When I first picked up The Mirror House Girls by Faith Gardner, I was feeling lukewarm about the premise. Admittedly, it was the striking cover that drew me in, along with a glowing recommendation from indie thriller author Noelle W. Ihli, whose work I’ve enjoyed. I wasn’t expecting much, but this book quickly hooked me and refused to let go.

The story follows Winona, a young woman at a crossroads in her life. She’s left her hometown, still grappling with the death of her grandmother, her strained relationship with her mother, and the fallout from a disastrous romance with a married man. At a grief counseling group, she meets Kristen, and they become fast friends. Kristen soon invites Winona to stay at the Mirror House, a strange residence covered entirely in mirrors where Kristen lives with a few other girls and Simon, a former therapist who claims to be offering pro bono therapy.

At first, the setup seems almost too good to be true. Simon is charismatic and devoted to helping the girls overcome their deepest fears through unorthodox immersion therapy. Winona, struggling with hemophobia (a fear of blood), becomes his newest project. Before long, she’s swept up by Simon’s charm and the apparent camaraderie of the other girls. Sure, her mother raises a skeptical eyebrow—“Isn’t it weird that a grown man is living in a house with five young women?”—but Winona brushes off these concerns. Simon’s methods may be unusual, but he’s helping them… right?

The cracks in Simon’s façade are slow to show but impossible to ignore. When the group relocates to a home in a remote area, the isolated setting only amplifies the growing sense of unease. Simon’s behavior becomes increasingly manipulative, and Winona begins to question his intentions. Yet every time doubt creeps in, she dismisses it: “Simon wouldn’t do that. His intentions are good… aren’t they?”

As Simon’s hold on the group strengthens, it becomes chillingly clear to outsiders—and eventually to the reader—that these girls are in a cult. The tension builds masterfully, with Winona’s inner turmoil mirroring the reader’s growing dread. What is Simon’s endgame? Can Winona break free? And even if she tries, is escape even possible? These questions are underscored by periodic flash-forwards to a news story featuring a former member of the group, teasing an inevitable tragedy that looms over the narrative.

The real strength of The Mirror House Girls lies in Faith Gardner’s ability to create a deeply unsettling atmosphere. The story plays on the fears and insecurities of its characters while pulling the reader into their world of doubt and dependency. The pacing, while slow at first, builds a relentless tension that keeps you turning pages late into the night. It’s not just about the psychological terror but also the emotional pull of seeing these girls’ lives unravel under Simon’s influence.

I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but it completely exceeded my expectations. It’s a well-written, engaging psychological thriller that creeps under your skin and refuses to let go. By the end, I was left thoroughly unsettled, completely captivated by its brilliance.

I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you’re a fan of slow-burn thrillers that explore cult dynamics and psychological manipulation, The Mirror House Girls is definitely worth your time.

★★★★½

Note: This is a review of an ARC copy of the book provided to me from NetGalley.com in exchange for my honest review. This book is set for release on Kindle and Kindle unlimited on 1/23/2025. Links to purchase are provided on this page.