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Killer Mother – Book Review

by Sophia Perkins 

The gripping and deeply dark psychological thriller Killer Mother, written by Sophia Perkins, explores the complicated psyche of its protagonists, Charlotte Hansen and her daughter Zöe. A terrifying and fascinating read, Perkins skillfully weaves a story that examines the twisted limits of love, family, and the potential for violence. This is actually a bit of a gender-blending novella, because there are also elements of mystery, suspense, romance, and more.

I was so happy to get a review copy of this book and be able to share it with you! I loved the cover and the blurb had me intrigued and wanting to read more. It did not disappoint!

Perkins captivates readers from the first page with her captivating depiction of Charlotte, a lady with a sinister secret – she killed her husband. The tremendous emotional journey that ensues, as Charlotte struggles with the repercussions of her actions while trying to raise her daughter, Zöe, is set in motion by this revelation alone. Perkins skillfully combines Charlotte’s inner turmoil with her eerie history, giving readers a close-up view of the mental health issues that plague her.

The novella begins with a prologue that will pull you into the mystery, keeping you reading every line, hungry to find out what happens next. Then, in chapter one, we jump over to Charlotte’s point of view. She’s only 20, and she’s already carrying this deadly secret. She a self-professed high-functional alcoholic, but otherwise, presents as a normal young mom with a sweet daughter, Zöe, her pride and joys.

The distinct narrative voice of Killer Mother distinguishes it from other thrillers. Perkins gives the narrative a dynamic depth by switching back and forth between Zöe’s viewpoint and Charlotte’s eerie reflections. There is a heartbreaking tension created by Zöe’s viewpoint as a daughter who observes her mother’s gloom. Love, bitterness, and dread are all present in the mother-daughter relationship, which is exquisitely complicated and emphasizes how a person’s surroundings and upbringing may have a significant impact on their destiny.

The novel’s flow is flawlessly done. Perkins lets the suspense build before making shocking revelations, letting the plot develop gradually. Readers are kept on edge as each chapter reveals a new aspect of Charlotte’s personality, making it hard to guess what she will do next. The flashbacks to Charlotte’s own difficult upbringing also give her character a tragic dimension and provide a deeper understanding of her motivations.

Killer Mother’s evocative prose is one of its most notable aspects. From the snowy paths Charlotte climbs in the prologue to the cramped space of her house, where a lot of the action occurs, Perkins crafts a spooky and unnerving background. Charlotte’s feelings of loneliness and coldness are reflected in the novel’s tone, which heightens the immersion of the narrative.

The book’s rich characterization is another asset. Charlotte is a fully developed, multifaceted character with both empathetic and terrifying traits; she is by no means a one-dimensional antagonist. Charlotte’s decline into violence is stunning and tragic because Perkins lets readers see her anguish and fragility. In contrast, Zöe is a symbol of innocence caught in the crossfire of her mother’s destructive tendencies, and her development over the course of the book is equally captivating.

To sum it up, Killer Mother is an engrossing psychological thriller that will continue to provoke thought long after the last page is flipped. This is a must-read if you enjoy psychological thrillers that explore the intricacies of the human psyche.

I am super looking forward to reading more from this author because Sophia Perkins has written a compelling and thought-provoking book on the dark sides of motherhood and love. The book sounds there is a sequel in progress, so stay tuned!

Rating: ★★★★★

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