🧠 Book Review: The Double Mother by Michel Bussi
A psychological thriller that blends childhood memory, maternal instinct, and criminal intrigue—delivering a layered mystery with emotional depth and narrative flair.
Michel Bussi’s The Double Mother, translated by Sam Taylor, is a gripping standalone novel that explores the fragility of memory and the power of belief through the eyes of a child. With a Goodreads rating of 3.78/5 from over 5,000 readers, the book is praised for its inventive structure, emotional resonance, and twist-filled plot.
🧩 Plot Overview
Four-year-old Malone Moulin insists that his mother is not his real mother. Despite official documents, photographs, and medical records confirming her identity, Malone’s conviction never wavers. His only confidant is Vasily Dragonman, a school psychologist who believes Malone’s vivid stories—told through his stuffed agouti, Gouti—may be hiding a deeper truth.
Vasily brings the case to Police Commander Marianne Augresse, who is already investigating a violent robbery in Deauville involving a gang of thieves. As the investigation unfolds, the two cases begin to intertwine in unexpected ways, revealing a mind-bending conspiracy that challenges the boundaries of memory, identity, and maternal love.
💬 Why Readers Are Hooked
- Child’s Perspective: Malone’s voice adds innocence and tension, making the mystery more poignant.
- Dual Plotlines: The robbery investigation and Malone’s psychological case converge with clever precision.
- Emotional Stakes: Themes of motherhood, trauma, and trust give the thriller a human core.
- Narrative Complexity: Bussi’s storytelling is layered, with red herrings and symbolic clues woven throughout.
📣 Critical Reception
- “[Brainy, exciting, and humane.]” — Kirkus Reviews, noting the book’s compassion and clever plotting despite some implausible twists
- “[A solid and engaging read… with genuine suspense.]” — Book Marks, though some found the premise slightly far-fetched
🏁 Final Verdict
The Double Mother is a cerebral and emotionally charged thriller that challenges readers to question what’s real and what’s remembered. If you enjoy mysteries that blend psychological depth with procedural intrigue—and don’t mind a few surreal turns—this one’s a compelling read.
