Not My Baby: A totally addictive psychological thriller with a shocking twist (Suspense Fiction)

I wouldn’t class this as a psychological thriller and I also wish I’d been warned it was a short story! The storyline is really good but as it’s so short, it just feels rushed. No character development, no plot / storyline development. It feels like the author had an urgent deadline to meet and just pulled it together. This could have been so, so, SO much better.

A short, intense and well-written thriller, which delivers emotional wrench in spades!We can question lots of things, but not a mother, who knows her baby, beyond all doubt.When midwife Magnolia, isolated in a huge storm gives birth alone to her baby girl, she wraps her up and falls asleep. When her husband gets home and is delighted to meet his new baby son, Magnolia freezes. Who switched the babies? Why does nobody believe her? I literally wanted to jump into the book, give her a hug and join the search.I was so involved in this story, feeling Magnolia's desperate anguish, and my heart was breaking for her as she was forced to pretend everything was normal, while she searched for her baby, and the baby boy's mother.4 ⭐️

There is one thing that can never be questioned and that is a mother’s intuition. This book showcases that making this such the compelling read it was.The story was short, coming in at only 134 pages which was more than enough, it’s setting on a small island with only a handful of characters I felt would have gone on too long otherwise.Unfolding over the course of a week, the pace was fast and it was easy to be caught up in the drama of it all. It really packed a punch and was overall a very entertaining read all round.

When I read the blurb I was so excited to be accepted, Not My Baby was such a great read that kept me wanting to keep reading.

The blurb for this book intrigued me and so I requested a copy to review from NetGalley.The novel is based around the concept of a confused new mother, suffering from a previous still birth believing the cold in her arms is not hers. You find yourself wondering if she is confused or if something sinister has happened.The novel is fairly short and this is good as I think anything more and the reader would lose interest. I did find the resolution came quite quick and took me by surprise but I feel that is good in a story. I’d recommend reading.

Magnolia has longed for a baby and been through a lot of heartache to get her child. As she gives birth alone during a storm, she feels so much love for her little girl. Then she wakes to see her husband holding the baby... Except it isn't her baby, it is a little boy who she knows isn't the baby she gave birth to... What is going on and how can Magnolia get anyone to believe her after her past mental health issues... A brilliant thriller that really does keep you guessing. A quick read that you won't be able to put down. Brilliant, loved it!

Not My Baby is short quick read. I found Magnolia OK but felt her fear could have been more palpable. Despite being a short read the story still felt drawn out. Her husband's about turn seems a bit sudden at the end and magically everything is sorted out. The setting could have been described more as well it sounds like such a beautiful place in the San Juan Islands I would have loved to read more about them.Warning, this book describes multiple stillbirths, prenatal and postpartum anxiety and depression, which may be upsetting for some

Not My Baby by Anya Mora captivated me from the very first page, plunging me into an atmospheric and tension-filled narrative that has remained etched in my memory. Nestled in the genre of unputdownable psychological thrillers, the book stands as a testament to Mora’s adept storytelling and her ability to intertwine the complexities of motherhood with the harrowing undertones of suspense.The gripping premise sets the stage immediately: A storm rages, a husband is away, the lights go out, and a mother-to-be, trained as a midwife, faces the daunting task of bringing her child into the world. There’s an immediate understanding of isolation, both physical and emotional. As a reader, I was right there in that cabin, feeling the palpable weight of darkness and uncertainty. It’s rare for a book to offer such immersion from its inception, but Mora achieves this flawlessly.As the narrative unfolds, Mora delves into themes that are both universal and deeply personal. Motherhood, with all its inherent instincts, joys, fears, and uncertainties, is portrayed with raw honesty. The protagonist’s conviction — her unwavering belief that the child her husband presents to her isn’t hers — serves as a chilling foundation for the story. The innate maternal bond, which should be a source of comfort and connection, becomes the very thing that unravels the fabric of the protagonist’s reality. This juxtaposition makes for a compelling read.Mora’s writing style deserves a special mention. She weaves a tapestry of emotion, suspense, and mystery with remarkable precision. Her prose is neither overly ornate nor unduly simplistic; it’s the perfect balance that allows for fluid reading without sacrificing depth. Every word, every phrase feels meticulously chosen, ensuring that the story’s momentum never falters.Character development, too, is a highlight of Not My Baby. While the protagonist remains at the heart of the narrative, other characters are not relegated to the sidelines. Each one adds a layer, a dimension, further complicating the puzzle that Mora sets out for her readers. The dynamics between the characters, especially between the protagonist and her husband, provide a nuanced exploration of trust, love, and the boundaries of reality.The thematic underpinnings of the novel, especially those of baby loss, are handled with sensitivity. It’s evident that Mora approached these subjects with a great deal of care and consideration. It’s a powerful reminder of the scars that such experiences can leave, both visible and invisible. It serves as a poignant backdrop, elevating the narrative from a mere thriller to a commentary on grief, loss, and the human psyche.Perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, Jeneva Rose, Colleen Hoover, and Keri Beevis, as the book’s description aptly points out, Not My Baby does find itself in good company. However, it’s essential to note that Mora’s voice remains distinct. She brings a fresh perspective, a unique twist to a genre that can sometimes feel saturated.If there were any criticisms to be had, it would be the desire for even more. With a print length of 134 pages, Not My Baby can feel like a whirlwind journey, leaving the reader yearning for an extended dive into the world Mora has created. However, this is less a critique and more a testament to the book’s allure.In conclusion, Not My Baby is an exceptional addition to the realm of psychological thrillers. Anya Mora showcases her prowess as a storyteller, masterfully blending emotion, suspense, and a deep exploration of the human condition. It’s a book that demands to be read and deserves a place on the shelf of every aficionado of the genre.