Thank you to netgalley fot the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

To be honest I wasn’t really sure where this book was going for awhile, but I felt like the first 3/4 of the book were slow. It wasn’t until about 75% in where I felt like things started to come together and get interesting.

Once I hit that point I was excited to see where it was going, and what would happen to Nina but I felt like the book dragged on before that.
Was happy that her and Joe wound up staying together and that none of them went to jail. Crazy that the game still continued after the trials.


Over all I’d say this is a 3-3.5 star read for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book. Man, this is going to fly off the shelves and be on everyone’s library holds list summer. Look in the Mirror is perfect for a summer afternoon when you just want to be totally absorbed in a thrilling book. Cambridge professor Nina is grieving the loss of her father when she discovers he has left her a mysterious villa in the British Virgin Islands. When she arrives, she finds the house contains far more secrets than she ever imagined.

Interspersed with narratives from a young nanny Maria, the pace is swift and brutal. Fans of pop culture will quickly realize what is going on, but Steadman’s writing is elevated enough to keep the readers engaged. A very fun and engaging read.

Nina inherits a luxurious glass and marble house in the British Virgin Islands from her father, prompting questions about his hidden wealth and secrets. Meanwhile, Maria, aiming for financial security through her nanny job for the wealthy, finds herself alone in a similar setting. Ignoring warnings, her curiosity about the forbidden basement leads to chilling revelations, far from her simple concern of getting paid.

"Look In the Mirror" by Catherine Steadman is a suspenseful mystery, making it a decent read. The writing is easy to follow, and the plot keeps you interested with a few twists along the way. The book explores self-reflection and reality versus perception interestingly enough.

However, it doesn't stand out from the many others in the thriller genre. I felt like the characters and their development are okay, but not deep, and some parts of the story feel rushed. It is a good book if you're looking for something straightforward and entertaining, but it might not leave a big impact.

Overall, I'd give it a solid 3.5 rating. It's enjoyable for a quick read, but it doesn't delve as deep into the characters or psychological aspects as it could have.

I love Catherine Steadman’s writing: her books are page turners but her language isn’t geared toward the lowest common denominator. The stories are beyond basic thriller themes (husband kills wife, wife kills mistress, etc). Complex enough that you have to give into the storyline, not guessing where it is going to take you. Something in the Water is one of my favorite thrillers and Look on the Mirror has all these same qualities. A worthy read, thoroughly enjoyed. I could not put it down! I am a go to bed early person, but i was up til midnight burning the pages. And thought about it the entire next day. Must read.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was a mind trip. Nina receives a letter that she had inherited a house she never knew her father had. But is it a house or a game? Twist and turns galore. Very enjoyable!

Look in the Mirror is one of those twisted thrillers that makes me wonder where authors come up with the inspiration for their work. It’s told mostly from the perspective of Nina, a newly orphaned adult who has just learned of a private, exclusive beach home her father left behind as part of her inheritance. Nina visits Tortola to see the estate and determine next steps, but is literally and figuratively sidelined by what seems to be the house, or house operators, trying to kill her.

We also meet Maria, also a victim of the home, although it’s unclear till much later on how their timelines align or don’t. There are a few other perspectives, but none that receive significant airtime.

I had no idea how this book would conclude. Up until the epilogue, there were surprises for me, which is a great quality for a thriller. I’ve read many of Catherine Steadman’s books and liked them all. This is a quick, engaging, albeit disturbing read. Recommended. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’ll be eager for Steadman’s next book!

Nina Hepworth is reeling from the loss of her father. The legal proceedings from his will and his services have left her exhausted. Then she receives a call from another firm stating she has inherited a home in the British Virgin Islands left by her father. Nina doesn't understand. She's never heard of him traveling there or building a home. Once she lays eyes on the house, she's left with more questions then she started with.

Meet Maria, a young woman just trying to nanny her way to medical school. She arrives in a beautiful home to nanny, only to be told they're not coming but please enjoy the house. Here's a list of rules, please follow to the letter Maria.

2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for thrillers. After loving Steadman's The Family Game, I was excited to receive this upcoming release. Everything you think you know about this story, you don't. It will leave you shocked. Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.

Wow what a trip. This thriller took me back and forth of is it what I think it is or is it something else entirely. The fast paced twists and turns made it hard to put down.

EASY 5 Stars!!!
Expected Publish Date: 7/30/2024
Look in the Mirror

Catherine Steadman has moved into the top two on my list of favorites because every single book she writes is the perfect escape, in my humble opinion! I did not know the premise of Look in the Mirror when I began reading, so it was a wonderful surprise. In a nutshell, upon her father's death, Nina discovers that she has inherited a mansion in the British Virgin Islands. It's quite a shock as she and her father were both professors on modest salaries. Still grieving, she flies to the island to see what she has inherited and the rest of the story is a roller coaster ride! This author often infuses riddles into her storyline and it's always fun to see how the main character deduces the outcome. I really loved this book, it was exactly what I needed and I read it so slowly, trying to savor it and make it last! Highly recommend, it's so fun.
Huge thank you to Catherine Steadman, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine Books for the much coveted opportunity to read and review this digital ARC!

Look In The Mirror by Catherine Steadman is a fast paced thriller. This was my first read by Catherine Steadman and it definitely won’t be my last. I started reading not having a clue what the book was about, other than a thriller. The Cover and title caught my attention and I’m extremely glad that it did.

The book begins with Nina dealing with the death of her father. When she is contacted about her father’s will, she receives a major surprise. She inherits a house on a beautiful secluded island worth a ton of money, a property she never knew existed, with an interesting name. The house is called Anderssen’s Opening named after a chess move. The surprises don’t stop after discovering that her father helped design the house. The house is gorgeous, and entirely state of the art, and fully stocked with all of her favorite items. As she explores, she finds different things that were her father’s treasured possessions. When she begins to get eerie warnings, she starts to wonder if this is really a paradise.

The book is told from two points of view for the most part, the main two being Nina and a woman named Maria.
Maria was hired by a company to be a temporary live in nanny, she is told she can get comfortable, but not to go into the locked basement. When the clients are delayed, she takes advantage of the beautiful pools, until the power begins to flicker and curiosity gets the best of her. Her foray into the basement, takes her down a dangerous and dark path where getting out may be the only way to survive.

Other characters and points of view are interwoven into this heart pounding story.

This fast paced suspenseful thriller keeps you engaged from beginning to end with surprises coming from all directions. What connection do the women have? And who is leaving the cryptic messages? And most of all, what is in the basement?


Look In The Mirror. It’s creepy, edging on horror in this puzzling book, where only the strong and extremely clever will survive. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Look In The Mirror exceeded my expectations. If you are looking for something that’s a fast paced surprise waiting to happen, than this book is definitely it and you won’t be disappointed. Freida McFadden fans will love the dark twisted surprises and secrets that keep you glued until the very end.

This book starts out strong. Nina is a British academic in her mid-30s who is grieving the loss of her father. He was a brilliant man, but not wealthy. Imagine her surprise when she is contacted by a lawyer from the British Virgin Islands telling her that she has inherited a swanky house on the island. She decides to investigate for herself, which sets off the action and all the questions about her father’s secret life.

The other main character is Maria, a medical student who is earning money for school by nannying for the super-rich. She gets a job on BVI with strict instructions to not go in a certain room. Of course, you have to go in, right?

Their stories are told in tandem, but they do not cross paths. It packs a pretty solid mystery about what is going on in this house. This is a unique book, and both Maria and Nina are characters to root for. For me, it kind of fell off the deep end about ¾ of the way in. There is a rather abrupt ending that isn’t fully wrapped up. It didn’t spoil the book, but I thought it could have ended better.

I have enjoyed all of her books and will keep reading them. Her writing is very strong, and she has a great imagination. As I said, this book is incredibly unique. I read a lot of mystery/suspense, and I can’t think of anything like it – so I appreciate that.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing / Ballantine Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

I love the way Catherine Steadman writes. I could read her writing on almost any topic and enjoy it. That said, the plot of this one was unusual and a surprise! I don't want to spoil anything by giving it away but I also kind of wish I had known going in what this might be about. So, if you are like me, read on for a SPOILER....

...this mystery is basically about a real life, deadly escape room with a series of life-threatening challenges. There are intertwining narratives which are well done and link several disparate (and desperate) characters together in their plight to escape the house.

The ultimate mystery of how our heroine's father (who designed the house) was involved was a little disappointing to me ultimately, but the rest of it was pulse-pounding, thrilling, well-written and fun.

Another tip about Catherine Steadman: she's also a voice actress. She has read "Something in the Water" as an audiobook and did a lovely job. If this one comes out as an audiobook I totally recommend listening, and I think it would be especially scary read by the author.

Four and a half stars and can't wait to see what this author writes next!

I've been a long time fan of Catherine Steadman, but I can't say this is my favorite of her books. I liked it, of course, but it a) felt awfully far-reaching at times, and b) had slight tinges reminiscent of an Eli Roth movie that came out years ago. That said, I always appreciate Steadman's writing- she's undoubtedly extremely talented. She is, and will remain on my must-read list, and yeah, I will recommend this book, even if it comes with my own brand of warning. It's worth reading, but just allow yourself to suspend disbelief at the appropriate times.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this eARC. The story centers around two women, a mysterious glass house in the BVI and their alternating stories at the house. There is a locked door in the basement of the house with warnings to not go down or try and enter. The reader is left with a puzzle trying to figure out the connection of the women, the house and ultimately what is in the basement. This book was a wild ride and the plot was a little outrageous, BUT that is what made it a thrilling, page turning read. I found this one to be binge worthy. 3.5 stars rounded to 4 due to the cleverness, thrills at every turn of the page that you’ll be racing towards the end.

Oh boy. I don’t want to give up any spoilers but this is one dark & disturbing read.

Not a mystery, suspense, yes.
Outright scary, yes.

Will you come to fear & doubt the rest of humanity?

Perhaps.

Worth your time but buckle up for the ride. 😧

Catherine Steadman’s best yet - Look in the Mirror bends ever so slightly out of suspense and into the horror genre. It was enough to keep me on the edge of my seat and finishing the book in less than 24 hours. I kept picking it back up anytime I had the chance, trying to find connections between the two storylines and guessing at how it would all come together.

A perfect binge read for this summer on the beach or by the pool - you won’t want to put it down.

What a diabolically clever plot! This is a terrifying locked house mystery full of the types of puzzles and cyphers this author is famous for. I personally have a love/hate relationship with technology. After reading about this integrated smart home, I’m prepared to move off-grid. The setting is in the British Virgin Islands. The theme of this story will grab you early on and doesn’t lose momentum. There were a few small clues I put together but did not come close to guessing much of the stunning outcome. There are a variety of characters from sympathetic to evil. There are heroes and villains, goodness, human kindness and depravity. This novel ticks all of the boxes a great thriller needs: action, suspense, realistic, emotional, thought provoking, surprises and unexpected twists.
Nina’s father has recently passed away and his estate includes a secret island home. Nina is about to learn her exceptionally intellectual father had a life she never imagined. Meanwhile Maria is catering to the entitled wealthy as a nanny. She has a traumatic immigrant backstory. The chapters alternate between them and as the plot progressed more individuals are included. I don’t want to give any of the amazing plot away, just read it! I’ve read most of Ms. Steadman’s novels and this is definitely my favorite yet.
Thanks to NetGalley for the Advance Reader’s Copy of “Look in the Mirror” by Catherine Steadman, Ballantine Books, tentative publication July 30, 2024. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.

Intense! You're father dies of natural cause and leaves you his estate. You're wealthy, but there's a mystery house in the Caribbean. You visit it only to find it has a locked door and some malfunctioning, high-end technology. At the same time, chapters alternate and readers learn about another woman who's visited what appears to be the same house at either a different time period, or a similar house at the same time period. Both women are trapped by the house, and different people try to save them. Who should we trust? What an awesome kickoff to the book... Look in the Mirror borders on thriller and horror, and as the story begins to unfold with its clues revealing the truth, the book gets stronger in some areas but a little messy in others. Loved the premise, but figuring out why people are either lying or doing certain things is never quite explained. Murder for murder seems a little much if there's no backstory. Some comes, but ultimately, I felt this missed the mark on what could have been a 5-star read. Still worth reading and I will continue to pick up Steadman books!

Always anxiously awaiting Catherine Steadman's books. Telling two parallel stories, that shockingly come together, when a woman inherits a home in paradise from her father. As usual, these characters are wily and all will become known!

While I'm a fan of Catherine Steadman's previous work, "Look in the Mirror" fell short in several areas.

Character Development: Nina's initial possessiveness towards her father and the intensity of their relationship felt unnecessary and overshadowed the central mystery. (Weird Daddy Daughter Dynamic).

Originality: The plot felt derivative, drawing heavily on popular media like Netflix's "Squid Games" without offering a fresh original take.

The ending: Completely predictable and clichéd. It felt rushed and lacked the suspenseful build-up present in Steadman's previous work. Think "Lifetime movie" level of predictability.

Lastly, Catherine Steadman's latest novel, "Look in the Mirror," exhibits a thematic similarity to the popular Netflix series "Squid Games." While "The Family Game" also drew comparisons to the film "Ready or Not," this repeated use of elements from existing media raises questions about the originality of Steadman's work. Is Steadman simply out of original ideas, or is there a pattern of derivative storytelling emerging here? Only time will tell.

Thank you to NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
* Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ballantine Books
* Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 30, 2024