Just Like The Other Girls: A Novel

Claire Douglas

Jan 2022 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

“A chilling novel showcasing Claire Douglas's trademark brilliantly claustrophobic settings and tightly plotted twists. Impossible to know which of the well-drawn characters to trust and very hard to put down.”—Gilly MacMillan, bestselling author of What She Knew

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Do Not Disturb, 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 . . .

Ratings and reviews

Is family defined by blood or by bonding? This perennial question lies at the heart of Claire Douglas’ novel Just Like the Other Girls. Other major themes are about secrets that cause festering resentment, and the general concept that wealth always corrupts. This first of many characters acting as narrator, Una Richardson interviews for an excellent opportunity— a job that pays a good amount of money without much effort. Being a paid companion to Elspeth McKenzie will allow Una to realize her dreams of travel. Elspeth is a bit odd and controlling, and her daughter Katherine is cold and unwelcoming. Despite some misgivings, Una jumps at the offer and moves out of her cramped apartment to the grand McKenzie mansion. As Una explores her new posh accommodations, she feels a growing sense of unease. When she learns the fate of the young women who held the position before her, her suspicion turns to fear. Douglas evokes a sinister atmosphere and portrays a deeply unhealthy and dysfunctional family dynamic. Though it can be tricky for an author to interweave different timelines and a multitude of characters without confusing the reader, Claire Douglas skillfully does so. Topped off with a surprising twist at the end, Just Like the Other Girls promises to be an excellent fit for fans of the suspense/thriller genre.

About the author

Claire Douglas is the Sunday Times number one bestselling author of eight stand alone novels: The Sisters, Local Girl Missing, Last Seen Alive, Do Not Disturb, Then She Vanishes, and Just Like The Other Girls, The Couple at No. 9, and The Girls Who Disappeared. Her books have sold over a million copies in the UK and have been published worldwide. The Couple At No 9 was an Amazon number-one bestseller, a number three Sunday Times bestseller, and most recently hit number one on Germany's Der Spiegel paperback bestsellers chart. The Girls Who Disappeared was a Richard and Judy book club pick for Autumn 2022 and was an instant number-one Sunday Times bestseller. Her books have sold over a million copies in the UK and have been published worldwide.