A Mother Would Know by Amber Garza
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Mother Would Know in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
A Mother Would Know by Amber Garza offers a compelling premise but struggles to fully engage readers with its execution. Touted as a domestic thriller, this novel attempts to delve into the dark undercurrents of motherhood, guilt, and secrets, but ultimately falls short of leaving a lasting impression.
The Details
The story follows the lives of two women whose paths intersect in unexpected ways as they grapple with the complexities of motherhood.
While the premise of A Mother Would Know holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired. The pacing of the novel is uneven. As a result, the story feels drawn out and padded, with too much focus on mundane details and not enough on building suspense or tension.
Additionally, the characters in the novel lack depth and nuance, making it difficult for readers to become emotionally invested in their fates. The Characters are both one-dimensional stereotypes, defined solely by their roles as mothers and lacking in any real complexity or development. As a result, their actions and motivations feel predictable and formulaic, robbing the story of much-needed depth and intrigue.
Furthermore, the twists and turns of the plot feel forced and contrived, relying on cheap shocks and melodrama rather than genuine suspense or mystery. Instead of keeping readers guessing, the revelations come across as predictable and telegraphed, undermining the impact of the story’s central mystery.
The Verdict
Overall, A Mother Would Know is a disappointing and forgettable read that fails to deliver on its promise of tension and intrigue. While Amber Garza may have had a compelling idea to work with, the execution ultimately falls flat, resulting in an unsatisfying reading experience.
