Thank you Dutton #partner, for the finished copy of Mother Is Watching in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Dutton
Published: March 17, 2026
Summary:
An internationally bestselling author’s chilling horror debut in which an art conservator’s obsession with a mysterious painting spirals into a nightmarish descent, where the line between reality and the supernatural shatters, threatening both her sanity and her life.
Mathilde “Tilly” Crewson, a thirty-nine-year-old mother and art conservator, is tasked with restoring The Mother. The painting, believed to be the work of a female surgeon-turned-artist after a personal tragedy, is the rumored fourth piece in a collection of only three known works. But this newly discovered painting, scarred by fire, holds more than meets the eye.
Soon after receiving the painting, Tilly discovers she’s unexpectedly pregnant. But almost immediately, strange, inexplicable things begin to terrifying insect swarms, eerie visits from her long-deceased mother, and sinister whispers that invade her mind. As these malevolent forces intensify, Tilly comes to a harrowing the only way to sever the perilous bond she shares with the painting is to destroy it. But The Mother has plans of her own—and they’re darker than Tilly could ever imagine…
My thoughts:
This is the author’s first foray into the horror genre and as a fan of her other books, I knew I had to read it and let me say, it definitely did not disappoint! I hope this is not her only time writing in this genre as she nailed it!!
As someone who is still finding her way in the horror genre, figuring out what works for me and what doesn’t, I can equivocally say mommy horror absolutely is my thing, despite not being a mother. This has hit so close to home for me so many times…if you’ve read the book and know my story, you’ll understand.
This is a deeply unsettling read, but at the same time, it’s also wildly fascinating. Set in the near-future, this book involves technology that we can only begin to imagine, though I don’t think is too far out of the realm of possibility with the way smart watches are going. The whole idea of surveillance, control and who really has the final say over a pregnant body is not only chilling but frightening to say the least! There was all types of manipulation here that I did not foresee and while they certainly heighten the tension, they sure pull on your emotions, invoking all types of feelings.
And let’s not forget about the art piece. I am equally fascinated with all the art conversation but also this is where things tend to get a little spooky, if not downright creepy! The strange happenings that start to happen as Tilly begins to work on the painting – right after she discovers she’s unexpectedly pregnant – are unsettling and disturbing. Tilly has a connection to this art piece and it has a hold on her that won’t let go, despite the danger it brings.
I cannot recommend this book enough. This was a five-read all the way and I’d recommend it to those you enjoy dark, haunting reads and stories that explore the darker side of motherhood.
Purchasing from the link below supports independent bookstores and my blog!
Thank you for the review. Though not a genre I would read, I do like to know what is out there.
Author
I get that. You might like her other books that she has written – they are more women’s fiction. All very good!!