreshing hearing someone else write about it, it felt like talking to a best friend!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for giving me the opportunity to listen to this book.

This one was fast paced, the narrator was great, and the story was full of twists and turns. I really enjoyed this one and feel like anyone wanting a quick thriller, this is the one!

SUCH A GOOD MOM was a great story that kept me up late at night. It is an emotional read but also one I won't soon forget. Thank you so much for my gifted ALC.

I read the excerpt from the Minotaur sampler and was looking forward to this book because it starts off with a bang. Unfortunately, it focused entirely on the protagonist and the mystery was insignificant. Yes there is a murder but the story is told from Brynn’s POV, she is completely focused on herself. I understand that she’s experiencing postpartum depression which is an important topic but she’s also extremely self-centered and exhausting. I have never disliked a character so much.
Personally, I feel that if this novel was listed as women’s fiction and/or the synopsis was written differently, the target audience would not be the same. This is not a mystery thriller in my opinion; Poor Cecelia is completely lost in this story until the few chapters.
I do believe the plot had potential as a mystery and it was well-written.
Thank you to the publisher/author for the opportunity to listen to this complimentary advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I received an advance audiobook copy of Such a Good Mom by Julia Spiro from netgalley.

I really liked this book. The narration was well done and enjoyable to listen to.

Such a Good Mom has a little of everything. I could totally relate to the struggles of new motherhood and all the comes with it.

There's plenty of mystery and suspense. The twists will blow your mind. Definitely a recommended read.

4.5 stars! I know this book has mixed reviews, but I thought it was great if you appreciate a good domestic thriller. I'm also a sucker for any novel set on Martha's Vineyard, so that helped. That being said, I can see how those who have not personally experienced pregnancy and/or motherhood may not find Such A Good Mom and it's female main character (Brynn) relatable, but for those who have, Spiro writes in searing honesty about the experience of new moms.

Brynn is struggling juggling the responsibilities of a new baby with her job as a writer on an idyllic and affluent island. Like may in the postpartum phase, she experiences brain fog, negative thoughts about her altered body, and feels increasingly distant from and misunderstood by her husband. Perpetually exhausted and at her wit's end, her life crumbles when the dead body of a young woman on the island is discovered, and her husband is subsequently arrested for murder.

Brynn's journalistic instinct kicks in, and she decides to investigate whether her husband is really guilty, or he is being framed by someone else on the island. However, her chronic fatigue and "baby brain" make her a bit of an unreliable narrator, as she is constantly second guessing herself, her husband, and her life's choices. I loved the plot twists combined with the raw and emotional insight into the trials and tribulations of mothers, which really resonated with me and made for a compelling read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I struggled to get through this one due to the emphasis on the FMC’s battle with postpartum depression rather than the actual mystery plot line. The cover and synopsis led me to feel the book would be a good summer beach mystery, but the subject was much heavier than anticipated. As someone who was diagnosed with PPD and failed to emotionally connect to with my firstborn infant, I can attest that Spiro’s portrayal of these struggled are incredibly realistic. I think there was a good premise here, but the murder mystery plot just lacked enough originality to hold my attention. However, I will definitely give this author a second chance!

The audiobook narrator did a nice job portraying the FMC’s anxieties, struggled, and captured the suspense of the mystery well.

I absolutely loved this book! If I hadn’t been able to figure out who did it way before the book ended, I would have for sure given it five stars. Even with figuring out the main plot, I felt like there were still plenty of small twists and turns to keep me entertained. I would definitely recommend this book to others!

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC audiobook.

This was a miss for me. A woman dealing with postpartum deals with her husband being main suspect in murder. The premise sounded amazing, but missed the mark for me to be a great thriller.

#ad many thanks to StMartins Press for my advance copy & @netgalley for the ALC

Umm. Hmm. Okay. I liked? This book - the mystery intrigued me, the writing was great, and so were the characters. But most of this book is focused on postpartum, gender roles, chapped nipples and being a new mom.

The book would have been fantastic if it didn’t keep going on and on about these issues. I’d say the book is 75% about being a new mom - which was relatable - while the other 25% focuses on the mystery. Seriously I must have read/heard the word “nipples” at least 5000 times.

You might enjoy this one more if you’re looking for more of a women’s lit type of book with a light murder mystery. If you’re expecting a mystery/thriller well, you will get that too but you’ll also get a bunch of repeating troubles on motherhood.

I don’t even know how to rate this book. There’s so much that’s great about it but also a lot that isn’t.

Will def check out future books by this author however because I enjoyed her writing. The audio was perfect however and the narrators really did a great job.

If you are looking for a story that is about a mother struggling with postpartum depression (and maybe even anxiety) this is the book for you. The struggles of postpartum motherhood and mental health challenges are well depicted. But that is pretty much all the book is about. The FMC is struggling with postpartum when her husband is arrested for murder. She struggles with her feelings towards him and motherhood. She is resistant to help and trusts very few people. The book was more about her struggles than the murder, which I was not expecting. I wanted a little more from the murder aspect of the story, which was fine, but predictable and not the main focus. I think if you want a story about mental health challenges, especially as a new mother, this book will check all of your boxes. It was just not what I was looking for and became repetitive and frustrating to me (not the depression, but the constant descriptions of her challenges.)

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.