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The Glass Key
Not yet published
Expected 18 Jun 26In Ireland, Maggie has grown up hearing her mother tell her the bedtime story of The Glass Key. It's a Nordic fairytale passed down by Maggie's grandmother Anna Swan, who mysteriously left her home one stormy night years ago, never to return. Now Maggie's grandfather has died and going through his things, Maggie is shocked to discover a faded wartime letter, asking him to take in a baby. In that moment she realises that Anna Swan was a woman of many secrets.
Only by travelling to Norway and discovering the story of four brave young women whose lives were forever changed by the occupation of their tiny islands, can Maggie uncover the shocking truth about her family - and finally unlock the mystery of the glass key...
As epic as the Norwegian landscape it so vividly describes, The Glass Key is a sweeping journey of a novel that will stay with you for ever.
Only by travelling to Norway and discovering the story of four brave young women whose lives were forever changed by the occupation of their tiny islands, can Maggie uncover the shocking truth about her family - and finally unlock the mystery of the glass key...
As epic as the Norwegian landscape it so vividly describes, The Glass Key is a sweeping journey of a novel that will stay with you for ever.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 18, 2026
About the author
Amanda Geard
8 books244 followersAmanda Geard is the bestselling author of THE MOON GATE and Richard & Judy Book Club pick THE MIDNIGHT HOUSE which was a UK Heatseeker and a top 10 kindle bestseller. Both novels are translated into ten languages. Her new book, THE GLASS KEY, will be published in May 2026 and has already sold across the world.
She has always loved novels with multiple timelines, ones which weave a complex web that resolve as the reader turns the final page, where secrets lie just beneath the surface if only the characters know where to look. She’s also a geologist who explores and maps the earth’s remote places. She splits her time between Ireland, Norway and ‘the field’.
“The inspiration for my first novel, THE MIDNIGHT HOUSE, appeared in the rafters of our Irish home, a two-hundred-year-old stone building perched on the edge of the Atlantic. Hidden there was a message, scratched into wood: 'When this comes down, pray for me. Tim O’Shea 1911'. As I held that piece of timber in my hands, dust clinging to my paint-stained clothes, I was humbled that a person’s fingerprint could, in a thousand ways, transcend time, and I wanted nothing more than to capture that feeling of discovery on the page.
My second novel, THE MOON GATE, is set across three locations: Tasmania (the place I grew up), London (where I lived for years in a houseboat on Paddington Canal) and County Kerry, Ireland (my home). Each of these places is special to me and I hope the settings, as much as the characters, will reach out from the page and reassure you that – in this world – you are not alone.
Finally, THE GLASS KEY is coming in May 2026 and I couldn’t be more excited! The inspiration for this novel began in April 2011. As Kate and Wills walked down the aisle, my soon-to-be husband and I walked onto an isle, a 52-acre Norwegian one, one hundred kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.
It was for sale.
It was love at first sight.
We were 29.
We bought the island, learned to live. The Glass Key pays homage to this, weaving in the struggles of four women in Occupied Norway and the lengths they’ll go to to survive. Expect love and sacrifice. Expect tears. Expect hope. I can’t wait to share this book with you soon!”
You can find more information about Amanda Geard and her books on Instagram (@amandageard) or contact her at www.amandageard.com – where you can also join her mailing list for updates on books, events and giveaways.
She has always loved novels with multiple timelines, ones which weave a complex web that resolve as the reader turns the final page, where secrets lie just beneath the surface if only the characters know where to look. She’s also a geologist who explores and maps the earth’s remote places. She splits her time between Ireland, Norway and ‘the field’.
“The inspiration for my first novel, THE MIDNIGHT HOUSE, appeared in the rafters of our Irish home, a two-hundred-year-old stone building perched on the edge of the Atlantic. Hidden there was a message, scratched into wood: 'When this comes down, pray for me. Tim O’Shea 1911'. As I held that piece of timber in my hands, dust clinging to my paint-stained clothes, I was humbled that a person’s fingerprint could, in a thousand ways, transcend time, and I wanted nothing more than to capture that feeling of discovery on the page.
My second novel, THE MOON GATE, is set across three locations: Tasmania (the place I grew up), London (where I lived for years in a houseboat on Paddington Canal) and County Kerry, Ireland (my home). Each of these places is special to me and I hope the settings, as much as the characters, will reach out from the page and reassure you that – in this world – you are not alone.
Finally, THE GLASS KEY is coming in May 2026 and I couldn’t be more excited! The inspiration for this novel began in April 2011. As Kate and Wills walked down the aisle, my soon-to-be husband and I walked onto an isle, a 52-acre Norwegian one, one hundred kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.
It was for sale.
It was love at first sight.
We were 29.
We bought the island, learned to live. The Glass Key pays homage to this, weaving in the struggles of four women in Occupied Norway and the lengths they’ll go to to survive. Expect love and sacrifice. Expect tears. Expect hope. I can’t wait to share this book with you soon!”
You can find more information about Amanda Geard and her books on Instagram (@amandageard) or contact her at www.amandageard.com – where you can also join her mailing list for updates on books, events and giveaways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
September 17, 2025
The Glass Key is beautifully written and brimming with mystery, family secrets, and heart. Geard’s evocative prose unlocks the past with striking detail, taking readers to wartime Norway through vivid landscapes that are utterly transportive. With richly drawn characters and the poignant exploration of love, loss, and legacy, this story will be loved by fiction readers everywhere.
I was lucky to get an advanced read of this book and loved it!
I was lucky to get an advanced read of this book and loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Moving seamlessly between 1940 and 2005, The Glass Key is a beautifully written and emotionally book that blends mystery, love story, and historical drama into one compelling journey.
At its heart lies the mystery of Anna Carlsen whose disappearance in 1940 casts a long shadow across generations. In 2005, her story resurfaces, setting in motion a moving hunt for the truth. As past and present intertwine, long-buried secrets begin to surface, revealing threads that connect love, loss, and memory.
Amanda Geard’s writing captures atmosphere between the tension of wartime Europe and the modern-day.. The dual timeline igradually draws you deeper into both eras.
This is not just a mystery, but a story of identity and the ways in which the past shapes the present. It’s a story about longing and resilience, about the courage it takes to confront painful truths and about love that endures beyond time.
At its heart lies the mystery of Anna Carlsen whose disappearance in 1940 casts a long shadow across generations. In 2005, her story resurfaces, setting in motion a moving hunt for the truth. As past and present intertwine, long-buried secrets begin to surface, revealing threads that connect love, loss, and memory.
Amanda Geard’s writing captures atmosphere between the tension of wartime Europe and the modern-day.. The dual timeline igradually draws you deeper into both eras.
This is not just a mystery, but a story of identity and the ways in which the past shapes the present. It’s a story about longing and resilience, about the courage it takes to confront painful truths and about love that endures beyond time.
September 29, 2025
I have been a huge Amanda Geard fan ever since falling in love with her debut, The Midnight House, so I’ve been eagerly awaiting her third novel, The Glass Key. Like both her other novels, this is a book to sink into, to be transported and moved by. Geard always creates such an incredible sense of place and this was no exception. Her descriptions of both Ireland and Northern Norway are so vivid, I was there, walking alongside her beautifully drawn characters. This is a novel full of intrigue and mystery; of love, loss, war and adventure. I lived every page and there were tears at those emotive last scenes. I loved this book and savoured every sentence. I will be recommending it to everyone.
April 18, 2026
The glass key is a beautifully written dual-timeline story with one foot in a Norwegian Archipelago during the 1940’s & one in County Kerry in 2005. Gradually Maggie & her mother, Freya, uncover the family secrets hidden in Helebore House following the death of grandfather/father Atticus. Eventually they manage to answer all of those questions back in Freya’s birthplace. I loved the wonderful settings & the sweeping ‘saga’ style of this book, the way the two timelines knitted together & the beautifully descriptive writing. For me, the only downside was the slow burn to get to the nub of the story. I felt that a stricter structural edit would have been beneficial as it felt just a little too long-winded in places which jarred the reading experience. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the story & the author notes at the end were really fascinating.
December 19, 2025
The Glass Key – Amanda Geard
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Thank you so much to Amanda for my super early copy of this book - I’m incredibly honoured.
The Glass Key is everything I’ve come to expect from Amanda Geard: sweeping, emotional, and utterly immersive. A story steeped in love, loss, and long-buried secrets, it moves between Ireland and wartime Norway with such care and depth that I found myself completely absorbed from the very first page.
As someone from a Scandinavian country, this book gave me an unexpected and powerful sense of nostalgia. The customs, traditions, and rhythms of life felt deeply familiar, and I could draw so many parallels that made the connection to the story even stronger. If there’s one thing Amanda does unbelievably well, it’s creating settings so vivid you can smell the sea, feel the breeze, and hear the echoes of the past woven into the landscape.
The mystery surrounding Anna Swan and the fairytale of The Glass Key unfolds beautifully, blending historical fiction with family secrets in a way that feels both intimate and epic. It’s emotional without ever feeling manipulative, and every revelation lands exactly where it should.
A breathtaking, stay-up-all-night read that will linger long after the final page. Amanda Geard has done it again - a truly unforgettable novel.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Thank you so much to Amanda for my super early copy of this book - I’m incredibly honoured.
The Glass Key is everything I’ve come to expect from Amanda Geard: sweeping, emotional, and utterly immersive. A story steeped in love, loss, and long-buried secrets, it moves between Ireland and wartime Norway with such care and depth that I found myself completely absorbed from the very first page.
As someone from a Scandinavian country, this book gave me an unexpected and powerful sense of nostalgia. The customs, traditions, and rhythms of life felt deeply familiar, and I could draw so many parallels that made the connection to the story even stronger. If there’s one thing Amanda does unbelievably well, it’s creating settings so vivid you can smell the sea, feel the breeze, and hear the echoes of the past woven into the landscape.
The mystery surrounding Anna Swan and the fairytale of The Glass Key unfolds beautifully, blending historical fiction with family secrets in a way that feels both intimate and epic. It’s emotional without ever feeling manipulative, and every revelation lands exactly where it should.
A breathtaking, stay-up-all-night read that will linger long after the final page. Amanda Geard has done it again - a truly unforgettable novel.
February 6, 2026
A story written in a dual timeline:
- WWII in Einevaer (Norway)
- 2005 in Kerry (Ireland)
There generations of women are portrayed in those years: a grandmother, a mother and her daughter.
As her grandfather past away, the granddaughter begins her quest for truth. The truth behind her grandmother’s disappearance forty years ago.
Her mother was a teenager, and she had a great bond with her mother. Yet one night she’d vanished from their Irish home.
This journey will take you through rough times, yet in an unbelievable setting up in the arctic where a heart shaped island lies.
The women who lived there were already brave to cope into such an environment, and the war only put them further to the test.
The author depicts different kinds of love made of sisterhood, womanhood, friendships and more. The kind of unconditional loyalty,
anyone could only dream of. And that’s the true essence of feeling whole and at home.
I adored this story and recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity.
- WWII in Einevaer (Norway)
- 2005 in Kerry (Ireland)
There generations of women are portrayed in those years: a grandmother, a mother and her daughter.
As her grandfather past away, the granddaughter begins her quest for truth. The truth behind her grandmother’s disappearance forty years ago.
Her mother was a teenager, and she had a great bond with her mother. Yet one night she’d vanished from their Irish home.
This journey will take you through rough times, yet in an unbelievable setting up in the arctic where a heart shaped island lies.
The women who lived there were already brave to cope into such an environment, and the war only put them further to the test.
The author depicts different kinds of love made of sisterhood, womanhood, friendships and more. The kind of unconditional loyalty,
anyone could only dream of. And that’s the true essence of feeling whole and at home.
I adored this story and recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity.
May 21, 2026
Wanneer Maggie’s grootvader overlijdt, stuit ze tussen zijn bezittingen op een mysterieuze brief uit de oorlogsjaren. De afzender? Haar grootmoeder, de vrouw die ooit op een stormachtige avond spoorloos verdween. In de brief vraagt ze hem om een baby in huis te nemen. Maar waarom? En van wie was het kind?
Al sinds haar jeugd hoort Maggie het intrigerende familieverhaal over de glazen sleutel, een Scandinavische mythe die van generatie op generatie wordt doorgegeven. Wat ooit klonk als een sprookje, blijkt dieper geworteld in de werkelijkheid dan ze ooit had kunnen vermoeden.
Vastbesloten de waarheid te achterhalen, reist Maggie naar een afgelegen eiland in Noorwegen. Daar ontrafelt ze het aangrijpende verhaal van vier moedige jonge vrouwen tijdens de bezetting – en ontdekt ze hoe hun levens onlosmakelijk verbonden zijn met dat van haar eigen familie.
Mijn ervaring:
Wat een intrigerende, mysterieuze en pakkende historische roman. Het verhaal ontvouwt zich rondom het mysterie van een verdwenen grootmoeder, maar groeit gaandeweg uit tot een gelaagde en soms complexe roman die je volledig in zijn greep houdt. Amanda Geard heeft een beeldende en sfeervolle schrijfstijl. Ze weet het ruige Noorse landschap zo levendig te beschrijven dat je je er echt waant. Op toegankelijke en vloeiende wijze houdt ze de complexe en verschillende verhaallijnen helder. Daarbij zorgt de combinatie van mysterie en emotionele diepgang voor een spannend, oprecht en ontroerend verhaal.
In het heden is Maggie een overtuigend en krachtig hoofdpersonage, gedreven door nieuwsgierigheid en een diep gevoel van gemis. In het verleden geven de vier jonge vrouwen tijdens de bezetting het verhaal extra gewicht. Hun keuzes, angsten, twijfels en zorgen zorgen voor een sterke psychologische gelaagdheid. Elk personage draagt zijn of haar eigen geheimen en innerlijke strijd met zich mee en niemand is overduidelijk goed of slecht. Dat maakt de personages menselijk en herkenbaar en geeft het verhaal een realistisch gevoel.
Het verhaal is opgebouwd uit meerdere tijdlijnen. Hierdoor vallen de puzzelstukjes langzaam op hun plek en wordt de spanning geleidelijk opgebouwd. Het tempo ligt niet extreem hoog, maar voelt precies goed: rustig waar nodig om emoties echt binnen te laten komen, en sneller op momenten waarop de onthullingen dichterbij komen. Dit zorgt ervoor dat je blijft doorlezen, gedreven door de nieuwsgierigheid naar hoe alles samenkomt.
In het verhaal draait het om familie, identiteit en de impact van het verleden op het heden. Geheimen, oorlog en opoffering vormen de kern van het verhaal, maar ook liefde en verbondenheid spelen een belangrijke rol. De roman laat op indrukwekkende wijze zien hoe keuzes uit het verleden generaties lang kunnen doorwerken. Vooral de emotionele ontknoping maakte veel indruk en gaf het verhaal nog meer diepgang.
De glazen sleutel is een intrigerende, meeslepende en gelaagde roman. De sterke, realistische personages, de sfeervolle setting en de emotionele diepgang, gecombineerd met mysterie, spanning en familiegeschiedenis, zorgen voor een heerlijke leeservaring. Ook deze roman van Amanda Geard is absoluut een aanrader.
Al sinds haar jeugd hoort Maggie het intrigerende familieverhaal over de glazen sleutel, een Scandinavische mythe die van generatie op generatie wordt doorgegeven. Wat ooit klonk als een sprookje, blijkt dieper geworteld in de werkelijkheid dan ze ooit had kunnen vermoeden.
Vastbesloten de waarheid te achterhalen, reist Maggie naar een afgelegen eiland in Noorwegen. Daar ontrafelt ze het aangrijpende verhaal van vier moedige jonge vrouwen tijdens de bezetting – en ontdekt ze hoe hun levens onlosmakelijk verbonden zijn met dat van haar eigen familie.
Mijn ervaring:
Wat een intrigerende, mysterieuze en pakkende historische roman. Het verhaal ontvouwt zich rondom het mysterie van een verdwenen grootmoeder, maar groeit gaandeweg uit tot een gelaagde en soms complexe roman die je volledig in zijn greep houdt. Amanda Geard heeft een beeldende en sfeervolle schrijfstijl. Ze weet het ruige Noorse landschap zo levendig te beschrijven dat je je er echt waant. Op toegankelijke en vloeiende wijze houdt ze de complexe en verschillende verhaallijnen helder. Daarbij zorgt de combinatie van mysterie en emotionele diepgang voor een spannend, oprecht en ontroerend verhaal.
In het heden is Maggie een overtuigend en krachtig hoofdpersonage, gedreven door nieuwsgierigheid en een diep gevoel van gemis. In het verleden geven de vier jonge vrouwen tijdens de bezetting het verhaal extra gewicht. Hun keuzes, angsten, twijfels en zorgen zorgen voor een sterke psychologische gelaagdheid. Elk personage draagt zijn of haar eigen geheimen en innerlijke strijd met zich mee en niemand is overduidelijk goed of slecht. Dat maakt de personages menselijk en herkenbaar en geeft het verhaal een realistisch gevoel.
Het verhaal is opgebouwd uit meerdere tijdlijnen. Hierdoor vallen de puzzelstukjes langzaam op hun plek en wordt de spanning geleidelijk opgebouwd. Het tempo ligt niet extreem hoog, maar voelt precies goed: rustig waar nodig om emoties echt binnen te laten komen, en sneller op momenten waarop de onthullingen dichterbij komen. Dit zorgt ervoor dat je blijft doorlezen, gedreven door de nieuwsgierigheid naar hoe alles samenkomt.
In het verhaal draait het om familie, identiteit en de impact van het verleden op het heden. Geheimen, oorlog en opoffering vormen de kern van het verhaal, maar ook liefde en verbondenheid spelen een belangrijke rol. De roman laat op indrukwekkende wijze zien hoe keuzes uit het verleden generaties lang kunnen doorwerken. Vooral de emotionele ontknoping maakte veel indruk en gaf het verhaal nog meer diepgang.
De glazen sleutel is een intrigerende, meeslepende en gelaagde roman. De sterke, realistische personages, de sfeervolle setting en de emotionele diepgang, gecombineerd met mysterie, spanning en familiegeschiedenis, zorgen voor een heerlijke leeservaring. Ook deze roman van Amanda Geard is absoluut een aanrader.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A very emotional dual timeline novel! How hard it must be to have see your mum walk away when you are sixteen; how hard must it be when you start doubting about the biological family bonds? Secrets started in desperate situations during the Second World War in North Norway will follow Anna and her daughter Freja to Ireland... I enjoyed the descriptions of the Norwegian wild sea and learning about those numerous islands and their inhabitants.
The characters were convincing and I felt for them. However, the more modern timeline with its typical romantic touch was for me totally irrelevant as it is very often the case in dual timelines novels. But still, I enjoyed the rest of this emotional and thrilling novel very much.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
The characters were convincing and I felt for them. However, the more modern timeline with its typical romantic touch was for me totally irrelevant as it is very often the case in dual timelines novels. But still, I enjoyed the rest of this emotional and thrilling novel very much.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
May 14, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book was written in a dual timeline between the early 1940’s & 2005. Based in Norway & Ireland it tells the story of Irishman Atticus Swan & Norwegian sisters, Liv & Nina, who he meets in the Archipelago Donald’s of Norway.
The islands (where you need a boat to access the shop alone!) were described with such detail I could picture everything I read. Other characters include Astrid, Leif, Gudrun & the strict, or so it seems, teacher of the tiny school on the islands.
The story goes between war time & present (ish) time & reveals what can happen with truths that are not told & secrets that are kept & not shared, lies for the greater good or were they?
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, mysterious, sad, heartwarming & extremely emotional towards the end. I did get confused with all the characters at one point - if you read it I’m sure you will understand why - but it all comes together & makes complete sense at the end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction that tugs at the heart strings & makes you think what if?
This book was written in a dual timeline between the early 1940’s & 2005. Based in Norway & Ireland it tells the story of Irishman Atticus Swan & Norwegian sisters, Liv & Nina, who he meets in the Archipelago Donald’s of Norway.
The islands (where you need a boat to access the shop alone!) were described with such detail I could picture everything I read. Other characters include Astrid, Leif, Gudrun & the strict, or so it seems, teacher of the tiny school on the islands.
The story goes between war time & present (ish) time & reveals what can happen with truths that are not told & secrets that are kept & not shared, lies for the greater good or were they?
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, mysterious, sad, heartwarming & extremely emotional towards the end. I did get confused with all the characters at one point - if you read it I’m sure you will understand why - but it all comes together & makes complete sense at the end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction that tugs at the heart strings & makes you think what if?
March 12, 2026
With The Glass Key, Amanda Geard has once again written another epic, complex, richly layered mystery that swept through my heart like a firestorm and made me weep. This is a story of love, sacrifice, loss, war, guilt, alienation and restoration—just to name a few. It is steeped in breathtaking settings, moody atmosphere, generational secrets, identity plot twists and intriguing characters, that will hold your attention to the last page. There are events you won’t see coming and characters that will surprise you. Your heart will race faster with the twists and turns and daring acts. And then, after all that, you will feel the pain of souls in bitter conflict.
I have thought long and hard of what to say about The Glass Key— as due to the nature of it, one could easily give away information that should be reserved for the reader. So I will delicately walk through a few points so as not to spoil the experience. (Don’t ask me why but my poetic mind can picture cat footprints in the snow!) I hope to lure readers to pick this up once the winds of curiosity blow your way with a few crumbs I will share. I decided to say just a little to entice those who may not have read Amanda’s books before. Because those who have, will need no convincing.
First I can say it is evident The Glass Key was born of the author’s passion for the locations and topics dear to her heart. (Amanda shares in her notes at the back, her own experience of landing on and then owning an island one hundred kilometres north of the Arctic Circle). Throughout the story, I could feel the deep emotion, the agony and ecstasy, that birthed this beautiful tale. Profound serious characterisation development and exceptional descriptions of a beloved Nordic island are delivered with such sensitivity, that it is obvious nature and human experiences and temperaments are intricately woven together. We get to know each person with their fears and dreams in a changing landscape. But that does not mean we can figure out easily what direction they will head when trials come.
The novel is told in two timelines that flow seamlessly, transitioning well, supplying various aspects of the plot: where one revelation/moment starts in the present and then shifts over to the past continuing the story. One thread set in Occupied Norway, paints a vivid picture of how difficult it was for residents. The Irish landscape also weaves its magical spell, too, for the modern timeline contains a house of mystery and secrets.
I also loved the use of Maggie’s grandmother’s beautiful and tragic Nordic fairytale, The Glass Key. Maggie grew up in Ireland hearing this haunting story. Then one stormy night, Anna Swan suddenly left her home. Nobody knew what happened to her. After Maggie’s grandfather dies, she finds a letter that sets her world spinning. She must uncover the truth for her mother’s sake. This quest begins by travelling to Norway. Through various avenues and people, Maggie unravels the mystery that is connected to WW2 and four brave women. This knowledge sets her mother’s heart free to heal and they are able to ‘unlock the mystery of the glass key.’
The Glad Key is very much a relationship story that explores the many kinds of love there are and the sacrifices some will make. What lengths would you go, what sacrifices would you make, to save another that meant the world to you? Expect there will be great pain. Labour of epic proportions. And tears.
The Glass Key cuts to the bone, carves out your heart but then slowly pieces you back together again. It is raw, honest and earth-shaking. With Maggie at the helm of this quest, her mother receives answers that lead to emotional healing. The finale is powerful. It delivers restoration. As we sail on a ship of hope, through a channel of trials, with these beloved characters to the isle of their dreams, the journey ends on the shores of peace, joy and forgiveness. A beautiful, unforgettable story steeped in passion, promise and pain that leaves behind a legacy of light, love and liberty. I was fixed to the pages and tears constantly welled up in my eyes. I cannot praise this novel enough and highly recommend it. 5 Golden Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Headline Review and Netgalley for a review copy.
I have thought long and hard of what to say about The Glass Key— as due to the nature of it, one could easily give away information that should be reserved for the reader. So I will delicately walk through a few points so as not to spoil the experience. (Don’t ask me why but my poetic mind can picture cat footprints in the snow!) I hope to lure readers to pick this up once the winds of curiosity blow your way with a few crumbs I will share. I decided to say just a little to entice those who may not have read Amanda’s books before. Because those who have, will need no convincing.
First I can say it is evident The Glass Key was born of the author’s passion for the locations and topics dear to her heart. (Amanda shares in her notes at the back, her own experience of landing on and then owning an island one hundred kilometres north of the Arctic Circle). Throughout the story, I could feel the deep emotion, the agony and ecstasy, that birthed this beautiful tale. Profound serious characterisation development and exceptional descriptions of a beloved Nordic island are delivered with such sensitivity, that it is obvious nature and human experiences and temperaments are intricately woven together. We get to know each person with their fears and dreams in a changing landscape. But that does not mean we can figure out easily what direction they will head when trials come.
The novel is told in two timelines that flow seamlessly, transitioning well, supplying various aspects of the plot: where one revelation/moment starts in the present and then shifts over to the past continuing the story. One thread set in Occupied Norway, paints a vivid picture of how difficult it was for residents. The Irish landscape also weaves its magical spell, too, for the modern timeline contains a house of mystery and secrets.
I also loved the use of Maggie’s grandmother’s beautiful and tragic Nordic fairytale, The Glass Key. Maggie grew up in Ireland hearing this haunting story. Then one stormy night, Anna Swan suddenly left her home. Nobody knew what happened to her. After Maggie’s grandfather dies, she finds a letter that sets her world spinning. She must uncover the truth for her mother’s sake. This quest begins by travelling to Norway. Through various avenues and people, Maggie unravels the mystery that is connected to WW2 and four brave women. This knowledge sets her mother’s heart free to heal and they are able to ‘unlock the mystery of the glass key.’
The Glad Key is very much a relationship story that explores the many kinds of love there are and the sacrifices some will make. What lengths would you go, what sacrifices would you make, to save another that meant the world to you? Expect there will be great pain. Labour of epic proportions. And tears.
The Glass Key cuts to the bone, carves out your heart but then slowly pieces you back together again. It is raw, honest and earth-shaking. With Maggie at the helm of this quest, her mother receives answers that lead to emotional healing. The finale is powerful. It delivers restoration. As we sail on a ship of hope, through a channel of trials, with these beloved characters to the isle of their dreams, the journey ends on the shores of peace, joy and forgiveness. A beautiful, unforgettable story steeped in passion, promise and pain that leaves behind a legacy of light, love and liberty. I was fixed to the pages and tears constantly welled up in my eyes. I cannot praise this novel enough and highly recommend it. 5 Golden Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Headline Review and Netgalley for a review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sweeping, Nostalgic, and Deeply Human: Why 'The Glass Key' Will Linger Long After the Final Page
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Headline, and Amanda Geard for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest and voluntary review! Ms Geard has delivered a sweeping, atmospheric triumph with The Glass Key. Moving seamlessly between wartime Norway in 1940 and County Kerry, Ireland, in 2005, this dual-timeline novel is a beautifully written, emotionally rich blend of historical drama, family secrets, and psychological suspense.
While the narrative is a slow burn that could have occasionally benefited from a tighter structural edit to trim some long-winded passages, the payoff is entirely worth it. The mystery of a missing matriarch and a Scandinavian myth steadily unravels into an immersive, multi-generational saga that will linger with you long after the final page.
✒️ Love, Loss, and the Ripple Effects of War
The story ignites when Maggie’s grandfather, Atticus, passes away at Hellebore House. Among his belongings, Maggie and her mother, Freya, discover a mysterious wartime letter from Ann, the woman who vanished without a trace on a stormy night decades earlier. The letter holds a baffling request: take in a baby. Driven by a profound sense of loss and burning curiosity, Maggie travels to a remote Norwegian archipelago to uncover whose child it was, and why it was hidden.
What elevates The Glass Key from a standard historical mystery is how flawlessly Geard weaves in the family myth of the Glass Key, transforming what seemed like a childhood fairy tale into a deeply rooted reality. As a reader with Scandinavian roots, the depiction of the region felt incredibly nostalgic. The local customs, traditions, and rhythms of daily life are captured with striking authenticity. Geard’s prose is wonderfully vivid; you can practically smell the salt air, feel the biting northern breeze, and hear the echoes of the past etched into the rugged, beautiful landscape.
The pacing is deliberate, taking its time when emotions need space to resonate and quickening as long-buried secrets finally surface. At its core, this is a heartfelt exploration of identity, resilience, and the devastating sacrifices made during the occupation. It powerfully illustrates how the choices of the past ripple across generations, culminating in an emotional, breathtaking conclusion that lands with perfect precision.
The true heart of the novel lies in its rich psychological complexity. Geard refuses to paint her characters in black and white; instead, everyone carries internal conflicts, fears, and secrets that make them feel wonderfully human.
The Present Day (2005)
Maggie: A compelling, fiercely strong protagonist. Driven by a deep sense of grief after her grandfather's passing, her quest for the truth is entirely relatable. She serves as the perfect anchor for the modern timeline as she fits the puzzle pieces together.
Freya: Maggie’s mother. Returning to her birthplace brings up its own emotional weight, and her dynamic with Maggie adds a touching layer of maternal connection to the journey of uncovering their family's origins.
The Young Women of Wartime Norway:
The wartime sections introduce several remarkable women whose lives become intertwined through friendship, survival, sacrifice, and difficult choices. Each woman feels distinct, carrying her own fears, hopes, and secrets. Amanda Geard avoids creating simplistic heroes or villains; instead, every character feels authentically human. Their struggles during the German occupation add incredible emotional and historical depth to the novel.
Atticus:
Though his passing triggers the events of the novel, his presence looms large over Hellebore House. A man who carried heavy secrets from the war years until his final breath.
The Past (1940)
Anna (Carlsen / Swan): The enigmatic center of the novel's mystery. Her sudden disappearance in 1940 casts a sixty-year shadow over her descendants, and her wartime choices form the emotional spine of the book.
The Four Young Women of the Occupation: Living through the dark days of wartime Norway, these brave characters add immense depth to the historical narrative. Geard beautifully explores their doubts, fears, and the impossible choices forced upon them by the war. None of them is entirely good or entirely bad, making their struggles with survival, resistance, and betrayal feel raw and authentic.
My Thoughts:
The Glass Key is a beautifully written, emotionally rich, and deeply immersive historical novel. The mystery surrounding Anna's disappearance keeps the pages turning, while the powerful character work and stunning settings make the story impossible to forget.
The dual timelines are expertly woven together, the historical details feel authentic, and the emotional payoff is incredibly satisfying. While the story unfolds at a deliberate pace, every chapter adds another piece to a fascinating puzzle that ultimately comes together in a moving and memorable conclusion. A breathtaking family saga filled with mystery, history, love, loss, and long-buried secrets. Amanda Geard has once again delivered a novel that lingers long after the final page.
My Verdict:
An intriguing, immersive, and richly layered novel. If you love historical fiction steeped in atmospheric settings, complex characters, family mysteries, and beautifully layered dual-timeline stories. The Glass Key by Amanda Geard is out June 18th 2026.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Headline, and Amanda Geard for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest and voluntary review! Ms Geard has delivered a sweeping, atmospheric triumph with The Glass Key. Moving seamlessly between wartime Norway in 1940 and County Kerry, Ireland, in 2005, this dual-timeline novel is a beautifully written, emotionally rich blend of historical drama, family secrets, and psychological suspense.
While the narrative is a slow burn that could have occasionally benefited from a tighter structural edit to trim some long-winded passages, the payoff is entirely worth it. The mystery of a missing matriarch and a Scandinavian myth steadily unravels into an immersive, multi-generational saga that will linger with you long after the final page.
✒️ Love, Loss, and the Ripple Effects of War
The story ignites when Maggie’s grandfather, Atticus, passes away at Hellebore House. Among his belongings, Maggie and her mother, Freya, discover a mysterious wartime letter from Ann, the woman who vanished without a trace on a stormy night decades earlier. The letter holds a baffling request: take in a baby. Driven by a profound sense of loss and burning curiosity, Maggie travels to a remote Norwegian archipelago to uncover whose child it was, and why it was hidden.
What elevates The Glass Key from a standard historical mystery is how flawlessly Geard weaves in the family myth of the Glass Key, transforming what seemed like a childhood fairy tale into a deeply rooted reality. As a reader with Scandinavian roots, the depiction of the region felt incredibly nostalgic. The local customs, traditions, and rhythms of daily life are captured with striking authenticity. Geard’s prose is wonderfully vivid; you can practically smell the salt air, feel the biting northern breeze, and hear the echoes of the past etched into the rugged, beautiful landscape.
The pacing is deliberate, taking its time when emotions need space to resonate and quickening as long-buried secrets finally surface. At its core, this is a heartfelt exploration of identity, resilience, and the devastating sacrifices made during the occupation. It powerfully illustrates how the choices of the past ripple across generations, culminating in an emotional, breathtaking conclusion that lands with perfect precision.
The true heart of the novel lies in its rich psychological complexity. Geard refuses to paint her characters in black and white; instead, everyone carries internal conflicts, fears, and secrets that make them feel wonderfully human.
The Present Day (2005)
Maggie: A compelling, fiercely strong protagonist. Driven by a deep sense of grief after her grandfather's passing, her quest for the truth is entirely relatable. She serves as the perfect anchor for the modern timeline as she fits the puzzle pieces together.
Freya: Maggie’s mother. Returning to her birthplace brings up its own emotional weight, and her dynamic with Maggie adds a touching layer of maternal connection to the journey of uncovering their family's origins.
The Young Women of Wartime Norway:
The wartime sections introduce several remarkable women whose lives become intertwined through friendship, survival, sacrifice, and difficult choices. Each woman feels distinct, carrying her own fears, hopes, and secrets. Amanda Geard avoids creating simplistic heroes or villains; instead, every character feels authentically human. Their struggles during the German occupation add incredible emotional and historical depth to the novel.
Atticus:
Though his passing triggers the events of the novel, his presence looms large over Hellebore House. A man who carried heavy secrets from the war years until his final breath.
The Past (1940)
Anna (Carlsen / Swan): The enigmatic center of the novel's mystery. Her sudden disappearance in 1940 casts a sixty-year shadow over her descendants, and her wartime choices form the emotional spine of the book.
The Four Young Women of the Occupation: Living through the dark days of wartime Norway, these brave characters add immense depth to the historical narrative. Geard beautifully explores their doubts, fears, and the impossible choices forced upon them by the war. None of them is entirely good or entirely bad, making their struggles with survival, resistance, and betrayal feel raw and authentic.
My Thoughts:
The Glass Key is a beautifully written, emotionally rich, and deeply immersive historical novel. The mystery surrounding Anna's disappearance keeps the pages turning, while the powerful character work and stunning settings make the story impossible to forget.
The dual timelines are expertly woven together, the historical details feel authentic, and the emotional payoff is incredibly satisfying. While the story unfolds at a deliberate pace, every chapter adds another piece to a fascinating puzzle that ultimately comes together in a moving and memorable conclusion. A breathtaking family saga filled with mystery, history, love, loss, and long-buried secrets. Amanda Geard has once again delivered a novel that lingers long after the final page.
My Verdict:
An intriguing, immersive, and richly layered novel. If you love historical fiction steeped in atmospheric settings, complex characters, family mysteries, and beautifully layered dual-timeline stories. The Glass Key by Amanda Geard is out June 18th 2026.
Read
September 8, 2025I loved this book. In fact more than that I lived this beautiful story of love, loss and hope. Simply superb and I can’t stop thinking about it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This isn't your standard wartime drama that leans on cheap melodrama to move the needle. Amanda Geard manages to balance a fragile, Nordic folklore vibe with the cold reality of occupied Norway. The story follows Maggie, who finds a wartime letter after her grandfather passes away, forcing her to realize her grandmother, Anna, was a woman defined by a very specific kind of silence. The journey moves from Ireland to the isolated islands of Norway, pulling back the curtain on a history far more complicated than the bedtime stories Maggie grew up with.
The heart of the book belongs to the women, particularly Nina and Anna. Their experiences during the occupation provide the necessary weight; their lives are a study in the stamina required to survive. Maggie acts as our proxy, and her growth comes from the uncomfortable realization that the people we love are often strangers with hidden depths. Then there is Liv, who remains an ethereal, fleeting figure, almost like a Nordic fairy. While she adds a mythic layer, the connection between her and Maggie’s grandfather felt too brief. I wanted more substance there to anchor the emotional stakes, but their bond remains as elusive as Liv herself.
The atmosphere captures that specific trauma where survival and betrayal occupy the same room. It forces us to look at how we package family histories into neat myths to avoid the jagged edges of the truth. We still do this today, curating our lives and burying the parts that don't fit the narrative. Geard’s writing is steady and direct, though the pacing loses some steam toward the end.
What sets this apart is the refusal to rely on forced sentimentality. The cruelty of the occupation is presented with a minimalism that hits harder because it lacks fluff. It isn’t a story of polished heroes; it’s about how people break and how they mend in ways that leave them looking completely different. The mythic element of the glass key adds beauty to a grim setting, functioning as a survival mechanism for characters who find reality too much to bear.
It is a solid, honest read that stays with you. It makes you wonder what your own family left out of their stories just to keep the peace. If you appreciate a book that values atmosphere and the complexity of human choices over easy answers, it is worth the time. Just be prepared for a slow burn that prioritizes the internal landscape of its characters over high-speed plot twists.
The heart of the book belongs to the women, particularly Nina and Anna. Their experiences during the occupation provide the necessary weight; their lives are a study in the stamina required to survive. Maggie acts as our proxy, and her growth comes from the uncomfortable realization that the people we love are often strangers with hidden depths. Then there is Liv, who remains an ethereal, fleeting figure, almost like a Nordic fairy. While she adds a mythic layer, the connection between her and Maggie’s grandfather felt too brief. I wanted more substance there to anchor the emotional stakes, but their bond remains as elusive as Liv herself.
The atmosphere captures that specific trauma where survival and betrayal occupy the same room. It forces us to look at how we package family histories into neat myths to avoid the jagged edges of the truth. We still do this today, curating our lives and burying the parts that don't fit the narrative. Geard’s writing is steady and direct, though the pacing loses some steam toward the end.
What sets this apart is the refusal to rely on forced sentimentality. The cruelty of the occupation is presented with a minimalism that hits harder because it lacks fluff. It isn’t a story of polished heroes; it’s about how people break and how they mend in ways that leave them looking completely different. The mythic element of the glass key adds beauty to a grim setting, functioning as a survival mechanism for characters who find reality too much to bear.
It is a solid, honest read that stays with you. It makes you wonder what your own family left out of their stories just to keep the peace. If you appreciate a book that values atmosphere and the complexity of human choices over easy answers, it is worth the time. Just be prepared for a slow burn that prioritizes the internal landscape of its characters over high-speed plot twists.
June 3, 2026
Soms heb je van die periodes dat je alleen maar fantastische boeken te lezen krijgt! Ik was weer even terug in mijn favoriete Noorwegen.
Na het indrukwekkende 'Het middernachthuis' waren de verwachtingen voor 'De glazen sleutel' hoog, maar Amanda Geard weet opnieuw te overtuigen met een meeslepende historische roman vol familiegeheimen, mysterie en emotionele diepgang.
Wanneer Maggie na het overlijden van haar grootvader een mysterieuze brief uit de Tweede Wereldoorlog ontdekt, begint een zoektocht die haar van Ierland naar een afgelegen eiland in Noord-Noorwegen voert. Daar probeert ze niet alleen de waarheid achter de verdwijning van haar grootmoeder Anna te achterhalen, maar ontdekt ze ook hoe diep het verleden verweven is met haar eigen familiegeschiedenis.
Geard blinkt uit in haar beeldende schrijfstijl. De ruige Noorse ongerepte natuur wordt zo levendig beschreven dat je je ter plaatse waant; de indrukwekkende fjorden, verlaten eilanden en stormachtige kusten zie ik zonder problemen zo voor me.
Wat mij direct aansprak, was die specifieke sfeer. Ook de Scandinavische mythe rond de glazen sleutel is prachtig verwerkt; ze geeft het verhaal een mysterieuze, bijna magische onderlaag.
De afwisseling tussen het heden en de oorlogsjaren in bezet Noorwegen houdt de spanning voortdurend vast. Vooral de verhalen van de vier jonge vrouwen in het verzet maakten indruk. Hun moed, twijfels en opofferingen zorgen voor veel emotionele diepgang. Geen enkel personage voelt zwart-wit aan, waardoor je hun keuzes begrijpt, zelfs wanneer die niet altijd eenvoudig zijn. Er is geen goed maar ook geen slecht.
Ondanks de verschillende verhaallijnen blijft alles overzichtelijk en valt alles geleidelijk op hun plaats. Het tempo is rustig wanneer emoties ruimte nodig hebben en versnelt op de juiste momenten.
De glazen sleutel is veel meer dan een historische roman. Het is een meeslepende familiesaga over liefde, verlies, identiteit en de sporen die het verleden nalaat.
De sterke vrouwelijke personages, het intrigerende mysterie en de adembenemende setting maken dat dit boek lang blijft hangen.
Na het indrukwekkende 'Het middernachthuis' waren de verwachtingen voor 'De glazen sleutel' hoog, maar Amanda Geard weet opnieuw te overtuigen met een meeslepende historische roman vol familiegeheimen, mysterie en emotionele diepgang.
Wanneer Maggie na het overlijden van haar grootvader een mysterieuze brief uit de Tweede Wereldoorlog ontdekt, begint een zoektocht die haar van Ierland naar een afgelegen eiland in Noord-Noorwegen voert. Daar probeert ze niet alleen de waarheid achter de verdwijning van haar grootmoeder Anna te achterhalen, maar ontdekt ze ook hoe diep het verleden verweven is met haar eigen familiegeschiedenis.
Geard blinkt uit in haar beeldende schrijfstijl. De ruige Noorse ongerepte natuur wordt zo levendig beschreven dat je je ter plaatse waant; de indrukwekkende fjorden, verlaten eilanden en stormachtige kusten zie ik zonder problemen zo voor me.
Wat mij direct aansprak, was die specifieke sfeer. Ook de Scandinavische mythe rond de glazen sleutel is prachtig verwerkt; ze geeft het verhaal een mysterieuze, bijna magische onderlaag.
De afwisseling tussen het heden en de oorlogsjaren in bezet Noorwegen houdt de spanning voortdurend vast. Vooral de verhalen van de vier jonge vrouwen in het verzet maakten indruk. Hun moed, twijfels en opofferingen zorgen voor veel emotionele diepgang. Geen enkel personage voelt zwart-wit aan, waardoor je hun keuzes begrijpt, zelfs wanneer die niet altijd eenvoudig zijn. Er is geen goed maar ook geen slecht.
Ondanks de verschillende verhaallijnen blijft alles overzichtelijk en valt alles geleidelijk op hun plaats. Het tempo is rustig wanneer emoties ruimte nodig hebben en versnelt op de juiste momenten.
De glazen sleutel is veel meer dan een historische roman. Het is een meeslepende familiesaga over liefde, verlies, identiteit en de sporen die het verleden nalaat.
De sterke vrouwelijke personages, het intrigerende mysterie en de adembenemende setting maken dat dit boek lang blijft hangen.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this wonderful book. Thank you to Amanda Geard for writing such a beautiful and lovely story.
The Glass Key is a beautiful story set in both Norway and Ireland. When Atticus Swan passes away, Hellebore House is left to his daughter, Freja, who wants to sell it due to childhood memories. Freja's daughter Maggie doesn't want her mother to sell, and while she's helping pack up her grandfather's house, she digs deeper into the story of her grandmother, Anna Swan, who left Freja when she was young.
In 1940's Norway, Astrid arrives in the archipelago to start a new life as a teacher's assistant. From there she meets Gudrun, Lief, Liv, and Nina. They become friends over time and when the German's come, everything changes and so do their relationships. They face hardships under German rule while keeping their Norwegian pride but things break under pressure.
This story captivated me from the very beginning. Seeing Maggie slowly piece together her family history that's full of secrets and finding the next lead kept me wanting to know more and more. Maggie's relationship with her parents was loving and she only wanted the best for her mum, and she wanted her to know the truth about what happened to her mother all those years ago.
In Norway, the story of Liv, Astrid, and Nina and how they helped the war while going through such hardships had me reading until 5:00am. The story and relationship between Astrid and Nina was beautiful and full of so much love. It was gripping, sad, and utterly beautiful. They were devoted to each other and their story together was my favourite part of the book.
This book is one of the best books I've read in a while. Amanda Geard knows how to write a book, and every book of hers I have devoured. She's honestly one of my favourite authors, and she's Australian!
The Glass Key is a beautiful story set in both Norway and Ireland. When Atticus Swan passes away, Hellebore House is left to his daughter, Freja, who wants to sell it due to childhood memories. Freja's daughter Maggie doesn't want her mother to sell, and while she's helping pack up her grandfather's house, she digs deeper into the story of her grandmother, Anna Swan, who left Freja when she was young.
In 1940's Norway, Astrid arrives in the archipelago to start a new life as a teacher's assistant. From there she meets Gudrun, Lief, Liv, and Nina. They become friends over time and when the German's come, everything changes and so do their relationships. They face hardships under German rule while keeping their Norwegian pride but things break under pressure.
This story captivated me from the very beginning. Seeing Maggie slowly piece together her family history that's full of secrets and finding the next lead kept me wanting to know more and more. Maggie's relationship with her parents was loving and she only wanted the best for her mum, and she wanted her to know the truth about what happened to her mother all those years ago.
In Norway, the story of Liv, Astrid, and Nina and how they helped the war while going through such hardships had me reading until 5:00am. The story and relationship between Astrid and Nina was beautiful and full of so much love. It was gripping, sad, and utterly beautiful. They were devoted to each other and their story together was my favourite part of the book.
This book is one of the best books I've read in a while. Amanda Geard knows how to write a book, and every book of hers I have devoured. She's honestly one of my favourite authors, and she's Australian!
March 30, 2026
I am very, very glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone with this as I ended up enjoying the novel more than I anticipated. As this was by an author I've never heard of and genre-wise something I don't typically read, I did expect it to be a solid read, but nothing more. Instead, the novel grasped me slowly but surely and kept me in its grasp until the very end. I was especially pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of sapphic characters and love, even if that obviously is not the main plot.
What originally caught my attention about this book was the Nordic setting: as a Nordic person, albeit Finnish not Norwegian, I enjoy reading books set in Nordic countries as they feel kind of like coming home, especially when living abroad. The setting in this one is quite different from my life back home in Finland (which I will soon be returning to), but something about it still felt familiar and comforting (even with everything going on). Additionally, fairytales always peak my interest, as well as family secrets, so even if I ventured outside my usual comfort zone with this, I can see it was for a good reason, especially now.
However, I guess my unfamiliarity with the genre is why I'm finding it so hard to write a cohesive review, even a while after finishing and having had the time to gather my thoughts so I will wrap up with another round of praise: do absolutely give this book a chance if you're considering it at all!
Thank you, Headline | Headline Review & NetGalley, for providing me with the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and views expressed are my own.
What originally caught my attention about this book was the Nordic setting: as a Nordic person, albeit Finnish not Norwegian, I enjoy reading books set in Nordic countries as they feel kind of like coming home, especially when living abroad. The setting in this one is quite different from my life back home in Finland (which I will soon be returning to), but something about it still felt familiar and comforting (even with everything going on). Additionally, fairytales always peak my interest, as well as family secrets, so even if I ventured outside my usual comfort zone with this, I can see it was for a good reason, especially now.
However, I guess my unfamiliarity with the genre is why I'm finding it so hard to write a cohesive review, even a while after finishing and having had the time to gather my thoughts so I will wrap up with another round of praise: do absolutely give this book a chance if you're considering it at all!
Thank you, Headline | Headline Review & NetGalley, for providing me with the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions and views expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"There's a vast difference between being lonely, and being alone."
The Glass Key is breathtaking, in every sense of the word. Set in two timelines and two locations, it's a search for a mother who disappeared more than 45 years ago. One timeline is set in the Norwegian archipelago above the Arctic Circle during World War II, sparsely populated with people proud of their heritage and ability to thrive in the remote islands. The second timeline is set in the beautiful County Kerry, Ireland, in 2005, where people grapple with 21st-century problems, including divorce, career failures, and grief.
"Is it better to make peace with a mystery, or to risk the pain of truth?" This story is a mystery, beautifully written about vibrant women who risked everything to find love and to protect their island community under Nazi occupation. One of those women will leave the islands, arriving in County Kerry with a baby girl. The author skillfully picks up clues she dropped throughout the story, some seemingly minor at the time, and weaves them into a complete tapestry at the end. It's all there, the Nordic fairy tales and resistance, along with characters from both timelines, in exquisite symmetry. And, along the way, different women reach out to help with finding the missing mother, because that's an ache we all understand. Reading The Glass Key, I laughed. I cried, and I cheered. When you are an avid reader, it doesn't get any better.
My thanks to NetGalley and Headline Review for fulfilling my wish to read this ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
The Glass Key is breathtaking, in every sense of the word. Set in two timelines and two locations, it's a search for a mother who disappeared more than 45 years ago. One timeline is set in the Norwegian archipelago above the Arctic Circle during World War II, sparsely populated with people proud of their heritage and ability to thrive in the remote islands. The second timeline is set in the beautiful County Kerry, Ireland, in 2005, where people grapple with 21st-century problems, including divorce, career failures, and grief.
"Is it better to make peace with a mystery, or to risk the pain of truth?" This story is a mystery, beautifully written about vibrant women who risked everything to find love and to protect their island community under Nazi occupation. One of those women will leave the islands, arriving in County Kerry with a baby girl. The author skillfully picks up clues she dropped throughout the story, some seemingly minor at the time, and weaves them into a complete tapestry at the end. It's all there, the Nordic fairy tales and resistance, along with characters from both timelines, in exquisite symmetry. And, along the way, different women reach out to help with finding the missing mother, because that's an ache we all understand. Reading The Glass Key, I laughed. I cried, and I cheered. When you are an avid reader, it doesn't get any better.
My thanks to NetGalley and Headline Review for fulfilling my wish to read this ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Told between two timelines - 1940 and 2005 - The Glass Key is a story about a long kept secret and how is is gradually revealed. Maggie is desperately sad at the death of her grandfather and her mother's swift decision to sell his family home, Hellebore House in County Kerry, Ireland. Just split up from her husband and returning to live with her parents, Maggie helps to clear her grandfather's house and in doing so discovers some clues about her mother's past.
Meanwhile, in Norway the other half of the story is being told, a story of friendship, resistance, and the traditional way of life of life in the remote Norwegian Islands north of the Artic Circle. As the two timelines come closer together, Maggie discovers more of her mother, grandmother and grandfather's pasts and gradually is able to solve an old mystery and bring together some people who have waited a long time to see each other again.
The characters in this story, particularly those in the WW2 section really came alive from the page and were emotionally engaging. I very much enjoyed reading about the occupation of Norway in the war and the efforts made by ordinary people to disrupt the Germans.
The descriptions of the islands, and especially the plant life were wonderful and really brought the place to life and I loved the fairy story of the glass key which gives the book its title.
A very moving and emotional novel with a thumping good plot behind it.
With thanks to Netgalley, the author and Headline for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Meanwhile, in Norway the other half of the story is being told, a story of friendship, resistance, and the traditional way of life of life in the remote Norwegian Islands north of the Artic Circle. As the two timelines come closer together, Maggie discovers more of her mother, grandmother and grandfather's pasts and gradually is able to solve an old mystery and bring together some people who have waited a long time to see each other again.
The characters in this story, particularly those in the WW2 section really came alive from the page and were emotionally engaging. I very much enjoyed reading about the occupation of Norway in the war and the efforts made by ordinary people to disrupt the Germans.
The descriptions of the islands, and especially the plant life were wonderful and really brought the place to life and I loved the fairy story of the glass key which gives the book its title.
A very moving and emotional novel with a thumping good plot behind it.
With thanks to Netgalley, the author and Headline for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a fantastic story, it starts gently with an intriguing mystery and puzzle to be solved, then builds up to a crescendo of gripping, page-turning drama before finally bringing you back to earth softly with a sigh and staying in your mind for some time to come.
Told between two timelines, the first is the mystery of a long-missing mother and a search for identity, beginning with a pair of earrings in the shape of keys, and a treasured painting of an archipelago hanging on the wall in the much loved family home.
The second is of three girls and the dramatic story of their existence on a Norwegian island during WWII. This isn’t just another war story, it is very much a heartfelt story of the resilience of seemingly ordinary people living their lives as best they can when their normally hard lives become tough, being there for each other, and showing remarkable bravery in the face of adversity and danger.
It beautifully written with the characters well developed and emotionally engaging, they come to life on the page. I knew little of the history of the war in Norway after the invasion of the Germans and I found this well researched part of the story extremely interesting.
Many thanks to the publisher for offering me the chance to read an early copy via NetGalley, it is much appreciated and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Told between two timelines, the first is the mystery of a long-missing mother and a search for identity, beginning with a pair of earrings in the shape of keys, and a treasured painting of an archipelago hanging on the wall in the much loved family home.
The second is of three girls and the dramatic story of their existence on a Norwegian island during WWII. This isn’t just another war story, it is very much a heartfelt story of the resilience of seemingly ordinary people living their lives as best they can when their normally hard lives become tough, being there for each other, and showing remarkable bravery in the face of adversity and danger.
It beautifully written with the characters well developed and emotionally engaging, they come to life on the page. I knew little of the history of the war in Norway after the invasion of the Germans and I found this well researched part of the story extremely interesting.
Many thanks to the publisher for offering me the chance to read an early copy via NetGalley, it is much appreciated and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book has two timelines. One is in Ireland in 2005. The other is in Einevӕr, an archipelago near the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway during World War II.
While cleaning out her grandfather’s house, Maggie becomes interested in what happened to her maternal grandmother who disappeared in 1959. All she knows is that her grandmother came from Einevӕr.
Astrid has had to leave Oslo due to her underground work after the Nazis invade Norway. She is sent to Einevӕr under an assumed identity to be an assistant teacher. There she meets the children of the owner of the trading post – Leif and Gundrun. She also meets two orphaned sisters who live on Lysøya – Nina and Liv. They rescue an injured British soldier who washes up on Lysøya’s beach. He convinces Astrid, Nina, and Liv to help the Allied forces spy on Nazi movements around Einevӕr.
As Maggie tries to piece together the past, the reader also finds out who and what happened to Maggie’s grandmother. The book goes back and forth putting the pieces together for the reader.
I enjoyed this book and both storylines. My main problem was Liv. I’m not fond of reckless characters. Everyone else has to clean up their messes.
Don’t bother looking up Einevӕr. You won’t find it. If this book inspires you to visit that part of Norway, visit the Lofoten Islands. They are gorgeous, and Svolvær has a World War II museum.
While cleaning out her grandfather’s house, Maggie becomes interested in what happened to her maternal grandmother who disappeared in 1959. All she knows is that her grandmother came from Einevӕr.
Astrid has had to leave Oslo due to her underground work after the Nazis invade Norway. She is sent to Einevӕr under an assumed identity to be an assistant teacher. There she meets the children of the owner of the trading post – Leif and Gundrun. She also meets two orphaned sisters who live on Lysøya – Nina and Liv. They rescue an injured British soldier who washes up on Lysøya’s beach. He convinces Astrid, Nina, and Liv to help the Allied forces spy on Nazi movements around Einevӕr.
As Maggie tries to piece together the past, the reader also finds out who and what happened to Maggie’s grandmother. The book goes back and forth putting the pieces together for the reader.
I enjoyed this book and both storylines. My main problem was Liv. I’m not fond of reckless characters. Everyone else has to clean up their messes.
Don’t bother looking up Einevӕr. You won’t find it. If this book inspires you to visit that part of Norway, visit the Lofoten Islands. They are gorgeous, and Svolvær has a World War II museum.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Hachette UK and Netgalley.co.uk for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
The Blurb...
In Ireland, Maggie has grown up hearing her mother tell her the bedtime story of The Glass Key. It's a Nordic fairytale passed down by Maggie's grandmother Anna Swan, who mysteriously left her home one stormy night years ago, never to return. Now Maggie's grandfather has died and going through his things, Maggie is shocked to discover a faded wartime letter, asking him to take in a baby. In that moment she realises that Anna Swan was a woman of many secrets.
Only by travelling to Norway and discovering the story of four brave young women whose lives were forever changed by the occupation of their tiny islands, can Maggie uncover the shocking truth about her family - and finally unlock the mystery of the glass key...
I found this story deeply moving. As the story and the secrets unfold, I was drawn to Maggie in the present and Anna in the past. The way this story is told means that it captures the imagination, drives the reader forward with curiosity, and slowly reveals especially touching moments in these women's lives.
Strong female characters lead in this spell binding book, I especially loved the fairytales and mysteries that surrounded it.
The Blurb...
In Ireland, Maggie has grown up hearing her mother tell her the bedtime story of The Glass Key. It's a Nordic fairytale passed down by Maggie's grandmother Anna Swan, who mysteriously left her home one stormy night years ago, never to return. Now Maggie's grandfather has died and going through his things, Maggie is shocked to discover a faded wartime letter, asking him to take in a baby. In that moment she realises that Anna Swan was a woman of many secrets.
Only by travelling to Norway and discovering the story of four brave young women whose lives were forever changed by the occupation of their tiny islands, can Maggie uncover the shocking truth about her family - and finally unlock the mystery of the glass key...
I found this story deeply moving. As the story and the secrets unfold, I was drawn to Maggie in the present and Anna in the past. The way this story is told means that it captures the imagination, drives the reader forward with curiosity, and slowly reveals especially touching moments in these women's lives.
Strong female characters lead in this spell binding book, I especially loved the fairytales and mysteries that surrounded it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wonderfully written historical fiction with intriguing characters, twists and a heart filled story of relationships, sacrifice and love.
The story has a dual timeline alternating between 2005 Ireland and 1940s Norway - actually a small island off the Norwegian coast - as well as including a Norwegian fairy tale that reoccurs through the telling. It starts with the disappearance of Anna Swan in 1959 and moves to 2005, when Anna’s granddaughter, Maggie, discovers a letter to her grandfather asking him to take in a baby. This sets Maggie off to Norway to look for her grandmother and to discover the story of four brave women whose lives were transformed during WWII.
This is such a beautifully written book. Incredibly poignant and moving and worth the read. It’s an epic complex mystery that moves flawlessly through time and locations - that are artfully described. It is a book that will appeal to lovers of historical fiction that delivers on story, characters and heart.
Be sure to read the Author’s Note which adds detail about the inspiration for the book. I always find these immensely revealing. Highly recommend.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Headline Review for granting me access to this marvelous ARC.
The story has a dual timeline alternating between 2005 Ireland and 1940s Norway - actually a small island off the Norwegian coast - as well as including a Norwegian fairy tale that reoccurs through the telling. It starts with the disappearance of Anna Swan in 1959 and moves to 2005, when Anna’s granddaughter, Maggie, discovers a letter to her grandfather asking him to take in a baby. This sets Maggie off to Norway to look for her grandmother and to discover the story of four brave women whose lives were transformed during WWII.
This is such a beautifully written book. Incredibly poignant and moving and worth the read. It’s an epic complex mystery that moves flawlessly through time and locations - that are artfully described. It is a book that will appeal to lovers of historical fiction that delivers on story, characters and heart.
Be sure to read the Author’s Note which adds detail about the inspiration for the book. I always find these immensely revealing. Highly recommend.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Headline Review for granting me access to this marvelous ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I found The Glass Key by Amanda Geard to be an absolutely stunning and deeply emotional read. This was a beautifully layered historical mystery that combined dual timelines, wartime secrets, family history, and long buried truths, and I was completely swept up in the story from beginning to end. Chapter one just had me drawn into the story immediately.
The shifting timelines between Ireland and wartime Norway were woven together perfectly, creating a rich, atmospheric narrative full of mystery, sacrifice, love, and loss. I loved how the story slowly revealed its secrets, with every discovery adding more emotional weight and depth to the characters’ journeys. The strong sense of place, the complex relationships, and the haunting past made this impossible to put down.
This will appeal to readers who enjoy the emotional storytelling of The Lake House, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and The Nightingale, with its blend of generational secrets, historical mystery, hidden identities, and powerful female characters.
A moving, atmospheric, and unforgettable novel that stayed with me long after the final page.
The shifting timelines between Ireland and wartime Norway were woven together perfectly, creating a rich, atmospheric narrative full of mystery, sacrifice, love, and loss. I loved how the story slowly revealed its secrets, with every discovery adding more emotional weight and depth to the characters’ journeys. The strong sense of place, the complex relationships, and the haunting past made this impossible to put down.
This will appeal to readers who enjoy the emotional storytelling of The Lake House, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and The Nightingale, with its blend of generational secrets, historical mystery, hidden identities, and powerful female characters.
A moving, atmospheric, and unforgettable novel that stayed with me long after the final page.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a dual timeline story set in Norway in the early 1940s and County Kerry, Ireland in 2005 about the mysterious disappeance of a mother in 1959 and I was totally immersed from the first page and did not want to put it down.
It's an amazing, heartwarming and thrilling story, with beautiful descriptive writing and the shifts between the two timelines were seamless and very well executed. I never felt confused.
I loved learning about this part of Norway, the sheer hardships of living on islands where you had to use a boat to go shopping, go to school, even pick berries and then for it to get occupied! I loved how these women coped, how brave they were and all the characters felt real, so it was very emotional as the story progressed.
The 'present' timeline was also interesting with great and warm characters (Dad's jokes!!) and I also loved the little nod to characters from the author's previous books in the book club scene.
It's a wonderful story about different kinds of love and I know I will want to read it again.
Tusen takk to Netgalley and Headline for the ARC.
It's an amazing, heartwarming and thrilling story, with beautiful descriptive writing and the shifts between the two timelines were seamless and very well executed. I never felt confused.
I loved learning about this part of Norway, the sheer hardships of living on islands where you had to use a boat to go shopping, go to school, even pick berries and then for it to get occupied! I loved how these women coped, how brave they were and all the characters felt real, so it was very emotional as the story progressed.
The 'present' timeline was also interesting with great and warm characters (Dad's jokes!!) and I also loved the little nod to characters from the author's previous books in the book club scene.
It's a wonderful story about different kinds of love and I know I will want to read it again.
Tusen takk to Netgalley and Headline for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book has a dual timeline where we read about Maggie in current times and the times of her grandmother and her friends in the past timeline.
Maggie wants to learn why her grandmother just up and left her grandfather all those years earlier never to be heard from again.
When Maggie's parents decide to sell Hellebore House after her grandfather passed away, Maggie decides it's time to unlock the secrets of the past. She is encouraged to go to Norway by her ex-boyfriend who is also curious to know what happened all those years ago.
Once Maggie arrives in Norway she slowly begins to unravel bits and pieces of the past. While she is in Norway we read quite a bit of the story of the past so we are learning what happened as Maggie is.
There are twists and turns along the way and I had to keep reading to find out how it was going to end. This story has mystery, romance, humour and grief.
Thank you to Headline, NetGalley and Amanda Geard for the eARC of this book which I received for free in exchange for my review.
Maggie wants to learn why her grandmother just up and left her grandfather all those years earlier never to be heard from again.
When Maggie's parents decide to sell Hellebore House after her grandfather passed away, Maggie decides it's time to unlock the secrets of the past. She is encouraged to go to Norway by her ex-boyfriend who is also curious to know what happened all those years ago.
Once Maggie arrives in Norway she slowly begins to unravel bits and pieces of the past. While she is in Norway we read quite a bit of the story of the past so we are learning what happened as Maggie is.
There are twists and turns along the way and I had to keep reading to find out how it was going to end. This story has mystery, romance, humour and grief.
Thank you to Headline, NetGalley and Amanda Geard for the eARC of this book which I received for free in exchange for my review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Glass Key shows the resilience of women and how relationships often become complex for various reasons and circumstances. The dual time and place of this novel makes it such an entertaining read . Readers are transported to Norway to secluded archipelagos where a small community lives during the Second World War The description of these archipelagos in their various seasons and the joys and hardships of living there are realistically described . With the arrival of the Germans life becomes so much more complex for the inhabitants. Fast forward to the second time line 2005 where modern day Maggie returning to her home in Kerry , Ireland is forced to come to terms with her own family’s connection to Norway . A story unravels about her mother and father which is quite heartbreaking but necessary for healing and truth .
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Amanda Geard was a new author to me, and The Glass Key provided an enjoyable introduction to her work.
Set between Ireland and Norway, this beautifully written historical novel combines family secrets, wartime resilience and an emotional journey of discovery. I enjoyed following Maggie's search for answers, while the evocative descriptions of Norway created a strong sense of place throughout the story.
Although I occasionally found myself momentarily confused by some of the characters, everything comes together clearly as the novel unfolds. The themes of friendship, love, courage and resilience are woven throughout, leading to a thoughtful and satisfying conclusion.
A compelling and atmospheric read that blends history, mystery and emotion.
Full review on my book blog at momobookdiary
Set between Ireland and Norway, this beautifully written historical novel combines family secrets, wartime resilience and an emotional journey of discovery. I enjoyed following Maggie's search for answers, while the evocative descriptions of Norway created a strong sense of place throughout the story.
Although I occasionally found myself momentarily confused by some of the characters, everything comes together clearly as the novel unfolds. The themes of friendship, love, courage and resilience are woven throughout, leading to a thoughtful and satisfying conclusion.
A compelling and atmospheric read that blends history, mystery and emotion.
Full review on my book blog at momobookdiary
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A beautifully atmospheric dual-timeline novel, The Glass Key is a moving story of family secrets, love, loss, and resilience set between Ireland and wartime Norway. Amanda Geard’s descriptions are so vivid that the Norwegian landscape really adds to the book’s immersive feel.
The mystery surrounding Anna Swan and the fairytale of The Glass Key draws Maggie to Norway in search of the truth about her grandmother’s disappearance, with each revelation unfolding at just the right pace. The characters are richly drawn and I found them easy to care about - especially the strong women at the centre of the story.
Blending historical fiction, mystery, and emotion perfectly, this is a compelling and satisfying read that really hit me in the feels.
The mystery surrounding Anna Swan and the fairytale of The Glass Key draws Maggie to Norway in search of the truth about her grandmother’s disappearance, with each revelation unfolding at just the right pace. The characters are richly drawn and I found them easy to care about - especially the strong women at the centre of the story.
Blending historical fiction, mystery, and emotion perfectly, this is a compelling and satisfying read that really hit me in the feels.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Amanda Geard's next novel. I was so excited to read an early copy. I both wanted to devour this book and gobble it up and make it last longer by slowly turning the pages. Amanda is a very talented writer, I am always in awe of the detailed and complex layering of her stories and in this one, the meticulous research is obvious. The story was a little personal for me too as I travelled to both Ireland and Norway last year and the places the novel is set provide vivid imagery and recollections of my trip. I loved the story and cannot recommend it more highly.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you enjoy historical fiction set during World War 2 and a dual timeline then I’m sure you’ll find this a wonderful read. I haven’t read anything set in Norway during the occupation before so I found it very interesting. In Norway, the author has chosen a wild, remote location and you could certainly feel the atmosphere jumping off the pages. I liked the contrast to Ireland as although it wasn’t remote it had the not too dissimilar weather, a good combination. It is packed full of strong, independent women, of friendships and love, of resistance, survival and courage. Thank you to NetGalley and Headline / Headline Review for letting me read and review this book.
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