Review: Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn

Title: Hush Little Baby

Author: Suzanne Redfearn

Published: October 2013, Grand Central Publishing

Format: ARC Paperback, 368 pages

Source: Author 

Jillian Kane appears to
have it all – a successful career, a gorgeous home, a loving husband,
and two wonderful children. The reality behind closed doors is something
else entirely. For nine years, she has hid the bruises and the truth of
her abusive marriage in order to protect Addie and Drew, knowing, if
she left, Gordon would destroy her-destroy them.

When, in an act
of desperation, she flees, her worst nightmare is realized, and she
finds herself on the run with her two young children, no money, and no
plan. With Gordon in hot pursuit, there is only one inescapable
certainty: No matter where she goes, he will find her. Kill her. And
take her children.

A riveting page-turner, Hush Little Baby
exposes the shame and terror of domestic violence as well as the
disturbing role manipulation and sabotage can play in the high-stakes
game of child custody. Suspenseful and unforgettably moving, it’s a
novel about the unbreakable bonds of family and the astounding,
terrifying devotion of a mother’s love.

My thoughts: I was very fortunate to get an advanced copy of Suzanne Redfearn’s debut novel via a friend and am so glad she brought this book to our attention. Do you like books that keep you glued to the pages, that haunt you when you’re not reading it, that leave you desperate to find out what will happen next? If so, than this book is for you!

Hush Little Baby is a psychological thriller that will tug at your heartstrings as Jillian finally decides enough is enough and takes a stand against her abusive husband. Knowing that she physically cannot continue to smile as if all is fine, she takes her children and runs. The kicker is that her husband is a cop and has all the resources he needs at his fingertips to track her down. Will she be able to stay one step ahead of him? How will she survive with no money and two kids? What will she do when her daughter falls ill?

These are just some of the questions that propel this story forward. Be prepared when you start reading that you will not want to put the book down until you reach the last page. Suzanne Redfearn creates such energy in her words that you can almost feel the tension. And, the short chapters only add to that tension and suspense.

One of the themes that runs through this book is that appearances can be deceiving. That happy couple that you see all over town might not be as happy behind closed doors. While this is not based on real life events, the inspiration of the story is from a friend of Suzanne’s who was going through a divorce. While reading this book, don’t be surprised if you find yourself asking the what if question: What if I were in the same position as Jillian – what would I do? What if my friend/sister/neighbor where in that position – would I even know?

This is a great book, but a tough read at times. And it definitely stays with you long after you read that last page. I cannot wait to see what Suzanne Redfearn writes next – she is definitely an author to watch out for!!!