The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram

A timely and tightly penned novel, The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram dives into the violence of political belief and the dangerous half-truths we tell the ones we love. Eager to be her own boss and launch a security services company, Violet Cleveland, the intrepid head of Outrigger Services, never expected to be defending against enemies so close to home. Each character in this intimate thriller is gritty and compelling, particularly the high-stakes operator at the center of the story. There are some grammatical issues that could use a further proofread, and the prose tends towards declarative, rather than revelatory, which can undercut suspense, but overall, this is a gripping standalone thriller that is surprisingly emotional with a relatable push-pull between mother and daughter.