Super quick read! I liked it a lot. Nell is a scrappy FBI agent who ends up investigating her father’s death and it turns into a larger mystery.

This was a fast-paced, gripping mystery with a great cast of characters, especially the strong female protagonist Nell Flynn. This story had me at the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next, and staying up way to late reading. Loved the surprising twists in the story. Cristina Alger's an amazing storyteller and has become one of my favorite authors. Girls Like Us is one that should not be missed.

I received a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Nell Flynn, on medical leave from the FBI's BAU group, returns to Suffolk County on Long Island to settle her recently deceased father's meager estate. The discovery of the almost mummified remains of a young woman, whose death closely resembles the unsolved murder of another young woman a year before, draws Nell in as a consultant on the case. Coincidentally, her father was the lead detective on the earlier investigation. As Nell explores the similarities between two deaths, she begins to doubt her father's commitment to justice, and even questions his role in her own mother's death years ago.

Thrilling without being gruesome, with good character development and sense of place.

I read this book in two days. I really loved it. It was a great mystery that held my attention throughout the whole book. I couldn't wait to find out who really committed the murder. I would have liked to had a conclusion to Nell's moms murder but it was a great read.

Thanks Net Gallery for providing this for an honest review.

I finished Girls Like Us in two days! It was a quick read, particularly for those that quickly get invested in mystery novels! The writing was fast-paced--I never felt there was filler information or scenes; everything was intentional and moved the plot (and my questions) forward.

Alger gives us a classic who-dunnit, with a potential serial killer--but it turns out to be so much more. I enjoyed the characters, cared about how they ended up, and was invested in finding out how the novel ends.

As much as I enjoyed it, I did feel the ending was a bit fast-paced. And the solution to the who-dunnit felt strange and still left me with some questions. However, overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend to those that enjoy a good murder mystery, questioning characters' integrity, and a quick read.

Cristina Alger has now written four novels, all of which I have read and enjoyed. And like a fine wine, Alger gets better with age! Girls Like Us is a standout novel in the age of unreliable female narrators, for having a protagonist who is a trustworthy FBI agent. Nell Flynn is a sharp, strong character who I enjoyed journeying with. Girls Like Us has the added benefit of being set on Long Island, where I grew up and still live, adding an extra sense of recognition and reality to the story. Flynn returns to Long Island after the passing of her father, a local detective on the Suffolk County Police Force. Curious about her father's death along with some local crimes, Flynn begins to uncover a whole lot of truth, not all of it pleasant - but what is pleasant, is Alger's storytelling!

Martin Flynn dies during a late-night motorcycle accident while traversing the dark roads of Suffolk County. To put his affairs in order, his daughter, Nell Flynn, a behavioral analyst from the FBI, returns to her old stomping grounds.

Nell's task is meant to be a simple one. Disperse her father's ashes, attend to his will, and decide what to do with his house. Then the body of a young woman is found in an affluent, and Nell is invited to be a consultant on the case by her father's old partner at the SCPD, Det. Lee Davis.

Girls Like Us veers into FBI procedural territory. It is Alger's richly descriptive prose and intricate plotting that elevates this novel to a compelling crime thriller.

There is no confirmation that this novel is anything but a standalone; however, in my opinion, it is an excellent foundation story to set up a series, one I would fully support.

Flynn is one of the better-developed characters in the novel. She is sharp, grounded, confident (sometimes to the point of recklessness), and she carries the trademark darkness all the best fictional detectives have. Girls Like Us did what it set out to do in wrapping up its central plot, but it doesn't quite wrap Nell's story up.

I don't mean to say the ending isn't suitable to the book, it contains a poetic and fitting epilogue, but I did feel like Nell's narrative arc was left somewhat unresolved.

Regardless of whether or not this was a deliberate action, I hope Alger considers revisiting Nell's story. She has proven herself as a talented crime writer, a task not easy to accomplish. She has also gifted us with a realistic female detective. It'd be a shame if this outing served as her last.

Should you read Girls Like Us?

I haven't read Alger's other novel, The Banker's Wife (I bought it a while ago, and it sits high on my TBR list), so I can't compare it to that novel. But I enjoyed Girls Like Us quite a bit. I certainly intend to read The Banker's Wife when I get the chance.

Girls Like Us hides conspiracy and intrigue under the guise of a typical killing spree. There are many mysteries to be solved across the novel's 300-something page count, Alger tends to each like a flower in bloom, cultivating each phrase with careful, affectional precision.

Girls Like Us is a psychological thriller, mystery and action back read from beginning to end.

The story moves along quickly as readers follow Nell Flynn though the mystery that seems to change from day to day.

The characters have directions and the secondary characters all have purpose making the story flow quickly until the end. The book moves quickly and readers will do as the find the answers Nell is looking for.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher G.P. Putnam's Sons for the advance copy of Cristina Alger Girls Like Us.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Nell returns home after her father's death and immediately gets involved in an investigation that her dad had begun.

Cristina Alger never disappoints.
I absolutely loved this crime story.
If you read any of Cristina Alger’s books in the past then you know your getting a great adventure and I can assure you this one will not disappoint. I love the main character Nell and definitely want to see more of her.
Had me on the edge of my seat waiting until the end. Highly recommend. You will devour this read!!! Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read and review this awesome book!!!

Nell Flynn returned home to bury her father, but she quickly becomes involved in a murder case that seems to be connected to one that is unsolved by her father and his colleague, Lee. This twisty thriller has unexpected turns that kept me guessing until the very last page! I’m hoping we will get to read more about Nell in future books!

This was a good crime story - likeable protagonist, perhaps the first in a series? Christina Alger is a good story teller and this is another good entry into her titles.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, for this free review copy.

Cristina Alger does it again. I loved The Banker's Wife and was thrilled when I got approved for Girls Like Us.

This one was another page turner for me. There were so many things that happened, that I did not see coming. The last 30% of this book had me on the edge of my seat, waiting for the worst to happen.

I loved the main character Nell, who is currently on medical leave from the FBI. She hasn't been in close contact with her father for the past 10 years, but when he passes, she decides to head home. While there, Nell becomes involved in a investigation into the murders of two young woman in Suffolk County. The deeper she digs, the more she finds, and soon she doesn't know who she can trust.

The writing and plot of Girls Like Us, was so good. If you have loved any of Cristina Alger's previous books, I can promise you will love this one. I didn't want it to end, and would love another book about Nell! On sale July 2nd! Pre order this wonderful book, or ask your library to purchase it. 🙌

Finally, a true mystery that took me on a thrilling ride from start to finish. It's been a while since I have been so enthralled with a mystery/thriller that I almost didn't want it to end.

This one is definitely a page turner. Even though you have a pretty good idea of the who or whos, getting there is sweet torture. The pages will just keep taking you on a ride you know you want to be on but at the same time you almost want to get off. 

This author has a brilliant way of pulling you into her stories. You can't help but to feel like you are in the story yourself. You're on the journey right along with the characters. I was so lost in this story, I couldn't put it down.

If you're looking for a great, heart pounding, page-turning mystery, this is definitely a book you should grab and read right away.

Nell was a kick ass lead character. I'd definitely read a series with her at the center.

Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the lead character, Nell, she’s one tough cookie. The writing, plot and pacing were all very good. At times there is a bit more detail than necessary for me; I was ready for the action.

I was surprised, a few times, by the turn of events. I expected some things to happen (they didn’t) and vice versa. I won’t go into detail but it’s a sad story (tough subject) with a satisfying conclusion.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam for a copy in exchange for a review.

After listening to The Banker's Wife and absolutely loving it, I knew I needed to request Girls Like Us by Cristina Alger. Thank you Putnam and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read it in exchange for a honest review.

Well, Ms. Alger has again crafted a well thought out mystery whose main character draws you in and has you cheering her on the whole story. We meet FBI agent Nell Flynn at her father's memorial service and quickly learn that she has had a complex relationship with him. One that has kept her away from her childhood home for over 10 years. Returning home isn't always easy, especially when you realize your Father and his co-workers may not be the men you once believed they were.

Nell is clearly trying to figure out how to move forward in both her personal and professional life and quite frankly struggling with both. Rest, relaxation, and recovery are not in her nature and seem to push her drive to figure out what her father was involved in. And for me that became the core of the story - what would Nell find out and would she survive to do so.

Well paced, with more than a few tense moments, this was a satisfying read. I was caught by surprise on who was the mastermind and appreciate the twist. Definitely one to add to your TBR pile!

One of the things I like most about Cristina Alger is that she creates strong, gutsy female protagonists. Nell is one of these in Alger's newest book. As Nell delves more deeply into the murders in her former hometown, the tension mounts. The plot contains some serious twists and turns. Nell moves from one dangerous situation to another as the plot thickens. The climax is both exciting and satisfying. I highly recommend this book to those who like action-packed mysteries and strong female characters.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely fell in love with Nell Flynn. She is a smart, tough character that has overcome her past. Nell's mother died when Nell was very young. She was murdered while Nell and her father were camping. Nell's father Marty is a police officer which some thought had actually committed the murder. Nell and her father lead a quiet life and after graduation, Nell leaves. She becomes FBI and a member of the BAU. Nell hasn't been home in 10 years when she receives the call her dad has had an accident. She goes home and finds things aren't always what they seem. She is asked by local law enforcement to take a look at the case of 2 murdered teenagers. This was a wonderful book that kept me on the edge of my seat with all the twists and turns. I would absolutely love more books with Nell. I think her FBI adventures would make an awesome series! I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

A very down-the-middle police procedural mystery. Not bad, not great, very middling. I do think Alger does a good job introducing and differentiating multiple characters (not an easy feat) and I found the protagonist’s backstory and father’s connection to the community engaging. I just wasn’t that excited by the mystery and it felt very “case of the week” to me. Still a big fan of Alger’s, especially after THE BANKER’S WIFE, and will look forward to her next book.