Like Mother, Like Daughter: By Kimberly McCreight (Book Review)

Kimberly McCreight’s “Like Mother, Like Daughter” dives into the depths of a mother-daughter relationship set against the backdrop of a thrilling mystery. The novel, releasing on July 30, 2024, captures the complexities of familial bonds and the shadows cast by hidden secrets. As Cleo McHugh searches for her missing mother, Kat, readers are taken on a journey that explores suspense, emotional turmoil, and the intricate dynamics of love and deception.

Plot Overview

The story begins with Cleo, a college student at NYU, arriving late for dinner at her Brooklyn home only to find her mother missing and signs of a struggle. Kat, a seemingly perfect corporate lawyer, has vanished, leaving behind a trail of questions. As Cleo delves into her mother’s mysterious past, she discovers that Kat’s life was far from the image she projected. Kat was more than just a lawyer; she was a fixer for her firm, adept at handling dangerous situations—a skill she learned from her troubled youth.

Character Development

McCreight excels in creating multi-dimensional characters. Cleo and Kat are both portrayed with depth and realism. Cleo’s journey from frustration and estrangement to understanding and determination highlights the growth in her character. Kat’s backstory, revealed through flashbacks and journal entries, adds layers to her persona, showcasing her strength and vulnerability.

The mother-daughter relationship is at the heart of the novel. Their bond, though strained, is portrayed with authenticity, reflecting the push and pull of familial love and conflict. Cleo’s quest to uncover the truth about her mother’s disappearance becomes a journey of self-discovery as well.

Themes and Style

“Like Mother, Like Daughter” is more than a mystery; it is a commentary on the secrets that define us and the lengths we go to protect those we love. McCreight weaves themes of loyalty, betrayal, and resilience throughout the narrative. The dual timelines—one following Cleo in the present and the other tracing Kat’s steps leading up to her disappearance—create a compelling structure that keeps readers engaged.

The inclusion of trial notes, journal entries, and therapy session transcripts adds a unique dimension to the storytelling, providing deeper insights into the characters’ thoughts and motivations.

Critical Reception

The novel has received positive reviews for its intricate plot and well-paced suspense. Kirkus Reviews praised the effective build-up of suspense and the complexity of the characters, though it noted that the ending felt somewhat abrupt. Bookreporter highlighted the novel’s emotional depth and the realistic portrayal of the mother-daughter relationship.

However, some reviewers on The StoryGraph found the multitude of high-stakes problems a bit convoluted, and the resolution too contrived. Despite these critiques, the general consensus is that McCreight has crafted a gripping and thought-provoking thriller.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Characterization: Both main characters are well-developed, with realistic flaws and strengths that make them relatable.
• Pacing: The novel’s pacing is commendable, maintaining suspense and interest throughout.
• Themes: The exploration of familial bonds and hidden secrets adds depth to the narrative.

Weaknesses:

• Ending: Some readers felt that the ending wrapped up too quickly, leaving certain plot points insufficiently explored.
• Complexity: The interwoven high-stakes situations, while adding suspense, sometimes made the plot feel overly complicated.

Conclusion

“Like Mother, Like Daughter” by Kimberly McCreight is a compelling blend of mystery and emotional drama. It successfully captures the tension and love inherent in mother-daughter relationships while weaving a narrative filled with twists and turns. Despite minor criticisms regarding the ending and plot complexity, the novel stands out for its strong character development and engaging storyline. Fans of domestic thrillers and psychological suspense will find this book a satisfying read.

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