I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon Published by Gallery/Scout Press on October 3 2023
Genres: Adult, Family drama, Horror
Pages: 320
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
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The nitty-gritty: A twisty, tension-filled story about a dysfunctional relationship, My Darling Girl has some surprises in store for readers who like a bit of the supernatural in their tales.
I always hear great things about Jennifer McMahon, so I’m very glad I finally got to read one of her books. My Darling Girl was not what I was expecting at all, but in a good way. It also fits nicely into the “dysfunctional mother/daughter relationships” trope that I’ve been seeing everywhere these days. This is a demonic possession story that has some very creepy moments, but it’s also a terrifying look at child abuse, although the author gives that element an interesting twist.
Alison has a seemingly idyllic life. She’s married to a wonderful, caring man named Mark and has two daughters, Izzy and Olivia. She’s a successful artist whose picture book Moxie Saves Christmas is a best seller. She’s even under contract for a sequel—Moxie Saves Halloween—although she’s been having writer’s block lately and is behind schedule.
But one day, Alison gets a call from Paul, her mother’s long time assistant. Alison hasn’t seen Mavis in years, and there’s a good reason for that. Alison and her brother Ben had a terrible childhood, growing up with a mother who was kind one day and cruel the next. Alison has done everything she can to keep her children away from their grandmother, but Paul’s phone call changes everything. Mavis is dying of pancreatic cancer and has only weeks to live, and she wants to spend that time with Alison and her family. Alison reluctantly agrees to let Mavis move in with them, after all, this could be her last chance for forgiveness. Paul has arranged for a hospice nurse to be on call, so what could go wrong?
When her mother arrives, Alison is surprised by how quickly she bonds with her youngest daughter Olivia. Even Mark is falling for Mavis’s charms. She seems like a completely different person than the one Alison grew up with, but maybe she wants to make amends with Alison as well. But odd things are happening around the house. Flies are gathering in Izzy’s bedroom; Mavis reveals that she knows one of Alison’s most private secrets; and one day she says something shocking to Alison: “I am not your mother.”
Alison starts to put the pieces together from some of the weird things Mavis has said to her and has to figure out a way to save her family. My Darling Girl is a slow build, tense thriller that had enough mysteries to keep me flipping the pages. The author slowly reveals what’s going on with Mavis through flashbacks, and the tension between Mavis and Alison and her family was so well done. Mark and Alison are slowly imploding, as they have to deal with a bedridden Mavis who needs round the clock care. Only Alison is aware of the truth about her mother, and even when she tries to confide in a few trusted friends, it backfires on her.
I thought the character of Mavis was very well done. McMahon paints a terrible picture of her in the beginning, a callous woman who mentally traumatized her children and even physically abused them. There are flashbacks to the past where we learn more about Alison’s awful childhood. We also learn about the origins of the demon and how Mavis’s girlfriend Bobbi was involved. She’s a famous artist, and the painting that made her famous involves a stone that is very important to the story. Mavis’s split personality is chillingly portrayed, and once you learn the truth about what happened to her—or at least what seems to be the truth—you actually start to feel sorry for her.
The only negative I have revolves around something that happens near the end of the story. Without giving too much away, I didn’t like the way Mark treated Alison at all. In the beginning he’s a loving husband and father, but later turns on his wife and basically gaslights her, calling her crazy after she tries to explain what she’s learned about the demon possessing Mavis. What’s worse, Alison doesn’t fight him, believing that the only way she can protect her children is to go along with Mark’s scheme. I got the feeling that the author was trying to cast doubt on whether the demon was real or not, but I wish Alison had been a little more forceful dealing with Mark. Mark really was a jerk and I didn’t like him.
The twist at the end was a pretty good one, and although it left me feeling unsettled, I think it worked. This was a fun thriller with some very cool supernatural elements, and I’m looking forward to reading more of Jennifer McMahon’s books.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
There are so many intriguing elements here, and I believe that the combination of the supernatural with the troubles of a dysfunctional family might work very well for me. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Maddalena@spaceandsorcery recently posted…THE DIRTY SECRETS CLUB (Jo Beckett #1), by Meg Gardiner
It was a well done combo:-)
Great review, Tammy! I’m really liking the sound of this book even though demon possession stories really freak me out. The complicated relationship between Alison and Mavis also sounds like an intriguing aspect of it all. And I love that it seems to have a good twist at the end. You’ve made me curious about it!
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Thanks Stephanie! I don’t always like demon possession stories either, but this worked:-)
Ooh, this sounds creepy! I haven’t read anything by this author, but I’ve also heard great things. Another one to check out!
I’m glad I finally read one of her books. She has a bunch so I have some catching up to do:-)
I’ve read a couple of her books and really enjoyed The Children on the Hill last year. I hope to read this one sooner rather than later – especially after hearing your thoughts. I didn’t squeeze in a post this weekend but we did add to the family rather unexpectedly yesterday. Stop by and meet Baby Z!
I’m headed over now!
I’ve really been wanting to try one of this author’s books. This one sounds super creepy.
I can’t wait to read more of her books!
Thrillers with a supernatural element are usually a good combination, and this one does sound quite creepy. Glad you enjoyed it 😀
It was very creepy, I can’t wait to read more of her books:-)
This is an amazing review! And I am glad you enjoyed it so much!! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Susy!
Glad to see you enjoyed this one. I really enjoyed The Children on the Hill, which was more of a haunting/zombie story. As for demonic possession, I’m nearing the end of the audiobook of The Exorcist read by the author. So very good. 🙂
I really want to read The Children on the Hill, and I love knowing it’s a zombie story:-)
Glad you enjoyed this one!
Stormi recently posted…Two Bloggers One Series ~ Beastly Bones
Thanks!
Great review. You have me curious to try it. Stories of possession are my thing and this sounds really creepy.
Laura Thomas recently posted…31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #25 ~ Fallen Wishes by J.L. Bryan
Thanks Laura, you would probably enjoy this:-)
I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve read by McMahon. Sounds like this is another good one from her. I can’t wait to read it! Glad you enjoyed it.
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
This sounds really good. I don’t think I’ve read this author before and I’m sure I saw this on NG but as you know – I’ve been being careful (or boring).
Lynn 😀
I’m intrigued with your review and how the flashbacks are done. I can see how the gaslighting would be annoying, but also seems to kind of fit in with how things are in other horror movies/books maybe? Great review!
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