A review by rgoth
The House of Mirrors by Erin Kelly

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; it captivated me from the very first page. The storyline is one of the most intriguing I've encountered in quite some time, weaving a rich tapestry of characters whose diverse narratives kept me eager for more. 

One of the elements I especially appreciated was the shifting point of view between the mother and daughter. This dynamic allowed for a deeper understanding of Alice's journey as she grapples with the tumultuous history that has shaped her childhood. Alice herself is a wonderfully crafted character, and I found myself enchanted by her vintage clothing shop—a charming endeavor that resonates with my personal style.

However, my instincts were on high alert when it came to Alice's boyfriend; there was an underlying sense of distrust that suggested his intentions were far from honorable. 

While the plot was engaging, there were a few moments that stretched believability a bit too far. For instance, the idea that one could listen to a podcast about strangulation and then execute it flawlessly seemed a bit far-fetched. There is a stark difference between studying a technique in theory and actually committing such an act in reality.

Nevertheless, the author’s writing skills surpassed my expectations, and I found myself eagerly turning the pages. I am definitely looking forward to exploring more of her works in the future.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings