Poisoned Pen Press (September 2, 2025)
Many books promoted as having more twists than an Auntie Anne’s pretzel trade plausibility for shock value. The coincidences are far too convenient or unlikely, the culprit comes from nowhere, the narrator inexplicably has no thoughts exposing them as the murderer until page 300.
Love, Mom distinguishes itself by being one of those rare finds where the foundation has been laid for each twist. They hide in plain sight, making the reading experience rewarding (Gone Girl) instead of one of cheap thrills (not naming names).
College student Mackenzie Casper has lived in the shadow of her mother her entire life. Bestselling author Elizabeth Casper (aka E.V. Renge) has published three books to rave reviews and rabid fans, creating quite the legacy for her aspiring writer of a daughter to follow.
When Elizabeth dies tragically from a head injury suffered during her morning walk, Mackenzie can’t grieve. Her mother has always been cold, selfish, standoffish. She’s never encouraged her daughter’s own creative journey, approaching her interest in her same craft with wariness instead of pride.
In the aftermath of her mother’s death, Mackenzie finds an anonymous letter on the driver’s seat of her car, the envelope bearing the inscription, “From #1 Fan, XOXO.” The pages inside appear to be the beginning of Elizabeth’s diary, the timeframe predating both fame and the birth of her only daughter. Comparing the handwriting to the journals contained within her mother’s office, Mackenzie realizes that this diary is the real thing. Finally, Mackenzie has the opportunity to learn more about the mother who was always an enigma at best.
Soon enough, however, the letters take a turn. They hint that E.V. Renge’s tales of revenge aren’t fiction, that perhaps Elizabeth Casper’s bestselling novels detail the sins of her past. More than just sins, as Mackenzie finds thanks to the efforts of her best friend. Resourceful computer nerd hunk EJ is clearly into Mackenzie, but Mackenzie is inexperienced and introverted, donning goth girl makeup as a protective mask. With EJ’s help, Mackenzie follows the trail of her mother’s past: her traumatic experience at the hands of cruel boys at a group home; the origins of her relationship with Ben, Mackenzie’s charming but callous father; and her unexpected pregnancy. Elizabeth referred to Mackenzie as “petal” while in the womb, an affectionate nickname Mackenzie hasn’t heard before reading the diary pages.
The letters keep coming, some appearing in unlikely places that point to McKenzie being followed, watched. Why? What about Elizabeth’s past is worth uprooting, post-death? And are they related; i.e., could that past have been the reason for her death? Maybe her fall wasn’t an accident after all.
Love, Mom contains several storylines that spiderweb from a seemingly straightforward premise. This isn’t a story about identifying a killer looking to revenge the past. It’s much more layered, and much more satisfying than that. Xander sticks the landing(s) with ease, surprising the reader at every turn without cheating them.
The only issue with Love, Mom is its dialogue. It omits contractions used in casual conversation or uses them inconsistently, which is distracting. (i.e., ” Oh, yeah? You are an expert, Snarky?” “I don’t know what you are taking about.” “I told her you are soon to sign that book deal. She is happy for us.”). Apostrophes would have gone a long way to smooth out the dialogue, but their absence doesn’t distract from the story.
Love, Mom is an elevated thriller with more layers than a wedding cake. The deluxe print edition is out on September 2 from Poisoned Pen Press/Sourcebooks and the Kindle version is $2.99 on Amazon, or free with Kindle Unlimited. You’re welcome.
About the reviewer: A writer of dark comedy thrillers, Sarah Reida is currently seeking representation for her sophomore novel, Murder Boat. Her debut, Neighborhood Watch, received a Kirkus Star and was honored as an Amazon editorial pick as one of the Best Books of the Year So Far 2024. Join Sarah’s elite group of Instagram followers here.
