The Mirror House Girls by Faith Gardner is an unsettling but compelling story about grief, vulnerability, and the dangers of blind trust. It follows a young girl mourning the loss of her grandmother, who becomes involved with a mysterious group called the Mirror House Girls. Led by Simon, a psychologist who practices radical exposure therapy, the group’s intentions seem helpful at first, but things take a darker turn as they grow more isolated from the outside world.

Gardner weaves a gripping story that slowly builds tension, leading to a tragic and shocking conclusion. The mass suicide of the Mirror House Girls is heartbreaking and leaves you questioning how far people can be pushed under the guise of healing and connection.

The writing is vivid and the characters feel real, making the story all the more impactful. While it’s not a light read, The Mirror House Girls is an unforgettable exploration of grief, manipulation, and the human need for belonging.

I’m always excited when this author releases a new book, and this one didn’t disappoint! Always a razor sharp plot with intelligent characters. Everything is meticulously planned and finished. No plots holes or cliffhangers here. And her epilogues are chef’s kiss! Every. Time. If you like John Marrs, you’ll love Faith Gardner! If she’s a new-to-you author, start with The Prediction. The Jolvix books are standalones, but the characters reappear like happy little Easter eggs in later books.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and to Faith Gardner for delivering yet another unputdownable story! This captivating read is set to release in early 2025, so be sure to add it to your TBR list—you won’t want to miss it!

3.25 stars

I find cults fascinating so of course I enjoy picking up cult novels.

I enjoyed the writing in this one but I didn't really feel like the author did enough to really establish why the main character would fall under Simon's spell. so completely. I mean as soon as a fellow roommate (not the owner of the home) told me I wasn't allowed to bring guests over, that guest being my mother - red flag! It just really didn't feel like Winona was really gaining anything from staying at The Mirror House in order to keep her there.

The story got quite slow in the middle as it just felt like a lot of daily minutia of Winona's lives without really advancing the plot much and the ending also did feel a little convenient.

I do enjoy seeing how cults are depicted in stories though so I did still enjoy this.

Thank you for lending me an advanced copy of this book. The writing was amazing. I really liked how the author dove into the psyche of someone who falls victim to a cult. I think the did a good job of showing how easy it is to fall for the manipulation of a narcissist. While most narcs don't become cult leaders, I think it still exemplifies the charm that those type of people have. We see the main character slowly fall for his crap, and excuse it and excuse herself. It was a haunting and tense thriller I won't soon forget about

One of my favorite openings to a thriller in my recent reading history, I was gripped from the beginning. I love cult stories and overall enjoyed this book even though I can't really relate to any of the female characters.

Title: The Mirror House Girls
Author: Faith Gardner
Publisher: Mirror House Press
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Cult
Pub Date: January 23, 2025
My Rating: 4.44 Stars
Pages 374

Two years ago Winona lost her Grandma Jane to cancer; Grandma Jane practically raised her. Winona is attending A Transcending Grief workshop in Santa Cruz, CA as that is the last place the two of them visited. While attending the workshop, she meets Dakota I who is also grieving the death of her grandma. The two feel a connection and Dakota offers Winona a chance to meet her housemates-which results in the feeling of acceptance. The group of women along with ‘boss
’ Simon offers Winona a room in the Mirror House. Winona is still grieving and feels the Mirror House and hew friends is what she needs to mend her broken heart.
Winona’s mother mentioned ~ perhaps what seems too good to be true – just may not be. She discourages her. However, Winona is willing to take the chance.

I do find cult story fascinating and yes Simon definitely gives Charles Manson-family vibes.

Story ends with the teaser about a bonus epilogue – https://www.faithgardner.com/bonus-epilogues.
Not sure if there is going to be a Mirror House Girls Book #2 ~ if so, I’m ready!!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Mirror House Press for this eGalley.
Publishing Date Scheduled for Thursday, January 23, 2025.

The Mirror House Girls by Faith Gardner was such a fantastic story!
I thoroughly enjoyed the character development, and the story had me hooked!
It was very well written. I was hooked straight away and I couldn't put it down.
The twists were plentiful and delivered maximum shock value.
Engrossing, propulsive, cleverly-plotted, and unpredictable mystery from a master storyteller.

The book lost me around 30% when I read the character say, paraphrasing because I'm not opening the book to find the quote, "I guess I'm heterosexual after all" after kissing the male cult leader like once.

I don't know if the story gets any better. That line just soured everything for me. It could be a lapse in judgement on the characters part, but oh well. I was getting into the story before that, though.

Faith Gardner’s The Mirror House Girls is a chilling psychological thriller that delves into the allure and danger of self-improvement cults, exploring themes of manipulation, identity, and survival. With its eerie atmosphere and slow-burning tension, the novel immerses readers in a world where the pursuit of transformation comes at an unsettling price.

Plot & Suspense
The story follows Winona, a young woman seeking connection and a fresh start when she moves into the eccentric Mirror House, hoping to find friendship and a sense of belonging. Instead, she is drawn into the orbit of Simon Spellmeyer, a charismatic psychologist whose unconventional self-improvement protocols promise personal growth—but at a steep cost. Despite her initial doubts, Winona becomes increasingly entangled in Simon’s vision, as his methods begin to show results.

However, what starts as a seemingly harmless pursuit of self-betterment soon takes a darker turn. As the group relocates and grows, tensions rise, friendships fracture, and Winona finds herself isolated within a dangerous web of control and coercion. The once-idyllic dream of personal transformation quickly unravels into a nightmarish reality, leaving Winona questioning not only the people around her but also her own sense of self.

Themes & Characters
Gardner masterfully explores the psychology behind cult dynamics, illustrating how vulnerability and a desire for change can make individuals susceptible to manipulation. Winona is a relatable and compelling protagonist, her inner conflict between skepticism and yearning for acceptance making her journey both heart-wrenching and believable. Simon, on the other hand, is a disturbingly charismatic figure, whose influence gradually tightens around his followers with insidious precision.

The novel also examines themes of identity and agency, as Winona struggles to reclaim control over her life and distinguish between empowerment and exploitation. The complex relationships among the Mirror House residents add further layers of tension, as trust erodes and desperation takes hold.

Writing Style & Atmosphere
Gardner’s writing is atmospheric and immersive, painting vivid pictures of the Mirror House’s idyllic yet ominous setting. The slow-burn suspense keeps readers hooked, with carefully crafted tension that builds to a harrowing climax. The psychological depth of the narrative ensures that even as events spiral into darkness, the characters’ motivations remain disturbingly realistic.

Highlights
• Realistic Cult Dynamics: Gardner captures the seductive appeal of self-improvement cults with chilling accuracy.
• Psychological Depth: Winona’s internal struggle and character development make for a deeply engaging read.
• Atmospheric Setting: The novel’s isolated locations heighten the sense of entrapment and foreboding.
• Slow-Burn Suspense: The tension builds gradually, leading to an explosive and unforgettable conclusion.

Final Thoughts
The Mirror House Girls is a gripping and unsettling exploration of control, manipulation, and the human desire for belonging. Faith Gardner delivers a thought-provoking psychological thriller that will resonate with fans of dark, character-driven suspense. With its eerie premise and haunting execution, this novel is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the psychological complexities of cults and coercive relationships.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
A haunting and unforgettable psychological thriller that lingers long after the final page.

Thrillers are always a slow start for me. And I get it you need to build your setting.

Simon even made me blush to start, I was excited to see how his relationship with Winona would grow in this cult setting. But then you quickly pick up on the Jim Jones vibes.

This cult is truly a terrifying game of “Simon Says”. You slowly see Simon’s narcissistic behavior. He wants everyone to tell their families to f- off but no one can tell him no. You need to woman up and stand up for yourself, but what Simon says is what is best.

Personally I don’t relate to these women, but I can see how they were preyed upon. Simon promised to help them, heal them, save them from their fears so they could live in the world without fear. He made them feel loved, special, and provided them a community.

It’s a snowball effect with Winona. Small “exposures” quickly build up to a boulder of “exposures” that by the time she crashes she can barely save herself.

The plot is great and fantastic, but i wish the other main girls were flushed out more. How did they get here? How does Maude go from the mom of the group to an enforcer? Dakota was barely there unless it was about TikTok. I’d love to know what he was saying to the other women to bring them to where they were mentally by the end of the book. I hope Winona is able to find peace and support now that she is free.

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

This book was lightening-fast, gripping me from the first page until the last! I read this whole book in two sittings, although it could have been one. I am fascinated by the idea of cults, and the author did a fabulous job with the personalization of the characters, especially since this book is all one POV. I also loved the mixed media aspect as well, both in writing and the QR codes. This is my favorite book by this author so far, and she has now become an auto-read for me. Highly recommend!

The Mirror House Girls by Faith Gardner is a complex thought-provoking thriller that is full of tension and takes a deeper look into how someone can be seduced into a cult. Winona meets Dakota at a grief group while mourning her grandma that she had taken care of until her death. Dakota is someone that Winona instantly has a connection with. Fun loving and laid back, Dakota invites Winona to hang out with her housemates. When Winona meets them she feels like she is welcome and wanted for the first time in a while. When a room is available at the Mirror House Winona jumps at the opportunity embarking on a wild ride of love, acceptance and friendship. At least that's what she thought she was getting into. Simon the leader of the group is undeniably enigmatic and Winona has a strong pull towards him right away. Little by little Simon the "healer" begins working with Winona on her deepest fears. As a former psychologist Simon leads these exposure therapies hoping to help the girls of the house and lead them in self improvement activities. But when Simon becomes more controlling and demanding and Winona can feel the dynamics of the house change, can she put aside her longing to belong and realize that Simon is dangerous or will she follow Simon into the depth of his charismatic control?
This book was beautifully written and showcases how easy it is to be drawn into a cult-like scenario. I really felt like Gardner perfectly described the slow slide that happens when there is an older charismatic leader and the younger person who is somewhat vulnerable and longing for acceptance and a community. Overall this book is most definitely going to stick with me for a while and I cannot wait to see what Gardner does next. Thank you to NetGalley, Faith Gardner, and Mirror House Press for this ARC. Expected release date is January 23rd 2025.

The book that got me out of a reading slump! Multiple times I gasps outloud or my jaw dropped. Can't recommend enough for those interested in cults or thrillers.

If you enjoy books about cults, this one is for you. Winona is looking for a place to call to fit in after the death of her Grandmother, and a dysfunctional relationship with her Mother. She meets Scarlett who invites her to a place called Mirror House. It is literally a house covered on the outside with mirrors, run by a man named Simon. The talk of the town is, the house is odd, and the ones that live here are even more odd.
Winona takes her up on the offer and she finds herself quickly captivated by the girls and Simon. She feels like she finally belongs, that this is exactly what she has been longing for.

As things become more uncomfortable and Simon isn’t initially who she thought he was, life at Mirror House begins to change. Simon is awful. Winona begins to question everything, but doesn’t want to accept the truth.
With a tragic ending, this book shows the true horror of what people living in cults can face.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was quick paced and I found it hard to put down.
Definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the early copy to review.

Faith Gardner did such a good job of capturing the personalities and motivations behind a group of women who are housemates along with one very charismatic man. I felt so frustrated that the women living in what was obviously a cult were so unaware of what was happening, but isn't that the true nature of a cult? The brainwashing is insidious and just sneaks up on you. Although this book didn't have as much of the "thriller" factor as Gardner's other books, it shows you how well she is able to capture the atmosphere of humans longing for connection, searching for something. She sums it up well in a poem from St. Vincent Millay - "there isn't a train I wouldn't take/no matter where it's going."

Be sure to also download the free epilogue entitled Home.

Thanks to NetGalley and Mirror House Press for an advance reader's copy.

I really enjoyed The Mirror House Girls by Faith Gardner. It’s about a group of people who start out living happily together as a close community, but things take a dark turn and end in tragedy. The story is centered around a cult, which I find super interesting, and it kept me hooked from start to finish.

What I loved most about the book was how well we got to know the characters. Each person had their own personality and story, which made the whole thing feel really real. The way their relationships changed over time was fascinating, and it made the ending hit even harder.

The book was an easy and quick read, which made it even better for me. My only complaint is that I wish we learned more about the cult leader and what made him tick. That would’ve added even more depth to the story.

Overall, I’d give this book 4 out of 5 stars. If you’re interested in stories about cults or just want a fast-paced, character-driven story, I’d definitely recommend The Mirror House Girls.

What a fun read! And by fun I do mean as fun as a cult thriller can be. It really hooked me in. The main character really started to get on my nerves because HOW can you be so brainwashed, but that’s the reality of cult culture.

This is a haunting, slow-burning thriller that explores the seductive power of belonging and the devastating consequences of blind faith.

Winona arrives at the eccentric Mirror House looking for a fresh start, but what she finds instead is Simon Spellmeyer, a magnetic psychologist with a cult-like hold over his “family.” At first, Simon’s unconventional methods promise transformation and purpose, drawing Winona deeper into his world. But as his vision grows darker and the group relocates to an isolated compound, the cracks in Simon’s utopia become impossible to ignore.

Gardner masterfully balances psychological tension with an undercurrent of dread, leading readers down a rabbit hole of manipulation, fractured friendships, and chilling revelations. Winona’s journey from hopeful newcomer to disillusioned captive is both gripping and heartbreaking, as she struggles to reclaim herself from the web of control Simon has spun.

Fans of psychological thrillers and dark cult narratives won’t be able to put this down.

Thank you to Mirror House Press for providing this copy via NetGalley for my honest, voluntary review.

#TheMirrorHouseGirls #NetGalley

When Winona rents a room at the eccentric Mirror House, she hopes to make new friends. Instead, she finds a "family" led by the charismatic Simon Spellmeyer. But to stay at Mirror House, Winona must follow Simon's strange self-improvement protocols. Warning bells chime inside her, but the allure of transformation keeps her hooked. Soon, Simon's vision for their future spirals in a darker direction. Can Winona recognize the true cost of Simon's vision in time to escape? Or will the utopian dream descend into a tragic nightmare?

The Mirror House Girls offers a stark portrayal of how cults are formed through manipulation and how difficult it can be to recognize one's involvement until it is too late. Winona, a character yearning for love and acceptance, finds herself at the Mirror House despite her mother's warnings. The girls residing there are guided by Simon, their leader, who acts as both confidant and therapist, aiming to "cure" their fears. Simon's calculating tactics infuriated me; he was a master at preying on women's insecurities. I felt nothing but pure disgust and sadness at the group's blind trust in him.

Gardner's detailed character development enabled me to understand each Mirror House girl from Winona's perspective. There was a great blend of endearing and dislikable personalities. I was especially drawn to Scarlett, as she seemed more sensible than the others. Overall, I was delighted to see a cult-themed plot that realistically portrayed the development of brainwashing and the subsequent denial behind it.

The Mirror House Girls possesses all the qualities I admire in a thriller. It held my attention completely until the very end, evoking a wide range of emotions in me. The conclusion felt both fitting and inevitable. Gardner's skillful storytelling masterfully depicts the complex nature of a cult, and I wholeheartedly recommend that you read this book immediately!

Give me all the cult thrillers! I definitely wanted a little more suspense and action in this one, but the cult vibes were strong! I could picture this so easily!