Smother Trigger Warnings
SMOTHER is a psychological thriller intended for mature readers. It contains scenes and themes that may be distressing for some. If you prefer to go in blind, PLEASE SKIP THIS PAGE!
⬇️ Spoilers below ⬇️
No, seriously, spoilers are coming...
This book includes, but may not be limited to:
Psychological Manipulation & Gaslighting: Characters experience deception that makes them question their own reality and memories.
Emotional Abuse & Domestic Violence: Depictions of a toxic, controlling family dynamic with verbal and emotional abuse. There are scenes of escalating domestic conflict, including shouting, intimidation, and physical violence.
Toxic Family Dynamics & Obsession: A parent figure displays obsessive and overbearing behavior.
Invasive/Controlling Behavior: The parent in this story invades privacy and undermines the character’s bodily autonomy.
Stalking & Invasive Surveillance: The protagonist often feels unsafe or surveilled in what should be her private space.
Child Loss (Infant Death): Heartbreaking references to the death of a baby. This theme of child loss is handled in the narrative, and while not depicted graphically, it is emotionally heavy. Readers who have lost a child may find these moments particularly upsetting.
Implied Infanticide: There are strong indications that a parent deliberately harmed their own infant. The story gradually reveals that this past child death was not an accident. This aspect can be extremely distressing.
Graphic Violence: Scenes of physical harm and murder are present, including a graphic depiction of violence. There are descriptions of injuries and blood.
Mental Health Struggles: Portrayals of mental illness and extreme psychological distress. Characters experience dissociative episodes (feeling detached from reality) and hallucinations under stress. The narrative delves into paranoia, fear, and emotional breakdowns resulting from abuse. It shows the mental toll of gaslighting and trauma, including moments where a character questions their sanity.
Loss of Autonomy: The main character faces loss of personal freedom due to others’ controlling actions. This includes being physically restrained and having crucial life choices taken away. The story highlights the terror of feeling trapped and powerless in one’s own life.
Generational Trauma: Past traumatic events (including violence and loss).