The Look-Alike: A Novel

By Erica Spindler

From Erica Spindler, the New York Times bestselling author of The Other Girl and Justice for Sara comes The Look-Alike, a thrilling psychological drama about a woman who believes she escaped a brutal murder years ago—but does anyone else believe her?

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?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Jan 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781250083685

Erica Spindler

No matter how innocent the story being relayed to me is, I can twist it into something pretty damn frightening. I've learned the real trick is not sharing these versions with those relaying the story. It tends to make people avoid me.” ~ Erica Spindler A New York Times and International bestselling author, Erica Spindler's skill for crafting engrossing plots and compelling characters has earned both critical praise and legions of fans. Published in 25 countries, her stories have been lauded as “thrill-packed page turners, white- knuckle rides and edge-of-your-seat whodunits.” Raised in Rockford, Illinois, Erica had planned on being an artist, earning a BFA from Delta State University and an MFA from the University of New Orleans in the visual arts. In June of 1982, in bed with a cold, she picked up a romance novel for relief from daytime television. She was immediately hooked, and soon decided to try to write one herself. She leaped from romance to suspense in 1996 with her novel Forbidden Fruit, and found her true calling. Her novel Bone Cold won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award for excellence. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, she received a Kiss of Death Award for her novels Forbidden Fruit and Dead Run and was a three-time RITA® Award finalist.  Publishers Weekly awarded the audio version of her novel Shocking Pink a Listen Up Award, naming it one of the best audio mystery books of 1998. Erica lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and two sons and is busy at work on her next thriller.  

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Tranquility Bluffs, Wisconsin

Winter, 12:06 A.M.

Sienna Scott nearly tripped over the body. With her hood up and head down against the driving snow, she couldn’t see more than a few inches in front of her feet.

It was the blood that stopped her, although she didn’t realize that’s what it was, not at first. No, stopping short had been an automatic reaction to coming upon something she immediately recognized as wrong. The move had been so sudden and unexpected, she lost her balance on the slippery walkway and fell to her knees, her gloved hands sinking into the dark snow.

She began to right herself and froze, staring at her gloved hands. The gloves were white. They matched her parka and the snow-covered landscape around her. Only they weren’t. White. Not anymore.

Red. Dark, ugly red.

A sob broke from her throat, the sound guttural. A girl, sprawled on the path. Unmoving. Stained by the same red as her gloves. It felt to Sienna as if she might never breathe again. The seconds ticked past, her heart thundering against the wall of her chest, then the air barreled into her lungs, filling them to bursting.

She released it on a scream that shattered the night.

CHAPTER ONE

Tranquility Bluffs, Wisconsin

Ten years later, 11:45 A.M.

Whenever Sienna Scott thought back to that night—and that was more often than she cared to admit—a single, horrific image jumped out at her, of deep red creeping across brilliant white. As if the entire event had coalesced into a single, terrifying mental photograph.

Sensory memories always accompanied the image. Of every hair on her body standing up in awareness that she had stumbled upon something terribly, horribly wrong. And of cold. Bitter, cutting clear to her bones.

Sienna hunched deeper into her coat, gloved hands curled into tight fists in her pockets. Her heart beat wildly in her chest, same as it had that night. She stared at the spot—where the walkway passed an alcove at the back of the Humanities building. Nondescript. No marker. Nothing to indicate the most shocking crime in the college’s history had occurred here.

How could such violence be erased in ten short years?

God, she wished she could erase it. What would it take to strip the event from her consciousness? Ten years on an entirely different continent hadn’t done it.

But those years away had changed her. One didn’t forget the unforgettable, but time and distance diminished its impact. Memories faded. Details grew fuzzy, then escaped altogether, disappearing into the ether.

Sienna Scott?

Sienna looked up. A petite woman in a light blue down jacket and matching hat stood not three feet away. Blond curls peeked out from under the knit cap and her blue eyes were wide with surprise.

Oh, my God, she said. "It is you."

Kim? Sienna smiled. Kim Meyers?

Peterson now. Going on two years. My goodness, you look even more like your mom than you used to.

Sienna had wondered how long before someone would comment on how she was the mirror image of her beautiful, auburn-haired mother. It used to bother her, the speculative looks, the feeling that they were just waiting for her to go off the rails. As if by inheriting her mother’s features and coloring, she had inherited her mental illness as well.

But the truth was, back then she had been watching and waiting herself. Terrified that her mother’s present was her own future.

Not anymore. She was her mother’s daughter. Not her clone.

Thanks, Kim. So what are you up to besides being married? Still helping your parents run the restaurant?

Gosh, no. She laughed and shook her head. "After working at The Wagon Wheel my whole life, that was the last thing I wanted to do. I work here on campus. Hey, didn’t I hear you’d become a chef?"

Sure did. Sienna smiled. Fell in love with food. Who knew?

Kim laughed again and Sienna remembered that she had been that kind of girl, exuberance and giggles, twenty-four seven.

Wait! she said, and clapped her gloved hands together. I just thought of something. If you’re going to stay around, you should talk to my folks. They’re planning to put the restaurant up for sale.

No kidding? The Wheel’s an institution here.

They’re tired of running it and want to retire and move to Florida. I don’t want to take it over and neither does Rob. Kim looked at her watch. Crap, I’ve got to go, I’m late. Welcome home, Sienna. Call me.

Sienna watched her hurry off, then turned and started for the visitor parking lot. The Wagon Wheel for sale? She had thought of opening her own place, had even fantasized about it being located on Main Street in Old Town. And now, the perfect location could be dropping in her lap? Right off the bat?

Sienna reached her rental car, climbed in, and started it up. While the engine warmed, she flipped down the visor, peered into the mirror. Her mother’s heart-shaped face and classic features stared back at her with large, wide-set green eyes.

She couldn’t believe she’d spent all those years running away from who she might be instead of enjoying who she was. Years wasted on fear.

That was then. Sienna smiled at her reflection, then closed the visor. It wasn’t now.

And she meant to prove it to everyone who thought otherwise.

Starting with her brother. Half brother really, though she’d never thought of him that way.

She grabbed her cell phone and punched in his number.

He answered, sounding worried. Of course he was. Almost ten years older than she, he’d made protecting her his job, from the day she came home from the hospital.

Half-pint? You okay?

She supposed she should have warned him she was coming. He’d never liked surprises. I’m fine. Just excited. I have news.

News? She heard a rustle, probably him checking his watch, doing the math. What time is it there?

Same time as it is in Tranquility Bluffs. At his silence, she went on. I’m here, Bradley. In Tranquility. I’ve come home.

CHAPTER TWO

12:20 P.M.

Sienna eased into the parking space in front of the repurposed storefront that housed her brother’s Old Town office. The sign above the door read: SCOTT PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT. RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL.

She flung open her car door at the same moment her brother strode out. They met at the sidewalk; he pulled her close in a big bear hug. For a moment they stood that way, then he held her at arm’s length.

All grown up, he said with a grin. Making all your own decisions.

She smiled back at him. That’s the way it’s supposed to be, right?

Maybe so, but you’ll always be my little Half-pint.

Following you around, wanting to do everything big brother could do. I know I made you crazy.

"And that’s the way that’s supposed to be. C’mon, let’s go inside. He laid his arm across her shoulder. It’s too damn cold out here."

It was her first time in his office. The interior was an attractive blend of modern meets north woods. The open concept was broken up by a conversation area arranged around a gas fireplace; the reception desk; and three large wooden worktables, big enough to spread out maps and blueprints. The gleaming wooden floors were dotted with area rugs in coordinating colors and patterns.

On the walls hung framed photos and plans from the projects his firm had spearheaded. Among them: upscale condos in Madison; a New Urbanism community near Belvidere, Illinois; and concept renderings of a resort proposed for Door County, right on Lake Michigan.

Over the years, he’d talked about his work, but she hadn’t realized the scale of these projects.

She met his eyes over her shoulder. She noticed that the hair at his temples had gone gray since she’d last seen him. These are amazing.

Thanks. He smiled and crossed to stand beside her. I’m especially excited about the Door County project. It’s totally my baby, and is the most expansive—and expensive—development I’ve proposed. I’m in the process of securing investors now.

You’ve done so well, Brad. I’m really proud of you.

I couldn’t have done it without Dad’s help.

Their dad; it was hard to believe he’d been gone five years now. That’s not true. You had the brains and determination, and he believed in you.

He was the first one who did. His voice thickened. I miss him.

Tears stung her eyes. I do, too.

He cleared his throat. "And how about you? A classically trained chef? Le Cordon Bleu? Damn, girl, I’m proud of you."

Sienna knew she was beaming. She couldn’t help it. It had been the first time in her life she had truly let go of her doubts and let passion lead her. Tell you the truth, I’m proud of myself.

You should be. I know Dad would be, too.

That means a lot, Brad. Thank you.

How about a cup of coffee?

God, yes. I didn’t sleep on the flight, and I’m pretty close to being toast right now.

He turned to go, then stopped and looked back at her, expression serious. Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?

I thought you’d try to talk me out of it.

He nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. I would have. I’ll get the coffee. We’ll talk.

She watched him go, then sat, choosing a spot on the cozy love seat in the conversation area. She turned her gaze to the fireplace and its flickering flames. The two of them were so different. Not surprising, she supposed. Not only was he ten years older and a male, he was the product of their father’s first marriage.

He hadn’t had it easy, shuffled between the two households, dealing with one mother who was angry at her ex-husband and resentful of his new wife, and one who suffered from persecutory delusions and was constantly in and out of treatment.

It was amazing he’d turned out as grounded as he had. She smiled to herself. Ditto for her.

He returned with two beautiful cappuccinos and a plate of small biscotti. So fancy, she said, surprised.

I let Liz talk me into one of those Nespresso machines that do everything but drink the beverage for you. I remembered you used to like these.

I still do. Thanks.

He handed her a cup, then took the seat opposite hers. Suddenly tongue-tied, she dunked a biscotti in the frothy drink and took a bite. She sensed him watching her, waiting. She’d obviously come a long way for something; no doubt he was curious what it was.

She didn’t want to go there, not just yet. For this moment, it felt good just being here, reconnecting with him. Besides, she was pretty sure he wasn’t going to be happy with her decision.

He broke the silence. How’s Mimi?

Sienna thought about their paternal grandmother, a tiny dynamo who refused to accept No or I can’t from anyone, including herself. Mimi’s influence had been exactly what Sienna’s then eighteen-year-old self needed.

Really well. She said to tell you hello and that she loves you.

I’ll have to give her a call.

She’d like that.

They fell silent again. Sienna took another sip of her coffee, then broke the silence. What time’s Liz coming in? I’m looking forward to seeing her.

She’s not.

Sienna frowned at the brusque reply. Is she ill? Or—

She left me.

Oh, Bradley. I’m so sorry.

On our fifth anniversary. How’s that for a kick in the gut?

When you visited, you seemed so happy.

We were. Then. He stood and crossed to the fireplace. He stood, back to her, hands jammed in his pockets, spine ramrod straight. She said she couldn’t take Viv anymore.

Brad had never called his stepmother by anything but her given name, because he’d never thought of her as his mother. Yet, because Sienna had been hiding away in England, the role of her mother’s chief caregiver had been forced on him.

Guilt pinched at her. Hard. She stood and crossed to him, laying a hand on his arm. I’m sorry.

It’s not your fault.

Isn’t it? If I’d been here to help—

When he died, Dad entrusted her care to me. He stepped away; she dropped her hand. Not to you.

Maybe that wasn’t fair?

Whatever, Sienna. It’s done.

Which didn’t absolve her of responsibility. Well, I’m here now.

And she’ll enjoy seeing you.

You misunderstand, Brad. This isn’t a visit. I’m staying.

Staying? he repeated, brow furrowing again. How long?

Permanently.

He looked her in the eyes. Is this a joke?

The question stung. No. Why would you even think that?

C’mon, sis. We both know it’s not healthy for you to be around your mother.

I can handle it.

"That’s what Liz said, and she wasn’t the focus of Viv’s delusions. He looked her in the eyes. She hasn’t let them go, Sienna. She still believes my mother and her family are out to punish her by hurting you. They ‘drive by’ the house. They’ve ‘bugged’ her phone in an attempt to trace your calls to her. She routinely searches for hidden cameras. I can go on if you’d like?"

Don’t bother. It’s all standard Mom.

You’re sure you’ve thought this through?

Obviously.

Really? Not obvious to me. He made a sound of frustration. But why would it be? I didn’t even know you were coming.

Another prickle of guilt. I should have told you. I see that now, and I apologize.

What about living arrangements? You’re welcome to stay with me but, again, a little notice would have been nice.

I’m staying at the house.

The house?

With Mom.

For a moment, he simply gazed at her in that measured way of his. Then he shook his head. You can’t be serious.

Dead serious. She’s my mother, and that’s my childhood home.

"That’s right, she is your mother. The same one you ran away from."

Dad sent me away.

You didn’t put up a fight, did you?

No, she agreed, I didn’t. But that was then. And I’m not that girl anymore. I’ve grown up, Brad.

She could see he was struggling with the idea. She went on, Don’t you want me here?

You’re my sister, my only sib. Of course I want you nearby. He drew a resigned-sounding breath. Mimi was okay with this?

She encouraged it. She knew how important it was for me to do this.

A ‘can’t move forward before you go back’ sort of thing?

Yes.

He dragged a hand through his hair. I guess I get that. But you can’t surprise Viv the way you did me. I have to give her a heads-up. This could trigger an episode.

With her mom, almost anything could trigger an episode. A thrumming started in her temple, like a silent drumbeat, pounding out a warning. It was a call she hadn’t heard in a long time. Seems to me an episode is unavoidable, whether you give her a heads-up or I simply show up on her doorstep. And the fact is, I’m here. What am I going to do? Hide?

It’s your decision, sis. He paused, then went on. But there’s one more thing I think you should know.

What’s that?

They’ve reopened the investigation. A couple weeks ago.

CHAPTER THREE

The night of the murder

The man seemed to come out of nowhere. He emerged from the blinding snow like some sort of monster, and for one, terrifying moment, Sienna thought it must be the killer, come back for her. As she opened her mouth to scream again, the beam of a flashlight blinded her.

Campus police, he called. Stay where you are.

Sienna nodded and hugged herself. As if in a dream, she saw him kneel beside the body, check her pulse. Heard him swear softly.

That muttered curse proof the girl was dead.

She started to cry, great racking sobs from the depth of her being. She shook violently and the cop stood and wrapped his arms around her.

He had a gentle touch. And a kind voice. Shh … shh … It’s going to be all right. You’re safe, I’m here.

She was safe.

Safe.

As the thought penetrated, her hysteria evaporated. Her legs went weak, and he tightened his grip on her.

That’s right, he murmured. Now look at me. Not at her, at me.

She wanted to, more than anything, but couldn’t seem to drag her gaze from the girl in the red snow.

Wh … who … is she?

I don’t know. Now, look at me. This time he said it forcefully, the way her father would. Startled, she met his eyes. Brown, she saw. A warm, deep brown.

You recognize me, don’t you? From around campus?

He looked familiar, but she could hardly think, let alone put a name to a face.

Officer Randall Clark. Campus police.

Then she remembered. He’d helped her one time, when she fell and twisted her ankle. He’d been kind that time as well.

Good girl, he said. What’s your name?

Sienna Scott.

Did you see what happened here?

The image of the red snow, and the girl lying facedown in it, filled her head. She looked that way and a squeak of terror slipped past her lips.

Sienna, he said again, gently but firmly, keep your eyes on my face. I need to ask you a couple questions. Think you can handle that?

She managed to nod, and he went on, Did you see anyone? Perhaps fleeing the scene?

No, she whispered.

How about voices? Did you hear an argument or—

His radio crackled. Randy, buddy, you there?

He unclipped the device without completely loosening his grip on her. Yeah, I’m here.

We’ve gotten some calls, reports of hearing screams. It’s probably nothing but—

Officer Clark cut him off. It is most definitely something. You better get over here. Behind the library, between the Humanities and Social Sciences buildings.

In this weather? You’ve got to be out of your damn mind. Whatever it is, take care of it.

And call the local PD. A female student has been murdered. It’s bad. Real bad.

Murdered. The word reverberated in Sienna’s head, blocking out the reply of the man on the radio. She shifted her gaze to the dead girl, taking in the hooded parka, once white, now stained red. She looked down, at her own white jacket and gloves, now also stained red, and a weird and horrible realization planted in the back of her head:

She and the dead girl were wearing the same coat.

CHAPTER FOUR

Sienna couldn’t stop shaking. She couldn’t keep her gaze from straying to the dead girl and the white, bloodstained jacket. Tears rolled down her cheeks, freezing before they could splash onto her high collar. I’m … so … cold. She managed the words around her chattering teeth. I … want-t … t-to g-go home.

I have to wait for backup. I can’t leave her. The officer sounded distressed. Confused.

The body. Sienna closed her eyes. Her head filled with the image of deep red creeping across stark white. Pooling in the snow. Seeming to have a life of its own as it drained another’s.

I think I’m going to be sick!

The cop quickly ushered her to a corner shielded from the wind. She doubled over and retched with such force it felt as if her very soul were being expelled from her body.

Come on, Officer Clark said, we’ll wait for my backup in the cruiser.

He led her around the Social Sciences Building, to the parking lot just beyond. His FREDRICKS COLLEGE POLICE cruiser was one of the only vehicles in the lot.

He unlocked the car, then opened the front passenger door for her. Climb in. I’ll start her up, get the heat going.

She did and he slammed the door behind her, then went around to the other side. A few seconds later, he had the engine fired up and the heat on full blast. It didn’t take long for the air blowing out the vents to go from cold to downright warm.

That’s one of the things these cruisers have going for them, great heaters.

She didn’t respond and he held his hands up to one of the vents. He wasn’t wearing gloves and they looked painfully chapped from the cold.

He rubbed them together. Take off your gloves. Do this.

Sienna nodded and went to tug off her gloves. And froze, staring at the blood. For a moment, she’d forgotten. But now it came rushing back. Tripping, landing on her hands and knees, seeing the blood.

Deep red creeping across pristine white.

I’ll do it for you.

He carefully peeled off her gloves. She saw that her fingers were stained red. She started to shake.

He gently guided her hands to air rushing out of the vent. See? Feels better, doesn’t it?

She nodded.

They sat silently, hands stretched out. As her hands and face warmed, they tingled, as if coming back to life.

Something the girl in the snow would never do.

She held back tears. Her nose began to run and she sniffled. Do you have a tissue?

I’ll do you better than that. He opened his console, drew out a folded square of plaid fabric, and handed it to her. Keep it. I buy ’em by the dozen this time of year.

Headlights slashed across the night; a vehicle pulled up alongside them, on her side. A police car, she realized. Not campus police; Tranquility Bluffs cops.

Without a word, Officer Clark climbed out of the car and went around to meet the other cop.

Randall Clark, Fredericks Campus Police.

Detective Troy Furst, TBPD. Who’s that?

Girl who found the victim. Student here on campus.

Name?

Sienna Scott.

Where’s the victim?

Up ahead, just to the left of the building.

Officer Clark sounded different now, she thought. Tense. On edge.

Who else is here?

You’re the first.

You left the victim unattended?

The kid was freezing, brought her around to let her warm up. I just got her situated.

He sounded defensive. The other cop, disapproving.

If you’re going to leave the car running, put her in the back. That’s protocol one-oh-one.

It’s warmer in the front, I was just—

She’ll be fine in the back.

Sienna decided she didn’t like the city cop. Officer Clark was just being nice to her, and he was being such a jerk to him.

Get this one squared away, meet me by the victim.

Officer Clark mumbled something under his breath that Sienna couldn’t make out.

The other cop stopped, looked back. Clark? You got a name?

What? He sounded flustered.

The victim’s.

Madison Robie.

Officer Clark opened the rear passenger door, reached in and pushed something out of the way, then helped her out of the front seat and into the rear one.

I’ll be back soon. Okay?

She nodded. But as he walked away, he locked the car.

The sound of all four doors’ levers simultaneously snapping into place reverberated through her like a gunshot. Sienna grasped for the door handle and yanked.

Nothing.

She slid across the seat and grasped the other door handle and got the same result.

She was locked in!

Heart thundering, she searched for a way to lower the window, but there was none. With a cry, she grabbed the metal divider between the front and back seat, poking her fingers through the spaces and tugging. It didn’t budge.

Calm down, Sienna. He said he’d be right back.

But why’d he lock her in?

She struggled to catch her breath. She closed her eyes, concentrating on her breathing. On being calm.

Instead, the image of the girl in the snow filled her head. The girl in the white coat, so much like hers. Stained red.

Sienna looked down at herself. Her coat, stained red. Her hands, too.

Hysteria rose up in her. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps. She pounded the window with her fists, the last vestige of her rational self giving way to something stronger. Primal. Like a caged animal fighting for its life.

Somebody help! Her head swam; she saw stars. Let … me … out!

Headlights pinned her from behind. She swung around at the same time the door flew open. She scrambled to get out, her foot catching on a bag of gear protruding from under the seat.

Ice-cold hands cupped her cheeks. Ms. Scott! It’s me, Officer Clark.

You locked me in!

A door slammed. Another figure, she saw. Then another car, this one with flashing lights, the blue bouncing wildly off the snow.

I’m sorry, he said. I didn’t mean to frighten—

Officer Clark? Chief Thompson, TBPD. Step aside.

The chief laid his hands gently on her shoulders. Take a deep breath, Sienna. Good girl. Just breathe. That’s right.

Confused and frightened, she struggled to do as he said.

I don’t know if you remember me, he went on, but I’m a friend of your father’s. Chief Fred Thompson.

A friend of her dad’s? She thought of him and a knot of tears lodged in her throat. I want my dad.

I’ve called him. His voice was strong but soothing. He’s going to meet you at the police station. See that cruiser there, that’s one of my guys. I’m going to have him drive you there.

She nodded, blinking against tears. Yes, please.

He waved the other officer over. Phelps, I need you to take Ms. Scott down to the station. Make her comfortable until her dad arrives. And look, let her ride up front with you. She’s had a tough night.

CHAPTER FIVE

Thirty minutes later

The Tranquility Bluffs Police Department was located in old downtown, a block off Main and on the corner of State and Elm. Sienna had hardly even noticed the redbrick and austere building, before, let alone been inside.

She sat on a wooden chair in the small waiting room. They’d taken her coat and gloves into evidence, then offered her a small, scratchy blanket. She’d wrapped it around herself as tightly as possible, but she was still cold. So cold she trembled and her teeth

Reviews for The Look-Alike

[carol420 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a chilling novel that explores perhaps one of our deepest fears...that danger is always closer than we think. The whole premise of this just sounded fascinating. The main character...Sienna Scott...stumbles across a dead body when leaving her college library late at night. She is haunted by the similarities between herself and the victim...so much so that she flees to London where she remains for ten years. Eventually though, she has to return home to take care of her mother who suffers from a paranoid personality disorder. Almost immediately she starts having more reason to think she actually had been the intended victim all along. The book does a really good job of getting into your head and making you start to question just who you should believe. I really liked the story but the book isn’t perfect. The writing felt a little juvenile at times, and the romance...even though there was nothing objectionable to it... was just unnecessary in making the story. I would have to say that it was a thoroughly enjoyable read and kept me on the edge of my seat guessing the killer and the motive until the very end.

[purple_pisces22 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have mixed feelings about this book. I’ve really enjoyed everything else over it by Erica Spindler, but for some reason this one just didn’t do it for me. It would definitely moments that make the book different and memorable but overall I couldn’t connect with any of the characters especially Sienna, the main character. The best way to put it, if you choose to read this it won’t be the worst thing you’ve read and it won’t be the best thing you’ve read. I don’t think you’ll feel like you wasted your time.

[kmjessica · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book started out slow for me. And the story moved way to fast in my opinion. You dont meet someone new for 5 minutes and knock on there door at 3 am the same night just cuz there lights are on and your lonely. And I'm not fond of books that hit you in the face the second to the last chapter with the "mystery solved". So I did not think I was going to enjoy reading this story. BUT It started to draw me in and I finished reading this in 2 days. I liked it. It was a good story but not a GREAT story. Maybe if it was told in a different way or the characters had a bit of a different personality I would have loved it. All in all it was a satisfying read.

[lorikboyd · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fast paced thriller! Family dysfunction and mental illness. The author was a master of weaving a spider web and totally throwing me off the scent of the killer...just when I really thought I figured it out. Have never read this author before, but definitely will again.

Sienna stumbles across a dead body, and has a sinking feeling that it was suppose to be her. She is tormented so much, and rightfully so, she leaves for London for 10 years, leaving her step brother to care for her Mom. She returns ready to care for her mom and restart her life, only to have the unsold murder case be reopened.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone!

[ezrider19 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I actually really enjoyed this book and all the twists and turns, and even second guessed myself a couple of times about who the killer was. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because I had actually guess who the killer was pretty much right away. This was a very enjoyable read and I look forward to reading more books by Erica Spindler.

[carole888fort · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Look-Alike by Erica Spindler takes place in the present and also twenty years in the past. Sienna Scott was first at the scene of the brutal murder of a female college student twenty years ago. She moved back in with her father and her mentally ill mother who suffered from paranoid delusions. Fearing that the murder might affect Sienna’s mental health, her father sends her to live with her grandmother in London, where she stays for twenty years. Upon her return, she begins to look into the unsolved murder, thinking that maybe the victim was mistaken for herself. Up to that point, this was a great mystery. But by then, there were too many characters, the plot lines were all over the place and, after a while, I stopped caring what happened. However, I did stay with it till the end. This is strictly my own opinion and it may be that this book just was not a good fit. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[susan.macura · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Sienna Scott's life was changed forever the night she stumbled over the body of a fellow college student who had been stabbed to death. Combine that trauma with coping with her mother's mental illness, she spends ten years in London with her grandmother before returning to her hometown. Timing is everything and the cold case is reopened by the local cops, leading to some interesting moments. This is a quick read that I solved very quickly, but it was still a fun read to see how I was correct.

[kbranfield-837433 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Look-Alike by Erica Spindler is an intriguing mystery.

In the aftermath of discovering a young woman who has been murdered, Sienna Scott moved from Tranquility Bluffs, WI to London. Ten years later, twenty-nine year old Sienna has decided to move back home. However, her transition home is anything but smooth. Her mother Viv suffers from a mental illness which causes extremely paranoid delusions and she is clearly not doing well. Sienna is also disconcerted when she learns the police have re-opened the still unsolved murder of Madison Robie.  After a series of unsettling phone calls, Sienna worries about her own mental health when she becomes certain her theory she, not Madison, was the murderer's intended victim.  Will the police finally put her fears to rest and unmask the killer's identity?

Sienna is a likable woman but she is a little immature and quick to jump to conclusions. She also continually questions her decisions which makes her come across as a somewhat unreliable narrator. Just as Sienna decides what she wants for her future, a shocking revelation leaves her questioning her relationships with her family.

Sienna is dismayed by her mother's condition. Her mental state is already precarious and she steadily heads downhill even after Sienna convinces her to take her medication. But Sienna is unprepared for her mother's psychotic delusions and her attempts to de-escalate the situation take a stunning turn.

Sienna's older brother Brad has always been a steadying influence in her life.  He is taken aback by her sudden move back home and he is not exactly enthusiastic about her plans. Sienna implicitly trusts Brad but is her faith in him misplaced?

Sienna is immediately charmed by her mother's mysterious new neighbor Jonathan Hart.  He is very charming, helpful and unflappable.  Their tentative friendship quickly morphs into a passionate affair but the insta-love between them is a little off-putting.  After a disquieting discovery, Sienna begins to wonder if  there is more to Jonathan's presence in Tranquility Bluffs than he has revealed.

Sienna is curious about why the police re-opened their investigation into Madison's murder. She feels reassured that university police office Randall Clark is now a detective with Tranquility Bluffs Police Department.  As she unearths troubling information, Sienna is quick to provide him with her findings. But will these newly discovered leads help solve the case?

The Look-Alike is an even-paced mystery that is a little predictable. Sienna is a frustrating character who does not always make the best decisions.  Unable to trust the police will put much effort into their investigation, Sienna and Jonathan take matters into their own hands. Although savvy readers will most likely guess whodunit, Erica Spindler masterfully keeps the motive cleverly under wraps until the novel's exciting conclusion.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This author has never disappointed me in her writing and this was one of my favorites of hers. There were so many twists and turns and I could not figure out the murderer until the very end. I loved the characters and how she wrote about the troubles that Sienna’s mom lived with for much of her life. There was so much suspense and a little bit of romance. I could not put this book down. I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[madison_fairbanks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thriller. Lots of guesses on who was the killer.

[tamidale · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This had all the elements I love in a thriller. It moves at a fast pace, has likable characters and keeps you guessing about who really may not be what they seem.While in college, Sienna Scott stumbled upon a young woman who had just been murdered. Both women just happen to be wearing the same color of coat and gloves, so she begins to wonder if she was the one that the murderer meant to kill.The story moves back and forth between the year the murder was committed to the present day, when a police officer reopens the case to see if he can solve the crime before he retires. Added to the mix is Sienna’s mother, who suffers from a mental disorder that causes her to think people are out to get her. Between Sienna, her family and a new friend living across the street, they all try and put the pieces of the puzzle together, which culminates in a suspenseful and satisfying ending.Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review.

[kimkimkim-7 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The story starts at 12:06 A.M. in Tranquility Bluffs, Wisconsin when Sienna Scott trips over a murder. That was the high point of the story. This is a murder mystery with not particularly interesting nor sympathetic characters. Billed as a psychological thriller there is heavy weight placed on the psychology of paranoia but the thriller portion was lightweight. The author’s attempt at misdirection was not effective and so much of story was simplicity personified. If you like lots of hand wringing, bad choices with the resulting destruction of relationships, troublesome behavior, and people who don’t exactly lie but don’t come clean either this is the book for you.This was a book that I had no trouble putting down and had to push myself to finish. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy.

[arlenadean · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Look-AlikeAuthor: Erica SpindlerPublisher: St Martins's Press Reviewed By: Arlena DeanRating: Five Review:"A Like-Alike" by Erica SpindlerMy Rationalization:What will happen as this read 'The Look-Alike' definitely illustrates what the impact of mental illness will be on an entire family as it weaves its way into an action-packed, suspenseful, psychological drama, mystery-thriller in this 'who done it?' Well, to get it all, you will have to pick up this ride to see how this action-packed story with clues that will be left to find out.The Plot:The reader is given well thought out plot...time between the past and the present that progresses reasonably well at a good pace in this story that will keep one captivated from page one.Setting: Tranquility Bluffs, Wisconsin [a snowy scenery]where we find Sienna Scott is returning from London after ten years [living with her grandma] after she stumbles upon the body Madison Robie who was murdered. Now, upon Sienna's return, she learns that the cold case into the killer has been re-opened. Now, why would this case be reopened? Why did Sienna begin to believe that Madison's death was really meant for her? Why did she feel that someone was after her? Was this a product of her family's illness, and none of it is real? What will happen when Sienna begins her own investigating? OK, who is the murderer? To find out the answers to the above questions, you will have to pick up this read to find out.Main Characters:Sienna: the heroine of this story; a protagonist, fragile at times, filled with self-doubt, however she fights against growing up with what her mother has. One crucial question: With Sienna bearing an uncanny physical likeness to her mother, did she also inherit her mother's mental illness?Sienna's mother [Vivienne Scott]: who had a mental illness, paranoid with delusions, always feeling that someone was out to get her, delusional disorder.Brad: [bro, big brother] Sienna's half brother that had bitter feelings. Why was that?Chief Thompson: PoliceRandy: DetectiveJonathan: Neighbor across the streetOverall: Lots of twists and turns, with a roller- coaster of suspense, secrets that will come out, and in the end, we find out who this suspect was that was there from the beginning in this mystery and deceitful read. Bye, the time one gets to the end of this story, the reader will be guessing about just who is this killer. This author works the reader in just learning who this person was and leaving me shocked even though I had thought maybe it could have been this person much earlier in the read, however, there were many possibilities as to who the murderer was. If you are looking for an excellent, well-written read with many thriller elements, intriguing, suspenseful with some likable and unlikeable characters, then you have come to the right place. Also, there is little romance and taking you on an unpredictable wild ride; however, in the end, I was kept guessing. I would recommend 'The Look-Alike' to you like a good read.Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[kulmona · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received a complimentary copy via The Review Crew. I chose this book because of its enticing blurb and the author.Ten years ago, in the small town of Tranquil Bluffs, Wisconsin, Sienna Scott was responsible for the murder of a young woman. Indirectly. Just because she looked like the victim. To this day, the murder remains unsolved. To escape notoriety, Sienna runs away...far away, to London.But, now she's back. To care for her mentally ill mother and to re-unite with the family she abandoned. Upon her return, the past comes rushing back. Long-buried memories of the murder re-surface. Questions arise.Written from the third-person point of view, with two timelines : 1) past (time elapsed since the murder), and 2) present(time of day), the chapters are titled accordingly. The easy-to-follow plot flows smoothly. The plot, itself, a murder mystery with elements of romance, was compelling and just complex enough. It was straightforward, yet unpredictable. The descriptions, from settings to characters, were vivid. All the characters and their interpersonal relationships were well-developed.Overall, I really enjoyed the book, my first by Spindler. It was readable, with simple language and short chapters. It had a storyline that had me turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next and, at the same time, forcing myself not to read ahead. Throughout the novel, I thought I had it all figured out, only to be proved wrong. I look forward to reading her future works and catching up on those I've missed. After just one book, she now ranks as one of my favorite authors.

[fastforward-46127 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A book doesn't always have to be filled with twists and turns for it to be a good read. I enjoyed this one because I had so many theories floating around in my head as to who killed the young woman but I never knew for sure what happened until the author revealed everything at the end. It was definitely a page turner. If I hadn't had some real life stuff going on, this is the type of book I would normally have finished all in one day because I was so into it.Ten years ago when Sienna Scott was in college she found the body of a murdered classmate. The murder remains unsolved and given some similarities with the victim, Sienna has often wondered if she was killer's intended target. Her mother suffers from paranoid personality disorder and Sienna is worried she might inherit the same condition. After years away, Sienna is back in town and staying with her mother. She is determined to solve the murder but mysterious stuff keeps happening to her. What's going on? Is there a reason for Sienna to be afraid or is it just paranoia?This book belongs in several genre categories such as mystery, thriller, psychological thriller, etc.. But regardless of what you want to label it as, it's a good read. As I mentioned before, you aren't completely sure what's going on until the final chapters. You don't know if Sienna is a reliable narrator which adds to the confusion and there's a handful of suspects. The author doesn't lay down her cards until the end so the many directions the story could go in remain until everything is finally revealed. Some readers might feel the ending isn't anything special or exciting, and in some ways I can agree with that. This probably would have been a perfect, 5 star read had I been caught completely off guard with the ending. My 4 star rating indicates though I do consider this a very good book and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.I received a free copy of The Look-Alike by Erica Spindler from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review!