Book Review
Tropes / Triggers: Abuse, Sexual Assault, Fertility, Grief
Synopsis:
“Spine-chilling and sharp, Anne Heltzel’s Just Like Mother is a modern gothic from a fresh new voice in horror, and “is set to be one of the year’s most talked about books” (Andrea Bartz, New York Times bestselling author).
The last time Maeve saw her cousin was the night she escaped the cult they were raised in. For the past two decades, Maeve has worked hard to build a normal life in New York City, where she keeps everything―and everyone―at a safe distance.
When Andrea suddenly reappears, Maeve regains the only true friend she’s ever had. Soon she’s spending more time at Andrea’s remote Catskills estate than in her own cramped apartment. Maeve doesn’t even mind that her cousin’s wealthy work friends clearly disapprove of her single lifestyle. After all, Andrea has made her fortune in the fertility industry―baby fever comes with the territory.
The more Maeve immerses herself in Andrea’s world, the more disconnected she feels from her life back in the city; and the cousins’ increasing attachment triggers memories Maeve has fought hard to bury. But confronting the terrors of her childhood may be the only way for Maeve to transcend the nightmare still to come…”
Quick Review:
If you’re looking for a mind-twisting psychological thriller following long-lost cousins after breaking through their traumatic past, this one is for you!
JUST LIKE MOTHER is an adult horror thriller you won’t want to miss this spooky season. Before picking it up, I thought I would turn into a cult story, and instead, found myself immersed in the head of a damaged woman trying to connect with her past.
There really wasn’t too much focus on the cult or a perspective on the INSIDE, so if you’re hoping for that kind of book, you may want to lower your expectations. Instead, you will find a story following the psychological toll one may have AFTER a cult was dispersed.
Throughout the book, there are many times where the graphic nature of the writing may be triggering to may people. The words explore a dive deep into the abuse, manipulation, and trauma. There’s nothing holding this author back.
But I think that depth was needed for the book. Even though it was a slow-burn plot, once the pieces were creating a larger image, I could NOT put this one down until I knew what was going to happen.
And I did not see that twist coming…
Overall, I believe, like with most thrillers, you shouldn’t know too much going into the book. It’ll help bring you mentally closer to the characters and leave you surprised, stripped, and vulnerable.
Would I Recommend?: Yes
How I Read It: Library / Print
Pros
- Social / Psychological Horror
- Creepy, yet thrilling
- Gripping
- Slow Burn
- Fire Ending
- Open-Ended Story
Cons
- Nothing Paranormal
- Graphic
- Want MORE!
Final Rating:
More Book Information:
Published: May 17, 2022
Publisher: Tor Nightfire
Genre: Adult Thriller / Mystery / Horror
Pages: 320
Bones n Coffee Books 