Melissa’s two teenage children are at a summer camp for school leavers but when she receives a phone call at work to say that her daughter has been found naked, confused and disorientated on the camp site and has been rushed to hospital, Melissa leaves home to travel to her daughter’s bed side and is shocked and saddened when she finds out what happened. Melissa is also concerned about her son and wonders how he could have allowed his sister to be vulnerable to such a violent attack especially when he was supposed to be looking out for her.

The story gathers pace quickly and with some clever explaining we get the story, both before and after the event, from the point of view of Melissa, her daughter, Casey and her son, Dan. All have a vital role to play in this emotionally charged story which continues the debate about toxic masculinity, coercive control and dangerous grooming whilst at the same time reiterating the strength of the bond between mothers and their children. With so much going on I was reluctant to leave the story alone and pretty much read the book in one sitting. What I love about this author’s writing is her ability to surprise me every single time as just when I think I have the plot all sewn up, she strikes with a totally different scenario which leaves me gasping out loud.

Every Mother’s Nightmare is exactly what you expect from this talented writer, it’s a taut and dark psychological thriller which grips from the very first page and doesn’t let go of your imagination until the whole of this complicated story is told.

No parent ever wants to hear the words, “Hello—this is Officer…” But that’s exactly the call single mom Melissa receives while she’s at work.

Fearing the worst, she rushes to the summer camp where her daughter, Casey, is a counselor and her son, Dan, is visiting with friends. What she doesn’t know is that Casey has just woken up nearly naked in a tent that isn’t hers—with no memory of how she got there. Meanwhile, Dan is growing more desperate by the minute, unable to reach his sister after a tense argument the night before.

What unfolds is every parent’s worst nightmare—an utterly chilling, edge-of-your-seat story that had me racing through the pages. This four-star read is haunting, suspenseful, and one I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Tamsin Kennard, the voice actress, did a wonderful job adding that chaos, unsettling, and desperate feeling all the family members were experiencing.

Big thanks to NetGalley, S.E. Lynes, and Bookouture for the chance to read and listen to this gripping thriller in exchange for an honest review.

You know you're in for a treat when you pick up the latest S.E. Lynes thriller.

Exactly what did happen at summer camp? That's the question Melissa has been asking herself constantly since the phone call came...

The story is narrated from multiple POV and takes place across dual timelines...leading up to, and after her daughter ending up in hospital.

It's a pacey read that had me hooked a few chapters in and didn't let me go until I'd turned the last page. The twists didn't let up, and those final pages...wow, I did not see that one coming whatsoever. Did you?

Great read. Fab author.

I stayed up reading this well into the early hours of the morning. It brought tears to my eyes because I know what it is like to be both a victim and someone who was told about it happening to them. Minus the life-ending portion (once you read, you'll understand). I loved everything about this book, and I believe it is a great way to get this information out there. That this is happening, and these types of cultures can lure you in so easily. I have loved every S.E. Lynes book I've read and have always read them in one sitting because they are just that good. If you've never given S.E. Lynes a chance, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the opportunity to read and review Every Mother's Nightmare.

Melissa, a single mother, is at work when she gets a call that her 18‑year‑old daughter, Casey, has been found at summer camp, beaten, naked, and without any memory of what happened to her.

Casey’s older brother, Dan, had promised to watch over her, but he doesn’t know what happened.

The three of them try to piece together what happened to Casey while the police are doing the same thing.

Every Mother’s Nightmare by S.E. Lynes was a really good book. It kept you guessing. I gave it four stars.

Melissa receives the phone call no parent wants to telling her that her daughter, Casey, has been assaulted and is now in the hospital, she drops everything to rush to her side.

Casey doesn’t remember what happened and the events of the previous evening and the events leading up to it are told through different timelines and narrators, climaxing in the reveal.

The story shows a realistic portrayal of not only the bond between a mother and her children but also the bond between siblings as Casey’s brother Dan’s narrative is also included.

I loved the plot of this book and the characters.

Thank you Netgalley, S E Lynes and Bookouture for the eArc of Every Mother's Nightmare.

Every Mother's Nightmare is a fast paced twisty narrative which will leave you on the edge of your seat. I pretty much read to this in one sitting. On an afternoon while the UK weather was too rainy to go out for a walk so it's a great read for cosy days or hot days on the beach. Our two MFC, a Mother and Daughter who are close but struggle with boundaries, letting go and freedom of a teen. Melissa takes a call from the police that her daughter has been found, disoriented, in just her underwear in a tent. Her daughter, Casey, can't remember a thing and luckily was found by a work colleague and friend called Spider. Her Brother, Dan has been searching for her all over the summer camp.

This book grabs you right from the first page and does not let go. It tackles the very real fear of letting our teens out into the big wide world and the dangers of alcohol, trusting the wrong people and also finding the people who will do what it takes to keep them safe. The pacing of this book is spot on which keeps you constantly engaged and has some great foreshadowing. And of course a few red herrings too. S E Lynes has a great writing style with interesting well built characters.

As always, Tasmin Kennard does a fantastic job in narrating this book, keeping the pacing, tension and the emotions throughout the book.

4.25 stars for Storygraph, 4 stars for Netgalley

Toxic masculinity and female vulnerability is at the heart of this great book. When Casey Connor is discovered in a tent at summer camp, confused, bruised and without any knowledge of how she came to be there, the story starts with a bang and takes us on a thrilling ride through multiple POV's, and a tense back and forth storyline. As you'd expect with Lynes, the twists when they come are unexpected and add a real depth to the story. I really enjoyed it.

I've read every single one of this author's books, and I can honestly say I've loved each and every one. It never fails to amaze me when I read reviews giving her books three, two, or even god forbid, one star ratings. I often ask myself if we've read the same book! It just goes to show we don't all read the same story, but I for one would recommend every single page written by this incredible hand.

I loved this book, it was ab excellent read. It had me hurrying to get back to it ASAP to see what was going to happen next. I will definitely be recommending it to my fellow readers and book club members! I can't wait to read the next one!

First of all, I would like to say thank you for Bookouture and NetGalley for providing a free copy of this book.

I was a first-timer for S.E. Lynes' books, I purely chose this book because of its title and synopsis. I'm not yet a mother, but I know for sure that a mother will do anything to protect their child; whatever it costs them.

I gave this book 3 out of 5, I love thriller books with twists that will let us speechless; this book was good, but it just didn't meet my expectation. It was a bit slow for me, and I could predict the plot and the twists. The chapters were too long and it made me bored. Some of the things that I like from the book were how the author writes a story about recent problems in our society and the use of different POVs in each chapter.

If I have a chance to read another books of S.E. Lynes in the future, I will probably give it another try. But this book is just okay for me.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

📚 S.E. Lynes delivers a taut, emotionally charged psychological thriller that grips from the first page and refuses to let go. Every Mother's Nightmare is not just a title—it’s a visceral experience that plunges readers into the heart of maternal fear, societal tension, and the murky waters of truth and perception.

🧠 Plot & Themes

- The story opens with Melissa, a single mother, receiving the dreaded call: her daughter Casey has been found confused, alone, and hospitalized after a traumatic incident at summer camp.

- As the narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives—Melissa, Casey, and her brother Dan—the reader is drawn into a web of secrets, toxic influences, and the haunting question: who needs protecting, and from whom?

- Lynes explores themes of consent, toxic masculinity, social media influence, and the blind spots of parental love with unflinching honesty.

🎭 Characterization

- Melissa is a compelling protagonist—fiercely protective, deeply flawed, and heartbreakingly real.

- Dan’s arc is particularly poignant, as he grapples with identity and the seductive pull of online influencers.

- Casey’s vulnerability and strength are balanced with nuance, making her more than just a victim—she’s a voice for many young women navigating a dangerous world.

🔍 Narrative Style

- The alternating timelines and shifting POVs create a layered, suspenseful structure that keeps readers guessing.

- Lynes masterfully builds tension, often slowing the pace to deepen emotional resonance before unleashing a twist that redefines everything.

- The final chapters deliver multiple gut-punch revelations, each more devastating than the last.

🌟 Lynes doesn’t just write thrillers—she writes wake-up calls. This novel is a mirror held up to society’s failings, especially in how we treat young women and raise young men. It’s uncomfortable, timely, and unforgettable.

A must-read for fans of Lisa Jewell and Gillian Flynn, and for anyone ready to confront the shadows lurking behind everyday life.

When Casey goes to work at summer camp in order to avoid her mother having to pay the cost of staying in a chalet with her friends, and her brother turns up with his group of friends all should go well. However, Dan is too old to be going to summer camp but has been persuaded by his new friend Byrne and his two hero worshipping friends. When Byrne makes a play for Casey, he is warned off by Dan, but when Casey is found assaulted and barely conscious there is a mystery surrounding how, why and who by.
I really enjoyed this book. Embracing the new misogynistic breed of males in the current climate, it tells a tale of hero worship from both Casey and Dan, with devastating consequences. A definite recommended read.

If you like domestic suspense with depth you’ll likely find this novel very engaging. While the timeline jumps may not be for everyone, the emotional core and tension will compensate.

Every Mother's Nightmare by S.E. Lynes was an excellent book from start to finish. This was an book that will grab you from the very beginning and it was so addictive! There was so many twists and turns throughout that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. WoW this book was so good I ended up glued to my chair all day until it had finished! (Yes I did have Loo breaks!) Superb read!

This is a book I Highly recommend especially the audiobook. which is Narrated by Tamsin Kennard she was excellent 5 ⭐️ for performance!

Great for you holidays or just to get away from everything.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and especially Bookouture for my ARC's.

Every Mother’s Nightmare
After receiving the dreaded phone call every mother fears, Casey’s mom rushes to the hospital where Casey is recovering after being found in a tent at the campsite where she was working, dazed and confused. A dead body was found deep in the woods nearby. Shocking twists at the end. A must-read! 5 stars

Every Mother’s Nightmare is a completely unputdownable psychological thriller that taps into every parent’s deepest fear. The author masterfully builds heart-stopping suspense with a gripping plot, emotionally charged characters, and twists that hit hard. Dark, chilling, and impossible to forget—this is domestic suspense at its finest.

This book is a gripping psychological thriller that plunges a mother, Melissa, into the worst possible scenario when her daughter, Casey, is found confused and injured after a summer camp, and a body is discovered nearby. Told through multiple perspectives and timelines, the novel expertly builds suspense as Melissa, Casey, and her son Dan each reveal pieces of the puzzle surrounding that fateful weekend. While some twists may be more impactful than others, Lynes keeps readers hooked with a relentless pace and an emotionally charged narrative that explores the terrifying lengths a parent will go to protect their child, and the dark secrets that can unravel a family.

I’ve just found, somewhere deep in the realms of Internet-land, a short list of things to avoid doing whilst writing a novel. The first point on the list is “avoid diving into writing without a clear outline or plan”. And since my first ever attempt at writing a novel – which has progressed slowly and sporadically over the last year – grew out of a scene that appeared in my head and had no plot at all for at least the first 40,000 words, I fear I may have unknowingly fallen at the first hurdle.

I won’t continue to go through what else is on the list, in case I’m not the only person who finds it too disheartening. Instead I’ll get to my main point, which is that the list fails to mention the most important rule of them all. And that’s this: if you’re attempting your own writing, do not read, or sign up to a blog tour for an S E Lynes novel at the same time. Because, even if you don’t have impostor syndrome – and I do, all of it – she will, unintentionally but inevitably, demonstrate to you that she’s the queen and that your face belongs in the dirt.

In her latest book, Every Mother’s Nightmare, she takes the often difficult subjects of toxic masculinity, misogyny and abuse and, through the points of view of brother and sister Casey and Dan – and since I think I know why those characters have these names, they made me smile a little – and their single mum Melissa, magnificently gives them a story. The book demonstrates how unwanted sexual attention is not, and should not be regarded as being in any way the victim’s fault. It highlights that male violence towards women is a male issue, but also highlights just how easily naive and impressionable young men can get dragged into a situation that they end up despising and fearing, but don’t know how to leave. And it shows that, no matter how devoted and loving parents are, there are times when they, who really did grow up in a different world, have no idea what their kids are doing. Whilst all the while switching between narratives, and time periods in a way that kept me well and truly intrigued.

And yet … it does so much more than that also. Because only Susie Lynes can make her writing that bit more vivid by placing just the right emphasis on just the right number of fine details, aided by her own unique humour. The nosedive in confidence after you’ve studied hard to gain your university degree and then suddenly realise that you have no idea what you want to do with it and that even if you did, you don’t know how. I’ve absolutely been there and done that. The unique conversations that can only be had between members of the same family – should a cold hot chocolate just be called a ‘cold chocolate’? And the clever play on Casey Connor’s initials – CC – to give her the nickname ‘copied-in’. It was funny right up until the moment when, with Casey in an over-wrought mood, it wasn’t any more.

I’d love to say more, but am fearful of giving far too much away. So I’ll move on to my few critical comments. For the first 56 of the book’s 62 chapters, all I could come up with was a spoiled rich kid having driven to a summer camp in a new ‘Seat 500’. There’s no such thing, and I assume Susie meant a Fiat 500. But I realise that I’m probably the only single one of her readers who will care a fig about this.

After reaching the end though, I did have a couple of further points. The first is not a criticism, just an observation. The book touches on how a misogynistic world can be terrifying not only for women, but also for young men who are continually told, or shown that they are “not good enough”. I’d like to see this issue explored further – not necessarily in this book, or even by this author, but at least in another novel. And preferably sooner rather than later.

My other point, which I’m afraid is a little more critical is that, without wishing to give away any spoilers. the final chapters include what for me felt like a plot twist too far, and I wasn’t convinced that it needed to be included. I get why Susie wanted to include it, and the explanation given for a character doing what they did is one that brought a lump to my throat. But overall, it still felt like a ‘what the hell’ moment rather than a ‘wow’ one: a small, but important difference. I have to reluctantly deduct a half-star for this, if only because I did the same thing to This Child of Mine by Emma-Claire Wilson over a similar issue.

All right, that’s enough niggling so let’s conclude. If you’ve previously read any other S E Lynes novels, you should do what I did and just absorb this one. If you read psychological fiction at all and this author isn’t at the top of your TBR list, move her up there. And if you ever happen to aspire to writing your own fiction, just accept that you can’t compete with this. Instead, just admire and appreciate the maestro at work.

My thanks to Bookouture for including me on the blog tour for this book, and to Netgalley for the digital ARC. I will post my review on Goodreads, Amazon and my social media pages.

(4.5 stars)

I went in to this one completely blind-never having read a S.E. Lynes book. Full of twists and a plot that I never saw coming. Im not a fan of the POV changing frequently throughout the book, but this time, I did not mind one bit. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Every Mother’s Nightmare is the latest novel by SE Lynes. Melissa is at work when she receives the call no mother wants to receive. Her daughter is in hospital after being found earlier that morning confused and alone and she has no memory of what happened. This book is told from multiple POV as we try to uncover what really happened that night. It’s a slow burner of a book but each chapter just keeps feeding the fire and there are some fabulous twists which all add to the experience. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.