This was a great thriller that kept me guessing until the very end. Sienna has been living with her grandmom for years because of something that happened in her past and her mother's mental illness. When she comes home 10 years later, old fears rear their ugly head. Is her mind playing tricks on her or has the past caught up with her? This was a book that kept me reading as I needed to know what was going on. I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book, for an honest review.

Normally I enjoy a stand alone book by an author, this one just wasn't one of my favorite books to read. I realized who the killer was very early on in the book, which caused the book to get a bit boring and predictable for me, and I wasn't sure if I would be able to finish it.

This book won't stop me from waiting on the next book by Erica Spindler, as I truly enjoy reading her books.

I'm a huge fan of Erica Spindler and was so excited to read this book. In her typical fashion, the book held many twists and turns. The beginning I felt was a little slow. It took a little bit to capture my interest but once it did I didn't want to put it down! They story kept you guessing which is what I lived most about this book. Just when you thought one thing something else happened to make you change your mind. Well written and just an overall great read!

This was such a great read. It had some of the usual thriller/suspense tactics that you would expect, but it also dove down into the world of mental illness that made it more interesting! I loved that my predictions were never right, it was definitely not what you expected. Definitely recommend!

“Being around your mother, it’s like she infects you or something.”

One night, one horrific night on campus has followed Sienna Scott for ten years, the night she nearly tripped over the fresh corpse of a murdered young woman. This act of violence, the strange fact that they had both been wearing the same coat plants the seed that maybe it was she the killer was truly after! In the aftermath of the crime, her father believes she is making connections that aren’t there, that Sienna is fragile, like her mother who suffers from a delusional disorder. That her mother has passed on more than her looks to her daughter, that one particular cop (Randall “Randy” Clark) has been getting too close to Sienna and fueling her mad theory that she was the intended victim while trying to catch the killer. The only way to save her from a mental decline is to send her away to London, far away from her mother and the stink of the crime.

Ten years later, her father has been dead for five years, her half-brother left behind to watch over Sienna’s mother feeling resentment and fear that she is falling under her mother’s influence again, adamant still she was the intended victim. His life is crumbling too with his own relationship woes. Sienna longs to move on, to open a restaurant but her plans are being thwarted at every turn and everyone seems to have their own miserable secrets. It isn’t family trouble alone that is reviving the past, the murder case has been re-opened. Officer Randy is once again on the scene, the reason she was sent away to begin with! The cop her family feared was playing with her mind to benefit the investigation all those years ago but he was her friend, he made her feel safer. Her mother is far more frail than Sienna could have imagined, worse than when she left. Afraid of the police, armed with a gun, suspicious even of Sienna’s half-brother Brad and Sienna being home seems to be triggering her mother’s mental decline.

Across the street is the new neighbor Jonathan, renovating the place, a ‘house flipper’. Despite not knowing much about him, there is instant chemistry and desire but with the past haunting her, how does she know who she can trust? Being in his arms is the most exhilarated she has ever felt, maybe it is time to let him in, to finally open up about the torment her life has been since the murder, and to admit that it wasn’t so charmed before growing up with her mother’s illness. She’s had enough playing it safe, if she is meant to fall it may as well be in his arms.

Something is lurking though, and maybe her mother’s paranoia has some basis in reality, maybe Sienna isn’t slipping into a delusional state. But just who would want to kill her, and why?

This novel is just the right blend of mystery, thriller and romance for your winter reading.

Publication Date: January 28, 2019

St. Martin’s Press

This takes place in Tranquility Bluffs, Wisconsin and opens during winter. Sienna Scott, 18, is leaving a study group at college while taking a short cut, there is a fierce snowstorm, and Sienna trips over a body. The victim is Madison Robie, who works at the college library. Sienna can't get past a feeling that she was the intended target and carries the horror of that night for the past ten years.

Now, 28, Sienna has returned home. She is a chef, and has dreams of owning her own restaurant. She surprises her older brother, Brad, who isn't all that pleased she is back, and feels guilty that Brad has been the sole one to look after their mother, who suffers from a mental illness. She, also, learns that Madison Robie's case, the victim, has been reopened.

Haunted by the past, and fearing she was the intended target, Sienna finds herself suspicious of everyone, that suspicion drives wedges not just between family members, but a budding new relationship. A careless remark brings Sienna's worst fear to mind, is she becoming her mother?

I love how Erica Spindler spins a tale that had me, second guessing about Sienna. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys thrillers.

I received an ARC through NetGalley via St. Martin's Press and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

I read this book in one sitting. Or perhaps laying is the more accurate term. Or is it lying?

Anyways, that's unheard of for me.

You're probably saying to yourself ... "Self (that's you), she (that's me) must have reallyyyy loved this book."

And you'd be right, however, there's absolutely no reason for me to have enjoyed this book.

1. It's written in third person. Yuck.
2. I hated the characters.
3. Zero character development.
4. It's repetitive and doesn't really go anywhere. Like, ever.
5. Insta-Love. 'Nuff said, amiright?
6. The ending is cringeworthingly (I think I just made up a word) cliché.

I couldn't put it down.

Maybe the publisher put some sort of subliminal messages in the text like "You'll get a lifetime supply of Lindor Truffles if you like this book."

So, there you have it.

4 Stars for the book
Less 1/2 Star for that ending
Rounded up because Lindor Truffles

4 ⭐


** I recieved an ARC and chocolate in exchange for an honest review. **

This book takes place in a small town where Sienna Scott has decided to come back to. She feels the need to help take care of her mother and to ease her guilt of just leaving years ago. ⁣
⁣
What she doesn’t realize is that coming back brings up a lot more than just memories. ⁣
⁣
Trying to escape the murder of Madison Robbie from years ago, she falls for the guy next door. He helps her in more ways than one. But with his probing eyes and how he always seems to be there for her when she needs it, is he someone who should be trusted? ⁣
⁣
This book gave me all the creepy vibes.⁣
⁣
There is a mention of mental illness, so if that’s something that bothers you, I wouldn’t recommend this book. ⁣
⁣
However, this book kept my attention the entire time and I finished it in a few hours. I was constantly questioning everyone that came in to play. ⁣
⁣
I think the author did an excellent job of creating the characters and keeping that air of suspense while reading. She also did a great job of switching between the past and present! ⁣
⁣
Would definitely recommend.

Name a more perfect book to read during the first snow storm of the year, I'll wait...

BOOK REVIEW: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

The Look-Alike was hard for me to rate because I was so captured by the first three-quarters of the book, but wasn't too thrilled with the ending.

The book follows the story of a young female, Sienna, who found a dead body on her college campus 10 years ago. Sienna's father sent her to live with her grandmother in London shortly after the incident. Ten years later, Sienna returns to her hometown of Tranquility Bluffs to be with her mother, who suffers from delusions. At the same time, the police reopen the unsolved murder case. .

I was sucked into this book from the very beginning. The family dynamic and backstory of the murder was super interesting and Erica Spindler gave her characters a lot of depth. I really enjoyed all of the detail around Sienna's relationship with her mother and the insight to how her mother's illness has impacted the entire family. I also liked how Sienna's character had her own ambitions of opening a restaurant in her hometown in addition to being involved with the murder investigation. It made her character a lot more enjoyable and relatable!

Towards the end, I thought the book became a little predictable, hence the 4 stars. Overall, the book reminded me of Final Girls!

Thank you to @stmartinspress and @netgalley for the review copy. The Look-Alike comes out on January 28th!

The Look-Alike is the latest  thriller from Erica Spindler. This is an easy read because of the likable main character. Some romance, but it is mostly about the "who done it" and family dynamics. I want to thank Net Galley and St Martin's Press for an early copy to review.

I always enjoy this author's books. This one did not disappoint This stand alone book was very suspenseful and I will recommend it to the patrons at the library. I think many will enjoy this book..

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Sienna witnessed a murder 10 years ago and escaped to England to live with her grandmother. Her mother suffers a delusion disorder and is overprotective of Sienna, which becomes even more smothering after the murder. Especially when Sienna confessed her belief that she was the intended victim. When her small town reopens the case, Sienna returns home hoping to finally put these fears to rest. But as the investigation goes on, more and more clues convince Sienna that she was right...or is she more like her paranoid mother than she wants to believe.
I like that this book highlights the issue of mental illness without it bringing the story down. Her mother's delusions make Sienna question her own sanity, but ultimately help her solve the case. I don't know why Jonathan was so secretive about his identity, and then so offended when she doubted him. The killer was on my short list of suspects, but the story kept me guessing almost to the end. Great story to snuggle up and read on a snowy day!

*Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

The Look-Alike, takes place in Tranquility Bluffs, Wisconsin with Sienna returning 10 years later after witnessing the murdered body of a fellow classmate. Sienna’s mother suffers from paranoid delusions that makes her think that someone is out to get her and/or her daughter. This began shortly after giving birth to Sienna and just got worse throughout the years. After the murder of the girl on campus and Sienna stumbling upon the body it made her mother’s delusions increase / made her father fear that Sienna would start to suffer from the same delusions so he ships her off to his parents house in London, UK.

Upon her return, Sienna learns that the case into the killer just got re-opened.

What I liked about this is I don’t think I’ve read a book with a side character suffering from paranoid thoughts. It made you question if what the character was saying was fact or conjured up. Throughout the story I had a lot of theories about who I thought was the killer and if the killer meant to kill Madi or Sienna that night. As certain points and characters were revealed it had you thinking that maybe your guess was going in the wrong direction. Normally I try to trust my gut instinct but I couldn’t help but change my thinking.

Some things that I didn’t like in this was:
- The line “I let go of a breath I didn’t know I was holding” is featured in many books once and makes me grimace. This line made an appearance three times.
- Insta-love. I’m used to this in young adult novels but the instantaneous romance in this wasn’t that great. I would have been nice to see the two of them start a friendship between them before going straight to “I love you” / “I’m falling in love with you” after a week.
- The beginning of the book everything felt a little too convenient but as the story progressed I could see how that ground work was needed to get all the plot lines rolling

This was a good read and I enjoyed myself as I was reading it. The plot twists and the final reveal wasn’t too shocking and some plot points dragged a bit. A good first read from the author.

Sienna grew up with a mentally ill Mother. Because Sienna looks just like her Mother some people assume she will end up just like her Mother, paranoid. Now she is back and has to address the issue of her Mothers illness and a murder from years ago. Sienna thinks the victim may have been mistaken for her, but part of her wonders if she isn’t just like her Mother after all.

This is a great psychological thriller. It also addresses the issue of mental illness and its impact on loved ones. There are a lot of twists in this book. I guessed most of them but still enjoyed reading this book. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Thriller, Psychological Drama, and Mental Illness. It sounds like a recipe for staying up past your bedtime!

Erica Spindler is a master at twisty, mental thrillers.

Ten years ago Sienna Scott was taking a shortcut from the library at college. Wearing a white coat with the hood pulled low, she could barely see for all of the snow coming down. Until she sees the red that shouldn't be there, and a dead girl wearing the same coat as Sienna. 

Sienna's mother has had mental health issues since shortly after Sienna's birth. Paranoid delusions, fear of someone hurting her child. She has been locked up in her own house since Sienna left and is getting worse. But what if they really are out to get you? Are you still paranoid?

Sienna is still dealing with the thoughts she has that the girl's death was meant for her. She just can't shake that feeling and when her mother agrees with her, the seed is planted.

Shortly after the murder, she was sent to London to live with her aunt. Her father afraid she would turn out like her mother, asked her half-brother to look after her after his death. Since Sienna has been gone so long, he has mainly been taking care of her mother, but now he needs help and Sienna returns.

This was one crazy ride! I suspected everyone at some point. Compulsively readable, a cast of great characters and a great ending!

Well Done!

NetGalley/ January 28th, 2020 by St. Martin's Press

I was able to read this book thanks to NetGalley. I was thrilled to read another book by America Spindler as I’ve read, and loved, all of her books. This one was excellent and I never saw the end coming at all!
Sienna Scott is 18 when she finds a murder victim on her college campus. The victim bears a resemblance to her and they are wearing very similar coats. She cannot help but shake the feeling that perhaps she was the intended victim. Her mother suffers from paranoia and has always believe her husband’s first wife and her family are out to get Sienna and ultimately Sienna is sent to London to live with her grandmother.
Fast forward ten years and Sienna is back in town. She learns the murder case, still unsolved, has been reopened and the suspect list seems endless. She uncovers many secrets along the way and ultimately must face the killer.
I couldn’t put this book down and I highly recommend this amazing thriller! Thanks again to NetGalley!

Sienna Scott returns home from London after her mother takes a bad fall. Her mom suffers from a mental illness that Sienna thinks she, too, may suffer from; nevertheless, she returns to her hometown and all of the ghosts of the past. Sienna’s father has died, her brother is less than honest and her neighbor Jonathan, a real love interest in her life, has turned away from her. Long ago, when she was in her teens, Sienna stumbled across a murder scene and her life has never been the same. Madi was wearing the same coat that Sienna had on and Sienna has always wondered if she was the one who was supposed to die. With this kind of complex plot, the author does a masterful job of drawing the reader into the web of mystery and deceit. I was trapped from the beginning and thoroughly enjoyed tussling with this spider web. The real bad guy was a total surprise; Sienna’s mother had a mental illness that was believable but somewhat exaggerated at times; and, finally, Sienna was a totally likable and sympathetic character. I enjoyed the entire, fast-paced ride and loved that the author left multiple subtle clues along the way. Fans of mystery and suspense with a touch of thriller will enjoy this book for sure!

The Look-Alike by Erica Splinder....

Sienna Scott grew up in the dark shadow of her mother’s paranoid delusions. Now, she's returned home to confront her past and the unsolved murder that altered the course of her life.
In her mother’s shuttered house, an old fear that has haunted Sienna for years rears its ugly head ―that it was she who had been the killer’s target that night. And now, with it, a new fear―that the killer not only intended to remedy his past mistake―he’s already begun. But are these fears any different from the ones that torment her mother?
As the walls close in, the line between truth and lie, reality and delusion disintegrate. Has Sienna’s worst nightmare come true? Or will she unmask a killer and finally prove she may be her mother’s look-alike, but she’s not her clone?

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for my honest review!

I am an Erica Splinder fan.....when I read the above blurb I couldn’t wait to read it! The first few chapters were intriguing and I thought...ok this is going to be good. It went down hill from there. Sienna was annoying , the mother was extremely annoying and dialog was just corny to me. I had the killer pegged early on. This definitely was not a thriller for me and I skimmed through several chapters hoping that I was wrong about who done it! Very disappointed in this one as I have really enjoyed other books by this author .

🌟🌟/5 stars because I couldn’t wait for this book to be done.

I was fasinated by Erica Spindler's new book The Look-Alike. Once I started reeading the book I did not want to stop until the very end.. There are so many twists and turns within the major plot as she develops her main characters and they form relationships with each other. Basicallly the story revolves around solving an old murder . Sienna, the major character in the novel, returns home after 10 years. SHe left almost imediately after the murder and always felt that she was the target. SHe returns to live with her mother who has intense pschoogical problesm. Relationships are difficullt for all the major characters and the reader is kept guessing about who the killer really is. The ending is shocking.

The Look Alike by Erica Spindler
What a story! You've got murder, her mothers mental issues and a hot mysterious neighbor ingredients for hours of solid reading. This was an excellent psychological thriller that grabs you and carries you through to the very end. Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for allowing me to read this ARC book and give my honest opinion.