Stella doesn’t usually work with young children because she didn’t have the best childhood herself, but something about Rose intrigues her. Rose has traumatic mutism brought on after the death of her nanny and her parents impending divorce. Stella’s job is to decide which parent Rose should live with. But every time Stella goes to their house she feels a sense of doom and can’t put her finger on it. Who was responsible for the nanny’s death? One of the parents? The grandmother? Or could it have been Rose?

I love a story of a disturbed child and this game me vibes like The Perfect Child and The Push, I was into it!

💕✨️💕✨️💕✨️💕✨️💕✨️💕✨️💕

I found House of Glass to be incredibly gripping, fascinating and thrilling. I enjoyed it so, so much. I absolutely flew through it. Another great delivery from Pekkanen!!

This story focuses on the Barclays, a wealthy couple currently in the midst of a heated divorce. Adding fuel to the dumpster fire, their live-in nanny very recently plunged to her death out of one of the windows of their estate. Their 9-year old daughter, Rose, hasn't spoken since the traumatic incident. The family now finds themselves shrouded in suspicion. Was the nanny's death a freak accident, or was she pushed?

We follow Stella Hudson, a Best Interest Attorney, who has been called in to evaluate the family, as well as Rose's condition, to determine what is in the best interest of the child when it comes to the divorce. The recent suspicious death of the nanny adds a whole new layer to what should have been a fairly standard evaluation for Stella. Nevertheless, she is ready for the challenge and is anxious to determine what is actually going on within the Barclay household.

I'm not going to say anything further about the plot, or set-up, of this one. It's definitely best to just go in and let Pekkanen roll it all out for you as she sees fit. I got pulled into this story incredibly-quickly. The audiobook narration was fabulous for Stella's perspective, IMO. I felt like I was going along with her on this investigation.

I have never read a story where the MC has had this profession before. I thought the idea of a Best Interest Attorney was such a clever way to insert our main character into the lives of the Barclays. Stella had a real reason for digging into all the dirt in this family and she wasn't afraid to do it. I thought it was a nice change of pace from following your typical law enforcement type handling the investigation.

We also got quite a bit of background into Stella herself and she was a fascinating character. Through her backstory, you could see what inspired her to pursue this particular career. The mystery around the death of the nanny kicks off so quickly. It was easy to get lost in this one. It was clear Stella didn't think it was an accident and I had my suspects too.

I loved the vibes and mystery that Pekkanen built up around Rose as well. It was extremely well executed for ultimate creep factor. This actually got my pulse racing. While I may have wanted a different resolution to the mystery, at the end of the day, I'm still so freaking happy with this reading experience.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin's Press, for providing me with copies to read and review. I recommend this to anyone looking for a gripping Psychological Thriller. This one is an absolute ride!!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a complimentary copy of this novel! Inside the Barclay residence you will find Ian and Beth, husband and wife in the midst of a divorce; the grandmother Harriet, Ian’s mom and grandmother to Rose, Ian and Beth’s 9 year old daughter suffering from traumatic mutism. Stella, a best interest attorney and who also had a traumatic childhood, has been called in to serve as counsel to Rose to help determine the best placement for her in her parent’s divorce. But as soon as Stella arrives at the Barclay residence she gets a sense that something is not right. For one thing, there is no glass or knives in the house. As Stella works with Rose and her family, she discovers that Rose’s nanny, Tina, died falling out a window in their house. It is possible she may have been murdered. But what was the motive and who could have done it? Is Rose’s mutism related to the death of her nanny? There are numerous suspects in the household and each with a reason to have murdered the nanny. Is it possible the person Stella least suspects is the murderer?
I really enjoyed reading this Psychological thriller by Sarah Pekkanen!!! There were revelations at the end I was not expecting!!! 4 stars for me! AVAILABLE August 6, 2024

I think I give up on having hope of ever really loving a book from this author or her frequent co-author; they’re always fine reads but leave me wanting more and this one was no exception. the title makes for such an intriguing premise (the family removed all glass from their house because their daughter could use it as a weapon) but i felt like that was never really explored much. the story went in a few different directions, and i personally wished it focused more on the little girl’s storyline and went further with the ‘creepy child’ trope. overall another ~okay~ read from this author and i’ll probably continue to pick up her/their books because they’re at least very readable but never memorable.

OMG!! This book grabbed ahold of me and wouldn’t let go. Much like Stella I found myself constantly wondering what to believe and who to trust. The twists and turns never stop coming and insane levels this family goes to, both to protect each other and to shift blame, are out of this world. A fantastic fast paced read perfect for any suspense thriller lovers!!

Overall I really enjoyed this book! I’d give it a 3.5/5 stars. I thought there were lots of twists and turns and I genuinely wasn’t sure how it would end. I thought it was creepy in a good way and it definitely made me engaged throughout the entire story. I do think it dragged on a little bit and then had to be wrapped up really quickly, but I was satisfied with the way the book ended. I’d definitely recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and #NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This book publishes 8/6

What to expect in this book:

-Psychological thriller
-Singular POV
-Domestic thriller
-Childhood trauma
-Eery and suspenseful
-Short chapters

Thoughts

I find sometimes when I love a book it is harder to write a good review without spoiling it, but let's just say this is my favorite book by this author yet (including her duos with Greer Hendricks!). If I was given an uninterrupted period of time to read this book, I could have. Set in the DC area, Rose Barclay is a child who has endured much suffering. Her parents are going through a tumultuous divorce and her nanny recently, mysterious died at their opulent and ominous home, resulting in a traumatic type of mutism. Stella Hudson is a best interest attorney given Rose's case due to special interests and employed to determine who should get custody of Rose. However, as Stella begins to get to know the Barclay family, she realizes this case is much more twisted than she could imagine and their sinister home is full of secrets. Eery, creepy, and suspenseful--this is the perfect thriller for the psychological thriller lover.

I have read and loved all of this author and her duo author, Greer Hendricks' books and loved them. I also read this author's most recent book released in 2023 and found it was fantastic, so when I was approved for House of Glass, I was elated. As the title suggests, this story unfolds primarily within the home of Barclays. However, this home is not made of glass, but plastic. The family has seemingly replaced all of the glass in the home with plastic. I found this element to be so atmospheric and loved imagining this home as I read. Much of the story is focused on the characters of the family members as well as the development of what led Stella to be a court appointed advocate. As someone who works in mental health, I enjoyed seeing the representation of the best interest advocate in Stella.

While there is much mystery and intrigue, there is not much in this story that is very dark. So for fans of suspense and psychological narratives, you might find this one especially interesting. I know that this will for sure be among my favorite 2024 thrillers!

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This thriller kept me guessing. Filled with plenty of twists and complex characters, House of Glass was a fun and easy read. The main female character had a lot of depth and backstory, as I continued to read I got The Orphan vibes but there were plenty of “whodunit” moments. I enjoy Sarah Pekkanen’s writing and am glad I was able to pick this one up.

Creepy kids are so fun for me, so I was definitely absorbed in House of Glass. I really liked how the story was set for this one, and was constantly questioning who committed the murder. I loved the plot twist and flew through this story, I was tense and on the edge of my seat the entire time. I listened to this one on audio after switching from the eBook, and enjoyed both but really liked the audio version – the narration was great. The setting and atmosphere were perfection, the plot was unsettling and the twists were oh so satisfying. Thank you to Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press for my advanced copies. House of Glass will be published 8/6.

Wow just wow I was hooked from the start. But I won’t lie I almost DNFed cause it was going a little slow. But I now understand why. Cause it takes off like lightening. I was shocking when my answer to who did it was wrong. Also did I see a hint of romance there towards the end? Now I need more of them to in a romance novel lol. I highly recommend this book to everyone. When it releases please go get yourself a copy you won’t regret it I promise.

I liked this one more than I thought I would. I’m not sure I’m really a thriller person, but every once in a while I read a good one. The author really leads you down this one line of thinking, and the ending is just really perfect and makes so much sense. I could have done with a little less from Stella’s personal life—I felt some of it took away from the main story. But overall, this was a good thriller.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

House of Glass, by Sarah Pekkanen, is an engrossing, addictive thriller. Attorney Stella Hudson is an advocate for children, assessing and ultimately determining who to award custody to in contentious divorce cases. She normally focuses on cases that involve teenagers and avoids working with young children since she was traumatized by a tragic childhood event. But when her mentor and longtime friend asks her to make an exception and take on a young girl’s case, Stella reluctantly agrees. She soon learns that it is a very unusual situation and Stella sees far too much of herself in this child. The House of Glass, which has a very interesting title tie-in, is intense, intriguing, captivating and cleverly plotted.

Thank you Netgalley for this eARC!

Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free e-book ARC version of this book in exchange for my review.

I do enjoy books by this author, but this one missed the mark for me. I felt like there were too many unnecessary details listed rather than character development. And overall, it did feel like a 90's era Lifetime movie. Not bad, exactly, but not the psychological thriller I was expecting.

2.5 stars rounded up.

House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen is a captivating psychological thriller that explores the complexities of family dynamics, secrets, and the fragility of trust. With its intricate plot and well-developed characters, Pekkanen delivers a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. At its core, "House of Glass" delves into themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the impact of past choices on present realities. The novel raises questions about the nature of family bonds and how secrets can shape relationships. Additionally, it explores the idea of perception versus reality, prompting readers to consider how appearances can be deceiving. This story has a ton of unreliable characters, making it a book full of twists and turns. I enjoyed this book. At times I felt a little bored in the middle, but overall I love Sarah Pekkanen's work and this was no different. Whether you're looking for a gripping page-turner or a story that explores the complexities of family relationships, this novel delivers on both fronts. Sarah Pekkanen has crafted a riveting tale that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the last page.

House of Glass is one of the best thrillers I've read in a while. Stella is a Best Interest Attorney assigned to Rose Barclay, a nine year-old girl who potentially witnessed her nanny's death at her own house, and is facing her parents going through a divorce. It is Stella's job to get to know the family, including the mother-in-law who lives with them. The police closed the case of the death as a cold case/accident, but Stella starts to get the idea that it wasn't an accident. Rose is suffering from traumatic mutism, so she cannot express her feelings, and Stella has a mystery to solve and determine where Rose is best fit to live.

Every character in this novel is suspicious. Sara Pekkanen does an excellent job of offering enough clues to make you suspect any one of them could be the killer, even the young girl whose fate is in Stella's hands. Stella is also dealing with her own childhood trauma and the case of how her mother actually died. Weaving in these elements offers many parallels to Rose's situation, and confuses the reader further!

There are several twists that will keep you guessing to who is guilty, and you will not want to put this title down!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

This was a good one! Twisty in a way I didn't figure out. The grandma was definitely a creepy character and I loved her involvement. I think I enjoy this author's joint books more, but this was a good read for me.

4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed this story! The main character had a good head on her shoulders and wanted to do the right thing throughout and never really wavered. The relationship she had with a long-time “friend” in the story brought me all the feels and even caused me to tear up at one point. I was left guessing up until the end and I appreciate that so much. I will definitely recommend this to friends looking for a mystery/thriller that keeps them intrigued!

Ah this was such a suspenseful read!

The nanny for a very wealthy family falls to her death from a window. Was it an accident, or was she pushed?

A true who done it book with plenty of twists and turns. Stella is one ballsy woman!

Highly suspenseful and brilliantly wicked.

Add this one to your TBR, but actually read this one soon!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press Publishing and Sarah Pekkanen for my E-ARC.

Sarah Pekkanen has done it again by creating another must read psychological thriller that captures the reader from the start! Stella Hudson is a best interest attorney for children in divorce cases where she investigates and counsels to determine best placement for the child. With the urging of her judge mentor, she reluctantly agrees to take on the case of the affluent seemingly, picture perfect Barclays. However, appearances are deceiving and Stella must contend with their troubled daughter Rose who witnessed the death of her nanny and now suffers from traumatic mutism. As soon as Stella enters the house she senses an unsettling and sinister environment, one where she questions if Rose is the one who is dangerous.

What I liked about the book:
- well plotted with rich character development
-likeable and complex protagonist Stella who’s traumatic past paralleled Rose’s
-traumatic mutism plot which was fascinating
-creepy, evil child trope
-toxic, dysfunctional families
-the fear of glass and the subsequent replacement with plastic
-secrets and lies where the reader doesn’t know who to believe
-gaslighting
-red herrings with twists and turns leading to a satisfying ending
-eerie gothic like mansion setting in DC/Maryland

My rating: 4 1/2 out of 5

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this eARC that will be released. August 6 2024.

House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen is my kind of domestic thriller with oodles of suspense and tension beckoning around every corner. The story is enticingly unsettling and unnerving with all the chills and goosebumps. What thriller reader can resist a sinister child who is extraordinarily clever and talented, a shivery mansion setting, weird family dynamic and perplexing staff goings on? Add a best interest attorney with a traumatic past (which prompted her career choice), mutism, glass phobia and suspicious death and voilà, a perfect storm.

Rose is a nine-year-old piano prodigy who refuses to speak as she has just witnessed her nanny fall to her death from a window. Her parents are in the process of divorcing so a best interest attorney is hired to determine which parent is more suitable and provides a safe environment for Rose. The job consumes Stella who can relate to Rose. She must spend time with each household member to gain perspective and quickly discovers layer after layer of deception as she traverses her own life with the help of her mentor. Everyone is a plausible suspect which had me scrutinizing possible motives the entire time.

I loved and loved and loved this book with minor exceptions, including the romance at the end that felt like an irrelevant add on. I also wish Stella focused more on Rose's character than her own. But the twists are turny and my enjoyment was sky high.

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this compelling novel.