House of Glass

Proper Thriller

I want to start off by saying a slight apology to some of my coworkers. Why, you might be asking? Well, the majority of my shift today was spent reading “House of Glass” by Sarah Pekkanen. I am shocked that this is my first book by this author. I loved the audiobook and ebook in equal measure. For the first time in a long while, I read a thriller that I did not guess the ending to. Such a win in my book. This book comes at the heels of a week where I have read many five-star reads, and this is going on that pile.

“House of Glass” is an enthralling thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story revolves around a seemingly perfect family living in a beautiful glass house, but as secrets begin to unravel, the facade of their idyllic life shatters. Pekkanen masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, with twists and turns that left me guessing until the very end.

Stella’s character is delightfully well-developed and serves as the pillar of the story. I appreciated her willingness and determination to stick with this frustrating case despite all the obstacles she faces and her own past trauma. Rose was written in equal measure creepy child and someone I wanted to hug.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own hidden depths and motivations. The protagonist’s journey through the layers of deception and betrayal is both gripping and emotionally charged. Pekkanen’s writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy to lose track of time while reading.

One of the standout aspects of this book is its ability to balance intense, heart-pounding moments with quieter, introspective scenes. This contrast adds depth to the narrative and keeps the reader invested in the characters’ fates. The pacing is perfect, with just the right amount of tension building up to a satisfying and unexpected conclusion.

I both read and listened to the book. The audio narrator, Laura Benanti, a Tony award-winning singer/actress, brings the story to life with her captivating performance. Her steady voice and nuanced inflection keep listeners hooked from start to finish.

Overall, “House of Glass” is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts. It’s a testament to Pekkanen’s skill as a storyteller that she can craft such a compelling and unpredictable plot. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read. I can’t wait to explore more of Sarah Pekkanen’s work in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for sending me an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own. I look forward to reading more thrillers by this author if the characters are this well-written