Review: Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson

I read three of Joshilyn Jackson's novels several years ago, and while I rated them all 3 or 4 stars, I was never quite blown away by her stories. They all started out so promisingly, but left me disappointed in one way or another. I was hesitant to give Mother May I a chance for this reason, but the synopsis made it seem like Jackson might have more success writing thrillers than the women's fiction she wrote early on in her career. Keeping in mind how prepared I was not to love another one of her books, I was pleasantly surprised by this one! I absolutely could not put it down. The story weaved every which way and the suspense and surprises just kept coming from beginning to end. I am so glad I gave this one a chance and I think fans of the mystery/thriller genre will enjoy it as well!

Bree Cabbat is the wife of a successful lawyer and the mother of three children-two teenage daughters and an infant son. Life is wonderful and problem-free until the morning Bree wakes up to see an old crone peering through her bedroom window. She can't shake the feeling that this witchy-woman was up to no good and her suspicions prove right when her son is kidnapped immediately after Bree spots the mystery woman a second time. A note is left behind instructing Bree to return home and tell no one what has happened. She does as she's told, desperate to get her son back. It turns out the woman has a plan for Bree and if she does not follow instructions to the letter, her son will be killed. The narrative continues as Bree fulfills these demands and tries to uncover why her family is being targeted by this woman. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the pages turning and the characters are well developed.

I want to go so much more in depth with this because there's a lot more to this story, but I don't want to spoil anything. As a mother, I found Bree easy to empathize with. Just imagining being in her shoes ramped up my anxiety. The themes of this story are very timely considering the way the world views and treats women. I feel like there was an important message underneath all of the drama and suspense, which I completely support and appreciate. Long story short, go read this book!

My Rating: ★★★★★ out of 5

*Thanks to the author, Harper Audio, and Netgalley for providing me with this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!  

At the time of this review, this title will be available to purchase on April 6th, 2021.