A kooky yet utterly relatable domestic thriller about a class of preschoolers who contract a condition that has them craving blood. While this is a little bit out there the parts about how exhausting and draining motherhood can be were spot on!

Recommended for fans of Liane Moriarty's Big little lies and great on audio narrated by January LaVoy with a few cameos by the author. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

4 year old children in a Montessori-like setting develop a taste for human blood, and a teacher is found dead soon after in their classroom, with only the children as witnesses...

I went in expecting this to be a bit silly, and was ready for the ride. I'm happy to say, it was just the right mix of absurd, mixed with hard truths about the struggles of parenthood and feeling like the children you care for are literally bleeding you dry.

I really enjoyed this one. I was a bit skeptical of how they could make the story as long as they did at about the 1/3 mark, when it felt like we should start wrapping up, but it was worth it to let the rest play out. I don't want to say too much, but I'd absolutely recommend grabbing this one when it publishes July 18th!

I loved the narration for this. Definitely captured the characters and the ambiance perfectly.

This was such an addicting read! The kids were something else!! I really enjoyed how well the author captured parenthood and the underlying topics. I felt like a could relate so much to the mothers in this story.

This was a very unique page turner that kept me engaged throughout. I would say the only thing i struggled with was remembering each character. And keeping up with all of them.

*Audiobook*

A group of preschoolers at Little Academy have a disturbing condition: they love the taste of blood. The parents are assured that there is nothing to be concerned about, so to help their children through this issue, the mothers allow the four year olds to drink their blood. But when a preschool teacher turns up dead, the investigation leads police to the children and their mothers as possible suspects.

The synopsis describes this as “part murder mystery, part motherhood manifesto” which is accurate, but I’d argue it’s more of a commentary on motherhood than a murder mystery. The first half of the book was slow for me, maybe because I’m not a mother and didn’t particularly care about the struggles Rhea, Darby, and Mary Beth were going through. It’s clear that the children’s obsession with drinking their mother’s blood is a reference to how many mothers feel that children suck the life out of them in a way that many fathers do not experience due to societal expectations. I was looking forward more to the murder investigation, but that takes a back seat for most of the book. I did like the dry humor woven throughout, and the narrator did a phenomenal job. This audiobook could have been very confusing because there are a lot of characters and some chapters are broken up by police interviews, but the narrator changed voices which made it easy to follow along. Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Chandler Baker for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you, #netgalley for this #giftedaudiocopy in exchange for my unbiased review.

I was excited to listen to this audiobook, as I have enjoyed Chandler Baker's books, The Husbands and The Whisper Network, but I am sorry to say, I just didn't enjoy this one as much. The beginning half of the book didn't hold my attention at all. In fact, I almost DNF due to the amount of whining by all of the children in it. The second half picked up and was more like the Chandler Baker I was used to, but still, the parents all feeding their kids blood from their arms was just disgusting and unbelievable. The book is, however, a great homage to motherhood and had some unexpected twists toward the end. If you choose to read this, I would love to know your thoughts. Unfortunately, this one just didn't make muster for me. I did however love the narrator!

3.5 Stars This book felt like two books in one! I liked the children and their challenges at school best with the underlying mystery. I understand why there is such an emphasis on the lives of the mothers, but it did feel like it was a bit separate from the focus of the books at times! I will always read books by this author because I love the boundaries of fiction that she is pushing in a great way!

Thank you MacMillan audio for the review copy of Cutting Teeth by Chandler Baker. I have to admit, I am a fan of this author and really enjoyed her first two novels and so this one was a little bit of a let down for me. The audiobook itself is nicely produced, the narration and stylization are great and nicely done, I thought the production actually nicely captured the different POVs of the moms and the police report sections so the audiobook production is actually strong, a 4 star+ audiobook for the work.

But the plot and book itself just did not work for me. I am even a mother of a young child, I navigate motherhood but perhaps because I am a bit of an older new mom I just could not fully relate to the mom pressure intensity in the book; I acknowledge and even professionally talk about the emotional labor and pressures on women and mothers/caregivers but this story just goes a little too much into a plot that doesn't feel satirical enough to be well satire (for that vibe on mom stuff check out Laura Hankin's Happy and You Know it, that one made me laugh) and wasn't enough of a mystery to work for me as a crime/suspense story.

Still a fan of the author, I applaud how she works to ask readers to examine women's lives and societal strains and pressures but this one gets a less enthusiastic review from me as compared to her earlier books.

No one -- absolutely no one -- can write social commentary like Chandler Baker. With Whisper Network, then The Husbands, and now Cutting Teeth, Baker makes it clear that she has her pulse firmly on issues affecting modern women, and she explores those issues in the most fascinating, fun, feminist, and utterly original ways. Whatever her topic -- women in the workplace, traditional gender roles, the pitfalls of motherhood -- she always makes me feel so seen.

The Upper 4's class at the Little Academy is dealing with a biting issue. Biting is totally normal at age four, all the parenting books say; it's a way children can express anger or frustration before they are mature enough to give voice to those feelings. But it's a bit more sinister in this case, because these little ones actually seem to be craving blood.

Dealing with this unsettling situation is the last thing the moms, including earth-mother Rhea, practical Darby, and picture-perfect Mary Beth, have the time to deal with. Their lives are already hectic enough as they try to balance work, the day-to-day trials of parenting, and their adult relationships. But then a teacher at Little Academy is murdered, and their adorable little blood-sucking children are the only witnesses...and suspects.

First things first: This is not a horror novel about vampiric children on a rampage. What it is, instead, is a masterful metaphor for the way children can unintentionally turn into little leeches, draining their parents until there is nothing left. With witty, insightful observations and wisdom in spades, Baker shines an honest light on motherhood: the standards mothers hold themselves and others to, the way mothers 0ften judge others who parent a different way. Her characters are sometimes frustrating and not always likeable -- but they are always relatable.

Baker totally nails the satirical tone of this story, which is part motherhood manifesto, part murder mystery, and part domestic drama. The pacing is perfect, and there are some great twists that caught me by surprise (that ending was a shocker!). Baker also writes children really well -- which is something not all authors are able to do -- and it makes the preschoolers in this book just as endearing as they are creepy.

I highly, highly recommend the audio version of this book. It's read by January LaVoy (at Baker's request!), and she does the most perfect job of narration -- especially for the children (complete with sweet, high-pitched little voices and lisps). It made this such an immersive reading experience for me.

To sum it up with some puns, Cutting Teeth is a bloody brilliant book that you can really sink your teeth into. Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the early listening opportunity.

To be honest, this book was really disturbing. I actually struggled to listen to parts of this and found myself speeding up the audio to make it go faster. Although as a mother to young children, I could identify with the mother's in this book and the pressure they put on themselves and the pressures from society, this book was just too far out there for me. I have enjoyed Baker's books in the past, but I really struggled to enjoy the premise of this one. It just seemed so far from realistic. Told in alternating points of view, between 3 mothers and the interviews between police and their children- the story moves smoothly. I was never confused or unsure what was going on, I just could not connect with the tale being told.

Darby, Mary Beth and Rhea are all looking to get parts of themselves back that they lost when they became mothers. Until an unsetting medical issue goes around the preschool, causing the adorable toddlers to crave blood. When the preschool teacher is found dead, the kids and their mothers are considered witnesses and suspects. Will the police determine who is guilty before these four-year olds bleed their parents dry?

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

I was intrigued, when I read the synopsis of this book. Vampire children um yes! It sounded so good. I was excited to dive into this story. Sadly this book was a total miss for me. The plot seemed to focus more on the three moms and their lives and less on the vampire children. The moms were just awful and annoying. All their drama was just cringy. Sadly this was not a good read.

Book Releases July 18, 2023

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an ALC.

All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.

3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
First, the narration on this was fantastic - January blew this out of the water, particularly with the children’s voices. I was engaged the whole time and enjoyed my time listening.
The story had me intrigued - a dead preschool teacher and children who thirst for blood. But this took a backseat to the various mothers in the preschool class and their day to day struggles with motherhood. I’m not sure I liked any of the 3 mothers whose POV this book was from, but it was nonetheless entertaining. I also liked the little snippets of police interviews and news articles.
Overall, a good read for someone who enjoys domestic dramas!

January LaVoy is a PHENOMENAL narrator. Had to state that right off the bat. That said, this story is a big odd and probably not for everyone. It did have a big of a Big Little Lies vibe, and despite some of the weirdness, I did enjoy it over all.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the free book.
What a fun book. Baker not only created vampiric four year olds, that added some fun horror, but was able to explore motherhood is such searing ways, too. I liked the format of this book. The breaks with the police investigation kept me interested in what was happening at these four year olds' pre-school. I liked how the different mothers and couples showcased a different 'philosophy' on parenting. It also showed how hard parenthood can be on relationships and what changes with them when kids take up so much time. I thought the mystery was intriguing and was shocked by how one of the mother's storylines went. It worked well and left the book with a satisfying ending. Also, I cannot believe how well vampiric children worked for me. I was unsure of this part, but I am so glad I didn't shy away because of it. It was gross and weird and somehow the perfect metaphor for motherhood.
January LaVoy is such a talented narrator. I loved how she captured the children and different adults. It was easy for me to keep everyone straight because of her stellar performance.

If I were to describe this book in one sentence, I would say…Big Little Lies mets vampire children. I know that sounds exciting, suspenseful, and WEIRD. That is exactly what Cutting Teeth is, exciting, suspenseful and most definitely weird. But for some odd reason it works. Maybe it’s the observatory of children who love to bit and develop a taste of blood. Maybe it’s the overwhelming motherly love your child that only mothers can understand. Or maybe vampire like 4 year old, is a new (albeit weird) topic for a suspense book. Who knows.

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the audio ARC.

Chandler Baker was already an auto buy author for me, but this book solidified it. Her books are sharp, witty, and terrifying - and I mean that as a compliment. This book is phenomenal.

This book focuses on three mothers: Darby, Rhea, and Mary Beth. Their children attend the exclusive school, Little Academy. They also have the best teacher, Miss Ollie. Their kids have been together since they were babies. As the story begins, Miss Ollie is found dead in the school.

Miss Ollie’s death coincides with her class developing a penchant for biting - and blood. The story that follows asks the reader to consider this question: What would you do to protect your children? Each Mom has to answer that question in her own way.

This is one of the most original thriller/mysteries that I’ve ever read. Chandler Baker writes stories with an eye that sharply observes society, and the various roles women play. Her stories make the reader look at situations through a variety of lenses. This book is twisty, and just when you think you have it figured out, the author throws another twist your way. And wow - what an ending!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read one of my most anticipated reads of the year - I truly appreciate it! If you aren’t reading Chandler Baker, start now! I highly recommend this book - and if you love audiobooks, January LaVoy is an amazing narrator! This book releases on July 18th.

Cutting Teeth is a book that's literally set apart from all others out there in the thriller genre.
What sets this apart is the material discussed, the characters which are children and mothers, and the setting which is a daycare style.
It's unique. It's bizarre! It's a book that refuses to let you go.
Now, if that doesn't say, "Read me" then we can add the fact that Chandler Baker brings it all together with drama that unfolds in a slow yet steady simmering pace.
We have a problem folks, that problem is the pre-school teacher -Miss Ollie- is dead.
The job now before us is to figure out why kids are conducting vampire style actions and what is behind it all as drinking blood ain't the norm.
In determining the cause you might want to look from within as not every marriage is roses and rainbows.
Noelle Brant is only 4 1/2 yo and so questioning a child has it's downside especially with Mary Beth Brant as her mom.
Perhaps Doug might be able to help us if he wasn't so darn busy ....or we might want to ask someone with closer knowledge of the backdoor operations like Ben, or perhaps someone who is a close friend like Reya, or we can go back in time and start examining the parents and start from scratch.
Well, I can't give away too much but suffice to say this is a great new read .
Thank you for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

This one was just proper weird. It was basically a mix of a commentary on motherhood and society’s expectations and a bunch of children sucking their parents blood such that the parents start giving it to them in thermos’. I am very okay with true crime, I worked in crim law for a period, I don’t get grossed out easily but I have to say I dreaded getting back to this book everytime I picked it up again it was just SO gross I couldn’t do it. When the kids would get a whiff and just … okay I’m sorry I can’t.

Obviously Baker is a genius and the commentary on motherhood was fantastic and timely and will resonate so widely … I just wish it was brought in another vehicle.

Thank you Chandler Baker, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I had a hard time getting into this one. The pacing seemed a little slow in and book seemed longer than it needed to be. I thought we were finally getting somewhere in the book, looked at my phone and realized I was at the halfway mark. The premise of this book was really interesting, but I felt like so much time was focused on parental drama. The twist was unexpected, but I don't think this one was for me.

Rating: 3 stars

I found this laugh- out- loud, tongue -in -cheek murder mystery, with a classroom full of four year old suspects, highly entertaining and unputdownable. There is an outbreak of biting in Ms Ollie’s classroom. At the height of the crisis, Ms Ollie is found murdered in her classroom tiny bloody footprints as the main clue.
Highly recommended, especially for those readers who enjoy Lianne Moriarty’s Big, Little Lies ! The audiobook narrator was fantastic too.

I thought his one was okay.

The book centers around a group of parents in a community dealing with a biting problem. All of their preschoolers are craving blood. I don't entirely know how to describe it because it isn't over the top vampire-ish. The mothers deal keeping up with each other and their viewpoints on what it means to be a "good mother" while they argue over whether or not the right thing to do is feed their children their blood. It seems symbolic of the "keeping up with the internet moms" problem in society.

When the preschool teacher is murdered on day, the parents wonder if they really have their blood sucking little dirt gremlins under control while they all suspect someone else's child is to blame.

None of the mothers had distinct enough personalities to be able to tell them apart, which made the narration of this difficult. They all sounded to the same to me. I gave up trying to remember who was who and who had which child.

None of the characters really had any depth, we were kind of just thrown into the story, but I didn't mind that so much.

Overall, I thought it was fine, it just won't be one of my favorites.