Baby Teeth: A Novel

First thing that comes to my mind after reading this book is WOW! This was a page turner, for sure. I'm glad I was able to read all night due to recovering from surgery. It was a hard book to put down.

This was a thriller so creepy it brought out hints of horror. And I loved it every bit of it! It is hard to believe that this is the authors debut novel. I look forward to many more books from her.

It was well written and oh, what a scary little 7 year old girl, Hanna. It was a truly fascinating story and wow, what she put her mother through was absolutely horrifying!

I see there is some controversy involving this book which is a shame. Anyone not reading it is missing out on a good story. I recommend it!

* I was provided an ARC to read from the publisher and NetGalley. It was my decision to read and review this book.

Meet Hanna. Hanna loves her Daddy. Daddy is the best person in the whole world.

Unfortunately, Hanna has to spend most of her time with Mommy. Mommy is an evil witch who tries to keep Daddy away from Hanna. Mommy has to be stopped.

Hanna decides that she needs the help of another witch, named Marie-Anne Dufosset. With Marie-Anne’s help, she’s sure she can get Mommy out of the way for good.

Are you creeped out yet? You should be. If you’ve seen the movie Orphan, you know a bit what to expect from this book. In fact, several scenes from the first half seemed to be drawn directly from the movie. I also saw at lot of Franklin Plaskett in Alex (Daddy), a man who’s willing to believe his own child over his wife when it comes to the child’s bad behavior. The second part of this book took a totally new (at least to me) direction, and I was flipping pages as quickly as I could to see what was coming next from Hanna’s demented little mind.

Hanna is very straightforward with her thoughts. She hates Mommy, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to free Daddy from her spell. She shows a remarkable level of intelligence in thinking through how she will antagonize and eventually kill Mommy, but her thought processes are also dotted with the normal wayward wonderings of a seven-year-old with bad social skills. Despite her advanced thoughts when it came to figuring out whether or not a hammer would be enough to bash Mommy’s head in, you also knew, unequivocally, that you were dealing with a child.

Suzette (Mommy) is a little more complicated. She regularly curses at her daughter when she gets fed up with her bad behavior, which is several times a day. Especially at the end, there was still a little bit of doubt in me as to how much Suzette actually cared about/loved Hanna. But really, how much affection could you expect to have for a child that methodically sabotages her mother’s well-being?

Worth mentioning is Suzette’s illness/disability, Crohn’s Disease. I don’t know much about Crohn’s except for the drug commercials that play before all my videos on YouTube, so I appreciated learning more about it through Suzette.

This was uber creepy and I fully expected to have nightmares after reading this book, though I somehow escaped them last night. It goes right up there on the shelf next to We Need to Talk About Kevin in the section labeled “Not so sure if I want to have kids after all.”

This is a novel about a 7 year old girl who refuses to speak and her Mother, who is suffering from Crohn’s disease. Each chapter is written from the viewpoint of one of them. Each is working very hard to be the sole object of the husband’s interest and affection. Hanna, the child, is also exceptionally bright and wants to rid herself of her Mother and the competition. Suzanne, the Mother, is homeschooling Hanna and spends all her time with her. She has also tried to get her in various schools but Hanna was, after starting, expelled from each, once for setting a fire. The novel deals with Hanna’s attempts to eliminate her Mother and the terror and guilt with which the Mother reacts. A psychological thriller that will leave you wondering. Thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC for an honest review.

“Baby Teeth” is the first novel for Zoje Stage and it is an absolutely terrifying story for any parent to read. Ms. Stage offers the reader alternative perspectives from a mother and a daughter to an ongoing problem that is rapidly spinning out of control. Suzette Jensen her daughter hates her. Suzette had always thought she was a good mother, but she struggles with the fact her daughter is not speaking and she fears that her child hates her, Hanna does not believe that her mom loves her because she will never be perfect enough, but she knows her daddy adores her, so she sets out to get rid of her mom. This book is engaging from beginning to end as the reader is given a glimpse into the world of dysfunction. I was given an advanced copy of this book, and all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Hanna Jensen is a real-life monster, and she’s only seven years old. Kicked out of school after school for bad behavior, she doesn’t speak, communicating through gestures and noises. She adores her doting father and despises her mother. Mother and daughter become adversaries as they battle each other for the father’s love and attention.
The story alternates between Hanna and her mother, Suzette. Hanna seems far too advanced for any seven year old. She brings to mind that old saw about there being a fine line between genius and insanity. She is one sinister sociopathic main character. I thought the mother was a tad unbalanced at times too as she struggled to be a better mother. It’s an absorbing story that held my interest to the very end. If you like thrillers than this one will really creep you out.

Hanna is deceptively clever and psychotic. She wants her daddy all to herself. The only way to do that is to get rid of mommy... permanently.

I’m not going to lie; while reading this book, I looked over my shoulder. Looked to see where my eight year old was at all times. I freaked if he happened to come upon me a bit too quickly, I expectedly. I gasped in horror at each new idea Hanna devised in order to rid herself of her mother. I empathized with Suzette’s plight to save herself from her daughter all while questioning her own sanity. I screamed at Alex’s blatant denial of his daughter’s evilness.

Trust me, this book will have you twisted up in horror and make you take those small precautions to ensure that your own children know that you love them and hope they return in kind.

Baby Teeth
by Zoje Stage

I absolutely loved this book, it was refreshingly intriguing intense!
Hanna LOVES her Daddy. Her Mommy?

Not so much….
It's a book you'll love it hate... Not a book everyone is going to love.
It give Daddy's little girl a whole new meaning. The narration was perfect for this book , it was if I was in the mind of the child I could see it so clearly it was like watching a movie (which I hope gets turned into one)
You see….Hanna doesn’t speak.

“Words, ever unreliable, were no one’s friend”

Hanna knows how much Mommy wants her to talk.

“Mommy was failing her tests to prove her motherly love.”

Is Hanna choosing not to talk?

“if it’s a matter of her refusing…WON’T requires a different type of doctor than CAN’T.”

Hanna’s favorite game is “Scare Mommy” and she likes to make special projects for Mommy too. VERY special.

WOW! I have such conflicting emotions about this one!

Imagine having someone who you expect will love you, not love you. And not only do they not love you? They LOATHE you.

They wish you didn’t exist….

The story is told from Hanna and Suzette’s alternating perspectives. There are some terrifying and dysfunctional scenes in this book. I haven’t read “The Dinner” or “We Need to Talk About Kevin” (books that this has been compared to) so I wouldn’t know how it stacks up against them.

“Baby Teeth” seems to be in its own league. A ball of darkness and wickedness that will make you squirm. I couldn’t put this sucker down. I read it in two sittings and honestly, when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it.

I wondered if a seven-year-old was capable of some of the acts committed. Could a child be that diabolical and manipulative? I think this is one of those books that if you look at it closely, yes you will probably see a lot of things that push the believability envelope…right off the table. However, it ended up not mattering if things were all possible or believable…. I was pulled right into the story.

As I said earlier, this book won’t be for everyone. I do wonder if it would fit more into the horror genre. I found it diabolical and creepy and I’m really glad I read it. “Baby Teeth” is definitely a book I won’t soon forget. I’m very curious to see what Zoje Stage is going to come up with next.
I can't wait for more from this author, I'd love to be approved for upcoming titles.
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I absolutely loved this book, it was refreshingly intriguing intense!
Hanna LOVES her Daddy. Her Mommy?

Not so much….
It's a book you'll love it hate... Not a book everyone is going to love.
It give Daddy's little girl a whole new meaning. The narration was perfect for this book , it was if I was in the mind of the child I could see it so clearly it was like watching a movie (which I hope gets turned into one)
You see….Hanna doesn’t speak.

“Words, ever unreliable, were no one’s friend”

Hanna knows how much Mommy wants her to talk.

“Mommy was failing her tests to prove her motherly love.”

Is Hanna choosing not to talk?

“if it’s a matter of her refusing…WON’T requires a different type of doctor than CAN’T.”

Hanna’s favorite game is “Scare Mommy” and she likes to make special projects for Mommy too. VERY special.

WOW! I have such conflicting emotions about this one!

Imagine having someone who you expect will love you, not love you. And not only do they not love you? They LOATHE you.

They wish you didn’t exist….

The story is told from Hanna and Suzette’s alternating perspectives. There are some terrifying and dysfunctional scenes in this book. I haven’t read “The Dinner” or “We Need to Talk About Kevin” (books that this has been compared to) so I wouldn’t know how it stacks up against them.

“Baby Teeth” seems to be in its own league. A ball of darkness and wickedness that will make you squirm. I couldn’t put this sucker down. I read it in two sittings and honestly, when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it.

I wondered if a seven-year-old was capable of some of the acts committed. Could a child be that diabolical and manipulative? I think this is one of those books that if you look at it closely, yes you will probably see a lot of things that push the believability envelope…right off the table. However, it ended up not mattering if things were all possible or believable…. I was pulled right into the story.

As I said earlier, this book won’t be for everyone. I do wonder if it would fit more into the horror genre. I found it diabolical and creepy and I’m really glad I read it. “Baby Teeth” is definitely a book I won’t soon forget. I’m very curious to see what Zoje Stage is going to come up with next.
I can't wait for more from this author, I'd love to be approved for upcoming titles.

If you enjoyed the constant creep brought out in Dathan Auerbach's Penpal or Bad Man, I think you'll enjoy Baby Teeth.

It has a steady, consistent creepiness. It's a growing low-grade terror unfolding throughout the story. I can't stress how enjoyable the book is and how it unfolds. There aren't any gotcha moments, no crazy slashers hiding in the woods. It's just an unfolding darkness told from two first-person perspectives. The author does an impressive job at placing the reader in a position to sympathize with the mother as she's exposed to the downard-spiral of her daughter's behavior.

I discovered this type of story most recently in the writing of Dathan Auerbach and was hoping to find someone else who could unveil a story like this. Suspense-filled and fluid. Highly recommended!

This book is a creepy psychological thriller. I enjoyed the book even though some things seemed unrealistic. The writer focuses on Hanna and Suzettes' points of views. Hanna is a non verbal 7 year old who tries to get rid of her Mommy, Suzette. It shows the struggle that Suzette has as she tries to deal with a child who is non verbal and who has behavioral problems. Her husband, Alex only sees his sweet precocious child even though there are multiple school expulsions and Suzette's account of what happens when he isn't home. Some of the things the little girl does did not seem like a 7 yr old could manage to do especially with Suzette's extreme cleaning habits. It would be more believable if Hanna was a bit older. There are some questionable parenting skills too. However, overall I enjoyed the book and hope there is a second to find out more about Hanna as she grows up.

Just finished reading Baby Teeth by Zoje Sage. This is definitely one of the best and scariest books I have read in a long time. It is about relationships in a family which mostly end up in two against one in all situations. It just depends on what the specific situation is at any given time or day. One of the best parts about this story is that no matter whose side you are on you are never going to win at any precise moment and at the end of the book you are hit with an ending that can turn the hopefully next book into just as terrible as you can imagine. This was the most fascinating book I’ve read in quite a while and I would love to recommend this book to others who enjoy thrilling psychological mysteries. Without a doubt a five star book! Many thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Like other reviewers, I had a difficult time rating this book. The book Baby Teeth actually made me feel uncomfortable many times throughout the book, and yet, it was hard for me to put it down. I needed to find out what happened in the end. That is why I gave it four stars.

Could you imagine having a child who not only wanted you out of the house, but your child actually wanted you dead? Hanna, the child who could appear sweet at times, wanted her daddy all to herself. In order for this to happen, in her mind, she needed to get rid of her mother, Suzette. The book is told from both Hanna's point of view and Suzette's. I wanted to love Hanna and understand why she wasn't speaking to anyone, and why she couldn't survive in a school setting. That just didn't happen. This book could be under the genre horror AND psychological thrillers. What would you do if your child planned out ways to hurt you and ultimately wanted you to die?

I wouldn't recommend this book to my middle school students or to people looking for an easy, happy read. I do know the story will stay with me for awhile, though.

I was given this book for my honest review.

Baby Teeth is a creepy book. The story is told in two perspectives. Suzette's who is the mother and Hannah, the daughter. Suzette grew up with the lack of love from her mother, who was very distant . So she tried to be the opposite with Hannah, who she loved very much. Hannah had a whole different mindset. Hannah adored her father and hated her mother. She was a sweet child when her dad was around but very bad when she and Suzette where alone. Hannah did everything to get her mother out of her life. Although, several tests reveal there was nothing wrong with Hannah, she refused to speak and only does to say mean things to her mother. Suzette would always try to put excuses and not discipline her daughter. The father couldn't see no wrong. I kept questioning why Suzette wouldn't record her and show them to the dad. The dad finally realizes that the mother was saying the truth after an incident that happened at school. A creepy but good story. Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC.

2.5 stars. This is a tough review to write. The plot is pretty simple. There isn’t any huge twist or revelation. And to be very honest I did not like the story line. The whole idea that a child can behave like this is somehow difficult to digest. So much malice, despite what the reason are, somehow is hard to imagine. You just want it to not be true. To imagine a young child behave like this in real life makes me shudder. It sends a a chill down my spine and this is actually what I like about this book. I don’t like the story, I don’t like the characters much but I like how much it makes you ’feel’. It’s a deeply disturbing book and the author has done a great job in writing it.
Thanks NetGalley and St Martin’s press for giving me an ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage is one of the most magical books I've read in a long time. The author's ability to look at ordinary things in an everyday world with imagination, and from the perspective of a little girl locked in her inner world of elective mutism, is breathtaking. Have you ever wondered what someone was thinking? Be careful what you wish for! The secret life of Hanna, a precocious and seemingly sweet little girl to everyone but her mom and her teachers, is told through chapters that switch between her mother's fearful misgivings, and Hanna's inner dialogue. Without giving away too much, we see Hanna's dad thoroughly manipulated by Hanna as he becomes almost a co-conspirator in what Hanna has planned next. Because the little girl can't (or won't) talk, her thoughts are open to interpretation. Without a doubt, if I was Hanna's mom I would sleep with the lights on and the door firmly locked.

Thanks to Net Galley for an ARC.

Zoje Stage's "Baby Teeth" was the perfect read for this spooky time of year! I was immediately drawn into the story and loved the alternating perspectives from which the story is told (through both the daughter's perspective, Hanna, and her mother Suzette's perspective). As a wife and a mother, I found that I could relate to Suzette, as there are definitely times that my own children react differently to me and my husband. Overall, the story line was scary and fun---I kept trying to decide whether or not Hanna could truly be so evil or if Suzette was experiencing issues on her own. Overall, this novel deserves the buzz and hype that it is currently receiving. I am grateful to Zoje Stage, the publisher (St. Martin's Press), and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC, and I look forward to reading more works by Stage in the future.

Hanna is the kind of character you will long remember. Although she is memorable you will not dare name even your dog after her. I had met a girl like Hanna many many years ago in a movie called "The Bad Seed''. The movie and this book are about psychotic young girls, dangerous, plotting, deranged children who can present as normal, but are seriously mentally ill. Hanna loves her dad with a sick addiction, and wants to kill her mom. Her 7 year old mind has hatched many mental plots and only now is she beginning to try and actually kill her mom. The reader will be compelled to keep reading. The book is well done and Zoje Stage is a good writer. The the sentences flow easily across the page, and the plot unwinds at a good pace. Be brave and read this weird book.

What a sinister tale. I agree with other reviewers who put this in the horror rather than thriller category. Baby Teeth is quite simply the Electra Complex fleshed out, with a power struggle between a disturbed/disturbing child and her weak, conventional and somewhat shallow mother. Add in the oblivious father, whose chief contribution to the family culture is denial, and the result is a stew of interlocking neuroses. Yet there wasn't enough depth for me to call it a psychological thriller -- just an ominous, unsettling story.

The premise is that a very bright, nonverbal-by-choice young girl wages a rivalry with her mother (who lives with serious health issues) for her father's attention, affection and love. Actual mayhem ensues. If you need a life-affirming thread in your fiction, I'd avoid this. If you like to be creeped out, go for it. (I received an ARC from NetGalley.)

Wow. What an absolutely terrifyingly good story. I finished this book in one day.

I will start by saying that this book likely will not be for everyone. recommend steering clear if you are a first time parent or soon to be!

Hanna is a truly horrendous and smart yet mute child, who happens to hate her Mommy. Daddy however, hung the moon! She has decided that Daddy must be under Mommy's spell and it is up to her to save him so that Hanna and Daddy can live happily ever after.

Suzette is a woman that gave up her own passions to take care of her child. She loves her but can feel the hate that rises off Hanna when Daddy is not around. As the story continues, she starts to become afraid of her own child, who of course acts like a perfect angel the second Daddy gets home.

I really hated Alex at first. He so easily lets himself get manipulated by his 7 year old daughter. H questions his wife and doesn't always believe the things she tells him about their demonic child. My heart broke for Suzette as she struggled with his denials.

Having just finished I am still in a bit of shock and speechless. The end left is seeming like there will be a sequel which I hope is the case!

Wow.

I found myself genuinely enjoying this book. What a fantastic debut book for Zoje Stage! The main characters were written incredibly well and the depth that Zoje went into was great. You truly understood each main character's feelings and thoughts. You were also given insight into both Suzette's and Alex's backgrounds. (I love the Swedish influence!) Not to mention, the suspense is wonderfully written with what I felt was the right amount information given. The time line that the book covered made complete sense as did all of the character's actions. Lastly, the entire plot was nerve-wrackingly believable. Like, chills down your spine and goosebumps on your skin believable. More than once I found myself inching towards the edge of my seat and unable to put the book down. In fact, every spare moment I had at work I would pick the book up to read more.

As a mom, I honestly began to understand and relate to the paranoia that Suzette felt. This is even though my sweet son is absolutely nothing like Hanna! To have a child so intent on harming you or removing you from the picture is rather frightening. Suzette's feelings, of both wanting to be rid of her daughter and do all she could for her, were what I would have felt as well in that situation.

I feel that Zoje did amazing research into mental health and psychiatry and put just enough into the book to give the reader good information on that specific situation. I think that readers will either love this book, or not. I definitely do and I really look forward to reading more books by this author!

I think I’m full on #TeamSuzette or maybe #TeamHanna
Okay so we have here a husband, a wife and their daughter. We also have a perfect wife and a perfect daughter, who also may be a horrible mother and a horrible daughter. You choose.
While reading this story I feel it took too long to get to a climax, it felt repetitive. I wanted more. I did however like the second half of this story more than the first half, but I felt it was still missing something.
Overall the feel of the story was good and the characters were interesting.
I think my expectations of this story were too high that when I finally read it, it didn’t live up to the hype, that I had been hearing about it.
#BabyTeethBook #BadSeed #NetGalley #stmartinspress #BabyTeeth

Baby Teeth is one strange, creepy, and intensely involving novel. It was hard to put down and scary as hell to read.
First, picture the ideal family. Plenty of money, educated, and blessed with a handsome daughter. Unfortunately, things are not as they seem. This is where it gets creepy. Be warned. Hannah is a typical seven-year-old with wants and needs. She wants to get rid of her mom and have her father to herself. And Hanna will do whatever it takes to accomplish her goal. Meanwhile, Hanna’s dad is oblivious to the hellish life that his wife now has due to Hanna’s evil, torturous, and dangerous ways.
This is a scary, eerie, and fantastic novel. I do not know if it is in the horror genre or something else. All I know is that it was a wild, crazy, and fun read.

I received this as an audiobook on the store's companion site, Goodreads. Wow, this is a great story. Reminds me of a popular movie (maybe book too) from the 1950's called The Bad Seed. My husband and I went through it in one afternoon/evening. And he doesn't care for books! The story just pulls you in and won't let go. The only problem with this book - and it is a big one - is the ending. Just really isn't one. You read the last page and feel puzzled and cheated. If the author plans a sequel, she should make it known now. I recommend it, though; maybe it's only me who doesn't like the ending and other than that it is a fantastic book.

* Author say she is not planning a sequel. Nevertheless, I recommend this book and look forward to the author's next book.

Debunking the saccharine books about parenthood can make for an absorbing read. From Henry James’ Turn of the Screw to Lionel Shriver’s outstanding “We Need to Talk About Kevin” or Margot Livesey’s “Homework”, these books often provide incredible psychological insight along with spine-tingling chills.

This one? Not so much. It lacks the moral ambivalence and nuances that are so integral to full immersion. While this novel about a diabolical child promises – and sometimes delivers – thrills and chills, I concur with another reading friend who called the book “empty calories.” It’s just fine if you don’t expect too much. But if you’re looking for the complexity of the books mentioned above, you won’t find it

I received a free advance e-copy of this book and have chosen to write an honest and unbiased review. I have no personal affiliation with the author. Hannah is a 7-year-old daddy’s girl who refuses to speak. She is abusive to her mother and hates her and wants her dead. She has daddy fooled. This is a psychopathic child who has no remorse and no true feelings. Hannah has severe behavior problems and is constantly and inappropriately acting out. She is a major manipulator and headed for trouble. This is a frightening and very disturbing story that needs to be told, as there are truly children like this in this world. Was Hannah born flawed with a severe personality disorder or did something go awry as she developed after birth?

This was a disturbing book about a troubled child. With a family that looked perfect from the outside.

Some things I found interesting, especially the parents. First of all, I know the whole premise of this book feeds on a mother's innate fears- is she a bad parent, does her child not love her as much, are people judging her? This child obviously has some issues. The family dynamic looking closer is odd to me, too, though. They never have visitors, they are pretty isolated. The husband chooses to be blissfully unaware, the wife struggles with her own mental health.

Some moments were more suspenseful or even shocking than others. I do wish the ending were a little something more. But overall, an enjoyable read.

3.5 rating
This was chilling and creepy in a good way but I wanted more.

Hannah is horrible and manipulative. At times her point of view seems age appropriate or even younger (with her rich fantasy life of MRI machines being spaceships). Then she is using the internet to research corpses. The disparity between these swings, even within the same chapter, was odd and unnerving.

Suzette was all over the board for me. I felt her isolation and desperation as a constant companion for Hannah. She was constantly tested by Hannah and she often failed. She is physically sick and there is a background of an emotionally abusive and neglectful relationship with her mother. There really weren't enough details to allow me to fully sympathize or understand this character which may be the point??

I enjoyed the writing and the characters. The story is a slow burn though, not a lot happens. I read it all very quickly. I was fascinated. I still am not sure how I feel about Suzette and the ending. Would I read more by the author? Absolutely!

I receive this arc copy for honest review. Happy Publishing Day!

My buddy read girl @bekkhaleesi we both enjoy this book alot.
Imagine having a kid that just mean and has you questioning yourself.
Are you going crazy or not?
I give it 5 stars ? ? ? ? ?
It was really good! I just can't believe how Hanna was thinking of her mother. How all she wanted was her Father. How mean she was to her mom but her father notice or see how she really was.
OK everybody this is all am saying cuz not gonna give no Spoilers here!
Sorry!
#babyteethbook #badseed #teamsuzette
Release Day Today!
? ???????????????
Thank you @stmartinspress for the free copy.
#stmartinspress ?

This book first caught my attention in a book group that I am a part of a couple of months ago. I read the synopsis and became very interested in the story. So I then set out to retrieve a copy of the book so I could read it and enjoy the "creepiness" that it promised.

Baby Teeth is an Adult Thriller/Suspense story about a mother and daughter relationship. Suzette and her daughter Hannah spends their days together and have a routine. While Suzette is controlling her own medical needs she is also looking after Hannahs special needs as well. Hannah doesnt speak. Not one word. Suzette and Alex (Hannah's Dad) are looking into providing the best care for their daughter. However Hannah has her own idea of how she would like her days to be, and Mommy is not included.

Although this story had promise of providing the creepy and uncomfortable feel that comes with 'evil' children I did not enjoy reading this book. I really wanted to love it as I had waited for this book for over a month and a half from the Library. I dove right into it once recived and within the forst 50 pages I knew that I was not going to enjoy the read. The back story did not keep my attention or make me feel for the characters. The actions between mother and daughter added little to the book. And the ending was a disappointment.

All of the characters felt selfish and shallow and did not grab me or make me want to care about them. It was very hard to connect or relate to anyone in this story. It felt rushed.

Overall, a disappointing read. One that I did not enjoy. 2/5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Zoje Stage for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All I can say is - wow! I know that Baby Teeth is going to be a controversial book, but it was one that I absolutely got into; I found myself continually wanting to find out what happened next. Baby Teeth tells the story from two points of view - a mother's (Suzette) and her daughter's (Hannah). Hannah has mutism and a twisted personality. She loves her Daddy and feels that her Mommy is in her way and wants to get rid of her. It also incorporates Alex, the husband and father, and shows how sometimes one parent can be truly clueless about what is going on in their family (or how they can choose not to believe it). The book was engaging while terrifying at times. I did find that some of Hannah's thoughts and actions were way too mature for a 7-year-old, no matter how smart they are - there are just some things that a young child cannot yet do or think, so some of Hannah's narrative struck me as impossible/far-fetched. Also, I can understand Suzette's frustration, helplessness, and sometimes her dislike for her child, but I do not think the story portrayed the struggle a mother can go through when they love, but do not like, their child; Suzette started to rub me the wrong way in the second half of the book and I wish the author could have portrayed her with more nuance and sympathy. All in all, I was engaged (while simultaneously being terrified/horrified) and found the book to be an engrossing read.

Gripping. Hanna and Suzette are disturbed. I couldn’t stop reading to see what Hanna would do to Suzette next and what Suzette would finally do about it. Hanna is evil and I found myself feeling a certain way throughout the day. This book stuck with me physically and had an actual effect on me! This was an amazing read. Stage wrote an amazing book and had an excellent way of telling the wicked ways a child could be. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital ARC of this as well as to St. Martin’s Press for not only the published ARC edition, but also a fantastic audiobook I could listen to, in exchange for my unbiased review. I have been beyond excited of all the press this book has gotten from the publisher and that I have been included!

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley. Thank you to the publisher St. Martin's Press. The title and description are what caught my attention. Absolutely loved this gripping novel! Full of suspense between mother and daughter. Just when you think that the little girl has gone too far, she pushes beyond any mold of reason. Honestly, I do wonder what will become of the characters and would love a part two as Hanna grows into her teen years.

The story is told in alternating viewpoints of the mother and child. Hanna loves her father a bit too much to be considered healthy at all. And she is unreasonable in her obsession. She doesn't want to share him with her mother at all. Suzette struggles to get her husband and Hanna's father to see the truth about the situation with Hanna's behavior. Mother faces issues of guilt as Hanna's behavior spirals out of control into dangerous territory, repeatedly. The father is oblivious since Hanna acts more like a saint in his presence, while she's a devil towards anyone else.
This book was disturbing, in that "can't put down...what next?! level of suspense. I am in awe of the author's story and writing in this debut novel. The title is perfection! I look forward to more works from this author.

Great book! This is a book that will leave you a bit unsettled. The author created characters (the mother and daughter) who I felt both sympathy and revulsion toward. There were times when I thought the mother, Suzette, was a horrible person, then the next moment I’d feel bad for her. Same with the daughter Hanna. Was she a bad seed or was behavior due to her mother’s feelings toward her? You’ll have to read and decide for yourself.

On a side note, I liked the father, but boy was he clueless! I think most fathers would be a little more aware of what’s going on.

The ending was satisfying, but it also left room for a sequel. I really hope the author will write one. Even if she doesn’t, I will read her next book!

The horror is just beginning.

This brilliant debut grabbed me from the beginning and kept me flipping pages until I finally closed my kindle with a satisfied sigh. It's been a while since I've read such a well written, original, keep-me-going thriller/horror novel.

The Jensen family has it all. Or so it seems. Yes, they have money and looks. They are all talented and smart. But, mom has Crohn's and 7 year old Hanna doesn't talk. And Hanna wants to kill mom and marry her dad.

Did I mention that Hanna wants to kill mom? Yeah.

This is one hell of a not to be missed story. St Martin's Press will be publishing it in July 2018. I can't thank them enough for offering me an advance copy.

May contain spoilers.

This book is quite the page-turner. I got no deep message or theme from the story; just good entertaining story telling for the most part, with a campy flair. The mother and father characters were frustrating in their endless patience and denial, especially the father. Wake up. Your kid is a BAD SEED. Mom, quit blaming yourself. Especially toward the end, when Hanna callously harms her mother by placing tacks on the floor by her bed so she'll step on them, and the next day or two when the girl tries to cremate her mother at their bonfire. Come on.....do something.
But as I said, an entertaining story as long as you don't take it seriously.

Zoje Stage is channeling the great Ira Levin in this one. I foresee Baby Teeth being today what Rosemary's Baby was in the 60s. (Am I dating myself there?) Baby Teeth is a smart, calculating thrill ride with a possibly psychotic, possibly sociopathic, possibly evil 7 year-old leading the way. While every detail is not as tight as it is in Levin's work, this is Zoje Stage's debut novel, and I'm confident she will learn to screw each detail in with precision. This book straddles the genres of horror and thriller with tightrope precision, leaving the reader teetering with arms out between the two. Which does it fall into? It doesn't matter, it's a heck of a walk down the middle! I rounded up from a 3.5 star rating (needs to tighten those details with a bit more precision, leaving absolutely nothing unnecessary), but I truly feels this book deserves the upgrade. It will make you cringe, it will make you fidget, it will leave you feeling exposed, it will be controversial, but it will be read by many!

This novel had such good potential! The writing style was authentic and it grasped my attention and held it. BUT, is it just me or was the ending the worst ever? (Spoiler Alert) There were clues planted throughout and I really felt like we’d find out it was the mother who had had made the daughter the way she was, either intentionally or because of her limited emotional capacity. There was no other reason to add all of the detail about her relationship with her mom, her Chrohns, her preoccupation with being perfect, etc. It was almost as if this book had a different ending originally but when it was edited they told the author she should add a few gratuitous sex scenes and change the ending since the primary audience would be women and they wouldnt like it if the mother was blamed for the daughter being crazy. It wasn’t a terrible ending because it was unclear what would happen to the daughter, it was an awful ending because in the end who really cares what is going to happen? With no underlying explanation as to why all of the characters were so unlikeable and such a simplistic plot, I won’t be reading any further sequels about this family.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book (from NetGalley). All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wow...Creative, fresh, and unique! I have no clue how this idea came to fruition, but it was worth every second! I zipped through in just two days’ time—which was amazing, considering I did not have the luxury to read it from cover to cover in one sitting. This unique novel is unlike anything I have previously read. Vividly described discord in parenting styles set the stage for a perfect storm. I was mesmerized by the development of the climax...I could truly FEEL the mother’s anxiety. Simultaneously, the daughter’s nonchalant attitude and absence of emotion materialized as very plausible and frightening. This book was amazingly realistic. I would like to thank both St. Martin’s Press and Zoje Stage for a fabulous thriller!!

Baby Teeth definitely gets props for originality. I’ve certainly never read a book about a creepy kid quite like Hanna. The title and cover are also wins for the novel. However, the blurb made the book sound much more exciting than it actually was. I never felt fear for Suzette’s safety, probably because her character was borderline too stupid to live. Just none of her or her husband’s behaviors made sense, so it was hard to feel sympathy for them. If it wasn’t for the chapters told from Hanna’s POV I may have stopped reading. The ending was annoying too. Writing was solid though and this book may work for others. It seems like a love it or hate it kind of read.

Many reviews focus on how disturbing this book is, but my reasons for not liking it and not being able to finish it are more about the narrative voice and the pacing. The first few chapters contain so much backstory, told in a way that doesn't feel organic; I just couldn't stay engaged in the plot. The perspective also feels off for a little girl. I didn't buy it. I should love this book. This kind of story is right up my alley, but in the end, I am not a fan.

I stayed up far past my bedtime so that I could see how Baby Teeth would end. Zoje Stage has written a mother-daughter story that is completely creepy and compulsively readable! The story alternates between Suzette's (the mother) and Hanna's (the daughter) points of view. The alternating points of view really added to the twisty, creepy tension of the story.
As the story progresses and the reader gets deeper into the lives of the Jensen family, it becomes harder to see who is right and who is wrong. Baby Teeth left me unsettled and glad that Hanna was only a character in a book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book is about a 7 yr. old girl who is EVIL. Her dad doesn't believe the terrible stories his wife or ANY of the school administrators of the 4 or 5 schools she attends and keeps getting expelled from, tell him! So, he's an idiot. Then, the mom suffers from Crohn's Disease ( that has nothing to do with her daughter's evilness) so we have to keep reading about her bowel issues. The only reason I give this two stars instead of one is that it did keep me reading to find out what would happen. The ending was unsatisfying, however, as nothing was resolved and it seemed to scream "WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL!" I would never recommend this book to a friend.

(3.5) Okay. This was a really creepy book. I was loving it at first, then looking like it was going in the direction of being a demonic horror story, which isn't my cup of tea, I wasn't quite sure I was going to be able to continue. I did continue reading until the very end and it turned out not to be demonic but still quite frightening and shocking. The writing was well done and I liked the perspectives of Suzette and Hanna told in alternating paragraphs. Hanna was quite an evil, clever and scary little girl. This book was a very enthralling page-turner.

I received an advance review copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I have finished it last night at 2:00am! There was no way I could put it down. I just had to know how it ends.
This is probably the most creepy novel I have read this year.
Don't read it at night, if you don't have nerves made of steel. Lol
Super dark, freaky and disturbing.

I was asking myself few times what is really happening, if the girl is just a brat, or maybe psychopath, or maybe she is possessed by devil, or maybe there will be some other explanation of her violent behavior.

And than at the end of the book I actually was asking myself if there will be a sequel?

I personally enjoyed this horror story, even though was so creepy.

I received a copy through Netgalley.

Whoa this is a horror psychological thriller in a book.The authors theater/filmmaker comes through in the story.The amount of detail comes through in a show not tell sort of way while actually being told.

Hanna is a cute little girl who has a dark side.This is one scary child and seeing her perspective makes it even more chilling.

Suzette is a stay-at-home and homeschooling mother who is at her whits end.She has chronic health issues and a dysfunctional childhood in her past.Her daughter goes after her alone so her husband doesn't see any of it.

I highly recommend this one.

I agree with most of the negative reviews. So far I've kept reading in hopes i would get through to something more believable. I'm about 75% through and amazed by how offensive this book is. Add to that...not one of the characters is believable. The mother is weak and whiny...the father is weak and smarmy and evil in his own way. the girl has no credibility. I will finish the book just to see if the author redeems this mess.

#whynonannycam?

olutely outstanding debut novel with so many twists, turns, and betrayals it nearly impossible to keep track. The characters are real, deep, and completely believable, even the little terror who still haunts my mind weeks after finishing the book! I received an early ARC of this book and once I started, could not put it down! Hanna is terrifyingly sweet, horrid, and diabolic. Her father, completely clueless until it is nearly too late, and her mother....completely and totally at her wicked mercy. Outstanding POVs that really make you question the looks, thoughts, and motives behind the loving bonds between so called "happy" families!! That ending??? WOW

The cover of this book intrigued me. This is a fabulous book and I am so glad I got a chance to read it.

This book is about a dysfunctional family. Hanna is a sweet little girl who can do nothing wrong in her father's eyes. Hanna wants to spend time with her father without her mother standing in the way. She wants her mother OUT of the house.

Suzette loves her daughter but after all the bad things that Hanna does, Suzette can't believe that her husband is so blind to this. Her daughter is obsessed with her husband. It's not healthy and Suzette is forced to choose between her family and her sanity.

Great book!!

The writing was good, character development okay, and the story was interesting. Nevertheless, I didn't really enjoy this book at all. A very dysfunctional mother, a clueless father regarding the seriousness of the difficulties between his wife and daughter, and a psychopathic child, resulted in a very sad story. One is also left wondering why the mother never audio or videotaped some of the bizarre behaviors her daughter displayed towards her, so her husband would get a more full picture of the seriousness and danger of his daughter's actions. The non ending of the book was also disatisfying and left me wondering if a sequel is planned. I won't be reading it.

Oh my goodness, what a ride! Six year old Hanna is Daddy's little angel, that is when Daddy is around. When he's not, she is another little girl altogether for Mommy. If Mommy wasn't around, she and Daddy could live happily ever after. She begins to slowly become more and more of a threat. Being an imaginative child, she can come up with some really funny things to surprise Mommy. Actually, It's a toss-up about which one of the three deserves more sympathy. Just make sure you have plenty of time to begin this story, because once begun, it's impossible to put down. There are plenty of little twists and turns, so don't read with the lights off.

This book won’t be for everyone - it’s a pretty uncomfortable read - maybe especially if you’re a mom. I know some reviewers struggled with the idea of a seven year old being “evil”. I thought she was an intriguing character though... I enjoyed the book, and found it really interesting.

Hanna is a little girl totally in love with her Daddy - enough so that she would happily remove her Mother from the the picture so she can have Daddy all to herself.

The book alternates perspectives between Hanna and Suzette (Mommy) - and does it well. I was thoroughly engaged in just how horrid the little girl could be - and sympathized with Suzette and her processing her own issues.

I did wonder a bit how they could both be so in love with dad who was utterly clueless and naive, but to each their own....

If you are of a certain age, or love old movies, you may be familiar with a psychological thriller of the 50's, The Bad Seed. This is the current generation's edition, and was, for me, creepier than the movie, or Gone Girl, or maybe even The Omen. What happens when a little girl, who refuses to speak, decides that she needs her mommy gone, that she and her daddy would be better off without mommy? If you think, "What can a little girl do?" you are clearly not a parent! If you can accept the premise (and the pacing, which I admit, can seem a little slow -- but purposeful, I promise you!), this book will pull you in. And the ending! Wow!

This is one of those stories that will stick with you for awhile. It is dark and disturbing. Hanna, the 7 year old daughter of Alex and Suzette, loves her dad but hates her mom. She does everything in her power, as much as a 7 year old can have, to make her mom leave. This book is told from the points of view of Hanna and Suzette, so we get insight to both of their minds and what they are thinking when things happen. And this will make you keep turning the pages to see what happens because it is crazy! I can't wait to see what this author writes next.

Thank you to St. Martin's for the advanced copy of this book.

This book was.. Very good in some parts, made me squeamish in other parts. I haven't read many books where I didn't care for any of the main characters. While written very well and the characterization was excellent executed, I had a difficult time getting into the storyline. The main characters, Hanna, was so abhorrent and evil. I just couldn't seem to summarize with any of the characters in any way. I know that many have read and loved it, but it just wasn't for me.

*I would like to thank the author/publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*

This has got to be one of the creepiest books that I have ever read. The idea that a child can think like this and do these things just blew me away. There were several times that I had to just put the book down and get away from it from a few minutes. It seriously affected me mentally.

However, there is no way that I will ever forget this book. It's one that will stay with me for a very long time. While the subject matter is pretty much on the garish side, it was a good read.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

This was Intense!
The beginning was hard to believe that a four-year-old could do all these things no matter how advanced for her age. As I kept reading it got much deeper. This was crazy! I was rooting for the mother. This was like watching a Stephen King movie. Let's kill mommy!. Hanna wants her mother gone by any means necessary. And she sure does try. Creepy read. Stages has a wild imagination and weaved this psychological twister hauntingly right to the very last page.
I received an advanved copy for my honest review.
Dawn Ruby
BookGypsy
Novels N Latte
Book Blog

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Wow, this book really kept me riveted from start to finish. What a fantastic story about a very dysfunctional family. Mom Suzette has health problems, father Alex is a workaholic who seems to cater to daughter Hanna's every whim which causes jealousy between Mom and Hanna. This jealousy leads to all sorts of devious acts by Hanna to try to do away with her mother. There are plenty of twists and turns in this very interesting book. I highly recommend this book to all psychological thriller fans.

I enjoyed this book! It was a page turner for me. I recommend this book for readers who liked The Bad Seed and We Need To Talk About Kevin. If you don't like the evil child trope, then you may want to pass on this book. I'm predicting that Baby Teeth will be a controversial book and people will either love it or hate it. It shows the darkside of parenting. The story is told in alternating points of view; it goes from the mother's perspective to the daughter's perspective. It leaves the reader questioning whether kids are born bad or if it's bad parenting.The scariest part about this book is knowing that kids with mental health issues with violent behaviors are a reality in today's society.

There were a couple times while reading this super creepy book that i had to giggle. I remember a few times when my much younger sister was a toddler, I’d find her staring at me or trying to communicate and I thought, “dang, you look creepy”, what if she’s possessed. I know, I know, I read too much! (She turned out to be very sweet, by the way)
Anyway, this book was somewhat predictable but still very creepy and frustrating. I didn’t like any of the characters. They were all weak, and or self serving, but I loved the storyline because it’s different than what I normally read.
Thank you to St. Martins Press for this free ARC in return for an honest review.

Hanna was just a little girl, right? Little girls loved their Mommies, right? But she still wouldn't talk. Six years old and still not talking. She could read and write, do arithmetic, but had already been kicked out of two schools for behaviors that Alex won't believe she does. Suzette only knows her daughter hates her. Her husband refuses to see it, because she is always loving to him. She never misbehaves when he's around. What can she do? Will he ever see what's wrong with Hanna? An edge of your seat story, dark and twisted in the midst of everyday suburban life. Don't read this one in bed!

The book is being compared to ‘We Need To Talk About Kevin”, “Gone Girl”, and “The Omen”, stick with the compared material. The great thing about these 3 books is the mystery of the one perspective narrator or not knowing the thoughts of the main actor of the story. With Gillian Flynn’s book it was so new and unique to have a two perspective narrator.
Developmentally the story is just unbelieveable, child prodigy’s are not-psychopaths. That’s only in books. If you didn’t read it in school, read “the Tin Drum’, I think I’ll reread it. Now, that’s a scary small protagonist. If you want more about real protigy’s, loved Andrew Solomon’s “Far From theTree”. Reads like a novel. Get it on kindle or Audible, it’s too big to hold:)

The book started slowly for me and I was becoming bored. The kid first sounded like a badly-behaved pet, like a cat or dog who scratches, bites, chews up furniture, poos and pees on the carpet, etc. But the book started to draw me in. Hanna next seemed to be like an defiant teenager, then turned into an evil, creepy and violent kid. Her evil ways seemed too mature and creative for a 7-year-old. It was unbelievable. I think the book ended abruptly and I feel there should be a Part 2 to the Jenson family's story. Is the author planning to write a sequel?

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage is a great psychological thriller. Told from different viewpoints, it is the story of a mother and child at odds. With such different viewpoints, it's hard to tell at times whose perspective is correct. The plot gets more and more twisted as story develops. This is a great read for readers who love psychological thrillers. It does end a bit abruptly and yes it is a bit predictable, but I still think it is a great read. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher. These opinions are entirely my own.

Wow, what a horribly disturbing yet completely enthralling book! I could not put this book down. I just had to know if Hanna was possessed, psychotic, or just in need of attention. From start to finish, I read to see what horrifying thing she would do next, yet I felt sad for her because her mother, Suzette  was unlikeable, uncaring, and a bit disturbed herself. I think this is story that would disturbed even Stephen King because of the way it builds the suspense slowly, a little bit at a time. It's definitely a must read.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book, the opinions are my own.

I reviewed this utterly brilliant
book, carefully and at legth, just now. I hit submit. It said I "could not be verified" and took me to a sign in page. I signed in. My review, of a book very important to me, took three hours to write. I finally said what I needed to say perfectly. After I signed in, my review, my work, which I had entrusted to the store VANISHED. After signing in, I was returned to the review box. IT WAS EMPTY. WHERE THE HE'LL IS MY REVIEW? You neefed, for some moronic reason, to suddenly "verify" me before submitting my tevirw. Instead, you destroyed it. Murdered it and buried the body. I am beyond furious. Why? WHY?

OMG OMG OMG - I honestly had to keep telling myself this was FICTION.

Hannah is a normal 7-year old; or so she appears. Hannah doesn't speak and Suzette her mother is again having her tested to be sure it is not something physically wrong with her. But after multiple medical tests, Hannah is a normal or so she appears to everyone but her mother. Suzette has tried everything and finally she thinks maybe homeschooling is the problem. Little does Suzette know it is Hannah's love for her father, Alex; and Hannah decided it should be just Hannah and her father and Hannah will do anything to make that happen. #TeamSuzette

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher, St. Martin's Press, through Netgalley.

3.75 stars. Hanna doesn't like her mommy, but she loves her daddy. Too much. Baby Teeth is creepy and entertaining and memorable. I'm not sure if I would label it a thriller, but it did keep me reading. I loved that it wasn't simply a story about a bad child. The parents have their own issues, as well. It is well-written, very cinematic, as well. I'm not sure the ending completely satisfied me, but overall, a great debut!

I enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down cause I kept wanting to know what Hannah was going to do next. You expect little girls to be sweet, fun, cute not devious and calculating. It also shows how Suzanne feels when she expects a perfect daughter and actually has a daughter who tries to hurt her. It shows her mixed emotions and she battles with her ability to be a good parent. I was disappointed that there wasn’t a big twist in the ending. The book kept going along like I thought it would but would have enjoyed a “What?” ending or twist

This book really creeped me out! How heartbreaking to have a child who is mentally unstable. The child’s father loves her so much and is in denial to the extent of his child’s illness. Born to a woman who grew up iwith a disfunctuonal mother. For me it was a very hard book to read but I would recommend it to others. Be ready to be freaked out..

A disturbing read, definitely not for everyone. Nature vs Nurture. A child, Hanna, in love with her Dad, Alex, and at war with her Mom, Suzette. She will do ANYTHING to get rid of her Mom. Characters are not very likeable, subject matter is scary and uneasy to read. Hanna is 7 but is doing things that are so much older that I had a hard time believing it. Just as in “We need to talk about Kevin”, the story line will rock your core. This read may stay with you for a long time.

I received an ARCof this book. All opinions are my own.

I was given an advance copy of this novel for an honest review. Firstly, I must say that the characters in this novel are incredibly well developed. Even though Hanna is a disturbed little girl, you can visualize why she does what she does while at the same time understanding the mother, Suzette's, reaction. This book is chilling and lies somewhere between a psychological thriller and pure horror. I also love that the novel doesn't end with everything tied up in a neat little bow. A sensational read! I look forward to reading more by this author.

Wow - this was an interesting book. Although some reviews state it's for pure entertainment I think readers could really discuss the positioning of the mom Suzette and the daughter Hanna. Without giving anything away I could see both sides of the story and I found myself more team Hanna even if she was manipulative and possibly dangerous. Okay well possibly is probably an understatement! The overall story flowed well and I felt it was an easy read. I found it hard to put down and it had good pacing. Thank you to St. Marin's Press for this ARC. I would definitely recommend!

The entire premise of this book was beyond realistic. A 7 year old child loathes her mother so much she is developing ways to get rid of her.

And the writer has insisted on describing the symptoms of Chrones Disease for whatever reason I cannot fathom.

The story is ridiculous. A 7 year old child has taken on the identity of a woman burned at the stake in France 400 years ago! Ludicrous!

If I could get my money back for this book I would not hesitate. Biggest waste of time and money and for those contemplating purchase don't bother.

Awful book. Stupid story. Idiotic characters.

Dark. So dark. This novel was so well written and psychologically disconcerting that I stretched reading it out. Hanna and Suzette’s story will stay with you long after you have finished this book. Nothing is stronger than the bond between a parent and child and nothing is more horrifying when there isn’t one... Zoje does such a beautiful job on the chapters from Hannah's perspective that I felt mildly uncomfortable just reading them.

Baby Teeth is the story of a not so perfect family. Suzette and Alex Jensen and their young daughter Hanna. Hanna loves her daddy but harbors a hate for her mom. Hanna is non-verbal but is it a medical condition or by choice? Why can't the family keep a babysitter for more than one night? Does Hanna have an imaginary friend or is it a mental illness rearing it's ugly head? I found the book hard to put down as I followed the family's journey through what can only be described as a nightmare. Definitely recommend it!

Wow! Wow! Wow! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

If you enjoy thrillers and don’t mind that the child is a psychopath you’ll love this book. The story is told from two alternating perspectives, Hanna (daughter) and Suzette (mother). Hanna views her mom as an obstacle that stands in her way of having all of daddy’s love and attention. Suzette is a mother who tries her best most days to take care of Hanna and only she sees the tricks Hanna plays. .
Be forewarned some scenes may be difficult for some to read. I literally found myself grimacing and saying “Oh my God!”

While some may say they found Suzette to not be relatable I would disagree and argue that any parent has found them self wondering if they are doing the parenting thing right. Is there something that could be done differently or better? How does a parent’s choices effect their children?

I REALLY hope there is a sequel because the ending certainly lends itself to it.

***I was provided an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***

I received this novel for free from the publisher through Netgalley for a review. Suzette loves her husband and she loves her daughter, Hannah, but sometimes she thinks her daughter doesn't love her back. Sometimes she thinks her daughter may actually be trying to hurt her. Hannah agrees. I thought that this was an interesting story, it is different then pretty much anything else I have read before as I have not read a lot concerning potentially psychotic children. I thought that the author did a good job demonstrating situations from Hannah's point of view and though it didn't make her necessarily a likeable character it made it interesting to see things from her perspective. I thought the book was a slow burn, though things happened it took a while to build up to them, but the payoff was worth it and I'm glad that I continued reading

This is a creepy, twisted, terrifying tale of 7 yea old Hannah. She hates her mommy and thinks she’s put a spell on daddy to make him not love her anymore. Hannah who is nonverbal ( is it by choice or is she not able) invokes an imaginary friend, Ann Marie who was burnt in the witch trails , to help her get rid of mommy. Together they execute heinous acts on Suzette to get rid of her, each one getting worse and worse. Does daddy believe mommy or is Hannah’s plan working?

This book was so good and creepy! I couldn’t believe the things that Hannah was doing and how well she played things off! I cringed every time for Hannah’s perspective wondering what she would do next!
I loved the writing style, the only thing that I didn’t love was all the diet talk, it just felt like to much of it.

Thank you to ST. Martin press and The Author for the Arc for review consideration.

If you love being creeped out, this book is for you. Beautifully written, alternating with dialogue from Suzette the mother and Hanna, the seven year old, diabolical daughter. Alex is the loving father, torn between love for his daughter and love for his wife. No spoilers here, just a strong recommendation to read this terrifying tale for yourself. Make sure you read it during the day, it’s guaranteed to interrupt a restful sleep. She is a brilliant writer and I predict a sequel is in the works!

Baby Teeth by Joje Stage is an excellent psychological thriller. This novel has had a lot of buzz and controversy. I can see what all of the hype is about. I loved it and could not put it down. This is a novel that I will recommend over and over.

The Jensen family seems to have it all, but do they? What they do have is a psychopath for a daughter who wants to kill mommy and marry daddy.
This book is creepy and chilling. Think the Bad Seed meets the Omen and We have to talk about Kevin. Read it! Not to be missed! I would give it 10 stars if I could.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Joje Stage and St. Martins Press for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

Riveting and way past creepy, the tension in this story builds from the beginning and keeps right on going. Whether you like them or not, these are some of the most compelling characters I have ever read. Some parts of this book, particularly the violence, are hard to read. However, they are integral to the story and the characters. I would classify this as more of horror genre book. It definitely stays with you long after you have finished reading. I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

This debut novel is a story is told in alternating POV chapters switching between mother Suzette and daughter Hanna. After finishing this book, I'm excited to see what the author will come out with next.

The story is so intriguing and gripping- I devoured this book! I had to constantly resist the urge to peek at my kindle while at work, and by peek, I mean read the rest of the book. Hanna is so creepy, and I kept wanting to know and simultaneously dreading what new scheme she would cook up next for her poor mother. It was really disturbing reading the Hanna chapters and seeing the language and disturbing things she would imagine. There were a few times where I felt a bit bad for her and wondered whether Suzette was an unreliable narrator, and I don't want to spoil anything, so that's all I'll say about that. The book is fast-paced; I never got bored and was always curious to find out what would happen next. A real page-turner!

I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

Suzette, a mother trying the best that she can to help her child. Hannah is seven, she is mute, talented, bright and exceptionally smart. All she wants is her daddy's full attention and his unconditional love. All she has to do to have this happen......is to kill mommy.
A great novel that has creepiness,scariness and psychological terror.
Hold on to your seats, the surprises will haunt you for a lifetime. You'll never view you children in the same.
Recommended!
5 Stars

I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this book from the author and the publisher. Can I just say this is the most twisted, suspenseful, mind blowing book I have read in a long time. This book reminds me of some of ththe twisted books written by Stephen King. In this book you will meet a cute little girl who by all accounts is an adorable daughter them BAM!!! Everything changes. I can’t wait for what’s coming next from this author!!! Congrats on the amazing release!!!

Wow, I loved this book. It is a very creep book about a 7 year old named Hannah who is trying to get rid of her mother and just live with her father. It is like nothing I have ever read before. It is classified as a thriller but is more like a horror.

The author does a wonderful job in keeping you interested to find out what happens next.

Will there be a sequel to find out what happens?

This book was super creepy and definitely not for everyone. I would classify more towards psychological horror than suspense. Very well-written but the subject matter of a 7 year old who wants to kill her mother is highly disturbing. I found it hard to believe that a 7 year old could be that devious and evil especially when her interactions with other people were extremely limited. This is the story of Hanna, who has never spoken a word and wants to kill her mother so she can have her father all to herself. The story unfolds in the voices of her mother, Suzette and Hanna in alternating chapters. It is also hard to believe that her parents didn't do more about her lack of speech and that her father was so oblivious to her behavior and the way she treated her mother until the end of the book. I wouldn't recommend this to everyone but those who do read it won't be able to put it down.

Some may like reading this psychological story of a young child and her abuse to her mother. It was creepy and reminded me of the Chucky Character in the Child's Play movies. Did get it read but took effort and only because I wanted to have closure to the reason for Hannah's mental health disorder. Just felt no light on in this story to redeem itself. "A copy of this book was provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."

I am going to be completely honest here; I had a hard time getting into this book initially because the idea of Hanna being so hateful to her Momma was a hard pill for me to shallow ~ but I am so glad that I stuck with it! This was definitely a riveting ride. My heart went out for Suzette, I have to say at one point I was questioning her sanity were these things really happening or was she overreacting? Being inside Hanna mind was a little freaky, but it is what really made the story for me.

Loved this book. I like how it goes back and forth between what hanna who is cannot speak is thinking to her mother and fathers perspective. You can tell from the beginning something is different with Hanna . Suzette is an interesting character as well. This book really makes you think.... would you be able to love your child no matter what they did , to you or others? Would you still love ypur child if they show no emotion except hatred towards you. Its a hard concept to imagine but in suzette s world its a reality. I really hope there is a sequel so we can find out if the marshes really do help here or if shes beyond help

Wow! That was quite a story. I would have preferred the ending to have been not so vague. A couple of times in the middle I almost gave up on it but I'm glad I didn't, even though this isn't the type of book I would normally read. It was enough to keep my interest though. I don't know what else I can say and not give away too much so I'll stop while I'm ahead.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

WOW! I’m beyond speechless right now. I’m still trying to process what I just read. This is by far he creepiest and darkest book I’ve read this year.
Baby Teeth is about a dysfunctional family who has one problem- a seven year old child named Hanna. As the mother of my own seven year old daughter, I can’t imagine going through what the Jensen Family did. This book will be loved or hated and will most certainly spark major controversy between readers. Although parts of this book were disturbing, I found myself captivated and devouring the pages. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Stage has in store for us next. I received a copy of this book from St. Simon’s Press in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start this review by saying I have a teenage daughter. Now, as a mom, I can't be the only one ever to have one of those dreams...one of those terrifying nightmares where your child is basically the devil incarnate and you're just feverishly drowning in helplessness, no matter what you do the situation/your child cannot be swayed, controlled or tempered. Like trying to slog through the quicksand stairs while the monster is chasing you. This book is like living that nightmare and you just can't escape from it.

I was completely riveted by this story. It plays on so so many parental fears, fears we all have,

'am I doing this right?'

'Should I have done it this way or that way instead?'

'Am I wrong for thinking this..or feeling that?'

'Am I a good mother?'

It made me waiver constantly on my feelings towards Suzette. Much of her thought process was so relatable. We tend to, right or wrong, have a constant internal battle with ourselves and Suzette was a pretty spectacular example of this. Even the way she constantly compared her upbringing to that which she provided for her daughter. We all strive to 'be better', we all want for our children that which we felt we lacked and needed the most. On the flip side though, she could be selfish and quick to think or expect the worst, although considering her history it wasn't exactly a stretch to see why she would do so in some ways, and her constant desire to exude perfection, especially to her husband was concerning. Really she was a spectacularly flawed human, much like the rest of us. I mean, can you still call it paranoia if there's a legitimate reason to be paranoid?

Hannah was an equally compelling character. It was easy to teeter back and forth between feeling sympathy for her and wondering how much of what was happening with her was in fact due to the dynamic in the household, or stemming from Suzette's shortcomings or overreaching and her father's overcompensation and denial, or being terrified of the fact that maybe she is a deeply disturbed little girl capable of horrifying actions. Either way it was impossible to look away, I was as determined as Suzette to get to the bottom of this mystery. Admittedly some of her actions seemed over the top and to be a thrill just for the sake of the thrill, but it was honestly still riveting nonetheless.

I don't want to spoil anything because a lot of the page-turning fun of this book is waiting to find out what is really happening and which side you will ultimately fall on. Although I will say that even at the very end I still found myself conflicted on that! But I must say, as frustrating as that can be, it was also an unexpected surprise and I feel like it fit the story as a whole quite well. I truly enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down, it was pretty much everything it promised it would be, a disturbing, fast paced page-turner that will keep you engrossed till the very end!

*I received an ARC of this book via St. Martin's Press and this is my honest review*

Thank you St. Martin's Press and Netgalley. I was warned by a friend about this book and she did not lie. It is intense, thrilling, and addictive. I actually stayed up Thursday night and finished this because I knew I wouldn't be able to read for several days. I had to figure this out. I have to say I am still not sure who was crazier, but all the characters were driving me crazy. I do hope there is a sequel. I really need one. This is a must read!

Oh my goodness, I just finished Baby Teeth. This is a debut novel and it is incredible. I need time to come to terms with this story. All I can say is, if you like thrillers that are dark, this a book you can't miss.

Told in the alternating voices of the mother and daughter. I plays out with the husband/father as an oblivious bystander to the drama. It is a very chilling story.

The book is well written. It sucks you in the start and turns your thinking upside down. The characters are so real and sometimes scary.

Thank you to Martin's Press for publishing this book

Baby Teeth was a creepy thriller that kept me reading long into the night. It is a scary read about a little girl named Hanna who loves her daddy so much she wants to kill her mother to get rid of her. This is one of the most creepiest books I have read in a long while.

This book is every parent’s worst nightmare. It turns maternal regret and guilt on its head. I cringed the whole time I was reading it, but I could not stop turning the pages. It was like the horror movies you watch with your fingers over your eyes, just peeking through, but you love the scare so you won’t turn it off. Wonderfully entertaining, suspenseful, and stirring up feelings only a mother could understand, this book is a winner.

This book was very good and very well written. Following the search for answers about their daughter Hannah as Suzanne and Alex fought to regain their home, health and happiness was heartbreaking and yet inspirational at the same time. Realizing that your 7 year old daughter is mentally ill as she tries to get rid of her mother...it’s hard to think about, but I’m sure many people are dealing with these issues every day. I highly recommend giving this book a chance.

**A copy of this novel was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

The description of Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage is what first drew me into the book. A suspenseful, yet slightly spine tingling, story about a small child who seems to have it out for her mother? Sign me up.

The idea that Stage had was well intended and almost a guarantee to bring people in. Unfortunately I found that the idea was not as well executed as I would have hoped. Hanna's thoughts and actions are well beyond her years to a point where I find that it was incredibly awkward to read. I feel like maybe Stage was trying to make us uncomfortable due to the idea of the book, but it went to an extreme. I have to admit, I was unable to finish reading this book and that was disappointing. I wish the mentality of Hanna was equivalent or even close to that of a normal child her age. It just seemed to jump back and forth over the line of believability. Too much so for me.

I will say that Stage has a great writing style. She's clear and concise and has a good flow to her story. It didn't feel rushed or lagging from the parts I did read. I would be very interested to read Stage's next novel and she continues to develop as a writer and explore different story lines. I also think this book will be something others will enjoy. It just wasn't for me.

What do you do if you have a child that you should love unconditionally, but that child is disturbed and wants nothing more than to kill you. What do you do when no one believes you and your husband never sees the disturbing behaviour? Your child is constantly in trouble in school but Daddy won’t believe his daughter is disturbed. This story is dark, disturbing and very controversial. Parts of it may be unbelievable but I was thoroughly entertained.

Thank you St. Martin's Press for my ARC! I had really looked forward to reading this and wanted to love it, BUT..... I found it EXTREMELY disturbing and I am not easily disturbed. Hanna was just such an evil child and I was not able to like or sympathize with any of the characters. It is however, very well written and if you can handle the subject matter then I do recommend it. I am definitely interested in seeing what this author comes up with for a follow-up! #BabyTeethBook

If you are a fan of the unreliable narrator, the author has mastered the technique. The premise of the "demon child" was a reach, but the plot moves along quickly with lots of twists and turns. Why am I shaking my head? I was not able to connect to even one of the characters. Not a one of the was layered enough or complex enough to be interesting. The ending left me shaking my head even harder. It was entertaining but not enjoyable.

Wow! This book was truly creepy! I enjoyed it immensely! I love psychological thrillers but the ones with children are particularly disturbing. I loved the author's style of writing, the back and forth was an interesting way to tell Hanna and Suzette's story. The challenges that a non-verbal child presents were described very well in this book. I would read more from this author. The ending definitely poses the question...will there be a sequel??

I listened to the audio book and was hooked immediately. I loved the story telling, despite a rather tired characterization of the mother, and the narration was superb. Ending a compelling story can be very difficult to do satisfactorily, but this ending was such a let down it ruined the rest of the book for me. It wasn't deep, or as sophisticated as the rest of the book. Rather it was like the author was about to get on the last chopper out of Vietnam and felt the need to wrap up before she
grabbed her boots and left. Ugh.

Spine tingling , creepy book! That book was great!!!! You have a beautiful, perfect daughter or so it seems? This is the story of little psychopath Hannah the is the apple of her daddy's eye or is Suzette a very jealous mom? You have to read to find out . SOOOO different then anything I have read in awhile and it kept me reading into the night. I will definitely keep watch for anything this author writes in the future. LOVED!

I saw this as a dark and twisted look into Nature vs. Nurture, and trying to break the cycle of becoming our own parents.
Each chapter's pov goes back and forth from the mother; Suzette, to the daughter; Hanna, as did which person I blamed for the way Hanna was, and which character I was rooting for.
The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat (literally clutching a pillow from mid-way to the end of the book!)

5+ Amazing, creepy and thrilling stars! WOW! What a fantastic thrill ride this book was! I enjoyed everything about it and I definitely wanted to string a couple of people up by their toes! I can't believe this is a debut. Bravo! Normally, I would be gifting the heck out of this book to all my thriller lover friends, but this book is SO expensive! I will be telling everyone to watch their Libraries for it!

Man oh man did I like this book. I don't think that I have ever read a book that is so creepy. Hanna LOVES her dad very much. But she doesn't feel the same way about her mother. She just wants to kill her mother and she thinks of different ways to do it. Hanna reminds me of a little girl that would be in a horror movie. I did feel like the ending was missing something and wish it didn't end the way that it did. The way the book ended makes it seem like there maybe a sequel. I would totally read another book by this author.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for a advanced copy of this book to review.

This was a creepy and hard to put down book. I'm afraid of Hanna. How calculating can a 7 year old be? Suzanne just wants a normal and happy family but she's up against a wall to achieve this. I have to imagine there will be a sequel and I will read it but maybe during the day as it will be full of action. I don't normally read horror fiction but I was sucked in from the very beginning. I highly recommend this book.

Oh my God this book was bananas. I don't have children of my own but I have a niece and I was eye balling her pretty hard after finishing this book. What an awesome book. I was hooked from the very first page until the last. Zoje Stage wrote one heck of a book and I am eagerly waiting to see what she comes up with next. Absolutely pick up this book but know that I you will loose chunks of time once you start. Happy reading!

This was recommended to me and I got 1/2 way through with it before I had to stop reading. Very dark and sick. Like the Bad Seed movie of many years ago. The things this child does are creepy. There are SO many better books out there. And I don't understand why the author had to focus so much on Crohn's disease. The medical terms she used are not important to the story unless you have this condition and then you would know what she's writing about. Waste of time. Read Linwood Barclay if you want a book with plots twists that keep you reading.

I guess I fall to nurture in the “nature vs nurture” discussion because I just couldn’t buy into the character of Hanna. We are expected to believe that a 7 year old was prescient enough as an infant to make the decision to never speak because she hated her mother but unhealthily adored her father. I got through about 10% of this novel before calling it quits. I guess I just can’t buy into the premise that a child could be this evil and manipulative at such a young age. It didn’t ring true to me and I quickly tired of page after page of pure hatred.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me this advance copy, but I need to move on.

I thought this was a twisted, creepy read. Suzette believed that once Hanna started talking life would get better and Hanna could go to school and not be home schooled. When Hanna does speak it is only to her mother and the things that come out of her mouth are not things a mother wants to hear. This was a very entertaining read and I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I read about half way through and could not finish. The premise and dynamics of the story were very disturbing. Definitely not my cup of tea.

First, I would say that this book is not for everyone. However, I found it wonderful and disturbing and creepy and impossible to put down. For me, the one central question I had was "how bad does it get for a mother to hate her child"...or better yet "how bad does it have to be for a mother to even contemplate killing her child?" You'll have to read the book for those answers. I re-read the last ten pages 5 times just to make sure I absorbed all of the dialogue...and hope with all my heart the author writes a sequel. This was a compelling summer read!

Creepy, evil kids freak me out. Hanna is one scary 7 year old. I really liked Hanna's parts of the book as I tried to figure out what's wrong with her and why does she want to kill her mother. Surprisingly, the parts of the story I didn't like were those of Hanna's mom, Suzette. Suzette is whiny, self-absorbed, and should have gotten help for daughter a long time ago. The parents don't communicate well and Daddy is oblivious to his child's bad behavior. Annoying parents aside, this a fun, scary read.

Hanna is 7 years old and lives with her mom, Suzette, and her dad, Alex. Hanna dreams of getting rid of her mom and being with just her dad. Baby Teeth is a slow burning, creepy, disturbing read. The characters are not likeable, but at the same time I identified with them all at certain points in the book. I read each chapter with a growing sense of dread of what was to come. This book is not for everyone and has some very unsettling subject matter. Baby Teeth is sure to get people talking and will probably be controversial!

A tense, creepy, suspenseful read that I blew through in a day when I'd wanted to savor it just because I needed to know what happened next. Both Suzette and Hanna's POVs melded perfectly to create suspense as the audience learns things that Suzette doesn't know as Hanna grows scarier and scarier. But also an intriguing look into how parents give love to their children and guilt associated with parenting. Unique, excellently written, and lives up to the hype!

This book is okay. I do not regret reading it. It's an intriguing plot and started out great. I couldn't wait to find out how it ends, but to get there you have to slog through a slow middle., And then the end is just predictable and disappointing. It's about an evil child and her parents and is taut at the beginning. Meh, it's just ends up being okay though.

Such a disappointment...no real content and not at all creepy or interesting. I kept waiting for something to happen and for the story to tie together somehow but it never did. Also, I came to dislike Suzette (the heroine) immensely as she whined on and on throughout the story about so many things that did not relate. She clearly had so many options for helping herself and her child, but instead she was content playing the victim. The end did nothing to support the story-line and when it was over I just felt robbed of the time and money I had wasted.

I loved this book! Hanna is a very creepy and scary child that is an angel for dad and more of a devil for mom. I am not sure everyone will appreciate the villain being a child but that made it more interesting for me. The story goes back and forth between Hanna and the mom’s POV. Some things may have been a bit far fetched but given the story as presented to us I could understand a lot of the motivation from the parents. That being said, I am not a parent. Creepy as hell, totally engaging and awesome. I would love a sequel!

Holy crap y’all... this book is absolutely addicting!!! Edge of your seat thrilling! Jaw dropping craziness!!! I dare you to try and put this book down once you start reading.

One of THE BEST THRILLERS I’ve EVER read!!

I will be telling EVERYONE about this book! Absolute MUST READ!!

I can NOT wait for more books by Zoje Stage! I am a huge fan.

This book was different from what I expected. It was more down to earth than I thought it would be. I think I expected a monster child like you’d see in the movies, not an actual psychopath, so I was pleasantly surprised. The kid was Satan. That’s all I’m going to say because anything else will just give spoilers. It’s a great book and definitely worth reading.

Are some people born evil? BABY TEETH would imply that it's possible. I couldn't muster up sympathy for child, mother, or father. Some people should not become parents, and the Jensen couple is a perfect example. But then again, perhaps even the most well adjusted adults would be unable to successfully raise the monster child featured in this tale.

Not to be Missed! I myself love this book. Hanna is a sweet girl when her Daddy is around but when alone with Mommy she is a whole Another child . I do not want to give a bunch of spoilers away so this is one you will need to read for yourself if you like this type of book. I love these type of books. I would love more on little Hanna . Yes I recommend.

I received an E-ARC from NetGalley.
This book was hard for me to read because of the subject matter, but I will definitely read more books from this author in the future. I appreciated the character development throughout the novel and the pacing made it hard to put this book down. I loved the ending and would enjoy a sequel to see where the characters are in a few years. I loved the ending!

Wow. Diabolical. Maniacal. Cunning. Deranged. Manipulative. Intelligent. All of these words describe one of the creepiest children of the literary world. Baby Teeth is a masterpiece, full of suspense and horror. It is an amazingly gripping book that drew me in from the first page. Easily one of the best books I’ve read so far in 2018.

This was an interesting book that I really enjoyed. A good change from a typical mystery. I gave it a four instead of a five star rating because the flow of time frames was choppy as well as my finding the ending rather flat. From the last page I turned for the next chapter.....but the book was finished. A book, however, I would recommend.

Wow, what a dark book. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole read, often afraid to turn the page, afraid of what terrible thing might be about to happen. It's more that, though, that kept me hooked—it was the way the author skillfully twisted the reader's sympathies, and the tension in the complicated family dynamic. Definitely unsettling.

This is a remarkable novel, sort of a modernized explosion of Ray Bradbury's disavowed short story, "The Small Assassin", but writ large. Throw in a healthy helping of THE BAD SEED and sprinkle with Gillian Flynn and you get some idea of what you're in for. I read it gleefully, without a trace of guilt, though some might not.

Baby Teeth is the debut novel by Zoje Stage. In Baby Teeth the story is told in alternating voices of Suzette (mother) and Hanna (daughter). This story is fascinating and scary at the same time. Ms Stage does an excellent job of keeping the reader turning the pages. Looking forward to reading more by this author. I was given an early copy to review.

I loved this book! Yet, I hated it. I wanted to throw it across the room. Hard! There so many emotions running through me while reading. A book that can do that deserves it all. Baby Teeth deserves a better review than this, but my emotions get the best of me.
I received this book for free through the publisher and #netgalley.

Baby Teeth is a book that is way out of my comfort zone but I have to say I enjoyed reading it. Reading a book from this author is a first but I can say I'm looking forward to more from her. This book definitely a thriller and I think my mom would truly enjoy reading it. I love the characters and storyline and I can't wait for more.

Wow! Baby Teeth, by first time author Zoje Stage, was a great book! Suspenseful, creepy, terrifying, a real page turner. The complicated relationship between seven year old Hanna and her mother Suzette had me questioning everything I thought I understood about childhood perceptions of reality. Well written and thought provoking, I look forward to what author, Zoje Stage, has planned for her next twisted novel. Thank you St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and review Baby Teeth for their Early Reader Campaign.

Beyond the wild occurrences of the plot, the author includes so much truth about the push and pull of parent/child (even adult relationships), plays up the devastation of wondering if you are doing anything right and nails the frustration of having a child who lives mostly in his/her head. I read this in 24 hours and still am not convinced which one was the villain and which one was the victim.

I was really attached to this book, going back to it every time I had a spare moment. The story was good - straightforward, well written and disturbing. As I approached the final chapters, though, I knew it was going to happen, and it did. This book had one of the worst, unsatisfying, most poorly crafted endings ever! I was absolutely convinced that the book was damaged and was missing pages! In retrospect, I wish I had never started this vastly overrated book.

I managed to snag an early copy because of something that kept popping in my Facebook newsfeed

I read this in one sitting. It is disturbingly creepy. It brings to mind the movie Orphan. I could NOT put this book down. I don't want to give away anything but if you like twisted and creepy this is definitely a good book! I will definitely read more by this author

I wasn’t given a free copy in exchange for an honest review! This book is phenomenal! I did not think I was going to like the back and forth chapters but as it turns out they were relevant and only enhanced the story! I loved the two perspectives and it was down right disturbingly good! I could not put it down! It was so good!

Listened to this on audible in just a few days. Usually takes me weeks to months to finish a book because i forget to pick the book up. I found myself wanting to pick this up during every minute of my down time. The narrator does an awesome job distinguishing her voice slightly between child, mother and father. I may be biased because i loved ' we need to talk about Kevin'. Im also a counselor who works with children with these issues on an inpatient psych unit.

I'd heard so much buzz about this book that I wanted to like it. Unfortunately, that was not completely true. While there were elements that were good, I just didn't enjoy this thriller. I think little Hannah's viewpoint was the reason. I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Baby Teeth is a "psychological" thriller focusing on a dysfunctional family and their child with disturbing behavior. Alex, the father, does not want to see or believe that his daughter has behavioral/emotional problems. His daughter behaves around him, she is loving and, although she does not speak, she has her own way of communicating with him. Suzette, the Mother, is homeschooling her daughter while dealing with the symptoms of her Crohn's disease. Suzette is the target or her daughter, Hanna’s, "bad" behaviors. Hanna begins to speak to her Mother and really wants her father all to herself. She is clever, manipulative, and unwilling to speak. She does not like going to traditional schools and engages in behaviors which result in her leaving the traditional school environment.

This book is told through POV chapters titled "Suzette" or "Hanna” The reader gets a glimpse into the mind of each. Hanna is the proverbial "bad" seed who acts out and has behaviors which get her into all kinds of trouble. Although she is seven years old, she had thoughts and actions, I would associate with a much older child. While reading the book, I kept waiting for the light bulb to go off over Alex's head and for him to finally "see the light". Suzette, being the target of most of her daughter's bad behaviors, struggles with feelings ranging from wanting to help her daughter, fearing her child, and wanting to not have to deal with her child anymore.

For me this book was a solid 3 stars. I thought of the movie, "The Good Son" while reading this book. Hanna has "evil" thoughts and is perhaps mentally ill. I won’t say more about the family or their family dynamic. Hanna is creepy, and this book is a fast read but most of the actions felt "gratuitous" and there for shock value to move the story along. There are a lot of negative behaviors, actions and thoughts in this book that it almost became too much. As characters spiraled out of control, the pace picked up but again things just felt gratuitous. Some may also be turned off by the way Suzette speaks to her child. I get that the Author is trying to show how frustrated Suzette is with her child and how Hanna has pushed Suzette to the breaking point. Still, it may not sit well with some. I would describe this book as good not great. For me there was something missing. Initially I really enjoyed the book but as I read more, I felt a disconnect but still wanted to know how the book was going to end. There was a battle going on and I wanted to see who won - even though no one really wins in these situations.

I am curious to see what future books this Author writes.

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book kept me on my toes. The alternating points of view between Suzette and Hanna kept the book interesting. Hanna's POV was terrifying at times! If you're looking for a quick read that will keep you guessing, this book is for you!

`This is quite literally the first book ever that wholly and truly creeped me out. After I finished reading it (at like 1 A.M.) I had to put it away and just sit down and think about what I've read. Just as it is described, this book is not easy to read and will keep you on edge.

The author makes the characters so realistic and the situation so horrifying that you can actually feel yourself panicking with the characters. Baby Teeth is definitely one of the most stunning debut novels I have ever come across. I was actually terrified of what Hanna would do next and I flipped through the book as soon as I possibly could. I look forward to reading more from Zoje Stage, she's definitely on my auto-buy authors list.

The book was well written, but the story was just disturbing. I happen to love kids and think they make life worth while. This just seemed to promote selfishness. Put your kid away and make life and your marriage better is not a theme I buy into. Wish I hadn't bothered finishing it, but the writing sucked me in.

This was dark dark and more dark. A thriller about a 7 year old girl, Hanna, who does not speak but manages to find ways to communicate. She loves her Daddy but her and mommy struggle to get along. Mommy knows that there is something very disturbing about her daughter while daddy does not want to believe it.

Wow. I’m not sure how to express everything this book made me feel. Sadness, fear, anxiety and a hope for more. This can’t be the end. Will Hanna play the part of good girl well enough to come home to Suzette and Alex? Will they survive if she does?
I was provided an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.

While it did remind me of The Omen, it didn’t have a horror movie feeling, just a story about creepy bratty child. Maybe if Hanna was a psychopathic Poison Ivy-ish teenager, instead of a little girl, the story might have worked for me, but it required too much suspension of disbelief on my part.

I like books that make me feel a bit uncomfortable. Books that take me by surprise and make me say oh wow. This book has all of that and more. Creepy good. Makes you wonder just how many kids out there are like this, and if one of them could be yours. And maybe lock your bedroom door at night.

A dark and twisted tale of a very manipulative little girl. This is well written and flows well from beginning to end. The characters are complex and richly developed. This is psychological terror at its best. If you want goosebumps and to stay up turning the pages, this book is for you.

I did not enjoy this book. There's not one character to root for as they are all equally repulsive. The mother is a total narcissist, the father is clueless, and the child is an annoying monster. I had to force myself to finish it as I didn't really care what happened to any of them. Very disappointing.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins press for an ARC of Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage for an honest review.

Hands down a five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thriller! This book is fantastic it was creepy, and very disturbing that that seven year old Hanna dispises her mother so much that she wants her dead. She wants her daddy Alex all to herself! The story is told from both Suzette mother and daughter Hanna’s POV. I couldn’t stop reading and when I did I kept going over the book in my head. If you love a good Thriller you won’t be sorry with Baby Teeth it’s excellent and by far the best I’ve read.

Baby Teeth is a dark, disturbing book that is sure to generate a lot of talk and controversy. How could it not, when it's about a 7-year-old girl actively plotting to kill her mother so she can have her father to herself?

Reminiscent of the old book The Bad Seed (but not nearly as well done IMHO), this book makes you wonder if children can be born evil. Hanna does not talk; she can talk, but she doesn't unless it's to say something to totally freak her mom, Suzette, out. Hanna has been placed in school after school, only to be kicked out of all of them due to her bizarre behavior. Suzette is home-schooling her, but is overwhelmed by her own poor health, and the hour to hour struggles of dealing with Hannah. Worse, Hanna shows none of this behavior when her dad, Alex, is around, so he thinks his wife is overreacting. She's not. When things escalate to physical harm to Suzette, Alex finally gets his head out of the sand and works with Suzette to get the help their daughter needs.

I didn't care for this book. It all seemed very gratuitous to me. I kept reading only to find out how things resolve, but I am disappointed in myself that I took precious time to read this. From the wide band of reviews, this book is apparently something you love or don't. I'm on the don't side.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn’t put this down once I started. I am so glad the story ended the way it did and that Zoje Stage didn’t give in to what could have been a typical “horror-story” “bad seed” ending. Yet, the ending does leave the reader with a touch of suspense and wonder of what might happen down the road.

Holy crud! This was an insanely crazy book. Hanna is the scariest 7 year old ever! Her mom sees all the terrible things she does, but her dad is completely oblivious. To him she is the perfect, sweetest daughter. Her mom is the one that needs to be watchful, for Hanna has bad intentions.

This book was really, really good until the ending. The ending felt forced and/or rushed, so it was a major let down. It did leave it open for a second book though, so there's that. The mother/daughter dynamic was intense and the dad was just oblivious to what was going on.

“””I notice when my cars isn’t running well, but not my family””.... First off I LOVE a story told from everyone’s perspective. They wanted to be the perfect family and when the reality of their young daughter’s mental issues come into play all characters fight to save what they love..... This book is dark, twisted, terrifying and will probably give me nightmares and PLEASE tell me there will be a sequel. WHAT WOULD YOU DO?????

WOW, I didn't think I would like this book, but it was AMAZING! It is dark in the best possible way. The story is told from both the mother's and the daughter's perspective and makes you question everything: Who is the sane one? Who is to blame? Why is this happening? I don't want to say too much to give anything away, the story is told perfectly. Just read it, I couldn't put it down.

Note: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for review, I most likely wouldn't have read it otherwise, but I'm glad I did, can't wait to recommend it to others.

Okay this book grabbed me and didn’t let go! I felt like I was reading a horror movie because I was so disturbed by Hanna!!! What would she do next!!?? Nobody was perfect in this scenario but wow how insane were the events in this book?!?! Book #2????!!!!

The bond between mother and child is almost sacred. But how do you love a child who hates you? Hanna is six years old and doesn't speak.. She has been asked to leave every preschool that she's tried. Suzette is her mother who is now home schooling Hanna. Early in the novel, the reader realizes that Hanna wants Suzette gone so that she can have her father all to herself.

I couldn't put this down. Great story and wonderful writing. Hanna reminded me of Rhoda from "The Bad Seed", one of the greatest bad child stories ever.

How does one deal with a child who seems to be inherently evil?
Baby Teeth, by Zoje Stage, tries to explain the dynamic between Hanna, a problem child, and her parents and the rest of her world. Hanna would enjoy seeing her mother injured or dead so that she could live happily ever after with just her father. To this end Hanna exhibits antisocial traits as not talking, savagely barking, deliberately hurting children, destroying property and sabotaging her mother's health.
Hanna has been homeschooled as no public. private or special school can manage her frightful behavior.
A psychotherapist has been working with the family, but ultimately some kind of intervention seems to be the only solution. Manipulative Hanna immediately plots how she will continue to bedevil her family as she is a girl with a diabolical mind and the intelligence to carry out her scheme.
Babt Teeth is exceptionally well written. The author has done meticulous research into the lives of problem children and all those who interact with them. It is a terrifying, disturbing read at times, but should there be a sequel I will pick that one up as well.

I really loved this book: it kept me on the edge of my seat..I thought the ending was great, too...I have a million Kindle books...and I read like a slug: but this book kept me engaged throughout the entire reading...Kudos tot he author: you did a fantastic job with this story: fantastic :-)

I know, I know, I know this book is just getting its running legs , but I devoured it and am panting for a follow up on the characters! Please! One of the best books of the year in the Thriller genre. Would I steer you wrong? Enjoy this read!

Ok, so the first thing I have to say is, “I knew it!” Now that was a darn fine book! So well read, well-rounded, believable characters. A tension that slowly builds throughout and an excellent ending. I will look forward to more from this author.

If you are looking for a book that’s hard to put down once you start, a little creepy and leaves you scratching your head a little and hoping there will be a sequel....then this is just what you want!!

Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the chance to read this debut novel of Zoje Stage pre release!!

Story of a dark, twisted little girl who doesn’t know how not to hate her mommy. You’ll read this wondering if what you just read really happened. By the end of the book I not only was concerned for the family but scared for what the future might hold.

Definitely a page turner, wasn't sure where this was going. Good local color with the Pittsburgh setting. Think this is a book you'll either love or hate. Not sure if I would recommend it as one that someone would definitely like.

I received an early reader copy. It was very well written. I could not be Team Hanna or Team Suzette, as I did not like either of them. It was an entertaining read and worth the time. The change of narrator worked well so that we could truly understand the character's thoughts. I was not expecting to be so shocked at each turn of the story, but I was! The plot has twists and turns that kept me guessing all the way until the end.

Creepy, spooky and at times terrifying that a child so young can be so evil. Reminiscent of Patty McCormick in the Bad Seed.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

This was a disturbing book on so many levels. And yet I still found my heart breaking at times. The story did not end the way I thought it would. As disturbing as this book was, if there was a follow up, I would read it.

I do believe that this is and was my favorite book of the year, simply put Baby Teeth will rock your world from beginning to end. Now I don't like spoilers so this is just my opinion and you can go off that. I loved the different points of view and I was hooked from the very first word. I will definitely be reading all of Zoje Stages books from now on. Please keep it up cuz you are Awesomesaucy!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not for me. This book that I heard so much about is like introducing yourself to a stranger. When you saw them out of the corner of your eye you thought you knew them only to be embarrassed when you come face to face.

I really enjoyed this first novel by the author. At times I had to remind myself that Hanna was a child but all in all this was a very intriguing story. I would definitely read another book by this author well done.

I was bored halfway through. The author appeared to be writing more for shock value than for the actual story. If you want a story about a creepy child that's actually good, read or watch the Bad Seed.

Loved this. I don’t know if I’ve ever written a book review before but I just finished this and loved it. As a psychologist, yes, mental health can be terrifying. Every parents worst nightmare and ultimate denial. Great, sharp writing. Will be waiting for her next book.

Very quick and thrilling read, dealing with a subject that absolutely terrifies me as a mother. I can empathise with both sides of the story, and love a story where there's no black and white, good and bad. Both mother and child are deeply flawed, in their own ways. It makes an interesting read.

I could not put down Baby Teeth! It’s was as mesmerizing as it was horrifying. The creeping dread of needing protection from the one person you are supposed to protect. A killer ending that begs for a sequel!!

I went into this story knowing it was creepy! I’m usually not s big fan of that genre but into it I went ! This book was written well and it definitely had me turning the pages through the night !

Very unique story, but incredibly well written and hard to put down. I highly recommend this one to any body looking for a creepy and disturbing read. Thank you netgalley and publisher for this arc, in exchange for my honest opinion.

I liked it! Baby Teeth is very creepy and unsettling. Kept my guts wrenching in anticipation of what was coming next. I liked the candid thoughts of all the characters and that the author isn't afraid to approach tough subject matter through many different viewpoints.

This book could have used editing, there was too much repetition and instead of setting this up for an obvious sequel tell the whole story in one book. The father was not well developed, we just know he didn’t want to believe his world was less than perfect but no backstory on him at all. There are vague references as to why Hanna was so hateful towards her mother but again not fledged out. I would like to know the end of the story but it is not one that I will be anticipating eagerly

I just couldn't get into this book at all. I'm not sure what it was trying to be, but please be warned, the seven year old's actions are way beyond anything that's normal for a seven year old. I read about 25% and gave up.

This book was amazing! It hooked me from the first chapter and did not let up. The writing is excellent and the characters are compelling. I didn't want the story to end. I finished it within two days because I could not put it down. I look forward to reading more by this author. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

While I did enjoy the book, it was a little darker than I expected...(not a bad thing!). The concept is brilliant.....Hanna doesn’t talk...Hanna wants mommy out of the way. She wants to be with daddy. Daddy is oblivious to the toll everything that Hanna is putting her mother Suzette through. I recommend it, it’s different and I think this book will do very well!

4 out of 5 for one reason: the ending! I have so many questions still!

Other than though this book left me on the edge of my seat and jumping every time an innocent looking child skipped by. I was mildly scared of kids before but this book made it where I want to gear up Supernatural style just in case things get weird. Which seems to happen with kids now a days.

This book was well written, but a little too disturbing for my taste. Was the child in the book simply mentally ill, or genuinely evil? What about the mother? I’m not sure I would recommend it to others without a disclaimer.

A really good twisty, creepy thriller. I liked that the story was told from two perspectives. I basically devoured this book, finding any excuse to go read it. I would love to know more, perhaps a sequel that takes place a few years later...hint, hint to the author!

This story was phenomenal from start to finish. You won't be able to put it down! You will love and hate all the characters at once and the ending leaves you begging to know what came next for hanna

I really enjoyed this book! Hanna is a very odd & cunning little girl. I was engrossed from the first chapter, & knew I was going to love this book! If you like creepy thriller type books this is a must for you. I highly recommend!

Baby Teeth is a take on the classic "We need to talk about Kevin'. We meet Hanna who tries to get rid of her mother so she can have the dad all to herself. I was more annoyed than entertained when I read this book.

This book was right up my alley, a creepy kid, a couple that saw the child in two very different ways. I enjoy a book that keeps moving and I want to finish as soon as I can to find out how it ends. This book did that for me. I am sure it is not for everyone but if you enjoy a little creepy and some twists this is a good one.

I expected way more of this book since it was compared to Gone Girl and had rave reviews. I loved it at first because it had me intrigued as to where it was going. However it just ended out of nowhere. This would be ok if there was going to be a sequel!

I loved this book while I was reading it. It kept me engaged and excited to pick it up. The ending left me wanting more. I needed it to be more complicated than it was. After finishing it, I’m a little disappointed.

I am not generally a reader of romance themed books, so this was an interesting diversion from my normal reading patterns and plans. Thanks to the folks at NetGalley who gave me the opportunity to read this in exchange for my thoughts and opinions.

One of the negative stereotypes of romance novels is the lack of story. That was not the case with Worth the Wait. While I didn't find the story to be gripping, or edge-of-the-seat exciting, there was a good storyline. It is a story of redemption, of change, and of course finding love, even if it may be a previous love lost. I was committed to seeing the book through, although it isn't one that would find me returning for future reads.

I struggled to connect with the characters. I thought they had potential. I just never found myself drawn to them or ultimately caring about them or the outcome of their relationship drama. I thought the drama levels were high, and that while 15 years post high school, they both still acted much like my high school aged kids and their friends. The element of believability fell away due to that.

As I mentioned, I am not a frequent reader of romance type novels. I will say that I was a little surprised that there wasn't as much sex as I expected. That isn't necessarily a complaint on my part. If you are looking for a book with lots of sex, then this isn't where you want to stop. The sex that was in the book was well written and carried an intensity with it that was believable.

All in all, the book wasn't too bad. I wasn't overly excited by it, but I was interested enough to see it through and see what the ending held in store for the various characters.

This book kept me engaged and I never wanted to put it down. I am usually into more mystery and less psychological reads, however, this book has definitely become a new favorite. I can not wait to read more from this author.

READ THIS REVIEW AT YOUR OWN RISK.... SPOILERS +SPOILERS +SPOILERS...
HOWEVER... I QUIT! I’m throwing in the towel. I’ve read enough...stopping at 41% on my Kindle copy.
I appreciate the widget-offering from the publisher — but for me— I CAN’T compare this book to “The Dinner” ....or “We Need To Talk About Kevin”....Both of those two other books had a different quality and purpose IMO....
THIS BOOK seems to me - to be an intentionally disturbing novel - for the pure pleasure of the thrill. It’s ugly and non-inspiring. It ‘is’........absorbing.....but I’m not proud of myself reading it.
I choose to stop this nonsense- I don’t want to be a stand for books where children are evil — for the sake of psychological pleasure reading.
Even without finishing this book - I can already see the author isn’t accomplishing any attempts to portray what might lead a child to kill —- such as Lionel Shriver did in “We Need To Talk About Kevin”. It’s bumblegum chewing for the sake of chewing mindlessly. I’m not a fan— but many readers probably will be:

HERE’S MY REVIEW.... all little Excepts..... NOTE: I DO NOT KNOW HOW THIS BOOK ENDS - perhaps a girlfriend will tell me later - save me the reading time - so that I can move on to a book that is a better fit for me.....

Lots of SAMPLES to get a TASTE of what you’re in for if you choose to read this novel:
Mom says:
“She never liked me. No, that’s not true. When she was a baby…Suzette knew she was oversharing, but the words spelled out. But at some point the war began. And I’m losing. I’m losing it. And I can’t tell my husband, I try but…He doesn’t see it. And where would I be? I’m supposed to be a good mom, the mom I never had, that’s what I wanted. That’s what I promised him, what I promised myself”.

Mom says:
“ I thought everything would get better. Kindergarten. But she didn’t talk. That’s how it all started. We tried doctors, there’s nothing physically wrong. But every place I’ve tried to enroll her, and every babysitter, it’s like she wants to torture— just me”.

Dad says:
“How’s my squirrely girl?” ...... Providing optimistic perky happiness of possibilities? —- sure ..... deny deny deny.... no problems with his little angle —- HANNA LOVES DADDY! I’m guessing ‘Daddy’ will face up to the problems pretty soon....but for now - he prefers to deny them.

Hanna says: .....Thinking to herself
“It remained disappointing that Daddy hadn’t let mommy wither and die when he had a chance”. ( note.. Hanna saw her parents having sex - she was hoping with dad on top mom would kill her). Oh well!
“As Hanna grew stronger she could take it advantage of Mommy’s weakness. Could mommy die if cleaning too much – – could she scrubbed to death? And
Mommy needed a lot of medication. If something bad happened to her medicine, would something bad happen to mommy?”
“Or maybe...Mommy was always fussing about how she looked, and she glowed whenever Daddy said she was beautiful.”
“Maybe If Mommy was uglier”
“Maybe Daddy wouldn’t love her as much”.

CHARMING HANNA...
“She stuffed a grape in her mouth, a strawberry, a cheese cube, another cheese cube, another grape. And made a show at chewing, chewing.”
“When it was a nice mushy consistency, Hanna got up on her knees and spit the whole glob in Mommy’s face. It struck her cheek, then started to dribble down. Hanna giggled”.

CHARMING MOM.....
“Mommy scooped the mash from her face. For a second Hanna thought she might cry. But Mommy got up and came around and forced the glob back into Hanna’s mouth.” She held her hand there, making it so Hanna couldn’t open her lips.
She couldn’t spit anything back out, but she could are so barely breathe.
“CHEW”.

Yuck!!!

1/2 STAR rating.

Thank You Netgalley— St. Martin’s who I always appreciate- ( I’m so sorry - this book just wasn’t healthy for my soul), and Zoje Stage... there is not much I can’t hear - but I’m sorry - I just didn’t want to read any more. The scenes you picked to write for the child - the language from the mom - I just didn’t feel well reading your book.
But - good luck to you - I think many people actually gobble your novel up.

If you like a dash of horror mixed in with your daily domestic family life Baby Teeth delivers. An eye-opening and disturbing suspense that begins with a mother, a father, and Hanna who doesn't and won't speak.
Suzette, a stay at home mom is at her wit's end. Hanna has seen all the doctors, been tested endlessly but no one has any answers as to why she will not speak. Her husband dotes on his daughter and thinks she will talk when she wants to. He also doesn't see how she manipulates Suzette or why she keeps getting kicked out of school after school. Suzette's starting to see it though, she sees so much more too.
Poppy, sweet little Poppy. The daughter of her Daddy's eye. Oh how she loves her Daddy. Poppy is just a child.
From the very beginning you will wonder, what's behind the true Suzette and Poppy?

This book reminded me a little of the old thriller The Bad Seed, so if you’re into that type of genre, you’ll likely like this one. I’m hoping for a sequel to this book. The author ended it in a way that could lead to that.