A Proper Mother: 'Scarily good.' Guardian, Crime and thrillers of the month (Paperback) - Isobel Shirlaw

One mother's life falls to pieces in this eerie psychological thriller

The shocking debut psychological thriller from a stunning new talent. Perfect for fans of The Push by Ashley Audrain and Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough.

Sometimes it's your own child you're most afraid of...

'Scarily good.' Guardian, crime and thrillers of the month

'I devoured this truly superb and extraordinary book... A must-read that will haunt me for a long time!' Kathryn Croft, author of The Girl With No Past

Ever since an ominous palm-reading on her honeymoon, Frankie has suspected that her youngest son, Michael, is different. From an early age he sees things no one else can. As he grows up - academically gifted, a musical prodigy and with an unshakeable religious faith - his mother can no longer deny there is something strange about him, or that it frightens her.

It is only when Frankie learns Michael is sliding into drugs and violence that she realises she can't keep ignoring the past. But by confronting her destructive marriage and her own responsibility for all that has gone wrong, she begins to see there is something darker at play.

'Captivating and intriguing.' C. L. Jennison, author of What's Mine is Yours

About the Author

Isobel Shirlaw has written for The Times Literary Supplement, The Daily Telegraph, The i and The Catholic Herald in the UK and for The Daily Star and New Age (Bangladesh). She won the Fresher Poetry Prize in 2019 and was shortlisted in Poetry London's pamphlet prize in 2023. She has worked for The Daily Telegraph, the British High Commission, Bangladesh, and for several UK-based charities including Refuge. She lives in Berkshire with her family.