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When the Mirror Cracks Lib/E
Christina Phillips, grieving after a personal tragedy, leaves California for Istanbul, hoping the exotic sights and sounds and smells of the ancient city will help her heal. But when she finds herself being stalked by a young Kurdish woman and threatened by a driver who seems to know all about her family and her life, she must correct old injustices by unraveling family secrets before tragedy strikes once again. Zari Rahman fled the bombs and chemical warfare of war torn Kurdistan, seeking safety and a new life for her newborn daughter. In Istanbul, homeless and desperate, she receives an unexpected kindness that comes at a soul-crushing price. The lives of these women collide in the city where the East meets West, where together they must travel a perilous path to justice and redemption. When the Mirror Cracks connects the past and present narratives of mothers and daughters in a tale about women and sacrifice, community and exclusion, cultural identity, and the refugee experience.
Audio CD
First published August 25, 2020
27 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Jan Coffey
616 books83 followersJan Coffey, Nik James, and May McGoldrick are pen names for USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo Kafi and Jim McGoldrick. Together, they have crafted over fifty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical, contemporary, and Western novels, and two works of nonfiction.
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 23, 2020
Wow! What a gripping read. There was so much to this story, characters that I loved, a character that I loathed. This is mainly set in Istanbul and the story is told in the present and thirty years earlier. How brave was Zari, a Kurdish refugee, on her own and with a sick child. At times, my heart broke for her and the plight of the refugees. There are a number of secrets that are gradually revealed and tells of the effect it has on the people involved. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time, always a sign of a good read. As for the ending, let me just say, you won’t be disappointed. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 25, 2020
When The Mirror Cracks is a suspense novel by Jan Coffey, aka husband and wife author team, Jim and Nikoo McGoldrick.
Christina, an American single young mom who recently lost her newborn in a terrible accident, is now in Istanbul working on the lucrative sale of the gaming company for which she is a junior partner. She’s there for the job, but it’s apparent from the first sentence that she is grieving the loss of her baby, and is struggling to understand the difference between grief psychosis/dreams, with reality; while at the same time trying to pull herself together and get on with her life.
Zari, a young refugee mother whose newborn is sick with pneumonia, is struggling to find a way to get her daughter the help she needs to survive; while knowing the odds of getting hospital and medical help for an undocumented immigrant are slim to none. There is a mysterious connection between Christina and Zari, which creates rich drama and suspense throughout the story.
Other main characters include Elizabeth, Christina’s employer (and also her mother); Christina’s baby daddy and work partner, Kyle; Zari’s daughter Tiam; and the kind nurse who helps get Tiam medical help, Emine; as well as a host of other supporting characters.
When I first started reading, I wasn’t sure what to expect; as the book began in first person, which is a first (that I know of) for this author.
It becomes quickly apparent however, that first person setting is important in this novel, as it helps to create a distinction between different POV’s and timelines. It took me about 1/3 of the way through the book to really get into the characters and story, but was worth the effort. And it helps that the action and drama—and very important character building—of the first 1/3, hooks you into finishing the final 2/3.
Also, what I first thought was time travel, is simply time lines running about thirty years apart. This creates even more suspense and tension, as I was constantly trying to figure out the connections between the different characters.
I don’t want to give away any of the story... there were so many “aha” reveal moments sprinkled throughout the second 2/3 of the book, and the story was extremely suspenseful and entertaining. Without giving away any details...I WAS able to guess the ending, but I surmise that this was intentional by the authors, as it was a satisfying way to end the story, and personally, the ending I was hoping for.
I read to escape from the real world for a little while, and I find that these authors never disappoint. Their sense of timing, impeccable research—and just good old story telling—always have me coming back for more.
When The Mirror Cracks is no exception—highly recommend.
Christina, an American single young mom who recently lost her newborn in a terrible accident, is now in Istanbul working on the lucrative sale of the gaming company for which she is a junior partner. She’s there for the job, but it’s apparent from the first sentence that she is grieving the loss of her baby, and is struggling to understand the difference between grief psychosis/dreams, with reality; while at the same time trying to pull herself together and get on with her life.
Zari, a young refugee mother whose newborn is sick with pneumonia, is struggling to find a way to get her daughter the help she needs to survive; while knowing the odds of getting hospital and medical help for an undocumented immigrant are slim to none. There is a mysterious connection between Christina and Zari, which creates rich drama and suspense throughout the story.
Other main characters include Elizabeth, Christina’s employer (and also her mother); Christina’s baby daddy and work partner, Kyle; Zari’s daughter Tiam; and the kind nurse who helps get Tiam medical help, Emine; as well as a host of other supporting characters.
When I first started reading, I wasn’t sure what to expect; as the book began in first person, which is a first (that I know of) for this author.
It becomes quickly apparent however, that first person setting is important in this novel, as it helps to create a distinction between different POV’s and timelines. It took me about 1/3 of the way through the book to really get into the characters and story, but was worth the effort. And it helps that the action and drama—and very important character building—of the first 1/3, hooks you into finishing the final 2/3.
Also, what I first thought was time travel, is simply time lines running about thirty years apart. This creates even more suspense and tension, as I was constantly trying to figure out the connections between the different characters.
I don’t want to give away any of the story... there were so many “aha” reveal moments sprinkled throughout the second 2/3 of the book, and the story was extremely suspenseful and entertaining. Without giving away any details...I WAS able to guess the ending, but I surmise that this was intentional by the authors, as it was a satisfying way to end the story, and personally, the ending I was hoping for.
I read to escape from the real world for a little while, and I find that these authors never disappoint. Their sense of timing, impeccable research—and just good old story telling—always have me coming back for more.
When The Mirror Cracks is no exception—highly recommend.
August 24, 2020
An incredible story
This is the best book I have read in years. It is complex and mysterious, devious and innocent. I fell in love with Tiam, Christina and Zari. I was sad when the story came to an end. I could have read this story for time to come!
This is the best book I have read in years. It is complex and mysterious, devious and innocent. I fell in love with Tiam, Christina and Zari. I was sad when the story came to an end. I could have read this story for time to come!
Want to read
July 25, 2020A couple of days ago I received an advanced reader copy of this novel by Nikoo and Jim McGoldrick, and it's set in Istanbul! The cover is dreamy! Thank you so much! I'm happy!
September 4, 2024
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Most of the suspense novels that I read fall closer to the thriller genre. So, it was a nice change of pace to read a more psychological book than action-oriented. The theme that all actions (good and bad) have consequences that still affect us decades later is brought to life by the juxtapositions of the lives of Christina, Zari, and the other women that fill the pages. If I had to use one word to describe this book, it would be 'haunting.'
The pacing is slower than I am used to, but that is not a bad thing. The slower pace highlights the difficulties each of the women has faced and how they dealt with them. Each woman is distinct and unique. Their history and personalities showcase how they reflect one another: loss vs. gain, abuse vs. love, privilege vs. destitution. Far more links these women, but that would be spoiling things.
Istanbul is a beautiful setting for the story. I am not familiar with the city at all, so it was a learning experience for me. The contrast of history with renovations and new additions to draw in tourists adds to the study in opposites.
If you are looking for a suspense novel with strong female leads and a great story When the Mirror Cracks is well worth picking up.
Most of the suspense novels that I read fall closer to the thriller genre. So, it was a nice change of pace to read a more psychological book than action-oriented. The theme that all actions (good and bad) have consequences that still affect us decades later is brought to life by the juxtapositions of the lives of Christina, Zari, and the other women that fill the pages. If I had to use one word to describe this book, it would be 'haunting.'
The pacing is slower than I am used to, but that is not a bad thing. The slower pace highlights the difficulties each of the women has faced and how they dealt with them. Each woman is distinct and unique. Their history and personalities showcase how they reflect one another: loss vs. gain, abuse vs. love, privilege vs. destitution. Far more links these women, but that would be spoiling things.
Istanbul is a beautiful setting for the story. I am not familiar with the city at all, so it was a learning experience for me. The contrast of history with renovations and new additions to draw in tourists adds to the study in opposites.
If you are looking for a suspense novel with strong female leads and a great story When the Mirror Cracks is well worth picking up.
August 25, 2020
Thank you, Nikoo, for sending me your new book!! I found out about her and her husband's co-authored Historial Romance books last year and fell in love with their writing style.
This book sucked me in and I could not put it down. So many twists that I guessed wrong on many times!
I also love that the author was able to write a book about using her own experience as an immigrant, to show how the issues of identity and inclusion can often shape who you are as a character. AND this comes across in all of her characters.
This book covers so many things: to what is motherhood, to the feeling of not belonging, to the 'White Knight' savior situation in this book, to the genocide of the Kurdistan people, and then to familial forgiveness.
DO yourself a huge favor and read this amazing mystery novel now. Please and Thank you.
This book sucked me in and I could not put it down. So many twists that I guessed wrong on many times!
I also love that the author was able to write a book about using her own experience as an immigrant, to show how the issues of identity and inclusion can often shape who you are as a character. AND this comes across in all of her characters.
This book covers so many things: to what is motherhood, to the feeling of not belonging, to the 'White Knight' savior situation in this book, to the genocide of the Kurdistan people, and then to familial forgiveness.
DO yourself a huge favor and read this amazing mystery novel now. Please and Thank you.
August 29, 2020
Just finished this EXCELLENT book! My favorite by this duo - wonderful plot and great character development - so beautifully done! I would give it 10 stars if I could.
October 2, 2020
WHEN THE MIRROR CRACKS is the latest novel by Jan Coffey, pen name for prolific writing duo, Nikoo and Jim McGoldrick. It is an emotional story of family, loss and grief set in Istanbul, Turkey. Christina Phillips heads for Istanbul to help close a deal on the sale of her mother Elizabeth’s electronics company. She is grieving a tragic personal loss and hopes that a break from her life in California will help her heal. Zari Rahman is a Kurdish refugee that came to Turkey decades ago with her newborn daughter, Tiam to escape the warfare and torture occurring in her native Kurdistan. As the story unfolds, the unexpected connections between these four women are gradually revealed. Secrets, lies and their devastating consequences are brought to light. Alternating between the characters’ perspectives as well as the past and present, the reader learns of the unimaginable choices that have been made and their far-reaching impact. I was completely engrossed in this complex, dramatic and suspenseful story of mothers and daughters, different cultures and the sacrifices that are made for the ones you love. This intriguing story will not soon be forgotten and I highly recommend it. Thank you to the authors for the chance to read and review their moving book.
August 29, 2020
When the Mirror Cracks by Jan Coffey and May McGoldrick is a
story that intertwines the past and present. Part of the story is told in first person, narratives of mothers and daughters. "When the Mirror Cracks" will grip the reader's heart from the first page.
A WOW story.
Take a journey with Cristina, Tiam, Zari and other secondary characters who makes this story so good.
Filled with rich drama, sacrifice, cultural identity, refugees, suspense, with mysterious, devious and innocence. A complexed tale, to be sure.
This story is well written and well excuted, which shows these authors have done impeccable research. The characters are well developed and engaging. The plot is intriguing, complex, suspenseful but filled with tension. A slow but steady read.
An unpredictable, and original with a satisfying ending. Beautifully written! Strongly recommended read!
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
story that intertwines the past and present. Part of the story is told in first person, narratives of mothers and daughters. "When the Mirror Cracks" will grip the reader's heart from the first page.
A WOW story.
Take a journey with Cristina, Tiam, Zari and other secondary characters who makes this story so good.
Filled with rich drama, sacrifice, cultural identity, refugees, suspense, with mysterious, devious and innocence. A complexed tale, to be sure.
This story is well written and well excuted, which shows these authors have done impeccable research. The characters are well developed and engaging. The plot is intriguing, complex, suspenseful but filled with tension. A slow but steady read.
An unpredictable, and original with a satisfying ending. Beautifully written! Strongly recommended read!
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."
Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
November 13, 2020
This amazing novel transported me to the intriguing city of Istanbul, where two women search and find their family truths. Christina is recovering from the loss of a child as she is entangled in a major business deal in the city if her birth. Tiam has found out some of the secrets Christina is learning, but is almost terminally ill with cystic fibrosis. We go back and forth with narrators and time lines, but it is not confusing as the chapters are clearly labeled. So many layers involved in the unpeeling of the onion of the past, and many issues: refugees, patriotism, mother-daughter relationships, the effects of both physical and emotional trauma. The authors, a husband and wife duo do a terrific job with the thriller aspects as well as the psychological. Absolutely wonderful and I stayed up all night to finish it.
February 8, 2025
This psychological thriller is the work of prolific husband and wife author team, Jim and Nikoo McGoldrick, using the pen name Jan Coffey. The novel is rich with tales of bonding between women, the sacrifices they make, and how they navigate the worlds of motherhood and daughterhood.
To distance herself from a personal tragedy in California and to execute the sale of a gaming company in which she is a junior partner, Christina leaves for the exotic sights and sounds of Istanbul, where she finds herself stalked by a young Kurdish refugee with a newborn daughter and threatened by a driver who seems to know too much about her. She feels that tragedy may strike again if she does not unravel family secrets and correct old injustices.
The wonderful writing is exemplified by this paragraph that begins the prologue: "You’ll never leave. Death awaits you here. Believe me, faith is dogging your every step. It is the wavering reflection on the tile in front of you. It is the shadow on the pillar that you pass. If you listen, you will hear it breathing behind you. Your gaze passes over me but you no longer recognize me. I am the one whose life you threw away."
The reader’s task is complicated by the story unfolding in two different time frames some 30 years apart, but persistence pays off when the storylines merge at the end.
To distance herself from a personal tragedy in California and to execute the sale of a gaming company in which she is a junior partner, Christina leaves for the exotic sights and sounds of Istanbul, where she finds herself stalked by a young Kurdish refugee with a newborn daughter and threatened by a driver who seems to know too much about her. She feels that tragedy may strike again if she does not unravel family secrets and correct old injustices.
The wonderful writing is exemplified by this paragraph that begins the prologue: "You’ll never leave. Death awaits you here. Believe me, faith is dogging your every step. It is the wavering reflection on the tile in front of you. It is the shadow on the pillar that you pass. If you listen, you will hear it breathing behind you. Your gaze passes over me but you no longer recognize me. I am the one whose life you threw away."
The reader’s task is complicated by the story unfolding in two different time frames some 30 years apart, but persistence pays off when the storylines merge at the end.
September 28, 2024
5 stars for Tiam and Christine
A twisted family story over half a life span. Betrayal, deceit, expectations and lies.... And an unbelievable strong love of a mother that made me weep and leak like a faucet without a gasket. The story is told back and forth from a third pov and switching between relevant characters. When the stories begin to intertwine and the whole picture of the story unfolds, I was flabbergasted about the coldhearted actions of one person destroying everything in the path of determination. This book gave my brain fodder on so many levels and had my brain running along the lines Jason Bourne style. There are love stories woven in the story but it's not a live story per se. It's more a life story with suspense aspects and a healthy splash of government conspiration. I loved the audiobook and want to have more stories by the author.
A twisted family story over half a life span. Betrayal, deceit, expectations and lies.... And an unbelievable strong love of a mother that made me weep and leak like a faucet without a gasket. The story is told back and forth from a third pov and switching between relevant characters. When the stories begin to intertwine and the whole picture of the story unfolds, I was flabbergasted about the coldhearted actions of one person destroying everything in the path of determination. This book gave my brain fodder on so many levels and had my brain running along the lines Jason Bourne style. There are love stories woven in the story but it's not a live story per se. It's more a life story with suspense aspects and a healthy splash of government conspiration. I loved the audiobook and want to have more stories by the author.
May 12, 2021
I loved this story, which switches back and forth from present day and 30 years earlier. It’s about a grieving mother who recently lost her baby after a tragic accident, and a friendship that develops between an American woman and a similarly aged Kurdish woman in desperate need of an organ transplant. Finally, it’s about setting right the wrongs of the past. This story is a wonderfully written thriller that will take you an an emotional roller coaster.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lauren Ezzo who switched voices effortlessly and really brought the characters to life. I highly recommend this book!
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lauren Ezzo who switched voices effortlessly and really brought the characters to life. I highly recommend this book!
January 9, 2022
I ended up loving this book, but it took me a while to become absorbed in to the story. It was too easy to put aside for about the first half. For that reason, 4 stars instead of 5. But I do recommend this book.
November 9, 2020
takes place in Istanbul, a city I love... explores family relationships, those born to be family and those chosen while playing out mysterious family secrets.
February 2, 2021
This book had me captivated from the first page to the last! It is wonderfully written and touched me deeply! I highly recommend this book! It is a wonderful book!!!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews