Psychological – M J Mallon YA Author and Poet

Daniel is my son. He has always been mine. And he always will be.

On some level deep inside, Laura Bateman knows something is wrong. That her relationship with her son is not what it should be. That it is based on lies.

But bad things have happened to Laura. Things that change a person. Forever.

For twenty-six-year-old Daniel, the discovery that his mother is not who he thought comes close to destroying him. As his world turns upside down, he searches for sanity in the madness that has become his life. Daniel is left with nothing but questions. Why did Laura do something so terrible? Can he move past the demons of his childhood?

And the biggest question of all: can he ever forgive Laura?

My review

His Kidnapper’s Shoes by Maggie James

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I’ve read by Maggie James and I certainly enjoyed it.

It’s an emotional tale of Laura Bateman who is driven to steal someone else’s young child, the reasons why and the terrible impact on herself, Daniel (who’s now an adult,) and Daniel’s real family are all explored.

Can Daniel forgive the woman who kidnapped him? And what sad secrets is she keeping from him? And what terrible truth hasn’t he told her?

There are startling revelations, and emotional scenes with the story building up slowly but surely to its conclusion.

It’s a difficult one to comment on in detail without spoiling the story. But I didn’t quite buy into the girlfriend conundrum revelation at the beginning of the story. Some of the other details regarding Daniel’s life story and proclivities were more interesting to me.

This is for you if you enjoy psychological suspense with a strong emotional aspect, looking at both a female and male viewpoint (cleverly done,) as the story is written in dual point of view. The plot is simple, engaging and effective. The characters are damaged by the tragic circumstances of their lives and this is conveyed well. Laura Bateman’s certainty that her actions were justified creates an interesting and engaging aspect to the story.

Overall, an enjoyable read, which kept me turning the pages.

A recommended read – my rating 4 stars.

Thank you so much to the author for a copy. I freely give my unbiased and considered opinion.

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Goodreads Synopsis:

Edmund and Mary Wilder are very much in love. But the death of their young son, Tommy, has shattered their family. Edmund is determined to bring them back together, drawing on the only bit of strength he has left—his love for Mary and their daughter, Stephanie. But Mary sinks deeper into depression while little Stephanie’s anger grows. Edmund flounders in his attempts to rescue his family from the brink of collapse and doesn’t know where to turn.

Then Mary receives an invitation for the family to become guests at Manor House, a seemingly quaint Bed and Breakfast. This, she assures her husband, is the answer to all their troubles.

Edmund arrives ahead of his family to spend a couple days working on his long-delayed novel. But his growing curiosity about the old house leads Edmund to an encounter that will change him forever.

What will you sacrifice for love?

An old fashioned psychological thriller with a nod to Stephen King, Manor House will keep you guessing and compel you to turn the page to the very end.

A mother will sacrifice anything for her children. A husband will risk everything to save his wife. Manor House will take them all

My review:

I won a copy of Ghosts of Manor House from author, Matt Powers in exchange for a review but this does not influence my review, all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Ghosts of Manor House. It’s the type of ghost story that works in a psychological way playing to your greatest fears: the fear of a child dying, the fear of your family, sister, children being in danger. The prologue captured my attention immediately and the epilogue likewise was excellent. Altogether, a very readable book written in an appealing style with no flowery language or gimmicks. It is simply a good book packed in a remarkably small package! Definitely recommended reading.

My rating: 4 stars.

I was so engrossed reading Ghosts of Manor House that I started seeing ghosts and creepy things in my mug. I shared a few photos on Instagram but this one is the one that really freaked me out the most…

See what I mean! When this happens it’s kind of weird but in a WOW this book is really affecting me way! Can you see the face in the mug? Those fingers? That hand? Or can you see something else?

Beware! Ghosts of Manor House might have unexpected spooky effects on the residue of your tea!

Check out: https://www.ghostsofmanorhouse.com/

Have you read Ghosts of Manor House? Are you going to? Dare you to!

Bye for now….