I burned through this book in two days, I couldn’t keep myself away for long because I just had to know what happened next!
This was a great read, and I loved the break aways to the documentary transcript. I honestly couldn’t stop reading. It was so interesting to see how a group dynamic can turn so quickly into something more sinister.

This one was definitely a cult gone right story. Instead of the aftermath of a cult, you are right in the middle of Winona slowly realizing she is in one. As the reader, I was like: GIRL, because all the signs were right in her face. I think that’s what intrigues me about cults: how people want to belong, and how they get wrapped into it. Simon was a piece of crap, and played these women and preyed upon their fears, weaknesses, and wanting to belong.

Overall, Faith Gardner did an amazing job telling the story which I had several emotions about. There was also mixed media in the form of interviews between chapters with one escapee who got out before it got worse. I saw right through Simon the minute he was on the page, and wanted better for all of these women who were in awe by him. I definitely recommend this one if you are fascinated by cults.

🎬 Read this if you like:
The Vow
Martha Marcy May Marlene
⏰ Best time to read:
When you’re in your cult era
📝 Themes:
Psychological Thriller, Horror, Cult, Coming-of-Age, Self-Improvement, Family, LGBTQ+, Psychology, Dual Timelines, Santa Cruz
👍 What I liked:
The beginning and end of this book were both fantastic. I’m also fascinated by any cult story—whether fiction or nonfiction.
❓ Synopsis: Winona moves to Santa Cruz after a difficult year and meets Dakota, who introduces Winona to her housemates. Soon, Winona is one of the gang, and she moves into the “mirror house” with her new friends. Simon, the ostensible leader of the house, is a licensed psychologist with innovative ideas for self-improvement. Winona sees real results and loves her new family, causing her to overlook warning signs that she might be in a cult.
📣 Review: Gardner’s portrayal of Winona’s descent into the Mirror House helped me to empathize with folks who end up in cults. I also enjoyed Gardner’s writing style and the personalities of her characters. Then, the ending was fantastic (although the dual timelines gave a lot away). If I had a complaint it’s merely that cults are formulaic, and so this book is as well to a degree. The middle two-thirds felt to me like a reimagining of NXIVM.

I love to read about cults. This was a nice surprise and I can highly recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

This was such a great cult thriller book. So much packed into one book and I loved every second of it. The characters were so diverse, yet their friendships worked. I fell in love with the quirky characters almost immediately.

I have a fascination with cult stories and this one was done so well. It blows my mind that while going through the experience, you don’t see it as being in a cult, but the signs are all there for everyone around you.

The story got crazier and crazier the more I read. There were definitely some chapters where I gasped or covered my mouth. It got absolutely crazy. Just when I think it couldn’t get any crazier….BANG. The things people go through to express their devotion, it’s captivating and sad all at the same time. The twists in this story were done to perfection.

The story had depth, it was well thought out. The way the story unfolds and the ending was just 🤯🤯

I don’t want to give anything away, but if you like a cult like story, psychological thrillers, manipulation, and just plain chaos, I HIGHLY recommend adding this book to your TBR.

This was my first Faith Gardner book, but it definitely will not be my last.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC copy. instantly knew I was going to enjoy this book and I definitely did! It reminded me of The Girls by Emma Cline, which is one of my all time favourite books - I love the way The Mirror House Girls delves into psychological aspects of how one finds themselves in a community like this and I found myself reading this super quickly. Without giving anything away, there was a clear sense from the beginning of where things were going to go but, in this case, that did not matter. You don't need any shocking plot twists, but just to know WHY. Thoroughly enjoyed this read and would definitely recommend it if you enjoy a good psychological thriller - out January 23rd!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Wow, this book was AMAZING! As someone who has studied and researched cults and true crime cases, The Mirror House Girls felt like watching a documentary in the best way. I was focused and gripped by the characters and story from the very beginning. I loved how the author wrote the changes that slowly happened within the cult over time that led to that sad ending.

Pairing of music really helped enhance the story as well! I definitely need to read more by this author in the future!

I love a culty moment! I couldn’t put it down and read during every free second I could spare. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

This premise had me so excited: A cult in a house of mirrors told in a true crime documentary fashion. That checks every box of everything I could ever want in a novel. And I was not disappointed.

Simon is the head of this little cult and he's a mysterious guy. So intriguing. The women following him are victims; unknowing, unaware, and sucked in. They range from women with hard, criminal pasts, to a rich princess looking for more, and lost girls searching for love, acceptance, and healing. And it's tragic to watch them be devoured by this prisoners man. The cult's fall is haunting.

I loved this story. Could not put it down. Gobbled it up from start to finish. The writing was superb, twists and plots were brilliant, and character development was clever and astoundingly on point.

When I first started reading this I thought oh, okay, a standard suicide cult book. And honestly the first half was not bad, but it also didn't totally work for me. I didn't see why Winona was falling for Simon and his cult, I felt like I just had to go with it. I didn't see it.

But the writing was good and it kept me interested enough I kept reading and thought this would be a solid 3 star read for me. Then about halfway through, when they relocated, I really started to enjoy the story. The whole last half was great and I couldn't put it down. Seeing everything spiral and how things ended up was wonderful. I definitely want to check out more of this author's books as this was my first. Such a fun read overall.

When I first picked up The Mirror House Girls by Faith Gardner, I was feeling lukewarm about the premise. Admittedly, it was the striking cover that drew me in, along with a glowing recommendation from indie thriller author Noelle W. Ihli, whose work I’ve enjoyed. I wasn’t expecting much, but this book quickly hooked me and refused to let go.

The story follows Winona, a young woman at a crossroads in her life. She’s left her hometown, still grappling with the death of her grandmother, her strained relationship with her mother, and the fallout from a disastrous romance with a married man. At a grief counseling group, she meets Kristen, and they become fast friends. Kristen soon invites Winona to stay at the Mirror House, a strange residence covered entirely in mirrors where Kristen lives with a few other girls and Simon, a former therapist who claims to be offering pro bono therapy.

At first, the setup seems almost too good to be true. Simon is charismatic and devoted to helping the girls overcome their deepest fears through unorthodox immersion therapy. Winona, struggling with hemophobia (a fear of blood), becomes his newest project. Before long, she’s swept up by Simon’s charm and the apparent camaraderie of the other girls. Sure, her mother raises a skeptical eyebrow—“Isn’t it weird that a grown man is living in a house with five young women?”—but Winona brushes off these concerns. Simon’s methods may be unusual, but he’s helping them… right?

The cracks in Simon’s façade are slow to show but impossible to ignore. When the group relocates to a home in a remote area, the isolated setting only amplifies the growing sense of unease. Simon’s behavior becomes increasingly manipulative, and Winona begins to question his intentions. Yet every time doubt creeps in, she dismisses it: “Simon wouldn’t do that. His intentions are good… aren’t they?”

As Simon’s hold on the group strengthens, it becomes chillingly clear to outsiders—and eventually to the reader—that these girls are in a cult. The tension builds masterfully, with Winona’s inner turmoil mirroring the reader’s growing dread. What is Simon’s endgame? Can Winona break free? And even if she tries, is escape even possible? These questions are underscored by periodic flash-forwards to a news story featuring a former member of the group, teasing an inevitable tragedy that looms over the narrative.

The real strength of The Mirror House Girls lies in Faith Gardner’s ability to create a deeply unsettling atmosphere. The story plays on the fears and insecurities of its characters while pulling the reader into their world of doubt and dependency. The pacing, while slow at first, builds a relentless tension that keeps you turning pages late into the night. It’s not just about the psychological terror but also the emotional pull of seeing these girls’ lives unravel under Simon’s influence.

I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but it completely exceeded my expectations. It’s a well-written, engaging psychological thriller that creeps under your skin and refuses to let go. By the end, I was left thoroughly unsettled, completely captivated by its brilliance.

I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you’re a fan of slow-burn thrillers that explore cult dynamics and psychological manipulation, The Mirror House Girls is definitely worth your time.

4.5 stars rounded down.
Lovers of psychological thrillers and cults will love this one. Winona is fresh in grief from losing her grandmother. A grief that her mother feels like she shouldn’t be experiencing in the magnitude that she is. After she meets a woman at a support group she finds herself renting a room at the secretive Mirror House. Winona finds herself questioning the leader of this so called friend group and his true motives. Faith Gardner does an excellent job of exploring the thoughts that Winona was having and how human instinct often times leads us to believing that others have our best interests in mind. I was left with a few unanswered questioned, but none that made me feel like the books ending suffered due to it.

Thank you to Faith Gardener, Net Galley and Mirror House Press for this ARC.

Nothing better than a bunch of young women in a cult in coastal California! People who don't live in California must think that the whole state is full of them. So, I am pretty picky about the cult stories I'll read. I need something different to bring me in. And of course this author delivers! Starting out as more of a cohousing situation, the girls are slowly pulled under the spell of Simon and each other. I loved how the story was presented with dual povs/timelines. The concept itself gives an astute reader something to ponder. I could have used a bit more character development. The bits and pieces offered made me want to know more. And, as always, I love how Jolvix is slyly brought in to the story, though no prior reading of that series is required to enjoy this one. It's just a nod to faithful long time readers of this author.

Very well written, kept me interested 100%. A little slow at times but was happy with the ending. Will be buying this one for my physical collection

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and wow am I glad I did! I recently read one of Faith Gardners other books (The Prediction), and I didn’t realize this one was by the same author until somewhat through the book. This author has a wide range of talent! Although about completely different things both books were great!

Back to Mirror House Girls- this book was excellent at showing the dynamics of a cult, and we are shown the journey from beginning to end. I would love to know what research or experiences went into writing this. I loved the documentary POV alongside the main character’s POV. Definitely will be on my recommend list and I will certainly be looking into other works by this author!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Thank you Netgalley and Mirror House Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Faith Gardner’s “The Mirror House Girls” is a haunting and immersive psychological thriller that focuses on the sinister dynamics of cults and blind loyalty. This gripping novel follows Winona, a young woman searching for belonging, as she rents a room in the enigmatic Mirror House and becomes enmeshed in its web of control under the influence of the charismatic Simon Spellmeyer.

Winona’s journey begins innocently enough, hoping to make friends and start anew. Instead, she finds herself drawn into a “family” that thrives on vulnerability and isolation, with Simon as the self-proclaimed leader. Under the guise of exposure therapy, Simon uses his members’ deepest fears to psychologically manipulate and dominate them. What starts as camaraderie quickly spirals into control, as Winona and the others are pushed to extremes for Simon’s approval.

Adding to the tension, the book opens with a flash-forward of tragedy—a chilling mass suicide involving the members of the Mirror House. This ominous beginning sets the tone, building an atmosphere of dread that intensifies as the story unfolds. The inclusion of documentary transcripts and interviews with an ex-member offers an intriguing multi-layered perspective, enriching the story and adding authenticity to the cult’s unraveling as you know what’s going to happen at the end.

Gardner masterfully captures the psychological nuances of cult dynamics, showing how easy it is for someone seeking acceptance to be manipulated into dangerous situations. Winona’s inner conflict is especially compelling, as she wrestles with doubts about Simon’s methods while clinging to the sense of community she’s found. Scarlett, another member, stands out as a sharp contrast to the group’s blind devotion, adding depth and complexity to the cast of characters.

The book’s slow buildup is deliberate and essential, laying the groundwork for the psychological tension that drives the story. As the plot accelerates in the second half, you quickly see just how extreme the overwhelming loyalty Simon has gained from the different Mirror House members. The poetic prose, paired with the innovative use of documentary elements, elevates the storytelling, making the book both immersive and emotionally resonant.

While the deliberate pacing effectively sets up the tension, the beginning was a bit slow as the various characters and their motivations were established, but it perfectly sets up how quickly Winona became isolated. Additionally, the predictability of Simon’s final twist might lessen the impact, though I really liked how the ending showed Simon’s own fear and downfall.

Overall, “The Mirror House Girls” is a chilling exploration of the need for belonging and how it can lead to vulnerability and exploitation. The book examines the devastating consequences of power, manipulation, and blind loyalty. Gardner’s portrayal of mob mentality and mass hysteria is both thought-provoking and unsettling, reminding us of the fine line between trust and control. Fans of cult stories, true crime, and psychological suspense will find this book unputdownable. “The Mirror House Girls” is a must-read for anyone drawn to stories of power, trust, and the dark corners of human psychology.

I really enjoy books about cults (true and fiction) because I like the insight inside of the heads of those that are a part of said cult. This was definitely one of those books and it is definitely a whirlwind. As soon as Winona was introduced to the members of Mirror House, I knew something was off. The rest of the book is Winona’s inner fight against herself and her outside involvement with Mirror House. The lead up to the tragedy depicted in the first chapter is wild. I really enjoyed the wrap up at the end. So thankful to be able to read an early copy of Faith Gardner’s next psychological thriller!

The depth of desire to belong leads one to become a simple possession. All identity is lost.

Stamp this one as my 9th book by the superb Faith Gardner. There's a reason for that, folks. Gardner has an uncanny gift for creating a spellbound experience. She has her finger on the pulse of her characters and she brings them to life on the page......pages that we flip furiously through to engage with them. Gardner has outdone herself in The Mirror House Girls.

Winona is a wandering soul. She can't quite get any permanence in life. Winona is grieving for her eccentric grandmother who lived life skidding joyously to the end. Winona was her caregiver and it's taken its toll on her. She also has an overbearing mother who demands her allegiance day and night. Their relationship is broken. Quite honestly, it never connected in the first place.

And then a leaf falls from the tree of happenstance. Winona meets a young woman who brings her to Mirror House where she lives. Winona immediately feels a connection. A room opens for occupancy. Our Winona is in. But as in all things in life, be careful what you wish for, Winona.

The Mirror House Girls is a remarkable read. Like an unwinding silk scarf, we watch Winona lose control of self. Faith Gardner lays out a panoramic view of life within the confines of a cult. You'll find yourself gasping at the harsh elements of control visited upon the lambs. The hand on the reigns is Simon Spellmeyer, a shady psychologist whose methods are beyond quirky. He feeds off the volatile weak spots he searches for in the lives of these willing young women.

The Mirror House Girls is due to publish 1/23/25. Here's one to definitely put on your list for reads for 2025. Believe me, it will stay with you long after.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Mirror House Press and to the talented Faith Gardner for the opportunity.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'm always very happy about an ARC and being able to give it a review! <3

Faith Gardner has become one of my favorite authors in a very short time and of course I had to read her latest book immediately!

The story is extremely good written as always, no unnecessary length or "empty" pages that slow down the whole story. The characters were extremely well developed and I felt for each and every one of them! Except for Simon, lol.

(The spice that was included was just right and the lovestory was perfect)

The ending wasn't as twisty as in her previous books, but I still had a really really good time and couldn't put it down! I'm already waiting for her next book. :p

Thank you Mirror House Press and Faith Gardener for this read!

From start to finish this book had me thoroughly addicted. I love a cult thriller and this one doesn't disappoint. It's told from mixed POVs, in multiple timelines which slowly fed us recounts of events as it happened and added suspense.

The characters were written well and I felt I could picture each in my mind clearly. The mix of loveable and often horrible characters made it easy to feel a mix of emotions as I became invested.

Overall this was a really good read! A winner for lovers of cult thrillers and suspense!