Mothered

A Novel

By: Zoje Stage

Narrated by: Sophie Amoss, David de Vries

Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

From the USA Today bestselling author of the international sensation Baby Teeth comes a claustrophobic psychological thriller about one woman’s nightmarish spiral while quarantined with her mother.

Grace isn’t exactly thrilled when her newly widowed mother, Jackie, asks to move in with her. They’ve never had a great relationship, and Grace likes her space—especially now that she’s stuck at home during a pandemic. Then again, she needs help with the mortgage after losing her job. And maybe it’ll be a chance for them to bond—or at least give each other a hand.

But living with Mother isn’t for everyone. Good intentions turn bad soon after Jackie moves in. Old wounds fester; new ones open. Grace starts having nightmares about her disabled twin sister, who died when they were kids. And Jackie discovers that Grace secretly catfishes people online—a hobby Jackie thinks is unforgivable.

When Jackie makes an earth-shattering accusation against her, Grace sees it as an act of revenge, and it sends her spiraling into a sleep-deprived madness. As the walls close in, the ghosts of Grace’s past collide with a new but familiar threat: Mom.

©2023 Zoje Stage (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Narrator David de Vries sets an ominous scene as psychoanalyst Silas describes the case file for a brutal murder. Leaving both killer and corpse unidentified, narrator Sophie Amoss takes the reins for the bulk of the narrative as listeners are transported to the early days of a pandemic when Grace's mother, Jackie, requests to shelter in place with her.… Amoss gives an emotive and engaging performance, expertly portraying Grace's tension and terror. Though de Vries features only in the prologue and epilogue, his placid, professional voice is an unnerving juxtaposition to Amoss's anxiety. This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a dark, dizzying domestic thriller steeped in menace and mistrust. Recommended for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ashley Audrain, and Riley Sager.”—Library Journal, starred review

“Compelling.…This disturbing yet addictive read will keep you wondering what is real and what is madness.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Each of Stage’s books explores the dark side of family bonds, all in their own extraordinary way. This one lays bare the true horror inherent in fables and folklore, and what Pandora lets out of her box seems negligible compared to what Grace unleashes.”—Booklist (starred review)

CONFUSING

It was difficult to get through this one. The author was just shy of making sense of her story line. Glad it's over. The epilogue was the best part of the book!

Not terrible, not great

It was “ok”. Slow at times, A little over done. One of those books that’s not so bad you would stop reading before you finished, But not good enough that you’re glad you read it after you finished it.

didn't meet expectations

I had very high expectations for this book based off of the authors previous book Baby Teeth. But this didn't come anywhere near the the authors other work. the story had potential, but it never went anywhere. same thing just kept repeating over and over...the end.

Compelling

First, I'm glad I didn't read reviews before I listened to this book. Those leaving 1-2 stars and the ones saying it doesn't make sense must only read formulaic light reads.
I will agree that parts were a little confusing. You do have to focus on what is happening in each chapter and the story as a whole. The entire book is layered with bits of important details. I had to rewind a couple of times if I let my mind wander off.
I especially liked the twin aspect, and that one had CP. Also, I really like the author wasn't afraid to give the disabled twin some unpleasant, even downright nasty, characteristics.
if you love a truly disturbing psychological domestic thriller, can focus on a multilayered story, and appreciate the depths of it.....you will love it. ❤️

Unique ideas in this story

A somewhat confusing narrative to this story. It felt like the plot tried to do too much and therefore didn’t accomplish enough. Parts of the story were interesting but hit or miss.

Confusing

It’s a bit confusing. The narrator is unreliable. It jumps from nightmare to reality so much that the lines are blurred. I still really don’t understand the ending. It was good enough to keep me reading but I’m not sure what is the truth.

Confusing, Hard listen

I got so aggravated listening to this book. My OCD wouldn't allow me not to finish it. Absolutely not a book to listen to more than once.

Don’t

Still not sure what I read.. but there were some great ideas. the story just never came together

Potential was there, but was completely missed!

Original idea, yes! Just wasn’t arranged or executed properly.

My suggestion to other readers who dare was hours of their life on this raging disappointment and skip the prologue until you are about to read the epilogue. Then go back and read the prologue before you start the epilogue. Otherwise the entire book will be ruined for you as well.

That’s on top of the fact that nothing made a lick of sense until the actual epilogue, and even then, it still didn’t make sense!!Nothing was explained, named or even possible. Maybe if we knew what genre she was switching over to at that point?? Still doubtful!! She should really just stick to narrating for now until she learns how to properly write a book!


My suggestion to this author who could really be out of the park amazing, if she learned quite a few things, is to get a giant notebook and start listening to all the Karen Slaughter books you can, and learn as much as you can before you start writing another book!

Pretty good

Overall I liked the story and narration though it could have been a bit shorter