Dearest: A mother’s greatest nightmare. A daughter’s biggest fear

‘A fast-paced and frightening debut that explores the nightmares of new motherhood, with plenty of twists and scares’ Rachel Harrison, author of Black Sheep

A new mother in need of help opens her door to her long-estranged mother, only to invite something much darker inside, in this ‘fast-paced and frightening debut’ (Rachel Harrison) about the long shadows cast by family secrets, perfect for readers of Grady Hendrix or Ashley Audrain.

Flora is a new mum enamored of her baby girl, Iris, even if she arrived a few weeks early. With her husband on deployment, Flora navigates the newborn stage alone. But as the sleepless nights pass in the loneliness of their half-empty home, the edges of her reality begin to blur.

Just as Flora becomes convinced she is losing her mind, a surprising guest shows up to help: Flora’s own mother, to whom she hasn’t spoken in years. Can they mend their fraught relationship? Or is there more Flora’s mother isn’t telling her about the events that led to their estrangement?

As stranger and scarier events unfold, Flora begins to suspect the house is not as empty as she once thought. Is her hold on reality slipping dangerously away? Or is she, in fact, the only thing standing between a terrifying visitor and her baby?

‘A truly terrifying exploration of maternal instinct, mental health and the complex bonds between mothers and daughters. Jacquie Walters is a horror writer to watch’ Robyn Harding, author of The Drowning Woman

‘A corrosive cocktail of domestic dread and parental paranoia, Dearest will turn your stomach and scare you senseless’ Daniel Kraus, New York Times bestselling author of Whalefall

‘A raw and challenging rumination on motherhood and inherited trauma. Compassionate and compelling, Walters is a talent to watch’ Sarah Langan, bestselling author of Good Neighbors and A Better World

‘Shockingly original and genuinely disturbing, this brilliant horror novel will hit way too close to home for millions of women’ Kirsten Miller, author of The Change

‘An unflinching, cinematic thrill ride that examines the darkest fears inherent to motherhood . . . then lights them on fire. This perfectly plotted debut delivers again and again with a tense, claustrophobic start and genuinely terrifying final act’ Anne Heltzel, author of Just Like Mother

‘Dearest by Jacquie Walters is one of the most exquisitely terrifying books I’ve ever read. Exceptionally written, this stunning thriller/horror explores the darkest parts of motherhood–whether we are good enough, capable enough to ensure our children survive and thrive. With mind-blowing twists, supernatural sensations, and a raw, unflinching exploration of postpartum, Dearest altered my psyche and skewered my soul’ Samantha M. Bailey, bestselling author of A Friend in the Dark