The underlying tenements of child psychology but also the structure of what parenting should be or consist of in a large sense is an interesting basis for an almost psychological horror story in “Baby Teeth” [Zoje Stage/St. Martin’s Press/320pgs]. The permeation of a mother’s relationship to her child and the logic within the child’s mind has been fodder for horror films but the relevance in the building of a sociopath is very interesting. Whether or not this is the construct of the author’s mind in some details is up for debate but it inherently shows the essence of logic versus emotion. Suzette is the mother and because of inherent medical problems which undoubtedly caused her husband to dote on her, when the arrival of her daughter comes into the world, that inherent social structure where Mommy is more important may have led to a deep seated rage and even animosity for her mother and maybe an over-arching competition for Daddy’s attention. The novel has an underlying essence of Sweden which might have to do with the author’s background. Within the essence of a character like Lisbeth Salenger in the “Dragon Tattoo” novels, this could almost serve as a childhood origin story in a twisted way. Hanna is the precocious little girl but the book takes her point of view in a balanced amount of chapters to Suzette. Her logic but also intelligence is formidable but still within the problem solving structures of a child with the exception of a proponent to violence. Her strategy and even creation of a second identity to psychologically mess with her mother is chilling. Add to that structure being able to appear the perfect daughter to her father until it cannot be hidden anymore. This is where her logic fails her. Add to this fact that Hanna is a mute for her own reasons makes for an unnerving but psychologically fascinating novel.

B

By Tim Wassberg

St. Martin's Press and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Baby Teeth. I was under no obligation to review this book and my opinion is freely given.

Suzette and Alex Jensen thought that the birth of their daughter Hanna would usher in a new phase in their lives, with the devotion to each other morphing into dedication to their child. The challenges of raising their daughter, however, threatens the family dynamic, as Hanna's willful attitude towards her mother becomes something far more sinister. Despite being selectively mute, Hanna easily lets her opinions be known, pushing her mother to the brink. When the two choices left to Suzette and Alex are bad or worse, what will they do to preserve the family they have left?

Baby Teeth was much more sinister and dark than the premise led me to believe. This psychological thriller takes the reader deep into the mind of a disturbed individual and, although some of the story seemed a little too cookie cutter, the overall effect was quite shocking. I was not a fan of the ending, as I wished the author had chosen to end with the parents instead of the child. Baby Teeth was a quick read and would likely be enjoyed by those who like psychological thrillers.

"She feared Hanna was saving the real anger for her. Hide the scissors."

Okay, well, I'm definitely not in the "hated it" club. For a debut novel, I have to say, it works. The fear is palpable, and this gives you a more gratifying read. Can you imagine, being afraid of your own child, yet at the same time, having so much love and concern for them? What a conflict!

Hanna, at the age of 7, still isn't speaking. She's gone through all the testing, and physically, there is nothing wrong with her. Suzette... however, knows that there is something wrong with her... something very wrong. Hanna does not attend school, and in fact, she has been kicked out of every school she has been enrolled in. Alex, Hanna's father, and Suzette's husband, believes that the schools are to blame, that clearly they don't understand his daughter and how to communicate with her. Suzette on the other hand, the primary caregiver, knows that there is more to it. Hanna is deliberately acting out. When Suzette has no choice but to homeschool Hanna, she soon realizes that she is the target for all of Hanna's rage.

Oh the spoilers that I could share... but.. I won't. Just know this, this is one crazy child. The things this child does, well, I can see why some are bothered. I, however am fascinated by anything of a psychological nature, so the more audacious, the more fascinating.

In terms of writing, for a debut advanced reader copy, I was pleasantly surprised. I can't say that I remember coming across any typos... at least nothing distracting to where I had to highlight anything. The characters were well rounded and complex. The body language that was used in this novel was crucial, this creates a story in which you feel the emotion and the pain being afflicted upon Suzette, and even Hanna at times. Rather than being told how the characters are feeling, you are shown, and that is so very important with a novel such as this.

I am very interested to see what Zoje Stage comes up with next!

I want to thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Zoje Stage for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.

Dysfunctional, creepy, scary and totally unbelieveable. Totally wierd story, would not recommend. It dragged on and on, I forced myself to finish it but wasn't too excited about the ending either.

Hannah, who refuses to speak, is the perfect child to her father, but is completely hostile and manipulative towards her mother. Suzette has requested all kinds of testing on her daughter from doctors, but nothing is physically wrong with Hannah. How far will Hannah go to show her dislike for her mother? Or is Suzette the crazy one?

The thought of having a child like Hannah is terrifying. I found that this book hooked me from the start. I initially found the ending a little disappointing, but after thinking about it more I feel that it worked out for the story. The other thing I found was some parts of certain chapters sometimes seemed to skip ahead, which left me confused at times. It seemed there needed to be some more breaks within the chapters or additional chapters. I didn't find any of the characters particularly likable, but that makes this story what it is. I'd give this one 3.5 stars.

The title of the book and cover art are amazingly well thought out, and the premise is unique and stands out against the sea of new thrillers about untrustworthy alcoholic women who are ultimately right about everything they suspected.

I normally love thrillers, but this one didn't do it for me. It was a quick read, but almost too quick because it didn't have a lot of depth and there were no major plot twists. There were creepy and disturbing parts, but the execution of the story seemed insincere. While reading it, the writing gave off campy Chucky vibes moreso than The Omen vibes.

While it wasn't for me, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick, creepy book that likes the campy horror movies/stories. This is not a thriller for people who like to be genuinely spooked, or those who are looking for another Gone Girl

Creepy kids make for good reads! Hannah is a nightmare for her mom, and an angel for her dad. The family dynamic of this thriller makes it seem like any neighbors could be raising a demon. You just have to look closely.

This has been the wildest plot I have read all year. This follows mother and daughter in alternating chapters; Hannah and Suzette. Suzette didn't have the best relationship with her mother growing up which effected her physical health growing up since her mother ignored signs. Now that Suzette is a mother of her own her goal in life is to be a better mother than her own. Being there for her daughter the way she wished her mother was and to not give up, to see any signs to worry about and do whatever she can to help. But Suzette cannot figure out what is wrong with her child.
Hannah has never spoken, though she is intelligent and creative, words are not her thing. Throughout the novel you and Suzette are trying to figure out if its a choice and she actually cannot speak. It was extremely interesting reading Hannah's chapters, to read from a child's point of view and her thought process. Hannah doesn't think like a typical seven year old. Hannah for some reason does not like her mother and wishes she was not around and so she thinks up some creative ways to get rid of her. Its a clique story of how Hannah is the perfect angel in front of her father but the opposite in front of everyone else, her mother and teachers.
I felt for Suzette so much, being a stay at home mom with a child who doesn't like her and tries to make her life a living hell. It was so frustrating that her husband didn't believe her and made Suzette feel dumb so she kept some experience to her self because of it. But I also found it so frustrating that Suzette could never document any proof... I mean in the world that we live in now with technology, you never thought to record the things that this child is doing/saying.
I have mixed feelings with the ending though, it seemed unfinished like it was open ended leaving room for a book two. But I did like how things changed in the relationship between Suzette and her husband.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to read wild psychological stories

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a strange one! The mentally disturbed/ psychopathic child reminded me of the video you can find on you tube of a child about the same age...often used in psychology classes. Chilling! But the writing is not all that great...and the parents in this story...UGH! Especially the mother. I couldn't decide if I hated her or felt sorry for her. In the end, I just felt "ICK". She has her own mental issues in my opinion...so much so that I thought it might end with her having fabricated the story. However, despite mediocre writing, and characters that you couldn't really have empathy for, this was a page turner that keeps the reader engaged and anxious to find out how this disturbing narrative will be resolved.

I found this one very engaging. I can’t imagine the story of a psychopath 7 year old girl is for everyone but I found it fascinating. Sure some of the Hannah’s words didn’t ring true for a 7 year old and all the talk about Crohn’s disease got a little boring but otherwise the story was good.

I really liked this book! It has so many scary moments. The war between mother and the child for the love of one man can become deadly. They are so different, but if you look closer, so similar. This story stays with you and still makes you think weeks after you finished it. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

If you are a fan of the unreliable narrator, the author has mastered the technique. The premise of the "demon child" was a reach, but the plot moves along quickly with lots of twists and turns. Why am I shaking my head? I was not able to connect to even one of the characters. Not a one of the was layered enough or complex enough to be interesting. The ending left me shaking my head even harder. It was entertaining but not enjoyable.

3.75 stars. Hanna doesn't like her mommy, but she loves her daddy. Too much. Baby Teeth is creepy and entertaining and memorable. I'm not sure if I would label it a thriller, but it did keep me reading. I loved that it wasn't simply a story about a bad child. The parents have their own issues, as well. It is well-written, very cinematic, as well. I'm not sure the ending completely satisfied me, but overall, a great debut!

What a creepy ride this book is! Hannah is a 7-year-old, non-verbal little girl. She loves her Daddy and hates her Mommy. The book takes us through her manipulations to get what she wants. This book is not for everyone. It is uncomfortable and hard to get through at times. Hannah is probably psychopathic or sociopathic but, there is no explanation of what may have caused this. The Mom had her own issues with her mother and there are hints that their relationship was strained. Maybe there will be a sequel that will shed light on the family dynamics that were hinted at in the book.

You're in for a wild ride! The gist of this story is extraordinary, and the underlying ideas could have made for a really powerful story ... however, the writing style left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm all for writing an illness into a story to get awareness or to make it feel more real and to give it something you can sink your teeth into as you read, but I really did not need the candid details over and over of what bodily functions occurred. The story has a bite to it and is filled with torment, but be prepared to be grossed out a bit as well.

Suzette Jensen has suffered through illness the majority of her life, but she's trudged along taking joy when she can and settling into life. She's married to the man of her dreams, loved her work, and when she became pregnant was a bit hesitant of how her body might react to it, but was thrilled to see the joy this baby brought to her husband's face. Now, seven years later, she's having second thoughts. Her daughter Hanna has never spoken even though she's brilliant and can read and write without a problem. She misbehaves when it suits her, making it impossible to find a school that will keep her enrolled. All that Suzette wants is for a semblance of life to go back to what it was before when she enjoyed getting out of the house and working ... but Hanna has other ideas, and as she progressively gets worse and the hatred in her eyes increases, she starts to fear for her life!

Alex Jensen adores his daughter. She's the ray of sunshine in his life before he leaves for work and a delight to tuck into bed when he gets home. Reading together is one of their favorite past times. He knows she has a mind of her own and gives his wife a bit of a hard time, but he never in a million years believes she does the things that Suzette says she does. She's his little angel. His wife is just tired and exaggerating everything ... isn't she?

4 creeped out stars

Hanna wants her mommy to go away—like the 6-feet-under kind. A budding little psychopath at 7 years old, Hanna wants Daddy all to herself. And she will do whatever it takes to make that happen.

This story is disturbing and creepy and so, so good! I will warn that it is not for everyone. Hanna is an emotional and mental mess. For a 7-year-old, she’s brilliant. Everything she does or doesn’t do is purposefully manipulated to drive her mother crazy. She acts out so much at school that Mommy is forced to homeschool her. But! Hanna doesn’t talk—ever. She can. But she doesn’t. How frustrating for Mommy!

I was engrossed in Hanna’s character. Suzette (aka Mommy) and Alex (aka Daddy) are less interesting, but you can still get a good feel for who they are. I found myself annoyed with Alex’s insistence that Hanna was nothing less than perfect. I was also annoyed with the relationship dynamics between Suzette and Alex—if I expressed to my husband that I thought something was going on with one of our kiddos, he would hear me out and do whatever was necessary to figure out whether my thoughts had merit. He would never just blow me off like Alex does to Suzette on many occasions. Hey, dude, just because you don’t witness it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. (Sorry for all those negatives, but come on now!)

Hanna takes Freud’s Oedipus complex to a whole new level, and to me, it was believable. My 10-year-old stepson has severe ADHD (diagnosed) and a touch of Asperger’s (in my non-medical opinion). He lacks empathy but he is absolutely brilliant in terms of smarts. He is a happy, eager-to-please kiddo. But add some psychopathic tendencies and just plain meanness, and I could totally see him 3 years ago plotting and calculating the way Hanna does.

The book is well written and has stuck with me months after reading it (and I’ve read many books since this one). I would absolutely recommend this book (and I have!) to anyone who can stomach reading about a rotten kiddo who is determined to make her mother miserable.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

"Hanna kept her words to herself because they gave her power. Inside her, they retained their purity. She scrutinized Mommy and other adults, studied them. Their words fell like dead bugs from their mouths. A rare person, like Daddy, spoke in butterflies, whispering colors that made her gasp."

Baby Teeth is the story about seven-year-old Hanna and her relationship with Mommy. She is her Daddy’s little “squirrely girl,” the only person that she feels can really understand her. She loves Daddy, but feels that Mommy is in the way, so with seven-year-old logic, she decides that the only way she and Daddy can be happy is if she finds a way to get rid of Mommy – for good.

I feel very conflicted about this book and how to rate it.

While the subject was not extremely compelling to me – I’m not usually into stories about creepy kids or motherhood but decided to give it a go while on a thriller kick because it sounded like it might be interesting – I can appreciate the psychology embedded in the story, though I would have liked more. I did really like the alternating perspectives between Hanna and Suzette because it allowed the reader to see and understand Hanna’s motivations while also seeing how her parents reacted to her behavior and struggle to understand their nonverbal daughter.

However, ultimately, I felt like I couldn’t really connect with the characters, and that was a major detractor to my enjoyment of this book. While I did have fleeting moments of empathy – toward Hanna’s constant inability to be understood and misconstruing the world in her naivety, toward Suzette’s chronic illness and feelings of inadequacy as a mother – they never lasted long enough for me to care what happened to the characters. They were all awful and selfish and manipulative, especially toward each other. I especially didn’t like Alex – his refusal to see the true nature of his daughter, his constant undermining of Suzette’s mothering – no wonder he was Hanna’s favorite: he essentially played the knight in shining armor for his daughter while simultaneously portraying Suzette as the “bad guy” disciplinarian. Though the focus of this book was on the precariousness of Suzette’s and Hanna’s mother-daughter relationship, stemming from their constant back-and-forth battles, Alex is the reason for a lot of the strain, but everyone was too blind to see it.

So, while I enjoyed the psychological nature of this thriller, the characters really detracted from the story for me, and I really didn’t like it as much as I was hoping to.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review!

https://allisonsadventuresintowonderlands.wordpress.com/2018/08/28/zoje-stages-baby-teeth/

Atmospheric, well-paced, and genuinely scary. I usually space out my psychological thriller-with-mom-drama books, but this one came directly after another and blew it out of the water (I don't even know what the first one was). Makes you rethink parenthood, honestly. Sheesh.

I really wanted to love this book after all the hype I’d seen and it being a local author but it just fell a little flat.
For some, this book will work for them but not for me. Maybe I’ve been exposed to too many horror movies for the writing to have the proper effect on me. Zoje Stage did an awesome job creating the young daughter, Hanna who is definitely creepy; I just wanted more creepiness from the story.

Hanna is the daughter of Suzette and Alex and she doesn’t speak. In her daddy’s eyes, Hanna is a sweet angel but her mommy knows a different side of Hanna, a side that Hanna won’t show her daddy. After a few incidents, Suzette believes there is something terribly wrong with her daughter and tries to get Alex on her side but Hanna won’t have it. In Hanna’s eyes, her daddy understands her but mommy stands in Hanna’s way of true happiness. What will Hanna do to get rid of mommy?

I could not read this book. I cannot handle scary or creepy, and this was both! That just shows it was a well written book! Therefore, this review is based off the writing itself of the bit I did read.