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The Spin
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Expected 16 Jun 26In the Los Angeles suburbs, the Crawfords seem like the average American family. Leo is a rising star in advertising. His wife, Rose, is brilliant, restless, and pregnant with their second child. Their teenage daughter, Melinda, is already leaning toward rebellion.
Then Rose vanishes during a family vacation.
When she comes back, she’s not the same.
As time goes by, Rose seems to readjust to everyday life—until a new color television triggers a complete breakdown. She claims voices are speaking to her through the screen. Doctors call it hysteria. Her family feels terrified. And Rose is locked inside an institution where women are silenced, drugged, and erased.
Desperate to help his wife, Leo uncovers evidence that Rose’s breakdown might not be mental at all. Especially when he learns the truth about why she was institutionalized—a “research study” linked to his own advertising agency.
The deeper Leo digs, the more he realizes his entire family may be in danger.
Because what they did to Rose was only the beginning.
Then Rose vanishes during a family vacation.
When she comes back, she’s not the same.
As time goes by, Rose seems to readjust to everyday life—until a new color television triggers a complete breakdown. She claims voices are speaking to her through the screen. Doctors call it hysteria. Her family feels terrified. And Rose is locked inside an institution where women are silenced, drugged, and erased.
Desperate to help his wife, Leo uncovers evidence that Rose’s breakdown might not be mental at all. Especially when he learns the truth about why she was institutionalized—a “research study” linked to his own advertising agency.
The deeper Leo digs, the more he realizes his entire family may be in danger.
Because what they did to Rose was only the beginning.
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Expected publication June 16, 2026
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203 people want to read
About the author
Faith Gardner
22 books1,055 followersFaith Gardner is the author of adult suspense and YA novels. She lives in the Bay Area with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 3, 2026
I went into this expecting a 60s-set domestic thriller, but this ended up being so much heavier than that.
Rose disappears on a family holiday. When she’s found, it should feel like everything is resolved… but it doesn’t. If anything, that’s where the real story begins.
There’s this constant undercurrent of something not being quite right, and it builds in a way that’s subtle but deeply unsettling. It’s not relying on big twists or shock moments — it’s the slow loss of control, the way narratives get shaped by the people in power, and how quickly someone can be dismissed when they’re no longer seen as “reliable”.
The 1960s setting is what makes this hit as hard as it does. The unquestioned authority of doctors, the expectations placed on women, the way “care” could so easily become something else entirely… it’s confronting, and at times genuinely hard to sit with. You can feel how easily this could — and did — happen.
I loved the way this was told. The shifting perspectives, the fragments of records and outside voices, all of it adds to that sense that you’re only ever seeing part of the truth. It keeps you slightly off-balance the entire time, which works so well for this kind of story.
But the author’s note is what really stayed with me.
Knowing this was inspired by Faith Gardner’s grandmother completely reframes everything. Learning how she was treated, how her story was handled, and how much of her life was shaped by decisions made about her rather than for her… it’s heartbreaking. It takes what already feels unsettling and grounds it in something very real, and honestly, that made it hit even harder.
This isn’t a fast, twisty thriller — it’s much more character-driven, more atmospheric, and heavier emotionally. But it’s completely absorbing in its own way, and it’s the kind of story that lingers long after you’ve finished.
Rose disappears on a family holiday. When she’s found, it should feel like everything is resolved… but it doesn’t. If anything, that’s where the real story begins.
There’s this constant undercurrent of something not being quite right, and it builds in a way that’s subtle but deeply unsettling. It’s not relying on big twists or shock moments — it’s the slow loss of control, the way narratives get shaped by the people in power, and how quickly someone can be dismissed when they’re no longer seen as “reliable”.
The 1960s setting is what makes this hit as hard as it does. The unquestioned authority of doctors, the expectations placed on women, the way “care” could so easily become something else entirely… it’s confronting, and at times genuinely hard to sit with. You can feel how easily this could — and did — happen.
I loved the way this was told. The shifting perspectives, the fragments of records and outside voices, all of it adds to that sense that you’re only ever seeing part of the truth. It keeps you slightly off-balance the entire time, which works so well for this kind of story.
But the author’s note is what really stayed with me.
Knowing this was inspired by Faith Gardner’s grandmother completely reframes everything. Learning how she was treated, how her story was handled, and how much of her life was shaped by decisions made about her rather than for her… it’s heartbreaking. It takes what already feels unsettling and grounds it in something very real, and honestly, that made it hit even harder.
This isn’t a fast, twisty thriller — it’s much more character-driven, more atmospheric, and heavier emotionally. But it’s completely absorbing in its own way, and it’s the kind of story that lingers long after you’ve finished.
May 4, 2026
“The Spin” - “If you’re happy and you know it it’s your meds.”
★★★★★
The moment Faith announced this novel and mentioned it being inspired by her grandmother, set in the 60’s/70’s and involving how women were treated for being “different” I knew I had to read it. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This book was so much more than your average “Psychological Thriller” and it hooked me from the get go.
“The Spin” took me for a spin, down the rabbit hole and back.
It was beautiful, sad, intense and aggravating, knowing that the “methods” inside this book where actual treatment for women who didn’t fit the “Stepford Wife” mold is barbaric and horrifying. The horrors in this novel lie in the truth and have been turned into an amazing story with a personal “spin” only Faith Gardner could provide.
I for sure would have been institutionalised and lobotomised back in the day, but since I’m from the 80’s I have to power to recommend you to read this book!
★★★★★
The moment Faith announced this novel and mentioned it being inspired by her grandmother, set in the 60’s/70’s and involving how women were treated for being “different” I knew I had to read it. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
This book was so much more than your average “Psychological Thriller” and it hooked me from the get go.
“The Spin” took me for a spin, down the rabbit hole and back.
It was beautiful, sad, intense and aggravating, knowing that the “methods” inside this book where actual treatment for women who didn’t fit the “Stepford Wife” mold is barbaric and horrifying. The horrors in this novel lie in the truth and have been turned into an amazing story with a personal “spin” only Faith Gardner could provide.
I for sure would have been institutionalised and lobotomised back in the day, but since I’m from the 80’s I have to power to recommend you to read this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls.......
Faith Gardner has a magic gift of taking her readers to places in the mind where many fear to go. She sets The Spin down into the chaotic life in the 1960's in Los Angeles. Life is being bombarded with external unrest and internal turmoil. The war in Vietnam has split the country into pockets of varying mindsets. And the young have taken to soothing their inner unrest with psychedelic drugs and a complete reversal of lifestyles.
We'll meet the Crawfords. Leo works for an ad agency where he comes up with jingles under pressure. Rose is not the typical housewife of this era. She actually walks to the beat of a different drum. Melinda is their teenage daughter enamored with the wayward Jim who longs to embrace life in San Francisco and run away from the pending draft board.
The Spin begins with the Crawfords arriving at a cabin in the woods. Rose is fully pregnant and feeling every ache and pain. Melinda and Leo decide to get some food and allow Rose to rest. But when they come back to the cabin, Rose is missing.
And here's where the bright ribbons that once wound around the delightful Rose start to come undone. Rose becomes delusional. She says that their new color TV is speaking to her. She writes pages and pages of nonsense in her journal. When Rose can no longer care for her children, Leo invites his mother, Harriet, to the rescue. But Harriet's intense personality adds fuel to the fire.
Faith Gardner is known for her out-of-the-ordinary novels. This is my twelfth novel by this superb author. Gardner opens the door to the '60's with the top tier of society never questioning the solidly established norm and the middle to lower tiers raising fists in troubled disagreements. Roles of males and females were already pre-set. Those in authority remained in dominance. But the fissures were already forming.....
Be sure to read the Author's Notes at the end. Gardner delves into the story of her own grandmother who dealt with mental issues and was institutionalized. There are deep parallels with Rose. For centuries women could be placed in mental facilities for just being "women". But Gardner adds a very deep underlying twist to Rose's mental unsteadiness. And that is what will keep you turning pages in The Spin as the Crawford family tumbles into this dark, dark hole. Brilliant as always, Faith Gardner, just brilliant.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Mirror House Press and to the talented Faith Gardner for the opportunity.
Faith Gardner has a magic gift of taking her readers to places in the mind where many fear to go. She sets The Spin down into the chaotic life in the 1960's in Los Angeles. Life is being bombarded with external unrest and internal turmoil. The war in Vietnam has split the country into pockets of varying mindsets. And the young have taken to soothing their inner unrest with psychedelic drugs and a complete reversal of lifestyles.
We'll meet the Crawfords. Leo works for an ad agency where he comes up with jingles under pressure. Rose is not the typical housewife of this era. She actually walks to the beat of a different drum. Melinda is their teenage daughter enamored with the wayward Jim who longs to embrace life in San Francisco and run away from the pending draft board.
The Spin begins with the Crawfords arriving at a cabin in the woods. Rose is fully pregnant and feeling every ache and pain. Melinda and Leo decide to get some food and allow Rose to rest. But when they come back to the cabin, Rose is missing.
And here's where the bright ribbons that once wound around the delightful Rose start to come undone. Rose becomes delusional. She says that their new color TV is speaking to her. She writes pages and pages of nonsense in her journal. When Rose can no longer care for her children, Leo invites his mother, Harriet, to the rescue. But Harriet's intense personality adds fuel to the fire.
Faith Gardner is known for her out-of-the-ordinary novels. This is my twelfth novel by this superb author. Gardner opens the door to the '60's with the top tier of society never questioning the solidly established norm and the middle to lower tiers raising fists in troubled disagreements. Roles of males and females were already pre-set. Those in authority remained in dominance. But the fissures were already forming.....
Be sure to read the Author's Notes at the end. Gardner delves into the story of her own grandmother who dealt with mental issues and was institutionalized. There are deep parallels with Rose. For centuries women could be placed in mental facilities for just being "women". But Gardner adds a very deep underlying twist to Rose's mental unsteadiness. And that is what will keep you turning pages in The Spin as the Crawford family tumbles into this dark, dark hole. Brilliant as always, Faith Gardner, just brilliant.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Mirror House Press and to the talented Faith Gardner for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was pulled into The Spin almost immediately and ended up reading it in just two sittings, completely consumed by the tension and emotional pull of the story.
Set in 1960s Los Angeles, the atmosphere feels vivid, but deeply unsettling. There’s a contrast between the polished suburban life and what’s happening behind closed doors, especially within the institutions. The practices felt less like care and more like control, which was honestly disturbing at times.
This is a heavy, emotional read. I went through waves of fury, frustration, helplessness, and stress, with a constant sense of discomfort underneath it all. It’s intense and, at times quite upsetting, so definitely one to check content warnings for.
The story is told through Leo, his daughter Melinda, and his mother Harriet, with his wife Rose at the centre of everything. The transcripts and doctor’s letters added another layer that made everything feel more real and somehow even more unsettling.
I did have an inkling about one of the culprits, and I ended up being right, but it didn’t take away from the experience at all — if anything, it made it more tense as everything unfolded.
The author’s note hit hard. Knowing it’s inspired by real experiences just adds even more weight to the story, especially in how it explores the treatment of women and mental illness. It also makes you look back at everything you’ve just read and realise how easily women like Rose can be misrepresented, controlled, and erased.
A tense psychological thriller with strong domestic noir vibes, it’s a tough read in places, but it’s also thought-provoking and hard to shake once you’ve finished.
Thank you to Mirror House Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Set in 1960s Los Angeles, the atmosphere feels vivid, but deeply unsettling. There’s a contrast between the polished suburban life and what’s happening behind closed doors, especially within the institutions. The practices felt less like care and more like control, which was honestly disturbing at times.
This is a heavy, emotional read. I went through waves of fury, frustration, helplessness, and stress, with a constant sense of discomfort underneath it all. It’s intense and, at times quite upsetting, so definitely one to check content warnings for.
The story is told through Leo, his daughter Melinda, and his mother Harriet, with his wife Rose at the centre of everything. The transcripts and doctor’s letters added another layer that made everything feel more real and somehow even more unsettling.
I did have an inkling about one of the culprits, and I ended up being right, but it didn’t take away from the experience at all — if anything, it made it more tense as everything unfolded.
The author’s note hit hard. Knowing it’s inspired by real experiences just adds even more weight to the story, especially in how it explores the treatment of women and mental illness. It also makes you look back at everything you’ve just read and realise how easily women like Rose can be misrepresented, controlled, and erased.
A tense psychological thriller with strong domestic noir vibes, it’s a tough read in places, but it’s also thought-provoking and hard to shake once you’ve finished.
Thank you to Mirror House Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from Author
👀 📺 ARC REVIEW 📺 👀
PUB DATE: June 16th 2026
My Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5 Mind Bending Stars !
🌀 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥 🌀
Oh my gosh!! I was highly anticipating this read for 2026 and I excepted it to be good , but this exceeded my expectations!
Historical Fiction lovers have I got a book for you !
Set in the 60’s Faith takes on jaw dropping journey that was inspired by her grandmother who’s name was Faith which she is named after , this book is a labour of love 🖤
This harrowing tale will pull you in like a hallucinogenic drug and with its atmospheric tension slowly building and will keep you gripping until the very last page !
The Crawfords seem like the perfect family , but behind closed doors Rose is slowly falling apart and her husband Leo will do whatever it takes to have his dear Rose back .
When Rose is admitted to an institution for women , this is where things start to get dark and at times will also pull at your heartstrings.
Leo , oh dear sweet Leo , I loved his character so much. Leo starts to question the state of his wife and the doctors who are in charge of her . When he starts digging into the so called studies they are doing , things take a turn and Leo realizes he’s putting his family in danger 😱
Does he obey or does he fight for the love of his life 🤷🏻♀️ You need to read this one for yourself to find out !
Told through multiple POV’s , this compulsive page turner will be sure to rivet you to your core !
This is a story that will be hard to forget and also a bit educational , the inspiration behind the story only adds an emotional layer that makes this a stand out novel 🫶🏼
I have a major book hangover now thanks @faith.gardner !! I wish you ALL THE SUCCESS in the world !!
Thanks NetGalley & Faith Gardner for this chokehold of a read !!
PUB DATE: June 16th 2026
My Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5 Mind Bending Stars !
🌀 🔥 🔥🔥🔥🔥 🌀
Oh my gosh!! I was highly anticipating this read for 2026 and I excepted it to be good , but this exceeded my expectations!
Historical Fiction lovers have I got a book for you !
Set in the 60’s Faith takes on jaw dropping journey that was inspired by her grandmother who’s name was Faith which she is named after , this book is a labour of love 🖤
This harrowing tale will pull you in like a hallucinogenic drug and with its atmospheric tension slowly building and will keep you gripping until the very last page !
The Crawfords seem like the perfect family , but behind closed doors Rose is slowly falling apart and her husband Leo will do whatever it takes to have his dear Rose back .
When Rose is admitted to an institution for women , this is where things start to get dark and at times will also pull at your heartstrings.
Leo , oh dear sweet Leo , I loved his character so much. Leo starts to question the state of his wife and the doctors who are in charge of her . When he starts digging into the so called studies they are doing , things take a turn and Leo realizes he’s putting his family in danger 😱
Does he obey or does he fight for the love of his life 🤷🏻♀️ You need to read this one for yourself to find out !
Told through multiple POV’s , this compulsive page turner will be sure to rivet you to your core !
This is a story that will be hard to forget and also a bit educational , the inspiration behind the story only adds an emotional layer that makes this a stand out novel 🫶🏼
I have a major book hangover now thanks @faith.gardner !! I wish you ALL THE SUCCESS in the world !!
Thanks NetGalley & Faith Gardner for this chokehold of a read !!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Faith Gardner is one of those authors who always brings something fresh and different.
The Spin in set in 60s L.A., colour TV is just emerging, Leo Crawford is an advertising executive ‘king of the spin’. While the story is told from three perspectives, Leo’s, his mother Harriet’s and rebellious teenage daughter Melinda’s, mom Rose is the main focus.
The 60s spirit buzzes through this novel. Colour TV is just emerging, the Vietnam war divides the country and amphetamines are sold to housewives as happy helpers. The character writing is perfect. Leo’s snappy ad-man speak is a joy. Widowed, god-fearing, all-American busybody Harriet is as sharp as they come. I was loving this Historical family drama, then the bigger story creeps in, and the tension and twists ramp up.
I shed tears by the end of it. There are plenty of Thrillers and Historical novels that tell you about how bad treatment of mental health patients used to be, but I’ve never read one like this before.
Faith Gardner has done it again. Ever so fresh and original and poignant. Make sure you read the afterword too.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing Co-op
The Spin in set in 60s L.A., colour TV is just emerging, Leo Crawford is an advertising executive ‘king of the spin’. While the story is told from three perspectives, Leo’s, his mother Harriet’s and rebellious teenage daughter Melinda’s, mom Rose is the main focus.
The 60s spirit buzzes through this novel. Colour TV is just emerging, the Vietnam war divides the country and amphetamines are sold to housewives as happy helpers. The character writing is perfect. Leo’s snappy ad-man speak is a joy. Widowed, god-fearing, all-American busybody Harriet is as sharp as they come. I was loving this Historical family drama, then the bigger story creeps in, and the tension and twists ramp up.
I shed tears by the end of it. There are plenty of Thrillers and Historical novels that tell you about how bad treatment of mental health patients used to be, but I’ve never read one like this before.
Faith Gardner has done it again. Ever so fresh and original and poignant. Make sure you read the afterword too.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Victory Editing Co-op
May 2, 2026
I read The Spin in less than 24 hours… which really tells you everything you need to know.
Set in the late 60s and told mostly from Leo’s perspective, you can feel right away that something is just… off. His wife, Rose, is institutionalized after a mental health crisis right after giving birth, and from there things only get messier. There’s a rebellious daughter, a nosy mother-in-law, and a whole lot of secrets.
It gave me The Mad Wife meets Mad Men vibes, but with a darker, twistier edge.
I wouldn’t call it a fast thriller, but I could not put it down because I needed to know what was actually happening. It’s one of those “just one more chapter” books that turns into staying up way too late.
If you like slow-burn, slightly unsettling, “who can I even trust here” kind of stories, you’ll probably fly through this one too.
Thank you Victory Editing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
Set in the late 60s and told mostly from Leo’s perspective, you can feel right away that something is just… off. His wife, Rose, is institutionalized after a mental health crisis right after giving birth, and from there things only get messier. There’s a rebellious daughter, a nosy mother-in-law, and a whole lot of secrets.
It gave me The Mad Wife meets Mad Men vibes, but with a darker, twistier edge.
I wouldn’t call it a fast thriller, but I could not put it down because I needed to know what was actually happening. It’s one of those “just one more chapter” books that turns into staying up way too late.
If you like slow-burn, slightly unsettling, “who can I even trust here” kind of stories, you’ll probably fly through this one too.
Thank you Victory Editing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.
May 2, 2026
The plot of The Spin feels original, blending the 1960s family dynamics vibe of Meet The Newmans with the dystopia ofThe Handmaid’s Tale, with a sprinkle of sci-fi.
The use of multiple narrators works well, offering insight into each character’s personality. Each voice feels distinct, making it easy to follow the different perspectives. I also found the inclusion of diary excerpts and transcripts engaging; they add an extra dimension to the story. I wish there had been more of these!
The pacing is strong throughout, and the short chapters make it an easy and accessible read.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed the book and would recommend it. I also appreciated the author’s note at the end, especially the information about her grandmother. Although it wasn’t part of the main story, it added a meaningful extra layer to the overall experience.
The use of multiple narrators works well, offering insight into each character’s personality. Each voice feels distinct, making it easy to follow the different perspectives. I also found the inclusion of diary excerpts and transcripts engaging; they add an extra dimension to the story. I wish there had been more of these!
The pacing is strong throughout, and the short chapters make it an easy and accessible read.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed the book and would recommend it. I also appreciated the author’s note at the end, especially the information about her grandmother. Although it wasn’t part of the main story, it added a meaningful extra layer to the overall experience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is not a fast paced serial killer type mystery, but rather a slower burn psychological thriller. Set in the 1960s, a woman is diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic and institutionalized. We get three POVs from the woman's husband, daughter, and mother-in-law. Is she really unwell or is there something more sinister going on? Knowing how women were treated in that time frame (and often, continue to be treated today...) framed the story effectively. I wish we had learned more about certain aspects of what was going on.
It is worthwhile to read the author’s note at the end of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Expected pub date: June 16, 2026
It is worthwhile to read the author’s note at the end of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Expected pub date: June 16, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to netgalley, the author and the publisher for approving my request to read this book.
I loved this book in which we meet Rose and Leo and their two young children. Together they are the picture of suburban bliss. One night Rose goes missing and is thankfully found safe but is changed entirely. Is her disappearance as simple as her just wandering off or is something more sinister afoot?
This book is very well written and I found myself quickly immersed in the plot. I have a feeling this book will stay with me for a long time and I'd highly recommend it to others.
I loved this book in which we meet Rose and Leo and their two young children. Together they are the picture of suburban bliss. One night Rose goes missing and is thankfully found safe but is changed entirely. Is her disappearance as simple as her just wandering off or is something more sinister afoot?
This book is very well written and I found myself quickly immersed in the plot. I have a feeling this book will stay with me for a long time and I'd highly recommend it to others.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This one was good!!!! It’s set in the 1960s, which already made it feel unique, but the storyline itself kept me hooked the entire time! It centers around a wife/mother and questions around her mental state. You also follow one of the daughters through and adventure in 1960's San Francisco while dealing with the guilt of her mother's mental state. Leo, the husband/father and his guilt for the entire situation. A bit heavy at times but a really good read!
Thank you to NetGalley & Victory Editing for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley & Victory Editing for the ARC!
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April 29, 2026I loved this book, especially since I’m a sucker for books set in the 1960s and 1970s. It starts off like your typical suburban family story, but quickly turns into something way darker and unsettling. Rose’s disappearance and what happens after had me hooked, and the whole institutional piece was honestly chilling. There’s a mix of psychological suspense and mystery that keeps you questioning what’s real the entire time. Definitely one that sticks with you after you finish!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I could not read this one fast enough.
Rose disappears, and when she returns, something is off. What follows is a slow unraveling of her life, her marriage, and the truth behind what really happened to her. The doctors think she’s unstable but her husband soon learns something much darker is happening.
This one really got under my skin. You can feel something is wrong from the beginning with how unsettling the atmosphere is. Definitely disturbing!
Rose disappears, and when she returns, something is off. What follows is a slow unraveling of her life, her marriage, and the truth behind what really happened to her. The doctors think she’s unstable but her husband soon learns something much darker is happening.
This one really got under my skin. You can feel something is wrong from the beginning with how unsettling the atmosphere is. Definitely disturbing!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I put my heart into this one. I hope you all love reading it as much as I've loved writing it. 🖤
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews