Ever since I stumbled across an ARC of "Violet is Nowhere," Faith Gardner has become a must-read author for me. I love her fresh writing style, her compelling characters, and the impossible questions she poses in her Jolvix series. "Pearl in Deep" has the same creepy vibe as the previous installments, but for me, it fell a little short of Gardner's usual five-star, mind-blown, can't-stop-thinking-about-this thrillers. I didn't feel as empathetic toward or connected to Pearl as I did for Gardner's other main characters. I didn't see the appeal of Christopher, or understand why Pearl kept getting drawn to him despite all the red flags. Ordinarily, Gardner's antagonists have redeeming qualities that I can relate to or even understand, but I didn't feel that way about Christopher.

Though the first part of the story covers a long span of time and tended to drag a bit, the last quarter or so of the book felt much more urgent. I did not see the twist coming, and the way it totally changed Pearl's perspective on Christopher and Tallulah is one of the reasons I love Gardner's novels: There's no black and white, no clear-cut answer—only shades of gray.

Although this book seemed to focus more on nature vs. nurture and human psychology rather than the dangers of technology like the other Jolvix Episodes, the theme is no less intriguing. Psychopaths certainly have a bad rap in mainstream media, but are they "necessarily evil"? Certainly not, but the idea that they have no empathy and can learn to mimic human emotion is frightening. If it's so easy to act "normal" (note the quotes—because what is "normal," anyway?), how much can we ever really know about the people we surround ourselves with? Would Pearl have ever known Christopher was a psychopath if he hadn't freely admitted it to her? How would that have changed not only their relationship, but her relationship with Lulu?

Even though "Pearl in Deep" wasn't my favorite of Gardner's novels, it was still a solid book. I will not be deterred from reading anything and everything else she publishes in the future, no questions asked.

Thank you NetGalley and Faith Gardner for an ARC of this novel.

Pearl Blackwood is waiting tables at a restaurant in San Francisco when Christopher McKinney comes to her defense when her employer berates her in front of ethe entire restaurant. He makes sure she gets an apology the next day. Christopher also makes sure to wine and dine Pearl. He is smooth, intelligent, a cook and a psychopath! Self-diagnosed psychopath but still. Pearl thinks he is right up her alley until he isn't. Christopher works for Jolvix and can track her anywhere so getting away from him won’t be easy.

Both characters were interesting, and I was keeping my fingers crossed for Pearl the entire way. Rooting for her and shaking my head at her, questioning her choice in men, etc. It was fun reading about both Pearl and Christopher and seeing them interact.

Woohoo! Faith Gardner is on a roll with her Jolvix series. Her creative mind must be on overdrive as she is putting these books out so fast that I'm about to get whiplash. Plus, they are so fantastic-. I can't get enough. If you have not jumped on the Faith Gardner bandwagon, hop on board because she writes gripping, twisty, intelligent, hard to put down books. Her storylines are clever, well thought out and keep me on my toes. Although this book is part of the Jolvix series, like the other books in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.


Pearl in Deep did not disappoint! She set the bar with Amen Maxine and I became an instant fan. I can't wait for the next book in the series!!!!!

Gripping, shocking, well thought out, and hard to put down, Pearl in Deep is not to be missed.


#PearlinDeep #NetGalley #FaithGardner #MirrorHousePress

4 addicting stars

This is my third read now in the Jolvix series by Faith Gardner and I find them to be reliably fun to read! They are standalone psychological thriller books, but all with a futuristic setting – think highly developed robots and advanced technology.

We find Pearl Blackwood toiling away at a San Francisco restaurant. She would love to open her own restaurant one day, but that seems like a faraway dream. Especially when she was just yelled at publicly by her boss.

She happens to meet Christopher McKinney in the elevator, and he will change her life! Christopher is mysterious, working at Jolvix on deepfake technology, and ready to make her dreams come true. She falls for him quickly and then he discloses that he is a psychopath. Hm, what would I do in her place? I would run far away!

However, as the title implies, Pearl stays with Christopher and gets in deep, way too deep. She even embarks on a partnership with him that gets her in even deeper. As much as she tries to get away from him, he has a way of finding her.

I completely rooted for Pearl in this one and I was fascinated by how far she would go to escape the ever darker and sinister Christopher.

I’m excited there is one more to read in this series and then a few others by this author. A great new find with this author!

Pearl, Pearl, Pearl … what a mess you’ve gotten yourself into!

Pearl Blackwood is a server at a swanky restaurant called Sky when she’s chewed out by her boss in front of the customers one evening. One of those customers, Christopher, takes an interest in her poor treatment and makes sure her boss publicly apologizes to her for it.

Sounds like her knight in shining armor, huh? Well … not so much. This enigmatic stranger will woo Pearl’s heart, but at what cost?

Once again, Faith Gardner has put the reader in the world of Jolvix, a futuristic tech company, though it plays only a minor role here. Christopher is employed by them, though his exact role is unclear. His stories don’t always line up, you see. We do know that he understands how to create “deepfakes”: AI-created videos so real that it’s difficult for the untrained eye to know when they’re fake. Unfortunately, he’s also a psychopath, so his idea of fair play when using them is not necessarily yours and mine.

As Pearl gets deeper into her relationship with Christopher and new factors come into play, the game they’re playing with each other gets more and more dangerous … for them and everyone else.

I’ll say this: I loved this story, but Pearl’s decision-making processes made me a bit crazy! I mean, c’mon girl: Christopher had so many red flags around him that I’m surprised he wasn’t being chased by angry bulls the whole story! Prudence wasn’t her strong point.

All things said, this is another fantastic entry into the Jolvix series. These stories are standalones within the same universe, so there’s no need to read them in any particular order. I can’t wait to see what Gardner comes up with next!

★★★★ ½

Thanks to Mirror House Press, NetGalley and author Faith Gardner for this ARC to honestly review. It’s due to be published tomorrow, February 23rd!

Holy guacamole! This is my favorite Jolvix Episode since Amen Maxine. Pearl Blackwood meets Christopher McKinney and thinks she has found her prince. Soon she realizes he is a psychopath with a talent for deep fake. A diabolical combination that sucks her in like quicksand. These episodes are all standalone, so if you have not yet experienced the Jolvix world, feel free to jump right in with this one. Faith Gardner has a gift for chilling sci-fi that makes you think about all the things that could go wrong with our technological advances. Fun fact: while reading this I had two books in progress with a young girl named Tallulah. What are the odds? The other title is What Have We Done. That one is also shaping up to be a five-star read. Stay tuned.

A big thank you to Mirror House Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

earl is swept off her feet by Christopher and can't helping falling for him. His odd behavior, disappearing for days on end for which he claims has to do with work, and his confession of being a psychopath, lead her to end things between them. But, eventually, she's drawn back in. And this time she's pregnant. Who really is this guy and what are his intentions?

This is a long story that takes place over decades. Christopher totally creeped me out and Pearl was odd in her lifestyle and her life choices.

This was a unique tale that kept me interested and intrigued. I kept wondering what was really going on with Christopher. How his elusive and still mostly mysterious "work" fit into it all. And I kept waiting for Pearl to reach the end of her rope and get the eff out!

Faith Gardner, you can do no wrong! Her books, if you haven't read them, will blow you away with the creativity and futuristic display of how knowledge in technological format can be a dangerous psychotic path. Sometimes the lines of reality and fantasy blur, but that's what makes me come back to see how she will outdo the last one. This is a fourth in the Jolvix series and I'm sure she is not done yet.

When Pearl is a waitress in a San Francisco restaurant, she is berated in front of the other employees and customers. Smooth to the core, Christopher, with all his impressive charm steps into rescuing her. After he threatens her boss, he comes back to apologize. She is swept off her feet.
His sophistication soon turns to uncanny behavior, but is not on full display until she takes him to meet her mother. By then, it's too late she looks past his manipulation, lies, and his confession that he is a psychopath. She takes it lightly at first and ponders it until she runs for safety.

When she finds out she is pregnant, she reels a wealthy older guy she dated before and he pays the child support. She can't get away from Christopher at this point because he works for a Deepfake technology company that intercepts everything she does. She is led into his scams and takes part until she is in too deep. She tries to get away from him by moving across the country with her daughter, but he always finds her. She is manipulative and his mind games begin to bleed into her daughter's mind and even in people he instigates against her.
Another creepy and psychotic journey with this author. I can't do it enough justice. I will say Amen Maxine is still my favorite, but it is hard to choose because they are all outstanding!
Thank you NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This is the latest addition to the Jolvix series. Light sci-fi thrillers. Each read stands strongly on its own, so feel free to dive in anywhere. But I do suggest reading the entire series!

Pearl is waitressing at an upscale restaurant. A job that won’t cover her bills. Though dreaming of a restaurant of her own one day, she’s realistic enough to admit the chances are slim to none. That is until the man of her dreams walks in.

But what happens when your biggest dreams turn into your worst nightmare!?

Faith Gardner writes an addictive, thrilling read that was hard to put down. The tie-in to Jolvix was a disturbing concept I hope never sees the light of day (and that’s all I’ll say about that!)🤐. But overall this book comes across with more of a thriller vibe with just a hint of sci-fi.

Now I’ll be watching for the the next release Eve in Overdrive from this talented author. Seriously…I’ll be reading anything she puts out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Mirror House Press

So apparently Faith Gardner is the Black Mirror of techy psychological thrillers! 😍
This book was so unique. I really don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it.
The antagonist in this book is so despicable that I had to keep reminding myself: It’s just a book. It isn’t real…🤣
There were many times I wondered how Pearl was going to get herself out of the horrible predicaments she found herself in. I really enjoyed the bouts of humor in this as well. (Oh, Wendell….)
Does Pearl get herself in deep? You better believe it.
A cool, tech-forward story with a cynical twist at the end! I have Amen, Maxine on my TBR but now I’ll definitely be prioritizing that one higher on my list! I can’t wait to read more from Gardner!
A big thank you to Mirror House Press as well as NetGalley for a complimentary advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This book will be released on February 23, 2023.
4⭐️

This is my first Faith Gardner book, after reading Pearl in Deep, I have added more of her books to my list! Christopher identifies as a psychopath and expects everyone to accept him for who he is. Pearl does just that, for a time, before his behavior begins to raise more questions and concerns. The thought of a main character accepting his psychopathy was intriguing and I was instantly hooked. Pearl drove me nuts at times, I was sympathize at times. I felt all my emotions which is exactly what I want in my reads. I would recommend this book to anyone!

Another exciting installment of The Jolvix Episodes! What would you do if you met the man of your dreams and fell in love, only to find he was hiding a dark secret that could change everything? Pearl Blackwood, a waitress struggling to make ends meet, finds herself in chance meeting with a sympathetic, handsome, successful Jolvix employee, Christopher, after being publicly humilated by her boss. What Pearl doesn't realize is this perfect man is anything but. Red flags begin to appear soon after the two begin dating. Christopher then reveals a dangerous truth that will alter Pearl's life in more ways than one. Pearl In Deep is definitely a page turner that will keep you on the edge!

Faith Gardner is my Discovery of the Year 2022. Seriously, this is my favorite author I discovered last year! I read her “Amen Maxine” and… wow. I loved it so, so, so much! Also, it was kind of weird, mostly because I couldn’t wrap my head around it that such a gem, such a talent has been hiding somewhere – where exactly? – for so long, and then followed her other books and I loved those too, and I thought those too were one of the best I have read in a long time. And I read a lot. And I am picky about what I read. I am super picky. But those books are top-notch. Absolutely top-notch.
I was kind of shocked to read that her writing has been rejected by some publishers who said that it was “too dark”. Nope. Perfect. Her writing is PERFECT. Chef’s kiss perfect.

Also, excuse me while I was not all here, I had to check out of this reality in favor of this book’s Jolvix reality.
So, this is another book in the Jolvix series – although everything happens in the same Jolvix semi-dystopian reality, the books can be read as standalone novels. Each makes sense on its own.
As I said, I loved all the other books by this author. This one… did not disappoint. Not. At. All. It was good, it was as good as I expected it to be.
This book is filled with the same quirky language I have started to love from reading all the other books by Faith. Her language and her way with words are such a pleasure to read. In this book, there are some other quirky language bonuses, for example, the Polish babysitter and her random use of Polish words.

The story? Ok, honestly, I was not expecting any plot twists at the end. I was fine with it being just a twisted tale of… psychopaths. And, take this from someone who grew up with a legit psychopath – the psychopaths are portrayed in this book super real.

As I was reading, I kept thinking of the same thing over and over again. When you have a relationship with someone, how much of that relationship is with the real person, and how much of that person exists in your head only, made up by you, by wishful thinking and your own projections?

If you are a fan of all sorts of crazies in books, this book delivers. And then delivers some more. And then, even more.

Faith Gardner keeps getting better and better.

Pearl in Deep is the fourth book in her Jolvix series. Pearl meets the love of her life, Christopher, but he is a psychopath. He uses his IT experience to his advantage. I could not put this book down. My anxiety was through the roof as I wanted to find out more, but I was engrossed. I felt scared for Pearl.

This book is for you if you love psychological thrillers with a twist.

Many thanks to Faith Gardner, Mirror House Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Pearl in deep is due to be released on February 23, 2023.

4 stars

This is my first read by Faith Gardner, and damn! This was great. I read it in one sitting and was quite impressed. The cover drew me in, the story made me buy 3 more of her books immediately after finishing.

These Jolvix books are everything. I tried to savor it but then I couldn't put it down.
The only thing unrelatable is that our girl can afford an apartment on her part time waitressing wages.
Why are these book so good? Is Faith Gardner some sort of magician?
Midway through I had to take a break to google "psychopathy in children" even though I know they pretty much all are.
And that ending! I never expected that.
I will be waiting for the next one.

I can't get enough of these books. They are so real.
I want to think on this and add more tomorrow.

Faith Gardner does it again!!!

I'll be honest and tell you that I get so excited whenever a new Jolvix book is released and because Faith Gardner is a writing machine that's usually every couple of months. Seriously, I have no idea how she cranks these books out so quickly but I'm not here to question it, I'm here to be entertained which she never fails to do.

Pearl Blackwood is a waitress at a fine dining restaurant. One day her boss berates her in front of the entire restaurant causing her to flee in tears. On the elevator a handsome man joins her and he asks what's happened. She tells him about her jerk of a boss and they part ways. The next day when she returns to work her co-worker tells her that a man came in a told off her boss and demanded that he publicly apologize to the poor waitress he met on the elevator. Pearl can't believe it. This handsome man did all this for her. He returns to make sure her boss kept his word and that was it, she was in love with Christopher McKinney, for better or worse.

She had no idea how worse it would get because Christopher is an admitted psychopath.

I had so much fun reading this one. A very gripping story that had the perfect amount of humor to keep it light and fun. There was one scene with Pearl, her four year old daughters doll, a pair of scissors, and a very distraught daughter looking on that had me chuckling away.

"Tallulah's scrunched brow tells me she may be four years old, but even she has enough sense to tell that I'm full of shit. Yeah, no doubt about it, she'll be recounting this for her therapist one day."

Christopher was the perfect charming creep. I kept flipping those pages to see what he would do next. His knowledge of deepfake technology working at Jolvix is a perfect fit for a supposed psychopath.

Oh yeah, and a nifty little twist at the end.

Is Pearl in too deep? Can she escape the clutches of a psychopath? You'll have to read this to find out!

If you like some laughter with your thrills and chills then this is the perfect series for you. Even better, they can all be read as a standalone. Fun, clever, and humorous, what more can a reader ask for? 4 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and Mirror House Press for my complimentary copy.

"In the meeting of a stranger, the stars aligned my sky." (Kismet)

And nothing could be more true. Pearl Blackwood had no idea what that close encounter in an elevator would mean in regard to the rest of her life.

Tears spilling over, Pearl had just been humiliated by her boss after a small mishap in the upscale restaurant where she was part of the wait staff. She had no other recourse but to grab her things and find the exit. Said stranger in that elevator was Christopher McKinney who would send continuous shock waves into Pearl's life that would register off the Richter scale. Again, and again, and again.

Pearl fell hard for this handsome man with the beguiling smile. She would follow him anywhere. Christopher, who worked for Jolvix and was a genius when it came to deepfake technology, would disappear for days on end with always an excuse and a huge bouquet of tulips which were Pearl's favorite. The rest of the world faded with only Christopher in her vision.

Christopher sets Pearl up with a restaurant of her own, Sea, catering to clientele with deep pockets. Pearl helped with the design as she stands in awe of the aquarium walls filled with exotic fish. But Christopher continues to disappear leaving Pearl in a lurch that seems to widen day by day. It is this mysterious behavior that will line this novel to the very end.

Faith Gardner writes like her hair is on fire. She gets deep below the surface of her characters that forms a bond with the readers. You feel the heat of the flames getting closer and closer, and yet, you can't look away. The title is spot-on with Pearl being swallowed up by the waves of her situation. She's lost all sense of herself. Christopher is her moon and her stars. And it's about to get dark, very, very dark.......

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Mirror House Press and to the talented Faith Gardner for the opportunity.

"I finally meet the love of my life and he turns out to be a psychopath."

Pearl Blackwood is waiting tables in San Francisco when she meets Christopher McKinney, falling for his charm and sophistication right away. She's mesmerized by him, drawn to him with a magnetic pull. He makes her feel special, like anything is possible. Together, they open Sea, an innovative underwater restaurant, and Pearl thinks she's succeeded in reaching her dreams. But nothing is what it seems when it comes to Christopher, promises becoming illusions, and a downward spiral begins.

Christopher works for Jolvix, specializing in deepfake technology, having the ability to create videos of Pearl that use her likeness and voice to say anything he wants her to say. He also initiates a movement claiming psychopaths are marginalized members of society, not evil but simply misunderstood. Pearl has already fallen in love with him but she has flickers of doubt as red flags appear. She tries to resist him but she keeps falling into his spell, conflicted as she's still physically attracted to him but not sure what to believe. She loses the ability to tell the difference between what's real and what's fake. Can she trust him? Can she even trust herself? Entangled in a web of half-truths and lies, she tries to pull away but she can't seem to get out of his grasp. Christopher thrives on mind games and instilling fear and he plays expertly on Pearl's insecurities and vulnerability.

Pearl in Deep is a true psychological thriller with technology featured less heavily than in previous books in the series. It asks the question of whether psychopaths are capable of love since they don't exhibit empathy. This is a story about obsession and control, possession of someone else's thoughts. How do you know what to believe when your thoughts are no longer truly your own? This book also takes a deep look at the nature vs nurture debate in determining the development of psychopathic behavior.

I'm always captivated by Faith Gardner's writing and the creative expanse of her imagination. Any book she writes is guaranteed to be a wild ride! With super short chapters, I was continuously invested in the story, wanting to know what would happen next. I felt a sense of urgency and foreboding as I turned the pages, especially as the risk of danger escalated. It drove me completely insane how Pearl kept coming back to Christopher as she ignored her better instincts. I wanted her to be stronger than that. But then everything changed and I loved when she finally gathered her self-confidence and started fighting back.

"The only way to survive swimming with sharks is to become one."

Surprising twists culminated in a denouement that shocked me and I was left thinking about the power of the mind and wondering how it's possible to ever really know how much control we truly have over our own thoughts. This was such a thought provoking read and I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.

** Special thanks Mirror House Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available February 23, 2023. **

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

Pearl Blackwood, a waitress in a fine dining restaurant falls hard for the charismatic Christopher McKinney, employed in the Alternative Reality sector at Jolvix – simply put, he is an expert in deepfake technology. But as she gets to know him better, certain behaviors do raise her suspicions, making her more than a little uncomfortable. Eventually, he proudly declares that he is a “psychopath” and according to him all psychopaths need not necessarily be criminals.

“They paint this picture of the psychopath like every one of us is a deranged serial killer—but most are just ordinary guys like me. Nothing to be scared of. Just a brain that works differently than others. It’s like depression or anxiety or anything else.”

Pearl finds herself inexorably drawn to him and despite her misgivings, she embarks on a relationship with him, moving in with him with her daughter also partnering with him on a business venture (a dream of hers he is helping come true!). Now, what could go wrong? Lies, obsession, mind games and manipulation and much more than Pearl could have ever imagined. She needs to get out with her daughter but at what cost? Knowing Christopher, he isn’t going to make it easy.

Absorbing atmospheric narratives, crisp writing and surprise twists are what we have come to expect from Faith Gardner and with Pearl in Deep she does not disappoint. Though Amen Maxine remains my favorite (closely followed by What January Remembers), Pearl in Deep is an impressive addition to Faith Gardner’s fascinating The Jolvix Episodes series. Though the setting of her stories are futuristic (I’m still in the market for a flying feather duster!), her themes are relatable and relevant in that she addresses issues related to how our dependence on technology can be used against us. Pearl’s choices are questionable and at times I wanted to shake her. But you can’t help but sympathize with her and fear for her as she tries to save herself and her daughter. Christopher really creeped me out and his deepfake antics were scary, to say the least, and a bit too real. Gardner really knows how to craft a gripping tale! What draws me to her work is her perfect combination of sci-fi and futuristic elements, which never get too overwhelming and psychological tension which makes for a gripping read every time. I can’t wait to read more of her work in the future.

Many thanks to Faith Gardner, Mirror House Press and NetGalley for the much-appreciated digital ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This book is due to be released on February 23, 2023.