The Stepmother by Sheila Bugler is a gripping psychological thriller about family, secrets, and the frightening possibility that you may not truly know the people closest to you. The story follows Sarah, who arrives at school to collect her two stepchildren, Izzy and Patrick, only to discover that they have already been taken away by their father, Mike. When Mike suddenly becomes unreachable and sends Sarah a disturbing warning, her ordinary day turns into a desperate search for answers. With mystery, suspense, family drama, and unexpected twists, The Stepmother is a compelling choice for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers.
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About the Book
The Stepmother is a standalone psychological thriller by Sheila Bugler, published by Hodder & Stoughton in September 2026. The story begins when Sarah goes to collect her stepchildren, Izzy and Patrick, from school and discovers that their father has already taken them away.
Sarah is unable to reach Mike, and the situation becomes even more alarming when she receives a message telling her not to go home because it is not safe. As she tries to find the children and understand what Mike has been hiding, Sarah is pulled into a dangerous situation filled with unanswered questions and growing suspense. The Crime Writers’ Association
The novel explores trust, relationships, family, and the secrets that can exist behind an apparently ordinary life. Its psychological and domestic-thriller elements make it a good choice for readers who enjoy tense stories with mystery and twists.
Book Information
- Book Title: The Stepmother
- Author: Sheila Bugler
- Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Suspense
- Format: Standalone Novel
- Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
- Publication Date: September 24, 2026
- Pages: 352 pages for the eBook edition; print editions vary by market
- Language: English
- ISBN: 9781399754194 (eBook) / 9781399754200 (Paperback)
Why Read The Stepmother?
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, mystery novels, family drama, and stories full of unexpected twists, The Stepmother is worth adding to your reading list. The story creates tension from the beginning and places its main character in a situation where trust becomes increasingly difficult.
Readers who enjoy books about missing people, complicated relationships, hidden secrets, and psychological suspense may particularly enjoy Sheila Bugler’s latest thriller.
About Sheila Bugler
Sheila Bugler is an Irish crime writer known for her crime novels and psychological thrillers. She grew up in the west of Ireland and studied Psychology at University College Galway before travelling and working in several countries. She is the author of the DI Ellen Kelly crime series, the Dee Doran series, and several standalone thrillers. She currently lives in Eastbourne, East Sussex.
Her previous books include The Lucky Eight, Black Valley Farm, Dark Road Home, I Could Be You, Before You Were Gone, and You Were Always Mine. The Stepmother is her eleventh published novel. Fantastic Fiction
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote The Stepmother?
The Stepmother was written by Irish crime author Sheila Bugler.
What is The Stepmother about?
The novel follows Sarah, who discovers that her two stepchildren have been taken from school by their father. When he becomes unreachable and warns her not to return home, Sarah begins searching for answers.
What genre is The Stepmother?
It is a psychological thriller with elements of mystery, suspense, crime, and family drama
Is The Stepmother part of a series?
No. It is a standalone psychological thriller.
When was The Stepmother published?
The book was released in September 2026, with September 24, 2026 listed for the UK edition.
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