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Moss and Mirrors: A Psychological Suspense Novel
Not yet published
Expected 30 Sep 26She escaped one dangerous cult only to land in the hands of another.
Quinn was thirteen when she was taken. Fifteen years later, a raid finally sets her free, and the counselor assigned to help her rebuild understands survivors like no one else. He gives her a quiet house in Cypress Hollow, Louisiana, and women who understand what she's been through. For the first time in years, Quinn feels safe.
But there's something different in the way he watches her — something that isn't in his file.
The house keeps its own rules. The women won't meet her eyes. And the man who promised to help her, the one who keeps showing up when she least expects him, calls her "Little one" in a voice that no longer sounds like care.
By the time Quinn understands she hasn't been saved, she's been collected. It may already be too late.
Quinn was thirteen when she was taken. Fifteen years later, a raid finally sets her free, and the counselor assigned to help her rebuild understands survivors like no one else. He gives her a quiet house in Cypress Hollow, Louisiana, and women who understand what she's been through. For the first time in years, Quinn feels safe.
But there's something different in the way he watches her — something that isn't in his file.
The house keeps its own rules. The women won't meet her eyes. And the man who promised to help her, the one who keeps showing up when she least expects him, calls her "Little one" in a voice that no longer sounds like care.
By the time Quinn understands she hasn't been saved, she's been collected. It may already be too late.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 15, 2026
About the author
Nicole M. King
3 books36 followersNicole M. King is a Canadian author of character-driven psychological suspense that explores memory, trauma, and the truths people bury to survive them.
Her stories unfold the way memory often does, not in a clean line, but in fragments that surface when least expected. A smell. A sound. A quiet moment when the mind wanders somewhere it wasn't supposed to go. Her characters circle the same questions again and again, because that is what a mind does when it is trying to outrun something it already knows.
That approach began with her debut novel, What The Storm Broke, and it's the throughline she intends to carry across everything she writes next.
Nicole is a wife, mom of three, and grandma who spent years trying on different callings, photography, nutrition, coaching, and more, before realizing that every one of them was preparing her for this. Writing is the first thing that has ever felt like coming home to herself.
Her stories unfold the way memory often does, not in a clean line, but in fragments that surface when least expected. A smell. A sound. A quiet moment when the mind wanders somewhere it wasn't supposed to go. Her characters circle the same questions again and again, because that is what a mind does when it is trying to outrun something it already knows.
That approach began with her debut novel, What The Storm Broke, and it's the throughline she intends to carry across everything she writes next.
Nicole is a wife, mom of three, and grandma who spent years trying on different callings, photography, nutrition, coaching, and more, before realizing that every one of them was preparing her for this. Writing is the first thing that has ever felt like coming home to herself.
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August 6, 2026My second novel is coming September 30th 2026!
September 3, 2026
A deeply disturbing look into the world of cults. A little slow at the start for me, but it becomes a slow burn and the last quarter of the book had me flying to finish. So stick with it if you were like me and thinking “What in the what is going on here?” This author had a unique style specifically in sentence structure, which seemed to change as the puzzle pieces started to come together for Quinn. It added a reality to the psychological journey of Quinn.
And Sterling. Oof. Imma need a full psychoanalysis of Sterling. This man seemed to feel nothing and was definitely unhinged. Good riddance.
Remy was my fav. Please give him all the boo-berries that his little heart desires.
I’m not sure I would categorize this as a thriller-it was more of a psychological drama, and certainly delved into trauma. Overall, I enjoyed this book. A big thanks to the author and Books and Bloom PR for the ARC.
And Sterling. Oof. Imma need a full psychoanalysis of Sterling. This man seemed to feel nothing and was definitely unhinged. Good riddance.
Remy was my fav. Please give him all the boo-berries that his little heart desires.
I’m not sure I would categorize this as a thriller-it was more of a psychological drama, and certainly delved into trauma. Overall, I enjoyed this book. A big thanks to the author and Books and Bloom PR for the ARC.
September 2, 2026
“Moss and Mirrors” by Nicole King is dark, intense, and unsettling. Quinn is “rescued” after being taken by a cult at 13 and held for 15 years, only to discover she’s ended up in another cult. The story was a little slow to start, but once I hit the halfway point, the pace really picked up and I couldn’t put it down.
September 7, 2026
📚 Moss and Mirrors by Nicole King — ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Following Quinn through Moss and Mirrors is the kind of reading experience that reminds you why a truly compelling character can make or break a story. Quinn isn’t simply someone the reader follows from one chapter to the next—she becomes the lens through which we experience the uncertainty, tension, questions, and discoveries woven throughout the novel.
Nicole King does an exceptional job creating an atmosphere that feels both beautiful and unsettling, drawing the reader deeper into Quinn’s world while leaving just enough unanswered to keep the mind working long after the page is turned. There is an underlying sense that nothing is quite as simple as it appears, and that feeling kept me questioning what was real, what was hidden, and what might be waiting just beyond the next page.
What I particularly enjoyed was the way Quinn’s character develops throughout the story. She feels layered and human, with enough complexity to make her choices matter. Her journey isn’t simply about discovering what is happening around her—it is also about understanding what is happening within herself.
King’s writing keeps the story moving without sacrificing the atmosphere. The details create a world that is easy to picture, while the unanswered questions provide that addictive “just one more chapter” feeling. And naturally, “one more chapter” somehow turns into several more because you need to know what happens next.
Moss and Mirrors is atmospheric, intriguing, and wonderfully thought-provoking. It is the kind of book that invites you to become invested in the character while simultaneously challenging you to look beneath the surface.
Quinn stayed with me, and that, to me, is one of the strongest compliments I can give a book.
5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nicole King has created a story with atmosphere, depth, and a lead character worth following. If you enjoy books that make you question what you’re seeing while keeping you turning pages to uncover the answers, Moss and Mirrors deserves a place on your reading list.
Following Quinn through Moss and Mirrors is the kind of reading experience that reminds you why a truly compelling character can make or break a story. Quinn isn’t simply someone the reader follows from one chapter to the next—she becomes the lens through which we experience the uncertainty, tension, questions, and discoveries woven throughout the novel.
Nicole King does an exceptional job creating an atmosphere that feels both beautiful and unsettling, drawing the reader deeper into Quinn’s world while leaving just enough unanswered to keep the mind working long after the page is turned. There is an underlying sense that nothing is quite as simple as it appears, and that feeling kept me questioning what was real, what was hidden, and what might be waiting just beyond the next page.
What I particularly enjoyed was the way Quinn’s character develops throughout the story. She feels layered and human, with enough complexity to make her choices matter. Her journey isn’t simply about discovering what is happening around her—it is also about understanding what is happening within herself.
King’s writing keeps the story moving without sacrificing the atmosphere. The details create a world that is easy to picture, while the unanswered questions provide that addictive “just one more chapter” feeling. And naturally, “one more chapter” somehow turns into several more because you need to know what happens next.
Moss and Mirrors is atmospheric, intriguing, and wonderfully thought-provoking. It is the kind of book that invites you to become invested in the character while simultaneously challenging you to look beneath the surface.
Quinn stayed with me, and that, to me, is one of the strongest compliments I can give a book.
5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nicole King has created a story with atmosphere, depth, and a lead character worth following. If you enjoy books that make you question what you’re seeing while keeping you turning pages to uncover the answers, Moss and Mirrors deserves a place on your reading list.
September 2, 2026
This book is written in 3rd person but that allows for the feeling of the mundane to take over. Every detail is there, thoughts, feelings, surroundings. It’s an excellent writing tactic in that it brings another layer of suspense into the story. There’s always a sense of impending happenings because of what’s not said. You are there to form your own thoughts with what’s given. I think that’s what truly brought the characters to life here. As a reader you follow POVs from Sterling and Quinn. You learn early on that Quinn has been through a great deal of trauma. She is in a house with a few other women that seem to also have been through something similar. Sterling takes in troubled individuals and provides rehabilitative therapy services to them…or so he claims. Immediately alarm bells were going off in my head at his character. Overall, the story did what it set out to do. It kept me turning pages because I had to know if Quinn persevered.
September 10, 2026
This book had me suspicious of EVERYONE!
This is exactly what I want from a psychological thriller. Make me question what I know, make me second guess every character, and have me mentally putting together theories that change every few chapters.
And GABE?! I wanna fight him. 😂 Cold. Calculated. Manipulative. The kind of character who gets so deeply under your skin that you’re sitting there thinking, surely somebody else sees this?!
But the best part was how much he made me question everyone else, too. Was Jolene sneakier than she seemed? Was Melinda really innocent in all of this? Was she a “survivor” herself? Who was telling the truth? Who was manipulating whom? At one point, I trusted absolutely nobody and I LOVED IT.
And that ENDING.
JUSTICE. WAS. SERVED. HA, GABE. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
There was something so satisfying about watching everything finally come together and seeing Quinn become a true survivor. And everyone was free.
5 stars. And Gabe can still catch these hands 🥊 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is exactly what I want from a psychological thriller. Make me question what I know, make me second guess every character, and have me mentally putting together theories that change every few chapters.
And GABE?! I wanna fight him. 😂 Cold. Calculated. Manipulative. The kind of character who gets so deeply under your skin that you’re sitting there thinking, surely somebody else sees this?!
But the best part was how much he made me question everyone else, too. Was Jolene sneakier than she seemed? Was Melinda really innocent in all of this? Was she a “survivor” herself? Who was telling the truth? Who was manipulating whom? At one point, I trusted absolutely nobody and I LOVED IT.
And that ENDING.
JUSTICE. WAS. SERVED. HA, GABE. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
There was something so satisfying about watching everything finally come together and seeing Quinn become a true survivor. And everyone was free.
5 stars. And Gabe can still catch these hands 🥊 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 2, 2026
Was lucky enough to read this arc!
An absolute page turner! A suspenseful slow burn that will have you questioning everything and constantly second guessing what’s really going on. The classic overthinking and gaslighting made it so addictive. I was just waiting for everything to take a turn, completely gripped the entire time.
The characters are constantly psychologically calculating and overanalysing every little detail in an attempt to keep everything predictable and under control. The deliberate repetition only adds to the unease, creating this wonderfully unsettling atmosphere that slowly gets under your skin.
A story that will leave you feeling uneasy, unsettled, and questioning everything.
I loved it!
An absolute page turner! A suspenseful slow burn that will have you questioning everything and constantly second guessing what’s really going on. The classic overthinking and gaslighting made it so addictive. I was just waiting for everything to take a turn, completely gripped the entire time.
The characters are constantly psychologically calculating and overanalysing every little detail in an attempt to keep everything predictable and under control. The deliberate repetition only adds to the unease, creating this wonderfully unsettling atmosphere that slowly gets under your skin.
A story that will leave you feeling uneasy, unsettled, and questioning everything.
I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Moss and Mirrors" by Nicole M. King is the kind of psychological suspense that slowly unravels secrets it's been holding. Nothing rushes to reveal itself, and you aren't piecing everything together within the first few chapters. Instead, there’s this uncomfortable feeling quietly following you through the story—something unsettling buried beneath the green moss, murky swamp water, and supposed safety of Cypress Hollow. You may not know exactly what’s wrong yet, but you can feel that something is.
Quinn’s story really got to me. After everything she survived, you desperately want her to finally land somewhere safe and have a chance to figure out who she is outside of everything that was done to her. Instead, she ends up at this new “rehab” run by Sterling—and Sterling had my alarm bells going off from the beginning. 🚩 There’s something about the way he acts with Quinn, but it’s also the way he interacts with the other girls living in the house. His attention and behavior just leave you with that nagging feeling that something isn't right.
And then there’s Remy, Sterling’s youngest, who is too damn adorable. 🥹 Between his little bunny and his “boo-berries,” he completely stole my heart. In a book filled with this constant underlying uneasiness, Remy was the sweet little bright spot I absolutely needed.
There were definitely moments where I wanted to reach through the pages and yell, “QUINN! GIRL. NO.” But considering everything she has been through and how much of her life has been controlled and manipulated by other people, you understand why she doesn't always recognize what we can see from the outside.
And I really loved that part of the story. We know things Quinn doesn't. Not enough to have everything figured out, but enough to know she needs to be careful. You're watching things happen around her while she's still learning how to exist in a world completely different from the one she's known for fifteen years.
The deeper you get into Cypress Hollow, the heavier that uneasy feeling becomes. There are secrets tucked into this seemingly quiet little place, and you just know there's something hiding beneath all that Southern charm, Spanish moss, and swamp water.
Nicole did such a good job with the slow burn of this one. It doesn't throw everything at you at once. It lets the discomfort creep in little by little until you realize just how invested you've become in finding out what the hell is actually happening.
And Nicole… after that ending, we need to talk. Because I have QUESTIONS. 👀
Quinn’s story really got to me. After everything she survived, you desperately want her to finally land somewhere safe and have a chance to figure out who she is outside of everything that was done to her. Instead, she ends up at this new “rehab” run by Sterling—and Sterling had my alarm bells going off from the beginning. 🚩 There’s something about the way he acts with Quinn, but it’s also the way he interacts with the other girls living in the house. His attention and behavior just leave you with that nagging feeling that something isn't right.
And then there’s Remy, Sterling’s youngest, who is too damn adorable. 🥹 Between his little bunny and his “boo-berries,” he completely stole my heart. In a book filled with this constant underlying uneasiness, Remy was the sweet little bright spot I absolutely needed.
There were definitely moments where I wanted to reach through the pages and yell, “QUINN! GIRL. NO.” But considering everything she has been through and how much of her life has been controlled and manipulated by other people, you understand why she doesn't always recognize what we can see from the outside.
And I really loved that part of the story. We know things Quinn doesn't. Not enough to have everything figured out, but enough to know she needs to be careful. You're watching things happen around her while she's still learning how to exist in a world completely different from the one she's known for fifteen years.
The deeper you get into Cypress Hollow, the heavier that uneasy feeling becomes. There are secrets tucked into this seemingly quiet little place, and you just know there's something hiding beneath all that Southern charm, Spanish moss, and swamp water.
Nicole did such a good job with the slow burn of this one. It doesn't throw everything at you at once. It lets the discomfort creep in little by little until you realize just how invested you've become in finding out what the hell is actually happening.
And Nicole… after that ending, we need to talk. Because I have QUESTIONS. 👀
September 5, 2026
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Miss and Mirrors, and this one definitely got inside my head. 👀
The premise immediately had my attention. Quinn escapes a cult only to end up under the care of Sterling, a man who claims to help people recover from trauma. Except… something about him felt WRONG from the very beginning. 🚩 And the more time Quinn spends in his home with the other women, the more unsettling everything becomes. Is she actually safe, or has she simply traded one nightmare for another?
This is very much a psychological slow burn rather than a traditional thriller. The beginning was a little sluggish for me, but once the story started putting the pieces together, I was completely invested. The final quarter especially had me flying through the pages because I needed to know what was going to happen to Quinn.
I really enjoyed the author's approach to the psychological aspect. The third-person narration creates an almost detached, mundane quality that makes the disturbing moments hit harder. We get so much insight into the characters' thoughts and observations, while the things left unsaid create this constant feeling that something is lurking just beneath the surface. The repetition also worked surprisingly well in building that creeping sense of discomfort.
Sterling? 🥴 Absolutely not. I spent half the book mentally diagnosing this man because WHAT was going on in his head?! He was deeply unsettling in a way that made me constantly suspicious of everything he did.
While I appreciated the atmosphere and psychological exploration, I didn't always feel as connected to the characters as I wanted to, and I wouldn't personally classify this as a conventional thriller. For me, it leaned much more toward psychological drama, with trauma and recovery at its core.
Overall, this was an intriguing and deeply uncomfortable read that kept me questioning what was real, who could be trusted, and where Quinn's story was headed. Not a perfect read for me, but definitely one that got under my skin. Mind you, I had to persevere until the half way as the writing style is slightly confusing and I often found myself lost within the lines. But perseverance has a pay off.
Thank you to the author and Books & Bloom PR for the ARC! 🖤
The premise immediately had my attention. Quinn escapes a cult only to end up under the care of Sterling, a man who claims to help people recover from trauma. Except… something about him felt WRONG from the very beginning. 🚩 And the more time Quinn spends in his home with the other women, the more unsettling everything becomes. Is she actually safe, or has she simply traded one nightmare for another?
This is very much a psychological slow burn rather than a traditional thriller. The beginning was a little sluggish for me, but once the story started putting the pieces together, I was completely invested. The final quarter especially had me flying through the pages because I needed to know what was going to happen to Quinn.
I really enjoyed the author's approach to the psychological aspect. The third-person narration creates an almost detached, mundane quality that makes the disturbing moments hit harder. We get so much insight into the characters' thoughts and observations, while the things left unsaid create this constant feeling that something is lurking just beneath the surface. The repetition also worked surprisingly well in building that creeping sense of discomfort.
Sterling? 🥴 Absolutely not. I spent half the book mentally diagnosing this man because WHAT was going on in his head?! He was deeply unsettling in a way that made me constantly suspicious of everything he did.
While I appreciated the atmosphere and psychological exploration, I didn't always feel as connected to the characters as I wanted to, and I wouldn't personally classify this as a conventional thriller. For me, it leaned much more toward psychological drama, with trauma and recovery at its core.
Overall, this was an intriguing and deeply uncomfortable read that kept me questioning what was real, who could be trusted, and where Quinn's story was headed. Not a perfect read for me, but definitely one that got under my skin. Mind you, I had to persevere until the half way as the writing style is slightly confusing and I often found myself lost within the lines. But perseverance has a pay off.
Thank you to the author and Books & Bloom PR for the ARC! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The premise of Moss and Mirrors is an absolute knockout. Escaping one dangerous cult only to unknowingly fall right into the hands of another? As a reader who loves a dark, suspenseful story, that hook immediately made me say yes and jump right in. The underlying plot has so much potential, but while there were elements that kept me turning the pages, a few execution choices kept me from fully immersing myself in the story.
One issue I hit early on was how characters were introduced. Right out of the gate, multiple characters pop up or start conversing without any initial context or brief background. I found myself constantly taking mental notes and asking, "Wait, who is this person again?" hoping their identity would be cleared up later. Even a quick sentence of intro for these side characters would have made a world of difference for character development and kept the story flowing much better.
The pacing leans heavily into a slow burn. In a way, I wondered if the author purposely made the narrative feel repetitive to mirror the maddening, claustrophobic loop of being trapped in a cult,where you just have to go with the flow and follow the rules. It’s frustrating and almost drives you crazy as a reader! While I appreciate slow burns, I still need a steady thread of tension or character depth to stay hooked. Because the character development felt a bit flat for me, I couldn’t fully connect with what was happening. By the time the climax arrived, the big reveal didn't hit with the explosive punch I was hoping for because the buildup felt a bit stretched out.
At the end of the day, reading is all about personal preference. While Moss and Mirrors didn't completely hit the spot for me due to the pacing and character setup, the overall concept is undeniably promising. If you love dark, cult-centered psychological thrillers, this is still very much worth checking out to see if it works for you. The ending heavily hints that we might be getting a prequel or a sequel down the line, and despite my critiques, the core setup is strong enough that I’ll still be picking it up to see where the story goes next!
Cross-posted :
Instagram: www.instagram.com/0nlyb00ks
One issue I hit early on was how characters were introduced. Right out of the gate, multiple characters pop up or start conversing without any initial context or brief background. I found myself constantly taking mental notes and asking, "Wait, who is this person again?" hoping their identity would be cleared up later. Even a quick sentence of intro for these side characters would have made a world of difference for character development and kept the story flowing much better.
The pacing leans heavily into a slow burn. In a way, I wondered if the author purposely made the narrative feel repetitive to mirror the maddening, claustrophobic loop of being trapped in a cult,where you just have to go with the flow and follow the rules. It’s frustrating and almost drives you crazy as a reader! While I appreciate slow burns, I still need a steady thread of tension or character depth to stay hooked. Because the character development felt a bit flat for me, I couldn’t fully connect with what was happening. By the time the climax arrived, the big reveal didn't hit with the explosive punch I was hoping for because the buildup felt a bit stretched out.
At the end of the day, reading is all about personal preference. While Moss and Mirrors didn't completely hit the spot for me due to the pacing and character setup, the overall concept is undeniably promising. If you love dark, cult-centered psychological thrillers, this is still very much worth checking out to see if it works for you. The ending heavily hints that we might be getting a prequel or a sequel down the line, and despite my critiques, the core setup is strong enough that I’ll still be picking it up to see where the story goes next!
Cross-posted :
Instagram: www.instagram.com/0nlyb00ks
Review of advance copy received from Author
Moss & Mirrors was a deeply unsettling psychological suspense novel that leans hard into a constant, underlying sense of unease. Quinn’s story is disturbing from the beginning, and I really appreciated the atmosphere Nicole M. King created. The writing was different, but strong, and the story takes its time letting the tension build rather than rushing toward the answers.
This is definitely a slow-burn suspense novel, and while the deliberate pacing wasn’t quite my personal preference, I can appreciate how it allowed the unease to steadily build throughout the story. There are also quite a few characters woven into Quinn’s new world, and I did find it a little difficult to keep everyone straight at times, especially with Sterling referring to people by what I'll call "pet" names. I understand how that added to the story and the unsettling dynamic, but it definitely kept me on my toes trying to remember who was who.
One character who absolutely stood out to me was Remy. Sterling’s son, with his stuffed bunny and love of “boo-berries,” brought some much-needed lightness to an otherwise dark story. His little moments were some of my favorites and gave the story a welcome bit of warmth.
And that twist? I genuinely did not see it coming, which is always a win for me. Moss & Mirrors delivers an atmospheric, deeply unsettling story that will have readers questioning what’s really happening right alongside Quinn. While the slower pace wasn't quite for me, I can absolutely see this working well for readers who enjoy psychological suspense that takes its time building tension and letting the unease sink in.
This is definitely a slow-burn suspense novel, and while the deliberate pacing wasn’t quite my personal preference, I can appreciate how it allowed the unease to steadily build throughout the story. There are also quite a few characters woven into Quinn’s new world, and I did find it a little difficult to keep everyone straight at times, especially with Sterling referring to people by what I'll call "pet" names. I understand how that added to the story and the unsettling dynamic, but it definitely kept me on my toes trying to remember who was who.
One character who absolutely stood out to me was Remy. Sterling’s son, with his stuffed bunny and love of “boo-berries,” brought some much-needed lightness to an otherwise dark story. His little moments were some of my favorites and gave the story a welcome bit of warmth.
And that twist? I genuinely did not see it coming, which is always a win for me. Moss & Mirrors delivers an atmospheric, deeply unsettling story that will have readers questioning what’s really happening right alongside Quinn. While the slower pace wasn't quite for me, I can absolutely see this working well for readers who enjoy psychological suspense that takes its time building tension and letting the unease sink in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
After a raid, Quinn was finally freed after 15 years of living with a cult. Upon her release, she was placed under the care of Sterling, a counselor who appears to know what survivors of this type of situation need.
Quinn is brought to a home in Cypress Hollow, Louisiana with other women who are also trying to rebuild their lives from similar situations. At first, it feels like a safe haven and appears to be what Quinn needs. But things slowly begin to feel off. There are house rules that don’t make sense, the women are all guarded, Sterlings attention towards Quinn is unsettling, and none of the women ever seem to actually leave the house.
As Quinn begins questioning the person and place she had started to trust, she realizes she may have escaped one nightmare to end up in another. Will she or any of the other women leave this place?
Moss and Mirrors is considered a psychological suspense so is a bit of a slow burn but is ultimately worth it! It starts off slow, but builds a subtle uneasy feeling throughout that has you feeling that something is off and wanting to know more about it. The way a lot of it is written took a little getting used to as it was in a lot of short sentences, but ultimately I think it gave insight to how Quinn’s thoughts were and what her state of mind was. I would love an origin story of how Quinn ended up in the cult and maybe even about her time there. Also, some follow up on Sterling because THAT ENDING.
This is my second novel by @nicole.m.king.author and she’s definitely got a fan for life here 🫶🏻
Quinn is brought to a home in Cypress Hollow, Louisiana with other women who are also trying to rebuild their lives from similar situations. At first, it feels like a safe haven and appears to be what Quinn needs. But things slowly begin to feel off. There are house rules that don’t make sense, the women are all guarded, Sterlings attention towards Quinn is unsettling, and none of the women ever seem to actually leave the house.
As Quinn begins questioning the person and place she had started to trust, she realizes she may have escaped one nightmare to end up in another. Will she or any of the other women leave this place?
Moss and Mirrors is considered a psychological suspense so is a bit of a slow burn but is ultimately worth it! It starts off slow, but builds a subtle uneasy feeling throughout that has you feeling that something is off and wanting to know more about it. The way a lot of it is written took a little getting used to as it was in a lot of short sentences, but ultimately I think it gave insight to how Quinn’s thoughts were and what her state of mind was. I would love an origin story of how Quinn ended up in the cult and maybe even about her time there. Also, some follow up on Sterling because THAT ENDING.
This is my second novel by @nicole.m.king.author and she’s definitely got a fan for life here 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really had to sit with this one for a while after I finished reading it to fully understand what I had just read. It's not the easiest of reads, and some people will likely find it difficult and hard to connect with and I totally understand why.
The book is written in short punchy sentences, it feels like you are in the mind of the characters and literally reading their thoughts, certainly a style of reading I haven't experienced before, but whilst it was different, it was just so clever.
After 15 years being held captive as part of a cult, Quinn is finally freed, but is she really? When released into the care of Sterling, the trauma counsellor who is an expert in this area of trauma, is she truly free, is she really safe?
This is not a thriller, this is not a mystery that needs to be solved where the villain is suddenly revealed and you work out if you were right all along or picked the wrong "baddie". This is a slow, psychological read that takes you along the dark recesses of a mind. The mind of psychopath? The mind of a victim? You'll just have to read it to find out. And I really do need to emphasise the word slow, nothing with unravel quickly in this, but it's not a long read to begin with so it's worth sticking with it if you can.
With underlying themes of gas-lighting and trauma, the author really has done a brilliant job of taking you into the psyche of the characters, I've honestly never read anything like it before.
The book is written in short punchy sentences, it feels like you are in the mind of the characters and literally reading their thoughts, certainly a style of reading I haven't experienced before, but whilst it was different, it was just so clever.
After 15 years being held captive as part of a cult, Quinn is finally freed, but is she really? When released into the care of Sterling, the trauma counsellor who is an expert in this area of trauma, is she truly free, is she really safe?
This is not a thriller, this is not a mystery that needs to be solved where the villain is suddenly revealed and you work out if you were right all along or picked the wrong "baddie". This is a slow, psychological read that takes you along the dark recesses of a mind. The mind of psychopath? The mind of a victim? You'll just have to read it to find out. And I really do need to emphasise the word slow, nothing with unravel quickly in this, but it's not a long read to begin with so it's worth sticking with it if you can.
With underlying themes of gas-lighting and trauma, the author really has done a brilliant job of taking you into the psyche of the characters, I've honestly never read anything like it before.
Review of advance copy
WOW. This book had me questioning EVERYTHING. 👀
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of Moss and Mirrors by Nicole M. King, and this one definitely got into my head.
Quinn escapes one dangerous cult and finally believes she may have found a place where she can feel safe and begin to rebuild her life. But what she doesn't know is that she may have escaped one nightmare only to find herself in the hands of something even worse.
This book was captivating in such a slow-burn way. I found the writing style especially interesting. The staccato writing paired with the third-person perspective gave the story such a unique feel. It provided so much detail while still leaving me constantly questioning what was actually going on. I was never quite sure who Quinn could trust or what was really happening, and I loved that the story kept me guessing.
I really enjoyed this book and how much it made me think. There was this constant feeling that something wasn't quite right, and I found myself trying to piece everything together as I read.
If you're into psychological thrillers that keep you questioning what is real, who you can trust, and what is actually happening, definitely add Moss and Mirrors to your TBR! 🖤
Thank you so much to Nicole M. King and Books&Bloom PR for the opportunity to read this ARC!
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of Moss and Mirrors by Nicole M. King, and this one definitely got into my head.
Quinn escapes one dangerous cult and finally believes she may have found a place where she can feel safe and begin to rebuild her life. But what she doesn't know is that she may have escaped one nightmare only to find herself in the hands of something even worse.
This book was captivating in such a slow-burn way. I found the writing style especially interesting. The staccato writing paired with the third-person perspective gave the story such a unique feel. It provided so much detail while still leaving me constantly questioning what was actually going on. I was never quite sure who Quinn could trust or what was really happening, and I loved that the story kept me guessing.
I really enjoyed this book and how much it made me think. There was this constant feeling that something wasn't quite right, and I found myself trying to piece everything together as I read.
If you're into psychological thrillers that keep you questioning what is real, who you can trust, and what is actually happening, definitely add Moss and Mirrors to your TBR! 🖤
Thank you so much to Nicole M. King and Books&Bloom PR for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝓡𝓪𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 4/5⭐️
Moss and Mirrors by Nicole M. King
Still feel like I am processing this. It was such an experience. Not in just the story but the writing too. I felt like it really puts you into the mind of both of the POV’s. I did have a hard time in the beginning getting into the writing but eventually it captured me.
Thank you to the author and Books and Bloom PR for the eARC of this book.
I would say the halfway point was when it really amped up for me. I was trying to unravel the mystery and understand what was happening. Quinn was recognizing things and slowly my eyes were opening as hers was. It was such an interesting experience.
It definitely had that uneasy feeling throughout the book. I felt so unsettled especially during Quinn’s POV. I could tell something was up but I could not pinpoint it. Even now I feel like maybe I could have missed something. I really did enjoy the dual POV and getting a look into both of these characters. I liked that we even got a little found family with the girls kind of banding together there a little. Overall an eerie and unsettling read with a lot of psychological tension and slow unraveling.
Moss and Mirrors by Nicole M. King
Still feel like I am processing this. It was such an experience. Not in just the story but the writing too. I felt like it really puts you into the mind of both of the POV’s. I did have a hard time in the beginning getting into the writing but eventually it captured me.
Thank you to the author and Books and Bloom PR for the eARC of this book.
I would say the halfway point was when it really amped up for me. I was trying to unravel the mystery and understand what was happening. Quinn was recognizing things and slowly my eyes were opening as hers was. It was such an interesting experience.
It definitely had that uneasy feeling throughout the book. I felt so unsettled especially during Quinn’s POV. I could tell something was up but I could not pinpoint it. Even now I feel like maybe I could have missed something. I really did enjoy the dual POV and getting a look into both of these characters. I liked that we even got a little found family with the girls kind of banding together there a little. Overall an eerie and unsettling read with a lot of psychological tension and slow unraveling.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Moss and Mirrors was such an atmospheric and unsettling read. I really enjoyed the slow-burn suspense and the constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right. The story does a great job of keeping you questioning the characters and their motives, especially Sterling, while slowly revealing more about Quinn and everything she’s been through.
I also really loved Remy — he was such a sweet little bright spot in an otherwise tense story. 🥹 The setting of Cypress Hollow added so much to the creepy atmosphere too. You can practically feel the secrets hiding underneath all that moss and swamp water.
That being said, I don’t really love when a book is written in third person. It’s just a personal preference of mine, and I think I would’ve connected even more with the characters if it had been written in first person.
Overall, this was a gripping psychological suspense with an addictive slow burn, plenty of twists, and an ending that definitely left me with questions. 👀 Definitely worth the read!
Thank you Nicole & Books&Bloom for the chance of reading this as a ARC copy! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
I also really loved Remy — he was such a sweet little bright spot in an otherwise tense story. 🥹 The setting of Cypress Hollow added so much to the creepy atmosphere too. You can practically feel the secrets hiding underneath all that moss and swamp water.
That being said, I don’t really love when a book is written in third person. It’s just a personal preference of mine, and I think I would’ve connected even more with the characters if it had been written in first person.
Overall, this was a gripping psychological suspense with an addictive slow burn, plenty of twists, and an ending that definitely left me with questions. 👀 Definitely worth the read!
Thank you Nicole & Books&Bloom for the chance of reading this as a ARC copy! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such an unsettling story right from the start. I could feel it in the pit of my stomach. You knew something was off, felt it lurking beneath the surface even when everything appeared to be safe and normal.Nothing was quite what it seemed and that creepy sense of unease only got more intense each chapter.
I was really invested in these girls, especially Quinn, Her history of escaping a cult before made me feel protective of her and I so wanted to warn these girls of my suspicions as I read of things happening around them. Last thing they needed was to end up in another nightmare.
This author did a fantastic job of building tension and creating an atmosphere where you’re constantly questioning everything and everyone. The quiet house, those who won’t make eye contact , the counselor who’s a little too interested . It was all a little disturbingly perfect.
If you enjoy psychological suspense with cult dynamics where safety maybe the most dangerous illusion then this book is for you.
I was really invested in these girls, especially Quinn, Her history of escaping a cult before made me feel protective of her and I so wanted to warn these girls of my suspicions as I read of things happening around them. Last thing they needed was to end up in another nightmare.
This author did a fantastic job of building tension and creating an atmosphere where you’re constantly questioning everything and everyone. The quiet house, those who won’t make eye contact , the counselor who’s a little too interested . It was all a little disturbingly perfect.
If you enjoy psychological suspense with cult dynamics where safety maybe the most dangerous illusion then this book is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨Book Review✨
Moss and Mirrors by Nicole M. King is an upcoming psychological suspense novel releasing on September 30, 2026.
Thank you @nicole.m.king.author for gifting me an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
A suffocatingly tense and deeply unsettling psychological thriller. Nicole M. King pairs the heavy, dripping isolation of rural Louisiana with a chilling look at gaslighting and secondary captivity. By skipping typical post-rescue healing tropes, the story builds beautifully from a quiet psychological chess match into a high-stakes struggle for survival. Watching the villain’s facade violently crack as Quinn fights for actual autonomy creates a brilliant, claustrophobic nightmare that will keep you hooked until the final page.
#MossAndMirrors #booksandbloompr
#PsychologicalSuspense #PsychologicalThriller
#ThrillerBooks
@nicole.m.king.author
Moss and Mirrors by Nicole M. King is an upcoming psychological suspense novel releasing on September 30, 2026.
Thank you @nicole.m.king.author for gifting me an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
A suffocatingly tense and deeply unsettling psychological thriller. Nicole M. King pairs the heavy, dripping isolation of rural Louisiana with a chilling look at gaslighting and secondary captivity. By skipping typical post-rescue healing tropes, the story builds beautifully from a quiet psychological chess match into a high-stakes struggle for survival. Watching the villain’s facade violently crack as Quinn fights for actual autonomy creates a brilliant, claustrophobic nightmare that will keep you hooked until the final page.
#MossAndMirrors #booksandbloompr
#PsychologicalSuspense #PsychologicalThriller
#ThrillerBooks
@nicole.m.king.author
Review of advance copy
(3 Stars) When Quinn is freed from the cult she was stuck in she finally thought her nightmare would be over. The counselor named Sterling Gabriel assigned to her seems friendly and has a shelter for those recovering from such situations. All seems well but cracks seem to start to show with new rules that must be followed and the other tenants behavior. Has she truly been rescued or is she now caught in another’s sinister web? This is told in third person and I do struggle connecting to characters in this tense as it feels more disconnected in flow however, if that does not bother you then I would give this a read. I also knew from the beginning who was not who they said they were with just their vibe however, this is more a story of Quinn finally finding who she is and becoming stronger. I did enjoy the psychological concept of this story. Told in dual POV.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Moss and Mirrors is a slow burn story that quietly, and almost effortlessly, pulls you deeper into its dark, unsettling world.
Nicole M. King’s writing is truly something special. Her style feels unique and immersive, taking you on a wild, haunting journey that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
The way trauma is explored through such a psychological lens absolutely took my breath away. There’s so much beneath the surface, and I found myself completely absorbed in the characters, the tension, and the emotional weight of the story.
Dark, atmospheric, suspenseful, and deeply unsettling, Moss and Mirrors is the kind of read that slowly gets under your skin and keeps you turning the pages, needing to know what happens next.
Thank you so much to Nicole M. King and Books and Bloom PR for my eARC. All opinions are my own.
Nicole M. King’s writing is truly something special. Her style feels unique and immersive, taking you on a wild, haunting journey that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
The way trauma is explored through such a psychological lens absolutely took my breath away. There’s so much beneath the surface, and I found myself completely absorbed in the characters, the tension, and the emotional weight of the story.
Dark, atmospheric, suspenseful, and deeply unsettling, Moss and Mirrors is the kind of read that slowly gets under your skin and keeps you turning the pages, needing to know what happens next.
Thank you so much to Nicole M. King and Books and Bloom PR for my eARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The premise is promising, but the execution is lacking. The characters are interesting and the story is heavily character-driven. I would love to see Gabe's psychoanalysis. Short choppy sentences, which I know is Nicole's thing, from reading her debut "What the Storm Broke." However, it can be difficult to interpret. Very slow. Confusing start. There was no twist, very predictable. I just still question how Paige knew to follow Gabe? She just saw her sister on the news after the raid, so how did she know Gabe was involved?
This isn't Nicole's best, but I'm still happy I was able to read it! If you haven't read "What the Storm Broke," DO IT. It's still those short choppy sentences, but I feel that was easier to interpret than this one. It is not as predictable, and that was 5 stars for me.
#ARC
This isn't Nicole's best, but I'm still happy I was able to read it! If you haven't read "What the Storm Broke," DO IT. It's still those short choppy sentences, but I feel that was easier to interpret than this one. It is not as predictable, and that was 5 stars for me.
#ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An Early Reader
Talk about a psychological suspense, so the main character is rescued from a cult and gets put into this sort of group home of other women. You don't know there stories or their back ground but they are all being 'helped' by the therapist that comes in to check on them.
This book really wraps you into each girl and their day to day experience with processing their trauma. The book is slow, which is expected as we are suppose to feel the intensity of each day and step of new life.
It was neat to have dual POV with the main female character and then the villain. To understand what they both were thinking at similar times.
If you enjoy a slow suspense that does a deep dive into the psyche of how a cult victim cannot just start over at life, they must be reprogrammed....or should they?!?!
Talk about a psychological suspense, so the main character is rescued from a cult and gets put into this sort of group home of other women. You don't know there stories or their back ground but they are all being 'helped' by the therapist that comes in to check on them.
This book really wraps you into each girl and their day to day experience with processing their trauma. The book is slow, which is expected as we are suppose to feel the intensity of each day and step of new life.
It was neat to have dual POV with the main female character and then the villain. To understand what they both were thinking at similar times.
If you enjoy a slow suspense that does a deep dive into the psyche of how a cult victim cannot just start over at life, they must be reprogrammed....or should they?!?!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a slow burn thriller that will give you an unsettling feeling & genuinely feel scared for Quinn.
“She escaped a dangerous cult only to land in the hands of another”
The Louisiana bayou was a perfect setting that created an eerie, sinister & isolated feel. I loved the dual POV the most, it added so much suspense & mysteriousness 👀
Sterling is one of those villains that give you that icky feeling & stays with you. He showed major red flags from the get!!
The constant gaslighting made it so thrilling & really lived up to the psychological suspense. It was a nail biter turning the page to find out what was going to happen next!! 🪞🌿🐊
Tropes:
👿 cults
2️⃣ dual POV
🏘️ small town secrets
🫣 isolated setting
🔥 gas lighting
👎🏼 manipulation
“She escaped a dangerous cult only to land in the hands of another”
The Louisiana bayou was a perfect setting that created an eerie, sinister & isolated feel. I loved the dual POV the most, it added so much suspense & mysteriousness 👀
Sterling is one of those villains that give you that icky feeling & stays with you. He showed major red flags from the get!!
The constant gaslighting made it so thrilling & really lived up to the psychological suspense. It was a nail biter turning the page to find out what was going to happen next!! 🪞🌿🐊
Tropes:
👿 cults
2️⃣ dual POV
🏘️ small town secrets
🫣 isolated setting
🔥 gas lighting
👎🏼 manipulation
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Moss and Mirrors! It gives an eye-opening and disturbing look into Quinn's life and other ladies in the "safe" house when she is rescued from one cult and ends up going from what may have been just the flames and into the fire.
The book is written in third person and takes some work to follow. However, once I got a little further in, I came to appreciate the style for what it is: a representation of the absolute cluster that the ladies are going through at the hands of Sterling, both from Quinn's point of view and from his.
Remy and his "boo-berries" was absolutely adorable and I would give him all of them in the world if I was able. I look forward to reading other books by Nicole in the future.
The book is written in third person and takes some work to follow. However, once I got a little further in, I came to appreciate the style for what it is: a representation of the absolute cluster that the ladies are going through at the hands of Sterling, both from Quinn's point of view and from his.
Remy and his "boo-berries" was absolutely adorable and I would give him all of them in the world if I was able. I look forward to reading other books by Nicole in the future.
September 13, 2026
Quinn was 13 years old when she disappeared from home. She spent 15 years in the hands of a cult before she was finally rescued. She’s assigned to a Cult Rehabilitation Specialist, a counselor that helps women like her. She’s taken to a home in remote Louisiana filled with other women who have been through similar experience. Quinn starts to feel safe for the first time in years, until she realizes that she isn’t.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. When I saw the cover of this book, I knew I had to read it! It was eerie in both setting and content. The writing style does take some getting used to, but I really enjoyed it. This is not a fast paced thriller, but is a slow burn. There is repetition, but it is part of the story. This one is definitely worth reading!
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. When I saw the cover of this book, I knew I had to read it! It was eerie in both setting and content. The writing style does take some getting used to, but I really enjoyed it. This is not a fast paced thriller, but is a slow burn. There is repetition, but it is part of the story. This one is definitely worth reading!
Review of advance copy received from Author
THIS STORY Follows QUINN, WHO HAS BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH TRAUMA AND IS TRYING TO ESCAPE THE TRAUMA WITH OTHER WOMEN AT THIS RESIDENCE WHERE STERING 15 THEIR
THERAPIST
THIS BOOK IS SERIOUSLY A MIND GAME JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON.
THINGS TAKE A TURN AND LEAVE YOU QUESTIONING EVERYTHING. THIS IS DEFINITELY MORE OF A PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE WITH A LOT OF TRAUMA ASPECTS. DISTURBING MOMENTS, AND A SERIOUSLY MESSED UP MAIN CHARACTER STERLING LO AND STERING... MAN, HE DEFINITELY NEEDS HIS OWN THERAPIST. lol
AS QUINN STARTS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT'S REALLY HAPPENING, THINGS BECOME EVEN MORE UNSETTING. HER FLASHBACKS. THE NOTEBOOK... THIS BOOK SHOWS HOW BASY IT CAN BE TO GET PULLED INTO A CUT AND HOW MANIPULATION AND BRAINWASHING CAN COMPLETELY CHANGE THE WAY SOMEONE THINKS.
THIS WAS SUCH A DISTURBING AND TWISTED READ, BUT IN THE BEST WAY. I WAS CONSTANTLY QUESTIONING THE THINKING OF THE CHARACTERS, STERLING IS GIVING ME AMERICAN PSYCHO VIBES thanks for the arc
THERAPIST
THIS BOOK IS SERIOUSLY A MIND GAME JUST WHEN YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON.
THINGS TAKE A TURN AND LEAVE YOU QUESTIONING EVERYTHING. THIS IS DEFINITELY MORE OF A PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE WITH A LOT OF TRAUMA ASPECTS. DISTURBING MOMENTS, AND A SERIOUSLY MESSED UP MAIN CHARACTER STERLING LO AND STERING... MAN, HE DEFINITELY NEEDS HIS OWN THERAPIST. lol
AS QUINN STARTS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT'S REALLY HAPPENING, THINGS BECOME EVEN MORE UNSETTING. HER FLASHBACKS. THE NOTEBOOK... THIS BOOK SHOWS HOW BASY IT CAN BE TO GET PULLED INTO A CUT AND HOW MANIPULATION AND BRAINWASHING CAN COMPLETELY CHANGE THE WAY SOMEONE THINKS.
THIS WAS SUCH A DISTURBING AND TWISTED READ, BUT IN THE BEST WAY. I WAS CONSTANTLY QUESTIONING THE THINKING OF THE CHARACTERS, STERLING IS GIVING ME AMERICAN PSYCHO VIBES thanks for the arc
Review of advance copy received from Author
Quinn... It took fifteen years of surviving a cult to understand mind games and how everything works to keep everyone complacent.
When the FBI raided the cult compound, Quinn thought it was all over. Making a quick phone call to a cult survivor therapist, They helped establish a place that was safe for her, or so she thought.
Come live in a woman's mind, who knows how to read between the lines, make herself small when needed, and read a room within a minute of walking into it. Just don't become complacent!! That plot twist will have you reeling back everything that you thought you knew!!
Pre-order Moss & Mirrors now!! Release day is September 30th!!
When the FBI raided the cult compound, Quinn thought it was all over. Making a quick phone call to a cult survivor therapist, They helped establish a place that was safe for her, or so she thought.
Come live in a woman's mind, who knows how to read between the lines, make herself small when needed, and read a room within a minute of walking into it. Just don't become complacent!! That plot twist will have you reeling back everything that you thought you knew!!
Pre-order Moss & Mirrors now!! Release day is September 30th!!
September 8, 2026
I have been lucky enough to read both of Nicole's books, and this one (like the last) didn't disappoint.
I am a sucker for cult books, but this was so much more than that. It was a survivor story, but not just Quinn surviving the cult that kept her for 15 years, but surviving what came afterwards. 'Little One' might have thought she had found safety, but she was wrong.
This was a quick and riveting read, although I do wish that it had more explanations. I felt that in parts it was a little vague, but that didn't distract from my enjoyment at all.
Shout-out to little Remy and his love for boo-berries.
I am a sucker for cult books, but this was so much more than that. It was a survivor story, but not just Quinn surviving the cult that kept her for 15 years, but surviving what came afterwards. 'Little One' might have thought she had found safety, but she was wrong.
This was a quick and riveting read, although I do wish that it had more explanations. I felt that in parts it was a little vague, but that didn't distract from my enjoyment at all.
Shout-out to little Remy and his love for boo-berries.
Read
September 9, 2026Moss and Mirrors follows a young woman named Quinn, who has spent fifteen years learning how to survive conditional help and manipulative environments. She is removed from a cult and she is placed under the care of a specialist named Gabe at a quiet house deep in the Louisiana bayou. This story explores trauma, control, and psychological safety. It has a dramatic twist near the end that left me with so many questions and thinking/reflecting on everything that happened. The writing style was different then I am used to and took some adjusting but once I got in to it, it began to make more sense.
Releases September 30 2026
Releases September 30 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one… I’m not sure. It was a little weird, but definitely a good weird.
There were so many moments that made me stop and think, especially when you think you’re being saved, only to wonder if you’re really just being put right back into the same situation with a different person. And then you start questioning whether the person supposedly saving you is now being put in your position.
There’s a lot of watching, observing, and coming to terms in this book. And honestly, I want to know more about the son!
This is definitely one I’ll be rereading because I feel like there’s more to uncover the second time around.
There were so many moments that made me stop and think, especially when you think you’re being saved, only to wonder if you’re really just being put right back into the same situation with a different person. And then you start questioning whether the person supposedly saving you is now being put in your position.
There’s a lot of watching, observing, and coming to terms in this book. And honestly, I want to know more about the son!
This is definitely one I’ll be rereading because I feel like there’s more to uncover the second time around.
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