Love a good domestic thriller! This one pulled me in immediately.

I loved the short chapters and the interesting child aspect. You doubt everyone and I wasn't sure where this one was going, but definitely enjoyed the ride.

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and MacMillan Audio for both an ARC and ALC. The audio made it more eerie and atmospheric.

Twisty domestic thriller with dark themes and a satisfying resolution. I enjoyed the creepy kid vibes, the complicated interpersonal relationships, and the strong FMC. The villain reveal felt slightly anticlimactic but I’m not sure why that was. I think you’ll still enjoy the ride.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy. These opinions are my own.

💭 MY THOUGHTS: This was an “okay” thriller for me. Our female lead is haunted by the trauma from her past which helps her as a social worker relate to the kids she is focused on helping. Everyone in the family she is assigned in a custody case is a suspect for the murder of their former nanny. I guessed one the shocking twists pretty early on but did not guess who the killer was. I found myself semi bored from the slow pace BUT at the same I did want to keep reading to find out how it ended.

@laurabenanti did a great job narrating the book and capturing the suspenseful elements.

Read for:
🩸 Whodunit
⚖️ Custody Case
💟 Social Worker
💰 Wealthy Family
👄 Secrets & Lies
🔎 Single POV

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 / 5
Spice Level: 🧼 squeaky clean

The plot caught my attention quickly.

** Tina de la Cruz, the nanny for 9-year-old Rose, falls or is pushed from a window to her death.

**She was having an affair and found herself pregnant

**Four people witnessed the fall

**Rose's parents are in the middle of divorcing

**Rose, who we believe witnessed the incident, carries sharp things and doesn't speak.

**Stella Hudson is a best interest attorney, appointed to serve as counsel for children in custody cases. She never accepts clients under thirteen due to her own traumatic childhood, but Stella's mentor, a revered judge, believes Stella is the only one who can help.


Oh, yes, there's something eerie about the house itself: It's a plastic house, with no glass to be found.

While this was a page-turner for me that was hard to stop coming back to, I have to say the story pulled in too much at times and didn’t stay focused. But all in all, Pekkanen did a nice job of occasionally causing me to jump from one suspect to another. Other twists I did predict.

While it wasn’t a fast-paced thriller, it did keep drawing me back to it.

🎧 The audiobook narration by Laura Benanti was exceptional. I’m always amazed by good narrators.

House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen was entertaining, and I needed to figure out who committed the murder. This well-written psychological thriller kept me guessing. I listened to the audiobook, which added to the story. I would recommend the audiobook. I don't want to give too much away, but this would be a good book to add to your list.

“Glass House” emerges as a compelling narrative that intricately weaves the deceptive appearances of an ostensibly perfect family into a suspenseful tale of mystery and lies. The tragic death of a young nanny sets the stage for this domestic thriller, raising the question of whether her fall was accidental or the result of a sinister push from someone within the household. This pivotal event draws readers into a labyrinth of secrets and suspicions that define the Barclay family’s existence.
Central to the story is Rose Barclay, a nine-year-old girl who becomes mute after possibly witnessing her nanny’s murder. Her silence is a poignant symbol of the hidden truths that permeate the novel, making her character both vulnerable and intriguing. The enigma surrounding Rose adds a haunting layer to the plot, as readers are left to wonder what revelations her silence conceals.
Stella Hudson, a best interest attorney with her own history of childhood trauma, is reluctantly drawn into the case to represent Rose. Stella’s character is a beacon of resilience, navigating through the Barclays’ unusual home—a “plastic house” conspicuously devoid of glass. Her search for clarity in a situation rife with obfuscation mirrors the overarching theme of seeking truth in a world shrouded in pretense.
The author skillfully creates an atmospheric setting that amplifies the novel’s tension. The historic Washington D.C. residence of the Barclays, with its imposing security gates and lavish interiors, stands as a silent witness to the family’s obsession with image and control. The metaphorical absence of glass in their home underscores the pervasive lack of transparency among its residents, all potential suspects in the nanny’s untimely death.
While the storyline is steeped in suspense and keeps readers on edge, it falls slightly short of the gripping narrative found in the author’s previous work, “Gone.” Nonetheless, the characters in “Glass House” are fascinating, each with hidden motives that blur the lines between victim and perpetrator. The mother, father, grandmother, nanny’s boyfriend, and even young Rose herself are ensnared in a chilling dance of trust and treachery.
An additional layer of depth to the novel is provided by the narration of Lauren Bananti, whose performance is noteworthy. Bananti’s delivery enhances the experience, capturing the nuances of each character and the atmospheric tension of the setting. Her ability to convey emotion and suspense through her voice adds a dynamic quality to the storytelling, making the audiobook version a recommended choice for those who appreciate auditory immersion in a psychological thriller.
In conclusion, “Glass House” is a thought-provoking psychological thriller that delves into the dichotomy of outward perfection and internal turmoil. It captivates with its atmospheric tension and complex characters, though it may leave long-time fans of the author wanting more. Despite this, the novel, coupled with Lauren Bananti’s effective narration, stands as a strong entry in the genre, reminding us that amidst a foundation of lies, uncovering the truth can be the most elusive pursuit of all.

I love Laura Benanti as a narrator! Her voice reads stories so well and her tone meshes perfectly with the story. Laura is an amazing voice actor and does a great range of voices. Laura is also very good at making the reader feel immersed in the story. I will listen to anything Laura Benanti narrates!

Rose, a 9 yo girl with traumatic mutism is in the middle of her parent's nasty divorce. A court appointed lawyer is assigned to represent Rose and outline a custody agreement. Stella, takes her job very seriously as she was impacted by traumatic mutism after her mother was found dead while 7 yo Stella hid in the closet for 12 hrs. It's up to Stella to uncover what really happened in this twisted household when the family's nanny is pushed from a third story window. As Stella enters the house she notices that all the glass is missing....

Fun and suspenseful. A fast read that will keep the pages turning with ease. The characters were well written and developed. When everything falls in to place, the shock will leave you feeling unsettled!

House of Glass is a mesmerizing, atmospheric thriller that had me captivated from the first page to the last. The way the author weaves mystery, tension, and psychological depth into the story is nothing short of masterful. Every twist left me breathless, and the eerie setting heightened the suspense in ways I didn’t expect.

What truly stands out is the complex characters and how deeply their motivations and fears are explored. You find yourself second-guessing everyone, unsure who to trust, and that unpredictability kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The writing is sharp, evocative, and laced with just the right amount of foreboding to make you feel like you’re in the story’s haunting world.

This book is a must-read for fans of thrillers, suspense, and dark mysteries. It’s an absolute page-turner that will stay with you long after you’ve finished!

I am new to reading Sarah Pekkanen and saw House of Glass splashed all over my Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon Recommended, and many other places. Thanks to Macmillan Audio & St. Martin's Press, I read this book in a day. I had to know what Rose saw on the day her nanny fell to her death. Stella's job is to determine which of her parents Rose would be best suited as her primary giver or some combination of the two. However, as Stella attempts to do her job, the media storm around the family kicks up, and at her core Stella knows something is amiss about that fatal day..

I found the novel interested. The plot was intriguing and I actually enjoyed how unlikeable most of the characters were. At times, the book felt far-fetched and drawn out and other times I was wanting more. I read and listened to the book. The audio was easier for me, because I could speed up the audio pace when my attention at times started to drift.

This was a fun read by Sarah Pekkanen and I would recommend it for anyone who like suspense. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, theme, plot, and setting. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my opinions.

It's been a while since I've read anything from this author was excited to see she had a new release. I was drawn into this right from the start and couldn't put it down. I just had to figure out what was going on with this family and their child. My mind was reeling nearly the whole book trying to figure it all out, but it wasn't until the author revealed everything that it all came together beautifully. I thought this was a really unique thriller and really had a fresh concept. The characters were pretty well developed and easy to keep track of. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A creepy house, a fractured family, a dead nanny, a little girl who can't speak after the trauma of watching the nanny fall to her death...this is what best interest attorney Stella Hudson finds herself having to comb through as she works to determine who should gain custody of the child as her parents are about to divorce. Stella has her own childhood trauma that makes her the perfect advocate for young Rose Barclay. But this will be Stella's toughest case yet.

I LOVED this book and the atmosphere of the home, the relationships between the characters, the stories of Tina the nanny and what Stella experienced as a child, it all gave me chills and had me absolutely riveted. This was great as an audiobook and Laura Benanti is an incredible narrator.

Sarah Pekkanen’s "House of Glass" is a captivating psychological thriller that enthralls with its intricate plot and complex characters. Set against the backdrop of a luxurious but unsettling estate, the novel delves into themes of secrecy, betrayal, and the facades we build to hide our true selves.

Pekkanen masterfully crafts a suspenseful narrative that grips from the very beginning. The story revolves around a seemingly perfect family living in a pristine house, whose carefully constructed world begins to unravel as hidden truths come to light. The tension builds steadily, with each revelation adding depth and intrigue to the storyline.

The characters are richly developed, each bringing their own motivations and secrets to the forefront. Pekkanen’s portrayal of their psychological complexities adds layers to the story, making the reader question who can truly be trusted. The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining a steady rhythm that keeps readers eagerly turning pages.

The novel’s setting is vividly described, enhancing the atmosphere of unease that permeates the narrative. The house itself almost becomes a character, its glass walls symbolizing the fragile boundaries between privacy and exposure.

Overall, "House of Glass" is a riveting read that showcases Sarah Pekkanen’s skillful storytelling and keen understanding of human nature. It’s a compelling psychological thriller that will keep readers guessing and leave them pondering its implications long after the final twist is revealed.

Such a good book, sort of creepy but all together really well carried out. I enjoyed the audiobook, the narrator was easy to listen to and pay attention to.

The first chapter pulled me in and the writing style was good and kept me wanting to read. I found the mysteries were pretty intriguing but it didn't feel like anything new and felt like I've read this book or really similar styled book before so that did make me decrease my star rating a bit.

I listened to the audiobook and the narration was great. I can honestly say that after seeing so many raving five-star reviews and intriguing whodunit, claustrophobic plot lines from one of my auto-approved thriller authors, The plot revolves around the suspicious murder of the young nanny, who had an affair with her father, and got pregnant. She's pushed down from the window, or she accidentally fell down. There are four people who witnessed the incident, as the case is presumed an accident. Everyone in the family has a motive and the little Rose, is suffering from mutism after the incident, is a closed box, an enigma, lately having problems with her nanny. The author alludes to the fact that the little girl might have violent tendencies, and she therefore becomes a suspect as well. Stella Hudson, who is recently divorced, a successful lawyer serving as counsel in custody cases, attended the case to decide what will be in the best interest of little Rose. She's the best candidate because, just like Rose, she also lost her voice when she was little after seeing her mother dead. We get the story from her perspective and it was a great read.
This whodunit theme, puts each of the suspects on the spot, pushes you to make guesses. Stella also has her own little secondary mystery subplot going one through the story. I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to mystery/thriller readers. It was my first time reading a book by Sara Pekkanen and would definitely read another.

Many thanks to NetGalley the audioarc for me to preview.

Stella Hudson is a lawyer who serves the best interest of children in custody battles. Stella knows she has a hard case ahead of her when she is assigned 9 year old Rose Barclay. Not only are Rose's parents in a custody battle but they are still living together in the house of a tragic accident. Rose was the witness to the death of her nanny and since then she has not spoken a word. Rose is a peculiar child who steals sharp objects and seems to know more than what she is letting on to. Stella has to get to the bottom of the nanny's death and Rose's situation.

I've read some of Sarah Pekkanen's other books so I was very excited to see that she was coming out with a new one. I love a book where everyone is a suspect and everyone has motive, it keeps you guessing. This book was an interesting psychological thriller full of twists and turns. Unfortunately I feel like there may have been too many twists in the story. All of the characters are very intriguing, you can't help but wonder about each of them. It was interesting to hear the backstory of Stella and what she experienced as a child but at times it did slow the plot down. Ultimately I enjoyed the book but was able to figure out the ending before hand. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version of this. I recommend this book if you're looking for a suspenseful psychological thriller.

House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen was a ride! This author is autobuy for me and never disappoints. Unsolved murders, mysterious elements all to the backdrop of family drama, sign me up. Great story, interesting characters and intriguing plot points. I really enjoyed my time with this book. The audiobook narrator was superb as was the audio quality.

3.2/5 ⭐️

Sarah Pekkanen's latest solo novel is a gripping psychological thriller that captivates from start to finish. Known for her collaborations with Greer Hendricks, Pekkanen steps out on her own in this story about Stella, a best-interest lawyer assigned to a custody case after the suspicious death of a family nanny. As Stella unravels the mystery of the nanny's death, the suspense deepens, especially when she discovers that Rose, the young girl at the center of the custody battle, has been acting in disturbing ways since the tragedy.

While this latest novel has its moments of intrigue, it ultimately feels like a fairly average psychological thriller. The plot, centered around a custody case and a mysterious death, follows familiar tropes and doesn't offer many surprises. Although the pacing is steady and the main character, Stella, is relatable, the story lacks the depth and originality that could have set it apart. The abrupt romantic subplot feels out of place, and while the clean content is a welcome change, it doesn't do enough to elevate the book beyond a standard, predictable read.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the copies to review.

This was excellent! A child traumatized so much by the death of her nanny she doesn’t speak is at the center of our story, and Stella Hudson is sent to help determine which parent she should go live with. But is she really traumatized or is there more going on? The more time Stella spends with Rose Barclay the more she questions what really happened to the nanny, what is really going on in this house, and is she even going to make it out alive herself.

Pekkanen has outdone herself again with this one, I could not stop once I put the audio on and I loved it all the way through. I questioned everyone in here at some point and figured it out right before it was revealed, and the ending was extremely satisfying. The audio was excellent as well, loved this one so much and definitely recommend it!