The Missing Mother tells the story of Jenna and Evie, two women whose lives collide when a baby is safely surrendered to a scheme at a local fire station. The plot deals with some dark and disturbing subjects, all handled with sensitivity, and it is harrowing to think that characters such as those portrayed exist in the real world, and the extent to which their evil can go undetected. The plot is pacy and gripping, and Kelleher's writing style, as always, keeps the reader turning page after page. The debouement is gripping. A 5* read.

A frightened mother surrenders her baby in a safe haven box at the local fire station, terrified that the man who victimized her previously will harm her precious newborn. Jenna, an investigative reporter, feels an instant connection because she was also abandoned as a baby. The baby and “missing mother” are supposed to be anonymous, but Jenna publicizes the case in the newspaper and online. Jenna feels compelled to keep digging and finds herself down the dangerous online rabbit hole of the incel community, convinced she knows what happened to the missing mother… because it happened to her too.

Casey Kelleher’s latest thriller is dark and intense. Told from three perspectives, including Jenna, the missing mother, and “Him” (the villain), this story kept me on edge with an undercurrent of uneasiness. The cast of characters is small and easy to keep track of, but the big reveal is still a shock! Jenna is fierce and tenacious with a strong sense of justice, and you’ll be rooting for her to unmask the bad guys hiding behind their keyboards and misogyny. This story is extra chilling because dangers like this, men like this, really do exist for women in the real world.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me an advance copy of this book.

4.5
Hey all! This one was a cleverly done thriller with multiple povs, one being the main protag, one being another protag and the third being the main villain. All three worked together well. Thanks for the Arc NetGalley, and cheers!

It's terrifying to think that men like these do really exist in reality ! It was a great read with a twist at the end that shocked me. I think I would have loved the book even more if more of the mother's pov was given and less of Jenna.


Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for access to this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

Written by a talented author, this intriguing novel is a cannot put down page turner. Jenna has never really cared about her past...her parents...she has been fine with her adopted family. Then she sees a baby who is abandoned albeit in a safe haven. Secrets and red herrings. Is the baby connected to Jenna? Is the baby the reason Jenna wants to learn more about herself? Read this book curled up in front of a warm blazing fire...enjoy a cup of herbal steaming tea...do not try to guess the ending too readily. Secrets. Thanks Netgalley.

Brilliant book by the amazing Casey Kelleher
One most wonderful people in world with heart of gold but when she writes she takes you in to world of darkness suspense and trying guess what happen next
Must read for 2024

The missing mother was read over two days. Gripping and heartbreaking with an undercurrent of unease running through it. Half can’t bear to read/half can’t bear to put it down. It’s marvellous - so tautly plotted and don’t see the twists coming! Will be a smash hit! Some triggers in there.

A mother wants to keep her child close in order to protect them, but sometimes you have to distance yourself from them because you want to do what is best for them.

I always like it when a book is divided in different points of view. There is Jenna who is an investigative reporter trying to find out the truth. A second voice we hear is Evie's and then there is 'him', the person responsible for all the bad things, the one to be brought to justice.. 

Although Jenna knows she is treading on dangerous ground, she does not want to give up. She wants to uncover the truth and end it all. 

This was such a great book. My heart broke frequently and I was disgusted by 'him'. But not all things were sad or bad. There was room for joy and love too and let's not forget about the twists and turns. Those are the ingredients of this amazing story. 5 stars

Thank you

The Missing Mother
by Casey Kelleher

Safely surrendered
That’s what it’s called when baby Holly was left at the police station. A charity set up a new systems for mothers in need to leave their babies anonymously.
Journalist Jenna is called to the scenes before the authorities arrives.
Jenna, who has just infiltrated the incel scene, who has been abandoned as a baby herself.

Can Jenna find Holly’s mother and find out what’s going on?

In a way, this book is not for the faint of heart.
Abandonment, rape, incel, date rApe drugs, you might check for triggers here.

I have to admit that I am not a big fan of the citizen gone rogue trope, even if it’s a reporter investigating. It took me a long time to get into this book, as I found Jenna completely hard to relate to. But as the book is under 250 pages long, I thought I stick with it.

I did like that there are three different POV’s, though we mainly get Jenna.

In the end, while this not being a bad book, it was not the book for me. I’m not too much into the investigation stuff. If you’re a fan of journalistic investigations in books, this is the one for you!

Publication date 05 Feb 2024 by Bookouture

Arc received courtesy of Netgalley and Bookouture. I was under no obligation to share a review, all opinions are my own