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!

🪩The Mirror House Girls
✍️ Faith Gardner
📅 Pub date: 23 Jan 2025

Thank you @netgalley and the publisher for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first Faith Gardner book, but I’ve seen her books recommended on the psychological thrillers Facebook group.

If you like cults, true crime documentaries and psychological mind f*@ks you’re in for a treat! Witnessing Winona’s vulnerability and ultimate brainwashing is nail-bitingly tense, but expertly done. Bravo @faith.gardner 👏🏻

It’s a wild ride. I read this in 24 hours, and now I’m off to find the extra chapter / epilogue…

Looks like it’s on KU for the Aussies 🇦🇺

#faithgardnerbooks #faithgardner #themirrorhousegirls #itsbookedup #netgalley #kindleunlimited

I love how this book moved between viewpoints, it definitely kept my attention and it spoke to my love of true crime.

The Mirror House Girls by Faith Gardner is a claustrophobic and addictive thriller full of manipulation and brainwashing. I have always been amazed by people who can blindly follow some philosophy without questioning. Probably I am too strong-minded or logical, I don't know.

In this story, Winona fell for it because of the circumstances - a nonfunctioning relationship with her mother and grief for her grandmother. She was too desperate for acceptance, attention and understanding.

It was interesting to see how manipulation and obsession progress to a completely messed up level where there is no way back.

Simon successfully creates a situation where girls fall for him and do not question his intentions and actions, they just accept him for what he does. Simon uses this to his advantage and creates an isolated atmosphere where he gives girls the feeling that they can leave any time they want knowing, they are under his spell.

The story is told from Winona's point of view in the past and from Scarlett's point of view as part of the documentary because Scarlett is the only survivor of the original group that lived at Mirror House.

Thank you, NetGalley and Mirror House Press for this copy.

I’m a huge fan of true crime docs about cults and as such, a huge fan of this book. It was unputdownable, suspenseful, and brilliantly written.

We follow Winona, who meets Dakota at a grief support group. One weekend, Dakota encourages Winona to join her on a hike with her roommates. On that faithful day, Winona meets Simon and is immediately put under his spell; he’s handsome, smart and charismatic.

Winona decides to move in with them in the Mirror House, and is astonished by how much she loves her new friends and new life. Especially as Simon - a clinical psychologist - is showing particular interest in helping her face her fears.

As her life becomes further enmeshed with the group, she finds herself continually shutting down that internal voice that tells her something is not quite right.

Faith Gardner executed such a brilliantly vivid depiction the insidious nature of a cult - how it permeates your every pore, blasts seeds of doubt out of your brain, changes your language, and compels you to do anything to the favour of the leader.

Cults prey on the weaknesses of individuals and give them what they crave - belonging - forsaking the naysayers and lifting their leader to God-tier status.

Winona’s deep-seated need for love and acceptance, makes you question whether you would fall for the charms of a cult. Everyone has a need for friendship, love, community, and so anyone could fall prey to Mirror House.

This book was so atmospheric, had a great cast of characters, and managed to both disturb and delight me.

Really recommend this as your next thriller read!

Thanks to Mirror House Press and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

This is easily one of my favorite arcs I’ve ever received. The Mirror House Girls alternates between some unnervingly, revealing documentary excerpts and Winona’s journey of self-discovery after losing her sense of self. Along the way, she befriends Dakota, who introduces her to the world of the Mirror House and Simon, the captivating yet unsettling ‘head’ of the household (think Charles Manson, and you’re not far off).

From the first few pages, I knew I was going to enjoy this—and I wasn’t wrong. The documentary excerpts were my favourite feature, adding layers of tension and expectations. While some parts of the middle felt slower, I wouldn’t change a thing. Every detail, every deliberate unraveling, made me feel immersed in the world of the Mirror House girls.

I love a good cult story! This has everything I love in a psychological thriller. Wynona was very relatable in her search for belonging somewhere. Her development in the story made this so much more enjoyable. Although the plot was laid out in the beginning, I couldn't wait to read what happened next. The author did a great job weaving the present documentary narrative with the past. Loved this one!