Review: Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson

Mother May I by Joshilyn Jackson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of the audiobook via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  

I went into this not knowing what it was about.  I had previously read and enjoyed [book:Never Have I Ever|36679186] and figured I'd also enjoy this.  It was a bonus that the audiobook was narrated by the author.  I jumped at the chance to read and review this audiobook.  I like to go in blind into thrillers and mysteries, but should have read the synopses because on of the things I care for in thrillers in books and crime drama shows on TV is a plot that involves kids.  Had I actually read the synopsis, I probably wouldn't have picked this up, that being said, I held out to see what would happen with the kidnaping situation.  I'm glad I did because the it was worth it in the end.

As I mentioned earlier, the narration is done by the author and I thought she did a great job.  She was able to give a distinct voice to each of the characters.  I was able to tell when she was voicing Bree, Marshall, the old woman, as well as the other characters who have less time on the page.  Jackson's love and support of the performing arts comes through in the book.  Not only do the daughters participate in theater, but Bree has to use her own skills as an actor to get her through this horrific event.  She has to play multiple parts if she wants to save her son and uncover the truth of why he was taken in the first place.  

I also thought the author did a good job of tackling some social issues.  She touches on privilege as well as consent and victim shaming.  As far as the plot goes I did find it to be a bit predictable.  I didn't find the big reveal all that revealing not were the twists and turns that unexpected.  I kept waiting for the big plot twist, but it never came.  The big twist was a bit underwhelming for me.

If you like revenge plots, give this one a go.  While I found it a bit underwhelming, you may not.  I have pretty high standards for thrillers, mainly because I read alot of them.  I usually see it coming, which is why my husband hates watching TV with me.

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Review: Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson

Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an advanced copy via the publisher William Morrow in exchange for an honest review.  I was so surprised when a hardback copy of this showed up on my doorstep.  This will be available on July 30, 2019.  I love the cover, the purple just draws me in, and it is perfect for the thriller aspect of the book.

This is my first book by Joshilyn Jackson, but I'm looking forward to checking out more of her work in the future. I really enjoyed this. It is a solid domestic thriller with plenty of twists and turns. Everytime I thought I had something figured out, that wasn't the answer. Jackson leads you with breadcrumbs, some of which are clearly obvious, some are misleading, and some you just don't see coming.

This starts out in Amy Whey's perfect home in the middle of her perfect life during the monthly ladies book club she and her bestie Char host. Enter new neighbor Angelica Roux who upsets everything and brings Amy's not so perfect past up from the depths where Amy has buried it. Roux starts the familiar game of Never Have I Ever with the ladies of the book club who have perhaps had a few too many drinks at book club, and out start pouring secrets they never intended to share. Amy, the good hostess sends everyone home and doesn't share her dark secrets. She has worked hard to have an ordinary life, a nice family, and she's tried to forget the past that Roux is determined to bring to the present. Roux lets Amy know that she knows her secrets and will either out her to her friends and family ruining her reputation and relationships, or she can pay her off with the money she has in a secret account. Amy must make a decision to play Roux's game to win or to pay and keep her secrets buried.

This book was wild, at every turn what I thought was going to be the big reveal was not the big reveal. This was carefully crafted to keep you guessing as Roux and Amy play their game for keeps. Each one keeps trying to outsmart the next one in a very strategic game of deceit and betrayal, both of them are driven by their own motivations and wanting to protect themselves and those they love. Their interactions were quite enjoyable despite them being negative. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the realistic nature of the story and characters.

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