Although I don’t believe that someone my age should waste her time reading a dull book beyond page 50, I continued reading MOTHER MAY I even though it was still boring me at that point. But sometimes, if you stick with it, books get better. In this case, that turned out to be true around page 90.

An old woman kidnaps Bree’s infant son, motivation unknown. Of course, her husband is out of town and she cannot go to the police. I say “of course” because this is so common in mysteries/thrillers, too common and too convenient (for authors).

Joshilyn Jackson, the author, lets the reader know early on what’s going to happen with two important characters. That is, the mystery is predictable.

As I say, though, the story will grab you beginning somewhere around page 90, if you can wait that long. After Bree tries to follow the kidnapper’s instructions, she finally enlists the help of two people, one a former cop and the other a lawyer. This is when the story gets good, and I applaud Jackson for not doing what too many authors do: insist their main characters keep secrets. (She still doesn’t go to the police, though, but could Jackson have written this book if she did?)

The former cop, Marshall, is (another “of course“) in love with Bree. But he is (of course) a master at finding kidnapper and kidnappee. It still wouldn’t be nice, though, if he took Bree away from her husband, would it? Can you predict what will happen? I could.

The end, too, is convenient and predictable. Jackson could have stopped sooner.

Overall, this wasn't a blockbuster thriller about a stolen child - for me - so much as, the importance to own up to one's actions. Even if committed years ago.

Good choice for a book club as there will be many talking points - domestic abuse, two justice systems, addiction, violence against women on campuses and so much more.