The Mirror House Girls

Eerie and Engaging

Faith Gardner was a new author for me, and I’ll admit—I’ve become pretty picky when it comes to thrillers. That said, The Mirror House Girls was an eerie, gripping read that I’d rate a solid 3.5 stars. It had the unsettling allure of a true crime documentary, with definite Manson family vibes that kept me hooked from start to finish.

What stood out the most was the dual timeline structure, which can sometimes feel overdone, but in this case, it was executed brilliantly. One timeline follows a woman being interviewed for a documentary in the present day, while the other takes us into the past—into the heart of a cult as it tightens its grip on a group of young women. The tension builds steadily, leading to a tragic mass death, leaving only one survivor: the woman now telling her story. The way these two narratives intertwined added depth and intrigue, making the story feel layered and immersive.

This book had an almost cinematic quality, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it adapted into a movie. In fact, thrillers like this seem tailor-made for the screen—full of psychological tension, eerie atmosphere, and twists that linger long after the final page. If you love dark, thought-provoking thrillers with a true crime feel, this one is definitely worth the read.

I really enjoyed The Mirror House Girls by Faith Gardner. It's about a group of people who start out living happily together as a close community, but things take a dark turn and end in tragedy. The story is centered around a cult, which I find super interesting, and it kept me hooked from start to finish.

What I loved most about the book was how well we got to know the characters. Each person had their own personality and story, which made the whole thing feel really real. The way their relationships changed over time was fascinating, and it made the ending hit even harder.

The book was an easy and quick read, which made it even better for me. My only complaint is that I wish we learned more about the cult leader and what made him tick. That would've added even more depth to the story.

Overall, I'd give this book 4 out of 5 stars. If you're interested in stories about cults or just want a fast-paced, character-driven story, I'd definitely recommend The Mirror House Girls.