Jayme's Reviews > House of Glass

“EVIL ISN’T MERELY A WORD-IT’S A TANGIBLE, DIMENSIONAL THING”

Rose Barclay is a nine-year-old girl who suffers from “traumatic mutism”-she literally can no longer speak.

It all started after she witnessed the “possible murder” of her nanny Tina, in the midst of her parent's imminent divorce.

Stella Hudson is a best interest attorney, appointed to serve as counsel for children in custody cases. She usually refuses to accept clients under the age of thirteen due to a her own traumatic childhood.

But since she also suffered from “traumatic mutism” as a child, she seems best suited to find a way to reach Rose. Her job will be to determine which parent is better suited to be awarded full custody.

But that won’t be the only challenge.

Certain details surrounding Tina’s fall, lead the Police to have doubts about it being an accident, and although they have been unable to build a case against ANYONE -EVERYONE remains a suspect:

Beth Barclay-Rose’s mom
Ian Barclay-Rose’s dad
Harriett-Rose’s grandmother
and even Rose herself…

The Barclays have removed all of the GLASS in the home, after Rose started collecting sharp objects. And, Stella has discovered that this strangely formal, extremely intelligent little girl is hiding “The Stranger Beside Me” a book about the serial killer, Ted Bundy, within the covers of “Anne of Green Gables” …

Why are the Barclays so HESITANT to allow Stella to spend time alone with Rose?

“FEAR TAKES MANY FORMS. IT’S A GREAT MOTIVATOR and a POWERFUL DETERRENT “

I really enjoyed this book from the very first pages! The author created a sinister, disturbing atmosphere and a child you will feel leary of…

It’s a more linear mystery which DOESN’T rely on crazy twists, instead revealing its surprises as we become further invested. I prefer more plausible stories, and a chance to get to know the characters so it worked well for my tastes. I am always THRILLED when I find a book with an ORIGINAL PLOT in a genre filled with tired, repeated tropes.

I was satisfied with MOST of the resolution, and even got teary eyed at one point, but felt that one small aspect felt forced and contrived (-.5 for that!) That brings me to 4.5 rounded up.

It seems that Sarah Pekkanen will make my “favorites list” two years in a row! I have also enjoyed her collaborations with Greer Hendricks.

A buddy read with DeAnn, MarilynW and Mary Beth. Be sure to read their reviews for additional insight!

AVAILABLE NOW!

THANK YOU to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!