A Book A Week

Jennifer McMahon belongs to the category of countless other storytellers whom I've been aware of for years but have never actually read. Prioritizing new authors can be challenging, especially with a towering to-be-read list. While I knew of McMahon's reputation for crafting gripping fiction with a touch of horror, I hadn't found the right moment to delve into her works. That all changed recently when her publisher sent me a copy of her latest book, My Darling Girl. This novel tells the story of a mother and daughter working to mend their relationship as the mother confronts a terminal illness. The story carries a spooky undertone that makes it a perfect read for this season.

As the Christmas season envelops her charming Vermont home, Alison struggles to muster her holiday spirit. Her house is adorned with picturesque decorations, her husband diligently assists their youngest daughter in preparing for her role as a mouse in "The Nutcracker," her eldest begrudgingly agrees to join in the cookie-baking tradition, and Alison herself is even the author and illustrator of a bestselling children's book centered around the holiday. Despite all of this, she has never been one to embrace this time of year fully. Instead, as mothers often do, Alison will force a cheerful grin and engage in the festivities. Everything changes, though, when she receives a phone call from her own mother.

“The world was filled with terrible things.”

The call coming at all is a shock in itself. But the news Alison's mother has to deliver is even more surprising – she has cancer with a grim prognosis and wants to spend her remaining days with Alison, her son-in-law, and two granddaughters. Alison's mind immediately flashes back to the years of violent abuse she endured at the hands of her alcoholic mother. Those traumatic memories are etched into her, both physically and emotionally. Yet, looking at the frail figure of the woman who is still her mother, Alison can't help but feel a twinge of sympathy. She reluctantly agrees, allowing her mother to come and live out her remaining days with the family. Little does she know that this act of reconciliation will set off a chain of strange and unexplainable events, turning what was meant to be one last family holiday into a nightmare. Alison will be forced to confront her own dark past and battle her inner demons to protect her family from an inexplicable evil.

Jennifer McMahon skillfully navigates the narrative of My Darling Girl, deftly balancing the tale of a mother and daughter's struggle to mend their strained relationship with a demonic possession story that infuses an undercurrent of horror throughout the entire plot. It's as though the demons of the past have materialized, posing a dire threat to the protagonist and everyone she holds dear. McMahon's expert handling of character development grounds the story, preventing it from descending into an overblown horror spectacle. The eerie elements of the story are subtly woven in with the moments of character exploration, enhancing the underlying tension. I found myself equally captivated by both facets of the novel. As the narrative unfolded, I grew increasingly uncertain about the reality of the events Alison experienced. Was this terror genuinely happening, or was it the manifestation of repressed trauma in the troubled mind of a fragile woman? To uncover the truth, you'll have to read for yourself. McMahon has crafted a multi-layered work of dark fiction that delves into family drama, psychological suspense, and outright horror. It was an exceptional introduction to her writing, leaving me thrilled to have finally experienced her storytelling. 

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 64)