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Shalini Boland

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The Secret Mother: A gripping psychological thriller that will have you hooked Kindle Edition

by Shalini Boland (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

22,196 ratings

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‘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

‘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 unputdownable 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.

What readers are saying about The Secret Mother:

‘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

‘Wow, wow and wow! What a read! Gripping from start to end and a very clever plot that keeps you guessing all the way. I loved this book ... didn’t want it to finish.’ Nicki’s Book Blog, 5 stars

‘Utterly gripping to the last page and full of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. A fantastic thriller!' Sarah A. Denzil, author of #1 bestseller Silent Child

‘Another five-star winner from this author… Kept me gripped from the very first page… An absolute must read… Wish I could have given it more than just 5 stars!’ Bookseller Review, 5 stars

‘I was on the edge of my seat… This has to be one of the most suspenseful books I have ever read! I felt the hairs on the back of my neck go up and my heart raced a mile a minute.’ Touch My Spine, 5 stars

‘An absolutely brilliant story, I was so hooked, loved every minute of it, I couldn't put my kindle down as I needed to know the ending, and what a brilliant ending it was!!!’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Wow! What a thrilling ride! Enough twists to keep me guessing until the very end, this one took the idea of a curve-ball and brought it to a whole new level. The end was incredible. I've read some fantastic psychological thrillers lately, but The Secret Mother blew them all out of the water. Really, honestly, pick up this one.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘When a book captures you from the very first page and doesn't let go to the very last, you read it in one sitting as you can't put it down and then feel very satisfied when you have finished it then you know it is a special book. This is one of those books! ... I totally recommend. 5 big shiny stars.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘Absolutely loved this amazing book!... One of the best psychological thrillers I have read!’ Renita D’Silva, 5 stars

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Utterly gripping to the last page and full of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. A fantastic thriller!"―Sarah A. Denzil, author of #1 bestseller Silent Child

"Absolutely loved this amazing book! One of the best psychological thrillers I have read!"―Renita D'Silva, author of Monsoon Memories

"Shalini Boland is without a doubt the queen of twists and she never disappoints."
―BytheLetterBookReviews.com

"A roller-coaster of emotion until the very end. The Secret Mother is the first book I have read by Shalini Boland, but it won't be the last."
―TheBlondePlotters.com

"I loved the way Boland created tension here...so nail-biting-ly good! This was an excellent psychological thriller filled with uneasiness, doubt and a huge pack of lies."―NovelGossip.com

"This was a real page turner for me, I had absolutely no idea where the story was going and was left shocked by the reveal at the end. A thoroughly fantastic book which I personally found hard to put down."―CompulsiveReaders.com

"Shalini Boland is one of those authors who constantly delivers and I have no doubt fans of her previous books will enjoy this twisty tale of secrets, betrayal and revenge as well."―NovelDelights.com

"Gripping, chilling and twisty, The Secret Mother took me hostage and I couldn't put it down. If you love a fast-paced, yet emotional thriller with a relatable protagonist, this is the book for you."―Christina-McDonald.com

"5 stars! 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!"―StardustBookReviews.wordpress.com

"5 Stars! Wow, I was on the edge of my seat with the suspense from this book. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck go up and my heart raced a mile a minute."―TouchMySpineBookReviews.com

"Shalini Boland has a great suspenseful writing style. She knows how to describe deep and dark emotions and combines them with an intriguing mystery. I liked how well Tessa's character comes to life; it was practically possible to feel what she feels and see what she sees. I was both moved and captivated by her story."―WithLoveForBooks.com

"Wow, wow and wow! What a read! Gripping from start to end and a very clever plot that keeps you guessing all the way. As ever, Shalini has again found the perfect recipe; Intriguing to keep you guessing, characters that are believable and likeable, a touch of humour, a pinch of romance and short snappy chapters that keep you turning, wanting to find out more."―NickiBookBlog.blogspot.com

About the Author

Shalini Boland is a USA Today bestselling author of psychological thrillers The Girl from the Sea, The Best Friend, The Millionaire's Wife, and The Child Next Door. Shalini lives in Dorset, England with her husband, two children, and their cheeky terrier mix. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing suspense thrillers in between school runs and endless baskets of laundry. She is also the author of two bestselling young adult series as well as a children's World War II novel with a time-travel twist.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0751GJLRN
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bookouture
Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 9, 2017
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 2.3 MB
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 257 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1786813176
Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled

Best Sellers Rank: #47,524 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #311 in Women's Psychological Fiction
- #593 in Psychological Fiction (Books)
- #676 in Psychological Fiction (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
22,196 ratings

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Shalini Boland

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Shalini Boland is the USA-Today bestselling author of twenty psychological thrillers. With three million copies sold, her titles have been translated into thirteen languages for publication around the world.

Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her family and their increasingly demanding dog, Queen Jess. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing (in between re-stocking the fridge and dealing with endless baskets of laundry).

She is also the author of two bestselling SFF series as well as a WWII evacuee novel with a time-travel twist.

Thrillers:

The Birthday Party

The Honeymoon

The School Reunion

The Silent Bride,

The Daughter-in-Law,

The Family Holiday,

A Perfect Stranger,

The Couple Upstairs,

My Little Girl,

The Wife,

One of Us Is Lying,

The Other Daughter,

The Marriage Betrayal,

The Perfect Family,

The Silent Sister,

The Child Next Door,

The Secret Mother,

The Millionaire's Wife,

The Best Friend,

The Girl from the Sea,

The Vampires of Marchwood series,

The Outside series.

Instagram - @shaboland

Bluesky - @shaliniboland

Twitter - @ShaliniBoland

TikTok - @shaliniboland

Facebook - Shalini Boland Author

Customer reviews

22,196 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this psychological thriller riveting from start to finish, with well-developed characters and a fast-paced narrative that evokes real emotions. The book is enjoyable from beginning to end, with customers noting it's impossible to put down and keeps them guessing with its twists and turns.

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Suspenseful Readability Writing quality Character development Pace Emotion level Page turner Difficulty to put down

698 customers mention "Suspenseful"594 positive104 negative

Customers find the book suspenseful with a riveting plot that keeps them guessing throughout.

"...Excellent plot. It sucked me in and it took me a while to figure it all out. Great outcome too! Cliffhanger: No 5/5 Fangs" Read more

"...This is good, light-reading mystery, with barely any sex, a bit of romance, and solid characters. I finished it in one night...." Read more

"...It was a great book with a well thought out plot, real feeling characters and quite a twist...." Read more

"...THE SECRET MOTHER is a terrific mystery story." Read more

624 customers mention "Readability"610 positive14 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable from beginning to end, describing it as an amazing and well-done read.

"...It sucked me in and it took me a while to figure it all out. Great outcome too! Cliffhanger: No 5/5 Fangs" Read more

"...I like it enough to pick up another of Boland’s books. This is good, light-reading mystery, with barely any sex, a bit of romance, and solid..." Read more

"...It was a great book with a well thought out plot, real feeling characters and quite a twist...." Read more

"...Other than this, The Secret Mother was an enjoyable read, even if I too along with many other reviewers sort of figured out..." Read more

253 customers mention "Writing quality"234 positive19 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, describing it as a quick good read.

"...Told in the first person, (something I like), the story follows Tessa Markham as she trudges wearily home from visiting the graves of her dead..." Read more

"...Her writing style is clear and concise, with enough detail to make each character believable. THE SECRET MOTHER is a terrific mystery story." Read more

"...I read it in 3 nights. I love the way she writes as it is so easy to understand what is going on...." Read more

"...Love that the story makes you think and wonder and of course want to turn the page just to find out the story here...." Read more

135 customers mention "Character development"121 positive14 negative

Customers praise the well-developed characters in the book, particularly the main character Tess, with one customer noting how she learns to trust herself throughout the story.

"...is suspected of kidnapping the little boy. With a brilliant array of characters from her nosey journalist neighbor to her kind and sexy..." Read more

"...It was a great book with a well thought out plot, real feeling characters and quite a twist...." Read more

"...Her writing style is clear and concise, with enough detail to make each character believable. THE SECRET MOTHER is a terrific mystery story." Read more

"...Oh, and I adored the character named Ben. This is an amazing read and I highly -beyond highly- recommend it!..." Read more

95 customers mention "Pace"74 positive21 negative

Customers find the book fast-paced with plenty of suspense, though some mention it has a slow start.

"...I finished it in one night. I do recommend it as a quick and comfy read." Read more

"...The story never really slowed down. It kept gradually leading up to the big finale and then it all comes together...." Read more

"...Fast paced satisfaction!" Read more

"...It is very difficult to keep up the journey after your children have died even if you have a lot of goodness come into your life." Read more

53 customers mention "Emotion level"49 positive4 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as a heartwarming and heart-breaking tale that takes readers on a psychological ride, with one customer noting its believable portrayal of a mother's grief.

"...Thank you to this author for writing a book around a very sensitive subject and doing so with compassion, sensitivity and a ring of truth...." Read more

"...This is a gripping story of a mother that is hard to put down. Shalini Boland writes a fabulous thriller with a twisty end." Read more

"...The Secret Mother was no exception. She creates a strong, empathetic connection to Tessa while making you wonder if she’s going off the rails or if..." Read more

"This was a great phycological thriller that made you love Tess one minute and want to slaap some sense in her her the next. She had lost so..." Read more

41 customers mention "Page turner"41 positive0 negative

Customers describe this book as a page-turner that hooks readers from the first page.

"WOW! This was an awesome page-turner! What if you came home to a young child in your house one day? But… you don’t have a child…?..." Read more

"Shalini has done it again! Hooks you in from page one. A child randomly appears in Tess' kitchen...." Read more

"...Like the authors previous books I was immediately drawn in and could hardly put it down for any reason...." Read more

"...All of Shalini Boland’s books are incredible page turners written so well you’re never disappointed wondering if the ending will fall flat...." Read more

39 customers mention "Difficulty to put down"30 positive9 negative

Customers find the book impossible to put down.

"...IT WAS VERY GOOD, AND I DIDN'T PUT IT DOWN UNTI I FINISHEDTHE AT 12:30 AM...." Read more

"...put aside enough time to start reading this book, I found it hard to put down...." Read more

"...Hard to put down and drew me back as quickly as possible. Loved character development and plot enhancements. Looking forward to more writings by..." Read more

"...This book had my attention from the first couple pages. It was very hard to put down." Read more

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MrsLeif
Unputabledown!
Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024
Verified Purchase

Unputabledown!

I had no clue what I was getting myself into when I started listening to The Secret Mother.

The book begins with Tessa Markham returning home after visiting her dead children at the cemetery.
When she gets home, she finds a little boy in her kitchen. The boy asks her if she is his mommy!

Tessa doesn't know what to do so she called her ex Scott to ask him for help. Together they call the police who immediately suspect Tessa of kidnapping the child.

The press smells a story and they begin to camp outside her home trying to get a soundbite. Tessa is distraught. The press even tries to get her at work too. Her quiet life is imploding.

Tessa doesn't know how the child got into her home but after several days she begins to doubt herself. Did she snatch him and forget about it? She knows that at times her mind is not perfect after losing her children but was she capable of doing this?

Excellent plot. It sucked me in and it took me a while to figure it all out. Great outcome too!

Cliffhanger: No

5/5 Fangs

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Elizabeth Horton-Newton, Author
Good, If Predictable Suspense
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2019
Verified Purchase
I usually avoid books with titles followed by a “hook”. However, after a peek inside, I decided to give The Secret Mother by Shalini Boland a try. It was a good choice.
Boland starts off with excellent descriptive paragraphs which set the tone for the tale. Told in the first person, (something I like), the story follows Tessa Markham as she trudges wearily home from visiting the graves of her dead children. On arriving home, she finds a strange little boy in her kitchen who asks the question that starts the mystery, “Are you my mummy?”
Tessa is already going through a personal crisis. From the loss of her daughter, one of a set of twins, to the death of her little boy, and the recent departure of her husband Scott who was overwhelmed by her grief, Tessa has fallen into a deep depression. Faced with the boy in her kitchen, Harry, who is about the same age as her late son would have been, she calls her husband for help. Eventually the police are called and soon Tessa is suspected of kidnapping the little boy.
With a brilliant array of characters from her nosey journalist neighbor to her kind and sexy employer, the book is filled with suspense. As Tessa desperately searches for answers to how little Harry got into her house, to who brought him there, she encounters a suspicious police department, an avalanche of reporters, and Harry’s father who is understandably hostile.
I immediately disliked her husband Scott who seemed intent on believing she was losing her mind. On the other hand, I loved her employer, Ben Moretti, who never doubts her. The police are predictably distrustful, the journalists as invading as a litter of mice, and her co-workers remarkably supportive.
I enjoyed the clues set out for the reader to follow. While I did figure the plot out about halfway through, it was still an enjoyable read. In fact, I like it enough to pick up another of Boland’s books.
This is good, light-reading mystery, with barely any sex, a bit of romance, and solid characters. I finished it in one night. I do recommend it as a quick and comfy read.

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7 people found this helpful

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Malinda
A gripping story that evokes real emotions
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2018
Verified Purchase
I have read a couple books by this author and have enjoyed them all but this particular one stuck with me. It was a great book with a well thought out plot, real feeling characters and quite a twist. Though, less than halfway through the book I did have the whole thing figured out and couldn't believe it when i was right. I don't think I would've guessed if this book didn't strike so many emotions in me. I felt not only like I knew Tessa but like I WAS her. 2 years ago, I gave birth to identical twin girls. 2 months later, one of my beautiful, precious babies passed away and if losing a child is nothing you have experienced, than you can have NO idea what it is actually like. I have 2 older children and even though I thought I could imagine what it might feel like to lose a child...I was so wrong. This book found me in tears many times as I felt Tessa's grief and helplessness and anger at the way her husband responded to that and treated her. I enjoyed taking the journey with her to uncover the truth despite how she was portrayed by the media. I won't lie...the last few chapters, I could hardly read through the tears I was crying and the memories and feelings that were being conjured in me. I was so happy for Tessa to have been reunited with Harry. I think of my darling little girl who is the other half of my Ashley and is the sole reason I didn't die right along with her twin. After the last page, I allowed myself to let go and had a long, soul wrenching cry for all that I lost and the child I would sell my soul to have back in my arms. Thank you to this author for writing a book around a very sensitive subject and doing so with compassion, sensitivity and a ring of truth. I loved Tessa's story and it will stay with me for some time to come.

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Sai
Gripping and great twisty pre climax plot.. Good narration.. Helpful for English learners (easy read)
Reviewed in India on September 17, 2020
Verified Purchase

I loved this book.. Helpful for book reading begginers ..its a complete pyschic thrillers.. Keeps you read completely.. It was quite lengthy with repeated actions.. With very hard fun ..but the book is only for one time read

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Shelly
My favourite author
Reviewed in Canada on December 30, 2023
Verified Purchase
Love her writing. I read these books usually in a day or two. I can’t wait for the new ones!

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lisa
Tessa’s crummy life gets interrupted
Reviewed in Australia on March 27, 2018
Verified Purchase
Even though you may guess the ending halfway through this is still an enthralling novel. The tension never lets up. The characters have faults and redeeming qualities just like real people. And it starts off with such heartache that when there is a ray of light you sigh in relief.

Tessa loses both of her children, is dumped by her husband, patronised by her husband’s new girlfriend and pilloried by the press. When a small boy Harry appears in her kitchen, the police join those who suspect Tessa of child abduction. In the middle of her truly crummy life, Tessa’s boss Ben offers his friendship, and her annoying neighbor inspires her to investigate the mystery.

Shalini Boland takes you right into Tessa’s mind, her fear she is mad, and the anger that makes her strong enough to discover what happened to Harry. It’s a very present novel. You feel the rain dripping down Tessa’s face as she runs from the press. Her growing awareness that those close to her may be gaslighting. The writing is as good as the plot. Highly recommended.

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Musik
good book
Reviewed in Germany on December 29, 2017
Verified Purchase
dont know why others dont like this book,but even if the plot is a bit unrealistic i found it exciting and good to read. it is definitly worth to read.

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little a
one of the best
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 4, 2025
Verified Purchase
I lost this book in the purchase of a newer Kindle but remembered the title - and re-reading and discovering this gem of a book has been so rewarding and satisfying I can’t tell you.

It’s written with a sensitivity and rawness you can’t shy away from…all the facets of grief, self-loathing and shattered confidence is relatable and so real.

I couldn’t put it down once I started it again; you just *want* to read more. You really feel for Tessa and want her to succeed, to prove her sanity despite how bonkers it seems!

As usual, the small British colloquialisms are delightful and recognisable in the story as well as the minute detail of the garden center and setting of the scenery…truly well thought of in everything.

The writing is top-notch and so easy to get into and read with a quick, no need to think too much kind of pacing…I love it.

Thank you Ms Boland. This book got me into her writing as I recall…and it’s for good reason.

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The Secret Mother: A gripping psychological thriller that will have you hooked Kindle Edition

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Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars Unputabledown!

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, If Predictable Suspense

5.0 out of 5 stars A gripping story that evokes real emotions

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping and great twisty pre climax plot.. Good narration.. Helpful for English learners (easy read)

5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite author

5.0 out of 5 stars Tessa’s crummy life gets interrupted

4.0 out of 5 stars good book

5.0 out of 5 stars one of the best

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Unputabledown!

Good, If Predictable Suspense

A gripping story that evokes real emotions

Gripping and great twisty pre climax plot.. Good narration.. Helpful for English learners (easy read)

My favourite author

Tessa’s crummy life gets interrupted

good book

one of the best