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Monster in the Mirror: A Novel
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Dark, twisty, and atmospheric debut thriller for readers of The Quiet Tenant and The Butcher. Her uncle was a serial killer. The town whispers, could she be a killer too?
On the night Jiah Rai was found cradling her girlfriend Georgia's dead body at the bottom of Wailing Cliff, everyone suspected her. There wasn't enough evidence to charge her, but the town refuses to forget. They murder must run in the family. Jiah's uncle was a convicted serial killer, and while he died behind bars, his legacy lives on in Jiah and her sister. It doesn't matter that they've lived in Dumont their whole lives—her family has never fit into the insular white community. And legacy isn't done with her yet.
One year later, memories of Georgia's death and torment from her twin brother threaten to crumble the shaky safe haven Jiah rebuilt. Maybe the neighborhood dinner party Estrella invited her to will ease her mind. But when her best friend never shows, a series of texts lead Jiah to the beach below, where she finds a mutilated body positioned exactly how her uncle displayed his victims over a decade ago. The killer mocks Jiah, hinting they know about her secrets, too. But is Jiah the monster Dumont thinks she is? As Jiah hunts the killer, how far will she go to keep her lies buried with the dead?
On the night Jiah Rai was found cradling her girlfriend Georgia's dead body at the bottom of Wailing Cliff, everyone suspected her. There wasn't enough evidence to charge her, but the town refuses to forget. They murder must run in the family. Jiah's uncle was a convicted serial killer, and while he died behind bars, his legacy lives on in Jiah and her sister. It doesn't matter that they've lived in Dumont their whole lives—her family has never fit into the insular white community. And legacy isn't done with her yet.
One year later, memories of Georgia's death and torment from her twin brother threaten to crumble the shaky safe haven Jiah rebuilt. Maybe the neighborhood dinner party Estrella invited her to will ease her mind. But when her best friend never shows, a series of texts lead Jiah to the beach below, where she finds a mutilated body positioned exactly how her uncle displayed his victims over a decade ago. The killer mocks Jiah, hinting they know about her secrets, too. But is Jiah the monster Dumont thinks she is? As Jiah hunts the killer, how far will she go to keep her lies buried with the dead?
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
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July 23, 2026ARC provided by NetGalley.
Monster in the Mirror never pulled me in. The premise did not grab my attention, and as the story continued, I kept waiting for something to make me care, but it never happened.
The pacing felt slow, I never connected with the characters, and there was not enough tension or emotional impact to keep me invested. By the end, I was finishing because I had already started it, not because I was curious about where the story was going.
This was simply not the right fit for me.
I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy slower, more atmospheric stories and do not need a strong hook or immediate character connection to stay interested.
Monster in the Mirror never pulled me in. The premise did not grab my attention, and as the story continued, I kept waiting for something to make me care, but it never happened.
The pacing felt slow, I never connected with the characters, and there was not enough tension or emotional impact to keep me invested. By the end, I was finishing because I had already started it, not because I was curious about where the story was going.
This was simply not the right fit for me.
I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy slower, more atmospheric stories and do not need a strong hook or immediate character connection to stay interested.
July 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this eARC!
Im giving this 2 stars because I read this whole book and I still don’t think I could tell you what it was about. The premise was intriguing and a large part of why I requested it on Netgalley- but the execution was lacking. Once the story did wrap up and the twists and turns were revealed, the logistics behind the story didn’t add up and I was left with questions.
Additionally, the main character was exhausting. Her relationships with the people around her felt so random and two-dimensional, especially her friendship with Estrella. It’s weird to me that she is her best friend but doesn’t know much about her…
Also this is a minor issue but don’t we think it’s weird how every person in her life looks the exact same? Everybody has dark hair and similar eye colors…just a small detail but started to feel repetitive.
Im giving this 2 stars because I read this whole book and I still don’t think I could tell you what it was about. The premise was intriguing and a large part of why I requested it on Netgalley- but the execution was lacking. Once the story did wrap up and the twists and turns were revealed, the logistics behind the story didn’t add up and I was left with questions.
Additionally, the main character was exhausting. Her relationships with the people around her felt so random and two-dimensional, especially her friendship with Estrella. It’s weird to me that she is her best friend but doesn’t know much about her…
Also this is a minor issue but don’t we think it’s weird how every person in her life looks the exact same? Everybody has dark hair and similar eye colors…just a small detail but started to feel repetitive.
August 3, 2026
★★
Jiah Rai's life is shattered the night her girlfriend, Georgia, dies. Was it a tragic accident or something far more sinister? When Jiah is found holding Georgia's body, her hometown of Dumont is reminded of another monster: Jiah's uncle, the infamous Doppelgänger Murder, a convicted serial killer. A few months later, Jiah's best friend, Estrella, is found murdered, and once again, Jiah is the one to make the gruesome discovery. Does the murder gene run in families? Could it run in Jiah?
This debut promised a dark, twisty, atmospheric story. NetGalley categorizes it as a Mystery & Thriller, while Goodreads lists it as Horror and Thriller. The blurb even compares it to The Quiet Tenant and The Butcher, two of my favorite dark, twisty thrillers. Needless to say, I was excited to dive in!
Unfortunately, Monster in the Mirror wasn't the right fit for me. I can overlook a few rough edges in a debut, but I found myself distracted by a number of inconsistencies and plot holes, ranging from character relationships to investigative procedures, that I wish had been addressed during editing.
I also went in expecting some horror based on the marketing, but I never really found those elements in the story. It certainly has a dark, heavy atmosphere, largely because the main character, and sole narrator, is struggling with profound depression.
That said, readers who enjoy unhinged thrillers and don't mind overlooking a fair amount of implausibility may have a better experience with this one than I did.
Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Janasha Prabhu for a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Jiah Rai's life is shattered the night her girlfriend, Georgia, dies. Was it a tragic accident or something far more sinister? When Jiah is found holding Georgia's body, her hometown of Dumont is reminded of another monster: Jiah's uncle, the infamous Doppelgänger Murder, a convicted serial killer. A few months later, Jiah's best friend, Estrella, is found murdered, and once again, Jiah is the one to make the gruesome discovery. Does the murder gene run in families? Could it run in Jiah?
This debut promised a dark, twisty, atmospheric story. NetGalley categorizes it as a Mystery & Thriller, while Goodreads lists it as Horror and Thriller. The blurb even compares it to The Quiet Tenant and The Butcher, two of my favorite dark, twisty thrillers. Needless to say, I was excited to dive in!
Unfortunately, Monster in the Mirror wasn't the right fit for me. I can overlook a few rough edges in a debut, but I found myself distracted by a number of inconsistencies and plot holes, ranging from character relationships to investigative procedures, that I wish had been addressed during editing.
I also went in expecting some horror based on the marketing, but I never really found those elements in the story. It certainly has a dark, heavy atmosphere, largely because the main character, and sole narrator, is struggling with profound depression.
That said, readers who enjoy unhinged thrillers and don't mind overlooking a fair amount of implausibility may have a better experience with this one than I did.
Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Janasha Prabhu for a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dumont is the kind of town where everyone knows your name, your business and probably what you ate for breakfast… but somehow nobody knows the actual truth. This book had me walking into this little nightmare town thinking “Okay, something is VERY off here” and honestly? That feeling never really left.
Jiah Rai is not your typical “everyone root for her immediately” main character and I actually liked that about her. She’s messy, guarded, complicated and carrying a whole suitcase full of baggage that nobody should have to drag around. The entire town already decided who she is before she ever gets a chance to speak for herself and watching her fight against that was frustrating, heartbreaking and sometimes had me yelling at my book like “Girl… I need answers. Please stop being mysterious for five seconds.”
The atmosphere? Chef’s kiss. 👏 This book knows how to make you uncomfortable in the best way. There’s this constant creepy little cloud hanging over everything, like you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. The secrets, the suspicion, the small town gossip… honestly, Dumont needs a group therapy session because everyone is carrying something.
The beginning was a little slow for me and I had to really settle into the story before everything clicked. There were moments where I wanted to grab the book and say “Okay, we get it, the vibes are creepy… now tell me what’s happening!” But once the pieces started coming together, I was much more invested and curious about where this twisted little road was taking me.
What I appreciated most was that this wasn’t just about solving a mystery. Underneath all the suspense, there’s a story about identity, family, trauma and what happens when people decide your fate based on someone else’s actions. Jiah’s journey is complicated because she’s complicated and that made her feel real.
This was a dark, moody, character driven thriller with a seriously unsettling atmosphere. It wasn’t the kind of book that had me sprinting through pages at 2 a.m. but it kept me curious and invested. Janasha Prabhu created a story full of secrets, doubt and enough tension to make me side eye my own reflection for a minute.
To be honest this was a 3.75 ⭐️ for me.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Janasha Prabhu for allowing me to read this advanced eBook before its release through NetGalley.
Monster in the Mirror releases on October 20, 2026.
Jiah Rai is not your typical “everyone root for her immediately” main character and I actually liked that about her. She’s messy, guarded, complicated and carrying a whole suitcase full of baggage that nobody should have to drag around. The entire town already decided who she is before she ever gets a chance to speak for herself and watching her fight against that was frustrating, heartbreaking and sometimes had me yelling at my book like “Girl… I need answers. Please stop being mysterious for five seconds.”
The atmosphere? Chef’s kiss. 👏 This book knows how to make you uncomfortable in the best way. There’s this constant creepy little cloud hanging over everything, like you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop. The secrets, the suspicion, the small town gossip… honestly, Dumont needs a group therapy session because everyone is carrying something.
The beginning was a little slow for me and I had to really settle into the story before everything clicked. There were moments where I wanted to grab the book and say “Okay, we get it, the vibes are creepy… now tell me what’s happening!” But once the pieces started coming together, I was much more invested and curious about where this twisted little road was taking me.
What I appreciated most was that this wasn’t just about solving a mystery. Underneath all the suspense, there’s a story about identity, family, trauma and what happens when people decide your fate based on someone else’s actions. Jiah’s journey is complicated because she’s complicated and that made her feel real.
This was a dark, moody, character driven thriller with a seriously unsettling atmosphere. It wasn’t the kind of book that had me sprinting through pages at 2 a.m. but it kept me curious and invested. Janasha Prabhu created a story full of secrets, doubt and enough tension to make me side eye my own reflection for a minute.
To be honest this was a 3.75 ⭐️ for me.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Janasha Prabhu for allowing me to read this advanced eBook before its release through NetGalley.
Monster in the Mirror releases on October 20, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4⭐️
let's say this immediately: i had a blast.
pitched as an atmospheric mystery/thriller where we follow a woman whose uncle was a serial killer, monster in the mirror is a slow paced, small town mystery where you can feel prejudice and everyone's eyes watching you.
i was scared that the author seemed at first to include vague representation, but it became more clear later on that the mc is a mixed south asian/white lesbian. and it's an own-voice story!
even though i picked it up for the mystery, i'm actually surprised by how much character focused it is. i think this is something to be aware of, because i have seen many readers be disappointed that not much happened or were complaining the plot was all over the place. i would only say that it's less of a real thriller book and more of a mix between literary fiction and mystery/thriller.
i was pleasantly surprised that the story focused on a lesbian mc, because we so rarely see this genre include us. it depicted not only a main romance as a side plot, but also a past toxic relationship that i thought was important to show. lesbian relationships can be the most beautiful thing in the world, but they're not exempt from manipulative partners.
i found the ending a little bit easy and predictable, but it didn't take too much away from my enjoyment of it!
finally, i also had a thought that it would make a great tv show because the thrilling aspects are sprinkled throughout the book and we sometimes have jumps in time, but they're not too jarring.
i read this e-arc thanks to netgalley and sourcebooks landmark publishing but all opinions expressed here were my own!
let's say this immediately: i had a blast.
pitched as an atmospheric mystery/thriller where we follow a woman whose uncle was a serial killer, monster in the mirror is a slow paced, small town mystery where you can feel prejudice and everyone's eyes watching you.
i was scared that the author seemed at first to include vague representation, but it became more clear later on that the mc is a mixed south asian/white lesbian. and it's an own-voice story!
even though i picked it up for the mystery, i'm actually surprised by how much character focused it is. i think this is something to be aware of, because i have seen many readers be disappointed that not much happened or were complaining the plot was all over the place. i would only say that it's less of a real thriller book and more of a mix between literary fiction and mystery/thriller.
i was pleasantly surprised that the story focused on a lesbian mc, because we so rarely see this genre include us. it depicted not only a main romance as a side plot, but also a past toxic relationship that i thought was important to show. lesbian relationships can be the most beautiful thing in the world, but they're not exempt from manipulative partners.
i found the ending a little bit easy and predictable, but it didn't take too much away from my enjoyment of it!
finally, i also had a thought that it would make a great tv show because the thrilling aspects are sprinkled throughout the book and we sometimes have jumps in time, but they're not too jarring.
i read this e-arc thanks to netgalley and sourcebooks landmark publishing but all opinions expressed here were my own!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nice little mystery.
This was an interesting premise that offered mystery, and other themes such as finding your identity and dealing with internal trauma. In a small town, everyone seemingly knows everyone else and the gossip is all over by the end of the day. However, not everyone is as they seem and it’s only a matter of time until someone else finds out what skeletons are in their neighbour’s closet.
The pacing and darker elements of this book were interesting that kept me turning the page. It was more than just a mystery that kept you guessing as to “who dun it?” The main character, Jiah, is not the simple small town girl who is shocked and appalled. She is very deeply flawed and complicated, trying to find her own way in life. The mystery itself was really deeply embedded in this town’s decision to judge someone before they ever get to decide for themselves.
My only complaints were that it was a little slow for the first half of the book, and I found myself skimming at certain points. Jiah is the only fleshed out character, and personally, it usually takes a lot more than the main character to keep me going. I wish there had been more to the secondary characters beyond their only reason to exist is to provide surface level depth. The second half of the book picked up more and definitely made up for the first half.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced readers arc.
This was an interesting premise that offered mystery, and other themes such as finding your identity and dealing with internal trauma. In a small town, everyone seemingly knows everyone else and the gossip is all over by the end of the day. However, not everyone is as they seem and it’s only a matter of time until someone else finds out what skeletons are in their neighbour’s closet.
The pacing and darker elements of this book were interesting that kept me turning the page. It was more than just a mystery that kept you guessing as to “who dun it?” The main character, Jiah, is not the simple small town girl who is shocked and appalled. She is very deeply flawed and complicated, trying to find her own way in life. The mystery itself was really deeply embedded in this town’s decision to judge someone before they ever get to decide for themselves.
My only complaints were that it was a little slow for the first half of the book, and I found myself skimming at certain points. Jiah is the only fleshed out character, and personally, it usually takes a lot more than the main character to keep me going. I wish there had been more to the secondary characters beyond their only reason to exist is to provide surface level depth. The second half of the book picked up more and definitely made up for the first half.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced readers arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was drawn to Monster in the Mirror because it sounded like it would be an emotional thriller which is my favorite. The twisted family past, the suspicious death of Jiah's girlfriend and a brother bent on revenge sounded like the perfect set up to make me cry by the end but unfortunately for someone expecting a book like Simone St James or Noelle W. Ihli this was not that. What was promised as a grieving woman chasing down a copycat killer was more an emotionally withdrawn and reclusive woman not being left to move on in her isolation.
There were some good points of the story especially the flashbacks to the victims of her uncle, but I really expected more focus on Jiah's uncle and left a little disappointed we did not learn more about him or Jiah's parents and grandfather. The plot was a little jumbled and after the book finished I see why some parts were really emphasized but I didn't love them. Then Estrella's character I'm still confused on. All that said, I enjoyed the book well enough and don't regret reading it just was not what I expected when I picked up this title.
I received an ARC of this book as a part of #CampNetgalley and want to thank Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.
There were some good points of the story especially the flashbacks to the victims of her uncle, but I really expected more focus on Jiah's uncle and left a little disappointed we did not learn more about him or Jiah's parents and grandfather. The plot was a little jumbled and after the book finished I see why some parts were really emphasized but I didn't love them. Then Estrella's character I'm still confused on. All that said, I enjoyed the book well enough and don't regret reading it just was not what I expected when I picked up this title.
I received an ARC of this book as a part of #CampNetgalley and want to thank Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A dark, refreshing thriller that hits hard from the very first page.
The author wastes no time dropping you into the center of the story through Jiah, a protagonist surrounded by death and terror. Her uncle is a serial killer. Her previous girlfriend died in what might have been an accident. Now, she is balancing an overly protective, cryptic relationship with her sister, a new girlfriend, a best friend, a cat—and a stalker who crosses some truly insane boundaries.
While the title leads you to anticipate that Jiah might be a monster herself, the reality is far more interesting. Rather than driving the plot as a traditional victim or an outright villain, she feels almost peripheral to the escalating chaos around her. It’s a wonderfully refreshing way to frame the narrative.
The book doesn’t shy away from dark places, skillfully exploring themes of family commitment, trauma, grief, and revenge through Jiah, who is an exceptionally well-written and believable character. While a few elements felt a bit under-explained—or slightly far-fetched for a grounded, non-supernatural thriller—the pacing never lets up. It delivers all the twists, turns, and creeping suspense you could want, keeping you turning pages right to the end. You won’t be disappointed.
The author wastes no time dropping you into the center of the story through Jiah, a protagonist surrounded by death and terror. Her uncle is a serial killer. Her previous girlfriend died in what might have been an accident. Now, she is balancing an overly protective, cryptic relationship with her sister, a new girlfriend, a best friend, a cat—and a stalker who crosses some truly insane boundaries.
While the title leads you to anticipate that Jiah might be a monster herself, the reality is far more interesting. Rather than driving the plot as a traditional victim or an outright villain, she feels almost peripheral to the escalating chaos around her. It’s a wonderfully refreshing way to frame the narrative.
The book doesn’t shy away from dark places, skillfully exploring themes of family commitment, trauma, grief, and revenge through Jiah, who is an exceptionally well-written and believable character. While a few elements felt a bit under-explained—or slightly far-fetched for a grounded, non-supernatural thriller—the pacing never lets up. It delivers all the twists, turns, and creeping suspense you could want, keeping you turning pages right to the end. You won’t be disappointed.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Monster in the Mirror definitely surprised me. I genuinely didn't see the plot twist coming, and I always appreciate a thriller that can still catch me off guard.
That said, the main character was incredibly frustrating. I found her difficult to connect with, and her decisions often left me more annoyed than invested. The pacing also felt a little uneven for my taste. Some sections dragged while others moved very quickly, which made it hard to stay fully immersed.
The strange part is that I can't quite pinpoint what didn't fully work for me. The plot itself is solid, and the writing is good, yet something about the execution kept me at arm's length. It wasn't enough to ruin the experience, but it stopped the story from becoming truly gripping.
Where the book really shines is the ending. Everything comes together in a satisfying way, and the final act is by far the strongest part of the novel. Looking back, I think the payoff was worth the journey, even if the road there felt a bit inconsistent.
Overall, I still think this is a good psychological thriller, especially if you enjoy unpredictable twists. It just didn't completely click with me, despite having all the ingredients that usually make me love this kind of story.
That said, the main character was incredibly frustrating. I found her difficult to connect with, and her decisions often left me more annoyed than invested. The pacing also felt a little uneven for my taste. Some sections dragged while others moved very quickly, which made it hard to stay fully immersed.
The strange part is that I can't quite pinpoint what didn't fully work for me. The plot itself is solid, and the writing is good, yet something about the execution kept me at arm's length. It wasn't enough to ruin the experience, but it stopped the story from becoming truly gripping.
Where the book really shines is the ending. Everything comes together in a satisfying way, and the final act is by far the strongest part of the novel. Looking back, I think the payoff was worth the journey, even if the road there felt a bit inconsistent.
Overall, I still think this is a good psychological thriller, especially if you enjoy unpredictable twists. It just didn't completely click with me, despite having all the ingredients that usually make me love this kind of story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Monster In The Mirror was a book that didn’t quite grab me all the way through.
Jiah lives in a small town where rumours are believed. Since she found her girlfriend’s body in suspicious circumstances she has been thought of as a murderer, this is largely because of her uncle being a serial killer and died in prison. People think this trait is hereditary and although there wasn’t enough evidence to convict her of Georgia’s murder the town still believes she’s guilty. Another murder has happened mimicking her uncles ways, Jiah tries to find the murderer whilst dealing with her inner demons.
This was an ok read for me, I liked the characters and the setting but I wasn’t a fan of the switching of timelines which happened a lot at the beginning of the book and it could have been made clearer if you were reading them or now as I did get a little confused. The plot got stuck a little around halfway and there were no big moments that would have moved it on a little faster for me. I liked how Jiah was portrayed and how she had to deal with family trauma and identity.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks, Landmark for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
Jiah lives in a small town where rumours are believed. Since she found her girlfriend’s body in suspicious circumstances she has been thought of as a murderer, this is largely because of her uncle being a serial killer and died in prison. People think this trait is hereditary and although there wasn’t enough evidence to convict her of Georgia’s murder the town still believes she’s guilty. Another murder has happened mimicking her uncles ways, Jiah tries to find the murderer whilst dealing with her inner demons.
This was an ok read for me, I liked the characters and the setting but I wasn’t a fan of the switching of timelines which happened a lot at the beginning of the book and it could have been made clearer if you were reading them or now as I did get a little confused. The plot got stuck a little around halfway and there were no big moments that would have moved it on a little faster for me. I liked how Jiah was portrayed and how she had to deal with family trauma and identity.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Sourcebooks, Landmark for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was really excited for this one because the premise sounded so good. Psychological thrillers are my favorite, so I went in expecting to be completely hooked.
Unfortunately, this one was just okay for me.
The first half felt pretty confusing. It jumped around a lot, and I had a hard time keeping up with everything that was happening. Because of that, it took me a while to get invested in the story.
It definitely picked up in the second half, and I liked it more once everything started coming together. There were a couple of twists I didn't see coming, which I always appreciate. I just never got that "one more chapter" feeling that I look for in a thriller.
I also had a hard time connecting with Jiah. I understood her situation, but I never really felt invested in her as a character.
Overall, I enjoyed parts of it, but it just didn't wow me the way I was hoping it would. The premise was stronger than the execution for me. I'd still give this author another chance because I think the idea was really interesting—it just wasn't a standout read for me.
Unfortunately, this one was just okay for me.
The first half felt pretty confusing. It jumped around a lot, and I had a hard time keeping up with everything that was happening. Because of that, it took me a while to get invested in the story.
It definitely picked up in the second half, and I liked it more once everything started coming together. There were a couple of twists I didn't see coming, which I always appreciate. I just never got that "one more chapter" feeling that I look for in a thriller.
I also had a hard time connecting with Jiah. I understood her situation, but I never really felt invested in her as a character.
Overall, I enjoyed parts of it, but it just didn't wow me the way I was hoping it would. The premise was stronger than the execution for me. I'd still give this author another chance because I think the idea was really interesting—it just wasn't a standout read for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Monster in the Mirror is a dark, character-driven thriller that blends murder, family legacy and small-town prejudice into an unsettling mystery.
Jiah has spent years living under the shadow of her uncle’s crimes while also trying to move on from the death of her girlfriend, Georgia, but when another murder mirrors her uncle’s killings, she’s forced back into the past.
It took me a little while to settle into the story but as the tension built and the pieces started coming together, I became much more invested in where the story was heading. The final chapters delivered some clever twists I didn’t see coming and brought everything together brilliantly.
What stood out most for me was the emotional side of the story. Alongside the mystery, it explores grief, trauma, identity and what it means to be judged for someone else’s actions. It made Jiah feel like a genuinely layered character, and that added real weight to the suspense. A strong, atmospheric debut that I’m glad I stuck with.
Jiah has spent years living under the shadow of her uncle’s crimes while also trying to move on from the death of her girlfriend, Georgia, but when another murder mirrors her uncle’s killings, she’s forced back into the past.
It took me a little while to settle into the story but as the tension built and the pieces started coming together, I became much more invested in where the story was heading. The final chapters delivered some clever twists I didn’t see coming and brought everything together brilliantly.
What stood out most for me was the emotional side of the story. Alongside the mystery, it explores grief, trauma, identity and what it means to be judged for someone else’s actions. It made Jiah feel like a genuinely layered character, and that added real weight to the suspense. A strong, atmospheric debut that I’m glad I stuck with.
August 1, 2026
Monster in the Mirror is a book that takes a little time to settle into. Jaih, the protagonist, is weighed down by her family’s past horrors and her own recent tragedy, and that emotional heaviness shapes the entire narrative. Because of this, she often comes across as distant and difficult to read, which can make the early chapters feel disorienting. Still, these elements ultimately give way to the core plot and help explain her fragmented perspective.
For much of the book, I wasn’t entirely sure where the story was heading. The structure felt jumbled, and Jaih’s internal world sometimes overshadowed the forward movement of the plot. At one point, the author used the phrase “the worse part” four times in less than a page — a repetition that pulled me out of the moment and made the writing feel unpolished.
Despite those issues, the story does come together in the end. Some aspects felt a bit unrealistic, but I still enjoyed the book overall. The emotional themes land, and once the narrative threads finally connect, the payoff is satisfying enough to make the journey worthwhile.
For much of the book, I wasn’t entirely sure where the story was heading. The structure felt jumbled, and Jaih’s internal world sometimes overshadowed the forward movement of the plot. At one point, the author used the phrase “the worse part” four times in less than a page — a repetition that pulled me out of the moment and made the writing feel unpolished.
Despite those issues, the story does come together in the end. Some aspects felt a bit unrealistic, but I still enjoyed the book overall. The emotional themes land, and once the narrative threads finally connect, the payoff is satisfying enough to make the journey worthwhile.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Women just can't catch a break! I picked up Monster in the Mirror because it was one of the options in the Camp NetGalley list. The synopsis sounded right up my alley, but I honestly did not expect to like it as much as I did! Janasha Prabhu really knows how to spin a story. I thought I had it figured out, and while I was partially right, there was an entire plotline I had no idea was coming!
Jiah was a mess after the death of her girlfriend, Georgia, who the entire town assumes was killed by Jiah. I was really glad she had Kennedy, who was probably one of my favorite characters. The storyline with Estrella so fascinating, to me. Poor Lila didn't deserve any of it and David was such an ass. All of this to say, Prabhu wrote this in a way that made me connect and feel for the characters. They weren't just fiction in a book. I'm so glad I decided to pick this one up for my Camp NetGalley badge!
Jiah was a mess after the death of her girlfriend, Georgia, who the entire town assumes was killed by Jiah. I was really glad she had Kennedy, who was probably one of my favorite characters. The storyline with Estrella so fascinating, to me. Poor Lila didn't deserve any of it and David was such an ass. All of this to say, Prabhu wrote this in a way that made me connect and feel for the characters. They weren't just fiction in a book. I'm so glad I decided to pick this one up for my Camp NetGalley badge!
August 3, 2026
I will always read the thrillers about serial killers, it’s a guilty pleasure. Monster in the Mirror took it to another level though, and it was so incredibly fun!
Jiah has always protected her sister Lila, and their parents, from the shadow that was cast over them when her Uncle was sent to jail as the doppelgänger killer. She’s not sure she can protect Lila now that someone is copying the murders, but she might die trying.
This was such an exciting and emotional story. I really enjoyed how the author integrated what it’s like growing up in a small town when you don’t look like everyone else. How it makes you feel, how you’re treated, it was all extremely well portrayed and easy to understand and sympathize with.
I enjoyed the sister’s dynamic, the grief Jiah lived with and tried to overcome, and the twists were epic! I was obsessed with what happened next, so much so that I had to lose sleep to find out!!
Jiah has always protected her sister Lila, and their parents, from the shadow that was cast over them when her Uncle was sent to jail as the doppelgänger killer. She’s not sure she can protect Lila now that someone is copying the murders, but she might die trying.
This was such an exciting and emotional story. I really enjoyed how the author integrated what it’s like growing up in a small town when you don’t look like everyone else. How it makes you feel, how you’re treated, it was all extremely well portrayed and easy to understand and sympathize with.
I enjoyed the sister’s dynamic, the grief Jiah lived with and tried to overcome, and the twists were epic! I was obsessed with what happened next, so much so that I had to lose sleep to find out!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC Review❣️
3.5 hearts for me
I took this book as the premise caught my attention and I was expecting a suspenseful twisted story that would keep me hooked from start to finish. Unfortunately, it never reached that level and the opening felt disjointed making it difficult to follow the plot or become invested in what was happening, kind of confusing.
While the second half was stronger and did a better job of tying things together, I finished the book feeling more confused than satisfied. Some of the twists were surprising but when I thought back on the overall story, certain plot developments didn't fully make sense, leaving several questions unanswered.
Overall, I think the concept had a lot of potential, but the execution didn't fully deliver. This one wasn't a stand out read for me, though I'd still be open to trying another book by this author in the future 🔮
3.5 hearts for me
I took this book as the premise caught my attention and I was expecting a suspenseful twisted story that would keep me hooked from start to finish. Unfortunately, it never reached that level and the opening felt disjointed making it difficult to follow the plot or become invested in what was happening, kind of confusing.
While the second half was stronger and did a better job of tying things together, I finished the book feeling more confused than satisfied. Some of the twists were surprising but when I thought back on the overall story, certain plot developments didn't fully make sense, leaving several questions unanswered.
Overall, I think the concept had a lot of potential, but the execution didn't fully deliver. This one wasn't a stand out read for me, though I'd still be open to trying another book by this author in the future 🔮
July 25, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the ARC.
This was gruesome and creepy, and to be honest, I was not prepared for it LOL I’m not mad about it, I just had a few “holy shit” moments.
Jiah Rai is a character surrounded by isolation, which makes her a good target for everything unfortunate that comes her way.
I made notes throughout reading this one, asking questions that I felt may be left unanswered, and I was satisfied when I went back and saw that every single one was answered in the conclusion.
Monster In the Mirror was eerie and unsettling in the best way. The characters were questionable, and I didn’t know who to trust!!
My main issue was the timelines. In the first half there was a lot of jumping around between past and present and I would have liked that to have been made a little more clear.
This was gruesome and creepy, and to be honest, I was not prepared for it LOL I’m not mad about it, I just had a few “holy shit” moments.
Jiah Rai is a character surrounded by isolation, which makes her a good target for everything unfortunate that comes her way.
I made notes throughout reading this one, asking questions that I felt may be left unanswered, and I was satisfied when I went back and saw that every single one was answered in the conclusion.
Monster In the Mirror was eerie and unsettling in the best way. The characters were questionable, and I didn’t know who to trust!!
My main issue was the timelines. In the first half there was a lot of jumping around between past and present and I would have liked that to have been made a little more clear.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I want to start by saying thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of Monster in the Mirror in exchange for an honest review.
The premise pulled me in right away, a psychological thriller is exactly why I requested this one. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me. The beginning was a slow burn (in the wrong way) and I struggled to get pulled into the story. It did pick up around the halfway mark, which kept me going, but by the end I was still left with questions and a few plot holes that never got addressed.
The FMC was also a hard sell for me, I never really connected with her or found her likable. On the plus side, the atmosphere was genuinely dark and moody, which fit the tone the book was going for.
Overall this one wasn't for me, but readers who don't mind a slower start might still find something to like here.
The premise pulled me in right away, a psychological thriller is exactly why I requested this one. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me. The beginning was a slow burn (in the wrong way) and I struggled to get pulled into the story. It did pick up around the halfway mark, which kept me going, but by the end I was still left with questions and a few plot holes that never got addressed.
The FMC was also a hard sell for me, I never really connected with her or found her likable. On the plus side, the atmosphere was genuinely dark and moody, which fit the tone the book was going for.
Overall this one wasn't for me, but readers who don't mind a slower start might still find something to like here.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5/5 stars
A really intriguing thriller that had such a fresh cast and premise! I really enjoyed reading from Jiah's POV -- she's a lesbian WOC who is being unfairly treated due to her race, sexuality and connection to her serial killer uncle. I loved how this story hammers home that women are blamed for the faults of the men in their lives and ostracised because of it. I thought that was handled really well.
I also enjoyed the mystery, although I felt the ending to be a little flat. The build-up and hype was INSANE and kept me up reading but I thought the reveal wasn't good enough to justify it. It was a really interesting story that I will definitely recommend to readers, I just hoped for more. :/
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
A really intriguing thriller that had such a fresh cast and premise! I really enjoyed reading from Jiah's POV -- she's a lesbian WOC who is being unfairly treated due to her race, sexuality and connection to her serial killer uncle. I loved how this story hammers home that women are blamed for the faults of the men in their lives and ostracised because of it. I thought that was handled really well.
I also enjoyed the mystery, although I felt the ending to be a little flat. The build-up and hype was INSANE and kept me up reading but I thought the reveal wasn't good enough to justify it. It was a really interesting story that I will definitely recommend to readers, I just hoped for more. :/
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, Net Galley, for the opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it.
The idea was good but the story itself wasn't. I wasn't able to care about any of the characters because they were flat. Reading the story was similar to being at a place where someone you don't know is telling you a story without taking a figurative breath.
The main character isn't consistent to how she is supposed to be (caring big sister, etc). The other characters are either hook ups or random people that are supposedly 'best friends' with the main character.
The ending was sort-of a plot twist. I expected some of it but not all of it. Unfortunately, by the end of the book, I didn't care.
To add something positive about the book - the overall story idea is good.
The idea was good but the story itself wasn't. I wasn't able to care about any of the characters because they were flat. Reading the story was similar to being at a place where someone you don't know is telling you a story without taking a figurative breath.
The main character isn't consistent to how she is supposed to be (caring big sister, etc). The other characters are either hook ups or random people that are supposedly 'best friends' with the main character.
The ending was sort-of a plot twist. I expected some of it but not all of it. Unfortunately, by the end of the book, I didn't care.
To add something positive about the book - the overall story idea is good.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
~Review of advanced copy from NetGalley~
Monster in the Mirror isn't a genre that I would usually pick up. I often find that thrillers can get so wrapped in keeping the reader second guessing every character, that it actually detracts from the plot. Thankfully, that wasn't the case here.
The characters were brilliantly written and whilst the outliers did have me thinking "is it them?", it never felt forced or made me distracted from the storyline.
The twists and turns were fantastic but my favourite part had to be one of the end chapters when the revelations just kept on coming.
It was a gripping and well paced thriller that kept me hooked. Pleasantly surprised and will be looking out for more from this author
Monster in the Mirror isn't a genre that I would usually pick up. I often find that thrillers can get so wrapped in keeping the reader second guessing every character, that it actually detracts from the plot. Thankfully, that wasn't the case here.
The characters were brilliantly written and whilst the outliers did have me thinking "is it them?", it never felt forced or made me distracted from the storyline.
The twists and turns were fantastic but my favourite part had to be one of the end chapters when the revelations just kept on coming.
It was a gripping and well paced thriller that kept me hooked. Pleasantly surprised and will be looking out for more from this author
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLY
The first few chapters started slightly slower than I anticipated, but once you get past chapter 5 the book gets going and that's why I give this book a 3.5. It’s not a bad read at all and the ending takes you on a roller coaster.
I’m mixed on whether Jiah is an unreliable narrator or not. It starts to look like she is by the middle of the book, but then you get to the end and realize she could very well be a woman with trauma who just wants to protect her sister. She lies to others more than she lies to herself but she is not lying just for the sake of it, she does it for survival. All in all, I liked the book and would recommend it to my first-time mystery readers, or to someone who wants a good mystery that is not too heavy or dark.
The first few chapters started slightly slower than I anticipated, but once you get past chapter 5 the book gets going and that's why I give this book a 3.5. It’s not a bad read at all and the ending takes you on a roller coaster.
I’m mixed on whether Jiah is an unreliable narrator or not. It starts to look like she is by the middle of the book, but then you get to the end and realize she could very well be a woman with trauma who just wants to protect her sister. She lies to others more than she lies to herself but she is not lying just for the sake of it, she does it for survival. All in all, I liked the book and would recommend it to my first-time mystery readers, or to someone who wants a good mystery that is not too heavy or dark.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Monsters in the Mirror had a really intriguing premise that immediately drew me in, and I was excited to see where the story would go. Janasha Prabhu’s writing is descriptive and immersive, making it easy to picture the settings and atmosphere.
The pacing varied for me, with some chapters delivering plenty of suspense and keeping me hooked, while others felt a little slower. Those more thrilling moments were definitely the highlights and kept me turning the pages.
Overall, it’s a well-written novel with an original concept and vivid storytelling. Although it didn’t completely captivate me from start to finish, I still enjoyed the journey and would give it 3.25 stars.
The pacing varied for me, with some chapters delivering plenty of suspense and keeping me hooked, while others felt a little slower. Those more thrilling moments were definitely the highlights and kept me turning the pages.
Overall, it’s a well-written novel with an original concept and vivid storytelling. Although it didn’t completely captivate me from start to finish, I still enjoyed the journey and would give it 3.25 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The concept of this novel is what captured my attention, and I was excited to dive in, but it unfortunately fell a bit flat for me. Jiah is a bit of a static FMC and the other characters weren’t very memorable either, unfortunately. The beginning was slower paced and a bit confusing, as it felt like the story was jumping back and forth between two timelines in a disconnected way. However, second part of the book was faster paced and I was curious to know how it would end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I liked the book's ideas and its atmosphere. Unfortunately, the execution was a miss for me. I kept feeling like I had missed something, went back and realized that no, I didn't. It felt disjointed and illogical. Emphasis was put on things that ended up having no importance at all. I enjoyed bipoc and queer representation and the twists... Oh, the twists this story has! I'd recommend it to people who enjoy a slow pace, big twists in the story, and live for the atmosphere.
Thank you, Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Thank you, Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Landmark for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was full of twists and turns. The minute I thought I knew what was happening, it was something else entirely, and I loved it. I really enjoyed the "small town, everyone knows everyone else's business" vibe that was going on. It definitely added to the creep factor. Combined with the bipoc and queer rep, there's very little I didn't love about this. Whether you're a mystery/thriller vet or new to the genre, this book is a wonderful read!
This book was full of twists and turns. The minute I thought I knew what was happening, it was something else entirely, and I loved it. I really enjoyed the "small town, everyone knows everyone else's business" vibe that was going on. It definitely added to the creep factor. Combined with the bipoc and queer rep, there's very little I didn't love about this. Whether you're a mystery/thriller vet or new to the genre, this book is a wonderful read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5/5 stars, rounded up.
This was such a brain candy book, I had a very nice time reading. Was it the hardest read? No. Did the ending surprise me at all? Absolutely not. But was I bought into the storyline from the first page? Yeah 100%.
Monster in the Mirror by Janasha Prabhu follows Jiah in the wake of her girlfriends tragic death. Another thing to note about Jiah is that her uncle was an infamous serial killer. While she is working on finding herself in the wake of her grief, there is a resurgence in the killing of young women in her community, all of whom she is close with. I won't say any more because I do not want to spoil any part of the story, but it was a quick read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
This was such a brain candy book, I had a very nice time reading. Was it the hardest read? No. Did the ending surprise me at all? Absolutely not. But was I bought into the storyline from the first page? Yeah 100%.
Monster in the Mirror by Janasha Prabhu follows Jiah in the wake of her girlfriends tragic death. Another thing to note about Jiah is that her uncle was an infamous serial killer. While she is working on finding herself in the wake of her grief, there is a resurgence in the killing of young women in her community, all of whom she is close with. I won't say any more because I do not want to spoil any part of the story, but it was a quick read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Based on the description and title, I really wanted to enjoy this book. However, Jiah's character was a bit annoying. There were several holes in the plot that didn't make sense, as did most of the relationships Jiah had. Very slow paced and no big twist or thrill in the story. The overall story just felt flat. It was also more predictable than I feel the author intended. I really had to push myself to finish reading the book.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This thriller begins with a dead rabbit on Jiah's porch. She was just 15 when her uncle was arrested for the murders of 5 women and now she finds her friend, Estella, dead on the beach! What's the connection? This is my favorite kind of convoluted storyline that had me furiously taking notes to keep up with the action. SOO many discoveries and twisted plot lines; I loved it!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed this one!
The *who* behind everything absolutely took me by surprise.
I did find myself a little annoyed with our MC and her relationship issues. While I understood the reasons, there's a line between doormat and recovering doormat/now jerk.
Admittedly, I was a little confused by exactly how certain things were pulled off. Like...the logic wasn't always logicking? But I still enjoyed the read.
Would read the author again!
The *who* behind everything absolutely took me by surprise.
I did find myself a little annoyed with our MC and her relationship issues. While I understood the reasons, there's a line between doormat and recovering doormat/now jerk.
Admittedly, I was a little confused by exactly how certain things were pulled off. Like...the logic wasn't always logicking? But I still enjoyed the read.
Would read the author again!
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