Like Mother, Like Daughter

by Kimberly McCreight

From the New York Times bestselling author of Reconstructing Amelia: A daughter races to uncover her mother's secret life in the wake of her disappearance

When Cleo, a student at NYU, arrives late for dinner at her childhood home in Brooklyn, she finds food burning in the oven and no sign of her mother, Kat. Then Cleo discovers her mom’s bloody shoe under the sofa. Something terrible has happened.

But what? The polar opposite of Cleo, whose “out of control” emotions and “unsafe” behavior have created a seemingly unbridgeable rift between mother and daughter, Kat is the essence of Park Slope perfection: a happily married, successful corporate lawyer. Or so Cleo thinks.

Kat has been lying. She’s not just a lawyer; she’s her firm’s fixer. She’s damn good at it, too. Growing up in a dangerous group home taught her how to think fast, stay calm under pressure, and recognize a real threat when she sees one. And in the days leading up her disappearance, Kat has become aware of multiple threats: demands for money from her unfaithful soon-to-be ex-husband; evidence that Cleo has slipped back into a relationship that’s far riskier than she understands; and menacing anonymous messages from her past—all of which she’s kept hidden from Cleo . . .

Like Mother, Like Daughter is a thrilling novel of emotional suspense that questions the damaging fictions we cling to and the hard truths we avoid. Above all, it’s a love story between a mother and a daughter, each determined to save the other before it’s too late.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery

320 pages, Paperback

Published July 22, 2025

About the author

Kimberly McCreight is the New York Times bestselling author of eight novels including RECONSTRUCTING AMELIA, A GOOD MARRIAGE and LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER. SOMEONE ELSE'S HUSBAND is forthcoming from Knopf June 16, 2026. She has been nominated for the Edgar, Anthony and Alex awards and her books have been translated into more than twenty languages and optioned for film and television. She attended Vassar College and graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She lives in Brooklyn. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook and at kimberlymccreight.com

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pleased to have received an advance copy of this book. When a mother disappears from her home, leaving behind a pool of blood, her estranged college-aged daughter is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. During her investigation, she uncovers previously unknown details about her mother’s difficult upbringing, her parents’ marriage, her mother’s career, and the father she previously had adored. A wonderful depiction of an adult child’s eyes being opened to the depth of a mother’s love.

[Korey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a great time reading “Like Mother, Like Daughter”! This twisty mystery totally held my attention, and I loved how the story bounced between different perspectives—it kept things interesting without ever getting too confusing. Even though I didn’t exactly connect with the main characters, the plot itself was riveting and constantly had me guessing what was really going on.

This book’s steady, suspenseful vibe made it a solid pick for fans of mysteries with surprises around every corner. If you’re into stories that question family secrets and leave you wondering until the very end, this one’s for you!

Recommended as a 3.5-star read (rounded up) for anyone craving a twisty, compelling mystery with mother-daughter drama at its core.

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reader copy. I enjoyed the journey!

[Kaylee Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a good reads give away. thanks to the publisher and author! i loved this book. i was worried the plot of missing mom/searching daughter would be overdone and it would be similar to other books. this was not the case! lots of twists and thrills that surprised me. overall i loved the main characters Kat and Cleo and their bond. i will read other work by this author after finishing this and would recommend the author and book at this time!

[J W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Lots of characters to keep up with

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read. Great twist in the end!!