Quick Take

'The Victorians used to call their mental hospitals stone mothers,' I say. 'They thought the design of the building could literally nurse the sick back to health.' Marianne grew up in the shadow of the old asylum, a place that still haunts her dreams. She was seventeen when she fled the town, her family, her boyfriend Jesse and the body they buried.Now, forced to return, she can feel the past closing around her. And Jesse, who never forgave her for leaving, is finally threatening to expose the truth.Marianne will do anything to protect the life she's built; the husband and daughter who must never know.Even if it means turning to her worst enemy...But Marianne may not know the whole story - and she isn't the only one with secrets they'd kill to keep. Moving back through time to reveal twists you'll never see coming, Stone Mothers is the gripping new suspense novel from the bestselling author of He Said/She Said. 'Poignant and tragic, full of unexpected shifts and twists, addictively scary and thrillingly audacious.' Nicci French'The plot is so CLEVER... and the writing is perfection.' Marian Keyes'The incomparable Erin Kelly has written another captivating, cleverly constructed contemporary novel.' Paula Hawkins

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Stone Mothers

Introduction

"Stone Mothers" by Erin Kelly is a gripping suspense novel that explores themes of mental health, coming of age, poverty, and government overreach. The story is told from the perspectives of Marianne, Helen, and Honor, weaving together a complex narrative that takes readers on a journey through time. With its twists and turns, the book has garnered praise from readers for its poignant and tragic portrayal of characters and its clever plot.

About Erin Kelly

Erin Kelly is a bestselling author known for her captivating contemporary novels. Born in London in 1976, Kelly grew up in Essex and has been working as a journalist since 1998. She has written for various newspapers and magazines, including The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, the Daily Mail, and the Express. With her ability to craft intricate stories that keep readers engaged, Kelly has established herself as a talented writer in the genre.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Narrative Structure: Readers appreciate the unique narrative structure of "Stone Mothers," which alternates between different timelines and perspectives. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of the story and keeps readers engaged throughout the book.
Tragic and Poignant Characters: The characters in "Stone Mothers" are portrayed as tragic and flawed individuals who are haunted by their past experiences. Readers find themselves empathizing with their struggles and rooting for their redemption, making the story emotionally resonant.
Clever Plot Twists: The plot of "Stone Mothers" is filled with clever twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The author's ability to reveal new information gradually and build suspense effectively adds to the overall enjoyment of the book.
Atmospheric Writing: Kelly's writing style is praised for its atmospheric quality, transporting readers to the eerie setting of the old asylum. The descriptions of the dilapidated building and its surroundings create a sense of unease that enhances the suspenseful tone of the story.
Themes of Mental Health and Coming of Age: The book explores themes related to mental health and coming of age, shedding light on the challenges faced by young people growing up in difficult circumstances. Readers appreciate the depth and nuance with which these themes are portrayed.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Narrative Structure: The alternating timelines and perspectives in "Stone Mothers" make it an intriguing read that keeps readers invested in the story from start to finish.
Tragic and Poignant Characters: The characters' tragic backstories and their struggles with mental health add depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy emotionally resonant stories.
Clever Plot Twists: The unexpected plot twists and turns in "Stone Mothers" add a layer of excitement to the story, keeping readers engaged and guessing until the end.
Atmospheric Writing: Kelly's atmospheric writing style immerses readers in the eerie setting of the old asylum, creating a sense of suspense that heightens the overall reading experience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Slow Start: Some readers found the beginning of "Stone Mothers" slow and confusing, taking time to get into the story before it picked up momentum. This slow start may not appeal to those who prefer fast-paced thrillers with immediate action.
Lack of Excitement: While some readers appreciated the suspenseful elements of "Stone Mothers," others felt that the book lacked excitement or intensity compared to other thrillers in the genre. They found it more of a drama than a thriller, which may not be to everyone's taste.

Conclusion

"Stone Mothers" by Erin Kelly is a captivating suspense novel that explores themes of mental health, coming of age, poverty, and government overreach through its intricate narrative structure. With its tragic characters, clever plot twists, and atmospheric writing style, the book has garnered praise from readers for its engaging storytelling and emotional resonance. While some readers found the slow start and lack of excitement disappointing, others appreciated the depth and nuance of the characters' struggles. Overall, "Stone Mothers" offers a compelling reading experience for those who enjoy thought-provoking suspense novels with a touch of psychological depth.