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Dearest

By: Jacquie Walters
Narrated by: Jacquie Walters
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Publisher's summary

A new mom in need of help opens her door to her long-estranged mother—only to invite something much darker inside—in this "fast-paced and frightening debut" (Rachel Harrison) about the long shadows cast by family secrets, perfect for listeners of Grady Hendrix or Ashley Audrain.

Flora is a new mom enamored of her baby girl, Iris, who has arrived a few weeks early. But with her husband still deployed, Flora must navigate the newborn stage alone. As the sleepless nights pass in the loneliness of their half-empty home, the edges of her reality begin to blur.

Just as Flora becomes convinced she is losing her mind, a surprising guest shows up to help: Flora’s own mother, to whom she hasn’t spoken in years. Can they mend their fraught relationship? Or is there more that Flora’s mother isn’t telling her about the events that led to their estrangement?

As stranger and scarier events unfold, Flora begins to fear that her mother’s secrets have allowed something truly evil to enter her home. She must decide: is her hold on reality slipping dangerously away? Or is she, in fact, the only thing standing between a terrifying visitor and her baby?

©2024 Jacquie Walters (P)2024 Mulholland Books
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Critic reviews

"A fast-paced and frightening debut that explores the nightmares of new motherhood, with plenty of twists and scares."—Rachel Harrison, bestselling author of Black Sheep

"A raw and challenging rumination on motherhood and inherited trauma. Compassionate and compelling, Walters is a talent to watch."—Sarah Langan, author of Good Neighbors and A Better World

"A truly terrifying exploration of maternal instinct, mental health, and the complex bonds between mothers and daughters. Jacquie Walters is a horror writer to watch.”—Robyn Harding, author of The Drowning Woman

Dear Listener,

Why did I choose to narrate my debut horror novel?
"I have been an actor much longer than I have been a writer! Even though I have pivoted in the creative sphere, I originally moved to LA to pursue a career in acting, and I still love performing whenever I can. Plus, I feel it's extra special when an author is able to narrate her own work. No one knows the words better. They have lived in our bones for ages. And yes: I did have to audition to narrate my book! "– Jacquie Walters, writer of Dearest

What listeners say about Dearest

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Loved it!

I really enjoyed this story and the narration fit perfectly. At the end I was already wanting another book by this author but none are available yet. I am definitely a fan though!

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Chilling— and touching

First of all, the narration by the author was flawless. I was blown away when I found out she was performing. The book grabbed me and didn’t let go until the final page. The twists were shocking and satisfying and it was a genuinely terrifying read. I didn’t expect to be so touched by the ending, either, but it really was gut wrenching. I absolutely loved this book.

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Dearest -Excellent Book/ Wonderful Narration

This audible book is amazing.
Exciting, creative, suspenseful,
Descriptive. The narrative is the best of any audible book I have ever listen to. Needs to be a movie!

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Great book!!

Great story. I didn’t want to stop listening! Plan a time to listen to it when you can listen to it all. You won’t want to pause this one!

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This was incredible

Great build up so many possibilities for ending and great twist had no idea did not see it coming!!

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I didn’t like this book

Save your credit! This book is hard to finish and it rambles. It was a. Ok of the month

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WTF Did I Just Read

One of the stupidest books I’ve ever suffered through. What an important story to tell - with an absolutely insufferable and fictional twist.

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Oh boy...

I read so many reviews on this book and was so excited tor listen to it. However, the first half of the story is just repetition. They could have made a short story out of this book, and I believe that it would have conveyed the same message without all of the filler.

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