A decent and very easy read in my favourite category of book.
If I'm totally honest, I saw part of the storyline well in advance but certainly not the full picture as there are red herrings along the way.
First time reader of a AJ Campbell publication and sufficiently enjoyed to ensure that I wouldn't hesitate to read further ones.
A pretty solid 3.5 stars, which I'll round up the way.
Thanks to Netgalley & the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest and unbiased review

Overall 4.5*

Anybody who has become a mum for the first time along with having an emergency C Section will automatically empathise with Annie for the muddled head, lethargy and general fatigue. Add to this her husband's lack of help, her two teenage step children and a house renovation taking place and you feel exhausted for her but when her sister is found dead in her bathroom, things take a turn for the worst and Annie finds out that there is no-one she can really trust, and as the reader, you are trying to figure who the good guys are. Twisty with plenty of mis-directions, this is a great read and one that you wont want to put down until the end.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review

First-Time Mother
by AJ Campbell

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fast paced thriller with lots of twists! The premise was good, I just found myself not really connecting with the characters or caring about the outcome…

The story wasn’t what I was expecting based on the front cover “my baby is missing and everyone thinks it’s my fault” including the blurb it gave me a feel of something entirely different..

But that aside, I enjoyed the book fully, as I can remember what it was like having a newborn and sleep deprived and how crazy you feel. I was throughout the book second guessing things, every time a situation happened I’m like you know what it could be brain fog,

It kept me guessing until the end. Even the unexpected twists and turns just added to that list of what is going on, I think I even gaslit myself.. I never saw it coming the what last 25% there abouts… that my jaw dropped! Even now I’m thinking of all the moments that character is on the scene to see if I recall anything suspicious because that was unexpected

Huge thank you to this author for sending me a message on Instagram to read this ARC! I have a feeling that one of the characters was involved somehow, but was definitely shocked how it all came together at the end. If you love super short chapters with cliffhangers at the end of each one, this one is for you!

This is my second A.J. Campbell book and it didn't disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this unputdownable thriller.

I really liked the characters, especially Annie. She was a strong, determined first time mum, having such a difficult time with her new baby and blended family.

The storyline was full of twists and turns I didn't see coming, that shocked me to my core. What a fantastic read. I can't wait to see what A.J. Campbell writes next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First time mother.

This one was different for me from all the other books.I've read of this authors.

A mom who just wants to sleep.
Things don't go right.
Everyone seems to yell at her.
Even the stepchildren.

Will she ever get what she needs.
This book is simply full of twists
But you never see the ending coming with this author.


I do love this author's work.

I will say the book the author wrote was my favorite.

If you’re looking for a lighthearted tale about a sleep-deprived, first time parent, then this is NOT the book for you, lol.

AJ Campbell plunges us down a rabbit hole of blackouts, unreliable memories, and unnerving twists that will leave you questioning every character.

AJ’s writing shines in its contrasts, effortlessly blurring the line between paranoia and reality. Her pacing is electric, propelling the plot forward with twists that hit like a jack-in-the-box—unexpected and shocking. And just when you think you’ve unraveled everything, she delivers a masterful plot twist that leaves you reeling.

AJ’s skillful storytelling cleverly taps into the universal fear of losing control, intertwining it with razor-sharp tension. Just as you think you’ve pieced everything together, the book pulls the rug out from under you—again.

AJ proves once again that she is a maestro of suspense, delivering a rollercoaster of emotions that lingers long after the final twist.

The book was not what I expected going by the blurb on the cover but still a decent read I enjoyed the last 25% the most

This is my 2nd book to read by AJ Campbell. From the start, this book had me thinking what was going to happen next. It captivated me from page one. The twist and turns were so good which I enjoy so much. ! I highly recommend this book.

Well this was a blinder! New mum Annie is struggling with baby Lola. She is hated by her stepchildren and her husband Max is no support. When a death rips her world apart is there someone trying to hurt her and her baby. The short chapters were a winner for me as you get hooked and think just one more chapter and before you know it you’re half way through the book.
Thank you to netgalley, the publishers and author for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you for the ARC of this book. Rating: 3.5

The book started off very slow for me, and I felt myself struggling to want to read it. As I pushed on, about 40% it picked up pace and became quite twisty - which was great! The front is confusing. It says that the baby is missing and that everyone thinks it’s her but the baby doesn’t go missing until the last 1/4 of the book, and no one blames her?

Decent read overall & worth a try, for readers who enjoy domestic suspense.

The story follows Annie, a newlywed that is struggling to raise a newborn and two teenage stepkids. After the death of Max’s first wife, Annie steps in and tries to be a good stepmother although she is severely struggling with Lola. After Lola is born, the family sees changes in Annie and they are unsure of what is causing this. When Annie becomes forgetful and strange things begin to occur, she begins to wonder is something far more sinister taking place in their home.

The blurb on the front really threw me for a loop, as it does not match the premises of this story at all. I am still interested in reading more from this author as I did enjoy her writing style. Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Talking about the jaw on the floor... First-time Mother by A.J. Campbell will deliver you one! WoW!!!
Complicated family dynamics, sleep deprivation, love and hate mixed with secrets, sprinkled with crime and decorated with nail-biting ending. Like seriously WOW!!!

In true A.J. Campbell style, the story sucks you in from the first page. Layer by layer author puts together the story in a way that you don't trust anyone and you suspect everyone! You can get a proper headspin trying to work out what the hell is going on?!
The book is told in the present and from Annie's perspective, so it's easy to follow. Characters were irritable but lovable once you understand the emotional side of their actions.

Annie's and Max's four-month-old baby girl Lola is a crybaby. Annie can't remember when she had good sleep so things are complicated. It's not helping that her 17-year-old stepchildren dislike her. Strange things start to happen and Annie questions herself, is she losing her mind? Why she can't remember things she did or heard? Annie thinks she's going mad. How much she can trust herself or others?

Thank you, NetGalley for this copy!

Oh, this one had me all wrapped up in the story that I could not put it down and stayed up way too late to finish it.

Annie is a new mom – and she is exhausted. She is forgetful and operates in a fog, she is forgetting the important things. Her husband Max is working on a big deal to sell his business . The house is being renovated. Twins Jasmine and Jacob from Max’s previous marriage aren’t happy that Annie has moved in.

Then Annie’s sister/ Max’s business partner – Samantha- is found dead in the en suite to the bedroom where Annie was sleeping. WTF? I changed my mind so many times about who caused Samantha’s death.

So good. RECOMMEND

Thank you #NetGalley for the complimentary copy of #First-TimeMother in exchange for an honest review. Thank you @bookouture for approving my request.

This latest psychological thriller from the prolific and talented AJ Campbell is very unusual, I’d go as far as to say it’s unique.

New mum Annie is suffering, exhausted to the point of delirium, her step-children aren’t making it any easier, her husband’s about to sign his biggest business deal, their house is in the middle of building work and the life-changing shocks are just around the corner.

There are big shocks and twists and the book builds expertly on Annie’s fragile exhausted state, she’s doubting herself and everyone around her.

This is a very good, very different thriller, sure to appeal to AJ Campbell’s ever growing army of fans to bound to get a few more readers hooked.

Recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture.

This by far the best thriller of 2025! Man did I love The Phone Call by AJ Campbell and I never thought she could bet it but she did! This is a book you DON’T WANT TO MISS. It’s was so relatable as a new mom with feeling tired and overwhelmed, you just had to feel for Annie. It was adrenaline filled and I was on the edge of my seat the entire way through! My jaw was on the floor to many time to count! Make sure you add this to your TBR because you are going to have FOMO if you don’t!

****Many thanks to Bookouture and AJ Campbell for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

Absolutely devoured this book. Super fast paced, lots of twist, the perfect psychological thriller.

-Perfect for Frieda McFadden fans

This is my first AJ Campbell, why the heck did i wait so long?

Of course I went into blind, trusting that AJ reached out to me, seeing my grid and knowing my taste. And boy did this not disappoint!

Motherhood is a beast. Not one I plan on taking on. I sympathize with mothers and all the ups and downs they go through. This is a perfect example of those.

Let me tell you about these twists phew! And those stepkids.... man Annie has her work cut out for her and on top of all that a cholicy baby. I know I couldn't handle it.

But What a freaking jaw dropper 😱😱😱😱. I gasped so loud at the end of ch 72. Oh my god‼️‼️‼️ This one will DEFINITELY have your head spinning by the end‼️

Wow! I loved this. It had me from the prologue. Gripping story that had me in suspense right through! This book has it all, suspense, mystery and some scary and potentially harmful bits. For the characters. Whom I also loved!