This was an enjoyable thriller. The house and characters had a good creepy vibe and you don't feel like you can trust any of them. I liked the parallels between the main character Stella and the little girl, Rose. I both read and listened to the audio and I thought the narrator did a good job. I give this one 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for an advance copy of this book for review purposes

I will post this review on Instagram on July 14, 2024.

I was so engrossed in this audiobook, that I promised myself to read more mysteries. Just when the likely suspects were established the twists and turns began and it was creepy in an engaging way. The parents had their own issues, and Rose seemed to be scary smart and talented with a bit of mystery. She apparently is suffering from traumatic mutism and has her own secrets.
Rose’s lawyer, Stella is very likable, and I was rooting for her to find happiness and closure. She suffered from a traumatic childhood as well and was unable to speak so she had a special interest in Rose. Everything that Stella goes through from her divorce to finding out more about her past is a lot for one person to sit with. She doesn’t have family, but she does have friends and her work.
What I enjoyed most is that one thing led to another, and it led to more of a mystery as it went along until the very end when you finally find out who killed the nanny.

The book is written through the point of view of Stella. She is an attorney who is tasked with finding the best option for custody placement for Rose after her parent’s divorce is finalized. Rose has become selectively mute after trauma and it is up to Stella to not place her with a murderer. The ending caught me by surprise! I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator was easy to listen to.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

HOUSE OF GLASS by Sarah Pekkanen
This is my first book by Sarah Pekkanen, but certainly will not be the last. She has created a well written thriller that has a solid storyline, with plenty of twists and turns. Just when you think that you have a handle on who murdered the nanny, it goes off in another direction and makes you think something else. Stella is an attorney who is also a child advocate. She is looking into the problem of deciding which parent gets custody of the nine year old who witnessed her nanny being murdered and was rendered mute. This is 4 stars.
I listened to the audio version of this and Laura Benanti is the narrator and she does a good job with the voices.

What a thriller! I love fast pace books that catch you from the beginning. I love guessing tell the end!

This was a well written suspense that kept me guessing until the end. The narration was also excellent.

(3.5 stars) House of Glass is a slow burn domestic suspense/thriller. If that’s your jam, you will love this book. I’ve decided that this just isn’t my kind of story, so take my review with a grain of salt.

There are two main plots going on here. The Barclays have filed for divorce and Stella, a BIA lawyer (Best Interest Attorney) has been assigned the case, because a 9-year-old girl is involved and both parents want custody. The kicker is that their live-in nanny, Tina, has died under suspicious circumstances and the little girl, Rose, has gone mute, refusing to speak at all. Was Tina’s death a tragic accident or something more sinister? The second plot point highlights Stella’s own childhood trauma. Her father died young in a car accident and her mother died shortly afterwards and Stella went mute for a while. Stella never learned what really happened to her mother, since she was so young at the time. So… is Stella the perfect BIA or is her appointment to this case totally inappropriate? You decide.

None of the characters were particularly likable, but that’s not that unusual in a story like this one. I didn't feel that the revelations for both plots were very surprising.

I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient, and allowed me to continue with the story even when I could not sit down and read - or when I could not listen. The audiobook was nicely narrated by Laura Benanti.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book and to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

This was a really enjoyable audiobook! The narration was done really well and the story kept me listening and intrigued on what was going to happen next. It was a little predictable at times, since the main character took a little too long to come to the same idea as me, but that didn’t bother me too much since it was such an enjoyable listen with a satisfying ending.

The main plot of House of Glass revolves around a custody dispute during the divorce of two wealthy people. Main character Stella is an attorney and has been hired to represent the couple's child Rose. It's Stella's job to spend time with the family and then give her recommendation to the court on what she thinks would be best for Rose. Unfortunately the task will be more difficult than usual, as Rose has not spoken a word after witnessing her nanny falling to her death out of her window. Stella experienced a similar traumatic mutism in her childhood, and with flashbacks we get a subplot of a mystery surrounding her own mother.

I was intrigued by the premise right away. Rose was eerie and I enjoy a good creepy child story every now and then. One of my favorite old movies is called The Bad Seed and it was giving that kind of vibe. I've seen many five star reviews for this one but it just didn't wow me. I wasn't as interested in Stella's past story so every time it switched back I think I lost interest. The main mystery had a good resolution but personally I thought it was predictable. But overall I liked it, it was a quick listen, and I think many others will love it.

As for the audio, I'm not sure if I've listened to this narrator before but I thought she did an excellent job. I'll definitely be seeking out more books to listen to that she's narrated.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me an ALC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

I had an absolute blast with this one. I love thrillers where EVERYONE is a suspect, because you’re always on edge. And involving possible murderous children? Yep, I’m on edge alright.

I’m not going to say whether I saw the end coming or not, because I don’t really let that affect my rating. (I’ve read too many thrillers at this point to not solve the whodunits anymore; I’m just happy as long as I don’t predict it from the premise alone.) But with more than a couple suspects, I never really knew for sure. And I do love being surprised with other twists and turns along the way.

The pacing of this book was perfect. I usually need dual POV or timelines in books to break things up and keep my focus, but despite this book having neither (except for some flashbacks), I couldn’t put it - or my headphones- down. (Okay I mean I did have to eventually as I work and have two little ones, but I listened to this in all my free time outside of that.) I wasn’t the biggest fan of the narrator, but that didn’t spoil the book at all for me in this case.

This is a must read if you’re a fellow thriller lover, and a good one to try if you’re thinking about dipping your metaphorical toes in the metaphorical water!

The perfect family, an affair, now a bitter divorce. A nanny who fell to her death and Rose, the nine year- old who witnessed it, and is now mute. Stella Hudson, the lawyer who is appointed counsel for Rose and deals with her own traumatic past. I listened to the audiobook and was glued to it. There is so many twists and turns that kept me guessing. One of the best summer reads this year don't miss it. I loved it.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley

Stella Hudson is a best interest attorney, assigned to 9 year old Rose Barclay, in the midst of her parent’s divorce. Stella has to figure to figure out which parent would be best to give full custody of Rose. Except, Rose is experiencing traumatic mutism, after witnessing her nanny’s tragic and mysterious death. Stella has dealt with her own traumatic mutism as a child, so she seems to be the best option for the case.

As Stella spends time with the Barclay family, it becomes obvious things aren’t what they seem. For starters, the house is full of plastic. The dishes, the windows, the few mirrors. Both parents seem off in their own ways, and everyone is hiding something. Each character seems to have a reason to get rid of the former nanny. Even Rose seems to be hiding something.

We get a nice look at Stella’s past as she compares it to what’s happening with Rose. I think the author did a good job pacing everything, while keeping you interested and on the edge of your seat. I listened to the audiobook, and I could not stop listening. I was eager to keep going each time I had to pause. The reveal of certain things kept me invested, and though it may have been a little predictable, I was so immersed in the story I didn’t even think about it. Rose is portrayed as a strange and kind of creepy kid, due to the mutism and her weird hobby of collecting sharp objects. Stella’s determination to help Rose and figure out what’s going on is admirable. I enjoyed the suspense and the way this hooked me instantly. I also liked how the author wrapped everything up, though things seemed wrapped up a little *too* nicely.

I rate this about a 4/5 stars!

And a big thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC!!

Woo! Another good thriller! The pace was fast moving and it just kept moving. Many twists and turns and you’ll think you know but really you don’t! This one’s good!
The narrator is really good on this one and the entire book kept me guessing. I highly recommend this one especial on audio!

This book is a masterpiece in suspense and mystery. The story revolves around the death of a pregnant nanny, Tina, and the four suspects: the dad (who got her pregnant), the wife (who is understandably furious), their daughter Rose (who's had some concerning behavior), and the grandmother. How did Tina die? Was she pushed out the window, or did she trip?

Enter Stella, a court-appointed lawyer assigned to determine the best place for Rose as her parents are divorcing. Stella, who experienced a childhood trauma that left her mute, is thought to be the perfect advocate for Rose, who is also now mute and not talking at all.

Sarah Pekkanen weaves a story that takes you down numerous paths. She's a genius when it comes to thrillers, keeping you guessing about each character's involvement. Just when you think you've figured it out, another twist throws you off. There's even a side mystery involving Stella's childhood trauma that adds another layer to the intrigue.

I couldn't stop listening to this enthralling and suspenseful story. The narrator was great at bringing this story to life. Sarah Pekkanen has delivered another 5-star read that kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend!

Another thrilling family drama by Sarah Pekkanen. This book is primarily centered around the custody battle of Rose, a nine-year-old girl who witnessed the possible murder of her nanny. While the best interest attorney, Stella, works to determine who should have primary custody, she starts to unravel the truths around the nanny's death and the secrets the family tries so hard to hide.

Sarah has done an incredible job with this story, but I expected nothing less after enjoying many of her other books. The way that she crafted the twists and turns had me on edge throughout the entirety of the book and the ending did not leave me disappointed.

The narrator, Laura Benanti, did an absolutely incredible job and I never had to wonder what character was speaking. Will be keeping an eye out for further books narrated by her.

Definitely will recommend any of Sarah Pekkanen's books!

Sarah Pekannen is one of my auto-read thriller authors and after reading House of Glass, she will continue to be. Typically writing alongside Greer Hendricks, this novel is the second book Pekannen has penned solo. Similar to her first book, I flew through this novel on audio, finding excuses to listen to it whenever I could.

House of Glass is a page turner that follows Stella, a lawyer who primarily works with youth in a custody and access capacity. When an old friend of Stella's asks her to represent Rosie, a 9 year old child with traumatic mutism, she agrees albeit reluctantly. Stella is drawn to Rosie both because of her own traumatic past and the feeling that things are not what they seem in Rosie's home. The story follows Stella as she attempts to bond with Rosie in order to make an appropriate custody decision, but the novel also has mystery and murder woven into it, as Rosie's nanny tragically died at the home quite recently.

Pekannen's writing creates a story that is very hard to put down and constantly leaves the reader (or me at least) guessing as to what is going on. The audiobook was well-narrated and well-paced...I had a great time!

This book comes out August 6th and runs at 10 hours and 43 minutes on audio. 4.25 stars.

Thank you so much to the publisher for supplying me with an arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a well-wound tale. A mysterious tumble, a mute daughter, and a case worker trying to sus out the guilty party. This book kept me curious until the end, and it was hard to put down. The pacing was perfect and easy to follow. With some thrillers, it seems like the end of each chapter has to be a cliffhanger, but House of Glass did a great job of blending the storylines, character drive, and the mystery of it all.
Additionally, the narration was smooth and didn’t detract from me getting into the flow of the plot.

I really enjoyed this title. I’ve read other books by this author, and this was a nice addition. McMillan Audio chooses titles and narrators well, Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC copy. I enjoyed it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Add this to your TBR list. Publishing date is August 5.

You know it’s going to be a good one when @friedamcfadden4933 says she didn’t want it to end. I couldn’t even wrap my mind around this book and how deep it was. I was so thrown each chapter how it kept changing! I was so not expecting the ending. I loved the main character and the adventure this story took me on. I couldn’t stop talking about it to my husband.

A perfect looking family on the outside, but behind the plexiglass, that was all but true. They created the perfect lie. The police are looking into a nanny who fell to her death from the second story. Was it an accident, or was she pushed? And if she was pushed, then who did it? The nine year old daughter collects sharp objects. A lawyer whose job is to uncover who is the victim and who is the murderer, and essentially work for the daughter….she starts to see these hidden sides. And hidden notes. And hidden sharp objects. And hidden books a little girl should not be reading. She won’t speak though and they say it is from the trauma. They believe she witnessed the death of the nanny. As the lawyer starts to uncover secrets into the parents, her past begins to catch up with her. She too did not talk due to trauma. She also witnessed a death. Her mothers. Get ready to be thrilled…this was a great book!

Thank you @netgalley @macmillan.audio @sarahpekkanen for this advanced copy! #sarahpekkanen #houseofglass #campnetgalley

To be honest, I'm a little disappointed in this book, even though I liked it overall.

HOUSE OF GLASS is mainly centered around a custody battle of two parents and their little girl. It's stressful, a little bit crazy...especially with a mom-in-law always adding her two cents...and, a bit unusual. The unusualness (had to make sure that's a real word!) of some of the couple's dynamics is intriguing and probably not unusual for folks with substantial funds; it's something I haven't encountered in previous novels and I like how Pekkanen uses these odd things to add to the story. The characters are likable and unlikable, relatable and unrelatable, amiable and maddening - just what you need in a thriller.

The first half of the book kept me engaged. I didn't want to take reading breaks because I knew something was about to happen and I didn't want to wait for the next twist. The whole book has unnecessary metaphors but they aren't glaring until the second half of the book. The secondary plot is almost as intense as the main plot and, in a way, takes away from the main plot. The book also has a few other minor things going on at the same time but those aren't as distracting. The ending was a big disappointment. It felt rushed, as if a deadline was looming or someone else wrote it. It didn't fit. Or, it fit too well - depending on who you were rooting for. I was hoping for a different, more shocking conclusion.

I didn't notice any scenes that might be triggering for someone or any obscene language. But I wasn't watching out for either so I'm unsure if any exists within the book.

The story line is good. It has some twists and turns that keeps a reader engaged. I purposely did not read any blurbs before diving into the story and maybe if I had, the secondary story wouldn't have distracted me as much. I wanted to read this book because of the author; I generally like her writing, both as a solo author and as a coauthor. This book didn't change that for me.

The narrator, Laura Benanti, did a good job throughout the audiobook. She was the only narrator. It was easy to differentiate the characters and she didn't go overboard to accentuate voices outside of her tonal range, i.e., the mystery man with a deep voice. I didn't find that her voice took away or added to the story; it felt like a natural part of the book.

I received a free copy of the audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3 stars = I liked it, may or may not recommend it to others. If I did recommend it, I'd probably recommend the audiobook over the print version so that the reader could speed up the narration.

#NetGalley #HouseofGlass #SarahPekkanen #Macmillanaudio #Goodreads

AN INTRIGUING AND GUT-WRENCHING THRILLER READERS WILL LOVE

SUMMARY
Rose Barclay is a nine-year-old girl who witnessed the murder of her nanny. The trauma has left Rose unable to speak. Stella Hudson is an attorney assigned to assist Rose during her parents' bitter divorce and custody battle. Stella typically doesn't accept cases as young as Rose due to her traumatic childhood, but Stella's mentor convinced her to take the case. Stella struggles to decide whether it’s in Rose’s best interest to stay with her mom or her dad since Rose can’t or won't communicate with her.

As Stella gets to know the wealthy Barclays family, she realizes that the circumstances are even more complicated than she imagined. Why has all the glass been removed from the Barclays' mansion? Why is everyone in the family a suspect in the nanny's murder? Who pushed Beth, the nanny, out the second-floor window? Why is the family acting so strangely and keeping secrets about the glass? Could Rose be the killer? Is Stella in danger?

REVIEW

HOUSE OF GLASS is an intriguing mystery thriller. Readers will love the challenge of trying to identify the nanny’s killer.

Author Sarah Pekkanen's writing is suspenseful and gut-wrenching. She keeps you engaged for the entirety of the book, skillfully transporting us into the gorgeous home of a very rich but very troubled family.

Stella’s character is delightfully well-developed and serves as the pillar of the story. I appreciated her willingness and determination to stick with this frustrating case despite all the obstacles she faces and her own past trauma. Rose, because of her lack of communication and suspicious behavior, is a little hard to appreciate, and you can't help but think she just might have pushed the nanny through the window. The rest of the family was also acting cagey, and it was not hard to believe that they also could have done it. Everyone in the family had a strong motive and opportunity.

I both read and listened to the book. The audio narrator, Laura Benanti, is a Tony award-winning singer/actress. She does a fabulous job on the narration, keeping listeners engaged with a steady voice and nice inflection.

Thanks to Netgalley, Macmillian Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for sending me an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.

Publisher St. Martin’s Press/ Macmillian Audio
Published August 6, 2024
Narrated Laura Benanti
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com