“They say a grudge is a heavy thing to carry. Good thing we’re extra strong.”

If you thought your relationship with your mother was strained, wait until you read Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel. All I knew going into this book was that it’s a psychological thriller, and that information alone did not prepare me for what I just read. This book was nuts, and I loved every minute of it.

I’ve seen a few reviews say that Darling Rose Gold is loosely based off of the Gypsy Rose case and the murder of her mother in 2015. I had no idea what that was about so I looked it up after finishing the book and oh boy, what another wild ride! While Darling Rose Gold isn’t 100% the same, there are clear similarities. Murderinos, I think you’re going to love this book.

The book focuses on two main characters: Patty Watts, recently released from serving five years in prison for aggravated child abuse, and her daughter, Rose Gold. Chapters flip back and forth between Patty’s perspective in the present day, and Rose Gold’s perspective over the past five years while her mother was in jail.

Both of these characters are terrible, and complicated. They both grew up in abusive households, which explains their actions, but doesn’t forgive them. I kept asking myself whether or not I felt bad for them, but then would see what they were plotting next and was internally screaming, wishing I could call the police on a fictional character. These two women were incredibly intense, and I hope I never meet anyone like them in real life.

Some aspects of the plot were predictable, but others remained a mystery. I found myself constantly concerned about Rose Gold’s son, Adam. When details about him emerged I wanted to throw the book across my room, but I was using my Kobo and didn’t want it to break. The roller coaster of emotions throughout this story was absolutely wild, and helped keep the plot going.

I devoured this book in only a couple sittings. I was constantly torn between wanting to know more about the characters and what they were plotting, and wanting them to be taken away and locked up forever. It’s one of the better psychological thrillers I’ve read in a while. You know immediately that something isn’t right, but you’re not quite sure how exactly it’s all going to play out.

If you’re a fan of psychological or domestic thrillers, be sure to add Darling Rose Gold to your list. It also explores mother-daughter relationships, and how cruel they can sometimes be.

Thank you to the publisher (Simon & Schuster Canada) for an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley. Darling Rose Gold came out on March 17, 2020, and can be purchased wherever books are sold.