Book Review: House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen

I’m a big Sarah Pekkanen fan, so I jumped at the opportunity to read an advanced copy of House of Glass. It did not disappoint!

I listened to the audiobook in two days, turning it on every chance I got. Laura Benanti is the narrator, who I thought did an excellent job.

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At the heart of this riveting story is nine-year-old Rose Barclay, a silent witness to the tragic death of her nanny, which has shattered her family’s facade of perfection. The author’s portrayal of Rose alternates between haunting and heartbreaking. It’s why I couldn’t stop listening!

Stella Hudson is a best interest attorney (also sometimes known as a guardian ad litem) with her own traumatic childhood, who reluctantly takes on Rose’s case. As Stella delves deeper into the Barclay family’s secrets, we’re drawn into a world where nothing is as it seems. Pekkanen’s skill in crafting complex, flawed characters shines through, making each suspect in the nanny’s death feel believable and potentially culpable.

The Barclay’s historic DC home, with its iron gates and unsettling lack of glass, becomes a character in its own right. The author’s vivid descriptions create a palpable sense of unease that makes this such a compelling story.

As Stella races against time to uncover the truth, the story takes unexpected twists and turns that challenge our assumptions and keep us guessing until the very end. The author deftly explores themes of trauma, loyalty, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets, all while maintaining a pace that made me speed through this book.

House of Glass is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers who crave depth, nuance, and characters that linger in the mind long after the story ends. It’s a testament to Pekkanen’s skill that she can tackle such heavy subject matter while still leaving readers with a glimmer of hope. This is one I highly recommend!

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