The Girl in the Mirror

This fast read, The Girl In the Mirror by Rose Carlyle, is one of the best debut novels I have ever read in my life! I received my copy from Book of the Month last month (October 2020). I simultaneously listened to the audible version, as well, and the narration was fantastic. I really thought I had it all figured out, but I did not expect that twist at the very end. Wow!
We have to be careful when we leave our reviews for mystery/thriller books so as not to overshare and ruin the twists or plots so I'm usually brief, but I can't stop gushing over this debut novel! Maybe I'm still just coming down from the high of that last twist at the end. I'd definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys domestic thrillers.
This is definitely going to be a write-in vote for debut and thriller categories for Goodreads 2020 Choice Awards.

This thriller by Rose Carlyle has an interesting premise, but it fails to provide a satisfying mystery. The events and twists are easily predictable, which for me destroys the enjoyment of a thriller.

The story is about twin sisters, Iris and Summer. Summer is the golden child whom everyone adores while Iris is seen as flawed, at least that is how Iris interprets their situation. The sisters take a journey together on the family's sailboat, and tragedy occurs. The remainder of the story follows the aftermath of that tragic incident. To provide any more details would possibly spoil the plot.

The main reason that this thriller is disappointing lies in its predictability. The reader can easily guess the twists before they occur. The “shocking” twist at the very end comes as no surprise and falls flat. Another weakness of the book lies in the unlikable characters. It is hard to develop any sympathy for the main character and almost all of the secondary characters are purposefully despicable. This makes it hard to form a connection to any characters.

Overall, this thriller just doesn't thrill. The writing itself is fine, and there are some moments that have potential to be interesting. Ultimately though, it just doesn't deliver on its promising premise.