Dearest

By: Jacquie Walters

Narrated by: Jacquie Walters

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

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

Enjoyable ride

I really liked this book. It was a really great representation of what many women go through. Definitely recommend.

gripping, wild ride

“Dearest” by Jacquie Walters is a chilling, fever-dream of a horror novel that intertwines postpartum depression, supernatural elements, and the fragile psyche of a new mother. The story follows Flora, a woman struggling with the isolation of single motherhood after giving birth to her daughter Iris. Her husband is deployed, and she’s left to navigate the harrowing landscape of postpartum life alone. To complicate matters, Flora is also estranged from her own mother, a relationship that seems destined to remain broken—until her mother, Jodie, unexpectedly reappears.

The novel's mood is unsettling from the start, weaving a sense of claustrophobic tension as Flora begins to experience disturbing phenomena: sleep paralysis, nightmares, and an overwhelming fear that she may accidentally harm her newborn. The line between reality and the supernatural blurs as Flora begins to be haunted by both an imaginary friend from her childhood, Zephy, and a series of eerie events, including a mysterious, ancient birth tusk and her encountering beetles around the house.

Walters excels at capturing the emotional turbulence of postpartum depression. As someone who has experienced it firsthand, I found Flora’s journey heartbreakingly authentic, particularly the isolation she feels in her early days as a new mother. The weight of her situation is palpable, and I found myself feeling sympathy and sorrow for Flora as she grapples with both her mental health and her unraveling sense of reality. The novel’s atmosphere is simultaneously haunting and empathetic, particularly as Flora’s emotional fragility begins to blur with supernatural horror.

The plot is darkly unpredictable, with jaw-dropping twists that left me in awe. What starts as a story of a woman coping with postpartum depression gradually transforms into something far more sinister. The supernatural elements—both spectral and psychological—are masterfully integrated, making it impossible to distinguish what is real from what is not. This sense of disorientation keeps you on edge throughout the novel, questioning every character’s intentions and motivations.

The emotional beats of “Dearest” are raw and often heartbreaking. As a mother of three, the first part of the book resonated deeply with me, particularly Flora’s loneliness during a vulnerable time. By the middle of the novel, I found myself devastated for the entire family, as the true nature of Flora’s struggles—and the consequences of those struggles—came into sharp focus. And by the end, I was left in complete shock. The twists are both terrifying and thought-provoking, cementing “Dearest” as a standout in the horror genre.

For readers who enjoy a blend of psychological horror, supernatural thrills, and emotionally charged storytelling, “Dearest” is a must-read. Walters expertly balances the fragile state of motherhood with supernatural terror, creating a narrative that is both profoundly emotional and deeply unsettling. If you're a lover of horror or someone who has experienced the intense vulnerability of postpartum depression, this novel will strike a hauntingly personal chord.

“Dearest” is a gripping, wild ride that leaves an indelible impression.

If you’re in need of postpartum depression support from professional counselors, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).

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!

the creepiness

I loved the creepiness of it all. I didn't care for the part closer to the end, but it made up for it and the end

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.

Creeeeepy

D Dearest : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.03 horror/thriller - think would be good for fall but very creepy‼️‼️‼️if you’re a new mom DON’T READ‼️‼️‼️listened to this one today as I cleaned 🧹

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!

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!

This was incredible

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

Almost stopped listening

Glad I stayed on with this one. It turned out to be a great book. I remember the exhaustion of early motherhood and this was a spooky twist on mothers and depression and what we would do for our children