Dearest by Jacquie Walters starts off a bit slow, and I found the beginning somewhat boring. However, once the story gained momentum, I was completely glued to the pages. The second half was gripping, with twists that kept me on edge, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. 

 

The motherhood themes hit close to home, especially as someone who struggled with postpartum. Walters captures the rawness and depth of a mother’s love, fear, and vulnerability in a way that was truly touching and relatable. The exploration of motherhood was woven beautifully into the horror elements, creating an emotional depth that set this book apart from typical horror novels. 

 

And can we talk about the husband? I absolutely hated him. Walters did an incredible job of making his character infuriating, adding to the tension and emotional stakes of the story. 

 

I’d definitely recommend Dearest to horror lovers, especially those who are mothers or enjoy stories that dig into the darker sides of parenthood. It’s a chilling read that’s equal parts haunting and heartfelt.