A Creepy Page-Turner
ABOUT THE BOOK
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…
- 10 hours and 30 minutes
- Narrator Elizabeth Evans
- Release Date May 17, 2022
- Publisher Macmillian Audio
- Listen to Excerpt
This unusual story has two little girls, Andrea and Maeve, growing up together in a cult-like situation, leaving, then meeting again years later.
The narrator read this story in a slightly monotone voice that felt suspenseful and a bit ominous. I was seized and held captive by this book from the get-go.
What exactly was the cult about? It didn’t feel all that clear. So I kept listening to the audio. When the two women met years later it felt obvious that something wasn’t quite right with Andrea. But what? I needed to know.
The story felt unique and had me continually wondering where things were heading.
My Concerns
As I neared the last half of the book the answers to certain questions, or what might have been seen as twists, felt very obvious, yet Maeve was pretty oblivious to everything. Then again, she wasn’t looking for certain things.
I wish there’d been more time spent on the cult where the two lived, and that the last half of the book would have been tightened and had some unseen twists.
Final Thoughts
I did enjoy this, just not as much as I’d hoped to. With a few tweaks to the story, I would have rated it much higher.
Even with my concerns, I would recommend you check out other reviews and then decide if this sounds like a story you’d enjoy. If you do decide to read or listen to this, make sure you check the trigger warnings. There are several.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of the audiobook.
About the Author
ANNE HELTZEL is a New York-based novelist and book editor. In addition to writing horror, she has penned several milder titles for children and young adults. Just Like Mother is her adult debut.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Trahan
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