This thriller was predictable unfortunately. I had high hopes for it. It made me think, but it was easy to follow and figure out. As an audiobook, the quality was great. I wish the ending had been better. Even though it was a thriller, I wish it had been more realistic.

One of the things I most like about Joshilyn Jackson’s books is that they tend to sneak up on you. I started by thinking I wasn’t going to like this story. By the end, I could not stop listening to it.

It centers around a small town girl, Bree, and her family that includes her successful and wealthy husband and their three children. Bree thinks she has seen a witch peering in her window. Convinced she has imagined it, she continues her day as normal until she sees the witch again, then discovers that her baby soon is missing. Left is a note from a kidnapper with instructions on what Bree must do to get her son back. Can she trust the kidnapper?

The story is a wild ride that includes her long-time friend and ex-cop, who helps her solve the kidnapping and discover why it was Bree’s baby who was targeted. What will a desperate mother do to protect her family and her marriage?

The book is a fast-paced thriller that gave me chills and kept me engrossed to the conclusion.

Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Audio for the ALC in exchange for my review.

#mothermayi
#joshilynjackson
#harperaudio
#thriller
#netgalley

I really wanted to like this audiobook. It started off OK, but went downhill for me quickly. First, the narration was really grating ... the narrator was doing too many different voices for each of the characters and it sadly just didn't work. The voice for the main character, Bree, was just so annoying. She was whiny and meek and generally pretty pathetic. I don't understand why authors, especially female authors, continue to write female characters who are just so pathetic and weak! Women are NOT like this and my ratings and reviews will always be less when female characters are unnecessarily portrayed this way.

This review was also posted on Goodreads.

Bree married Trey, a wonderful man from a wealthy, powerful family who loves her and the family very much. She has two talented teenage daughters, a new baby boy, and all seems perfect until she wakes up and finds an old woman peering into her house. She tries to shake off the bad feelings but by afternoon someone has taken her infant son, Robert. The kidnapper has left a note telling her she will not get her baby back if she contacts anyone. At home, on her front door is a bag with a cell phone. A woman calls her and tells her she must attend the party of her husband and his law partner, Spencer, and give him 3 pills she finds in the bag.
Marshall, an old friend who happens to love Bree, is an ex-cop and works for Trey’s law firm. He is at the party talking with Bree and witnesses Spencer die. Bree never thought the pills would kill him and falls apart. Marshall and another lawyer take Bree home and she shares what has happened with Robert. Trey is out of town on business and has no idea his son is missing.
Marshall is determined to find Robert and figure out why he was kidnapped. He finds there is a long story dating back to college days when Spenser was the cause of it all. This book has a lot of action once Marshall and Bree try to find Robert and discover why the old woman has kidnapped him. There are some parts that tended to be melodramatic but I wanted to find out if they could bet Robert back and what would happen to Bree, Trey, and Marshall.

SUCH A FANTASTIC AUDIOBOOK! Not only was the plot so addictive I couldn't stop listening, but also the narrator was so fantastic, it really added to the depth and the excitement of the novel. Couldn't recommend more! Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Audio for a copy of this book for an honest review.

So, there were things I liked and things I didn't about Mother May I. To start, I was impressed with the author's narration. I've listened to other books where the author is the narrator and it doesn't always work out so well. Joshilyn Jackson does a really good job with getting the feeling of the story across. The premise is good, and I was ready for a tension-filled story, but that brings me to something I didn't like. The pacing a little all over the place. It will move along fine for a while only to slow down to a snail's pace while we're given way too much description about something or someone. I appreciate detail, but I don't want to be spoonfed, and that's what this amounted to. This story is an adult-targeted book, and I would think that most people are smart enough to figure some things out, to come to a few conclusions on their own, but we're not given that chance. I would say that if this book had another round of editing, one where the story was tightened up, it could be great. As it stands, it's just an okay read.

Could. Not. Stop. Listening!!
This book had me hooked from the very first minutes! Fast paced, suspenseful, and as I listened, it was almost like I was watching a movie in my mind! It was the perfect Memorial Day read since I was outside and could binge listen!
It’s a thriller, mystery that I couldn’t put down!! I loved the characters, the twists, even the antagonist, Coral, was so developed and even endearing at points.
This was my first book of this author and I can’t wait to read more of hers!

Great story premise. Riveting. Guttural.

How well do we really know those we love? What lengths would you go for justice? Vigilance? This book tells a story that is sometimes hard to digest with themes that make you stop and think. Money and power breed monsters who never see consequences or accountability.

-Joshilyn Jackson is one of my favorite authors for a reason
-Mystery thriller that kept me turning the pages
-More depth than a typical thriller
-Child abduction is a HARD topic to read about
-MAJOR content warnings for this one
-I actually liked how this one ended and was hoping that is how it would all resolve

Ok so Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson . Real talk, I haven't read any of her other books. I hear there are lots. My friend raved about this one so much that I went to see it out. I was not disappointed. I had an audio copy. Thank you for the ALC. This thriller is for real. I loved it. I was all in from the beginning. I think that was due to the audiobook being so entertaining. I was drawn in and kept there.

You know those memes that say mess with my kids and you better run for your life because my normal nice self will turn mama bear and kill you, yeah that is this story. There was so much going on and Bree is just trying to protect her child the whole time. I loved it.

This will 100% be in my top thrillers for the year and yay for finding a new to me author.

*received for free from netgalley for honest review*Long book with a lot going on (or maybe it just seemed so long bc all that was going on!) i was really excited to read this book and get it from netgalley and tho im not sure it was as good as i thought it was going to be it was pretty good and the ending was wild tho i knew where it was going.

This book tugged at my heart strings when Bree’s baby boy is kidnapped from her daughters high school gymnasium. The whole book you just wanna hug her and tell her everything will be OK as she searches for the kidnapper and to keep her baby safe. Thank you for the advance reader copy

Man it has been a long time since I wrote a book review. So I'm sorry that this probably won't be a great review. I feel I should just warn you now.

Anyway I have to say I overall enjoyed this book. It did take me some time to get into it. I just wasn't really into in the beginning. A part of me wanted to stop listening to it but I saw it had good reviews so continued on. I thought this book had exciting parts but I never found anything shocking. I like when thrillers/mysteries shock me. So I think that is why I didn't enjoy it as much as I liked.

I was able to get the audiobook for this and I have to say I did enjoy that. It was read by the author. She did a good job doing different voices for the different characters. I always enjoy that especially because at times it can be difficult to tell the character changed when listening to an audiobook.

Overall I know this book has really good rating so if it sounds interesting to you I say check it out. I overall liked it but had issues with it not being very shocking. There were some other issues but I don't want to get into it. I do have another book by this author on my TBR which I've been looking forward to reading. I can't wait to check that out.

*Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson is a riveting book that will keep you wondering and guessing and hoping while you read it. I requested it from NetGalley awhile back and then didn't get to it as quick as I would have liked. Then, I read the synopsis again and thought that maybe I didn't want to read it after all, but since they had allowed me the opportunity, I went for it. It was actually the audiobook version, read by the author herself, and she did a great job. And the book itself was excellent. One of the best audiobooks I have heard this year. The story is about Bree, a mother of three who married into money and is convinced the world is a good and happy place. Then, in one instant, when she looks away for just a moment, everything changes. Her son, Robert, is taken from her. He is held by an old woman with a vendetta against her husband, his cousin, and an old high school friend. But, what could be so bad that someone would steal an innocent baby. When the woman asks Bree to do just one task, she does it; anything to get her baby back. But it isn't enough...And the repercussions ripple through their family. And still, she doesn't get her son back. As she and an old family friend search for answers, she will ask herself again and again what would make someone do this. And how will she survive if her son isn't returned to her.
Great story, action packed. Lots of twists and turns. Lots of good and heartfelt moments. Thanks to #NetGalley for the chance to listen to it. Glad I did! #Bookstagram #all_the_pages

RATING: 4 STARS
2021; William Morrow/HarperCollins/Harper Audio
Narrated by the author

I have enjoy Jackson's writing since I picked up her first novel Gods in Alabama. I am a sucker for Southern fiction, and Jackson had a way of hooking you from the first page. Her earlier books were more contemporary fiction, while her past few have been domestic suspense/mysteries. When I started Never Have I Ever, I knew it was more of a mystery, but boy did the writing grab me. Even if you figure out this one, keep reading. There are some twist and turns on the bumpy ride. At times you do have to suspend some of your beliefs, but I found it worth it. I listened to this one audio, and wondered at first if I should as Jackson is also the narrator. I still remember listening to Still Alice narrated by the author. She wasn't really very enthusiastic or changed any of her voices. Then there is Elizabeth Berg and Fannie Flagg who do a wonderful job with their novels. Jackson is in the latter group, but it did take me about a half an hour to get used to her voice. This book is perfect for a summer read. It will take you away from your own problems as you get invested in another person's world.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss, and the audiobook from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

Bree’s son has been kidnapped. She has received directions on what she has to do to get him back. She is going to have to kill her husband’s best friend. She does not hesitate. If this is how it has to be to get her son back…then so be it! But, this is not the end of it. There is more…so much more.

Bree is such a great character. She loves with all her heart. She is decisive and smart. When her son disappears, she will do anything to get him back.

Well! Talk about intense and terrifying in spots. I will have to say, this is one of Joshilyn Jackson’s best books and I have read them all! Her writing has definitely grown and changed over the years. All her books are wonderful…but this one is the best!

The author actually narrated her own book. (I love it when an author does that!) She has done quite a few audible books I have listened to. But she outdid herself on this one. You could feel the anguish in her voice when it came to Bree. So, to say this is a book you do not want to miss..

GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

My first book by Joshilyn Jackson and I will definitely read another one by her! The story was interesting because I would have expected to have a very clear position on the actions of the characters but I did find myself opening up to other positions. However in the end - I was pretty clear that I couldn't forgive Bree of the hypocrisy that she had for not for not owning up to her own failings and sins, while continuing to enjoy her life of privilege and wealth.

I felt it dragged sometimes during Bree's many times of reminiscing about her past but I did like the way that they developed the characters of the Lexie and her mom. Really interesting book!


Thank you to Harper Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.

it was amazing
Wow, this book was amazing. I typically don’t read thriller books, but I could not put this down. You never knew what was going to happen next and just had to keep reading to find out what was going on. And the twist at the end?! Totally unexpected. I figured everything out...right when the cops did. That’s how good this book keeps you guessing! A brilliant read!

Bree Cabbat has an enviable life. Born and raised poor in rural Georgia, she managed to get to college and afterwards, met Trey at a museum opening. Trey is from money, an old family and a partner in a law firm. They marry and as the novel opens, have three children. There are two girls and Bree has just had a baby boy. Trey makes enough that Bree is able to be a full time stay at home mother which is just what she wants to do.
But today is different. While she is watching the rehearsal of a play one of her daughters is in, Bree turns her head to watch for a minute. When she turns back to her baby, Robert, he is gone; his baby carrier and all. In its place is a note telling her that someone has her baby and that she is being watched. She is to go home, telling no one and wait for a call.

Bree does that after dropping her girls off at her mother's condo for the weekend. She doesn't know what she is facing and Trey is out of town. When the call comes, it is not someone she expected. It is an elderly woman and Bree remembers the old woman she had seen in her yard looking in the windows recently. The woman says she has Robert and will kill him if Bree doesn't do what she wants. She wants Bree to go to a party at the law firm that night and drug Trey's partner and oldest friend, Spencer.

Bree doesn't see how she can possibly get dressed and go to a party but the thought of Robert helps her get ready. She manages to spike Spencer's drink and then everything goes wrong. Bree is left to go home reeling. She realizes that she needs help and confides in Marshall. Marshall is a childhood friend and was married to Bree's best friend. He is also an ex-cop. When the woman calls again with more tasks and directions, the two of them create a plan to figure out what is going on and to get Robert back. Will they succeed?

I listened to this novel and the narrator was a woman, telling the story from Bree's point of view. The voice wasn't quite what I had imagined for Bree's voice but the narrator did a good job of reading and emoting without going overboard. I needed to listen to this at regular speed since speeding it up lost the slow Southern drawl I was expecting.

This was my first Joshilyn Jackson but it won't be my last. The story was fast paced and the twists and turns came roaring along when least expected. Bree manages to find the courage to face an ugly story from the past and do whatever it took to get her child back. The backstory was complicated and believable and the consequences were more than anyone would have expected. This book is recommended for thriller readers.

Bree is a mother of 3 who wakes up one morning to find a witch peeking into her bedroom window. Surely she's just overtired and imagining things. Later that day, she sees the same woman at her daughter's school, and just minutes later, her infant son is kidnapped. Bree is convinced that the old woman took her son, but why? Bree will do anything to get her son back - even if it costs her everything. This twisty mystery/thriller really pulled me in and had me hooked until the end.

Trigger warnings: child peril, sexual assault

Thank you to Harper Audio and NetGalley for an advanced listening copy of this audiobook.