Did the nanny fall or was she pushed?
When 9 year old Rose's nanny dies, she is the only potential witness, or is she?
After the incident, Rose completely stops speaking to anyone. In the midst of an ugly custody battle, the count appoints Stella as her best interest attorney. Stella does her best to get to know Rose and her family to determine the best living arrangement for Rose moving forward. As she gets closer to the family, the more questions she has. Is someone hiding something or was this really a tragic accident? The deeper Stella gets, the more she questions everyone. . .including Rose.

I love books like this that start off quickly and never slow down. The author leaps right into the story and doesn't add unnecessary side stories and tangents. Just a lot of interesting developments that lead to two unexpected reveals at the end.

House of Glass is a gripping novel that held my attention from start to finish. The intricate plot blends mystery, family drama, and multiple suspects seamlessly. What sets it apart is the unique angle of a child being a major suspect, which kept me engaged as I tried to uncover the truth. Rose, a nine-year-old with traumatic mutism following her nanny's death, adds layers to the story, especially with her parents' strained relationship and an overbearing grandmother. Stella, the attorney assigned to Rose, finds herself questioning the girl's innocence as strange events unfold. Though there were a few slower moments toward the end, House of Glass remains a compelling read for fans of mysteries and thrillers. Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to dive into Sarah Pekkanen's House of Glass. Watch for this book on its publication date - August 6, 2024.

My first time reading a Sarah Pekkanen story, and I'm definitely a fan.

This was a solid mystery. A few points I figured out, but several I did not. I kept going back to race through and see if this small girl was responsible for killing her nanny--or if that was actually the work of one of the adults in her life.

While I didn't particularly enjoy Stella, the MC, her flaws were understandable and made it easier to bear with her as she fumbled around a bit. In the moments were she was cunning, I also appreciated her more. The writing kept the pace quick and interesting, so this was a story I quickly devoured and I'm sure it will be the same for many, many others!

Overall: 4 stars (I really liked it)

**Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Really loved this book. The suspicion kept shifting so frequently that I really could not predict what might happen. Great thriller that will work for readers who don’t like books that are too dark.

If you miss this mystery-psychological thriller of a novel you will be sorry! House of Glass kept me captivated from beginning to end. I don't even want to go into a synopsis of this novel because others will have done it better but suffice it to say it's a page turner and DOES NOT DISAPPOINT!!! In fact it invigorates the reader to ignore real life (laundry, cooking, work, chores etc.) in order to finish in record time. Seriously, I could not stop reading and begrudged any moment I had to not read it. If you love complicated, in depth psychological thrillers this book is for you. Highly, highly recommended! 5 solid stars.

Many thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for a chance to read a Kindle ARC version of this un-put-downable novel. Cheers to good entertainment!

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press for the free ARC!

I will read everything that Sarah Pekkanen writes! I've loved her duo work in the past, but I've really come to love her solo work even more! Her 2023 release GONE TONIGHT blew me away and I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one!

I'm so happy to report that it was another absolute winner! I started the audiobook and couldn't put it down basically until it was finished. I would describe this book as THE SILENT PATIENT meets TURN OF THE KEY. When a nanny allegedly falls out of her host family's window, their daughter Rose Barlcay goes completely silent refusing to say even a word for months.

The story is told from the perspective of a lawyer, Stella, who is working hard to understand what really happened to the Barclay's nanny while simultaneously coming to terms with her haunted past. The more she learns the more questions she has! What really happened to her mom when she was a child? Why does the Barclay family allow no glass in their house? Does anyone really know the people closest to them as well as they think they do?

The tension kept building and building for a STRESSFUL ending that had me locked in and eagerly anticipating the ending!

This will be a big hit and I can't wait to see what Sarah does next!

This will be available for purchase August 6th!

While I have not read any books written solely by this author, I did read one she co-authored with Greer Macallister. I enjoyed (though didn’t love) that one so I was interested to read this domestic thriller (one of my favorite genres). It was a quick moving book about an attorney, Stella, who is working with a family going through a divorce. She is a helping decide custody based on the child’s best interests. Pretty straightforward, except in this case the dad was having an affair with the nanny who, while pregnant with his child, died under mysterious circumstances. Throughout the book and through the eyes of Stella, we continuously try to figure out what happened. Basically, we trust nobody, because everyone seems a bit suspicious. Stella had her own childhood trauma, which she is still coming to terms with. It parallels the current situation quite well. Chapters are short which helps make this a fast paced story. A bit twisty, but not excessively, and it all wraps up and comes together in the end. The only part that seemed a bit thrown together was something that happens at the very end. Not sure it had to be a part of this story, but it didn’t detract from anything either.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

Thank you to Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press, and the author, Sarah Pekkanen for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Stella Hudson is a best interest attorney who serves as counsel for children in court cases. (Similar to a Guardian Ad Litem) She is called to work with a little girl, Rose Barclay.
Rose lives in a sprawling estate with her parents and grandmother. After witnessing her nanny plummet to her death from the third floor of her house, she has developed selective mutism. Her parents have filed for divorce and Stella must figure out which parent would be best for Rose to live with. Things are off at the Barclay estate. They are all hiding things including little Rose. One of the first things Stella notices is there is no glass anywhere in the house.

Stella also had a tragic past. She witnessed her mother’s final moments when she was a young girl. As Stella digs into the events at the Barclay estate, she also starts digging into her past.

I liked this book and thought there were some creepy edge of your seat moments. It will keep you guessing until the end.

Thanks to NetGalley for an arc, which I totally devoured. I could not stop reading and kept itching to get back to it. I was riveted, and never quite sure as to what was happening until the end. Bravo!

This book was so original and clever and every single character gave me the creeps. Every. Single. One.

Stella is a best interest attorney whose job is to decide for the courts what parent a child should live with after divorce. When she is assigned the Barclay case she immediately becomes invested because the little girl Rose reminds her so much of herself. Rose witnessed her nanny die in a tragic accident and has not spoken a word since. When Stella was around Rose's age she also witnessed a tragedy and became mute for awhile. This makes Stella's job a little more difficult since she can't communicate the way she would like to with Rose. Instead, she spends more time with Rose's parents and grandmother. While spending so much time in the house she starts to notice that there is not a single piece of glass to be found. The drinking glasses are plastic, the windows have been replaced by plexiglass, and the glass has been removed from all picture frames. She then finds a stash of sharp objects that Rose seems to be collecting in her room. A small arsenal of weapons it seems.

The more time she spends with the family the more she starts to wonder if the nanny's accident might have something to do with one or more of the Barclays. She needs to finish her case and determine which parent Rose should live with, before she also becomes the victim of an accident.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The plot twist was slightly predictable, but it still kept me guessing and held my interest the whole time.

Gripping, shocking, twisted, and full of suspects!

The Barclays are a wealthy family living in a historic luxurious DC home. Things appear picture perfect until their Nanny dies after falling out their attic window. Stella, an attorney, is called in to determine who is a victim and to advocate for nine-year-old, Rose who is not speaking but witnessed her Nanny fall out the window. Not only is Rose not speaking, but she has been collecting sharp objects and pieces of glass. During her investigation, Stella learns the many secrets that the divorcing family is hiding. Who is responsible for the Nanny's death? Who has the most to hide? Who knows the truth?

House of Glass is full of secrets, lies, deception, hidden motivations, suspense, tension, and danger. I had a great time doing my own super sleuthing trying to determine whodunit! I enjoyed the feeling of unease that flowed throughout the book while not knowing who could be trusted.

I found this book to be well written, well thought out, and loved how the tension built throughout the book. I also enjoyed the something-isn't-quite-right feeling that Sarah Pekkanen expertly created in this book. Rose is a fabulously drawn character. I kept changing my thoughts on her throughout the book. Pekkanen kept me on my toes, turning the pages and fully invested in the plot.

Gripping, thrilling, shocking, and suspenseful!

Sarah Pekkanen's HOUSE OF GLASS is a captivating psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. The story centers around Stella Hudson, a lawyer appointed to represent a young girl caught in a bitter custody battle. The situation takes a dark turn when it is revealed the girl's nanny recently fell from a window to her death, leaving a cloud of suspicion hanging over the entire household. The author skillfully weaves together elements of mystery and psychological drama. The reader is constantly questioning who to trust and what truly happened the night the nanny fell.

Pekkanen excels at building suspense. The story unfolds at a steady pace, slowly revealing cracks in the seemingly perfect facade of the Barclay family. Each character harbors secrets, and the lack of windows in their house adds a constant sense of unease. The narrative cleverly shifts between Stella's investigation and the perspective of young Rose, the traumatized girl at the center of the case. This dual perspective allows the reader to delve deeper into the emotional toll of the situation and the complexities of Rose's trauma. It also adds intrigue, as the reader is not sure who might be an unreliable narrator.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its characters. Each member of the Barclay family is flawed and complex, grappling with their own demons and motivations. Pekkanen expertly explores the dynamics of family relationships. The atmosphere of the house itself is also a character in its own right. Pekkanen creates a sense of unease and foreboding that permeates every page, making the mansion feel like a living, breathing entity with its own dark secrets waiting to be uncovered. The setting is vividly described, evoking a sense of isolation and claustrophobia that adds to the novel's tension.

Summary:
• Intriguing Premise: The combination of a child custody case and a suspicious death creates a layered mystery with high stakes. The lack of windows in the Barclay household adds a creepy atmosphere, making the reader wonder what the family is trying to hide.
• Compelling Characters: Stella is a well-developed protagonist. She's empathetic yet determined, making her a character you root for as she navigates the complexities of the case. The other characters, including the Barclay family members, are shrouded in secrecy, keeping the reader guessing about their true motives.
• Suspenseful Plot: Pekkanen masterfully builds tension throughout the novel. The story unfolds with a slow burn, dropping subtle clues that leave you piecing together the puzzle. However,some readers might find the initial chapters a bit slow.
• Focus on Trauma: The book deals with themes of child trauma and loss, which can be emotionally heavy for some readers.

HOUSE OF GLASS is a gripping and thought-provoking thriller. Pekkanen's sharp writing and exploration of family dynamics make this a page-turner. If you enjoy character-driven mysteries with a touch of psychological suspense, then this book is definitely worth checking out. The exploration of family secrets and the unreliable nature of memory make for an entertaining story. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Tana French and Gillian Flynn, or for anyone who enjoys a good domestic mystery with a twist. Readers who enjoy piecing together clues and analyzing characters will find themselves engrossed in the story. The mystery itself is well-crafted, with enough red herrings to keep you guessing until the satisfying – and perhaps surprising – conclusion.

This was such a refreshing type of thriller. Stella is a lawyer who acts as an advocate in the wake of her own difficult childhood. Her charge? 9 year-old Rose, whose parents are going through a nasty divorce. Stella goes to see Rose at their giant mausoleum of a mansion, where things feel creepy and off and simply not quite right. Not to mention Rose, herself, is also not quite right--she stopped talking suddenly when her previous nanny died in a horrific accident. Or was it an accident? Pekkanen offers plenty of twists, turns, and maneuvers in this book. It was a satisfying read from beginning to end, if honestly, a bit predictable. I enjoyed it, regardless, and look forward to her next!

4.5⭐️ I couldn't put this one down! Pekkanen's writing and storyline drew me right in and I didn't exactly guess the outcome. I definitely recommend adding this to your TBR (it comes out 8/6/24). Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Sarah Pekkanen's latest thriller follows court-appointed best-interest attorney Stella Hudson as she investigates the family dynamics of the Barclays in order to recommend which parent Rose should live with once their divorce is finalized. Rose's nanny recently died under suspicious circumstances and Rose appears to be deeply traumatized as a result; Rose suffers from traumatic mutism, rendering the nine-year-old unable to speak, which impacts Stella's ability to bond with her client. To complicate matters further, what if the nanny's death was no accident? What if one of Rose's parents pushed the young woman to her death? Stella's recommendation could very well sentence Rose to living with a murderer, but Rose is unable to tell Stella what happened or who she wants to live with.

House of Glass earned every star it received. I'm normally hesitant to read books written in a first-person perspective, but I truly loved Stella as a character and I think the first-person point of view lended tremendously to the character's overall development and sense of growth. I truly appreciated the way trauma was depicted throughout the novel, especially it's impact on behavior and perception, and loved how the concept of nature v. nurture was explored in relation to a person's affinity for good and evil.

This book was a fast-paced, captivating read with strong character development and a satisfying conclusion. The twists felt natural yet unpredictable, and while I thought I knew where the book was headed, I was pleasantly surprised in the last 15%. Overall, I loved this story. House of Glass is definitely among my favorite books of the year.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars for House Of Glass!
Author: Sarah Pekkanen
Release date: Aug 6, 2024

Two parents getting divorced. A dead (potentially murdered) nanny. An overbearing grandmother. A little girl named Rose, who has an obsession with sharp objects that witnessed it all and now refuses to speak. A lawyer with a dark past of her own who is now tasked with representing the little girl. However, she can’t just decide what the custody arrangement should be, she has to dig deeper on her own and find out what happened to the nanny and why Rose won’t speak.

This story has me suspecting every single person and trying to figure out who was innocent, who was guilty, and who was deceiving the others. I picked it up and could not put it down until I was finished.

Releasing the end of this summer, House Of Glass, by Sarah Pekkanen has it all! A wild ride of murder, secrets, deception, and family. You don’t want to miss this!

I just finished reading this book about 15 minutes ago and I’m sitting here very frustrated that what I thought was a five star book took a complete downfall when I hit the 85 to 90% mark. This story was intriguing, the writing style was wonderful, and I even enjoyed Stella, our main character. All of a sudden, when you get to the end of the book, it completely falls apart and such a juvenile reveal of the “bad guy” happens that it is almost laughable. I actually wanted to throw my Kindle because I had invested time reading this and it ended up being so ridiculous. To me, it seems like the author was on a roll, writing a good story and then all of a sudden another author took her place without any writing experience and finished it. This was just very disappointing and it could’ve been so much better. If you do not want to feel frustrated and kind of cheated by a book do not read this. 2.5 stars.

An absolutely fantastic plot! I could not put the book down once I began reading it. I cannot wait for it to be released. I will recommend it to everyone.