Mothered

A Novel

By: Zoje Stage

Narrated by: Sophie Amoss, David de Vries

From the USA Today bestselling author of the international sensation Baby Teeth comes a claustrophobic psychological thriller about one woman’s nightmarish spiral while quarantined with her mother.

Grace isn’t exactly thrilled when her newly widowed mother, Jackie, asks to move in with her. They’ve never had a great relationship, and Grace likes her space—especially now that she’s stuck at home during a pandemic. Then again, she needs help with the mortgage after losing her job. And maybe it’ll be a chance for them to bond—or at least give each other a hand.

But living with Mother isn’t for everyone. Good intentions turn bad soon after Jackie moves in. Old wounds fester; new ones open. Grace starts having nightmares about her disabled twin sister, who died when they were kids. And Jackie discovers that Grace secretly catfishes people online—a hobby Jackie thinks is unforgivable.

When Jackie makes an earth-shattering accusation against her, Grace sees it as an act of revenge, and it sends her spiraling into a sleep-deprived madness. As the walls close in, the ghosts of Grace’s past collide with a new but familiar threat: Mom.

©2023 Zoje Stage (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Narrator David de Vries sets an ominous scene as psychoanalyst Silas describes the case file for a brutal murder. Leaving both killer and corpse unidentified, narrator Sophie Amoss takes the reins for the bulk of the narrative as listeners are transported to the early days of a pandemic when Grace's mother, Jackie, requests to shelter in place with her.… Amoss gives an emotive and engaging performance, expertly portraying Grace's tension and terror. Though de Vries features only in the prologue and epilogue, his placid, professional voice is an unnerving juxtaposition to Amoss's anxiety. This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a dark, dizzying domestic thriller steeped in menace and mistrust. Recommended for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ashley Audrain, and Riley Sager.”—Library Journal, starred review

“Compelling.…This disturbing yet addictive read will keep you wondering what is real and what is madness.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Each of Stage’s books explores the dark side of family bonds, all in their own extraordinary way. This one lays bare the true horror inherent in fables and folklore, and what Pandora lets out of her box seems negligible compared to what Grace unleashes.”—Booklist (starred review)

CONFUSING

It was difficult to get through this one. The author was just shy of making sense of her story line. Glad it's over. The epilogue was the best part of the book!

Way too long and no real plot

This book was very long-winded and confusing, and in the end there was no real resolution although I loved the authors previous books this one I wouldn’t really recommend I feel like I wasted my time with it

Not terrible, not great

It was “ok”. Slow at times, A little over done. One of those books that’s not so bad you would stop reading before you finished, But not good enough that you’re glad you read it after you finished it.

didn't meet expectations

I had very high expectations for this book based off of the authors previous book Baby Teeth. But this didn't come anywhere near the the authors other work. the story had potential, but it never went anywhere. same thing just kept repeating over and over...the end.

Compelling

First, I'm glad I didn't read reviews before I listened to this book. Those leaving 1-2 stars and the ones saying it doesn't make sense must only read formulaic light reads.
I will agree that parts were a little confusing. You do have to focus on what is happening in each chapter and the story as a whole. The entire book is layered with bits of important details. I had to rewind a couple of times if I let my mind wander off.
I especially liked the twin aspect, and that one had CP. Also, I really like the author wasn't afraid to give the disabled twin some unpleasant, even downright nasty, characteristics.
if you love a truly disturbing psychological domestic thriller, can focus on a multilayered story, and appreciate the depths of it.....you will love it. ❤️

Unique ideas in this story

A somewhat confusing narrative to this story. It felt like the plot tried to do too much and therefore didn’t accomplish enough. Parts of the story were interesting but hit or miss.

Not sure sure

This was just weird. It had way too much both covid and the pandemic. I also found the ending confusing

Confusing

It’s a bit confusing. The narrator is unreliable. It jumps from nightmare to reality so much that the lines are blurred. I still really don’t understand the ending. It was good enough to keep me reading but I’m not sure what is the truth.

It makes sense…

Despite most reviews I read prior to diving into this book, I enjoyed. It’s definitely not for everyone’s taste but definitely mine. I think the narrator did a good job with Grace’s, Hope’s and Jackie’s voices. They were distinguished from each other. It kept me entertained and sad for Grace’s end. Well written story!

Psychological minefield

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the characters. I enjoyed the performance, and the book moved along at a decent pace.