House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen (Orion Publishing Group)

Eight-year-old Rose Barclay has fallen silent following the devastating death of her nanny, an event that unfolds amidst her parents' bitter divorce. Attorney Stella Hudson takes it upon herself to help Rose find her voice and uncover the truth behind the nanny's death. As Stella delves deeper into the Barclay family's secrets, the lines between past and present blur, leading to startling revelations. In this web of suspicion, everyone, including young Rose, is a potential suspect. The irony lies in the possibility that Stella, tasked with protecting Rose, might need protection from her.

Throughout her investigation, Stella is forced to confront her own childhood traumas, adding a layer of personal conflict to the storyline. This dual narrative of professional duty and personal healing enriches the plot, giving it a resonant emotional depth. However, despite the compelling premise, the novel's execution leaves much to be desired in terms of originality. The concept of child protection is commendably placed at the forefront, yet the recurring motif of fear—particularly the fear of glass—feels overdone and fails to convincingly tie the narrative threads together. Instead of enhancing the suspense, it often detracts from it, making the story feel contrived at times.

The characters in the novel are largely unlikable, which contributes to a dark and claustrophobic atmosphere. The relentless focus on Rose as a potential murderous psychopath casts a heavy pall over the narrative. This portrayal, while intended to build tension, can feel oppressive and one-dimensional, detracting from the complexity one might expect in a psychological thriller.

Moreover, the ending, though consistent with the story's trajectory, lacks the element of surprise that seasoned readers of the genre might crave. It unfolds predictably, aligning too neatly with the established narrative arc. Despite these shortcomings, the book holds potential appeal for readers who are less familiar with the genre. They might find the plot twists and character dynamics engaging enough to overlook the predictability.

In conclusion, while the novel offers an intriguing premise and a commendable focus on child protection, it falls short in its execution. The overemphasis on certain motifs and the lack of character likability, combined with a predictable ending, make it less appealing to experienced readers. However, for those new to psychological thrillers, it could serve as an accessible entry point into the genre, providing a blend of suspense and emotional depth.

3/5