I have never read this author before, but I love her style.
I realized in my IG story I said I appreciated the fact that this other did not follow the trend of alternating POVs, but she actually did. I guess listening to the audio I forgot a bit, and I literally just finished this book. Wow....no excuse for that brain fart.

The story is mainly told from Bree's POV. The southern belle who married her wealthy husband Trey and has three kids. Breen's baby, Robert, is kidnapped by a mysterious older women as a results of some bad behavior Trey and his sleezy business partner displayed in their past.
Once her baby is taken, Bree does everything to get him back. And that includes digging up all the dirt on her husband and his friend, finding out who the woman is and what she wants.
She couldn't have accomplished any of this without the help of her family friend, who we later learn she kissed in her past. He is the other POV told in the story.

I just really enjoyed the setup of this thriller. It has a mystery vibe to the tale, but also the timing is very fast paced and it kept moving for it being a longer novel.

One thing I greatly appreciate was how well developed the family was before the baby was kidnapped. You really understand the dynamic of the daughters, the father and the male friend along with how they all fit into each other's lives. I was surprised by the ending. I thought Trey was going to die, but I did not expect it to happen that way.

This was an excellent tale and I greatly enjoyed the audio version.

2.8 stars

DNF at 30%

This book started strong and I liked the writing but unfortunately I lost interest really quick.

There was so much of the story that happened in the main character’s mind and so much information that didn’t seem relevant and that made the plot drag, the story boring and didn’t allow me to connect with it or the characters

This is the second book by Joshilyn Jackson that I've read (the first being Never Have I Ever). I enjoy the author's writing style and southern settings since I live in the South. It's always much more fun if you recognize places you know.

This story starts out with every mother's nightmare....having her child abducted. Jackson made you really connect with the mother and the abductor which is sometimes hard to do. All of the characters felt very real.

I think there will be a lot of people who will like this story just from the fact of it being a revenge story as well as finding the abducted child. Everyone wants the child back, right? Is there anything you won't do for your child especially to get them back? All of this makes for a great story that started out well, then really grabbed me and I didn't want to stop listening.

A few things I didn't like though: It felt a bit longer than it should have because once you see the climax, nope, just kidding! There's more!...and then more! Also, of course, there has to be social issues thrown in because no one can seem to write without that nowadays. Kind of a turn off especially in thrillers.

I saw some negative comments about the audio narration which is performed by Joshilyn herself, but IMO it's very well done. YMMV.

DISCLAIMER: A copy of Mother May I was provided to me by HarperAudio/NetGalley for an honest review.

This is my first book by Joshilyn Jackson and it won’t be my last. I am hovering between a 3.5 and 4 star on this one. I loved this book, it was so fast paced and I could not stop listening to it. The narrator kept me enthralled with the story while still being able to distinguish between the multiple characters.

Bree grew up poor, but married Trey, a successful lawyer, and had the ideal life. 2 daughters, 1 infant son and a beautiful house. Until one day, when Bree is watching her daughters play practice, her son is stolen. This starts a turn of events that digs up her husbands past and shows that money can be a deciding factor on who’s story is believed.

The only thing that is not making this a full 4 starts is that the ending went a little long for me. After the main climax, there was still another 1.5 hours left in the audiobook. It could have been cut down.

There are some trigger warnings that could contain a spoiler so I won’t list them, but please check them out.

Thank you NetGalley and William Marrow for an ALC.

This book hits it out of the ballpark. I listened to the audiobook, and it kept me enthralled. I was hesitant at first, because the author is also the narrator, but I need not have had any concern. The writing and the narration are both exceptionally well done.

When Bree’s infant son disappears from beside her while she watches her daughter’s rehearsal in the school auditorium, she doesn’t know what to do. Her friend, Marshall, an investigator for her husband’s law firm and a former police officer, steps in to help. When Bree makes contact with the woman who kidnapped the baby, she begins to form a connection with her.

Slowly, she and Marshall begin to unearth secrets. There are many secrets. Several of them took me by surprise. The evidence builds, and phone calls with the kidnapper help them slowly begin to figure out where young Robert might be. Can they find him in time? The kidnapper sets a deadline and makes demands. Will they be able to figure it out in time to rescue Robert?

While the book kept me involved and guessing to the last chapter, the ending did not. I saw it coming from early on. The fact that I wasn't surprised didn't take away any of my enjoyment in this audiobook book.

I loved this book. I highly recommend it. It will keep you enthralled.

I received a copy of this audiobook from the publisher through Netgalley. I thank them for their generosity, but it had not effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to listening to this book.

Mother May I was a thrilling audiobook written and narrated by Joshilyn Jackson. The story begins with Bree seeing an old woman looking through her window. She obviously is concerned but can’t decide if she imagined it or if she was actually there. Bree sees the woman again at her child’s school just moments before her newborn son goes missing. Distraught Bree rushes home to determine her next move and she discovers a gift bag on her door step. Upon opening it there are objects such as pills, a cell phone and a note warning her there will be consequences if she contacts the police. Bree is also assigned a mission- if complete, she will get her son back. The mission- kill her husband’s business partner. Bree gets tangled in a web of secrets, deceit and lies that could potentially ruin everything she loves. Bree will do anything to protect those she loves but how far is too far? Who is this woman? Why has she chosen her to target and will she ever get her son back?
I loved listening to the audiobook on my way to and from work each day. I found it really intriguing, thought provoking and unpredictable. There were plenty of suspenseful parts and twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Joshilyn is a great writer and narrator. She puts on many different voices throughout the audiobook so it is easy to keep track of all the characters. I did put the audiobook on a quicker pace as I did find the pace to be a little slow during the original speed. Overall I would rate this one * * * * .5 If you enjoy page turners, mysteries, thrillers and suspense then this is definitely the book (or audiobook) for you. It comes out April 6th!

Thank you to Netgalley, Joshilyn Jackson and William Morrow for the advanced copy of this book. I loved it!

I had an audiobook and an ebook of this, I didn’t like the narration. I loved the ebook though.

Warning, this book is not for the feint of heart. It’s an emotionally upsetting, disturbing, and maddening story! I cursed this book out throughly, several times, and still wanted to rage out.

Bree’s baby is kidnapped and she does whatever it takes to get him back. Her horror is just beginning when she finds out her husband may not be the man she thought he was.

I am a mother and all my worst nightmares are in this book. Kidnapping, murder, money, power, privilege, and rape are all factors in the story.

I could say so much, but to avoid spoilers this will be a short review. I don’t want to ruin the impact it has. You need to go in blind.

Even after waiting a while to write this review, I still want to shout a ton of F bombs and Other really nasty words! This book took a toll on me! It gets you right in the heart and your mind.

I highly recommend Mother May I. It’s dark, it’s twisted, and full of secrets, that will make you an emotionally unstable mother!

woke up to see a witch peering into my bedroom window “.

How far would you go to save your child ? Bree Cabbat a stay at home Mother of 2 teenagers and an infant son is about to find out.

I won a paperback ARC of Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson from Publisher’s Weekly and the publisher in November. Recently I won an audiobook galley of the novel from NetGalley. Listening to a book is my preferred method of reading so imagine my delight to win a copy . The author narrated her book and she was amazing. She really brought the characters to life. Kudos to Ms Jackson.
I did not realize she was a former actor and award winning audiobook narrator until I read the back jacket.
I started the book yesterday afternoon and I was so enthralled by the story that I finished it 24 hours later.

Thank you to Publisher’s Weekly , William Morrow , Harper Audio and NetGalley for the chance to read and listen Mother May I for an honest review.

Joshilyn Jackson is one of my favorite authors. She is a wonderful storyteller and writes such great characters. This one did not disappoint. It was a tense, suspenseful read with with some twists, revenge, and family secrets.

This book had everything I look for in a suspense novel: an intriguing premise, well-drawn characters--including some to care about deeply--great settings, suspense, and twists. In addition, I thought the sections on whether behavior that occurred long ago is forgivable and musings on privilege and class differences were thought-provoking and well written. I listened to the audiobook, and it often gives me pause when I see the narrator is the author since writing and narrating are two very different skills. At the beginning, I wasn't sure that I was a fan of Joshilyn Jackson's narration--it seemed a bit overwrought (although not inappropriate for the subject matter) at times, and I found the character of the old woman to be annoying and over-the-top, almost like a stereotypical witch. However, not only were the voices for the rest of the characters absolutely excellent, but by the end the voice of the old woman had grown on me, whether because it was toned down a little or because I was so invested in the book by then that it no longer distracted me. All in all, Ms. Jackson comes across as an accomplished actress, capable of delivering nuanced performances for a range of characters, including men, and I really came to appreciate both her narration and her writing so much that I immediately sought out the audiobook of another of her novels (Never Have I Ever), which I look forward to starting. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this wonderful book.

Mother May I is an engrossing mystery that is entertaining, but not nerve-wrackingly so! Bri is leading charmed life when the unimaginable occurs. The plot is roller coaster ride of unexpected events leading to a plot twist at the conclusion. The narrator portrays the characters in various, believable voices. Highly recommend.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Joshilyn Jackson, and Harper Audio for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

There’s little I find more exciting than stumbling upon another author whose writing is electrifying. While many others may know Joshilyn Jackson and her thrilling style, it was only when I received this book to review that I was pulled into the middle of a story that left me reading (listening) well into the night. When a baby is kidnapped right from under his mother’s nose, panic ensues. Bree Cabbat must come to terms with her loss and try to rectify it without alerting too many others. However, this kidnapper has a plan and Bree finds herself jumping through hoops to get her son back, only later realising the motive behind the madness. Jackson offers a chilling tale that will prove highly addictive, once the reader finds themselves fully committed to the story. Recommended to those who love a chilling thriller full of twists and ‘aha’ moments.

The day started off poorly for Bree Cabbat when she noticed an old woman dressed in black—the proverbial witch, if ever there was one—peering into her bedroom window. Alerting her husband to the intruder, Bree’s worries were dismissed as a lack of sleep and ‘baby brain’. Bree’s upbringing in rural Georgia may not have been ideal, but she has transformed those years into something special, turning out to be an amazing mother to two teen girls and a new baby, Robert.

While at the girls’ school one afternoon, horror strikes Bree. Robert is kidnapped when she’s distracted in the drama room, snatched from his infant seat. It is only later that the same witch woman is seen in the school parking lot. Bree enters panic mode and is ready to do anything to save her son. When a call comes in, Bree is prepared to do whatever it takes to save Robert.

Bree is directed to undertake a confusing act to prove her loyalty to Robert. She must drug one of her husband’s legal partners at the firm and slip away, waiting fur further instructions. Given the pills she must use, Bree follows the instructions she’s given, only to realise that the plan has taken a horrible turn. What should have only knocked the man out has killed him and Bree is left with the guilt, on top of not yet having Robert back in his custody.

Confiding in a former cop and family friend, Bree soon learns that there was another recent kidnapping of a little boy by the same woman, who insists that all this is being done with her daughter’s assistance. Bree uncovers something that may connect the two cases, though she is not yet ready to bring it to the authorities or any media outlet. The more she understands about a distant past, the clearer things become as to why these two families were targeted.

Confronting her husband, Bree learns about his college years and how he was not the man she thought he might have been. However, this stroll down memory lane is not bringing Robert back any faster. Bree must work within the confines of what she can do and try to locate this pair of vindictive women before Robert disappears for good. A mother’s dedication to her baby crosses paths with another’s search for justice, however twisted it might be. This is one explosive story that will leave the reader enthralled as they try to see which maternal instinct is stronger.

While I may have never read anything by Joshilyn Jackson before, I can see the allure. Her storytelling is second to none and the flow of the piece keeps the reader in the middle of the gathering momentum. The piece pulls on the reader’s heartstrings while also telling of a sordid past that fuels the present kidnapping plot. Which side is innocent is up to the reader to decide, though the tangled web presented herein makes that determination all the harder to decipher.

Bree Cabbat is a strong, if somewhat harried, protagonist. Her role as doting wife and mother is balanced nicely with a fearful woman who wants her family back. As she story unfolds and she learns of a past to which she was previously unaware, Bree finds herself acting outside of the realm she might usually be comfortable inhabiting. Her dedication to finding her son is fuelled by maternal instinct, though she is equally concerned about the issues she learns relating to her husband’s past. The reader will feel Bree’s determination throughout this piece, never stopping when it comes to doing what she feels is right, even as she knows it could have dire consequences.

Jackson has used a handful of strong secondary characters to fill in some of the gaps throughout the narrative. There is a chilling undertone in the narrative and one that requires a cast of characters to bring it to life. Jackson does so effectively by painting vivid narratives with key characters, all of whom complement the larger story. Characters play their chosen roles well and the reader is gifted with a strong story throughout.

While I was not sure what to expected as I started this piece, I came to see just how talented Joshilyn Jackson was when I allowed myself to connect to the narrative. A story that appears to be a simple kidnapping takes a turn when certain twists are added to the narrative. The reader is pulled into the middle and left to wonder what might happen and how baby Robert might be used as a pawn to exact some form of revenge for past wrongs. Working with mid-length chapters, Jackson portrays her characters effectively and builds a plot that is as vivid as it is chilling. This is one book that really kept me wondering throughout and I binged numerous times just to get a better understanding of what was going on. I will definitely be back for more Joshilyn Jackson in the coming months.

Kudos, Madam Jackson, for winning me over. Your writing style and story development are surely worth additional exploration.

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY: Just how far will a mother go to get her abducted child back?


BRIEF REVIEW: Bree Cabbat grew up poor in Georgia but, that seems to be all behind her now. She lives in a beautiful home, is married to a successful lawyer from a powerful family and is the mother to two teenage daughters and a beautiful baby boy. She should be happy and calm but, one day all that changes. She thinks she has seen an old woman resembling a proverbial witch peering in her window. She brushes it off but later the same day she thinks she sees the same woman when she is at her daughter's school event. What happens next is every mothers worst nightmare. Her infant son who is asleep in his carseat disappears when she takes her eyes off him just for a minute. A note is left instructing her to avoid contacting the police and to follow instructions she will be given. Who has taken her child and why was her child targeted?

As the story progresses we learn this abduction was personal and not the type of for ransom kidnapping we more commonly might read about, the motivation is very different. Bree has a task to perform if she wants her son back but, doing so could put an end to her once happy life. This story starts out as a mystery and before long becomes something with another serious subject matter. I started listening to this one on audio (read by the author) but, I hard a little trouble following the POV so I switched to my eGalley copy which worked out much better. I've read many books by this author and she does knows how to draw the reader in. This book as well as her last one have ventured into the mystery or crime genre. I thought she did a decent job but, I found myself much more invested in the first half of the story.

RATING: 3.5/5 stars

4 1/2 stars!

This isn't a new story but it's definitely a new way to tell it. You'll understand what I mean when you read the book. It's a story that highlights the privilege and power wealth can buy you in society. It doesn't mean that every person with money will behave badly, but the option is often there.

This is a book which will lead the reader down a path of questions. It is told from two points of view. A young mother, Bree. The mother of three children is the main character. She comes from humble beginnings but married a wealthy man who she is deeply in love with. The book starts with the kidnapping of their infant son. The second point of view is that of Marshall. He is not only Bree's childhood friend, but also an investigator for her husband's law firm and her deceased best friend Betsy's widower.

Bree is contacted by the woman who kidnapped Robert with specific instructions of what to do if she ever wants to see him alive again. But can she trust this woman? The book is spent trying to uncover why Robert, Bree's son was targeted. As they search for reasons, what will Bree learn about her husband and herself?

Mother May I is a thought provoking read which has you pondering many of the topics relevant to today's society that it brings to the surface. It is an eye opening account of what a mother is willing to do for her child. As a mother myself, I completely relate to Bree's intense need to see Robert safely home.

This was another excellent book by Joshilyn Jackson. It's the second one I've read by her and I've thoroughly enjoyed them both. Also, I see what you're doing with these most recent book titles Ms. Jackson and I love it. Never Have I Ever and Mother May I are both games. I wonder what title and storyline will be next and I most certainly look forward to reading it.

I listened to the audio version of this book and Ms. Jackson narrated it personally. She did a fabulous job. I think that it lent a great deal to the story because she knew the intent behind the words and her voice inflections carried that through. I definitely recommend the audiobook.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperAudio and Ms. Jackson for this early audio copy. I chose to voluntarily review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Great thriller, nicely woven threads. I do sort of wish the ending wasn't this neat and tidy new family that clearly both characters wanted all along. but.. overall good book

There will always be the haves and the have-nots. But what happens when a have-not marries a one-percenter? Down deep, who do they identify with?

Bree grew up poor, but marries Trey, a successful lawyer, and the marriage is a good one. They have two teen-age daughters and a new baby son, Robert. But their idyllic life comes to an end when Robert is kidnapped while Bree is momentarily distracted at her daughter’s play rehearsal. The terror Bree feels is palpable. Her mother warned her that the world was a scary place and danger lurks everywhere, but Bree shrugged off her mother’s anxieties. Until now.

As Bree waits for the ransom note that never comes, she discovers something far more sinister awaits her. She must complete a task, one that will have repercussions she can’t imagine. The past catches up with her and there are revelations and secrets that will be revealed. The motive for the kidnapping is a major plot point and I won’t ruin it by saying too much.
This was quite the page-turner. I loved Bree, who stopped at nothing in order to get her child back.

This is what I like to call a lighter read with substance. There are subjects that bear serious discussion. Why is there such disdain for girls from the ‘other side of the tracks’? Why is character judged based on income and background? Is it possible for people to change, and Is it fair to be judged for a misdeed when young? What makes one worthy of forgiveness? What reparations, if any, are appropriate? Can we ever truly see our past with clarity or do we color in the blurry lines only with what we want to see? Finally, how do you reconcile the person you know today with their unsavory past?

For some people one event can completely change their life’s trajectory. There are no second chances. For others it’s easy to write these events off as a youthful indiscretion, and move on. How complicit are we as a society in deciding who gets a consequence and who gets none. Who is believed? The person with wealth and power or the person with neither?

This is a tightly plotted domestic thriller that will make you ponder the issues raised. The ending was a bit tidier than I like, but it’s a minor complaint.

The audio was narrated flawlessly.

This story was creepy, intriguing and would lend itself nicely to book club discussions (motherhood, class issues, the South). The narration fit the creepiness, but that also made it hard for me to listen to for more than short stretches of time. I kept trying to "read into" voice inflections and changes and I found it distracting. I think I would have enjoyed this one more in book format because the story is well done.

I received this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Mother May I has a plot that at first glance, isn't all that innovating. A woman looks away from her child for a second, and the next thing you know, she's doing whatever she can to save him. But, as I listened, I began to appreciate the thoughtful nuances that made this book stand out from similar books.

There are some unexpected twists and turns, but also very predictable plot lines that are again nuanced enough to make a bit more interesting.

This was not the most heart pounding thriller I've listened to or read, but I really enjoyed the audiobook experience.

Midway thought the audiobook, I realized I own another one of this authors book, Never Have I Ever, and I'm looking forward to giving it a shot.

I loved listening to this book! Joshilyn Jackson is a great reader. She has the perfect southern accent which adds to the story. I have read her books before, but I enjoy listening to her read them to me so much more. I was hooked from the start. I highly recommend!

This one was a miss for me. It took me a long time to get into it, and while the story was interesting enough, just captivate me. Also I did not care for the narrater at all. She was so overly animated and if you sped it up it made her voice almost shrill. I think that also really took away from it for me.