Digital Reads Reviews
Book Review - The Silent Mother by Liz Lawler @bookouture
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Blurb
I’m so very sorry. But your son is dead.’
As I hear the words every mother dreads my pulse races and I go cold.
But even as my world turns upside down I know the things I’m being told just don’t add up.
I have to find out what really happened the night my beautiful boy died…
The police tell me it was a tragedy no one could have prevented.
But then they reveal the terrible things Tom was keeping from me.
The person they describe is nothing like the decent, honest man I raised.
Newly qualified as a doctor, Tom had such a bright future ahead of him.
A mother knows her own child. And I’m determined to prove my son’s innocence.
It’s the last thing I will ever be able to do for him.
So I have come to the city where he lived and moved into his empty flat under a different name.
When I discover his diary, it becomes clear his death wasn’t an accident.
And as I get to know Tom’s friends and neighbours I realise they’re all keeping secrets.
But as I get closer to the truth, I realise my life is in danger too…
My Review
A mother searching for answers of her son’s death in circumstances where none was forthcoming. This was a gripping story where the plot had me running around in circles trying to figure out how the two POVs that ran down the book would be connected.
Ruth was told to come to the court for her son’s pre-sentencing. Apparently he had assaulted someone and stolen hundreds of painkillers and other drugs. And had pled guilty of the act. With no trial. The mother now needed answers because she knew her son and believed in his innocence. Then there was Rosie who was hiding a big secret along with her friend, who was missing.
Quite a twisty read, author Liz Lawler wrote a smooth prose, filled with emotions that a mother would feel on being told about her son. Anger, helplessness, desperation, and finally a need to prove his innocence. Ruth’s character touched my heart on all fronts. Contrary to the storyline, Ruth was anything but silent.
The story was slow-paced in some sections with Rosie’s POV adding minimal truths to the storyline. A sharper prose and more twists would have uplifted the thrill. The author tied up the parallel plotlines well, just like I liked, with a neat bow.
An engaging breakfast thriller, I would say.
Book Links
Book Details
Publication Date: October 2021
I downloaded the digital version of the book from NetGalley, and this is my journey down its pages, straight from the heart. STRICTLY HONEST and UNBIASED.
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8 Responses
“Breakfast thriller”??! Really, Shalini! You are a brave woman 🙏
This was more of a thriller than murder and gore. So worked well with toast and tea. Hahaha. Before the pandemic, gruesome murders used to be a part of the menu. I have mellowed down, Jaya.
Good to know you have mellowed! ❤️
Now I like vampires and werewolves. Just your regular urban fantasy. What are you reading nowadays?
Hahahaha! Shalini, I repeat you are brave. I’m a scaredy-cat.
Read Brit-Marie was here, now re-reading (more like skimming) Circle of friends. I like Maeve Binchy. I’ve also got my hands on Cider house rules. Thick book after a long time, will take some weeks to complete I guess.
I like Maeve too, read all her old titles, when I was on my Maeve Binchy spree. Cidar House Rules – had it in my cousin’s house, but never got to it. So many books for some day reads.
Wonderful review! I like the sound of this one. xx
Thank you so much. It was a fun read. HOw are you. Yvo?