Every mothers’ worst nightmare happens when Bree’s baby son is snatched from under her nose. She suspects it was the witch-like woman she saw in her garden the night before and the chase is on to follow the kidnapper’s instructions to get the baby back – which means no police involvement and some illegal doings of Bree’s own.
This is a tense book, where we find out a mother can have more than one worst nightmare. We also learn the lengths a mother will go to in order to protect her own child, whatever their age, and that the need for revenge on the people who hurt their child might never go away.
I enjoyed learning about the background of each character, and how Bree build a relationship with the kidnapper, based on their common earlier lives. A good read.

A great beginning but seemed to go downhill halfway for me and hard to believe.

Bree has grown up poor and married well with a lovely home and family when her baby goes missing, left with a message that if she wanted her baby back she would have to do certain things but not tell the police.

I found this hard to believe a old woman in the last stages of cancer with not long to live can go out and kidnap a baby cope with feeding and changing it while breaking in Bree`s house and leaving messages.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

Even though I am probably getting a bit tired of books where a baby/child goes missing, as it really is becoming an overused trope, I'm glad that I gave this the benefit of the doubt and read it.
This was a really gripping thriller that had plenty of great twists and turns and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
I also enjoyed the writing style and the ways in which it dealt with quite serious subject matter.
It did drag in parts, which is why I had to give it 4 stars instead of anything higher.
But Joshilyn Jackson is definitely now one of those authors where I will read anything that she releases.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A book that starts off at a fast pace and continues throughout !!

Bree is watching her girls rehearse for the school play when she turns round to find her baby boy has vanished. She only turned her back for a moment but there is no trace of him. Suddenly she spots a note telling her not to call the police or her husband but to go home or she will never see her son again.

Bree races home and finds a phone waiting for her. The kidnapper gives her strict instructions that Bree must carry out if she ever wants to see her son again.

What follows is a fast paced thriller that will have you hooked throughout. A story about trust, love, lies, relationships and so much more, and shows you how a mistake in the past can come back to effect your future !!

If you are anything like me you will be cheering Bree on from the sidelines hoping she can not only save her son but also save herself. This really is a book to read if you love thrillers !!

Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.

3.5 stars rounded down to 3

**TRIGGER WARNING** this story contains child abduction, sexual assault and rape.

Growing up poor in rural Georgia, Bree Cabbat was warned by her single mother that the world was a dark and creepy place. Bree rejected her mother's fearful outlook and life has proved her right. Having married into a family with wealth, power and connections, Bree now has everything a woman could ever dream of: a loving lawyer husband, two talented teenage daughters, a new baby boy and a gorgeous home. Until the day she awakens and sees a witch peering through the window - an old grey haired woman dressed all in black and vanishes as quickly as she appeared.

This is a twisted and suspenseful story about a woman whose baby is kidnapped. The kidnapper doesn't want money, they want Bree to complete a task. The story revolves around getting her baby son back. The story can be a little far fetched and secrets are revealed. The story is told by Bree in the first person and Marshall in the third person. The pace is fast. This is a tense domestic thriller with quite dark undertones. I felt the ending was a little disappointing.

This is a very engrossing domestic mystery with some genuinely tense moments and entertaining twists and terms. Recommended.

Despite a poor upbringing, Bree Cabbat now has a good life. Mainly due to marrying into money but she has still stuck to her morals instilled into her growing up. But one day, she awakens to see the face of a strange old woman staring in at her bedroom window. Sort of blink and you'll miss it kinda of experience. Trick of the light, rogue shadow, still dreaming, or something more strange...? That same day Bree is helping out at her daughters' school when she sees the same old woman in the carpark. and then, one inside the school, she is distracted a moment and then turns back to see her baby son has vanished, a note in his place telling her to follow the instructions she will be given and not to tell the authorities...
But who is this woman and what does she want? Bree only knows that she will do anything to get her son back. But when she finds out what the woman wants her to do she is caught... and then when the small part she has to play in things escalates... well...!
And so begins a cat and mouse game of intrigue which dates back to when some of the characters were very young and not really aware of the consequences of their possible actions. I really don't want to say any more for fear of spoiling things. The first part of the book is really more scene setting and foundation building but it never really drags. It's also quite important to build up the layers of intrigue so the author can have fun smashing them down in the later part of the book.
I really felt for Bree. So much along the way. As her world starts to all crumble. As she turns to an old friend to help her. As she learns more than she wants about her husband - absent for the majority of the book - working away. Oh my.
And the ending. Well. That ticked all the boxes for me. It wasn't the only way the author could have gone - but, after some contemplation, the best way for all concerned. It was a tad on the rushed side but hey, the rest of the book was so good I can forgive this. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Bree Cabbat leads a settled, happy and privileged life married to wealthy lawyer Trey, parents to two daughters and their ten week old son Bumper (Robert Jnr). Life hasn’t always been this way for Bree whose humble, poor beginnings living with a mother convinced the world is a mad, bad place didn’t give her the best outlook on life but Bree has always dreamt big. Using her acting talent to adapt to every situation together with marrying ‘up’ in the world, those feelings of danger lurking around every corner have been resigned to the past, that is until in the early hours of one morning Bree awakes to visions of a witch like figure peering in her bedroom window. Imagining this is maybe a postpartum hallucination or simply a nightmare, Bree quickly shakes off a sense of foreboding only for alarm bells to start ringing when she catches another glimpse of the same figure in her daughters’ school grounds. She’s right to believe these sightings are a bad omen when having turned her back on her precious baby boy for mere seconds she discovers him gone, a note warning her to head home, inform no one of Robert’s disappearance and to comply exactly with the kidnapper’s instructions.

Divided into three parts; mothers; daughters; sons and narrated by Bree and good friend/ex-cop Marshall, Joshilyn Jackson explores what any mother may be willing to do in these circumstances, as well as how class and status can affect past and present behaviour. She gives the reader permission to ponder some interesting, thought provoking questions; how some individuals have the ability to parcel up unwanted memories, locking them away in the furthest recesses of the mind never to be reexamined,question how well we can ever know our nearest and dearest and consider the ways in which some people deceive family, friends and colleagues with a public outward persona that hides their true selves. Part one is overloaded with tension; desperation and anxiety over her son’s fate paramount in Bree’s mind. Conversing with the kidnapper strangely quells a fraction of this mother’s fears but strictly adhering to the kidnapper’s instructions is the only way to keep her family intact which sets her off on a dangerous path where the boundaries between right and wrong are traversed. Bree’s past has a fundamental bearing on a plot that begins in such a dark and chilling way, meaning as a former actor she will have to conduct the performance of her lifetime if she stands a chance of seeing Robert alive and well again. This is a fantastic opening to a storyline that darkens with each new development; the pace is fast with a shocking turn of events that places Bree in an impossible and unexpected position. You are exposed every step of the way to the fierceness of a mother’s love and Bree’s instinct for survival, so I was absolutely riveted by this scenario that would strike fear into any mother’s heart. My overwhelming sympathies were with Bree, entangled in this nightmare but I reluctantly reserved a modicum of compassion for the kidnapper, once I understood the motive for this heinous crime. Deliberating over another controversial aspect of this storyline, whether these actions are wholly evil remains at the forefront of your mind as the action slows in pace, and the author reveals the other side of the coin, a perspective that is quietly compelling and equally disturbing, if not as dramatic as the preceding events.

Unable to confide in her husband or the police it’s left up to Marshall to come to Bree’s assistance. Once he becomes complicit in the undercover investigation to discover the perpetrator of this crime it was obvious to me why this nightmare had befallen this particular family. This slightly ruined the reading experience for me, seizing upon the why too soon but maybe that was always the author’s intention? Losing that edge of your seat intensity, the remainder of the storyline is concerned with revelations which add the necessary context to the plot but detract from the more pressing issue of locating the person responsible for Robert’s current whereabouts. You can sense Bree’s conflicting inner turmoil regarding loyalty towards her family as ugly truths from the past coincide with the present but it’s as this point the narrative becomes drawn out, prolonging the agonising wait for a happy outcome. Just as my attention was beginning to wander the author accelerates the pace one final time to bring matters to a highly dramatic conclusion,one which I didn’t foresee. Considering the subject matter the author tackles, I was surprised at Joshilyn Jackson’s decision to end this novel in a rather anodyne way with Bree’s own involvement in the drama conveniently swept under the carpet. The likelihood of this happening didn’t ring true for me and I felt disappointed that what began as a menacingly dark storyline ended on such a light note.

In summary Mother May I is a quick enjoyable read although in my opinion it doesn’t measure up as well against Never Have I Ever. The strengths of this novel lie in the brilliant first part whose darkness will hook you in with the first twist so well executed. It’s (literally) to die for! With wealth, privilege, power, denial, guilt, forgiveness and the desire for revenge and reparation propelling these characters forward there’s so many positives to this author’s writing. Aside from the actual storytelling, the author forces you to face some thought provoking conundrums which is another point in her favour. As for characterisation, on the whole I think every characters actions are believable; she’s captured a mother’s love precisely, with Bree’s terror almost tangible and astutely observed how wealth and status can blind you to your own shortcomings. When imagining the perpetrator of this crime Joshilyn Jackson has conjured up a figure evil enough for the reader to hate but allowed enough room for compassion to creep in, even if it still doesn’t justify their actions. Despite my criticisms, this remains a novel worthy of a place on your bookshelf. My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great story that will definitely have you racing through the pages.
Bree is shocked when her baby boy is taken and all that’s left is a note telling her to go home.
She’s given instructions on what she has to do if she wants her baby back, but she mustn’t call the Police.
Her task seems harmless but Bree is not prepared for what actually happens.
I can’t say too much more about the story as I don’t want to spoil it for you.
This is a gripping thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Although I'm really REALLY tired of books about mothers and children: those going missing, squabbling between couples, parenting issues and the like, this book is very much in my wheelhouse. I hadn't planned to read the entire thing when I got into the bath with my copy but - for the first time in a long time - I deferred cooking dinner to keep reading.

I read Jackson's previous book 'Never Have I Ever' and it was similarly themed around motherhood, relationships, secrets and revenge.  For most of this novel I was riveted and and it was really only the direction this book takes that left me disappointed, which (I guess) means Jackson sucked me in big-time.

The (rather long) blurb says it all really. The Bree we meet is affluent and confident, but we learn she was raised by a single mother who'd left an abusive partner. It's obvious that - though happy with her marriage and children - Bree sometimes reflects on the 'role' she's playing.

I really enjoyed the mystery element of this book. Bree and her old friend Marshall get some hints from Robert's kidnapper and try to track her down, or at least understand why she's seeking revenge or retribution on those in Bree's life. Jackson ekes that out brilliantly and I appreciated the way Robert's kidnapper seems to bond with Bree, though doggedly continuing with her plan.

We learn the kidnapper's motivation and in some ways that element of the plot is resolved, but there's obviously more. And the biggest challenge for me was having to view a character in a different light. Perhaps I expect someone to be all-evil or not. It means we (and our characters) are forced to ponder how well we know and can trust people. Can they hide their true selves from us?

This is a nail-biting read by Jackson. It would be a perfect bookclub read because there are some moral or ethical dilemmas which would be excellent debate fodder. Do people change? Can people change? How much do people's memories become tainted by how they want to have behaved?

Wow, this book certainly gets your heart racing! Full of twists, turns and pulse racing moments! Not only that though, this book shines a light on some very serious and sensitive subjects. I can only applaud the author for the way in which this book is written.

This is my first book by Joshilyn Jackson and I quite enjoyed it. I enjoyed the style of writing and thought the characters were well written and well developed . The story gripped me throughout.
I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

Bree's baby is missing. She has been told to be home by 5.15pm and tell no-one. Not her husband or the police and she will get him back.
But she has to complete one task first and that one task will turn her world around. No-one will be safe but why her and her baby?
This will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

I would firstly like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not even a parent, but Joshilyn Jackson had my heart in my stomach the whole way through! This was a first time read from this author, and it certainly won't be the last!
Bree is brilliantly-written character who was strong, and very believeable. I felt a lot of empathy for her and I was desperate for her to find her son. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish!
The ending dragged a tad but overall, I throughly enjoyed this read.
Gripping, addictive, gritty, twisty and terrifyingly heart-racing, this book is definitely one I recommend!

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for this brilliant book

a face at the window
bree's baby snatched whilst she was watching her daughters rehearsal

the note says be at home by a certain time or else, tell no one

oh my word this book had me on tenterhooks, i thought i knew where this book was going...yeah i was wrong, it gripped me right to the end

cant wait for the next book from this author

Bree Cabbat is living her perfect life. Married to a wonderfully caring and extremely wealthy lawyer, Trey, she is miles away from her own chaotic and underprivileged childhood. She vows her children will never face the troubles she has and as a stay at home mum with two teenage daughters and a ten week old baby Robert, Bree is able to prioritise her children and family above all else. But when Robert is cruelly kidnapped from a safe and secure school premises, her life is thrown into complete and utter turmoil in an instant.

The one thing that stood out for me within this novel is the time and attention given to all of the character’s development. There was not a single character that I did not feel some sort of empathy towards, (Ok, maybe one) and this was written as if it were real life. Life is messy, people are not perfect, they make decisions and choices that can both positive and negatively change their entire path. I enjoyed that the characters felt real and I could completely get onboard with the plot as I truly cared what happened.

The plot itself was very cleverly written, The main themes to me seemed to surround perception, privilege and control. How people perceive your life to be, how others may perceive your actions and choices. Then no matter how much you try, what they then do based on that perception is completely out of your control. I enjoyed the comparison between how a wealthy person has the power and privilege to make mistakes and never receive consequences, whilst one misstep could derail a underprivileged persons entire hopes and dreams in an instant.

Usually within the thriller genre the entire book is leading to a pivotal moment, however, within this novel, I found the moment It had been building towards happened earlier than expected, which meant the drama that followed felt like an extra little treat.

I really did enjoy this book and it was a joy to read, it was twisty, emotional and constantly making me consider what I would do in Bree’s position. However, some of the plot points were a little predictable and I thought the final few pages were a little unnecessary. Overall, this is a book that I would definitely recommend to any domestic thriller lovers out there!

This is a tightly plotted, page turning thriller. Bree is living her best life, married to Trey, a lawyer, who comes from old money, with her two daughters and new baby, Robert, This life is turned upside down when Robert is kidnapped and a ransom note is left for Bree. She mustn't tell anyone that Robert is missing. What Bree is asked to do in order for Robert to be returned becomes truly shocking.

The novel focuses on the gulf between the 'haves' and the 'have-nots' and how they are treated by society. Despite Bree's current lifestyle, she comes from a poor background and as she learns more about the kidnapper she understands the inequalities in life and the abuse that wealth and power can engender.

The plot is very clever and full of suspense. Bree is trapped in a dangerous web of revenge and cat and mouse action. The characters are well drawn and the ending is clever.

In summary, this was a really good read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for an ARC is exchange for an honest review.

I thought the story was good and I liked Bree the main character and the book started well. I wish it had been punchier and less rambling in places, shorter chapters and more tension would have been appreciated and in my opinion would have made the book stronger and more appealing. There was too much rambling and looks into the past that didn't add anything to the story for me. .I will give it 4 stars but if it was shorter I think it could have been 5 stars. I know I am an impatient reader but the pace of the book especially in the second half was too slow for me.

This was a well thought out, well written, hard to put down novel. It was brilliant. Bree is such a string willed woman and I honestly felt for her in the end as she had to go through so much. Unlike most novels of this genre, there is also a happy ending. Normally the villain is caught and that's the end, not with this book. It is definitely worth the read and I recommend it.

This intense thriller consists of a mother, having her love for her child tested, a wife’s faith in her husband questioned, and her safe view of the world shattered. Challenged to do things she wouldn’t ever dream of doing, to get her son back safely in her arms. Bree shows the lengths of which a mother would go to protect her child and keep them from harm.

Someone has taken Brees baby, leaving a note saying to go home and tell no one. She gets home to a package hanging on your door, inside it is a phone, along with a few other items. The phone rings, a voice tells her they have her baby and to get him back all she has to do is follow their instructions. Bree pushes through her panic and fear and pulls herself together, her morals are tested but her maternal instinct and the power of her love for her child drive her into doing whatever it takes to get her baby back.

Well, what can I say?! This book certainly meets all the hype surrounding it. I loved it! It had me turning page after page, eagerly working my way through the twists and turns. It is such an easy, fast-paced book, making it a pleasure to read. It was intense, suspenseful, and gripping, with a sinister twist. Exactly what you expect from a thriller. The author writes in a way that you can visualise her words, setting the scene and atmosphere, really packing a punch! The characters are well written, particularly Bree, who I was able to sympathise with as a mother myself. I could feel her different emotions from her fear, anger and frustration to her despair, sympathy and love. It is clear in the story that a terrible event has happened in the past. I like how it is not revealed too early on in the story. It’s touched on enough to make the reader have an idea of what it could be, but without completely giving it away, then you think the whole shocking truth has been revealed to learn right at the end, that there was so much more to it, followed by a twist right at the end!

| I received an Advanced Copy of this book to read and review. Thank you NetGalley and to the publishers for allowing me this opportunity |