A Girl Like Us: A Glimpse into the Dark Side of Wealth
When I first stumbled upon A Girl Like Us by L.B. Muir, I was instantly drawn in by the intriguing blend of luxury, mystery, and the echoes of rivalry reminiscent of Succession. As someone who relishes a good family saga mixed with a twisty thriller, I couldn’t resist diving in. Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. And since today is the book’s publishing day—happy release day to A Girl Like Us!
In this tale, we meet Maya "Miss Mayhem" Miller, a former reality star who unexpectedly becomes the heiress to the Sterling fortune after the murder of a family member she’s never met. As Maya navigates this unfamiliar world of wealth and privilege, she’s also on a quest for the truth about the mysterious death of Arianna, the deceased heiress. From the outset, the premise offered so much promise, but unfortunately, I found myself oscillating between fascination and frustration.
At its core, the book explores themes of identity and the psychological toll of belonging to a family marked by secrets and disdain. Maya, despite her striking beauty, struggles in a world where her past as a "reality TV star" leaves her doubted and underestimated. The metaphor that "people can miss what you’re capable of" because of superficial distractions resonated deeply; it’s a reminder of how society often interprets individuals through a narrow lens.
However, my journey through the pages felt uneven. While the premise was riveting, the pacing left much to be desired. So many scenes involved a cycle of Maya confronting disdain from her in-laws only to seek answers, and this repetitive structure stifled the story’s momentum. It was in the last third where things began to pick up, with twists that should have left me breathless, but instead felt disappointingly predictable.
The characters themselves were a mixed bag—likely designed to be unlikeable, yet unsympathetic in a way that diminished my investment in their arcs. Maya, while relatable at moments, ultimately fell short of being a character I could root for wholeheartedly, especially as revelations about her past emerged. The secondary characters were often just shadows, with even Maya’s husband, Colin, feeling like an afterthought in his own narrative.
One highlight of the book was the use of diary entries from Arianna, which added another layer of intrigue. These glimpses into her life enriched the story and lent depth to the themes of manipulation and familial gaslighting. I found myself wishing for deeper insights into her character, yearning for more chapters from her perspective.
In conclusion, A Girl Like Us may find a more receptive audience among those who aren’t seasoned thriller readers. If you’re drawn to plots set in the upper echelons of society, sprinkled with the tension of a family in turmoil, there are certainly moments to appreciate here. While it didn’t fully resonate with me, I did enjoy aspects of the luxurious setting and Arianna’s compelling narrative.
For me, it was a reading experience that left me pondering what constitutes true belonging and the masks we wear in the pursuit of acceptance. Overall, I’d give it 2 stars for its engaging premise and atmosphere but wished it had delivered a more compelling narrative.
Trigger Warnings: death of family members, murder, arson, infidelity, neglectful parents, incarceration, alcoholism, sexual content.
Have you read A Girl Like Us? I’d love to hear your thoughts!