2.5 🌟

Unfortunately this was a miss for me, firstly because the mental health trope is massively overplayed. Especially post partum psychosis, in fact I’d go as far as to say it was actually in really bad taste Secondly the story was extremely repetitive and predictable. Something kept me intrigued thought so that showed good stole, and good character development, I certainly wouldn’t dismiss giving the author a try again on any future work.

Really sorry I’d have loved to have loved it and left a glowing review but it would’ve been dishonest.

The narration was nice.

New readers to the genre might really enjoy it.

I’m much obliged to Bookouture audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

3.5 rounded up - Lou loves her baby Riley so much, but since he was born, she feels like she is losing it. She doesn't sleep, is losing track of time, and has sudden rushes of rage that scare her. Her partner works nights and sleeps during the day so most of her time is spent alone with the baby. After another night of not sleeping, Lou finds herself outside in her pajamas, hands bloodied and locked out of the house. She doesn't remember coming outside and is panicked to get back into her baby. She remembers her neighbor has a spare key to their home and even though it is the middle of the night, she knocks hoping for some help. Her neighbor's sister, Maggie, answers and helps Lou inside and to get cleaned up.

When police turn up at the door the next day investigating the death of her noisy neighbor down the block, Lou worries about her lost time in the night. She couldn't have had something to do with his death. She is just sleep deprived. Lucky for Lou her new friend Maggie is there to give her the support her partner and family have not. Maggie starts to come around every day to help with cleaning, shopping, and caring for Riley. But as Maggie is there more and more, other people in her family start to disappear... What does Maggie really want with Lou and her life?

I have very mixed feelings on this one. I was only so-so with it for most the book and then the last 20% flipped the script and shocked me. This one majorly plays into mental health and postpartum depression, and it made for a twisted and shocking storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the audiobook for review.

This is a gripping and intensely suspenseful thriller! The author masterfully builds tension from the very first page, using the protagonist's sleep deprivation to create a palpable sense of unease and paranoia. The mystery unfolds cleverly, keeping the reader guessing until the shocking twist. The characterization is superb, making the protagonist's desperate struggle for survival both believable and deeply affecting. A truly unputdownable read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. (⁠・⁠o⁠・⁠)