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hknust's review
2.0
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
I have always loved books by Catherine Steadman, but unfortunately this one did not quite meet my expectations going in. This took me 3 days to read, which usually it takes me a day or less, just because I had a hard time with it grabbing my attention. It was an odd setup/storyline for the book in my opinion, but I guess something different is the goal. While I didn’t enjoy this as much as I had hoped, I’m sure others will love it!
I have always loved books by Catherine Steadman, but unfortunately this one did not quite meet my expectations going in. This took me 3 days to read, which usually it takes me a day or less, just because I had a hard time with it grabbing my attention. It was an odd setup/storyline for the book in my opinion, but I guess something different is the goal. While I didn’t enjoy this as much as I had hoped, I’m sure others will love it!
whatkatisreading's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Review to come! I received an advance copy from the publisher for review consideration. Opinions my own.
meowdermix's review
adventurous
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This ARC was provided by Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine.
Look in the Mirror was intriguing from the beginning. With Nina being so close to her father it seemed unimaginable that he would hide something as large as a whole vacation house in another country. That premise was all it took to hook me into the story. The Maria/Nina timeline was intentionally confusing but once you gain a grasp of it, I feel like the rest of the story falls into place. I really enjoyed the overall theme of this story, but I personally struggled with the ending. It wasn't all that bad but the fade to black/fast forward isn't something I typically enjoy in thrillers unless it is utilized well. The ending didn't ruin my enjoyment of this story by any means, but I wish it had been handled differently.
Look in the Mirror was intriguing from the beginning. With Nina being so close to her father it seemed unimaginable that he would hide something as large as a whole vacation house in another country. That premise was all it took to hook me into the story. The Maria/Nina timeline was intentionally confusing but once you gain a grasp of it, I feel like the rest of the story falls into place. I really enjoyed the overall theme of this story, but I personally struggled with the ending. It wasn't all that bad but the fade to black/fast forward isn't something I typically enjoy in thrillers unless it is utilized well. The ending didn't ruin my enjoyment of this story by any means, but I wish it had been handled differently.
ana_distracted's review
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
The set up for this thriller is intriguing and I was quickly pulled in. The house, the young women, the mystery were all the perfect set up. However, once I started to figure out what was going on, the book didn't feel so fun anymore. It felt like a missed opportunity. Overall an thriller. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
bethreadsandnaps's review
3.5
3.5 stars, rounded up
I was all-in on Catherine Steadman's latest LOOK IN THE MIRROR (publishes July 30, 2024). Shortly after Nina's father passes away, she finds out that she's inheriting an incredible, unique house of his on the British Virgin Islands. I love a creepy house even in a tropical setting!
At the same time, we are introduced to Maria, who is a medical student that also freelances as a high-priced nanny (interesting combo), and she is working at the house on a 10-day stint; however, her charges haven't yet arrived. The mysterious locked room she's not allowed into has a glitch and unlocks. And while Maria is smart, she's not immune to curiosity...
As I said, the premise was unique and fabulous. About halfway in, the novel lost some steam for me. What I did like is that there wasn't insane twist after insane twist. If you're in on the premise, then the rest of the story seems plausible, at least to me. I think the second-half problem FOR ME was that the novel then had an identity crisis. Is it an escape/locked room thriller? Is it an origin story? Is it a mystery? It becomes a little bit of everything, and I think I would have preferred the author to pick a lane.
Personally I have read almost all of Steadman's novels, and her others have all been just okay for me. This is actually my favorite by her, but it's still not a 5 star experience for me.
I was all-in on Catherine Steadman's latest LOOK IN THE MIRROR (publishes July 30, 2024). Shortly after Nina's father passes away, she finds out that she's inheriting an incredible, unique house of his on the British Virgin Islands. I love a creepy house even in a tropical setting!
At the same time, we are introduced to Maria, who is a medical student that also freelances as a high-priced nanny (interesting combo), and she is working at the house on a 10-day stint; however, her charges haven't yet arrived. The mysterious locked room she's not allowed into has a glitch and unlocks. And while Maria is smart, she's not immune to curiosity...
As I said, the premise was unique and fabulous. About halfway in, the novel lost some steam for me. What I did like is that there wasn't insane twist after insane twist. If you're in on the premise, then the rest of the story seems plausible, at least to me. I think the second-half problem FOR ME was that the novel then had an identity crisis. Is it an escape/locked room thriller? Is it an origin story? Is it a mystery? It becomes a little bit of everything, and I think I would have preferred the author to pick a lane.
Personally I have read almost all of Steadman's novels, and her others have all been just okay for me. This is actually my favorite by her, but it's still not a 5 star experience for me.
amandablackledge's review
4.0
Heart pounding thriller! You don’t even know what is happening until it’s too late! The story follows 2 women primarily as they try to figure out why there is a room in a house they are not supposed to enter. What could possibly happen if they just take a peek? A lot. A lot can happen.
glauren4556's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sairro10's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was a good psychological thriller that kept my attention until the very end! I really liked how at first glance, you think the characters have nothing to do with each other, but you discover quickly how their lives become intertwined.
I felt that the pacing was a bit off towards the end and I would have loved to have spent some more time wrapping up details and specifics before it was over. That being said, I still did like the ending and did not see some some things coming.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone looking for a creepy thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat!
Thank you to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for the ARC.
I felt that the pacing was a bit off towards the end and I would have loved to have spent some more time wrapping up details and specifics before it was over. That being said, I still did like the ending and did not see some some things coming.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone looking for a creepy thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat!
Thank you to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for the ARC.