Okay, I unexpectedly loved this book. Cult storylines aren’t usually my jam, but I found this one so interesting. Maybe because of all the twists and turns of the different relationships, or maybe I just felt more of a connection to the characters than usual. This was a big five star for me!

Wow, this was a wild ride and cults are freaking terrifying! This was my first time reading Miles Joris-Peyrafitte & Sara Shepard but it will most certainly not be my last. I am adding all of their books to my TBR!

#Gaslight
#NetGalley

Thank you Netgalley, authors Miles Joris-Peyrafitte & Sara Sheperd, and publisher Blackstone Publishing for this audiobook ARC.

Simply put - WOW.

Iloved this story, I just couldn't put it down. I was so intrigued by the cult aspect of it, and absolutely loved the differing POVs between the MCs and even the cult leader. The cult's secrets and tactics used to control their members brought so much of the anticipation and anxiety to this read, imo.
I was just on the edge of my seat the entire time. About 60% in I actually audibly gasped and shouted irl.
This was just such an incredible book. I recommend this to anyone looking for something new and something that will keep them on the edge of their seat. I really had no clue where this was headed.

P.S. Tom has my heart.

Gaslight by Miles Joris-Peyrafitte and Sara Shepard is a taut, atmospheric thriller that masterfully explores the dark undercurrents of cult dynamics, the slippery nature of memory, and the fragility of domestic bliss. Narrated with a chilling intensity by Julia Atwood, the audiobook version immerses listeners in Rebecca’s unraveling world, amplifying the suspense and paranoia at the heart of the story.

Rebecca is a compelling protagonist—flawed but fiercely protective of the life she’s built. Her peaceful suburban existence feels almost too perfect, which makes the arrival of Danny, her enigmatic and troubled former friend, all the more disruptive. Rebecca’s carefully constructed facade begins to crack as Danny’s reappearance dredges up secrets she thought she’d buried forever. The slow, steady dismantling of Rebecca’s reality is expertly paced, as the authors draw out just enough detail to keep the reader guessing. Is Rebecca paranoid, or is there something far more sinister afoot?

Danny’s character is equally fascinating—a living embodiment of ambiguity and trauma. Her involvement with ISB, a shadowy, manipulative cult, raises questions about her motivations. Is she a victim desperate for escape, or a dangerous emissary sent to recruit? The shifting power dynamics between Rebecca and Danny keep the tension razor-sharp, with their shared history adding an extra layer of emotional complexity.

The depiction of ISB is disturbingly realistic, highlighting the allure of cults for those seeking belonging and purpose. The cult’s leader, while more of a looming presence than an active character, casts a long shadow over the narrative, representing the insidious power of charisma and psychological control. The authors capture how cults prey on vulnerability, making Danny’s internal struggle between loyalty and freedom feel painfully authentic.

Julia Atwood’s narration heightens the psychological tension, her delivery capturing both Rebecca’s growing unease and Danny’s disconcerting calm. Atwood’s nuanced performance brings the characters’ emotions to life, making the stakes feel immediate and visceral. Her ability to shift tone subtly—moving from moments of quiet domesticity to heart-pounding dread—enhances the listening experience.

Where Gaslight shines in atmosphere and character dynamics, it stumbles slightly in pacing. Some sections, particularly those focusing on Rebecca’s attempts to keep her family in the dark, feel repetitive, as though circling the same emotional beats without forward momentum. Additionally, while the story’s ambiguity is one of its strengths, some readers may feel that certain plot threads—especially surrounding ISB—remain too vague or unresolved by the end.

Despite this, the novel excels at exploring the emotional fallout of secrets and lies. The title itself is a clever nod to the pervasive sense of disorientation and self-doubt that defines Rebecca’s journey. The authors deftly weave themes of betrayal, survival, and self-reclamation, making Gaslight not just a thriller but a poignant examination of trust—both in others and oneself.

With its evocative storytelling and gripping psychological tension, Gaslight is a haunting reminder of how easily the past can intrude on the present. The audiobook format, anchored by Julia Atwood’s stellar narration, makes this an immersive and chilling experience. Fans of slow-burn thrillers with cult intrigue and emotional stakes—like The Girls by Emma Cline or The Gifted School by Bruce Holsinger—will find much to admire here. It’s a story that lingers, leaving you to question not only the characters’ motives but your own instincts.

Gₐₛₗᵢgₕₜ
ᴮʸ : Sara Shepard and Miles Joris-Peyrafitte

ₛₘₐₗₗ bₗᵤᵣb : Rebecca is living a peaceful life in Nevada with her husband, Tom, and their two young children. Her past is in the past and she does a good job of keeping it there, until her old friend, Danny, shows up on the doorstep one morning, throwing her sweet family life into turmoil. Danny is nothing but a reminder of what Rebecca fled all those years ago, and all the secrets she's keeping from Tom. She tries her hardest to manage the situation and figure out what Danny wants, but all Rebecca seems to find are layers upon layers of deception.

Fₐᵥₒᵣᵢₜₑ Cₕₐᵣₐcₜₑᵣ : Rebecca or “Becks”. I can’t say what I or anyone would do in the situation that she is in, but I think she handles things very well for the circumstances. She stays compassionate and understanding through some messed up stuff, but still keeps her head and takes care of business.

Wₕₐₜ ᵢ ₗᵢₖₑd : I was so emotionally invested in the characters and the story! I was physically shaking my head and bad mouthing one of the characters because I couldn’t stand how naive they were! But that was the point. In this story we are dealing with brain washing to the full extent, and I don’t think anyone who has never been in that situation could truly understand how it takes a toll on you.

ₛᵤₘₘₑᵣy : I really enjoyed listening to this book! It had some mystery, trauma and friendship,
while keeping you on the edge until the end.
This book absolutely highlights the meaning of “gaslighting”!

As always PLEASE read triggers, there are definitely a few.

Thank you
Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing-audio and the authors for this audio ARC.

3.5*
if you were a teenager during the 2010s, you for sure have experienced the phenomenon that was pretty little liars. i will be the first to admit i have not read the books, but as a massive fan of the iconic series i was excited to request a book co-written by sara sheperd. thank you net galley and blackstone publishing for the AALC of this book! the audiobook itself was very engaging and i quite liked the narrator's voice. julia atwood really helped bring the story to life and i could see myself picking up many other books she narrated.

i found the book (as in, the text) quite entertaining as well. not really emotionally heavy or impactful just interesting from the very start and very fun. that being said i do think the themes of inside workings within cults as well as the consequences of people gaining awareness and escaping said cults have been portrayed quite convincingly. i found the plot quite predictable, but it did not take away from the story. i found both the present and the past chapters equally well executed and the story well-paced, so if you're feeling slumpy and finding it hard to pick up anything, this could be a book that could help you out.

if you want to experience an interesting audiobook about a cult, female friendship and characters having to deal with the consequences of their past mistakes, you should definitely check this out.

I am a sucker for books about cults so I was thrilled when I got approved for this one! I loved this story soooo much. The pacing was amazing and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. The characters were all well developed and I thought that the emotions Rebecca and Danny experienced were relatable and easy to connect with. This is a very raw story about cults, and there are many references to cult mentalities, so if any of that is triggering, this won’t be a good book for you. Additionally, I thought that the narration was fabulous!

This book is all about cult life and secrets that people keep. It’s about gaslighting, but not all that much. The authors delve quite a bit into the cult life and it seems very accurate; from what I know of them.

Rebecca has a new life: husband, children and home. Danny shows up and upends it all, as Rebecca has done a good job of keeping her past undisclosed. Danny was her friend back when they were into things she wishes would have stayed in the past.

There are several characters and the story has a few timelines to keep track of. It took me a little while to begin to remember who everyone was. After that, it flows nicely. This is a good book to listen to. I liked the narrator, Julia Atwood. She has a pleasant voice and did a good job of keeping my interest in listening.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this book.

When a book mention cults, you know I’m gonna read it. This book was a wild ride and I’m not sure if it knew where it was going. I like the characters of Rebecca and Tom and the life they created, however I feel like they could’ve been a little more flushed out. I didn’t feel a deep connection to either. Danny was a fun addition since you didn’t know if she was trying to get out of the cult, recruit Rebecca back or what the heck was going on with her. The cult drew a lot of comparisons to NXIVM, or at least that’s what it reminded me of, and that was super interesting. You got to see how members were sucked into this cult. I enjoyed this listen and it was super quick, but it was kinda just meh for me. I wanted more

This was an excellent audiobook. From the first page I was hooked. The storyline of the cult was very interesting and if you like stories on. cults, I would definitely recommend reading this.

Sure! Here’s a reworded version:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had the gripping pace I've come to expect from Sara Shepard's thrillers, along with some delightful and unexpected twists. Like much of Shepard's work, a central theme is the complexities of female friendship, including the tensions and jealousies that can arise alongside genuine affection. As someone who has indulged in countless documentaries and podcasts about cults, I found the portrayal in this book to be quite authentic. The way characters were drawn in by personal attention and seemingly rational teachings felt very believable, as did the gradual increase in the cult's control over their lives. I would highly recommend this to anyone seeking an entertaining thriller, especially those intrigued by cult dynamics. Thank you Netgalley for the read!

Rebecca never speaks neither about her past nor who the father of her child is. Her husband Tom is curious, but as he knows only well what it is to fight his own demons, he never pushes for the answers.
Until that strange friend comes. Thin, fragile, with uncertain motives...and the secrets of his wife might never not be that unimportant again.
Because these two women have had been the cult members together. Victims, even if they hate that word.

I loved the 2/3 of the novel with all the uncertainties and revelations. The cult atmosphere with all that brainwashing is portrayed well and one can only ask why the police or other services have never been interested in the goings-on there.
But then the novel changes into the feminist romp and the brilliance goes away with the very unwise choices of somebody who should be the manipulative mastermind.

The last chapter is interesting, though - I actually believe that this character would behave exactly this way!

While this is not such a smart novel as it aspires to be, it still offers a too realustic view into the abusive atmosphere of the traps of the manipulation and preying on people.

The premise of this drew me in right away. The twin flames meets NXVM cult and seeing how it functions was fascinating. The characters were a bit frustrating and flat, and the ending happened a bit quick. Overall a fun read.

I almost requested this book several times, drawn each time to the clever cover and the concept. Something held me back though, and when I finally decided to give it a go and started listening, I realized that it was a misconception that almost led me to miss this one... I think the title and my expectations were just incongruent, and once I dug into the story I realized this was not gaslighting in the sense I've come to expect, with an emphasis on someone (usually a man) making someone else (usually a woman) believe one thing while actually doing/being/presenting another.

There are elements of that in the cult backstory, and even in a number of the interpersonal relationships throughout, but the book is about a lot more than that and that's where I really found it intriguing. This is a story about the complicated nature of who we are, what our past means, and if/how we can ever really run from who we were/what happened to us or if it inevitably follows in our wake. It's about coming to terms with your own choices - even when there wasn't much choice available when you made them - and learning to let go of what you need to in order to move yourself forward.

It was fascinating and horrifying and at so many points I found myself literally yelling out loud that I couldn't believe *anyone* could fall for the lines being fed to these young women - and then I realized that cult escape wouldn't be a trope if it didn't happen often, and that freaked me out more than I could say... It's a compelling tale and the narration really sold it for me. This was a really intense and wild ride and I quite enjoyed it (dark and horrifying though much of it was).

@netgalley came through for me on this gem. Again I went in blind but I LOVE that cover so much!!!! For me this book was just ok...I really wanted to love it but I felt like I was ease dropping on my daughter conversation the entire time and found myself being annoyed. It was well written though!

I love a good cult book and the premise and cover of this one were very promising. It's a much slower burn than I expected or hoped but did still pull me in enough to make me need to finish it. This is suspenseful but I would not classify it as a thriller if that's what you are looking for. Rebecca and Danny's dynamic was interesting and believable, as was the premise of ISB itself. I think it could have been edited down a bit to make it a little faster-paced and more suspenseful. The climax was satisfying but was left wanting something more by the end.

The narrator did a great job if you listed to the audio! Didn't detract from the plot and captured the emotions and intonations well.

3.5/5

Heart-pounding, eerie, and such a fun read.

Bex and Dani were fascinating to read about. Ben definitely felt reminiscent of Keith from NXIIM. This was a thrilling read, and I loved the way the discoveries unfolded as the story went on. There were a lot of heartwrenching moments as the narrative went on, and I think that the emotional component of recovering from trauma really made this book stick in my mind. I would love to see more from these authors working together.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

While this book did seem to take inspiration directly from NEXIUM, it was still compelling and creative in its telling. Would recommend.

For fans of mystery and suspense, those intrigued by cults and brainwashing, this story raises the stakes of escaping a terrible situation when the main character isn't sure she wants to leave. Think NXIVM meets Heaven's Gate, a charismatic and revolutionary (but obviously mediocre) leader claiming to "heal sickness" sinks his claws into young, vulnerable women. "Gaslight" follows the story of two key players in his cultic group escaping his grasp forever. I devoured this book! It was everything I want in a cult documentary or memoir but with the added stakes of fiction. If your attention is captured by this type of docu-series, this is the novel for you!

I found this book riveting! It is such an engrossing tale about how a cult can suck someone in and remake them until the real person barely exists. The part about Danielle in particular was so interesting because she had a loving mother and a clear path forward, she was just dealing with pressure and depression. Then she gets sucked into this cult that ultimately has her committing some serious felonies.
The narrator was fantastic, did an awesome job of conveying feeling from the characters
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and the author for my copy of this audiobook