Mystery lovers are going to eat this book up. I personally found that it was well-written with nicely developed characters and a satisfying ending that didn’t leave me wondering with wow, how, what and why. Definitely a solid read,

This was a fun mystery that I just couldn’t stop reading! A nanny with a mysterious death at the home of a wealthy family with secrets? Plots like that never get old with me. It sounds simple enough, but like any story full of lies, there are many layers to this mystery. The main character isn’t your usual detective or investigator or family member of a victim, either. I don’t know how accurate the portrayal is of a best-interest attorney, but as the author lives in the area (so do I!), I’m pretty sure she knows her stuff. Plus, the main character has the same name as my dog, so that’s two reasons I may be biased.

Stella Hudson is the perfect attorney for Rose Barclay, as Rose is a damaged child and Stella had her own traumatic childhood. Her job is to decide who Rose should live with, as her parents are divorcing, and they both want sole custody. She makes visits to their home and spends time with the family members separately and together. Her decision will be life-altering for all the Barclays, so she’s determined to give Rose her all. And of course, try to untangle all the lies they keep feeding her.

The nanny’s death is mysterious because she could have been pushed out of the window she fell through, or it could have been an innocent accident. Why not just ask Rose her opinion on any of this? Well, she stopped talking. Traumatic mutism, I believe it’s called. So that makes looking into the death and the family itself twice as difficult. And Stella tries hard with Rose – taking her places, doing fun activities, anything that could help her bond with Rose.

But Rose’s parents and grandmother are not the easiest to work with. Stella thinks they just want her gone and away from their family as soon as possible. They make everything difficult, they lie all the time, and contrary to what they keep saying, they don’t have Rose’s best interests at heart. Is it just how they are or is there a deeper secret they are hiding? And will Stella puzzle it out before she becomes the next mysterious death?
Be careful of false trails when reading this story. Consider everyone’s actions and behavior and you might figure it out one step ahead of Stella!

Sarah Pekkanen has written another amazing psychological thriller with lots of suspense and twists and turns.
When Stella (a child advocate/lawyer) takes on the case of who will get custody of a young girl named Rose mystery abounds. Rose has recently been diagnoses with traumatic muteness after witnessing the horrible fall and death of her nanny Tina. What caused Tina to fall from the upper floors of Ian and Beth's house, through a thin glass window to her death in the garden below? Was it suicide because of her despair over her affair with Ian, or was it murder? Perhaps Beth learning about the affair wished to kill her, or Ian discovering Tina was pregnant, or Harriet the grandmother who didn't want Tina breaking up the family? Or could it even be more sinister as young Rose angry about her parents upcoming divorce?
Stella is the perfect person to work with young Rose because as a child herself she witnessed her mother's murder and also became mute for a long time. Every time she talks with Harriet, Beth or Ian she is more confused over what could have happened. Lots of build up and suspense, as Stella tries to decide how to help Rose all while going through a lot of her own issues with her friend/father like figure Charles and her feelings about her ex husband.
I read this book in less than a day because I was so interested in the characters and the ending.

I was absolutely glued to this book from beginning to end!! A nanny dies but who killed her? Or was it an accident? Stella Hudson must get to know the Barclay family in order to determine who nine year old Rose Barclay will be better off living with after her parents divorce. Strange and scary things happen as Stella investigates.

I've been a fan of Sarah Pekkanen's work for years, and this novel is one of her best. The House of Glass is a twisty, incredibly creepy thriller that keeps you turning the pages well into the night. The tension and eerie feeling throughout this book kept me on edge the entire time. This is not a book you want to read while home alone on a dark, stormy night, or maybe you do?

HOUSE OF GLASS
BY: SARAH PEKKANEN

I knew that I was going to love one of my favorite psychological thriller authors Sarah Pekkanen's newest novel called, "House of Glass." The title is perfect and I hope that it is kept in the final finished novel. It is an wonderfully written narrative about an eery mansion with a spooky vibe that would make a perfect Halloween reading experience because it's set during the cooler months with glistening golden and bright red leaves on the trees. The garden in this story that is tended by the creepy grandmother named Harriet who harvested carrots among other things that she uses as an alibi for where she was with troubled nine year old Rose when the nanny fell to her death.

Stella is one of the main female protagonists who has a great command of presenting herself as non-triggered or intimidated by the members of the Barclay family who all of them test her while she has a job to do. Stella had impressed me by that personality trait as well as her uncanny ability to have a great depth of psychological insight about peoples motives explaining why the other characters do the things that they do.

Stella has been referred by her mentor Charles who is a judge to evaluate what living arrangements are in the best interests of the child named Rose. Rose is an intelligent precocious nine year old child who Stella represents while she decides which parent will get custody of her during a contentious divorce of a very wealthy family. Rose's parents Ian and Beth are in the process of going through a messy divorce where Beth Rose's mother is angry, cold and aloof towards her husband Ian and Stella.

Beth is furious with her husband Ian for cheating on her with their young nanny named Tina who he got pregnant. Tina the nanny fell through a very dangerous window from a third story window in this big and dark mansion. Tina's bedroom is located in a small claustrophobic attic on the third floor who fell or was possibly pushed to her death from her room. The mystery is the question of whether or not Tina was pushed out her window by one of this rich and entitled family members Or was it an accident that it happened right after the discovery is made that she is pregnant with Ian's child? The nanny's bombshell secret of carrying the child of Rose's father and Beth's husband Ian could be that she was murdered because it begs the question of did a crime take place? It sure is suspicious and is being investigated by a detective.

Stella is thrust into this ever growing nightmare of having to be involved in finding out if there is a killer among this family who she senses that something is off with every member of them. Including Harriet who is Ian's mother and who is also Rose's grandmother. Harriet is very vocal to Stella by telling her that she thinks Beth, Rose's mother should get custody. Isn't that peculiar that this pushy grandmother who lives in the basement of this creepy house would throw her own son under the bus by making her opinion clear that Rose would be better off living with her daughter-in-law?

What this family doesn't understand is Stella's job is to not be influenced by their thoughts or determinations of what is best for Rose. Stella's mission is to base her decision on what's best for Rose. Rose is being seen by a psychiatrist because she has stopped talking. Rose has been diagnosed with her muteness being caused by trauma. she is suffering from her form of being mute due to either witnessing her nanny's death or in addition to that hearing her parents fighting.

Stella understands Rose's unique condition because she herself suffered the exact same condition as a seven year old child. Her mother died after telling Stella to hide in a closet and Stella is still plagued by her mother's mysterious death which caused her trauma. Stella had also lost her father before that while he was in a car accident when he swerved in order to not hit a deer in the road. However the results were in him dying from hitting a tree. She is still troubled by losing both parents and being sent off to live with an uncaring and hostile aunt. She is still able to function and be good at her job, but it doesn't help that this new case is one that she is highly uncomfortable with because she senses that she is being lied to by the adults.

As Stella tries to get to know Rose that is no easy task. The three family members try to impede Stella's attempts with spending alone time with Rose that is crucial in order to make a recommendation to the judge who is tasked with overseeing this divorce and custody battle. As Stella visits she realizes that Rose could be dangerous. Is Rose dangerous? She purposefully knocks over her root beer soda aiming it at Stella when she finally gets to take Rose out to dinner. Stella gets soaked by this. Other times she has witnessed Rose reading Ann Rule's book about Ted Bundy called, "The Stranger Beside Me." Rose is cunning by hiding the book by putting the dust jacket on it of "Anne of Green Gables."

Rose was expelled from school by bringing a knife. Stella was told that when she interviewed the principal. Her parents conveniently left that fact out when they told her that Rose's grandmother, Harriet is home schooling her. Rose doesn't have any friends and Stella feels that Rose needs to be in school so she gets essential socialization. Ian agrees to meet Stella at the aquarium with Rose during his allotted time with his daughter. A younger girl tries to be friendly with Rose and it turns out that Rose is mean to the younger girl.

Everything is not as it seems with this perfect family that they're trying to present on the surface. Stella discovers that everyone has their own agenda and she feels that there is possible danger by feeling more and more uncomfortable the more frequently she visits their home. There are cracks to this family's facade but why would they lie to Stella? She is starting to think that there could be a killer within this family and wonders if it is safe to continue visiting their home. They have underestimated Stella as she continues her sleuthing determined to help Rose and learn what happened to Tina the young nanny. If someone would kill Tina would they also Kill Stella since what they both have in common is change to the family dynamics?

This roller coaster of a scary ride gets more intense the further you get absorbed in the novel. It is intriguing with a clever plot. The character development is great with this keeping me invested in turning the pages. This is one that is guaranteed to keep you wanting to not put this down. A well deserved five stars to the impeccably talented Sarah Pekkanen. I am a fan and will continue to read everything she writes. This is possibly one of the more fun and enjoyable reading experiences I have had the pleasure of reading this year. Highly, Highly Recommend this to all psychological thriller readers. This is for you. I really loved it!

Publication Date: August 6, 2024

Thank you to Net Galley, Sarah Pekkanen and St. Martin's Press for your generosity in providing me with this wonderful ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review, All opinions are my own.

#HouseofGlass #SarahPekkanen #StMartinsPress #NetGalley HOUSE OF GLASS

This book was hard to put down! I read it in two sittings, but I definitely could have done it in one if I didn't have to sleep. The intensity is there throughout and I just wanted to see how it ended. There were two things I figured out, but I only knew the actions and not the "why" behind them. If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller, this is it!

This is an absolutely stellar novel (get it? 😂), and I am trying to get my heart rate back down after that ending. Whew. I hadn’t read any of Sarah Pekkanen’s work prior to this, but I am checking out her other books right after I submit this review. She has such a way with words that I found myself re-reading passages here and there, and then highlighting them because I was just struck by the imagery the words evoked. There’s a real beauty to the way she writes. You feel as if you are actually in the scene, experiencing everything yourself. It’s a rare talent.

Ms. Pekkanen had me so convinced that one particular character was to blame that I refused to believe otherwise until the very end. I was a little miffed at first when the twists were revealed, but then I realized that it really just speaks to the author’s skill at deflection that I was so utterly fooled.

5 out of 5 stars. It’s a must-read.

THIS experience is what I hope for every time I am fortunate enough to receive an ARC.

Trigger warnings: OD, childhood trauma

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

I did not want to put this book down after starting it! I was drawn t9 Rose’s character and finding out her true story as well as Stella’s history as it was uncovered. The author was very successful at keeping the reader invested and want to read just one more chapter. Mystery, suspense, family dynamics….it has it all!

This book started off great however it started to drag about a quarter way in. I just couldn’t get into it. The characters were pretty lifeless to me. I wish Rose did more creepy stuff, which is what I was really looking forward to. This one just wasn’t for me!

4/5 stars

Very fast paced and an easy to read book for readers who get easily distracted. The multiple twist and turns help keep your focus and I was able to read in one sitting!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This was such a fast paced thriller that honestly kept me guessing until the very end. The plot kept putting different suspects in the spotlight which was very entertaining. The backstory about the main characters life was enthralling as well. Overall an excellent read, 5+ stars!

ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

★ ★ ★ ★ //5

House of Glass

I want to thank NetGalley & the author for giving me the opportunity to read this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

THOUGHTS:

Talk about a read! I read this faster than I intended because I didn't want it to end up I didn't want to stop it. Page after page you are thrown through loops, twists and turns. If you are a fan of murder mysteries, you will eat this up. This book is fast paced straight off from the get-go. Our MC Stella is an attorney and has to decide where a child who just lost her nanny in a tragic d3ath has to decide which of her currently divorcing parents she should go to while also trying to figure out what exactly happened to the nanny. Will she make the right decision, will she get lost too far in the investigation of what happened. This story will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time!

This book was so good!

I couldn’t put it down.
The twists and turns are so good. The book keeps a great pace so it never slows down.
Highly recommend it!

A creepy who done it mystery you don't want to miss! A nanny murdered by being tossed out a window while all the family members are home. Rose is nine years old and is not talking after the trauma. Stella Hudson has been appointed to represent Rose in her parents custody battle. Stella will have to deal with her past trauma to be able to be there for Rose.

The author does an excellent job of building suspense. The vivid descriptions of the house give off a creepy vibe. The family are all a bunch of liars so it keeps you guessing on who the murder is until the end. The portrayal of Rose will have you wondering is she is good or evil? I went back and forth not sure which was true.

This was a great who done it mystery.

Be afraid be very afraid. This book gave me anxiety and the creeps!! Every character is a suspect, every character has a secret…
Stella, an attorney, is hired to represent Rose a nine year old troubled speechless girl. After her nanny falls to her death with no suspects Stella must decide who is the better parent to have custody of Rose as they are in the middle of a divorce.
Stella has her own demons having found her mother dead of an overdose at the mere age of 7. Dealing with Rose and her parents gives her terrible anxiety as her own memories resurface.
This book was a very fast read with all of the wonderful twists and turns we love!
Thank you, Netgalley and Saint Martin’s Press for allowing me to read House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen.

Sarah Pekkanen has left the days of chick lit behind and has firmly established herself as a thriller writer. When Stella Hudson, best interest attorney, takes an assignment at the behest of her closest friend, she’s not sure what she’s getting herself into. As a rule, Stella doesn’t usually work with young children, but she feels a connection with 9 year old Rose. Rose is mute and the daughter of extremely rich parents. She witnessed a horrible tragedy and hasn’t spoken since. As Stella begins working with the family, she discovers many unsettling things that makes her think that her new client may not be such an innocent child after all.
All in all, I enjoyed the fast paced story and also liked that the story dug into Stella’s past and how it intersects with her present. The only part I didn’t like was towards the end and seemed to just be thrown in there and didn’t really make sense.

I have a read a few books lately where a child is written to be feared (ex: The Push by Ashley Audrain, Cutting Teeth by Chandler Baker), and these stories always make me wonder what it must be like for a parent when they realized their child is experiencing life in a different way than others.

House of Glass feels like it will be that type of book, but there are so many other layers to the plot. When Tina, the nanny working for the Barclay family, is found dead on the property the investigation into her death brings Stella, a best interest attorney into the fold. As her learns more about the Barclays, and their impending divorce, she needs to decide who Rose, their traumatized nine year old, will be better off with.

There is a connection between Stella, the protagonist, and Rose, the child, that leaves the reader questioning Rose's behaviors. The more Stella lets Rose in and opens up, the more Rose retreats and the more the Barclay family closes ranks around the child.

This was a good domestic thriller, but I was not able to get into the backstory of Stella even though it was important in understanding her connection to Rose. Also, the storyline of her ex-husband and her new love interest seemed like filler.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy.

Suspenseful, dark, unputtable down (is that a word?)

This book grabs you in from the first page & keeps you guessing right up to the end.

I don't know exactly how else to put this--

But I really think "House of Glass" is going to be the must read for 2024 thriller fans. Sarah Pekkanen's story is this perfect mixture of caring family and a creepy kid-- but it felt much more original to me and creative than other books like this.

If you're a fan of Frieda McFadden's "The Housemaid" or books like it, read this book! It will be out for purchase in August of 2024!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review! If I could unread this in my brain, I would reread it again just because I enjoyed it so much.