Imagine living under a borrowed name, the ghost of a childhood trauma nipping at your heels. A Mother Always Knows by Sarah Strohmeyer throws us headfirst into Stella O’Neill’s terrifying reality, where anonymity is shattered and the past comes hunting. By day, Stella blends into the quiet order of a public library, a stark contrast to the chaotic and dangerous world of her upbringing. But beneath this veneer of normalcy lies a young woman haunted by her mother’s unsolved murder years ago in a Vermont commune of “diviners” – a cult that shaped her in ways she can never truly escape. Stay with me as we explore this young woman’s chilling past that plunges us into a world of cults, murder and her desperate fight for survival in this haunting psychological thriller.
Disclaimer: Some links found on this page might be affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
For years, Stella has meticulously constructed a life of quiet anonymity, the hushed aisles of the library offering a fragile sanctuary from the ever-present fear that her past will catch up to her. This constant threat has fostered deep-seated trust issues, making it hard for her to form a genuine connection as dangerous vulnerability. Getting close to anyone feels like an invitation for discovery, a risk she has consciously avoided. The transient nature of her assumed identity has also prevented her from setting down any real roots, forcing her to live with a perpetual sense of impermanence, always looking over her shoulder.
Trust Betrayed: The Burden of a Haunted Past
The fragile wall of Stella’s carefully constructed life shatters after a true-crime obsessive carelessly exposes her current online identity. But the violation goes beyond mere exposure. The revelation is swiftly followed by a chilling death threat, a stark reminder of the danger that still shadows her. Even more terrifying, her father becomes a target, narrowly escaping being run over by a car – a brutal escalation that makes Stella’s continued anonymity impossible and the threat to her loved ones undeniable.
Confronting the Past: Stella’s Perilous Journey
No longer able to hide, and with the stakes raised to a terrifying new level, Stella makes a pivotal decision: instead of running again, she will confront the source of her fear. This isn’t just a flight; it’s a determined journey back to the off-the-grid retreat of her childhood. Armed with her mother’s beloved rose quartz pendulum – a tangible link to the past and perhaps a conduit to her inherited gift – Stella embarks on a perilous path to confront Radcliffe MacBeath. This confrontation isn’t just about facing a manipulative figure from her past; it’s about uncovering the truth of her mother’s murder and finally breaking free from the cycle of fear that has defined her life.
Unpacking the Deeper Layers: Themes in A Mother Always Knows
Beyond the pulse-pounding suspense and Stella’s compelling journey, Sarah Strohmeyer beautifully weaves in several resonant themes that elevate A Mother Always Knows beyond a simple thriller. One of the most prominent is the enduring power of motherhood. Even in her mother’s absence, Stella’s actions are deeply rooted in her memory and a fierce desire for justice. The rose quartz pendulum, a tangible link to her mother, serves as a powerful symbol of this unbreakable bond and a driving force behind Stella’s quest for the truth.
Closely intertwined with Stella’s motivation is the profound impact of childhood trauma. From witnessing her mother’s murder and growing up within the unsettling confines of this cult have left deep scars, shaping her trust issues and her desperate need for anonymity. The constant fear of discovery is a testament to the long shadow cast by her early experiences.
Another compelling theme Sarah Strohmeyer explores in A Mother Always Knows is the corruption of power and charisma, particularly through the figure of Radcliffe MacBeath. The “diviners” commune wasn’t a place of spiritual enlightenment but rather a realm under the influence of MacBeath’s manipulative charisma. His control over the community highlights the insidious nature of unchecked power and the ease with which individuals can be swayed by a charismatic leader, even to the point of blind obedience. Stella’s upbringing within this environment provides a frightening backdrop to the dangers of cult-like influence and the lasting damage that it can inflict on individuals and families.
Sarah Strohmeyer delivers a knockout with A Mother Always Knows, a relentless psychological thriller that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Stella O’Neill’s desperate fight to confront her past and uncover the truth behind her mother’s murder is a compelling and suspenseful ride. With its spooky atmosphere, well-paced plot, and exploration of the dark side of belief, this is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts looking for a story with both heart and sharp edges. Trust me, but you’ll love this book that is set for a July 2025 release!
Thanks to Harper Collins for this #gifted book for this review.
