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  • The Secret Mother

  • Written by: Shalini Boland
  • Narrated by: Katie Villa
  • Length: 6 hrs and 44 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (51 ratings)

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The Secret Mother cover art

The Secret Mother

Written by: Shalini Boland
Narrated by: Katie Villa
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Publisher's Summary

"Are you my mummy?"

Tessa Markham returns home to find a child in her kitchen. He thinks she’s his mother. But Tessa doesn’t have any children. 

Not anymore.

She doesn’t know who the little boy is or how he got there.

After contacting the police, Tessa is suspected of taking the mystery child. Her whole life is turned upside down. And then her husband reveals a secret of his own….

Tessa isn’t sure what to believe or who to trust. Because someone is lying. To find out who, she must confront her painful past. But is the truth more dangerous than Tessa realises? 

An absolutely pause-resisting psychological thriller with a twist that will make you wonder if you can ever trust anyone again. If you loved Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train, and The Sister this book will have you hooked. 

©2017 Shalini Boland (P)2017 Bookouture

What the critics say

Absolutely addictive and brilliant with an end I didn't see coming. This is one book you have to read and it gets 5 huge stars from me!!!!Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

Wow, wow, wow! What a fantastic book! The book starts with a bang… from page one and believe me, it doesn’t let up throughout the book and keeps you gripped until the very end!Stardust Book Reviews, 5 stars

Oh yes, yes, yes, yes this was my kind of read, I really have taken this and added it to my top 10 this year, it’s a screaming from the rooftops fantastic read, if you love a good thriller… if you love to stay up all night reading because you simply can't switch your mind off from a book, this is it, you found it, don't look any further… so fast paced it leaves your breathless. One of the best psychological thrillers that I have read that has shocked me, left me dribbling for me and wanting more from this author.’ Read Along With Sue, 5 stars

What listeners say about The Secret Mother

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story but...

Great story. A little hurried at the end but still good. This is my 2nd Boland book and i absolutely love it.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Story!

At first I wondered why i ordered this, but i trusted the good reviews and they were right! Very good story! Finished in 2 days, couldn't get enough.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • AFH
  • 2023-08-23

Wow…Loved it

I just love the way Shalini Boland writes. This book was a fantastic listen. Great story and kept you interested all the way through.
Beautifully narrated by Katie Villa.
Never boring and a wonderful story. Loved it.
I highly recommend this book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great listen

Thank you it kept me on my toes.
I loved the ending.
looking for her next book.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
  • DAG
  • 2020-10-06

Lead boring

Struggled to finished. I knew the ending half way through. Lead was un sympathic and boring. I thought she was not a strong character

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Kept me wanting more/predictable

I love this narrator! She's fantastic with conveying emotion. Once I started this, I couldn't stop. I did figure out the twist early but I still listened to the end.

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