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Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
In Her Own Backyard by Ashley Hanna-Morgan is the story of clinical social worker Marlowe Moore, who is still dealing with a new birth when she is forced to investigate a cold case. She has a condition that causes panic attacks during breastfeeding. She also suffers from postpartum depression. When she moves to Reno, she occupies the house that was once inhabited by Aria Middleton, a paramedic who disappeared without a trace years ago. While caring for daughters Violet and Valorie, she must also fight intrusive thoughts and paranoia. But the desire to discover what happened to Aria consumes her, and with the help of her “mama squad,” and Maleah, Aria's sister, she discovers a disturbing murder and a secret that involves the sheriff’s department. But someone is out to make sure she doesn’t get any further in uncovering the truth.
Ashley Hanna-Morgan creates an unforgettable heroine in Marlowe. She is genuinely flawed, and her mental state is vividly depicted. Her struggles with a mental condition and depression make her even more flawed and believable. Her inner world comes to life through streams of consciousness and her monologues. In Her Own Backyard also presents female solidarity that becomes a force in the story, and it illustrates the power women wield when they band together for a cause. Readers will root for the mothers in this story, including activist Burke and Ivy, who are part of Marlowe’s support system and investigation partners. Antagonists Cade and Garrison will inspire disgust in readers. This character-driven, thoughtfully plotted novel shows how one woman’s search for the truth helps her heal while building a community that supports her self-care journey.
