Look In the Mirror by Catherine Steadman is a thriller about Nina and the house that her father left for her in the British Virgin Islands. After his death, she goes and checks out the house, but really strange things happen while she's there. This story was pretty unbelievable, but it was still entertaining. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

This was a solid 3 ⭐️ read. The beginning was fast-paced and drew me in almost immediately, but the further along I got, the more chaotic it got (and not in a good way). I was disappointed in how some of the characters ended up given what they went through. Overall, not bad.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House - Balintine for this ARC. This fast paced book will keep you on your toes! In England Nina finds out she inherited a house in the Caribbean from her father that just passed, how did she not know of this house? This is nothing like her father and she goes to Gorta Island to get answers. Maria is a nanny to the uber rich and her next gig is on Gorta island but funny the family and kids never show up? Now each of these woman must play the ultimate escape room game! This book will twist many times and sometimes the answers are right in front of you. Great read!

Thrilling page turner
with twists and turns you won’t guess,
intriguing heroes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



I write haiku reviews but am happy to provide more feedback.

Enjoyed this one. Not my favorite of Steadman’s, but it kept me reading eagerly. Good character development and interesting concept. Could see it as a mini series on HBO.

YESSSS! Now this was the thriller I was looking for! This book was so crazy and I just loved it!!! I could NOT put it down! This story is a dual POV happening with two timelines (nothing too crazy or confusing though) and I loved both of the characters! They were awesome! I really enjoyed The Family Game, so when I saw this one on Netgalley I requested it immediately!!! I really need to read the rest of this authors books I know there’s at least one I haven’t read yet!

June 21, 2024
The last book I read by this author was The Family Game which truly was outrageous with a twist ending that I never saw coming. So with that being said I was very excited when I received this ARC of her latest book, Look in the Mirror. So if you read the blurb, Nina whose father just passed away has left her this house in the islands.She had no idea he had this kind of wealth. This book goes back and forth between Nina and this other girl Maria who takes on nanny positions to help fund her schooling. What do they have in common. Well to tell you that would me giving spoilers. The most I can reveal is that nothing is what it appears to be, in fact this book borders on almost being a horror book. But I was definitely hooked and read this book within 2 readings so it was a wild ride and when the big reveal comes, I was totally shocked. What a twist in this latest book by this author. I gave it it four stars because it bordered on a bit of horror but I definitely would recommend this book if you are a fan of this author. Thank you net galley and the publisher for this ARC I received for an honest review.

I read this book from start to finish on a plane, and I really loved it. I went into it blind, and I think that’s for the best. It was a dark, intense thriller that was very binge worthy. Steadman really loves dark, twisted games!

4.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley for access to this arc. I enjoyed the opportunity to read this. It was a thrill ride!

I became a fan of Catherine Steadman after reading The Family Game. She proved in that novel that she knows how to build suspense, create atmosphere, and write twists that the read will not see coming! Look in the Mirror is no exception.

This story follows two major characters, Nina and Maria. Nina inherits her father’s tropical mystery estate after his death. Upon going there, she learns that it is not all that it seems. Maria is a nanny who arrives at a luxury home waiting for her young wards. She is given a warning - do not go in the home’s basement. Both Nina and Maria are met with many surprises as their stories unfold.

There were times I found the plot confusing, but the way the story wrapped up at the end he was both fantastic and a bit unsettling. For fans of intense thrillers with unexpected twists, this is for you!

I received a free copy from NetGalley. Told from different points of view that adds to the mystery. It seemed to end too quickly. It is hard to talk about without giving too much away. It was not the usual mystery, and enjoyable because of that.

3.5 stars
Quick take: This one started out strong, but in the end, it became chaotic and convoluted for this reader. I was definitely entertained and recommend it for those who love this author. It just wasn’t my own cup of tea, I’m sorry to say.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I enjoyed this thriller a lot. It was a little far fetched, but what thriller isn’t. The urgency I felt made me able to look past a few minor plot holes. I loved the multiple POV’s and felt like it added a lot of depth and perspective to the story. Also, I will never be going to Gorda or Tortola in my life- this book ruined them to me, lol.

Such a fun, fast read! This is my first book by Catherine Steadman. The title doesn’t really do the book justice.

Nina has recently lost her father, the only family she has left. He left her a mysterious house on the British Virgin Islands. She never knew it existed. Once she gets there she can immediately see that her father designed the house, a few of his personal effects were there.

There was a mysterious locked basement room. We switch between two primary points of view. Nina and Maria. Maria is a nanny to high end clientele and is also in the mysterious house with the locked basement door, which at some point became unlocked.

I felt like this was a study on class. The elite rich, their boredom and the things they do to try and erase that boredom. Gave me The Purge vibes.

For fans of escape rooms, thrillers and mysteries.

"Look In the Mirror" by Catherine Steadman is a gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of identity, memory, and deception. The story follows Liz, who is recovering from amnesia after a traumatic accident. As she unravels the mysteries of her past, she discovers unsettling truths that challenge her perception of reality.

Steadman's writing creates an atmospheric and suspenseful tone, keeping readers on edge as Liz delves deeper into her memories. The characters are complex and engaging, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative. The plot twists and turns, leading to a surprising and satisfying conclusion.

The novel skillfully navigates themes of trust, betrayal, and the fragility of memory, making it a captivating read for fans of psychological suspense. Steadman's storytelling prowess and intricate plotting ensure that "Look In the Mirror" is a compelling and thrilling journey from start to finish.

4.5 stars rounded up. The number of times I gasped out loud or my jaw dropped is uncountable 😂 this book was so nuts, just like this authors last book, it had me in a chokehold from the very beginning, no slow burn here!! There was one detail about the house that is bothering me and stopping me from a five star rating, so hurry up and add this to your TBR!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for this ARC! "Look in the Mirror" by Catherine Steadman is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of identity, memory, and deception. The story follows Liz, a woman recovering from a traumatic accident that has left her with amnesia. As Liz pieces together fragments of her past, she begins to suspect that her life before the accident may not have been what it seemed.

Steadman's writing is atmospheric and suspenseful, creating a sense of unease that intensifies as Liz's memories resurface. The characters are compelling and multi-dimensional, with Liz's journey of self-discovery at the heart of the narrative. The plot unfolds through twists and turns, keeping readers guessing about the truth of Liz's past and the motives of those around her.

The novel skillfully explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the fragile nature of memory. Steadman maintains a taut and suspenseful pace throughout, building towards a satisfying and surprising conclusion.

Overall, "Look in the Mirror" is a captivating thriller that will appeal to fans of psychological suspense. Steadman's skillful storytelling and intricate plotting make this a compelling read that keeps readers engaged until the final page.

Amazing thriller packed with mystery from page one.
Who wouldn't want to find out you've been left a seaside magnificent home, aka villa, on a tropical Caribbean island with all upkeep and maintenance paid for?
Nina is beyond thrilled and surprised, when she receives a solicitors letter informing her that her father left her such a getaway home in his will.
As she accepts the invitation to go at once and visit her new home away from home, the thrills begin and absolutely never stop. Riveting action that keeps you flipping the pages in rapid fire succession.
Definitely a one sitting story.
Who should she trust as unexplained "things" start happening? Who is really a friend and who is not?
The characters are so well scripted and defined, they could be standing right next to you as you read.
A fascinating premise with a plot that follows it.
Super read.

Locked room mystery set in a beautiful mansion, this book had a fast pace and kept me guessing the whole time! Nina is a college professor who has just lost her beloved father. Her mother died when she was very young and she has no siblings and no close friends. After his funeral she receives a letter stating she inherited a big home her father owned in the British Virgin Islands. Nina is shocked because she and her father shared everything-how could he own a house she didn't know about? She decides to go see the house and figure out what to do with it. Only when she arrives something seems off. She receives mystery notes telling her to get out and their is a mysterious room that can't be opened.

The book then alternates with the tale of another woman; Maria. Maria was in medical school when she realized her college debt was getting too high. She takes some time off to do temporary nanny positions for wealthy clients which earns her a good salary. She is offered a two week nanny job at a beautiful home in the British Virgin islands; only when she gets there the family isn't there. She is all alone and her contact person tells her to enjoy the beach and pool which she does; but as the days go by and no one shows up she is suspicious. And there is a mysterious door she is told to never open. How these stories and women connect is the heart of this mystery.

I would have liked to know a bit more about the women especially why two young women (Nina is 34 and Maria in her 20's) have no friends of any kind. I did like the fact that both women were strong and resourceful and determined to figure out what was happening. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in exchange for a review.

Look In the Mirror is a quick moving mystery thriller that will be perfect for a vacation or staycation read. I flew through this quickly and went in without reading much of the synopsis, I recommend you do the same if this book sounds fun to you.

When Nina's father dies, she finds out she is inheriting a large home in the British Virgin Islands- a place she never knew her father had even been to. So Nina travels to BVI and trouble begins. Told in almost alternating perspectives of Nina and Maria, a young nanny at a mysterious assignment, seasoned thriller readers will see where this book is going but that won't make it less tense!

This is a plot forward, puzzle kind of thriller, with minimal character development to keep the story concise and well paced. I have previously read and enjoyed The Family Game and Something in the Water, also by Catherine Steadman, and I'd say this is in between the two in terms of the style of the plot. This is a good choice if you like isolated settings and a few loose ends.

3.5 rounded up to 4

I'm a bit torn on this one because story-wise it was good and what I've come to expect from Steadman. However, I went into it blind and if I had known what was going on I would not have chosen to read this one. I think it's important to note that while there is no over-the-top torture or gory scenes in the escape rooms, this should come with trigger warnings for kidnapping and human trafficking. I did finish it, but thought it wrapped up a bit too neatly given everything that happened. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.