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.

What I love about S.E. Lynes is how real her characters feel. They’re messy, emotional, and completely human. The mom in this story had such an honest inner voice that I kept stopping to highlight lines it felt like she was pulling pages from my own fears and thoughts.

Yes, it’s a thriller, but it’s also way more than that. It digs into guilt, love, and what happens when the life you thought you knew starts to crumble. If you’re into slow-burn suspense with real emotional weight, you’re going to love this.

Every Mother’s Worst Nightmare by S.E. Lynes
This book was heavy, but it was brilliantly and beautifully written. I will open with a trigger warning: This book deals with themes of SA and things that pertain to being SA’d. Be warned, and be mindful of your mental well-being.

Something I’ve loved about S.E. Lynes is how she tells a story. She tells the plot in a full-bodied and detailed manner, bringing a storyline to life.

This was a beautiful story about resilience, survival, overcoming fear, and a mother’s love. I enjoyed the main characters in this story. Melissa was a single mom doing her best to give her children stability and love. Dan was the oldest son of a mom who worked hard and the brother of a sister on the verge of adulthood. Casey wanted to do things herself and not be viewed as a child.

The way this story unfolds is brilliant. I loved how the timeline alternated, and the transition from last to present was done so well. Lynes is known for her beautifully constructed timelines, and she did not disappoint here.

This was a powerful story, and one that I fear too many women (people, really) will identify with. As much as I hate that these themes are written about in a fictitious setting, the brutal reality is that this could very well have happened to someone.

The use of scenery, emotion, and age was fantastic. I found myself experiencing a range of emotions. I hovered around anger and sadness, but the range flowed through me.

Despite its content, I appreciated how this story was told. It was handled in such a compassionate and heartfelt way, and the protection and love were evident. I cannot recommend this book enough. #KatyApproved

Publication day: July 9, 2025
Publisher: Bookouture

Every Mother's Nightmare is a tragic and unfortunately realistic reflection of what women endure constantly. I was instantly pulled into the world of Melissa and her children Casey and Dan. They are each motivated by insecurities, frustrations, and the desire to be accepted. S.E. Lynes' brilliant character development adds intensity and emotion to this heart-wrenching tale. The plot unfolds from multiple POVs creating a constant sense of foreboding throughout adding suspense to this gripping story. The conclusion was shocking and satisfying making this an addictive five-star creation. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy.

Another corker of a book by this author
I raced through it in one sitting, it felt like I was going through the story with the characters

🌟🌟🌟

Every Mothers Nightmare, on reading the description of this book on Netgalley I was intrigued enough to dive straight in. Unfortunately as I got into the story I found it missed the mark in some places for me.

The story itself was good and there were a number of twists that hit along the way. However I found myself struggling not only with the time jumps but the multi povs, even more so when they were twinned together.

In the end I feel like the final rating on this is very much "Its not you, its me." I did very much enjoy the family aspect of the side characters though and would loved to have had more of their story.

I love the writing of SE Lynes, have read all of her books, and this one is another superb read.
Melissa lives with her two adult children, Casey and Dan (following the breakdown of her marriage to their father). When Casey has finished her exams and before starting university she wants to go to summer camp. Melissa has misgivings, but as Casey is now an adult, she cannot stop her.
Melissa is terririfed when she receives a call that every mother dreads about her daughter.
How will the close knit family deal with the awful events of the summer camp? Will they ever be the same?
A brilliant book, with different chapters being written from different narrators points of view which works exceptionally well. All the characters are well filled out, although I was not sure at all who would be reliable! Highly recommend this, and all of Susie Lynes' books.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

S.E Lynes latest book is a well written, character driven and vivid portrayal of events happening in society today.

It is hard to write a review without giving the plot away, but suffice to say, this well woven plot with excellent characterisation will keep you engaged through out. If you enjoy psychological women's fiction then you will enjoy this.

Highly recommended!

Every Mother's Nightmare by S.E. Lynes was a great read.
I was hooked from the beginning!
It was amazing and engaging.
I was instantly sucked in by the atmosphere and writing style.
The characters were all very well developed .
The writing is exceptional and I was hooked after the first sentence.

Tense, gripping, emotional, a slow burn to excellent twists.
Told from different points of view, the characters' emotions brilliantly depict the world we live in, from teenage angst about friendships and fitting in to coercive behaviour, plain old revenge, and more.
Dealing with some very topical and serious issues this book explores the lengths a mother will go to to protect her children.
A great read

This book just open with literally everyone's worst nightmare come to life and that in itsself just had me in a chokehold and made the book all too real and relateable! Its written form multiple povs a d everyone is just brought to life so vividly that I dont see how you could not be completely invested in these characters lives. Its so cleverly elty written with each character having a clear voice and personality and I never found any muddying or confusion when the pov switched. The actual final twist and the big reveal were just amazingly plotted out and the whole book was a delight to read

Another fine work of fiction by Lynes. She really has a distinctive voice, a poetic way of describing emotions and moods. That’s why I’m always happy to read her work, I know what I’m getting.

The plot follows an investigation into an assault, with multiple POVs. The alternation between them works well, and the pacing is good. There is an undercurrent of fear keeping the momentum going, even if there really is just one episode that is slowly revealed. But this is not a thriller that makes your heart beat faster, more a slow-burning tell-all with strong writing and exploration of the human mind as its strong points.

I also liked that there were no unanswered questions and that it shone a light on abuse and its consequences.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

When single mom Melissa gets a call that her 18-year-old daughter Casey has been found bruised and confused and is now in the hospital, she finds herself in an absolute nightmare situation. Melissa doesn't understand why her son Dan wasn't taking care of his sister like he had promised. So where was he? While Melissa races to be by her daughter's side, police discover a body in the woods, right next to where Casey and Dan were supposed to be staying. Melissa knows that she must protect her family at all costs, but who does she protect, her daughter, her son, or herself?

This is the second book by S.E. Lynes that I have had the pleasure to read and I can definitely say that I have found yet another auto read author! With multiple POVs and timelines, the reader gets to go back before the incident and then after so you can put all of the pieces together to figure out exactly what happened. The emotional depth that Lynes puts into her characters is a highlight, especially with Melissa and how powerless at times she felt. The insight into how toxic social media can be and the length that a family will go to to protect each other was compelling. Some parts might be a bit slow but I think that the slower pace is absolutely necessary to build up the tension. Overall, if you like domestic thrillers or thrillers with high emotional stakes and a twisty and gripping plot, definitely give Every Mother's Nightmare a shot!

Thank you to NetGalley, S.E. Lynes, and Bookouture for this ARC! Publication date is July 9th 2025.

If you're looking for a gripping read that keeps you guessing until the very end, this book delivers.

The story begins with Melissa receiving a call from the police about her daughter Casey, who’s supposed to be away at summer camp. That call throws her into a state of panic—and understandably so. Meanwhile, Casey’s brother, Dan, unexpectedly shows up at the same camp to hang out with his new group of friends.

Things take a dark turn when a camp worker discovers Casey unconscious, half-dressed, and bruised in an abandoned tent. When she wakes, she’s disoriented and can’t remember what happened. Dan, on the other hand, wakes up with scraped knuckles and a foggy memory of the night before. A flashback later reveals that he had argued with Casey, warning her to stay away from his new friend Bryne—a guy obsessed with making self-defense videos and someone Dan suspects doesn’t treat women with respect.

What follows is a tense unraveling of events. Did Bryne hurt Casey? Or could Dan be responsible without even realizing it?

This was my first time reading S.E. Lynes, and I was impressed by the layered storytelling and how each chapter gives voice to a different character—Melissa, Casey, and Dan. That shifting perspective added depth and kept the suspense high throughout.

I’m definitely interested in exploring more from this author.

Huge thank you to NetGalley, S. E. Lynes and her entire team for an early copy of this book! This thriller is told from 3 points of view and really dives into their thoughts.
Melissa is a single mom to Dan and Casey and tries to give them both everything they could need even though it's rough on her.
Dan is 23 and working in the local pub content with his life, until he meets the charismatic Byrne. Byrne helps him realize his full potential and try to get him out of his mundane life.
Casey wants to go to summer camp, but in order to not be a burden on her mother financially decides to work at the camp instead.
When Byrne and Dan also show up at the camp, Dan realizes there might be more to Byrne than what he realized.

My thoughts:

This twisty thriller had me hooked by the end, but it was definitely a journey to get there. Right from the start, the scenes involving Byrne raised immediate red flags — the kind that had me mentally yelling "WALK AWAY!" like I was watching a horror movie unfold. The characters felt refreshingly grounded and self-aware, which made their reactions believable and their relationships compelling. I especially loved the bond between Dan and Casey; it added a layer of warmth and depth to the narrative.

The story’s climax truly delivered — I didn’t see the twist coming at all, and it kept me guessing until the very last page. That ending is what ultimately elevated my rating.

That said, the pacing lagged a bit in the middle. With three different points of view, it was occasionally difficult to keep track of the narrative threads, and that made the middle stretch feel slow. However, once I hit about the 60% mark, I couldn't put the book down.

Overall, while the story had its pacing issues, the strong character work and surprise-filled ending made it worth the read. A solid 4 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for an ARC copy of this book. *All thoughts and opinions are my own*

Trigger warnings - sexual assault, grooming, toxic masculinity, memory loss, domestic violence, emotional abuse.

We begin with Melissa, as she receives a phone call every parent dreads - the police are asking her to come to the camp where her daughter Casey is working for the summer. She has been found in an abandoned tent undressed, unconscious, and unable to remember what happened. Events become even more tense as we begin to discover what happened.

The pace, multiple POV, and multiple timelines in this book kept things interesting and made it a great page turner. Once I started I couldn't put it down! I felt on the edge of my sofa as I read this, discovering that Casey, her brother, and even her mum are keeping secrets from each other and desperate to find out what they are.

This is my first book from S.E. Lynes, and it did not disappoint. Not only was it a page turner, but it touched on difficult subjects such as toxic masculinity, misogyny and abuse, and the lengths a mother will go to, to protect her children. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend to any thriller readers who enjoy Lisa Jewell and Gillian McAllister, I can't wait to read more from this author!

Every Mother’s Nightmare was another tense and gripping read from one of my absolute favourite thriller authors. Right from the very first chapter I could feel the tension building and it didn’t let up throughout the book. We know from the start that something has happened to single mum Melissa Connor’s daughter and she must rush to the hospital to be there for her. What exactly happened isn’t clear but as we progress through the story more is revealed in that wonderful way Lynes slowly feeds us the information. A book with strong characters but not all likeable as you will discover . A superb start and ending with a fantastic finish I highly recommend this one for all psychological thriller fans.

Another great book from Susie although I must admit to finding it a bit confusing with three points of view and the before and after details. Still a gripping story and one that I would recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest review