Portobello Book Blog

Baby is a dark psychological thriller following Jill who is in the last few weeks of her pregnancy. Her partner Michael has disappeared and while she is convinced something has happened to him, others aren’t so sure and think he has just walked out on her. Jill is right though and it is Anna, Michael’s ex-girlfriend, who is responsible for his disappearance.

Well Anna was one twisted lady! She was really scary and clearly deluded. I was really worried for Michael and wondered how on earth the situation was going to resolve itself. I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about Michael. He was clearly in love with Jill but some of his responses to Anna gave me very mixed feelings towards him. I think there was a bit Stockholm Syndrome going on. And poor Jill, I couldn’t help but feel so sorry for her. She just couldn’t believe that Michael would leave her and their baby despite what seemed to be evidence to the contrary. She felt abandoned and let down not just by Michael but by other friends and family who wouldn’t listen to her.

Baby was a very tense read as I wondered how Michael could get back to Jill and it became even more gripping when I began to realise that Jill and the baby could also be in danger. It made for uncomfortable reading at times but I just had to know what was going to happen. I liked the structure of the book. It was told alternately through the points of view of Jill and Michael and the author linked the chapters cleverly so that the story flowed despite the two being apart.

I very much enjoyed the Edinburgh setting, particularly as Portobello got a mention. The fish and chip shop on the prom where Jill enjoys a bag of chips has recently closed and is in the middle of being renovated. But I can vouch for how delicious their chips were especially on a chilly day!

Baby is a dark and disturbing thriller which may have you wondering how easy it might be for the events in the book to actually happen. The ending was quite ambiguous leaving me wondering just what would happen next for Anna, Michael and Jill!

My thanks to the author who asked if I would be interested in reading and reviewing her book. Baby was published by The Conrad Press in July 2016 in paperback and as an e-book. You can order a copy online here: Baby

From the back of the book

When Michael Stanton goes to work one day and doesn’t come back, everyone – friends, family, police – thinks his pregnant girlfriend Jill should accept he’s left her. After all, he’s done it before.

But Jill just won’t believe that Michael would walk away from her and their unborn child. Increasingly desperate and alone, she’s determined to find him. Just where is Michael?

What Jill doesn’t know is that his beautiful ex, Anna, wants him back, and won’t take no for an answer. And it isn’t just him she wants…

In a maze of captivity, sexual tension and dark desire, Michael battles with his feelings. Does he really want his normal life back, or could there be a future with the woman who terrifies, controls and fascinates him?

Baby is a compelling, sexy, disturbing and unforgettable thriller.