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Bad Like Me: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 13 Oct 26When Sam, the hottest dad in the neighborhood, is stabbed to death in a leafy local playground, no one in tony Larchwood can imagine who would want him dead. No one except the mom he snubbed, the dad he laughed at, the outsider he humiliated. Oh, and don't forget his lover. Or his wife. This page-turning story is told by four women—each distinct, and not all reliable. There’s gorgeous Lucy, who’s ready to blow up her marriage; anxious Rachel, a classic overachiever; polished, powerhouse-lawyer Grace, who’s deeply unhappy; and real estate agent Carmen, an outsider, who'd do anything to fit in.
When one woman disappears from the neighborhood soon after the murder, and then another, fear takes hold in Larchwood. Meanwhile, questions begin to arise about another suspicious death, one that took place years before. No one would think to link these events. No one except the killer . . .
When one woman disappears from the neighborhood soon after the murder, and then another, fear takes hold in Larchwood. Meanwhile, questions begin to arise about another suspicious death, one that took place years before. No one would think to link these events. No one except the killer . . .
352 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thought this book was a lot of fun- it fit very well in the domestic suspense drama and fits in with Big Little Lies and the like. The story centers on a bunch of moms (as well as a couple dads and a babysitter) in a high-end neighborhood one-upping each other in various ways. You know going into the book that one of the dads has been murdered, though that doesn't actually happen until later in the book after you get more background on the various players. The book is told in various POVs, alternating between moms Rachel, Lucy, Grace, and Carmen, and babysitter, Meg, with some thoughts from other characters dispersed throughout. Between the parents, the sitters, and the kids, it was sometimes hard to remember who was who and how they all connected. Much of Lucy's narrative is told via letters to her sister, which I thought was a nice break from the rest of the narrative.
Despite having a lot of characters, I felt that their voices were distinctive. The author did a good job painting a picture of what their family dynamics were without going too deep as to slow down the story. Some of the characters were completely cringeworthy but some were likable. Not a whole lot happens in the first part of the book but there is drama with the Fall Fair and sexual tension between some of the characters so it all felt very juicy. A whole lot happens in the latter part of the book and I saw some others say it was far-fetched but I actually thought it worked based on what I had learned about the characters up until that time. Though it's not hard to figure out how the murderer was, there were enough red herrings to plant a little doubt. The backstory of Rachel and Elliot's college experience was pretty wild and explained a lot about why they were like they were in current times. I liked the end of the book and though it seemed a little unbelievable, I thought it worked with the rest of the story.
Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable read and I couldn't wait to see what ended up happening to these characters. Despite some truly awful people, there are some good people in the neighborhood too, and I thought the whole dynamic was engaging to read about. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Despite having a lot of characters, I felt that their voices were distinctive. The author did a good job painting a picture of what their family dynamics were without going too deep as to slow down the story. Some of the characters were completely cringeworthy but some were likable. Not a whole lot happens in the first part of the book but there is drama with the Fall Fair and sexual tension between some of the characters so it all felt very juicy. A whole lot happens in the latter part of the book and I saw some others say it was far-fetched but I actually thought it worked based on what I had learned about the characters up until that time. Though it's not hard to figure out how the murderer was, there were enough red herrings to plant a little doubt. The backstory of Rachel and Elliot's college experience was pretty wild and explained a lot about why they were like they were in current times. I liked the end of the book and though it seemed a little unbelievable, I thought it worked with the rest of the story.
Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable read and I couldn't wait to see what ended up happening to these characters. Despite some truly awful people, there are some good people in the neighborhood too, and I thought the whole dynamic was engaging to read about. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2026
Bad Like Me by Louise Griffin is a recommended domestic popcorn thriller. If you enjoy soapy dramas featuring suburbanites full of existential angst and behaving badly, this may be for you. It starts with a murder to keep you reading. Oh, and prepare yourself for a swarm of characters to track.
Opening with Larchwood's neighborhood hot dad, Sam, being found stabbed behind the playground bathrooms, the narrative jumps back in time and introduces us to a curated group of local moms, caregivers/babysitters, and children who usually gather in the park after school. Here is a helpful guide to the cast of unreliable and unlikable characters:
We have Rachel, mom to Augie, wife of Elliot, a doctor, and full of social anxiety while wanting to control people and raccoons. She leads, plans events, and actively recruits help for the local Parents Club (PC). Rachel runs everything past her husband for his approval.
Meg is a down-to-earth caregiver/nanny/babysitter for various moms, usually Rachel. She also works other places and is the only likable character.
Lucy is mom to Bee, wife of Nathan, who is portrayed as a great guy. She's the local hot mom Sam is pursuing and she is responding. She frequently writes/addresses diary entries to her sister Joanna in the plot but didn't listen to her advice to "make good choices."
Sam is married to Grace, a lawyer. He is the main caregiver for Leo and Sorrel, but they also hire a nanny Mariposa. Sam is a complete jerk so its inconceivable that anyone would be attracted to him. You will feel sympathy for Grace.
Carmen is a real estate agent and single mom to Jade. They often go to the park after school even though it's not her neighborhood or Jades school. She's stalking Grace, who was her lawyer. She and Meg get along.
Auxiliary characters: Ashley, son Rider, Fiona and Harmony.
There, that will help you follow the multi-point-of-view narrative which is firmly set in suburbia and involves people with no interests or common sense, and too much time on their hands. There is a surprising investigation opened to an event which happened years earlier. Then the murder happens late in the novel, changing the tone and setting of the whole narrative and it becomes more of a thriller/hostage situation.
Honestly, two important points to make. First. what kept me reading is the fact that Bad Like Me is undeniably a very entertaining novel following people making poor choices, being stupid, and behaving badly. You've met these people before. Second, I finished this novel and thought "I've read this before. Was it a reprint." I checked and, no, it's new, but it the plot is very, very similar to something I've read before, rather recently. I was unable to figure out what novel due to the number of books I read each year, but it was in the similar vein, entertaining but ultimately forgettable.
Bad Like Me is a great choice for those who enjoy domestic popcorn thrillers/soapy dramas full of unreliable/unlikable characters. Thanks to Union Square & Co for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
https://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/...
Opening with Larchwood's neighborhood hot dad, Sam, being found stabbed behind the playground bathrooms, the narrative jumps back in time and introduces us to a curated group of local moms, caregivers/babysitters, and children who usually gather in the park after school. Here is a helpful guide to the cast of unreliable and unlikable characters:
We have Rachel, mom to Augie, wife of Elliot, a doctor, and full of social anxiety while wanting to control people and raccoons. She leads, plans events, and actively recruits help for the local Parents Club (PC). Rachel runs everything past her husband for his approval.
Meg is a down-to-earth caregiver/nanny/babysitter for various moms, usually Rachel. She also works other places and is the only likable character.
Lucy is mom to Bee, wife of Nathan, who is portrayed as a great guy. She's the local hot mom Sam is pursuing and she is responding. She frequently writes/addresses diary entries to her sister Joanna in the plot but didn't listen to her advice to "make good choices."
Sam is married to Grace, a lawyer. He is the main caregiver for Leo and Sorrel, but they also hire a nanny Mariposa. Sam is a complete jerk so its inconceivable that anyone would be attracted to him. You will feel sympathy for Grace.
Carmen is a real estate agent and single mom to Jade. They often go to the park after school even though it's not her neighborhood or Jades school. She's stalking Grace, who was her lawyer. She and Meg get along.
Auxiliary characters: Ashley, son Rider, Fiona and Harmony.
There, that will help you follow the multi-point-of-view narrative which is firmly set in suburbia and involves people with no interests or common sense, and too much time on their hands. There is a surprising investigation opened to an event which happened years earlier. Then the murder happens late in the novel, changing the tone and setting of the whole narrative and it becomes more of a thriller/hostage situation.
Honestly, two important points to make. First. what kept me reading is the fact that Bad Like Me is undeniably a very entertaining novel following people making poor choices, being stupid, and behaving badly. You've met these people before. Second, I finished this novel and thought "I've read this before. Was it a reprint." I checked and, no, it's new, but it the plot is very, very similar to something I've read before, rather recently. I was unable to figure out what novel due to the number of books I read each year, but it was in the similar vein, entertaining but ultimately forgettable.
Bad Like Me is a great choice for those who enjoy domestic popcorn thrillers/soapy dramas full of unreliable/unlikable characters. Thanks to Union Square & Co for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
https://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2026/...
August 13, 2026
This is the best book I have read in a very long time. The book starts out at a playground and, although you find out right away that one of the dads was murdered, the first part of the book makes you feel like the characters are people you know. The author gets the stresses and anxieties of urban/suburban millennial parents so right. I love the different points of view, which underscores that no one perspective is entirely trustworthy. Then, as the book turns away from PTA politics and playground friendships and into a fast-paced, heart-thumbing thriller, the reader is skeptical of pretty much everyone. I could not put this book down. I almost wish I had waited to start this book on the beginning of the weekend, so I could have read it from start to finish faster. This is a book that grabs your attention, does not let it go, and keeps you thinking about the characters and their motivations even after you finish the book.
Thank you VERY much for NetGalley for giving me this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you VERY much for NetGalley for giving me this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I was reading this book, I fell into a deep rabbit hole: I wanted to know the name for this specific subgenre of stories in which people’s fates intertwine and their present actions are influenced by events from their past. You know, the type of stories Liane Moriarty and Christine Gunderson weave so masterfully? Well, Louise Griffin is not lagging far behind in this suspenseful novel that, in its essence, explores what happens when mostly affluent women who live in the same posh neighbourhood give in to playground politics and sordid tendencies to stave off their boredom, anxiety and general sense of unease, which gloriously explodes in a cloud of chaos and unsurprisingly ends in murder.
I thrive on exploding clouds of chaos in my literary exploring, even though this one could have easily been avoided, seeing as its main reason is people constantly butting into each other’s business while convincing themselves they only have the purest of intentions. The personalities of the main characters, who are mostly women, are described mostly through actions instead of descriptions, which is an efficient tactic; what impressed me even more is that the women you understand and the women who repulse you in this book act like a litmus test of sorts when it comes to your own personality - and there is so much to understand and so, so much to be repulsed by! Some twists genuinely surprised me and would be hard to predict while others were a bit on the nose, but I wasn’t bothered by that - by the time the juicy twists and delicious bits rolled around, I was more intrigued by the “how” than by the “what”. The book experiences a slight lull during the narrative shift, and some of those parts could have been sped along, but that doesn’t affect the overall enjoyment of an otherwise well-written mystery thriller.
Oh, and about the subgenre? I couldn’t find an official name but for now, I’m settling on “ripple-effect interconnected narratives” while waiting for inspiration to struck on another name that’ll be less of a mouthful.
Thank you to NetGalley, Union Square & Co. and Louise Griffin for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I thrive on exploding clouds of chaos in my literary exploring, even though this one could have easily been avoided, seeing as its main reason is people constantly butting into each other’s business while convincing themselves they only have the purest of intentions. The personalities of the main characters, who are mostly women, are described mostly through actions instead of descriptions, which is an efficient tactic; what impressed me even more is that the women you understand and the women who repulse you in this book act like a litmus test of sorts when it comes to your own personality - and there is so much to understand and so, so much to be repulsed by! Some twists genuinely surprised me and would be hard to predict while others were a bit on the nose, but I wasn’t bothered by that - by the time the juicy twists and delicious bits rolled around, I was more intrigued by the “how” than by the “what”. The book experiences a slight lull during the narrative shift, and some of those parts could have been sped along, but that doesn’t affect the overall enjoyment of an otherwise well-written mystery thriller.
Oh, and about the subgenre? I couldn’t find an official name but for now, I’m settling on “ripple-effect interconnected narratives” while waiting for inspiration to struck on another name that’ll be less of a mouthful.
Thank you to NetGalley, Union Square & Co. and Louise Griffin for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bad Like Me is one of those deliciously tangled domestic thrillers where everyone is smiling on the outside and quietly fracturing underneath. From the opening scene — a golden, glossy neighbourhood shaken by the murder of its most admired dad — the novel hums with envy, desire, and the kind of curated perfection that always hides something rotten.
Larchwood is the sort of place where appearances are currency, and Sam, the impossibly handsome father at the centre of it all, has spent years collecting admirers and enemies in equal measure. His death feels like a stone dropped into a perfectly still pond: the ripples expose everything.
The story unfolds through four women, each with her own fault lines. Lucy, beautiful and restless, teeters on the edge of blowing up her life; Rachel, anxious and overachieving, clings to control as if it might save her; Grace, polished and powerful, is quietly suffocating beneath the weight of her own success; and Carmen, the outsider, aches to belong so badly it becomes its own kind of danger. Their voices are distinct, messy, and wonderfully unreliable — the kind of narrators who tell you the truth only when it suits them.
What I loved is how the novel captures the feverish intensity of suburban performance: the curated friendships, the whispered comparisons, the way desire and resentment can coexist so easily behind closed doors. When women begin disappearing after Sam’s murder, the tension sharpens, and the book shifts into something darker, more propulsive. Old secrets stir. A long‑buried death resurfaces. And slowly, chillingly, the threads begin to knot together.
This is a thriller about the stories we tell about ourselves, the ones we hide, and the ones we weaponise. It’s sharp, addictive, and laced with the kind of emotional truth that makes the final reveal land with real force.
A compulsive, cleverly layered read — perfect for fans of None of This Is True and Big Little Lies — and one that left me eyeing my own quiet neighbourhood a little differently.
With thanks to Louise Griffin, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Larchwood is the sort of place where appearances are currency, and Sam, the impossibly handsome father at the centre of it all, has spent years collecting admirers and enemies in equal measure. His death feels like a stone dropped into a perfectly still pond: the ripples expose everything.
The story unfolds through four women, each with her own fault lines. Lucy, beautiful and restless, teeters on the edge of blowing up her life; Rachel, anxious and overachieving, clings to control as if it might save her; Grace, polished and powerful, is quietly suffocating beneath the weight of her own success; and Carmen, the outsider, aches to belong so badly it becomes its own kind of danger. Their voices are distinct, messy, and wonderfully unreliable — the kind of narrators who tell you the truth only when it suits them.
What I loved is how the novel captures the feverish intensity of suburban performance: the curated friendships, the whispered comparisons, the way desire and resentment can coexist so easily behind closed doors. When women begin disappearing after Sam’s murder, the tension sharpens, and the book shifts into something darker, more propulsive. Old secrets stir. A long‑buried death resurfaces. And slowly, chillingly, the threads begin to knot together.
This is a thriller about the stories we tell about ourselves, the ones we hide, and the ones we weaponise. It’s sharp, addictive, and laced with the kind of emotional truth that makes the final reveal land with real force.
A compulsive, cleverly layered read — perfect for fans of None of This Is True and Big Little Lies — and one that left me eyeing my own quiet neighbourhood a little differently.
With thanks to Louise Griffin, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Louise Griffin, NetGalley, and Union Square & Co. for providing me with a copy of Bad Like Me in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a little chaotic in the best possible way—and I mean that as both a compliment and a warning.
Bad Like Me follows four very different women who somehow feel like twisted reflections of one another. They’re distinct, but also eerily similar in the way they orbit jealousy, insecurity, ambition, and all the messy little human impulses we don’t like to admit out loud. It’s less “best friends forever” and more “I smile at you in public but absolutely judge your entire existence in my head.”
And honestly? I was entertained.
The playground scenes were easily my favorite parts. There’s something about that setting that strips people down to their most unfiltered selves. I could practically see the side-eyes, the forced smiles, and the silent competition over who is living life “correctly.” It felt like a full psychological battlefield disguised as casual small talk.
This book also had me thinking about the Seven Deadly Sins more than I expected—pride, envy, lust, greed, wrath… it all shows up in different forms across these women’s lives. Not in an obvious, preachy way, but in a subtle “oh wow, that’s messy” kind of way that sticks with you after you put it down.
The story itself can feel a bit scattered at times, but the character work is strong, and the writing keeps everything grounded even when the emotions (and decisions) get a little wild. It’s very character-driven, very observational, and very good at holding up a mirror you didn’t necessarily ask for.
Not everything lands perfectly, but the experience of reading it definitely does.
Final Verdict
Bad Like Me is a messy, sharp, character-driven exploration of female friendships, judgment, and the quiet chaos people carry behind polite smiles. It’s a little all over the place, but intentionally so—and it works because of the characters at its core.
Final rating: 4 stars — beautifully messy, slightly unhinged, and very human.
This book is a little chaotic in the best possible way—and I mean that as both a compliment and a warning.
Bad Like Me follows four very different women who somehow feel like twisted reflections of one another. They’re distinct, but also eerily similar in the way they orbit jealousy, insecurity, ambition, and all the messy little human impulses we don’t like to admit out loud. It’s less “best friends forever” and more “I smile at you in public but absolutely judge your entire existence in my head.”
And honestly? I was entertained.
The playground scenes were easily my favorite parts. There’s something about that setting that strips people down to their most unfiltered selves. I could practically see the side-eyes, the forced smiles, and the silent competition over who is living life “correctly.” It felt like a full psychological battlefield disguised as casual small talk.
This book also had me thinking about the Seven Deadly Sins more than I expected—pride, envy, lust, greed, wrath… it all shows up in different forms across these women’s lives. Not in an obvious, preachy way, but in a subtle “oh wow, that’s messy” kind of way that sticks with you after you put it down.
The story itself can feel a bit scattered at times, but the character work is strong, and the writing keeps everything grounded even when the emotions (and decisions) get a little wild. It’s very character-driven, very observational, and very good at holding up a mirror you didn’t necessarily ask for.
Not everything lands perfectly, but the experience of reading it definitely does.
Final Verdict
Bad Like Me is a messy, sharp, character-driven exploration of female friendships, judgment, and the quiet chaos people carry behind polite smiles. It’s a little all over the place, but intentionally so—and it works because of the characters at its core.
Final rating: 4 stars — beautifully messy, slightly unhinged, and very human.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This domestic thriller delivers a sharp, suspenseful look at the fractures beneath a seemingly polished neighbourhood, driven by a compelling, character focused exploration of female friendships. When Sam the charming, much admired dad everyone knows is found stabbed in a quiet playground, the shock ripples through Larchwood. But beneath the community’s manicured lawns and curated social lives lies a tangle of resentment, rivalry, and long‑buried secrets. The story unfolds through four women whose voices are as distinct as their motives: Lucy, restless and ready to torch her perfect image; Rachel, wound tight by her own anxieties; Grace, a powerhouse lawyer hiding deep unhappiness; and Carmen, the outsider desperate to belong. Their perspectives twist around one another, revealing how easily admiration can turn to envy, and how friendships can mask dangerous truths.
As fear takes hold and women begin to vanish, the tension escalates into a gripping, claustrophobic mystery. Whispers of an older, unexplained death resurface, hinting that the violence in Larchwood didn’t begin with Sam, and won’t end with him. The author excels at weaving emotional complexity into the suspense, showing how loyalty, insecurity, and ambition shape each woman’s choices. With its layered character work and steadily mounting dread, this novel becomes a riveting study of how far people will go to protect themselves and how tightly a killer can bind a community without anyone noticing.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
As fear takes hold and women begin to vanish, the tension escalates into a gripping, claustrophobic mystery. Whispers of an older, unexplained death resurface, hinting that the violence in Larchwood didn’t begin with Sam, and won’t end with him. The author excels at weaving emotional complexity into the suspense, showing how loyalty, insecurity, and ambition shape each woman’s choices. With its layered character work and steadily mounting dread, this novel becomes a riveting study of how far people will go to protect themselves and how tightly a killer can bind a community without anyone noticing.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bad Like Me was such a fun, messy, character-driven thriller. It’s set in an affluent neighborhood where everyone seems to have the perfect life on the outside, but underneath there are affairs, jealousy, secrets, obsession, strained marriages, and a whole lot of people watching each other far too closely.
The story is told through multiple women, and I really enjoyed getting all of their different perspectives. Some of them are more reliable than others, and the way their lives slowly start overlapping made the neighborhood drama incredibly entertaining. There were so many moments where I was thinking, what are these people doing?!
What really surprised me, though, was how much heart the book had. I went into it expecting drama and murder, but some of the relationships became genuinely emotional. There were a couple of chapters that completely changed how I felt about the book and honestly made me tear up. Those moments gave the story so much more depth and pushed this from a really enjoyable thriller into a five-star read for me.
The second half really picks up, the tension keeps building, and once everything starts coming together, it gets wonderfully chaotic. I also loved that the ending still had a surprise waiting for me. I thought I had most of it figured out, and nope, there was one last twist that got me.
Messy neighbors, complicated women, secrets everywhere, emotional moments I wasn’t expecting, and a satisfying ending.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the book.
The story is told through multiple women, and I really enjoyed getting all of their different perspectives. Some of them are more reliable than others, and the way their lives slowly start overlapping made the neighborhood drama incredibly entertaining. There were so many moments where I was thinking, what are these people doing?!
What really surprised me, though, was how much heart the book had. I went into it expecting drama and murder, but some of the relationships became genuinely emotional. There were a couple of chapters that completely changed how I felt about the book and honestly made me tear up. Those moments gave the story so much more depth and pushed this from a really enjoyable thriller into a five-star read for me.
The second half really picks up, the tension keeps building, and once everything starts coming together, it gets wonderfully chaotic. I also loved that the ending still had a surprise waiting for me. I thought I had most of it figured out, and nope, there was one last twist that got me.
Messy neighbors, complicated women, secrets everywhere, emotional moments I wasn’t expecting, and a satisfying ending.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a fun, easy-to-read popcorn thriller that kept me entertained, even if it wasn’t quite as memorable as I’d hoped.
Set in the affluent suburb of Larchwood, the story kicks off when Sam the handsome, seemingly desirable neighborhood dad is found stabbed to death near the local playground. As the investigation unfolds, we’re introduced to four women whose lives are much messier than their polished suburban exteriors and when women begin disappearing, the tangled web gets even messier. When secrets start unraveling, everyone becomes a little suspicious, and the tangled web of lies, bad decisions, jealousy, and questionable behavior makes it hard to know who can actually be trusted.
Told through multiple POVs, the story is filled with unreliable characters, secrets, envy, messy relationships, and people making some seriously questionable decisions. I have to say that there was a point where I thought the story could have ended but it continued.
Overall, this was an entertaining suburban thriller but I was missing that “wow, I can’t stop thinking about this. factor”
A big Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Union Square & Co. for the gifted ARC. All opinions are mine.
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This was a fun, easy-to-read popcorn thriller that kept me entertained, even if it wasn’t quite as memorable as I’d hoped.
Set in the affluent suburb of Larchwood, the story kicks off when Sam the handsome, seemingly desirable neighborhood dad is found stabbed to death near the local playground. As the investigation unfolds, we’re introduced to four women whose lives are much messier than their polished suburban exteriors and when women begin disappearing, the tangled web gets even messier. When secrets start unraveling, everyone becomes a little suspicious, and the tangled web of lies, bad decisions, jealousy, and questionable behavior makes it hard to know who can actually be trusted.
Told through multiple POVs, the story is filled with unreliable characters, secrets, envy, messy relationships, and people making some seriously questionable decisions. I have to say that there was a point where I thought the story could have ended but it continued.
Overall, this was an entertaining suburban thriller but I was missing that “wow, I can’t stop thinking about this. factor”
A big Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Union Square & Co. for the gifted ARC. All opinions are mine.
NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bad LIke Me
Louise Griffin
October 13, 2026
Four collegiate mothers, three who reside in the same upper class neighborhood, meet while their children play in the park nearby. Three of the eight year olds are in class at the same private school. Grace is a lawyer, works days and evenings while her husband, Sam takes care of the boys. He is a professional photographer but for the time being is a house dad. Rachel is married to a physician. They have a son, Augie. They have a nanny, Meg who cares for him so Rachel can have free time. She is organizing the Fall Fun Fair so she needs personal space to do this. Lucy does not work either and tends to their daughter Bee. The fourth in the group is Carmen, a divorcee. It turns out that Grace was her attorney. She has taken it as her responsibility to keep an eye out for the woman. She feels that Sam is not a fit husband. All of this entwines personal lives when things go badly and Sam dies in an accidental stabbing.
Bad Like Me will be published by Union Square & Co on October 13,2026. I was able to read and review Griffin’s first novel via NetGalley. This domestic suspense book was strange and a bit difficult to follow in the launch chapters. Once readers fall into the plot, things become easier to follow the narrative. Interesting to say the least and well worth the reader's choice when looking for an enticing mystery.
Louise Griffin
October 13, 2026
Four collegiate mothers, three who reside in the same upper class neighborhood, meet while their children play in the park nearby. Three of the eight year olds are in class at the same private school. Grace is a lawyer, works days and evenings while her husband, Sam takes care of the boys. He is a professional photographer but for the time being is a house dad. Rachel is married to a physician. They have a son, Augie. They have a nanny, Meg who cares for him so Rachel can have free time. She is organizing the Fall Fun Fair so she needs personal space to do this. Lucy does not work either and tends to their daughter Bee. The fourth in the group is Carmen, a divorcee. It turns out that Grace was her attorney. She has taken it as her responsibility to keep an eye out for the woman. She feels that Sam is not a fit husband. All of this entwines personal lives when things go badly and Sam dies in an accidental stabbing.
Bad Like Me will be published by Union Square & Co on October 13,2026. I was able to read and review Griffin’s first novel via NetGalley. This domestic suspense book was strange and a bit difficult to follow in the launch chapters. Once readers fall into the plot, things become easier to follow the narrative. Interesting to say the least and well worth the reader's choice when looking for an enticing mystery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rounding up to 4 stars for its fast-paced, gossipy, multi-layered style and for the fact that I couldn’t put it down.
Told in turns by a group of unreliable (and in a couple of cases, weird and unlikable) characters, mostly the women (the two men at the center of all of this also leave a lot to be desired), it bounced around just enough to keep the story moving along nicely. (Note for editors: polish up the POVs so we don’t have multiple voices within one segment. It gets sloppy.) There’s the murder (not a spoiler; the synopsis tells us this much, though again, maybe the blurb will be fixed in final edits to keep the suspense, but whatever) at the center of the story, and a murder in the past. There’s your garden variety stalker, a hot mom, a power mom, and a weirdo crazy mom.
Most of the action takes place around the schoolyard or school-related activities. When it goes offsite, as it were, it goes off the rails a little bit. Nevertheless, I was fully invested.
This is the “author’s” debut novel, and it certainly shows. That’s OK. I found it mostly satisfying up until the very end, where the “author” inserts a little unsettling twist that, frankly, I hated. It would be great if they removed that in the final edit.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC!
Told in turns by a group of unreliable (and in a couple of cases, weird and unlikable) characters, mostly the women (the two men at the center of all of this also leave a lot to be desired), it bounced around just enough to keep the story moving along nicely. (Note for editors: polish up the POVs so we don’t have multiple voices within one segment. It gets sloppy.) There’s the murder (not a spoiler; the synopsis tells us this much, though again, maybe the blurb will be fixed in final edits to keep the suspense, but whatever) at the center of the story, and a murder in the past. There’s your garden variety stalker, a hot mom, a power mom, and a weirdo crazy mom.
Most of the action takes place around the schoolyard or school-related activities. When it goes offsite, as it were, it goes off the rails a little bit. Nevertheless, I was fully invested.
This is the “author’s” debut novel, and it certainly shows. That’s OK. I found it mostly satisfying up until the very end, where the “author” inserts a little unsettling twist that, frankly, I hated. It would be great if they removed that in the final edit.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bad Like Me by Louise Griffin
**Rating: 3/5 stars**
A promising start from Louise Griffin, but one that could have benefited from tighter plotting and fewer characters.
Bad Like Me is a solid debut domestic thriller that delivers the familiar comforts of the genre—secrets, betrayals, and simmering tensions within an affluent community—while juggling multiple points of view. Griffin keeps the pages turning as the narrative shifts between characters entangled in a web of suspicion and scandal.
The story’s biggest challenge is its crowded cast. So many named characters, complicated parental relationships, and multiple nannies meant I had to keep a handwritten list to stay oriented. While the multiple POVs add layers, they occasionally dilute the focus and make some threads feel underdeveloped.
The ending lands with a predictable thud rather than a twisty punch, and I’m still not entirely sure what the characters Harmony and Fiona were ultimately meant to contribute to the story. That said, for a first novel, it’s a decently executed thriller with enough domestic drama to satisfy fans of the genre on a rainy afternoon.
Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the opportunity to review this advanced copy.
**Rating: 3/5 stars**
A promising start from Louise Griffin, but one that could have benefited from tighter plotting and fewer characters.
Bad Like Me is a solid debut domestic thriller that delivers the familiar comforts of the genre—secrets, betrayals, and simmering tensions within an affluent community—while juggling multiple points of view. Griffin keeps the pages turning as the narrative shifts between characters entangled in a web of suspicion and scandal.
The story’s biggest challenge is its crowded cast. So many named characters, complicated parental relationships, and multiple nannies meant I had to keep a handwritten list to stay oriented. While the multiple POVs add layers, they occasionally dilute the focus and make some threads feel underdeveloped.
The ending lands with a predictable thud rather than a twisty punch, and I’m still not entirely sure what the characters Harmony and Fiona were ultimately meant to contribute to the story. That said, for a first novel, it’s a decently executed thriller with enough domestic drama to satisfy fans of the genre on a rainy afternoon.
Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the opportunity to review this advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Domestic tension-filled thriller debut about a neighborhood murder.
Sam, the hot dad of a wealthy neighborhood in Larchwood, is found murdered in a park. Larchwood’s been “deemed” the new Brooklyn - “glamorous mothers, beleaguered nannies.” Sam’s had quite a reputation too in Larchwood. But who would kill Sam - a jealous wife, a former lover? Everyone has chills about it. Then a resident disappears leaving everyone wondering if she’s been killed or involved in the murder. Four neighborhood moms: controlling busybody, Rachel; designer, Lucy; astute attorney, Grace; and real estate agent, Carmen, who aspires to break into Larchwood society, ponder this too. As their lives intersect as secrets come unglued, tensions heighten and we see facades crumbling.
The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of the four women through emails, texts and events. I questioned some of the narratives as to reliability but as the story started unfolding some of the stuff made more sense. I think the author (two sisters under an own name) dragged the story out. I think it could have ended sooner. The short chapters were nice but soon became annoying. But the reveal was interesting.
This book will appeal to domestic thriller lovers who enjoy a posh setting and despicable wives.
My thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Company for granting me access to this ARC.
Sam, the hot dad of a wealthy neighborhood in Larchwood, is found murdered in a park. Larchwood’s been “deemed” the new Brooklyn - “glamorous mothers, beleaguered nannies.” Sam’s had quite a reputation too in Larchwood. But who would kill Sam - a jealous wife, a former lover? Everyone has chills about it. Then a resident disappears leaving everyone wondering if she’s been killed or involved in the murder. Four neighborhood moms: controlling busybody, Rachel; designer, Lucy; astute attorney, Grace; and real estate agent, Carmen, who aspires to break into Larchwood society, ponder this too. As their lives intersect as secrets come unglued, tensions heighten and we see facades crumbling.
The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of the four women through emails, texts and events. I questioned some of the narratives as to reliability but as the story started unfolding some of the stuff made more sense. I think the author (two sisters under an own name) dragged the story out. I think it could have ended sooner. The short chapters were nice but soon became annoying. But the reveal was interesting.
This book will appeal to domestic thriller lovers who enjoy a posh setting and despicable wives.
My thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Company for granting me access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was a fun, easy read. I'm giving it 3 stars because I felt like it moved quickly and kept my attention. However, there were a few things that I didn't love about the book:
1. The ending felt somewhat predictable. I do read a lot of thriller books, so it might just be that I've figured out the "formula". I typically love to listen to books like this on audiobook when I'm running, because they're easy, and if I zone out, I don't miss much. You can do that with this book. You kind of see where it's going once you get a few chapters in.
2. Rachel and Elliott's characters were SO odd that their storylines really pulled me out of the story altogether. I found myself thinking "no one would say that" over and over. It was just a little too over the top.
3. I felt like the children in this book were also off. No child would ever speak in the way these kids spoke - and no babysitter would put a kid in the situation these kids were in! Again, it was just a little unbelievable and pulled me out of the story.
Overall, a solid 3 stars. I would try another one by this author for sure, but not a home run book.
1. The ending felt somewhat predictable. I do read a lot of thriller books, so it might just be that I've figured out the "formula". I typically love to listen to books like this on audiobook when I'm running, because they're easy, and if I zone out, I don't miss much. You can do that with this book. You kind of see where it's going once you get a few chapters in.
2. Rachel and Elliott's characters were SO odd that their storylines really pulled me out of the story altogether. I found myself thinking "no one would say that" over and over. It was just a little too over the top.
3. I felt like the children in this book were also off. No child would ever speak in the way these kids spoke - and no babysitter would put a kid in the situation these kids were in! Again, it was just a little unbelievable and pulled me out of the story.
Overall, a solid 3 stars. I would try another one by this author for sure, but not a home run book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3 ⭐️'s (ARC review)
Release date: 10/13/26 — thank you to Union Square & Co. and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
The premise immediately pulled me in, and the story definitely starts with a bang—but it quickly settles into more of a slow-burn mystery packed with drama. There are several POVs, and honestly, not a single character felt trustworthy, which added to the tension but also made it a bit chaotic at times.
The vibe reminded me of The ‘Burbs, but centered around wealthy families, their nannies and children-everyone is tangled up in everyone else’s lives, boundaries are basically nonexistent, and the drama is constant.
I flew through this because I wanted to know who the killer was and what the motive would be. That said, my biggest hang-up was the lack of police presence… like, where are they? No one is seriously questioning the victim’s closest friends and family? It felt a little unrealistic in that sense.
The twists toward the end weren’t necessarily shocking, but they were enough to keep things interesting. Overall, this was an entertaining, quick read.
Release date: 10/13/26 — thank you to Union Square & Co. and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
The premise immediately pulled me in, and the story definitely starts with a bang—but it quickly settles into more of a slow-burn mystery packed with drama. There are several POVs, and honestly, not a single character felt trustworthy, which added to the tension but also made it a bit chaotic at times.
The vibe reminded me of The ‘Burbs, but centered around wealthy families, their nannies and children-everyone is tangled up in everyone else’s lives, boundaries are basically nonexistent, and the drama is constant.
I flew through this because I wanted to know who the killer was and what the motive would be. That said, my biggest hang-up was the lack of police presence… like, where are they? No one is seriously questioning the victim’s closest friends and family? It felt a little unrealistic in that sense.
The twists toward the end weren’t necessarily shocking, but they were enough to keep things interesting. Overall, this was an entertaining, quick read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Filled with small town gossip and drama, Bad Like Me explores the human psyche as readers fall deeper and deeper into the secrets each character holds. Are there social limitations on a caregiver's love? How far can one cross into another's business without consequence? Does society accept all pursuits toward happiness in this "whatever brings you joy" culture? Do all secrets eventually come to the light?
Handsome Sam kinda reads like a douche to me. Anyone else? I shed zero tears for his suffering and did not see the final reveal! All four main women have grounded, logical reasons for their actions and character arch, which makes this story easy to fall into and stay engrossed within. The authors prove you never truly know your neighbors and everything can be an act...
Troupes: mutli-POV, multiple timeline, unreliable narrator, small town secrets, lgbt, big reveal
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Gore: 2/5 🩸
Language: 2/5 👀
Triggers: adultery, abuse, assault and battery, domestic violence, kidnapping
Thank you to Union Square and Co. and NetGalley for this ARC!
Handsome Sam kinda reads like a douche to me. Anyone else? I shed zero tears for his suffering and did not see the final reveal! All four main women have grounded, logical reasons for their actions and character arch, which makes this story easy to fall into and stay engrossed within. The authors prove you never truly know your neighbors and everything can be an act...
Troupes: mutli-POV, multiple timeline, unreliable narrator, small town secrets, lgbt, big reveal
Spice: 1/5 🌶️
Gore: 2/5 🩸
Language: 2/5 👀
Triggers: adultery, abuse, assault and battery, domestic violence, kidnapping
Thank you to Union Square and Co. and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Bad Like Me by Louise Griffin may not be the most memorable thriller I've read this year, but I absolutely devoured this layered, gossip-filled story packed with unreliable narrators and plenty of drama.
Sam is the hottest dad in Larchwood, so when he's found stabbed to death, the question isn't who wanted him dead—it's who didn't. With a long list of potential suspects and women suddenly beginning to disappear from the community, the tension steadily builds as secrets come to light.
Told through the perspectives of four women, Bad Like Me is an engaging domestic thriller filled with suspense, hidden motives, and an exploration of the pressure to live up to others' expectations. While it may not be one that sticks with me long-term, it was an entertaining, fast-paced read that kept me turning the pages to see how everything would unfold.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for the ARC!
Sam is the hottest dad in Larchwood, so when he's found stabbed to death, the question isn't who wanted him dead—it's who didn't. With a long list of potential suspects and women suddenly beginning to disappear from the community, the tension steadily builds as secrets come to light.
Told through the perspectives of four women, Bad Like Me is an engaging domestic thriller filled with suspense, hidden motives, and an exploration of the pressure to live up to others' expectations. While it may not be one that sticks with me long-term, it was an entertaining, fast-paced read that kept me turning the pages to see how everything would unfold.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝗔 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻'𝘁 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺: 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀.
I know I'm in the minority here, as this book seems to be resonating with many readers, but unfortunately it just wasn't the right fit for me.
I went in expecting a tense domestic thriller, but found a much slower, character-driven story. Unfortunately, the emotionally flat characters, choppy writing style, and focus on everyday domestic life kept me at an emotional distance, so even the affairs, secrets, and twists lacked the impact they should have had.
I'm glad I finished it, but this one simply wasn't for me.
Thank you to Louise Griffin, Union Square & Co., and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own.
I know I'm in the minority here, as this book seems to be resonating with many readers, but unfortunately it just wasn't the right fit for me.
I went in expecting a tense domestic thriller, but found a much slower, character-driven story. Unfortunately, the emotionally flat characters, choppy writing style, and focus on everyday domestic life kept me at an emotional distance, so even the affairs, secrets, and twists lacked the impact they should have had.
I'm glad I finished it, but this one simply wasn't for me.
Thank you to Louise Griffin, Union Square & Co., and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 29, 2026
This was an advanced reading copy I received from Net Galley. I requested this since I was intrigued by the title and book cover. It starts off with the discovery of a dead body which pulled me in right away. I was just thrown off by the email correspondences incorporated in some parts of the book which I think could have still been better if told in the same way as the other chapters. Since who writes conversations in quotes and talks to her husband via email? I was still interested as I continue to read about the different characters who seem to be typical suburban moms but are actually carrying secrets of their own and dealing with their own insecurities and fixations. The ending was a bit chaotic but overall it was an easy, fun and engaging read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you netgalley for the ARC.
This started out exciting, took a detour into monotonous and then a swift turn into the fast lane! The last half of this was fantastic, I wish it had similar pacing throughout. Additionally, the ending chapters seemed a bit dragged out, it reminded me of a Mel Brooks film where a character is dying and just keeps waking up to say a few more last words. I loved the unsettling inner workings of these characters though, the suspense towards the end was excellent and overall I enjoyed it. I think it's worth a read if you're looking for an unhinged neighborhood with mom's making really poor choices!
This started out exciting, took a detour into monotonous and then a swift turn into the fast lane! The last half of this was fantastic, I wish it had similar pacing throughout. Additionally, the ending chapters seemed a bit dragged out, it reminded me of a Mel Brooks film where a character is dying and just keeps waking up to say a few more last words. I loved the unsettling inner workings of these characters though, the suspense towards the end was excellent and overall I enjoyed it. I think it's worth a read if you're looking for an unhinged neighborhood with mom's making really poor choices!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5 Stars!!!
This book unequivocally earns a five-star rating.
The narrative was immediately engrossing, captivating me from the opening page until the conclusion. The storyline proved compelling, and the characters demonstrated remarkable resilience.
It presents a tale exploring themes of social maneuvering, illicit relationships, and deceit. The discovery of a murdered character initiates a compelling mystery regarding the identity of the perpetrator and the circumstances surrounding the event.
I extend my sincere gratitude to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this title.
This book unequivocally earns a five-star rating.
The narrative was immediately engrossing, captivating me from the opening page until the conclusion. The storyline proved compelling, and the characters demonstrated remarkable resilience.
It presents a tale exploring themes of social maneuvering, illicit relationships, and deceit. The discovery of a murdered character initiates a compelling mystery regarding the identity of the perpetrator and the circumstances surrounding the event.
I extend my sincere gratitude to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this title.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was full of drama, secrets, and twists that kept me guessing until the very end. I loved how the story was told through multiple women’s perspectives because each character brought something different to the mystery, and you never fully knew who to trust. The suspense kept building with every chapter, especially as more disappearances and secrets came to light. It had the perfect mix of neighborhood drama and psychological thriller vibes... definitely a page-turner I didn’t want to put down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book starts with a local dad being murdered in the park and then takes us back into the past to uncover what led up to it. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, so you might want to take a few notes in the beginning! I really enjoyed the storyline, and the pacing was done well. I wasn’t sure where the story was going to end up, but it was a lot of fun figuring it out along the way. If you like messy, chaotic thrillers with multiple POVs, definitely grab this one! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this advanced reader’s copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review for Bad Like Me by Louise Griffin
Publish Date 10/13/2026
3 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This domestic thriller is told from multiple POVs and provides plenty of drama, gossip, and questions if you can really know someone. The plot is very twisty and turny which keeps the story moving along. It follows a group of women in the rich suburban community of Larchwood, everyone having their own struggles and secrets. While I liked the concept of this book, the unlikable characters made it hard for me to connect or root for anyone except for Grace. I do recommend this book if you want a quick, twisty thriller and are fans of Desperate Housewives and Big Little Lies.
Publish Date 10/13/2026
3 Stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This domestic thriller is told from multiple POVs and provides plenty of drama, gossip, and questions if you can really know someone. The plot is very twisty and turny which keeps the story moving along. It follows a group of women in the rich suburban community of Larchwood, everyone having their own struggles and secrets. While I liked the concept of this book, the unlikable characters made it hard for me to connect or root for anyone except for Grace. I do recommend this book if you want a quick, twisty thriller and are fans of Desperate Housewives and Big Little Lies.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A multi POV domestic thriller that had my attention from the beginning. This book follows a group of school parents and although it has a thriller storyline it felt quite realistic and was paced well. The book follows several points of view and it's worth persevering to get to know each character, by using different formats such as email exchange the writer definitely kept my interest and the chapters were a perfect length for each POV. The book picked up pace towards the end and the storylines intertwined well for a satisfying ending and a twist.
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