Woah just finished Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage. It is a chilling, psychological thriller that hooked me from the very first page and never let go. I loved it!!!
For a debut novel it certainly delivered a twisted, unsettling story of a family dealing with mental health issues of their non verbal child while dealing with their own past childhood drama and maternal instinct. If you’re a fan of dark, character-driven stories that keep you guessing, this book is an absolute must-read.
The story centers on the seemingly perfect couple Suzette and Alex Jensen, who are dealing with their non verbal seven-year-old daughter, Hanna. The chapters alternate between Suzette, a mother battling both her health and her growing fear of her own child, and little Hanna, who posses some frightening thoughts and isn’t afraid to bring them to life. The characters are the heart of this book, and Stage crafts them with such depth and nuance that I felt invested in their struggles immediately.
Suzette’s vulnerability and desperation to be a “good mother” are palpable, while Hanna’s cunning and eerie intelligence make her one of the most memorable child antagonists I’ve read. Alex, caught between love for his daughter and loyalty to his wife, adds another layer of tension that kept me glued to the pages.
What I loved most was how Stage pulls you into the story right away. The opening scene sets a tone of unease that only intensifies, blending domestic drama with psychological horror in a way that feels both fresh and deeply unsettling. Beautifully paced, with interesting writing that had me back and forth on who my real protagonist was.
Baby Teeth is a book that will linger and had me questioning who was really the evil one. Was it Hanna and her alter personality, perhaps it was Suzette who is dealing with her own childhood trauma.
It’s creepy, thought-provoking, and impossible to put down. I loved every second of it and can’t recommend it highly enough to anyone who enjoys a dark, character-driven thriller that doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable.
I loved it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A gripping, twisted debut that will keep you on edge from start to finish. Zoje Stage is a talent to watch!
