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Just Like The Other Girls
An electrifying tale of psychological suspense in which an unsuspecting young woman finds herself trapped in an increasingly sinister web of mystery and lies.
CARER/COMPANION WANTED FOR ELDERLY LADY
YOUNG FEMALE PREFERRED
COMPETITIVE SALARY
ROOM AND BOARD INCLUDED
She thought she was safe. So did the others . . .
At loose ends after the devastating death of her mother, Una Richardson responds to an advertisement for a ladies' companion, a position that leads her into the wealthy, secluded world of Mrs. Elspeth McKenzie.
But Elspeth's home isn't the comforting haven it seems.
Kathryn, her cold and bitter daughter, resents Una's presence. More disturbing is evidence suggesting two girls lived here before her.
What happened to the young women?
Why won't the McKenzies talk about them?
What are they hiding?
As the walls begin to close in around her, Una fears she'll end up just like the other girls . . .
CARER/COMPANION WANTED FOR ELDERLY LADY
YOUNG FEMALE PREFERRED
COMPETITIVE SALARY
ROOM AND BOARD INCLUDED
She thought she was safe. So did the others . . .
At loose ends after the devastating death of her mother, Una Richardson responds to an advertisement for a ladies' companion, a position that leads her into the wealthy, secluded world of Mrs. Elspeth McKenzie.
But Elspeth's home isn't the comforting haven it seems.
Kathryn, her cold and bitter daughter, resents Una's presence. More disturbing is evidence suggesting two girls lived here before her.
What happened to the young women?
Why won't the McKenzies talk about them?
What are they hiding?
As the walls begin to close in around her, Una fears she'll end up just like the other girls . . .
400 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2020
623 people are currently reading
17600 people want to read
About the author
Claire Douglas
18 books5,953 followersClaire Douglas always wanted to write novels and, after many years of trying to get published, her dream came true when she won the Marie Claire Debut Novel Award in 2013 with THE SISTERS.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,263 reviews
February 10, 2025
Clever engaging mystery.
Una takes a job as a live-in helper to an elderly woman, Elspeth. On Una's days off, Elspeth's adult daughter Kathryn stays to help, but she's very prickly toward Una. Gradually, Una uncovers the information that she's not the first caregiver Elspeth has had, the first one died in a hit and run accident and the second "ran off" and basically disappeared. The more Una finds out, the more uncomfortable she is and feels like she might be in danger as well.
I really enjoyed the twists in this book, things move forward at a rapid pace and it's difficult to know who to trust. I went back and forth with my opinions about every single character's potential guilt and once everything is put together in the end I was quite satisfied with the outcome.
This is an excellent psychological suspense book with an intriguing plot and multiple suspects.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Una takes a job as a live-in helper to an elderly woman, Elspeth. On Una's days off, Elspeth's adult daughter Kathryn stays to help, but she's very prickly toward Una. Gradually, Una uncovers the information that she's not the first caregiver Elspeth has had, the first one died in a hit and run accident and the second "ran off" and basically disappeared. The more Una finds out, the more uncomfortable she is and feels like she might be in danger as well.
I really enjoyed the twists in this book, things move forward at a rapid pace and it's difficult to know who to trust. I went back and forth with my opinions about every single character's potential guilt and once everything is put together in the end I was quite satisfied with the outcome.
This is an excellent psychological suspense book with an intriguing plot and multiple suspects.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 28, 2021
Just Like the Other Girls was a wild ride I took with my friend Amanda (in other words, we buddy read it), and guys, it was a thrilling enjoyment.
If you keep up with my reading, you would know that reading club and buddy reads with my friends are my number one priority for months now, and let me tell you, I can't recall when was the latast time we read such a good, discussion caller of a novel.
The writing pulled me in immediately, with action and mystery that urged me to read one more page, and all the characters that were suspicious.
This is one of the books where everyone can be a bad guy and you don't know their motives at all, and as a result, you don't even know how many bad guys are there at all.
Is it all the work of a one person, or do two/more work together?? That is a mystery!
Because of all of the above, we finished the book in 5 days instead of 8 that was originally planned.
I also want to applause the author for her courage to take turn that was brave and definitely unique, and so unpredictable.
If you read the book, you know what I'm talking about, if you didn't, I don't want to spoil you.
But because of that "thing" that happened, that lead to "part 2" I was sure I was reading a 5stars worth book.
However, after I finished the book, and mystery was solved (in a satisfying way) I looked back at italic parts of the book and I felt played out. Fooled.
It was like the author made up some parts of it just to lead us the wrong way, and they don't make sense.
I was so angry I even wanted to give it 3,5 stars.
Actually, I still am angry and I still am debating whether to give it 4 or 3,5 stars.
This whole situation reminded me that Douglas did the very same thing in her previous novel When She Vanished, and I felt the same.
I decided that I will read another book by her some other time and if italics make me mad again, I will just give up on her work.
Her books are good, but I just don't like being mislead if it's not done in an intelligent way.
However, I do recommend this book because it is really good.
If you keep up with my reading, you would know that reading club and buddy reads with my friends are my number one priority for months now, and let me tell you, I can't recall when was the latast time we read such a good, discussion caller of a novel.
The writing pulled me in immediately, with action and mystery that urged me to read one more page, and all the characters that were suspicious.
This is one of the books where everyone can be a bad guy and you don't know their motives at all, and as a result, you don't even know how many bad guys are there at all.
Is it all the work of a one person, or do two/more work together?? That is a mystery!
Because of all of the above, we finished the book in 5 days instead of 8 that was originally planned.
I also want to applause the author for her courage to take turn that was brave and definitely unique, and so unpredictable.
If you read the book, you know what I'm talking about, if you didn't, I don't want to spoil you.
But because of that "thing" that happened, that lead to "part 2" I was sure I was reading a 5stars worth book.
However, after I finished the book, and mystery was solved (in a satisfying way) I looked back at italic parts of the book and I felt played out. Fooled.
It was like the author made up some parts of it just to lead us the wrong way, and they don't make sense.
I was so angry I even wanted to give it 3,5 stars.
Actually, I still am angry and I still am debating whether to give it 4 or 3,5 stars.
This whole situation reminded me that Douglas did the very same thing in her previous novel When She Vanished, and I felt the same.
I decided that I will read another book by her some other time and if italics make me mad again, I will just give up on her work.
Her books are good, but I just don't like being mislead if it's not done in an intelligent way.
However, I do recommend this book because it is really good.
January 21, 2022
3.5*
Your dream job awaits you.
Free room and board. All you need to do is look after an elderly lady… a companion of sorts.
Easy Peezy…right!?
But what if you’re just one in a long line of young women who’ve held this particular position. Only to have disappeared…😱
Think twice. Is your dream job worth your life?
This was a slow moving thriller that failed to gain momentum until the final 20%. At which point the author threw in several un-expected twists that definitely made the read worthwhile. Love ending on a high note!💃
I’m now looking forward to reading Ms. Douglas’ newest release The Couple at Number 9.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks.
Your dream job awaits you.
Free room and board. All you need to do is look after an elderly lady… a companion of sorts.
Easy Peezy…right!?
But what if you’re just one in a long line of young women who’ve held this particular position. Only to have disappeared…😱
Think twice. Is your dream job worth your life?
This was a slow moving thriller that failed to gain momentum until the final 20%. At which point the author threw in several un-expected twists that definitely made the read worthwhile. Love ending on a high note!💃
I’m now looking forward to reading Ms. Douglas’ newest release The Couple at Number 9.
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks.
November 3, 2022
A good read that had me doubting every character including the victims themselves!
January 17, 2022
After reading The Couple at Number 9, I was so excited to get my hands on the author’s other books. I was interested in the premise and thought I would love it. Well, many hours and a few almost DNF attempts later, I’m sad to say I didn’t enjoy this one.
Una accepts a job as a live-in caretaker for the wealthy Elspeth Mckenzie. Things appear off almost immediately when she arrives. Elspeth seems more than capable of taking care of herself, yet has tantrums when Una isn’t near by. Then there’s the necklace. Una found the trinket hidden in her bedroom. The weird thing is the girl in the photo in the locket looks a lot like her. Elspeth’s daughter Kathryn has also been acting strange. What is going on in this house and what happened to the girls who came before her?
I reached a point in the book where I didn’t care and the ending wasn’t worth the agonizing push to finish it.
Una accepts a job as a live-in caretaker for the wealthy Elspeth Mckenzie. Things appear off almost immediately when she arrives. Elspeth seems more than capable of taking care of herself, yet has tantrums when Una isn’t near by. Then there’s the necklace. Una found the trinket hidden in her bedroom. The weird thing is the girl in the photo in the locket looks a lot like her. Elspeth’s daughter Kathryn has also been acting strange. What is going on in this house and what happened to the girls who came before her?
I reached a point in the book where I didn’t care and the ending wasn’t worth the agonizing push to finish it.
February 8, 2022
Una thought she had landed the job of her dreams caring for a kind, elderly woman while living in an exquisitely, beautiful mansion. She quickly learns that all is not as it seems and first impressions may be misleading. After finding out two of her predecessors died under suspicious circumstances, Una becomes determined to find the truth. This thriller has a constant sense of foreboding throughout with red herrings and surprising twists that add to the creepy, Gothic mystery. The breathtaking mansion begins to feel like a prison as events unfold and truths are revealed. Who is the real villain and victim in this tale of loss, betrayal and revenge? Thank you Goodreads and Harper Paperbacks for my copy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 28, 2020
I have read and loved all of Claire Douglas’s books but have to say this is my favourite. Oh boy you’re in for a bumpy ride, so buckle up and enjoy!!
When Una sees the ad;
“ Carer/ companion wanted for elderly lady. Young female preferred. Competitive salary. Room and board included”
She applies and gets the job to care for Mrs Elspeth Mackenzie, who lives in a large luxurious home with a cook, cleaner and gardener looking after her. She is more of a companion than a carer to Elspeth, but the money is good and she is saving to go travelling with her best friend Courtney. The only downside is Elspeth’s daughter Kathryn who is cold and rude to her for no reason.
Una discovers that the last 2 girls who worked at the home have died and bizarrely they all look similar to her. Is she safe in the house and why does she feel like she is being followed whenever she is out alone!!
This is such a wonderful book. I was hooked from the first page and found myself holding my breath as the suspense built up. There are lots of twists and red herrings along the way. I kept changing my mind on who the guilty party was and would never have guessed the ending!!
A MUST read book that will have you telling all you’re friends about it. Get yourselves comfortable as you will not want to put this down. I cannot recommend this enough.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
When Una sees the ad;
“ Carer/ companion wanted for elderly lady. Young female preferred. Competitive salary. Room and board included”
She applies and gets the job to care for Mrs Elspeth Mackenzie, who lives in a large luxurious home with a cook, cleaner and gardener looking after her. She is more of a companion than a carer to Elspeth, but the money is good and she is saving to go travelling with her best friend Courtney. The only downside is Elspeth’s daughter Kathryn who is cold and rude to her for no reason.
Una discovers that the last 2 girls who worked at the home have died and bizarrely they all look similar to her. Is she safe in the house and why does she feel like she is being followed whenever she is out alone!!
This is such a wonderful book. I was hooked from the first page and found myself holding my breath as the suspense built up. There are lots of twists and red herrings along the way. I kept changing my mind on who the guilty party was and would never have guessed the ending!!
A MUST read book that will have you telling all you’re friends about it. Get yourselves comfortable as you will not want to put this down. I cannot recommend this enough.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
July 5, 2020
I really thought that I knew exactly what was happening in Just Like The Other Girls but once again Claire Douglas has surprised me with that twist right at the end. I should have known from her previous books that it wouldn’t be as easy as I thought. Goodness me, I could not put this book down, reading it in an afternoon.
We meet Una, a young girl who feels very alone in the world. Her mother has recently passed away and her boyfriend has betrayed her. The only person she’s has is her best friend Courtney. She gets herself a job as a live in carer for the wealthy Elspeth Mackenzie. The money is good and she figures she that she can save enough to go travelling at the end of the year. But the old ladies daughter Kathryn does not like her and things are not as they seem. When she discovers that her predecessors have disappeared and ended up dead she wonders how safe she really is.
This is an addictive psychological thriller with an ending that you will not see coming. Add this one to your TBR now! Thanks to Penguin UK, Michael Joseph and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
We meet Una, a young girl who feels very alone in the world. Her mother has recently passed away and her boyfriend has betrayed her. The only person she’s has is her best friend Courtney. She gets herself a job as a live in carer for the wealthy Elspeth Mackenzie. The money is good and she figures she that she can save enough to go travelling at the end of the year. But the old ladies daughter Kathryn does not like her and things are not as they seem. When she discovers that her predecessors have disappeared and ended up dead she wonders how safe she really is.
This is an addictive psychological thriller with an ending that you will not see coming. Add this one to your TBR now! Thanks to Penguin UK, Michael Joseph and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
January 20, 2022
Just Like the Other Girls by Claire Douglas is a thriller novel. The story in this thriller is one that will change the point of view between main characters and also has flashes back to the past to tell the story.
After Una Richardson lost her mother she felt a bit lost herself and knew it was time for a change in her life. Seeing an ad for a companion to an elderly lady Una applied and was hired in the job making more money than she had before.
Shortly after moving into Elspeth’s home and beginning her job as Elspeth’s companion Una finds that the two previous girls in her job did not leave in good circumstances. The first carer was a victim of hit and run, the second is found dead below a nearby bridge shortly after Una arrives. Una begins to wonder if she’s in danger now after hearing the suspicious circumstances.
Just Like the Other Girls by Claire Douglas is one of those mystery/thriller stories that easily pulled me in and had me questioning all those involved. From the elderly woman to the other employees and family all around who knew what could have come about in the past and whether it would come back to haunt the main character. There was plenty of suspense to keep the pages turning a few twists and turns along the way to have me enjoying this story.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
After Una Richardson lost her mother she felt a bit lost herself and knew it was time for a change in her life. Seeing an ad for a companion to an elderly lady Una applied and was hired in the job making more money than she had before.
Shortly after moving into Elspeth’s home and beginning her job as Elspeth’s companion Una finds that the two previous girls in her job did not leave in good circumstances. The first carer was a victim of hit and run, the second is found dead below a nearby bridge shortly after Una arrives. Una begins to wonder if she’s in danger now after hearing the suspicious circumstances.
Just Like the Other Girls by Claire Douglas is one of those mystery/thriller stories that easily pulled me in and had me questioning all those involved. From the elderly woman to the other employees and family all around who knew what could have come about in the past and whether it would come back to haunt the main character. There was plenty of suspense to keep the pages turning a few twists and turns along the way to have me enjoying this story.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
June 26, 2022
4.25/5
Just Like the Other Girls is now my second time reading Claire Douglas, and I don't know what happened with the other one I read, but I loved this book! It starts off quite ominously with what will surely be a murder, followed by an ad for a carer/companion, and then into Una's viewpoint. The whole book had a very creepy "someone is watching" kind of vibe which I loved, and I enjoyed that we not only had Una's POV but Kathryn and an unknown as well. There are also a mix of past and present viewpoints for Kathryn, which sounds like it could be confusing, but it wasn't. All the different elements made this a very suspenseful read at times, and Douglas did an excellent job of keeping me guessing. I so thought I knew what was going on, but then the twist hit, and I learned I wasn't even close.
I also recommend listening to the audiobook which is narrated by Georgia Maguire. Considering the different viewpoints, she had to narrate, I thought she did a really great job, and I had a lot of fun listening to her. At times the audio itself was a bit odd with Maguire's voice sounding like it was further away before going back to normal. This might annoy some people, but it didn't happen too often, and it didn't take away from the story for me. Just Like the Other Girls is pretty middle of the road as far as length goes, with the audiobook being about 11.5 hours. I had to set it aside for something else, but if I wouldn't have had to, I definitely would have finished it the same day. I really liked the pacing and the multiple POVs, and this is one of those books where you NEED to find out what will happen next. I highly recommend picking it up if you want something that will keep you on your toes and surprise you!
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Just Like the Other Girls is now my second time reading Claire Douglas, and I don't know what happened with the other one I read, but I loved this book! It starts off quite ominously with what will surely be a murder, followed by an ad for a carer/companion, and then into Una's viewpoint. The whole book had a very creepy "someone is watching" kind of vibe which I loved, and I enjoyed that we not only had Una's POV but Kathryn and an unknown as well. There are also a mix of past and present viewpoints for Kathryn, which sounds like it could be confusing, but it wasn't. All the different elements made this a very suspenseful read at times, and Douglas did an excellent job of keeping me guessing. I so thought I knew what was going on, but then the twist hit, and I learned I wasn't even close.
I also recommend listening to the audiobook which is narrated by Georgia Maguire. Considering the different viewpoints, she had to narrate, I thought she did a really great job, and I had a lot of fun listening to her. At times the audio itself was a bit odd with Maguire's voice sounding like it was further away before going back to normal. This might annoy some people, but it didn't happen too often, and it didn't take away from the story for me. Just Like the Other Girls is pretty middle of the road as far as length goes, with the audiobook being about 11.5 hours. I had to set it aside for something else, but if I wouldn't have had to, I definitely would have finished it the same day. I really liked the pacing and the multiple POVs, and this is one of those books where you NEED to find out what will happen next. I highly recommend picking it up if you want something that will keep you on your toes and surprise you!
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
January 9, 2022
A quintessential English potboiler of a mystery. Unlike our US-style psychological suspense books (for us Americans with short attention spans), no one is murdered on the first page. Instead, the suspense begins at a simmer and moves to a slow boil until the scary stuff starts happening in a Hitchcokian manner — and it’s a fast paced suspenseful story from there on out.
Una is struggling in a hovel of an apartment with a crippling debt foisted on her by a jerky ex-boyfriend when she answers an ad for a “companion” to an elderly woman, Elspeth. No cooking or cleaning is necessary - just companionship - which is a little strange since Elspeth also has an adult daughter who visits her every day. But the job pays twice her regular salary and takes place in a beautiful old home, so Una jumps at the chance. Until, of course, she learns that the previous two companions have met with terrible “accidents” … and Elspeth’s other daughter, Viola, is missing. Unbeknownst to Una, someone close to the house and the family has taken out the previous companions, and is now stalking her.
I enjoyed the premise, the slow, skillful build of the sinister fates of the other missing women, and the introduction of the interesting set of characters, especially Una and Elspeth’s eccentric daughter Kat, who seems logically to be the prime suspect. The twists were genuinely shocking and very well-executed. Claire Douglas once again proves herself as a skillful and reliable maven of British psychological terror and whodunits.
Thanks to Harper, NetGalley, and the author for the enjoyable early ARC! This book will be available to purchase on January 11.
Una is struggling in a hovel of an apartment with a crippling debt foisted on her by a jerky ex-boyfriend when she answers an ad for a “companion” to an elderly woman, Elspeth. No cooking or cleaning is necessary - just companionship - which is a little strange since Elspeth also has an adult daughter who visits her every day. But the job pays twice her regular salary and takes place in a beautiful old home, so Una jumps at the chance. Until, of course, she learns that the previous two companions have met with terrible “accidents” … and Elspeth’s other daughter, Viola, is missing. Unbeknownst to Una, someone close to the house and the family has taken out the previous companions, and is now stalking her.
I enjoyed the premise, the slow, skillful build of the sinister fates of the other missing women, and the introduction of the interesting set of characters, especially Una and Elspeth’s eccentric daughter Kat, who seems logically to be the prime suspect. The twists were genuinely shocking and very well-executed. Claire Douglas once again proves herself as a skillful and reliable maven of British psychological terror and whodunits.
Thanks to Harper, NetGalley, and the author for the enjoyable early ARC! This book will be available to purchase on January 11.
August 5, 2020
Una is still grieving her mother's death when she applied for the job of live in carer for elderly Elspeth. But she soon discovers that two previous carers had died in suspicious circumstances. Elspeth's daughter, Kathryn is quite cold towards Una and she's feeling a bit unsettled by it. Una begins to wonder whether she made the right decision in taking the job.
Una enlists the help from her best friend, Courtney to try and unravel the secrets and lies that are wrapped up inside Elspeths mansion. The tension between Una and Kathryn was palpable. A cleverly crafted story. When things seem to good to be true, they normally are, and things are not how they first seemed. This story is full of twists and has a feel to it. It's also tense, nerve wracking and dramatic. If you're a fan of thrillers, you'll love this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK and the author Claire Douglas for my ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Una enlists the help from her best friend, Courtney to try and unravel the secrets and lies that are wrapped up inside Elspeths mansion. The tension between Una and Kathryn was palpable. A cleverly crafted story. When things seem to good to be true, they normally are, and things are not how they first seemed. This story is full of twists and has a feel to it. It's also tense, nerve wracking and dramatic. If you're a fan of thrillers, you'll love this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK and the author Claire Douglas for my ARC in exchange for a honest review.
August 18, 2020
Just Like The Other Girls by Claire Douglas is a great guessing game of a book which will keep you turning the pages only thing that bothered me was the ending just kind of ended and I was expecting something a little more after all the build up.
I'm definitely going to try this author again and I'm definitely recommending this too📖
I'm definitely going to try this author again and I'm definitely recommending this too📖
January 19, 2022
The job sounded perfect to Una Richardson. To be the live-in companion and caretaker to Elspeth McKenzie, a wealthy, elderly woman living in a beautiful Victorian mansion in Bristol, England. The pay was much more than she’d ever earned. Once she gets the job, she bonds with her employer. Except Elspeth’s middle-aged daughter Kathryn would have preferred to be the one to care for her mother and doesn’t hide her feelings about the young, pretty Una. As Una gets settled, she finds out that there are more than a few secrets being hidden in this creepy house. Including the fact that the woman Una replaced left without a trace. And another previous companion died tragically. Una sets out to learn the truth.
Author Claire Douglas has created a highly entertaining, atmospheric thriller filled with lots of suspense. The McKenzie house is aptly named The Cuckoo’s Nest and there are many people who could be behind the mysterious fates of the young, attractive caretakers. The story is told from several characters’ perspectives and will keep you guessing throughout.
Just Like the Other Girls was previously released in the U.K. and is now making its debut in the U.S.
Rated 3.75 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Author Claire Douglas has created a highly entertaining, atmospheric thriller filled with lots of suspense. The McKenzie house is aptly named The Cuckoo’s Nest and there are many people who could be behind the mysterious fates of the young, attractive caretakers. The story is told from several characters’ perspectives and will keep you guessing throughout.
Just Like the Other Girls was previously released in the U.K. and is now making its debut in the U.S.
Rated 3.75 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
August 6, 2020
Just Like the Other Girls is the latest standalone psychological thriller from bestseller Claire Douglas where she once again shows us just how adept she is at pulling the wool over our eyes. Young Una Richardson is mourning the passing of her mother and her boyfriend, Vince, has betrayed her so she is in desperate need of some direction. Luckily her best friend, Courtney, is by her side. After discovering an advertisement in the local paper she applies to become a live-in carer for elderly 79-year-old Elspeth Mackenzie; Elspeth is wealthy and the salary appears to be amazing for the little work she will have to carry out. Not only is it the dream job but it means she will be living in luxury in a stunning property set in a beautiful location. But Elspeth’s daughter Kathryn takes an instant disliking to Una and her presence. When she learns that the previous two carers, her predecessors, both ended up dead in suspicious circumstances she begins to wonder just how safe she is living and working in Elspeth’s mansion. So she asks Courtney to help her to investigate what exactly is going on; what they find are a plethora of secrets and lies and a nightmare begins to unfold...
Well, once again I am delighted that the author managed to well and truly fool me, and although I thought I knew what was going on it wasn't long before I was hit with twist after shocking twist and realised I had been completely wrong. It is a gripping, creepy and captivating story from first page to last and the amount of intrigue throughout really held me hostage. I read it a single sitting as I was much too engrossed in the interesting happenings to place it down and do something else. The most appropriate word to describe this is addictive as you just cannot seem to stop; I guess you could say that it gets you hook, line and sinker. As always, Claire’s plotting is clever, intricate and sophisticated and her writing smart with a great flow to it. The cast of characters is varied in that there are some you can relate to and empathise with, Una for instance, and others who you despise for their strange and unwelcoming behaviour that makes all around them feel uncomfortable, E.g. Kathryn. The moral of the story? If something sounds too good to be true it usually is. Many thanks to Penguin for an ARC.
Well, once again I am delighted that the author managed to well and truly fool me, and although I thought I knew what was going on it wasn't long before I was hit with twist after shocking twist and realised I had been completely wrong. It is a gripping, creepy and captivating story from first page to last and the amount of intrigue throughout really held me hostage. I read it a single sitting as I was much too engrossed in the interesting happenings to place it down and do something else. The most appropriate word to describe this is addictive as you just cannot seem to stop; I guess you could say that it gets you hook, line and sinker. As always, Claire’s plotting is clever, intricate and sophisticated and her writing smart with a great flow to it. The cast of characters is varied in that there are some you can relate to and empathise with, Una for instance, and others who you despise for their strange and unwelcoming behaviour that makes all around them feel uncomfortable, E.g. Kathryn. The moral of the story? If something sounds too good to be true it usually is. Many thanks to Penguin for an ARC.
July 26, 2020
Una is alone. Her mother has just passed away and she has split up with her boyfriend Vince. The only person in her life is her friend Courtney. She decides that she needs a fresh start, so she applies for a job as a live in Carer and Companion to Elspeth Mackenzie in a very grand old house called The Cuckoo’s Nest in Bristol. Elspeth has a daughter Kathryn that can look after her, but Elspeth thinks that she is too busy as Kathryn is married with two sons and look after the gallery and Antique shops the family own. Elspeth like young blond girls to look after her. Una wants the job because she wants to go travelling at the end of the year.
Una surprisingly gets the job and then learns why later to discover that she is not the first carer she has had. Like her they all young with blond hair. But that were the similarities end because the other girls are all now dead. Una starts get very concerned and goes out of her way to find out that happened to the other girls.
Wow Claire Douglas has done it again with Just Like the other girls. I have been a fan of hers from the start and she never disappoints. This is another gripping thriller from the author. Full of mystery and suspense that keeps you wanting more. With her signature twist at the end. 5 stars from me.
Una surprisingly gets the job and then learns why later to discover that she is not the first carer she has had. Like her they all young with blond hair. But that were the similarities end because the other girls are all now dead. Una starts get very concerned and goes out of her way to find out that happened to the other girls.
Wow Claire Douglas has done it again with Just Like the other girls. I have been a fan of hers from the start and she never disappoints. This is another gripping thriller from the author. Full of mystery and suspense that keeps you wanting more. With her signature twist at the end. 5 stars from me.
August 6, 2020
Ferociously smart and electric from start to finish! Just Like the Other Girls is cleverly plotted and wholly absorbing, delving deep into twisted families and their devastating secrets.
After the death of her mother, Una accepts a job as a carer for an elderly woman. But she soon finds out that two girls who worked as carers before her have died. As the walls close in around her, Una wonders if she’s next.
A novel that genuinely surprised me time and again, I had no idea how the book would end. Claire Douglas is a master at tense thrillers with relatable, likeable protagonists, and this one was no exception. A thoroughly enjoyable gem that I highly recommend!
After the death of her mother, Una accepts a job as a carer for an elderly woman. But she soon finds out that two girls who worked as carers before her have died. As the walls close in around her, Una wonders if she’s next.
A novel that genuinely surprised me time and again, I had no idea how the book would end. Claire Douglas is a master at tense thrillers with relatable, likeable protagonists, and this one was no exception. A thoroughly enjoyable gem that I highly recommend!
October 5, 2022
Una, 22, has worked in a care home for several years and she has applied for a live-in companion to Mrs Elspeth, near 80. Elspeth is quite wealthy, living in a four floor mansion and the pay is twice what Una was making. Elspeth's continuously unhappy daughter Kathryn stays with her mother on Una's days off. Una wonders why Elspeth's last companions died. Plus, what's this about another daughter that has not been seen for years? Hmmm, then comes part II and Willow.....
The story is narrated by Kathryn, Una, Courtney and Willow with an anonymous author in some chapters. Part I is fairly slow but picks up later. I was fairly surprised at what happened at the end of part I. Part II had some very nice twists, which I love in a book. I've read several books by this author and anonymous chapters seem to be her writing style. I always think I know the killer and the unknown narrator but I'm always wrong in these books.
The story is narrated by Kathryn, Una, Courtney and Willow with an anonymous author in some chapters. Part I is fairly slow but picks up later. I was fairly surprised at what happened at the end of part I. Part II had some very nice twists, which I love in a book. I've read several books by this author and anonymous chapters seem to be her writing style. I always think I know the killer and the unknown narrator but I'm always wrong in these books.
February 7, 2021
We first meet Una who has just undertaken a position at a stately home as a companion to its elderly occupant, Elspeth. Una has recently lost her mother and has just separated from her boyfriend. There are certainly perks to the job. The pay is very generous, and Una has plans to travel the world. She hopes that with the money she earns, that in a year or so, she’ll be able to fulfill her dream. But as she becomes accustomed to living under Elspeth’s roof, Una hears stories about the previous girls who filled her position. They all look remarkably like her, but they all left in very suspicious circumstances. Is she safe in Elspeth’s employment? What happened to the previous girls? Una is determined to find out.
You can see that Elspeth is desperate to have someone by her side, who won’t let her down. I did feel sorry for Elspeth.
A sinister atmosphere creeps into the plot as Una begins to understand what has previously happened at the house. She begins to investigate further. I felt that she was drawing closer and closer to danger. Claire Douglas also tells parts of the story thought the voice of an unknown character, and we can see just how much they resent what is happening at Elspeth’s home.
You can see that Elspeth is desperate to have someone by her side, who won’t let her down. I did feel sorry for Elspeth.
A sinister atmosphere creeps into the plot as Una begins to understand what has previously happened at the house. She begins to investigate further. I felt that she was drawing closer and closer to danger. Claire Douglas also tells parts of the story thought the voice of an unknown character, and we can see just how much they resent what is happening at Elspeth’s home.
February 5, 2022
3.5 stars
March 9, 2022
Shallow characters, bored out of my mind...and it seems I am the only one to not enjoy this one! But here I am!
August 17, 2020
I enjoyed this book immensely!!! However, not surprising as Claire Douglas is one of my favourite authors, and one where I don't need to read the synopsis as I know that I will enjoy anything that she writes.
Cuckoo House. Oh my! I was suspicious of everyone! the author has a clever way of writing which keeps your mind working ten to the dozen. Could it be her? Could it be him? Could it be them?!
I like how the author has written this excellent story; it's clever how she's plotted it and I was shocked quite a few times - which I love. I love the 'unexpected' in a story.
I found the characters very well rounded and my particular favourite was Una. I liked Una and I felt her sadness. I wanted her to be happy and her to fulfill her dream. She was a lovely, bright girl and very kind hearted; so kind hearted that she was invested in trying to solve a mystery that never mind could have cost her her job but could have possibly put her life in danger.
I felt a sense of unease at times; the tension, suspense and thrill of what was going to happen next just steamed off my Kindle. I loved the fast pace which really was non stop, taut, top-class reading, and I couldn't wait to find out who was behind the girls deaths.
The concluding part gave me the biggest shock, it was absolutely brilliant!
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it has everything and more.
As well as keeping you on your toes with what is going on in the present, there are parts which we see from the past and that really is heart wrenching to read.
Why would someone want a carer when they are quite capable of managing themselves? Who and what are the secrets that are being withheld?
Are people really who they say they are?
I wait now, impatiently, for Claire Douglas' next treat!
My thanks to Penguin UK - Michael Joseph via NetGalley and to the incredibly talented author for my arc copy
Cuckoo House. Oh my! I was suspicious of everyone! the author has a clever way of writing which keeps your mind working ten to the dozen. Could it be her? Could it be him? Could it be them?!
I like how the author has written this excellent story; it's clever how she's plotted it and I was shocked quite a few times - which I love. I love the 'unexpected' in a story.
I found the characters very well rounded and my particular favourite was Una. I liked Una and I felt her sadness. I wanted her to be happy and her to fulfill her dream. She was a lovely, bright girl and very kind hearted; so kind hearted that she was invested in trying to solve a mystery that never mind could have cost her her job but could have possibly put her life in danger.
I felt a sense of unease at times; the tension, suspense and thrill of what was going to happen next just steamed off my Kindle. I loved the fast pace which really was non stop, taut, top-class reading, and I couldn't wait to find out who was behind the girls deaths.
The concluding part gave me the biggest shock, it was absolutely brilliant!
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it has everything and more.
As well as keeping you on your toes with what is going on in the present, there are parts which we see from the past and that really is heart wrenching to read.
Why would someone want a carer when they are quite capable of managing themselves? Who and what are the secrets that are being withheld?
Are people really who they say they are?
I wait now, impatiently, for Claire Douglas' next treat!
My thanks to Penguin UK - Michael Joseph via NetGalley and to the incredibly talented author for my arc copy
Read
January 29, 2022DNF @ 22% - I hate hate hate to DNF something but I just didn’t jive with this one. The writing is so repetitive and slow and I got very tired of reading ALL of Una’s mundane thoughts. Fair warning: I’ve been in a bit of a book slump lately so it’s entirely possible I’m judging this too harshly.
May 13, 2022
I would have had more fun watching paint dry.
August 13, 2022
Wowza, this was so good!
I don't get super surprised with thrillers often, so when it happens I am always blown away.
There were so many twists and red herrings in here my mind spun when the killer was finally revealed.
Psychological thrillers are my favourite kind of mind melt, this one did not disappoint.
I absolutely loved it!
I don't get super surprised with thrillers often, so when it happens I am always blown away.
There were so many twists and red herrings in here my mind spun when the killer was finally revealed.
Psychological thrillers are my favourite kind of mind melt, this one did not disappoint.
I absolutely loved it!
March 10, 2025
Jung, blond, tot
Über eine Zeitungsanzeige findet Una einen Job als Gesellschafterin bei einer älteren Dame. Der Job ist lukrativ für das junge Mädchen, das vor kurzen ihre Mutter verloren hat und von ihrem Freund betrogen wurde. Sie zieht in das imposante Haus der alten Dame, welche gar nicht so gebrechlich ist wie sie tut. Die Hausherrin und ihre Stieftochter haben ein paar Macken, aber sonst scheint es für Una gut zu laufen. Aber bald kommen dunkle Geheimnisse ans Licht, da ist die leibliche Tochter der Hausherrin, welche mit 18 Jahren mit ihrem Freund durchgebrannt ist und die seitdem für ihre Mutter nicht mehr existiert – zumindest offiziell. Auch die Stieftochter scheint dunkle Geheimnisse zu hüten und sie begegnet Una mit großem Misstrauen. Und dann sind da die Vorgängerinnen auf dieser Stelle – alle jung, blond und auf unnatürliche Weise aus dem Leben geschieden. So weit so vielversprechend, aber leider baut sich kein rechter Spannungsbogen auf. In einer Endloslosschleife wird die Geschichte aus der Sicht der einzelnen Protagonisten erzählt und zieht sich dadurch wie Kaugummi. Zur Mitte des Buches eskaliert alles um dann wie ein Déjà-vu von vorn zu beginnen. Erst zum Ende nimmt die Sache Fahrt auf und das Finale hält einige Überraschungen parat. Leider reicht das aber für mich nicht aus, um den Gesamteindruck zu retten.
Über eine Zeitungsanzeige findet Una einen Job als Gesellschafterin bei einer älteren Dame. Der Job ist lukrativ für das junge Mädchen, das vor kurzen ihre Mutter verloren hat und von ihrem Freund betrogen wurde. Sie zieht in das imposante Haus der alten Dame, welche gar nicht so gebrechlich ist wie sie tut. Die Hausherrin und ihre Stieftochter haben ein paar Macken, aber sonst scheint es für Una gut zu laufen. Aber bald kommen dunkle Geheimnisse ans Licht, da ist die leibliche Tochter der Hausherrin, welche mit 18 Jahren mit ihrem Freund durchgebrannt ist und die seitdem für ihre Mutter nicht mehr existiert – zumindest offiziell. Auch die Stieftochter scheint dunkle Geheimnisse zu hüten und sie begegnet Una mit großem Misstrauen. Und dann sind da die Vorgängerinnen auf dieser Stelle – alle jung, blond und auf unnatürliche Weise aus dem Leben geschieden. So weit so vielversprechend, aber leider baut sich kein rechter Spannungsbogen auf. In einer Endloslosschleife wird die Geschichte aus der Sicht der einzelnen Protagonisten erzählt und zieht sich dadurch wie Kaugummi. Zur Mitte des Buches eskaliert alles um dann wie ein Déjà-vu von vorn zu beginnen. Erst zum Ende nimmt die Sache Fahrt auf und das Finale hält einige Überraschungen parat. Leider reicht das aber für mich nicht aus, um den Gesamteindruck zu retten.
March 25, 2022
This was a wild ride to say the least. I had it very wrong all a long. That ending was so good. I loved finding out the truth.
This is a 4 star must read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
This is a 4 star must read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
October 2, 2020
It is just strange how synopsis grabbed my attention without revealing anything. This book is way more than what synopsis give.
This story rotates around a dysfunctional family which consists of Elspeth(mother) and Kathryn. Elspeth needs a companion for her. Two previous girls are found dead though in different circumstances. Una is the 3rd one, after her mother’s death and break up with a boyfriend. She is trying to make something of her life. This job is ideal for her although people and circumstances are not ideal.
I like the Una and Courtney’s bond, Una shared everything with Courtney like a sensible person unlike those leads of mystery who never share anything and end up dead. The premises were so interesting. I like all the girls, everyone was different but likeable. Unfortunately can’t say the same about others. They were not interesting dark but annoying-dull-dark. It didn’t bother me what is going on in their life.
The story was dark and had a good amount of twists and turns. But boring characters didn’t let me connect to the story that much. I just wanted this story to end.
This story rotates around a dysfunctional family which consists of Elspeth(mother) and Kathryn. Elspeth needs a companion for her. Two previous girls are found dead though in different circumstances. Una is the 3rd one, after her mother’s death and break up with a boyfriend. She is trying to make something of her life. This job is ideal for her although people and circumstances are not ideal.
I like the Una and Courtney’s bond, Una shared everything with Courtney like a sensible person unlike those leads of mystery who never share anything and end up dead. The premises were so interesting. I like all the girls, everyone was different but likeable. Unfortunately can’t say the same about others. They were not interesting dark but annoying-dull-dark. It didn’t bother me what is going on in their life.
The story was dark and had a good amount of twists and turns. But boring characters didn’t let me connect to the story that much. I just wanted this story to end.
January 25, 2022
This fell somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me. Most of the book was full of intrigue and even though I had some early guesses, I changed my mind on who was behind some of the happenings. The multiple POVs are good and needed to keep the story moving along. It's easy to follow the characters. I really liked 75% of this story, but it started to fall apart for me moving toward the end and I was a little bored. The twist was okay, not super exciting and then it seemed the whole story collapsed and flopped. I expected a much more entertaining conclusion, maybe something left to the imagination, but it was a pretty bland ending.
June 9, 2020
This one was ok but not as good as other books by this author. It was well written and full of mystery and twists and turns however I did find it extremely far fetched in parts. I also detested the characters of Elspeth and her daughter Kathryn so I found myself feeling irritated whenever they were mentioned. The ending wasn’t predictable which was refreshing but overall it was a little too unbelievable got me to score it any higher.
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