Book Review: Whatever Mother Says
True crime has always fascinated me—there’s something about real-life stories, with their unexpected twists and chilling details, that keeps me on edge. As much as I love following these tales, the psychological aspect is what truly pulls me in. I find myself trying to understand the motivations behind a killer’s actions, delving into their minds to figure out what led them down such a dark path. However, as intriguing as true crime stories can be, they can also be emotionally heavy, often lingering in your thoughts long after you’ve finished reading.
That’s exactly how I felt after reading Whatever Mother Says…: A True Story of a Mother, Madness, and Murder by Wensley Clarkson.
A Gripping Read That Will Stay With You
In February, a former coworker, also a true crime enthusiast, recommended this book to me. I instantly purchased it off Amazon, and within a few days, it was at my door. As soon as I started reading, I couldn’t put it down, finishing the entire book in just two days. The disturbing content of the story, however, meant I had to take several breaks to process what I was reading. Whatever Mother Says… is a deeply unsettling book that will leave you feeling a range of emotions—anger, heartbreak, and confusion.
A Mother’s Descent into Madness
The story centers around Theresa, a mother whose actions toward her children are both baffling and horrifying. The book presents the chilling reality of how Theresa’s behavior escalated over time, culminating in violence and tragedy. As a reader, I found myself repeatedly asking the same question: “What could possibly drive a mother to commit such horrific acts against her own flesh and blood?”
The book provides some insight into Theresa’s life, but much of her backstory remains a mystery. After losing her mother, Theresa became the primary caregiver for her father, who had Parkinson’s disease. It made me wonder if this early experience shaped her mindset. She married young, had children early, and her insecurities began to surface through controlling and angry behavior toward her first husband. Over time, her behavior only worsened. Theresa became physically abusive toward her children, and her violent tendencies grew unchecked.
The Shocking Failure of Authorities
What truly infuriates me about this story is that despite some of the children bravely reporting their mother’s abuse to authorities, no one believed them. The system failed them, and it took far too long for the truth to come to light. The emotional weight of this failure is hard to ignore, and it added to the overall feeling of injustice in the book.
A Different Style of Storytelling
Unlike other true crime books that focus on a detailed, day-by-day account of events, Whatever Mother Says… takes a different approach. The chapters are structured to highlight the most horrific and shocking moments of Theresa’s actions, without delving too deeply into the everyday life of the family. This approach gives the reader a sharper focus on the core of the story, but it also leaves a lot to be desired in terms of understanding the full scope of what led to these tragedies.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars. It was an incredibly impactful read that kept me thinking long after I finished it, though the lack of some background information left me feeling slightly disconnected from some aspects of the story.
Goodreads rates it 3.9/5
ThriftBooks rates it 3.8/5
Scribd rates it 4/5
Have you read Whatever Mother Says…: A True Story of a Mother, Madness, and Murder? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this haunting story. Feel free to share your opinion in the comments below!
