What Every Mother Needs A Totally Unputdownable and Gripping Psychological Suspense Thriller

What Every Mother Needs by Emily Shiner is a fast-paced, twisty thriller that hooks you right away and keeps the tension high. The alternating perspectives of Charlotte and Sophie create a chilling unnerving dynamic of cat and mouse where you're never quite sure who’s telling the truth — or what they’re hiding. The tension is palpable, especially as secrets unravel and the atmosphere in Charlotte's home grows increasingly claustrophobic.

From the beginning, it’s clear these women have secrets — and no one’s telling the truth. After the sudden death of her husband Lawrence, Charlotte is left to care for their infant daughter Jordan alone. Overwhelmed, exhausted, and desperate, she’s eager for help—so when Sophie arrives at her door, she lets her in with barely a second thought grateful to receive some much-needed help. Sophie claims later on to be Lawrence’s sister, but Charlotte just assumes she is there in response to her help wanted ad and doesn’t verify anything before inviting her into their lives. This decision becomes the novel’s turning point, but it's also one of its weakest and is what kept this from being a full five-star read for me. As a mother, I found it incredibly unrealistic that Charlotte would allow a total stranger into her home without confirming her identity, no matter how exhausted she was. Just no. I get being sleep-deprived and desperate for help, but I don’t care how tired I am — I’m not letting a random woman in off the street around my baby. The decision felt dangerously naïve and way too far-fetched when your child’s safety is at stake.

Still, once Sophie is in the house, the psychological tension escalates beautifully. Secrets about Charlotte’s marriage start to surface, and Sophie’s true motives slowly come to light. This back-and-forth is what really drives this book. You’re constantly second-guessing who to believe, which makes it a super fun, edge-of-your-seat read.

The other major issue for me was the ending. Without spoiling anything, it felt abrupt, like it just...stopped rather than concluded. I turned the last page expecting more, only to realize that was it. No real sense of closure, no big reveal that ties everything up. If there’s a sequel coming, then I’m all in — because I need to know what happens next. But if this is meant to be a standalone, the abrupt conclusion may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied and like they wanted more.

Despite these flaws, this was a fast-paced, wild ride with some great suspense and seriously tense moments. If you love domestic thrillers and dark twists, this one’s worth picking up and is an entertaining read. I’d absolutely pick up a follow-up if one is released.