This was a fun read although I did manage to guess the identity of the baddie fairly early - probably more because I read a lot of thrillers than because it was obvious. Good backstory on the protagonist, and it was nice that her personal mystery was a sideline in the story. I look forward to reading this author’s next book.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of this novel.

I've been reading Sarah Pekkanen's novels for a while now, and they truly are never a disappointment. This book was another wild ride with a fully engaging story.

The main character, Stella, is a lawyer who takes on a child custody case. The parents are getting divorced following the suspicious death of their nanny, Tina (which was ruled a suicide) and are fighting for custody of their daughter, Rose, who suffers from traumatic mutism after seeing Tina die. Stella wants to be sure to get Rose the best living situation, which means trying to figure out what really happened to Tina. Along the way, Stella has to confront her past, which in many ways was similar to that of Rose's.

I loved the dual storyline - Rose's story, and Stella's story; Stella's decision to look into her own traumatic childhood to get the closure she never had, along with her need to help Rose from suffering the same hardships that she had dealt with as a result from her childhood trauma. Sometimes, the two separate stories might be too confusing to follow, but Sarah handled it beautifully and the way she brought everything full circle was perfection. I loved the mystery/whodunit aspect, and the twists throughout (particularly with the ending). I was never sure who actually killed Tina, or what Stella was going to find out about her mother. This book was hard for me to put down! Highly recommended.

I have been a fan of Sarah Pekkanens for years - but this may be her best book yet! Dualing plots make everyone a suspect in this who-done-it. Pekkanen does a great job of making every character a suspect, while giving the main character a back story that is almost a second plot, but central to the main story! This is the perfect book to curl up by the fire with! Thank you so much for the advanced copy! 5 stars to Sarah Pekkanen who has done it again!

Eerie, suspenseful, and unsettling; captivating plot; amazing writing; a lot of tension and build-up; was constantly on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen; kept me guessing non-stop, suspicious of everyone; the ending was emotional because of how attached to the characters I was; an amazing, bingeable thriller.

Special thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a DRC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Releases 8/6/24!

This is a book I could easily tell my friends to buy without sampling, and if they didn't like it, I'd buy their next meal. And the drinks, far exceeding the cost of the novel. It's that solid and entertaining. It subverts expectations without doing so as a deus ex machina--it makes absolute sense once you careen towards the wonderful ending.

This may be verging on spoiler territory, but I'd like to thank the author as a childfree by choice woman for not making the obvious sentimental choice with the conclusion. Thank you for seeing us.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing access to this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Propulsive! Definitely the author's best yet.
Excellent narrative voice. Lots of effective red herrings. Terrific pacing--could not put down!
Enjoyed the present day storyline more than the past but that did set the foundation & related context.
Also liked the lead character's emerging romantic relationship.

With great thanks to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for this e-ARC!

I went into this book blind, the cover was beautiful and I knew I loved the authors other books. I loved this book! Gave off some creepy vibes, and kept me guessing until the very end. The book follows a case worker assigned to a 9 year old girl amid her parents divorce and the suspicious death of her nanny. Definitely would recommend this!

Glass House is a thrilling ride with twists and turns throughout! Stella is a court appointed advocate for children caught in the middle of adult’s legal dramas. A profession she chose because of her own childhood trauma. Yet this case is different, it involves a younger child named Rose (similar in age to Stella when something terrible happened to her) in the middle of a bitter divorce that was initiated after the murder of Rose’s nanny that exposed the affair she was having with Ian, Stella’s dad. The murder was never solved, and anyone could have done it including the mother, Beth, grandmother Harriet, the piano teacher, and even Rose. While navigating her own divorce, truths about her family, and her personal romantic feelings, Stella must figure out how to keep from falling prey to a murderer who may or may not be the same client she is trying to serve. This book is well worth your time if you enjoy suspense, family drama, thrillers, and mysteries. Thanks to #NetGalley, #StMartinsPress, and #SarahPekkanen for this enthralling story!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC! Wow, wow, wow - what a ride this novel was! I really had a blast reading it. Sarah Pekkanen may be one of my new favorite authors.

This book was such a thrill ride from beginning to end.

We follow Stella, who was strongly urged to take this case on due to her past - as she's been assigned as the Best Interest Attorney for 9 year old Rose.. Ever since the nanny, who was pregnant by Rose's father, fell from an upstairs window at the Barclay home, Rose has been silent - shocked - completely mute. Stella can relate, as she also suffered from traumatic mutism as a child when her mother tragically died.

The Barclay's (Beth & Ian) are divorcing, and Stella has to decided who should get custody of Rose, but how can you decide who gets custody when you don't know who killed the nanny?

This book was definitely a page turner, and one that will keep you guessing and changing your predictions all the way through. I was really impressed with the writing and the character development within this story - everything tied together really well, and the ending was not one that I expected. Truly a great thriller to add to your TBR.

I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and Sarah Pekkanen for allowing me to read and review this E ARC in exchange for my honest review.

How do you decide which parent should have custody if you don't know who killed the nanny? Stella Hudson is acting as Best Interest Attorney for a nine-year-old girl named Rose.
Ever since her beloved--and pregnant by Rose's father-- nanny tragically exited the family home through an upstairs window, Rose Barclay has been mute. This leaves Stella with the formidable task of deciding what's best for Rose.

Early on in "House of Glass" Stella starts getting the feeling that she's being watched. She senses that she is in danger somehow. She has those awful dreams where you try to scream but you can't. The Barclay home has a heavy, ominous vibe.

Still, Stella believes she must continue. Her mentor, an attorney named Charles, believes Stella is uniquely qualified to help Rose. After Stella's own mother died when Stella was small, she developed traumatic mutism. Since her father was also deceased, Stella was sent to live with an unsympathetic aunt. Little help was given her.

"House of Glass" moves quickly and suspicion moves from character to character. I had requested "House of Glass" from NetGalley because I had read Sarah Pekkanen's writing before. "House of Glass" did not disappoint. I'm looking forward to Pekkanen's next book.

Very recently, I managed to get immersed in the pages of “House of Glass,” a real nail-biting thriller that kept me stuck in its web until the end. I rate it 5-5 stars.

The book’s idea of a seemingly perfect family that conceals an awful secret is exciting. The author takes us on an exciting roller coaster of suspense and mystery, leaving us to wonder what each character believes and why they do what they do.

This book has a few very consistent features, one of them being the well-rounded and complex characters. There is a young girl in the book who saw someone who may or may not have been trying to kill her nanny, Rose Barclay, and she is portrayed with such intensity and vulnerability that it’s hard not to become interested in what happened to her. Best Interest Attorney Stella Hudson is a strong, tough character who livens the story and makes it richer.

The story’s background, which takes place in more than a century-old D.C. mansion, adds unease that suitably fits in with the sinister nature of the Barclay family. The plastic house, which is said to be devoid of glass, insinuates more mystery and distaste.

The plot had been designed well, with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The author is a master of manipulating different plots into an ingenious web of lies that confused me until the last pages. The book’s pace is just right; there are scenes with intense action and silent, solemn moments for reflection.

My only slight criticism that means nothing is, at times, it felt too fast-paced, more like revelations and character growths were happening in leaps. However, it did not detract from my ultimate impression of the book.

In conclusion, House of Glass is a nerve-racking and fast-paced to-the-last-page thriller that will leave your heart jumping even beyond finishing reading. With an exciting script, relatable characters, and a skillfully furnished story, this is a thrilling book for fans of the genre. I highly recommend this book, but be warned: you won’t sleep a wink the whole night as you will not be able to put it down. I loved this book, and I highly recommend it!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Note: Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.

I adore domestic thrillers and the latest by Sarah Pekkanen did not disappoint. I would rank it as 4.5 stars due to the storyline became a bit repetitive/dragged midway through. But, I appreciated the fact that the author spent time fully tying up any loose ends in the ending which I find a lot of thrillers lack by rushing to the conclusion. Overall, a fast-paced read that kept me entertained and I was able to devour while traveling.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I was intrigued as soon as I started reading. The plot(s) move right along. Who killed the nanny? Her charge, Rose may have been a witness but is unable to speak. With her parents in the midst of a contentious divorce, and everyone a suspect, someone needs to look out for Rose and determine what is best for her. Stella is that person. As Stella investigates the family, clues are coming to light about the murder.. Will Stella be able to solve not only the nanny’s mystery, but the one in her own life as well?

This book is a well crafted mystery with plenty of twists and turns to hold your interest
I read the book in one day and I can’t wait to read the author’s previous books.. I heartily recommend this book.


Disclosures: A review copy was sent to me. All above opinions are my own.

This book follows Stella, an attorney , assigned to decide which parent a troubled little girl should live with. The child, Rose, saw the death of her nanny, and has developed traumatic mutism.
This book kept me guessing the whole time and was hard to put down! The character development was impressive. The story line had a few different things going on but was easy to follow. You think you have everything figured out close to the end, but you’re wrong!
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed Sarah Pekkanen’s last novel, Gone Tonight, and was excited to dive into House of Glass. This story about Stella Hudson, a special interest attorney who specializes in representing children during difficult custody cases, was good but not my favorite by this author. Stella is perfectly suited for her job because she herself knows what it feels like to be a child in the midst of a traumatic situation. Her current client, Rose Barclay, is 9 years old and not only trapped between her 2 divorcing parents but also recently witnessed the traumatic death of her nanny, Tina. Rose is a challenging client for Stella both because of the memories that rise to the surface and also because Rose is now experiencing traumatic mutism and does not speak. As Stella dives in to the world of the Barclay’s, she finds an odd family who seem to be keeping a secret. There home is creepy and trapped in the past. And there is absolutely no glass in the home because Beth has nelophobia, a fear of glass. The windows are made of plexiglass, there is no glass in picture frames and there’s plastic kitchenware. Then why is seemingly sweet little Rose stealing and collecting sharp objects like shards of glass and a box cutter. And why has Rose recently been expelled from her school. Is there something sinister about Rose or is she just traumatized by what she has seen? Stella needs to figure out the truth about Rose’s behavior, what exactly the Barclays are trying to hide and what happened to Tina.
The evil child trope is definitely not my favorite but I think the author did a good job with it. The beginning started out strong but it’s seemed to drag a bit in the middle and probably went on a tad too long. Overall, it was a good read that came in at 3.5 stars. Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to advance read this ebook in exchange for an honest review

The Barclays are a seemingly perfect family with a life many would envy- beautiful, poised mom, Beth; hard-working, handsome dad, Ian; thoughtful, protective grandmother to Rose, and Ian’s mother, Harriet; and precocious daughter, Rose, who is experiencing traumatic mutism after a tragedy befalls the family’s nanny. But appearances are not what they seem as guardian ad litem, Stella, begins to assess the family to determine the best environment for Rose once her parents’ divorce is finalized. What happened to the nanny? Who is to blame? And can Stella emotionally handle the ways in which Rose’s case mirrors her own traumatic experience as a child?

As usual, Sarah Pekkanen delivers a story with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The anxiety and unease that Stella begins to feel as she studies the Barclays is palpable, and just when Stella starts to relax, the tension is ratcheted up another notch. The writing is paced in such a way that the reader remains engaged in the story, playing detective right along with Stella as she tries to unravel what is really in Rose’s best interest.

The conclusion of the case, and thus, this book, may come as a bit of a surprise to some readers, while others may be able to decipher the clues to find out who was involved in the nanny’s death long before that information is fully revealed to everybody else.

Will both Rose and Stella find a measure of peace that will allow them to move on and process their individual traumas? Who knows? That’s for you to find out, dear reader.

#SarahPekkanen #NetGalley #mystery

House of Glass reeled me in from page one. The author’s writing style flows articulately and effectively into an unputdownable, suspenseful masterpiece.

Stella Hudson specializes in representing children as a Best Interest Attorney. Her most recent case is not one she would accept under normal circumstances. But because of her unique experience as a child, suffering from trauma related mutism and at the request of a Judge and good friend, Stella accepts the assignment.

Her new client is Rose Barclay; the 9-year-old daughter of Ian and Beth Barclay who are divorcing and battling over sole legal and physical custody of Rose. There are speculations surrounding the family due to the recent death of Rose’s nanny who suddenly fell from a Barclay residence window to her death. Rose is suffering mutism after the incident.

It quickly becomes clear to Stella that the Barclays are not being truthful. As Stella spends more time with Rose and the Barclay family, she begins to see the cracks in their stories. What exactly are they hiding?

Stella also grapples with decades old skeletons in her closet. The parallels between her current case and her childhood trauma open old wounds and resurface unanswered questions.

Stella vows to stop at nothing to help her client and find the truth. Even if that truth implicates Rose in the murder of her nanny.

This intensely brilliant novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Sarah Pekkanen for the opportunity to read this DRC.

STFD! Bolt it, too. I know…the books I love, my reviews often begin as such. Or “wow”, “dude”. I’m just not as gifted as the authors I most enjoy. And this is Sarah Pekkanen🤷🏼‍♀️. Domestic thrillers r my fave. Hubby, wife, kiddos & crazy thrown in from whichever corner. Be it Mom, Dad, Sidepiece, Grandma or Kid….so many choices. Makes my scattered, domestic life look rosy, while simultaneously entertaining & giving me a bit of escapism. Five solid stars for a wonderfully entertaining escape that blew my mind. So crazy, creepy, wild & immersive. Awesome.

I am a big fan of Sarah Pekkanen, and her books always go to the top of my to-be-read list. This one was solid from start to finish and was a true slow burn (but with a little too much emphasis on the slow). Tension-filled and psychological, I always appreciate a book that can layer and masterfully build on the dark side of humans across all ages, from children to the elderly.

Thank you, NetGalley for this advanced copy! I ran to download and read through this one as quickly as I could.

House of Glass is sinister, circling around 9-year-old Rose, her young nanny's death, and the parent's ensuing divorce. Stella is the attorney appointed to determine the best interest of Rose and is immediately drawn to the case due to her tumultuous family history. Rose is suffering from traumatic mutism, which Stella dealt with after finding her mother's body when she was around Rose's age. Rose's mother, Beth, is extremely put together -- a stoic, pointed, extremely wealthy woman -- but claims a fear of glass following the nanny's death, meaning everything has been replaced with plastic in the house. Ian, the father, is laid-back and rugged, overseeing a failing landscaping business. It's known that he was having an affair with the nanny, and everyone seems to be a suspect. Woven in are other characters like a bizarre, lonely piano teacher, Ian's mother who has been living with the family while recovering from knee surgery, and a parental figure who isn't who he seems from Stella's past; making this a true page-turner where you're unsure who to trust. Especially Rose, who as a child prodigy is far more intelligent than she may let on -- what does she know? Is she also a suspect? When she's caught collecting sharp objects, you can't help but question her intentions.

Overall this book kept me hooked, especially from the beginning as the "who-dun-it" theme built up. I really enjoyed the thoughtfulness put into each character's development, but think it could've been wrapped up a bit quicker than it was. I appreciate Sarah's writing always and will continue to reach for her books, but the slow burn on this one caused the story to lull toward the latter half and end of the book. The ending left me fairly satisfied, though I wish it wrapped as sinister as it started.