A good plot in this psychological thriller, allowing you to really connect with the characters – Like Mother Like Daughter by Elle Croft might be for you.

The plot:

Kat’s children are both smart and well-adjusted. On the outside.

Kat has always tried to treat Imogen and Jemima equally, but she struggles with one of her daughters more than the other.

Because Imogen’s birth mother is a serial killer. And Imogen doesn’t know. But someone does, and Imogen’s past is about to catch up with her.

Croft has done exceptionally well with writing

The premise for this book is great, however I did find it predictable – there were a couple of sentences which give it away, and I read hundreds of crime/thrillers so know what to look out for – I didn’t get the same thrill having guessed early on in the story with the two major twists but talking to others they found it shocking – so don’t let this put you off.

It’s a bit of a slow-burner at the beginning, allowing you to be introduced to the main characters and with chapters split mainly as dual-narrative (with the occasional from a third party and throwback to 15 years ago), you really get an understanding of Kat and Imogen’s point of view. As soon as you hit that first twist, you’re then speeding through the story.

My biggest compliment for this book has to be the how well the characters have been created. You can clearly tell the differences through the bigger parts like location etc, but also from the detailing, such as the thought-processes and tone of voice, as well as that last chapter (literally, wow – so well done).

Croft has done exceptionally well with writing from three different point of views and keeping it clear for the reader, whilst allowing you to connect in a particular way.

In terms of the plot – a child has a serial killer for a mother – fantastic. The child doesn’t know? Even better. The back-story is incredibly well built, and the chapters in the past added so much more information and are definitely appreciated. You’re given pieces of information to build a picture, and obviously know the full view, one minute you’re sad with Kat, the next you’re worried/ wanting to shake Imogen (and another part but I won’t tell you this as spoilers!).

Despite knowing, the ending is pulled extremely well together, and props to Croft for doing her research – if I hadn’t read this one line which gave it away for me, my jaw would’ve been on the floor, I tell ya.

A good 3/5 stars – despite guessing the plot and twist, Like Mother Like Daughter is really well executed and the way Croft wrote these characters really boosted this read for me.

I do have one other book by this author, The Guilty Wife, and I’ll be reading that soon.

Like Mother Like Daughter, Elle Croft, RRP £8.99 (paperback); Book Depository 

Pages: 353

Publisher: Orion

Genre: Thriller