4.25⭐️. Every Mother's Nightmare by S.E. Lynes is exactly that: a mother’s worst fear realized in a split second—one phone call, and life is upended. From the moment that phone vibrates in the protagonist’s bag, tension seeps in and never lets go. The story is raw, emotional, and laced with a creeping dread that builds as the truth unravels.

Lynes does a masterful job of pulling readers into the complex web of family, secrets, and guilt. The voice of the mother is deeply authentic—equal parts fierce, fragile, and desperate. The dynamics between the siblings are layered and compelling, making you question everyone and everything. The narrative expertly shifts between past and present, memory and reality, keeping the reader guessing what really happened that weekend in the woods.

The pacing is strong, though there are moments where the introspection slows the momentum just slightly. Still, the payoff is worth it. The twist, while not entirely shocking, is delivered with such emotional weight that it hits hard.

This isn't just a thriller—it's a psychological excavation of what it means to be a parent, to trust, and to protect at all costs, even when you’re not sure what the truth actually is.

If you’re after a pacey, sleepy-town, festival thriller that’s a perfect summer read, you won’t go far wrong with this new one from S E Lynes.
Casey wakes up in her tent, confused and disorientated. Before long, she’s in an ambulance being whisked to hospital as it looks like she may be a victim of assault. She’s been drugged, and can’t remember the details of the previous evening. Her brother’s panicking because he thinks his new best-buddy may be responsible. Her mum’s frantic because this wouldn’t have happened if only she’d made a different decision.
As Casey’s memory slowly returns, she begins to fill in the gaps.
The story switches between Casey, her mum and her brother’s POV, and as we discover what happened in the events leading up to the festival, and in the days that follow it, the picture slowly becomes clearer… or so it seems.
This mystery had multiple twists, and was expertly narrated by Tamsin Kennard.
Five stars from me, with thanks to NetGalley and BookoutureAudio for a chance to listen to an ARC. Every Mother’s Nightmare is out on July 9.

Every Mother’s Nightmare is a grounded and engaging story about abuse told through three points of view.

Melissa gets a phone call that her daughter was found in a confused state and is in the hospital. Based on the evidence given to Melissa over the phone, it’s easy to assume what type of abuse occurred. I enjoyed Melissa’s POV the best of the three. The others were from her kids, Casey, who is the victim, and Dan.

This was a little different from most books of this nature. This one moved at a slower pace and was a little longer than most. Those are not negatives. The slower pace allowed for some nice twists and reveals. Some I saw coming, others caught me by surprise. I love it when books have more than one big twist, and that’s what we got here.

I never really enjoyed Dan’s point of view, and his parts did seem to drag on more than those of Casey and Melissa.

S.E. Lynes is a terrific author, and this is a well-written book, but if I were to recommend one of their books, this would not be my first choice.

This is a high quality audio book which has a revealing story told from different pov and at different times. This did grip my attention as I was drawn deeper into the story. There was real emotion in the characters narration, the fear of the mother and the brother showed through in all their various timelines. It did show nothing is always what it seems to be true . The pacing was good and the deep delve into history. Although there were twists and turns there was no dramatic reveal or hold on to my seat moment. I did enjoy this but was disappointed there was no great reveal. Perfect for mystery fans who like a slow burn that focuses on relationships rather than action. It was very engaging as I was compelled to listen to find out what really happened. This is just over a 4 star read. Thank you so much netgallery, publisher, narrator and author.

Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for letting me read early! The book is okay. It’s not really a thriller and more a suspenseful read. The twists didn’t really hit for me and it didn’t keep me super engaged.

Audiobook Review: Every Mother's Nightmare by S.E. Lynes
Narrated by Tamsin Kennard

I received this audiobook from NetGalley and appreciate the opportunity to learn about new authors and leave reviews.

It took me a little bit to really get into Every Mother’s Nightmare, but once I did, wow, I was hooked! This psychological thriller builds slowly at first but rewards your patience with twist after twist that kept me guessing right up to the very end. Just when I thought I had figured out what was going on, the story would take a sharp turn and reveal something I didn’t see coming.

I had a few suspicions along the way and guessed some of the connections, but I never expected the full extent of what was happening. That’s what made this such a compelling listen, plenty of suspense, layered characters, and a creeping sense of dread that builds as secrets unravel.

The narrator, Tamsin Kennard, did a great job bringing the story to life. Her British accent was pleasant and clear, and her pacing and delivery helped maintain the tension throughout. I had no trouble following along, and she handled the emotional tone of the characters really well.

Overall, Every Mother’s Nightmare was a gripping, emotional thriller that balances suspense with deeply human themes. I’m so glad I gave it a chance, and I’d absolutely listen to more from both S.E. Lynes and Tamsin Kennard in the future. A solid, twisty psychological thriller!

Great listen that is full of twists and surprises right to the very end. Well written and great narration. I had a hard time putting this one down.

*ARC review*

This was an enjoyable read that had plenty of twists and turns and surprises along the way. The author does a good job reeling the reader in and keeping the story fresh and interesting.

S.E. Lynes' Every Mother's Nightmare is a chilling and relentless psychological thriller that grabs you from the very first page and refuses to let go. The blurb perfectly sets the stage: a frantic mother, a daughter in hospital with no memory, and a horrifying discovery of a body nearby. This isn't just a mother's worst fear; it's a terrifying descent into a nightmare where the lines between protector and suspect become terrifyingly blurred.
Lynes excels at building unbearable tension, forcing you to question every character's motives, including the desperate mother herself. As the protagonist races to understand what happened, the discovery of a body plunges her into a desperate fight to protect her children. But the core of the novel lies in its unsettling question: who truly needs protection—her daughter, her son, or herself? The narrative is packed with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing, making it nearly impossible to put down.
For fans of authors like Lisa Jewell, Gillian Flynn, and Adele Parks, Every Mother's Nightmare delivers a brilliantly gripping and emotionally charged read that will stay with you long after the final, shocking revelations. It's a testament to the author's skill in crafting a truly unsettling and unforgettable story about the dark paths we might take when faced with unimaginable circumstances.

Title: Every Mother’s Nightmare
Author: S.E. Lynes
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Tamsin Kennard
Publisher: Bookouture Audio
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pub Date: July 9, 2025
My Rating: 2,6 Stars
Pages: 390

Melissa received a call at work that her daughter Casey was hospitalized for having been found a camp g, confused, alone, and not remember anything.
Melissa doesn’t understand as Casey just started a summer job at the park. Casey sure seems like a sweet girl and is aware of her mother’s financial situation and wanted to to Summer Camp with friends from school. Only they plan to stay is a chalet not a tent. Needless to say is costly but not a problem for them as their parents can easily afford it. Casey is in a different situation hence the summer job – that way she can still hang out with her friends when her shift is over.
Only something bad happens to her. As the story unravels, it is a case of teens behaving badly.
However the guys really aren’t teens and Bryn Shape is toxic.

I struggled with this as I found the foul mouth teens so unlikeable.
I hung in there and Part II was more interesting. This part is told in the perspective of several characters- before as well as after Casey’s attack.
Additionally I like narrator Tamsin Kennard who always is great with performing the characters.

Everything comes together in Part III. The story got better although the foul language continued but I was definitely curious.
The ending was bizarre!

This was my fourth S.E, Lynes' thriller. I liked the others especially "The Split}"and loved " The Perfect Boyfriend" as it was so unique.
However, this story isn’t one of favorites.

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 9. 2025.

The psychological tension is masterfully built. Lynes’ talent for exploring the dark undercurrents of family life is on full display. The characters are painfully relatable, their flaws and vulnerabilities laid bare in a way that makes you question what you would do in their place. What I loved most is how Lynes balances suspense with genuine emotional depth. The twists come at just the right moments, but they never feel forced — they arise naturally from the characters’ choices and secrets. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to hug your children tighter, yet also leaves you questioning how well you really know the people closest to you.

⚠️ Thank you to Bookouture Audio, the author and NetGalley for an LRC in return for an honest review ⚠️

I think most parents will unfortunately understand all too well exactly what 'Every Mother's Nightmare' refers to and it's enough to send a chill down your spine. I hadn't read any of the authors previous work, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but the blurb pulled me in and I ended up finishing the entire book in a single sitting.

This is an emotionally charged psychological thriller that dives deep into the emotional complexities of adolescence, family dynamics and the terrifying undercurrents of modern-day toxic masculinity. As this is a highly sensitive topic for a lot of people, I would urge you to think carefully before reading this book if you are easily triggered. That said, I think S.E. Lynes has handled the subject matter perfectly and I have no complaints about the actual book. I do however have an issue with the publisher for not putting a clear trigger warning for sexual assault on this book.

If you’re looking for a gripping, thought-provoking thriller that doesn't flinch from uncomfortable truths, this is an excellent read. Whilst this book is intense, it is not gratuitous, but it is deeply unsettling in a way that feels all too believable. The story expertly navigates down the dark rabbit hole of coercive control and toxic 'alpha male' culture. There’s a particular line about an XL Bully that hit especially hard — one of many chilling moments that echo the dangers we see in real life. The predator in the story exudes sinister energy from the outset. There is a moment where he is described as having a similar build to an XL Bully, in that he has “not a scrap of fat, solid muscle power. Violent if not properly trained.” The comparison to an XL Bully is absolutely devastating. It sums up the dangerous type of hyper-masculine persona the book critiques: one built on intimidation, dominance and the threat of violence, all hiding behind charm and control.

As the narrative unfolds my heart gradually began to sink as I could see certain, more impressionable youngsters falling for his surface-level charisma, who weren't able to sense what the reader could sense - that it was only a matter of time before he would become the fully fledged predator we could see taking shape before our very eyes.

A major highlight for me was the outstanding audiobook narration by Tamsin Kennard. She brings rawness, nuance and emotional truth to the performance, striking a perfect balance between tension and vulnerability. Her voice absolutely anchors the story and elevates it even further.

#EveryMothersNightmare #NetGalley #SexualAssault ⚠️

I had the opportunity to read Every Mother’s Nightmare by S.E. Lynes, and it was a completely gripping psychological thriller from start to finish. The story begins with a mother receiving a chilling call—her daughter has been found naked and disoriented, miles away from home, with no memory of what happened. From there, the plot only deepens as new characters are introduced and layers of the mystery begin to unfold.

The writing was sharp, emotionally resonant, and full of well-crafted suspense. Just when I thought the story was wrapping up, it delivered even more twists and surprises. I loved how the tension continued to build, and the pacing kept me fully engaged. S.E. Lynes did a phenomenal job of keeping the reader guessing while also creating characters you genuinely care about.

This is a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers with emotional depth and unexpected turns. Highly recommend!

Maybe it’s me that couldn’t get into the storyline but this book felt very much like a bore. Couldn’t care about the characters, very slow paced, so much so that I couldn’t get into it and having anticipated this to be a cool mystery it felt like much of a letdown.

Every Mother’s Nightmare is a gripping and timely psychological thriller that unfolds in reverse, peeling back the layers of a tragedy to reveal the toxic influence of an Andrew Tate-style figure and its devastating consequences for one family.

Told with S.E. Lynes’ trademark empathy and precision, the story centres on Jess, a mother whose worst fears are realised when her daughter, Ruby, is assaulted. As the truth unravels, we see how Ruby’s brother, Jamie, is drawn into the disturbing world of social media influencer Joel Sharpe—whose dangerous brand of online masculinity feels all too real. As an educator working closely with boys navigating their identity, I found this portrayal eerily relatable and felt myself silently urging Jamie not to fall under Sharpe’s spell.

The audiobook narration is superb—fluid, emotive, and completely immersive. The narrator moves seamlessly between voices, capturing each character’s internal world and making their emotions feel raw and real.

This is a slow-burn thriller with real psychological depth and social relevance. It’s unsettling but important—particularly for readers interested in how digital culture can shape and warp young minds. A powerful and thought-provoking listen.

t's the call every parent fears!

Every Mother's Nightmare is a well thought out, wonderfully written, shocking, gripping, and twist filled book which kept me turning those pages! This is the 12th book that I have read by S.E. Lynes, and she always delivers book after book!

Melissa receives the phone call that every parent dreads. Her 18-year-old Casey, is in the hospital after being found confused, bruised, and dazed at a summer camp she was attending. Why was her older brother Dan not with her? What happened? Making matters worse, a body is found in the woods! As the police begin their investigation, Melissa, her daughter, Casey, and her son, Dan will be questioned.

Whew! Just when I thought I knew where this book was going, S.E. Lynes threw in another shocking twist! This book is told in the time leading up to the assault of Casey, and during the investigation. I love how the author wove the events both before and after so effortlessly together each time providing readers with a little more information concerning the backstory and present-day events.

This book highlights a parent's desire to protect their child and how they feel powerless when they cannot, how wanting to belong may lead some down dangerous and toxic paths, and the dangers of social media. I enjoyed the mounting tension, the pacing, the characters fears/concerns/anxiety, and the way the plot unfolded.

Thought provoking, shocking, twist filled and hard to put down! I had both the book and the audiobook. I thought the narrator did a wonderful job of bringing this captivating book to life!

This was a good read. The story of a single mum navigating life with a teen and a young adult. Casey goes off to work at summer camp and soon comes the call that every parent dreads. Melissa hears her daughter has been found unconscious and barely clothed in the woods with no memory what's happened to her.

The story jumps back and forth to before and after the event without us knowing who did what to whom. I enjoyed the twists although I did guess the final one. It didn't take it away from being a good read though.

Thanks for the opportunity to listen, I enjoyed the narration too.

Taaammmmsssiiinnnnn!!! I love your narration!! I chose to review this book because of the description and because the audiobook is narrated by Tamsin Kennard! It is a 'nightmare' of a story surrounding a tragic event at an overnight camp... no parent wants to get THAT call about their child. S.E Lynes flawlessly creates different POVs to tell the story of what happened to Casey that one night at camp. There are glimpses of the past timeline, outlining events that led to the camp trip, shaping characters and their motives. It was entertaining and a cautionary tale...a bit slow at times, but I pushed through with no regrets.

Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to review the audiobook.

I love this author and this new book kept me engaged from start to finish. I was unsure what happened the entire time. There were some parts that felt undercooked (eg I still have a lot of questions about spider and am not sure why we bothered to meet the mother at camp) but overall a steady psyche thriller. I wasn’t expecting the mom’s role at all!!! I couldn’t decide if it was the brother or sister or spider.

the light social commentary about the brosphere was top notch. I enjoyed the multiple narrators and timelines. I would have liked an epilogue

The book was just okay for me. I felt like it dragged on for so long. The story was kind of all over the place for me. I found myself rushing to get through this book just to get it over with. The twist didn’t really surprise me because I had it figured out already but hopefully a lot of people still get a surprise from it. Overall it was just meh for me. The narrator was great thought!