The Secret Mother

By: Shalini Boland

Narrated by: Katie Villa

Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

"Are you my mummy?"

Tessa Markham returns home to find a child in her kitchen. He thinks she’s his mother. But Tessa doesn’t have any children. 

Not anymore.

She doesn’t know who the little boy is or how he got there.

After contacting the police, Tessa is suspected of taking the mystery child. Her whole life is turned upside down. And then her husband reveals a secret of his own….

Tessa isn’t sure what to believe or who to trust. Because someone is lying. To find out who, she must confront her painful past. But is the truth more dangerous than Tessa realises? 

An absolutely pause-resisting psychological thriller with a twist that will make you wonder if you can ever trust anyone again. If you loved Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train, and The Sister this book will have you hooked. 

©2017 Shalini Boland (P)2017 Bookouture

Critic reviews

‘Absolutely addictive and brilliant with an end I didn't see coming. This is one book you have to read and it gets 5 huge stars from me!!!!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Wow, wow, wow! What a fantastic book! The book starts with a bang… from page one and believe me, it doesn’t let up throughout the book and keeps you gripped until the very end!’ Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars

‘Oh yes, yes, yes, yes this was my kind of read, I really have taken this and added it to my top 10 this year, it’s a screaming from the rooftops fantastic read, if you love a good thriller… if you love to stay up all night reading because you simply can't switch your mind off from a book, this is it, you found it, don't look any further… so fast paced it leaves your breathless. One of the best psychological thrillers that I have read that has shocked me, left me dribbling for me and wanting more from this author.’ Read Along With Sue, 5 stars

thanks

book was great just not a fan of cussing in any form .good reading preformance

Gripping

The story was interesting, Grammatically, it needed some editing. It is annoying to read "disorientated" - which the character often was - there is no such word. Disoriented is the correct word. Same with Orientated. NO

It’s just okay

The premise is good however I couldn’t keep my full attention to the audible. The writer went into great detail to describe things that really didn’t matter like when the main character went grocery shopping. I don’t think I needed to know the entire list. It wasn’t germane to the storyline. This story could have been told in 4 hours tips and been way better by focusing on what’s important to the story. It felt as though the story was being dragged out. Would have been a perfect short story! This is an okay listen. I wouldn’t say not listen but just know that it isn’t a gripping mystery.

wonderfully entertaining book

I absolutely loved it. the story was fantastic. I could hardly wait to listen between chores. in fact I skipped some so I could curl up and listen again. and the narrator was amazing. I'm going to look for another book by these 2 brilliant women right now. Thank You!! Susan Straathof

Slow burner

I had not heard of this book/author but the synopsis incited my curiosity. Started out really good, but after the inital storyline opened, the rest of the chapters drug on with mostly meaningless content and did not pick back up until the last chapters. The plot could have been filled with intense mystery, but it got lost with unimportant jibberish. Beginning and end a good read. Save yourself time and skip the middle.

Another WOW

This author is amazing! Both of her books took hold of me right from the start. I highly recommend this book. I don't want to give anything away but I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed. 10+ stars 😀😀😀😀

beautifully written

I didn't want it to end,but the ending was perfect. nail biter for sure. love!

Held my interest

This was one of the author’s better books - but not by much. There were certain events that were not very plausible. However, if the book was longer with more detail, character development, and backstory, it would’ve been significantly more believable. I maintained interest throughout, even though I predicted the outcome.

Another Shalini Boland ‘WOW’

I LOVE her books. An incredible writer & fabulous narrator too. Full of suspense right to the end!

This was the best book of the Year!! Love it!

Everybody read. I could not put it down. You will Love it ! Twist and turns.

really great story. not predictable. gripping

I loved this book. couldn't put it down it was so gripping. The narrator was perfect.

Excellent

Another must read book. I couldn't put in down. Superbly narrated and brilliant storyline with a twist. Highly recommend.

brilliant

fabulous, on edge of seat story. well written well read. highly recomended this brilliant book

A good read!

I enjoyed this book - although it was a bit far-fetched at times! Nonetheless, I kept going so it can't have been too bad!

Excellent Book!!

This book was recommended to me by a friend and I'm so glad that I read it.

A great psychological thriller, gripping, interesting and exciting throughout. Good believable characters and a brilliant storyline. The narrator was excellent too.
I would definitely recommend this book!!!

A sort of feel good book

I say this because it is and it isn’t. You sort of know what’s going to happen, but you don’t if that makes sense.

I enjoyed this book even though parts of it made me really annoyed with certain people. And I sort of knew how it would end but there was a twist or two, which I always like.

good read

Enjoyed this book . defo worth a listen. although was easy to guess the outcome.

Outstandingly good read

The best read in a very long time . The narrator was incredible , such read with such emotion when . Truly a must read

Real twist great storyline

Loved the storyline had you thinking ‘what’s going on’ the ending was fantastic the little boy was so sweet

Amazing

I had already guess the ending so far thought the book, which was beautifully written and beautifully narrated too,I would reccomennd this book to anyone,its a very emotional book and did i mention amazingly well written