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.