Mummy’s Little Secret

Mummy’s Little Secret is a physiological page turner! I read late into the early hours to finish this one, I couldn’t sleep without knowing how it ended!

10/10

I honestly cannot come up with enough superlatives to praise this book. Although I was unable to find a synopsis anywhere, I have read other work by M.A Hunter so thought I'd take a chance on it. I'm so glad I did, it is a superb read. The chapters were written alternately from the points of view of both Jess and Morag and I felt that this gave me more of an insight into their characters as well as feeding my curiosity. Then when the police were introduced into the mix I knew I would be reading well into the early hours. There was no way I could put this book down.

Wow. This book kept me turning the pages till the wee hours of the morning. A fabulous psychological thriller with lots of twists to keep you intrigued. A great group of characters that are easy to like and week described by the author. When she became paralyzed from the waist down because of an accident during childbirth, Jess felt her life fall apart. Confined to a wheel chair, battling depression and the loss of her baby she is struggling to even function. When a child approaches her and says “she’s not my mother” everything changes. Told through the eyes of Jess and Morag you will go back and forth trying to decide what is reality and what is a delusion. A quick moving story full of mystery and it will keep you on your toes trying to figure out the story. Excellent book. Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for allowing me to read this fabulous book. This is a great author so check out some of their other books.

This book is a rapidly moving psychological thriller which builds the suspense chapter by chapter. You will be holding your breath and reading into the wee small hours to find out what happens next. It is written from more than one perspective and you are left wondering who’s perspective is real and whose is not true, you will read and agree with both sides, indeed three sides! A great book which is easy to read and which will twist and turn in ways you cannot anticipate!

Jess, wheelchair bound after an accident, meets Morag and her daughter Grace in the park. When Grace confides that Morag is not her mother, Jess is determined to understand why Morag is lying. Her husband and mother think she's paranoid in her suspicions but she won't let it go. A cleverly structured thriller that grabs your attention from the first paragraph and keeps you hooked till the end.

An edge of the seat thriller with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. Keep them coming, brilliant.

Mummy's Little Secret is a tense and gripping character driven, psychological page turner that from the dramatic opening to the suspenseful and unpredictable climax will keep you hooked all the way through.

While at the park with her daughter Grace, Jess meets Daisy and her mother Morag but when Daisy whispers to Jess that Morag is not her Mother although on the surface things seem as they should, Jess suspects something is very wrong and she can't get that idea out of her head.

For me this was a great story with plenty of twists and very realistic characters and I love the dual time lines that M A Hunter is so adept at so we knew what was happening at the present time but also in the lead up to and before the investigation began.

5 stars all the way from me, Loved it and look forward to more from this talented author.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper CollinsUK- One More Chapter for an early copy for my honest review.

I'd read and loved Ransomed so knew I would like this one as well and it did not disappoint! When Jess and daughter Grace meet Daisy and Morag in the park she whispers to Jess, "She's not my mum." So of course Jess is stunned but not sure what to do as these two are strangers to her. So much happens! Twists and turns that will make your head spin and keep you guessing until the end! If Morag isn't the mother then who is and why would she have abducted Daisy? Don't plan on any adulting until you've finished this thriller as you won't be able to put it down!

Mummy's Little Secret by M.A. Hunter, published by One More Chapter/ Harper Collins UK, is a gripping stand-alone. A mystery with thriller elements that had me in suspense from the first till the last page.
Jess meets a little girl that murmures a sentence that will change her whole life.
She opens a can of worms/ Pandora's Box. But some things rather stay hidden.
A heartwrenching twisty read that gave me all the feels. An unputdownable pageturner.

Jess is the mother of a young girl, Grace, and one day while they're at the park, a little girl comes up to Jess and whispers the words that will change all of their lives: "She's not my mum.' Jess is instantly chilled and has no idea how to take this. Before she can decide what to do, the girl's mother introduces herself as Morag, and the girl as Daisy. Morag appears friendly, if a little standoffish. And maybe a bit too old to be Daisy's mother? But that's normal nowadays, women have children later in life, or they could have adopted her, or...?

Already struggling to cope with the recent tragedy that left her confined to a wheelchair and emotionally broken, Jess now becomes fixated on proving that something is not right with Daisy's family. Jess's husband, Charlie, doesn't believe that there is anything sinister going on - he thinks Jess is just distracting herself from her own pain. Jess is clearly obsessed and her loved ones fear she is becoming increasingly unstable. Is there any truth to uncover or is it all in Jess's mind?

The story is written from the perspective of both Jess and Morag, so we know early on that there may indeed be something off about Daisy and her family. There's also a third narrative from the point of view of a detective, who has his own mystery to sort out. It all comes together in an explosive way, and you may find yourself shedding a tear or two. Beneath the action and suspense there's an emotional undercurrent that resonated deeply with me. A mother's love is conveyed so heartbreakingly that you'll forget this is supposed to be just another standard psychological thriller. Undoubtedly, it is so much more.

WOW! What an excellent book. I was led down the garden path which I loved. My first book by this Author but not my last. When Jess takes her daughter to the park she becomes embroiled in a mystery. When 5 year old Daisy whispers “She’s not my mum” you assume the worst. I loved the characters and the story. This book had me turning the pages faster and faster to the stunning ending. Thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK One More Chapter and the Author for the privilege of reading and reviewing this book.

Thanks to netgalley for letting me review this book, its definately a page turner, on the edge of your seat stuff, Jess meets a lady and her little girl daisy in the park, the little girl whispers 4 words in jess's ear........ jess is obsessed trying to find out why daisy has said these 4 words to her, Is there anything sinister going on ?????? Highley recommend

I cannot believe how much I enjoyed reading Mummy's Little Secret and couldn't recommend it enough.

The novel is told from two different points of view in both the present and the past. They are clearly defined and very easy to follow and read.

The mystery is credible, the plot twist in insane, and the ending is satisfying. A+ read

goodreads.com/booksireadandliked
Disclosure: I would like to thank the publisher for my advanced reader copy of the book. This is my honest review

So it seems that mommy may seem to be a bit old to have such a young child. But who can judge? Until the child shares some pertinent words with another mother.
Highly entertaining. Amazing read! Recommended.

"She’s not my mum."

Those words are included in the publisher’s blurb of M.A. Hunter’s Mummy’s Little Secret. They are spoken by a young girl called Daisy. She meets a stranger, a woman sitting in a wheelchair watching her daughter Grace play in the park. Jess, her mother, is taken aback, and frankly, is unsettled by the look of distress on the child’s face. Jess’ concerns increase as she meets the mother, Morag, who seems much older than she’d have expected, as Daisy appears to be about the same age as her four-year-old daughter.

The story is told from two points of view, that of each of the mums. It is also told in “before” and “now.” As the women continue to form an uneasy, wary relationship, we gradually learn their backgrounds. Jess became a paraplegic during a tragedy of childbirth. Morag clearly has a secret; she is evasive and seems to constantly look over her shoulder, literally and figuratively. Their husbands, Charlie and Angus, are supportive, and the marriages mostly seem strong. Mostly. Jess comes across as a difficult person to live with, not because of her physical limitations, but because of her obsession with this new event and people who have crossed her path. Charlie chalks it up to depression from her accident and loss. Morag, too, struck me as paranoid and quite single-minded of purpose. Why? You’ll have to read the book!

Throughout much of the “before” chapters, I found myself growing more and more confused. That’s not the author’s fault! By confused, I mean that I got so caught up in trying to solve the puzzle – I should clarify and say puzzles – because there are whispers and hints that Jess has secrets too. It got so that I wasn’t sure whom to like or believe. I just had a feeling that something big, and bad, was coming. But – all of a sudden, it’s “now”! The bad had arrived. Now the action has sped up. The present day chapters are shorter and more revealing. At this point, the book had become hard to put down.

There are some lessons here about making assumptions and judgments. The author very carefully paints a relationship filled with fear and meticulously fosters it so that it evolves into something unexpected. The young girls act their ages and hit it off; the adults are complex. Marriage, friendship, dealing with pain and suffering, and one’s self-worth are other aspects that are explored in this psychological thriller. This is my first experience reading M.A. Hunter. I suspect it will not be my last.

I wish to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins, and the author for providing me with this e-book as an ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

Thank you NetGalley and One More Chapter for an early copy of Mummy’s Little Secret. WOW I didn’t see that coming!!!!! What a Great story, so many different emotions but the climax WHOAAAAAA!! I really enjoyed the characters, trying to figure out what was the truth and then the ending. Kept my head spinning for a bit.

Absolute page turner. The story/plot kept me enthralled from the start. Could not put it down. Fantastic characters and very well written. Kept me guessing and second guessing everything. Fantastic ending. Will be keeping eye out for other books from this author

Jess and her daughter Grace meet Morag and her daughter Daisy in a playground. The children play well together but Daisy doesn’t look too happy with life and when she comes up to Jess she whispers “She’s not my mum”. Four terrifying words. What will Jess do?
This book is written from Jess’s and Morag’s point of view. Switching from each one of them notated as
‘Before”. Eventually we are in the “Now”. It is very easy to follow and kept me turning pages into the night as I was desperate to know what was the real truth.
It is a great plot and cleverly written with insights into the world of disability that I found added to the depth of the characters and I was more than happy with the ending.
I would most definitely recommend this book

A fantastic psychological thriller my first read from M A Hunter and was impressed from the start!
Fast paced full of intrigue and suspense kept me guessing right until the end!
Jess confined to a wheelchair after an accident takes her young daughter to the park, when another young child comes up to her and whispers in her ear, those few words have a profound effect upon Jess! Despite being paralysed depressed and struggling to cope Jess becomes paranoid re Daisy and those words, a fast paced twisty tale ensues told from Jess and Morags perspective, is Jess delusional and paranoid? Who really is morag and her daughter daisy, surprising unexpected and quick moving from start to finish! Would highly recommend! Thank you netgalley for this early read!

A great read not what I was expecting.But from start to finish had me guessing.Did not end the way I was expecting.But was really pleased if finished the way it did.Well written would recommend this book and author to anyone who likes mystery novels.

Jess is in a wheelchair due to a sad medical incident when she loses her baby son. Sadly she suffering with depression but still drags herself out with her young daughter to the park. There she meets Morag and her daughter Daisy. The problems start when Morag’s little girl whispers She is not my mother to Jess. Both women then keep watching each other closely. The secret Morag has will lead to death and a police investigation. What is this mysterious secret and who is she so afraid of?
The portrayal of Jess and her disability problems is sensitively told but is coming off her medication making things worse or better for her? Morag is protecting her daughter but why and who from? Is she even really Daisy’s mother? This at the heart of the story and the answer is surprising.
Hearing the story from both woman and then the Policeman investigating the death of the young man makes it feel real and frightening in parts. This is an amazing read that keeps you guessing right up until the end.

The book starts with Jess and Grace at the park and they meet another mom and daughter. The little girl says to Jess, she’s not my mother.

I’m liking the style in which the author has written the book, in the past from both points of view of the female characters and the current event, leaving you wondering as to what has happened. As the details start coming out and although you know why it’s happening, you want to keep reading.

Thank you for the advance copy

A spectacular thriller about a well meaning woman thrust into the lives of a mother and child upon hearing just four suspicious words, and her quest to get to the bottom of this mystery.

An excellent storyline with believable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could put it down.
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for giving me the chance to give my unbiased opinion.

This was a very well written book. The plot was very enticing and I couldn't put the book down. This was a new to me author and I will definitely try another book by this author. Such an intriguing story.

This is such a brilliant, twisty book. As soon as I started it, I knew I was going to enjoy this one. It was brooding and at times quite dark but, that just added to my enjoyment. I really thought this book was going to go slow halfway through but, the pace kept going right until the end. And at the end, thank goodness it had a happy ending. This book needs more than five stars but unfortunately that’s all I can give it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Told in past and present (well, one week's difference) and by Morag, Jess, and DI Mike Ferry, this is a story of secrets surrounding little Daisy, who told Jess that Morag isn't her mother. This is a twisty little thriller with an interesting twist in Jess' use of of a wheelchair and the paranoia that both women exhibit. Jess' mental health is at issue but is she imagining things? And what about the body? No spoilers from me. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's nicely crafted and told- and it kept me guessing.

Title: Mummy's Little Secret
Author: M.A. Hunter
Publisher: Harper/Collins UK, One More Chapter
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Mummy's Little Secret" by M.A. Hunter

My Opinion:

'Mummy's Little Secret' was some gripping psychological thriller that will keep one turning the pages to see what was coming next. What will happen when Jess [who was wheelchair bound] meets Daisy, and she whispers, 'She's not my Mum?' Jess had taken her daughter, Grace, to the part, and they had met Daisy. With all that Jess has gone through, will she get anyone to believe what this child has told her? Her husband Charlie... well, I will leave that to you to read how that went. What will happen when Jess tries to find out more about Morag, Dasiy's mom? Why does Jess become obsessed with all of this?

Interestingly, both of these ladies had issues with secrets, sympathies, and complexes that they both had, making this story even more intriguing to find out what was going on in the world. The reader will see that both Jess and Marag had problems, and as the story continues, there will be twists and turns all over the place, more like a rollercoaster ride. The characters were well-developed and defined. Some were even more interesting such as...Gwen, Sharon, Tommy, and Charlie, to name a few.

'Mummy's Little Secret' is an excellent read where family secrets drive the story, and who was this person stalking the Morag's family? To find out all the answers to these questions, pick up 'Mummy's Little Secret' and see how well this author brings it all out to the reader, and in the end, definitely pleased at the way the story turned out.

Thank you, Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, for giving me the chance to share my unbiased opinion.

This is a superb read, well written and engrossing from the start. When two families meet in the park, one of the children tells the mother of the other child that her accompanying adult is not her mother. This leads to a fascinating series of revelations, told in a suspenseful way and cleverly conveyed from both mothers' point of view. Excellent stuff!

This was a very complex story and required a lot of concentration to keep on track. The chapter titles didn't help. It was very intense with a compelling storyline and believable characters.. The conclusion was very rewarding and satisfying.

I loved the writing style in Mummy's Little Secret! The before chapters from each of the two main characters and the now chapters really build up the story and make the book impossible to put down! It's a different take on the usual build up to a big twist and I can't praise the author enough for how well it was done! What a fantastic piece of writing too. So many emotions while reading it.

When five year old Daisy passes on a secret Jess is determined to help her. The story is told from two points of view across different timelines. As the secrets are answered you will be gripped. The story line is complicated at times but addictive. I loved the author's style of writing.

Jess and her daughter are at a local park when a young girl runs upto her and whispers ‘she’s not my mum’.
This sends Jess into a downward spiral. She can’t get the comment out of her head. Everyone she speaks too about little Daisy brushes of her concerns. Mainly blaming her medication. Six months previously she suffered a traumatic event that resulted in her loosing her baby Luke and ending up wheelchair bound.
Morag and her husband Angus seem too old to be Daisy,s parents so who are they? As there paths begin to cross more with BBQ invites and their girls starting the same school. Charlie her husband can see nothing wrong. Is it in her mind.
Both women have secrets to hide. However, by delving are lives being put at risk.

I have previously come across the author M.A.Hunter from the six part series of “the missing children case files’. This stand-alone book is superb. You are left guessing to the very end of the book. One started you won’t put it down.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to see an ARC

A brilliant quick read. A big fan of the author’s ‘The Missing Children’s Case Files’ series I was looking forward to reading this and I wasn’t disappointed. Told from three different perspectives the three threads collude together to give a brilliant twist.