I had no idea what to expect when I started this book. The cover and title lured me in and WOW, was it exciting. As a mother myself, I was really interested in the premise. The beginning of the book was a bit of a slow pace for me but right around the middle I could not put it down. There was a new twist every chapter and every theory I had changed constantly. I was always on the edge of my seat. The ending was a nonstop rollercoaster I did not want to get off of.

I really enjoyed the writing style of this book and it just shows EVERYONE has a secret.

In “Baby Missing,” AJ Campbell expertly weaves a psychological thriller that grips the reader from the very first page. The story follows a new mother, haunted by blackouts and the disorienting anxiety of motherhood, as she faces the unimaginable: the disappearance of her newborn, Lola. Campbell's ability to evoke raw emotion is striking; the protagonist’s fear and desperation are palpable, and the reader is drawn into a spiral of doubt and paranoia that reflects the chaos of her mind.

The tension builds masterfully throughout the narrative, making it impossible to put down. Each twist feels cathartic yet confounding—just when you think you’ve deciphered the truth, another layer is peeled away, plunging you deeper into uncertainty. The lingering questions of sanity and trust against the backdrop of maternal instinct and love elevate the stakes immensely. Campbell astutely explores the notion of guilt, both self-imposed and societal, as those around the protagonist suspect her fragility, heightening the stakes of the search for baby Lola.

Readers have been quick to commend the book's embrace of fear and adrenaline—a true rollercoaster ride filled with pulse-pounding moments and heart-stopping revelations. With gripping prose that propels the story forward and keeps you glued to the pages, this thriller guarantees sleepless nights filled with heart-racing excitement.

“Baby Missing” not only promises an edge-of-your-seat reading experience, but it also captures the visceral essence of a mother's love, a complexity deftly handled by AJ Campbell. Those looking for a narrative that blends chilling suspense with emotional depth will find themselves completely immersed in this stunning debut.

Prepare yourself for a wild ride with unexpected twists and a captivating plot that will leave you breathless and begging for resolution. Do not miss out—once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down. “Baby Missing” is more than just a thriller; it's a haunting exploration of the lengths one will go to protect the ones they love. The questions it raises linger long after the final page is turned.

A.J. Campbell has done it again! Every one of her books (and yes, I’ve read them all) grabs me from the first page and doesn’t let go until I finish the book! Her novels are suspenseful, exciting, and there are lots of twists and turns along the way.
“First Time Mother” follows Annie’s progression as a new mother, while she physically and mentally deteriorates. She can’t put her finger on it, but she believes someone might be interfering with her day-to-day life. But who and how? You will have to grab this newest book by A. J. and find out! You certainly won’t be disappointed!

This was a book that dragged on and would have been better in a shoter version. I usually find this authors books enjoyable.

I loved this book! A fast-paced, gripping storyline about a new mum who is exhausted and full of self-doubt.
She has the world on her shoulders with a new baby who won't stop crying, two obnoxious step-kids and a husband she doesn't entirely trust. If that doesn't sound bad enough, just wait and see how this story unfolds......
I was hooked until the end, a great page-turner. Another fantastic book by A J Campbell.

This is one suspenseful and twisty read! So many secrets, so many lies, and twists that'll make your head spin. It is a slow burn but gripping read with short chapters and plenty of intrigue, and I did not predict that ending! First Time Mother is an entertaining read and I recommend it to psychological thriller enthusiasts.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC to read and review. Expected publication date for First Time Mother is 14/4/25.

A quick read that was more of a whodunnit than a twisty thriller, which is not to say it's not worth reading. The ending was more of a reveal than a twist, and most of it was predicable but still enjoyable. I'd rate it a 3.5, rounded up. I like this author, and will continue to read her books, but I liked her other ones better.

"First Time Mother" will keep you hanging on until the end! It's suspenseful, thrilling, and got you questioning everyone in the book with "who done it". With 2 step kids that she believes hate her, a husband who seems to be gaslighting her and a sister that's acting strange it's the perfect book to read when you want to sink deep and try to figure things out, but let me tell you, you won't!

I loved this thriller so much! This book was everything a thriller should be. It hooked me from the start, was impossible to put down, the suspense had me flying through chapters and the book went places I never would have guessed. I will definitely be reading more from this author!

First of all, I felt mislead by the "hook" after the title that says, "My baby is missing. Everyone thinks it's my fault." The story is more about how a woman feels when her child won't settle, is sleep deprived, she is forgetful, she has trouble bonding with her child and those around her are wary of her sanity and no one seems willing to pitch in and help. Also, the house is undergoing renovations, her husband is selling his business with 2 partners (one of whom is her sister) and a murder takes place. Lots going on which is a bit of a roller-coaster - quite enjoyable. I did find the "woe is me" and "I can't function" rhetoric was a bit over done. Annie's husband, Max, insists she needs help and hires an undocumented woman to help out. Zoe is magical and baby Lola loves her. When Annie is away from the ominous house, she feels better, which leads her to want escape. I found myself frustrated for Annie and understood why she felt overwhelmed. It was obvious there were secrets and biases and something unsavoury happening. I didn't care for Max who didn't seem to support her enough. I would recommend this and I'm going to look for more by AJ Campbell.

This book was so captivating. It captured my attention from page one. The book had so many twists and kept book interesting. I stayed up late to continue reading and find out what was going to happen next. There was a great mix of characters throughout the plot.

When I first started reading this, I was kind of like OK I get it. Annie is either going through a mental breakdown or someone is messing with her.
Her annoying teen twin step kids Jacob and Jasmine and husband Max aren't making things any better.
Max seems to be constantly gaslighting her and dismissive of her fears. The beginning of the book was a hamster wheel of exactly this.
But then there's a turn around before the middle. Something happens and things take off. I don't want to give too much away. But the secrets and twists keep coming and I couldn't put it down.
I love an unreliable narrator. I also love not being able to guess what's going on.
The last few chapters revealed an unlikely villain and a whole juicy reveal.
I would read another book by this author. It was well written and a slow burn isn't a bad thing.
I would love the characters to be a little more fleshed out. But overall, this was a good thriller.

Rounded up from 3.5 stars.

This book has short chapters and some twists so it reads a lot like a Freida McFadden novel. I also was able to read this within a day with ease. Some theories and paths didn’t follow through all the way and ended up missing the waters a little.

Overall it was a good read that made you think and suspect everyone for every reason.


Thank you to AJ Campbell, Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions stated are my own.

Annie lives with her husband, Max, his two children from a previous marriage, and their newborn baby, Lola.

Annie is struggling, she’s forgetful, blacking out, and suffering with terrible stomach pains. Max thinks she has postnatal depression, but Annie isn’t convinced. She thinks something is going on, but what? Are his two older children trying to find ways of getting rid of her?

When a terrible tragedy happens close by, Annie begins to question the motives of those around her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. My heart went out to Annie right from the start. It’s hard enough having a new baby, without everything else that was going on for her.

Like Annie, I was questioning everyone, as well as suspecting them all.

This was a thrilling and clever psychological thriller, with an ending that I didn’t expect at all.

This was my first AJ Campbell book and I will definitely be looking for others. This book gripped me from the very beginning. There were so many twists and turns all that I did not see coming! If you like Freida you will love this one!

Wow! This was my first read by AJ Campbell and it definitely won't be my last! Gripping from start to finish, First Time Mother will keep you guessing. This book is everything a physiological thriller should be. If you're looking for your next "just one more chapter" read, you have found it.

First Time Mother releases April 14th, available now for preorder on Kindle. Absolutely add this to your TBR, you won't be disappointed!

This book made my heart beat a little faster and it is so so ontense I was shook.

Books of this genre always make me emotional then when the twists start twisting and all is not as it first seems I get rather excited.

This author is a brilliant storyteller. I was hooked from the start and it had all the drama and OMG moments that kept me satisfied..

Its amazing to read.

This was an exceptional psychological thriller—intense from the very start and never letting up. I have to admit, I can usually predict twists in suspense novels fairly quickly, but this one completely took me by surprise. That level of storytelling is rare, and it speaks to the author’s talent. A truly gripping, unpredictable read!
I received an advance copy from NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

Finished this in one day! I couldn’t put it down.. and just when I thought I had it all figured out,, twisty twist!

Definitely this book would keep you on your toes. From the very first page, I was hooked, unable to put it down! The pulse-pounding twists and heart-racing moments had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails in anticipation of what would happen next. Campbell masterfully weaves a narrative that is both gripping and relatable, capturing the anxieties and joys of motherhood with incredible accuracy. This book is not just a story; it’s an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you breathless. I totally enjoy riveting reads and this book is the one you must read. It keeps your heart racing, I highly recommend it.