Mother of a thriller

The Mother by Jane Caro, Allen & Unwin, $32.99

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.. .. .. .. .. .. If you like tension, wondering what the next page has in store for you, can take the pressure of a thriller that keeps on giving, chapter after chapter, then you're ready to read Jane Caro's mesmerising novel The Mother.

Miriam Duffy is still dealing with the death of her beloved husband Pete; alongside the grief she's also learning to cope with running the household by herself, and her demanding role as the owner of a busy real estate company. Thank goodness both her daughters are safely married to wonderful men. Or are they?

Daughter Ally seems to be avoiding her mother, and living in the country emphasises the fact that she is withdrawing from the closeness they've previously shared. Miriam tries to give

Ally the space she thinks she needs even though her instincts suggest that something is not right.

Finally, when the truth of her daughter's situation is revealed, Miriam is suddenly sharing her home with Ally and her two young daughters. As the situation escalates and her daughter and the children become more and more vulnerable Miriam does her best to protect them. But Ally's husband Nick mounts a relentless campaign to undermine and frighten his estranged wife, and Miriam decides to take the only action she feels will solve her family's dilemma. Just when you think you will not be disturbed any more, be prepared to be taken to yet another level.

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