The Mother
The relentlessly gripping, utterly unmissable Sunday Times bestselling thriller - guaranteed to keep you up all night
by T.M. Logan
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Pub Date 2 Mar 2023 | Archive Date 20 Dec 2023
Bonnier Books UK | Zaffre
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Description
Framed for murder. Now she's free . . .
A woman attends a funeral, standing in the shadows and watching in agony as her sons grieve. But she is unable to comfort them - or reveal her secret.
A decade earlier, Heather gets her children ready for bed and awaits the return of her husband Liam, little realising that this is the last night they will spend together as a family. Because tomorrow she will be accused of Liam's murder.
Ten years ago Heather lost everything. Now she will stop at nothing to clear her name - and to get her children back . . .
Available Editions
EDITION | Ebook |
ISBN | 9781804180860 |
PRICE | £4.99 (GBP) |
PAGES | 400 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
It’s a long time since I read a book in twenty-four hours but I couldn’t put this down. Normally, Logan starts with an ordinary family and then something bad happens to them. In The Mother, we start the other way round with a shattered family. Heather is released on parole after serving ten years in prison for the murder of her husband. Her two sons have been raised by their paternal grandparents. Her parole conditions mean that she’s not allowed contact with her family, nor anyone connected to the case. But Heather is innocent and is going to do whatever it takes to prove it.
This is written in first person from Heather’s viewpoint. I found it to be completely immersive, as though I was right there next to Heather. I felt all her emotions as she tried to adjust to life outside of prison and attempted to clear her name. The pace is quick and Logan builds in the right amount of paranoia and distrust. I hadn’t guessed the twist and I thought it worked extremely well. I think this is T.M. Logan’s best book to date and I really hope Channel 5 option this one to televise.
I have a few of T.M Logan’s books and this one did not disappoint. From start to finish I was gripped.
It is told in 3 parts from Heathers perspective who has been accused of the murder of her husband. There is so many twists that it will definitely grip you and take you on a rollercoaster with a ending that was so unexpected. Would say any thriller fans need to add this to there list now. Another excellent thriller from T.M Logan.
This gripping new novel starts with a woman attending a funeral, standing in the shadows and watching in agony as her sons grieve. But she is unable to comfort them - or reveal her secret.
A decade earlier, Heather gets her children ready for bed and awaits the return of her husband Liam, little realising that this is the last night they will spend together as a family. Because tomorrow she will be accused of Liam's murder.
Ten years ago Heather lost everything. Now she will stop at nothing to clear her name - and to get her children back . . .
Impossible to resist, impossible to predict, impossible to put down . . . ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Netgalley for this advanced copy. This was a good book but i did feel it was a little long. Great suspense as you follow Heather through what really happened to her husband. Shocking ending! Not at all who i was thinking it would be!
Heather has been released from prison after nine years.
She was convicted of killing her husband but she has always said that she was innocent.
Now she wants to prove that she was falsely convicted and hopefully she will be able to get her children back
A story with twist and turns and some good characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books Uk for a copy of “ The Mother ” for an honest review.
T M Logan is one of my favourite authors , and I regularly recommend his books when asked for a good thriller.
His work is consistently excellent , well written and suspenseful. All the characters are well rounded and relatable..This was a really gripping and tense story ,dealing with a mother trying to clear her name , find out the truth , and to be able to get her sons back in her life again.I’d guessed certain aspects of the story but I thought the ending was really satisfying.
Very highly recommended
Ten years ago Heather Vernon was found guilty of the brutal murder of her husband, Liam, an up and coming MP. Newly released on licence Heather is determined to discover who actually murdered her husband so that she can clear her name and be reunited with her sons.
Right from the start you are gripped as we join Heather Vernon watching her own funeral and mentioning her husbands funeral. Your interest is immediately piqued wondering what could have happened. The fact that Heather is hiding and in disguise adds to the mystery.
The story then moves back ten years and we learn about Heather and her husband. They are a fairly typical family, both have busy working lives which they are trying to balance with raising a young family. There are obvious tensions, particularly with Liam being a rising star in parliament. When Liam is murdered everyone immediately jumps to the conclusion that Heather has murdered him because of the obvious tensions within the marriage.
The elements of the story set in 2013 builds the case against Heather as evidence is collected, hinting at a possible affair that she has just discovered. In the present day we follow Heather as she digs for evidence to prove her innocence, evidence that points towards conspiracy within government.
Heather is a formidable character. Given her background and situation she could easily have left prison broken, however she is spurred on by the determination to see her sons again. The details of her licence mean that if she tries to contact anyone connected to the case she will return to prison to serve the remainder of her sentence. In her quest Heather is befriended by another ex-con, someone far more streetwise than Heather. Jodie is a really likeable character, she's open and honest despite her past. Also helping Heather are a journalist who has been looking into the story for years and her sister-in-law, the only person from her past who will have anything to do with her.
As the group search for information which points towards a conspiracy worth millions shadowy figures threaten then. But how have these people been able to find them? You begin to question who can be trusted. Is everyone who they claim to be? The threats become physical, these scenes are difficult to read. As well as running from those threatening her Heather is also trying to stay clear of the police, all of this adds to the suspense. Just as we reach the conclusion and wait with bated breath there's a twist in the tale that I did not expect.
I’ve read several TM Logan books, this was definitely the best by a long way. Excellent storyline, well told and great character developments. Lots of red herrings which kept me turning the pages, definitely did not guess the ending!! Highly recommend, you’ll love it!
Wow. What a brilliant read. Have read all TM Logan’s books but this is by far the best. Gripping from the start as Heather attends her own funeral incognito. The book then backtracks scattering the pages with doubt and the odd red herring- who to trust, who not to trust. The storyline was excellently constructed to keep the reader thinking, just another chapter and then I’ll put it down. Really not possible as you get caught up in the story as it carefully unfolds- down another blind alley. Loved it and thoroughly recommend it. Ideal for another TV adaptation.
Rating: 4.5/5
My early experiences of Tim Logan's books ended in varying degrees of disappointment. I found that they either flattered to deceive, or else they simply didn't live up to the amount of hype surrounding them. All of that changed when I read his excellent previous novel, "The Curfew" and this latest offering is again forcing me to re-evaluate my earlier impression of this author.
In spite of its potentially misleading title, "The Mother" is an extremely well executed mystery thriller that begins with an intriguing hook and keeps the reader gripped until the final page. Although the overall pace of the novel could not be described rip-roaring, it is certainly never dull and always compelling. There are any number of genuinely tense scenes that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. As in "The Curfew", the characterisation is once again mightily impressive. Tim Logan has succeeded in creating protagonists that it is easy to visualize being part of the real world and this is enhanced by well-written natural and appropriate dialogue.
A couple of this author's novels have already been adapted and brought to the screen and I would be amazed if "The Mother" doesn't follow suit. This would definitely make for a very watchable mini-series, but in the meantime it also makes a wonderfully readable and riveting novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.
A nail biting, twisty thriller of a read!
Heather is out on parole for the murder of her husband. Yet she still proclaims her innocence. The mother is a tale of how far you would go to clear your name.
Heather is helped along the way by her sister in law, a journalist and another ex con. Trouble is, heather doesn’t know if she can trust them all. And they certainly don’t seem to trust each other!
What follows is a fast paced thriller that keeps you guessing. Great characters and a twisty plot keep you hooked.
This was an unusual thriller featuring Heather, a mum who has just been released on probation from prison after serving time for the murder of her husband and who has come out vowing to clear her name and find the true perpetrator. I loved the premise of this but for me I found parts of it too far fetched which made it harder for me to engage with it, that said I loved the conclusion which was far more believable than the rest of it and although I’d briefly considered that the guilty party might be responsible I didn’t think they were so I loved that twist, 7/10
I really enjoyed reading this latest book by T.M Logan,so well written with strong characters with an ending I didn't see coming.
I found the storyline rather different from his other novels but no less enjoyable.
Grab yourself a copy you really won't be dissapointed.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for the ARC.
TM Logan is quite simply, a sensational writer. The skill that goes into the depth of the plot is astonishing. The characters were completely investible, which made the events even more tense and the worry from the reader, palpable. Some breath-taking twists and turns. I had to read this all in one go as I just couldn’t put it down!
The Mother by T.M Logan
Wow , and double wow . Agree with others that this book is T.M. Logans best and it is saying something to say that as they are all edge of your seat , nail biting , fantastic reads.
No need to give a synopsis as you can read the blurb and other posts about this book , but you will be giving yourself a disservice if you don't grab a copy and get reading.
Beyond brilliant.
In this book we meet heather who has been accused of killing her husband Liam she has been in prison and has done her time, bit she didn't commit the crime so who did?
A well written thriller. It had lots of twist and turns to keep the reader guessing and I didn't guess the ending before it was unfolded for me which is great. T.M.Logan always knows how to write a great gripping story. Good job.
What a brilliant fast paced thriller read this is it kept me glued to my seat throughout. All the characters were well described and there were plenty of things happening to throw you off the scent, so many twists and turns.
What a great ending to this too, what more can I say only that I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
I found this different to T.M. Logan's usual books but still a five star thriller read from me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books for this brilliant ARC.
An intense and compelling thriller that preys on your worst nightmare scenarios.
The main character stumbles upon her husband murdered and sue not she is under the spotlight for being the perpetrator. She is (almost) certain she did not commit the murder plus she is haunted by the fact that her last conversation with him was an argument and the argument was based on fears he was betraying her.
She is sent down for the murder and thus separated from her beloved sons and her life has spiralled out of control. Upon release she or not fare much better as her parole conditions prevent her access to her sons or to those ho can help her prove her innocence.
There is an eclectic mix of the criminal underworld, politics and family secrets an loyalties together with a healthy serving of red herrings along the way.
A truly edgy and compelling tale which kept me riveted throughout. Excellent.
4+
In September 2023, a hidden, disguised watcher lurks at the back of the church for the funeral of Heather Vernon, her two sons on the front row. Ten years ago, Heather is accused and convicted of the murder of her MP husband Liam, a charge she has always denied. She serves ten years and is released from prison at the beginning of September 2023. Is she guilty as the court decides or is she a fall guy for something much bigger? Heather leaves prison determined to clear her name and get her beloved boys back….
I’ve read quite a few books by TM Logan but in my opinion this is the best so far as the fast paced plot is meaty (with several accompanying veg) making it a very tasty read. The angle of Liam being an MP leads us into some very interesting areas, down some blind alleys and into some very dodgy parts of town!! Danger hides around every corner with many a nefarious character on Heathers tail. So many thing’s just don’t add up which makes for immersive reading as your suspicion antenna twitches in multiple directions with the plot most definitely thickening as Heather is pushed beyond her limits. Talk about your life changing on a dime!
The novel builds well, situations escalate, discoveries are made but wherein lies the truth? I can honestly say I do NOT see that coming as the twists and turns come rapidly towards the very unexpected end.
Overall, this is a highly entertaining and addictive read which I thoroughly enjoy.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bonnier Books, Zagreb for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I am left stunned after reading The Mother i want to just type wow but who wants to read that as a review?
I have read all of T.M.Logan's books but this is by far the best.
Unusually the opening chapter is actually almost the end of the story and the end of the story is a real shocker.
As always descriptive writing sets the scene. We are given enough information about the main characters and are soon sucked into the story.
If you enjoy a thriller with a real story this is it!
I read in two sittings in 24 hours and i know for sure its something i will read again some point.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my early copy,
A massive five stars from me.
Always enjoy this authors books ( and watch the TV adaptions, new one starts tonight ) but got to say outright this is my favourite of his ( and surely a TV Series will follow in the future for this one too )
A Mum, what is a Mum? Many things but on the whole fiercely loyal and will do ANYTHING for her children, even if she has to watch from afar, in the most bizarre of circumstances, she will do it, she will do anything if it helps to win her her children back….
Difficult ( as always ) not to say too much and give things away but this is a domestic thriller with criminal and Government links that spans a decade or more and will as the blurb says ‘keep you reading all night’
The pulsing intro is addictive and it carries on without let up to the substantially shocking ending, I was invested, enjoyed it and it was playable in my minds eye throughout
A quicker review would be
‘Read it, it’s awesome’
10/10
5 Stars
I literally could not put this one down! The writing style is just so easy to read and flows so naturally. The plot was well throughout and the secrets, twists and turns were really well enacted. The characters were well written and developed, another amazing thriller from TM Logan!
Heather watches her children at a funeral, whilst she is hiding in the shadows. Ten years ago she was imprisoned for the murder of her husband, something she denies and can't remember. She woke up feeling odd with a glass of whisky and tablets by the bed, something she wouldn’t do because of the children and then found him downstairs with a stab wound in his chest. She is tried and found guilty of murder. Ten years later Heather is determined to clear her name and reclaim her life with her boys and find out what really happened that fateful night.
Woah! A book that grabs you early on, builds the tension and then holds on. A tale of steely determination and the tenacity of someone wanting to put right something so wrong and yet finding out about much of her husband's life she never knew when he was alive. I couldn't help but admire Heather. She really had very little to lose by taking this path. I've read T. M Logan books before and thoroughly enjoyed them, this one is mind blowing. A twist I didn’t see coming, one heck of a plot line. Wow, wow wow!
(rest of links on publication)
Compelling…
A mother convicted and incarcerated for a heinous crime sets out to prove her innocence upon her release in this pacy, edgy and fast moving suspense. She has lost everything and she determines to recover it all. Was she framed? Is she innocent? With a wholly credible cast of characters, an immersive and convincing narrative, twists aplenty and a compelling plot fuelled by nerve shredding tension this is a one sit, emotionally exhausting read.
I’ve been enjoying the TV adaptation of one of TM Logan’s other novels, The Catch, so having is latest to read as well was perfect timing!
Logan just gets better and better. This is a highly topical thriller with references to Parliament, and twisty turns that I absolutely did not see coming. Really appreciated the accurate portrayal of probation too - well-researched and another Logan that I’ve read in a day.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Heather is married to an MP called Liam and they have two young children together. Liam comes from a wealthy family, who cut all ties with Heather when she is convicted for Liams murder. Heather swears she didn’t do it, but the evidence is overwhelming, and it’s clear she’s the culprit. Apparently.
This was another excellent read from this author. He never fails to have the shock factor within the pages. The characters were all well written and came across as relatable. Heather was extremely well written, and had the right elements of vulnerability and strength. There were twists and turns throughout the whole story, with explosive elements that shocked. An excellent read as usual.
10 years ago, Heather was convicted for killing her husband Liam. Now that she is out of jail, she is determined to find out the truth about who really killed him to clear her name and get her children back. But what follows will be a shocking and dangerous journey...
A thrilling story that keeps you turning the pages until the shocking ending. Great characters, plot and fantastic twists and turns. Loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.
An enjoyable fast-paced novel with an intriguing start. How come Heather is attending her own funeral? Then we trace her from her release from prison on parole, having served ten years of her sentence for murdering her husband. her parole conditions stipulate that she is not to contact her sons who are now teenagers or anyone connected with the case. Who can she trust to help her when everyone believes she is guilty and there are violent people trying to stop her from finding the truth at all costs?
Sometimes you read a book that is so well written you are do not want to put it down! This is an example of that. I loved this book. Heather has been framed for murder and has just been released from prison. Once she gets out of prison she begins to investigate who framed her. This is a thrilling book that will keep you guessing to the last minute. A brilliant read, and a sure to be number 1 best seller.
I've enjoyed every book by this author but I think this is probably his best yet. I read it in one day as I couldn't stop page turning. Fast paced and kept me guessing.
Heather Vernon is accused of killing her husband but she has always claimed she is innocent. After 10 years, she is out of prison on probation. She has to stay away from the family, her two boys and anyone connected with the case otherwise she will end up straight back inside to serve the rest of her sentence.
Heather wants to prove her innocence and she won't give up, no matter what, even if she risks losing her life. She just wants her boys back.
Chapters written past and present from the point of view of Heather. This format worked perfectly for keeping the tension going. I was totally immersed in the storyline and wasn't sure who Heather could trust!
I hope this is another book which gets picked up for tv as it will make compelling viewing.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for an ARC.
Heather has just been released from prison after being framed for a murder that she did not commit. Heather is determined to go back over the case of her murdered husband and find out who his killer was. She wants justice for her husband and will stop at nothing to find out who killed hun. She also wants nothing more than to be reunited with her 2 sons however the conditions of her bail prevent her from having any contact at all with them or any of her husband relatives.
Things soon become more complicated for Heather as it becomes clear that someone out there will stop at nothing and go to extreme lengths to stop her from uncovering the truth. Alone and with only a couple of people willing to help her, Heather soon begins to wonder if she can trust the help around her and asks herself if she is better off going it alone.
What I loved about this book was it got going right from the start, it began and ended in a way I didn’t expect, there were plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing from start to finish, I thought the characters were great and I loved the plot.
This was my first book by T.M Logan although I have a few on my shelf which I now cannot wait to get stuck into. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
Well, this certainly kept me gripped, page turning deep into the night. Great characters and a very intriguing plot. You won’t know who to trust (except the puppy, I loved the puppy). As well as the mystery, this is a great description of how someone’s life can just fall apart. Loved it!
This is my first book by T.M. Logan, having wanted to read his books for a while, and I’m very pleased with my choice. The Mother is fast-paced and gripping from the first page to the last. The premise is intriguing: Liam, a well-loved MP is murdered in his home. His wife, Heather, is arrested and imprisoned for his murder. We follow her as she is released 9 years later, having served half her sentence and still maintaining her innocence. Can she find out what really happened to clear her name and get her children back?
I raced through this book. It starts with a real bang – that first scene sets a real tone of mystery – and the tension is always high, with plenty happening to keep your attention focused. You’re never quite sure who you can trust, and the fact that his death might be linked to corruption higher up in the government raises the stakes further.
I really liked the characters in this book and enjoyed the twists as the novel continued. The Mother is a well-crafted domestic thriller which zips along at such a pace that it makes the story almost addictive reading – you may struggle to put this one down!
Brilliant read. Had me guessing all the way through until the end. Also a heatfelt story of what you woukd do to get your children back. Brilliant author.
When you pick up a TM Logan book, you know you can look forward to a fast-paced thriller that you won't want to put down, and The Mother is another gripping read that will have you guessing until the very end.
With a clever opening, your intrigue is hooked from the beginning. Switching between past and present as we see the events in Heather's past which lead up to her current situation of being in hiding as she attempts to find out the truth, the twists and revelations constantly add more to the story to keep the tension high.
Nail-biting storytelling and brilliantly engaging characters, I always enjoy a TM Logan thriller, and this is definitely one of my favourites.
The Mother has just shot up to being my favourite book by Logan which is an impressive feat as I have pretty much loved all of his other books.
This book was the definition of unputdownable, I’m already a massive fan of the author’s writing but I kept finding myself stopping and re-reading certain sentences/conversational exchanges because they were just that good. The first chapter immediately piqued my interest and the story didn’t let up until the explosive ending.
Heather is an investable character, I just couldn’t help but root for her after reading the ins and outs of her wrongful conviction and subsequent 9 year stint in prison for the murder of her husband Liam. Heather’s journey from being released to trying to piece together what actually happened that horrific night all while being a mother who has been wrenched apart from her two sons for over a decade made for such a compelling story. Fast-paced and gripping, T.M. Logan has truly outdone himself with his newest masterpiece!
Huge thanks to Bonnier Books UK & Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Once again TM Logan, my favourite author has done it again. He has come back with a book which is slightly different to his other offerings.
The book starts at a funeral. However, the person who should be in the coffin is watching from the wings we then get to discover more about the life of Heather. 10 years previously she was sent down for the brutal murder of her husband Liam. He was a serving MP his death sent shock waves around the country. Heathers perfect life with Liam and their two sons comes to an end when she is convicted for the crime.
However, Heather is innocent. But how is she to clear her name. How is she to get back her lost sons. And how will she find out who the real murderer was and for what reasons?
This is a rollercoaster of the read. I certainly hope that this is another of the authors books that will be picked up and turned into a TV series , I personally feel that the ending was a little rushed, and the part after Heather’s funeral could’ve been made into a second book to continue the story in much greater detail. However, it did not stop me from enjoying this book. This book is perfect for everybody who enjoys reading in one session. It would also be a perfect treat for any book clubs as I’m sure it would lead to lots of discussions afterwards.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to see an advance copy of this book.
I was up and down with how I felt about this book. One minute I was loving it and wrapped up in the fast-paced drama. Other times I felt like I was slugging my way through it to find out why Heather had been framed. It was both slow and fast; it was both exciting and boring. I am still determining how I feel about it overall.
I think the ending made up my mind, however, as I found that to be a major disappointment. Yes, it was a shocker when it was revealed, but that was all it was. It didn’t make sense; the perpetrator behind the crime just made no sense. I was left with a lot of questions unanswered, such as how did they know Heather went to Musgrove’s house? Yes, everyone knew when she was at Owens, but Musgrove’s was the one place no one knew that she would be there at that moment.
I have read other books recently where someone has been wrongfully imprisoned and gotten out trying to prove their innocence, and they have been a much better read than this one. I was glad that the timescale that had lapsed was only ten years, as anything longer always makes these types of stories harder to swallow. What does wind me up about these kinds of premises, though, is why wasn’t all of this investigated by the lawyers and the accused before the trial? Surely the trial wasn’t the day after she was charged, but there was a period of time when the lawyers would gather their defence. Why wasn’t all of this looked into, then? Even if Heather were on remand, she would have had a team of people helping her.
So, yes, after writing this, I have decided that I didn’t really enjoy this. I have read other books by this author that were far superior, so if this is the first you pick up of his, don’t let it deter you from some of his other work.