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First-Time Mother
My family say I’m unwell. They think I can’t care for my baby. But they’re lying. Who can I really trust?
My delicate newborn, Lola, is just perfect. She’s made our family complete. My wonderful husband Max has his own children. He doesn’t like to talk about his first wife � and I knew it would be hard, becoming a stepmother. But now I have a child of my own, I can forget about the past.
My stepchildren say they love their new little sister, and Max is so happy. But accidents keep happening around the house. My family look at me pityingly. I know what they’re thinking. She can’t cope. But why can’t I shake the feeling something else is going on?
Then one day I go to check on Lola and what I see changes everything�
Because my baby isn't there. And my first thought is�
Is this payback for what I’ve done?
An edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden, Jeneva Rose and The Girl in Seat 2A. Prepare to stay up all night reading!
My delicate newborn, Lola, is just perfect. She’s made our family complete. My wonderful husband Max has his own children. He doesn’t like to talk about his first wife � and I knew it would be hard, becoming a stepmother. But now I have a child of my own, I can forget about the past.
My stepchildren say they love their new little sister, and Max is so happy. But accidents keep happening around the house. My family look at me pityingly. I know what they’re thinking. She can’t cope. But why can’t I shake the feeling something else is going on?
Then one day I go to check on Lola and what I see changes everything�
Because my baby isn't there. And my first thought is�
Is this payback for what I’ve done?
An edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden, Jeneva Rose and The Girl in Seat 2A. Prepare to stay up all night reading!
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2025
473 people are currently reading
1,056 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Campbell
13books605followersAJ CAMPBELL is an Amazon USA Top 40 author of ten psychological suspense thrillers and promises stories full of twists, turns and torment.
AJ draws inspiration for her stories from seemingly unbelievable situations in which ordinary people find themselves.
She lives in the UK on the Essex / Hertfordshire border with her husband, sons, and cocker spaniel, Max. She is a dog lover, Netflix junkie, and a wine and Asian food enthusiast. And, either reading, watching TV, or writing, AJ enjoys nothing more than getting stuck into a twisty story!
Connect with AJ here:
AJ draws inspiration for her stories from seemingly unbelievable situations in which ordinary people find themselves.
She lives in the UK on the Essex / Hertfordshire border with her husband, sons, and cocker spaniel, Max. She is a dog lover, Netflix junkie, and a wine and Asian food enthusiast. And, either reading, watching TV, or writing, AJ enjoys nothing more than getting stuck into a twisty story!
Connect with AJ here:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
April 6, 2025
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
First - Time Mother by AJ Campbell
Publication date April 14th 2025
First of NEW FAV THRILLER AUTHOR UNLOCKED🔐 (feels like an understatement for how much I loved this book!) It's books like THIS ONE that revive my love for this genre!
Story follows Annie, a first time mother who lives with her husband Max and 17yr old twins from his previous marriage; she lives in the house he once shared with his late wife. On top of being sleep deprived, she feels something is going on in the house when things go missing and look out of place as well as Annie's unusual blackouts and strange behaviour...
This was messy in the best way possible I couldn't pause the audio, it kept me guessing till the last page -- even when you sense one thing coming it's still twist after twist! WHERE ON EARTH DID THAT ENDING COME FROM🤯🤯🤯?? talk about do you ever wonder what goes on in someone else's mind... absolute masterpiece of a book! I'll definitely be reading AJ Campbell's entire backlist
Thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the ALC
First - Time Mother by AJ Campbell
Publication date April 14th 2025
First of NEW FAV THRILLER AUTHOR UNLOCKED🔐 (feels like an understatement for how much I loved this book!) It's books like THIS ONE that revive my love for this genre!
Story follows Annie, a first time mother who lives with her husband Max and 17yr old twins from his previous marriage; she lives in the house he once shared with his late wife. On top of being sleep deprived, she feels something is going on in the house when things go missing and look out of place as well as Annie's unusual blackouts and strange behaviour...
This was messy in the best way possible I couldn't pause the audio, it kept me guessing till the last page -- even when you sense one thing coming it's still twist after twist! WHERE ON EARTH DID THAT ENDING COME FROM🤯🤯🤯?? talk about do you ever wonder what goes on in someone else's mind... absolute masterpiece of a book! I'll definitely be reading AJ Campbell's entire backlist
Thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the ALC
April 18, 2025
Kept me on the edge of my nerves (SO annoying) never on the edge of my seat. 🙄
This is my second by the author and I really enjoyed The Phone Call , but this seemed liked a different author wrote it! Absolutely not a "missing baby/edge of your seat" thriller. It is about the wife/mother called Annie (though her hubby calls her darling ad nauseam). I really wanted to scream, "STOP"!
Anyway, Annie is exhausted, as I was reading this. She has mommy mind and brain fog so bad that her family thinks she has lost it and she thinks someone is trying to kill her. There is much repetition and talk of this and other tricks of the mind she suffers from.
The conclusion was laughable, but I will say the last secret Annie revealed was pretty clever, just not enough to elevate my rating. 🤷♀�
Thanks to NG for the ARC. Came out April 14, 2025
It is also a KU pick
This is my second by the author and I really enjoyed The Phone Call , but this seemed liked a different author wrote it! Absolutely not a "missing baby/edge of your seat" thriller. It is about the wife/mother called Annie (though her hubby calls her darling ad nauseam). I really wanted to scream, "STOP"!
Anyway, Annie is exhausted, as I was reading this. She has mommy mind and brain fog so bad that her family thinks she has lost it and she thinks someone is trying to kill her. There is much repetition and talk of this and other tricks of the mind she suffers from.
The conclusion was laughable, but I will say the last secret Annie revealed was pretty clever, just not enough to elevate my rating. 🤷♀�
Thanks to NG for the ARC. Came out April 14, 2025
It is also a KU pick
April 14, 2025
My new favourite book from the fabulous AJ Campbell. What a book!
There are so many twists and turns from start to finish. I don’t want to say too much about the plot as I really think you just need to read it and be shocked like I was. All you need to know is that Annie is a new mum and she is struggling with everything. Her husband and step kids think she is going mad. She desperately needs sleep and for her colicky baby to stop crying. Her life is about to be turned upside down and starts to fear for her life.
I had so many trust issues with these characters! i didn’t know who to believe. I felt so sorry for Annie but at the same time frustrated. I remember the early days as a new mum. It is hard. You feel like you can’t do anything right, and the sleep deprivation is torturous.
You need to read this book and be prepared to be given whiplash!!
Thanks so much to AJ and Bookouture for my early copy of this book to read. Publishes on April 14th.
There are so many twists and turns from start to finish. I don’t want to say too much about the plot as I really think you just need to read it and be shocked like I was. All you need to know is that Annie is a new mum and she is struggling with everything. Her husband and step kids think she is going mad. She desperately needs sleep and for her colicky baby to stop crying. Her life is about to be turned upside down and starts to fear for her life.
I had so many trust issues with these characters! i didn’t know who to believe. I felt so sorry for Annie but at the same time frustrated. I remember the early days as a new mum. It is hard. You feel like you can’t do anything right, and the sleep deprivation is torturous.
You need to read this book and be prepared to be given whiplash!!
Thanks so much to AJ and Bookouture for my early copy of this book to read. Publishes on April 14th.
April 18, 2025
2.5 rounded up
Yoo hoo - it’s me, waving from outlier island! This was going ok - not amazing but readable, decent plot line, then for me it fell off a cliff (on my island?) at 80%. I can’t say I especially liked the main character of Annie who was dozy to say the least - slow on the uptake of what was happening to her. Some of the characters actions were on the ridiculous spectrum too. I didn’t especially care for the authors clipped style of writing and there were some statements of the blindingly obvious. The thing that was meant to be the dun dun dun moment made me burst out laughing - probably not what the author was intending, huh? Some odd expressions - riddled with savagery? What? Huh. There’s a lot of roaring, sneering, huh. The ending sort of redeemed it so hence 3.
The blurb is a bit misleading so be warned!
Kindle Unlimited
Ps. If you’ve read it the huh will make sense!
Yoo hoo - it’s me, waving from outlier island! This was going ok - not amazing but readable, decent plot line, then for me it fell off a cliff (on my island?) at 80%. I can’t say I especially liked the main character of Annie who was dozy to say the least - slow on the uptake of what was happening to her. Some of the characters actions were on the ridiculous spectrum too. I didn’t especially care for the authors clipped style of writing and there were some statements of the blindingly obvious. The thing that was meant to be the dun dun dun moment made me burst out laughing - probably not what the author was intending, huh? Some odd expressions - riddled with savagery? What? Huh. There’s a lot of roaring, sneering, huh. The ending sort of redeemed it so hence 3.
The blurb is a bit misleading so be warned!
Kindle Unlimited
Ps. If you’ve read it the huh will make sense!
April 4, 2025
Ok, I feel like I read a different book than other reviewers.
My biggest complaint about this is the tag line on the front cover, along with the description.
"A baby is missing, everyone thinks its my fault"
And that is NOT the actual premise of the book. Annie a new mom struggling with post partum. Sleep deprived and unable to remember events and conversations, she has little connection with baby Lola and just wishes she could sleep.
One afternoon she literally passes out, only to awaken and find someone dead in her home, with her bathrobe belt around their strangled neck.
No missing baby for 3/4 of the story, so I downgrade this to two stars.
It also was really hard to follow. I originally thought it was because Annie is such a bad narrator, with her fumbled brain and poor recollection of memories. But no, it's more of a storyline flaw.
I can say I did not see the ending coming, but not in an "A-HA" way, more of just a "HUH" way for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC.
My biggest complaint about this is the tag line on the front cover, along with the description.
"A baby is missing, everyone thinks its my fault"
And that is NOT the actual premise of the book. Annie a new mom struggling with post partum. Sleep deprived and unable to remember events and conversations, she has little connection with baby Lola and just wishes she could sleep.
One afternoon she literally passes out, only to awaken and find someone dead in her home, with her bathrobe belt around their strangled neck.
No missing baby for 3/4 of the story, so I downgrade this to two stars.
It also was really hard to follow. I originally thought it was because Annie is such a bad narrator, with her fumbled brain and poor recollection of memories. But no, it's more of a storyline flaw.
I can say I did not see the ending coming, but not in an "A-HA" way, more of just a "HUH" way for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ALC.
April 18, 2025
Did the publisher and editor read this book????
CHECK THE COVER:
This book is NOT about a missing baby.
Instead, this is a "Who murdered my sister?" book.
It's also a book about a crazed first-time mother allegedly suffering from post-partum depression and memory lapses.
The author's character development was flawed.
1) Characters spotlighted in the early portion of the book disappeared in the latter portion. (Did the author forget about them?)
2) A random character was a pivotal character at the end of the book. (Huh?)
The book was also very, very long-winded.
I listened to the audiobook, and this 8-hour audiobook easily could have been a 6-hour audiobook.
The narration by Tamsin Kennard was 10-star, as always.
Although I usually give this author stellar reviews, my ARC request was declined by NetGalley and the publisher.
😭😭😭
Perhaps both NetGalley and the publisher knew I always give honest reviews.
April 4, 2025
This by far the best thriller of 2025! Man did I love The Phone Call by AJ Campbell and I never thought she could bet it but she did! This is a book you DON’T WANT TO MISS. It’s was so relatable as a new mom with feeling tired and overwhelmed, you just had to feel for Annie. It was adrenaline filled and I was on the edge of my seat the entire way through! My jaw was on the floor to many time to count! Make sure you add this to your TBR because you are going to have FOMO if you don’t!
****Many thanks to Bookouture and AJ Campbell for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
****Many thanks to Bookouture and AJ Campbell for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!
March 27, 2025
Annie is a first rime mother to four-month-old Lola. She lives with her husband Max and his 17-year-old twins from Max’s previous marriage. Anne loves her daughter dearly but hasn’t got that special bond yet like other mothers do and, she is living in the house that he shared with his late wife and the twins. She is finding it all quite difficult and she is quite sleep deprived and she thinks that something is going on in the house when some of Lola’s bottles go missing and there is a fire in the kitchen. Her husband Max thinks its all down to her being depressed. Bit when she wakes up after being asleep, she finds Lola missing. Where is Lola, who has got her and what is the hell is going on.
This is another fast-paced gripping thriller from AJ Campbell. It is full of suspense and lots of twists and turns which I devoured it one sitting I didn’t know where the story was heading but I found it quite surprising twist as I got to the end. This is a great read. 4 stars from me.
This is another fast-paced gripping thriller from AJ Campbell. It is full of suspense and lots of twists and turns which I devoured it one sitting I didn’t know where the story was heading but I found it quite surprising twist as I got to the end. This is a great read. 4 stars from me.
April 5, 2025
AJ Campbell in back with her signature style in First Time Mother. AJ's books always have propulsive bingeable chapters. You can't help fly through the book.
Annie is a scatterbrained new mom, her memory is challenged, she is absent minded, and she feels like she's losing her mind. She begins to doubt herself, her memory and her actions.
As unfortunate events keep piling up, she thinks everyone is guilty, maybe even herself.
If you love am unreliable narrator and an unstable new mom, this one is for you.
Bingeable and entertaining
Annie is a scatterbrained new mom, her memory is challenged, she is absent minded, and she feels like she's losing her mind. She begins to doubt herself, her memory and her actions.
As unfortunate events keep piling up, she thinks everyone is guilty, maybe even herself.
If you love am unreliable narrator and an unstable new mom, this one is for you.
Bingeable and entertaining
April 5, 2025
Decent read overall & worth a try, for readers who enjoy domestic suspense.
The story follows Annie, a newlywed that is struggling to raise a newborn and two teenage stepkids. After the death of Max’s first wife, Annie steps in and tries to be a good stepmother although she is severely struggling with Lola. After Lola is born, the family sees changes in Annie and they are unsure of what is causing this. When Annie becomes forgetful and strange things begin to occur, she begins to wonder is something far more sinister taking place in their home.
The blurb on the front really threw me for a loop, as it does not match the premises of this story at all. I am still interested in reading more from this author as I did enjoy her writing style. Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
The story follows Annie, a newlywed that is struggling to raise a newborn and two teenage stepkids. After the death of Max’s first wife, Annie steps in and tries to be a good stepmother although she is severely struggling with Lola. After Lola is born, the family sees changes in Annie and they are unsure of what is causing this. When Annie becomes forgetful and strange things begin to occur, she begins to wonder is something far more sinister taking place in their home.
The blurb on the front really threw me for a loop, as it does not match the premises of this story at all. I am still interested in reading more from this author as I did enjoy her writing style. Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
March 24, 2025
Time for another great thriller by AJ Campbell. This has lies, secrets, and so much more crammed into this 334 page book. I appreciated the short chapters. It kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release. To be released April 14, 2025.
April 11, 2025
FIRST TIME MOTHER BY A J CAMPBELL
5 � � � � � s.
Release date set for the 14th of April 2025.
Oh wow what a prologue that was.
It was Relatable at first and then it turned chilling.
It had me questioning every single character in this book. Honestly I didnt know who was doing what.
I genuinely felt so sorry for the main female character Annie..
This book kept me guessing all the way through.
I had a few thoughts that I thought I knew what was going on then BAM out of know where a twist came.
Then another double whammy.
An amazing twisty psychological thriller.
I can't wait to see what else this brilliant author writes.
5 � � � � � s.
Release date set for the 14th of April 2025.
Oh wow what a prologue that was.
It was Relatable at first and then it turned chilling.
It had me questioning every single character in this book. Honestly I didnt know who was doing what.
I genuinely felt so sorry for the main female character Annie..
This book kept me guessing all the way through.
I had a few thoughts that I thought I knew what was going on then BAM out of know where a twist came.
Then another double whammy.
An amazing twisty psychological thriller.
I can't wait to see what else this brilliant author writes.
April 14, 2025
Happy publication day 🎉🥳🎧
3.75 🌟 very nearly a 4, unfortunately in the last few days I’ve finished another title with an almost identical plot, although the story panned out quite differently, it was too much of the same for me to rate higher, which seems a shame as the book is brilliant and it’s definitely not either authors fault that’s they’ve crossed over, it just made it too predictable for me.
The writing is excellent, the plot is great, there are lots of twists and turns along the way that will keep the reader hooked on the story. There were a few little loopholes in the story that made me a bit confused. You know the type of thing that makes you shout at a horror movie?!
If these titles are anything to go by, people might want to start just recruiting childcare from the nearest bus stop.
Great narration as always by Tamsin Kennard 🎧
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review to this ALC 🎧
3.75 🌟 very nearly a 4, unfortunately in the last few days I’ve finished another title with an almost identical plot, although the story panned out quite differently, it was too much of the same for me to rate higher, which seems a shame as the book is brilliant and it’s definitely not either authors fault that’s they’ve crossed over, it just made it too predictable for me.
The writing is excellent, the plot is great, there are lots of twists and turns along the way that will keep the reader hooked on the story. There were a few little loopholes in the story that made me a bit confused. You know the type of thing that makes you shout at a horror movie?!
If these titles are anything to go by, people might want to start just recruiting childcare from the nearest bus stop.
Great narration as always by Tamsin Kennard 🎧
Huge thanks to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review to this ALC 🎧
March 16, 2025
The author invited me to read this book, and I went in completely blind—no expectations, no idea what I was stepping into. And let me tell you, from the moment I started, I was hooked. The tension, the suspense, the way the story unfolded—it had me completely absorbed.
At first, I found myself paying close attention to certain characters, especially when reading aloud, but once I settled into the flow, it all became much easier to follow. The writing pulls you in, making every twist and revelation even more intense.
As a mother, I know stress is part of the package, but the protagonist’s experience was on a whole different level. After a sudden and shocking death close to her, everything begins to unravel. She doesn’t know who to trust, and that creeping sense of paranoia seeps through the pages, making me question everything right alongside her.
The secrets in this book? Absolutely masterful. Layered, well-paced, and so cleverly executed that every new discovery felt like a punch to the gut. I loved how the suspense built up, keeping me guessing until the very end. If you're looking for a gripping read that will consume you, this is it.
At first, I found myself paying close attention to certain characters, especially when reading aloud, but once I settled into the flow, it all became much easier to follow. The writing pulls you in, making every twist and revelation even more intense.
As a mother, I know stress is part of the package, but the protagonist’s experience was on a whole different level. After a sudden and shocking death close to her, everything begins to unravel. She doesn’t know who to trust, and that creeping sense of paranoia seeps through the pages, making me question everything right alongside her.
The secrets in this book? Absolutely masterful. Layered, well-paced, and so cleverly executed that every new discovery felt like a punch to the gut. I loved how the suspense built up, keeping me guessing until the very end. If you're looking for a gripping read that will consume you, this is it.
March 18, 2025
A brilliant twisty family drama that kept me involved in this storyline from the very beginning until the explosive ending.
I can thoroughly recommend this book.
I can thoroughly recommend this book.
April 12, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of First-Time Mother by AJ Campbell. Well that was enjoyable. I have wanted to read several books by this author but had yet to read one. Now I know I will look for the others that peaked my interest. There were quite a few twists and turns along the way with this one. It started off a little slow for me but then quickly picked up the pace. A quick read that I would definitely recommend to others. I gave this one a 4 star rating.
April 5, 2025
Talking about the jaw on the floor... First-time Mother by A.J. Campbell will deliver you one! WoW!!!
Complicated family dynamics, sleep deprivation, love and hate mixed with secrets, sprinkled with crime and decorated with nail-biting ending. Like seriously WOW!!!
A high-quality audiobook narrated by Tamsin Kennard will make this journey even more enjoyable! I could not believe that there was just one narrator! You could feel how much she connected with the book and the characters! It was so easy to separate who was who, with no confusion or questioning. Just excellent!
In true A.J. Campbell style, the story sucks you in from the first page. Layer by layer author puts together the story in a way that you don't trust anyone and you suspect everyone! You can get a proper headspin trying to work out what the hell is going on?!
The book is told in the present and from Annie's perspective, so it's easy to follow. Characters were irritable but lovable once you understand the emotional side of their actions.
Annie's and Max's four-month-old baby girl Lola is a crybaby. Annie can't remember when she had good sleep so things are complicated. It's not helping that her 17-year-old stepchildren dislike her. Strange things start to happen and Annie questions herself, is she losing her mind? Why she can't remember things she did or heard? Annie thinks she's going mad. How much she can trust herself or others?
Thank you, NetGalley for this copy!
Complicated family dynamics, sleep deprivation, love and hate mixed with secrets, sprinkled with crime and decorated with nail-biting ending. Like seriously WOW!!!
A high-quality audiobook narrated by Tamsin Kennard will make this journey even more enjoyable! I could not believe that there was just one narrator! You could feel how much she connected with the book and the characters! It was so easy to separate who was who, with no confusion or questioning. Just excellent!
In true A.J. Campbell style, the story sucks you in from the first page. Layer by layer author puts together the story in a way that you don't trust anyone and you suspect everyone! You can get a proper headspin trying to work out what the hell is going on?!
The book is told in the present and from Annie's perspective, so it's easy to follow. Characters were irritable but lovable once you understand the emotional side of their actions.
Annie's and Max's four-month-old baby girl Lola is a crybaby. Annie can't remember when she had good sleep so things are complicated. It's not helping that her 17-year-old stepchildren dislike her. Strange things start to happen and Annie questions herself, is she losing her mind? Why she can't remember things she did or heard? Annie thinks she's going mad. How much she can trust herself or others?
Thank you, NetGalley for this copy!
April 9, 2025
First-Time Mother by AJ Campbell
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Intense!!! Loved this extremely entertaining and gripping psychological thriller!
It started with a bang and never dropped off with the drama and excitement! It’s so fast paced that it didn’t take long to get through the audiobook! The twists and turns are amazingly wild!
Annie, a brand new mom to a colicky baby, is very sleep deprived and questioning things she’s forgetting. Certain events aren’t making sense to her, along with her trying to deal with a horrible family tragedy. Is Annie going crazy?
This is my first book from this author, but I’m so excited to read more!
Thank you to NetGalley for an audio copy of this amazing book! The narrator was excellent too!
*This book comes out April 14, and I highly recommend it!*
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Intense!!! Loved this extremely entertaining and gripping psychological thriller!
It started with a bang and never dropped off with the drama and excitement! It’s so fast paced that it didn’t take long to get through the audiobook! The twists and turns are amazingly wild!
Annie, a brand new mom to a colicky baby, is very sleep deprived and questioning things she’s forgetting. Certain events aren’t making sense to her, along with her trying to deal with a horrible family tragedy. Is Annie going crazy?
This is my first book from this author, but I’m so excited to read more!
Thank you to NetGalley for an audio copy of this amazing book! The narrator was excellent too!
*This book comes out April 14, and I highly recommend it!*
March 5, 2025
Wow another five star read from AJ Campbell!
This had me gripped right from the start.
Fab complex characters and plot twists I did not see coming!
I read in less than a day!
Thoroughly recommend
⭐⭐⭐⭐�
This had me gripped right from the start.
Fab complex characters and plot twists I did not see coming!
I read in less than a day!
Thoroughly recommend
⭐⭐⭐⭐�
April 3, 2025
Thank you to @netgalley for this audiobook! WOW! This thriller is absolutely perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden and Lisa Jewell. While her husband Max tries his best to convince Annie that her blackouts are due to her being a tired and stressed first time mother, Annie can’t help but feel something is wrong. When their baby goes missing and another crime is committed all eyes are on Annie as she faces questions and doubts but who can she really trust? Her husband? His kids? Their friends? Those around her? Or even herself?
This was a twisty thriller that kept me guessing throughout! I was suspicious of absolutely everyone and it’s because of that that I couldn’t stop listening to this. I didn’t know who to trust and whether or not Annie was a reliable narrator. AJ Campbell did an incredible job at capturing the very real exhaustion and stress of being a first time mother. The doubts, worries and tiredness felt so accurately portrayed and made us feel so connected to Annie at times feeling sorry for her but also frustrated as she pass her paranoia onto me as a reader. This was a fun thriller that didn’t stop with the twists and with two major plots to the story we are left hooked! The audio narration was full of emotion and clear and I loved the bathing scenes that brought the scenery to life! I would highly recommend for fans of a twisty domestic thriller!
This was a twisty thriller that kept me guessing throughout! I was suspicious of absolutely everyone and it’s because of that that I couldn’t stop listening to this. I didn’t know who to trust and whether or not Annie was a reliable narrator. AJ Campbell did an incredible job at capturing the very real exhaustion and stress of being a first time mother. The doubts, worries and tiredness felt so accurately portrayed and made us feel so connected to Annie at times feeling sorry for her but also frustrated as she pass her paranoia onto me as a reader. This was a fun thriller that didn’t stop with the twists and with two major plots to the story we are left hooked! The audio narration was full of emotion and clear and I loved the bathing scenes that brought the scenery to life! I would highly recommend for fans of a twisty domestic thriller!
April 16, 2025
AJ Campbell has done it again! She has written another brilliant 5 ⭐️ psychological thriller. I honestly don’t know how she comes up with such unique and creative storylines! Just when I thought I’d figured it all out, boom Ms Campbell blindsides me with a shocking twist. I would highly recommend First-Time Mother if you are looking for an engaging unputdownable psychological thriller.
The First-Time Mother was so relatable as it brought me back to the days when my children were babies and I was chronically sleep deprived and drained. I felt like I was living in a fog. This is exactly how first time, new Mum, Annie is feeling. Four month old Lola has terrible colic and Annie cannot get a reprieve from Lola’s constant crying and fussing. Annie is beside herself feeling overwhelmed with exhaustion. But something else isn’t quite right as she has stomach pain and dizzy spells. On top of that, Annie is also step-mum to her husband’s teen twins. They are not thrilled with Annie and the fact that she married their widowed father and now has a baby with him. The twins make Annie’s life unbearable and she starts having a sick feeling that they are doing sneaky things to make her look incompetent. At first it’s minor things, such as items being misplaced or forgotten. Annie begins to doubt herself. Is she going crazy or is something more sinister happening. But when things escalated and serious accidents and situations occur, Annie begins to fear for her life and doesn’t know who she can trust!
Thank you so much @bookouture and @ajcampbell for my stop on this book tour and my arc. I thoroughly enjoyed First-Time Mother from start to finish.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: April 14, 2025
The First-Time Mother was so relatable as it brought me back to the days when my children were babies and I was chronically sleep deprived and drained. I felt like I was living in a fog. This is exactly how first time, new Mum, Annie is feeling. Four month old Lola has terrible colic and Annie cannot get a reprieve from Lola’s constant crying and fussing. Annie is beside herself feeling overwhelmed with exhaustion. But something else isn’t quite right as she has stomach pain and dizzy spells. On top of that, Annie is also step-mum to her husband’s teen twins. They are not thrilled with Annie and the fact that she married their widowed father and now has a baby with him. The twins make Annie’s life unbearable and she starts having a sick feeling that they are doing sneaky things to make her look incompetent. At first it’s minor things, such as items being misplaced or forgotten. Annie begins to doubt herself. Is she going crazy or is something more sinister happening. But when things escalated and serious accidents and situations occur, Annie begins to fear for her life and doesn’t know who she can trust!
Thank you so much @bookouture and @ajcampbell for my stop on this book tour and my arc. I thoroughly enjoyed First-Time Mother from start to finish.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub Date: April 14, 2025
April 4, 2025
First of all, thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for allowing me early access in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book by this author, and it certainly won’t be my last!
⭐⭐⭐⭐� Absolutely gripping! "First-Time Mother" by AJ Campbell was phenomenal. New mom, blackouts, missing baby... I was hooked! Twists galore, couldn't put it down.
Campbell expertly weaves a complex web of suspicion, making you question every character and every motive. The emotional depth of the story, coupled with the high-stakes suspense, creates a truly unforgettable reading experience. If you're a fan of Frieda McFadden or Jeneva Rose, you absolutely need to read this book. Prepare to finish in 24 hrs, because this is one thriller that will keep you absolutely HOOKED. Highly, highly recommended!
⭐⭐⭐⭐� Absolutely gripping! "First-Time Mother" by AJ Campbell was phenomenal. New mom, blackouts, missing baby... I was hooked! Twists galore, couldn't put it down.
Campbell expertly weaves a complex web of suspicion, making you question every character and every motive. The emotional depth of the story, coupled with the high-stakes suspense, creates a truly unforgettable reading experience. If you're a fan of Frieda McFadden or Jeneva Rose, you absolutely need to read this book. Prepare to finish in 24 hrs, because this is one thriller that will keep you absolutely HOOKED. Highly, highly recommended!
April 13, 2025
First-Time-Mother is a tense, emotionally layered domestic thriller. Annie, a new mother navigating life with a newborn and two teenage stepchildren, begins to unravel when strange incidents occur—and then her baby disappears. Is it exhaustion, or something more sinister?
AJ Campbell crafts a suspenseful, well-paced story with strong psychological depth. Though the blurb didn’t quite match the plot, the twists especially at the end kept me engaged.
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
AJ Campbell crafts a suspenseful, well-paced story with strong psychological depth. Though the blurb didn’t quite match the plot, the twists especially at the end kept me engaged.
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review
April 5, 2025
Wow! I don't even know where to begin with this book. From the beginning it had me hooked. I finished this in 1 sitting. I could not stop listening. I thought I had it figured out from the start and my mind changed quite a few times but the ending still came out of no where and shocked me. I loved this book and will be adding the rest of this authors backlog on my TBR! Pick this one up!!!
I received this ALC for free in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this ALC
#FirstTimeMother #NetGalley
I received this ALC for free in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this ALC
#FirstTimeMother #NetGalley
March 7, 2025
Clear your diary and take a day off for this one! Another brilliant book from AJ Campbell.
This one pulls you in by the scruff of the neck and doesn't let go until you've turned the final page.
Annie thinks she's going mad. Since she gave birth to baby Lola, her world has turned upside down. Who can she trust? Why does she feel so ill?
This book that is bursting at the seams with drama, suspense and intrigue is one you won't be able to leave alone. The characters are complex and well drawn out. I was rooting for Annie all the way through.
The ending captures every loose end expertly and I read it in one sitting. That's how good it is.
My thanks go to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read the ARC.
This one pulls you in by the scruff of the neck and doesn't let go until you've turned the final page.
Annie thinks she's going mad. Since she gave birth to baby Lola, her world has turned upside down. Who can she trust? Why does she feel so ill?
This book that is bursting at the seams with drama, suspense and intrigue is one you won't be able to leave alone. The characters are complex and well drawn out. I was rooting for Annie all the way through.
The ending captures every loose end expertly and I read it in one sitting. That's how good it is.
My thanks go to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read the ARC.
March 17, 2025
My fav book,so far,by this author�
We meet Annie,hubby Max and new baby Lola along with Max’s 2 children from his previous marriage and a whole other cast of family and friends
Annie is struggling,she keeps getting told her tiredness is normal and to ‘get some rest� the whole problem is she cant get any and her tiredness starts to feel more like illness,she is forgetting things,losing things,saying she will do things and then doesn’t�..or at,least everyone is telling her she is doing these things…�.she is almost too exhausted to realise things are not right,almost�
And when a tragedy unfolds next door to where she has ‘dropped off� she realises something sinister is going on but by who and why…it could be anyone who surrounds her
Full of twists that I didn’t see coming,I usually have some idea of what's coming but in this book it had me guessing and guessing wrong
Very cleverly told and the reader like Annie needs to have their wits about them
Incredibly moreish and finished this is one sitting,not a concious decision it was just so good i kept on reading�..and reading
Loved it
April 24, 2025
Annie’s life takes an unexpected turn with a new marriage, a baby, and two teenage stepchildren. Adjusting to these changes proves to be more challenging than she anticipated, leaving her feeling fatigued, uncertain, and overwhelmed. Although certain that her husband, Max, only wants the best for her, Annie struggles to cope with the daily fumbles and uncertainties that plague her. While Annie loves her new baby, Lola, and has embraced the role of stepmother to her stepchildren, she can’t help but wonder why she’s struggling so much. But with little sleep, even that love is questionable.
The twists and turns in this book, expertly narrated by Tamsin Kennard, keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Some of the events are cringeworthy, as it’s impossible not to empathize with Annie’s pain and uncertainty. Is she unwell or being gaslit? What about Max’s first marriage? Did he treat his first wife the same way he’s treating Annie?
As I began listening to this book, I couldn’t help but notice several familiar tropes: a new marriage, stepchildren, a new baby, a baby with colic, baby blues, gaslighting, and more. However, AJ Campbell’s storytelling is so compelling that I found myself thoroughly enjoying the shocking surprises along the way. This book will be with me for a long while.
Many thanks to Bookouture Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
The twists and turns in this book, expertly narrated by Tamsin Kennard, keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Some of the events are cringeworthy, as it’s impossible not to empathize with Annie’s pain and uncertainty. Is she unwell or being gaslit? What about Max’s first marriage? Did he treat his first wife the same way he’s treating Annie?
As I began listening to this book, I couldn’t help but notice several familiar tropes: a new marriage, stepchildren, a new baby, a baby with colic, baby blues, gaslighting, and more. However, AJ Campbell’s storytelling is so compelling that I found myself thoroughly enjoying the shocking surprises along the way. This book will be with me for a long while.
Many thanks to Bookouture Audio and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 15, 2025
First-Time Mother by AJ Campbell is a fast paced and twisty thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end!
New mom Annie is absolutely exhausted. Since little Lola was born she has felt like she is losing her mind. She is sleep deprived, keeps forgetting things, and is overwhelmed. But when strange things start to happen Annie wonders if this is more than just post partum. The formula she bought isn't in the cupboard, Lola's bottles are missing, and a pan of rice on the stove catches fire almost burning the house down. Her husband Max is busy trying to sell the business he runs with Annie's sister and Max's 17 year old twins aren't exactly helpful and kind to Annie. Things only go from bad to worse when a body is found right next to where Annie was sleeping... Can she figure out what is really going on before she loses her mind?
Wow!! From the synopsis of this book I was intrigued but what the book is actually about... I was shocked! This was such a twisty read, you could feel the paranoia and exhaustion from Annie as a new mom. With not a ton of characters you would think it would be pretty straightforward as to what was going on but nope!! Campbell takes what you think you know and flips it on its head!! I absolutely recommend this for fans of Daniel Hurst and Freida McFadden and also for readers of twisty domestic thrillers!!!
Thank you to NetGalley, AJ Campbell, and Bookouture for this ARC!! Publication date is April 14th 2025.
New mom Annie is absolutely exhausted. Since little Lola was born she has felt like she is losing her mind. She is sleep deprived, keeps forgetting things, and is overwhelmed. But when strange things start to happen Annie wonders if this is more than just post partum. The formula she bought isn't in the cupboard, Lola's bottles are missing, and a pan of rice on the stove catches fire almost burning the house down. Her husband Max is busy trying to sell the business he runs with Annie's sister and Max's 17 year old twins aren't exactly helpful and kind to Annie. Things only go from bad to worse when a body is found right next to where Annie was sleeping... Can she figure out what is really going on before she loses her mind?
Wow!! From the synopsis of this book I was intrigued but what the book is actually about... I was shocked! This was such a twisty read, you could feel the paranoia and exhaustion from Annie as a new mom. With not a ton of characters you would think it would be pretty straightforward as to what was going on but nope!! Campbell takes what you think you know and flips it on its head!! I absolutely recommend this for fans of Daniel Hurst and Freida McFadden and also for readers of twisty domestic thrillers!!!
Thank you to NetGalley, AJ Campbell, and Bookouture for this ARC!! Publication date is April 14th 2025.
April 19, 2025
A.J. Campbell has a remarkable way of bringing the story to life. This was the first book I've read by her and I can already tell it won't be the last! I'm already looking forward to reading more from this author.
A little info about the book:
From the very first page, you're thrown right into the middle of a mother's intense struggle. You can really feel how strongly she loves her baby, Lola. That strong feeling every parent has to keep their child safe no matter what. But then, things start to feel� off.
While reading the story in my dark room (yes, a dark room so I can really feel the intensity this book brings!).... I question what's real and what might be imagined.
Family dynamics? So interesting! You see the love, yes! BUT you also get this feeling that "something dark" might be hidden underneath. It really makes you wonder who our main character can truly lean on. Every time I turn the page, MAAM! I have trust issuesssss!!!
The author is SO CLEVER at dropping in these little hints that make you feel uneasy. The tension just keeps building, little by little. Those weird "accidents" happening at home kept me totally on edge. And once again, MAAM I'm trying to figure out what was really going on. The author expertly plays with your perceptions, and I can tell A.J. Campbell will make you doubt things just like the main character.
If you're looking for a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the VERY LAST PAGE, you absolutely need to pick this one up. Trust me, you won't see it coming!
--------
DISCLAIMER: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Bookouture and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this early.
A little info about the book:
From the very first page, you're thrown right into the middle of a mother's intense struggle. You can really feel how strongly she loves her baby, Lola. That strong feeling every parent has to keep their child safe no matter what. But then, things start to feel� off.
While reading the story in my dark room (yes, a dark room so I can really feel the intensity this book brings!).... I question what's real and what might be imagined.
Family dynamics? So interesting! You see the love, yes! BUT you also get this feeling that "something dark" might be hidden underneath. It really makes you wonder who our main character can truly lean on. Every time I turn the page, MAAM! I have trust issuesssss!!!
The author is SO CLEVER at dropping in these little hints that make you feel uneasy. The tension just keeps building, little by little. Those weird "accidents" happening at home kept me totally on edge. And once again, MAAM I'm trying to figure out what was really going on. The author expertly plays with your perceptions, and I can tell A.J. Campbell will make you doubt things just like the main character.
If you're looking for a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the VERY LAST PAGE, you absolutely need to pick this one up. Trust me, you won't see it coming!
--------
DISCLAIMER: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to Bookouture and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this early.
April 14, 2025
Newly postpartum mother Annie has a colicky baby that never stops crying, step kids who seem to not like her, and things suddenly start happening that don’t make sense. A pan of rice on the stove she fell asleep and forgot about catches fire and nearly burns the house down, the bottles she made up the night before aren’t in the fridge where she thought they were, the formula she swore she bought last week isn’t in the cupboard. Is she really forgetful from lack of sleep or is something more sinister going on? Annie and her new husband are also keeping secrets from each other that could change everything.
First-Time Mother is a gripping thriller with several twists I never saw coming! As a mom, I could relate to Annie and feeling like you’re losing your mind from sleep deprivation. I’m a little confused by the part on the cover that mentions her baby is missing because 98% of the story wasn’t about her missing baby or about it being her fault. Anyway, I would highly recommend!
*Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First-Time Mother is a gripping thriller with several twists I never saw coming! As a mom, I could relate to Annie and feeling like you’re losing your mind from sleep deprivation. I’m a little confused by the part on the cover that mentions her baby is missing because 98% of the story wasn’t about her missing baby or about it being her fault. Anyway, I would highly recommend!
*Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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