vondav's review
5.0
Mother is Priscilla Martin, she oversees the residents of Morning Glory Circle a cul-de-sac in Snapdragon like a General rules his army. Claire is her daughter who managed to escape her when she left for college, but now falling on hard times, her and her husband Jason have had to move back in with her. Jason not understanding what his wife had against her mom, promises her that will only stay for a few months and will be in their own place by the time the baby is born. All he knows is that Claire’s older brother Timothy died when she was younger.
Priscilla was one of the evilest creepiest characters that I have ever read about, and from the moment she was introduced I despised her. Jason is a devoted husband but I felt myself wanting to shout at him to wake up and see what Priscilla was doing to Claire. Claire who after having one of the most difficult childhoods has grown into a strong woman. Throughout the story, you get introduced to the other residents on the sac and like any tight community, there are all sorts living there, from the 2 old dears that top up their pension by running a sex chat line to one male resident who liked to wear ladies underwear. What they all have in common is that they all get told what to do by Priscilla. Some of their scenes even added a comedy element which did break up some of the tension. Every secondary character had their own back stories which added more depth to the story. With a lot of characters, you would expect it to get confusing but the authors introduce the characters so well, you can instantly remember them when they appear further along in the book.
This book reminded me of a horror film, you know something was going to happen but you don’t know when. This style of writing kept my interest book from page 1 and I found I got annoyed when real life happened and I had to put the book down. I spent the whole time reading it with goosebumps on my arms and with some of the scenes my heart was in my mouth as the tension was really building. The story was smoothly written and you could not tell that 2 authors collaborated together. If you are looking for an edge of your seat book that will keep you up all night, then buy this book. It was a brilliant read and as a mother, with a boy and a girl I couldn’t imagine being like Priscilla
Priscilla was one of the evilest creepiest characters that I have ever read about, and from the moment she was introduced I despised her. Jason is a devoted husband but I felt myself wanting to shout at him to wake up and see what Priscilla was doing to Claire. Claire who after having one of the most difficult childhoods has grown into a strong woman. Throughout the story, you get introduced to the other residents on the sac and like any tight community, there are all sorts living there, from the 2 old dears that top up their pension by running a sex chat line to one male resident who liked to wear ladies underwear. What they all have in common is that they all get told what to do by Priscilla. Some of their scenes even added a comedy element which did break up some of the tension. Every secondary character had their own back stories which added more depth to the story. With a lot of characters, you would expect it to get confusing but the authors introduce the characters so well, you can instantly remember them when they appear further along in the book.
This book reminded me of a horror film, you know something was going to happen but you don’t know when. This style of writing kept my interest book from page 1 and I found I got annoyed when real life happened and I had to put the book down. I spent the whole time reading it with goosebumps on my arms and with some of the scenes my heart was in my mouth as the tension was really building. The story was smoothly written and you could not tell that 2 authors collaborated together. If you are looking for an edge of your seat book that will keep you up all night, then buy this book. It was a brilliant read and as a mother, with a boy and a girl I couldn’t imagine being like Priscilla
afictionalhubbard's review against another edition
5.0
Sometimes, the most terrifying things are ones that can lurk right next door. Or in your own house. MOTHER wraps true evil in a perfectly pressed pink Jackie O knockoff skirt-suit and crowns it in a wreath of dried flowers, tied with a bracelet made of a dead child's hair. Sin is at the very heart of this macabre tale set in a Pleasant Valley Sunday-style cul-de-sac, sins excused and sins perceived, all served potluck. MOTHER draws you in and does not let go.
remigves's review
4.0
I enjoy the way Thorne's villains and antagonists. They are disgusting and repulsive enough to keep me reading and invested in their ultimate demise. I couldn't wait for Mother to suffer. I was frustrated that she got away with so much and how everyone seemed to cow down to her but it was certainly believable. How many stories have we heard and seen about people pushing away doubts and horrible actions that they've heard or witnessed someone do. I found myself being annoyed by most of the character's inactions which though annoying made the story believable and realistic. Although this novel is set in contemporary times, it felt very nostalgic of the 60s which I enjoyed. I definitely agree with the Mommie Dearest reference. I could think of a few other stories but don't want to reveal any spoilers but it was an enjoyable read. Definitely one of my top favorite novels by Thorne; Brimstone as well but Haunted is my all-time favorite. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Haunted.
5hadow_girl's review
5.0
Dirty little secrets...
I couldn't put this book down!
The mysteries, the secrets, the horrors...
It was like the guilty pleasure of reading V.C. Andrews - without the guilt, haha!
It was perfect!
I couldn't put this book down!
The mysteries, the secrets, the horrors...
It was like the guilty pleasure of reading V.C. Andrews - without the guilt, haha!
It was perfect!
writeramyshannon's review against another edition
5.0
Gripping and Terrifying
What could be more terrifying than a horrible, evil mother? This is the first Thorne & Cross book that I've read, but I became a fan really fast. I absolutely loved this book. "Mother" (Prissy) is a strong-willed woman, but that's the least of her characteristics. It took me a minute to catch up from the Prologue to the first chapter, but it was the perfect back drop for the story to come. Shadows. Secrets. Dark. It's a great read, but definitely not for the faint of heart. Loved it!!!
What could be more terrifying than a horrible, evil mother? This is the first Thorne & Cross book that I've read, but I became a fan really fast. I absolutely loved this book. "Mother" (Prissy) is a strong-willed woman, but that's the least of her characteristics. It took me a minute to catch up from the Prologue to the first chapter, but it was the perfect back drop for the story to come. Shadows. Secrets. Dark. It's a great read, but definitely not for the faint of heart. Loved it!!!
ciannareider's review against another edition
5.0
I just finished this fantastic novel, and I just had to right the review! This book was amazing. If you're a fan of dark & twisted (and I mean seriously twisted) you will love this book! The horror is just real and grounded in this crazy family saga that I struggled to put the book down.
These two authors work SO well together that the flow is seamless. I've read other works with author pairs and you can tell when the other picks up the writing. This book flowed so well. It got into your head, and twisted around in there and made you connect so deeply with these characters. There's a main mystery in this book, but also so many small side ones that also take time to come out, that you're constantly trying to figure it out!
This story was dark. I will warn those away that don't like very dark and twisted things to stay away. There's many taboo subjects covered that may make people uncomfortable but I loved it. It's exactly one of those great things about horror. Things that are so normal and everyday can be hiding some really really dark things. Complete 5 stars from me. I am excited to see what comes next from this pair of authors! They are an unstoppable horror force!
*free copy in exchange for honest review. This review is done in conjunction with NerdGirl. For more information, search them on Facebook.
These two authors work SO well together that the flow is seamless. I've read other works with author pairs and you can tell when the other picks up the writing. This book flowed so well. It got into your head, and twisted around in there and made you connect so deeply with these characters. There's a main mystery in this book, but also so many small side ones that also take time to come out, that you're constantly trying to figure it out!
This story was dark. I will warn those away that don't like very dark and twisted things to stay away. There's many taboo subjects covered that may make people uncomfortable but I loved it. It's exactly one of those great things about horror. Things that are so normal and everyday can be hiding some really really dark things. Complete 5 stars from me. I am excited to see what comes next from this pair of authors! They are an unstoppable horror force!
*free copy in exchange for honest review. This review is done in conjunction with NerdGirl. For more information, search them on Facebook.
lilyn_g's review
4.0
Initially, Mother was a bit hard to sink into. I’d read a few pages, then go read a few pages of something else. This went on until I was about 25 percent into the book, but then things started getting freaky / creepy, and it hooked me, and I read another 55 percent in one sitting. Considering this is a 538 page book, that was a fairly decent chunk. Finally, I had to go to bed, I didn’t have a choice. It was ridiculously hard to put the book down to go to sleep.4 Star Rated Review of Mother by Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross
The Morning Glory Circle Cul-de-Sac and all the happenings therein are so well-laid out that you see everything perfectly in your mind’s eye. The authors do a great job of pulling back the layers so that it slowly goes from this looking like almost a Stepford Wives community to revealing that it’s nothing like that underneath the surface. The characters are very believable, and they even make some of the basic drama-queening of old biddies seem entertaining. I have a distinct aversion to soap-operas, and I still found myself happily snarking as I read.
I can’t address Mother herself without giving too much away, but I will say that the authors have created a character much like Annie Wilkes from Stephen King’s Misery. The woman’s crazy just makes your skin crawl, sinks into your psyche, and gives you an inherent distrust of people who look and act like her. Prissy – Priscilla Martin – could teach shady politicians how to do their jobs. It just gets more intense as everything unravels around her.
Overall, this was an entertaining read that I think many horror lovers will go crazy over. The only problem I really have with it is that it’s a bit too long. Certain portions just felt drug out to the point that I found myself antsy to get past them. The ending was pretty near perfect, though, and I’m very pleased with my first read from authors Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
For this and other science fiction, horror, and thriller reviews, please visit Sci-Fi & Scary Reviews .
The Morning Glory Circle Cul-de-Sac and all the happenings therein are so well-laid out that you see everything perfectly in your mind’s eye. The authors do a great job of pulling back the layers so that it slowly goes from this looking like almost a Stepford Wives community to revealing that it’s nothing like that underneath the surface. The characters are very believable, and they even make some of the basic drama-queening of old biddies seem entertaining. I have a distinct aversion to soap-operas, and I still found myself happily snarking as I read.
I can’t address Mother herself without giving too much away, but I will say that the authors have created a character much like Annie Wilkes from Stephen King’s Misery. The woman’s crazy just makes your skin crawl, sinks into your psyche, and gives you an inherent distrust of people who look and act like her. Prissy – Priscilla Martin – could teach shady politicians how to do their jobs. It just gets more intense as everything unravels around her.
Overall, this was an entertaining read that I think many horror lovers will go crazy over. The only problem I really have with it is that it’s a bit too long. Certain portions just felt drug out to the point that I found myself antsy to get past them. The ending was pretty near perfect, though, and I’m very pleased with my first read from authors Tamara Thorne and Alistair Cross.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book free from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
For this and other science fiction, horror, and thriller reviews, please visit Sci-Fi & Scary Reviews .
More...